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PEP O PLANT
H.B. Plant High School • 2415 South Himes Avenue, Tampa, Florida, 33629 November 7, 2014 • Volume 88 • Issue 4
What’s Your Cause? Check out how hashtags can change the world
Page 5 See how the Brazilian election effects Tampa
Page 2 Experience a teen’s struggle with veganism
Page 7
November 2014
2 • News
Brazilian presidential election affects South Tampa industry, commerce LaNae Fluellen Circulation Manager President Dilma Rousseff, is the first woman to hold the office of presidency in Brazil. During her youth, she became a socialist, and following the 1964 coup d’etat, she joined various Marxist guerrilla groups that fought against military dictatorship. She was captured, jailed and tortured between 1970-72. Upon release, she rebuilt her life and started on her political career. She is a member of the left-wing Workers party. According to The Economist, a political website, Rousseff has moved citizens who once fell below the poverty line to middle class during her presidency. Furthermore, she lowered the federal tax on everyday products. “Brazil has a very conservative and patriarchal society, so her
presidency win was a big deal,” Señor Rivera, Spanish teacher, said. She entered the second election as the predicted winner with high approval ratings, but the public was surprised when the results of the Oct. 5 election showed only a 2 percent difference between Rousseff and her opponent Aecio Nieves. “Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world, a Latin American superpower, and it also faces a ton of internal struggles, making the upcoming presidential election a very vital one,”Armando Perez, substitute teacher, said. Aecio Nievesis a member of the conservative right-wing Party of Brazilian Social Democracy. Fox News states that approval of Nieves stems from his success in turning Minas Gerais into a very well-run state and promise of strong financial leadership during
his reign. While the election is thousands of miles away in a different country, it holds significance for the Brazilian exchange students here. “[The new president] need to actually do what the promise,” Amanda de Araujo, Brazilian student, said. According to El Pais, a Spanish newspaper, the source of Brazil’s troubles is all of the empty promises of improvement given by past and often corrupt leaders. “Brazil is the biggest economy in South America, the way Brazil goes is the way that South America goes,” Señor Rivera said. Forbes, a business magazine, stated that Brazil’s inflated economy is a key source of internal unrest. As Brazil has a large amount of poverty-stricken citizens, Brazilians want a president that aims to truly help the entire
country. “We need someone who cares about all Brazilian citizens, we need better schools and hospitals,” Brenda Da Silva, Brazilian student, said. According to Bizjournals.com, Brazil is Florida’s largest export trading partner, with a $20.5 billion dollar trade in 2013. “Florida’s future prosperity and our growth as a global hub for international trade are undoubtedly linked,” Alice Ancona, Director of Florida Chamber’s South Florida office said. This delicate relationship can be seen here in Tampa as we host one of the largest and busiest ports in Florida. Policies enacted by the victor of the 2014 Brazilian presidential election will influence international trade as well as local trade here in Florida and the Tampa Bay area.
Wikipedia Commons
Incumbent president Dilma Rouseff hopes to retain her presidency. Her inability to keep the majority vote took her supporters by surprise.
Wikipedia Commons
Presidential hopeful Aecio Nieves has a large group of supporters. As a candidate, his past successes in finances have garnered support.
November 2014
News • 3
Amendment Two causes tension for Floridian voters Rachel Ferreri Staff Writer The marijuana legalization controversy came to an end on Nov. 4. Floridians who voted on the Amendment Two ballot decided whether this drug would become legal for medical use. Many people held opposing views on this amendment, because the legalization could help people medically, though could lead to substance abuse at the same time. Marijuana has been legalized in Washington as well as in Colorado. In Colorado, crime rates have decreased, although police reports of violence and recreational drug use have increased. The number of homicides have dropped severely
in Denver, Colorado. Maddi Heese, senior, voted against Amendment Two. “I think that legalizing it will just make it more socially acceptable to do drugs and they’ll just become the new cigarette,” Heese said. Amendment Two aims to give people with debilitating medical issues access to marijuana as a means of relief. It also would give physicians a license to prescribe access to the drug. “I do not support the war on drugs but I do not support drugs either,”Football Coach Bo Puckett said. “I think the government needs to stop building prisons and start building treatments.” Legalizing marijuana would have some positives as well.
“Positively, it will help patients who need it for certain medical conditions,” Puckett said. “Also, it will eventually lead to decriminalization because the justice system is incarcerating nonviolent offenders with a drug problem rather than finding treatment for them,” Puckett said. Puckett said it could also generate more revenue for the state of Florida and it would give people in the state of Florida more freedoms. He also said that this amendment will bring negative effects into the state. “More people will be smoking marijuana,” Puckett said. “Young people have easy access to it now but if it is legalized, more people will be able to access it.”
Marijuana Legalization Pros
✓ Marijuana will be
used for medical purposes ✓ Marijuana would bring revenue into Florida’s economy ✓ Legalization would decrease crime rates because people will not be arrested for drug possession
Cons
X Marijuana has addictive physical and psychological qualities X Marijuana would become more readily available to the public X Marijuana could lead to the use of more dangerous drugs source: medicalmarijuana.procon.org
Domestic violence prevention activist addresses senior class Jessica Jagodzinski Print Editor-in-Chief The senior class attended a Town Hall meeting on Oct. 14 focusing on the ongoing, but recently prominent, issue of domestic abuse. Mindy Murphy, President of the domestic violence support and awareness group The Spring, spoke at the podium first. “This is a tough subject,” Murphy said. She encouraged the seniors to listen, because the topic was a problem that could be prevented. “Change this...so we won’t have to deal with this 100 years from now,” Murphy said. Dr. Jackson Katz stepped out behind the auditorium curtains after Murphy finished her 5 minute speech. Katz greeted the crowd and stood at the now unoccupied podium.
