The Roar Issue 4

theroar

Mumford & Sons lead an indie-folk revival with distinct banjo melodies and literature references.

Voice of the Students

march 2011

// See page 8.

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 4

West Shore Junior/Senior High School's Student Newspaper • 250 Wildcat Alley • Melbourne, Florida 32935 • www.westshoreroar.com

IN THIS ISSUE NEWS Mideast makeover

Students share their concerns for relatives and friends living through the Egyptian revolution. // See page 2.

Helping hands

Students and teachers join with Red Cross to help Japanese victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami. // See page 1.

textonic shift e vs. print

t

Safety course offered

t

With the recent removal of driver’s ed programs, students have an option to learn safety tips through the Sheriff’s Department. // See page 2.

OPINIONS Glee gone wrong

Teen musical show is sending a bad message through racy episodes that are inappropriate for its audience. // See page 6.

Lockers: a must have

Supplying students with two sets of textbooks is not an aid to heavy backpacks.

An alternative method is necessary. // See page 6.

SPORTS

Crew-centric

Senior Julia Rauchfuss discusses her role as a leader on Space Coast Crew and the team’s family-like atmosphere. // See page 7.

Phobia fuels freshman

Thomas Kendrick stays active to ensure he remains in shape. // See page 7.

College textbook costs rose 186 percent from 1986 to 2005.

Consuming textbooks via e-readers provides a savings of up to 50 percent, according to coursesmart.com, a consortium of five major textbook publishers.

School districts transition to e-readers

Photo Illustration: Mikayla Larson

W Marley Butcher Connect Editor

When students at Clearwater High return to school next fall, they will find their backpacks lighter and their lockers a bit more spacious because instead of issuing myriad traditional textbooks, the school will hand out Amazon Kindles, e-readers that will contain each student’s books in one lightweight electronic package. All of their traditional textbooks will be pre-loaded onto the Kindle, which not only will save the school money, but will also reduce the amount of printed paper making information more environmentally friendly.

Clearwater High School Principal Keith Mastorides came up with the idea and has heavily promoted it during a trial run. “[The project] is working extremely well,” Mastorides said via email. “Both the kids and staff are enjoying it. The school has been diligently working with school-board officials on this exciting pilot project. Using the decentralized decision-making model, textbook and technology refresh-dollars will be used to purchase Kindles and digital books. Every year in the future we’re going to add additional texts to the Kindle. We have placed our math and English books in the Kindle this year. Next year we will be adding science. We also have internet access to The St. Pete Times, The Tampa Tribune and numerous novels on the Kindle. The students and teachers are enjoying them.”

Clearwater High will soon have company on its technological journey. The Florida Department of Education recently announced that it wants all K-12 public schools to transition to e-readers by 2015. But West Shore sophomore Paige Wendrzyk, who owns a Barnes and Noble e-reader, says she isn’t sure the move is the right one.

“I love my Nook for personal reading,” she said. “But honestly, I want textbooks. They’re more real, and that’s important while studying. You can’t flip pages as fast on a Kindle or Nook as you can in an actual textbook. Even though I adore my Nook, I’m going to have to be faithful to my textbooks.”

While Wendrzyk enjoys personal reading on her Nook, Clearwater High students are not permitted to install data on their Kindles.

Fears that students may download inappropriate content or too many books have raised concerns. As a result, if students try to add materials their school-issued Kindles, the e-readers the will shut down and the pre-installed textbooks will no longer be accessible.

Principal Rick Fleming says he doesn’t expect West Shore to transition to Kindles anytime soon, but does have hope for the future.

“I like to be first,” he said. “When I read that Clearwater High School had already transitioned to Kindles, I was mad. I wanted West Shore to pilot the Kindles. But with our limited district money and the state of crisis that we’re in, it was nearly impossible. However, West Shore might move to online textbooks. AP Environmental Science has already transitioned to online editions. West Shore is going to try and transition slowly but surely to online textbooks.

I can count the number of students at our school on one hand who don’t have computers at home. Of course, then we’ll have to make whole new policies regarding homework and class work.”

Along with Clearwater High School, Masters Academy, a private Christian school in Orlando, plans to distribute 270 Apple iPads to its students next year. Not all of their books will be on the iPad because the digital texts aren’t available yet, but it will create new resources that students couldn’t access before.

“We’re progressing towards the new future of schools,” Fleming said. “This new wave will wipe out all textbooks as we know them.”

CONNECT

Speech to inspire Oscar winning film “The King’s Speech” lives up to its many accolades due to impeccable acting and dialogue. // See page 8.

Students are saying

You weigh in on “Glee”, “Skins” and “No Strings Attatched”. // See page 8.

INDEX News Feature Feature

1-2 Opinions 4 Sports 5 Connect

6 7 8

Students mobilize for Japanese relief Karen Pipek and Lesley Wright Roar staff

As an 8.9 magnitude earthquake followed by a 23-foot tsunami and nuclear explosions hit Japan on March 1, sophomore Caroline Baney and her family happened to be playing host to a group of Japanese college students.

