Volume XLIV Issue 5
LV Berkner High School
1600 Spring Valley Road
March 8, 2013
Richardson, TX 75081
Making a STATEment
Basketball team makes state final four for second time in school history Story, Page 7
Political power of current high school/college generation Page 2
Movies more worthy of best picture
Spring Break hot spots Pages 4-5
Multicultural night photo essay Page 8
Page 6
Reviews
2
March 8, 2013
Millennial generation holds political power Forrest Milburn Staff Writer November 4, 2008 was considered by many as being one of the most historic elections in American presidential history for many reasons. First, an African American man was elected to the presidency for the first time in our nation’s history. Second, the election was the first time in decades where the states of North Carolina, Indiana, and Virginia, three solid Republican states, switched allegiance to vote for the Democratic Party. And last, the Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama won the highest popular vote percentage ever achieved since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. But, there is another reason why the 2008 presidential election was so historic, and is arguably the most important. It is not the large margin of the popular vote that was won, nor the states that switched their political allegiances, but what is the most important is actually the fact that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign was able to effectively connect with the Millennial Generation. This connection with the Millennial Generation, or the age group from 18 to 24 years old, has always been highly sought out by presidential candidates, because the Millennial Generation normally has a very low voter turnout percentage compared to other age groups. For instance, in 1996, the Millennial Generation’s voter turnout percentage was 37 percent, and it was consistently well below 40 percent throughout most of the 1990s. On the contrary, in 2008, 66 percent of Millennial voters turned out to vote, being the second largest Millennial turnout in history. This in turn signaled a reversal previous low-voter turnout rates. However, this reversal is not something that is necessarily set in stone, because the Millennial generation in the past has had large turnout rates,
Ages 18-24 voting numbers in recent elections
2012 Election Obama- 60 percent Romney- 37 percent 2008 Election Obama- 66 percent McCain- 32 percent 2004 Election Bush- 43 percent Kerry- 56 percent Source: Roper and then those rates have faltered. So, how can you effectively increase the Millennial Generation’s turnout rates? Well, candidates must appeal and reach out to the generation. Doing that is more complex than it is to appeal to other age groups. For example, one suggestion on how to increase turnout among the Millennial Generation is to use social media. This is a good suggestion, because nearly three in four of all Millennials use social media. Which means that the Millennial Generation would have much more access to a candidate’s message than if he/ she didn’t use social media. For instance, in 2008, the Obama campaign reached 5 million supporters on 15 different social networks over the course of the campaign season; by November 2008, Obama had approximately 2.5 million (some sources say as many as 3.2 million) Facebook supporters, 115,000 Twitter followers, and 50 million viewers on his YouTube channel. So, the social media sites gave Obama an upper hand in reaching out to not only the Millennial Generation, but also to every age group across the board. The second suggestion is not as easy. After the Millennial Generation has been reached through social media, they need to actually agree with the candidate’s views, which can leave some candidates in the dust if they hold different views. For example, the Millennial
Generation has consistently, but not absolutely, shown a lean to the Democratic Party. And the reasoning for this lean is, because of the shared views of the Democratic Party and the Millennial Generation. Some of these views can range from being more accepting of the idea of same-sex marriage, to being more defiant to the idea of war, to wanting more college loans readily available than other age groups. All of these views, for the most part, are a constant staple of the Democratic Party’s ideas, and also something that Barack Obama campaigned for in the 2008 and 2012 elections. For example, in the election of 2008, two thirds of the Millennial Generation chose Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama to be its president. This two thirds shows that the Millennial Generation voted as a “block,” towards the Democratic Party, instead of being split evenly like the Baby Boomer generation, the people born in 1946 to 1964, whom voted for Obama 50 percent to 49 percent for McCain. This “block” of voters, for now, seems to increase their turnout rates based on how a certain candidate tries to reach out to them, and how much the candidate agrees with them on key issues. And again, for now, the Democratic Party will continue to capture a high percentage of the Millennial Generation’s vote, because of the party’s shared viewpoints. This is also a huge plus for
Letters to the Editor In order to provide an open forum where students can discuss topics affecting their lives and education, the Rampage accepts Letters to the Editor. We offer the opportunity to encourage students, faculty members and patrons of the school to voice their opinion and use the newspaper as a medium for debate. We reserve the right to condense letters so they may fit the space requirements, or delete any that do not meet our standards of propriety. All letters must be signed; however, names will be withheld on request.
