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Summer best and worst school year firsts Miami Sports
The world opens up Felix Varela Sr. High School * 15255 S.W. 96 St., Miami, FL 33196
Hits and misses
n i t e l l u b d r a o b
The Viper Vibe is back... with more than five students.
Another college campus shooting. Our thoughts and prayers are with Umpqua Community College.
Trump....sigh.
Fall TV...Black is back! Empire, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, Blackish.
Star Wars is coming! The force is with us.
Varela buildings falling apart at 15...typical teenager.
From th e Ed itors
View p oints
the editor says: break the silence The great philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “Silence is a source of great strength.” For the past two years, The Viper Vibe was semi-silenced. Forced to run after school and with limited staff members, most would think that student expression in Felix Varela Senior High School would surely cease to exist. Yet, in that period of silence, we become stronger. Through the dedication and love of preserving the voice of the student body, we have been able to keep our spirits up and break from our silence.
Now, in our first issue this year, we look at those who have been silenced for so long: immigrants. With a slew of news coming in from different countries (Cuba, Haiti, Syria, etc.), we at The Viper Vibe have decided to uphold our tradition of giving the silenced a voice. With that said, please enjoy our very first issue of The Viper Vibe. It’s good to be back. Cj Salcedo Editor-In-Chief #SilenceIsntGolden
We life, liberty and happiness Say: are not optional
For decades, immigration, and the problems it brings with it, has been a hot button issue for the United States. The rallies, speeches and tirades that are often in response to this issue, do not seem to fix anything. If anything, they only cause more confusion and diversion among the citizens of the country. The U.S. isn’t the only country dealing with these problems; other countries are going through the exact same thing. Similar to Cubans fleeing from oppression and trying to find freedom here, the Syrians are escaping from a tyrannical regime. Living in a war-torn country, millions of Syrians have fled to neighboring territories to seek refuge. Countries such as Turkey are housing over two million refugees, thanks to their open-door policy for those in need. We at The Viper Vibe feel that more countries should follow in Turkey’s footsteps. Similar to how the United States has treated Cubans seeking political asylum for the past few decades, this is how neighboring countries should handle the Syrian mass exodus. Unfortunately, ever since the trade embargo with Cuba has been lifted, questions concerning our policies have been rising. We have accepted Cuban refugees because they are escaping a communist regime. But if we
are now opening trade agreements with that regime, does that mean they no longer need our help or our protection? Also in the Caribbean, Haitian citizens of the Dominican Republic are being deported back to Haiti, no matter how long they have lived there. While the DR’s intention may be to tighten their regulations on immigration from Haiti, kicking them out of their homes even after living there for over 70 years seems wrong. We understand that it is difficult to maintain immigrants in a country. Turkey has had to deal with terrorist groups forming within their country among those refugees. Yet, we feel that people fleeing countries living under tyrannical rule should be given the help they deserve. The solution? Depends on the part of the world in question. The United States needs to get involved with the rest of the world. Let’s find a way to help those on the other side of the world and accept the ones in need of help. Live by the words found inside the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor/Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…” Those looking for a chance at a better life, do not deserve to be denied that chance.
give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses
Cover photos: The Cuban flag flies in front of the country’s embassy after 54 years on Thursday, July 30, in Washington, DC. The embassy was closed in 1961 when U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower severed diplomatic ties with the island nation after Fidel Castro took power in a Communist revolution. Abaca Press/MCT; Syrians sit on a sidewalk where they have been sleeping in Izmir, Turkey, while they wait to attempt reaching Greece by boat on Sept. 3. This year, some 220,000 war refugees and economic migrants have arrived in Greece from Turkey and other Mediterranean jumping off points, according to U.N. figures. McClatchy/MCT
Talk to us: thevipervibe@gmail.com
Your thoughts may be featured in the next issue of the Viper Vibe!
volume 15 Oct ‘15 Editorial Board EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cj Salcedo Section Editors Devoun Cetoute Laura Chirino Giovanni Del Fa Danielle Malkin Krystal Valdes
Staffers Taylor Daley Michael Espinoza Alexia Ponce De Leon Alicia Garcia Christine Monge Amparo Morais Julian Vargas Rehyny Vargas
Adviser Elizabeth Cardenas Editorial Policy The Viper Vibe is the student newspaper of Felix Varela Senior High (15255 SW 96 St. Miami, FL, 33196). It is an open forum for student expression. The opinions expressed in the publication do not reflect the official opinions or policies of the school. The Viper Vibe welcomes letters to the editor, but requires that they be signed and reserves the right to reject, edit and condense letters. The staff and advisor can be contacted at 305-752-7900 or thevipervibe@gmail.com
Ads The Viper Vibe solicits advertising but reserves the right to reject any material deemed obscene as to minors, defamatory or materially and substantially disruptive of school activities.
