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Quick party recipes Winter blockbusters
TEACHERS HAVE LIVES TOO Felix Varela Sr. High School * 15255 S.W. 96 St., Miami, FL 33196
5 ‘1
Viper Central opens
Hits and misses
n i t e l l bu rd a o b
Senior events have started. The countdown to commencement has begun!
Beth...
The Lego Movie wasn’t even nominated for Best Animated Film Oscar. #everythingisnotawesome
Teaser trailers are all the rage now. Storm Troopers, Batman and Chris Pratt...oh my!
Viper Central had its Grand Opening. Now hiring Starbucks baristas.
NBC aired Peter Pan live. Needs more cow bell.
From th e Ed itors
View p oints
the editor says: Love my staff It might come as a surprise to our readers, but The Viper Vibe is not a sole effort by yours truly. It takes a lot of work and that hard work comes from the great staff that I have been so blessed to have working with me. So I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my staffers and editors who have
written something for this wonderful publication. It may be difficult since we still don’t have a class, but you guys made it work. #ThnksFrTheMmrs Cj Salcedo Editor-in-Chief
teachers deserve to We Say: be appreciated
We at the Viper Vibe always talk about students. Whether it’s about which student won this award, scored this touchdown or got this GPA, our magazine has been very student-driven. Yet, we fail to acknowledge the teachers here at Varela. Sure we update on what they will be doing for their classes or academies, but we never go beyond that. In fact, we’re betting that most students don’t even know their teachers’ first names. With that being said, we feel it’s time teachers are appreciated a little more. Most students probably think that once the bell rings at 2:20 their teachers go home and just think up of new ways to torture them the next day. Sure they come up with lesson plans and catch up on grading, but school isn’t the only thing on their minds. Like you or your parents, they are worried about paying bills, taking care of kids or maybe even working a second job. Whatever the situation, there is a point to this guilt-trip: teachers have lives outside of Varela. Whether they are out having fun or worrying about the things mentioned before, they are active in their lives. Many of our teachers have PhDs or Master degrees, meaning that they can easily go teach at a college or university. Some of Varela’s teachers, especially the science ones, came from an actual field. This means that they left high-paying jobs or great
opportunities in order to teach at a public high school. Even the five we selected for this issue have done great things outside of school. Two teachers at Varela are published authors and one faculty member has been doing great volunteer work. Math, English and science are not the only things that our teachers are concerned about. We’re not trying to start any revolutions for “teacher personal life” awareness or make students feel guilty (though, if it’s working, mission accomplished). What we are trying to do is make them understand this: teachers have lives too. They aren’t grading machines that live at school; they are parents, authors and volunteers, all trying to live their lives. It’s easy to blame the teacher when we are having a bad day, or get a bad grade. But really, do we think that much about our teachers when we leave school at 2:20? Teachers are the same way. And while we only have six adults ordering us around all day, they have 150 or more of us teenagers coming at them from all directions. Teacher appreciation week is the first week in May. Let’s show our teachers how much we appreciate all the time they spend listening to us, reading our assignments, answering our questions, encouraging us, pushing us, laughing with us, and just putting up with us every day. Remember, if you read this editorial…thank a teacher.
Teachers are worried about paying bills, taking care of kids or maybe even working a second job.
Talk to us: thevipervibe@gmail.com
Your thoughts may be featured in the next issue of the Viper Vibe!
volume 14 January ‘15 Editorial Board EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cj Salcedo Jr. EDITOR David Murray
Staffers Richard Benvenuti Devoun Cetoute Jordan Cline Alec Di Lella Danielle Malkin Maria Rodriguez
Adviser
Elizabeth Cardenas
Editorial Policy The Viper Vibe is the student newspaper of Felix Varela Senior High (15255 SW 96 St. Miami, FL, 33196). It is an open forum for student expression. The opinions expressed in the publication do not reflect the official opinions or policies of the school. The Viper Vibe welcomes letters to the editor, but requires that they be signed and reserves the right to reject, edit and condense letters. The staff and advisor can be contacted at 305-752-7900 or thevipervibe@gmail.com
Ads The Viper Vibe solicits advertising but reserves the right to reject any material deemed obscene as to minors, defamatory or materially and substantially disruptive of school activities.