He made the first point of his two hour lecture: women in leadership positions don’t get acknowledgment and support. There “haven’t been enough men standing and joining [women leaders],” Katz said standing alone in the view of the ABC news cameras. Katz described his realization of the inequalities between genders when he lived in a co-ed dorm in college. He remembers coming home at 2 a.m. and not caring, while his female hall mates were constantly aware of what time it was. He noticed the girls had to worry about if they had rides and if they were safe going to night classes. “The fear of [assault], the threat of [assault] were a regular part of women’s lives,” Katz said. The mindset of it being a “women’s issue” is part of the problem. It’s flawed to think a
PO’P Nikki Lund
Dr. Jackson Katz works with professional sports team, colleges and the U.S. Army and Navy on topics of domestic violence. Katz spoke to a crowd of seniors during a Town Hall Meeting on Oct. 14.
“women’s issue is not our issue,” Katz said to the boys in the audience. “I think it was mainly focused towards the male members of the audience, so there was not
much for the females to consider,” Michael Szuch, senior, said. Katz referenced misogyny in the Australian Army, sexual abuse in a New Jersey high school football team and his own
experiences as a man. “Being a leader means recognizing our own contributions to the problem,” Katz said. Many female seniors listening to the lecture felt their presence in the lecture was unneeded. “I found it to be boring and uneducational. Most of the things he talked about, everyone already knows,” Selina Kynerd, senior, said. In the final minutes before the fourth period warning bell - and after the promotional video for his documentary - Katz spoke to everyone in auditorium. “I hope your generation has more success...than my generation did,” Katz said, “It doesn’t have to be this way.” “I thought it was a great way to inform Plant about a serious problem in our society,” Sofia Emond, senior, said. Dr. Katz spoke to the football team separately later that day.
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November 2014
4 • Features
Yoga in the Park stretches yogi experience
Katie Whitson News Editor Located in the center of downtown Tampa, Yoga in the Park is a free hour-long session hosted by Yoga Downtown Tampa. The event has attracted a variety of students since its inception four and a half years ago. Some students credit Yoga in the Park among their favorite stress releases that accompanies a busy schedule. “I love doing Yoga in the Park
because it’s not only free but it’s a great way to relieve all my stress from school and sports,” Chandler McCain, junior, said. McCain often attends Yoga in the Park with her friend, junior, Haley Hills. “I like doing Yoga in the Park because the outside setting is much more calming and it gives me a chance to clear my head before I have to start my week again,” Hills said. While the event draws in dedicated yogis year-round, autumn
marks the arrival of significantly more attendees. “In the fall, [yoga] is even better because you don’t have to worry about it being too hot to go and the temperature is really comfortable,” Hills said. “You can concentrate on concentrating on nothing.” Not only do students enjoy practicing yoga, but teachers also appreciate the opportunity to practice their sun salutations and downward-facing dog poses. “Taking part of yoga in Curtis
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Hixon Park on Sundays at sundown is the quintessential Yogani experience, combining exercise and meditation in a transcendental setting,” English teacher Kristina Renaud said. Part of a new initiative to revitalize downtown Tampa, Yoga in the Park provides a unique setting for yogis to hone their practice in. “Being on the river and in the center of downtown gives off an urban atmosphere. It’s my favorite way to end the weekend on Sunday evenings,” McCain said.
While many students attend Yoga in the Park on a weekly basis, some have not had the opportunity to go. These students express an interest in exploring cultural experiences at Curtis Hixon Park such as the weekly yoga event. “I’ve always wanted to try to do yoga and I think it would be such a neat experience. The park is a perfect calming atmosphere,” Katherine Gabler, senior, said. Yoga in the Park is held every Sunday at Curtis Hixon Park 5-6 p.m.
November 2014
Features • 5
#ItsBiggerThanYou
Youth trending in online activism movement Nikki Lund Staff Artist Social media is a way students connect with others. They post on their Twitter timelines, Tumblr dashboards, and Facebook walls about their interests. Students discuss topics they care about in little chat windows and lengthy threads on networking sites. But what else are students talking about? They debate. They share knowledge. Students are using the Internet to speak out against social wrongdoings. “I would learn things on the Internet, and I would share them. At lunch, I talk with my friends about it,” Madison Martinez, junior, said, “Today with Twitter and social media, [youth] have a lot of impact. We share evidence and we are being heard.” Martinez isn’t just typing her thoughts and sending them out into the web, she’s sharing her knowledge. She holds discussions with her peers about new topics she sees on Twitter, topics her classmates have oftentimes encountered. “I talk to people about issues,” Martinez said, “I spread propaganda, kind of. I just try to educate others, and hopefully they learn to think about [social justice] more.” When Martinez goes home, she shares her thoughts online on her Tumblr and Twitter accounts. Social media provides a platform for students to share their thoughts and ideas with a diverse audience of people. Senior Hillary Dale was introduced to the social justice movement through these sites. “I like a lot of bands with a very socially aware fan base. I’d follow them, and they would discuss human rights and feminism and things like that,” Dale said, “I started to acknowledge things around me that weren’t just. By being online, we can educate ourselves, and knowledge is power.” Cherry Glazerr, Wavves, Vampire Weekend, The Strokes, Twin Peaks, and Mac Demarco are the bands that Dale involves herself with. Dale also provides insight and
PO’P Nikki Lund
activism outside of social networking. She involves herself in a group dedicated to raising awareness of different issues in society. “I’m a part of this up-and-coming [teen social activist group],” Dale said. “We want to see a society where everyone is equal.” Junior Cecilia McLaren has noticed the inequalities in society for quite a while. Controversies are apparent to her in everyday life. “I was always kinda self-aware. I noticed the day-to-day injustices,” McLaren said. “Kids don’t realize that the things they say can do harmful things, like appropriate rape culture and racial prejudice.” McLaren advocates activism online as well. When logging into her accounts, she finds that discussions about social issues are immensely more open than they are in real life.
