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Tiger Review
¤Tahlequah ¤ High School 591 Pendleton
¤ Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74464
¤ (918) 458-4150
¤
Volume 5 ¤ Issue 6
¤ February 2007
¤
Drills to become a part of monthly schedule
Administration educates students on various emergency drills
Faculty and students hold up green or red cards to signify whether or not all the
students are safe during a fire drill outside next to the tennis courts. Photo by
Todd Hutchinson
What’s Inside Winter Weather shakes Oklahoma
• Straight Edge lifestyle
Page 2
• Snake on a student!
Page 4
• Student displays talent
Page 6
• Eragon better as a book
Page 7
Sophomore Destiny Rose
practices her swing during tennis.
Photo by Todd Hucthinson
On January 12 th , a blast of
an Artic cold front swept through
Oklahoma. Freezing rain and
snow brought devastation to many
Oklahomans by making the roads
dangerous and impossible to travel.
Ice coated trees and power lines, and
heavy winds brought branches and
lines down, leaving thousands without
power. Before the day was over, nearly
3,500 homes were without power.
Governor Brad Henry declared all 77
counties of Oklahoma a disaster area.
The storm continued through
the 14 th , bringing more accidents
and continuing power outages. The
problems only escalated as time
passed. On the 22 nd , more than a week
since the storm had began, Henry
requested a Major Disaster Declaration
for Oklahoma. The request was a
result of the estimated 32 storm-related
The administration
of Tahlequah High
School has recently
announced that they will
begin holding monthly
safety drills. The drills
will include lock down,
fi re, tornado, and
random searches.
“This is [just]
another thing we can do
to keep our school safe.
Hopefully, they’ll all
[just] remain drills,” said
THS principal, Dr. Nick
Migliorino.
The reasoning
behind the drills is for
the sake of practice and
familiarity. The hope of
the administration is that
students will soon know
how to get to safety from
deaths and 3,919 people being treated
in various hospitals for storm-related
injuries, and at least 122,338 people
losing power at some point.
The largest storm-related
dilemmas were those stemming from
power outages. Rolling blackouts
affected hundreds of people in
every county. Those who lost power
remained without it for long periods of
time, varying from a few hours, a few
days, or even a few weeks.
“I have never been in an ice
storm so I didn’t know what to expect.
I wasn’t prepared for the power going
out,” said senior Stevy Roberston-
Rystedt, one of the many who dealt
with diffi culties of losing power. “[I
lost power] from Friday to Tuesday.
I played cards, sat around, and didn’t
shower.”
Many depended on neighbors
an F5 tornado in their
sleep, have no problem
evacuating buildings in
case of a fi re, and know
exactly where to go if
there is a dangerous
intruder.
“When we
didn’t have [the drills]
that often, people didn’t
know what to do. The
most important thing
during an emergency
situation is to be
calm and comfortable
– knowledge will
create [these things],”
Migliorino said.
Inspiration
for holding a variety of
drills more often came
from the recent state of
the nation and safety
issues and mishaps that
have been plaguing
many public schools
in the United States, as
well as some of the poor
choices made by THS
students in the past few
months.
“We want
to know what we do
wrong. No matter how
well you plan, something
will always go wrong.
[We’re trying] to fi gure
out a way to make things
better,” Migliorino said.
THS is lucky
enough to have a number
of teachers who are welltrained
for these drills.
They will be notifi ed
See Drills page 4
who had electricity or brought
generators to provide power. However,
generous communities and generators
did not prepare residents for the
diffi culties of being without electricity.
“[My family] lost power on
January 13 th . We got a generator on the
14 th . We got power back the night of
the 23 rd ,” said Vice Principal Russell.
“We had no water, because we have
rural water, which is pumped from
a water tower. [The company] got a
generator, but they turned it off at 9
pm. So from then on we had no water.
And even when the generator was on,
the water was not hot.”
By the end of the month,
power companies had resorted
electricity to most counties. Other
problems caused by the storm,
such as damage to property, were
See Weather page 4

Page 2 FEBRUARY
Opinion
The Straight Edge Movement
Musicians promote alcohol and drug free ways of life for teens
You don’t
drink, you don’t do
drugs, you don’t smoke,
and you made a pact
with yourself that you
never will. You’re a
parent’s dream, right?
You might also consider
yourself straight edge.
Straight edge
was an infl uential
movement that began
in the hardcore music
scenes because of the
desire to change the
world for the better,
but the inability to
accomplish such lofty
goals when under the
infl uence of drugs,
alcohol, and other illicit
substances. The song
“Straight Edge” by
Minor Threat gave this
movement an offi cial
title and Ian MacKaye,
the frontman for Minor
Threat, is credited with
starting the movement.
