Volume XLIV Issue 2
LV Berkner High School
1600 Spring Valley Road
November 2, 2012
Richardson, TX 75081
Title contenders Boys’, girls basketball seasons start with district, state crowns in mind Team previews, Page 7
BHS’ presidental election poll Pages 4-5
Cyber-book challenges Page 2
November 2, 2012 Commentary The Cyber-Book challenge Ciara Mason
Editor-in-Chief
Berkner High School continues to experiment with the new cell phone/bring your own device (BYOD) policies. In a previous issue, the Rampage did a segment on the new cell phone policy and how technology is used to advance the education of students. This newly implemented policy has received remarkably positive feedback from students and teachers alike. “I love that the district has been more lenient with technology use! It’s much easier to figure things out and do my own research, rather than having to wait for the teacher to explain things his/ her way,” said senior Laura Owens. Now Berkner High school, along with all of RISD, may soon face the choice of using paper textbooks or to issue online textbooks in the form of an iPad or kindle. However, many concerns exist when considering a transition from written text to cyber text. As far as Berkner High School administrators are concerned, the School Board has not been talking about the subject, if they have been at all. Many students want the innovation; they feel it would be beneficial to their education and make it easier to get through their classes. When asked how she would feel about the transition coming into play, Senior Melissa Sanders said, “Technology in the class room that’s available to all students would make learning easier and create a fun environment.” However the transition would open a Pandora’s box of questions; like would issuing students kindle or iPad, which would have their textbooks downloaded, be beneficial? If such a thing were given to students, what financial factors would be an issue? Also, How would the school be able to stop theft from occurring with the highpriced electronics? In addition, what will happen to all the left over books
Junior Brandon Keel peruses his textbook on the computer. (Photo provided by Maylan Raymundo.) after they are considered ‘obsolete?’ These questions and many more must be answered before the School Board can even begin talking about a ‘switch.’ Obviously, there are many pros to switching from printed, hardback books to cyberbooks; one being the weight of a kindle, iPad or tablet. Personally, I carry many books around in addition to a laptop, for personal and school use. My teachers require me some days to have my books with me in class because they do not have enough books for a class set. There are times that I get stuck carrying three books for the entire day. My locker is too out of the way and it is too time consuming to drop my books off in it. I have found, however that it is often easier to use physical books over Internet books in certain subjects, mathematics for example. Many students use their mathematics books as a desk to do their homework on, as they look at the problems in the book, something not possible with smallscreened technology. In this case, a book would be better than a kindle, iPad, or tablet. But, as explained eariler, not all subjects are able to have a class set of books. Cost is an obvious factor, in my conversation with Mr. McKay, we discussed cost that reselling text books would only give us pennies on the dollar for each, hardly sufficient funds to ob-
tain something like a kindle. Also, parents may be a little disconcerted with the idea of their teenager running around with expensive technology, so why not use the STEM system of insurance? With STEM, you can get cheap insurance for the entire year and if the laptop is broken, have it replaced. If you claim your laptop stolen, you will only get another laptop if you report it. If you fail to report but still have insurance, you will still have to pay the full cost to get another laptop. Parent and geometry teacher Mrs. Tanya Gent shares her standpoint on the issue, “As a teacher I think that it would be much easier for students to use the technology, but as a parent I would have to worry about [it] getting stolen.” As described earlier, Berkner STEM program has already had a taste of what it’s like to use school-issued laptops for their multitude of engineering courses for the past couple of years. STEM student Anthony Johnson said, “It is a great, easy to reach resource for students, but it comes with a great deal of responsibility. It may make class work easier, but I feel that too many laptops are given to students who lack the liability to carry one.” After interviewing Mr. McKay over what he feels would be beneficial about the technology he said “size, also the iPad seems to be more stu-
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.
dent friendly with all the new apps you can get, I’m sure loving mine. The iPad also has more functions that are appropriate for 21st century learning. ” However, he also shared some negative aspects to transitioning to something like an iPad. “If I had three cons, one would be the expense of the iPad if it gets broken and the possibility of not backing up your information onto a Cloud, theft and loss may also be an issue.” Research shows that there are definitely multiple positions one could take on the
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subject, after all, who’s going to steal a hardback schoolbook unless they lost theirs, of course. It is clear that the administrators could go either way with the decision if it came about, but as a textbook officer Mr. Mckay agrees that even with the large expense, it is possible that the benefits could outweigh the cons. The appropriate students think that electronics would make it easier on their back, as well as their workload. But will the school board allow such a change to take place? Only time will tell.
