December 2011 - The Chronicle

Volume XXI, issue II

7201 W. Sample Rd., Coral Springs, FL 33065

Coral Springs High School

issuu.com/coltchronicle

Dec 2011

INDEX

news................................1-5 opinion............................6-9 feature.................10,11,14-16 dimensions...................12,13 entertainment...............17-20 sports..........................21-24

The official newspaper of the CSHS Colts

COUNTY FIGHTS HIV/AIDS

Students‘s bill chosen out of district for senate to view Sam Hinkes Staff Writer

Alec Kaye Managing Editor Amanda Current Editor-in-Chief

INSIDE THE CHRONICLE

From Jan. to Oct. of this year, 907 new patients were diagnosed with HIV in Broward County, leaving the county’s HIV/AIDS statistics ranked worst in the U.S. for three years in a row. Federal health officials were sent in to meet with local health, political and business leaders to help devise a better approach to the issue.

Federal agencies are expected to send as much as an additional $2 million to the $15 million already given to Broward to pay for the increased efforts, after the local group has finalized a plan for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), officials told Sun Sentinel.

HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) is an aggressive virus that attacks the T-cells in the body and weakens the immune system.

Once it has conquered enough of the body and the body loses enough white blood cells, the virus becomes AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome).

Once the HIV has weakened the immnue system to the point of AIDS, it exposes the patient to the risk of death from common diseases that it would normally be able to

combat, such as pneumonia and infections.

HIV causes AIDS, the condition of having a weakened immune system, but they are not to be confused as the same thing.

The number of new HIV/AIDS cases in the first ten months of this year in Broward has surpassed the amount in both of 2010 and 2009, despite a “well-structured HIV/

“Every 10 hours a Broward resident contracts HIV,” -Linda B. Carter Community Foundation of Broward president and CEO AIDS curriculum,” said CDC. “Every 10 hours a Broward resident contracts HIV,” said Linda B. Carter, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Broward.

Paul Moore, Broward County Health Department HIV/AIDS program director, told Sun Sentinel that the increase could signal that more people are being tested.

“Testing people is key,’’ said Moore. “If we can get everyone in the county to get tested, then we can treat them. They stay healthy longer, and [HIV is] less likely to spread.’’

The federal officials discussed several approaches similar to those starting in other large U.S. localities with high infection rates: Dr. Nabil El Sanadi, chief of emergency medicine for the North Broward Hospital District, believes routinely testing everyone for HIV rather than first asking for permission would cut the estimated 20 percent of HIV patients who do not know they have contracted the virus. Approaching it as a viral illness like the flu may reduce the stigma of HIV. For those already diagnosed, there must be a greater push for them to seek treatment, researchers believe. Kathleen Cannon, chief operating officer of the nonprofit Broward House, a group founded in 1988 to give people with HIV/AIDS better treatment, said that studies showed that people can become almost non-infectious when taking HIV medications.

Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness suggested including stores and youth clubs as HIV testing sites that would offer tests not just on the nationwide testing days.

Those in charge of this new plan believe an increased effort is needed to push for prevention. Young adults may benefit from hearing messages through contemporary means like those used by the Comprehen-

Varsity Basketball team begins their season with a strong win, page 23.

Newly established dance team prepares for their first performance, page 17

Continued on page 4

State Representative Ari Porth invited students in Government/Economics, Student Government, Debate, or Law courses in Broward County to create a bill that would be proposed in the 2012 legislative election in Tallahassee.

As a project for Ann Goldwyn’s AP American Government class, students were assigned the task of creating a bill of law. They were organized into groups and the bill with the most potential was sent to be presented at the District office. The winning group from the school, as well as Broward County, consisted of seniors Amanda Current, Luisa Patino, Caitlyn Tate, Aneesa Allie, and Bria Carey. Current, Tate, and Allie are also Chronicle staffers.

The group’s bill aimed to “redefine the definition of ‘next of kin’ to extend to surviving domestic partners of homicide victims,” according to their PowerPoint presentation at the District office on Nov. 9. They intended to redefine “domestic partner” in terms of “joint property ownership, bank accounts, utility bills or domestic partner registration” in order for them to be considered immediate family members or next of kin. Similar bills have been passed in Vermont and Maine, but this is the first attempt in Florida.

Carey said that the group chose this topic to “change the world one partnership at a time.”

This is Goldwyn’s fifth year assigning the project. Tate’s older sister, Jillian, was in the winning group in Goldwyn’s class two years.

She and her group went to the District office, but not to the state legislature. Her group proposed and article about increasing speeding fines when a minor is present in a vehicle.

The winning group presented their bill in front of Porth and his staff on Nov. 9, along with five other schools from the county.

Porth then selected the bill from our school to go along with five of his own to present to

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2 news

DECEMBER 2011

CAMPUS

CALENDAR

Dec. 16th-Jan. 2nd: -winter break Jan. 10th: -Dress for Success Jan. 11th: -Talent Audition Jan. 13th: -7th midterm exam Jan. 14th: -Sidewalk painting (9-11 am) Jan. 16th: -No school, MArtin luther king day Jan. 17th: -1st & 2nd midterm exam Jan. 18th: -3rd & 4th term exam

mid-

Jan 19th: -5th & 6th midterm exam

‘Caylee’s Law’ passed in wake of Casey Anthony trial Kasey Litchfield Staff Writer

Recent legislation called “Caylee’s Law,” was passed at the Florida state level in July, which would make it a felony for a parent or legal guardian to not report a missing child in a timely manner in cases that the parent knew or should have known that the child was possibly in danger.

This new law was created as a result of the Casey Anthony trial, in which she was found not guilty for the death of her two-year-old daughter, Caylee, in 2008. Caylee had been missing for 31 days before Anthony notified authorities.

The final verdict acquitted Anthony of first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and manslaughter, and she was released from jail. The non-guilty verdict summoned a national movement and the “Caylee’s Law” Facebook page has recieved more than 9,000 likes. It is not unusual for child deaths to be publicized. In 2005, nine year old Jessica Lunsford’s death caused a bill that required more stringent tracking of sex offenders.

Two days after the Anthony verdict, Florida Rep. Bill Hager announced the drafting of the legislation.

“I think this will save a lot of kids’ lives, “ said Alyssa Maharaj, senior, who followed the trial avidly over the summer.

A petition for the law was created and nearly 2,000 people have signed it each hour, making it the fastest ever growing campaign on Change.org, according to the site.

Opponents claim that this law violates the 5th amendment, which protects people from self-incrimination, and would put many innocent parents in jail. The law also runs the risk of over compliance and false reports from parents trying to avoid becoming suspects.

States that have put this law or a variation of it into action are Oklahoma, New York, and West Virginia.

“I think this new law will help put a lot of negligent parents in jail,” said Maharaj.

National Honor Society holds first Save Our Smiles this great cause but to provide an initiative that would require the student body to work together to succeed at it,” said presiNational Honor Society hosted its dent Kathryn Long, who is also an editor first Save Our Smiles event on Fri. Nov. for The Chronicle.

18. The event, held on the football field On the day of the event, students were during seventh period, raised funds for first gathered by grade level as they entered Smile Train, an organization that pro- the field. They were then assigned a posivides surgeries to children with cleft lip tion on the football field to form a giant and palate in developing countries. human smiley face. Pictures were taken A cleft lip or palate is an opening or from the top of the press box. Donations gap affecting the upper lip and roof of were collected at the gate. Three hundred the mouth. It is triggered by abnormal and thirty eight people attended the event, facial development during the gesta- which raised $1,134.42. In order to attend tion period of pregnancy. the event, a three dollar fee was asked, as “When we started this project, our well as any aditional donations. The money goals weren’t just to raise money for raised will fund at least four surgeries for

Aneesa Allie Staff Writer

Iraq

By Jordan Butchen

On Dec. 9 a hostage video of former FBI agent Robert A. Levinson was released, after being kept private since last Nov. Levinson, a Coral Springs resident, has been missing in Iran for over five years, after originally traveling to Kish Island in the Persian Gulf to investigate a cigarette smuggling ring for a private client. The tape shows a visibly thinner Levinson in a cell asking for the U.S. government to assist in his return to his family. The tape was the first indicator that Levinson was in fact still living. Levinson’s wife and son issued a video response asking his kidnappers to state their demands so a deal could be worked out.

children with cleft lip and palate.

National Honor Society has had connections with Smile Train in past years. Previously, years, the club collected money for the organization from churches and local businesses. Long headed the Save our Smiles project to expand the tradition and to keep supporting the cause.

“I think part of what made this project great was how different it was from anything we’ve ever done,” said Long. “It was really amazing to see the school come together to help with such a great cause,” she said. The National Honor Society plans to continue this project in upcoming years and continue to support the organization, smile train.

news 3

American Airlines airline, files for bankruptcy Jessica Lee Staff Writer AMR Corporation, American Airline’s parent company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Nov. 29 to reduce labor costs due to high fuel prices and costly labor contracts.

American Airlines, or AA, is the third largest airline in North America and flies about 275,000 passengers on an average day. American Airlines serves in more than 244 cities in over fifty countries, and has major hubs at Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

American Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy because it in need of restructuring its finances to stay open.

AMR decided that it could not reduce

labor costs without filing for bankruptcy, due to which, American Airlines will have job cuts and benefit cuts for some of its employees.

Gerard Arpey, president of AMR, retired in July 2010 and was replaced by Tom Horton. Horton said at a press conference that Arpey opposed of the bankruptcy filing.

In an interview with CNN’s Quest Means Business, Horton stated that “[bankruptcy] never has been our goal or preference, of course.”

Because of the high labor costs and competition between other leading airlines, such as Delta and United Airlines, AMR decided that it was necessary to file for bankruptcy to restructure its company.

In the federal bankruptcy court in New York, AMR stated that it had $29.6 billion

in debt and about $25 billion in assets, but has about $4 billion to sustain it through the restructuring process.

“The gap between our cost structure and the rest of the industry had become too wide and really just not something we could sustain any further,” stated Horton in the CNN interview.

Although AMR filed for bankruptcy, Horton assured American Airlines customers that AA flights will still continue to operate. Also, American Airlines guaranteed their customers that miles earned can still be redeemed.

Horton stated that business will be as usual and travelers will be unaffected by AMR’s bankruptcy. Since 2001, no fewer than five major american airlines have filed for bankruptcy.

student senate bill, cont.

Other bills presented at the District office referred to animal cruelty, extending lunch hours, the ability to advertise inside schools, allowing cars to place advertisements on vehicles in residential areas, and requiring parents to screen their infants for congenital heart disease.

Current was elated when she found out Porth had chosen their bill. She was confident that her presentation of her group’s bill had a chance to win.

“I knew it was reasonable and an inexpensive action to take for the government,” she said.

Representative Ari Porth will present a total of six bills, including this one, to the state legislature during the 2012 legislative election in Tallahassee in January.

Students dress up, participate in Homecoming activities Elisa Press Staff Writer Spirit Week, the week leading up to the Homecoming dance, is a week filled with designated dress-up themes and SGA-led activities.

Monday’s dress-up theme was “color wars”, in which students wore the color designated to their specific grade. Freshmen wore white, sophomores wore black, juniors wore green, and seniors wore blue.

Monday night was the Powder Puff game, in which junior and senior boys cheerlead while the girls of each class play football.

“It was a hilarious experience watching my friends dress up as females and act feminine and watching them make fools out of themselves,” said junior Carolina Ambrosini.

Tuesday’s dress-up theme was “Wacky Tacky” in which students wore mismatched

clothes and funky outfits.

Tuesday night was Battle of the Bands, in which student rock bands competed for medals.

Wednesday’s dress-up theme was “Back to the Future”. Students dressed up based on their favorite era. Wednesday‘s dodgeball game, pitted students agaisnt each other in athletic battle.

For Thursday’s dress-up theme, “Famous Duo”, students find a partner and dress up as a well-known pair. Thursday night’s hypnosis show gave students the chance to be entranced.

Friday the school was closed, but the Homecoming game and parade occurred at night.

Saturday night was the homecoming dance at the Deerfield Beach Hilton.

PARTICIPATING DURING HOMECOMING WEEK: On Wacky Tacky day, junior Sarah Furhman dresses up in wacky attire.

NEWS BRIEFS Hypnosis show charms students On Nov. 10th, the second annual hypnosis show came to the school as a part of the Homecoming week activities. After giving the entire audience an experiment to see whether students could be hypnotized, the hypnotist selected 20 volunteers to come to the front of the auditorium.

The hypnotist lured the volunteers into a deep sleep, then used suggestions to make them perform various actions, such as pretending to drive a car, doing the chicken dance, walking down the catwalk, and infiltrating the audience, pretending the viewers were zoo animals.

Students under hypnosis even went so far as to impersonate celebrities and sing in front of everyone. The show was met with much approval from the participants and audience.

-Shahnawz Hardanian, Staff Writer

First Priority holds fundraiser for kids in need First Priority participated in the One Meal, One Day fundraiser in efforts to raise funds for the poor in Haiti. The funds were collected during both lunches from Nov. 21 through Nov. 25. For every thirteen dollars collected a child could be properly fed for a week. First Priority was able to collect a total of $200 in the week’s time, which was delivered to Compassion International, an organization in charge of the global fundraising efforts. The children who are a part of the program received medical care, food and education.

First Priority studies Biblical teachings and participate in various projects, and meet together regularly in the band room on Tuesdays.

-Diego Munoz, Staff Writer

Barnes & Noble fundraiser brings extra revenue to school Barnes & Noble welcomed Coral Springs High on Sat., Dec. 10. This is the third year our school has held a fundraiser at Barnes & Noble for customers during the holiday season.

The four-hour event consisted of analytical book talks and poetry readings from the Book Club, Christmas caroling from Chorus and some bluesy Christmas tunes played by the Jazz Band.

The purpose was to raise money for the school. For any purchase made by people who said, “I support CSHS,” 15 percent of the profits would go to Book Club, Chorus, or Band. Online purchases also went toward the school until Dec. 14. The Book Club will use the profits to buy “approximately $1000 worth,” of new novels according to sponsor, Stacey Gomez-Downs.

-Sam Hinkes, Staff Writer

4 news Students save drowning child from Coconut Creek canal Zach Berthiaume Staff Writer On Mon. Nov. 28, three teens, two of whom attend Coral Springs High school, were fishing and swimming in a Margate canal, when a boy, Nelson Martinez, had fallen in.

“It had taken a minute to realize that the boy had fallen in,” said Mezzo.

The teens, John Grail and Antonio Mezzo, both in 9th grade, and the third was from Coconut Creek High School.

The three boys first noticed Martinez throwing rocks at ducks in the canal. Then the boys heard a splash and thought nothing of it, until they soon realized the boy was not on the sea wall.

“We assumed there was a parent/guardian with the boy, ” said Ezzo, “It appeared the boy fell in after chasing the ducks into the canal.”

The three boys jumped in after they had noticed the boy fell in because they were already swimming in the canal.

Grail was the boy who pulled the toddler to the shore. The mother had not noticed that Martinez had wondered off and had fallen into the canal.