“There are five people [staying at our house] from all over [Japan],” Baney said. “One is from Tokyo and the others are from some of the small islands on the side.”

All of the students have been affected by the earthquake in some way.

“They have limited communication and all have lost some type of physical structure,” Baney said.

Eighth-grader Hana Bilicki has family members in Japan but they have not been nearly as affected by the earthquake.

“Nothing too bad happened [to their house], but it was shaking really badly,” Bilicki said.

“They had to stay underneath tables the whole day while my uncle was stuck in the city because none of the trains were working.”

Bilicki says anyone can help out with relief efforts, even students.

“I think West Shore should try to get a fundraiser together to help the victims,” Bilicki said.

“We should encourage everyone to help out.”

Seventh-grade language arts teacher Susan Woyshner has done just that, joining her Students Against Destructive Decisions club with the Brevard County Red Cross to help raise money for Japanese earthquake and tsunami victims.

“The Red Cross approached West Shore because March is their month to raise and

// See JAPAN, page 2

Photo: U.S. Department of Defense

RELIEF: U.S. Navy Seaman Chris Tautkus uses a translation card to ask a Japanese man what supplies are needed in Kurosoki, Japan.

NEWS

theroar

March 2011

2

Revolution hits home

Students share concerns for friends, family in Egypt Brittany Cho News Editor

photo: Jennifer Garrido

CRUISING: Senior J.T. Moore demonstrates the safe driving skills he learned from Teen Driver Challenge.

Challenging coursework

Sheriff’s Department offers alternative driver safety program Jennifer Garrido Lifestyles Editor

The recent cut of driver’s education as a high-school course has made it more difficult for students to prepare for their lives on the road. But with “Teen Driver Challenge,” a new safety program offered by the Brevard County Sheriff ’s office, they have an alternative.

Senior J.T. Moore participated in the free program during the summer of 2009.

“I had friends take it before me, so I took it the summer between 10th and 11th grade,” Moore said.

The class lasts for two days, both of which are training days for students.

“The first day was class work, but the second day was all in the car,” Moore said. “One part was actually pretty fun. They wet down a giant skid pad and let us drift through it and try to recover from the uncontrollable hydroplane.”

The hydroplane exercise is designed to teach students what to expect in poor driving conditions and how to react in emergency situations. Moore was convinced that it helped him with his driving — as well as with his finances.

“I think it did help a lot,” Moore said. “It also gave me a discount on insurance since I didn’t take driver’s ed.”

Senior Tori Perry took the class immediately after the end of

the 2010 school year.

“It was relatively helpful because I learned a lot about my car, especially since I had only had it for one day before that,” Perry said.

Perry described the dynamics of the program.

“On the second day, you learn about oil and checking your car’s statistics,” Perry said. “Then you drive around obstacles and get a feel for how your car handles. They make you do a really short stop and have your anti-lock braking system come on, which is really scary. They also make you talk on the phone and take orders from someone and it shows how badly talking on the phone impairs your driving.”

Perry urges other teens to take the driving course.

“I recommend it because it was relatively painless and it helps with insurance,” Perry said.

So far, with 63 classes conducted as of February, 692 teens have successfully graduated from this program. The classes are held on a Friday evening and Saturday afternoon at no cost to students. The first day takes place at the Brevard Sheriff ’s West Precinct in the government complex in Viera and the second day allows kids to practice driving at the Palm Bay campus of Brevard Community College.

For more information on the Teen Driver Program, contact the program coordinator, Lori Chabot, at (321) 403-2619 or by e-mail at Teendriver@bcso.us.

Students, Red Cross join to help earthquake victims //Continued from JAPAN, page 1

donate money, and their goal was to raise $1000, from students, teachers and businesses,” she said. “If we raise the $1000, West Shore will be recognized as a hero by the Red Cross.”

This fund-raising idea fell in the same time frame as the Japanese earthquake.

“We had set these goals and dates before the earthquake happened, and it works out well because West Shore can decide where the money is donated. The first-period class that donates the most money will receive a doughnut and juice party.”

During first-period classes on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday SADD will show a one-minute ad as a reminder for the relief effort.

Senior Heather Stewart also hopes to start a fund-raiser for Japan.

“I need to get in contact with the Red Cross and see what exactly is needed in Japan,” Stewart said. “[Science teacher Paula] Ladd has agreed to sponsor the fund-raiser already.”

According to Baney, the U.S. news is portraying the disaster just

Editor in chief Mikayla Larson Managing editor Lucia Baglivio Art director Alex Deavers Business manager Mia Glatter News editor Brittany Cho

theroar

as it has happened.

“We have watched [Japan’s] news and it is held very true in American news,” Baney said. “The media is as accurate as possible.”

Bilicki’s plans to visit Japan, as she does every summer, have now changed.

