Miscellaneous Mustang

Top Ten Christmas Locations: Got Presents?

By Taylor Robinson (December 17, 2008)

Target- Never miss the best gifts
Online- Who needs to go out when you can look at the pretty pictures?
Best Buy/Circuit City- A wide variety of electronics
Wal-Mart- Just pray you don’t get trampled to death
Starbucks- Need something to stay awake?
LL Bean- For mountainous styles – now open 24 hours for the holidays!
Michaels- Who needs to buy something when you can make it?
Bath & Body Works- Need something scented to make you smell pretty?
Dollar Store- Where things come cheap
Five & Below- Where things are worth the price

Britney Spears: Circus! Hot or Not?

By Jordie Franklin and Gabby Mikiewicz (December 12, 2008)

The Weekly Rave is back again this week with your peers’ comments on Britney Spears’ new CD that came out on December 2 entitled, Circus. This child-star-gone-bad is now trying to make her come back, by not partying, drinking, or going out at night. Can you keep up with all of her drama? Do you even care? Find out what your classmates and friends think here, on Lasso Online.

Stay on top of the Weekly Rave, and if you would like to have your voice on Lasso Online, look for us during Block 7, interviewing George Mason High School students about the hottest, newest, rave.

Listen to the podcast in MP3

What Do Masonites Want to See This Spring?

By: Becca Ward (November 24, 2008)

	Crimes of the Heart by Beth Henley Mrs. Tooze
	Les Miserables or Annie Ruth Thirkill (freshman)
	NOT Macbeth Dayne Robillard (senior)
	Death of a Salesman Louis Henninger/Daniel Benn/Keller Goodwin (seniors)
	Biloxi Blues by Neil Seimon Emilio Ramos (junior)
	A Mid-Summer Nights Dream Sarah Johnson (sophomore)
	A George Mason version of SNL Jordie Franklin (freshman)
	Death of a Salesman Quinn Casteel (junior)

Twilight Fanatic Or Foe?

By Jordie Franklin and Gabby Mikiewicz (November 23, 2008)

Twilight

Welcome to Jordie and Gabby’s Weekly Rave, a podcast sponsored by Lasso Online. This week’s topic is Twilight, both the book by Stephenie Meyer or the movie produced by Greg Mooradian. As we walked around our high school and asked the students what they thought about Twilight, we got some pretty mixed reviews, even though no one had seen the movie yet, and some hadn’t even read the book! Listen to see what you or your friends think about this week’s rave.

Any comments? Want to be on Jordie and Gabby’s Weekly Rave? Make topic suggestions by visiting a Lasso Staffer in the halls.

Download Podcast MP3

Shoes That Will Touch Your Sole

By Sally Blakemore (November 21, 2008)

Shoes
(Picture Credit: Sally Blakemore)

Shoes come in all shapes, colors, sizes and types. You’ve got your nice dress shoes for nights out, running shoes for when you’re feeling a jog, the shoes you only wear around your house, the shoes that work with all outfits, the shoes that make you look unbelievably tall, and then you have the shoes that you base the rest of your outfit around. These are the best type of shoes, the ones that make your outfit. If you don’t know what shoes to buy, or if you’re just having an Imelda Marcos moment, this is the Top Ten that will knock you off your feet.

10. Crocs: This is the pair of shoes that everyone wants secretly. They are the only shoe for which you can use the excuse “Well, they’re comfortable.” They are so unbelievably ugly, but even I have to admit that they are very comfortable. Crocs even have those incredibly cool snap on things. You can really add some more unique to you by clipping on those stupid things. Apparently Crocs help diabetics deal with pain. They are the perfect kids shoe-- you can just rinse mud right off of them and they don’t ever start to stink.

09. Adidas Sambas: The Sambas are a good example of a wear-anytime shoe. You can wear Sambas while mowing your lawn or you can throw them on to go out for a quick walk. The Sambas are the classic Adidas shoe. The three stripes on the side are subtle but noticeable. The Sambas come in all colors and they’re a boys or girls shoe. Although these shoes are subtle, they are stylish and look good with almost any outfit.