Martinez was rushed to the hospital, and friends, family, and teachers now call the three teens heroes.

DECEMBER 2011

End of course exams soon to replace annual FCAT test as 30% of the student’s final grade.

This year students must pass the exam to receive credit for the course.

The FCAT math and science tests will It will initially count as 30% of the stusoon not be administered for the first time dent’s grade, but the next year students will since 1998. The state legislature passed a have to pass it to receive credit for the class. bill that will begin to phase out the FCAT The EOC exams this year will determine and completely replace it by 2014 with end whether or not students in Algebra 1 will of course exams. receive credit for that course. Biology and Previously, FCAT was used to assess a stu- Geometry EOC exams will be integrated dent’s progress toward the state’s objectives. this year, but will only determine 30% of a Sunshine State Standards were established students semester grade. by the Florida Department of Education to The reading and writing portion of the set objectives for the state to reach.

FCAT will continue a few more years, until The first transition to end of course tests the state feels comfortable enough to add was with the Algebra 1 EOC assessment.

English EOC exams.

Last year the end of course exam counted Some teachers feel that the EOC exams

Celeste Lau Staff Writer

Michael Trotman Staff Writer

Drama students place high in district competition Jon McEwan Graphics Editor

The Drama department hosted the Individual Events competition for District 7 on Nov. 19.

The event, which lasted all day, proved to be a success for our school, qualifying 4 events for states, which will be held from Mar. 12 to Mar. 16 in Tampa.

Seniors Arielle Hoffman, Karl Berrios, and Ana Olivera and junior Sarah Furman received an Excellent for their performance of The Ballad of Sara Berry. In the macabre tale, perfect senior Sara Berry becomes obsessed with becoming prom queen to the point that she kills each of her competitors.

First ever Homecoming carnival Felix Chen Staff Writer

On Fri., Nov. 11 in our Driver’s ED parking lot, Student Government hosted a school carnival. This carnival consisted of booths set up by different clubs. Admission was free, but if a student wanted to participate in an activity they would have to purchase tickets.

This is the first time SGA has attempted to do a carnival and they hope that it will be a lasting tradition. The event’s main objective was to boost school spirit prior to Homecoming and increase club involvement.

“This was the first time SGA held an event like this and there was a great turnout. I really hope this becomes a lasting tradition,” said Jensen Holroyd, president of SGA. About twelve clubs participated by putting up booths filled with carnival-like games.

Each club was responsible to sign up for

“This was a new event that our school started, and I enjoyed the many activities...”

-Jon Michael Soto, senior an original booth and to plan their table, such as how many tickets they will charge to participate in their booth’s activity. Each ticket cost 50 cents; 25 cents spent at each booth went to the club and the other 25 cents went directly back to SGA to fund the event.

Leadership had set up a dunk tank for their booth and a sumo wrestling booth was run by Pink Ladies. Food was available for students in exchange of tickets.

“This was a new event that our school started and I enjoyed the many activities that were included, especially the dunk tank,” said Jon Michael Soto, senior.

HIV/AIDS cont.

-sive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County Inc., who had its volunteers pass out minipamphlets with stories closely resembling cartoons that detailed how someone contracted HIV. The treatment of the HIV/AIDS virus is sometimes looked as a nonissue or someone else’s problem if it does not directly effect them. Broward officials are aiming to change that by showing citizens how it will effect everyone with the increase in

will be a better test of the student’s knowledge, because the exams will be on that subject’s curriculum, not Sunshine State Standards..

“I prefer the end of course exams because it is finally a test that is in line with the course curriculum,” said Sharon Friedman, math teacher. The reason the state is stressing the passing or failing of students is due to improving the state’s test scores.

If students do not pass, they may take the exam or class again.

“End of course exams are better for students because they follow the lessons in class and you can take them again without having to take the class again,” said Raymond Andrada, sophomore.

taxes and the reality that everyone in the county knows someone, however small that person’s impact is on their life who has HIV/AIDS. With this increased effort and a spread of awareness among those that have HIV/ AIDS and those who don’t or don’t know they have it, Broward County will continue in their efforts to lessen the widespread epidemic and take their name off the charts.

Hoffman also received a superior for her contrasting monologues taken from Bums

by Robert Shaffron and from Quilters by Barbara Damashek. The polarizing monologues stand as a dichotomy between modern urbanized life and stark, rural survival.

Hoffman has qualified for states every year she has competed.

Berrios and Ledbetter received a Superior in Duet Acting for their performance of For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls. This play is a parody of The Glass Menagerie. Berrios, when asked about his performance, said, “When performing I feel ecstatic because it is an experience like none other.”

Berrios has qualified for States three times.

Senior Caitlyn Tate received a Superior for her original play, Without You, which is about a support group for the families of suicide victims. The play consists of each family’s experiences. The school will be performing this play later this year.

Fuhrman received a Superior for her performance of Too Pretty by Katie Thompson, a song about a waitress who thinks she is destined for something greater.

This year will be Fuhrman’s third year going to States. When asked about her future career Fuhrman said, “I want to study theater in college and then move to New York to pursue a career in the fine arts,” Fuhrman said.

news 5

opinion Be wary of Facebook’s so-called ‘friends’ 6

DECEMBER 2011

Shahnawz Hardanian Staff Writer

On Facebook there is one thing that determines your status. It’s not how many pictures you upload or how often you post a new comment; it’s how many friends you have. Obviously, users want to have as many friends as they can, making them seem more popular than they may actually be, but when it gets to the point where one has over 1,000 friends, it may be time to draw the line.

When Facebook was first created, it was meant to be a way to connect with people in your daily life and reconnect with those

you’ve lost touch with over the years. Yet now, instead of just allowing those close friends access to one’s page, individuals are feeling the need to have it viewed by everyone. They send friend requests left and right to those they’ve said hello to once or with whom they happen to have a mutual friend.

Sure, having such a staggering number of friends show up on your profile page is cool, but in reality, do you even consider these people your friends? How often do you see one of your Facebook “friends” walk by you in the hallway and you pass by him or her without even making eye con-

tact or offering a quick smile? Nearly every person has been in that situation, and though you may “like” his or her status on the Internet, it appears that you are just not all that compatible outside of cyberspace.

“I don’t really talk too much with a lot of my friends on Facebook,” said Emily Persico, senior. “I know them all, but there’s still a portion that I don’t think I could ever hold down a conversation with.”

It has gotten to the point where many find themselves accepting friend requests from people they don’t even know. It doesn’t matter that their identity is a mystery, and for all they know they could be nothing like

what their profile makes them out to be.

No, all that matters is that the number on the side of your profile goes up one more, and your pool of “friends” widens that much more.

There’s no denying the fact that there are a few cases where users with an abnormally high number of friends genuinely know them. Some people may just be social butterflies and involved in a broad range of activities that allow them to meet a variety of individuals. But if you go home and scroll through your friends list, there’s a good chance you’ll find a few faces that don’t even register.

Affirmative action results in discriminatory programs Lorenzo Mohammed Dimensions Editor

A person’s race and gender are out of their control and sshould not be used to judge as to whether they deserve an education.

Affirmative action, a policy that considers race, color and gender to benefit the underrepresented minority and to counteract discrimination has shown to be quite controversial since its introduction. It was put in place due to the fact that there were racial as well as gender discrimination in play when hiring employees in a work place.

This behavior quickly became a factor for admissions into educational institutions.

Originally affirmative action was to force

universities to comply with the Civil Rights Act od 1964 which eliminated major segragation laws toward those of different race and gender, but today faces several issues as to how “fair” it is to judge admissions based on race or gender.

Students today send SAT and ACT scores along with their applications to universities, which goes into play for college acceptance. Other than the merit based information, the applicants’ gender and race are also considered.

There have been numerous cases where the policy has been challenged, one being the Grutter v. Bollinger case in 2003, in which a Caucasian student claimed he

was rejected from a school that used race as a predominant factor when considering applicants with similar credentials. A student’s credentials should be all that should be in play when considering admission.

California and Michigan have passed constitutional amendments banning affirmative action. These two states do not allow universities to consider race, religious belief or gender when admitting incoming students. Some conservatives believe that this is a repeal to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was establish in order to create equal opportunity for all, affirmative action gives ethnic groups the upper hand when deciding between those with similar cre-

dentials. In the case of Regents of the University of California v. Bakke 1978, it was ruled that affirmative action gave unfair opportunities to minorities. Allan Bakke, a Caucasian applicant, was rejected twice from a medical university, even though there were minority applicants admitted with significantly lower scores than his.

Although this policy attempts to promote equality, it should be left up to those hiring to hold the responsibilities of employing people who best fit the position based on merit and ability not the way the look. It makes the policy unconstitutional by lawfully granting benefits to those due to race or gender.

Left-handers face difficulties in a right-dominated world Duffy Dufresne Feature Editor Think back to arts and crafts in elementary school.

Remember how when it was time to cut construction paper, you had to find the right scissors? If you were left-handed, you had to spend time searching for special “lefty” scissors, but if you were right-handed you’d find “righty” scissors easily.

Scissors are just one

of many items made for right-handed people. In a country that is 90 percent right-handed, lefties often find themselves in uncomfortable situations when using computer mice, door handles, desks, golf clubs and other items that are tailored for right-handedness.

They eventually have to adjust to right-handed items,’ attempting to be ambidextrous.

Left-handedness is linked

to brain asymmetry and genetics; the gene LRRTM1 is associated with hand dominance, although just how much hand dominance is related to genetics is very complex. The hand that one most uses is also influenced by one’s environment.

Religious stigmas and superstition have pegged left-handedness as something negative. Children in Catholic schools around the 1930s were forced to

use their right hands when writing, due to the belief that left-handedness was linked to being a servant of the devil. In certain African tribes, natives associate the left hand with sorcery. Guinean natives never touch their cups with the left thumb, for fear it will poison their drinks.

Despite the number of things made for righthanded people, lefties do not undergo a high level

of discomfort. Yes, writing on the front of a sheet of paper in a notebook is uncomfortable for lefties, but writing on the back is uncomfortable for righties.

There are items made for left-handed people such as scissors, baseball mitts and golf clubs. There are also items that can be used by both types of people, such as wireless mice for PCs that fit comfortably in either the right or left hand.

The fact of the matter is, the majority of the world is right-handed, and therefore most things are made for righties. More items should be made that tailor to both groups, but in the meantime, lefties will have to learn to adjust, and embrace being unique. In fact, Pennsylvania’s Juniata College offers a special scholarship for left-handed people, awarding 1,000 dollars to lefties.

opinion 7

THE CHRONICLE

STAFF EDITORIAL

Educate yourself before making your opinion “Know. Think. Choose. Do.” This philosophy of Bean, the main character in Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Shadow embodies what one must accomplish in order to be an educated human being, but it is an idea that has been lost on a large number of people.

As long as you have a general idea of the topic at hand, you are usually set, because whomever you’re opposing likely has the same amount of knowledge. So people go about thinking they know what they’re talking about, when in actuality they are acting on a half-educated conviction.

This does not mean that everyone is completely uneducated and misinformed, but it is an easy trap to fall into.

And as a contributing member of society, it is important to find a way to avoid that pitfall. The solution seems sim-

ple, but one that people don’t seem to realize and don’t care enough to make the effort to fix.

There is so much to be known in this world. One should find things they are interested in and learn as much about the subject. Then, when placed in those situations where they need to speak about the subject they can confidently voice their opinion and back it up with facts. In those situations where they may not know much about a subject, it should be agreed upon that they do not speak out about it.

There are in fact wrong answers, and it is better to have no opinion on a subject than an outrageously uneducated one. To quote a famous English proverb, “It’s better to be silent and thought a fool, than to speak up and remove all doubt.”

It is certainly okay to be wrong about things. If we find

out we are wrong, that is our opportunity to learn from our mistakes and grow. But it is better to be humble and open to learning than speak out knowingly and be proven wrong without a doubt. If you want to appear intelligent, say intelligent things. In order to say intelligent things, you must be educated.

If more people would stop and listen instead of jumping into a debate that is based more on their own emotions than on facts, those “uncomfortable conversations” on political and religious subjects would not be quite as heated and would be less often avoided. Sharing one’s opinion should be a joy and an American liberty that people celebrate, but without rationality, acceptance and a heavy dose of facts, it will continue to be something that causes contention.

Lorenzo’s Moment of Truth

Cartoon by Lorenzo Mohammed Dimensions Editor

Dear Lorenzo Mohammad, I disagree with [your] Moment of Truth. I disagree because you say smaller children tend to be intimidated by the wild behavior of teenagers, but the children still get candy and are able to enjoy the time of trick-or-treating. You also mentioned that trickor-treating is meant to be a light-hearted activity for younger children, but really it’s for anyone. Nowhere does it say that at a certain age you can’t dress up and to trick-or-treating. Halloween is meant for anyone.

If you are saying that the whole concept of Halloween is for younger children, then why do stores sell costumes from infants to adults? In my opinion, I believe that anyone at any age can go trick-ortreating because the whole point is to just have fun. I don’t think it would be fair for teenagers to stay home while younger kids get to go out on Halloween and

trick-or-treat.

In most people, there is still some kid in them and if you only allow younger children to trick-or-treat then you are basically taking that small part of kid in them out. For example, if a couple of teenagers came to your house for Halloween to trick-or-treat, would you basically tell them they are too old and to grow up?

Courtney Burke Freshman Dear The Chronicle, Although I was quite impressed with the first issue of the year, I feel like there is a lot of room for improvement.

I enjoyed reading the main article on the front page, as I thought it gave us all the information we needed to know about our new superintendent.

Moreover, I did not believe that the article about retirement of Mrs. Matchunis took precedence over the article about the massive population increase in our school.

The holiday season consists of buying greeting cards, tacky decorations and a multitude of gifts that are not limited to the nice but are for the naughty as well. Undeserving will be filled with positive reinforcement throughout the season.

For those who don’t celebrate, there will always be the nuisance of those last minute shoppers attempting to buy presents throughout the holiday week, making it difficult for those simply getting a simple grocery item. And the eyesore of the bright, badly lit lights tangled around everyones houses just adds to the headache of the

I also realized a mistake in the article regarding breast cancer written by Ms. Ramkalawan. Aaron Maller, senior, guessed the correct number of Hershey’s kisses rather than jelly beans.

Furthermore, I was not fond of the idea of supplementing pictures with sketches.

Although the sketches were very appealing, I do not feel that sketches should accompany as many articles as they did.

On a brighter note, I would like to offer my encouragement to the staff of The Chronicle to keep up the good work and to always strive to produce the best!

Samuel Senner Senior To the editor, I read the paper through and enjoyed it thoroughly.

However, I came across an error in one of your articles.

The “Cheerleaders begin new tradition” article does not contain proper fact. As a cheerleader, I would like to make sure articles about

us and what we do are correct.

The article states, “When Coral Springs High opened in 1975, the cheerleading team consisted of all girls and that has been the case ever since.” That is false.

Coral Springs High did in fact have boy cheerleaders not too long ago, on our very own Coach Reed’s team. That is why she has been pushing for a co-ed team, because she did well with hers when she was in school and knew what to do. I’m criticizing this article only because of its false information and the male cheerleaders in the past deserve credit. They were a major driving force for Springs to become co-ed.