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
News
November 2, 2012
4 more years?
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Will people re-elect president Obama, or choose Mitt Romney
Cartoon by Nehemias Arguenta.
Scarlett Smith
Staff Writer
Arguably one of the most newsworthy events which takes place every four years will occur on Tuesday Nov. 6: The presidential election. While it is certain that most adults will pay attention, should teenagers and students be concerned as well? Running against incumbent, Barack Obama, is Republican nominee, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and his running mate, Wisconsin governor Paul Ryan. In the four years that President Obama has been in office, he has accomplished many things; such as passing health care reform, helping with LGBT (lesbian gay bi transgender) civil rights, increasing student loans and improving benefits for veterans. With the conservative views of Romney against more liberal views of Obama, whoever wins the election will surely shape the lives of every American during their presidential term. Mitt Romney has accomplished many things as governor of Massachusetts as well. For example, he created new jobs, gave full scholarships to top Massachusetts high school students, and preserved womens’ rights to choose when it came to abor-
tion. Recently, a poll was conducted asking 358 Berkner students whom they would vote for if they had (or have) the ability to vote. Their options were Obama, Romney or “no preference/neither.” Along with those choices, they also had the option to give an explanation as to why they chose who they chose. Many people who were surveyed were not shy on voicing why they chose who they chose. There were many reasons such as, “Obama supports gay rights,” “We can’t have a fraud (Romney) guiding the US,” “Obama hasn’t done anything,” and “Mitt Romney has a solid plan to help our country.” When totalling all voting options, “Obama,” “Romney,” and “No preference/neither,” of the 358 students polled, 53.4 percent were for Obama, 22.3 percent chose Romney, and 24.3 percent didn’t have a preference. When taking into account only the Obama or Romney option, a whopping 70.5 percent were for Obama against a 29.5 vote percent for Romney. However, based on recent polls taken in America, Romney is catching up to Obama fast. Since President Obama’s disappointing performance during the first debate, more people have
been leaning toward Romney, even after Obama’s successes in the second and third debates. As of recently, Obama has 237 electoral votes and Romney is close behind with 235. According to Rasmussen Reports. The toss up (or undecided) states are Nevada, Colorado, Wisconsin, Ohio, Virginia, and Iowa. States like Wisconsin can be concerning for Obama
Mr. McKay authors children’s book Mr. Daniel McKay, assistant principal for students letters S-Z at Berkner High School, (or as his publishing cohorts know him, D. Lorrin McKay), has published his first of hopefully several children’s books. The book is titled (I’ve Got a Bug on My Tongue), and is due out in early November 2012. I’ve Got A Bug on My Tongue is directed toward early and beginner readers and reflects Mr. McKay’s imagination, ingenuity, love for and dedication to reading and children. I’ve got a Bug on My Tongue is a day in the life of an incredible little bug and his boy. “Reading sets the tone for everything else in life, in my opinion,” said Mr. McKay. “I have promoted reading, practiced reading, and yes even learned by reading, now I hope to encourage others to read at an early age with books like I’ve Got A Bug On My Tongue.”-Rampage Staff seeing as they are traditionally democratic states. Perhaps the main reason Wisconsin is concerning is because that governor, Paul Ryan, is running for vice president along with Romney. Although some say things aren’t looking too good for Obama, a recent poll taken by Rasmussen Reports shows that 51 percent of the people polled believe that Obama will win, while 39 percent expect Romney to win. The confidence level for Romney though has been rising and is at it’s highest level since late August. With the polls changing everyday, it’s hard to tell for certain who will win the presidency. However, with Election Day inching closer, it will either be four more years of Obama or a new presidential reign with Romney.
2012 Presiden Berkner High School Vote
The Voice of Berkner
Real answers to the question: Why would you vote for Romney or Obama?
I’m voting for Romney because I want America to succeed, and I want a president that is man enough to make claims and actually back them up.
“I feel as if Obama will aid in giving rights back to the American people that have been denied them.“
“Romney seems to have developed more of a plan than Obama and I’m more confident with his plan of action,”
“Obama’s been good these past four years. I don’t see why we need to change presidents.”
“I don’t care about politics...” “I don’t like either candidates...”
ntial Election Popular Vote Predicitions
The Teacher’s Word on Voting
Why do you think it’s important for students to Vote their Senior year or after they get out of high school?