the Democratic Party, because it means that the party will have a good, solid base of voters in the upcoming elections decades away, as long as the “block” of voters actually stay a “block” of voters. On the contrary, as I have said before, this is all not set in stone. The Millennial Generation could lower its turnout rates, and could start to gradually be turned off to the Democratic Party as it ages, and may even be swayed to the Republican Party. For instance, the Republican base in the Northeast and to some extent the West, tend to be much more like the Millennial Generation than in other
regions, which could start to sway these voters. So, in the future, Republicans may be able to court a large percentage of the Millennial Generation’s votes, or at least split up the “block.” But no matter what, the Millennial Generation will continue to be a highly sought after “block” of voters who know what they want in a candidate, and could, as in previous elections, determine who is the winner in upcoming presidential elections.
Berkner Rampage 1600 Spring Valley Road Richardson, TX 75081 Editors-in-Chief Abby Hawthorne Ciara Mason Features Editor Harmony Holder Sports Editor Neyat Abraha Photo Editor Evelyn Alonso Assistant Photo Editor Charlie Gallegos Graphics Editor Gabe Medrano Staff Writers Tre Chappell Chinonye Duru Karilyn Gregson Forrest Milburn Michelle Pinilla Scarlett Smith Photographers Mario Espinoza Justin Jennings Maylan Raymundo Gaby Rodriguez Sponsor/Advisor Jarred Goodall Principal Mr. Ron Griffen
Spring Break
Must-See Places and Fun Idea
Cedar Hill State Park
Dallas World Aquarium
Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Oddtorium
Lake Ray Hubbard
The Trammel and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art
Dallas Zoo “They’ve added a huge African Safari section in the zoo in the last few years, and the zoo is an awesome place to see animals you’d never get to experience. The tigers are the best.”-Tre Chappell (Senior) Great Wolf Lodge “Great Wolf Lodge is a pretty fun place, I went there for my birthday a few years ago. It’s really family oriented and has an arcade and water park.”- Zachary Hernandez (Senior)
k Hot Spots
as For Spring Break in Dallas!
Dallas Arboretum House of Wax (As a part of Ripley’s Believe it or Not!) Frontiers of Flight Museum
Joe Pool Lake
The African American Museum
Ice Skating at the Galleria “The Galleria allows ice skating during any season, and in Texas it’s normally impossible. It’s a lot of fun and you get to watch professionals do really cool tricks occasionally.”-Mellina Araujo (Senior)
Dallas Museum of Art “I liked seeing art from different periods, it can really put things in perspective.” Paul Ong (Senior)
Reviews
6
March 8, 2013
In writers eyes’, Les Miserables tops Argo Tre Chappell
Staff Writer Recently, Argo beat out Les Miserables and Django Unchained for Best Picture at the 2013 Oscar ceremony. Argo is an amazing movie but, in this writer’s opinion, both Les Miserables and Django Unchained deserved to win over it. Argo is Ben Affleck’s latest film. This time, he both stars and directs the movie detailing the true story of a CIA operatives attempt to get six American hostages from Iran back to the United States without anyone finding out. The film is set during the Iran hostage Crisis in 1979. It shows Tony Mendez (Affleck) as he attempts to find a way to smuggle six U.S. Embassy hostages out of Iran without causing an international incident. The first hour or so of the film is Tony and the rest of CIA trying to figure out ways to save hostages. That first hour is good but the only reason that Argo deserved to be nominated for Best Picture is because of its second and third acts. Seeing and feeling the tension of Mendez’ plan working out is thrilling for those unfamiliar with the outcome of the story and still as exciting for the ones who know exactly what happened. But is it really a good enough movie to beat out Les Miserables? Tom Hopper directs the latest version on Les Miserables. The movie stars Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, a man who was sentenced to 19 years in prison after stealing a loaf of bread. He tries to atone for his sins while escaping the law and raising a daughter. The story really begins when Fantine dies and Jean Valjean, possessed with guilt, offers to take care of Cosette. Now, Jean must take care of her, while avoiding capture by his parole officer Javert (Russell Crowe) and take part