“My grandparents and uncle live in Tokyo, [so] during the summer I attend the local school there and I just live life normally because I have done this my whole life,” Bilicki said. “I can speak, read and write Japanese.”

Now Bilicki is not sure as to when she will see her extended family again.

“My grandma was planning on visiting, but now we don’t know,” Bilicki said. “It’s going to take a while for them to get everything back together, a lot of lives have been lost.”

For some families, the earthquake has impacted them greatly.

“The whole situation is really tragic,” Bilicki said. “Now it’s hard to reach my family there because the telephone lines are busy with everyone in the world trying to call Japan.”

— Mikayla Larson contributed to this report

www.westshoreroar.com West Shore Jr/Sr High 250 Wildcat Alley Melbourne, Fla. 32935 (321) 242-4730 ext. 255 FAX: (321) 242-4740 theroarletters@gmail.com

publicationpolicies

The Roar recognizes itself as a public forum and encourages letters from West Shore students and members of the community.

The Roar cannot print ads promoting activity illegal by Florida law, ads opposing any religious beliefs, ads written in poor taste, ads with racial or sexist comments, ads considered inappropriate by the staff or ads containing libel. The Roar is not responsible for websites viewed through links found on pages mentioned in the publication. The Roar values letters from our readers: the maximum length for letters is 200 words. No more than one letter a semester will be published from a writer. Letters and columns are edited for length, content and clarity. The Roar maintains the right to edit all submissions for poor taste, length, grammar and libel. Views expressed in the “Opinions” section do not necessarily represent the views of the Brevard County School Board, the West Shore administrators, faculty, student body or The Roar staff.

Send letters to Room 3-104 or theroarletters@gmail.com

Connect editors Marley Butcher Karen Pipek Lifestyles editor Jennifer Garrido Sports editor Courtney Barney Opinions editor Lesley Wright Staff adviser Mark Schledorn

After 18 days of tenacious protest in Egypt from thousands who were inspired by the recent revolution in Tunisia, President Hosni Mubarak quietly resigned and turned all power over to the military on Feb. 11.

This modern revolution that has utilized Twitter and Facebook has been seething beneath the surface for years due to Mubarak’s monopolization of power, allegedly corrupt parliament and strict manipulation of security. Though many are celebrating the end of Mubarak’s 30-year autocratic rule, sophomore Theopeste Kerelos, who was born in Egypt, is concerned about the psychological and political impact of this relatively short revolution that is only beginning to show its effects beyond the economic strain caused by the labor unrest.

“When I heard about the conflict I was really [creeped] out and surprised,” Kerelos said. “It’s been occupying my thoughts lately.”

Kerelos says several of her relatives were threatened by the situation though they weren’t directly involved with the riots.

“The men in apartment buildings formed committees to guard the apartments, and my uncle was a part of one,” Kerelos said. “We called him in the middle of the night and he was up because the committee was searching a truck driving around past curfew. They found tons of weapons and had to call the army to take care of it.”

Junior Yasmeen Elsawaf, who has great uncles and aunts as well as family friends in Egypt says one experienced a similar situation.

“An armed man entered my friend’s apartment complex and all the men in the apartment had to go take care of him,” Elsawaf said. “My friend could see everything that was happening right through her window.”

Sophomore Tryphina Mikhail, whose entire family apart from her mother, father and cousin live in Egypt, expressed concern for her cousin in Sallum, Egypt.

“I’m worried about my cousin because he’s in the military since it’s a required draft in Egypt,” Mikhail said. “The Internet and communication lines were down for a little bit in Egypt and it’s been hard to contact him.”

Though the military has fixed these issues and tried to reassure the people of its control over the democratic transition by calling for elections in six months and dismantling strict policies such as the emergency law which has allowed detentions without trails and charges, Mikhail says she is worried about the future of the most populous country in the Arab world that has a 90 percent Muslim majority.

“My family is wondering who’s going to be in power since there is no real political organization right now in Egypt,” Mikhail said. “Except for the Muslim brotherhood, and they’re radicals.”

Though Mikhail says the riot was started for political reasons, she says there are many religious issues in Egypt as well.

“My dad was going to medical school there, and they failed him seven times for being a Christian,” she said. “When I visited in 2006, I had to keep quiet about my religion. They don’t even like you to wear religious necklaces like a cross — sometimes they spit on it or rip it off.”

Kerelos who hears information from her relatives on a current basis says the majority of Muslims in Egypt aren’t radicals. She also says the media doesn’t describe the situation accurately but instead, portrays it from a broad point of view.

“The situation is not really as big of a deal as the media portrays it,” she said. “Though there are actually good people who want government reform, the people participating in the riot were mostly unemployed or youths who were on Christmas break and went there because they thought it was exciting or had nothing better to do. The middle class wasn’t really involved.”

Mikhail, who left Egypt when she was 3 and visited in 2006, disagrees.