08. Puma Suedes: An even more subtle shoe than the Sambas are the Puma Suedes. These shoes come in a variety of colors, and add just enough “oomph” to your outfit to make you look good. The Suedes aren’t good for anytime use because of the damage that water can do. The Suedes are quite comfortable which makes them easy to walk around in.

07. Dekline Footwear: Although Dekline was established in 2004, the shoes that they have produced have made a huge foot-print in the shoe world. All of the shoes are hand painted, and there are only about 1,000 of each pair made in the world which makes the shoes quite expensive. If you’re looking for style without worrying about price, Dekline is the brand for you. Dekline shoes come in 16 different styles from suede high tops to canvas slip ons. All of the shoes have an audacious color scheme which will make you stand out in a crowd.

06. Lacoste L33 Canvas: These shoes are for more casual wear. The L33s are a step up from the Converse Chuck Taylor’s and do cost a bit more, but they do look nice. The all canvas top of the shoe provides good breathing for your feet. The rubber sole of the shoe provides quite a lot of comfort for canvas shoes and they don’t wear out very fast. All of the shoes include the Lacoste alligator logo on the outside part of the shoe, and they display “LACOSTE” on the back heel. The L33s can be worn with virtually any outfit and add just enough “cute” to your outfit.

05. Vans Eras: If you’re looking for a very discreet and casual shoe, the Eras are for you. The Eras are canvas shoes that come in hundreds of different colors and styles. They’re surprisingly cheap, with the price topping out at about $40.00.

04. Sperry Topsiders: These shoes subtly scream out “I’m classy.” The Topsiders are a classic boat shoe that are generally made of all leather and canvas. They’re the shoe to wear if you want to dress up or dress down. The shoes are waterproof as well (hence the boat shoes).

03. Vans Slip Ons: The slip on is the major part of the whole idea. It eliminates the whole “tying” part of shoes. The slip ons come in hundreds of different styles ranging from checkerboard to Ed Hardy to a cute balloon print pattern. The shoes are unbelievably comfortable too. They are fairly cheap, with prices ranging from $30.00 and up.

02. Rainbows: Although Rainbows don’t really constitute as closed toed shoes, they are the most comfortable flip-flops that you will ever buy. When it comes to flip-flops, they all kind of look the same, but Rainbows broke that shell. You can get these all leather flip-flops all colors and you can choose your arch support as well. The shoes come with a life time warranty, so if the straps tear, you can send in your pair and get them replaced for free. The shoes range anywhere from $40.00 to $120.00.

01. Nike Dunks: The Nike Dunks were originally made for basketball players, but have now been turned into a fashion statement. Nike Dunks are the bee’s knees; they are the cat’s pajamas. Dunks come in hundreds of different styles, and if none of the styles fit your taste, you can even create a custom pair for yourself. There are high top dunks which come up past your ankle, and then the lows which come up to below the ankle. Nike Dunks look their best when worn with skinny jeans. When jeans are tucked into the dunks, the shoes stand way out. Dunks are the shoes to wear if you plan on getting noticed. Dunks come in a range of styles, and a range of prices from about $70.00 and up. Although these shoes cost a pretty penny, they look great, they’re comfortable, and they look incredibly cool. To add even more of a stand-out factor to your look, you can purchase bright colored shoe laces and lace up your Dunks for an extra boost.

People On The Street
After the 4th

By Carlos Clark (November 18, 2008)
(Photo Credit: Sally Blakemore)

With the 2008 election over, there is still much talk around the town about the new president-elect and what people thought of the enigmatic Sarah Palin, and who had a greater influence on the 2008 presidential election, George Bush or Sarah Palin. Sally Blakemore and I decided to ask three questions to four students and four faculty members. The questions were:
1) Were you happy with the 2008 presidential election outcome?
2) In your life would you ever have expected to see an African American President?
3) What did you think of Sarah Palin and who had a greater affect on the 2008 election race, George W. Bush or Governor Palin?

Below are the answers to these three questions, and some of the opinions flowing through George Mason.

