Octoberedition2013

Girls bring back vintage trend

Teens idolize unruly stars

Australian band brings synth pop to America

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the COURIER douglascourier.com

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School• 5901 Pine Island Road Parkland, FL• Volume 26 • No.1• October 2013

Eagles’ football breaks into new era Page 19

Index

News......................1-5 Feature..................6-9 Entertainment..10-13 Editorial............14-15 Sports................16-19

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The Courier

News

October 2013

Principal Ty Thompson advocates positivity JILLIAN MEDINA Staff Writer

Photo by Albert Aronov

Principal Ty Thompson speaks with Assistant Principal Jeff Morford (left) during lunch.

In his quest to boost school spirit, Thompson was voluntarily caked at the Homecoming pep rally.

After 20 years of climbing the administrative ranks, Ty Thompson has achieved his goal of becoming a principal.

Thompson’s main desire for Douglas is to make it the number one school in the state with well-rounded academics, activities and sports.

“Most students will come up to me and I will be happy to talk to them about anything,” Thompson said. “My goal is to be more visible around the school and interact with the students, and that’s what I love mostinteracting with the kids.”

Thompson, a former teacher at Plantation High School and graduate of Florida State University, still has season tickets to the FSU games. With his school spirit and previous sponsoring of

Plantation High’s student government, Thompson works closely with such school organizations to increase the Douglas fervor.

“I’m trying to get on the announcements more often and be enthusiastic,” Thompson said. “I’m hoping that the energy with the staff and myself will help with the school spirit.”

Thompson’s new motto for the school, “be positive, be passionate, and be proud to be an Eagle,” solidifies his steps toward increased school spirit.

“I think by just having a positive environment in the school it filters down to the kids,” Thompson said. “When they get that positive reinforcement from their teachers, the students become passionate about what they are doing, and it will translate into student achievement.”

October 2013

The Courier

New club instills HOPE

News

ALEXANDRA BARRY

Staff Writer In an effort to promote suicide awareness, peer counseling created the HOPE (Helping Overcome Problems Effectively) club.

The death by suicide rate increased dramatically over the past few years and has begun to take a toll on schools and others around the world. According to NY Daily News, nearly one in six high school students has seriously considered suicide.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statethat for youth between the ages of 10 and 24, suicide is the third leading cause of death.

“We want to show students that they’re not alone, and there are people who actually care,” senior Monica Rojas said. “We also want to show the students how to detect suicide symptoms.”

The club, started by peer counseling students and Rountree, intends to spread the word that suicide is never the answer.

“Bailey’s mom and some of her closest friends approached me in regards to starting Photo by Albert Aronov this club, in result of losing Bailey,” peer counseling Yoga enthusiast Rachel Ovadía practices the eagle pose in the teacher Laura Rountree said. school’s gym during the Yogathon.

T h e y attest to the fact that students always have someone to help them.

“We just want to let people know how suicide affects everyone and help teens that are possibly going through the same thing that Bailey went through,” senior Rebecca Foley said.

The club led the school in the Yogathon on September 8 in order to raise money for H.O.P.E. club. They intend to take part in several more events to raise awareness for this cause.

Douglas pays tribute to 9/11 hero ALEXA KRAVITZ Special to The Courier As Americans observed the 12th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, Stoneman Douglas commemorated the life of Richard “Richie” Wentz with a memorial plaque situated under the American flag at the front entry to the school.

A former security specialist at the school, Wentz was a first responder on September 11th, running into Tower 1 of the World

Trade Center and pulling people out before the building collapsed.

Living in New York at the time, Wentz was an NYPD detective and a volunteer firefighter.

As a result of inhaling the dust and debris at the site, Wentz developed lung cancer.

He passed away May 2013.

“Richie was everything that a man wants to grow up to be,” social studies teacher Richard Mendelson said. “He was brave, compassionate, selfless, and strong. He made people happy.”

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Show choir open to all students ALYSSA FELLER Staff Writer The Eagles Singers Show Choir has been part of Chorus since 2001. This year, for the first time ever, the show choir ensemble was offered to the entire school and not just students enrolled in the chorus class.

“I opened the show choir to the whole school as an effort to give a quality music performance to more students,” chorus director Gerald Armbrister said.

After being selected through an audition process, the 24 members

attend practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 to 4:30 in the chorus room. At practice, students learn various pop songs and show tunes.

After they finish learning the song, student choreographer Ashley Longman teaches the group a dance to perform while singing.

“We are looking forward to generating more school pride through lunchtime performances in the courtyard and at the basketball games,” Armbrister said.

Two new assistant principals join MSD team JOANNA ZHUANG Staff Writer Douglas introduces new members to its team of administrators for the 2013-2014 school year.

With the departure of principal Washington Collado, former assistant principal Ty Thompson now presides over Douglas’ student body.

Assistant principal, Lucille Flynn, is now second in command at the school.

“As administrator over 12th grade, I hope to help the students by keeping them on track academically, keeping them here as far as attendance goes, so they can attend prom and graduation ceremonies,” Flynn said. “It’s going to be my job to make sure 100 percent of them get across the stage in June,” Flynn said. “I have what it takes to help the students.

I’m proud and happy [to be second-in-command].”

A former contributor to the magnet program at both Hollywood Hills High School

and Apollo Middle School, 10th grade administrator Winfred Porter replaces Delania Cunningham, who left to become a principal at a charter school in Davie.

“I love the people; I love the environment; I love the fact that the students are engaged in academics, and it’s a priority,” said Porter, “I’m excited about being part of all the extracurricular activities that are taking place on campus. It’s a great place to work.”

10th grade administrator Jeff Morford worked as an assistant principal at South Broward High School for eight years, and he was an original staff member of Coral Glades High School. This year, he replaces Thompson as 10th grade administrator.

“I’m trying to train the assistant principals how to do what I used to do as an assistant principal. It’s been a little challenging, but we’re getting through it slowly,” Thompson said.