Many members
of the hardcore scene
“[My family and I] were
watching a movie [when the
power went out], so we just
sat around and played cards
and other things to pass by
time,” said freshman Kassi
White.
took “Straight Edge” and
made it a way of life.
Some even went so far
as to assault smokers on
the street. This led to the
militant straight edge
lifestyle that still exists
today. Militants aren’t
the majority but they
are the most noticeable
due to their outlandish
and sometimes violent
actions.
Like the
militants of years past,
modern militants display
their pride openly.
Characteristics of
militant straight edgers
include forming crews,
somewhat like gangs
who attend straight
edge shows together,
banishment of someone
who breaks edge, or
quits the lifestyle by
drinking or doing drugs,
and displays multiple
edge tattoos.
Most edge kids
are tolerant of alcohol,
QOM
“How did the recent winter storms affect you?”
“All my lights fl ickered
on and off. A tree fell and
knocked down the power
lines. We were without power
for a few days. I realized
how much of my stuff was
electronic. We had a lot of
family time; that made me
realize what was important,”
said junior Liz Johns.
cigarettes, and some
illegal substances while
still being aware of the
dangers of substance
abuse.
Many main
stream straight edge
kids also have edge
tattoos and indorse a
vegetarian lifestyle.
A more mainstream
member of the straight
edge community is
usually more tolerant of
those who break edge.
They still experience
disappointment in their
ex-edge friends that’s
similar to fi nding out a
friend lied or broke a
promise about something
important.
If straight
edge is a marriage and
commitment to never
drink, do drugs, or
smoke, then breaking
edge is a divorce that
is often times bitter
and leaves many with
hard feelings. Members
who break edge are
a hindrance to the
community. They are
seen as someone who
can’t stay committed
to the cause and often
times, the opinion of
outsiders is that all
straight edge people
will eventually go
back on their word and
“I lost power on Friday the 14th.
Without electricity, we had no
running water. Luckily, we have
a spring creek near us. Our
power wasn’t restored until
Wednesday the 23rd,” said Mrs.
Jennifer Rusk.
break edge. Breaking
edge is discrediting the
movement of straight
edge itself.
Straight edge is
a benefi cial movement
that more teens should
be aware of. It endorses
healthy, clean living.
Straight edge oftentimes
opens up doors to things
The Notorious Straight Edge X By Alex Roberts
“The ice storm was horrible.
My power didn’t go off, but
it surged and I had to restart
the Pink Panther,” Panther said
senior Louis Cole.
like veganism, animal
rights, and gender
and race equality.
Straight edge is a good
community for teens,
especially those already
involved in hardcore and
punk music scenes.
By Lauren Johns
“My power went out; I
thought I was going to die.
It was rough, but I learned
to without [power] for a
couple of days. I felt like I
was living in 44 BC,” said
sophomore Whitney Baker.

Opinion FEBRUARY
Page 3
Zombies, mainstream and in your backyard
The infamous undead flesh eaters gain reputation in society
By now,
everyone has picked a
side. You either identify
with the swashbuckling
pirates or kung fu happy
ninjas. Even if you claim
to not care about either,
there is always one you
fi nd more appealing
deep down in the depths
of your heart. No matter
which one you picked,
you’re wrong. There are
new kids on the block...
and they’re coming for
your brains. They’re
fl esh eating. They’re
the living dead. They’re
zombies. And they’re
here for good... or at
least until you fi gure out
a way to defeat them all.
Zombies are so
much better than pirates
and ninjas put together
for many reasons. For
one, zombies have risen
from the dead. Pirates
and ninjas can’t claim
that and the power to
revive oneself from
death is pretty amazing.
Tiger Review
Staff
Trent Wilson............Editor-in-Chief
Victoria Kanada........Layout Editor
Cassandra Carter..Assistant Editor
John Davis...............Entertainment
Lauren Johns...............Staff Writer
Todd Hutchinson..........Staff Writer
Sheila Brewer...............Staff Writer
Hannah Cole................Staff Writer
Linsea Howard.............Staff Writer
Skylar Hale..................Staff Writer
The Tiger Review is a monthly publication
of Tahlequah High School 591 Pendleton.
Tahlequah, Oklahoma. (918) 456-4150. The
views expressed are solely those of the Tiger
Review staff. We welcome signed letters to the
editor that may be edited for space. Please
bring letters to the publication room.
And when zombies
attack, don’t even think
of trying to fi ght them
off.