in the French Revolution. This film is a guaranteed tearjerker, filled with songs of loss and despair, but that does not mean that you will leave sad. The film’s main theme is redemption and that theme comes across beautifully. Also, deserving to beat out Argo is Django Unchained. Django Unchained is a violent tale of revenge filled with eccentric characters with even more outlandish personalities. Quentin Tarantino’s latest masterpiece is set in the Old West and stars Jamie Foxx as Django, a former slave that is looking for his wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington). When Django meets up with Dr. Schultz (Christoph Waltz), they embark on a mission to kill the Brittle Brothers and then to save Broomhilda. This, being a Tarantino film, certain things are expected, and this film delivers all of that plus more. There are massive gunfights, witty dialogue, and even a couple of explosions and none of them feel out of place within the story. The story telling in Les Miserables is why I think it deserved to win Best Picture. It captivates you from the beginning and makes you feel the character’s pain. The songs are also beautifully sung and you really feel the emotion pouring out of the screen. The banter between Jean and Javert alone was enough to win me over. Also, Django Unchained deserved a win strictly because of its characters. What other movie made you feel a slight pain in your chest when a slave owner died? Or scared of the hero being unable to save his Damsel in Distress? You may even find yourself defending some of the character’s dumber actions. Though Argo was a good film none, of the characters aside from the main, actually stand out. That’s not to say that they were bad actors, they were
The latest installment of Les Miserables received a Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. However, it, along with Django Unchained and six other motion pictures fell short against Argo, who brought home the statue. all good, but none of them could match Ben when he was on screen. I do not think that you can have an Oscar winning movie where you only care about the main character. When I look back at that movie, I only think of three characters, and none of them are one of the six hostages. I’m happy that Affleck is finally get-
ting noticed for his skills as a director but I do not think he deserved this Oscar, but I’m sure that by the next time he will genuinely deserve the win. They were all great movies and Argo definitely deserved to be nominated but I feel that Les Miserables definitely deserved the win.
After multiple decades, the Scorpions still have it Karilyn Gregson Staff Writer I spend quite a lot of time at the library. I was just starting to get into the Scorpions when I happened to come across “Sting In The Tail,” their most recent album at the library, which cane out in 2010. I’m not usually a fan of newer material by classic bands, but this just blew me away. It has just the right blend of hard rock songs and sad ballads to make it enjoyable to listen to for long periods of time. The Scorpions first started releasing albums in 1972 with Lonesome Crow, which guitarist Rudolf Schenker’s brother Michael played. Michael Schenker eventually joined UFO and was replaced by Uli Jon Roth, who was later replaced by the current guitarist, Matthias Jabs. The Scorpions had several controversial album covers that had
to be edited to be less offensive in the United States, like Virgin Killer (1976), Lovedrive (1979) and Love At First Sting (1984). The current lineup consists of Klaus Meine on vocals, Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs on guitar, Francis Buchholz on bass, and James Kottak on drums. “Sting In The Tail” starts out powerfully, with “Raised On Rock.” This song is a testament to how important rock is to the band and how important it has been to them over the years. The next song, “Sting In The Tail,” was very unusual, due to the strange guitar tone. It is an interesting and catchy song. My overall favorite from the album is a heavy song called “Slave Me.” This song definitely defines what I like to refer to as “hard hitting and heavy rock and roll.” It’s only about two and a half minutes long, but it’s a great song.