The Courier

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News

October 2013

Astronomy class gains new dimension JACOB FELDMAN News Editor Astronomy teacher Brandon Jeter has rearranged the style of his class to incorporate a program called RIO, Research, iBooks, and Observational astronomy.

Previously, Jeter focused on the research section of the class before switching to the iBooks curriculum last year.

This year, he has taken those two divisions and added observational astronomy division.

“I have collected a lot of great equipment over the years,” Jeter said. “I wanted to allow students to have the opportunity to use it too. I felt that I

needed to make a program where students can really get into it. This can be a hobby that they could have for the rest of their lives.”

The new division of the class will teach students the technical aspects of astronomy, according to Jeter. He will teach them how to use and program the telescopes and how to do astrophotography.

“I think it is really cool that you can see things that are billions of miles away, things that no one will ever see in person, with telescopes,” senior Andrew Leavitt said. “I want to get the handson experience with the astronomy equipment and learn more about how

to use the telescopes.”

Students in the class will choose a variety of activities provided by Jeter with a different point value. The grading scale is not traditional in the sense that students build up points in an attempt to reach the value that Jeter sets as a minimum.

“If it is successful, I will absolutely continue it in the future,” Jeter said.

“Based on the first few weeks, I feel that I would be comfortable continuing it.

This class gets the students involved in science in a deeper way. I want to promote science to the students and get kids really interested in being life long learners of astronomy.”

Photo by Albert Aronov

Observational astronomy student Lucas Lage shows senior Mateo Galan the correct alignment of the telescope as he instructs him how to use it.

Each observational astronomy student will teach students in their class the viewing techniques.

October 2013

The Courier

News

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‘Red Velvet Cake Wars’ offers sweet comedy GILLIAN MORRISON Staff Writer Described as “riotously funny Southern-fried comedy,” “Red Velvet Cake Wars” will be Douglas drama’s latest production and will run October 17-19.

Admission for the show is $6 for students and $12 for nonstudents.

“We have worked on perfecting our scenes and making the show flow naturally together as a whole,” student director senior Farnoz Arrar, said.

In this southern set comedy, the three Verdeen cousins continue their shenanigans to try to throw their family reunion. Gaynelle is one frazzled nerve away from a meltdown.

Cousin Peaches is troubled deciding if it is time to declare her husband dead, and Jimmie Wyvette is trying to win over the affection of Sweetgum’s newest widower.

Things spin out of control on the hottest day of July when a neighbor’s pet devours everything edible, a one-eyed suitor shows up to declare his love, and a shocking, high-stakes wager is made on who can bake the best red velvet cake.

“I chose this show to give the students a chance to do a comedy and because it’s a great way to showcase something other than musicals,” drama teacher Melody Herzfeld said.

“It allows them to branch out from just musicals and try new genres.”

If you go...

Photo by Alanna Koehler

(From left to right) senior Mary Prayther, junior Ariel Baron, and junior Samantha Grady audition for their roles in the drama room.

Florida schools to retire FCAT, adopt Common Core standards KAELA BYNOE Staff Writer According to National Public Radio’s State Impact, Florida schools will drop the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and adopt a new curriculum called Common Core, effective next school year.

The Florida State Board of Education is enacting this change largely due to lackluster high school graduates, with nearly 30,000 having to take at least one remedial course in college.

“Kids, even those with straight A’s, were leaving school unable to comprehend college texts,” assistant principal Denise Reed said. “Our standards weren’t rigorous enough; we weren’t challenging

them enough; we weren’t putting them at a higher level or on an equal playing field.”

The most significant revision to Florida curriculum will be the retiring of the FCAT and the adoption of the PARCC (Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) exam next school year.

“When you change the standards, you’re going to want to change the test,” literacy coach Lynn Domino said. “It’s a higher level set of standards, so you’re going to want a higher level test. And that’s what the PARCC will be.”

Unlike the FCAT, the test will be given online in both February and May. Juniors will be required to pass the exam.

According to Reed, the

PARCC will contain questions that ask how students reached another final answer. If students cannot explain their thought process, they will get both questions wrong.

The School Board hopes that these modifications will improve students’ critical thinking skills and real world application skills, as well as boost their chances in global competition.

The change has generated controversy. On September 23, Gov. Rick Scott told the chairman of the school board to withdraw Florida from the PARCC system in favor of the development of a new Florida-based test.

No change is definite yet.

When?

October 17-19 @ 7 pm Where?

Stoneman Douglas Auditorium How much? Students: $6 Nonstudents: $12

DECA program adds teachers, class groups DECA has undergone several changes this school year including the addition of new teacher advisors Lisa Webster and Mitchell Albert.

“It was sad to see Ms. Study retire, but Mrs. Webster is awesome and a great addition to our chapter,” Florida DECA President Zach Schaja said.

“I feel that this year, more than in years past, our officer team is more of a DECA family which will lead to a better year for us and, more importantly, our members.”

Another change to DECA is the emphasis on bringing Academy of Finance and Marketing students together into a small learning community.

The students now share

common teachers and class periods ranging from AP US History to English Honors.

“Mrs. Hitchcock would teach my students the historical significance of the topic, and I would teach the business end,” DECA advisor Sharon Cutler said. “It really brings it all together, and teaches students all aspects of a subject.”

According to Cutler, having the same teachers will reduce the make-up work issues resulting from the DECA field trips, such as Miami Heat Career Day, In The Front Office Conference, and competitions in Orlando and Georgia.

--Rachel Weinsoff Staff Writer

The Courier

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Feature

October 2013

Sushi Moves: Customize Japanese Cuisine RACHEL WEINSOFF Staff Writer

How do you roll?

However you like it, brown rice, white rice, vegetarian, or absolutely stuffed with fish, sushi has made its way into the stomachs of many Americans. Over the past 20 years, cities everywhere have opened numerous sushi restaurants, including traditional sushi restaurants, hipster bars flaunting with Asian fusion, and fast on-the-go custom order sushi bars.