The proper way
to fi ght a zombie takes
many, years to learn.
It requires amazing
balance and fi ghting
technique that you will
never, ever learn. If you
fall while facing hungry
zombies, you might as
well season yourself
with salt and hot sauce
because you’re a goner.
Pirates don’t
even attack anyone
individually and ninjas
stand in a circle, waiting
their turn to fi ght
someone. Zombies are
relentless; they won’t
back down unlike those
pansy pirates or ninjas.
Zombies don’t play
silly games like “walk
the plank” or “run up a
wall.” With zombies, it’s
strictly business. And
don’t even try to bring
those vampires into this
debate… all they do is
bite people, run off to
Transylvania, and talk
funny. Zombies are
the only ones that are
hardcore.
Aside from
just being awesome all
on their own, they also
have good publicists and
agents. Zombies have
been featured in several
movies, including the
always excellent Night
of the Living Dead, Dead
Dawn of the Dead, Dead
Land of the Dead, Dead and
28 Days Later, as well
as video games such as
Resident Evil and Dead
Rising. With movies and
games such a huge part
of American culture,
zombies are defi nitely
fi nding their spot in
society.
And with
zombies becoming
mainstream, instead
of just a part of nerdculture,
you better
beware. Lock your
doors and beware of any
suspicious bumps in the
night... or you could end
up zombie chow.
By Lauren Johns
Caution: contents typed with ink
What does
everyone need, cannot
live without, and should
be common but is not?
It’s common sense.
America seems to have
lost common sense.
Ignorance has led to
lawsuits, cautions on
almost every product,
and embarrassment.
Caution
symbols are becoming
the guiding light of a
world without common
sense. They keep us
from attempting fl ight
in a Superman suit, and
they protect us from
burning ourselves while
trying to iron clothes
while wearing them.
Imagine where the world
would be without those
warnings.
Comic by John Davis
My favorite
caution symbols show
a person losing a hand
to a lawnmower, having
a foot cut off by a boat
propeller, and a person
crushed by a vending
machine. Eventually
caution symbols will
be tattooed onto our
skin, caution: lack of
breathing can kill. I die a
little more when I see an
ignorant warning.
Unfortunately,
some people have
sued companies for
not telling them what
they should already
know. Such as the case
where New York locals
sued claiming that
McDonalds’ food caused
them health problems
that included diabetes,
high blood pressure and
obesity. How hard is it to
fi gure out that fast food
and junk food will make
people unhealthy and/or
obese?
However,
we cannot depend on
cautions or warnings
for everything. The
uncommon knowledge
should also be used
when trying to dive into
a three foot deep pool.
Just because common
sense isn’t so common
does not mean that
gravity isn’t. Gravity
affects everything. Just
stop, take a deep breath,
and think “how tall am
I?” then ask “how deep
is the pool?” If your
height is more than the
pools depth then don’t
do it. The end result is a
lack of injuries.
Thinking has
become so rare that
some people think
Canada is a state. Yes,
the enormous land above
the US is Canada, it is
the 51 st state. If I became
president it would
all change. Common
knowledge classes
would be mandatory.
The only set back to the
plan is that the failure
rate would skyrocket.
The class cannot cover
everything, but hopefully
the brain will recover
the act of thinking.
With frequent fi eld
tests, students should
be prepared for the
real world. Of course
it will be hard, but if
we do not start today,
our children’s children
will be technology fed
zombies.
In the past,
common sense was the
survival tool. Maybe it
is time for it to be put
into effect again. When
technology fails, all
eyes go to a technician,
but 4 out of 5 times,
something is unplugged
or turned off. If humans
had a power switch, we
would have been extinct
long ago.
By John Davis

Page 4 FEBRUARY News/Features
Ahh! Snake on a student!
Junior Melodi Miller blows a kiss to her pet snake
Hazel as it curls up around her. Photo by Bethany
Parnell
right before they take place.
One possibly negative aspect
of the new system of safety drills is
the confusion that the variety of bells
may cause. Mistaking a tornado siren
for a routine fi re drill and heading
to the inside safety spot could end
up in disaster, similar to a scene
from Twister, rather than a picture of
students hovering in a safe haven.
Thus, becoming familiar with what all
the bells and drill signals mean will be
vital.
“Students need to be aware
of what each bell means and [also be
aware of] what is expected to keep
them safe in any emergency,” science
teacher Dianne Barrick said.
Students, however, seem to be
on the fence regarding the new drills to
be put in place.
With a 47
pound, 5 foot long
slithering snake, who
needs a dog? Of course,
owning a snake would
have its challenges.