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New s A ro u n d V arel a vipers are welcomed back to new year By Devoun Cetoute Section Editor devoun24@gmail.com
As Vipers bike, walk, skate, and drive to Felix Varela Senior High School with cups of coffee and tired eyes, they get ready for a new school year. Some of them are starting new stories while others are putting the final touches on their novels. Most are already planning out how their school year will go, while others will go with the flow. Seniors are marking their calendars for all the senior events and juniors start stepping up their game. Teachers have spent the summer gearing up for new students and welcoming back upperclassmen for their final go around. Students catch up on new policies like a new tardy system and more enforced dress code. Fall is a time of school year firsts: first pep rally, Senior Crown Day, and Junior J’s. Whether this is the beginning of high school, or the beginning of the end, students are ready for the adventure that is Varela.
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lots of firsts ►1 Flag Raising
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►2 Welcome Vipers
►3 Parent Drop-off
►4 Senior Crowns
Students in NJROTC, raised the Varela’s SGA, Student Governflag on the first day of school. ment Association, created banners to welcome students to Varela.
Parents drop their students Seniors pose with their seoff near the front of the school nior crowns to show off their on 96 street on their first day seniority. of school.
►5 Junior J’s
►6 Band of Mystery
►7 Cheerleaders
►8 Administration
Juniors display their “J’s” to show their individual creativity.
The senior class waves their phones as the Band of Mystery plays “We are the Champions” by Queen during the first pep rally.
The Varela Cheerleaders performed nibs and extensions during the first pep rally.
Principal Nery Fins and Assistant Principal Mr. Adrian Sanchez danced to “Watch Me” by Silento at the first pep rally of the year.
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photos by Fox Mar, Crotalus, and Krystal Valdes
Looking for
A Country
To Call Home
New s A ro u n d t h e W or l d
Immigration is an international issue From Cuba to Hispaniola to Syria, refugees are leaving their homes for a better way of life and meeting opposition at every border
Cuba In 1960, the United States imposed an embargo (or el bloqueo) on the communist country of Cuba. After Cuba nationalized American-owned Cuban oil refineries without compensation, the U.S. placed a financial and commercial embargo on the country. So, for over 55 years, Cuba has had to pay, in cash, for very limited trades to be made. This year, the U.S. lifted that embargo, and is now free to trade with Cuba.
Reactions have been mixed. With the trade embargo being lifted, Cuban families have the chance to own their own property without being under the control of the Cuban government. “It’s a great idea,” government and economics teacher Raisa Garneff said. “It should’ve been lifted 40 years ago.” Some of the benefits that she mentioned included more business opportunities and increases in tourism to both Cuba and the U.S. There is now the possibility for economic increase, job opportunities and a life similar to the U.S. for The Cuban flag was added to the lobby of the State Department Cuban citizens. after relations with America were fully restored. Some students feel that Cuban Revolution Bay of Pigs invasion the lifting of the embargo Fidel Castro overthrows 1959 President Kennedy sends President Fulgencio Batista, will add to the “melting CIA-sponsored Cuban establishing a socialist state. exiles to overthrow Castro 1961 pot” image that the U.S. has Castro nationalizes all foreign 1962 assets and hikes taxes been trying to push. Full embargo on American imports. The U.S. imposes a “America is a melting complete economic pot because we have all embargo on Cuba 1966 Cuban Missile Crisis [different] nationalities in Cuban Adjustment Act Cuba allows the Soviet Union this country,” senior GusU.S. Congress enacts a to build a missile base on the law allowing anyone who island in secret, igniting a tavo Zambrano said. flees Cuba and reaches 13-day standoff. Negotiations He supports the idea the U.S. the opportunity between the U.S. and USSR to pursue citizenship led to the withdrawal of nuclear that this will bring the Cumissiles from neighboring ban people and the United countries Mariel Boatlift / Sates closer. mass migration Cuba’s economy suffers Though, there are some from a spike in oil prices causing many to migrate. who believe differently. Helms-Burton act passed The Mariel boatlift is 1980 The U.S. tightens the embargo Edith Roger, a Varela parestablished, helping as on Cuba and attempts to many as 125,000 Cubans ent, felt that the lifting weaken Cuban ties with foreign migrate to Florida investors. The act penalized would support the socialist foreign companies doing business with Cuba Arrest of the ideals that Cuba enforces. Cuban Five “There are still many Five Cuban counterintelli- 1996 Elian Gonzalez incident gence officers are charged humanitarian issues that The Clinton administration with conspiracy to commit decides to send back 6-year-old need to be addressed be1998 espionage in the