“I don’t think the U.S. media is portraying things differently,” Mikhail said. “It’s basically the same though there may be a few discrepancies, and right now, things are quieting down. Basically everyone’s saying, we protested for Egypt; now let’s stop for Egypt because our economy is suffering.”

But, Mikhail says the world should care about the situation in Egypt for reasons other than the economy.

“It’s like a culture is being destroyed, and we won’t ever get certain things back,” Mikhail said. “I know of two mummies have already been damaged. It’s like the burning of the Library of Alexandria all over again.”

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theroar

FEATURE

As Spring break rapidly approaches students are considering how they will entertain themselves for a week with no school. Here are some ideas of things to do and places to go so your spring break in Melbourne is not Mel-boring.

Illustration: Heather Stewart

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© 2011 The College Board

Home of the West Shore golf teams 2300 Clubhouse Drive Viera,FL 32955 (321) 639-6500

March 2011 How to look great and stay fashionable at Prom

To avoid a fashion disaster on Prom night you should stay away from neon colors, avoid showing too much skin, and try to keep elegance as your main goal.

• If you’re one of the few select people who actually looks good in neon, take advantage of your gift and flaunt that neon yellow gown. The rest of us aren’t so fortunate- I think a majority of humans just don’t have complexions that suit those awful, bright colors. Stick to richer, more sophisticated colors such as purple, red, blue and dark green.

• Prom is not a competition for who can wear the skimpiest outfit. Walking out of the house showing more skin than clothes is not an ideal way to spend the night. Although you can wear a dress that cuts above the knees, a long gown is

5

better because short dresses suit the more casual Homecoming dance - try to keep the cleavage and the amount of leg you show refined and sophisticated.

• The model look for Prom is elegance - it’s a night where you should be able to feel your most beautiful. A gown in any traditional color such as black, white or beige is guaranteed sophistication, but you can keep your look refined in rich, warm or cool colors. Remember to choose a color that fits your complexion, pair the outfit with jewelry and other accessories like a matching pair of heels.

• As Coco Chanel, the mother of the little black dress said, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”

— Brittany Cho, news editor

Department-store fashions too generic?

Try these independent vendors instead Elda’s Bridal Boutique provides their customers with a wide array of colors to choose from and their customer service is great since they’re not a huge store.

If you’re looking for an unconventional prom dress at a good price, this is the place to go.

Dress description:Though this shade of red really pops, it’s still maintains elegance because it’s color is warm and rich. The layered top thins the appearance of the upper body and accentuates curves while the bottom half elongates her figure.

Meredith’s Bridal and Formalwear is by far one of the most

sophisticated dress shops you’ll find in Melbourne. Even though it can be a little on the pricey side, their dresses come in the most flattering cuts and colors and are elegantly glamourous with assorted gems.

Dress description: The traditional beige color automatically gives the dress an elegant appeal and the matching beads add glamour. The crossed design near the front of the dress things her waist and accentuates the rest of her figure.

DRESSED UP: Junior Hana Kim and freshman Jasmin Kim model Prom dresses at various local botiquies.

Photos: Brittany Cho

Attention Graduates!

Graduation party at sea RCCL Monarch of the Seas June 6, 2011

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$200 deposit per cabin Final payment: March 11, 2011 Call Helen Deavers at Apollo Travel for current rates (321) 728-8899 helen@myapollotravel.com

Dress description: This dress gives off a royal feeling because of the rich blue color and the extravagant gems lining the top half of the dress. The cut of the dress reveals the back but is evened out by the conservative design of the front.

— Brittany Cho, news editor

OPINIONS

theroar headsup Copy and photos compiled by Lesley Wright

March 2011

What’s your favorite video to watch on YouTube?

youthink: letters to the editor

Jordan Bauer “I like to watch candid videos of people doing stupid things.”

Justin Melich “Leroy Jenkins’ because it’s funny and I like World of Warcraft.”

twelfth

Erna Roth Holly Cappelman “I watch music videos “The Annoying mostly, like after I hear Roomate’: I can a song on the radio, I relate because my look up the video for it.” friends and I talk like that.“

eleventh

tenth

ninth

eighth

seventh Alexa Borzilleri “I like to watch the music videos for songs after I hear them. ”

Will Niemeier “I watch Gene Kelley movies and clips. He was the best dancer to ever exist.”

Lockers would lift heavy burden of oversized backpacks

It seems that any time students brings up the need for lockers, they are automatically met with a wall of disapproval. The metal space-keepers are called impractical, costly, and are said to lead to disciplinary problems. However, what the opposers of lockers fail to recognize is the negative effects of not having them at all.

Contrary to popular belief, the ability to have textbooks at both home and school hardly cuts down on the weight of backpacks, not to mention the cost of supplying each student with two sets of textbooks each. It’s not that students are filling their backpacks with rocks just to add some extra weight, rather, the weight of binders, planner, notebooks, calculators, etc., adds up to quite a hefty number. Not only is this weight a nuisance, but also, the stress it puts on the back’s of students can lead to serious health problems, such as scoliosis, neck and back problems. Though one might speculate that this problem could simply be solved by using rolling backpacks, I’ll tell you from experience that it is next to impossible to drag a rolling backpack upstairs, through packed hallways of rushing students, and still get to class on time.