Junior Melodi Miller
knows of the pros and
cons.
Around four
months ago Miller
received a pet most
people do not have.
“It was a
[birthday] present for
my little brother,” Miller
said. According to
Miller, her brother has
always liked snakes.
“The snake cost around
$145. It was a great
deal.”
The snake
was a Burmese Python,
which originates
from Southeast Asian
countries including
Burma, Thailand,
Vietnam, southern
China, and Indonesia.
Miller said that kind
of snake was chosen
because of the price,
Drills continued from page 1
“It’s a good concept – making
students familiar with a variety of
emergency precautions – but I still
don’t think that shoving me in a girls’
bathroom with fi fty other kids once
every couple months will make me
calm and confi dent when a tornado is
threatening to blow the school away,”
said sophomore Alicia Woodrum.
While it is inevitable that
a situation of dire emergency could
induce panic, the goal of the new drill
schedule is to lessen the level of – if
not completely prevent – panic. After
running the drill a number of times,
students will be familiar with the
necessary processes to be carried out in
the case of an emergency, according to
Migliorino.
By Linsea Howard
color and its beauty.
“Her name was
Hazel because of her
color,” Miller said.
Taking care
of a snake is obviously
different than taking
care of a cat or dog.
Burmese Pythons require
temperatures between
85 and 90 Fahrenheit.
It cannot reach below
79 degrees Fahrenheit.
A heating pad and light
was provided to supply
heat.
“One thing we
always worried about
was either the light or
heating pad going out,”
Miller said.
Due to Hazel’s
size, 5 ft., it would
be impossible to cage
also resolved. As of February 2 nd ,
18 counties, including Cherokee
county, are eligible for disaster Public
Assistance.
Preliminary Damage
Assements (PDA) are being conducted
in response to several claims of
damage. Once the assements have
her within the house.
Especially since most
Burmese Pythons can
reach the length of 20 ft.
“She was
living outside in a
cage my dad built,”
said Miller.
Heating pad? Outside
cage? It may sound like
a hassle and very costly,
but according to Miller
it only cost $6 a week to
care for her.
“She was
exciting, a little bit more
exciting than other pets,
but not as playful.”
Snakes are
more exotic and
interesting than most
pets today. Luckily,
the Miller family is not
afraid of snakes, and no
accidents have occurred.
The lack of playfulness
may be a good thing.
Miller said it
amazed her to see that
some of the popular
guys in school are afraid
of snakes.
“She was a very
interesting animal. She
moved so gracefully, she
was just a very beautiful
animal.”
Has the dog,
man’s best friend, been
replaced? Depends if
beauty or playfulness is
wanted. Due to the large
number of people scared
of snakes, Spot’s place
in the family should be
safe.
By John Davis
Weather continued from page 1
Trees bend under the weight of the ice forming a lovely arch. The ice and snow from
the storm also covers toys and fences making this backyard a winter wonderland.
Photo by John Davis
been fi led, the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), along
with the Oklahoma Depertment of
Emergency Management will award
money for damages accordingly.
By Cassandra Carter

Entertainment FEBRUARY
Page 5
The OC is still excellent
The O.C. television hit drama, which
will be no longer airing, is full of love,
laughs, losses and much more. The
fourth season show is a great comedic
and dramatic show that you will love.
It’s so good that you just can’t stop
watching it.
In this show, Ryan Atwood
(Benjamin McKenszie) is a young
man that is from the rough town of
Chino. He fi nds himself in trouble after
stealing a car and getting caught.
Sandy Cohen (Peter
Gallagher) is Ryan’s attorney who
helps him get back on his feet by
inviting Ryan to live with him.
Although, Sandy’s wife, Kirsten (Kelly
Rowan) objects to letting Ryan live
with them, but she soon realizes that
Ryan has no where else to go other
than jail.
Seth Cohen (Adam Brody) is
the funny and erratic son of Sandy and
Kirsten Cohen. He is shy but always
has a sarcastic remark to any situation
he is put in. He brings comic relief to
the show
Summer Roberts (Rachel
Bilson), is the spunky girl that Seth is
“in love” with, but she has never taken
a second glance at Seth. She doesn’t
even know he exists until Ryan shows
up.
Luke Ward (Chris Carmack)
is Marissa Cooper’s boyfriend during
the fi rst episodes of The O.C.
Marissa Cooper (Mishcha
Barton) is the all American girl in the
show. Ever since Ryan arrived in town
there has been chemistry between
Marissa and Ryan.
During the beginning of
the fi rst season, Luke and Ryan are
constantly fi ghting over Marissa and
she can never seem to make up her
mind on who she wants to be with.