U.S. They Gonzalez after an attempt to were found guilty in 2001 1999 fore we allow Cuba to trade immigrate to the U.S. by boat 2000 freely,” she said. “They are President Raul Castro Venezuela and Cuba Fidel Castro retires after a still a communist country.” President Hugo Chavez of long illness, handing his Venezuela and Fidel Castro sign The main argument presidency over to his an agreement to send oil to Cuba brother, Raul Castro concerns how the citizens at a heavily discounted price in return for Cuban support and of Cuba will be affected. Lift on travel restrictions President Barack Obama 2008 services in technical fields such For years, the U.S. has acas education, science, eases restrictions on 2009 technology and health care cepted Cuban refugees if travel to Cuba they are able to make it to U.S. to end Arrest of Alan Gross Alan Gross is arrested in Cuba Cuban isolation dry land. and sentenced to 15 years in Obama declares embargo “Does this mean the a failure and enacts a policy 2014 prison after importing satellite to re-establish diplomatic 2015 phones, computers and modems struggle of those escaping to the country relations with Cuba tyranny is lost?” Claudia Cuba’s new embassy Release of prisoners Salcedo, Varela parent and Cuba raised its flag at the Alan Gross is released from step-daughter of a Cuban Cuban prison and 4 country’s embassy in Cuban prisoners are immigrant said. “Because if Washington after full released from the U.S. diplomatic relations with we are willing to do trade the U.S. were restored Source: Council on Foreign Relations, AP with a communist coun-
U.S.-Cuba timeline
Graphic: Tribune News Service
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try, will we stop helping those trying to escape it?” With the prospect of living a better life in their home country, most people are concerned with whether or not there is a need to accept citizens. “I’m worried about those wanting the freedoms we have. My stepfather struggled to get here to achieve the freedom I’m so lucky to have,” Salcedo said.
Dominican Republic and Haiti The island of Hispaniola is made up of two countries, Dominican Republic and Haiti. Much like the U.S. and Mexico, these two countries are separated by a river. Haitians are the largest population of immigrants in the DR. In the past, the DR has created settlements near the border with Haiti to house Haitian workers and provided transportation for those who were temporary workers. In 2013, in a court decision by the DR government, citizenship rights were taken from Haitian immigrants and their children. With this ruling, those born in the country will no longer be granted automatic citizenship. This means leaving tens of thousands of Dominican-born people of Haitian descent stateless. After an international outcry, the DR government passed a law last year that granted people who were born to undocumented foreign parents a chance to prove they were born and raised in the DR. Many Dominicans say that this isn’t the first time they are seeing this; the history between both countries has played a major role in the way they interact today. History is a little more complex than just removing illegal immigrants. The U.S. is having its own problems dealing with children of undocumented immigrants and children that were brought here when they were so young, that they know of no other home than this. Here at Varela, Dominican feelings are mixed. “Dominicans are trying to get Haitians back into their country because of overpopulation and they don’t have the right to be there because they are illegal and don’t have papers,” junior Johana
Liriano said. However, not everyone agrees. “They are family; I don’t agree with it at all,” junior Marines Rodriguez said. “They are the only ones that can help Haiti if something big happens. Yes, the U.S helps, but we are right there. Why would you fight family?” Most importantly, what is the international community doing to help this situation? “The most upsetting part is that nothing is happening,” sophomore Yiitsodira Final said. “It’s on the news for a couple days and then that’s it. No one cares afterward.”
Syria Civil war has torn the country of Syria apart. Corruption and greed have driven millions of people to seek refuge elsewhere. Syria is at the center of the media right now. Images of kids drowning, riots breaking out and thousands of refugees running to safety invaded Facebook and Twitter feeds. Yet, a lot of Americans are probably unaware of the issues that plague the country and the struggle that its people are going through. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has made several high-profile friends and enemies throughout the years. According to Slate.com Russian President Vladimir Putin has been “giving the Syrian government aid, diplomatic backing, and more recently direct military support.” Aside from that help, Russia was also given an order to launch missiles at the country. President Barack Obama has re-
photo by Amanda Boves American missionaries visit children in the village of Cabaret in Haiti. Due to the new Dominican law, Haitians are being forced to leave the DR by the thousands. With an influx of refugees, resources are dwindling and missionaries are bringing in care packages and helping to repair homes.