	Melissa Benn (Senior) Yes very. Eventually, but it made sense that it was before a women. A horrible choice, there were much better female republicans to choose from. Palin had a greater impact, I mean she was in the papers constantly for four months, little was heard from Bush.
	Claire Pribulka (Junior) I do not really care. Yah, sooner rather then later in my life. A miss, clueless, that she was almost forced to do it just because she was a woman. Both had impact but there was no chance of another republican president.
	Christina Dacanay (Senior) Very happy. Never would have thought, at least not this soon in my life. It was just interesting to me how different the opinions about her were, personally I thought she was just under qualified. Bush for sure; Palin was only around for four months, Bush… eight years.
	Jacob Schwind (Senior) Not at all. Yes. Loved her, but everything with her was less about her politics and more about her small slip ups and appearance. She was just beaten up by the press.
	Mr. McAdam Yes. I’m not sure I can say I expected it, but I was hopeful it would happen. Sarah Palin lacks experience. Bush, we are all ready for a change.
	Ms. Tooze Yes, and am excited to see our president reflect our changing nation.
	Ms. Webster 1) Certainly expected it, did not see this election as a race issue though. 2) Palin was not qualified. Bush, Obama was running against Bush’s policies more then he was running against Sarah Palin.
	Mr. Sokolowski Yes I am. Definitely I was not impressed by her. I felt she was thrown into it. It was Bush’s policies that made the big difference in this election.

Top 10 Halloween Costumes

By Stephanie Barrionuevo

Halloween
(Photo Credit: Stephanie Barrionuevo)

Seen above is the one of the most popular Halloween costumes of teenagers today: themselves. Just throw on the same jeans you wear every day, a t-shirt, and some sneakers—you’re set to go! While it may not be creative, it is a popular choice as the following list of Masonite costume ideas will show.

1) The Joker (from Dark Knight)
2) A Hooters girl
3) A high roller
4) Batman
5) Zombie
6) Ninja
7) A Devil/Angel
8) A Witch
9) Bumblebee/ an animal
10) Going as “Yourself”

The truth is, you’re not too old to dress up for Halloween. I’m sorry to break it to you. Do it while it’s still not creepy.

YUMMY, YUMMY: Top Ten Candies in My Tummy

By Taylor Robinson (October 29, 2008)

Candy
(Photo Credit: Taylor Robinson)

Insects and bugs are consumed by humans on a regular basis. As food is processed in factories, they somehow get inside. So, whether you like eating bugs or not, chocolate laden with bugs is a big product consumed by humans. Reeses seems to be the top candy at this school that people love to devour. Its peanut-buttery goodness and chocolate taste fills taste buds with happiness. Nobody seems to like the Pay-Days though. I guess that peanut taste doesn’t satisfy their taste buds. So, when you don’t know what to buy for those trick-or-treaters, take some advice from Mason students.

1. Reeses- Combining peanut butter and chocolate has brought this scrumptious guilty pleasure to the top of the charts
2. Snickers- this peanut-nutty caramel delight made its way to second
3. Milky Ways- this caramelicious treat is out of this world
4. Crunch- We’ve crunched the numbers and this crispy treat is number four!
5. Candy Corn- Be a vampire in style (and taste!)
6. Dark Chocolate- Don’t be afraid to go over to the dark side
7. Apples- Feel healthy and wash your face at the same time when you bob for apples this Halloween.
8. Musketeers- Take out your swords or watch your chocolate float away and reach number eight
9. M&M’s - MMMMMMM
10. Pay Days- Better than money

Top Ten Reasons You’re Too Old to Trick or Treat

By Becca Ward (October 29, 2008)

Halloween
(Photo Credit: Becca Ward)

Costumes just don’t seem to fit anymore.
Shouldn’t you be doing your homework?
You have to start worrying about things like cavities now that you have your adult teeth.
You’ll end up scaring small children.
Someone has to pass out the candy after your parents go to sleep.
You’ll miss the scary movie marathons.
Remember what happened LAST Halloween?
You’re in high school; shouldn’t you be going to cool teenage parties anyway?
Now that your metabolism is slowing down, that chocolate can’t be good for weight… or zits.
Parents don’t seem to appreciate the “tight fit” costumes made for the scantily clad.