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News A ro u n d V arel a Principal Nery Fins announces the official opening of the new media center. It was given a complete overhaul with an emphasis on technology, including charging stations, big screen TVs and Promethean Boards. photo by Taylor Daley
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Viper Central officially opens
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Junior Andres Maldonado was given the honor of cutting the ribbon for the opening of the new media center. Maldonado came up with the new name for the media center - Viper Central. photo by Taylor Daley
Mr. Varela 2015 Miguel Cajigas - Mr. Class of 2018 Pablo DePablo - Mr. Thespian Adrian Elkind - Mr. NHS Carlos Gurdian - Mr. Chorus Henk Hettinga - Mr. Tri-M
Nathan Laurel - Mr. Mu Alpha Theta Marc-Anthony Llosa - Mr. Women of Tomorrow Jeremy Martinez - Mr. Interact Jhonny Mendoza - Mr. Class of 2015 Rico Shelton - Mr. 5000 Role Models
Ryan Bauta - Mr. Pep Squad - Mr. Congeniality Alec DiLella - Mr. Quill and Scroll - Mr. Runner Up Alam Monsivaiz - Mr. Band - Mr. Varela 2015
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Mr. Varela 2015 began with a choreographed number with all 13 contestants. The dance is one of the most anticipated traditions of the night. photo by Fox-Mar
Alam Monsivaiz, Mr. Band, took home the title of Mr. Varela 2015. During the talent portion of the contest, he played the trombone. photo by Fox-Mar
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Arou n d Varela N ew s
By the Numbers...
5 to visit Viper Central
For you bookwormsDon’t be alarmed with all this high-tech mumbo jumbo like “wifi” and “cellphones,” there are still hundreds of printed books available for check out. Every author, genre and style are here for your literary consumption. Plus, books can now be checked out digitally. Don’t read? Now is the time to try! (Editor’s Note: Of Mice and Men is an excellent novel.)
Varela has just experienced “the turn of the century”: a myriad of new electronic resources is now open to all students who visit Viper Central. If your looking for E-books, they’ve got it. And two 50+ inch flat screens give students a view of not only local and world news, but WVHS News runs live here everyday. (But if your looking for a score update - don’t worry, we have ESPN as well)
photos by Jordan Cline, Cj Salcedo, E. Cardenas
Top
Reasons
There is no need to wait outside, in the sun and heat, for your ride home. Viper Central is quickly becoming the #1 spot to hang out in after school; in fact, there is free WIFI, tutoring, computer access, printing capabilities and even a chess board. Viper Central promotes not only a learning and productive environment, but it can be a great way to spend your afternoons. And there’s always someone to talk to.
Two words: COMFY COUCHES - If you’re ever free during lunch and would like to chill out, this is the place to do it. (It’s quiet and no pushing/shoving teenagers; so it’s ideal) Charging Stations - It can be rough using your phone all day to “study,” and “Sorry babe, my phone died” is no longer a valid excuse. Thankfully, our new Viper Central is fully equipped with charging stations. No longer will you have to pray your phone doesn’t shut off during 6th period.
News A ro u n d V arel a
Inside the Staff Lounge What inspires you?
What is your favorite word?
Knowing that I am raising two marvelous sons inspires me to be a better person
Eloquent
Who is your favorite super hero?
What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
Batman
Newscaster
Why do you think your subject is important for students to learn?
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
English is the most important course because we write and read in our lives every day. It is relevant to all fields and careers. Also, learning to analyze literature not only teaches how to better enjoy books, but also how to better understand the world around us.
“My child, you have lived a good life and have inspired many. Come on in!” What is your least favorite word?
Hate
What sound or noise do you hate?
I hate the sound of the school’s fire alarm
What sound or noise do you love?
I love the sound What profession other of the ocean waves Who is your than yours would you not favorite author? crashing against like to participate in? the shore Sanitation worker Paulo Coelho 6 t h ev i p er vi b e @ g mai l. com
Ms. Vega-Garcia has been teaching for 21 years. She has spent the last 11 years here at Varela. This year she is teaching Honors and Regular English 3 in room 221.
These questions are based on the French television series Bouillon de Culture hosted by Bernard Pivot. photo by Jordan Cline
What do teachers do when they go home?