Custom sushi shop How Do You Roll opened this past summer in Sawgrass Landing on W. Sunrise Blvd. in Sunrise. Brothers Yuen and Peter Yung, a business major and sushi chef, respectively, began the franchise in 2008 with their first How Do You Roll in Austin, Texas and appeared on Shark Tank, an investment show on ABC. The restaurant swam away with $1 million from investor Kevin O’ Leary for 20 percent equity in the business.

Similar to Salad Creations, customers chose the ingredients in their meal, including a variety of wraps, veggies, and meat. With over 40 unique options for custom order sushi, the restaurant sets itself apart from others in its class. “[How Do You Roll] had so many options to choose from, and the sushi was actually so good, considering the speed that it was ready in,” junior Alison Lee said.

A similar concept appears inside the food court at Sawgrass Mall. [Sushigami], another custom order sushi spot, allows customers to choose their sushi meal off of a conveyer belt. The color of the plates represents the prices, varying for vegetarian, cooked, etc. Diners can either take the covered plates straight from the belt or order off the menu.

With these quick on-the-go eateries gaining momentum, the question arises whether the health and unique appeal of sushi suffers when transferred to a fast food environment.

“I just don’t feel comfortable eating a food like sushi that’s made in a few minutes.” junior Brooke Rabinovich said.

Popular westernized sushi rolls *California roll - cucumber, avocado, and real or imitation crab wrapped in rice *Rainbow roll- california roll with 6-7 types of sashimi, wrapped in avocado *Philadelphia roll- salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber

Similar to the create-your-own salad and make-your-mix frozen yogurt shops, this once exotic food of sushi has evolved in America to cater individual preferences.

Sushi rides the conveyor belt at Sushigami.

Sushigami is located in front of Forever 21 in the Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Photo courtesy of Raymond Zhou

October 2013

The Courier

Feature

Colorful backgrounds behind common phrases JOANNA ZHUANG Staff Writer When teachers request that students meet a deadline, who would’ve thought that they were referring to a line drawn in the Civil War that was used as a means of preventing inmates from escaping?

According to The Telegraph, crossing that “deadline” resulted in a bullet to the inmate’s head.

The origins of words extend everywhere, from a judge’s statement that a man is entitled to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb (rule of thumb) to Norse mythology that relates cats to heavy rain and dogs to the storm god (raining cats and dogs).

Other widely-used words with

interesting origins like “twerking,” “food baby,” and “selfies” recently entered the Oxford Dictionary.

“Twerking” did not derive from Miley Cyrus’ VMA performance but instead boasts a combination of the words “twist” and “jerk,” according to the Huffington Post.

“The human body shouldn’t move like that,” sophomore Melonie Tai said. “If you wouldn’t do it in front of your grandmother, you shouldn’t do it in private either.”

Some words, however, descended from exactly what the word itself suggest.

“Selfies” came from teenage girls taking pictures of themselves to post on social media.

“I’ve taken selfies almost my whole life, but I didn’t start calling them ‘selfies’ until seventh grade,”

freshman Tatiana Tardalo said.

With their growing conquest of social media, selfies become more and more varied. Although full frontal shots still appear on Instagram, most girls make their duck faces from different angles.

According to Know Your Meme, the duck face, achieved by pursing one’s lips into the shape of a duck’s bill, originated with the emergence of Myspace.

Other interesting word roots, according to History, include ancient Greek wreaths of laurel branches, which led to the term “resting on laurels,” and a medieval belief that crocodiles cried when they killed and consumed their prey, resulting in the phrase “crocodile tears.”

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Selfie tips: What not to do -Avoid a low camera angle - unless you’re into the double chin look.

-Own up to it. Embrace it. Fake sleeping is creepy.

-Don’t use the Kelvin or Toaster Instagram filters: burnt orange is not the new black.

-Don’t use the hashtags: #bored, #studying, #tired. It’s obvious, and frankly, no one cares.

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The Courier

Feature

October 2013

Floral wreaths reborn as fashion accessory How to Make an Authentic Flower Crown

Illustration by Randi Rioux JILLIAN MEDINA Staff Writer The floral headband comeback adds a new meaning to the term “flower” child. This fashion statement, an emulation of the Renaissance’s ethereal wreaths and the sixties Bohemian vibe, sprang up in the summer and has grown in popularity since.

The trend gained momentum on the social media website Tumblr when pictures of celebrities, such as

One Direction’s Harry Styles, with Photoshopped petal headpieces took over newsfeeds.

“They are a cute fashion statement and express my outgoing personality,” sophomore Mikayla Silva said after she bought her new head decoration from Claire’s.

Stores such as Claire’s, Widensky’s, and online websites like Etsy at etsy.com/shop/ BloomDesignStudio sell these flower wreaths for around $5-$10. The

commerce website Etsy focuses on vintage and handmade items, including this renewed fashion.

For those who enjoy handmaking accessories, Etsy.com/blog/ weddings/how-to-make-a-floralcrown/ gives a detailed step-by-step guide and list of materials for a DIY crown made of real flowers. “[Flower crowns are] a spring trend,” sophomore Bari Arena said.

“I think the trend will go out of style when the winter months come

1.

Pick flowers with bendable stems longer than 3 inches 2.

Braid the stems of three flowers in your hand 3.

Continue adding flowers to the braid before you reach the ends of the current stems 4.

Check the length continuously to make sure the crown is not too long or too short 5.

Weave the end stems into the first flower stems to complete. Tuck loose ends into the chain and make sure it is tight enough to not fall apart.

