BEST [ ] OF AND WORST
Vol. 53, Issue 5 February 13, 2015 Oak Grove High School www.thewarriorbeat.com
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DEBATE:
INSIDE
Team members place at Emory tournament By: Jenna Clair Lee Staff Reporter @jenta12
Freedom of the press Is censoring constitutional? > PG 5
Kickin’ it up
Boys varsity soccer takes District Championship title > PG 3
Prom theme revealed By: Casey Ford Staff Reporter @caseym_ford
Poppins in Hattiesburg Southern Miss takes on iconic musical > PG 10
Earlier this month, the junior class officers announced via Twitter Oak Grove’s 2015 Prom theme: “Bollywood.” During the planning process, the group considered several alternate themes like “Cirque Du OG” but ultimately decided on the Bollywood idea for its typically bright colors and intricate design. The decor of The Venue will be the highlight of the night, and may offer something different from past years. Junior class vice president Brianna Weiss voiced her excitement for the big event. “Our student council is thrilled to throw an amazing prom for
the seniors. Personally, I am looking forward to dancing at breakfast with the live band,” Weiss said. In the past, Spanish teacher Brandon Webb has played at the post-prom breakfast. This year, however, Webb is not able to join so The Adam Doleac Band will provide entertainment for the night. Junior class secretary Mary Morgan Gratwick echoed Weiss’s enthusiasm. “I am so excited to help plan this event. Be on the lookout for prom invitations at the end of February as well as t-shirt order forms,” Gratwick said. The party planners anticipate a wonderful evening and “PROMise” that a night in Bollywood should be one to remember.
In the closing of successful football and soccer seasons and the uproar of new baseball, softball, and show choir seasons, Forensics often gets lost in the excitement. However, in light of recent events, the team will have a hard time being overlooked. Over the weekend of January 23-25, the debate team competed at the Emory Barkley Forum Pre-Nationals Tournament in Georgia with great success. This tournament holds significance in that it is one in which competitors often break into higher level competitions, and many of OGHS’s debate members did just that. Caitlin Leiva placed third in Poetry/Prose; Jillian Walters and Evan Woods placed 6th in Duo Interpretation; Evan Woods, Jermaine Van Buren, and Kenneth Eaton moved on to Semifinalist status in Prose/Poetry, Humorous Interpretation, and Dramatic Interpretation, respectively; Jermaine Van Buren and Kenneth Eaton and Lucy Pruitt and Brandon Hussey were two pairs that moved on to Semifinalist status in Duo Interpretation. Lucy Pruitt had only See DEBATE > PG2
Drama wins State, heads to SETC Beauty & Beau
See pics inside! > PG 8
Has reality TV crossed the line? There’s a show for everything > PG 4
ily than in that moment,” senior Megan Carlan said. Techs and actors have worked all year to create a performance that After winning MTA, the the judges and audience would OGHS drama department is love. headed to SETC in ChattanooUpon arrival, the tech crew ga, Tennessee, on March 4-8. fit the entire set into a 10x10 On the weekend of January 15, box backstage. The actors then Oak Grove High School Drama prepared for the show and tried began its 2015 MTA experi- to calm their nerves. “While ence. “This is our ninth time to waiting for the show to start, we represent Misdance around sissippi at NaWhen they called our and try to keep tionals. We names as winners, it was our energy up a rush of excitement, have also won backstage,” Carthe State Champi- and we never felt more a family than in that lan said. Once onship eight times,” like the show began, moment.” Suzanne Allmon, the cast has fordrama teacher, said. - Megan Carlin, 12 ty-five minutes “We knew that we had put on for the entire performance. The a great show, but we were not next day they were announced expecting to win. When they State Champions at the annual called our names as winners, it banquet. was a rush of excitement, and Students also competed in we never felt more like a fam- the State Individual Events By: Emily Burnett Staff Reporter @emily_burnett
A THESPIAN VICTORY Actors and techs gather around director Suzanne Allmon and their state champion trophy.
Competition and placed in many categories such as Duet Acting: 2nd place, Jermaine Van Buren and Caitlin Leiva, State Champions Jillian Walters and Evan Woods; State Champions in Group Scene: “Just Us Girls,” Brianna Weiss, Paige Dillistone, Caroline Green, Hattie Sumrow, Jillian Walters; Male Monologues: 2nd place,
BEN ALLMON PHOTO
Evan Woods, State Champion Jermaine Van Buren; Female Monologue: 2nd place, Laural Tannehill; Duet Musical: 2nd Place, Tony Reimonenq and Megan Carlan; Original Scene: State Champions Jameson Tisdale and Tanner Arroyo; Set Design: 2nd Place, Savannah McCarty; Costume Design: See DRAMA > PG2
2 news
February 13, 2015
coming
DRAMA
UP
Valentine’s Day FEBRUARY 14 President’s Day, NO SCHOOL FEBRUARY 16 Region District 5 Girls and Boys Basketball Tournament @ Brandon FEBRUARY 17 Basketball Tournament Girls & Boys @ Brandon FEBRUARY 20 OGHS Speech & Debate BCFL Qualifier FEBRUARY 20-21 OGHS Speech & Debate Vestavia Hills Tournament FEBRUARY 19-22 Baseball Jamboree FEBRUARY 21 Drama Dinner Theater FEBRUARY 27 OGHS Speech & Debate Mag. District Individual @ Petal FEBRUARY 27-28 Baseball Classic @ Purvis FEBRUARY 28 Drama SETC (Nationals) MARCH 4-8 Varsity Baseball Away & JV Baseball Away @ Sumrall MARCH 9 Spring Break MARCH 9-13 3rd and 4th Block Exams Varsity Baseball & JV Baseball Meridian MARCH 17 1st & 2nd Block Exams End of 3rd Term MARCH 18
What’s behind the sudden drop in U.S. gas prices? By: Hannah Lee Staff Reporter
O
il prices these days are the subject of a modern day fairytale. While it may be beyond amazing for citizens of the first world and for consumer nations like the United States, the ever decreasing price of oil is killing the economies of oil exporting nations around the world like Russia, Middle Eastern countries, and Venezu-
WE’RE SOCIAL DEBATE TWITTER @thewarriorbeat
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Continued from PG1
happy thoughts when discussing her second experience at Emory. “I competed in Original Oratory and Duo Interpretation. I try to think of out-of-state tournaments like Emory as more of a learning experience rather than a competition, so you can imagine my pleasant surprise to find
beat’s bits
ela. The reason why the price of oil is decreasing is a lot more complex than most Americans would think. To truly understand the complicated method of pricing oil, one only needs to turn his or her attention back to oil prices in 2014. Brent crude oil was priced at about $115.00 per barrel; however by this year, Brent crude oil was estimated to be worth about $49.00 per barrel, decreasing by more than half the price. The simple breakdown of the cause is this: that for the majority of the decade, oil prices have been high, averaging about $100.00 per barrel since 2010 because countries like China that guzzle even more oil than the United States keep the demand for oil high. This coupled with the ever present conflict in oil producing countries like Iran and other Middle Eastern countries drove the price of oil and other nonrenewable resources higher and higher. The production of oil in regular fields was unable to keep up with demand, so, as basic economics dictates, the prices were driven even higher. Beneath the surface though,
these basic principles of supply and demand were changing rapidly. Private companies in the United States and Canada started to drill domestically for crude oil that is more difficult to extract. States in the U.S. and territories in Canada like Alberta have rich shale and oil deposits, and the demand for foreign oil has been decreasing since these discoveries were made. The demand for oil decreased all around the world as well. European countries as well as Asian countries have begun to taper off of their own domestic supplies for oil as well because of the popularity of environmentally friendly initiatives and a decreasing economy. Ultimately, oil is not a sustainable natural resource. Ironically enough though, the International Energy Agency shows that before 2014, a majority of developing nations had not been using the oil they bought but rather were stockpiling it for future use. Thanks to these countries as well as oil being discovered in the U.S., the average price of oil is about $2.00 all around the country.
that my duo partner and I had ‘broken’ to Semi-finals. I learned so much through the judges’ constructive comments. I’m extremely proud of our team’s success.” Pruitt said. Over one thousand students, teachers, and coaches attend this tournament each year, which only emphasizes the honor it is of having so many from Oak Grove do exceptionally well at the competition. The Emory Barkley Forum
Pre-Nationals Tournament has explained the characteristics of a quality forensics education as “a commitment to pedagogy, dedication to achievement, and respect for the efforts of others.” The Oak Grove High School debate team has shown all of these qualities and more, and their success mirrors the direction from coach, Shane Cole, and the members’ individual dedication to the team.