I think there are people in the world that would love to vote. People have died for these rights. It is an obligation for students to vote and a priveldge as well.- Mrs. Joni Walther, AP US History and Government teacher.
Reviews
6
November 2, 2012
5 scariest bands of all time Karilyn Gregson
Staff Writer
So this time around I have decided to do something a little different. This time, I created biographies of the top five scariest bands. I define scary as lyrical, not just visual. Scary lyrics can be just as frightening as scary makeup and masks. The contenders are Rob Zombie, Slipknot, Slayer, Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper. Number 5- Alice Cooper: This man invented the rock and roll horror show. He has hung, guillotined and even stabbed himself on stage. He is the first male rock-and-roll singer to wear makeup and dresses while performing. In the 1970s, Cooper was one of the most notorious and controversial figures in rock-and-roll. I put him on this list because of his creepy makeup and his death acts on stage. Overall, he has sold 50 million albums worldwide and is currently on tour in the U.S. and Canada. Number 4- Black Sabbath: If you have ever listened to their first album, you would know why I put them on this list. They basically set the standard for scary lyrics and filled their songs with a creepy and disturbing atmosphere. The eeriness of Ozzy Osborne’s vocals and the creepiness that Bill Ward can create on the drums are perfect. I put them on here because when I listened to their first album, it gave me nightmares. That is how scary they are. Overall, they have sold 70 million albums worldwide, and were planning a reunion tour, but it got cancelled due to Tony Iommi’s heath conditions. Number 3- Slayer: Like Black Sabbath, they are lyrically scary. At one point in their career, they were falsely
Cartoon by Gabe Medrano. accused of being Nazis, white supremacists and Satanists. With song titles like “Dead Skin Mask” and “Criminally Insane,” it is hard not to be scared of them. I put them on this list mostly because of their lyrical content and Kerry King (guitarist) looks like he is going to beat people with his guitar. Overall, they have sold from 15 million to 35 million albums worldwide and are currently on tour in Japan and Australia.
Number 2- Slipknot: They are literally the most unrecognizable band. It is nearly impossible to find a picture of them without their masks. Hailing from Iowa, the band includes nine members (only five actually play instruments.) Like Alice Cooper and Slayer, they have also been in the spotlight of controversy. Their song “Disasterpiece” was used as a defense for two young murderers in 2003, and the song “Surfacing’ was used
as a defense for someone robbing a grave. I put them on this list because of their masks and their music videos. (Have you seen the Psychosocial or Dead Memories music video?) Overall, they have sold 20 million albums worldwide and are not currently on tour. Number 1- Rob Zombie: Influenced by horror, Rob Zombie first took the stage in the 1980s under the name of Rob Straker in the band White Zombie. He legally changed his name in 1995 to Rob Zombie and started a solo career. He is very similar to Alice Cooper in many ways, like wearing makeup and changing his name. In addition to being a musician, he has directed and produced horror films such as Halloween, The Devil’s Rejects, and House Of 1000 Corpses. I put him first on this list mostly because of his sick and twisted mind, (Just watch his movies, it is obvious). Overall, he has sold 15 million albums worldwide and is currently on tour with Marilyn Manson.
Movie brings out ‘perfect’ laughs Forrest Milburn
Staff Writer
I couldn’t refrain myself from jumping out of my seat during Jason Moore’s first shot at directing in the recent hit comedy Pitch Perfect. The movie opens up with the Barden Bellas, an all-girl acapella singing group from Barden College, performing at Lincoln Center in the National Acapella Finals vying to beat the reigning champions also from Barden College, the allboy group, the Treble Makers. Later in the movie we meet Becca, a freshman at Barden College played by Anna Hendrick, who has her own problems as well as aspirations, Most of these do not include being socially active at a university she never wanted to attend. Throughout the film, Becca must learn what it is she actually wants from life and college. So she has to go through a lot of problems with friends, relationships
and family. Along the way, she meets people who care about her, people she will cherish forever. She finally realizes why she cannot seem to hold a steady relationship with anyone.She tries to understand her father-daughter relationship and what it has to do with her life and how she works. Becca can also belt something fierce, and is able to tie that in to her passion for arranging music and DJ-ing. Becca, as the character represents, seems to be a mixture of a lot of different types of people, Some who have problems. and some who do not. They all have goals in their lives and they will do whatever it takes to achieve them, even if it means joining an allgirl acapella group. Singing boring songs, while fighting with the head honcho Aubrey, to get some recognition. In the end, things work out for all members of the group, sort-of, and there are some hilarious moments throughout. In fact, the promotion of