“When I started being online, I found it was so much more diverse and understanding,” McLaren said, “People online are so comfortable talking about social issues when everything you say in real life has controversy.” School isn’t the only place where online activism is making its mark. In front of the CNN center in Atlanta, GA, Aurielle Lucier, a 19-year-old black rights activist, wielded a bullhorn in her hand and the words in her throat, determined to make a difference. On Aug.18, 2014, Lucier and a group of young activists organized a rally in Atlanta in response to the shooting of Michael Brown. Three days before the gathering, Lucier held a town hall meeting with her peers, where ideas and inspiration for a change were shared. Thus her organization was born. The rally was conceived from
the Twitter hashtag, #ItsBiggerThanYou. The tag managed to gather 100 hits in the first 24 hours of its existence. Lucier and her band of human rights “revolutionaries” expected a turnout of 500 people for their first rally. Exceeding their expectations, 5,000 young adults gathered to support the barefoot protesters. Lucier delivered a 14-minute long improvised speech on the influence of youth activism online and the spirit of change. “This [rally] was initiated by young people, for young people,” Lucier said, “I believe we’re called to do great work when we’re ready. We shouldn’t think about the why nots, we have the power to make a change.” “All great human rights organizations started somewhere, and social media is the new wave of communication. If we use it right,
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we can connect with each other and make a change. It is so important.”
We want to see a society where everyone is equal.
November 2014
6 • Opinions
Pep O’ Plant 2415 S. Himes Avenue, Suite 103 Tampa, Florida 33629 (813) 272-3033 ext. 247
Print Editor-in-Chief Jessica Jagodzinski Online Editor-in-Chief Robby Killette News Editor Katie Whitson Features Editor Melissa Jassir Opinions Editor Bennett Taylor Arts & Entertainment Editor Helen Kahassai Sports Editor E.V. Phillips Centerspread Editor Meg Barrett Photography Editor Haley Babbitt Public Relations Allison Figueroa Webmaster Henry Jetmundsen Online Editor Morgan Robinson Business Manager Matt Blydenburgh Copy Editor Emily Greiwe Staff Artist Nikki Lund Photographer Emalee Herrera Ysabella Canto Circulation Manager LaNae Fluellen Staff Rachel Ferreri Katie Chae Allyssa Ashmeade Faculty Adviser Louisa Ogle
Student voting must continue to increase As a new generation of voters turns 18, what will finally attract more young adults to the polls? Editorial
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uppose, by some strange coincidence, C-Span flickers across the TV set, as a Congressional committee hears testimony in support of a bill in Congress. Boring? Yes. Relevant? Probably not. Floridians will not be interested in land disputes in North Dakota, and a North Dakotan will probably cringe at a program concerning allocation of education funds in Florida. Rather, residents of a state consume their political interest primarily in their local and state representatives. As voting season approaches, thousands of posters sprout around cities like the most bountiful harvest of spring, with every shape, size, and color of poster
filling the dried-out grass of fall. Advertisements of all mediums permeate the media, with varying degrees of truth and rationality. For the 766,487 registered voters of Hillsborough County, this influx of data and political drama might exist as the sole source of information about candidates in the upcoming election. For others, dedicated research might decide votes for certain candidates deemed credible by the voters. Yet a decent percent of voters first encounter candidates on the ballot itself; votes are cast on name only, with no prior knowledge of the candidate’s ideology or goals. The near 800,000 voters of Hillsborough strengthen their numbers daily, as teens who
turn 18 first register to vote. Unfortunately, many teens do not vote: 45 percent of teens voted in the 2012 elections. These select few likely took to heart the teachings of every American Government teacher; that voting is a civic duty of every American citizen. Blowing off voting is no crime; it is not required by any means. Just as voting is a right, the act of abstaining from voting also is protected in society. But in the history of the U.S, voting served as the common citizen’s most direct and simple way to affect society. Voting represents the personal opinions of hundred of thousands of Americans; and since they voted, these people can justify displeasure at their current government officials, having done their part in influencing public affairs. The tough part of voting exists
in the sheer length of a ballot; positions that many have never heard of appear on the ballot with a few names attached to them. How can a teen, a primarily naive voter, properly vote for each office according to their ideologies and plans for how to effectively run their respective positions? Many voters simply vote for candidates according to party affiliation, much like a parliamentary system in the UK. More teens need to vote, as an active voting body makes the legislature a more accurate representation of the populace as a whole. As upperclassmen of Hillsborough County schools become legal adults, they must remember their civic duty granted to them in the Constitution. Do the research, pick the candidate, and go vote.
The Pep O’ Plant is Plant High School’s student run newspaper. Opinions expressed may not reflect the views of the entire staff or school. We welcome signed letters to the editors. Letters can be brought to room 103 or placed in Louisa Ogle’s school mailbox. We reserve the right to edit, condense, or reject any letters. Some material courtesy of MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service. Professional associations include Florida Scholastic Press Association, Southern Interscholastic Press Association,the National Scholastic Press Association and Quill and Scroll.