NEWS
Continued from PG1 2nd Place, Mycah Kennedy and State Champion, Elizabeth Magee; Group Musical: 3rd Place, “Seasons of Love,” Brianna Walker, Jeffery Davis, Jenna Devenport, Jordan Grover, and Cheyenne Johns. Allmon reflects on this year’s competition and what makes drama so successful. “I am super proud of this group. They have worked extremely hard this year. This year was special since this was our first original adaptation. I am used to being judged on everything I put on the stage, but knowing that the writing could be judged too did heighten the stakes for me. I have worked very hard to build this department into something special. Oak Grove Theatre is well known throughout Mississippi, the southeast, and even internationally on the Fringe circuit, so students who graduate can go to school for theatre because colleges and universities know their dedication to the art.” Even those who do not pursue drama in college still learn valuable life skills in theatre. Through the years, the drama department’s traditions, bonding, and teamwork has made them into something more than just a successful and talented group of people; they are a family. Kaitlyn Wilson added, “ We have been through so much together. I want to thank Mrs. A for being so reliable, independent, strong-willed, and [being] my friend. My favorite quote from the show is, ‘There has to be darkness so purity can show its goodness above it.’ I want everyone to remember this as they go through the many trials of life.” Carlan also added,” After being in theatre I have realized my love for it and will definitely pursue it in New York while I’m there for college.” Oak Grove Theater is a place where students can come together and be a part of a close family that understands each other in all their diversities, talents, and all other accomplishments that will take place even after high school.
By: CHRISTIAN RAPETTI | Staff Reporter | @c_rapetti
ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACKLISTED
TWO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
MEASLES NOT SO MAGICAL
On February 4, Syracuse University banned its men’s basketball team for the post-season this year in response to an NCAA investigation on past infractions of the academic and drug policy. Syracuse initiated the case when it selfreported these violations to the NCAA in 2007. None of the conduct took place after 2012, and none of the current student-athletes are involved. Coach Jim Boeheim was reported saying that he completely supports the decision. “I believe the university is doing the right thing by acknowledging that past mistakes occurred.” The ban includes the NCAA tournament, ACC tournament, and NIT. The ACC tournament will feature fourteen teams instead of fifteen, and teams will slide up to replace Syracuse once the regular season ends.
Harper Lee, the eighty-eight year-old author who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird, will soon publish her second book. The book is called Go Set a Watchman, and Lee is calling it a sequel to Mockingbird. While many of Lee’s fans are excited for the return of their favorite characters, a few are skeptical. Lee wrote Watchman decades ago, and everyone thought it had been lost until last year when her lawyer found it. Now, there are questions of whether Lee, who is reportedly not in the best health, approved of the book’s release in sound mind.
On February 2, the CDC stated that a measles outbreak that began late last year is getting worse. The outbreak started at Disneyland, and more than a hundred people in at least fourteen U.S. states have been infected. This outbreak has now put a bigger spotlight on the debate about vaccines in the U.S. Some people think that parents should have some say in making the choice of vaccinating their children. Others believe vaccination is key to prevention, and since the measles outbreaks are preventable, they should be prevented.
February 13, 2015
sports 3
Warrior soccer seasons come to an end By: Jonathan Brent Staff Reporter @JonathanLeBrent
Both the girls and boys Oak Grove Soccer teams finished their seasons this past month in the 6A State Playoffs, both against teams from the Gulf Coast. However, the losses don’t take away from the great seasons that both teams had this year. The Lady Warriors capped off one of their greatest seasons in recent memory, finishing the season with only three losses. The black and gold boasted wins over Ocean Springs, Petal and Sacred Heart all this season. A second place finish in the district matched the Warriors with the Gulfport Admirals in the first round of the playoffs, a team whom the Warriors beat in the preseason. Sophomore forward Grace Sanders attributes that preseason victory to much of the Warriors’ success this season. “That win in the preseason gave us momentum everyday. We started scoring more this year because we had that drive for the goal that we didn’t have the year before,” Sanders said. The Warriors came up short in the end, losing to the Lady Admirals by a score of 5-2 in the playoff game. “It was sad seeing us lose our last game, but I’m very proud of how my teammates kept fighting till the end. It’s been an amazing experience playing Oak Grove soccer because my teammates have become family to me,” senior defender Madison Johns said. Johns will play for William Carey University next year. The Oak Grove boys soccer team finished the season in a
tie for the district championship with Brandon for the second year in a row. A coin toss determined the district champion, a coin toss that the Warriors happened to win for the second year in a row. The district championship for the Warriors was a feat in itself considering that starters Jeremy Myers, Cameron Barnhill, and Ethan Nettleton were all injured over the course of the year. “It was incredible to see how much better our team played the last five games of the year. With all of our injuries, we had a bunch of guys step up and come together very well. It made me proud to be their captain,” senior goalkeeper Allec Willis said. The number one seed in the district pitted the Warriors against Harrison Central at home for the first round of the playoffs. The black and gold won that game with ease by a score of 6-1 with junior Cameron Irvine netting two goals. The Warriors traveled to Ocean Springs for round two to face the Greyhounds. The Warriors played a really tight game against one of the best teams in the state in Ocean Springs, but ended up losing by a score of 2-0. The Greyhounds went on to play for the State Championship. Win or lose, Oak Grove soccer has left an impact on the players, and particularly the seniors, on the team. “Playing Oak Grove soccer has meant a lot to me. Losing the last game was so hard because you realize how much time you spend with your coaches and teammates, and then it’s over. But I have truly enjoyed playing Oak Grove soccer over the last six years,” senior defender Alexander Schwartz said. The Warrior soccer teams look to be back and better than ever next year.
By: Jonathan Brent | SPORTS EDITOR
MARY MORGAN GRATWICK PHOTO
MARY MORGAN GRATWICK PHOTO
KICKIN’ INTO HIGH GEAR TOP: Junior Enrique Marquez tries to get the ball from a Petal defender. The Warriors defeated the Panthers 5-0. BOTTOM: Freshman Lonnie Mulligan dribbles past a Brandon defender on the Warriors’ home turf.
Basketball teams prep for district tournament By: Drew Herring Staff Reporter @drew_herring2
In Coach LaRon Brumfield’s first year as head coach of the boys varsity basketball team, he made it extremely clear that he had goals for his team. “To be the best we can be, strive to work as a team, and learn the game of basketball are my goals for these guys. We have a lot of talent, and we have a lot of hard workers.