Courteney Jacobazzi Junior Dear Mr. Alec Kaye, I’m writing to let you know I’ve read The Chronicle, issue one, and absolutely enjoyed it. A story that caught my attention was “Population increase due to A grade and oppor-

With: Lorenzo Mohammed Dimensions Editor

holiday season.

The over-enthusiastic people singing carols and knocking on my door in the middle of day only to share their talentless voices are like nails on a chalkboard.

There are many lessons to be learned during the season, one of which is to know to stock up on supplies before the lines at Walmart become too long. Turn of the lights in my house when I hear the singing getting louder, and also invest in ear plugs to block out all the estatic happiness that fills the air.

tunity scholarship.” Being a student at this school for three years, I’ve seen many changes, including my senior year being overcrowded. Very well-written article … Lastly, the sports is what everyone looks forward to, with those being [on] the last page, you guys saved the best for last.

April Dejouie Senior Dear Editor, I really enjoyed the article titled “Social networking not always worth the loss of privacy,” because it made me realize that I have to be careful what I’m posting on Facebook. There are sites that I can express myself in a more careful way. It showed that there are alternate, safer ways to express how you feel, and the journalist provided me with enough backup evidence that I am now convinced to try using the alternate sources.

Christopher Castillo Sophomore

Have a comment on our latest edition?

Concerned with a recent event or an ongoing issue? The Chronicle will gladly accept letters to the editor. Anyone interested in writing may deliver their letter to the box outside room 803 or email it to coltchronicle@gmail. com. Letters must be school appropriate and are subject to editing for length and content.

All opinions expressed are those of the individual letter writers, not of The Chronicle.

8 opinion

DECEMBER 2011

Pursuit of swag should not result in the sacrifice of dignity Sam Hinkes Staff Writer

Libraries crucial to democratic society

In an era of budget cuts and a tough economy, libraries have suffered harshly at the hands of state legislatures. In order for democracy to work, citizens must be educated about what they are voting for, and libraries, as the premier locations for housing public knowledge, are almost as vital as schools in this process.

Libraries are an invaluable resource to any student.

Though many of us probably haven’t set foot in one for years, the library’s reference section is filled with information. Often, one can find archived newspapers, magazines, or scholarly papers that are not available online.

Technology has become a larger and larger part of education. Teachers sometimes seem to take for granted that students have a computer at home, which (as any of us who have had a computer crash on us know) can turn out to be rather problematic. Imagine trying to complete your assignments without owning a computer at all. Your best option would be to put your parents’ tax dollars to work and visit your local library, which has computers available for public use.

In order to cut costs, the government has “gone green” with a lot of important documents and paperwork. This year, the school board chose to post the Student Code of Conduct online as opposed to distributing a hard copy to every student in the district. Other programs, such as unemployment or the free-and-reduced-lunch program (many of whose recipients do not have access to a computer at home) now require that application forms be done online. This means that the computers in public libraries are in more demand than ever, as people need to complete this “paper”-work.

As the cost-cutting, paper-less movement progresses there have been several unintended consequences. Not only have libraries become in even greater demand, but librarians have too. Many times, the people who are dependent on the public-use computers in libraries are not very computer-literate. Often, this means that a librarian is called on to assist.

In a technology-driven world, libraries have become invaluable for public computer access, but they are invaluable to a society for more traditional resources too. Libraries house thousands of books and movies, all free for checkout, making for a very cost-effective form of entertainment. Libraries also host several programs, such as storytime, which can teach children the delights of reading and set them on a path to being readers for life, or classes that people are welcome to take, such as an introductory computer class, or a class for people who are learning English as their second language.

State-aid for libraries has been viciously slashed in recent years, and many librarians have lost their jobs. This is a growing epidemic, because though their function has changed in recent years, libraries continue to be critical to a functioning, educated society. Long story short: even in this time of economic crisis, the budget for libraries should be expanded, not cut.

You hear it everywhere, in teens’ vernacular, in the media, and particularly in rap songs: swag.

The meaning of “swag” is, according to Dictionary.com “a suspended wreath, garland, drapery, or the like, fastened up at or near each end and hanging down in the middle.” Today, no one would ever think that. The term swag actually comes from the term “swagger,” coined by William Shakespeare in his work, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Swagger is defined as “a confident, usually arrogant, gait or manner,” according to Dictionary. com, but according to Urban Dictionary, “swag” is commonly known as “appearance, style, or the way he or she presents themselves.” Indicators of swag are sagging pants, a sense of

style, and a seemingly unsteady gait.

You should never sacrifice your dignity for swag.

Rany Souza-Filho, sophomore, is in support of having swag. She said swag began for her when she started to acquaint herself with “swagalicious people.” She also said that if she does not turn the “switch off ” for swag, it gets out of hand. She claimed that swag has always been present in our world, but now it is more popular.

In Souza-Filho’s mind, swag “is like a high degree of awesomeness or the act of being fresh.” According to her, to achieve swag, one must go through the “swag hierarchy starting at lame, then cool, then awesome, and then there’s swag.”

Now, I understand that, but there is an enormous difference between charisma and swag. If you have confi-

dence, that’s great. If you enjoy wearing drastic apparel, then good for you.

It’s when you sacrifice both your privacy and your dignity that it becomes ridiculous.

Self-respect originates from presenting yourself in a proper manner. It is in fact possible to have swag while still being appropriate. You do not need to use profanity, have a headphone in only one of your ears, or wear clothes twice your size. Confidence and respect can come from just being charismatic, being a trendsetter, or being recognized as a good person.

If you bring swag to whole new level, my suggestion to you is wear a belt.

You do not necessarily have to change who you are, but just keep your swag at a reasonable level, regardless if it’s your suspended holiday wreath, or the way you present yourself.

Benefits of organic foods make them worth their added expense Shahnawz Hardanian Staff Writer In a market of seemingly infinite choices, slapping the label “Organic” on a product seems to instantly make it more desirable to consumers. But with that fancy terminology also comes a hefty price tag. Since “organic” ultimately means food was grown without the harmful chemicals and modifications that most food items are plagued with, farmers must resort to more costly means to grow their foods in an effective manner. Organic farmers instead use natural pesticides and soils lacking the manufactured substances that make crops grow

faster. When in the store, the dilemma of whether or not to pay a few dollars for the organic option often comes up.

It’s no secret that organic foods are healthier. Organically grown products have been proven to have up to 90% more nutritional value than their alternatives.

So why not sacrifice the extra costs if it will help you in the long run? Paying a few dollars more for a pound of tomatoes may seem ludicrous now, but later down the road, when your body isn’t being weighed down by artificial colors and growth remedies, those extra dollars will be viewed as money well spent.

Produce isn’t the meat is handled, but on the bandwagon only type of organic the industrial meat and introduce orfood. Meat instantly packing system still ganic options to their becomes significantly pales in comparison menus. Food chains healthier to consume to organically raised such as Chipotle and when it’s produced meat. These animals Elevation Burger are this way. Most meat are raised in open just a few examples is processed in an fields, where they of these, and their almost stomach- are treated almost as healthier choices are churning manner. they would be in the their key factor in Animals are stored wild. They are fed drawing in more cusin unsanitary, packed their natural diets, tomers.

Organic will cost s l a u g h t e r h o u s e s and when it comes where the maximum time for them to be more; there’s no gettheir ting around it. In a number are killed slaughtered, and shipped out in a bodies are absent competitive market factory-like assembly of the bacteria and system where firms line with little in- hormones that inflict compete for the lownon-organic est price, the fastest, spection. Numerous their and cheapest way diseases are spread counterparts.

Organic options to harvest food ofthis way, such as the infamous Mad Cow have become easier ten seems like the disease that terror- and easier to find. best way. What these ized the world at Many large super- firms forget, though, the beginning of the markets offer organic is the health of their 20th century. True, substitutes for large consumers. Organic we’ve come a long portions of their pro- options may be more way since the dark duce and meats, and expensive, but no days of The Jungle even restaurants are price can be put on in terms of the way beginning to jump their benefits.

Cartoon by Lorenzo Mohammed

The term ‘Nazi’ should never be used as casual insult

Kasey Litchfield Staff Writer

Since when did the usage of the term “Nazi” become an acceptable term to describe somebody who doesn’t please you?

Lately the term has been thrown around a lot in an attempt to show displeasure about something. Just because I don’t let you cut in front of me in the car line or because I didn’t let you copy my homework does not mean I share the ideologies and practices of the Nazi Party.

Calling a person a Nazi is not only an

inaccurate insult it is also extremely offensive. In an interview regarding his political views, country singer Hank Williams Jr. compared President Obama to Aldolph Hitler. I doubt the leader of the United States of America has done anything worth equating with Hitler. Nazis, members of the National Socialist political party in Germany between 1920 and 1945 who tried to maintain the purity and strength of the Aryan race. They sought to exterminate or segregate “degenerate” and “asocial” groups in which they included Jews, homo-

sexuals, Romani, blacks, the physically and mentally handicapped and political opponents. The persecution reached its climax when the party, led by Adolf Hitler, and the German state it controlled organized the systematic murder of approximately 12 million people, 6 million of them being Jewish, in what is known as the Holocaust.

I hardly think not sharing the same viewpoint on mundane issues calls for being compared to a Nazi.

As the world becomes desensitized to violent images and derogatory language, the

word “Nazi” holds less of an impact. However, I’m sure to the survivors of World War II it holds a different connotation. They would likely be disgusted with the nonchalant attitude toward its usage.

It has been a mere seventy years since the Nazi Party fell. That hardly seems like a sufficient amount of time for the term to lose such an impact. Next time you think of calling somebody a Nazi, remember the history of the term and simply swear at them instead. I’m sure it would be less offensive.

opinion 9

FACE OFF

“No, because it can make a kid feel either good or bad about himself.”

-Jamie Rink, senior

Keep competition around Abolish unfair system Alec Kaye Managing Editor I love America -- a land filled with capitalists. A land where consumers have the right to know exactly what they are buying, can compare one product against another to decide the best fit. With this in mind, colleges “buy” their prospective students. Why not, then, allow a college to know the class ranking of their freshmen candidates? This Face-Off stresses the importance of the class ranking system. It is another statistic colleges can look at to aid themselves in their decisions for admissions.

Of course the weight of class ranks should not be held to the extreme, but should still hold a proper place on one’s high school resume. In this nation, competition thrives. Imagine both teams won in a football game, no high scores in Pac-Man, or all nominees on the Homecoming ballot crowned. A world with no competition bores us, makes us feel that we wasted our time.

Class ranking provides a comparative basis for colleges. These numbers portray a student’s commitment to academics in relation to fellow students. Since there is no standardized system of grading for schools in the United States, colleges cannot go off of a single number, but must see where one student stands amongst his peers

in order to get an inclusive portrayal of his academic success.

We are not foreign to standardizing. Every major institution requires one’s scores of either the ACT or SAT -- exams that place students in national percentiles that gauge comparative performance. Except these exams are taken on one day, for roughly five hours straight. Class ranking derives its numbers from a student’s four years at high school.

Is this fair to the students who are not enrolled in Advanced Placement courses, which offer a pleasant GPA boost? I believe our AP teachers do a wonderful job at making their “GPA junkies” work hard enough for those extra points. For those who do not enroll in APs, there remain plenty of athletics, community services, and internships available to boost one’s resume in order to compete.

As stated earlier, class ranks should not solely decide one’s admission, nor should it be the only arena students focus on. Year after year we all hear our guidance counselors, teachers, and even our parents tell us to “be well-rounded; don’t only focus on your grade-point average.” I wholly agree. I do disagree with the idea of taking away a system that portrays a student’s ability in academia, just as surely as I would disagree with discarding any other facet of his high school career.

Arianna Morrell Entertainment Editor The moment we walked through the doors of high school we knew our lives would change in more ways than one. As freshmen, we were told to enroll in rigorous courses and take part in extracurricular activities so that our high school academics would be flawless. High on the list of goals was to achieve a high GPA. Many students believed that achieving this would provide them with an edge over others, putting them in the elite top percentage of their class.

A solid ranking is viewed as a key to admission into an impressive university. But if a student gets enveloped in all of the ups and downs of high school the ranking system may become less of a friend and more of a foe.

According to a Mar. 2006 New York Times article, some high schools stray away from class ranking to eliminate “cutthroat competition among students and to encourage them to take challenging courses” without grades being their sole concern.

“If a student isn’t [top ranked] in their class it makes them feel negatively about themselves,” said senior Sarah Jeffrey.

A student with hopes of getting into the college of their choice may feel the need to resort to dishonest antics like cheating, to remove possible competition and

improve their ranking.

Class rankings vary from school to school. A student who may be number one in his or her class may be on the same academic level as a student who is number five in the school down the street. Where’s the real accuracy?

Class rankings are not very useful measures outside a particular student’s school.

Students may feel prompted to enroll in rigorous courses that would not normally interest them in hopes of earning those few GPA points. “I think [that taking certain courses to boost your GPA] gives a false sense of security,” said senior Dominique Waldman. By taking courses to put them ahead, students ultimately miss out on expanding their knowledge on subjects that would bring them enjoyment.

Class size plays an important role in ranking of students. A public school with a junior class size of 500 would ultimately have 50 students in the top 10 percent.

In small schools, ranking could hurt those applying for college.

The top 10 percent of a senior class of 45 would be around 4 or 5 students, leaving students who may work just as diligently out of luck.

Students would benefit in a school environment that does not encourage competitive academics.

“There should not be a ranking system, because it isn’t an accurate measure of your intelligence.”

-Phuc Nguyen, senior

“There should be a class ranking system, that is an indicator of how well you’re progressing in relation to other students at your level.”

-Michael Jacobazzi, junior

“We should keep the ranking system because it gives students something to work for to impress colleges.”

-Garven Charles, sophomore

“We should keep the system because it allows students to know where they stand in their graduating class and if they need to improve.”

-Anna Staub, sophomore

Cutting-edge technology can alter things as ancient as highway tolls Scott Long Staff Writer In ancient Greece, tolls were used to collect a fee for use of a road or path. The early Roman Empire even placed tolls on roads in the 14th and 15th century.

Clearly tolls are an ancient institution. The reason they exist today is simple, the toll system is an easy way for governments to take in a steady income.

Toll prices today vary

from as little as a quarter to as much as $2.25. An American commuting to work will typically have to throw four quarters into the basket at the booth, and then again on his or her way home, that is until the SunPass was invented. The SunPass is an electronic sensor that is normally stuck to the windshield of a car. When the opposing sensor at the booth notices the SunPass, it notifies the

account tagged to the SunPass and automatically deducts the amount needed from the account. This brings up the question: Are SunPasses really better than just using cold change?

The SunPass is a much better way to pay a toll.

The primary con of SunPass technology is that it puts tollbooth attendants out of work, and with a national unemployment rate at about ten percent, that

can take its own “toll” on some Americans. Despite that, SunPasses are excellent devices. Using change can take up to two minutes, while the SunPass allows you to continue your drive without even slowing down, much less stopping. In the long run, this technique is safer, better for your vehicle since you are braking less, and easier for the user.