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PO’P Nikki Lund
November 2014
Opinions • 7
Vegan diet brings plethora of health benefits Benefits of a plant based diet largely outweigh the standard western diet, dominated by animal products Column Henry Jetmundsen Webmaster No, I’m not some hippie or animal rights activist and I’m not out on a mission to break the bonds of society and be part of some exclusive group. I choose to eat this way entirely for my health. After extensive research, two years as a vegetarian and half a year as a vegan, I’ve concluded that it only has benefits over the average American diet. When I walk across the lunchroom every day at school, I see an array of meats from turkey to steak being consumed by students. Being the American norm to eat a high meat and dairy diet, most people think I’m insane when I explain to them I’m a vegan. I choose not to eat meat or dairy and have a largely plant based diet. The worst part of this diet actually isn’t the fact that I don’t get to taste meat; I got over that after just a few weeks. The ridiculous questions and statements made by so many people around me are the hard part. Many statements are along the lines of, “You can’t get any protein,” and, “Without milk and meat you don’t have a complete diet and you won’t get important nutrients.” I can’t even begin to describe the frustration of trying to explain myself to individuals who have spent their entire lives being told they need meat and refuse to
believe otherwise. Through a variety of greens, beans, and legumes I receive every nutrient and amino acid necessary as well as more than the recommended amount of daily protein. Athletes like UFC fighter Mac Danzig continue to break this stereotype. Danzig is a five time lightweight winner of King of the Cage and season six winner of Ultimate Fighter. Who would’ve guessed he’d be able to do all that on a vegan diet? This is where I usually get the, “That’s stupid. You could eat meat and get this protein easier and get a better taste.” It’s just that dozens of studies conducted on this topic have all led to the same conclusion. Animal protein, whether it be from dairy or meat, has been found to promote cancer cell growth and higher rates of heart disease. My favorite study was conducted by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. He was given 18 patients who had undergone extensive heart surgeries and five of whom were told that they wouldn’t live another year. Esselstyn took these patients and imposed a whole foods plant based diet and the results were nothing short of incredible. Every patient had almost complete reparation to their clotted arteries and saw actual reversal of tissue and heart damage. No other surgeries were done and the only thing they changed was their diet. Throughout our lives we’ve been told by so many people that
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Animal products correlate to higher medical and energy costs
Source“Forks Over Knives”; PO’P Henry Jetmundsen
we need milk to support healthy bone growth. How could that be wrong? We need the calcium that can only be provided by milk right? A study conducted at Harvard found that animal protein, including milk, can actually be harmful to your bone health. When animal protein enters the body, a process occurs known as
metabolic acidosis. This creates and acid in the body. To cancel it out the body extracts calcium from the bones which weakens them over time. Dozens of case studies have been completed by renowned doctors such as Esselstyn, Campbell, McDougall and so many others. There’s too much information
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for me to be able to go in depth on every study and what was found. Many of them are looked at closely in the documentary, “Forks Over Knives.” If you have Netflix, I highly recommend taking 90 minutes out of your life to enlighten yourself about what exactly your food is doing to your body. It could save your life.
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November 2014
8 • Centerspread
Disease in the
student body HOW HAVE SICKNESSES AFFECTED TEACHER ABSENCES
Cold and flu season halls of Plant High. Stu teachers discuss their and how to stay well
HOW TO AVOID GETTIN WASH YOUR HANDS
NUMBER OF ABSENCES*
When to wash your hands: after u blowing your nose, sneezing or c with animals, before and after tr How to wash your hands: wet your lather with soap (be sure to wash th and between your fingers) and scrub
COUGH AND SNEEZE INTO A TISSU Why cover your mouth: the spra sneezing can lead to respiratory common cold, whooping cough, The best way to cover: using personally throw away or, if no t the upper sleeve or inner elbow.
WEEK OF SCHOOL *Number of absences include personal and sick days taken by teachers
DON’T SHARE DRINKS Why sharing drinks is bad: the to strep throat, colds, monon sicknesses can all be exchange
November 2014
NG SICK
using the restroom, after coughing, after dealing reating a wound, etc. hands with clean water, he backs of your hands for at least 20 seconds.
UE ay from coughing and y illnesses like the flu, or many other viruses. g a tissue that you tissue is available, use ., never a bare hand.
germs that can lead nucleosis, and other ed with sharing drinks.
S Plant gets down with the sickness
plagues the udents and r symptoms in school.
Centerspread • 9
“I woke up and my nose was closed and I couldn’t breathe much. My throat was closing up too. It was hard to swallow.” – Summer Provance, senior “One side of my nose was like the desert and the other side was like a waterfall... My head hurt like I got hit with a bowling ball.” – Garrett Brooks, freshman “I’ve felt sick all week, and I never get sick. I have an excellent immune system. It’s like a chest cold.” – Bill Renninger, teacher PO’P Allyssa Ashmeade
niffle eason trikes
Allyssa Ashmeade Staff Writer From Ebola scares to warnings of Cryptosporidium (Crypto), to the threat of the new enterovirus diseases have been dominating local and national news lately. However, as temperatures drop, contracting upper respiratory infections such as the common cold and viral infections like the flu is more likely than these trending diseases. “I got sick about a week ago. It’s like a cough in my throat,” Jackson Smartin, freshman, said. Because of this description and the symptoms of the common cold, which include running or stuffy noses, congestion and sore throat, it is safe to assume that Smartin is afflicted with a cold rather than Ebola. After this African disease spread to the United States, many have selfdiagnosed and convinced themselves that have caught it. “We aren’t experiencing one singular issue,” school nurse Dallona Guincho said. “People come into my office with colds, nausea, and sore throats. But no flu yet.” While these symptoms are not typically severe, they do have an impact. An estimated 22 million school days are lost annually because of colds alone, according to USA Today. However, many student opt to “stick it out” and continue going to school even when they are feeling under the weather. “If you are sick, stay home,” Guincho said. When someone is sick and chooses to go to school, the likelihood of infection rises due to the amount of shared surfaces at school, as well as the close proximity to potentially sick schoolmates. “The day after homecoming I got sick. I think it was due to Plant kids,” Olivia Kalpakis, senior, said. It is also often harder to stay away from school when sickness seems to not resolve itself and students remain sick for long periods of time. “I got sick... The doctor said I have a sinus infection and some stomach thing. I think I got sick from the kids at school. We should all wear gas masks,” Isis Escandon, senior, said. However, there are ways to help combat sickness and stay healthy throughout the autumn months. “I recommend coughing into your sleeve instead of your hands. Hand washing is the absolute best defense,” Guincho said. In addition to maintaining good hygiene, other protective measures include avoiding touching the face, exercising regularly, and just getting a good night’s sleep.