Tips: -Daisies are easy to work with -Knot colorful ribbons onto the crown for an extra touch

October 2013

The Courier

Feature

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Color Psychology Improve your: SABRINA REISS Feature Editor

Productivity -Change your computer screen -Staring at a blue screen for a couple minutes can ease agitation -Warm colored screens can increase stimulation with lethargy takes over -Switch the screensaver to a different color

Sleep -Have a more relaxing slumber by adding cool undertones to the bedroom -Cool colors such as blue, green, purple, and gray will slow the heart rate -Blue light increases melatonin production -Violet is good for healing headaches and exhaustion -Purples can calm anxiety and fear, and have been used in the care of mental of nervous disorders

Attention/Memory -Saturated colors increase energy levels -Passively absorbing color increases the focus of students and teachers -The color yellow evokes arousal and improves memory -Work in a bright environment for greater concentration on homework

Appetite Test Scores -Wear blue, yellow or green - Blue: can calm you down and aid in multiple choice intuition - Yellow: increases optimism, stimulates nervous system - Green: shares features of blue and yellow

-People eat more when the color of their plate matches the color of their food. *Contrasting food and plate colors reduce the effect of the Delboeuf optical allusion, which proposes that the more blank space there is around a circle, the smaller it appears. Therefore, food will seem to blend into a plate of the same color, making the amount of blank space unsure and the serving size seem smaller.

-To eat more greens, eat on a green plate -To eat less fast food, avoid eating on red and yellow plates *Most fast food chains use these warm colors because they stimulate appetite and raise blood pressure

Creativity -An orange environment will bring out your imagination for work on more unconventional school projects - yellow conveys fun and red passion - Orange increases enthusiasm and creativity

The Courier

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Entertainment

October 2013

Electronic books: next chapter in technology • In the US, e-books currently make up between 15 and 20 percent of all trade book sales.

ALEXANDRA BARRY Staff Writer Readers, libraries, and schools continue to take steps towards transferring from ordinary books to electronic ones. This brings about the question do e-readers affect reading habits?

“I think e-books are becoming a lot more popular because they are easy and more portable than regular books,” freshman Jenna Boatright said.

According to Scientific American, although most people still prefer paper, attitudes progressively change as tablets and e-reading technology become more common and improve.

Districts have already made the switch to e-books, such as Pasco County Florida that purchased electronic textbooks due to a textbook shortage.

“This is a generation that grew up with technology,” English teacher Laurie Edgar said. “An e-reader is just one more type of technology that is familiar to

students. It is more accessible with more information.”

According to USA Today although e-books rise in popularity, Tufts psychologist Maryanne Wolf suggests that reading paper books requires more physicality and retention skills than an e-reader.

However, digital devices are more engaging and interactive with easy updates.

“I would personally rather read a paper book because it’s more fulfilling to flip through the pages and see how far you’ve gone and how much farther you have left to go,” junior Olivia Perron said.

People can access and read an e-book through devices such as Nooks, Kindles, and Apple iBooks.

E-books cost less than regular ones, between $3 and $10, and provide inclusive features.

“When I read on the iPad, I feel a higher sense of accomplishment because I can change the fonts, make notes wherever I want, and highlight and define words of importance,” sophomore Alex Kahn said.

• According to USA Today, recent statistics reveal that e-book sales increased 43 percent from the previous year.

• All Douglas students have access to the 76 online books from the library and the thousands from the district.

Follow these easy steps to access the Douglas library and district e-book collection.

1. Go to douglashigh.com.

2. Visit the Media Center tab on the Douglas website.

Click on online books link.

3. Click on the Destiny link.

Find “Follet Shelf” on left-side column.

More online at douglascourier.com Review: One Direction concert movie, This Is Us Review: Tonight Alive’s album, The Other Side

Strange Talk brings Aussie synthpop sound to US HEATHER MICHAEL Staff Writer Strange Talk, an Australian based and founded band of four, formed in February 2010 to create their synthpop sound.

Resembling groups such as Passion Pit and Cut Copy, their music infuses upbeat melodies with bright dance tunes.

In 2011, the band released two singles, “Eskimo Boy” and “Climbing Walls,” whose catchy beats bring a modern

90’s taste to the 2010’s.

In October 2012, Strange Talk performed at New York’s CMJ Fest and signed with Wind-up Records.

Since then, Strange Talk has joined festival lineups all around Australia and managed to hit number one on Billboards Uncharted.

In February, they released Cast Away, their debut album, which made its way up to number 56 on Australians Albums chart.

Strange Talk has arrived in America began touring in San

Diego on August 19.

November marks the beginning of their larger US tour. Strange Talk has already performed in Sacramento, D.C., and Los Angeles.

Although Strange Talk will not make it to South Florida any time soon, they will play in Kansas City on October 27 at the Riot Room.

With these increasing steps toward American fame and nobility, Strange Talk will continue to raise spirits and charts with their energetic infusion of rock and pop.

Scan the barcode to stay up to date on the Strange Talk progress, music, and tour locations, and check out Cast Away, available on iTunes and Spotify.

October 2013

The Courier

Entertainment

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DOGTV rechannels pet thought, behavior COURTNEY CONRAD

Who wants to go for a walk? I have treats!

Staff Writer

Next up on DOGTV: Summer Beach Days

I just want to sit here all day.

Illustration by Randi Rioux

In August, the television industry nationally released DOGTV, a channel specially created for dogs.

DOGTV dedicates its broadcast to dog-brain enthralling material designed to relax, stimulate, and modulate the dog’s behavior and mind.

The 24/7 channel is accessible as an online subscription and for dog owners who use DIRECTV for $4.99 a month.

According to DOGTV, their programing comprises three major components: relaxation, stimulation, and exposure.

The relaxation segment aids dogs in reducing stress levels through a series of visuals and sounds depicting tranquil scenes and calming music, while the stimulation portion helps energize the dog’s mind.

The exposure segment acquaints the dog to simple day-to-day noises and experiences, such as fireworks, cars, and

thunderstorms, to accustom them to daily encounters.

According to Ron Levi, the founder of DOGTV, the channel exists to keep dogs company and at ease while their owners are away.