Halloween Special
How Old Is Too Old?

(By Rebecca Gomez and Quinn Casteel)
(Photo Credit: Rebecca Gomez and Quinn Casteel)

High schoolers have always been a gray area when it comes to trick-or-treating on Halloween. The topic of when someone is “too old” to go out on Halloween is a controversial one. We asked several people on the street for their opinion on what age is in fact, too old.

	“As long as you’re young at heart, you can always trick or treat” -Michael Wolfe, 11
	“15 is too old, but when you have a younger sibling, it never stops” -Yates Jordan, 11
	“I guess 20 is too old?” -Annue Dickenson, 8 “17.” -Maggie Mascarenhas, 8
	“Any older than 9th grade is really pushing it.” -Mrs. Tooze
	“NEVER!” -Russell Carl, 10
	“I’d say after college is too old. Trick or treating is something fun for young people. My mom always says ‘Andrew! You’re too old!’ and I always tell her, ‘Mom, its free candy,’ I don’t know what else to tell you.” -Andrew Lieber, 12

Top Ten Reviewed Movies of Summer

By Ana Petillo (October 27, 2008)

Batman
(Photo Credit: Ana Petillo)

Here are George Mason’s top ten best-liked movies this summer, according to you! Here are some reasons why your peers think if you didn’t get to see the movie in the theater, you should make sure you get it on DVD.

10. Indiana Jones- Crystal Skull: “New twists and more action, even though Harrison Ford is getting kinda old.” –Nicole Obusan, Junior
9. Chronicles of Narnia- Prince Caspian: “Prince Caspian is freakin’ hot.” –Laura Peppe, Senior
8. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants: “A fun, girl’s night out movie with a nice filming location.” –Abby Stroup, Senior
7. Get Smart: “Steve Carrell was pretty funny.” –Keller Godwin, Senior
6. Wall-E: “It’s the most adorable love story ever!” –Anna McDonald, Senior
5. Iron Man: “Action-packed movie.” –Sumner Askin, Gr8
4. Hancock: “Will Smith’s acting was outstanding. I liked how fresh and believable his character was.” –Mr. Henderson
3. Pineapple Express: “Seth Rogan lights up the screen in this hilarious comedy.” –James Hickey, Gr8
2. Mama Mia: “Good vocals and voice dubbing. The actors were talented too.” –Benson Ting, Senior

1. The Dark Knight: “Heath Ledger’s performance as the joker was amazing. He totally got into the character.” –Jake Hirsch, Gr8

Pass the Time…. On A Bus

By Carlos Clark (October 17, 2008)

Bus
(Photo Credit: Carlos Clark)

Sleep
This is a good thing to do because it helps to make the trip feel shorter, but it leaves you vulnerable to harassment and enjoyment from your wide awake peers. They might see your sleeping state as a good opportunity to make some comical moments.

Do homework
The bus rides are long and teachers still load up the homework, so long bus rides are good times to get a start on all homework that does not involve a computer. Remember you student-athletes, homework needs to be done. Try to write as neatly as possible, bumpy bus rides makes for funny looking handwriting.

Eat
Keep it healthy. Everyone knows what good healthy foods are and what foods react with your stomach. Remember, so far Andrew Breen is the only person to ever benefit from throwing up before a competition. Be sure to know what taste good coming back up, and what poses the least chance of having to come back up.

Listen to music
Music can be a good thing to do if it’s good music. Some people whose iPods are always filled with horrible music can get rather boring. Keep a wide range of music on your iPod so that you don’t keep hitting “next” on shuffle, searching for a song you can at least tolerate. If possible, put “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor on repeat; it gets you super pumped.

Play cards
The only thing that can limit this top ten selection is if you’re on a bus where no one else around you knows the same card games. Learn a common game that’s enjoyable and can support numerous players. Get your friends involved (avoid go fish, it’s really dumb).