peated several times that Assad must step down from his position of power. Yet, the U.S. has tried not to involve itself in any conflict. According to The Washington Post, there are no viable options for the U.S. to choose. “The military options are all bad. Shipping arms to rebels, even if it helps them topple Assad, would ultimately empower jihadists and worsen rebel in-fighting, probably leading to lots of chaos and possibly a second civil war,” said Max Fisher, reporter for The Post. “An Iraq-style ground invasion would, in the very best outcome, accelerate the killing, cost a lot of U.S. lives, wildly exacerbate anti-Americanism in a boon to jihadists and nationalist dictators alike.” One of the Syrian government’s most prominent enemies has been Turkey. They have been a strong opponent to the policies enacted by Assad. In protest, the Turkish government has housed millions
of Syrian refugees. As of now, over one million refugees are in Turkey, and that number is growing. Critics of the civil war feel that other countries should open their borders. “Neighboring countries around Syria should allow refugees since the Syrians are facing difficult living situations,” senior Stacy Santalis said. According to the BBC, most of the refugees are in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan. “Syrian refugees should be given more leniency towards settling into another country,” senior Kevin Lambert said. Several countries outside of the Middle East are not accepting more than a few hundred refugees. Some Eastern European countries, like Hungary, have closed their borders and are erecting barbed wire fences to keep the refugees out. Critics are also vocal about other countries involvements with the conflict. “Russia was out of line when bombing a rebel village in Syria,” said Santalis, “this is slowly turning into a Cold War between Russia and the United States again.”
Contributing reporters:
previous page: photo by Zuma Press/MCT Refugees wait next to the border fence in Roeszke, Hungary, on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015. Hungary closed its borders to Serbia for refugees. photo by El Nuevo Herald/MCT A group of Cuban migrants traveling on a boat with a makeshift sail made landfall on Miami Beach on Tuesday, Sept. 15. photo by Amanda Boves Missionaries with Miami Vineyard Church visit Haiti to offer support and provisions for the children.
Taylor Daley IG: captainjamaica24 Alexia Poncedeleon alexia0114@hotmail.com Cj Salcedo @cj_fett_salcedo rehyny Vargas rehynyvargas@gmail.com
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New s A ro u n d V arel a
Inside the Staff Lounge Why should students care about your subject?
It will open their eyes to things they thought not possible What sound or noise do you love?
Running water Ms. Ilette Calzadilla
What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
Photographer for National Geographic
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
Welcome
What did you score on your SAT’s?
What profession other than yours would you not like to participate in?
Ms. Calzadilla went to St. Thomas University for her Bachelor’s and Around 1100 Accounting, anything Masters Degrees. She that has to do with math has been teaching for 14 years, two of which have been here at Va- What is your least What is your rela. She teaches 11th favorite word? What is your favorite word? and 12th grade Engfavorite book? lish in room 214. No
What sound or noise do you hate?
Scratching across the floor, squeaking 8 t h ev i per vi b e @ g mai l . com
What inspires you?
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin
Yes
Children These questions are based on the French television series Bouillon de Culture hosted by Bernard Pivot. information gathered by Julian Vargas; photo by Devoun Cetoute
Warped Tour 2015 rocks Coral Sky Amphitheatre By Krystal Valdes
Section Editor IG: @krystalvaldes
A day full of pop, rock and punk came to Florida over the Fourth of July weekend. Warped Tour brought their music, energy and passion to sunny West Palm Beach, despite the hot sun and rising temperatures. The sponsors of Warped Tour 2015 distributed free water (among other things) to its patrons. But that wasn’t the only thing scorching. Warped Tour did have a very interesting line-up of over one hundred artists, including spoken word performers, rappers, YouTubers and bands. Some popular artists that attended are Black Veil Brides, Never Shout Never, and Pierce the Veil, which are prominent bands in the music genre of rock. “Never Shout Never is an awesome band; they are really talented and perform live very well,” junior Andrea Castro said. She has gone for the last three years.
photo by Jannine Feliciano
“My favorite band was Pierce the Veil so when I saw them live, it was a really special experience for me.” Within the tour, there are several stages. As fans enter the venue, they view a set list which tells them what time and where their
favorite bands will perform. Meet and greets are also held for Warped Tour patrons. The event offers entertainment, food, and merchandise for tour goers. Prior to arriving at the Coral Sky Amphitheatre, fans anxiously crowded around waiting to get into the music festival as soon as possible. Thousands of people came from all around the country and even the world to see this event. “I loved Warped Tour because of the amazing music and the people who share the same interests as me,” Castro said.
