The chat newspaper january 2014 year 14 issue #7

MLK’s Dream spans generations Pages 20-21

Student Life

Top 8 artists in AP Studio Art Pages 4-5

Sports

Top six softball players at PPCHS

Lady Jags soccer team goes to states

Pages 14-15

Page 15

Clubs and Electives

Debate team competes at States Page 12

The C.H.C. Staff Joshua Alleman Editor-in-Chief Melissa Sullivan Editor-in-Chief Victoria Alvarez Assistant Editor-in-Chief Jake Dreilinger - Layout Kyle Moss-Solomon - Video Managing Editors Chatter Daily News Maria Bozo Web Managing Editor Business Manager Mr. R. Simon - Layout Mr. F. Fagen - Content Mr. R. Simon - Video Advisers Mr. P. Bayer Principal

Table of Contents

Student Life...........................................................................3,4,5,6 Top 8 Artists in AP Studio Art.......................................................................4-5

By The Grade 9th.........................................................................7 How have You Adjusted to High School?............................................................7

By The Grade 10th......................................................................8 Options for Junior Year: Class of 2016...............................................................8

Jake Dreilinger News Editor Chelsie Ramos Student Life Editor Anthony Kelleher Technology Editor Chelsi Chang Entertainment Editor Troy Bottom Sports Editor Gabriela Garcia Features Editor Looghermine Claude Lifestyle Editor

By The Grade 11th......................................................................9

Junior Jags Prowl the Halls on the College Tour....................................................9

By The Grade 12th....................................................................10

Senior Timeline..........................................................................................10

Andrea Bellorin Clubs Editor Alexys Nowak Proof-reader Carli Stander Photo Editor Armando Urena Graphics Editor Carmen Pettersen Cartoonist CONTENT STAFF: Brett Alayon, Matthew Deno, Tyra Green, Shakayla Lee, Maribel Maignan, Aaliyah Pasols, Melissa Pierce, Lauren Ramirez, Nicholas Rivera LAYOUT STAFF: Troy Bottom, Emily Deese, Jacob Morgenstern, Fernando Plata PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF: Peter Dourvetakis, Rebecca Gonzalez, Jonathan Harris, Alexis Monge-Rodriguez, Sydney Silverberg, Juan Tellez GRAPHIC STAFF: Matthew Perez, Daniel Vidal CHAT VIDEO NEWS STAFF: Christopher Fernandez, Matthew Fernandez, Andres Gonzalez, Genesis Vesco

The C.H.A.T. is an official publication of the Pembroke Pines Charter High School (PPCHS). The content of our newspaper is not necessarily the opinions of our advisers and administration. The C.H.A.T. staff welcomes any comments to the editors and/or staff. The C.H.A.T is a publication of C.H.C (Charter High Communications) sponsored by the Communications & Technology Department of PPCHS. Pembroke Pines Charter High School 17189 Sheridan Street Pembroke Pines, FL 33331 Phone: 954-538-3700 Email: chc.ppchs@gmail.com Twitter: @_theCHATter Instagram: @thechatnews The CHAT welcomes letters to the editor.

Letters must be signed. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for poor taste, libel, and space. Drop off letters in room C113 or send an email to chc.ppchs@gmail.com

Clubs & Electives..................................................................11,12 PPCHS Staff become Stars............................................................................12

Sports......................................................................................13,14,15 Top 6 Softball Players at PPCHS.................................................................14-15

Technology..........................................................................16,17,18

Hack Attack: Big Name Retailers Affected by Hacking Software..............................17

Features.................................................................................19,20,21 Black History Month Touches All...............................................................20-21

Lifestyle......................................................................................22,23 2014 Award Shows......................................................................................23

News............................................................................................24,25 Spiraling Down a Polar Vortex........................................................................25

Entertainment..........................................................................26,27 Frozen: Did it Give You Chills?......................................................................27

Columns.........................................................................................28 Geolocation: Is it Good for the Nation?............................................................28

Top 8 artists in AP Studio Art Inside Student Life...

PPCHS takes a bite out of the Big Apple

A bitter-sweet goodbye

Student Life January 2014

Top 8 artists in

4

Maria Bozo WEB MANAGING EDITOR

When walking into room M101, one can see great minds at work. It is a room full of talente seniors Francesca Levy, Andrea Gonzalez, Kiana Douglas and Samantha Morazam; juniors C viduals have proven themselves to be the top eight best artists in Ms. Vasquez’s AP Studio Art

Craig Epps (‘15) “I have always been into art. As far as I can remember, I was just always interested in it. I’ve always been a good artist. As far back as even elementary school. So I guess you could say art has always been a big part of my life. I love to draw cartoonist things. I wouldn’t say that I am good at realistic drawing and painting. It is just not my style. I prefer to draw and express myself through cartoons and animations, not painting or drawing very realistic photos. Just recently, I was awarded in the Advanced Placement Studio Art Exhibition and I got a really nice plaque that had my art on it. I don’t have a favorite cartoon that I’ve drawn. I like each of my art pieces for different reasons. But I do enjoy drawing cartoon zombies, which was the art piece that I was awarded for.”

Ariana Chang (‘15) “I started doing art when I was really young because both of my parents. My dad is an architect and my mom likes to paint. I paint in acrylic paint because those are a lot easier. Some of the artists I like include Vincent Van Gough because the technique of the art is impasto and I like it.

Sometimes I like to look at art that captures a lot of details, but I also like street art because I think it represents a lot of creativity. My favorite piece of art that I was involved in was one done by my sister. She took a picture cropped out pieces and she colored it on black paper with really bright colors so I thought it was really neat the way it was captured. One of the greatest pieces of art I did was two coy fish in the shape of a yin yang and it was two different colors.”

Cristina Villegas (‘16) “I never had any art classes when I was young, and I’ve never been really good with words so finding art was really helpful with expressing myself. Before I came to high school, I definitely knew that I was going to be involved in art as much as I possibly could, because that is what I want to major in. I usually work a lot with human bodies. I like portraying human bodies and their emotions, but in a distorted way. One of my favorite artists is Gustav Kilmt. He shows the body really awkwardly and I feel that shows a lot more than a really realistic body. As part of our AP Portfolio, we have to do a section called concentration. I’m doing human gestures separated from their earthly surroundings. So I’m doing an abstract background with gestures like hands reaching for each other. I enjoy mixing abstract with realism a lot.”

Andrea Gonzalez (‘14) “I started art with photography. I’ve always been into photography; ever since I was little I liked to take pictures and everything that comes along with taking pictures. I got my first camera when I was fifteen and it was a Nikon D 5000. After that, I just started taking pictures of what I like nature, landscapes, but not so much people. However, I’m starting to like taking pictures of people now and I think that I’m getting better at it. I took AP Studio Art this year and I’ve really just loved it. I won the Superintendents award on January 23rd.

They recognized the top 6 kids in our school and they gave us a plaque with our artwork and our artwork is being shown at the Coral Springs Art Museum for a couple of days. It has been one of the best things that has happened in art for me.”

n AP Studio Art

5

Student Life January 2014

ed students who are expressing themselves in a way not many can. Among these students are Craig Epps and Ariana Chang, and sophomores Christina Villegas and Daria Kidd. These indit class.

Daria Kidd (‘16) “I got into art because in middle school when I had a really good teacher named Ms. Tavera. I stayed in her class until I came to high school. In addition to being exposed to art in middle school, I also grew up in an artistic household. My dad is a ceramic artist and my mom is a drama teacher, so I was really drawn into it because it has always been around. I like drawing in graphite a lot. I’m not sure why but I’m drawn to art that is in black and white. As well as drawing, I also have an interest in photography. I prefer mainly taking pictures of nature and people. There was an award ceremony that took place on January 23rd and I won a Superintendents award, which one of my photos got chosen for. I felt honored and I’m really happy that I was able to bring an award home.”

Francesca Levy (‘14) “I’ve always been involved in photography in some way, but it took off when I was ten years old when I got my first camera. I never took formal classes. I just decided that I could train myself.

My Advanced Placement Studio Art class is the first formal class that I am taking. Normally, I do photo assignments. Ms. Vasquez gives us really cool stuff to do; I’ve taken pictures of old architecture or informal portraits and things like that.

I’ve done two portfolios that I really like already, one of which was chosen for the Superintendents show. It’s like all black and white pictures that are photojournalistic. I have pictures of people in Miami and people waiting at a bus stop and things like that. The other one that I am doing is for my concentration where I took pictures of girls and flowers and I overlaid them together.”

Kiana Douglas (‘14) “I was interested in art during freshman year and I actually got started in it during my junior year.

I am the President of art club, so it is safe to say that art is a big part of my life. My favorite artist is Glenn Keane who does concept art for Disney.

His really interests me because his career is what I want to do when I am older. I want to become an animator. The Disney franchise is also one that I can see myself a few years down the line. For now, I’ll just keep drawing and I’ll see where it takes me. I draw mostly photos realistically. My favorite mediums are graphite and pastel. There’s something about drawing in black and white that I like. I rarely paint because I’m not very good at painting. It is something that I have to work on and I hope I can master that medium someday.”

Samantha Morazan (‘14) “I got started into art at this school during sophomore year. Last year, I won an award for being the top student in Drawing and Painting II. My favorite artist is my dad; he is a graffiti artist. He has been doing graffiti since the eighties. So he knows a lot about that type of art. In class, we’ve been working on concentration and breaths. Concentration is a bunch of different art works together that are related in some way or look good like they go together. Breath has to be a variety of art works; not one piece can look the same. For my concentration, I am practicing photography and it’s actually a first time thing for me and it’s challenging but I enjoy it. I also do drawing with pencil mainly. I do paintings as well; I mostly enjoy gouache. I’m not very good with acrylic but I like experimenting.”

Student Life January 2014

6

PPCHS takes a bite out of the Big Apple

questions regarding Iraq.

“We were all dancing and jumping around behind the window and all of a sudden someone called my name. I turned around Traveling around the world has proved and a microphone, camera and reporter to be an experience that PPCHS can pro- were all right there. They started asking me vide for its students. Over the years, field questions about Iraq such as when the last time I heard any news source speaking about the events occurring. It was pretty cool yet unexpected,” said Hernandez.

The students all went to eat and some of them also went ice skating at Rockefeller Center. They rented their skates and took the ice, trying their best to stay on their feet. Some students who have ice skated before really enjoyed the full experience and took in every aspect of the rink.

Sophomore Nikki Melgarejo has skated before and was very excited to skate at the famous rink.

“I had a lot of fun skating and being in New York in general. I have visited the city before and this was one of my best experiences. At the rink, there was a guy who looked like he belonged in the 70’s and he was doing a bunch of flips and tricks. He was really cool to watch,” said Melgarejo.

When they left the rink, they continued to the ”Top of the Rock” and got a chance to see the Big Apple from A Taste of New York History: PPCHS stidents gort the opportunity to visit the beutiful Statue of Liberty and other New a bird’s eye view. There is a picture York City landmarks. Photo Donated by: Mrs.Torres opportunity to sit on a rail that looks trips have been scheduled for destinations like its hanging off a building with a scene ranging from Paris, France to Japan. Stu- of New York in the background. They travdents get the chance to visit famous sights, eled through a big elevator seeming to go taste new foods, and gain knowledge about on forever, and when reaching the top they places other than their own state or coun- could go outside to see all of New York try. This year, students had the opportunity City. to sign up for the New York field trip chapThe first day was not yet over; they coneroned by Mrs. Torres and Mrs. Hughes. tinued next door to the Madame Tussaud’s This was a new field trip for PPCHS, and notorious wax museum. This was Melgar23 students purchased tickets to embark ejo’s overall favorite part of the trip. The on a new adventure. They arrived at New- museum is seven stories of life-size ceark International Airport in New Jersey on lebrities, presidents and people who have Thursday January 16th, ready for three, made their mark on history. busy days of traveling around the Big Ap- “The most impressive one to me was ‘The ple.

Rock.’ I love him in movies and his statue Day One: was so realistic. I was amazed at how lifeThe action started as soon as the students like all of them looked,” said Melgarejo. arrived in New York. They traveled through Day one came to a close with dinner in the Lincoln Tunnel and were dropped off at Time’s Square at Bubba Gump Shrimp the Rockefeller Center. Passing by the leg- Company. They headed back to the hotel endary glass window behind the Anchors ready for another jam packed schedule of of The Today Show, one PPCHS student fun filled moments. received the chance of a lifetime—senior Day Two: Nikolai Hernandez was pulled aside and On Friday the 17th, Mrs. Hughes and interviewed by an NBC correspondent. Be- Mrs. Torres took the students back through ing an intellectual student came in handy the Lincoln Tunnel and into the city. The when the reporter proceeded to ask him first activity on the agenda was visiting the Alexys Nowak and Hayley Hartwell

PROOF-READER AND STAFF WRITER

9/11 memorial. This touching experience brought the students closer together as they gathered around the two pools of water and looked at the engraved names on the outsides of the water. This moment gave the group a chance to get a look at how significant the events of 9/11 were. While it was an emotional way to start the day, it allowed them to get a full understanding of what it is to be a New Yorker.

To lighten the mood, they went to Little Italy and China Town for a quick bite and a chance to buy souvenirs for their friends and family.

After lunch, the students traveled to the famous Statue of Liberty. They were not allowed to travel to the top of the Statue because of the attacks on 9/11, but they could still walk around the base. They had to take a boat to reach the island, so this took up the whole afternoon. At the base of the Statue of Liberty they could see a beautiful landscape of New York City.

snowing! They got to experience Central Park blanketed in snow. As they traveled the long path all through central park, the tour guide pointed out some of the spots where movie and television scenes had been shot. The snow made the experience all the more special for the Floridians.

“My favorite part of the whole trip was seeing snow in Central Park because I have never seen snow before. I would definitely do the trip again,” said sophomore Alyssa Dobles.

After stopping for another quick lunch in Little Italy, the group headed to the Museum of Natural History. This was the same museum that the movie Night at the Museum was based on. The Jags got three hours to explore the museum. There are so any exhibits to see at the museum that there was never a dull moment for the curious Jaguars.