This song reminds me of ‘Too Young To Fall In Love” by Motley Crue, having similar riffs and whatnot. Following that is a dismal, depressing, but realistic song named “The Good Die Young.” After I first listened to it, I couldn’t move. It just hit me so hard because that song is brutally honest. The following song was much less dismal, “No Limit>.” I had it stuck in my head after I stopped listening to the album. It’s also pretty heavy, which is probably why I like it so much. The song after that is also catchy and heavy, named “Rock Zone.” After “Rock Zone” comes another dismal and depressing song called “Lorelei,” not to be confused with the much happier and brighter Styx song with the same title. Like “No Limit,” this song also sticks in my head. The next song, “Turn You
On,” actually that makes me laugh. I don’t think it was intended to make you react that way, but it’s just hilarious to me. Most songs with this subject matter tend to be funny to me. It’s still a great song with catchy riffs. Following “Turn You On,” is probably the most dismal and depressing song that I’ve ever heard, “Sly.” It has the right blend of sad lyrics and dismal melodies to make me spontaneously burst into tears whenever I listen to it. I never expected a band like Scorpions to have a song this depressing. I love the song, but I have to skip over it because of its tendency to make me spontaneously burst into tears. After “Sly” is “Spirit Of Rock,” my second favorite from the album. It’s so happy and uplifting. Unfortunately, it’s also an earworm, which seems to be the case with
most songs by Scorpions. The final song, “The Best Is Yet To Come,” starts out like it’s going to be a morbid song. When the intro started, I thought, “Oh god, not another depressing song.” But I was wrong. It’s a great power ballad, right in the middle of what seems to be the ocean of black and white in this album. The producer, Mikael Nord Andersson, a man used to producing non-English speaking rockers, did a good job of producing the album. I would recommend this album to anyone who likes the Scorpions. Also, if you like Def Leppard, Accept or AC/ DC you would also like this album. It’s amazing, considering their age, that they can still go out and rock like no time has passed between 1972 and now. I definitely consider the Scorpions to be hard hitting and heavy rock and roll.
Sports
March 8, 2013
7
State-road continues in Austin tonight From Rampage Staff Reports Jesuit (later
Going into this season, senior forward Soma Edo identified the team’s main goal as going to state. For the second time in school history, the Berkner Rams boys’ basketball team has accomplished that goal, punching its ticket to the 5A boys’ state final four this weekend in Austin. “It’s a big relief,” Edo said. “It feels like all the weight has been taken off my shoulders. But, we still have not finished yet.” The Rams will face off against Fort Bend Travis tonight, at 8:30 p.m. at the Frank Erwin Center. “Their [Fort Bend Travis’] guards are very big and skilled, and you surround them with good shooters, it stretches the floor,” BHS boys’ basketball coach Jason Petty said. “But, I feel good about our defense.” Coach Petty added that his team is not looking at this accomplishment from a historical perspective. “We are living in the moment,” coach Petty said. “We are not looking at this from a historical perspective. I am very proud of this team and how far they have come.” This team has come a long way, starting when this year’s seniors hit the Berkner basketball court three years ago with lofty expectations, which continued this year. “Our obstacles [this year] have been being the favorite,” coach Petty said. “We took people’s best shots all year, and that says a lot for our kids.” The team faced tough opponents, starting with the Houston tournament in November, continuing with the Whataburger tournament in December, through the district season and in the playoffs, adding up to a record of 33 wins against just five losses. “We kept on playing through, and here we are today, packing our bags to go where some people dream of going,” Edo said. The team continued to show it was battle tested during an undefeated district run, including defeating both