This confl ict is a source of drama.
The anticipation of her answer builds
throughout the show.
Marissa’s family is in
trouble. Her dad, Jimmy Cooper (Tate
Donovan), been caught stealing money
from his clients, many of which are his
friends, to illegally invest.
Almost every adult in this
show has some sort of dilemma or
drama going on, too. Being from
such a small town where hardly
anything goes on, a scandal like
Jimmy Cooper’s is something they
will talk about for months. Everyone
in Newport loves to see the fall of the
rich and fabulous.
The fi rst season of The O.C.
is so unpredictable. This season has
so many outrageous plots and twists:
Luke Ward fi nds out that his dad is
gay; Ryan gets a brand new start with
the Cohen family; Summer fi nally
notices Seth and has feelings for him;
Marissa gets drunk in Tijuana and
overdoses on pain killers.
The second season of this
show is really good. The series creator,
Josh Schwartz, made the cast of this
season more predictable, though
that isn’t necessarily a good thing.
The reason this season is so good is
because Summer fi nally gives Seth
a real chance. Ryan and Marissa are
together, but they always have drama
going on in their relationship. It gives
the show a foundation to work with.
Also in the second season
we fi nd out that Seth ran away just
after Ryan leaves Newport. Summer
is furious because of the impersonal
good bye he gave her through a letter.
She never wants to speak to him again
after that. Summer then gets together
with Zach Stevens (Michael Cassidy),
who Seth befriends, out of spite. Seth
is crushed after returning home to fi nd
that Summer had moved on.
Summer and Seth end up
back together and the odd thing about
Zach is that after all of the heart ache
he endured after losing Summer to
Seth, it’s like he just disappeared and
we never know what happened to him
in the show. Did he run away? Did he
move out of town? This season leaves
us hanging and we never know where
he went.
In the second season Marissa
is an angry adolescent, mad at her
mom. It seems she is never home and
she becomes the troubled kid who
never goes to school. One of these is
Alex Kelly (Olivia Wilde). She and
Marissa start dating (yes, they’re
both girls). They both fall in love, but
Marissa starts having second thoughts
and misses going to school with all
her friends. Alex sees this and wants
what’s best for Marissa and let’s her
go. If the show would have kept Alex
on they could have done so much more
with her and built something around
the relationship.
The third season of The O.C.
is a bummer. This season defi nitely
does not compare to the fi rst season
at all. For starters the last show of the
third season, Marissa Cooper, the main
character and the person who brings
drama where ever she goes dies in a
car accident.
To me, the third season
has nothing that sticks out. It’s like
something happens in the show to
someone and you’re not in awe about
it.
Although this season sounds
horrible, it isn’t. It is just not what I
expected in the show and was a little
disappointing.
1587 English queen
Elizabeth I signs her sister
Mary Queen of Scot’s
death sentence.
1692 Sarah Goode &
Tituba, an Indian servant,
are accused of witchcraft;
the preparation for the
Salem Witch Trials began.
1867 Peabody Fund forms
to promote Black education
in South.
1882 Circus owner PT
Barnum buys his world
famous elephant Jumbo.
1929 Seven rivals of
mobster Al Capone are
murdered in a Chicago
garage, now remembered
as the “St. Valentine’s Day
Massacre.”
1933 House of
Representatives completes
Congressional action to
repeal Prohibition.
1935 Board game
“Monopoly” goes on sale
for the fi rst time.
1940 Walt Disney’s
animated movie
“Pinocchio” released.
This Month in History
1941 Nazis order Polish
Jews barred from using
public transportation.
1947 Chemical mixing
error causes explosion
that destroys 42 blocks
in Los Angeles, CA.
1959 Buddy Holly,
Ritchie Valens and
J.P. “The Big Bopper”
Richardson die in a
plane crash near Clear
Lake, Iowa; the day later
became known as “The
Day the Music Died.”
1960 Playboy Club,
featuring bunnies, opens
in Chicago.
1978 Director Roman
Polanski skipped bail
and fl ed to France
after pleading guilty of
engaging in sexual acts
with a 13-year-old girl.
1978 Harriet Tubman is
fi rst black woman ever
honored on a US postage
stamp.
1979 “YMCA” by
Village People peaks at
#2 on pop singles chart.
The fourth season of The O.C.
gets off to a rocky start after dealing
with Marissa’s death. Ryan moves out
of the Cohen house to help himself
cope with the loss of Marissa, Summer
is attending Brown University where
she become a tree-hugging activist,
Julie Cooper (Melinda Clarke),
Marissa’s mother, will do anything
even yard work to avoid dealing with
what happened to Marissa.