The trip had come to a close as they headed back to Newark International Airport.

New York Brings PPCHS Fame: Senior Nikolai Hernandez gets interviewed by an NBC Correspeondent while he is enjoying watching The Today Show. Photo Donated By: Mrs. torres

Traveling back into Times Square for dinner at the Hard Rock Café, the group got to enjoy extra time in the city for shopping and also got to see the different sights and attractions the city has to offer. A few streets over the Jags experienced The Lion King on Broadway. This was the highlight of the trip for some of the students.

Junior Tanner Redding said, “Lion King was really cool because it was one of my favorite childhood movies so to see it being preformed live was so exciting. I could easily say that was the highlight of my trip.”

Day Three: On the Jag’s final day in the Big Apple, they woke up to an exciting surprise: it was

Their plane was taking off at 8:00 p.m. so they got back to PPCHS at around midnight on Saturday.

All the students that took part on this trip could say that no matter what grade that they were in, they were very glad they chose to go to New York. It was packed with activities back to back, but there is just so much to see in the city. No matter if it was one of the student’s first times or one of the numerous times they had been to New York they all gained new experiences and newfound friends from this trip.

This new trip for PPCHS has proven to be a great experience that will be likely to attract more and more students in years to come.

eryone. What set Ms. Strom apart from the other teachers was her humor and the live-

classes will still have to be taught. This is where Mr. Maye, Mrs. Coolidge, Mr. Ramirez, and Ms. Lopez come in; they will be stepping in for Ms. Strom by taking over her classes and teaching her students.

Taylor Trammell, who was Ms. Strom’s student and volleyball player, says, “She was a very hands on coach who always wanted the best for the volleyball team.

She taught me a lot about leadership and communication. I wish her all the best in the future.”

Ms. Strom and Charter High will be going their separate ways as of the end of January. Not only did she capture the attention of her students and volleyball players, but she was also able to make them feel comfortable in a learning environment. Her students will move on to different teachers, as Ms. Strom gains more life experiences in a different part of the country. Charter is sad to see her go, yet content to know that she will be in a place she wants to be. Thus, it is a bitter-sweet goodbye; good luck to Ms. Strom and her promising future!

A bitter-sweet goodbye Melissa Pierce STAFF WRITER

From Advanced Algebra 2 with Financial Applications to Calculus Honors, Ms. Strom gives her all, to the education of her students. Ms. Strom has even been able to balance being the girls’ volleyball coach while keeping up with her teaching responsibilities. However, Ms. Strom has departed from Pembroke Pines Charter High School and has become a resident of Forest City, Iowa.

Ms. Strom states, “I am leaving because I received an amazing job opportunity to be a graduate assistant at Waldorf College.

Being that this is my third year in the Charter System, I am going to miss all of the amazing people I have met. I just hope that my current students enjoy the remainder of the school year.”

Considering that Ms. Strom is moving to acquire a new position, she will have a new job description. Since Ms. Strom is going to be a graduate assistant, she will be working with students and professors

on a day-to-day basis in specific learning departments (www.wisegeek.org).

Strom says goodbye: While she will miss her students and Charter, Ms. Strom looks forward to her new life ahead. Photo by: Carli Stander

Past student of Ms. Strom senior Jonah Wichterich says, “She was a teacher who was always concerned about her students and made her classroom feel inviting to ev-

ly personality, which I will miss the most.”

But what about her students now? Keeping in mind that Ms. Strom is leaving midyear to pursue an ideal opportunity, her

#

Page Name Month 2014

Eddie Hernandez- For the most part, I’ve adjusted to high school fairly easily even though I still encounter some problems every now and then. I’ve had many more opportunities in band this year and I look forward to my next three years at PPCHS.

Camilo Grijalva- At first, I was a little worried about there being too much work to do because that’s what I was hearing from other students.

It turns out that the amount of work isn’t that much and I am really enjoying my first few months as a high school student.

Dana Meltzer- My brother is a junior and he told me what to expect, so I felt pretty prepared going into the year. So far, everything has been really great as I have been very active in the school, like playing for the JV soccer team.

Daniel Mitropolous- I have adjusted to high school relatively quickly, and made many new friends. The teachers are all very kind and the classes are challenging but not impossible.

Juan Ardila- It was difficult waking up earlier than I used to in the beginning of the school year. Now I’m pretty well adjusted to the schedule and high school in general.

Chinedu Ezenwa- I am pretty much almost fully adjusted to high school. In the beginning, it was very overwhelming dealing with the amount of homework I received, but I eventually got used to it.

Valentina Arango- There have been many clubs and opportunities that I have been able to take part in this year. For the most part, I like my teachers. Any problems that I have had, I have been able to rely on my friends for support.

Aja McGowans- Transitioning to high school wasn’t really a big change because I know what to expect. I’m just glad the year is almost over.

Michayla Leger- I’ve adjusted to high school well and have made lots of great friends and done pretty well in school so far.

Matthew Crenshaw- Coming into high school, I was definitely intimidated and didn’t think that I would fit in. Now that I have grown accustomed to the school, I feel totally different and have a positive outlook on coming to school every day.

Alyssa Haniff- I feel like I have been able to organize my time better and I’ve become a better person. I’ve also become a more social person. I hope that I will be able to receive some awards at the end of the year.

Elizabeth Garrison - I was happy to get straight A’s and I made a lot of new friends. Compared to last year I’m a lot more independent and I’ve noticed that I’m a lot more organized. I also do more things outside of school.

Page Name Month 2014

#

Options for Junior Year: Class of 2016 Lauren Ramirez and Maria Bozo STAFF WRITER AND WEB EDITOR

With the first semester of sophomore year having just come to a close, many PPCHS sophomores are starting to make decisions about the options available for them junior year. With many changes to the programs available at Charter, decisions about their 11th grade year can be pretty confusing.

Advanced Placement courses are an option for incoming juniors. “AP courses are rigorous college level courses offered at the high school. Advanced Placement teachers submit a syllabus to the College Board, which is reviewed and approved by college professors, to ensure the course is of comparable content and rigor to an introductory college course. All students that take an AP course will also take the national AP exam in May; this is why many colleges prefer AP courses over dual enrollment courses” explained class of 2016 guidance counselor Ms. Buonomo.

Colleges and universities often award college credit or advanced course placement for AP exam scores of 3, 4, or 5 on a scale of 1 through 5. Each college has varying standards for scores as well as what type of credit they will award for a course. In order to gain more information about credit rewarded by specific colleges and universi-

ties, their websites are great resources.

Another option for incoming juniors is the Cambridge program. Cambridge is a program that is comparable to the Advanced Placement Program offered at Charter.

Cambridge courses are about the same level of difficulty as AP courses, and the GPA boost offered is the same. Students that have taken and passed six Cambridge courses by the time they graduate will receive an Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) diploma. This diploma is looked highly upon by colleges worldwide.

A program PPCHS students should take into consideration is the Dual Enrollment program. Dual enrollment is a state wide program that allows high school students to take college courses, starting in their junior year. These courses count towards both a student’s high school GPA and college GPA, so a student’s performance in a dual enrollment course can impact their future. All public state universities in Florida accept dual enrollment courses, but outof-state schools vary by course. In order to be considered eligible for a dual enrollment course, a student must have a 3.0 un-weighted grade point average, eleven or more high school credits, and passing scores on SAT/ACT or PERT. Students at-

tending the dual enrollment program may attend any BC campus, after school, at night, or on the weekends, including online; but are required to take 6 full courses at PPCHS. Summer dual enrollment is available as well. Dual enrollment courses can add up to 2.0 additional points to a student’s grade point average, and a student may take 2 classes (3 credits each) per semester. Course grades will be reflected on both PPCHS and BC transcripts, affecting both college and high school grade point averages.

At Pembroke Pines Charter High School, starting with the class of 2016, early admission is becoming available for incoming juniors. Early admission is a branch of the dual enrollment program. It is a way for students to get a head start on college. It allows students to apply for college classes with a plan to transfer these credits later.

“I am considering participating in the early admission program next year now that juniors are able to take advantage of this opportunity. I feel that this program may not be right for every student, but it is something that should definitely be taken into consideration.” says sophomore Andrew Walters.

A prestigious club that becomes available to students once they reach their

11th grade year is National Honor Society (NHS). Students who qualify for this club must demonstrate good character, leadership, community service, and a good GPA. Two distinct documented leadership positions are required. One position must be in a high school- sponsored organization or function. This includes positions as class officer or captain of a sports team. Without two elected or appointed positions, letters of recommendation from a teacher, administrator, or other school staff member documenting a specific instance in which the student demonstrated leadership must be submitted. One letter must be from the high school, the other may come from an employer, religious leader, or non-profit organization, documenting specific examples of leadership. A minimum of thirty documented service hours are required, these hours must apply to the Student Volunteer Service Program.

There are many options available for the incoming class of 2016 juniors. Whether a student decides to take the Cambridge courses, early admit, participate in the dual enrollment program, or follow any of the other available options at PPCHS we hope that each and every student rises to success in their junior year.

9

By the Grade 11th January 2013

Junior Jags prowl the halls on the college tour The college tour lasted four days from January 21st to January 24th and gave stuIt’s been drilled into everyone’s brain, dents the opportunity to visit a collection teachers constantly remind their classes of colleges. These colleges were Flagler about it, and it’s even in the school slogan. College, FSU, UNF, UCF, UF and FGCU. At each college, The main worry students got to go this year for junior on tours that taught Jaguars seems to be them more about an inevitable one: each school. They college.

Dreams visited the gyms, of out-of-state coldorms, and classes leges or big unias well as other versities have been areas around the tugging at students’ campuses. At UF hearts for a long and FSU Gator and time. However, the Seminole fans were decision still seems especially excited to be an undecided as they got to see one as choosing the the two famous staright college is difdiums. ficult, especially if “FSU and UF have they are far away to be my two favorand the opportuite colleges that I nity to go visit isn’t visited on the trip. available. Some of I love them because the more popular of their big camcolleges and unipuses, student life, versities in state are and school spirit. more towards the Their school spirit north, and aren’t as is insane. I love it,” accessible to south Seminole in the Sunset: Students visited Williams junior Samantha Florida students. Plaza at FSU and saw the famous Seminole Statue.

Melendez said. StuSo, the junior col- Photo by: Rebecca Gonzalez lege tour was thought up of to give Jags dents also got to check out what the student a chance to explore these popular colleges life is all about and for lunch, they even got to eat in the school cafeterias amongst and see if it’s love at first sight.

Aaliyah Pasols STAFF WRITER

Home of the Gators: Juniors visited the University of Florida during the college tour and anticipated the day they could become a Gator. Photo by: Rebecaa Gonzalaz

Go Noles: The Class of 2015 had the opportunity to visit FSU and the stadium of the famed football team.

Photo by: Rebecaa Gonzalaz

the rest of the college students.

Upon arriving at each college, students’ first stop was the administration office. There, they talked to the professionals about test scores, how to apply and dual enrollment.

After the office, students were escorted around the various campuses by some of the natives themselves. The college Home of the Florida Gators: Students who love to watch the University of students led a guided Florida football games finally got to see the legendary stadium in person. tour around campus Photo by: Rebecca Gonzalez while answering the student’s questions. of the best trips ever, because I got to exThey discussed test scores, classes, clubs, plore things I wouldn’t have usually got to housing, transportation and sororities/fra- explore otherwise,” Melendez expressed. ternities.

Overall, the junior college tour was a huge In addition to discovering the colleges of success. Students arrived and departed their dreams, students also got to explore safely from each city, and eventually came around the areas they visited. Over the back to the bird’s nest on the fourth day at span of these four days, students got to vis- 9:00 p.m. Even though they were glad to be it a total of six cities back after a trip including St. Augusof adventure and tine, Gainesville, Ft. exploration, it’s Myers, Jacksonville, obvious that their Orlando, and the future schools capital: Tallahassee. are now tugging On the second day on their hearts, while in Tallahassee, begging them to students were able to come back. “I felt go the IMAX Thereally lucky to be ater at the Challenger able to attend this Learning Center to tour because a lot catch a movie. They of schools don’t watched Catching get this opportuFire and enjoyed the nity. I absolutely movie while snackloved FSU and ing on popcorn and UF and I can’t candy. On the third wait to go back,” day they got to drive Kayla Clements past one of the most (’15) said. The historical residence college tour was s in the capital: the able to set things Governor’s Manstraight for stusion. “It was really dents and get them cool to be able to Flagler College: Junior Taylor Alfonso poses in front of a walking down the see the Governor’s statue of the founder of Flager College, Henry M. Flagler. right path towards mansion. We were Photo by: Rebecaa Gonzalaz a bright future. driving past it and one of the tour guides These Jags are on their way to do great pointed it out. That’s why this trip was one things!

College Ready Shopping: At each school, students were given the opportunity to shop for clothes, posters and foam fingers at the University Bookstore. Photo by: Rebecca Gonzalez

Senior bucket list

Everyone wants to do something big before they leave high school. Before going off to college, making the most out of the final days as a Jaguar becomes almost a rite of passage.

Considering this, it seems as if the class of 2014 is ready to make their last days matter here at Charter with a bucket list that has everything they’ve ever dreamed of doing. From the outrageous to the adorable, here they are: Looghermine Claude LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Memories: Everyone wants to leave a legacy behind at their high school, and the best way to do that is by taking risks and making as many memories as possible. Many seniors this year are hoping to accomplish just that before leaving the bird’s nest in May. • Ring the school’s bell “Ringing the school bell would be amazing because it would mean that I got accepted into my dream school, and that would be the best,” says senior number three.

• Make great and lasting memories with my friends • Get a standing ovation at my play • Make the senior signing party memorable • Find my perfect prom dress • Wear my college sweater/shirt to school “I can’t wait look around the campus while switching classes and see the other seniors in their college shirts. Seeing everyone proud of getting into college and representing their school will be one of the best feelings in the world,” says senior number four.

• Perform in front of a crowd • Get to know the rest of my class

Adventures: In order to go out with a bang, seniors are ready to face their fears and leave their comfort zone before they go to college.