The younger the people, the more likely they are

to have a SunPass. Older people who grew up using change may not stray from what they are accustomed to. Although the SunPass is solely used in Florida, other forms of electronic fee collectors are used in many other regions, including the IPass in Illinois. Florida is currently trying to coordinate with other states to use this technology as well.

According to SunPass user William House, “[Sun-

Passes] are very convenient.

I like how I don’t have to carry around cash.” The newest SunPass is a paperthin sticker attached to the windshield of a car. A camera at the tollbooth snaps a shot of the code on the sticker, and automatically takes the fee from your linked account. Technology is constantly evolving to make human life easier, advancing parts of our existence as ancient as tolls.

10 advertisement

DECEMBER 2011

feature 11

Soda tab col-

Alec Kaye Managing Editor

For all members of National Honor Society, Sponsor Carmen Newstreet provides an inside service hour for every sandwich-sized bag of soda tabs given to her.

She’ll gather them up, place them on her desk, sign your service hour sheet and thank you for dropping them off.

Then what? Where do they go, and why only collect the tiny tabs? They are reasonable questions to ask. Well, quite frankly, what is the deal?

One night in 1959, engineer Ermal Cleon Fraze decided that he would tire himself out before bed by working on some mundane problem: open a can without the use of a separate device. Fraze concentrated on perfecting an idea that would use a lever attached to a rivet at the top of the can. He received U.S. patent for his pull-top can design in 1963.

Shortly after, a rumor began that said people may collect tabs for charities to fund kidney dialysis, cancer treatments or create wheelchairs.

It was not until the Ronald McDonald House of Minneapolis, Minnesota was inspired by these rumors to actually create a tab collection program.

There’s nothing special about soda tabs that makes them particularly valuable. They are made of the exact same aluminum ore as the rest of the can -- one thousand pull tabs have a recycle value of about 36 cents, depending on the going rate for aluminum.

According to the Ronald McDonald House official

Pearl Harbor: A day that will live in infamy Zachary Berthiaume Staff Writer

Imagine you are a United States Naval officer, based in Hawaii. You are sleeping on a Sunday at 8 am. when you awaken to the sound of crashing bombs and fighter planes all around you. There is nothing you can do but fight to stay alive. That is what happened to the sailors on the Naval base in Pearl Harbor Hawaii, 70 years ago on December 7t 1941. That day was a devastating one that shocked America.

This event occurred during World War II. America had tried to remain neutral, but declared war after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and played a crucial role in the outcome of the war. On the day after the bombing the decision was made that America would fight, and that the 2402 Americans who were killed and the 1282 that were injured would not go unavenged. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Infamy Speech” given on December 8, 1941, that stated that the acts of violence from Japan were acts of war.

During the attack four battleships were sunk. Those ships were The Arizona, California, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. These ships are now on the ocean floor, and the sight at which the ships can be seen is called Battleship Row. There are also airplane hangars that were completely destroyed leading the result to the loss of 188 aircrafts.

70 years after this event the memories still linger in the minds of Americans. Today people can visit the site where the attack happened. There are several sights on display in commemoration of The Arizona crew. People can also view Battleship Row where the ships mentioned earlier that had been sunken can be view at the bottom of the ocean. There is also a museum where submarines and fighter planes can be seen that survived the attack.

On the day of the attack’s anniversary there was a memorial parade In Hawaii, and the military band performed to honor the loss of the men and women who lost their lives.

There were also survivor stories told at this event that gave the spectators a firsthand experienced.

Even though the attack was 70 years ago, the thought still lingers in the back of the minds of Americans. December 7th 1941 will be a day that lives in infamy.

web page, the collection of tabs teaches kids “about philanthropy and the importance of recycling” in a hygienic and easy manner.

After a large amount have been accumulated, RMH

brings the tabs to a local recycling center, raising several thousands of dollars to “provide a ‘home-away-fromhome’ for families so that they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost.”

Everyone has a story: Elinor LaGanga Elisa Press Staff Writer Elinor LaGanga, sophomore, is helping her previous middle and elementary school, and getting something valuable back in the process.

“At first I went to my sister’s open house in elementary school. The principal asked me if I wanted to help out for service hours after school,” said LaGanga.

LaGanga volunteers about three hours a day, helps grade papers, file papers, and submit student’s grades into Pinnacle.

Many of her tasks that are performed while volunteering closely mimic the tasks of everyday teachers. Although she enjoys helping these teachers finish their work, LaGanga explained that she is not at all interested in becoming a teacher as a career when she gets older, due to the stress she believes goes with the job.

“I like doing things like grading papers and submitting grades more than working

right with the students; I would never want to be a teacher working with kids all day long,” said LaGanga.

She also occasionally works hand in hand with the students from both the elementary and middle school, but when she does work with the students, she prefers working with the younger students because of their vivid personalities and extensive imaginations. “[Assisting these teachers] makes me feel really helpful,” said LaGanga.

Along with volunteering at the middle school and elementary school, last summer, LaGanga helped clean the drama room at our school in exchange for service hours, bringing her that much closer to gaining the Silver Cord at graduation.

LaGanga is not positive as to exactly what career she would like to pursue

when she gets older, but working so closely with these teachers and students gives her an up-close perspective to what being a teacher might be like.

At this point, LaGanga has about 170 service hours, most of them accumulating simply from helping the elementary and middle school teachers after school. She plans on obtaining many more service hours through volunteering, possibly getting the Silver Cord at graduation.

“I help out every Tuesday and Thursday at Margate Middle School, and on special occasions for Margate Elementary School,” said LaGanga.

LaGanga’s goal is to obtain enough service hours by her senior year to get the Silver Cord and to keep going back to volunteer for as long as she can.

Photo by Elisa Press

Choosing a path: Although LaGanga works closely with the teachers in the school, she plans to choose a career other than one in education, but she does not know what that will be yet.

12 Dimensions

12 dimensions

DECEMBER 2011

DECEMBER 2011

Into the New Century

Jon McEwan Graphics Editor

At the close of the past two centuries, scientists have declared that an accurate depiction of the world has been realized; that the rest was just in the details. Less than a decade after this declaration during the 1890s, radiation and X-rays were discovered, the airplane was invented, and the electron was measured. As the twentieth century progressed, Einstein came out with his theory of relativity, the structure of atom was defined, nuclear energy was harnessed, and cures for divers diseases were discovered. Each of these accomplishments represented a paradigm shift in the way we think, understand, and interact with the world. Just in this current century, astrophysicists determined the age of the Universe, scientists mapped the human genome, and military technology progressed to a point where a drone can make a precision strike anywhere in the world while being controlled by a pilot in the United States.

Our knowledge has been continuously expanding with each decade, with no signs of slowing down.

As our understanding about the make up of atoms grows, so does the possibility of an ultra secure, ultra fast quantum Internet. This technology relies on the behavior of particles at the most basic level to transmit information faster than the speed of light though the calculation of a particle’s spin. Any given particle can be described by it’s “quantum numbers”, basi-

cally glorified GPS coordinates. No two particles can have th happens (like when a scientist calculates it’s momentum), allowing us to transmit information instantaneously. Some ex will be available to the public by 2050.

There are also many potential advances in the medic sity of Nottingham are embarking on a project to potentially ing programmable cells. One has to understand that there are computer. There is the hardware (e.g. processor, graphics (e.g. operating system, Firefox, iTunes). The project aims (software) for cells in order to change their function withou (hardware). This could potentially mean that a doctor could skin cells, saving your life without having to rely on finding

These are only two projects that can create major p way we see the world. Expect there to be much, much more. scientists may have been able to discover the properties of sound, but the real Age of Discovery is now.

Innovation of Health Lorenzo Mohammed Dimensions Editor

Miracles are something that are said to happen every day. Countless stories of people pulling through disease and disorder and the modernization of medicine is responsible. Hospitals are equipped with machinery that assist doctors in accurately diagnosing patients like no other time before. And quickly knowing what the illness is allows a greater amount of time treating patients.

CT scans hospitals are able to examine three-dimensional objects through a series of X-rays. The scans create a much more detailed image of bones, internal organs, soft tissue and blood vessels, and allow the physician to effectively check patients for anomalies, measure its’ size, precise location and the anomaly’s interactions with other nearby tissue. In an CT scan, a small amount of radiation is aimed at the body and passes through it, recording an image on photographic film or a special image recording plate. It has increased diagnoses and has become a common tool in hospitals.

Tissue engineering is a largely growing field, with many opportunities growing from it. The process includes the removing or replacing of tissue that is causing illness in the patient. This has been used to replace skin, bone, and even organs with artificially made material in human bodies. The ability to grow functioning organs for the human body increases opportunities like no other. The artificial organ first is made a scaffold in which the organ is built around, this contains no genetic material and is completely bio-compatible. The genetic material is later introduces to the scaffold to form the specified organ.

Doris Taylor, director of the Center for Cardiovascular Repair was able to create an entirely new rat heart in her lab in 2008, and succeeded in getting it beating. In April of 2011 she began the workings of creating an entire human heart though her results are yet to be published.

Along with tissue engineering, cell therapy is a sub-type of regenerative medicine. This kind of treatment is the fourth and last of the four pillars of health care following pharmaceuticals, biologics and medical devices. Cell therapy is the process of introducing the body to new cells in order to combat disease. Forms of this treatment would be considered blood transfusions, although it has come further than that. With the use of stem cells or progenitor cells, when introduced to a specific tissue or cell type, the introduced cells take form of those that surround it. Regenerative medicine can be the solution to treating incurable diseases and bringing about healthier living once fully developed.

Dimensions 13

dimensions 13

Gadgetry

he same coordinates and when this the particles coordinates change, xperts believe that this technology

cal field. Scientists and the Univery create a sort of bio-computer, use two things that make a functional card, fan) and there is software s at creating an operating system ut altering their physical make-up grow a kidney from your own g a match from a donor. paradigm shifts within the The Enlightenment era f gravity, optics, and

Vincent Celesti Staff Writer

Science fiction features a multitude of gadgets that in recent years have become reality. From the 1930s to the early 21st century, the genre has eerily predicted gadgets that have became reality. In Back to The Future Part II, Marty McFly walks through the streets in 2015, where a 3D jaws movie is promoted. The image comes out of the poster, as 3D, without glasses. In recent years, movies and TVs have advanced to meet this technology, called autostereoscopic 3D.

Another technological advancement shown in the same film is a video call between Marty Mcfly and a coworker. This video call is exactly like one that you could have using a program like Skype or Oovoo. Even on the iPhone 4, people can use FaceTime, a “face-to-face” phone call, using a camera on the front of the phone.

For there to be conflict in science fiction, there must be an evil villain, who usually has a super weapon of mass destruction. A device in science fiction called “The Rod from God,”(originally a concept weapon, later featured in the video game Mass Effect 2, and Tom Clancy’s Endwar) kinetic energy device which orbits around the earth like a satellite, using gravity to have the same effect of a nuclear weapon, without the fallout. This concept device was created by Jerry Pournelle. Entire cities will crumble at the awesome power of this weapon.

A similar but unique weapon, featured in the Star Trek franchise, is the tractor beam, it has the capability to trap someone or something in a beam of gravity and pull or push it towards or away something, perhaps a space station, or maybe the sun. Be careful, because once you are caught in the beam, resistance is futile. Physicists are currently researching this technology and have made it an amazing reality, although mostly at a microscopic level. In a few years, tractor beams may be a practical device in science and maybe even a practical device for consumers.

From tractor beams to holograms, science fiction gadgets continue to amaze, often becoming a staple for their genre,these gadgets will one day be apart of our own culture

Transportation

Duffy Dufresne Feature Editor Fifteen years ago the idea of a flying car would have made many people laugh. That kind of futuristic transportation was unheard of. Well ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the future. An American company called Terrafugia has made a small flying car that can fly at 115 miles per hour and drive at 65 miles per hour. The Transition, as it is called, can be transformed from a car to a plane in less than a minute. Terrafugia has already gotten about 100 orders for The Transition, which will go into production next year.

In order to own a Transition, a pilots license will be necessary along with a certificate from the Civil European Aviation Safety Agency.

In addition to a flying car, Toyota has recently developed a concept car with touch screen door panels. The car is called Fun-Vii (Vehicle interactive internet) and is still in developmental stages.

The president of Toyota, Akio Toyoda, says that manufacturers wanted to make a car that was fun, and that catered to our love for technology. The Fun-Vii works as like a personal computer, and

allows for drivers to be able to connect with one another by tapping the door panels. Though concept cars don’t usually make it into mass production, Toyota hints that the Fun-Vii might be the car of the future.

In the near future, NASA aerospace engineer Mark Moore plans to manufacture a single seated airplane named after a small bird called the Puffin. The Puffin has a vertical take-off and landing which makes operating relatively simple. Moore wanted to combine the best of a plane and a helicopter into one 12-foot long unit. The Puffin would have a wingspan of 14.5 feet, and would operate off of electric power. It is environmentally safe with zero carbon emissions, and can take a pilot up to 50 miles at a cruising speed of 150 miles per hour.

Technology as a whole is rapidly expanding; transportation technology itself seems to be moving towards environmental safety and convenience. With vehicles that operate on electricity and biological sources such as algae for one inflatable aircraft, we may be looking at a tech-savvy and green way to get from place to place in the future.

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DECEMBER 2011

Alumni Spotlight: Gary Bofshever Rachel Armely Staff Writer

Mayor’s Messenger

Feyaad Allie Contributing Writer

Mayor Roy Gold hopes that all students had a relaxing Thanksgiving break. He would like to inform the students that recently he had the honor of representing our city at a White House reception with President Obama, in honor of the National League of Cities. During this 4-hour briefing and reception he was able to discuss topics such as the American Jobs Act, transportation, and immigration.

The city of Coral Springs is trying to increase the initiative to help schools. In order to raise funds for schools the city is hosting a Box Top collection drive. Students can participate by clipping Box Top logos from the many participating product boxes. Some products with Box Tops include cereals, tissues, and cake mixes. Each Box Top accounts for 10 cents, given to the a school of your choice. Box Tops should be placed in an envelope labeled with the school that will benefit. The envelope should be delivered to City Hall, the Coral Springs Gymnasium, or City Hall in the Mall.

An opportunity to attend city commission meetings is available to all students, some of whom will get the chance to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The meetings take place on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 at Coral Springs city hall. Participation is offered on a first come, first served basis.

Students interested in participating should email Lydia Cutz at lcutz@ coralsprings.org with their name, school’s name, grade, and the date they desire to attend.

Gold encourages those who want to discuss city issues to visit him during his office hours. The scheduled monthly hours can be viewed at www.CoralSprings.org/events.

Another way to be updated on city events is to add the city on Facebook at www.facebook.com/coralsprings.

Finally, if there is anything that Gold could help you with, or if you have suggestions or ideas please feel free to email him at rgold@coralsprings. org.

As a child who grew up in Brooklyn, New York, Gary Bofshever made a huge change when he and his family moved to Coral Springs In 1976. He completed eighth grade at Coral Springs Middle School before transitioning to our school in 1978.