Furthermore, though many teachers and administrators point out that lockers supposedly lead to violence, such as students shoving each other into them, any actions like that would go against West Shore’s policies, thus resulting in punishment. Simply put, lockers are a much-needed addition to our campus.

— Noël Schutz, sophomore

New canopy: unnecessary investment The administration has recently announced that they plan on building a canopy in the courtyard in late May. This project is

expected to cost $113,430 which seems to be a terrible way to spend our money. There are many things that we could use this money for, and a useless canopy is not a priority at the moment.

The canopy is expensive, and its benefits do not make up for its price. Students are not allowed to eat outside, and the canopy will not change this rule in any way. The only arguable benefit of this risky investment is to shade students and shelter them from undesirable weather conditions. This is not much of an issue to begin with considering most students are in classrooms or under some type of roof a majority of the time.

This is not a wise way to spend the school money and students should have more of a say in the matter. There are plenty of other things in our school that could use just a fraction of the funding. By building this canopy, we are spending our money in an unnecessary way which we will regret in the future.

— Austin Combs, sophomore

FCAT on computers is a bad idea

The changes to the FCAT testing are concerning. If you were on the computer, taking your test, and the computer freezes or there is a power failure, you may have to retake your test. Kids should be able to sit at their desk and solve their math or read the passage for reading. A point was brought up in class that sometimes students have a harder time reading on the computer and I must agree. I would much rather have a booklet and a pencil than clicking at the computer screen. Technology naturally has malfunctions, so why need the risk of taking FCAT on the computer?

— Erika Dietl, freshman

6

Musical show moves from kid-friendly to seductive ‘‘Glee’’ runs episode glorifying illegal activity Mia Glatter Business Manager

With the success of the series of “High School Musical” movies, it was smart of the Fox network to try to bank on the idea of a television show that featured musical numbers. From this idea, ‘Glee’ was born. Being an avid fan of musical theater, I was excited at the idea of a television show during which the actors break out into song and the first season of episodes proved that audiences everywhere could appreciate it as much I as did. However, with the start of season two late in 2010, viewers are starting to raise eyebrows at the content of the show, and Fox should consider the age of their audience before proceeding in the direction that ‘New Directions’, the glee club is heading.

Last November, the ‘‘Glee’’ actors fell under scrutiny when they posed for the cover of the magazine GQ, as their high-school characters wearing revealing clothing and posed in compromising positions. Although the magazine is geared towards adult males, the cover could be seen in grocery store lines across America. Though this incident has died down, ‘‘Glee’’ seems to be going for the shock factor when it comes to their episode content.

An episode of ‘‘Glee’’ which aired on February 22, titled “Blame it on the Alcohol” was a prime example of the change in content. In the episode, the character Rachel Berry holds a house party while her parents are out of town - a glee club drunken escapade ensues. Meanwhile, club advisor, Will Shuester, who is supposed to be keeping the kids honest, is shown at a bar, getting plastered with other teachers who then proceed to get in a car and drive home. When they decided to actually perform a song, all of the ‘‘Glee’’ kids drank cocktails to calm their nerves before performing a Ke$ha song in front of the school. It finally all caught up to them when two kids drunkenly threw up on stage. All I could do was sit on my couch with my mouth hanging open wondering if my 12 year-old cousin, who I know loves the show, was watching this. The expected resolution of the students learning the bad effects of alcohol didn’t come until the last couple minutes of the episode, but they didn’t even get in trouble. The kids were commended for putting on such a realistic performance about the effects of alcohol.

I don’t mind that the writers of ‘‘Glee’’ are trying to expand the content of the show and make it more relatable to teens, But they should keep in mind that children also watch the show.

The characters of ‘‘Glee’’ have already dealt with pregnancies, hook-ups/break-ups, bullying, homosexuality, body images and somewhere in there they find room to sing. These are good topics to expose and resolve, I just think the people of ‘‘Glee’’ should get their point and across faster instead of getting the message through at the last possible minute.

wethink: staff editorial

Fining doctors who ask gun-safety questions is the wrong way to go

State Rep. Jason Brodeur from Sanford has proposed a bill that would leave doctors facing a fine of up to $5 million or up to five years in prison for what Brodeur considers an insidious crime: asking patients about gun ownership.

Proponents of this bill claim the question is invasive and fear the information might be recorded and transmitted to the patient’s insurance company and, if they are on Medicaid, even to the government. Brodeur proposed the bill after learning of a case where an Ocala couple’s pediatrician told them to find another doctor because they would not answer such a question.

This bill ignores a much simpler way for people who find the question invasive to prevent this knowledge from being transmitted to their insurance companies: don’t answer.