Designed as a baby sitter for dogs, DOGTV aids in reducing dogs’ stress levels during solitude days, considers the different visual and audio interpretations dogs naturally perceive, and covers concepts that enrich dogs to create a more peaceful environment.

Although pet specialists and DOGTV subscribers enthusiastically promote the use of DOGTV, some dog owners and veterinarians continue to doubt the real effects of DOGTV. “Personally, my dog does not watch TV even when I ask him to,” said veterinarian Vicky Pico of Abacus Animal Hospital in Coral Springs. “I think that it would be annoying rather than entertaining for the dog left alone at home to see dogs playing in a field or the doorbell ringing.”

Apple, Google stream Internet on all devices RACHEL KAHN Entertainment Editor Apple and Google continuously work to combine televised and computerized technological merchandise.

With the recent releases of Apple’s third generation “Apple TV” and Google’s “Chromecast,” Internet streams on television screens using these simple devices.

According to Forbes magazine, Apple leads as the third fastest growing technology company while Google ranks seventeenth, yet each product from the companies has its advantages and disadvantages.

Apple TV

Google’s Chromecast

This new jump drive type device transports Internet access onto TVs.

For the past six years, Apple has continuously updated this device, providing high definition viewing of Internet and television alike.

Apple TV easily syncs all other devices onto a system controlled through the TV. With the availability of YouTube, Flickr, Vevo, Netflix, and Apple-run programs, it takes the Apple experience to the next level.

Although the device and movies. Netflix, only works with YouTube, and Google Google-approved Play are available. products, the device plugs directly into the Compatible with computer and TV. all smart phones Chromecast provides and computers all of the necessary Easy to use mediums, including music, videos, $35 web browsing,

Connects devices through WiFi Only works with Apple products Incorporates music, movies, and viral videos Easy to use $99

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The Courier

Entertainment

October 2013

Series transform from written to reality RACHEL KRAVATSKY Staff Writer When a movie is based on a book, reflecting an author’s image can make or break a film.

One of the things done well in Cassandra Clare’s The City of Bones, released August 21, is the casting.

From nerdy Simon to smoldering Jace, played by Robert Sheehan and Jamie Campbell Bower, respectively, the casting is perfect. Lily Collins did an excellent job committing to the part of Clary and went as far as dying her hair fiery red.

“I really liked the movie. I thought it stayed really true to the book, but I’m not that picky with details,” senior Brittany Dudley said. “I think anyone who hasn’t read the book will understand what’s going on but any die-hard fans might be annoyed with the small inconsistencies.”

The movie version of The City of Bones opened in Clary’s New York apartment with her drawing a symbol she doesn’t recognize.

However, the book opens in a demon club where she encounters Jace for the first time. This scene shows up about 15 minutes into the movie, but the rearranging of the scenes was

slightly disorienting.

Fortunately, all of the important scenes were portrayed closely to their book counterpart such as Jace sweeping in and saving Clary from a demon at the very last second and nurturing her back to health.

“The only issue with movies that originated from books is that the translation of the content is lost, and important details that you could only get from the text evaporate,” reading teacher Lydia Rodriguez said.

A book only requires the author’s vivid words and the active reader’s imagination. Unfortunately, it’s much harder to transfer so much detail onto the screen. The screenwriters may betray the readers and not do the scene or book justice, and this is something that directly affected The City of Bones.

Overall, the movie recreated the book in an appealing manner.

The second installment of The Mortal Instruments series is currently in production with release date sometime in 2015.

This movie, along with the various others in the new genre of book series transforming onto the big screen, must continue to parallel the book series while providing an exciting plot line to appeal to a wider audience.

Watch out for these upcoming movies based on books.

Enders Game

November 2013

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

November 2013

Divergent

March 2014

The Fault in Our Stars

2014

John Mayer delivers paradise in authentic folk album listeners further in than ever before.

His previous album, Born and Raised, Staff Writer has paralleling folk melodies, yet Paradise Valley has more of an emphasis on electrical guitars.

This variation of energy highlights Mayer’s soulfulness as well as his sweetly arranged words.

The album underscores his consistent “anything goes” attitude.

Despite this huge takeoff for Mayer, there is the question if Mayer played his new album too safe.

A lot of the folk-rock tempos sound similar and within in the same range.

Although it was relaxing, it may have John Mayer’s sixth studio album, lacked the “zing” it could have had, Paradise Valley, reveals a whole new making it more of a predictable choice for side of his musical talents.

Mayer.

Along incorporating a new kind of The album debuted at number two on sound, the album includes the same laid the Billboard 200 chart and is ranked back and relaxed melody that originally number 10 on iTunes. made Mayer’s music so well known.

Mayer’s top single of the album, “Paper After recently recovering from Doll,” softly soothes the ear with its throat surgery, Mayer uses his unique, calm, slow beats and electrical guitar and delicate, and slightly raspy voice along discretely inputs Taylor Swift references. with instrumental sounds to invite his His second best release of the album, JULIA CORIN

“Wildfire,” mixes a Caribbean with a folk sound which adds to his free spirit vibe.

The album features a few artists such as Katy Perry, in the song “Who You Love,” and Frank Ocean in the song “Wildfire.”

Continuing on a successful path, Mayer plans to progress with his music, tour different places, and remain humble throughout the process.

Paradise Valley assists in maintaining Mayer’s strong reputation and keeping fans satisfied.

October 2013

The Courier

Entertainment

Page 13

The Courier

October 2013

Editorial

Page 15

Thompson offers promising year JULIA CORIN Staff Writer After a controversial ending to Washington Collado’s term, Assistant Principal Ty Thompson eagerly stepped into the position of principal with enthusiasm and a bright new vision for the Douglas Eagles.

Although the circumstances weren’t ideal, Thompson quickly began on a positive path.

With 20 years of experience as an educator under his belt, he will be a great principal for Douglas. Thompson isn’t new to the learning system.

He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Social Studies Education

at Florida State University. He also has a degree in leadership.