• Go skydiving: “I know that so many people are going to do it, but it’s really something I want to do because I have a fear of heights,” says senior number five.

• Get a tattoo • Go bungee jumping • Get a piercing • Go parasailing Academic: Here’s a list of all the things seniors want to do in their academic lives before they leave. Seniors are ready to challenge themselves in school before they leave for the last time.

• Get straight A’s for once in high school • Attend one full week of school: “This year I’ve never come to school for a whole week, so I want to challenge myself and see if I can actually do it,” says senior number six.

• Miss one full week of school • Have a stress free week • Give a teacher’s appreciation gift

In the last two quarters of their high school career, many students will be crossing at least a few of these off of their list. As they are ready to leave the school and start the rest of their lives, seniors are also ready to make memories, have adventures, challenge themselves academically, and have the last laugh by pulling a few pranks on the school.

#

Page Name Month 2014

PPCHS staff become stars Lauren Ramirez STAFF WRITER

The lights dimmed in the River of Grass Auditorium on the night of January 23rd as Pembroke Pines Charter High School’s first annual Dancing with the Staff event began. A silence fell over the audience as a single spotlight highlighted an area of the stage. The two hosts of the show, ju-

nior RJ Reyes and English teacher Mrs. Drumm appeared to start off the show. The intro to the show ran smoothly; Reyes’ and Drumm’s jokes had the audience laughing and engaged in the show. Backstage, dancers and student volunteers were running around trying to make sure everything

went according to plan.

The first pair to take the stage was Spanish teacher Ms. Ciafre, dancing to Ego by Beyoncé with senior Nicole Cordoba. Principal Mr. Bayer was quick to call it “the best dance I’ve seen all night,” he stated.

After this performance, Ms. Sandin and

Janique Tang-How had a stunning performance dancing to Objection Tango by Shakira. The best dance of the night, according to the judges’ decisions, was that of Ms. Chancellor and Laura Smith performing to Sweet Dreams by Beyoncé.

Also in Clubs...

NHS takes lead in the community

Debate tournament

Clubs January 2014

12

PPCHS staff become stars Lauren Ramirez STAFF WRITER

Stars from page 11...

The most surprising dance of the night had to be Shaun Hudson’s performance to a Michael Jackson remix. His dancing partner, Mr. Maye, could not attend due to his necessary attendance at a basketball game where he coaches a girls’ team. Instead of backing out of the performance, Hudson completed the performance by himself and received a score of 10/10 from every judge.

Two performances that were sure to capture the attention of the audience and provide a great finale to close off the night were those of the Latin dance team. Four PPCHS students performed in two pairs consisting of Eduardo Montserrat with Kat Ayala- Trias; and Josue Martinez with Marcela Ruiz. The pairs danced an elegant Spanish style tango to the song La Diabla

by Romero Santos.

The winners of the Dancing with the Staff 2014 event were Ms. Chancellor and Laura Smith. “Everything went well,” Reyes says “I’m so glad we were able to hold a successful event after all we went through after having to reschedule it.” The event was originally supposed to be held earlier on December 4th, 2013 but a few problems occurred with the scheduling of the River of Grass Auditorium. Thankfully all went

well after much preparation. “It was really a shame that we had to reschedule it,” commented Reyes, “But in the end it all worked out because we were able to take more time and make the event bigger and better.”

The PPCHS Student Government Association (SGA) was in charge of putting everything together for the event. Reyes, along with the Dancing with the Staff committee, worked tirelessly for several months in order to make the event the best it could possibly be. “A lot of hard work and planning went in to Dancing with the Staff,” said committee member Sasha Sarran, “we put in so much effort to make sure the event turned out great, and we were so thankful for its success.”

“Dancing with the Staff was a success, it raised a lot of money for our school and will definitely be something we make into an annual event.” Lets Dance: Senior Laura Smith and Mrs. Chancellor perform their much anticipated dance routine.

Photo by Jonathan Harris said English teacher and Save Our Schools coordinator Mrs. Cabeza. fun and entertaining night. All of the mon- financial times. The event was a great sucThe event was successful in completing ey raised by the event went to the Save Our cess, congratulations to the winners! its intended purpose of raising money for Schools organization. This money is used PPCHS and providing the school with a to help keep our school open through tough

National Honor Society takes lead in the community Jake Dreilinger NEWS EDITOR/MANAGING EDITOR LAYOUT

As the second half of the year kicks off, the National Honor Society, or NHS, is back in action. In the upcoming weeks, NHS has many fun-filled events, both new and old, planned for the second semester.

The first event of the second semester was the Disco Soup, which took place on January 18th. The event took place at Pine Jog Elementary School with a goal of promoting living green awareness. There was a professional chef that was making soup that would be delivered to food pantries, also known as soup kitchens. Along with other activities, the people at the event were given tomatoes that were not considered perfect.

“We gave them these tomatoes to show that anybody can still make good food, even under the conditions they were given,” senior Alex Rose, vice president of

Pasta for Pennies: Senior Melissa Gianello donates money towards finding a cure for leukemia and lymphoma. Photo by: Alex Monge

NHS, said.

The next event is the Valentine’s Day themed Focal Point dance. Volunteers will be doing many things to help the dance become a success, like washing dishes, serving food, and dancing with the seniors. The heartwarming event will take place at the Senior Center Focal Point Friday, January 24th and will last from 5:00 – 9:30 pm.

“This event is going to be a lot of fun, and it is a great way to earn NHS hours,” Melissa Gianello, NHS president, said.

“It’s a nice way to do something kind to the seniors.”

The final, grand event is the annual Pennies for Pasta. During this upcoming event, a box will be left in every third hour class starting January 29th, and will range on until February 14th. Students in their third hour class can donate money to the box,

and the box with the highest amount of money collected wins. The money collected will go towards finding a cure for leukemia and lymphoma.

“Pennies for Pasta is our biggest event,” said Rose. “This year Melissa and I wanted to add more events to give NHS members more opportunities to get NHS hours, and we did. So far three new events have been added. This year is turning out to be a success.”

NHS has many events still waiting to be put into action. Pennies for Pasta, Disco Soup, and the Valentine’s Day themed Focal Point dance are only three of several events yet to come. There is plenty of time for new events to be introduced. NHS is on the right track and is ready to begin the year strong.

Debate tournament: In the battle of beliefs, Charter comes out on top Looghermine Claude LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Charter students seem to have their eye on the prize. This time, Charter’s debate students are showing their skills in the art of speaking. Two of PPCHS’ debate students are heading off to compete in a state level competition later this month. Both senior Aya Eltantawy and freshman Jordan Farenhem have qualified to compete against some of the best debaters from all across the state.

On February 1st, PPCHS’ debaters went to Western High School to compete in the Florida Forensic League Regional Tournament. While heading off to Davie for the competition, these students knew that this was their chance to shine. They knew that if they were able to be one of the top 6 students in the tournament, they would have the chance to go and compete in states.

Even though this is the first time they have ever competed in their category, Aya Eltantawy and Jordan Farenhem were able to qualify for states. Both students were competing in the Lincoln-Douglas category of debate, notorious for being one of the

hardest categories to compete in, as it deals categories.

Congratulations to Aya Eltantawy and with values, ethics, and morals. They are “I’m excited and happy because it’s my Jordan Farenhem for making it to states, also the first Charter students to ever make first year in debate and I’ve worked really and good luck to them in states as well as it to states for debate. hard and done really well to get here,” says the debaters heading off to Harvard in two “I was nervous because I have only been Farenhem. “It’s going to be some tough weeks for the Harvard National Forensics doing the Lincoln-Douglas category for competition for states but I’m looking for- Tournament! a year and the kids I went against were ward to it!” seasoned debaters-they’ve been competing for four years,” says Eltantawy. “I’m always nervous going in because there’s an element of surprise, but whenever I win my rounds I get excited because it motivates me to do better.”

Now that they have qualified for states, Eltantawy and Farenhem are preparing for the Florida Forensic League State Championship Tournament that takes place on February 28th, and March 1st. A total of 540 students will converge at University School in Fort Lauderdale, FL to debate Debate: Junior Nkiru Chukwuelue, Junior Ethan Coe, Sophomore Nelson Fairfoot, Senior Isabella Vasquez, Sophomore against one another in different Jamar Alexis, and Senior Taylor Trammel. Photo by: Rebecca Gonzalez

#

Page Name Month 2014

Top six softball players

Inside Sports...

Super Sunday

Lady Jags Soccer team goes to States

Top 6 Softball Profiles

Sports January 2014

Top six softball p

14

Bridget Blount

Courtney Dart

Jamie Gonzalez

As a veteran to a young PPCHS softball team, senior outfielder Bridget Blount has endured it all. She was a member of the team when they won the State Championship two years ago, and when they lost in the State Finals last year. As a player for the team since her freshman year, Blount has earned one of the team captain spots, a title she uses to teach and prepare others for the game of softball.

Blount’s softball career started when she was fiveyears-old. She saw a flier at Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School East Campus, the school where she was attending at the time. Her Dad had played baseball growing up, so he motivated her to play as well.

“I tried it out and I instantly loved playing,” said Blount. “I fell in love with the game.”

Over the years, Blount has been improving her skills, and upon reaching high school she started playing for PPCHS. During her junior year, she was joined by her sister, freshman Claire Blount. Claire pitches for the team, and is a very strong pitcher.

This year, Blount suffered a torn labium. Her scholarships are on hold, due to her injury, and the schools offering scholarships are waiting to see how the injury will affect her level of play.

“I want to play college softball,” said Blount. “Playing through high school has prepared me physically and mentally. Playing in high school also prepared me for making new friends when I play in college.”

Blount wants the team to return to States again and feels that the team, under the leadership of the captains can make it there.

She’s up to the plate, her number 3 jersey blowing in the wind as she stares into the eyes of the pitcher. The pitcher begins her motion and the ball is then whirled in a circle and pelted for the catcher’s mitt at full strength. Her eyes are glued to the ball and her grip tightens around her bat. With one hack, she sends that yellow ball soaring over the opponents head as she darts around the bases. She electrifies the crowd, she carries her team, she delivers big time performances, and she is senior Courtney Dart.

Dart started to play softball at the age of five when her father hung up her ballerina outfit and swapped it with a softball glove. From there, she never looked back. Dart followed in the footsteps of older brother and baseball standout Casey Dart, who went on to play at Limestone College in South Carolina. Playing travel softball all throughout her younger days helped mold her into one of the best players on this Jaguar roster. She currently plays shortstop, but was an utility player before that o her travel teams because of her agility and versatility.

Now in her final year, this senior is ready to bring back that state championship title to Pines Charter, which she accomplished in her sophomore year.

“Last year we came up short but I am confident in the group of players we have on the team this year” said Dart. “I know if we continue to keep working hard and come together as a team just a little bit more, than we definitely have a shot at states again this year.”

The PPCHS girls’ softball team is known for winning states just two years ago and finishing second last year. One huge reason for that extraordinary run is senior catcher Jamie Gonzalez. Gonzalez has been playing softball since she was seven years old when her friends got her to start playing and she has been around the sport for a while as her older brother played baseball since he was little too. Now she is a four year veteran on the school team looking to bring home yet another state championship for Pines Charter. However, winning states this year will be a lot tougher as the team is much younger and inexperienced. That means that the few upperclassmen, like Gonzalez, must step up and guide the team.

“I know that my role on the team this season is going to be very different than last year. Improving on leadership skills is something that us seniors on the team must do in order for us to have success,” said Gonzalez.

Being a good leader is something that won’t be as hard to accomplish for Gonzalez because her team is already used to motivational pep talks that she gives before every game. As for the team, they will be more than ready for the start of the season as they continue to practice and become more familiar with each other.

After the season is over, Gonzalez will look to continue playing softball as she earned a full scholarship to play the sport she loves at St. Thomas University in Miami

Super Bowl not so super this year Matthew Deno STAFF WRITER

In what was supposed to be the Super Bowl of the Century, the Seattle Seahawks proved to be too tough for the Denver Broncos, as they went on to dominate the Broncos 43-8.

The Seahawks’ suffocating defense was all over the field Sunday night, as they forced four turnovers (2 interceptions and 2 fumbles) and managed to pressure Peyton Manning the whole game. The Seahawks shut out Manning and the Broncos in the first half before allowing one meaningless touchdown in the third quarter, long after the outcome Graphic by: Danny Vidal had been decided.

“I wasn’t expecting this outcome at all. It completely caught me off guard and I have to give props to the Seahawks’ defense for playing a lights out game,” says senior Derek Garcia.

The game got off to a wild start as the opening snap of the game flew over Manning’s head and was recovered in the end zone by running back Knowshon Moreno for a safety. It only got worse from there as Seattle’s defense gave one of the greatest performances in Super Bowl history against statistically the greatest offense in NFL history. It looked unfair to the Broncos, a team that had manhandled almost every defense it faced this season. Seahawks outside linebacker Malcolm Smith was the Super Bowl MVP, the first defensive player to win it since Tampa Bay’s Dexter Jackson in 2003. Smith had a 69-yard pick-six, a fumble recovery and 10

tackles. You could have picked a half-dozen guys on Seattle’s defense to be the MVP, including strong safety Kam Chancellor -- who had 10 tackles and an interception -- and Wagner, who had 10 tackles. Avril had two pass deflections, one of which led to Smith’s pick-six. Defensive end Chris Clemons forced a fumble and had a deflection.

For Manning, some people said this Super Bowl would determine his legacy. Even after this game, his legacy is secure.

But no man, not even Superman, could have gotten it done against the Seahawks’ defense Sunday night. Although the Broncos got dismantled, Manning set a Super Bowl record for passes completed with 34 out of 49 throws and receiver Demaryius Thomas had a record 13 receptions.

“I’m not really that big a fan of football, but I know enough to realize what is going on at the moment. This game was not as entertaining as I expected and I was rooting for the Broncos. It is really unfortunate that Manning had to lose like this,” said junior Anthony Perez.