Summer heats up with 5SOS The pop punk Australian boy By Amparo Morais band, 5 Seconds of Summer, made Staff Reporter the last stop of their tour, “Rock amparomorais13@yahoo.com Out With Your Socks Out,” on September 13, in West Palm Beach. The boys from 5SOS are mainly known for being the opening act for One Direction in their two tours, Midnight Memories and Take Me Home. The band members include Calum Hood, Ashton Irwin, Luke Hemmings, and Michael Clifford. Tickets were sold on Ticketmaster, and reserved seats sold out quickly. After an hour of being sold to the public, only lawn seat were available. Many people resold tickets, exceeding the face value of the ticket by double to five times the original amount. Kicking off the concert, 5 Seconds of Summer surprised fans by appearing on the screens that were being displayed to the large crowd of more than 19,000 people, as the opening act, Hey Violet, performed. Appearing in ninja turtle costumes, the boys began dancing with their opening act, shortly returning back stage. Afterwards, the crowd impatiently waited seated in their seats for them to jump back on stage. At 8:35 precisely, 5 Seconds of Summer began their portion of the concert with their song “End up Here.” They performed very well live, and were full of energy, frequently speaking to the crowd. They brought a fan up on stage and allowed her to play one of the many guitars they had on stage. “I traveled all the way from Miami here and I have to say it was well worth it. I haven’t had this much fun in a really long time,” the girl told the audience. Out of all three times I have seen 5SOS live, this has been, by far, the greatest concert I have attended. The seating was amazing and everything worked out perfectly. They gave an astonishing performance, leaving me amazed at how much fun I had. photos by Andrea Linares
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By Christine Monge
By Krystal Valdes
Staff Reporter IG: scarletmarked
Born and raised in Owatonna, Minnesota, Adam Young began producing music as early as 2002. He began Owl City, a musical project, in 2007 and since then has received great recognition. Having struggled with insomnia, he spent most of his time in his basement, toying with computers and instruments. As a result of his time spent mixing music with computers, Young created songs and eventually uploaded them to his MySpace account. He is regarded widely for the popular song he released in 2009 “Fireflies.” For 2015’s “Verge,” Young joins forces with Aloe Blacc, an American hip-hop artist. The song begins with a smooth introduction from a guitar, and later transitions to vocals by Young and Blacc, along with catchy dance beats. Young’s new infectious and inspirational single delivers a message to keep on going despite the many hurdles in the way. The music video for “Verge” depicts students in traditional caps and gowns graduating. who are, as the song states, “Out on the verge to the rest of our lives.” The lyrics, “These are our hours, this is our time,” gives a dash of inspiration to all its listeners. All in all, Owl City’s “Verge” is an interesting and reflective tune everyone should listen to.
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Section Editor IG: krystalvaldes
By Alicia Garcia
Staff Reporter aliciawonderland04@gmail.com Dylan Gardner, only nineteen, writes and records his own music in his bedroom. Not only did the Californian turn his closet into a vocal booth, but he self-taught himself to play guitar, drums, and piano. Dylan has been writing songs since he was ten years old, so it’s no surprise that his first single “Let’s Get Started” has almost three million plays on Spotify. The song includes very upbeat and charming vibes, perfect for a young teen to listen to when thinking about love. Inspired by classic rock artists, one can see how the song has an old feel to it; Dylan did a wonderful job writing and performing the song. Although the song has a basic theme, the words and music give a beautiful message. “Let’s Get Started” is a catchy tune that I haven’t been able to get out of my head since I heard it.
After the musically talented Alessia Cara released her new single – at only eighteen – she gained over 500,000 total streams in her first week and even made the top of the charts. Before all that, the newly born pop star was posting cover videos on her YouTube channel, struggling to gain the popularity and notoriety of a celebrity. Now, the soulful and original singer has begun to reach her goal with her new single titled “Here.” “Here” is an infectious song that portrays an unenthusiastic partygoer waiting to leave the scene. “It’s a party song, but really it’s the complete opposite of a party song,” Alessia said in her bio. The song has a unique and refreshing vibe to it, despite the meaning behind the lyrics. However, people apparently seem to love this new breed of pop, for it has taken over our radio stations.
photos with permission Universal Records, Warner Bros. Records, Inc., and Republic Records
Movies
L if estyle
Top 5... anticipated movies of summer 2015 BEST Jurassic World This film had everything the fans have been waiting for in a Jurassic Park sequel. It had a budget of $150 million, and grossed over $204 million on its opening weekend. Jurassic World definitely deserves the #1 spot on this list. It offers entertainment to children, and doesn’t disappoint the adults.