November 2014
10 • Opinions
Parent drivers cramp student lot
Students find trouble squeezing around parents attempting to pick up their children around the parking lot
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Matt Blydenburgh Business Manager
he student parking lot has a reputation for particularly frustrating congestion and havoc for those attempting to leave school. Daily, students pile into their cars and speed towards the Dale Mabry gate to meet that quick twenty second green light. The continual flow, however, is halted by the parents of underclassmen attempting to pick up their children, towards the front of the gym. This cluster prevents the speedy exit of students from the parking lot to a frustrating stand still. Parents need to deeply consider choosing elsewhere to pick up their children at the end of the school day. New cars forcing their way into the parking lot not only adds to the probability of accidents between students vehicles, but also puts students who walk home by
exiting through the Dale Mabry gate in increased danger of being struck by oncoming cars. The especially hectic traffic associated with Dale Mabry adds an increase to this danger, as drivers entering the parking lot from either direction commonly speed and whip their way through the gates. The commotion caused by drivers fighting to leave at the earliest possible time also instigates conflict, with cars commonly resorting to games of chicken with one another as to who receives the right to exit the lost first. Blaring car horns and shouts from angry drivers can easily be heard by anyone within the vicinity of the lot. Parents should comply to the pickup locations designated to them by the school, or to coordinate some other plan with their child to be picked up at 3 p.m. Many of these headaches would disperse, and the potential for confrontation amongst drivers diminished if parents would comply.
PO’P Matt Blydenburgh
Students pull onto the main road through the Dale Mabry gates. Parents entering the lot added to the already present congestion for those trying to leave the school.
Find some ideas to spread happiness on World Kindness Day Participating in random acts of kindness has become the new trend. However, kindness doesn’t just have to be a fad. World Kindness Day takes place on Nov. 14 and here are a few ways that kindness can be celebrated and spread in the school and community.
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If somebody drops Be good to the Give genuine their books in environment and praise to the hallway,don’t help to pick up some somebody about watch them litter while walking to struggle, but help them something that you another class. appreciate. pick everything up.
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Be aware of others and seek out opportunities to be kind.
If you make a new “Pay it forward” friend, introduce at Starbucks by him or her to other paying for the person behind you friends that you have. in line. Compiled by Megan Barrett
PO’P Meg Barrett
Sophomores Sveta Chirliva and Lana Alexander help Devin Feix pick up her books. World Kindness day was introduced on Nov. 13, 1998.
November 2014
Arts & Entertainment • 11
Max cuts the Chz
Predictable plot fails on all levels
New restaurant adds twist to classic, disappoints
hgggg Column Bennett Taylor Opinions Editor There have been many killer recipes in the history of food. Restaurants guard them like gold, and families pass them down as heirlooms from generation to generation. Nicholas Sparks, too, has a favorite recipe; and it’s ingredients are the same for every batch he makes. “Dear John”, “The Notebook”, and ”The Last Song” all have been whisked together with the same ingredients used to entice readers of the books to cough up the $10 to see it’s film adaptation. Now, his batch grows larger with the release of “The Best of Me”, directed by Michael Hoffman. What are these ingredients that all come together to create these romantic dramas that Sparks has made big money on? Start in a rural southern town. Mix in a guy and a girl, who are completely different, with incredibly complex and unnecessary back stories. Mix in someone dying, and pick an ending, either tragic or happy. “The Best of Me” followed the recipe, with perfect precision. Sparks creates huge profits from these stories, so why should he stop? With “The Best of Me”, the characters themselves were not an issue; James Marsden starred as the buff Dawson Cole, the educated, shy guy with an abusive family who he tries to escape.
Michelle Monaghan plays Amanda, the rich girl attracted to the guy from the other side of tracks. They fall in love, with Tuck, played by Gerald McRaney, serving as the war veteran widow who takes the two under his wing. Sparks probably has a MadLibs for developing his plots. So why did “The Best of Me” fail to produce on opening weekend, unlike “The Notebook”? Some blame a underwhelming marketing campaign, which was not able to reach readers of the book, even though ads invaded every medium for months. More likely, the near exact storyline of Nicholas Sparks’ books becomes less interesting, especially on the ninth go-around. “The Best of Me” seemed exponentially cheesy and unrealistic, even for the most hardcore of Spark’s novels. The beginning of the story shows Dawson, working on an oil rig in the middle of no where, blown sky-high after an explosion. This incident seemed almost comedic, watching his stunt double’s body being jerked across a green screen by a rope. Dawson’s incredible survival from this blast is, plainly, not possible. These scenes sank the movie’s credibility majorly, as the rest of the film seem childish. It seems cliche— a guy doesn’t like the chick flick. But the recycled storyline, dumb ending, and reused themes created a film experience that wasn’t worth the five dollars to get in.
Gemma LaMana/MCT
Review Melissa Jassir Features Editor Walking into Max & Chz, a newly opened restaurant located in downtown Tampa, is like being transported to New York City. A tiny, seemingly dingy restaurant is internally a hip diner. Pictures of Tampa create a mural against one wall, while white and black pictures crowd the other open spaces. Four or five tiny tables crowd the tiny entrance; visitors can see straight into the kitchen from the counter where orders are placed. This is where the action happens: two cooks seem to dance, balancing four pans and pots on the burner. Simultaneously, macaroni noodles continuously cook while different meats and ingredients are expertly combined into sauces. The menu offers 12 types of mac and cheese, including “The Classic,” “The Taco” and “The Baked Tuna” for those feeling adventurous. “The Alfredo” and “The Philly” provide first bites of surprise. As the flavor hits the tongue, the mind is almost tricked into thinking that it’s eating alfredo pasta and a Philly cheese steak sandwich instead of a bowl of
mac and cheese. “The Alfredo” contains white sauce, bacon, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It tastes like typical Alfredo sauce. Good flavor and appearance makes this a favorable dish. “The Philly” is more farfetched. With shredded beef, strips of onions and provolone cheese, the essentials of a Philly are basically dumped into a bowl of macaroni. The onion component is overpowering, both visually and in taste. It tastes similar to a Philly
stretches increasingly longer until it finally breaks free— oftentimes leading to a slap in the face. The macaroni starts out flavorful and delicious. However once halfway into the dish, one realizes that even the small serving is too big. While a price of $5.97 is reasonable for a goodsized portion, it is too much when the macaroni ends up in the trash. The flavors start becoming overpowering and nauseating. Finishing the entire bowl becomes a formidable trial rather than a pleasure.