Pedro Santos - Reading
Arcesio Jaramillo - Languages
Edgar Karim - Security
Heather Cipriani - Art
Robert D’Amato - English
News A ro u n d V arel a
Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale
- Hans Christian Andersen
By Devoun Cetoute Every
Staff Reporter teacher @the_chief has a life after school and it doesn’t always include going home and doing nothing. For Ms. Heather Cipriani her life doesn’t just include teaching students the ways of art and how to master it, she also owns her own company called Fairy Tale Favorites LLC. “It’s a character entertainment business. They dress up like princesses and other characters and they perform for children. They are vocally trained, they sing, and they play games with the kids, basically go to birthday parties and children events,” Cipriani said. Starting a business is never an easy adventure. Cipriani, on the other hand, is no average worker. She fought through it and kept on making a booming company. She makes all the costumes from scratch and her employees consist of her daughter and
college students. They have all had vocal training and activities range from story telling to games to photo ops. “We did a few friend’s birthday parties and then we started a Facebook page and a website, and then we started getting more and more calls and basically we didn’t even need to advertise, because once one client liked us, they called somebody else, and it just started spreading, so about a little more than a year ago we started and we are already like having to turn down jobs because we’re so busy,” she said. She walked into the business with skills on hand that she acquired from teaching. “I think that my teaching enhances the business, because working with kids and teaching them things is kind of what we do when we go to play with the younger kids.” Unlike most businesses that operate out of a physical place, like a store, Fairy Tale Favorites LLC. is quite different. They actually don’t have a
store front from which to work. “Well, we don’t have a venue, because we go to other peoples venues. Eventually in the future, we want to have a venue that people can actually come to us as well,” she said. While many people have one job they can’t stand, Cipriani has two jobs she wants to go to in the morning, as well as her loving family. “Well, it’s not there yet. Well I mean, it’s lucrative, but not lucrative enough to be a whole source of Art teacher Heather Cipriani runs a company called Fairy Tale Favorites that operates as a income, but in the “character entertainment business.” She uses future who knows. Maybe I would trade her talents as an art teacher to make the costurmes. photo with permission H. Cipriani teaching, but I think Cipriani said. my job helps out with For more information, the business now, because working with kids and teach- visit her sight at fairytalefavorites.net or check her out ing them things is kind of on Facebook at facebook. what we do when we go to com/fairytalefavorites. play with the younger kids,”
If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else
- Booker T. Washington
By Richard Benvenuti
Staff Reporter rj_benvenuti@comcast.net
Whether it’s by foot or on those pretty sweet golfcarts, Felix Varela Senior High School’s security guards are always on the move. Making sure that the students get to class safely and on time is their job, yet, there is one that not only worries about his school’s needs, but the needs of the less fortunate. That one security
guard is Edgar Karim. A respected and wellliked man around Varela’s halls, Karim has dedicated considerable amount of time to helping people in other schools or other countries. He started the Karim-Villavicencio foundation (named for his first name and his wife’s maiden name) which, during his second job, in the UPS Company, he works to send out educational supplies and other necessities to students.
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His co-workers are well aware of his deeds to the poor, and speak highly of him, both as an employee and Good Samaritan. “He is a caring family man with a huge heart to help others,” said Ciro Salcedo, fellow employee at UPS. He also speaks about how humorous Karim is. They both spend time telling jokes and talking about their families. Other volunteer work that he’s done includes donating
supplies to earthquake victims in Haiti back in 2010. He flew over there wanting to help these people out. People he knows constantly talk about how they wish he would be recognized for all his work. On March 24, 2014, Karim received an “All Florida” award from the President and the White House. His community service hours were the highest in the entire state of Florida.
Security guard Edgar Karim shows his All Florida Award from President Obama. Karim had the most community service hours in the state of Florida. photo by Alec DiLella
Arou n d Varela N ew s
We are such stuff as dreams are made on
- William Shakespeare
Inspiration is something special. People often spend days, months and years looking for a muse to get them going with their writing. Two of Varela’s teachers have found that inspiration in different places. Reading teacher Pablo Santos is inspired by anything he sees or hears and cites that as what inspired him to write his collection of Cuban poems called La Picardía Cubana en Versos.
“I started writing and writing and ideas came my way,” Santos said. Originally wanting to be a songwriter, he said he was visited by his favorite singer, Bob Seger, in a dream. Santos was told by Seger to write songs for him. When he woke up, he wrote them down on a notepad. He gave those notes to a friend hoping they could be produced into songs. Unfortunately, without any
music to these lyrics, they were just poems. “I don’t know anything about music,” he told his friend. He wanted to write song lyrics, not poetry. Eventually he put his writings online and was given comments. He decided to write more and put them together into one book. All these poems are in Spanish and derived from old jokes and stories Santos had heard during his youth. “My intention with this was to show that anyone can do something to keep the roots alive when you’re out of that environment,” he said. He never wanted fame or money, just to show that “Cubans have a sense of humor.” Santos is currently writing a novel and his book of poems is available on Amazon. Another member of Varela’s staff, English teacher Robert D’Amato, found inspiration through novels and comic books he read when he was younger. “It started with a game in class where one person starts a story and another finishes it,” he said. “My friends and I used to play the game by writing the stories.” D’Amato went on to read the works of Herman Hess and many Marvel Comics such as Spider-Man, Captain America and Silver Surfer, not to mention pulp
novels of the 70s like By Cj Salcedo Mario Puzo’s The Editor-in-Chief Godfather or Peter @cj_fett_salcedo Benchley’s Jaws. “It wasn’t just one thing, it was a combination of different experiences,” he said. D’Amato currently has three books available on Amazon, a book of poetry called Random Musings of a Late Baby Boomer and two dystopian novels called I Have Three Things to Tell You, My Friend and The Last Seminarian.