As a student he played baseball and basketball. He attended college at the University of Florida, where he changed his focus to microbiology, graduating in 1981. After receiving his degree, he moved to Life Chiropractic School in Georgia, where he spent the majority of his time studying athletic biomechanics, after which he immediately returned to Coral Springs, eager to become the school’s doctor.

Soon Bofshever began treating many students who attend CSHS, some of whom received recommendations from staff members and coaches to go to Bofshever.

He performs many of our athletes’ physicals and visits our school to perform physicals for our wrestling team before meets. Dr. Bofshever has been taking care of our students and athletes since 1990.

“I give back so much because the teachers and coaches had such an impact on my life,” he said.

Aside from taking care of our students, Bofshever spends a great deal of his time attending athletic and social events at the school, something he attributes to a sense

Photo by Carolina Ambrosini

The doctor is in: Bofshever is in charge of monitoring the weights of all the wrestlers on the school team. He makes sure they are fit to compete in their weight categories. of belonging here.

“Family values were amazing at CSHS. There was an amazing sense of community.

Everywhere you went you were a Coral Springs Colt and it made you feel special.”

Bofshever also spends time at CSHS because he grew up with some of the people who are still here today. Teachers Theresa Beans and Brantley Barr, also

alumni, attended CSHS during the same time as Bofshever.

“Gary Bofshever was always a great guy to be around, I’m glad he still spends a lot of his time giving back to the school,” said Barr.

Bofshever enjoyed his time at CSHS and claims that he would not have had it any other way.

11 reasons to feel lucky this year Sam Hinkes Staff Writer Nov. 11 wasn’t just the 93rd anniversary of the day World War I ended, but also 11/11/11, the day in which millions of teenagers made a wish at 11:11 p.m. for the superstitious belief that it is lucky.

It has become popular to make a wish any night at 11:11 p.m.

Some believe that that time of day is lucky because of the repeating numbers. The event was unofficially prepared for on Facebook, in which nearly two million people said that they will make the “most epic wish ever” (according to the name of the Facebook event) on 11/11/11 at 11:11 p.m.

The luck behind the number 11 comes from superstition. Many Biblical names and phrases have 11 letters. On Dec. 21, 2012, the sun will be aligned with the center of the Milky Way for the first time in 26,000 years. It has been calculated by USA Today that the exact moment will occur at “11:11 p.m. Universal time.” Another interesting thing about the date 12/21/2012 is that the digits add up to, of course, 11.

Barbara Serpa, sophomore, was one of many who participated in the Facebook event for 11/11/11. She is superstitious and believes in the power of good luck.

“When I make a wish [at 11:11 p.m.], I get it down to the 11th second,” said Serpa. Her reason is because that time of day simply has the most amount of repeating numbers.

To her own surprise, the day was not what she had expected it to be.

“Well, my honest opinion is that it’s just another day passing by in time,” she said.

Although she was a firm believer this day would be special, she said it didn’t feel that way, “probably because everybody was hyped for 11/11/11 and I guess I got caught up in it a little. I don’t see the big deal now that its over.”

She believes you cannot achieve luck through just doing lucky things, such as carrying a rabbit’s foot, a horseshoe, or four-leaf clover.

“Luck can be a mentality,” said Serpa.

A look at Thanksgiving Traditions Joseph Cerasuolo Staff Writer Americans give thanks in November on our special holiday, Thanksgiving, for the Native-Americans that helped us to survive in our time of need. The Pilgrims were hungry, and cold, and poorly equipped to survive the harsh environments of North America. The natives were under no obligation to help the Pilgrims, but out of kindness toward them, Squanto, the Patuxet who first assisted the Pilgrims, decided to teach them how to plant corn to sustain their own villages.

Over the years since the first Thanksgiving, Americans have developed traditions that some would consider strange or unusual.

In our school, we have a few students and their families that celebrate some unusual traditions. Cody Orange, senior, said that he goes for a jog after dinner every year, and then eschews football and watches women’s basketball instead. Another student is Nathalie Coste, sophomore, whose family eats hen and pork instead of turkey.

Giving thanks for things people may have that others don’t is definitely a big part of the holiday, and spending time with their families is a way that you can show that you are thankful for them. Junior John Lamboglia and his family unplug every electronic device in their home, including their TV, computer, and cell phones and spend all of their time in the kitchen and prepare the food together. This gives them time to talk with each other, and to just spend time together in an unrestricted and unobtrusive way, where nobody judges another and they all try to get along. Senior Vianca Gonzales and her siblings put on the same play every year for their parents and the rest of their family, in a cute and fun interpretation of the interactions between the Pilgrims and the Indians during the first Thanksgiving. Due to embarrassment she didn’t want to give anymore information on the subject.

Senior Dominique Waldman is starting a tradition that she and her family will be participating in from now on, calling it “Family Superlatives”. This was inspired by “Senior Superlatives” a section in the yearbook, where the students vote on who has the best eyes or best smile, who the best friends are and who is most likely to succeed in the senior class. Dominique is doing this with her family and will most likely have a fun time participating, and I personally want to start something like this as well.

Taking part in an unusual tradition with our families at Thanksgiving only serves to bring our families closer together and to have more fun, and we have nothing to lose. So let’s all try something different this year, start an annual Thanksgiving karaoke, or put on a play for the rest of the family, maybe even find out a food that no one in the family has tried before and serve it, finding a new food each year. It doesn’t matter what people really do as long as everyone enjoys it as a family.

feature 13

Top ten gifts for the holidays Vianca Gonzalez Business Manager

As Christmas draws closer we find it difficult to find the perfect gift. People enjoy different items depending on their personality. This is the perfect season for expressing your love to someone you care about. Why not get them something nice?

10) Chocolate: Everyone loves something sweet! Chocolate is a classic gift. It has been used throughout generations to express a person’s love for someone. Chocolate is great for any festive season. A Grand Prix Gift Basket filled with chocolate candies of all sorts is perfect. The basket can be brought for $35.99 at Walmart.

9) Clothes: There’s no gift like clothes.

Fresh new cotton fabric from Ocean Pacific, Forever 21, Gap, and even Walmart.

Everyone wears some type of clothing; why not go out in style? Ocean Pacific apparel can be found ranging from $2.00 to $16.00 at Walmart.

8) Game Stations: There’s nothing like a system to entertain you on those rainy days. Simple games like Modern Warfare

3 is are huge hit with teens. The cheapest price for Call of Duty 3 online is at Best Buy, which offers the game for $34.99 on PS3 and Xbox 360.

7) Gift Cards: Don’t know what gift to give this holiday season, but know the store they love? Let them choose a proper item for themselves. Nobody knows people better then themselves. Gift cards can be found for any franchise such as Target, Best Buy, etc.

6) Jewelry: Fashionable, accessible, and very classy. From pearls to simple lip rings people aren’t afraid to mix and match things up. Used on the occasional nights out to nice restaurants or just an everyday accessories. Earrings and bracelets can be found at Kay jewelers ranging from $59.00 to $225.00.

5) Tickets: Loud music, a bunch of close friends and your favorite band on stage.

Concert tickets are perfect when you want to go and hang out with some friends.

They create the perfect opportunity to get wild and crazy and to show off your inner colors. Tickets for Skrillex or Lil Wayne

can be purchased for between $42.00 to $141.00 on ticket master.

4) Car Accessories: Stickers, bobble heads, chains, ect. . A lot of teens have cars that fit their personality in some way. What better way to show it off than with accessories?

They’re fun, cute and trendy.

3) Phones: We all like to keep in touch and stay in style. Phones have become a must-have here in the 21-century, from flip-phones to the new iPhone 4S. It’s small and portable and great for communication!

Phones can be found in any major store such as Metro Pcs, Verizon or Sprint.

2) Laptops: Perfect for schoolwork note taking and Internet use. Laptops are easy to use and portable. Best Buy has laptops from Sony, Dell, Toshiba, Samsung, and Hp from $299.99 to $649.99.

1) Money: Can’t live without it. Unlike the gift card, money is usually given when someone doesn’t know the person at all.

Also, money can be used anywhere unlike the gift card that restricts you to one store.

It’s a simple gift, and it is almost always very well received.

Feeling sleepy? Blame it on the Turkey Celeste Lau Staff Writer Surrounded by numerous dishes at Thanksgiving, your eyes draw immediately to the golden orb in the center. The turkey, one of the most famous parts of Thanksgiving, is the main course, the dish that takes the longest time to prepare, and the dish that everyone waits to eat. After consuming huge chunks of the meat, you begin to feel drowsy and slow, but why?

Many people feel the effects of eating turkey, but only some know why.

“I think it’s due to our body being tired from digesting all the protein,” said Chris Johnson, senior. I don’t think that’s right, but I’m not really sure why we do get sleepy.”

L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid that must be obtained from food, is found in turkey and other foods. Amino acids

are used to synthesize proteins, which the body needs to survive. As all other macromolecules, or molecules that are too big for the body to use, the body must break down the amino acid. After breaking it down, the body then uses L-tryptophan for various parts of the body. L-tryptophan is used in the production of serotonin and melatonin, two chemicals used to induce sleeping. This is why some feel tired after eating the main course at Thanksgiving.

During the holiday season, it is not only L-tryptophan that causes us to feel drowsy though. Other reasons are the amount of food we eat and the types of food we eat.

“I feel so tired and sleepy after the Thanksgiving dinner. I don’t feel like doing anything but take a long nap,” said Kristen Bodine, senior.

So should you skip this important part of Thanksgiving? Well, don’t be afraid of

this sleep-inducing amino acid. It is vital to our body’s health. L-tryptophan is found in many foods, not just turkey. It is found in chicken, milk, eggs, pumpkin seeds and many others. The body only needs about three ounces of meat or chicken and a cup of yogurt to receive a daily serving of L-tryptophan. Although, without this daily serving of L-tryptophan, the brain would not function properly because of the use of L-tryptophan for the production of chemicals used as messengers. If we did not obtain L-tryptophan through our diets, our bodies would not produce serotonin, and a lack of serotonin can lead to depression and insomnia.

By knowing this information and portioning meals this holiday, people will receive the appropriate amount of L-tryptophan and stay awake during foodstuffed holidays.

Celeste Lau/ Andrew Lash Staff Writer/ Contributing Writer A common sight after Thanksgiving: a half-eaten turkey in the fridge. The next few days are spent trying to find a way to eat the leftover turkey. Well, you can rest for a day, because here is a recipe that is delicious and easy to make. Ingredients you will need are: 12 egg roll wrappers (can be found at Wal-Mart) 1 cup of shredded cooked turkey 1/2-2/3 cup of BBQ sauce 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese Cup of coleslaw Small bowl of water Nonstick cooking spray Cookie sheet Once you have all the ingredients, lay the egg roll wrappers on a clean work surface. In a small bowl, mix the turkey with the BBQ sauce until well coated. Place one tablespoon of the coleslaw on the egg roll wrappers. Place one tablespoon of the turkey on the egg roll wrapper and one tablespoon of shredded Swiss cheese on top. Wrap the egg roll wrapper burrito style until it looks like an egg roll.

Repeat the filling and rolling. Spray the cookie sheet and the rolls with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and place the egg rolls in for 9-12 minutes. Take them out of the oven and serve. This recipe makes 12 rolls.

14 feature

DECEMBER 2011

Spider-Man mural mystery unmasked Student jourDiego Munoz Zachary Berthiaume Staff Writers

Photo by Carolina Ambrosini Man of mystery: Other similar murals are throughout the school.

occasionally found in comics such as The Amazing Spider-Man and The Fantastic Four.

Lichtenstein’s art consisted of close Walking pass the media center, a giant representations of other works, which painting of Spider-Man looms over us on were drawn using Ben-Day dots and bold the wall.

Many of us recognize the image of the colors typical comic art style. The Benmasked neighborhood friend, but the Day printing process, commonly used in the 1950s and 60s with comics, combined majority of us don’t know why it’s there.

The murals along the 700s are all part of a spaced dots to create an illusion of flat collection of art drawn by AP Art History color.

Other murals in the hallway collection students. include Monet’s Venice at Dusk and Valerie Arena taught the class when the artist created the infamous Spider-Man Lighthouse on a Hill originally drawn painting. She said students had ample time by Edward Chopper, both of which are and it would have been very educational to famous Oil-Canvas paintings. Andy create a mural displaying their knowledge Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans also shares a part in the unique collection as well. on the subject.

The “wall of art” isn’t only limited to “Each piece depicts a different era or mood,” she said. The artist of the Spider- student-painted murals. It also displays Man piece was assigned a Roy Lichtenstein several quotes by famous artists, Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso and Frida Kahlo, style of art when creating the mural. which gives the hallway a museum feel.

Lichtenstein was a famous artist of the Although, the artist of the Spider-Man early 1960s who specialized in comic peice is still unclear we all now know why book-style paintings. He based much of his artwork on themes such as romance, Spidey sits on the side of that doorway in war and science fiction. Subject matter the seven hundreds.

Recently, texting and driving has become a much discussed issues in the media and in politics. Texting distracts a driver by taking both their eyes off the road and their mind off driving. A 2009 Virginia Tech Transportation study found that a truck increased its risk of getting into an accident by over 23 times while texting and driving. This statistic relates to experiences professionals, it is easy to assume that the risk is even higher for more novice teen drivers.

“It grabs attention away from what’s really important,” said Zoey Smith, senior.

Ford Motor Company has added a new innovation of technology to its vehicles

1980s nerds to 2011 hipsters

Vianca Gonzalez Business Manager

Hipsters are commonly portrayed as snobby people who know it all and think of life as a giant piece of art.

Conversely, actual hipsters are usually just middle class adults and older teenagers with musical interest mainly in alternative and indie rock.

Hipsters have been around as early as the 40s. They were usually seen wearing brightly colored clothes and long sleeve jackets even in the summer.

“Hipsters are basically stylish people who listen to independent labels with poetic value and and have there own personal view of it,” said Ryan Webb.

Norman Mailer authored an essay called The White Negro, in 1957, in which Mailer wrote about hipsters as “American existentialists” living life surrounded by death, atomic war, and “being strangled”

Joeseph Cerasuolo Staff Writer

No-Shave November is a tradition in Nov., in which people try to go the whole month without shaving any part of their body.

I have tried this before and was not successful, but this year was my year, my time to shine, and my month of manliness.

So I have catalogued and made a journal of my experience with No-Shave November.

Day One: “November 1st and I am excited to get this month started! Shaved last night before I went trick-or-treating, and it’s already started to get prickly. This is going to be a great month.”

Day Seven: “My beard is visibly darker and longer than everybody else’s I see. When you begin shaving at the age of ten you kind of develop a speedy growth rate of beards, and mustaches, and chest hair. People have already come up to me saying ‘Nice beard, Joe!’ or ‘You grow hair overnight.’ It’s been one week and it’s lookin’ good.”