Mad Max: Fury Road Mad Max: Fury Road is one of the most visually astonishing movies I have ever seen. The practical effects were near perfect and the story definitely kept everyone hooked on watching more. The movie’s budget was $150 million and while its opening weekend wasn’t stellar, it has eventually grossed over $373 million.
Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation is considered to be the best movie in the entire franchise. It has everything fans want in it: action, comedy, and Tom Cruise hanging off the side of a plane! How can this movie not get any more awesome? The story is great and it really stuck to the Mission Impossible feel.
Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation
Pixels
Aliens coming down to earth and attacking us with our own favorite classic video games? Awesome right? Well not in this case. Pixels is being considered the end of Adam Sandler’s career. Coming in at a 5.6/10 on IMDB, a 17% on Rotten Tomatoes, and an opening weekend of only $24 million (compared to its actual budget $88 million) there is no doubt those rumors might be true.
Fantastic Four With a rocking 4/10 on IMDB and a 6% on rotten
tomatoes, there is a reason why Fantastic 4 made it as the worst of this list. The movie itself cost $120 million dollars to make, and opening weekend only made $25 million. The movie was doomed from the beginning with conflicts with cast and crew. This was a disaster that was waiting to happen.
WORST
Clockwise from top photos with permission MCT: A scene from Jurassic World. Universal Pictures; Charlize Theron stars in the film Mad Max: Fury Road. Warner Bros. Pictures; Marvel and 20th Century Fox; Columbia Pictures; Still of Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation. Paramount Pictures
By Michael Espinosa Staff Reporter IG: _ITSMIKESAAAN_
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L if est y le
M ovies
Everest reaches new heights with IMAX By Cj Salcedo There’s a certain
editor-in-chief pleasure that comes @cj_fett_salcedo from traversing a mountain. Whether it’s an actual, physical mountain that can be trekked or a metaphorical challenge that needs to be undertaken, people may take great pride in climbing a certain mountain. That is why Mount Everest has caught the eye of brave climbers from all over the globe. It’s an unparalleled view of the world below any of those lucky to reach the top. Baltasar Kormákur’s IMAX adaption of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster gives audiences that view, among an experience of death, the elements and man’s uncompromising quest to complete impossible feats. Obviously, making a disaster film set on the famous mountain may seem like an easy task. A few avalanches here, some cheesy dialogue and a bankable action star to lead the helm are all any director would need. That’s not the case here. In what could have been a run of the mill climate film, Everest, proves to be an excellent mix of dazzling effects and emotional depth. All of that emotion comes from the star of the film. Not any of the characters played by either Jason Clarke, Josh Bro-
lin, Jake Gyllenhaal, Sam Worthington and others (though the ensemble does a great job of adding to the film’s narrative heft). The actual star of the film is the famed mountain. It’s a living, breathing character that instills a sense of fear into the hearts of those who climb it. It is brought to life beautifully with the best IMAX cinematography since the likes of Interstellar or The Dark Knight Rises. All throughout the film, a sense of dread and wonder haunt both the viewers and characters. A sort of unstoppable enemy that lures its victims with a promise of glory and pride, Mount Everest is up there with movie villains such as Darth Vader, Norman Bates or Hannibal Lecter. Everest is an experience that is unlike any terrain on this planet. Its cinematography rivals documentaries on the subject and delivers a memorable
photo with permission Universal Pictures
story with a phenomenal cast (where no actor overpowers the other and all are represented equally) . It’s a film unlike anything else this year, and quite possibly, the greatest story of man conquering the harshest elements that the planet can throw at them.
Shymalan is back and visiting theaters It’s easy to attack a great director based off of a few terrible films. Steven Spielberg had Hook, James Cameron had Piranha II and Francis Ford Coppola had Jack. These men may have committed cinematic sins, but have more
than made up for them with their filmography. Our good friend, writer and director M. Night Shymalan can fall into a different category. A man who had such potential with The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable only to squander all of that by in-
sulting the intelligence of his audience. Thankfully, those days seem distant now. The Visit, the latest film by the punchline of Cinema Sins jokes, sees the director come back in a new and inventive way. A sort of Blair Witch Project meets characters ripped out of a Disney channel film, Shaymalan delivers a funny and genuinely creepy thriller that can be seen as his rebirth. The idea of children being trapped in an awful situation isn’t a new idea in films. Yet, the movie uses its mockumentary-style of film-
making and By cj salcedo humor to editor-in-chief make the @cj_fett_salcedo idea seem fresh. It manages to merge these two genres successfully, with laugh out loud scenes involving the main boy rapping about how great he is to a jump scare that comes truly out of nowhere. The Visit is something of a miracle. It is the rebirth of a director who was buried under water-hating aliens and terrible examples of nepotism. It’s truly something original that needs to be witnessed to be believed.