True, most doctors are intelligent enough to guess that most of the time “I’m not comfortable with this question” means, “Yes, but I don’t want to tell you.” But the doctor can’t tell the amorphous, evil insurance company / government

conglomerate that proponents of this bill seem to fear that their patients refused to answer. This bill would simply insert unnecessary possibilities for litigation into the doctor-patient relationship. Already, doctors must order unnecessary and sometimes painful tests in the desperate fear that they may miss something and end up on the wrong end of a malpractice suit.

Proponents of the bill claim that there is no reason for doctors to inquire about gun ownership. This is not true, and to confirm this you need only read horror stories of children killed in gun accidents. According to the University of Michigan, there were 214 unintentional firearms-related deaths of children younger than 19 in 1999--in 1997, 2,514 children under the age of 14 experienced non-fatal gunrelated accidents. A doctor’s knowledge of gun ownership can help prevent a tragedy, as pediatricians can tell parents how to safely store their firearms and keep them out of children’s hands.

This law can also be approached as a battle of amendments: the Second Amendment’s right to bear arms versus the First Amendment’s right to free speech. The First Amendment prohibits the government’s dictating to citizens what they can and cannot say, which is what this law would do. The First Amendment does have some exceptions, however; proponents of Brodeur’s bill claim that the doctors’ question constitutes an invasion of privacy, a form of speech that is not protected. If so, will it soon be illegal for other private citizens to ask the question? Picture a country where asking a simple, fairly innocent question can land citizens in jail for half a decade. That’s what Brodeur’s bill proposes.

If the concern is that doctors may enter patients’ gun ownership into their medical records, giving the information to insurance companies, then there is a simple way to address this concern without abridging doctors’ free speech: make the recording and transmission of the answer to a third party illegal, not the question itself.

SPORTS

theroar

March 2011

7

GETTING TO KNOW

Photo: Erin Fredrick Photography

DIGGING IN: Senior Julia Rauchfuss combines rhythm and strength during a Jacksonville regatta in mid-February while competing for Space Coast Crew.

Crew captain Julia Rauchfuss gets hardcore THE ROAR: How long have you been rowing?

RAUCHFUSS: I’ve been on the crew team for four years and I’ve been team captain for two of those years.

there is no ‘good enough’, there is only how hard you will push yourself.

THE ROAR: How did you get started rowing?

RAUCHFUSS: Crew is in my blood. My dad rowed in college and my brother was a four-year rower on the team. They convinced me to go to a learn-to-row camp when I was a freshman, and I’ve felt at home there ever since.

THE ROAR: What is your favorite part of crew?

RAUCHFUSS: The friends I’ve made and the medals I’ve won. People bond over pain in a way that takes years to develop between friends at school. We earn those chunks of metal together. I row for myself — and when that’s not enough anymore — I row for them.

THE ROAR: What is the most challenging part?

RAUCHFUSS: The thing that makes crew so hardcore is

THE ROAR: How does it feel to be a captain?

RAUCHFUSS: As a captain, I assume many roles. I’m a baby-sitter, I’m their big sister, I’m their mother, I’m a pain in their side, I’m a shoulder to lean on, I’m the coach’s right-hand man, I’m someone who’s been there and I’m there for them.

THE ROAR: What are crew races like?

RAUCHFUSS: You need a passport to come to a crew race. It’s a whole new culture — a place where JL spandex is the new AE, all of our dance moves have names, Nutella is a delicacy, a trailer is your home and pain is what we live for.

THE ROAR: What are your responsibilities as captain?

RAUCHFUSS: As a captain I lead workouts, advise the novices as well as the coaches, organize trailer-loading,

mass text all of the rowers, plan team-bonding events, design the sweatshirts, mediate arguments and set a good example.

THE ROAR: What hopes do you have for crew next year?

RAUCHFUSS: I can’t imagine the team without me and the other 12 seniors on the team. It will be a huge change for the team and a great opportunity for our underclassmen to grow as rowers and leaders. This year we had 47 new rowers join the team, and we hope to match that next year. Come to crew camp over the summer, you don’t know what you’re missing.

THE ROAR: Will you participate in crew in college?

RAUCHFUSS: I plan to join the [University of South Florida] crew team. They are not very competitive, but that’s just because they’ve never had any rowers from Space Coast Crew — yet.

— Mia Glatter, business manager

PHOBIA FUEL

Two-sport freshman says he stays active, not because he loves athletics, but because wants to keep in shape Christina Baylen Special to the Roar

Photo: Bianca Taraschi

LISTEN UP: Freshman Thomas Kendrick (24) and his teammates listens to last-minute instructions before a game at Viera High.

Fat. It’s the only thing that motivates freshman Thomas Kendrick to run in his free time, play lacrosse every day and participate in weight-training. You may have seen Kendrick, who you might also know as T.K. or Kenny for short, around on campus, but you may not have realized that he has an unusual phobia. “I’m seriously terrified of becoming fat,” Kendrick said. “I eat a lot, so once my metabolism slows down I’ll be fat.”