Talk about weird and funny things in a circle
Your coaches do have stronger ears than you might think. Be sure to keep your topics of conversation clean, or talk very quietly.

Think about your competition or race that day
When you get to your race, or to your game… that’s not the best moment to be thinking about what you need to do to win. In order to win you need to arrive to the field or to the course, or court, or where ever the completion is being held, with the ideas and the strategies to win already programmed into you. Be at the field with the realistic thought of victory already established and planned out.

Prepare your gear for the race or competition
Many times the buses run late, there is traffic, and the time you expected to be there when you get to the course, or the field is not there for you. Just stay sharp and ahead of the competition by having your gear ready and not having to be in a rush even before the game starts.

Tutor younger athletes
The younger members of your team look up to the older members of the team. Remember, we are student athletes and in order to have your team do well, the older members must help condition the younger athletes on and off the field. Keep the grades up to keep the game going.

What Are You Doing to Prepare for the SATs?

By Christina Dacanay (October 6, 2008)
(Photo Credit: Christina Dacanay)

	“Not stressing out and drinking lots of coffee!” Ryan Sedmak, senior
	“Took a class. It was long and ridiculous but my scores went up quite a bit.” Carlos Clark, senior
	“I have a tutor. I’m trying to survive.” Leidy Baldwin, senior
	“Studying alone. But I already got into college, so not really.” Mike Guy, senior
	“Absolutely nothing!” Rebecca Gomez, junior “I already took them.” Louis Henninger, senior
	“I just took an SAT class…” Hillary Shea, senior
	“I’m going to study my weaknesses really hard the night before, and then I’m going to just relax.” Melissa Benn, senior
	“I should sleep, huh? Sleep would be a good idea. And eating, too. Eating would be good.” Jon Brooks, senior
	“Study. Every day.” Ryan Kapoor, junior

Fall Fashions

By Joy Nystrom and Leidy Baldwin (September 30, 2008)

The pressing question: What's your favorite part about fall fashion?

According to fashionable teachers and students at our school, scarves, the color purple, feathers, boots, straightened hair, jeans, popped collars and ribbons, poofed hair, and flats are all part of this fall’s fashion-must-haves. The growing style is also evident in magazines such as Vogue, Instyle, Bazaar and various T.V. shows. Watch out, because this season’s high fashion is not holding back.

	“Scarves.” Gabby Mikiewicz, Freshman
	“I love boots.” Nadine Coupard, Sophomore
	“Muggs- Male UGGS!” Sam Waters, Sophomore “Yeah male UGGS are really in right now along with scarves.” Gemma Sedita Sophomore
	“Boots, moccasins, anything suede or anything UGGS.” Giulia Hjort, Sophomore
	“Purple; it’s the new color for fall.” Sally Blakemore, Senior
	“Cable knit sweaters.” Jessica Lim, Sophomore
	“A light scarf.” Mr. Sokolowski, Teacher

Hurricane Hanna Fails to Dampen Spirits

By Katherine Morgenegg (September 16, 2008)
(Photo Credit: Katherine Morgenegg)

With hurricane season hitting the east coast, students are finding new ways to amuse themselves on the weekends, or discovering that their house isn’t really waterproof. Two Saturdays ago, students were forced to stay indoors thanks to Hurricane Hanna and the immense amount of rain that she brought with her. So what happened to GMHS students and how did they spend their rainy day afternoon?

	I watched 5 hours of "The Office." It was epic. Ana Petillo, 12th grade
	My basement flooded. Matt Williamson, 12th grade
	I read a book and did homework. Taylor Robinson, 12th grade
	I was at football practice. Brandon Brooks, 8th grade
	I went BMX dirt biking in the rain. Scott O’Hanely, 12th grade
	I was on Facebook. Kim Jinoon, 12th grade
	I fought a mongoose for some pineapple. Dayne Robillard, 12th grade
	I was running a cross country race. Micheal de Mars, 9th grade
	Homework… Jed Sakprayoongpong, 12th grade