PO’P Melissa Jassir
cheese steak, but it can’t replace the mastered flavor and pleasure that comes from eating the sandwich. The only constant between the different macaroni dishes, apart from the noodle itself, is the cheese. With every bite, gooey cheese
Mac and cheese is seen as a staple American dish. Different versions of this traditional dish are constantly being experimented. But after eating Max & Chz’s overdone attempts, it is obvious the plain cheddar cheese prevails.
The Philly $5.97
The Alfredo $5.97
November 2014
12 • Arts & Entertainment
Juice bars emerge in South Tampa
Review Fruitwood Stand Up Market
Haley Babbitt Photography Editor Trends are one thing that run the South Tampa district. From high waisted shorts and cropped tops to fro-yo and boba, there never ceases to be a new hipster-y fad amongst young residents of the area. Currently cold-pressed juice is “in.”
Urban Juice
As I walked through the doors of The Urban Juice Company I felt as if I was walking into someones house. A large lounge area with a couch and coffee table occupied the entrance giving Urban Juice a comfy, Urban Juice chill vibe. Looking beyond the comfy entrance, the ordering and dining area was visible accompanied by the friendly, welcoming face of one of the employees. I was unsure of what to order, but the employee directed me to the juice “Pretty in Pink” - a root based drink consisting of pineapple, beet, orange,pear, lemon, ginger, and pomegranate. The juice was slightly tangy but sweet and filling but not too heavy. I would choose Urban Juice Oxford Exchange to study at because of the good
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working atmosphere - calm and not too noisy. Parking was not awful, especially for downtown. A couple spots were available in front of the store but it is also located extremely close to a parking lot. The prices are a little excessive, being $7-$8 for a 13-ounce size. Pricing varies depending on the type of juice. Eight-ounce kids juices are available for $4. Juice isn’t the only thing Urban Juice sells. Wraps, salads and a variety of yogurt bowl options are available to munch on. Smoothies are on the menu as well. They aren’t too sweet and aren’t too tart; similar to the juice but thicker and more filling. Urban Juice Company became popular for the juice cleanses. I wouldn’t choose to do a juice cleanse through Urban juice because of high pricing, ranging from $50-$250 depending on the juice and how many days the cleanse lasts.
PO’P Haley Babbitt
Located on a quiet street,the establishment offers a nice place to grab a quick juice and snack. Fruitwood opened in July of 2013.
to look at but a light and refreshing sensation filled my taste buds as I took a sip. Prices are still a bit unreasonable, $8 for an eight ounce and $4 for a four ounce, but most freshly pressed juices are comparable. Fruitwood revolves around the food menu even though they do serve fresh juice and all items are made with fresh, local ingredients.
Fruitwood Stand Up O.E. Market O.E. Market was by far my faMarket Entering Fruitwood Stand Up Market, I got a completely different impression than Urban Juice. Still new and relevant, the store has more of a energetic and fastpaced feel. Located on Swann near Panera and next to Smoothie King, the experience was calm, appealing, and lively but not overwhelming and noisy. Parking isn’t terrible, although when I was trying to find the entrance it was a bit confusing because of the multiple businesses located in the same plaza. The main entrance is on Swann, but it is easy to miss if traveling on the opposite side of the road. I was pleasantly surprised when I tasted the juice, nothing exciting
vorite location. The store is rather small but I was very pleased with the service, the trendy clean atmosphere and the easy parking. The market’s on the corner of Hyde Park Avenue and Kennedy, a very central location. It is a quaint area, across the street from The University of Tampa. The large windows and bright, light colors of the interior made the room appear big and roomy than it actually was. Sadly, The O.E. Market is no longer making their own juice, instead selling Urban Juice Company’s juice. O.E. Market also has food, recently starting a taco bar, and smoothies.
November 2014
Arts & Entertainment• 13
Students discuss Tampa concert venues Tampa Bay and St. Pete are home to an array of unique concert venues. Students share their experiences at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, the Orpheum, Jannus Live, and the Ritz in Ybor.
MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
The spacious venue offers a variety of seating, with options to either purchase seat tickets underneath the awning or cheaper lawn tickets for more mobility and space. “I like how [the lawn] is big and open, its a lot of fun with a large group of friends. Although its an overall good experience, for bands that I really enjoy I would rather be in a smaller indoor venue, because its more personal,” Emmala Brown,senior,said. With a variety of ways to experience the concert, the Amphitheatre offers three seating arrangements. Underneath the awning, and closest to the stage, there is the general admission pit. Although tickets are more expensive, its allows for a closer proximity to the stage. Beyond the pit is designated seating, which is specified upon ticket purchase. Farthest back is the general admission
lawn space. “The lawn is open seating so to get a good spot I had to arrive[at the Ampitheatre] four hours early which sucked,” Savannah Lowery, freshman, said. The Amphitheatre has a seating capacity of 20,000 and therefore has been home to a number of big name acts from all genres such as, Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Kanye West, Drake, The Florida Georgia Line and Coldplay.
The Orpheum
This small, two-level venue allows for a more connected concert experience. “It’s more personal. It’s better to be on the floor because the artist are right there in front of you and because it’s so small the sound bounces around the room for good acoustics,” Josh Cortes, senior, said. It showcases a number of rising artist who use its intimate atmosphere to connect better with their prospective fan base. Students have seen a variety of up and coming indie and alternative bands such as Modern Baseball, Citizen, The Wonder Years, Fireworks, La Dispute, Balance and Composure, Menzigers and Seahaven. The majority of the Orpheum’s shows are open to all ages, and because most of the acts are newly discovered, ticket prices tend to be cheaper ranging from $10-$50.