Even though this season
may struggle with the loss of a very
important character, this season still
has plenty of drama but, it won’t be the
same with out Marissa Cooper there in
the middle of all of it.
The acting and emotional
experience is always in this show.
There is never a dull moment. Every
actor in this show is superb and they
deserve mad props.
By Hannah Cole
1982 Porn star John
Holmes ordered to stand
trial for murder.
1984 The fi rst baby
conceived by embryo
transplant born in Long
Beach CA.
1996 Daniel Green is
convicted of murdering
the father of basketball
star Michael Jordan
during a holdup, and
is sentenced to life in
prison.
1998 Mary Kay
LeTourneau, 36,
former teacher, violates
probation with 14 yearold
father of her baby.
2000 Scientists at the
Los Alamos National
Laboratory in New
Mexico say they have
traced the origin of the
AIDS virus to around
1930.
By Linsea Howard
All information
Compiled from
www.datesinhistory.com

Page 6 FEBRUARY
News/Feature
Pattie Clay adds grace to country music
Freshman Pattie Clay performs her renditions of well-known country songs at
Roxy’s during last year’s Downtown Country. Photo provided by Pattie Clay
Everyone
wanted to sing at least
once when they were
little. Well, freshman
Pattie Clay does just
that. She is just like
any other high school
student. She is a young
woman who has many
bright plans for her
future that is mainly
focused around her
music and singing.
“[I plan to] go
to college, study music
and hopefully become
famous or teach music,”
said Clay.
Clay started
singing when she was
only one and a half
years old. Her family
loves that she has such
a passion for her music.
Her parents want her
to continue with it and
they hope her singing
becomes more than just
a hobby.
Clay’s whole
family encourages her in
every thing she does, but
Clay’s mom has been
the main person who
has helped her become a
musician and reach her
goals.
Clay performs
in various places like
weddings, birthdays
and the NSU playhouse.
She has been in many
diffi cult talent shows.
She has placed fi rst in
almost all of them.
The good and
the bad things in Clay’s
life have inspired her in
music. Her motivation
to start singing came
Elegant in evening gowns, freshman Pattie Clay
sings Amazing Grace with accompaniment from
fellow singer. Photo provided by Pattie Clay
from watching the movie
Sister Act.
“Everything
makes me want to sing.
Leann Rimes, Patsy
Cline and Martina
McBride are great
infl uences,” said Clay.
After working
for at Downtown
Country for quite some
time, Clay has learned so
much over the years. She
has met many people
and has learned many
different and valuable
things from each and
every one of them.
“You can learn
so much from people
you never thought you
would. I have so much
fun and can’t get enough
of it,” said Clay.
Clay has met
many musicians from
competitions and has
become friends with
most of them.
Although
Clay doesn’t play any
instruments, she is
learning. And she may
not write her own music,
but she already 6 has six
CDs out. Her fi rst CD
she ever made was only
when Clay was around
seven or eight years
old. She is planning to
make another one soon.
If anyone is interested
in buying one of Clay’s
CDs, just ask her for one
or if anyone knows her
mom, they can buy one
from her.
“It’s pretty cool
to make a CD, but it’s
weird to wear those big
headphones!” said Clay.
There are
many different “types”
or genres of music in
this world. Everyone
has different tastes in
what they listen to, but
if anyone has ever heard
Clay sing they would
absolutely love her.
“[I sing]
country mostly, but I
can sing all types. It
makes me really happy
[to sing]. It makes me
feel better when I’m not
feeling so great. Singing
is how I cope with my
anger and my sadness,”
said Clay.
Clay’s mom,
dad and brother are all
musically talented just
like her. Clay’s parents
are focused on Clay’s
music and want to help
by pushing her to be the
best she can be.
Clay hopes to
become a world known
musician, but if that
doesn’t happen Clay
would love to teach
music at any art school
and hopes that she can
teach kids what she has
learned and make the
difference, even if it’s
just in one kids life. Just
as long as she knows that
she can return the favor
for all the help she has
been given throughout
her music career.
By Hannah Cole
Are you
interested
in being a
member of the
Tiger Review
staff?
Come by room
101 and ask
Ms. Willis for
information!

Entertainment Page 7
FEBRUARY
Eragon: the next waste of time
Hollywood is notorious
for many things, including glitz,
glamour, and disastrous fi lms based on
novels. The latest victim of the movie
industry is the popular Inheritance
series. Eragon, the fi rst book of the
series, is a wonderful book, fi lled
with fantasy, populated by complex,
interesting characters and driven by an
adventurous plot that always keeps the
reader intrigued. Unfortunately, due to
poor production, mismatched actors,
and numerous other fl aws, the movie
version of this fantastic book was an
utter failure.