Thompson taught leadership education at Plantation High School for seven years, was an assistant principal at Taravella High School for eight years, and our assistant principal for the last five years before becoming the Principal.

He certainly knows the school and its community.

Thompson’s biggest goal is making Marjory Stoneman Douglas the number one school not only in the county but also in the state.

Thompson aims to maintain a visible presence to the students he serves and it is now obvious that he is .

He’s already been at more school events than any other principal in the

past. He has attended swim meets, golf matches, cross country meets, and much more.

According to Thompson, building relationships with students, parents and administrators is crucial.

On the first day of school, Thompson visited every classroom and set the positive tone for the year.

According to Thompson, his main goals involve interacting more with the students because that is what he loves most.

Overall, Thompson has the ability and the drive to move the eagles forward. Because of his determination, students can look forward to a positive, proud, passionate year.

Ivy League universities worth hard work VICTORIA MALCOLM Editor-in-chief Does a diploma from an Ivy league school justify the grueling application process, competitive admissions standards, not to mention the price tag?

The Ivies -Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, UPenn, Princeton, and Yale- all boast acceptance rates below 20 percent.

These schools hold notorious records of rejecting thousands of valedictorians and merit scholars each year.

While such high standards may make applying to an Ivy stressful, they push students to pursue excellence in academics and extracurriculars throughout high school in the hopes of gaining

admission.

Even those who don’t get into their top choice school have a more impressive application to submit to other schools.

History of heartbreak aside, an Ivy league education bestows countless benefits on those able to gain entrance.

While many point to high tuition as a downfall of attending an Ivy, the Ivies have some of the most generous financial aid programs in the country, according to the Huffington Post.

With a need blind acceptance policy and sizable annual endowments, many students find themselves paying very little for a top notch education.

For example, at Dartmouth, a student who has an annual household income of less than $75,000 will not have to pay any tuition whatsoever, according to Dartmouth Public Affairs.

According to Princeton Public

the COURIER

Affairs, a “no loans” policy helps students with financial need graduate debt free by replacing need-based loans with grants.

The very same endowments that allow for extensive financial aid also ensure the school’s ability to employ professors who represent the pinnacle of their respective fields.

Couple that with consistently small class sizes, and Ivy Leaguers receive some of the most effective, handson, and comprehensive classroom experiences available.

Not only will students be surrounded by brilliant professionals, but also impressively accomplished peers.

Surrounding oneself, studying, competing, debating, and working with academically stimulating peers challenges Ivy students to improve themselves consistently.

Even the strongest skeptics can’t deny that the Ivies possess an impressive list

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Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School 5901 Pine Island Road Parkland, FL 33076

The opinions expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of the advisor, administration, or advertisers. The Courier welcomes letters to the editor which can be turned into Michelle Gideon in room 236 or online at douglascourier.com. These letters can be edited for content but these changes will not affect their meaning. The publication abides by the scholastic press and is a member of the Florida Scholastic Press Association and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. If you would like to advertise please call (754) 322-2150.

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of Alumni.

Ivy League alumni include notable public figures like Harvard graduates award winning actress Natalie Portman and talk show host Conan O’Brien, to Yale graduate Ben Silbermann, the CEO of social media site Pinterest, and Columbia graduate billionaire Warren Buffet.

After graduation, the prestige and recognition associated with an Ivy degree will follow graduates throughout their successful careers.

Job recruiters flock to ivy campuses in droves, and according to Career Builder columnist Kate Lorenz, Ivy grads have an edge in competitive job markets and employers perceive them as more capable.

There is no question that an Ivy League education offers a host of benefits both in and out of the classroom. That is, if you can get in.

Staff

Michelle Gideon Advisor Rachel Kahn Megan Robb & Victoria Malcolm Entertainment Editor & Copy Editor Editors-in-chief Brandon Ponczek Online Editor

Aaron Sager Editorial Editor

Jacob Feldman News Editor

Spencer Davis Sports Editor

Sabrina Reiss Feature Editor

Sabrina Eisenberg Ads Manager

Albert Aronov Alexandra Barry Kaela Bynoe Courtney Conrad Julia Corin Alyssa Feller Zach Kaufman Alanna Koehler Rachel Kravatsky Mathew Leslie Heather Micheal Jillian Medina Gillian Morrison Randi Rioux Matthew Walzer Zach Weingarten Zach Weissman Joanna Zhuang

The Courier

Page 14

Editorial

October 2013

Teens must not idolize bad role models

KAELA BYNOE Staff Writer

Everyone knows about Miley Cyrus’ VMA performance, complete with twerking and grinding. Meanwhile, Justin Bieber continues his delinquency by urinating in a restaurant mop bucket.

Celebrity behavior has become erratic and unacceptable.

However, after Cyrus’ VMA debacle, she garnered 50,000 additional likes on her Facebook page.

The “Beliebers” flock to the comment sections of all articles about Bieber to tout that “boys will be boys.”

Today’s youth idolize the wrong celebrities. Kim Kardashian makes $80,000 per episode of the reality show Keeping Up With the Kardashians and she recently mentioned that she would like to do nude shoots to show off.

Celebrity antics have a profound effect on teens.

According to 2009 Barclays Spaces for Sports survey, one in four teenagers admits that celebrities have a stronger influence on them than people

they know. Adolescents sometimes work hard to emulate celebrities.

In 2010, teenaged Montana Fishburne, daughter of actor Laurence Fishburne, entered the adult film industry.

In an open letter, she cited Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton as influences. Teen Mom’s Farrah Abraham “accidentally” released a sex tape to help her fame.

While Kardashian and Hilton always had bad girl images, Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber once projected clean-cut images.

A generation grew up watching Hannah Montana.

These same kids now watch a self-proclaimed “stoner.”

Justin Bieber’s first hit “One Time,” in 2009 captured the hearts of young fans.