We have an excellent team this 2 wins and 4 losses. “We really year. I expect them to play their played well tonight. We left it hardest and take it one game at all out there on the court,” jua time,” Brumfield said. nior shooting guard Willie WilOn February 4, the Warriors liams said. faced a very skilled Natchez For the girls varsity team, this team. After a h a r d - has been a rebuilding year. The fought team lost many I expect them to play game, the valuable seniors their hardest and take it who Wa r r i o r s graduated one game at a time.” came out on top last year. Coach with a score of - LaRon Brumfield Mark Swindle 74-60. “The guys Boys Basketball Head Coach said, “The girls really played hard for the whole have all been working hard to game, and I’m proud of them.” improve this year.” The girls Brumfield said. have a record of 9 wins and 14 This win im- losses with a conference record proved the re- of 0 wins and 6 losses. “It’s been cord of the boys rough and I think we could have varsity team to worked harder at some points, 18 wins and 9 but overall I think we have had losses with a con- a good season in growing closer ference record of as a team by working together.
I think our next games are going to be good,” junior forward Taylor McCarter said of the season. The next games for the Warriors will be in postseason play. After two victories on senior night against Collins this past Tuesday, the Warriors now move on to the games that matter most. The district tournament will be held in Brandon. The Lady Warriors will enter the tournament as the four-seed and will face Meridian in the tournament’s first round, a team they have lost to twice this year. The boys team will enter the tournament as the three-seed, and will match up against the Brandon Bulldogs in the first round of the tournament. The tournament is set up to where the top three teams in the district advance to the state tournament later this month. This means that only one win for either of the two teams would result in advancing. The district tournament is set to tip off on February 17 in Brandon.
WARRIORS RULE THE COURT
MARY MORGAN GRATWICK PHOTO
Bleacher Report
LAUREN BYRD PHOTO
LEFT: Senior Damian Husband fights to make a dunk over a Collins defender. The Warriors defeated Collins 74-60. RIGHT: Senior Ereyanna Magee dribbles her way past a Collins defender toward the basket. The Lady Warriors defeated Collins Tuesday, February 10.
So much has happened in the world of sports since the last volume of Brent’s Bleacher Report that I don’t know where to begin. I guess we’ll start chronologically. The college football season in the state of Mississippi that I have probably spent about 80 percent of my column bragging about all year came to a miserable end on New Year’s Eve. The day started off on a low note for Rebel fans as Ole Miss was just absolutely embarrassed by TCU 42-3 in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. The night ended badly for citizens of the Magnolia State with the result of the Orange Bowl, where Georgia Tech defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 49-34. Both teams ended up in the top 20 final rankings, however. Not too shabby, but not how fans wanted to see the season end by any means. The next day, Ohio State and Oregon each won the first two College Football Playoff games in history to face off in the National Championship. The Buckeyes got the best of the Ducks, winning 42-20. The game solidified Urban Meyer’s legacy as one of the greatest coaches in college football history. The dude has won everywhere he has been. Most recently, the NFL also crowned a champion of its own, but not before a memorable playoff season and week leading up to the Super Bowl. Fast forward to the divisional playoff round, the Packers beat the Cowboys on one of the most controversial calls I’ve ever seen. Dez Bryant pulled down what appeared to be an amazing catch, only to be ruled incomplete and give the Packers the victory. The Cheeseheads then faced the Seahawks for the NFC Championship. The Packers appeared to have the game clinched until Russell Wilson successfully pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in playoff history. In the AFC, the Patriots dismantled the Indianapolis Colts 45-7, but I’m pretty sure I could score 45 points too if my footballs were under inflated. Shots fired. That scandal, combined with Marshawn Lynch’s stupidity, made for one entertaining Super Bowl week. However, the week didn’t come close to the actual game itself. Super Bowl XLIX was one of the best football games I’ve ever watched, with as crazy of an ending as one can ask for. Seattle led 24-14 with 8 minutes left before Tom Brady, Bill Belicheck, and the rest of the cheaters began to mount their comeback. Ten unanswered points gave the Pats a 28-24 lead with 2 minutes to play. Then Wilson and the Seahawks began to drive down the field. Wilson hit Jermaine Kearse for a crazystupid catch off of his hands, feet, and I don’t even remember what else to propel them to the 4 yard line. The game ended after a second and goal for the Seahawks from around there. Vicksburg’s own Malcom Butler picked off a Russell Wilson pass off of a jumped route to clinch it for the Pats. Why you don’t hand the ball off to thankful Beastmode? I don’t know. Odds are that decision cost Pete Carroll and the Seahawks the Lombardi Trophy. Oh well. Until next time, baseball season, hurry up.
4
February 13, 2015
opinion
OPINION
Does reality TV take it too far? By: Jenna Clair Lee Staff Reporter @jenta12
“Wow, your life could be a reality TV show!” How many times have we heard this phrase in response to a person whose life is unusual or extraordinary in some way? Whether it be a blended family who just can’t seem to get along but still loves each other at the end of the day, or a single girl who can’t find love because of her severe OCD, these are the topics that induce that familiar response of associating those interesting lives with a reality TV show, and this is why reality TV networks have become so popular and prevalent and why our minds are being subjected to such a wide range of outrageous shows. “My Big Fat Fabulous Life,” “Moonshiners,” “Rich Kids of
Beverly Hills:” these are just a there could be negative effects. few of the many outrageous TV With shows that center around shows that air weekly on TLC, polygamy, unhealthy lifestyles, The Discovery Channel, and excessive wealth, mental disorThe E! Network. OGHS ju- ders, and unusual circumstancnior Alexa Fisher’s favorite TV es, people are given a glimpse show is “19 Kids and Count- into interesting lifestyles; howing,” which ever, some of these topics are chronicles too controversial I think that reality TV is Bob and so bad. It is a tool by the and harrowing to Michelle be made light of, media to make people Duggar and their not think.” which imposes 19 biological chil- - Naveen Andrews, Actor the question: how dren. “I watch far is too far? about five hours of reality TV Is the airing of shows such per week; I love the Duggars. as “Moonshiners” on the DisI would probably watch much covery Channel, which shows more if I didn’t have other illegal activity with no known things to do. I normally don’t repercussions, ethical? Is the think much about what I’m glorifying of young, wealthy watching, though. I only watch adults and their immature enfor entertainment, not for life- deavors healthy for the average lessons.” Fisher said. Millions teenager? The answer to these of viewers tune in to reality TV questions lies in our analysis on a weekly basis. The issue is of the shows and content that not a lack of viewers but that we are filling our minds with. viewers are being exposed to so Programming that shows illegal much exaggerated reality that activity and wealthy children
making bad decisions is programming we need to question. Reality TV has taken over our cable and infiltrated our daily lives by taking these topics too far and making light of some deep, even painful topics, or spotlighting unrealistic, often frivolous realities. If we haven’t done so already, we might as well get used to reality TV dominating our cable. If this isn’t disheartening, it should be. Maybe it’s time to take a closer look at how much reality TV we are letting affect our own reality.
pgrade or dow grade?
By: Samantha Papp | STAFF REPORTER | @samantha_papp
In the past, school IDs were a hassle, considering they weren’t really that useful for anything besides identification. The senselessness of the IDs left them out of the past few school years. This year, however, school IDs were again handed out to the students, with a new twist: these IDs now have specialized uses. With the addition of some new technology, students can now swipe their IDs to check out of school, check out books in the library, and purchase lunches in the cafeteria.