the movie did not even touch the tip of the iceberg when it came to how funny this movie is. Of course, Fat Amy, portrayed by Rebel Wilson, was the inspiration to see the film by people I know, including myself, but she came a close second in terms of laugh-outloud moments. Leading this category was Hana Mae Lee as Lilly, the quiet, yet outspoken new girl in the Barden Bellas. Lee’s acting and almost stereotypical portrayal of Lilly was fantastic and so were the short, jawdropping hilarious phrases she says under her breath during the film. Do not get me wrong; the way Rebel Wilson portrayed Fat Amy as an arrogant New Zealand freshman to Barden College was fantastic, Especially when she made comments on some of the things that occur in the group and on other people like on Bumper the lead Treble Maker, with whom she seems to have an ongoing battle throughout the
film. Basically, if you are a fan of movies like Brides Maids or, frankly, comedy in general, then you definitely should go and see this movie. You will not be disappointed by the acting of Anna Hendricks, Rebel Wilson or my personal favorite, Hana Mae Lee. Also, you will not be disappointed in the other character roles, such as Bumper and Aubrey, and you could find many serious aspects of the film, like Jesse and Becca’s “relationship” (If that is what they would call it…) enticing if that is something you enjoy in a film. Another factor in the movie is director Jason Moore. Given that Pitch Perfect is his first time directing a full-length feature film, he had a lot of pressure to prove himself as being a talented director in the mainstream film industry, and a lot of people who saw the movie, including myself, would say he accomplished just that and more. Moore
has directed many musical and theatre productions for Broadway, including Shrek the Musical and Steel Magnolias. Moore has also had some experience with directing television episodes ranging from Dawson’s Creek to Everwood, and he has also written a play called The Floatplane Notebooks. It goes without saying, that I highly recommend seeing any future films by Jason Moore, because he certainly is showing some potential. The only criticism I would have about this film is that it does not show off some of the other characters, like Cynthia Rose and Stacie. When they were featured, they were hilarious and delivered some pretty good lines, and I felt like the screen writers pushed them to the side. Other than that, the film was full of laughs, innuendos, music and a little drama. It also contained a plethora of fantastic acting.
Reviews/Sports
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November 2, 2012
Basketball teams hit hardwood Boys’ preview
Girls’ preview
Chinonye Duru
Michelle Pinilla Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Last season, the BHS boys’ basketball team made it past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2006. This year, the team plans to advance even further. After five seasons as the assistant head coach, Jason Petty was pressed into service as varsity head coach on an interim basis. Often times, when a team gets a new coach, they go through a period of transition, where they have to adjust to a new routine. However, regardless of the routine, Junior Robert Johnson is determined that this year will be a success. “I’ve failed over and over again in my life and that’s why I succeeded,” said Johnson. Coach Petty has high expectations, including a winning effort from the team. “This is a tough league. Everybody’s good, and everybody gives good effort,” said Petty. This year’s team has many returning players, including captains, Kendall Harris and Soma Edo, who have been offered many college scholarships due to their outstanding performances on the court. Several players have been recruited, some having already made their decision as to colleges. Captains Edo and Harris encourage their team to work hard. “Our team works hard, and our goal is to win district, 5A, and state,” said Edo. Harris is very determined, and expects the team will win state this year. “We’re packing our bags right now,” said Harris. Some obstacles that the team has faced so far are minor injuries, and lack of time to work on elimnating their errors, due to limited amount of morning practices. The challengers this year for district include Jesuit, Skyline and Lake Highlands. Even though the team has been to the playoffs eight years in a row now, the goal is to make it even further in the playoffs then ever before. The team reached the State Semi Finals in 2006. This year’s group hopes to win the State title. “Were going to win state, no doubt,” said junior Quinton Gillette. The Rams first game is on Nov. 13 at Rockwall-Heath.