One historically great player was no match for a defense full of hungry, young players with a toughness that defined a championship season. It was an attitude that made history against a quarterback for the ages. In a season to treasure, Seattle’s defense finished with a Super Bowl performance to remember.

All headshots taken by

Run more than your mouth Troy Bottom SPORTS EDITOR

No matter the sport or age group, there is always going to be that one athlete that runs their mouth a little more than they should.

They flaunt, taunt, and jab at any weakness they see in their opponent. There are divided opinions on this Stone Age tactic, which leaves these talkative athletes strongly hated and loved at the same time. No matter if you think it’s a cardinal sin or not, one thing is very clear, it’s effective.

For decades, from the professional level all the way down too little league, athletes have always used chants and smack talking to bring down an opponent. Athletes such as Deion Sanders, Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr., and Muhammad Ali have made their careers around the art of rubbing their talents in their opponent’s faces. But the difference with most of these greats and the average trash talkers today is that they have the talent to put their money where their mouth is.

This debate was recently refueled by 25 year old corner back Richard Sherman, who will be starting for the Seattle Seahawks in the 48th Super Bowl on February 2nd. In the NFC Championship game on January 19th, Sherman ended the game with an acrobatic midair twist to swat the ball away from 49er’s receiver Michael Crabtree and into a teammates arms for an interception. Seattle’s 12th man erupted into cheers as Sherman ultimately punched the team’s ticket to the Super Bowl. After the great play, Sherman ran over to the disappointed Crabtree and gave him a little pat on the rear end, stuck out his hand, and said “good game, good game.”

A frustrated Crabtree shoved Sherman’s helmet out of his face, which riled up the corner back. Running back to the sideline, Sherman than gestured a choking sign to 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

After the game came to an end, reporters rushed to interview the still adrenaline filled Sherman. Reporter Erin Andrews got to Sherman first, and this what he said (screamed) about the final play with Crabtree, “I was making sure everyone knew Crabtree was a mediocre receiver. And when you try the best corner in the game with a mediocre receiver, that’s what happens. I appreciate that he knows that now. There has been a lot of talk from him running his mouth about me.”

And about taunting Kaepernick, Sherman simply said “I threw a choking sign at 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Why? Because he decided he was going to try the guy he was avoiding all game, because, I don’t know, he’s probably not paying attention for the game-winning play. C’mon, you’re better than that.”

After his final words, sports analysts and celebrities began commenting on the subject through social media and talk shows. Some applauded his actions by saying it’s what the game of football needs, which is a talented athlete that adds a little charisma to the game. Others such as football legend Mike Ditka stated that the interview was “selfish to take away a team victory by drawing the attention to an individual.”

For senior William Facey, Richard Sherman did nothing wrong in his eyes.

Facey, a Wide Receiver for the football team takes pride in being able to mess with opponents and get them angry and their minds off the actual game.

“It’s like an art kind of. You have to start early and just keep hitting them with little jabs to get them heated,” commented Facey. “When I start messing with the player across from me, my main job is to just get them more focused on what I am saying than the actual game. I like what Sherman did Graphi

players at PPCHS

15

Sports

January 2014

Sophia Devesa

Camila Lopez

Claire Blount

For Sophia it all began twelve years ago when she started softball; she has loved it from the moment she began playing. Devesa is the starting first or third baseman for the Lady Jags. She is hungry for another title being that she was part of the victorious team that won states when she was a freshman. Sophia is a wellrounded athlete playing basketball her first two years as an underclassmen. However, she has chosen to focus her full attention on softball in her junior year.

She has kept playing softball all these years because, “Softball is fun to play and it’s a team sport. My dad inspired me to start softball because he used to play baseball.”

Outside of Charter Sophia plays for a travel softball team in Coral Springs called Florida Power. It is a team that goes all across the country; they are a very talented team and have won many tournaments throughout the years. Some of her teammates are already committed to a college. She looks forward to being scouted and playing softball in college as well.

As of now, Auburn, Mercer, and Nova are looking at Devesa. Playing softball in college has always been a dream of hers ever since she started twelve years ago.

Hopefully with the help of Sophia the Lady Jags will be on the road to another state championship this year.

Devesa is very excited as to what the future world of softball has in store for her.

Having started playing softball from the time she was eight, sophomore Camila Lopez has proven herself to be a dedicated player who loves her sport. It all began when Lopez was invited to play baseball with the sons of a family friend. When she didn’t know how to play, they explained the rules of the game and taught her the fundamentals. Since there are not any girls’ baseball teams, she decided to sign up for the next best thing: softball. Since then, Lopez has mastered three crucial infield positions, catcher, first base, and third base. For the school team, she can be seen playing first base, using her impressive glove work to prevent as many singles that she can.

“I love playing for the high school team. I have never played with such a talented group of girls that have such determination to win. Last year, we made it to states and we were runner ups which was a good achievement considering our lineup consisted of mostly freshmen. The pitcher, first basemen, and third basemen were all freshmen so we were happy with our win,” says Lopez.

The biggest thing the team has to work on is learning how to play together. There are a lot of great new players and they all just have to learn how to play with one another. Their greatest asset is the overall talent they have. Each and every player brings something useful to the field. Their expectation this year is to be state champions. Its starts with Camila Lopez having a break out year.

Sophomore Claire Blount has had a strong love for softball since the sensitive age of five years old.

Blount always knew that softball would be a huge part of her life going forward. Now at fifteen years old, she is in her second year playing for the PPCHS softball team. While she is known to be a very flexible and easily interchangeable player due to her variety of skills, her all-time favorite position is pitcher.

Blount was inspired to begin playing softball due to her older sister Bridget’s passion for the sport. Claire developed her own love for the sport and continued to play not only to accompany her sister but also with a goal to become better and further her talent.

Blount plans to remain on the PPCHS softball team until senior year and also hopes to be able to pursue her passion for softball after she is finished with high school. Blount’s role models are pitchers Jennie Finch and Cat Osterman, who have made their claims to fame with their success on the US National Olympic Softball team.

Blount is very grateful for her teammates and coach Tom Fadul as well. “I know how important it is to take constructive criticism and learn from one another in order to become better and more successful,” Blount said. “I value the advice both my coach and teammates provide and recognize the importance of it.”

Along with the personal goal of improving her own arsenal of skills, Claire and the rest of the team have one main priority: to become champions. “The main goal I have is to do all I can personally to help accomplish the team goal: getting to states and becoming home victorious,” Blount stated.

Juan Tellez and Alex Momge

So close they can taste it; Lady Jags go to States and I got to listen to him talk during the game because he was mic’d up and liked how he got into the head of Crabtree.”

But to some athletes and spectators, if you want to make an impact on the game, do it with your talent and leave the trash talk to yourself. Although it may work sometimes, one day someone is going to make you look plain foolish as he dominates the entire game.

Not only does it come off as disrespectful but it is a poor example for the younger generation to handle the lost art of sportsmanship.

“I thought that his actions after the game completely took away from the great play that wrapped up the Super Bowl for the Seahawks,” said junior Danny Meltzer. “It was uncalled for and there was no reason for him to take a shot at Crabtree.”

Hate it or love it, Sherman’s tactics prevailed and shutdown a good receiver in a crucial game. In any sport there is always one player’s mouth that non-stop runs and taunts the other players. There is a fine line between plain unsportsmanlike conduct and tolerable taunting and if one is able to stay in that median, they might be able to effectively destroy a player mentally before they even step on the field.

ic by:

Matthew Perez

lowed the home crowd boost up the team’s psyche. During the majority of the game, the This was it, the moment every girl on the Jags were able to control possession of the Pines Charter ball and atvarsity soctempt many cer team had shots on goal. been dreaming This domiof – a chance nation led to to make it to the team ultithe state chammately winpionships for ning handily, the first time in 4-0. Next up school history. was the semiAll that stood final with the between them opponent beand that prestiing the Migious achieveami Springs ment was the Top of the food chain: The Jaguar upperclassman pose with their Hawks. Once Regional final Regional Champion trophy. Photo by: Jonathan Harris again, the against the Dwyer Panthers. In what proved game was held on the Jags’ home field, provto be a game for the ages, the Jags pulled out ing yet again to be an asset for the team. Comthe victory, 2-1, thanks to a game-winning ing out of the gates firing, the Jags jumped overtime goal by senior Mya Goodman. to an early 3-0 lead, and they never looked Overcome with emotion, the team ran to back. In the end, the Hawks proved to be no Goodman and celebrated the greatest victory match for the tough Jags, as they cruised to in Charter soccer history. This win propels yet another 4-0 win, this time sending them the Jags to Melbourne, FL, where they will to the Regional final. face Fleming Island High School on Friday “Heading into the Regional final, I knew at 10:00 a.m. in the first round of the State that the opponent was going to be the toughChampionship. Looking back, the girls’ soc- est that we have faced all year. I had to cer team surely made the best out of their make the team aware of that and make sure first Regional appearance ever. that they were prepared for the game,” said “I am just so proud of this group of girls Coach Velasquez. for accomplishing our first ever trip to States.

It all came down to the Regional final Before the start of the season, I knew that against a tough Dwyer Panthers squad. The this team had the potential to achieve great girls knew that this game would be more of things, and now that it’s a reality, it feels so a challenge than the previous ones. It was awesome to know we reached our goals,” a hard fought battle. The storyline was persaid sophomore right back Veronica Gayoso. fect, both teams were looking for their first It all started on January 23 in the Region- ever appearance in the state championship. al quarterfinal against a fairly new school, The Jags got off to a quick start when junior Terra Environmental Institute. The Jags got Courtney Zaher scored the first goal of the the honor of hosting the match, which al- game in the 15th minute after sophomore

Matthew Deno STAFF WRITER

Sawyer Hall took a shot and it deflected off the keeper. However, Dwyer answered with a goal of their own in the opening seconds of the second half. At the end of regulation, the game was still knotted up at 1-1, with both teams struggling to gain any momentum. Heading into overtime, the Jags knew that they couldn’t let this opportunity of a lifetime slip away. Emotions were incredibly high for both teams- this game meant everything. They needed someone to step up in overtime and make a big play. Senior Mya Goodman decided that she would be that someone. Five minutes into the extra time, the ball deflected off the Dwyer goalkeeper and landed in front of Goodman’s feet. About to send her team to Sates, the captain shot the ball and it sailed into the upper portion of the net. That’s it, the Jags were Regional champs and headed to States! It was a moment that will be cemented into Pines Charter history forever.

Overwhelmed with emotion: Senior Amy Etchechury celebrates with captains Mya Goodman and Vicki Pineda. Photo by: Jonathan Harris

Hack Attack: Big name retailers affected by hacking software

Inside Technology....

Hack Attack:

17

Technology January 2014

Big name retailers affected by hacking software Melissa Sullivan EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

With a rise in the amount of technology available to the public, it has been increasingly simple for people to use technology in not only negative ways but positive ways as well. In late 2013, the widely recognized stores Target and Neiman Marcus were victims of a hack that allowed shoppers’ data to be stolen. The large stores faced a huge dilemma and a large amount of nega-

credit monitoring and store credit to those affected by the incident. “Even though Target is working to correct the situation, I think the whole thing is very frightening,” said senior Joshua Wronker. “Everyone’s private information was stolen right from under their noses. If a seventeen year old boy can do it this easily, I can’t imagine what someone with more knowledge and experience can accomplish.”

According to NewsMax, the security

Cards beware: Many customers now fear the use of their credit cards after this hack attack and has caused six large retailers to lose some buisness. Photo By: Rebecca Gonzalez

Target is Targeted: Target represenatives claim they have fixed the issue that caused millions of customers information to be hacked. Photo By: Rebecca Gonzalez

tive feedback from the public regarding the issue.

According to CNN, a seventeen year old boy designed the software used to hack into Target’s registers and obtain names, mailing addresses and telephone numbers of customers that had recently used credit or debit cards. In an attempt to regain the following of customers, Target is offering free

breach occurred shortly after the rush of Black Friday and affected up to 110 million customers who used electronic payment at the chain stores. Although the seventeen year wasn’t directly responsible for the breach, he is responsible for selling his software throughout Eastern Europe to at least 60 different cybercriminals. Currently, Target, the third largest retailer in

the U.S., Neiman Marcus and at least six other large retailers have been affected by the cyber-attack.

“Technology has been advancing so much lately, it’s very creepy to think that somewhere in the world someone can be developing software to steal all of my information,” said senior Xan Taylor. “They can find out anything they want about me and ruin my life forever. Something needs to be done to stop these people, what they are doing is wrong. I can’t even imagine how advanced hacking technology will be

if we continue to advance at the rate we have been.”

It’s difficult to imagine that such large companies such as Target and Neiman Marcus could be affected by software a teenager designed and sold. Unfortunately, this is the exact reality that millions of customers across the United States are faced with. This is just the beginning, as at least six larger name retailers are currently experience hacks using online credit processing (NewsMax).

Google in contact with Diabetes Within the lens, a miniature chip will be inserted. The chip will constantly be measuring glucose levels in the patient’s tears, Google is one of the largest companies in once every second according to usatoday. the world. From being involved on the web com, allowing for an alternate way to with websites such as YouTube to chang- check if they are at a healthy level; in oring the face of smart phones with Android, der to protect the chip and the patient, it the company has grown into a worldwide will be placed in between two thin layers of soft materials for contacts.

There will be a tiny hole in the lens that will allow for the tears to fall over the glucose monitor to check the levels. Also included will be a miniscule antenna that will wirelessly send the readings to a handheld device.

“I think these will help a lot. I have an older cousin with diabetes and he can be forgetful. Sometimes he just won’t check to make sure his glucose levels are where they should be. If these contact lenses work the way they should, hopefully we won’t have to worry about him forgetting. I know that D(eye)abetes: Google’s new technology will look to assist peopl they won’t prevent people with Diabetes and measure their glucose levels. from getting the disease, but Photo By: Armando Urena hopefully it will help to keep empire. Last year, the world got to see ev- people who have it healthier,” sophomore erything through a new perspective when Jasmine Singh says.