Students finally receive student IDs upgrade
downgrade Cold weather takes over In January, the majority of the country experienced abnormally low temperatures. While it is winter, Mississippians aren’t exactly prepared for extremely low temperatures, and during the week of January 7, the temperatures in MS dipped to the teens. Students bundled up in hopes of staying warm, and many teachers cranked up the heaters in their classrooms. Is it summertime yet?
thewarriorbeat The views and opinions expressed on this page are of an editorial nature and do not necessarily represent the views of The Warrior Beat staff, advisers, school faculty, or administrators of Oak Grove High School or the Lamar County School District.
Oak Grove High School 5198 Old Highway 11 Hattiesburg, MS 39402 601.264.7232 www.oakgrovehighschool.org
Each prom season, students anxiously await the announcement of the prom theme. In January, Student Council officers announced the theme for OG’s 2015 prom: Bollywood. While many students were initially a little unsure of what Bollywood was, a quick Google search revealed that a Bollywood theme promised brilliant colors and dazzling decorations.
“Bollywood” prom theme revealed upgrade
downgrade Modernized Annie
A new version of Annie hit the big screen in December. Produced by Jay Z and Will Smith, the movie featured a more modern twist on the classic. Changes include references “foster children” instead of “orphans,” a rich guy referred to as “Mr. Stacks” instead of “Daddy Warbucks,” and a significantly more attractive Ms. Hannigan (played by Cameron Diaz.) While I enjoyed the movie and the acting was good, this movie simply wasn’t as great as the original.
EDITORS Taylor Parsons, Katie Williams STAFF REPORTERS Samantha Papp Casey Ford Christian Rapetti Lucy Pruitt Abby Nguyen Alyssa Bass Mary Morgan Gratwick Olivia Diaz Emily Burnett Hannah Lee Grace Wilkes Mozingo Jonathan Brent Jenna Clair Lee Drew Herring DESIGNERS Tia Bullock Andrew Rigel PHOTOGRAPHERS Mary Morgan Gratwick Mycah Kennedy ADVISER Joy Davis
February 13, 2015
Pressing For Freedom Should freedom of the press have regulation?
opinion 5
The Dashboard
w
alyssa bass: @alyssatrechelle
Representation cop out:
TAYLOR PARSONS ARTWORK
When are writes not right?
O-pressing our rights
By: Lucy Pruitt Staff Reporter @LucyLu_Too
By: Abby Nguyen Staff Reporter @2BusyBeingAbby
ust as how editors of all school newspapers, including The Warrior Beat, must take the time to read each publication thoroughly before print to ensure information is accurate, unhelpful or possibly offensive context is cleared or taken out, and the publication is as quality as can be, national news sources must do the same. I’ve never been one for much government regulation or control, or for taking kindly to what I’m ordered to do, but when it comes to issues such as freedom of the press I must step out of my usual thought bubble to take a slightly different stance. The reason for this? There are some things that just simply should not be printed. The obvious of these aforementioned preferred restrictions on freedom of the press is the necessary demand for accuracy. While it’s often not thought of with our societal patterns of dehumanizing celebrities, tabloids and magazine prints based on rumors and lies can cause some of the most prominent, trend setting members in our society to falter or become depressed. Why is it okay to spread lies about people we don’t even know, and when did it become okay? Freedom of the press, a once fought for issue and right, is now abused
and disrespected. In today’s news media, people can hardly tell what information is news and what information is purely biased opinion or lies. Tabloids are only entertaining because of their outrageousness and laughable subject matters, so what we see is our society paying people to abuse the rights that long ago were fought for and today we still defend. Following the same thought process of tabloid lies, freedom of the press is something to be utilized for content but restricted for unnecessary offensiveness. Now, before anyone thinks I’m a political correctness stickler, we must take into mind the satirical comedy that we all know we, even secretly, adore. Yes, I too love the terribly offensive jokes that make me cringe and laugh simultaneously, as most of us do, but only to a certain extent. I can’t help but think that the decisions we make to censor our press in order to keep us safe are the right decisions. Examples of these types of decisions are the filtering of content in the comedic sitcom community in attempt to not make obvious targets of ourselves for extremist groups like ISIS. Living in fear is not the answer to this issue, but I must say that I believe we should be trying our best to have quality press that honors our freedom of the press rights, rather than printing anything and everything that comes to our minds.
To publish or not to publish, that is the question that lies at the heart of every tweet, facebook status, or even Instagram caption. The fear of offending someone or not sounding as witty as you would like your profiles to portray you as is the struggle that surrounds our society of social media. In other words, nothing is really stopping you from writing and posting anything other than yourself. Your fear of being called out for being offensive, the fear of future employers finding your incriminating Instagram posts, or the fear of a prospective love interest finding your long forgotten and down right atrocious middle school profile pictures are the only things keeping you from posting anything you want. But all specifics aside, restraints surrounding posts are largely self implemented. The freedom of speech and the freedom of the press are rights granted to every American citizen, but should those rights be restricted, and if so, where? Should we limit people’s right to freedom of expression when they use it to hurt or offend other people or should we take away their rights completely? Are certain wrongs more wrong than others? Noam Chomsky once wrote, “If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for peo-
ple we despise, we don’t believe in it at all.” I know that when I write, it is beyond difficult to get through a mere paragraph while censoring myself trying to be considerate of other people’s feelings. Self censorship is necessary, but that’s not my point of contention, rather the idea that rights should be limited just to protect the feelings of others is where I disagree with opponents of unlimited freedom of speech. Our society is based on the ideas of democracy and popular opinion, and so just because an opinion may be less popular than others does not mean that a government would be justified in preventing a person from publishing that opinion. We have to remember the power of social media outlets and news sources. The good thing about the political variation between news stations like Fox News and MSNBC is that it allows for viewers to observe a spectrum of opinions and hopefully come to their own informed viewpoints. Like the nationwide debate on gun control, the argument over whether or not freedom of expression ought to be limited comes to the same conclusion. Just because certain people grossly abuse their rights does not mean that it is okay for an entire society to be stripped of those rights. Limiting everyone’s freedoms is taking a hammer to kill a fly, it is harshness implemented where precision is necessary.
TRACKING THE TERROR: At a glance...
In a world that champions freedom of speech and press, we find Charlie Hebdo, French satirical newspaper, and other outspoken organizations like it in the middle of the spotlight. Offensive content is something that flies around social media all of the time, and that level of comfort in the face of satire is what made the Charlie Hebdo massacre international news.
January 8, 2015 Policewoman killed While the search for the two Charlie Hebdo shooters continued, a lone gunman shoots two people in the Paris suburb of Montrouge.
January 7, 2015 Gunmen attack Charlie Hebdo offices Two masked gunmen burst into the offices of satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, in Paris. After firing upwards of 50 shots, the two men fled leaving 12 employees dead and even more injured.
January 9, 2015 Charlie Hebdo shooters killed Charif and Said Kouachi, the suspected shooters, emerge from a printing press and are later shot dead by police officers.
By: Abby Nguyen
January 9, 2015 Kosher supermarket Minutes after the Kouachi brothers are killed, police officers surround a kosher supermarket in Paris where a lone gunman, identified as Amedy Coulibaly, holds several shoppers hostage. Police officers storm the building and kill Coulibaly.