Jannus Live
Jannus Live is a medium-sized outdoor venue located in downtown St. Petersburg. “Often big groups play there and it’s more intimate,” Julia Burgin, senior, said. “Like Arctic Monkeys played there and they usually play big arenas.” The venue has been self-described as an “indoor outdoor venue” and houses large industrial fans and space heaters in order to stabilize outdoor temperatures. Jannus Live is a general admission standing room only venue, with a strict ban on any lawn chairs or personal furniture. “I like Jannus best. Its an open and beautiful environment, located in the hub of St. Pete. Its not too big or too small and its perfect for meeting new people,” Michelle Kuhn, junior, said. This venue has hosted a variety of musical acts ranging from alternative rock band Arctic Monkeys to hip-hop artists ScHoolboy Q and 2 Chainz.
The Ritz Ybor
junior, said. This venue offers a general admission standing room only club atmosphere as concert-goers gather within the dual-leveled and black and white checkered Theatre Ballroom to view shows. Because of this venue’s small size, containing a maximum capacity of 1,114 standing individuals, it is often easier to meet band members by waiting outside the stage door after a concert. “After the Tyler, the Creator concert we went to the stage door and the security was telling us that Tyler, Jasper, and Taco had already left but we stayed anyway and Jasper and Taco came out after a while and took pictures with all of us! It’s definitely worth the wait,” Blair Eustace, junior, said. Compiled by Alyssa Ashmeade LaNae Fluellen
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The Ritz is a smaller venue located in Ybor that typically hosts lesser-known alternative artists such as synth-pop band Washed Out and shoegaze duo Phantogram. “I really like the Ritz because its super small, but not uncomfortably small,” Madison Murray,
PO’P Jessica Jagodzinski
Weird Venue Stories
Besides acquiring band merchandise after a memorable concert, many find themselves with interesting tales of the strange things they may have done, or other people have done to them. “In fourth grade I almost got hit by a car running into the street to grab a Joe Jonas poster after the concert… Worth it,” Rachel Goding, senior, said. “I got stuck in the middle of a mosh pit at an Odd Future concert and was physically lifted from the ground without my control,” Eustace said. “At Big Guava at the end of Vampire Weekend’s set when Ezra threw his pick, I dove to the ground and almost broke this girl’s finger trying to get it,” Murray said. “This one guy tried to stage dive and did a flip off of the stage and no one caught him. He just hit the floor,” Cortes said.
Do you have a weird venue story? Share them with us.
Hashtag concert photos #POPshows for a chance to be featured in the Pep O’ Plant.
14 • Sports
November 2014
Fall sports teams finish up Volleyball finishes playoffs, works on next season
Column Robby Killette Online Editor-in-Chief Some NBA players attend college, while some are drafted straight out of high school. NBA legends like Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, “Magic” Johnson, and multiple other stars attended a university for at least one year. Recently, NCAA basketball players have been playing for one year in college and then declaring for the NBA draft. Lately there have been thoughts of restricting entrance into the draft by making every player compete two years in the NCAA, which I agree with. Since the 2006 NBA draft players were forced to play at least one year of NCAA basketball; before that players like LeBron James or Kobe Bryant, could be drafted straight out of high school. If players were required to stay in college for a longer period of time, coaches could help the players develop and strengthen their skills. Also, it would help further the student athlete’s education and help them mature into better people. Tim Duncan played four years at Wake Forest and is now one of the best Power Forwards in basketball history. Throughout his 17 year career with the San Antonio Spurs, Duncan is a true professional and one of the more mature players in the league. Not only would it benefit the players, but it would also benefit the fans. If NBA stars Anthony Davis and Nerlens Noel, who are separated by a year, were able to play together at Kentucky, they could’ve been known a historic and fun-to-watch duo. College basketball would be more competitive and have more star power if players stayed for two plus years. It might not happen soon, but if the new NBA commissioner Adam Silver wants to improve the association, he needs to hurry up make the rule change. Stay in school, kids.
After finishing up the 2014 regular season, the girls volleyball team went on to finish up their season after a 2-3 loss to Newsome in their neutral playoff game on Oct. 21. “It’s been difficult to get momentum, and it’s been hard to really get back into it after missing a bunch of players to injuries and sickness,” head coach Jessica Lamm said. Next season, the team hopes on working the gaps caused by the current seniors leaving. “Since MC takes the most balls on defense, and Kat and Angel have the best offensive performance on our team, we’re gonna need players from both sides to step up,” Coach Lamm said. “I’m very excited to finally be a senior on the team. I feel like I could really help new upcoming players and push our team to have a great season,” Libby Stevenson, junior, said. Members of the team are excited to start fresh again, and juniors like Stevenson are excited to lead the upcoming 2015 year.
Courtesy of Carlos Garcia
The volleyball team listens to talk from Coach Lamm during a timeout in the senior night game played against Steinbrenner on Oct. 14.
Girls golf takes third in Regionals, feels accomplished
Courtesy of Haley Hills
Members of the girls golf team huddle during a match against Steinbrenner played at MacDill Air Force Base.
The girls team went to Temple Terrace to compete in their regional championships on Oct. 20 against rival high schools Steinbrenner, Saint Petersburg, King and East Lake. The girls golf team placed third, after losing by six strokes behind Saint Petersburg High School. However, the girls still remained positive and felt accomplished. “Regionals was a great experience even though we came up short from going to states. I am still really proud and love my team,” said Addison Hill, junior. “I am so proud of all the hard work the girls put into the practices and games we’ve played,” Ally Ackles, senior and co-captain, said. “This season was very successful and we worked hard everyday at practice to get us that far,” co-captain Gracie Henley added.