Google released Google Glass. In early According to the US National DiabeJanuary, Google stepped up their game tes Program, approximately 382 million with the announcement of Google Contact people have been diagnosed with diabelenses. The company announced that they tes around the world. The daily routine were looking for a partner with the project, for each diagnosed patient is difficult and which has had about 18 months of work can become hard to manage. For example, already according to foxnews.com. Unlike children often have to take a visit to their other Google products such as Android cell school nurse to make sure they have stable phones and Google Glass, which are used glucose levels. Each day millions of people mainly for entertainment purposes, Google affected with diabetes have to check their contact lenses will be used for a much dif- blood. This is usually done by poking the ferent purpose. The lenses will focus on finger of someone who is diagnosed and people living with diabetes. taking the blood from that to check (diaNick Rivera STAFF WRITER

betes.org). Over time, the painful task becomes tedious, and many people will either forget to check their levels, or opt out of it for a day.

“I think it’s more difficult for children to measure their glucose because not all of the devices are available to them.

I’ve seen kids with diabetes before and I can see that their fingers are filled with a count- See into the future: Sophomore Jasmine Singh thinks the innovative technology will be less amount of a major stride for the scientific community. Photo By: Rebecca Gonzalez pricks. It pains me to see what these kids have to go will not go through google. Another pothrough every day,” says sophomore Kai- tential problem is that of the readings betlyn Chang. ing changed due to someone being able to Blood has been the best and most accu- hack into the handheld device. Then there rate way of measuring glucose levels; how- is also the fact that the lenses may overever, according to usatoday.com, scientists heat. Google has worked hard to correct have been trying to find new, less painful any potential threats that could be a danger ways of checking the levels. These include to the user of the lenses. saliva, sweat, and even urine. Tears were With all of the excitement around the new tested; however, the problem was that there prototype, it could be a while before it is was not enough liquid in the tears to prop- made available to the public. There are still erly measure the amount of glucose. The many details that must be added before contact lenses will provide a change due to the product can be deemed usable. Even the fact that they will constantly be in the though this is only a small step forward user’s eyes. in the advancement of health, Google has One of the worries of the product is that provided stepping stones for both itself and the readings will be sent to Google, allow- other companies to take to the next level. ing for the company to access the personal The … of technology and health has bedata of each person. However, according come more and more rapid. Within the deto the company this will not be the case. cade, it is possible that the world will see Google has assured the public that the data alternate methods benefitting diabetes as collected from the tears of each patient well as other diseases.

Technology January 2014

Track Your Friends and Your Family Using apps like Apple’s Find My iPhone and Verizon Wireless’ Verizon Family Locator, you can remotely check up on your favorite people using GPS tracking.

Price: Find My iPhone and Verizon Family Locator are free.

18

Top 10 things to do with a smartphone

Be a Remote Keyboard and Mouse Controlling your computer with your phone has never been easier.

R.P.A.’s Mobile Mouse (Remote/ Mouse/Trackpad/Keyboard) and Joshua Sera’s RemoteDroid allow you to use your phone as a wireless keyboard and mouse using your own wireless network.

Price: Mobile Mouse – $1.99.

RemoteDroid: Free for a basic version or – $1.99 with upgrades and exclusive features.

Measure Your Heart Rate With Azumio’s Instant Heart Rate App, holding two fingers up to your neck is a thing of the past.

When you touch the screen with your finger, this app will scan your blood flow using the phone’s camera monitor.

Price: Free with version with ads or $0.99 for the ad-free version.

Help You Lose Weight Daily Burn, Inc’s Tracker – Fitness and Nutrition Tracking and Calorie Counter by FatSecret (FatSecret) can easily find nutritional info for the food you eat and keep track of your meals, exercise, and weight. These apps can help you assess your eating habits and help you maintain or change your diet to get you on track to get to your goal weight or nutritional standing.

Price: Tracker – Fitness and Nutrition Tracking and Calorie Counter are both free apps.

Replace Your Wallet Leave your bulky wallet at home and store all of your credit card information on your phone with CardStar, which keeps all of your frequent shopper cards in one place. Google Wallet can also be used to store credit card details, special offers, and other payment information. (Individual credit card or banking information apps can be downloaded individually: Visa, AmEx, Mastercard, Bank of America, Capital One, and PNC) Price: CardStar and Google Wallet are both free.

Tune an Instrument Do you ever need to tune your instruments between your calls and texts? With Cohortor.org’s Tuner – gStrings Free app, you can do just that. This app will let you tune the guitar, violin, piano, viola, bass, wind instruments, and more.

Price: Tuner – gStrings Free is a free app.

Help You Plan and/or Lead You on a Scavenger Hunt Asbury Mobile, LLC’s Scavenger Hunt with Friends LT one-ups the old way of doing scavenger hunts and replaces the process of writing on pieces of paper with creating QR codes to get. These codes that would direct participants to a website will send an SMS message directly to the participant’s phone so they can move on and complete the hunt.

Price: Free for the lite (LT) version and $0.99 for the full app.

Your smartphone can...

Joshua Alleman EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Identify Songs The well-known apps Shazam (Shazam Entertainment Limited) and SoundHound (SoundHound Inc.) are useful for identifying those songs that you can’t remember the name for or are just hearing for the first time, but they are not the only apps out there.

Microsoft’s version can be accessed on the Windows 8 Phones by tapping the search button on the phone and then tapping the music icon while Google Inc.’s Sound Search can not only identify songs, but allow you to buy them straight through the app.

Price: Shazam, SoundHound, and Sound Search are all free.

Tell You Everything Is there a word you don’t understand? The Dictionary.com app (Dictionary.com, LLC) can help you with that. Can’t find where to go? Google Inc’s Maps has you covered. Do you want to converse with someone who speaks a different language? Google Translate (Google Inc.) is the app for you.

Google Search (Google Inc.) can answer almost any question that you can think up, and Google Goggles (Google Inc.) can identify products, famous landmarks, storefronts, artwork, and popular images online through the use of your phone’s camera.

Price: Dictionary.com, Maps, Google Translate, Google Search, and Google Goggles are free apps.

Show You Visual Voicemail Listening to that robotic voice telling you which buttons to press while trying to listen to or delete voicemails can be irritating.

HulloMail Free Smart Voicemail (HulloMail Ltd) displays your voicemail as a menu, where you can tap a message to play it so you don’t have to listen to all of them in order. This app includes features that allow you pause, fast forward, and rewind messages.

With the paid version, you can view your voicemails as text instead of listening to them.

Price: Free or $8.99 for the paid version.

Black History Month touches All

Inside Features...

The reign of the peaceful King

BSU takes the lead in celebrating Black History

Features January 2014

20

MLK’s Dream sp

As February begins, PPCHS sees something on the horizon: Black History Month. It al Students discussed expanding Black History Week to Black History Month. The first Bla nized by the U.S. government as a part of the United States Bicentennial. Year after year, and the relevance of designating a month to celebrating African American heritage. Rega this month tries to convey across the nation. From Martin Luther King J

Cathy Wentzel (’15) “I have a dream to one day become a guidance counselor, so that I can make a difference in people’s lives by helping them succeed.”

The reign of the peaceful King

David Dienemann (’14) “I have a dream that one day every child will grow up in a bastion of peace and knowledge—that children all across the world would never have to fear that they might go hungry at night or wondering if they will have a good future.”

and bloodshed brought about during wars.

A perfect example is a quote from his book He was an icon of the twentieth century. Strength to Love. In it, King says “Returning He was man recognizable by both sight and hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper sound. He was a mover, a shaker, a leader, darkness to a night already devoid of stars. a peacemaker, and so much more. Rev. Dr. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only Martin Luther King Jr. is an unforgettable light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, catalyst whose works and words are adorned only love can do that.” With words like these, on everything from monuments to calendars. King was able to set an example of peace and No matter how long time passes, the world love for the world to see. will never forget Martin Luther King Jr. He “When I listen to Martin Luther King’s was a man of incredible accomplishments speeches, I reflect on what happened in the and powerful words that helped to shake up past and why it shouldn’t happen ever again.

I believe that everyone should show tolerance to others and treat everyone equally to make sure that we fulfill Martin Luther King’s dreams,” says freshman Stephen Tenn.

Though he mostly advocated equality for blacks, King’s main messages apply to all. King may be most famous for is I Have a Dream speech which advocated for the removal of segregation and the coming together of both blacks and whites, but King was more than a civil rights activist.

He spoke on everything from freedom and faith to service and society. With the power to captivate an audience and make them listen, Martin Luther King was able to convey messages all across the world Graphic by: Matthew Perez to reach those who needed it the most. War, economic a nation. For innumerable reasons, Martin injustice, charity, education, black self-love, Luther King will forever remained seared in and justice were all in King’s speeches. Time the hearts and minds of all Americans. and time again, King spoke out about things One of his most important traits, Martin Lu- that were wrong in the world and help to start ther King was an archetype for good behav- a way to change them. ior. As a paradigm for peace and love for all, Martin Luther King is remembered beKing has been placed next to Mother There- cause he stood out. There were so many sa, Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela, civil rights activists and many of them go as some of the world’s greatest peacemakers. unnamed, but King was able to because a In his speeches and sermons, King tried to name people knew. Why? Because not only convey the message that people needed to did he stand for what he believed in, not only show peace and not succumb to the violence did he fight for what was right, King stood

Farzain Majeed (’14) “I have a dream to not be forced to study medicine and instead pursue film. Many people in my family have studied medicine and now have stable jobs, which is what my parents want for me. They don’t want me to throw my opportunities away for some small chance that I could be a successful film maker who could make money doing what I love.”

Lori Johnson (’14) “I have a dream that there will be no need to try and fit in based on skin color or sexual occupation. There should be no qualms when ‘the white kid’ enters the black group or ‘the black kid’ enters the white group or a mixed person who tries to get along with both sides of their heritage. I have a dream where homosexual won’t have to fear telling people their orientation because they feel it will hinder their success. I have a dream where people can TRULY find friends in every single race/ethnicity/sexual occupation and have to ability to proudly say: ‘Yes my circle of friends is a salad bowl’. That is my dream.”

Sophie Fabien (’17) “I have a dream to excel in soccer my high school years. I am on the right track this year by being on Varsity, but I hope to get my name out there so that college coaches see me too.”

Looghermine Claude LIFESTYLE EDITOR

in front of the microphone. King came on stage and captured audiences’ attention with his booming voice and radical words. He was not only a person in a crowd, but also a distinct voice and face that people, then and now, new meant a change was coming.

As he stood out from others in the civil right movement, King also became a symbol for it. He became known as a leader for the civil rights movement and a force to be reckoned with when dealing with the rights of AfricanAmericans.

“I admire great leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. who bring out a good quality in others. Without him, we would be in a different world because he helped change America’s view of ‘separate but equal’ to equal for all.

Without him we probably wouldn’t all be here in school together,” says junior Noah Levy.

King’s goal in life was to matter. Not to matter as a celebrity or a professional athlete, but to matter to the well-being of the world.

His objective throughout his life of activism was to serve. King tried to serve the oppressed present in every form. The excluded, the poor, the hungry, and the sick all received attention and help from Martin Luther King.

Best characterized in his 1968 speech The Drum Major Instinct, King says “…if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy… mention that day, that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to give his life serving others. I’d like for somebody to say that day, that Martin Luther King, Jr., tried to love somebody. I want you to say that day, that I tried to be right on the war question. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry.

I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked. I want you to say, on that day, that I did try, in my life, to visit those who were in prison. I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.”

Martin Luther King Jr. will always be remembered. Even if it’s not every day, each year on the third Monday of January, people will stop and think about all that King has done for the American people. He facilitated a change in the nation by preaching words of peace and love, showing fervor for equality, and helping the American people to begin to achieve a great dream.

Noah Levy (’15) “I have a dream that the potenti their inner strength, in which self-reliance is at the advantage. Furthermore, my dream consists of peo wards success; rather than doing whatever it takes t the skills to enjoy themselves by working by their o own skills to limit and diminish further potential. Pe obstacles by enjoying the journey of knowledge in swer. I have a dream that people realize that the jo the answer itself. People need to do their own work

pans generations

21

Features

January 2014

ll started in February of 1969 at Kent State University, when leaders of the Black United ack History Month was celebrated at Kent State in 1970, and in 1976 it was finally recog, when the month of February comes around, a lot of debate arises about the significance ardless, PPCHS would like to recognize the outstanding individuals and the message that Jr. to our very own school clubs, Black History Month goes a long way.

BSU takes the lead in celebrating Black History awareness, etiquette, affirmative action, HBBlack History Month, or National African CUs, and college readiAmerican History Month, is an annual cele- ness. Among the topics, bration of achievements by black Americans members discuss how and a time for recognizing the central role these issues are evident of African Americans in U.S. history. Ever in history and how they since 1976, every U.S. president has desig- affect today in modern nated the month of February as Black Histo- society. Many of the rery Month. Other countries around the world, cent topics have been including Canada, also devote a month to based on the idea of light celebrating black history. Within our various skin vs. dark skin which school clubs, the Black Student Union has has become quite popuhad a recent special interest in the month’s lar among teenagers. celebrations.

“The discussions we The Black Student Union has a strong having during our meetdevotion to promote activities of common ings I feel are effective. Black History: The Black Student Union has an interest in promoting activities interest, as well as cultural and educational We try to reach each on campus. Photo by: Jonathan Harris “I’m really excited for Black History month benefits for the African American student and every member. body. BSU encourages cooperation between With having these discussions we get those this year and everybody should come,” club people who are president Anesia Saunders says, “We have really intro- been preparing for a while now and it is goverts to speak ing to turn out great.”

In celebration of Black History Month, the out more,” club sponsor Mrs. BSU will also have a field trip to the AfriChancelor says, can-American Research Library and Cultural “It’s an oppor- Center located in Fort Lauderdale. The date tunity to let go for this trip is to be announced. This library and release be- includes literary collections of Africaning around the American authors, books and artifacts from same people Africa, the Caribbean, and North and South who have the American. To top it all off, the center also has same dialect a 5,000 square foot art gallery. Just as they and view that did last year, the BSU will also implement the black facts on the morning announceyou have.”