a third time in the postseason) and Richardson twice, (two teams that advanced to the third round of the playoffs this season), and through the five required victories to earn a spot at the state final four. When asked if he felt that the team faced any serious danger of falling out of the Senior foward Soma E. leaps to block the shot of his Spring Westfield opponent. playoffs, Edo The Rams defeated Westfield, 64-58, in overtime to advance to the Regional Final, talked about where they defeated Austin Anderson, 66-52, to advance to Berkner’s second final that possifour in school history. The Rams earned a final four berth also in 2006. (Photo probility when vided by Anthony Nguyen.) the Rams were set to on the floor,” coach Darnell said. “We Rams led Boyd by just three entering face Jesuit for dominated the overtime and won the fourth quarter, and it took overthe third time this season, in the third the game. I knew we had something time to defeat Spring Westfried), the round. special.” Rams came out in victorious fashion. “[I was worried] when we were goThe following day, in the regional “We look at state tournaments, ing to play Jesuit for the third time,” final against Austin Anderson, coach districts, and undefeated records as Edo said. “But it really didn’t bother Petty knew his team was ready for the destinations, not as goals,” coach me because I knew it was a playoff start to clinch a berth in Austin. Petty said. “Our main goal was to get game, and whoever wanted it more “I could tell our team was focused better and closer as a team.” would leave it out on the floor.” and were ready before [the game],” The Rams faced another test In the The Rams did just that against Jesuit, coach Petty said. “I could tell they advancing to the regional tournament. regional semifinal against Spring wanted to win.” Westfried on March 1. The Rams The Rams started out hot, jumping And the Rams did just that, taking out to a 32-9 lead. The Rangers cut the overcame a six-point deficit late to tie complete control in the third quarthe game and send it to overtime. In lead to three, but could not get any ter en route to a 66-52 win. Junior the extra period, the Rams shut down closer, as the Rams advanced to the guard led the Rams in scoring with Westfield, not allowing a single point, regional tournament in Waco for the 17 points, along with dishing out 10 on the way to a 64-58 victory. first time since 2007. assists. It was right then when Rams boys’ Also, the playoff process, the Rams Tonight, the ride continues in Austin, varsity basketball assistant coach Loavenged two of their five losses renzo Darnell felt that he was part of a with the eyes of Texas watching. during the season with defeats over “I want us to play well, represent our McKinney Boyd in the first round, and state final four team. school and represent our community,” “The kids fought back to tie the Spring Westfried in the state semifinal. coach Petty said. “It’s a great time to game and send it to overtime without Despite scares from both teams (the our best player (Kendal Yancy-Harris) be a Ram!”
Baseball hits the field in search of playoffs Chinonye Duru Sfatt Writer Absent from the playoffs the last two season, the BHS’ baseball team hopes to return to the playoffs this year. The team seeks its first playoff apearence with coach JP Tovar, who is in his third year in charge. The team began their first district game wih a thrilling 1-0 win on March 5 at Lake Highlands, junior Jacob Patterson pitched six innings and earned his third victory of the seaon. “I felt good about the game. The team did a really good job, and we have an amazing pitcher,” said coach Tovar This season, the team moves forward with each game in hopes of making it to playoffs, becoming district champs and winning the state title. “The team is doing well so far. It’s their third year with me, we’re all used to one another and they know my expectations.” said coach Tovar The key returness, junior Jacob Patterson, and seniors Chris Cuellar, Alec Hendricks and William Clark, lead the team this year with all their experi-
Junior infielder Nate V. (Photo provided by Ciara Mason.) ence and knowledge of the game. New players on the team include sophomores Obi Obinya, Tommy Kim, Austin Beller, and junior Isiah Guzman,who continue learn the more about the team.
Photo essay
8
March 8, 2013
Multicultural night shines again March 5 marked seventh annual celebration of cultures
Photos provided by Jarred Goodall
Berkner students dress up in their Asian outfits.
Three BHS students and a BHS graduate dawn their African clothing.
AP Economics teacher Mr. Dean Webb plays Chinese Chess with a student.
Durique R. samples some of the night’s cuisine.
Alessa S. and Manuel G. dance, salsa-style.