If you worried about falling off the bike, you’d never get on
- Lance Armstrong
Languages teacher Arcesio Jaramillo enjoys biking in his free time. He has traveled cross country and biked to support MS research. photo with permission A. Jaramillo
One of our resident language teachers, Mr. Arcesio Jaramillo, can be seen every morning and afternoon riding his bike to and from school. To most, such a sight wouldn’t exactly raise any questions or incite any intrigue; however, this man doesn’t just ride his bike to school because gas prices are rising (which they aren’t), he rides his bike because of his long-held passion for the sport. It’s a different perspective of the sport/ form of transportation that drives him to pursue achievements outside of his school life. “I started when I was 15 years old. I was in Europe traveling and I saw a bike race in Switzerland and the guys were passing my bus like bullets… I got interested about it and I started making plans of making a cross-
country trip from Miami to By alec dilella Los Angeles, from coast to staff reporter coast,” he said. @alecdilella Jaramillo went on to accomplish this goal, which he says took about a month. Not only is this passion of his selfbeneficial, it is also for a good cause. He has participated in two MS Bike Rides, a 75-mile biking event aimed at raising money to help benefit research of Multiple Sclerosis. He says that the condition affects people he knows and gives him a personal reason to be involved. Jaramillo hopes to one day start a Cycling Club here at Varela for staff members that are willing to try cycling for themselves and exercise in the process.
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L i f est y le
R e ci p es
Cookie Surprise Ingredients
Raw cookie dough (any kind) Individual chocolate candies (any variety)
Materials
Small cupcake bake sheets Cooking spray Spare dish for unwrapped candies
Any kind of cookie dough can be used based on personal preference. We used chocolate chip. Dough can also be in square, tube or bucket form since it will be rolled into balls. It is also possible to make home-made dough, however, that makes this process a whole lot longer. The cookies are baked in the shape of small cupcakes. These pans are available any place baking supplies are sold, including local grocery stores.
Directions
Spray cupcake pan with cooking spray to keep cookies from sticking to the pan. Cut up cookie dough into small pieces and roll into a ball about the size of a large marble. Place one in each cupcake mold. Put the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. While cookies are baking, unwrap each chocolate candy and place on a spare dish ready to be added to the cookies. It is important that the candies are unwrapped before the cookies come out of the oven. In the pictures below, we used miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey’s Kisses. Any chocolate candy will
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Oven should be pre-heated to 375 degrees.
do, as long as they are miniature. As soon as the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and start pushing the chocolate candies into the soft center of the cookie. If you have not unwrapped the chocolate before now, then the cookies will harden and cool which will make it very difficult to get the candies down inside them. The heat from the fresh baked cookies will melt the chocolate candies. Once all the candies have been inserted, let the cookies stand for a while until cool. Then, carefully pop the cookies out of the pan and place on a presentation platter.
photos by E. Cardenas and Cj Salcedo
Recip es L if estyle
Brie Bites Ingredients
Pre-baked Mini Fillo Shells Brie cheese in a wedge Light Brown Sugar and/or jam (any flavor)
Materials
Cookie sheet with foil Cutting board with knife
Fillo dough is a kind of pastry dough. It can be bought pre-made in long sheets, or pre-baked fillo shells. These fillo shells are often used for appetizers and mini desserts. They can be found in the freezer section of the grocery store, near the desserts. Brie cheese comes covered in a waxy, white cheese mold. The mold is innoculated with a form of penicillium. For those who are allergic to penicillin, unsalted mozzerella cheese can be substituted. Oven should be pre-heated to 375 degrees.
Directions Place fillo shells on a cookie sheet. Unwrap the Brie cheese and cut off the white, waxy mold. While the mold can be eaten if cut into slices, it is not very soft and will be hard to roll. Cut Brie cheese into small pieces and roll into balls about the size of a marble. Place each piece of Brie into a fillo shell. Add a spoonful of light brown sugar or jam to each fillo shell surrounding the Brie. Any flavor of jam can be used (we used strawberry).
photos by E. Cardenas and Cj Salcedo
Place tray in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until Brie, sugar, and jam have melted. When they are removed from the oven, they are extremely hot. Melted sugar can inflict severe burns (anyone who has made flan can attest to that). Let the Brie Bires sit and cool for a few minutes. However, they are best eaten when warm. If they cool too much, they get hard. Brie Bites can be served as appetizers (brown sugar) or as mini desserts (jam).