On January 29, 2015, the executive vice president and general manager of Disney Junior Worldwide Nancy Kanter announced that Disney’s first Latina princess Elena of Avalor would be making her debut on a special episode of Disney Junior’s hit show Sofia The First in early 2016 before the premiere of her own self-titled show in late 2016. When the news appeared on my Twitter news feed, I was ecstatic for the millions of young Latina girls who would finally have representation. Being a minority, I’ve come to understand the importance of representation in the media; watching television as a child, I unconsciously looked for people who looked like me in the shows and movies I watched and would often find no one. Two Indiana University professors published a study in Communication Research in 2012 that explained how representation on the shows children watched impacted their self esteem. The researchers found that television was only boosting the self esteem of white boys, which could be accredited to them being seen as strong and rational heroes while girls are commonly seen as sensitive love interests. The professors said, “In addition to messages kids get from family members, peers, community members, and other areas in their lives, if white and black girls and black boys also absorb messages from the media, it could impact their self esteem if they do not see themselves as successful, as main characters, or as heroes.” The study reinforces the idea that representation in the media is vital to children’s self esteem. Shows with diverse main characters allow children to see successful people who resemble them from a young age. While I applaud Disney for creating Elena, she is a cop out. If Disney is going to proclaim her to be the first Latina princess, then she needs to be treated like the other Disney princesses and have her own movie. If she had a movie, her story would reach a wider audience instead of just preschool girls and their mothers and would have a longer impact on generations to come. Of course, the Walt Disney company doesn’t owe its viewers anything, for they know that almost any movie they release will be a hit. But it is our duty to push the company and show it the importance of movies with diverse main characters because it makes a colossal difference in the life of a minority child.
6 insider
February 13, 2015 7
BEST [ ] OF AND WORST
BEST
MEMES
1.
WORST
the HOT list OUT
1. Flower crowns
The only time a flower crown actually makes sense is with a hippie costume.
BEST
Velvet dresses
Velvet being Grandma’s favorite fabric is a thing of the past. Velvet will definitely stay around for this year.
MOVIES
1. Gone Girl
BEST
Intersteller
MUSIC
1. Uptown Funk
Play and Skillz
Blank Space
Happy
Flawless
Wiggle
Stay with Me
Turn Down For What
Jealous
Timber
Rather Be
Dark Horse
Pharrel Williams
Taylor Swift
Divergent
Million Dollar Arm
Guardians of the Galaxy
WORST 1. Into the Woods
Beyonce and Nicki Minaj Sam Smith
Nick Jonas
Katy Perry
Am I Wrong
Bang Bang
Summer
Royals
All About that Bass
Drunk In Love
Rude
5 Seconds of Summer
Nico and Vanz
Bows
If you’re older than ten, bows just look silly on you. Accept it, and invest in some big girl accessories.
Meghan Trainor Magic!
Black lipstick
This should go without explanation. It’s not okay.
Dumb and Dumber 2
Relevant News of 2014
1. Macauly Culkin wore a t-shirt of Ryan Gosling wearing a t-shirt of Macauly Culkin.
1. The Veterans Affairs scandal left Americans wondering why our nation was so oblivious to the health of our heroes.
2. Flappy Bird was deleted from app store. 3. Solange Knowles and Jay Z fought in an elevator, and it was crazy. 4. Justin Bieber was arrested in Miami. 5. Sharknado 2 happened. People watched. Tragic.
Petal is that kid who says “cha cha cha” when you’re singing Happy Birthday. - Luke Anderson @Lukeaanderson_
2. Over 200 Nigerian school girls were kidnapped in April. 3. Sochi Winter Olympics were held in Sochi, Russia. 4. Germany beat Brazil to win the World Cup. 5. Ebola made its way to the United States and drove many to paranoia.
The information stated here are opinions of The Warrior Beat staff. IMAGES SOURCE: Google
Though a fashion crime in the past, denim on denim made a comeback this year, and with the right fit, denim on denim makes for a nice casual outfit.
Calvin Harris
Lorde
Irrelevant News of 2014...
Braids
Easy and in style is the absolute best combination
Denim on Denim
Pitbull and Ke$ha
She Looks So Perfect
Beyonce
Dark colored leggings can totally pass as pants. Printed leggings, however, aren’t the most flattering of fashion choices.
DJ Snake and Little Jon
Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and Jesse J
Transformers: Age of Extinction
Bold printed leggings as pants
Jason Derulo
Clean Bandit
A Million Ways to Die in the West
WORST
1. Literally, I Can’t
Bruno Mars
Tammy
IN
peezuh rolls for breakfast am i right?!?!? peezuh rolls for dinner am I right?!?!? - Alese Buffington @alesebuff
Little Lace Dresses
They’re classic, cute, and simple. This trend will surely stay through 2015.
Best Tweets of 2014 “Girls, here’s a beauty tip. Don’t wear your lipstick outside your lips. You look like you drank red KoolAid. You aren’t fooling anyone.” - Mr. Dale @darrengdale
Jeans with too many holes
Just wear shorts for practicality’s sake.
Black and White
Buying clothes that aren’t black can be really hard. Thankfully, black and white were in for 2014.
February 13, 2015
8 features
A home for the forgotten and fearless Hattiesburg museum honors military history of African Americans By: Olivia Diaz Staff Reporter
A steady beat, a spreading joy, and a lot of laughter to go around: this was the scene of the Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United Services Organization (USO) Club during World War II. In 1942, when the USO was first opened, the United States army was still segregated. By definition of their website, the USO is a “private, nonprofit, non-partisan organization” whose mission statement is to “lift the spirits of America’s troops and their families.” This particular USO was a “home away from home” for African American soldiers placed at the military post Camp Shelby. Today, it is the only USO built for African American soldiers still standing for public use. Visitors can still drift through its halls and go back in time, only it stands as a museum, the African American Military History Museum. After World War II ended, the USO became a community center. The community center shut down in 1985 and became a head start school. Several years later, it became the N.R. Burger Museum. In 2007, the Hattiesburg Convention Center rebuilt the building into what it is today. In 2009, the museum had its grand opening. Local veterans helped establish the museum when they formed the African
American Military History Committee (AAMHMC). This museum is open on Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. It displays an assortment of exhibits that represent the wars African Americans took part in, from the Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terrorism. In addition, it emphasizes a multitude of local and national figures who made contributions for their country. “To us, it’s not about race,” Information Specialist Divah Griffin said. “It’s about exploring different cultures and experiences in this country.” Naval aviator Jesse L. Brown, the first black navy aviator in the U.S. and Hattiesburg native, is one of the many people recognized at the museum. However, the museum does not highlight only Hattiesburg residents. Milton L. Olive III, for instance, was a Private First Class soldier who fought in the Vietnam War and threw himself on a hand grenade to protect his comrades. Last year, the museum held a Christmas open house and a holiday workshop, and this month, it will have a “Friday Film Series” each Friday at 10:45 a.m., which will show a documentary that recognizes remarkable African Americans in the military. Museum manager Latoya Norman believes it is critical for
Mississippians to know about the history of the USO and the legacy of the men and women that the USO was made for. “It is American history,” Norman said, “but more importantly it tells the story of important locals.” The museum remains open and anyone can find more information about it on its website, Twitter, and Facebook.