While he will say that cross country is his favorite sport, he won’t say it’s because he likes it.

“Do you know anyone that finds running enjoyable? I’m just super-concerned about staying skinny,” Kendrick said.

However, he will say that he is better at cross country than lacrosse.

“I’ve just been doing it longer. So I’m better at it, and it’s easier,” Kendrick said.

Out of the three groups in Thomas Kendrick junior varsity, Kendrick was placed in the upper JV group with his best time of 21 minutes, 34 seconds in a 5k run.

“I felt successful — because it was hard. I don’t think a lot when I’m doing it, just about how I’m going to puke and that it’s very difficult,” Kendrick said.

Even when cross country isn’t in season, Kendrick continues to run on his own time.

“I run and listen to Linkin Park a lot because they’re my favorite band. So I guess you could say I’m passionate about that,” Kendrick said. “I am actually at least average at running.”

But if he finds running isn’t enough to keep off the weight, Kendrick can always rely on lacrosse to get the

job done. After having been involved in the sport since the summer of 2010 and with West Shore’s first-year team, Kendrick is becoming more experienced.

“Basically all of us [stink] at stick-handling skills and the drills really help us with the basics that none of us are good at. The drills are tedious, but they help a lot.

Everyone is improving,” Kendrick said. He dedicates a good amount of his time every day playing lacrosse, doing drills and sprints and running plays.

“The best part is probably just running down the field with the ball and scoring and being greedy,” Kendrick said.

His friends recognize his love for the game that uses elements from just about every sport.

“He’s just kind of good at [lacrosse] and knows almost everything about it,” freshman Ryan Bellone said. “During the game, he usually is really determined.”

Kendrick, along with the other boys on the lacrosse team, showed what all their hard work at practice had been for after getting a tie in their first game against Viera’s more experienced two-year team.

Despite being on defense however, Kendrick doesn’t enjoy the contact of hitting other players with his stick as many of the other boys on the team seem to.

“It’s fun. But it’s not like I super-enjoy it, you know? I don’t like hitting or being hit,” Kendrick said.

In fact, Kendrick didn’t have any contact with any players during the game. “I like seriously avoided it. Like not being a [sissy], but just being cautious. I check their stick, from a distance. Safely. ‘Tis all good,” Kendrick said.

Despite his cautiousness, Kendrick broke his arm during the team’s fourth game against Martin County High School.

“I got cross checked from behind and someone stepped on my arm,” said Kendrick, now in a cast and out for the rest of the season. “I’m never doing anything again if I ever break it again. I’ll be crazy paranoid,” he said.

CONNECT

theroar

The young and old

Photo: Laura Vickers

Propping up against a classic car, junior Lauren Brown models for junior Laura Vickers. “I love vintage retro styles and the antique car made it perfect,” Vickers said. “I wanted to take pictures of things in our hometown to show the beauty of our small little town.”

Perfect harmony

8

March 2011

Photo: Rachael Moore

Bowl of sunshine

As sophomore Caroline Baney poses in her pointe costume, junior Rachael Moore encaptures the moment in her dance-related photo shoot. “I had seen a group dance on pointe to the song ‘Tis the Gift’,” Moore said. “So I was inspired by that song to take some simplistic pictures.”

Photo: Austin Combs

With sun shining through the fish bowl, sophomore Eran del Castillo holds her fish while sophomore Austin Combs takes the shot. “I took this because Eran loves marine animals and has tons of fish,” Combs said. “This fish just happened to pose for us. Unfortunately it died the next morning.”

Long live ‘The King’s Speech’ Alex Deavers Art Director

government? Can I levy a tax, declare a war? No! And yet I am the seat of all authority. Why? Because the nation believes that when I speak, I speak for them. But I can’t speak,” may be heavily dramatized but is not overdone or corny. Every scene from the beginning to end of the film is inspirational, humorous or intensely dramatic.

Although “The King’s Speech” moves rapidly from Lionel’s humorous remarks to scenes that inspire the audience such as Bertie and Lionel’s “I

As the tag line suggests, when God couldn’t save the king, the queen turned to someone who could. Edward VIII (Guy Pearce) is crowned king after the death of his father, but soon abdicates in order to marry a common woman.

King George VI, or “Bertie” (Colin Firth), is thrown into the position of king and must overcome his stammer in order to become the stalwart The King’s Speech Rating: R voice of the people. Bertie’s Cast: Colin Firth, Helena wife, Queen Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Rush, Michael Gambon Bonham Carter), meets with an Director: Tom Harper Studio: See-Saw Films unorthodox speech therapist after many unhelpful doctors in order to help Bertie overcome his stammer. have a voice” dialogue, all scenes flow The film follows Lionel Logue and naturally within the story line and do Bertie on their journey to increase not come off as melodramatic.

Bertie’s articulation and delivery of his When it comes to actors for the most important speech: declaring war parts of Bertie and Lionel, Firth and on Germany.