The club’s ments. These black facts will further educate most recent students on the importance of celebrating meetings have and appreciating Black History Month.

Any student, regardless of race or ethnicity, been centered on Black His- is welcome to join this club who has an active tory month. In interest in learning about Black history and preparation for the issues that affect the African-American the much antici- community. To become a member you must BSU: Senior Anesia Saunders and Mrs. Chancellor are preparing for Black History month. pated show, the simply attend the meetings, come with a Photo by: Jonathan Harris club is in charge positive attitude, and be willing to share their its member organizations and the African or organizing the annual event and mak- ideas with regard to programs, community American student body. Our school’s very ing sure that everything runs smoothly. The service events, and fundraisers that the club own club is very active. During their meet- Black History Month show is February 27th can engage in. Students must also maintain a ings, which take place in Mrs. Chancelor’s at 7:00 P.M. in the River of Grass Audito- 2.0 GPA to remain in the club. To foster an room every other Tuesday, the members have rium. Other clubs will participate in the show awareness of the unique and diverse issues different discussions and talk about worldly as well, such as Fashion Club which will be concerning the African-American communiissues that center on culture difficulties. hosting their own fashion show sometime ty, the Black Student union will continue to be an active club in our PPCHS community.

These issues include topics such as social during the event.

Andrea Bellorin CLUBS EDITOR

ial of Americans is fulfilled. People must find out eir utmost prime and they shall use it to their own ople who are determined to enjoy their journey toto reach success. People must realize that they have own means for success, rather than hindering their eople need to realize that they can easily overcome ntake, instead of running the path of finding the anourney to finding the answer is more valuable than k rather than cheat and get answers.”

Omar Noble (’14) “I have a dream that the human race as a whole will strive to progress with a fervor equal to that of Martin Luther King Jr. and those who aided him in the pursuit of AfricanAmerican civil rights.

The progression of technology and the dissemination of knowledge as a result has brought us to a position in which we have a better chance to improve the conditions of others while rectifying mistakes previously made and prevents further blunders. Black History Month is not just about celebrating African Americans, its a model for how everyone from every race, faith, and sexual orientation should be treated equally.”

Kali Cilli (’14) “I have a dream to always be happy—I want to be happy with my life and the people in it and I want to be happy with myself.”

Alden Diaz (’14) “I have a dream in which one day I wake up and feel successful because I’m doing what I love to do, surrounding myself with people I want to be with, and living life on my own terms.”

Lawrence Marable (’16) “I have a dream to be successful this quarter. I hope to achieve my dream by studying hard for all of my tests and getting all of my homework done on time. I believe that by trying my best, I will succeed.”

Johmi Vargas (’15) “I have a dream where I’m a part of something more important than just you, me, or any of us as individuals. I don’t want to be the one who says “oh I created this on my own.” I want to be able to say “look this is something we did all together and we made a change” we being all of us, all around the world. I have a dream where change is no longer feared, but encouraged.”

Page Name Month 2014

#

2014 Award Shows: the good, the bad, and the maybe next times

Inside Lifestyle...

Try the Chang’s Chinese experience

Hey TV, leave those kids alone

2014 Award Shows—the good, the bad, and the maybe next times 2014 Award Shows from page 23...

to one understanding—Dunham is not fat, but she is not a size one either. A bright, flat fitting dress is not complimentary to The New Year is in session and so is her stature. the award show season. From the Golden Brand new parents, Channing Tatum and Globes and the Grammys to the Screen Ac- Jenna Dewan, were a stunning duo. His tors Guild awards, celebrities brought their crisp, clean-cut suit complimented her supposed ‘best’ to the red carpet. Some simple yet stylish Roberto Cavalli gown, showed that they could pull off any type of and vice-versa. The detail and lace at the formal wear, while others seemed to be a top of Dewan’s dress balanced out her train little confused. perfectly.

• The Golden Globes: 12 Years a Slave’s Lupita Nyong’o seemed The hostesses of the 2014 Golden Globes to glide effortlessly down the Red Carpet. were the amazing Tina Fey and Amy The elegance of her dress was evident, as Poehler. Poehler’s sleek, form-fitting Stella she knew how to carry it off. The classic McCartney dress fit her and her personality red color of the Ralph Lauren piece comwell while Tina Fey looked flawless in her plimented her skin color and her otherwise Caroline Herrera gown with pockets. Fey’s simple makeup and hair contributed to her dress pattern suited her well and the duo peaceful presence. was fit for the occasion.

• The Screen Actors Guild Awards: Although Jennifer Lawrence is always carrying around her straight-forward personality on her shoulders, this strapless Dior gown that showed off her shoulders made her look taller and more mature.

Lawrence surprisingly pulled-off the confetti/fish-scale pattern. The American Hustle actress had her outfit under control.

Sandra Bullock may be the best of both worlds when it comes to acting and comedy, but this dress didn’t express that.

The seemingly ‘Tinkerbell’ inspired Lanvin dress doesn’t match the maturity of Graphic By: Matthew Perez the Gravity actress as an individual and it sure doesn’t capture how great of an acJumping the Broom’s Paula Patton is tress or comedian she is. stunning in white; however, the alligator Sofia Vergara was yet again, a show stopsized ruffle running down the left side of per. At the age of 41, the Modern Family her Stephanie Rolland dress is not flatter- actress is still radiant. She is confident with ing. The piece just doesn’t seem to fit her every shot and the flashiness of her Donna jubilant personality. Not only is the dress a Karan Atelier dress is well suited to her little top heavy, but it is also too distracting flamboyant personality. from who Patton is as an actress.

On the other hand, there are people such Lena Dunham, director of Tiny Furniture as Mariah Carey, who at 43 years old, is literally shining as bright as the sun in should dress more modestly. As a mother her Zac Posen gown. The color of her dress of twins and still a singing sensation, modreally makes her stand out from the rest of est does not necessarily mean conservative the nominees. I think everyone must come in Mariah’s case. Making her Saint LauMelissa Pierce STAFF WRITER

rent dress a long gown would have been more acceptable in my eyes. As for Nick Cannon, his suit fits him well; it elongates his legs while making him look slim and young.

Natalie Dormer’s simple yet strong appearance at the 2014 Screen Actors Guild Awards left everyone speechless. The Game of Thrones star’s Marios Schwab gown made her strides seem effortless while the thick, off-the-shoulder straps made her appear to have the strength of an Egyptian princess.

• The Grammy’s: Wiz Khalifa walked the red carpet in an elongating YSL suit. He looked tall and classy, all the while being able to keep his cool and collected persona.

Katy Perry brought to life the true meaning of the Grammy’s in her Valentino gown.

The white dress with a wispy lower half emitted the Roar singer’s lively personality while the music notes scattered throughout her dress showed who she really was.

Taylor Swift made a statement in her headto-toe chain mail Gucci dress. Swift described the dress as a ‘bullet proof suit of armor’ when talking with Ryan Seacrest.

This edgy look gave the 22 singer a more mature and strong appearance.

Cyndi Lauper was unique in her Alexander McQueen dress. A black dress (that looked like a cape), bright red hair, and a gold accessory that looked as if it were choking Lauper just didn’t seem to blend.

Kevin Hart may be as good as it get when it comes to comedy, but his suit at the Grammy’s was not as good as it gets when it comes to fashion. The black suit with a gold floral pattern did not represent Hart very well; it aged him.

As is evident, celebrities take their time to get ready for important award shows. Some time is worthwhile and some time should have been spent picking out anything else.

This is just the beginning; there; the Oscars are right around the corner. Keep an eye open for the no’s and go’s for the rest of the award season.

Hey TV, leave those kids alone

don’t get credit for the things they can do.

Acknowledging the power that these kids have is pretty genius. How many times Such little bodies and small minds, yet have you gone out with your family, and they hold the power to make monumental your younger sibling complains about decisions that dictate the stocks on Wall where you’re going so the destination is Street and the jobs of millions. Yes, it’s changed? The inevitable question that strange to think about and even stranger to these little kids will be asked is, “where know that millions of marketing compa- do you want to go?” And the answer will nies spend their days thinking about little always be what they saw on TV the night kids and what appeals to them. Nowadays, before. That cool new dinosaur restaurant companies appeal to the little kids because that opened up down the street that caters they have a say in what happens when mom to mostly kids will probably be the new goes to the grocery store. If little Johnny destination of choice. The thing about kids sees a commercial for a yogurt that “all the is they aren’t afraid to say what’s on their cool kids are eating,” during SpongeBob, mind, which is why targeting their demoodds are he’s going to ask mom for it at graphic is so smart. They haven’t learned the store. about filtering what you say yet, so they Marketing companies spend millions each have no problem complaining all the way year on the psychoanalysis of kids so they to the restaurant about how they don’t want can learn what makes them tick, and what to go. According to media smarts.com, kids influence breakfast choices a whopping 97% of the time, where the family goes to eat 98%, and family trips and excursions 97% of the time. I know. The numbers shocked me too.

The only thing that really bothers me about this idea is the fact that these advertising are inadvertently teaching these kids to become mini consumers—using their parents’ money now but their own money later. It’s a scary T.V. Influences: Children everywhere are being influenced everyday by the concept. We already live in material on televison. Photo By: Peter Dourvetakis such a consumerist society, appeals to them. When you think about it, what’s the big rush to add kids into this list it’s a really smart move. Kids are often un- so early? A part of me feels like it’s a smart derestimated and dismissed as “cute”, but business move, another part of me fears the Chelsi Chang ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

manipulation that goes into it. Like I said before, millions of dollars go into researching the things kids like and don’t like so that companies can target them.

The worst part is, kids are innocent, so anything they say on these commercials will be truth for them. I’ve seen tons of Hot Wheels commercials with giant fire breathing dragons and fast moving cars and water traps, but when it comes to the real thing, it’s barely one inch off the ground and the machine barely works. But they make it flashy for TV because they want these little kids’ eyes to light up as the see yet another useless toy they don’t need. This encourages them to spend, spend, spend.

Why? Well for one thing, they’re not paying for it and also, they aren’t old enough to know that companies lie for a living. By high school, most everyone knows that if a pop-up on the internet for a get rich quick scheme comes, to exit the site because it’s really some internet hacker is hungry for our bank account number. Little kids don’t see things like that. They believe that if they buy Barbie’s Dream House they really will live like Barbie because that’s what the kids on the TV are doing.

To me, this technique of marketing has its pros and cons and I’m really not sure which one outweighs which. Odds are, companies will continue to attract these little kids to consumerist products like a fly to a bright light. Truth is, they are probably going to start appealing to younger and younger audiences, so really, whether we want to or not, it’s here to stay. All I know is, by the time I have kids they won’t be watching any television. I can hear myself now: “No mommy will not buy you another hover board just because the TV told you to!”

23

Lifestyle January 2014

Try the Chang’s Chinese experience Maribel Maignan STAFF WRITER

In Florida, it is absolutely impossible to drive down the street and not see a restaurant, and fifty percent of the time it’s somewhere you’re not in the mood for. Maybe it’s Italian, Mexican, or even Chinese you’re really craving; and if it’s Chinese food then there is a perfect place located at 1740 Sawgrass Mills Circle, that specializes in just that. There is no doubt that P.F. Chang’s China Bistro will have your taste buds in a frenzy with just one bite of their delicious cuisine.

Photo by: Alex Monge

“There is no better place to get Chinese food than P.F. Chang’s, everybody knows that,” said senior, Stephan Lubow.

As soon as you walk into the restaurant, the aroma of the food will blast you instantly making your mouth water so quickly it will shock you. Since P.F. Chang’s is a very popular restaurant around the world, it’s not a surprise that there are a lot of people there. Dinner time seems to be more hectic than lunch. One of the worst things about P.F. Chang’s is the wait. Unless you make a reservation beforehand, you’ll be waiting for a while, considering the restaurant is packed in the evening. The wait for a table takes a while depending between 20-50 minutes on its packed nights, but it’s

Photo by: Alex Monge

definitely worth it.

P.F. Chang’s has great customer service, unlike most restaurants. Your food actually comes fast, seriously fast, because before you can finish your appetizers, your main course is being delivered to you. The food comes in huge proportions, it’s so large, one plate can be eaten by three people, and depending on how much food is ordered, a few orders can be shared by a whole family. Some famous platters are the Chang’s chicken lettuce wraps, Chang’s chicken noodle soup, and their Mongolian beef.

There are also vegetarian plates which include their well-known Buddha’s feast and Coconut curry vegetables.

After your dinner you will be reminiscing on how great the food was, and for sure you’ll want to go back. “I love it, hands down it’s my favorite Chinese restaurant ever. The food is absolutely delicious,” said freshman, Ashley Mornant. P.F. Chang’s just might be one of the hottest Chinese restaurants around, with great food, reasonable prices, and fantastic customer service you’ll be dying to come back.

Page Name Month 2014

#

Spiraling down a polar vortex

Sweeping across the country is a petrifying and unwanted havoc of bad weather. All throughout the U.S., states are being greatly affected by this insanely cold weather. In a couple states, temperatures have dropped below zero, making every single day to day task a challenge.

Not only has it attacked the U.S. Midwest by a storm, literally, but it also has affected us Floridians.

Something very new to us, such as temperatures ranging anywhere

from 40°F to even 70°F, can be very shocking and out of our regular weather comfort zone.

The out of the blue cold weather that arrived in Florida just recently has taken a toll on many of its residents. According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, officials are urging residents and visitors throughout Florida to practice fire and cold weather safety as a strong arctic air mass brings freezing temperatures, and cold

wind chills. This arctic air mass has risen Freeze and Hard Freeze Warnings in 61 of Florida’s 67 counties.

Shocking? To think that the home of beach paradise and day long tanning has turned into a “tundra” of cold breeze to locals. On Wednesday, January 29th, it snowed in Tallahassee for most of the day. The regular shorts, flip flops, and bathing suits are tossed out the window as coats and scarfs are thrown on.

“I do love this cold weather but

sometimes it gets annoying. I forget to put a jacket on or to wear pants instead of shorts and it will just never be normal for me,” senior Nina Salciccioli says, “Even just putting my windows down in the car gets uncomfortable at times with the cold winds.”