He’s been recently charged with assault after he spat in his neighbor’s face, but his “Beliebers,” according to their comments, are not outraged in the slightest.

Fans defend them by saying all teens go through a rebellious phase. Yet most teens rebel in anonymity; they don’t have

millions of devotees like Cyrus and Bieber do. Look at Lindsey Lohan; these two are doomed.

Unfortunately, the public seems more interested in troubled celebrities and the media caters to that.

According to the Huffington Post, Miley Cyrus’s VMA performance garnered more tweets per minute than did the

revelation of the planned U.S. attack on Syria.

These celebrities do not deserve our attention.

Teens should ignore them and instead look to honor benevolent people: the brave soldiers of the military, or humanitarians who fight tirelessly for human rights.

If teens need “celebrity”

role models, they can respect individuals such as Oprah and her generous philanthropy, or even Macklemore, who performed his gay rights anthem “Same Love” at the same show where Miley idiotically twerked on stage.

We can scrap these bad influences and learn from better people.

Young adults need access to emergency contraception to avoid unwanted pregnancy HEATHER MICHAEL Staff Writer Five months ago Plan B, the morning after pill, became available to all women at least fifteen years of age without a prescription, according to the FDA. Naturally, this policy sparked controversy with parents and other adults who believe it signifies the trend of younger girls becoming more sexually active.

The FDA made an admirable decision in lowering the age of those able to buy from 17 to 15.

Plan B is a simple emergency contraception pill

that a woman takes within a 72-hour time frame of unprotected sexual activity.

It slows ovulation or thickens cervical mucus thus preventing pregnancy.

Prices vary from around $35 to $60, and the contraceptive pill is available at almost every drugstore or pharmacy.

Giving young age groups access to Plan B aids in the prevention of teen pregnancy.

According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), 14 percent of sexually-experienced women, ages 15 to 19, have used emergency contraception.

These teens have the biological ability to give birth,

but cannot properly care for a baby. Less than 50 percent of girls who give birth while in high school go on to receive a high school diploma.

The same CDC source reports that children of teen parents have a higher chance of dropping out before graduation, compared to other children whose parents did not give birth as adolescents. With the futures of these adolescents threatened, the prevention of teen pregnancy is vital.

Critics argue that allowing teen access to such a pill would encourage sexual activity, yet Plan B cannot encourage something that is already

happening.

The CDC conducts yearly surveys throughout the nations schools, and in 2007 it was found that over 50 percent of teens have already engaged in sexual activity.

Within the 50 percent of sexually active adolescents, 38 percent of them did not use protection.

When informed about Plan B’s use and the consequences of sex, teens can use Plan B safely as a preventative measure against pregnancy.

The idea that life begins at the point of conception

has heightened controversy regarding the belief that Plan B aborts or kills potential lives.

However, Plan B does not end life, it prevents a sperm from reaching and fertilizing an egg.

According to a compilation

by Princeton University, pregnancy begins once a sperm fertilizes an egg. Plan B simply prevents pregnancy from beginning.

When used properly, Plan B offers a positive alternative to teen pregnancy.

Along with proper sex education and guidance from parents, girls ages 15 and up should have access to Plan B.

Page 16

The Courier

2012-13 athletics sets record for most single-season district championships ALANNA KOEHLER Staff Writer One year, sixteen teams, countless hours of practice-that’s what it took for 2012-2013 MSD athletics to break the school’s record for most district titles won in one year.

The girls’ soccer team has won the most district titles of all Douglas’s teams with 20 consecutive district titles.

“Like anything else, we set goals for ourselves during the course of the year that we try to achieve,” girls’ soccer coach Stu Katz said. “We had a very good group last year. It was balanced with a strong defense and a very balanced offense.”

The track and field banner in the gym doesn’t show many past district championships, so junior track team runner Nick Besley is ecstatic about winning the title last year.

“It’s reassuring to us that we are on the right path,” Besley said. “We lost a lot of seniors, but, if we put in the hard work, I’m sure we’ll [repeat.]”

Sports

October 2013

Boys’ golf starts journey to states with mature attitude ZACHARY KAUFMAN Staff Writer

because of his low score helping.”

According to Levine, the current team takes practice After placing third as more seriously a team at the regional and talks about tournament and missing golf in and out of the state tournament by school. This comes less than five strokes last with maturity season, the boys’ golf which is due to team has gone through the majority of the roster changes that team consisting of they hope will increase juniors and seniors. their chance of going to The team the state tournament. participated in two According to coach 18 hole matches Darren Levine, junior in September in Junior Dan Whelan Dan Whelan, who was which they defeated not eligible to participate last season, Cypress Bay and Saint Thomas. has already contributed to two wins “We have acquired Blake Leon at the start of this season. His score who seems to be very promising. will assist the team during playoffs.

He was the only freshman to make “The addition of junior Dan the team,” Levine said. “He has an Whelan is major,” Levine said. “If we opportunity to mature and improve had him last year, we [most likely] as a teammate and as a golfer because would have made it to states as a team of the older members of the team.”

October 2013

The Courier

Sports The cheerleaders, mascot, drumline, Principal Ty Thompson and assistant principals participated in a flash mob before the football home opener against Deerfield Beach on September 20, 2013.

Photo by Alanna Koehler

Page 17

Football team 2-2 to start the season MATTHEW LESLIE

Staff Writer In their home opener on September 20, the Eagles fell to 2-1, losing to the Deerfield Beach Bucks 41-31.

“We played a good team in Deerfield but we can improve on defense by attacking the football and staying with our man,” head coach Willis May said.

Despite the team’s loss, junior Brett Israel threw for three touchdown passes, one to junior Tate Lehtio and two to senior Corey May. On Friday, October 4, the Eagles face South Plantation in their third home game at 7 p.m. Four games remain in this season.

The Courier

Page 18

Sports

October 2013

The girls’ cross country team begins a meet at Markham Park on September 9, 2013.