Boys cross country places at Districts, goes to Regionals The boys cross country team met 28 other schools for county championships on Oct. 21. The team placed third overall, and Jack Guyton, senior, placed 2nd overall for his individual race, and was followed by runners Rob Leverone, junior, Evan Collura, senior, Quasan Markowski, junior, and Miles Waite, sophomore, who all scored points to make up Plant’s boys team result. The boys then went on to the District Championship at Al Lopez park on Oct. 30, where they placed second overall, only four points behind Sickles High School. Guyton placed first overall in his individual race, and was followed closely by Leverone, who placed third. “It was a good race, easy effort, and it’s always fun to win,” Guyton said when asked about his experience in his race. The team will be moving on to Regionals, which will be held at North Port High School on Nov. 9. Briefs compiled by: E.V. Phillips, Emalee Herrera, Matthew Blydenburgh
PO’P E.V. Phillips
Miles Waite, sophomore, gets ahead of a following pack at their Class 4A District Championship meet held at Al Lopez Park on Oct. 30.
Want to get more sports coverage? Check out online stories at
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After school special: $5 off of any catering order
November 2014
Sports • 15
Diving trio springboards to success
Anatomy of a dive
1. Every part of a dive is important when done for judging. There are multiple types
of dives that can be executed in attempts to gain points from judges. The particular dive shown in this breakdown is a back dive. In this position, divers begin facing away from the water on the end of a 1-meter board. Here, Max Jenkins, junior, prepares for takeoff at Bobby Hicks pool during a meet.
2. During initial takeoff, divers begin execution of holding their
body in one of four positions. This particular position is the pike, where limbs must be straight, toes must be pointed and the diver should be bent at the waist. Judges look carefully for body positioning throughout the whole dive, so it is important that the opening segments of a dive are in correct form.
3. In the peaking phase of the dive, a transition Pictured: Riley Springett, senior
Emily Griewe Copy Editor The boys Diving team has proven unstoppable, with key members Dylan Power, Reid Fleming and Max Jenkins clinching the top three places at a majority of the dual meet competitions this season. Most recently, the three won first, second and third respectively at the District Finals meet Wednesday, Oct. 22. During the FSPA High School Invitational Sept. 27, the boys placed top three yet again, but with shuffled order: Fleming, Jenkins, Power. “I think the rivalry has definitely made me better this year.” Jenkins, junior, said. “The season as has been good for everyone as a whole.” But what does it take to succeed in a sport where every half point counts? During the airborne seconds of a dive, the competitor’s body must be held in one of four positions, most commonly tuck, pike or
straight. In tuck, the body should be compact with hands grasping the legs on the shins while toes are pointed. Pike position requires straight legs and a bent torso, arms embracing the legs around the knee area in closed pike position or extended out from the body in open pike position. When the diver is transitioning or about to enter the water, the body must be in straight position. “Before I compete, I just listen to some jams to clear my head.” Power, district champion junior, said. In high school competition, a 1-meter springboard is used and divers can choose to showcase dives according to their skill level to score points, usually forward, back, reverse, inward or twisting. In a forward position, a diver faces the end of the board, staring at the chlorinated water before leaping from pointed toes, rotating away from board. Back dives begin with the diver facing
away from the water, balancing on the far end of the springboard before takeoff. To execute a reverse dive, also referred to as a “gainer”, the diver faces the water and performs a forward approach, rotating feet back towards the board after becoming airborne. Lastly, inward dives are carried out beginning at the end of the board. Taking off with their back to the water, the diver contorts the upper body toward the board in pike or somersault position. The last aspect of proper execution judges will observe with critical eyes is the “rip entry” Executed properly, the diver will enter head first with the rest of the body on a single plane until pointed toes disappear into the water without a discernible splash.
from takeoff to entry into water must begin. Perfect form must continued to be maintained. In this pike dive, the body must still remain stiff in every aspect, and a backwards transition must be made by bending backwards at the waist.
4. The final phase of a dive is crucial,
and factors that judges look for include a straight body on entry into water, and a very small splash. This entry is called a “rip entry”, because the water is supposed to PO’P Emily Greiwe ripple on entry.
November 2014
Online • 16
Only available online
What’s POPin’ online?
First Rankings released for College Football Playoffs
Nike gifts Plant their own shoes
Henry Jetmundsen Webmaster
Ron T. Ennis
Mack Brown and Chris Cotter discus the new rankings. The Playoff system is new to college football.
The College Football Playoff Selection Committee released the first ever rankings for college football on Oct 28. The top four teams in order of first to fourth are Mississippi State... Read more online.
Rachel Ferrari Staff Writer The Nike Zoom Speed Trainer 2 ‘Plant High School,’ was released on Wednesday Oct. 22. Plant is the second school in this nation to receive this privilege. These shoes were made especially for Plant High School. Along with their black and gold color, the inside tongue of the shoe says, “Strength through Unity.” Originally, only 500 of these shoes were made and they were sold out within 23 minutes. Gerald Clark, senior, said, “I think it was a good idea for coach to get them for us and everything. He made all of this possible.” Now people can find the shoes on Ebay.com... Read the whole article online!
Nike
The new shoes are for sale at Champs Sporting Goods at Westshore Plaza. All of the football players received a free pair of the shoes.
Plant beats Alonso on senior night
November Poll Did you or do you plan on getting the flu shot?
•Yes •No October Poll Results Which Fall TV show is your favorite?
•How To Get Away With Murder
40%
•Gotham
33%
•Blackish
13%
•Selfie
13%
•Happy Land
1%
PO’P Haley Babbitt
The danceros cheer on the football team at the start of the game. The teams celebrated senior night before kick off.
PO’P Haley Babbitt
Before the game Matthew Hankin, junior, and Nick Hudek, junior, celebrate with the student section. The final score was 35-7.