See Polar Vortex, Page 25

Inside News

85 people own half the wealth

2014 Sochi Olympics

Weekend Reviews Melissa Pierce STAFF WRITER

• $10.10 minimum wage proposed by Obama would have big impact in Florida: On New Year’s Day, minimum wage in Florida rose by 14 cents, but now President Obama wishes to raise it again across the country to equal $10.10 per hour. More than one million workers in Florida alone would greatly benefit from this change.

Freshman Alexa Kaufman, who wishes to get a job soon, says, “This would greatly help out my mom and I. For baton twirling, I could use this extra income to help pay for competitions abroad.”

• Colorado airport installs amnesty boxes for pot users: Pot-smokers travelling in Colorado can discard their drugs in an amnesty box before going through security. This is in place for people who don’t know that it is illegal to carry weed; they can dump their stash before boarding. Junior Patricia Yordan says, “I don’t understand this. People will still try to sneak drugs onto the plane regardless of whether or not there is a place where they can dump it.”

• U.S. history exam may be hard for Florida students to pass: The predicted failure rate for this year’s U.S. History EOC exam is 40% in Florida.

This information comes from the results of last year’s exam, and it is sad that only a little over 50% of Florida students will pass the exam. But, how will the juniors here at Pines Charter do?

• Florida Legislature wants to raise speed limit: Highway speed limits may be raised throughout Florida as wanted by Legislature. They want a ‘high speed’ bill to pass which will raise the speed limit on highways by 5 mph. Thus, the speed limit on an Interstate-highway will be 75 mph and highways with speed limits of 60 mph and 65 mph will rise by 5 mph as well.

Freshman Andrew Rodriguez says, “This could help people get to work faster and such; people normally go faster on the highways anyway so I don’t think this will make much of a difference.”

• Princess Diana’s land mine charity workers kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan: The HALO-Trust charity is a Britishbased organization that works to clear land mines around the world. Princess Diana visited the charity in Angola in 1997. As of now however, 50 employees were kidnapped by the Taliban during their charity work in Afghanistan. They were just recently freed by a police operation. It looks like charity work isn’t even safe anymore.

• President Obama to meet with Pope Francis in March: The White House announced that President Barack Obama will pay a visit to Pope Francis in March. The President will arrive at the Vatican on March 27th as a part of a European tour that also includes the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy. Our president may be getting just as modern and ‘in’ as the pope!

Spiraling down a polar vortex

25

News January 2014

Polar Vortex form Page 24...

Andrea Bellorin CLUBS EDITOR

While South Florida enjoys a somewhat cold breeze from time to time, this cold weather is nothing new for most of the rest of the United States. In other states such as Chicago, New York, and Vermont, residents prepare well ahead of time for the scheduled cold weather. South Florida’s weather would be considered wonderful for others upstate suffering through extreme weather.

This cold snap of unprecedented proportions in the U.S. has birthed once again a weather phenomenon known as the “polar vortex” due to shattered temperature records across the country, according to the Weather Channel. This phenomenon is a persistent, large-scale cyclone of dense,

cold air that detached from over the North Pole. At times, it can bring a whole lot of wind with it. Although the term sounds like a hurricane or something of that sort, it isn’t. It is simply a normal feature that is part of the annual polar climate.

“The whole theory of the vortex makes it feel like I’m in the movie Ice Age. It sucks that it is so cold in the other states. In a way I think it affects the economy too because since it’s so cold, people don’t want to leave their houses and shop,” said senior Dylan Fernandez.

On Tuesday, January 28th, Atlanta struggled in a massive snow fall which resulted in 7 dead and about 1,000 accidents, according to CNN news. The news network

stated that the state government is partly to blame because they let people out at the same time when businesses were shutdown. The not so diverse transit system resulted in monstrous chaos and many health issues that worried others.

This historic cold weather outbreak has been described as to be “brutal, dangerous, life-threatening, and deadly” according to the Washington Post. Nearly three-quarters of the country has fallen under the grip of this cold, some saying the coldest air in the last 20-30 years. Soon we will be once again living in heat and humidity. But for now, think warm thoughts!

2014 Sochi Olympics: ‘Black widows’ at the hub of terror threats Melissa Pierce STAFF WRITER

The ground shakes and the air fills with smoke and pain as two suicide bombs go off in Volgograd, Russia. Thirty-four people die in the process; this is only the first link on the chain of terror attacks and threats linked to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. In layman’s terms, an Islamic militant group named Anars Al Sunna is seeking revenge due to deaths within their community at the hands of the Russian government (nbcnews.com). Unfortunately, they are taking out their anger in a setting where hundreds of competitors and tourists will be in just a few weeks.

As of now, Russian officials are looking for three to four “black widows” at the hub of carrying out terror attacks related to the Winter Olympics. Anars Al Sunna utilizes these ‘black widows’ to complete the attacks (nbcnews.com). The Islamic widows are already full of rage from being forced to manage life without their husbands, who were in Anars Al Sunna and who were killed by the Russians (nbcnews.com).

These widows are now the center of attention when it comes to catching a culprit.

Junior Christopher Mitchell says, “It is one thing to be a widow and mourn the death of your spouse, but it is another to be a widow and kill other people to avenge the death of your spouse. It’s not right to rein terror upon people and bring death to

their families. If anything, a widow should know how it feels to cope with death and not want to force that on anyone else.

Sometimes things happen and you just have to roll with the punches; killing is not a coping method.”

However, the feeling of danger does not stop here. Two men in Anars Al Sunna released a one hour long video on Sunday, January 19th. In this video, they claimed responsibility for the two suicide bombings in Volgograd and warned the world that there would be ‘a surprise’ in store for President Vladimir Putin and tourists at the games (nbcnews.com).

Sophomore Christopher Doan says, “I think that if a threat is made, it should be taken seriously. People’s lives are at stake here; in my personal opinion, it is better to be on the cautious side and move the Winter Olympics to a completely different location.”

The United States seems to be sincerely worried about these threats as well. Over 200 athletes from the United States will be attending the Sochi games and one question has become a main concern—how will the U.S. get all of their participants safely out of Russia in the event of a catastrophe (nbcnews.com)? According to NBC, the plan currently involves warships in the Black Sea and planes. In addition to this plan, 30,000 armed troops have been moved to Sochi to ensure protection and

express Russia’s level of concern (nbcnews.com).

According to NBC, Sochi has now become a “ring of steel”—this includes bomb sniffing dogs, metal detectors, and explosive detectors. The entire country is on high alert; looking for anything that could jeopardize the well-being of their people and their visitors. Two suicide bombings and 34 deaths have proven that the Islamic terrorists are not bluffing. The simple fact that nobody really knows what could hap-

Graphic by: Armando Urena

pen is dangling over Vladimir Putin’s head on a thin string. The moment of truth will come on February 7th with the start of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi; until then, the security of competitors and tourists from all over the world is in jeopardy.

CHAT Editorials: Rich get richer, is it right?

David Cha-Kim STAFF WRITER

and in some circumstances, disturbing. “It sickens me to know that some people are dying of hunger and people with billions don’t feel the need to do anything about it,” says freshman Johanna Moise.

The gap between the rich and poor is much larger than most people would even imagine, and it actually widens each year. According to reports from the annual World Economic Forum, the eighty-five richest people in the world have the same amount of money as the entire bottom half of the global population (Huffington Post). These few individuals are as wealthy as the three and a half billion poorest people in the world combined.

While people across the globe starve and struggle to survive each day, there are people in the world who have billions of dollars extra after bills and expenses have been paid. The Atlantic writ- Graphic by: Armando Urena er Derek Thompson stated: “The wealth of the one percent richest people in the world amounts to Some political beliefs propose the idea $110 trillion: 15 times more than the wealth that it is each country’s economic duty to held by the bottom 70 percent.” Although take from the rich and distribute the wealth these multi-billionaires are well deserv- among the poor. While it does not seem ing of their wealth due to their persever- fair to just upright a man’s possibly hardance and personal success, the difference earned cash and give to the poor, everyone of wealth in the world is still very unfair should have the opportunity to make a liv-

ing for themselves.

“I think it’s good that Obama and other politicians are trying to raise the minimum wage in the US,” says Juan Ardila. “Hopefully this gives the people in America more economic opportunities and it could also set an example for other countries.”

Thankfully, there are people out there working towards solving this problem that is corrupting not only the economies of all countries, but also corrupting countries on a social and political level. The goal of Oxfam’s annual World Economic Forum is to try and decrease the large and widening gap between the world’s rich and the world’s poor. Oxfam claims that if the gap doesn’t start to decrease soon, economic and social unbalance could bring a negative effect throughout the world (The Guardian).

Although the gap between the rich and the poor may not seem like as big of deal to most people as Oxfam is making it sound, eventually the negative effects will take their toll. If countries can discuss and debate over less serious problems and even go to the extent of temporarily shutting down their governments, the gap between the world’s rich and the world’s poor is definitely a topic worth bringing up in Washington.

Page Name Month 2013

#

Frozen: just ‘Let it Go’ already

Of course I want to build a snowman!

Joshua Alleman EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Gabriela Garcia FEATURES EDITOR

*This story will contain spoilers* I don’t want to give Frozen the cold shoulder, but I personally didn’t think the movie was as amazing as many others did. I don’t think that it is worthy of being called the best Disney film since The Lion King and it doesn’t compare to movies like The Little Mermaid, The Incredibles, or the Toy Story series, which are some of my favorite movies.

First of all, I would like to say that Frozen is not a bad movie. I didn’t dislike it; I just wasn’t as impressed as a lot of my friends were. I went into the movie with the expectation of being blown away, but really I just felt that I watched a decent, but predictable Disney movie with a weak plot and no real villain.

Following the pattern/formula of many other Disney movies, of course the parents

had to die within the first fifteen minutes of the film. My problem with Elsa and Anna’s parents’ deaths is that I can honestly say they were some of the least dramatic deaths I’ve ever seen. I saw them in the water, I saw the wave and knew they were going to go, and then they were just gone and that was that. With most other Disney deaths—like Bambi’s mom or Dumbo’s mom—we find out enough about the parents to know that they are good people (or animals) and love their children unconditionally. In Frozen, the King and Queen of Arendelle aren’t developed characters and it doesn’t mean much to the audience when they die. In fact, we see them as bad people because they boarded up Elsa instead of helping her control her powers and taught her rhymes like “conceal, don’t feel” to get her to hide herself from the world.

A couple of Fridays ago, my younger sister and I strolled into theatre 4 with a tub of popcorn, a bag of sour gummy worms, and eyes that were eager to watch the “movie of the year”. We certainly didn’t expect to leave that theatre wiping our tear streaked faces with our arms around one another, movie snacks forgotten. But we did. We then proceeded to share an order of mild wings, a box of cinnamon bread, a couple of confessions and a lot of laughs, making that Friday night the best sister date we had been on in months. The happy times and strong bond that I shared with my sister that night definitely didn’t have much to do with the grease from our chicken wings.

I’m happy to say that Disney’s new Frozen was the icy culprit.

Disney’s new animated tale Frozen imme-

diately caught my eye with just one glance at the movie poster. Not one, but two princesses dominate the scene and even better, they’re sisters. My sister and I took an instant interest in it and I mean, how couldn’t we? As sisters who grew up together and at one point longed to be pretty princesses and quirky queens, we were ready to put on our imaginary tiaras and live out our childhood fantasies. Finally, Disney came out with a film with two female protagonists that dominated the scene the way they wanted to. Elsa and Anna give their female audience empowerment and let women of every age know that they are important too.

For once, the plot isn’t centered on an attractive prince or the average boy seeking his “perfect girl”.

See Frozen, Page 27

Inside Entertainment...

The fate in our stars

Ye’ciples are spreading the good tunes

Frozen from Page 26...

27

Entertainment January 2014

Frozen: just ‘Let it Go’ already

Of course I want to build a snowman!

I felt that a lot of the characters that played major parts in the film were not developed enough. Elsa, Kristoff, and Hans are all very crucial characters to the story, but they don’t get much screen time and we don’t know much about them as people. Even the smurf-like rock troll “love experts” were just thrown into two scenes of the movie and forgotten after that. All of these characters had a lot of potential, but there were too many main characters to build up and not enough time to do it; the most disappointing one was Elsa because it was interesting to have two main female characters, but Elsa never really developed a personality apart from being a loner who confines herself to ice-olation. Later in the movie, Elsa goes from not being able to control her powers at all to having complete control and being able to make anything she wants out of ice.

The Disney-formulated love triangle didn’t throw me for a loop, I saw right through it. The second Hans was introduced, I knew he would be evil and I knew Kristoff was going to be the serious love interest because we got to see clips of him as a child and they wouldn’t have shown those scenes if Kristoff was not going to be an important character. The love triangle

Elsa’s inability to control her powers let these girls know that it’s okay to not be perfect. As for Anna, the “normal” sister with a gray streak in her hair, many people would identify her as the boring, ordinary and less important sibling. However, at the end of the movie we find Anna the happiest of all and living happily ever after. When my sister and I walked into the theatre, we were happy to see that the audience wasn’t limited to toddlers. Every kind of age group, from middle schoolers to old lovers, to even a friend from our high school was there.

Another thing I was assured of was that I can always count on Disney for a positive message. The story line for once was not centered on a young girl in search of her “true love.” Instead, Anna is on a quest to bring back her sister and repair their broken relationship back into the glorious sisterhood they once shared. This plot tells its viewers that family should always come before friends and romantic interests. Yes, the relationship between Anna and Kristoff is mentioned and a part of the plot, but it does not match the bond between Anna and her sister Elsa. Other themes are scattered around the cinema, some more mature than others but all equally as important. Whether it’s slipped in a song, a joke, a part of the

animated landscape or one of the character’s actions, the themes of exile, true love, powerful potential, and self-control are all seen.

Make sure that when you do go see Frozen you warm up your vocal chords. The movie’s soundtrack is irresistible, You’ll find your feet tapping and spirits lifting instantly. Songs like “Let It Go” and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” feature many talented voices including Idina Menzel, Demi Lovato, Kristen Bell to make the perfect soundtrack. After that special night out with my younger sister, we both agreed on our next plans: a trip to the store to buy our new favorite movie’s soundtrack.