Going the distance: cross country preview GILLIAN MORRISON

Staff Writer In many sports, extra running during practice is punishment.

For the Douglas cross country team, running mile after mile is what it is all about.

The boys and girls cross country teams returned from a very successful 2012- 2013 season, where both teams qualified for the state meet.

Lead by head coach

Anthony DeCarlo, all but one member of the girls’ varsity team returned and started the season with a Class 4A ranking of 23rd in the state.

The boys’ team has three returning members of their state qualifying squad and sees plenty of potential for other runners to fill in the gaps, according to DeCarlo.

The Eagles have worked hard in the offseason, some running

more than six miles a day as well as attending Brevard Running Camp in North Carolina.

According to cocaptain Brooke Arnold The team’s strong bond helps put in all the long miles.

“We all look out for each other, whether on the track or in school, and we encourage each other when we run,” senior cocaptain Brooke Arnold said.

The girl’s team is also

Photo courtesy of Gillian Morrison

lead by senior Caroline Atyeo, senior Gabby Yibirin and senior Jackie Orr. Senior captain Jacob Oster values keeping the team motivated.

He expects that both teams will win districts and compete at the state level due to their previous success and the amount of time and effort the team has been putting in. Senior Caleb Lugo and

junior Alex Margetts and junior Anthony Ramcharran also lead the boys’ team.

Head coach of four years, DeCarlo is assisted by Gineth Yibirin, Jess Davis, and former head coach Stephen Kalos.

“All of the coaches are very excited for this season. We have a lot of great student athletes with even more potential and should it be a great season,” DeCarlo said.

MSD sports switch divisions and face new challenges MATTHEW WALZER Staff Writer According to head athletic director Mitchell Kaufman, every two years, the athletic districts must change school district assignments, applying to all varsity sports.

According to Kaufman, sports that will be impacted the most include girls soccer and swimming, in which Douglas will face St. Thomas Aquinas.

“We will have a harder time winning districts than we have had in the past because of the

more advanced teams in our 4A division such as, but I still believe we can do it” senior swimmer Andy Hoffman said.

The new opponents also give teams the opportunity to come together.

“It’s going to be a challenge,

a new experience with new rivals but that just makes us stronger as a team and motivates us,” senior soccer player Monica Rojas said.

According to Rojas, American Heritage will provide the toughest competition

for soccer because of their talent and ability to recruit.

There are multiple divisions, not just one division for all MSD sports. The Broward County Athletic Association arranges the divisions based on the size of the team.

The Courier

October 2013

Sports

Page 19

New coach revitalizes football program SPENCER DAVIS Sports Editor New head coach. New mentality. New work ethic.

“New Era.” According to head coach Willis May, the “New Era” mentality symbolizes the boys’ football team’s desire to change the face of Douglas football.

“I was always told that if you work hard, it will pay off,” May said.

“That is the thing about ‘New Era.’ We are going to try to change the program by working hard; and hopefully wins, a new appreciation for the game, and a new appreciation for our football program will come from it.”

According to May, the players have worked since January, staying in the gym three hours a day, three days a week all the way to spring football, where they spent five days a week during the spring season.

They worked all summer long in the weight room

and outside, which adds up to roughly eight months of practicing, putting in over 30 hours each week. “‘New Era’ means we stopped the old habits of being lazy and not giving one hundred percent [effort] during practice,” junior wide receiver, kicker, and defensive back Tate Lehtio said.

“We are putting a lot of effort into becoming a program in which we are not just individuals who only care about ourselves.”

According to junior wide receiver Gregory Lehr, the football team has benefitted from the “New Era” mentality already.

“We are coming together as a family, working much harder, and never quitting no matter the circumstances,” Lehr said.

According to May, the team must not back down from any challenges in order to have the most success.

“We expect to win every game we play,” May said. “We can’t back down to any team.

Adversity makes people become cowards and we have put too

Photo by Alanna Koehler

Junior wide receiver, kicker, and defensive back Tate Lehtio delivers a huge hit against a Deerfield Beach High School kick returner. Deerfield went on to beat the Eagles 41-31 on September 20 in Douglas’ home opener. much time in to go that route.

We would like to go from a 3-7 team last year to a better than 7-3 team this year.”

May has worked hard to build tradition for the Douglas football program.

Cumber Stadium now features an Eagle statue, which

the players touch before and after each practice and game, and an inflatable Eagle tunnel with smoke machines which the players run through before each home game.

“The purpose of the Eagle statue is to give us tradition,” May said.

“I hope that in twenty years from now the son of a current football player will come here and will touch the Eagle before each practice like his father had done and it becomes a tradition. It is something we do as a family. Not just one of us does it, but all of us do it.”

Poll of 100 MSD students conducted

by Zachary Kaufman

The Courier

Page 20

Special

October 2013

What I Like Right Now VICTORIA MALCOLM

MEGAN ROBB

Co-editor in Chief

Co-editor in Chief

#1

#2

#3

#1

Cincinnati-based, Walk the Moon’s 2012 self-titled album provides an energetic track list and catchy choruses. Standout tracks include “Lisa Baby,” “Anna Sun,” and “I Can Lift a Car.”

Pizza Carousel, located in Pine Ridge Square on University and Wiles, offers a wide variety of delicious italian options. With friendly, fast service and reasonable prices, I consider myself a regular.

Groupon, available as an iPhone and Android app, gives members oppurtunities to save on everything from massages to headphones. If you check regularly, whatever you’re looking for will pop up eventually.

#2

Kaskade’s new album, Atmosphere, provides a fresh approach to house music. I love all of the beats and had the best time at his Atmopshere show on September 14 at the American Airlines Arena.

The Stir Crazy Market Bar option allows customers to make their own stir fry.

It’s always fun to watch them cook your meal right in front of you.

#3 The new iOS 7 update makes navigating around my phone so much easier. I love the format of the applications and iMessages.

The new camera’s features and effects allow me to take great pictures to share on Instagram and Twitter.