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Katniss leads rebellion in Mockingjay, Part 1
Jennifer Lawrence stars as Katniss Everdeen in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.” photo with permission Lionsgate/MCT
By Alec Dilella Staff Reporter @alecdilella
Having seen the last two movies of The Hunger Games I was indescribably excited to watch Mockingjay - for more reasons than one. One of the many things I love is filming and directing short films, making my passion for movies and anything seen on T.V. reach far beyond watchJosh Hutcherson stars as Peeta Mellark in ing movies or shows “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.” and thinking they were photo with permission Lionsgate/MCT “cool.” The Hunger Games… I guess I can start by admitting that I have never actually read any book in the series, but I intend to keep it that way until I have at least seen every movie in the series multiple times. I feel that this makes my opinions and critiques of the movies infinitely more neutral and objective. In the past 10 years, I can’t remember any movie that was released that really made me sit back and think to myself, “Wow… This movie is truly a work of art.” The movies that had made me feel that way previously included Saving Private Ryan, The Godfather, Scarface, Back to the Future, etc., which were all made before the past 10 years. It seemed a shame that perhaps the production of great movies was long gone, and the production of momentarily entertaining movies now hailed king – essentially making movies cash crops… every release sweeping the nation, only to be forgotten in the coming year; that is, until The Hunger Games
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came out. I was almost reluctant to see the movie in theaters, seeing as though many of the fans seemed to have been young teenage or pre-teen girls. It appeared unlikely that the production of a movie with such a fan base could be nurtured and put together any more skillfully as was required to captivate this audience, but I was so wrong. The amount of skill and effort displayed in the production of the movies in the series are astounding. The best special effects, sets, and costume designs are complemented by a talented, yet seemingly unlikely cast. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Woody Harrelson display excellent chemistry on camera. In fact, most actors and actresses in the series are extremely talented. Never did I expect Hutcherson to nail such a serious role… Yes, Hutcherson, that little kid from RV. Having said all that, it’s no mystery why I was excited to see Mockingjay in theaters in its opening week. I was satisfied by the production quality of the movie and of course, the acting was top notch. It was skillfully put together; the editing, cinematography, special effects and sound design were incredible, as always. My only complaint for Mockingjay, however, was that the plot seemed to go nowhere fast. The movie ended after two hours and I was taken aback by the production quality; but, when I sat down and thought about the bigger picture, the plot and where this movie left the series, I realized that the movie didn’t really accomplish much in this regard. Nothing that happened seemed to be anything that couldn’t have been explained in perhaps a 15 or 20 minute addition to the next movie in the series. It was disappointing, but it left plenty of hope for the next movie in the series to pick up the speed. Hey… at least it wasn’t Divergent. Any movie in the Hunger Games series makes Divergent look like an amateur weekend film with middle school actors and actresses. (But that’s just my opinion)
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Marvel breaks into animation genre
Baymax, left, & Hiro from Disney’s “Big Hero 6.” photo with permission Disney/MCT
is terrified of many things including By Maria Rodriguez heights, and Honey Lemon (Genesis Staff Reporter Rodriguez) a sweet, tall, slim girl who @Maria_wea1 has a passion for style, science and fighting crime. After a sudden tragedy which affects Hiro and his friends at the university, it is up to Baymax to heal Hiro’s broken heart. Baymax influences Hiro in such a way that it he soon influences the rest of the gang, thus forming Big Hero 6. Once they group up, and Hiro has used each From left, Fred, Honey Lemon, Hiro, Baymax, GoGo Tomago, one of their inventions to coincide with his robotic ideas, and Wasabi from Disney’s “Big Hero 6.” (Disney/MCT) they form an indestructible team who then finds out the answer to the sudden tragedy which soon leads into Big Hero 6 saving a very powerful scientist and a young girl. Big Hero 6 is a 3D animated comedy film created by Dis Overall this film had both comical and heart breaking