Olivia DeJonge plays the role of Becca in The Visit. Photo courtesy Universal Pictures/MCT
Movies
Scorch Trials is WCKD
L if estyle
photo with permission Alexander Flores, Dylan O’Brien and Jacob Lofland in Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials Twentieth Century Fox/MCT
By Michael Espinoza In 2014,
staff reporter audiences IG: _itsmikesaaan_ were introduced to The Maze Runner, a film adaptation of the best-selling YA novel of the same name. In the sequel, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, fans continue to follow Thomas and the rest of the Gladers as they leave the past behind. Compared to the original film where it was just a maze, now the Gladers are placed in
the Scorch, a post-apocalyptic wasteland. This movie is less about solving puzzles and more of how to deal new kinds of issues. Thomas is forced to choose from what he truly is running, the dangers of the wasteland or trusting the ones he loved most. Thankfully excellent character development kept my attention. Dylan O’ Brien brings Thomas to life with an
astonishing performance. The film is presented through the eyes of Thomas and succeeded in having me connect to the struggles and emotions with which he is forced to deal. The movie is action packed, highly intense, emotional, and does an amazing job of keeping the audience on edge. However, the action is very spaced out which leads to down time that can lose the
Classic Psycho still terrifies By cj salcedo
Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece Psycho turns editor-in-chief 55-years-old this year, and @cj_fett_salcedo it still managed to shock this emotionless and cynical Editor-in-Chief. The classic story of the mysterious Bates Motel and the secrets that haunt it was back in theaters for the month of September, and is the perfect film for the upcoming Halloween season.
audience. Scorch Trials has already grossed $108 million worldwide thanks to phenomenal writing, directing, and acting. Considering its budget was only $61 million, the film is off to a good start. This second installment to The Maze Runner is an amazing follow up and definitely exceeds the standards set set by the original. It is a definite must see and one of the best movies out this fall.
The master of the thriller is in top form in this movie as he employs his usual bags of tricks; amazing camera angles, icy blonde leads and an uncomfortable feeling all throughout the movie. Hitchcock’s direction, Anthony Perkins’ chilling performance as Norman Bates, and Bernard Herrmann’s iconic score all make this classic something worth your time and terror. photo with permission Universal Pictures
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Spor t s Varel a
Girls Volleyball has new coach, new attitude This 2015-2016 season has the potenBy Laura Chirino tial to be one of the most successful for the staff reporter Lady Vipers Volleyball team. Some of the IG: laurac_3 stand-out players include Claudia Campero, Tiffany Bolanos and Fabiola Plaza. “We did better than last season, our attitude is better,” junior Bolanos said. The ladies have worked to maintain a photo by Fox-Mar Seniors LG Kelvin Valdes and C Manuel Lopez block a record of 15-4 and a district record of 8-4. Braddock Bulldog for junior RB Delano Morgan. Morgan ran the ball in for It’s clear to say that with determination a 46-yard touchdown. and teamwork they have gone far. The next couple of weeks will determine if they continue on to Districts. One of the most emotional games of the season was that against the Coral Reef Barracudas. The game went all the way to five sets after the Vipers had a two set lead. This was also the senior The Varela Viper Football team By danielle malkin game night. Four seniors, Briana managing editor welcomed the 2015 fall season with a few Brown, Destinee Valentin, Campig: _candidani highs and lows. Following the reshaping ero, and Plaza, were recognized for of district 8A-15, the Vipers sit 3-4 overall their accomplishments over the last and 0-3 in the district. The Viper offense shows promise with four years. junior running back Delano Morgan, who seven weeks into “It was a very tough game but I felt the season holds over 535 rushing yards. The defense is led by we did a good job,” Plaza said. young men who see both sides of the ball, seniors Pedro Felix Feeling emotional through the tough and Ricardo Matos, who have a combined 213 tackles this sealoss, the ladies were happy to have son alone. With the ball in their hands, this dynamic duo has a received recognition on their senior combined four touchdowns. night by their parents, coaches and “I feel proud of myself. It all started with hard work and the Athletic Director Lisa Spinosa. dedication,” Matos said. Last year, the girls didn’t The linebacker and receiver credits his stamina to the make Districts; currently, they are Vipers’ vigorous condition schedule. in 3rd place. Campero attributes this to a better atmosphere “We work harder than everyone else. This is what we among the players and a new coach. prepare for,” Morgan said. “With this new coach, we have more of a