Day Thirteen: “My dad is pretty upset which may have an impact on this problem. may select from the system’s touch screen. with my choice to participate in No-Shave Fords are now equipped with a Microsoft The basic idea is to make it safer for users program known as SYNC, which features to text while driving, but even some teens November, and wonders why my boss include hands-free calling, entertainment (a subgroup that is incredibly likely to use hasn’t said anything about it. I told him a thousand times my boss doesn’t mind, but systems, navigation, and audible text texting) are wary of this idea.

I think it’s because of my long hair too. The messaging as well as several other driving “I still think it’s dangerous,” said Paula and car-health related features.

Pineros, sophomore, “It’s basically beard is officially four tenths of an inch The SYNC program can read incoming encouraging people to be distracted while long, and I’m not going to waver in my resolve. I think there may be an underlying text messages, preventing drivers from driving!” having to look at their phone, while on the So far this program has been slow to resentment my Dad feels towards me road. be adopted because not many phones because I have an overabundance of hair., According to the car maker’s website, integrate with features like Ford’s, but while he doesn’t have any.”

Day Twenty: “November 20th! It’s my “It can even translate commonly used with the increased popularity of Bluetooth abbreviations and emoticons.” devices, it is predicted that both phones birthday! I am so stoked about today and I love the way my beard is growing in. Too The system allows for a set of up to 15 and vehicles will adopt this technology. preset outgoing messages (which users With the exception of the Ranger, Ford bad I have to work today or I would be at may customize) such as “Can’t talk right has installed this technology in all of its home combing and braiding it. Just kidding, it’s not that long yet only six tenths of an now” or “Where are you?” which users 2012 models. inch long. Will write more after my birthday trip that my dad is keep a frustrating secret.”

Day Thirty-One: “The beard is seven tenths of an inch long, and I am sad to see it go. I have developed a bond with it, like Steven Krawczyk, a sophomore who pays other people would a dog. It has been there by social rules and standards. attention to trends. for me, through good times and bad times, The hipster movement was going around To call someone a hipster is blasphemous through itchy times and soft times. I will but was replaced by hippies who embraced to their life style. They tend to have a very always remember you Beard. You were a the community over the individual. separate personality or life from the rest of great pal. RIP. Buzzzzzzzzzz.”

Hipsters did not reappear until the 90s and the world.

December first: “Well I’m glad that’s over.” instead of creating a culture of their own “Hipsters can range from activist to artsy This experience with No-Shave November hipsters began recycling trends from the or calm like me,” said Ryan Webb. was emotional and in the end a truly past.

The typical hipster exists to steal and interesting and fun time. Whether people “Hipsters are usually people that digress combine the trends of other generations. loved my beard or hated it, it was the fact from the socially popular in modern Clothes, cars, accessories and any other that it had gotten long enough to notice society” said Ryan Smalley materialistic things can influence hipsters. that really amazed me.

In 2003, Robert Lanham wrote The They love to show freedom of art or People I didn’t know would come up Hipster Handbook informing people what expression. ”Skinny jeans, Toms, flannels, out of the blue to congratulate me on my an actual hipster is and what it is not. and Converses are big things used by beard and that really made my day. Next These individuals tend to have the newest [hipsters],” said Krawczyk. year I really suggest that other people clothing and technology available.

Many hipsters can be found online where (boys mostly, but girls can too) try it out. It Hipsters are in constant competition with they are rebloging art, artistic quotes, or can be a different but not necessarily bad each other, whether it’s discovering a new black and white pictures of various items. experience. underground indie rock band first, or just Major sites used by the everyday hipsters being the hippest hipster. are tumbler, Flicker, Facebook, and the “Hipsters are people who start trends or occasional reddit. trendy things before it catches on,” said

New technology in Fords allows texting

Kathryn Long Opinion Editor

nals participation in No-shave November

entertainment 17

Dancers assemble to make their mark Jessica Lee Staff Writier

An o’Kaye Read

By Alec Kaye

In the beginning, dragons roamed the lands of Alagaesia, proud and fierce. Then came the birth of dwarves from stone. Elves sailed across the silver sea, then humans, then Urgals, then Ra’zac.

The immense power of the elves and dragons as they warred against each other threatened extinction of both races, so a truce was contracted.

Dragon Riders were formed to keep peace throughout Alagaesia for thousands of years.

Glabatorix and the Forsworn, rogue Dragon Riders, rose up against their own, slaying every dragon not their own, save for three eggs: one red, one blue, one green. In the eighty-third year of Glabatorix’s tyranny, a man stole the blue dragon egg, where it mistakenly falls into the hands of a young farmer named Eragon. And so the tale begins.

Author Christopher Paolini started his work on the Inheritance Cycle at age 15. The series consists of the books Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr and Inheritance: The Vault of Souls.

Typical with fantasy novels, the book offers no educational purpose when it comes to plot. Event happen because Paolini wrote them to entertain his audience. Which brings forth the one main con of these series: the plot is predictable, especially when a main character finds himself in danger with 200 pages remaining in the book.

The mature voice and thorough development of ideas kept me interested throught the +2,700 page series. Vocabulary terms that I have never seen before Paolini used in a manner that neither suffocated nor deterred his expression of ideas, but rather complemented the pleasurable experience. I found myself writing a few of these words down in my own little booklet over the course of my reading.

My personal favorite was spoken by Eragon’s elvish friend Arya in Inheritance. “It’s impossible to go through life unscathed. Nor should you want to. By the hurts we accumulate, we measure both our follies and our accomplishments.”

Since the setting takes place in a land not of our own, with magicians and fantastical creatures, it is hard to document the time period. Humans are cursed with having to travel on foot or horseback from town to town, racking up hours of travel time.

I recommend this an o’Kaye read to anyone who has some free time on his or her hands.

“We aspire to be different.” Divinity, the CSHS dance team, was formed with this quote in mind.

After waiting a month for the Inter-Club Council (ICC) and school administrators to make their decisions on whether the school can have a dance team, Divinity was finally an official dance troupe.

With twenty girls and four boys, Divinity strives to bring unique dance routines to the school and community.

Captains Jasmine Lewis, Eboni Jackson, and Ana Rivera have faith in bringing the dance team to success. Divinity rehearses every Monday and Thursday after school.

Divinity is looking forward to performing in the CSHS Multicultural show. The dance team is currently searching for dance competitions to compete in. “Dance is our poetry and emotion,” said Napelah Mingchai, a Divinity member.

For the dance team members, dance is more than the act itself. Dance does not just portray emotions, it tells a story.

Through dancing, each and every one of the members has a chance to tell his or her story.

Divinity members all work hard together

Photo by Carolina Ambrosini Practice makes perfrect: Divinity dance team members rehearse diligently every Tuesday and Thursday with hopes of reaching new heights to showcase their dances to the public. Rehearsing two times a week has brought the members closer together as a whole.

Through the love of dancing, students from different races and religions have formed a bond with each other. When asked to describe Divinity, members re-

plied with one simple word, “family.”

Students from different backgrounds have come together to share their love for dancing. Divinity has just begun writing its own distinctive story, a story that will continue throughout the year.

Battle of the bands rocks on during Homecoming week

Photo by Carolina Ambrosini Rocking out: Soul and Envy performs a memorable balla on stage for all to enjoy.

Vianca Gonzalez Business Manager

“Because I loved you”.

“Music is an expression not a competition” During homecoming week on Nov. 9 Said Kevin Blessing, lead vocalist.

The band was created four years ago three bands from our school Ocean Boulevard, Soul and Envy and Communication and they have performed shows in other Breakdown competed against one another schools and venues around Coral Springs.

Ocean Boulevard is a sophomore boy showing off their musical talents in efforts band, consisting of Kevin Blessing, Robbie to win first place.

The show started with Ocean Boulevard Diano, Zach Barnes, Kaleb Simmons and a band formed by sophomores. The first Kyle Jacobs Soul and Envy performed next with an song was an original acoustic piece called

original blue grass song as their opener and then a tribute to Led Zeppelin’s “Whole lot of love” as their second song.

“Nothings more fun then playing music with my friends” said Jeramy Mezei guitarist.

During their last song the lead singer David marks, junior shook to the ground in the middle of the performance. “I was electrified by the rock and roll,” said David Marks.

The last band to end the night was Communication breakdown with four songs in tribute to Led Zeppelin.

“The competition atmosphere was really good for us we never done this before.”

Said Veronica Orr on bass guitarist.

“Communication Breakdown”, “Immigrant song”, “Won ton song” and “Rock and Roll” were tribute songs the band performed. Band members Josh Gluck, Kevin Natton, Veronica Orr and Nick Orr ended the battle with a bang.

Ballots were given out to audience and then collected and tallied revealing Soul and Envy as the winners of the competition.

“We enjoyed the opportunity to play music for the public and hope to do it again” said Joey Clark.

In Theaters: December 21 In Theaters: December 16 In Theaters: December 21

18 entertainment

DECEMBER 2011

Jingle Ball raves bank atlantic center Zachary Berthiaume Staff Writer Y-100 Miami’s hit music station puts a concert around Christmas called Jingle Ball. This concert is a mix up of pop stars that get together and put on a show that fills up the entire Bank Atlantic Center. The concert is this year filled with good acts a few bad ones.

The night was fun filled and but did have some down sides. If you sat in front of the stage the there the rafters on the stage lit up and looked like a Christmas tree which gave the arena a Christmas feel.

There were two stages, one for the main performers like David Guetta, Lmfao, and Pitbull. There was another for the smaller acts like Karmin, and Cody Simpson.

The night started of smoothly with Demi Lovato coming out first and really starting off with her strong vocals and it gave a nice up beat tempo.

As her act ended a band would go to the smaller stage to shift the attention away from a stage that rotates and that had to be

reset for each and every band.

The bands on the second stage how ever weren’t as good as the bands on the big stage, but the worst performance was Cody Simpson. While he only song two songs it felt like he took forever, and had very few applause.

There was also Kelly Clarkson who seemed to be enjoying herself on stage had a time consuming performance, and made Jingle Ball move painfully slow if you don’t like her music.

Some acts were surprisingly good like Foster the People (who aren’t as popular as other bands) and The Script both groups had great vocals. Both groups had great instrumentation and had great fun to watch party music. The dace was great and well acts. Both bands had the crowds into it and choreographed even though Sky Blu from by the end of both acts the entire arena was LMFAO wasn’t there, Redfoo picked up for singing along. a partner being hurt.

The most exciting performances of the David Guetta was probably the loudest night came toward the end of preformed by performance, and if you don’t like techno Lmfao and David Guetta. LMFAO went be- music you wouldn’t like it but the beats that fore Guetta and made a smooth transition David Guetta laid down never got old and because the music was the most similar, had the whole arena feeling like a nightclub.

Courtesy of Zachary Berthiaume Overall the concert was very well done but not executed with great design and a great outcome.

I would recommend that people should go to Jingle Ball 2012 to go see a great live show filled with great acts. There’s plenty there for anyone, and with the two stages, if you don’t like what you see you can always schange your view.

Chorus takes happiest trip around the world Jessica Lee Staff Writer Chorus was chosen this year to perform in the Candlelight Processional at Disney World on Nov. 29, to celebrate the Christmas holiday.

Candlelight, as it is commonly called, is a special event from Nov. 25th to Dec 30th that is a part of Epcot’s “Holidays Around the World”. The special event is held every night at the American Gardens Theatre, an outdoor amphitheater. During this period of time, Epcot is transformed into an international celebration featuring festive decorations and live entertainment.

The Candlelight Processional dates back to 1958, when it was first held at Disneyland in California. The show was reproduced at the Magic Kingdom in 1971and relocated to Epcot in 1994.

This event was created by Walt Disney to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

Nearly 400 performers filled the stage to create this presentation, with a total of 21,000 vocalists participating throughout the five weeks of performances.

The Voices of Liberty, an 8-part a cappella group, and the Walt Disney World Cast Choir joined the high school choruses from 30 states to perform on

stage.

In this performance, a celebrity narrator joined by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir, retold the biblical story of Christmas.

Over the years, guest narrators have included actors, vocalists, news commentators, astronauts and sports celebrities. The mass choir performed traditional religious Christmas carols like “Joy to the World,” “Shout for Joy,” and “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Our chorus, under the direction of Mary Catherine Salo, held several rehearsals throughout Nov. to prepare for the Candlelight Processional. Many

chorus students felt eager to perform in the special event.

“I’m excited to be performing at Candlelight. It’s Disney, which is awesome in itself, and it’s also my last year doing Candlelight,” said Nelson Ysabel, senior. “For me it goes beyond the faith that people may pay attention to and it’s more of a celebration of the whole holiday spirit.”

Ninety-five singers from our Colt chorus participated in the Candlelight Processional at Disney World. The chorus members had a chance to sing Christmas carols with other choruses from 30 states.

The Nutcracker remains noteworthy Alec Kaye Managing Editor Portraying the story of a little girl name Clara and her favorite toy, the International Ballet Company presented The Nutcracker at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts throughout the second weekend of Dec. Dancer Seoyeon Kim performed the lead role as Clara.

Audio music by Tchaikovsky.

Before the performance began, I had to remind myself of two things: women played the majority of male roles, and the performance had no verbal dialogue.

The choreography designed by Deborah Buttner, Mary Buttner and Eriberto Jimenez, I dare say, would have posed a challenge to many male figures, demanding a level of flexibility and honed agility suitable to a women’s physique.

The Nutcracker provided an atmosphere that suited the wide range of experience found among the performers. During the “Raging Battle,” when the Rat King challenged the heroic Nutcracker, the baby mice and toy soldiers appealed to the audience through their youthful and eager faces, leaving the crowd in waves of melting hearts.

The intermission could not have been placed better: right between Act I and Act II. Act I finished off with the “glittering Snowflakes.” Consisting of the more experienced performers, the Snowflakes relied solely on their control of space and time to keep us stricken with awe.

As a cohesive unit, they maneuvered, transitioning from move to more like

a snowflake flowing in the wind. They formed into an echelon shape, then pushed forward en pointe to invert the form. The meticulousness In an interviewofwith theTV ballerinas Guide Proas they ducer Al Jean stated, “There’s no reason to crossed through produced an optical illugive people less than what you’ve grown to sion that shrouded their front-to-back relalove over 23 years”. tion to each other.

The show’s animation production has The grotesque blend of to militaristic pochanged for the new season high definisitioning and of terms theirofmotion tion.

Fox did notfluidity reveal the the deals screamed with athe force actors, to be but reckoned revealedwith. that the The actors accepted a 30 percent pay cut.

20 minute intermission was well appreciFoxtosaid in myself the Simpson’s renewal anated snap out of their trance. nouncements that the show would return As Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy travon Oct 30 with new episodes, beginning eled far-away lands,themed dancersepisode from Spain, with to their Halloween China, Arabia and Russia carried out their “Treehouse of Horrors XXII”. cultures The 24th through and 25th exotic seasons dances. of the The show audiwill bring the series to a total of 559 epience was once again speechless while dursodes. Jean said to Entertainment Weekly, “Our mood is elation, mixed with a sense

ing the Arabian couple’s performance.