Now we listen to the songs religiously on our way home from school, while we do homework and while we goof around on our weekends. Just like Elsa and Anna, my sister and I build our imaginary snowmen right heer in Florida when we sing along with Olaf.

Disney’s new Frozen has received raving reviews since it hit theaters and I certainly believe that it is rightfully deserved. After seeing the movie and keeping the songs on replay for hours on end, all I have to say to Disney (and Anna) is one thing: Of course I want to build a snowman!

for some of my friends, when I read their horoscopes and it might say that their sign is very stubborn I then begin to see those characteristics in them.”

The chance to possibly know your future and what might happen to you, is something that many want, and is one of the big reasons that many read their horoscopes.

For some, the idea that the universe can influence their lives is too farfetched, but for some the mystery behind the astrological signs is something that lures many in.

“It is interesting to know that people think that the universe has ways of controlling our lives,” said Janetsy Hernandez (’14).

“I think that a lot of people just like being able to think they know what might happen to them, and give them a bit of a forewarning for things that may be coming up. I mainly became interested because of how accurate they seemed to my everyday life, which only made me more fascinated with them.”

However, one of the downfalls to this obsession is that each reader of the horoscope will really never truly know the accuracy behind each horoscope. Who’s to say that the writer of each one is accurate and knows how the stars and planets work with influencing one’s life. “I personally don’t believe in how the universe and stars can affect our lives, so I don’t entirely believe that it is 100% accurate,” says senior Vanessa Estevez. “But I do use an app that notifies me daily of my latest horoscope.

But, I will use it just to see if what the horoscope says is anything like what my life is like at the moment.”

The movement of the planets and stars has created a topic and niche that many have found themselves enthralled in. The mystery behind how one planet can affect our life is something that has brought out a grand following. It is not something new by far but certainly something that will continue to intrigue the minds of many.

took too long to settle down, which took away from the amount of time Anna would have had to develop her relationship with Kristoff and Hans only became a villain for about twenty minutes towards the end of the film before he was ‘defeated’ (he was never really a threat). Plot twist: the guy that everyone said you shouldn’t marry because you just met him is evil; what a surprise. It could be argued that Elsa is more of a villain than Hans because she actually poses a threat to the kingdom, but she comes through as a heroine at the end just like we thought she would.

I will admit that I like the songs sung in the movie, but they were not presented like songs usually are in Disney movies.

The songs are usually a main attraction and take up a whole scene, stopping everything and presenting themselves. In this film, they start mid-sentence and are used just to say what is happening in the scene; they are fillers and don’t contribute much to meaning.

Frozen is a great family film, date film or even something to see with friends but I wouldn’t call it an award winner. At the end of the day, it won’t go down—in my books—as a Disney classic. Frozen just didn’t give me chills.

The fate in our stars Chelsie Ramos STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

when they read their daily horoscope.

These horoscopes that thousands upon The way the stars align says a lot about thousands follow rigorously, and some a person. The Sun, Jupiter, Saturn and the even center their lives around, have even rest of the planetary list contributes to each slipped into the halls of Charter. one of the twelve astrological signs. It is Looking at the phones of many students, with a simple shift in the movement of one could see a variety of the similar apps the stars and moons that can cause many all surrounding themselves with the same to panic with fear or jump for excitement topic- horoscopes. Senior, Twylyte Farrell said, “I really am obsessed with checking my horoscope. I read it every day, but I don’t go by what it says is going to happen. However, I do judge people based on their horoscope.

I just think that horoscopes really tell you a lot about a person; even Horoscopes: Sophomores Kaitlyn Chang and Manasicha Wongpaiboon show off their horoscope signs. Photo by: Juan Tellez

Ye’ciples are spreading the good tunes Looghermine Claude LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Religion has been an important aspect of human lives for as long as humans have walked the earth. Almost every major civilization throughout time has had one or more religions, and often times those religions greatly shaped the people and culture. Some of the biggest and longest lasting religions are Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, which make up more than half of the world’s population (pewforum.org).

Religion is mostly the following of selfless, pious, and noble people, but in this age of pop star idolization a new group, Yeezianity, is changing the meaning of worshipping celebrities.

Kanye West, as well as his alter ego Yeezy, has always been loud, open, and very blatant about the world around him.

He points out and says what he feels all the time with almost no filter, unlike the rest of Hollywood’s celebs. On multiple occasions, Kanye has proclaimed himself to be praise worthy. He even has a song called “I Am a God” on his album Yeezus—a take on Jesus. Boastful and boisterous, Kanye might have gotten just what he was asking for with the Church of Yeezus. The religion, or at least the website, yeezianity. com, claims Kanye/Yeezus has “…shown

the modern world the creative potential of a human being and he serves as a living model for behavior and ethic,” (yeezianity. com).

“Kanye’s just a normal human being who makes music. There’s no reason to worship someone who just makes music. I mean I think some of his songs are good, but he’s made out to be so much more of a big deal than he already is. He’s just not that great or holy to be worshipped as a god,” says junior, Anthony Gomez.

Yeezianity is one of the more eccentric religions of today, right along with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

Self-proclaimed as the ‘BEST CHURCH OF ALL TIME,’ the Church of Yeezus is “…entirely open and non-exclusive.”

The site also says that membership into yeezianity is completely anonymous.

The followers of the “religion” are called Ye’ciples, and their Golden Rule is: “Create For Others What You Would Have Created For Yourself.” They even have 5 Pillars—like Islam—which the followers of the group must follow: 1. All things created must be for the good of All 2. No human being’s right to express themselves must ever be repressed 3. Money is unnecessary except as a means

of exchange 4. Man possesses the power to create everything he wants and needs 5. All human suffering exists to stimulate the creative powers of Man (yeezianity.com) What do interested people have to do to join the Church of Yeezus? There’s no baptism or oral declarations involved. All someone has to do is to submit a picture of video of them stating “I Believe in Yeezus” and post it on all their social media account (yeezianity.com).

“I think that it’s weird to have a church to celebrate Kanye because why would you pray for a celebrity, all he does it get in fights! He doesn’t need all the hype that he has. He has more than enough with the media always following him and his relationship with Kim, and I think that’s more than enough,” says sophomore Marisa Guralnick.

But is Yeezianity real? In an interview with VICE, the anonymous founder of Yeezianity’s website said “I believe in what it is, and that’s real. But is there a real organized religion behind it? There is not,” (noisey.vice.com). Even if it’s not real now, the founder believes that he could become something more, because just like Christianity, it all started with an idea.

Cartoon by: Carmen Petterson

Even if Yeezianity is only a website now, the hype surrounding the “religion” is large. Many people on social media are expressing their love for Yeezy and his new religion. Just like the website claims, Yeezianity’s “…numbers are growing by the day, [they] will not disclose their magnitude, but chances are they are a magnitude of 10 larger than what you would estimate they are,” (yeezianity.com). Maybe one day years from now, millions of people will be gathering together in an actual church to praise Yeezus.

Chelsie vs. Chelsi They know where you are, and they’re always watching

Geolocation – there’s no space like home

Chelsie Ramos STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

Chelsi Chang ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

When someone logs onto the latest apps like Instagram or Facebook, the app’s members are greeted with the chance to post a picture or status with their current location attached. There are certain questions that have constantly surrounded our generation, they are: Where are you? Who are you with? And how long will you be there? The technology that allows our every step to be tracked is called geolocation, and it is able to be done by a simple GPS chip in our phones. However, every time that someone “checks-in” to a new location, they are putting themselves in harm’s way.

Every time that someone allows and enables their location to their apps, they are losing a bit of their privacy. Whenever you “check-in” to a location, you are giving privileged information about your whereabouts to thw world This is where the problems begin. Your exact location is put out on the internet, which is a place where nothing can truly be removed, and then anyone who comes across your profile is able find out exactly where you are. The lack of privacy that our generation has is something that shocks me; however, we did do it to ourselves. But privacy is something that everyone wants no matter how connected and invested you are into the social media world; yet, when one becomes a part of this geolocation idea, their privacy is diminished instantaneously.

With geolocation, these simple “checkins” give the government an advantage to keep tabs on your every move. If you are the type of person to “check-in” on a daily basis, then a pattern of your life is born.

This then gives the government the ability to check your every move, and have a set schedule of your life. Now do you really want the government to always now where you are? To now the every step that you take? This takes away a person’s privacy, and right to keep your life and your location your own.

However, due to the multitude of public

forums that are used today, finding out where you are seems like an easy task to conquer. However, once someone finds out where you are they have two options to choose from: (1) do nothing with the information and just continue to scroll down their newsfeed, or (2) find out where you live, and possibly rob your home. This isn’t too farfetched; it has happened numerous times and has even made its way onto the local news stations too. This simple kind of thing even happened before geolocation was a big. People would simply put up a status stating, “Off to New York City for the week,” which would then allow for intruders to know when to rob and hurt you at the best possible time. However, these little statuses were just the beginning, with “checking-in” to locations, not only do people know that you are not home, but they also know where you are.

This can lead to horrible consequences with things such as stalking occurring and other horrid crimes. Robberies at home are a major hit when it comes to your safety, but by allowing your location to be put out there, you are allowing others to find you. And if they do, who knows what can happen if your information lands into the wrong hands.

After simply just “checking-into” to your favorite restaurant or even your friend’s house, you might not begin to think about the consequences that can follow. Things such as stalking can occur, even though it might seem like a bit of a far-fetch. When you are informing others of where you are at all times, for some they may see this knowledge as an invitation to join you.

These cases can go as far as happening to normal everyday people or even to celebrities.

Hypothetically speaking, this can happen to any public icon, and in reality it truly does. If someone like Justin Bieber, a member of One Direction, or Selena Gomez were to tag their location along with a picture or post, hundreds upon hundreds of fans would rush to that one spot. This can cause major hysteria and chaos that can become uncontrollable. Another factor that can occur with overly devoted fans is them following their celebrity crushes whenever and wherever they “check-in”. These are the kinds of risks that happen on a day to day basis, whenever a public figure logs onto their Instagram or even Twitter.

To be able to share with your loved ones your experiences and everyday moments, is any amazing thing that technology has allowed us to do. However, once a person or many peoples safety begin to become affected, then this whole idea of “letting the world know where you are” doesn’t really seem that bright anymore. It is one thing to tell someone “I am going here” and another thing to tell the whole world that you’re going to so-and-so restaurant. In the end, what it truly comes down to is to be smart about what you allow others to see on your profiles. No one truly needs to know where you are at all times of the day, nor do they truly care.

Although most people talk about the GPS chip in all of our smartphones that lets others know where we are at almost every second of the day summons references to 1984, not all of it is necessarily bad. There are a few positives that are hidden underneath all the government conspiracies and intrusions of privacy that seemed to overlooked to due to recent—ahem, NSA— events.

One really great positive that seems to be overlooked is the amount of lives GPS tracking in cell phones can save. Police officers and detectives have already started using this technique to find missing people and kids and sometimes this is the best technique to use. With almost 91% of Americans owing a phone, it’s an easier way to track down someone who may be in serious trouble. (Pew Research) If the police department can save a person’s life through the use of Geolocation technologies, I doubt that person will be complaining about their privacy being compromised.

GPS tracking can be helpful in other ways as well. If you’re lost (and like me) and have no sense of direction, it offers a way out. In any emergent situation you’re either too hysterical or preoccupied with imminent death to worry about giving the police your exact location. This is where GPS tracking can really come in handy and bring you one step closer to your family and possibly- civilization.

The thing is, we have had GPS’s built into newer car models for years. I don’t see what the big deal is putting it in our phones. Who’s to say the government hasn’t been tracking your car as well? It would be ignorant of us to thing that they would read our emails and not even have the courtesy of following us around via satellite. And really, if you think about it, we give away our location on a daily basis anyway. Facebook, Foursquare, Instagram and Twitter all offer the opportunity to share with your followers where you are

at every second of every day. People check into Starbucks, Pembroke Gardens, Disney and trendy restaurants in Miami Beach areas as a way to tell their followers that they’re hip, social and on the move. We are all guilty of putting our location on our Instagram pics of a place that we were proud to say we went to. So what’s the real difference here? It’s like a government version of Foursquare.

Tracking people can also help the government keep an eye on those not so nice Americans. If a man living in an area where lots of people go missing spends too much time in the woods and not enough time in the same area for too long, it might give the government some hints about where these people have been disappearing to. I’m not trying to be morbid here, just realistic. The government can keep a closer eye on those Americans that need a bit more…. Special attention. It could save us from a real threat from armed and dangerous people. The possibilities here, are truly endless. This could be a step closer to a safer future.

The truth of the matter is, the government is going to do whatever they want regardless of what we want. We learned that the hard way when the whole Edward Snowden situation went down. There are some secrets the government has that are better left unsaid, who knows what motivated them to start tracking us. Maybe we don’t even want to know what the true answer is.

Now don’t get me wrong, something about strangers in power having access to my whereabouts at any given moment makes my skin crawl too, but not everything is black and white. This is just one of those cases where revoking this idea and policy could lead to less cases being solved at the end of the year. “Smartphones and cell phones have become a regular part of criminal investigations because they are now owned by most people and provide information about a person’s whereabouts and a person’s contacts,” says Adam Pincus, a Legal instructor at South University, Online Programs. (southuniversity.edu) Now, I know most people are thinking, “Well I’m not a criminal so these things don’t apply to me,” but it does. GPS tracking can provide a great alibi should you ever need one. Let’s say you’re being accused of a crime that you wouldn’t even think to commit. All they need to clear your name is to know your whereabouts at the time of the crime. Now if you were in the area at the time of the crime… well that’s a different story altogether. But, really if you’re not doing anything wrong, then there should really be no real issue.

This isn’t going to go away. So we might as well be okay with it because there are some really good benefits that go along with it. In instances like this, our best bet is to trust that maybe, just maybe, the government knows where you are – and what they’re doing.