It is that time of year, when the girls hit the floor for another season. The Berkner’s girls’ basketball team aims for a third straight play-off appearance this year. While the girls are getting ready and pumped up, they have set new goals for this year’s season together. Not only will it take stamina and determination to get to the playoffs, but it also takes teamwork and patience. Girls’ basketball coach Mrs. Crystal Jones commented on the team’s goals. “Our goals are to go out there and play hard,” said Coach Jones. With the help of key returnees, Juniors Jaileen Thomas, Charlisa Sanders and Chantel White; along with senior Rachel Green, the Lady Rams hope to advance further then ever before. Green shared some of her goals. “My goal is to be a leader for the team, make alot of 3 pointers, and to show everyone how hard we worked.” This year, the team is really focused on showing its strengths and techniques throughout its games and letting hard work shine through. Coach Jones made it very clear as to what her expected strengths of the team are. “The team needs to have an effective defense, and thats it,” said Jones. So, with the help of the new players such as sophomore Chelsea Shimmers, this strength will be revealed. “My goals are to play and work as hard as “ can with and for the team,” Shimmers said. As the new players on the girls’ basketball team expressed, the girls want to make it to the playoffs, just as badly as their teammates. As the seasons go by, the team faces more difficult challenges and individually face more obstacles. “Our challenges are working as a team and really focusing in our games,” Thomas said. Berkner’s girls’ basketball team is expected to go against other strong teams in the district, such as Richardson and Skyline. According to Coach Jones, Richardson and Skyline will strong. While basketball season starts in the fall, the girls have been warming up and practicing each day before their first game. “We’ve been practicing mostly on our shooting, conditioning, and skill work,” Thomas said. The first game is on Nov. 6 at BHS at 6 p.m.
‘Smiley’ brings some smiles, but not worth cost Tre Chappell
Staff Writer
On Oct. 12, Level 10 Films released Smiley, a horror film that follows a slightly eccentric girl named Ashley (played by Caitlin Gerard) as she fights against a killer, who appears every time someone types “I did it for the lulz” three times in a video chat. The movie begins with a babysitter and little girl talking about webcam chats and urban legends of the Internet. The little girl starts explaining Smiley (played by Michael Traynor), a killer who shows up to kill anybody on the receiving end of an “I did it for the lulz”. Later, as the babysitter is alone on her webcam, somebody types, “I did it for the lulz” three times to her and we see Smiley murder his first victim. Then we switch to Ashley,
our main character, as she talks with her dad about leaving for college and living in a dorm. Ashley goes to her new dorm and meets Proxie, (played by Melanie Papalia) a troll on a popular Internet website, and her new roommate. She is invited to a party happening that night. When they get to the party, we meet Binder (played by Shane Dawson), a social outcast and Zane (played by Andrew James Allen). Zane makes Binder leave and starts to talk to the two girls before being interrupted by a group of people crowding around a computer. It turns out that they are testing the Smiley myth too and we get a shot of the babysitter being murdered. This scares Ashley and she goes back to her dorm with Proxie. To calm Ashley down Proxie suggests that they try it on some random person on chat roulette to show that it is
just a joke, they do it and see Smiley kill another person. Later on, the girls go to another party and Ashley talks to Zane about what she did. Zane says that he has done it, too. As the party ends and Ashley starts walking back to her dorm alone, Smiley begins chasing her. She manages to outrun him until she gets back to her dorm, where he is waiting. Smiley rips her shirt and she passes out, only to wake up in her own bed screaming. Proxie runs in and Ashley tries to explain what has happened, but it does not work until she mentions how she thinks that Smiley does not just kill the victim, but he also kills the person who typed. Ashley starts to have a mental breakdown, so she goes to a psychiatrist, where we learn this is not the first time she has had mental issues. After the meeting, she meets with Zane and Proxie
and learns that some people from the party have not been around recently. They talk for a while and agree to keep in constant contact with each other. Ashley tries to go study but has another breakdown in the library and is caught on camera smashing her laptop. After that, she calls the police and tries to explain what is happening. They laugh it off and show that the video of her smashing the laptop has gone viral. They tell her to go see a shrink and dismiss her claims. Proxie leaves to visit her family, leaving Ashley alone in the dorm where the movie begins its climax. This movie starts off with a great introduction. It shows when and how Smiley kills. His background, as all the evil of the Internet personified, is one of the most original I have heard in a while. There are two versions of the film out right now, PG-13 and a Rated R. I saw the Rated R
version and could have easily seen the PG-13 version and not missed anything. The gore chasers will not get very much out of this and a couple of extra cuss words do nothing to change the experience. Caitlin Gerard as Ashley is a cookie0cutter performance. Caitlin’s performance was not actually bad or great, just decent. The rest of the cast was the same. There are no breakout performances, but there are also no horrible ones. Smiley may make you smile a little while you are in the theater, but it will be easily forgotten by the next week. This movie will not be winning any awards for best movie, but it is still far from horrible. If you want to see this movie you should either wait until it goes to Netflix or shows on cable.