The choreography of these two consisted of an extensive repertoire of inof tense, ‘Man, high-stake we’ve gotacrobatics. a lot of work I was to do. later Believe me, we don’t look at this, [as the end] further amazed when I found out that it as will definitely be the from last seasons, wasthese a surprise performance none we just want to keep fighting and go on as other than Deborah Buttner -- the well long as we can. We really feel this isn’t an renounced dancer and Director end but beginning, it’s aArtistic cliché, but it’s the of the”IBC. truth.

He Theadded production that thewas producers litteredare with putting nutogether a special promo to thank fans merous other spectacular moments, butfor their support.ofIntime Feb. that 2012,it the showtake will the amount would celebrate its historic 500th episode, “At would exhaust both me and you. I must Long Last Leave”, about the town wantsay, tothis its and profesing get performance--with rid of Homer Simpson his sionalism amongst the full cast--has far family. exceed any and all expectations

entertainment 19

The Dark Knight returns, bringing gamers justice Jordan Butchen Staff Writer

I’ve ever played. Using the game’s free-flow system, the player is able to chain a series Batman: Arkham City, Rocksteady Stu- of attacks together using hand-to-hand dios’ sequel to the hit game Batman: combat and gadgets in order to take down Arkham Asylum, is nothing short of a mas- henchmen.

Watching the Dark Knight take down a terpiece. This game has managed to take a fairly linear game, in which the player is group of 20 enemies without breaking a limited to making certain decisions only sweat is extremely satisfying, as he pulls to face pre-determined outcomes, and turn off extremely brutal takedowns, such as it into a completely open-world adventure slamming enemies into poles or crushing their skulls into the ground. that is fully explorable.

The level of detail that has gone into this Players assume control of Batman and Catwoman as they attempt to uncover what game is simply astounding. As players events are transpiring inside Gotham’s traverse each new area of the world, they newly constructed prison. Along the way will notice that each section has a distincImage from WCCFTech they will encounter many villains, such as tive feel. The Joker’s lair at the Sionis Mill Two-Face, Penguin, and Mr. Freeze, who is filled with party favors and clown masks, prevent a murder and the next they will be provide additional context to unexplained while the Penguin’s base inside the Natural navigating rooms full of deadly traps in or- events. will attempt to stop their endeavors.

The opening section of this game is one of History Museum contains icebergs and der to save hostages.

Those who rent or buy a used copy of the the finest I have ever experienced. The new fossils.

It is important to note that only new game will have the option of purchasing Although this game does not include any copies of the game include optional story these missions on either Xbox Live or Playperspective of controlling Bruce Wayne does an outstanding job at quickly draw- form of multiplayer, the abundance of side missions and challenge maps that can be Station Network. ing gamers into the plot and keeping them missions will keep players entertained for played as Catwoman.

This game is a must-play for anyone who hundreds of hours. One moment players invested in it.

These levels are not necessary in order enjoys playing action-adventure video The combat in Arkham City is the best will be racing across the city in order to to understand the main story, but they games.

Paranormal Activity 3 puts viewers on edge Savita Ramkalawan Staff Writer

On Fri. Oct. 21, Paranormal Activty 3 was released into theaters. The movie grossed an incredible $52,568,183 opening weekend, taking the number one spot in the box office.

The movie brought back a couple of returning characters from earlier series. This included Julie, the sisters’ mother, and Dennis, Julie’s boyfriend. New ones such as Randy, Grandma Lois, and Toby are introduced.

Dennis, who records weddings and other events for a living, begins to notice strange things happening within the home. With the help of a friend, he sets up cameras in every room and begins watching whatever

was previously recorded, realizing that the strange occurrences may be the result of something even larger than imagined.

Although it was relatively easy to follow the plotline, that may not be the case if you haven’t seen the first two movies. So if you plan on seeing Paranormal Activity 3, be sure to watch the others first.

“Inside Movies” provides reviews and latest scoops on released and upcoming movies.

In a recent interview, directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman explained the new technique they used in the movie in order to keep the audience engrossed during the film.

They set up a camera on the base of an oscillating fan, having it pan over a room

slowly. According to Schulman, their intent was to get the audience so emotionally involved in the film, that they unknowingly move around in their seats in order to catch a better view of the frame. Their technique worked.

Watching the movie, I was on edge at all times. The sound effects worked harmoniously within the scenes, and gave me the sense that those who created the movie weren’t trying too hard to scare the audience. If too many things jumped out at once, the audience would get the impression that the movie didn’t have any truly terrifying scenes. Luckily, this was not the case.

A few scenes made me jump, but there were mainly subtle, eerier things which

made the movie much more enjoyable, including a surprising twist at the end.

I recommend this movie to anyone who has enjoyed either of the previous movies thus far, or for anyone who’s just in the mood for a scare. Though those who haven’t seen either may be a little lost, the directors do a good enough job in covering the bases, and it will be easy enough to understand; especially if you’ve seen any of the recent run of modern horror dynasties, like Saw, or Friday the 13th.

If you’re a horror fan, or just up for a thrill, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this flick; I certainly did. And if not, maybe you’ll like some of the surprises it throws your way during the storytelling. Either way, this movie is sure to satisfy.

Arrested Development has potential for growth Vincent Celesti Staff Writer Arrested Development was a critically acclaimed television show created by Mitchell Hurwitz that spanned 3 seasons from 2004 to 2006. The show gathered a cult following, for its sharp humor and outstanding cast. Following a cancellation (to the dismay of many fans) many fans made attempts to bring the show back by protesting outside the Fox offices and creating online petitions and websites.

It was revealed in a televised reunion at the New Yorker Festival on Oct 2nd that the show would return for a 9 to 10 episode season, followed by a feature film.

Creator Mitchell Hurwitz stated that each episode would focus on a specific to a certain character in the series.

The show starred Jason Bateman as Michael Bluth, a man whose family recently fell apart after his father (played by Jeffery Tambor) was arrested on charges of theft

and treason. Each episode followed Michael’s attempts to keep his family together at all costs.

Throughout the series many prominent guest stars were featured, including Henry Winkler, best known for playing Arthur Herbert “Fonzie” fonzerelli on Happy Days. Michael Cera ,who was previously unknown was also part of the cast. The program also launched comic actor Will Arnett’s career.

In the series finale producer Ron Howard made an appearance on the show reading a script about the life of the Bluth family.

After reading it, he said it wouldn’t make it as a TV show, “but maybe a movie” alluding to the fact that an Arrested Development movie was planned after the series cancellation. This was foreshadowing the fact that an arrested development movie was supposed to be made, promptly after cancellation.

Arrested Development publicity photo

20 entertainment

DECEMBER 2011

Drake takes care of fans needs with new album Michael Trotman Staff Writer

his previous album and shifts to a more The production of the album was a careful mellow and reserved tone. project done mostly by Drake’s long-time In the album, Drake reflects on his suc- producer Noah “40” Shebib.

With his newest album, Take Care, Drake After listening to the whole album you continues to be one of the most successful cess as an artist and gives his fans insight on how his experiences have changed him can tell that each song was created with atmusic artist in the industry. tention to detail.

The album peaked at number one on bill- and his lifestyle.

In Take Care, Drake incorporates R&B The original album release was postponed boards top one hundred and is one of the and pop styles into several songs on the al- because the producers wanted to make sure best selling albums of 2011. that the album would come out just right.

Take Care may be Drake’s greatest product bum which adds a twist.

In the song “Underground Kings”, one of Drake collaborates with numerous other yet. Drake first introduced his personality in his first album “Thank Me Later” which the top songs on the album, Drake remi- artist on the album such as Andre 3000, went platinum in 2010, but I believe he will nisces about his early success on his break- Stevie Wonder, and Rihanna. through mixtape, So Far Gone.

Hip-hop heavyweights Lil Wayne, Rick surpass that success with his latest album.

He really tries to connect with his audi- Ross, and Nicki Minaj are also featured on Although the album was produced by the same record label that made his last album, ence and attempts to let his fans under- the album and play a significant role in the Young Money Entertainment, Take Care stand him better by detailing his thought album’s success.

The album has produced three singles, is an unconventional hip-hop album that processes as they changed due to his suc“Headlines”, “The Motto”, and “Make Me moves away from the fast-paced beats on cess as an artist.

Proud”, the latter featured Nicki Minaj.

The album one of Drake’s most creative projects yet and is a must buy. Fans that like Drake’s last album will be happy with the way Take Care turned out.

Filled with lengthy and detailed tracks that give fans insight into Drake’s personal life, Take Care allows listeners to know him a lot better.

Even after listening to the album several times it remains enjoyable because the songs really start to grow on you.

The album isn’t one filled with a couple hits, nearly all the tracks on the album are capable of becoming hit songs.

Take Care, with its low-tempo and calm sound could possibly be Drake’s greatest production yet.

After lengthy uncertainty, The Simpsons continues Kayon Gallimore Staff Writer The Simpsons, the longest running scripted television show in history, first aired on TV in 1989. Fox, the shows parent network considered ending the show if the six key voices did not agree to a 45 percent pay cut.

Among the budget cuts were a reduction in salary for the producers.

Fox attempted to find a way to keep the show going, because the show had gotten too expensive, and was no longer possible at their production level, but they loved the

show and wanted to continue it.

After negotiating with the voice acting cast for renewal, Fox announced on Oct 7 that The Simpsons is safe for two more seasons, which will bring them to a historic 25 years in network TV, longer than any other scripted series.

Producer Al Jean stated in an interview with TV guide that “There’s no reason to give people less than what you’ve grown to love over 23 years”.

The show’s animation production has changed for the new season to high defi-

nition. Fox did not reveal the terms of the deals with the actors, but revealed that the actors accepted a 30 percent pay cut.

Fox said in the Simpson’s renewal announcements that the show would return on Oct 30 with new episodes, beginning with their Halloween themed episode “Treehouse of Horrors XXII”. The 24th and 25th seasons of the show will bring the series to a total of 559 episodes.

When asked if these would be the last seasons. Jean said to Entertainment Weekly, “Our mood is elation, mixed with a sense

of ‘Man, we’ve got a lot of work to do. Believe me, we don’t look at this, [as the end] as these will definitely be the last seasons, we just want to keep fighting and go on as long as we can. We really feel this isn’t an end but beginning, It’s a cliche, but it’s the truth” He added that the producers are putting together a special promo to thank fans for their support. In Feb. 2012, the show will celebrate it’s historic 500th episode, “At Long Last Leave”, about the town wanting to get rid of Homer Simpson and his family.

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sports 21

Never underestimate an underdog Zachary Berthiaume Staff Writer In sports it seems that people don’t take players seriously until they do something great. This has occurred often throughout the history of sports but now the underdog finally makes it to the top.

One example would be the St. Louis Cardinals, who were almost completely out of the race for the 2011 playoffs, but went on a winning streak to beat out the Braves for the wild card spot. They then faced the Phillies, who were World Series champs last year in the first round of the playoffs, but they beat them in five games. The Milwaukee Brewers

were the next on the chopping block. The cards won the series in six games to advance on to the World Series. The World Series was a tough one against the Texas Rangers which lasted seven games. The Rangers had two opportunities to win the series, but couldn’t pull it off and the Cardinals, who seemed to have no chance at even making the playoffs, won the World Series.

The Dallas Mavericks were an average basketball team throughout the NBA season; they finished 3rd in the western conference with a record of 57-25. Their playoff road didn’t look like it was an easy

one, the first series was against the Portland Trailblazers and Dallas seemed to barely squeak out and win the series 4-2.

The next series was against the defending champs the Los Angeles Lakers, but that didn’t faze the strong Dallas team, as they swept the Lakers to face the Oklahoma City Thunder and they had one of the hardest fought series in the NBA. The Mavericks won that series 4-1 and went on to face the Miami Heat in the finals.

The Heat were expected to win, because they had “The Dream Team” but Dallas had the Heat’s Number and won the series in six games. Teams have one thing in common:

they were underestimated.

There are teams like that here at Coral Springs High School. A great example would be the Colts basketball team, who were off to a slow start this season, but have won the past two games and have shown great determination of champions. Dan Jacob, the wrestling coach has said that if you come in to a game with the mindset that you can leave a victor you are hard to stop. Jacob also said, “It may take a couple of wins but those wins can turn a team around.”

Teams that show great determination may go from being underdogs to becoming top dogs.

NFL teams try different strategy for Reed Congdon Sports Editor

The Miami Dolphins’ losing record, a major sports headline this season, is a disaster near and dear to many of us south Floridians. But is this unlucky start to the season actually a blessing in disguise? With the continuation of the Dolphins slump may come a surprising reward in the form of 22-year-old, 6 ft.

4 in. college quarterback Andrew Luck, expected by the NFL community to be the next Peyton Manning. Aside from being the starting quarterback at Stanford University, Luck is also the likely number one pick at next season’s NFL draft in April, that is if he decides to enter the draft rather than finishing out

his senior year at Stanford.

There have been nothing but good comments and praise in Luck’s direction, and over the past year he has become the star prize in the eyes of many NFL coaches.

Luck’s statistics from his collegiate football career so far show that in the 8,608 yards that he’s thrown, 74 of them led to touchdowns, with only 19 interceptions.

“I’ve been watching the NFL for years, and I don’t remember a more automatic, sure thing,” said Hall of Fame coach and NFL commentator John Madden in an interview on Sirius satellite radio.

The catch in this dilemma is that the No.1 pick at next season’s NFL draft will go to the NFL team with the worst record this season. Because of this, words

have been circulating that teams with a losing record this year might as well strive to be the worst. This situation is what has brought attention to the “Suck for Luck” trend that originated on Twitter.

While this idea seems a bit dramatic, it may be the only hope left for a brighter future for many teams, including the Dolphins. Without starting Quarterback Chad Henne, who suffered a shoulder injury earlier in the season, the Dolphins put their season in the hands of second string QB Matt Moore, who recently has been catching up to Henne but is by no means a miracle for the Dolphins, who have continued to suffer throughout the year. It seems like

the smartest choice for Miami is to resort to “Suck for Luck.”

Other teams in the close running of last place with unimpressive records include the St. Louis Rams, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Indianapolis Colts, who, given the circumstance, wouldn’t even be starting Luck since injured QB Peyton Manning plans to return to them next season.

There is no guarantee that teams will suddenly start shaving points and blowing games in hopes of gaining a star quarterback for next year, but it may be in some teams’ best interests. Many Miami fans are in support of sacrificing this season in hopes of success in the long run.

Powder Puff: A night to remember Scott Long Staff Writer

Putting on a show: Junior cheerleaders stunt Matt Detig during halftime. Photo by Jenn Shaktman.

Homecoming week is arguably the most fun time of the year for students. One of the big hits during this time is the Powder Puff game. Powder Puff is a football game played by the Junior and Senior girls, cheered on by the Junior and Senior boys, when Juniors and Seniors are divided into two separate teams, sparking a distinct rivalry.

Led by Marissa Sunanon, the Seniors beat the Juniors 31-6. Sunanon scored twice in the opening half, breaking the spirit of the juniors early in the game. Quarterback Nicole Samsel had multiple touchdown passes to boost the seniors. The class of 2012 has a history of victory, having won last year.