ney using a lesser known group of Marvel heroes called “Big scenes. The graphics were more than amazing, not expecting Hero 6.” The comic made its first appearance back in Decemless from a Disney film. This Disney animated film is definitely ber of 1998. Just like in the thrilling adventures of the Marvel comic Big Hero 6, the setting takes place in Japan; the only dif- different than other Disney animated films. This pairing of Disney animation and Marvel comics produced a film that ference to Disney’s version of Big Hero 6 is that it takes place would not only be very entertaining for young viewers such in San Fransokyo, a mix of San Francisco and Tokyo. as children, but also adults. I would say it is worth paying a In this heart-warming movie, we meet a brilliant, young, few extra bucks for the 3D, very detailed graphics. While some robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter), who is 3D movies can be choppy and leave the viewer feeling a little more than obsessed with robot fights. Hiro has no real future disoriented, the 3D effects on this film were not overdone. plans besides participating in his robot fights and scamming Overall, it was a very nice, 4 star movie, worth every penny at other players. Right away, we meet Hiro’s older brother Tadashi (Daniel Henney) who is currently attending a university, the box office. and has been working on a special project, the health care Baymax, right, & Hiro from robot Baymax. Disney’s “Big Hero 6.” photo Baymax (Scott Adsit) is a large balloon robot with a lovwith permission Disney/MCT) able and caring personality who is programed to treat and help those who say a trigger word, which in this case is “ouch.” Hiro soon meets Tadashi’s invention creating colleagues at the university: Fred (T.J Miller) a laid back comic book fans, GoGo Tomago (Jamie Chung) a very tough athletic girl and “adrenaline junkie,” Wasabi (Damon Wayans) an intelligent softie who
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Interstellar goes beyond time and space
“Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before.” – Cpt. James T. Kirk These words by the original Starship Enterprise Captain James Tiberius Kirk are a staple in science-fiction. It has been altered, parodied and used more times than anyone could possibly count. Not only does this opening narration explain the premise of the original Star Trek series, they also bring some questions. Is there a way to preserve life in space? Can man truly go beyond the far reaches of the universe and find new life? Now, it isn’t a question of where, it’s a question of when. This is the question that director Christopher Nolan wants to answer. Interstellar, is more than a film about space travel, it is an
By CJ Salcedo
Editor-in-Chief @cj_fett_salcedo
Fast Facts Movie Budget $165,000,000
Opening Weekend Gross $50,000,000 Gross to Date $651,997,480 Length of movie 169 min.
MPAA Rating PG-13
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experience that forces the average moviegoer to stop and think about their existence. Written by Nolan and his brother Jonathon Nolan, Interstellar tells the story of former NASA pilot Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) and his mission to find a planet in another galaxy suitable for life after a new Dust Bowl threatens humanity’s existence. As always viewers can expect some very dense yet excellent writing from this film. It’s what fans look for and love about Nolan’s style of filmmaking, but also presents issues of social significance. The writing can disconnect viewers from the experience. Unless you know about or are very interested in space travel and theories of time and relativity, it will be an overwhelming 169 minutes. The dialogue is also well-written, albeit a little hard to understand at times. Aside from some superb writing, Interstellar has some of
the greatest special effects of any movie released this year (sorry Guardians). Every scene in space is breathtaking and the silence simulates the experience of spacetravel. I strongly urge viewers to watch it in IMAX in order to truly get the most out of this picture. The acting is also excellent. McConaughey plays a pilot, father and savior and does a great job in all three roles. The supporting cast includes Michael Caine, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain, who also do very good jobs. As I said before, this is more than some movie, it’s an experience. Like 2001 or Close Encounters before it, Interstellar is a daring and exciting addition to the science-fiction genre. For those willing to get past the heavy-handed plot and writing, be prepared for an odyssey through mankind’s existence and to ask “Why?” Nolan has taken us boldly where no man has ever dreamed of going before.
Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, and David Gyasi in “Interstellar,” from Paramount Pictures and Warner Brothers Entertainment. photo with permission Melinda Sue Gordon/MCT
M usic L if estyle
Taylor Swift grows up Being a huge Taylor Swift fan since her debut, I highly anticipated her latest effort 1989. Her singles “Blank Space” and “Shake It Off” have been all over the radio lately and people have mixed emotions about it. Her music making, as far as songwriting goes, has come a long way from her older “Love Story” and “You Belong With Me.” While I believe she still has a little work to do, Swift’s new album isn’t bad. On her new album, she has a few songs that are major hits that have come a long way. “Blank Space” is a song that surprises. It simply doesn’t sound like something she would do. The lyrics scream Taylor Swift but the beat and the rhythm don’t sound like her at all. Her music has been gradually changing, and little by little she’s ditching her old country sound for this overly pop sound. Her songs are beginning to sound too much like other artists. It feels like she’s letting the other artists of today influence her new music, for example, “Blank Space” sounds like it
photos courtesy of Big Machine Records
could’ve been sung by By Jordan Cline Lorde. Staff Reporter It shows how @j_cline82297 much her new music has evolved and matured from her last album Red. She’s still writing love songs about heartbreak and mistakes she’s made in the past, but it’s showing that she’s not a lovesick teenager. It tells us that she’s looking at love in a new light and in an entirely different way. Her song “Style” shows that she recognizes what it’s like to be in an unhealthy relationship; that the two people involved in the relationship are in a never ending loop of breaking up and getting back together. Unlike her music style, her commercial success hasn’t changed. 1989 debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and sold over a million copies. This album had the highest sales week since 2002, which made Swift the first artist to have three different albums sell over a million copies in a week. Compared to Swift’s other albums, critics are responding generally well to it, although they feel that she is still too immature and bubble gum. Fans on the other hand, are ecstatic about its release, and they answered the naysayers by giving her votes to allow her to win Favorite Pop Artist and Favorite Female Artist at the People’s Choice Awards of 2015. Swift has nominations for Song of the year, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Record of the Year at the Grammy’s all of which have gone to her successful single, “Shake It Off.” It seems as if she’s maturing in her songwriting but is still the same girl from her debut album Taylor Swift. 1989 is her first step into Pop Stardom, let’s see what the future holds for her.
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S por t s A ro u n d V arel a By Danielle Malkin
fall sports
Staff Reporter dani.ginger97@hotmail.com
Football The Vipers, aiming for another chance at district dominance, finished their season 5-5, and 2-3 in District 8A15. Emotions ran high this year, as the season was filled with final minute victories and inspirational speeches. “It feels good,” said senior quarterback Justin Vargas, who finished his season with over 900 passing yards. “It gives me so much emotion knowing that my high school career is over, but I’m happy the way it ended and we went out with a bang.”
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Senior running back Anthony Guevara finished his Viper career with a great statistical season, too. Don’t let this quiet one fool you. Behind a humble and kindhearted “#22” jersey is a young man who graduates with 1,622 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in three years of varsity football, as well as being honored by the Miami Herald. “I’m real proud of the kids. It’s been a great senior class and to see them grow, especially kids like Justin and Guevara,
that’s why you coach,” said Head Coach Carlos Mollinedo. Girls Volleyball The Lady Vipers took the court this season, with 12 victories and 8 losses. They took on a new head coach and with that, new strategy. Coach Miguel DePana took the girls to 5th in the district. “This year was different than others. We did learn to adjust to the coaching style of our new coach and make it as far as we did,” said senior Valeria Ruiz. Sophomore Tiffany
Bolanos carried the most kills this season alongside junior Fabiola Plaza, who had the most assists. Swimming The boys and girls Varela Swim team saw the closing of the aquatic facility at Miami Dade College but that didn’t stop them. “This year proved to us that we do have the capabilities of making it to states,” said junior Andrea Gutierrez, who alongside seniors Adrian Elkind, Robert Matias and Sebastian Torra and sophomore Christopher Gutierrez, took the Vipers on a successful regional run. “We all had incredible seasons,” Elkind said. “George Lubian is only a sophomore and he made it to states. Our season was one of the best for Varela in years.” Lubian qualified for states in the men’s 200 meter freestyle
relay. Despite being the only Viper to qualify, many of his teammates rode up to Stuart, Florida, in support. And who said vipers couldn’t swim? Cross Country The Varela Cross Country team also had a good season, with both the junior varsity and varsity teams turning out successful performances at the GMAC Meet. Leading the JV team were freshmen Christian Pedroso and Alyssa Villegas, and sophomore Nicholas Parham. Senior Naysa Parham finished in the top 20 and earned a spot in the Junior Orange Bowl Invitational. For the men, junior Raul Balazero and senior Arthur Carbonell wrapped up the top 50 boys in Miami. Keep an eye out for these fast feet in track season.