Eragon, which was written
by Christopher Paolini and released
in 2003, follows the journey of a
young boy living in the mythical land
of Alagaësia. Alagaësia was once
ruled by a legion of knights known
as Dragon Riders, who fought for
peace, protected all people and kept
them prosperous. All was dandy until
a rouge Dragon Rider, Galbatorix, lost
his dragon, then his mind, and went on
a rampage, slaughtering other Riders,
then dragons and innocent people
until he became king. While in power,
Galbatorix attempted to rid the world
of other dragons and prevent anyone
from gaining the power to overthrow
him. However, one dragon egg
survives, and through a series of events
lands in the hands of Eragon, a farm
boy. Needless to say, major problems
arise for Eragon. His voyage to raising
his dragon, Saphira, and trying to
defeat the evil king is the basis for the
Inheritance Trilogy.
Eragon, the book, is the
modern Lord of the Rings, a fanciful
phenomenon loved by people of
all ages. The movie is a mangled,
schoolyard version of the novel. There
are so many fl aws plaguing this fi lm’s
potential that it is diffi cult to fi nd the
proper place to start pointing them out.
The fi lm begins with a
villainous magician, a Shade, chasing
three Elves who are in possession of
the last known dragon egg. At fi rst
glance, this action sequence is a direct
representation of the beginning of
the book, and audience members are
instilled with the hope that perhaps
Eragon will not be another book-to-
movie fl op. Arya suddenly appears,
delivering a slap in the face to those
few hopeful people. In the book, Arya
is the raven haired, century old, elf
princess, and Eragon’s love interest.
In the movie, Arya is the red/blonde
haired, 30 year old, limited actress
Sienna Guillory and a disappointment
to all Arya fans.
The character of Arya is not
the only mismatched actor in the fi lm.
The role of the imperious Galbatorix
is played by John Malkovich. While
Malkovich is a superb actor, his niche
is politically controversial fi lms, and
he seems entirely out of place. In
the part of the brown haired, brown
eyed Eragon is new comer and
blonde, Edward Speleers. Speleers
is a surprisingly good actor, but his
appearance is the complete opposite of
how Eragon is portrayed in the book.
Also, there is a completely
random cameo by Joss Stone as
a creepy fortune teller. Stone’s
appearance can only be described
as baffl ing, and her acting can only
be described as giving viewers the
distinct feeling that she may be a child
molester who has lured a unsuspecting
Eragon into her trap.
Another minor fl aw that
affects the movie is the costumes.
While many fantasy fi lms are known
for immaculate, outlandish clothing,
Eragon produces bland, yet completely
ridiculously clothing for it’s characters.
For instance, both Galbatorix and the
Shade, who are supposed to be two
of the most evil beings in all the land,
wear clothing with sequins. How is the
audience supposed to be shaken and
fearful of two men who parade around
looking like rejects from Las Vega’s
Excalibur hotel?
As the movie progresses, it
becomes apparent that the costume
designers must have gotten a good
deal on Bedazzlers. Everyone from
the leader of the rebellious Varden,
to the Elves, to the soldiers – even to
Saphira, Eragon’s dragon, is clad in
sequin covered clothing.
Because the actors are dressed
comically and look so different from
the characters they are portraying,
one might expect the fi lm to excel in
other areas. One would, however, be
completely wrong.
The movie is apparently
incapable of following the books
plot. Several scenes, including vital
confrontations between Eragon and
the Shade, were left out. Story lines
which build character development
and important facts about personal
histories are completely disregarded.
Brom, arguably one of the most indepth
characters, and Eragon’s mentor,
is portrayed as half of the man he is in
the book. Many of his best lines are
missing. Half of the magic and life
lessons Brom instills into Eragon are
utterly absent. Murtagh, another major
character, is present in perhaps seven
minutes during the fi lm. Murtagh has
been a fan favorite since Eragon was
released, and his absence from the
movie was a severe disappointment.
No doubt there have been many angry
blogs from deeply upset Murtagh
fangirls.
Ignore the movies tagline of
“Set the world on fi re” and set this
fi lm on fi re. If you are looking for an
exhilarating, mythical fairy tale, you
will have more luck settling down with
Eragon the novel.
By Cassandra Carter
Must see movie
Throughout the years
we have seen many heroes.