TRUE BROTHERS IN ARMS
TOP: This museum displays a multitude of exhibits, including the “True Brothers in Arms” exhibit, which represents the obstacles and hardships soldiers faced during the Vietnam War. MIDDLE: During World War II, this auditorium was a USO for African American soldiers stationed at Camp Shelby. It held dances, weddings, formats, and performances by singers abs bands, such as Al Lundy and his Jive Bombers Orchestra. BOTTOM:This is a sign in front of the museum, representing the dog tags used to identify soldiers. OLIVIA DIAZ PHOTOS
beauty REVIEW
Due to a lack of participation in last year’s Beauty and Beau in previous years, both girls and boys were nominated and voted on by the student body. On Tuesday January 20, the juniors and seniors dressed their bests to walk for the crowd. Junior beauties were Taylor Buras and Caroline Duff. Junior beaus were Clinton Wheeler and Moses Williams. Junior Most Beautiful and Most Handsome were Madison Dyar and Tony Reimonenq. Senior beauties were Karlyn Purvis and Laken Pineda. Senior beaus were Cameron Cloud and John David Fortenberry. Senior Most Beautiful and Most Handsome were Katie Bostick and JC Keys. On Thursday January 22, the freshmen and sophomores took their turn. Freshmen beauties were Trinity Burkett and Anna Simmons. Freshmen beaus were Hayden Sikes and Braxton Betts. Freshmen Most Beautiful and Most Handsome were Elizabeth Porter and Hayes Maples. Sophomore beauties were Kalynn Daley and Callie Farris. Sophomore Beaus were Elliot Watt and Mack Pickering. Sophomore Most Beautiful and Most Handsome were Ansley Plunk and Drew Boyd. The Beauty and Beau raised a record high amount of money for the OGHS Centerstage! show choir.
February 13, 2015
features 9
“ FOR A SCAM A DAY ”
Don’t let the puppy eyes fool you: How to investigate scam charities
By: Alyssa Bass Staff Reporter @sassyaly
I
t’s an everyday occurrence (and often annoyance) for the avid TV watcher to come across charitable commercials in the midst of commercial breaks. The most common to come across are the commercials that show starving kids from Africa, malnourished, abused puppies, and children with cancer that one can save, fund research, and supply with fresh food and water by only donating “a dollar a day.” In middle school, many learned the various advertising techniques used by companies to dupe customers into buying their products, but perhaps some didn’t pay enough attention during that lesson. While many people have learned to ignore these advertisements, others are doing their supposed humanitarian duty and giving to these organizations and foundations out of pity. The advertisers have won: people are falling for the emotional appeal technique commonly used by advertisers. As a result, many charities are earning up
to $1.35 billion according to Frank Adessi, a writer for Smart Asset. Of course, there is nothing wrong with donating money to charities, but it is the donor’s responsibility to understand and investigate where his or her money is going every time they impulsively call an 800 number after seeing a sad puppy appear on the TV screen. In the New York Times Best Seller The Fault in Our Stars book and movie, readers and viewers were shown just one of the many miracles real-life nonprofit charity Make a Wish performs for children with life threatening conditions every day when main character Augustus Waters negotiates with the genies of Make a Wish to fly thyroid cancer-stricken Hazel Grace, her mother, and Augustus to Amsterdam. While Make a Wish performs miracles for children like Hazel everyday, many charities falsely lead donors to believe that their charities are like Make a Wish with no malice intent, and due to the oblivion of donors, they often end up donating to avaricious foundations instead of those with more genuine intentions. In a
2013 article entitled “Above the Law,” CNN reporters Kris Hundley and Kendall Taggart proclaimed the Kids Wish Network located in a sketchy area behind a gas station in Holiday, Florida, to be the worst charity in America, saying that “no charity has siphoned more money from the needy over a long period of time.” Hundley and Taggart write that the charity is basically a knock off of the
Make a Wish foundation In the past decade, Kids Wish has embezzled nearly $110 million from naive donors. The company spends only three cents of every dollar donated to helping kids in need; meanwhile, the founder pays himself $4.8 million a year. When asked about Kids Wish’s fundraising operations, Kids Wish crisis manager Melissa Schwartz gave a debatable answer when she said that the foundation hires solicitors so its staff can focus on working with the children. Despite Kids Wish’s unethical fundraising and bad reputation, the charity still exists today and remains in the number one spot as the worst charity in America. Donors can easily avoid charities like Kids Wish with a little investigating and common sense. First and foremost, the easiest way to identify a scam charity would be by name. Smart Asset named 50 of the worst offenders at the beginning of 2015 in an article. Among the top ten of infamous charities are the Kids Wish Network, Cancer Fund of America, Children’s Wish Foundation Interna-
tional, American Breast Cancer Foundation, Firefighters Charitable Foundation, Breast Cancer Relief Foundation, International Union of Police Associations, National Veterans Service Fund, American Association of State Troopers, and the Children’s Cancer Fund of America. However, if the charity isn’t recognizable, the Federal Trade Commission website tells readers to avoid charities that: “Refuse to provide detailed information about its identity, mission, costs, and how the donation will be used, won’t provide proof that a contribution is tax deductible, use a name that closely resembles that of a better-known, reputable organization, thanks the donor for a pledge the donor doesn’t remember making, uses high-pressure tactics without giving time to think and research, asks for donations in cash or asks to wire money, offers to send a courier or overnight delivery service to collect the donation immediately, and guarantees sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a contribution.”
WILD at home Exotic animals as pets
By: Katie Williams Editor @katiewilliams97
L
ast semester, Alana Donohue’s class was home to many weird pets: two Australian Bearded Dragons that they attempted to breed, a Chinese Water Dragon, a Tiger Oscar, a Veiled Chameleon, a Madagascar Hissing Roach, and a Corn Snake. Donohue gave away most of these pets after her fall Zoology class to make room for new pets for her marine biology class. In her opinion the most unique, or weird, pet was the Veiled Chameleon. “He has so much personality and is quite full of himself. He can focus on two objects at the same time because his eyes can rotate in different directions. It is a little freaky to be holding him and suddenly see one eye looking you dead in both of yours,” Donohue said. The chameleon also mimics a leaf blowing in the wind when he is on the prowl for a cricket, so it looks a lot like he is dancing. His tongue is extremely long, so he never has to completely go
down to the bottom of his habitat to eat. Donohue’s classes also loved watching him change colors because it happens in about 15 seconds. Donohue says that integrating the animals into her classes is easy. Not only can the classes examine the animals’ physiology, adaptations, and behaviors, the pets also open the door to discuss conservation, habitat destruction, and the fragility of ecosystems. The students have hands on experience with caring for these animals in a controlled environment and, therefore, develop an understanding of how small changes in an ecosystem can completely change a species’ ability to thrive in its natural environment. The animals make it much easier to understand how human activity is affecting the Earth and what humans can do to preserve the Earth’s natural balance. Each pet has its own enclosed habitat and has specific temperatures, diets, and humidity requirements. The bearded dragons are omnivores, so they eat a combination of zucchini and broccoli slaw, crickets, and supplements. “Our water dragon and chameleon are
carnivorous, so they eat crickets and get supplements as well. The corn snake eats mice, and the vegetarian roach likes a big slice of orange. The crickets that the water dragon and chameleon eat are fed a calcium rich jelly,” Donohue said. Vet care is a bit tricky because many of the local vets only see typical pets like dogs, cats, and horses. “Dr. Brenda Sumrall at Advanced Pet Care is extremely helpful in caring for emergencies with our exotic pets. She has a great deal of experience with reptiles, and we love her for all of the care she has provided for our animals. Most recently, she treated our Water Dragon for a broken tail. She gave him the full work up... x-ray, antibiotics, and cream for his now bobbed tail,” Donohoe said. Senior Hailey Ainsworth was able to take home the classes’ Chinese Water Dragon, Dimitri. Matthew Guidry took home the Corn Snake, and Robert Becton received the chameleon. “The students love having the pets, and my classroom is kind of an ‘enter at your own risk’ area because the animals are always out,” Donohue said. Her four children enjoy playing with
them as well, but she says her husband is another story. “He is a forester and constantly asks, “‘Alana, I have to step around these things all day! Do I have to live with them too?’ I just laugh because he knew how I was when he married me. One year, I was helping to find a home for a seven and a half foot Red Tailed Boa, and I kept him at the house for a few weeks. He used to fall asleep on top of his lamp, get comfortable and warm, then
DYNAMIC DRAGON DUO
fall to the bottom of his cage. It wasn’t a very big drop, but a 30 pound snake hitting anything in the middle of the night makes a very loud noise. I don’t think my husband slept at all during those weeks. He is definitely not a snake fan,” Donohue said. Donohue also has a cat and two labrador retrievers at home, but she continually proves that traditional pets are not the only pets one can enjoy.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Senior Hailey Ainsworth bonds with her Chinese water dragon, Dimitri. Alana Donohue, OGHS science teacher, gave Ainsworth Dimitri to keep as a pet at the end of last semester.