photos with permission Fox-Mar
Aro u n d Varela S p or ts
be resilient and keep working,” said Head Coach Cesar Lacaci. With a line up consisting of new JV recruits, the season has been the “first varsity exposure” for Vipers on the court. Girls Basketball The ladies of the courts of Varela are making a name for themselves this season, with a record of 14-8. Senior Sabrina Verdes became the third girl in Varela history to score over 1,000 points, as well as having scholarship offers lined up around the block. “We had a goal to contend for a district title and we are currently tied for second place” said Head Coach Ryan Schneider. The team will hit the hardwood against the Lady Knight of Miami Sunset for the district quarter final. Boys Soccer
winter sports
Wrestling The Viper Wrestling team opened its 2014-15 season with great strides. The team fought their way to their first victory in two years against Miami Central, with a final score of 36 to 30. More home meets will see the wrestling team take it to the mat in the Viper Pit; standout wrestlers include Adrian Garcia (11), Manny Lopez (11), Gio Mentor (10), Lesmer Colon (9), Lester Colon (9), and finally Amanda Garcia (11). Boys Basketball The Varela Vipers Boys Basketball team got off to a rough start, securing their first win (in their fourth game of the season) against Miami Palmetto, with a final score of 67-65. With few games remaining in the season, the boys carry a district record of 6-6. “We’re trying to
The Varela Boys soccer team was off to a positive start. Vipers took the top spot with a district win over the Coral Reef ‘Cudas and the Ferguson Falcons. They currently hold a record of 11-2-3 and took the top place in the district after a defeat over the Southridge Spartans for the first time in seven years. Despite elimination from GMAC contention, the Vipers will happily continue to regional semi-finals against the Ronald Reagan/Doral Bison. Girls Soccer
The girls’ soccer team also saw a rather good start to the 20142015 season. They finished the season 5 -7, while holding a prominent position within the district. In district play, the
Vipers blew away the Sunset Knights with a score of 8-2; sophomore Karina Medina scored four goals and earned a “Miami Herald Athlete of the Week Award.”
Time Out with Sabrina Verdes
What University would you like to attend? UM or Duke What do you want to study in college? Criminal Justice What is your favorite part of basketball? The rush of winning and playing the game you love
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S por t s Out s i d e V arel a
West The top three teams in the Western Conference are the Golden State Warriors, the Editor-in-chief Memphis Grizzlies and the Houston Rockets. @cj_fett_salcedo All of which, made the playoffs last season. The Warriors’ point guard Stephen Curry is currently sixth in scoring, averaging about 23.0 points per game. His team not only leads the Western Conference, but also the league in general. Out of 69 seasons and several successes and failures, this is their best starting season. The city of Memphis has something to celebrate as well, as their shooting guard Courtney Lee is in 2nd place for in threepoint percentage. He has a percentage of 48.4 from behind the three-point line, and averages about 11.1 points per game. Leading the team in points is power forward Marc Gasol, with 19.5 points a game. Things are also looking up for “the greatest basketball player in the world “(his words, not mine), as James Harden, shooting guard for the Rockets, leads the entire NBA in scoring with 26.9 points per game. He is above former MVPs Lebron James and Kobe Bryant and is currently third place in KIA’s Race to the MVP, also above other all-stars. The Houston Rockets are currently third place in their conference. If you still aren’t convinced that the West Side is great, just know, more people yell Kobe Bryant’s name before throwing a paper ball into a trash can, than any other East side player.
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By Cj Salcedo
The Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose (1) drives against the Boston Celtics’ Avery Bradley (0) in the first half at the United Center in Chicago on Saturday, Jan. 3. The Bulls won, 109-104, in overtime. photo with permission Chicago Tribune/MCT
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The Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant (24) shoots over the San Antonio Spurs’ Danny Green in the first half at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014. photo with permission Los Angeles Times/MCT
Outs id e Varela S p or ts
East Midway through the season both conferences By David Murray are looking incredible. But, the East is looking Editor more on the winning side. There are a lot of teams @dirtydavid_ that have shown improvement since last season like the Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, and Chicago Bulls. The Bucks have the best defense in the NBA being ranked third in the league for defensive efficiency, combined steals, and blocks. This season the team is placed in fifth for the most steals per game. Guard Brandon Knight is leading the team in points, steals, and assists. The young guard told ESPN that he was “ready to take care of business.” Besides the Bucks showing astonishing defense, the Bulls are another team that has raised havoc in the NBA this year. The return of Derrick Rose, and the big man Pau Gasol joining the team this off-season from the Los Angeles Lakers, has helped improve the team very much. Gasol leads in the team in rebounds (11.4), 3 point field goal percentage (44.4) and blocks (2.2). Even without Rose and Gasol, the Lakers finished the season last year 48-34. Hopefully a team in the East can pull out and win a title this year.
The Atlanta Hawks’ Paul Millsap (24) and Mike Muscala (31) try to stop the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kevin Love as he goes to the basket in the second quarter at Quicken Loan Arena in Cleveland on Saturday, Nov. 15. The Cavs won, 127-94. photo with permission Akron Beacon Journal/MCT
The Brooklyn Nets’ Deron Williams (8) beats the Chicago Bulls’ Jimmy Butler (21) to the basket in the first half at the United Center in Chicago on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014. photo with permission Chicago Tribune/MCT
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