None are as dark or mysterious,
though, than Batman, also known
as Dark Knight, Dark Detective,
and Caped Crusader. The popular
Bob Kane, creator of Batman,
character has confronted the world
through comics, animated and nonanimated
series, and movies.
It all began with Batman
(1989) and Batman Returns
(1992). Then further down the
line the movies began to decline
in quality. Than came Batman &
Robin (1997) and the true Batman
fans gave up hope. When everyone
began to believe Batman has fi nally
died appeared Batman Begins. The
best way to introduce the latest
Dark Knight movie is through
the word “resurrection.” The fi lm
actually explains how Bruce Wayne
(Christian Bale) became Batman:
through suffering, knowledge and
strength.
The movie also introduces
two villains new to the widescreen.
The Dark Detective must save
Gotham, Batman’s crime ruled
city, from dying of fear and from
destruction at the hands of Ra’s Al
Ghul. The Scarecrow and Ra’s Al
Ghul, two of Batman’s smartest
and fi ercest villains, approach
Batman with more problems then
he can handle by himself. And
at the same time Batman must
gain the trust and approval of the
citizens of Gotham.
This movie is the best live
action Batman movie since over a
decade. It takes some time to get
used to and appreciate Christian
Bale as Batman, the voice is the
main problem I had to adjust to.
But when the concept takes its
place he does an amazing job
(especially compared to the recent
movies). The costumes and props
are amazing. The Dark Knight’s
equipment is well developed and
well explained. Such as, the cape
which straightens and hardens
because of electric currents
transferred by specially designed
gloves.
Gotham City greatly
resembles the city from Batman:
the Animated Series. The dark,
gloomy, and dreary scenery gives
the feeling of a crime ridden city
that is in desperate need, which is
exactly what the goal was. It is a
strong and moral story fi lled with
justice, love, duty, and revenge.
Comic and Batman fans will love
the movie. The fi lm is not only for
that group, though, anyone can fi nd
pleasure in it.
By John Davis

Page 8 Sports
FEBRUARY
Tennis teams expect winning season
Junior Simon Manning skillfully passes the tennis ball over the net during practice.
Photo by Todd Hutchinson
The Tiger Tennis teams are on
the prowl for success this pre-season.
Both boys’ and girls’ teams have begun
training. Tigers have achieved success
in past seasons, with players like Ian
Fillmore placing in the tennis state
champions during 2003 and Logan
Buck in 2005. This year, both coaches
and teams hope to transcend previous
victories with a winning season.
Off-season training began
during the second trimester. Boys’
coach Tyler Ashley said, “Tennis is a
Reasor’s
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sport that requires a lot of endurance.
The boys’ team begins every practice
by running the lines of all six courts.”
To those who don’t play
sports, this may seem like a lot of
work; and it only gets harder. “The
players practice the length of last
period for now, but as the season gets
closer, practice times will be extended
into after school,” said Ashley.
Winning will hopefully
soothe the aches of the painstaking
practices. The coaches are confi dent,
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not only in their teams’ abilities,
but in their capabilities to continue
improving.
“I believe that [the team] is
progressing quite nicely,” said girls’
coach Heidi Hall.
Team members are working
hard in order to perfect their game. The
teams are equipped with formidable
players. These members have enjoyed
previous seasons, and are ready for
another one.
“I started playing tennis when
I was about fi ve,” said junior Mallory
Carey, who has been playing the game
for years. “My mom played in high
school and college and she encouraged
me to play.”
“I’m excited about this
upcoming season because I think our
team has a chance to do really well.,”
Carey said. “All the girls have been
working really hard and I think it will
pay off once the season starts.”
“I am stoked about the
upcoming season. I am looking
forward to having fun and hopefully
making it to state,” said junior Lacy
Moon.
“I believe that [the team]
will learn from and progress from
their accomplishments and losses as
a team, and as individuals,” said Hall
expressing similar optimistic feelings.
“I am confi dent that
with continued practice and skill
development, they will be very
competitive over the next four years
and beyond,” Ashley said.
“This will be accomplished by
our strong players and their
enthusiasm for the game.”
“I’m excited to see the
improvement of our players in
the upcoming season,” said junior
player Travis Fillmore.
Part of this confi dence is
due to all of the training Fillmore has
endured. “I participate in national
tournaments year round and practice
with top players in Tulsa. Tennis has
its own defi nition of strenuous,” said
Fillmore.
Pre-season practices will
continue, and team members will
continue to improve in skill, until
they are ready to take on the quickly
approaching season, which will begin
at Jenks March 2nd, at 8:00pm. The
fi rst home match will be Thursday,
March 8 th , at 8:00 PM.
By Cassandra Carter
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