February 13, 2015
10 entertainment
Poppins promises to be “practically perfect in every way” By: Lucy Pruitt Staff Reporter @LucyLu_too
With the cold front coming in this week, we see the wind changing and blowing in more than just the usual musical theatre events in Hattiesburg. Southern Miss’s theatre department along with many actors, musicians, and technical hands in the community have acquired the production rights from Disney to take part in the classic bookturned-movie-turned-Broadway-show story of Mary Poppins. Directed by Hattiesburg theatre extraordinaire, Mike Lopinto, the department considered many shows that would work for musicians both vocally and instrumentally. The goal was to choose a grand show to honor the reopening of the Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium that was hit by a tornado during the department’s last production set
load in 2013. Lopinto lost count of how many productions he has directed and taken part in long ago, but his lean towards large-scale projects from galas to shows has earned him the reputation of making any of his productions worthwhile. Lopinto’s range of experience does not just stop at directing. He has taken on roles from director, choreographer, set designer, lighting designer, and producer in productions that span across years and distances in and outside of the Hattiesburg area. His Hattiesburg career highlights include, Les Misérables (Thenardier), Hairspray! (Edna Turnblad), The Producers (Roger DeBris); Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Cogsworth), Cats (Old Deuteronomy), Annie (Daddy Warbucks), Carousel (Mr. Snow), Die Fledermaus (Frosch), and his voice can be heard at all Southern Miss games as “The Voice of The Pride” and on commercials across the south. Mary Poppins is no break in his pattern of extravagance either. This show seems to have included it all, heavy singing, intricate dancing, lots of scenery, tons of props, loads of costumes, and special effects. And what would a Mary Poppins show be without the classic flying? Nearly 100 people from the community auditioned to take part in Mary Poppins and the cast includes approximately forty. The youngest members are the children about eight years old and the oldest is a
community member in his fifties. The cast consists of talent from first time actors and freshmen to doctoral students and community members. Most all are, have, or plan to pursue music at Southern Miss. The show is filled to the brim with promising talent from all around the Pine Belt, including Oak Grove’s very own senior Austin Querns. Featured as a toy soldier that comes to life in a scary scene to end Act One and a very prominent dancer that rose from the ranks of the male ensemble. “Querns has made an amazing transformation in this show to become a performer that his friends, family, and classmates will be in awe of,” Lopinto said. This is a majorly anticipated event in the Hattiesburg community. There are still some tickets available at 601.266.5418 or southernmisstickets.com. The show dates and times are Thursday, February 26, 7:30 p.m.; Friday, February 27, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, February 28, 2 p.m.; Saturday, February 28, 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, March 1, 2 p.m. Those who know Mary Poppins, have an idea of some classic and favorite moments. Many that form the movie, especially the memorable songs, are also in the Broadway version of this show. For those that have never witnessed this bit of Disney magic, there is no better time to introduce yourself to the magical world of Mary and the supercalifragilistic story of the Banks family.
? What’s on TV this spring? By: Grace Wilkes , Staff Reporter
What’s coming back?
What’s new?
1. The Walking Dead February 8 on AMC 2. The Voice - February 23 on NBC 3. Survivor - February 25 on CBS 4. House of Cards February 27 on Netflix 5. Once Upon a Time March 1 on ABC 6. The Following - March 2 on FOX 7. Agents on S.H.I.E.L.D. March 3 on ABC 8. Bates Motel - March 9 on A&E 9. Supernatural - March 18 on the CW 10. Game of Thrones - April 12 on HBO
1. Secrets & Lies - March 1 on ABC 2. The Last Man on Earth March 1 on FOX 3. Battle Creek - March 1 on CBS 4. CSI: Cyber - March 4 on CBS 5. American Crime - March 5 on ABC 6. Royals - March 15 on E! 7. iZombie - March 17 on the CW 8. Bloodline - March 20 on Netflix 9. Younger - March 31st on TV Land 10. Dig - March 5 on USA
beat’s bits
ENTERTAINMENT
Bobbi Kristina Fights for Her Life
On January 31, Nick Gordon dialed 911 to report that he had found his wife, twenty-one-year-old, Bobbi Kristina Brown, face down in their bathtub apparently, “unresponsive,” not breathing, and with no heartbeat. Since then, Brown has been hospitalized and has yet to regain consciousness due to being placed in a medically induced coma. After three days of being in the hospital, Brown purportedly opened and closed her eyes and experienced violent seizures; however, her doctors cannot determine whether Brown should be taken out of her coma because the sedatives used to treat her make monitoring her brain wave activity difficult if not impossible.
ality
PARSON
By: TAYLOR PARSONS, Editor No matter how wonderful Valentine’s Day may be for teenagers and adults, it’s really the elementary school kids who have hit the jackpot. They bring shoe boxes and decorate them to be pink and red and gaudy all over. The whole class spends the majority of the day shoving wonderfully cheesy valentines with candy sloppily taped in the middle into those poorly decorated little boxes. It’s awesome. I’m telling you; they’re doing this day right. Third grade Taylor picked her valentines meticulously. Would boys appreciate Barbie like I wanted them to? Does Hello Kitty please the masses? These are important life decisions. I feel confident that the most successful people in our world began their success with wise valentine choices. Beyonce’s valentines slayed. Pitbull’s probably didn’t. Teens and adults spend Valentine’s Day with significant others or with friends. The female end of the “spend it with friends” option generally involves ice cream and/or romantic comedies. I don’t really know what boys do. Play video games? Hit things? Hit each other? These are my guesses. It doesn’t really matter. Boys are hard to figure out as a generality. Those who spend the day with their significant others get so excited for Valentine’s Day, but the sad part is that they only get one valentine. When you were six, you had twenty-five valentines. Just let that sink in. Unless you’re down with some big time polygamy, you were totally at your coolest when you were six. So regardless of your Valentine’s plans, you probably won’t have as much fun as elementary school you did. He or she was loving Valentine’s Day. Life was simple, and candy was plentiful.
By: Abby Nguyen, Staff Reporter, @2BusyBeingAbby
Beyonce’s New Diet
The Blacklist staging a reunion
After notoriously going vegan in 2013 with her hubby, JayZ, Queen Bey is embarking on an interesting twenty-two day diet created by nutritionist and health guru pal, Marco Burges. This home delivery meal plan is based on the philosophy that a habit can be made or broken within a three week period. And while veganism to most sounds like an overly restrictive diet, Beyonce and Jay-Z showed during their introduction to the diet that veganism opened them up to a world of superfoods laden with vegetables, nutrients, and flavor.
The Blacklist is set to stage the ultimate 80s reunion. James Spader is set to work with his Pretty in Pink, Mannequin and Less Than Zero co-star Andrew McCarthy again. This means Steff and Blane are back together, and the nostalgia is overwhelming. While Spader and McCarthy won’t appear on-screen together, McCarthy will take a large part in reunion by being chosen to direct three upcoming episodes of the second season of NBC’s hit drama series, The Blacklist. “They’re both great artists who have had such a wonderful working relationship in the past, it just seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up,” series executive producers Jon Bokenkamp and John Eisendrath said in a comment on the reunion.