bond and more This season’s biggest standout is sophomore Shamar of a fight to win,” she said. Munroe, who has racked up over 100 rushing yards and ap In the final tournament of the season, the lady Vipers proximately 10 tackles, not to mention, he has scored over played the TERRA Wolves and Braddock bulldogs. This three touchdowns alone. tournament was for all of those ladies that have or “It’s been amazing. We’re all working every day to become are suffering from breast cancer. Flashes of pink better athletes,” Munroe said. could be seen all over Viper football focuses on a spread offense, with a balancthe courts and stands, ing act of running and throwing game. The defense, a 30 stack, from headbands, to shoelaces, to has three linemen to three linebackers. Munroe says the game jerseys. is more than what the fans see on the field. In the first match, the Vipers beat “The game is a chess move. Everything they do, we’re TERRA with a score of 3-1, with the trying to counter it. We really have to study the playbook,” he most stand-out players being Plaza said. and Campero. In the second match As the Vipers prepare for their final four games, the focus the Ladies swept the Bullhas moved to district contention. Despite the loss to Belen dogs 3-0, making the Jesuit, the Vipers must face powerhouse Coral Reef and John Vipers the clear A. Ferguson. In order to add to the “W”column, the Vipers winners of the Breast will aim to remain calm and confident in their training, while Cancer Volleyball Tournament. remembering to have fun on the field.
Football looks for regional rebound
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photo by Fox-Mar Junior Tiffany Bolanos and sophomore Sophia Renteria.
Pro S p or ts
Coaching woes for Miami photo with permission Miami Herald/ MCT Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin during training camp practice at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Fla., on Saturday, Aug. 1.
photo with permission El Nuevo Herald/MCT Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez works in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park in Miami on Saturday, Sept. 12.
Marlins pitcher risks all for a place at the plate By Laura Chirino
Cuban born Marlins pitcher, staff reporter IG: laurac_3 Jose Fernandez, has worked hard to come to America and play ball. Born on July 31, 1992, Fernandez had a very tough time trying to get to the “land of the free” and “home of the brave.” Even though he loves his native Cuba, he tried four times to defect from the communist state. Each time he got caught, he was charged with “being a traitor to Fidel Castro,” he said in a USA Sports interview. During the final attempt, Fernandez jumped courageously into the Gulf of Mexico waters to save his mother after rough and crashing waves threw her overboard. He was reunited with his family in Tampa, FL, and became a U.S. citizen on April 24 of this year. “I thank this amazing country for giving me the opportunity to go to school here and learn the language and pitch in the major leagues, it’s an honor to be a part of this country,” he said in the interview. At 23-years-old, Fernandez has shown how important it is to not only believe in your dreams, but also to
embrace your roots. He has inspired a whole new generation of kids, especially athletes. “I like anybody who can pitch well, but mostly José Fernandez,” said senior Devan More Felix Varela baseball pitcher. This past 2015-2016 season has been a blur for Fernandez as he recently made his debut back from Tommy John surgery (which is a torn UCL in the elbow). This surgery is fairly common for pitchers, and Fernandez made a good comeback in the July game versus the Giants, allowing only one run and striking out six over six innings for the win. During the 5th inning of the same game, he hit a homerun. It was a very special moment for Fernandez as he pleased his grandmother Olga, who had recently arrived from Cuba and had asked him to hit a home run. The road got bumpy as he got injured again versus the Atlanta Braves, straining his bicep muscle. But he was back on the mound by mid-September. This Cuban immigrant risked much for a better life here in America and the Marlins are reaping the benefits.
Dolphins Head Coach Joe Philbin was released from his contract after a loss to the New York Jets in London. Dan Campbell has been chosen as the interim head coach. photo with permission El Nuevo Herald/ MCT Miami Marlins manager Dan Jennings watches the game from the dugout on Monday, May 18, at Marlins Stadium in Miami.
Dan Jennings was released as Marlins manager, but retained as general manager. The ball club is currently interviewing potential new managers.
Miami head coach Al Golden leaves the field after a 36-33 win in overtime against Nebraska at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Saturday, Sept. 19. photo with permission Miami Herald/MCT
University of Miami Hurricanes head football coach Al Golden has an uncertain future. The result of the next few games will determine if he stays on as head coach.
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