The Viper Vibe <![CDATA[The Viper Vibe]]> http://my.hsj.org/Portals/2/logos/__TFMF_fig4be55s44qj3552bwjpiv3_47cbebac-86fd-49f5-abda-23875feba596_0___Selected.jpg en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:35:25 GMT 15 <![CDATA[Schools offer Swine Flu shots]]> By Amilynn Soto/Editor-in-Chief


photo by Enamarie Montero
Washing hands is the best way to prevent infection from Influenza A or the H1N1 Virus. Hand sanitizers only work three times in a day.

The Swine Flu is far from gone here in Florida. Since April, Florida has reached 109 deaths due to the H1N1 infection (Miami Herald) and the numbers keep rising. With vaccines now being distributed, s full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:50:59 GMT <![CDATA[Local Power 96 DJ becomes Principal for the Day]]> By Amilynn Soto/Editor-in-Chief


photo by Kristina Camara
DJ Laz jokingly attempts takes Ms. Navarro’s walkie-talkie as he takes over the school as principal for the day.

“Don’t let the suit fool you, it’s rented.” This is a glimpse of the amusing DJ Laz who visited our school on October 21. full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:48:56 GMT <![CDATA[Editorial]]> By Editorial Board


photo by Enamarie Montero

Americans are obsessed with violence. We can’t get enough of it, with our first-person shooter games, wars, fights on TV and in movies, anger at home, and our lack of sensitivity for other human being full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:46:25 GMT <![CDATA[The passion of journalism]]> By Analia Fiestas/Staff Reporter



“Reporting for CNN, I’m Analia Fiestas.” How much do I wish to be able to really say that one day? I love reporting. Truth be told, many others out there do as well, and many out there are actually li full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:41:48 GMT <![CDATA[Sleep plays havoc with mind and body]]> By Maite Gonzalez/Managing Editor
If you have a hard time catching enough sleep every night with hectic schedules or staggering worries which usually keep us tossing and turning at night, then you are not alone. Almost fifty percent o full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:41:02 GMT <![CDATA[Ask Maite]]> By Maite Gonzalez/Managing Editor
Since when did childhood have to become something children have to “leapfrog” through? In a way, kids in general are accelerated in every aspect of life- educationally, socially, mentally and physica full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:40:11 GMT <![CDATA[Students are apathetic over important social issues]]> By Alison Byrd/Staff Reporter



Teenage apathy. I’m sure it’s a subject most of us can relate to firsthand. In truth, I am experiencing this sort of thing on a personal level right now: because as I am writing this, my calendar kno full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:38:23 GMT <![CDATA[Teen carelessness is leading to unwanted pregnancies]]> By Liliana Mora/Graphics Editor



Sex. It is such a beautiful thing but its true meaning has been distorted and misrepresented over the years. Back in the age of our grandparents, it wasn’t even considered lady-like to talk about it. full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:37:02 GMT <![CDATA[Limelight]]> By Sthephany Delgado/Section Editor


photo by Kristina Camara
Senior Joao Fonte works on constructing a house. He is currently enrolled in Technology Advanced Honors working to obtain his drafting license in order to work with professional engineers and contractors.

The Drafting academy is on of the most underrepresented and underestimated in school, but through senior Joao Fonte, drafting get’s their fair share of light. full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:34:17 GMT <![CDATA[Every Viper Has A Tale]]> By Karolina Loaisiga/Staff Reporter


photo by Enamarie Montero
Freshman Adrian Espinosa is making a new start here at Varela. He enjoys skateboarding, photography and drawing.

If you wander the halls of Felix Varela, you might find students that have undergone certain struggles that have turned into motivations like freshman Adrian Espinosa. For him, school hasn’t been so m full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:32:23 GMT <![CDATA[Roaring crowds greet Battle of the Bands]]> By Stefany Gomez/Staff Reporter


photo by Kristina Camara
Decimate took first place at this year’s Battle of the Bands.

The crowd was fidgeting in their seats awaiting the upcoming music, talent and showmanship. The drum set – the center piece of the show – warned the viewers of the chaos that would soon follow. Ever full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:24:58 GMT <![CDATA[Vipers display their Hispanic Heritage at annual show]]> By Jonathan Reyes/Section Editor


photo by Kristina Camara
Junior Nathalia Ramos and alumnus Endy Morffi performed a very passionate dance at the Hispanic Heritage Show.

Our students have been performing in The Hispanic Heritage Show ever since this school opened. The foreign language and social studies departments proudly showcase our diverse cultures and nationaliti full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:23:26 GMT <![CDATA[Students establish a local chapter of First Priority here at Varela]]> By Sanah Faroke/Section Editor
So everyone has heard about this thing called ‘First Priority’, but what is it really? Is it a band, a book, a store, a school, a bird, a plane, (no, it’s not Superman), it’s actually a club. full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:22:30 GMT <![CDATA[New drama teacher brings improv to life]]> By Kelbi-Caitlin Carrig/Staff Reporter


photo by Enamarie Montero
Mr. Osvaldo Quintana has joined the faculty as a drama teacher. He brings with him a love for improv as a member of the local Impromedy Club.