February 13, 2015
entertainment 11
Jolie captures inspiring story on screen By: Grace Wilkes Staff Reporter
U
nbroken was not a movie I particularly wanted to sit through. After seeing a short preview, I even made a mental note to avoid going to see it altogether. Thinking the WWII-biopic was going to be just another Hollywood attempt at showing off a notably low-point in our history, I made up my mind and moved along. Oh, but was I wrong. You know those movies that make you basically rethink your whole life and leave a lasting impact on the way you view things? I know, they are rare, but once every few years a filmmaker develops a story that seems to anchor itself to you. The director miraculously understands the concept of a movie and portrays the world in which these authentic characters live, so that the audience feels like they are literally experiencing
the film. Angelina Jolie has given me a new hope for the movie industry with her directorial debut that somehow had me so emotionally invested, that by the end of the flick I was more than a little mentally exhausted. Unbroken covers the wide spectrum of human experience, ranging everywhere from the desire to live and the thrill of what that living can bring, all the way back to constant threats of near death and the loss of those closest to a person. With all these conflicting feelings, most films would become an unconvincing mess, but the story of Olympian, soldier, and captive, Louis Zamperini instead manipulates the scope of emotions into a well rounded epic. Yet the compelling storyline is not the only positive characteristic. Angelina Jolie, who initially was inspired by the story of Louis Zamperini, did an excellent job forming the tale into an evoking movie. The actress and direc-
tor had a special connection with the real life war hero Louis Zamperini, who at the time of filming was stricken with cancer. This gave her an incentive to create not only a masterpiece, but also to deliver his true and inspiring story to the world. And she did. With skill rivaling some of the most seasoned directors, Jolie masterfully chose the most precise moments for switching camera angles: depending on setting, situation, and other factors that can become lost in most films. The overall setting of the film whether in the Japanese jungles, the vast Pacific ocean, or the war ridden prison camps, provided a genuine background to all the strife and commotion that overcame the main characters. This paired with the haunting, heart-rending soundtrack lead by Coldplay helped create a deeper perspective for the film. Her casting of the main characters also proved to be wise yet vital in further developing
the story. Jack O’ Connell, who played the lead of Zamperini, astounded me with his real reactions and how his despondent yet inspirit portrayal invaded the whole screen and continuously delivered a true performance throughout his many trials. Domhnal Gleeson delivered an amazingly absolute representation of another survivor of a plane crash, as he struggles emotionally with the idea of accepting his death. With danger a common theme in the story, many scenes and characters were based around a solemn atmosphere. Keeping a realistic ideal that you can go crazy if pushed too far, many characters were almost overcome by such a reality, but still somehow the mood avoided becoming altogether too miserable by keeping a sense of hopefulness. Even then, separation, abuse, and constant pain followed the main character Louie particularly throughout his story as a
doomed soldier, yet he continued to persevere and refused to give up or betray what he believed to be right. Whether by mother nature or human nature, Zamperini suffered over and over again during a war-torn period, though nothing seemed to ever break his strength. A compelling story such as this shaped by the talented mind of Angelina Jolie helped mold this true memoir into an inspiring tale that achieved cinematic perfection. Without a single dull moment Unbroken depicts history in a way that maintains intrigue and garners a fresh perspective on life’s journey, no matter the obstacles. Perhaps the greatest part of the whole film though, was Zamperini, and his consistency to overcome every obstacle with a strength that truly earned him the title of being unbreakable.
NEEDTOBREATHE rivers in the wasteland Lots of breathing room left By: Katie Williams Editor
@katiewilliams97
N
E E D T O BREATHE live spoiled me. I was able to attend their Eaglepalooza concert in November 2013, and needless to say, I was blown away. I started listening to NEEDTOBREATHE in 2012 and liked them, but that concert sold me. There is nothing like listening to “Washed by the Water” live while standing in the rain. Some artists are only decent in the recording studio. NEEDTOBREATHE is even better live. Everything seemed to be going to right for NEEDTOBREATHE. They quickly became more popular and even performed gigs with Taylor Swift. Rivers in the Wasteland seems to be a result of this popularity. The band has gained confidence as they have gained
fans, and this album is their most personal yet, but the lyrics seem to get lost in some of the rhythms. NTB seems to be mimicking other bands’ sounds. They are straying away from their well known acoustic sound. The opening track “Wasteland” is the typical NEEDTOBREATHE song: great lyrics, but the tune is nothing out of their ordinary. “State I’m In” sounds slightly like a Beatles or Beach Boys song and is very unlike NEEDTOBREATHE. It makes me wonder if NTB is trying to add different styles to their repertoire. “Feet, Don’t Fail Me Now” is very electric. It’s not my favorite, but NTB’s ability to perform different musical styles seems to be why they are so widely liked. “Oh, Carolina” is an ode to Bo and Bear Rinehart’s home state, South Carolina, and tells of their missing it while on the road, almost like an acoustic “Sweet Home Alabama.” Bo
and Bear are the leaders of the group, and they are greatly to credit for NTB’s success. But once again, the lyrics really get lost in the song’s beat. “Difference Maker” is my favorite track on Rivers in the Wasteland. The lyrics really resonate with me: “We are all transgressors, we’re all sinners, we’re all astronauts/So if you’re beating death then raise your hand but shut up if you’re not.” Rivers in the Wasteland is also the most religious album NTB has published. They have always been categorized as a Christian rock band, but “Multiplied” is their first song that can be widely heard on Christian radio stations like KLOVE. “The Heart,” “Where the Money Is,” “Brother,” and “More Heart, Less Attack” complete this album. These are good tracks, but they are not super notable. “More Heart, Less Attack” is the slowest and most relaxing track on Rivers in the Wasteland. It is perhaps
the closest song to NEEDTOBREATHE’s original sound on that album. I like the pace of this album. Rivers in the Wasteland’s rhythms would make a great workout album. The songs steadily pick up rhythm, reach a climax, and then steadily slow down. Rivers in the Wasteland is quality music. This is not my favorite NEEDTOBREATHE album, but the songs seem to be catered to a wider audience unlike their earlier material on The Outsiders and The Reckoning. NTB’s earlier acoustic tracks will always have my heart, but these new tracks are likely to please other listeners.
“Something Beautiful” will always be my go-to NEEDTOBREATHE song for jam sessions in my car. NEEDTOBREATHE left quite a bit of breathing room on album. Rivers in the Wasteland is not going to be one of those album’s I listen to over and over again like Taylor Swift’s 1989. Maybe I am slightly biased, but as a longtime NEEDTOBREATHE fan, I believe that they should stay with their initial acoustic style and produce another album that leaves me needing to breathe.
February 13, 2015
12
OAK GROVE INSIDERS Down
1. “It’s all fair game.” 2. One of Oak Grove’s newest clubs is the _____ club. 4. This month’s center spread features the ______ and ______ of 2014. 5. 2014-15 Drama Competition Show 10. Don’t leave the room without a(n) _________.
Across
3. This teacher is unhealthily obsessed with Justin Timberlake. 4. “We stand proud and ____.” 6. Yearbook staff made a promotional video featuring this song. 7. The softball team is hosting a Fear the Spear ____ Tournament on February 13. 8. This teacher has the greatest beard in OG history. 9. Don’t ever step on the _________.
Bronze
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