Rush appear to be a match made in Director Tom Hooper creates a heaven. The natural talent within both masterpiece out of a simple story line by actors is what seems to have created accurately portraying each character’s the chemistry between the two, appearance and mannerisms such as which makes the film a pleasure to Bertie’s stammer and Queen Elizabeth’s watch. With Firth’s portrayal of Bertie haircut. Bertie’s monologue, “If I’m as stubborn and Rush’s portrayal of King, where’s my power? Can I form a Lionel as witty and calm, the audience

Photo: The Weinstein Company

British band Mumford & Sons conduct needed folk music revival with debut

photo: Google Images

hope / I’ll find strength in pain”] while resolving Mikayla Larson to change for the better.

Editor in chief Another literary reference can be found in “Roll Regardless of genre affiliation, performing on Away Your Stone”, a track that directly quotes the Grammy awards with folk legend Bob Dylan Shakespeare’s “Macbeth" [“Stars, hide your fires”] is a big deal. Some artists who have been around over a cacophony of screaming backing vocals since Dylan’s heyday haven’t had this honor - and a stomping, resonating drum beat. Listeners so the viewers’ surprise upon seeing indie-folk might initially skip over this song due to its slow band Mumford & Sons take the Grammy stage start and lack of instrumentation, but it deserves was understandable. Albeit being relatively new, as much, if not more, attention than the album’s Mumford & Sons have had no trouble working first single, “Little Lion Man.” This song starts off differently than most others their mostly acoustic, banjo-filled music into on the album — with America’s headphones. a quick guitar riff, a Mumford’s debut album Mumford & Sons subtle bass line and Sigh No More was sympathetic lyrics released in the United ‘Sigh No More’ about someone other States in 2010 and is an than the speaker. apologetic yet optimistic Label: Island/Glassnote “Little Lion Man”’s album heavily influenced first chorus arrives by both literature and with only a piano turmoil. accompaniment “Sigh No More” begins with the title track, a quiet song which slowly grows with help of a behind the lyrics [“It was not your fault but horn arrangement and hopeful lyrics about the mine, and it was your heart on the line“] which promise of a new relationship [“Love that will not turns into a sarcastic a capella chorus by the betray you, dismay or enslave you, it will set you song’s close. Like much of Sigh No More, “Little free”]. Here the listener is introduced to “Sigh No Lion Man” showcases lyrics that can either be More’s” only forms of percussion — a bass drum interpreted as highly sarcastic and satirical or as and a tambourine both attached to kick pedals empathetic and tragic.

Near the album’s end, “Dustbowl Dance” and played by vocalist Marcus Mumford while reiterates the plot of “The Grapes of Wrath” and simultaneously playing acoustic guitar.

As ‘‘Sigh No More’’ ends, “The Cave” begins and features Mumford practically screaming the exists as a reference to Plato’s “Allegory of The words “seal my heart and break my pride, I’ve Cave”. A seriously haunting riff opens the song nowhere to stand and no nowhere to hide.”

Sigh No More, the phenomenal first release by which is matched with lyrics about abandoning fear [“The sun, it rises slowly as you walk away folk band Mumford & Sons manages to use classic from all the fears and all the faults you’ve left acoustic, rustic elements and remain listenable behind”] and remaining strong [“I will hold on while showcasing the band’s undeniable talent.

can feel the connection between the actors and their characters. What seems to be the most impressive skill noticed by viewers is Firth’s remarkable stammer. It is well- done and constant, yet not obnoxious or underplayed.

Unfortunately, Bonham Carter, as stunning as she is in all of her popular films, is overshadowed by the superior performances and roles of Firth and Rush.

In winning the Best Picture Oscar, it is obvious that the film reigned supreme in its screenplay and direction. As Bertie walks away from Lionel in the midst of fog after an argument, it is apparent that the cinematography is also superb. When Lionel fades into the fog in the distance behind Bertie, there are no need for words as the cinematography speaks for itself: the friendship between them is fading. All of the locations in which “The King’s Speech” is filmed are accurate to the time period while at the same time match the emotions which take place at each setting.

Bertie’s struggle to overcome his stammer was difficult but is presented as a beautiful and well-executed film that has stolen the hearts of many.

THE UPROAR Students provide their opinions on the most recent albums, movies and television shows.

Cast of ‘Glee’, “Season Two, Volume Five” They re-do the songs and make them a little better.”

“

Liliana LeBeau, 7th

Hannah Brusca, 7th

“

“

“

Television Series ‘Skins’

It accurately portrays teenage life, but parents are too sensitive to it.”

Emily Cobb, 12th

“

They ruin the songs because they can’t sing good.”

I don’t care for that kind of drama. I’d rather watch Spongebob.”

Livingston Crain, 10th

“

Film ‘No Strings Attached’

It was amazing. It was completely and absolutely hysterical.”

Bree Stanley, 8th

I went during the day and there were old people in the theater so some parts were awkward.”

Marjorie Wagoner, 12th Photos: Lesley Wright