Halftime always brings up an interesting situation in the Powder Puff world. Male cheerleaders from each class participated in a “beauty pageant,” basically a dance-off. This year’s pageant included

backflips, fake high-fives, and plenty of trash talking. The highlight of the pageant was senior Nick Soto, who was cheered on by the crowd to victory.

Although the Seniors beat the Juniors in both Powder Puff categories, that doesn’t mean the Juniors didn’t have a good time.

“It was crazy. We got live in there,” said Jahvon “Caeser” Downer, a dedicated Junior cheerleader.

Although the Seniors won by a large margin, Junior Melissa Sanchez carried her team on her back with the clock winding down, scoring a touchdown on the final play.

“It wasn’t really about winning. We just wanted to have fun,” said Junior football player Miranda Suarez.

Along with all the Homecoming week activities, Powder Puff is the kind of experience that students normally don’t want to miss out on. It is a priveledge that underclassmen look forward to as

Seniors Brianna McMann and Jessica Voss watch as their teams beats the Juniors. Photo by Jenn Shaktman. ________________________________________

they become upperclassmen. Although the Seniors were crowned this year, the Junior team will be back with a vengeance next year.

As long as the fans are out making noise and the cheerleaders are representing their classes, Powder Puff is an anticipated event for all involved in the future, and is one event that makes Homecoming week memorable.

22 sports

DECEMBER 2011

Athlete Spotlight

Hard work pays off for baseball boys Reed Congdon Sports Editor Nov. 8th marked an important day in the lives of three of our school’s varsity baseball players, who have earned the honor of playing the sport they love after high school. Seniors Alan Sharkey, Lewis Brinson, and Brett Schneider all chose their futures in baseball at a signing that took place in the library. Varsity coaches Frank Bumbales, Michale Cimilluca, and Michael Federman, as well as faculty members and the boys’ families and teammates, gathered at a celebratory breakfast to watch as each athlete signed to their future colleges.

Lewis “LB” Brinson, who has been playing ball since he was 4 years old, accepted the Division I University of Florida’s athletic scholarship offer (60% tuition for all four years that he plays for them). He is a four-year varsity player for the Colts, their starting centerfielder and a power hitter. His goal is to play for UF for three years before being drafted into the MLB, hopefully ending up on his hometown team, the newly-named Miami Marlins.

Brett Schneider signed with Dominican College, a Division II college in Orangeburg, New York, receiving an 85% scholarship for four years of play. He has been playing baseball for the past 13 years, and earned a spot on the varsity team his freshman year as a starting pitcher. Schneider is looking forward to playing for Dominican for four years, then hopes to be drafted into the MLB and, like Brinson, play for the Marlins.

Alan Sharkey has chosen to take his talent to the Division II school Nova Southeastern University in Davie, where he will receive a full scholarship next year. He has been the Colts’ starting first baseman for the past four years, and plans to play first base and outfield for the Nova Sharks. After college he hopes to enter the MLB draft, and end up playing for Miami.

Florida Panthers hope for the playoffs Andres Fernandez Staff writer For several years, hockey has been a sore subject for all Floridians. The Florida Panthers franchise has suffered 15 consecutive years of not seeing their team in the playoffs, the Stanley Cup Finals of 1996 being the one and only time that the franchise was able to go all the way to the championship game. Although the Panthers have been appeared in the playoffs three times in their history, it still gives them the reputation of being one of the worst teams in the NHL. The team holds the eighth-worst record in NHL history among active teams, making the franchise one of the least suc-

cessful. With new management and more new faces than familiar, the Panthers have shot off to their most successful start in 16 years, making a trip to the 20112012 Stanley Cup Playoffs very realistic.

With some major changes to the team’s roster, Panthers fans have had to learn some new names this season. Players such as Kris Versteeg, Tomas Fleischmann, Jose Theodore and Bryan Campbell has replaced many key players from last year’s team, such as Bryan Allen, Michael Frolik, Radek Dvorak, Bryan McCabe, Dennis Wideman, Cory Stillman, and even fan favorites such as Tomas Vokoun and David Booth. The familiar names from

last year have been replaced by players both young and old who are now trying to make their mark on this team.

The newer players have begun to show some promising skills to fans of the team, and the NHL. The Panthers top line is currently the most successful in the entire league with 81 points between Kris Versteeg, Steven Weiss, and Tomas Fleishmann. The Panthers have also had some help on offense from the blue line; players Bryan Campbell and Jason Garrison have cause a tremendous amount of havoc for the opposing team. Between both Campbell and Garrison, they have a total of 32

points (20 from Campbell and 12 from Garrison). Garrison also holds the top spot in the league for goals scored by a defenseman, with a total of eight goals.

As of this writing the Florida Panthers are ranked first in the Southeast division with 32 points while the Washington Capitals trail behind them with a total of 27 points. In the Eastern Conference, the Panthers hold the 3rd spot just behind the Boston Bruins, who have 33 points. With a 14-8-4 rank and the third spot in the Eastern Conference, Panthers fans can now say that achieving a spot in the 2011-2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs is very possible.

sports 23

Rubber Duckies take championship

Danny Lopez Sports Editor

The Fire Breathing Rubber Duckies defeated HARPOON in the annual Homecoming dodgeball tournament Nov. 8.

The tournament consisted of 16 teams determined to win the championship. Each round included two teams who used sponge balls to battle for three minutes, the objective to knock out the opposing teams players. Victory in three rounds of the tournament led to the championship.

Coming into the tournament, high expectations were held for the “Fire Breathing Rubber Duckies,” a team consisting of seniors Aaron Maller, Alan Sharkey, Evan Lassiter, Austin Nelson and Lewis Brinson. By the end of the tournament, the Duckies defeated HARPOON, the team of sophomores Scott Long, Chris Castillo, Rich Wickliffe, Eric Rossi and Eric Prefontaine to win the title of Dodgeball Champions.

“It was a feeling I can’t even describe, said Sharkey. “Ever since the beginning of the year, I’ve been waiting for this

tournament. We were challenged from the get-go and were forced to persevere through tough times.”

The competition was intense as all 16 teams were determined to earn the dodgeball championship. Each team vowed to give it their all and show the fans what they were made of. Many of the rounds consisted of fierce competition and some humorous highlights, including a memorable game winning catch from senior Jessica Voss to advance The Village People consisting of Reed Congdon, Brianna McMann, Kendal McMann and Kayla Nuesse further into the tournament. HARPOON ended up defeating the girls, putting a halt to their run.

“Everyone expected us to win it all going into the tournament, but no one wanted us to. In one night, we had a mascot, a motto and a team’s destiny fulfilled,” said Lassiter.

The teams are all looking for redemption in the upcoming dodgeball tournament being held next semester. This will give teams one final shot to dethrone the defending champion Rubber Duckies.

Varsity basketball season underway Kristi-Anne DeCraney Staff Writer The 2011-2012, boys basketball season officially began on Nov. 26 vs Lakewood High, resulting in the first loss of the season. Nevertheless, they have high expectations for the outcome of the season, as does Head Coach Matt Dearen, who expects nothing short of success. Even when the scoreboard favors the apposing team, fighting with determination and heart until the buzzer rings, null and voids the win or loss, it’s the fight that counts.

Throughout Sept. and Oct. tryouts and conditioning took place for all those interested in being apart of the boys basketball team. Conditioning is a pre-season period of time, strictly for training where the players get back into shape This is usually followed by pre-season games, which are matches agains the teams they may play against once the official season arrives. These games do not count for the regular season’s record. The evaluation process added a high level of competition due to the high number of 115 boys who showed up to try out. Through the progression of these months, the continuous and rapid rate of decrease left Dearen with his vision for the, “Final 24.”

The team has high hopes of bringing home wins this season.

“We are looking to continue our winning ways, as we only lost two games at home over the past two years,” said Dearen, who wishes to keep this trend going.

Senior and varsity captain Mike Trotman envisions constant wins and said that as long as his teammates are healthy and happy, the season should be good. Trotman, who also writes for The Chronicle, elaborated on the court chemisty and teammate relationships, which is an important aspect of any organized team sport.

Senior Junior Casimir sets up to shoot a basket during a home game in the gym. Photo by Carolina Ambrosia. ___________________________________________ “The relatonships my teammates and Coach Dearen have is close knit, family like. Everyone works hard and tendencies are getting better,” he said.

Sean Gordon, also a senior and varsity captain, said that he too is prepared to lead their team to another “star year.” The season lasts from Nov. to Jan., and possibly to districts which are held from Feb. through Mar.

Is the NBA dress code too Stern?

Reed Congdon Danny Lopez Sports Editors

Teams dressing up for school on game days has been a long time tradition at our school. Varsity athletes often sport a button down shirt and tie, giving the team as a whole a sharp appearance and letting others know that they are not messing around. The idea behind the tradition comes from professional sports, in which teams like the New York Yankees enforce a strict dress code for their players. This routine reminds them, as well as the public, that they take their careers seriously and will behave in a professional manner both on and off the field. While the athlete dress code tradition has never faced much opposition, the professional sporting world has for years been in a disagreement over the idea of a mandatory dress code.

Before recent years most professional sporting teams from football to hockey have had a basic rule of thumb to dress in casual business attire whenever possible, but no sport has enforced a mandatory dress code. In Oct. 2005, NBA commissioner David Stern implemented a required dress code.

It stated that all players in the NBA must wear business attire when arriving or departing from a game, or on the bench if not dressed out for a game, and when involved in any events affiliated with the NBA, such as interviews or charity events.

“The notion is that if you’re a professional, with it are certain protocols. One of them is the way you dress when you’re on business,” said Stern in an interview with ESPN Insider Chris Sheridan.

Why the change? Stern believes that the NBA’s image has been too influenced by the hip-hop culture in recent years, and he wants to reshape the image of professional basketball. The off-the-court dress code bans styles affiliated with hip-hop, such as dorags and Timberland boots. While many find this an act of racism, Stern stands his ground on the issue and insists that the dress code is a much-needed change to the NBA. “Whenever you have a league in which some significant percentage is black, then things involve race. That’s just the way it’s going to be,” said Stern.

The controversy over how players should dress outside of games has the fans and the public wondering if a dress code of any sort should be focused on in professional sports. But the Yankees’ tradition to have cleanly-shaven faces has been around since the 70s, when Yankees owner George Steinbrenner required his players to shave all excessive facial hair so they would be seen as respectable gentlemen. Since then, it has become a valued trademark of the team, and it as well as the team’s requirement to be well dressed when out on the town, has never brought any animosity by the fans, or been thought of as racist. Only time will tell if the NBA’s new dress code will have the same effect, or if it will end up diminishing the league’s culture.

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sports

DECEMBER 2011

A very Merry Christmas for Heat fans Michael Trotman Staff Writer The NBA season is now set to begin on Christmas Day. From the end of the NBA season to Dec. 9 a lockout of the players prevented the season from starting at its scheduled time, due to the players and owners failure to agree on a deal.

Fans and players alike spent months wondering if all 82 games for each team would get played, but the real question was whether the NBA season would start at all. After months of negotiations, a tentative agreement was reached by players and owners to allow the 2011-2012 season to begin. On Dec. 25, the NBA’s opening day, five basketball games will be played by some of the premier teams in the league. The season will be shortened to 66 games, but fans are still excited that the season is not completely canceled.

After the end of the NBA season in June, the tension between the owners and players escalated. There was a huge gap in the wishes of the owners and the ideals of the players, and they couldn’t seem to agree on a deal that would satisfy both sides. The collective bargaining agreement, which is the contract between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association that dictates the rules of player contracts, trades, the salary cap, etc., expired at the end of the 2010-2011 season. For the renewal of the CBA, the players and the owners had to determine how the money should be distributed. Although the players andowners met on and off

for the five months after the season, progress was not made until the end of Nov., when the players and owners agreed to a deal.

The players at first declined the owners’ previous offer, which would give the players a 50/50 revenue split. After the realization that if they didn’t come to an agreement that there would be no season, the players and owners finally agreed to a deal.

During the lockout, NBA fans were left dumbfounded. Fans didn’t care how the money was distributed between the players and owners. They just wanted to see their favorite NBA teams play, but the prolonged controversy between the NBA and NBPA caused the first games of the season to be postponed. Many fans are upset because they feel like they are being punished for the league’s failure to complete a deal and reason with the players.

During the lockout teams were not allowed to meet or practice with each other, but players still participated in some charity basketball games during the lockout. Several NBA All-Stars have became involved in these exhibition charity games, such as LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Kevin Durant, but these charity games were not televised and could not replace the NBA games that fans love. On Christmas Day the Miami Heat will be one of 10 teams to play on opening day as they go head to head with the Dallas Mavericks in a rematch of the NBA Finals.

Miami Heat 2011-12 roster NAME

Joel Anthony Shane Battier Chris Bosh Derrick Byars Mario Chalmers Norris Cole Eddy Curry Mickell Gladness Terrel Harris Udonis Haslem Eddie House Juwan Howard LeBron James Cameron Jones James Jones Mike Miller Dexter Pittman Dwyane Wade Jeremy Wise

POSITION C SF PF SF PG PG C C G PF PG PF SF SG SF SG C SG PG

HEAT DEC/JAN SCHEDULE

LeBron: HERO OR VILLAIN Danny Lope S p o r t s Editor While LeBron James enjoyed the spotlight of being the league’s most beloved player, fans outlooks have drastically changed. James spent his first seven years playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Fans loved him. Analysts praised his game. But most importantly, he was a leadership figure around the league. Fans would tune in from all over the globe just to see James compete against other superstars around the league, like Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant. But, after the worldwide spectacle titled “The Decision,” people’s perspectives of James had hit an all-time low.

When he announced on national television that he was taking his talents to South Beach alongside current teammate Chris Bosh, social network websites, television shows and even NBA management owners began to tear into James’s decision with negative feedback. Fans in Cleveland were outraged, including rioting and burning James former jersey to ashes. Many stated that James’s only hope of winning his first championship would lie in the hands of teammate Dwyane Wade. Many feel it was unprofessional and disrespectful to make an hour long special just for James to speak the lines, “I will be taking my talents to South Beach.” The Miami Heat were

officially the most hated team in the National Basketball Association to date.

When James heard all of the negative feedback, he had no other choice but to take it all in. He decided to accept that dur-

ing introductions for games, fans would shower him with thousands of boos. Whenever he’d miss a shot, or make a terrible decision on the floor, fans would erupt with cheers just to show James that he was getting the feedback he deserved. In a past article, written by ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst, James stated that the fans reactions towards him aren’t affecting his game one bit, that boos fuel him and are only ensuring the opposing team’s downfall.

James’s statistics were rising with every passing game he played. His play continued throughout the NBA season and even carried into the playoffs including many memorable moments to strengthen his legacy. But his career playoff run came to a halt when he failed to show up in the NBA finals against the Dallas Mavericks and the Heat ultimately lost in six games.

For the first weeks following the NBA finals, James had to soak in the fans outlooks on him throught the playoffs. This included many days locked up in his house and therapy sessions with his trainers. James is determined to change fans outlooks on his persona as a player and a person overall. he stated to the mdeia that his days as a villain around the NBA are coming to an end.