Over the 10 years Felix Varela has been enriching minds, the drama program has seen many new faces, and the most recent one has been that of Mr. Quintana’s. Mr. Osavaldo Quintana has come to Varela to full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:20:55 GMT <![CDATA[Drama produces High School Musical]]> By Amilynn Soto/Editor-in-Chief


photo by Kristina Camara
Wildcats were in the house at the drama department’s fall production of ‘High School Musical.’

The lights dimmed and before I even had a chance to blink, there were cheerleaders in red shirts and black shorts, waving their poms poms in the aisles of the school auditorium on October 21. ‘High Sc full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:19:18 GMT <![CDATA[Students turn out for Senior Tailgate and Karaoke Night]]> By Amilynn Soto/Editor-in-Chief and Enamarie Montero/Staff Reporter


photo by Enamarie Montero
Seniors at tailgate group together to play volleyball. Others cooked burgers and danced to the music provided by DJ Haze.

Senior Tailgate and Senior Karaoke Night full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:16:53 GMT <![CDATA[Viper Beat]]> By Viper Vibe Staff


courtesy of Fueled by Ramen Island Records

Music Reviews for Music Lovers Paramore The Fall of Troy Sondre Lerche Pearl Jam A.F.I. Breaking Benjamin Generationals Three Days Grace full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:10:37 GMT <![CDATA[Muse takes a brilliant risk in latest effort]]> By Sthephany Delgado/Section Editor


photo courtesy of Warner Bros

Oh Muse. Not only is this the album where you attempt to shake off those endless Radiohead/ Thom Yorke comparisons, you just set yourself up for those inevitable Queen/Freddy Mercury ones. full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:58:56 GMT <![CDATA[Sunstreak does not lie]]> By Sanah Faroke/Section Editor


photo courtesy of MEROVINGIAN

Before I listen to a new band, I literally set myself up to be completely open minded to all genres, whether it’s pop, rap, jazz, hip hop, R&B, rock, scream-o (not my favorite), classical, country, or full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:57:23 GMT <![CDATA[Bennington is Dead by Sunrise]]> By Brian Goins/Section Editor


photo courtesy of Warner Bros

Dead By Sunrise might not be your typical modern day rock band. But this band can sure make some really solid music. full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:55:58 GMT <![CDATA[Remake of ‘Fame’ does not live forever]]> By Sanah Faroke/Section Editor


photo courtesy of United Artists

‘Fame!’ It’s everyone’s desire; those who receive it flaunt it and those who don’t, envy it. In this fall flick, we look into the lives of forthcoming actors, singers, dancers, artists, and dreamers s full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:54:37 GMT <![CDATA[Jennifer’s Body not as hot as fans anticipated]]> By Kristina Camara/Photo Editor


photo courtesy of Dune Entertainment

Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried star in Diablo Cody’s ‘Jennifer’s Body,’ a dark comedy about two “best friends” in high school who have little to nothing in common. full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:53:21 GMT <![CDATA[From the Vault]]> By Sthephany Delgado/Section Editor
Having recently passed away, small screen presence and big-time movie heartthrob Patrick Swayze left behind a legacy of memorable films and TV series such as the classic ‘Dirty Dancing,’ ‘Red Dawn,’ a full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:52:21 GMT <![CDATA[Movies go “Where the Wild Things Are”]]> By Kristina Camara/Photo Editor


photo courtesy of Warner Bros

Many people doubted Spike Jonze’s ability to transform Maurice Sendak’s beloved 48-page childhood book -- comprised primarily of illustrations and only ten sentences -- into a movie lasting almost two full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:50:10 GMT <![CDATA[The future becomes unwound]]> By Maite Gonzalez/Managing Editor


photo courtesy of Simon and Schuster Childrens Publishing
‘Unwind’ is an eerie look into a future where children can be unwound and become universal organ donors with or without their consent.

‘Unwind’ a novel written by Neal Shusterman, is addicting and mysterious. It is written by an author who is generally known for his alluring novels for young adults, such as ‘Everlost’ and ‘Downsiders full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:48:23 GMT <![CDATA[Armed Forces recruits through scholarships]]> By Raphael DelaCruz


photo by Kristina Camara
Senior Nicolexander Garza applies for the Naval ROTC scholarship with a recommendation from Varela’s NJROTC Senior Naval Science Instructor Commander Charles Leo.

As seniors begin their last year in high school, many have to undertake the tedious task of preparing and applying for college. Not only do they have to apply to it, but they also have to find a way t full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:46:17 GMT <![CDATA[Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize]]> By Maite Gonzalez/Managing Editor


photo with permission Abaca Press MCT
President Barack Obama speaks at a press conference in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., after winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on October 9.

Everyone knows Barack Obama as the first African American president of the United States, but now he will also be known as the first African American president that has won, surprisingly, a Nobel Priz full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:44:46 GMT <![CDATA[Bowling moves through tough season into GMAC’s]]> By Ashley Camaraza/Staff Reporter


photo by Fox Mar
Senior Gustavo Rodriguez prepares to bowl.

As we slowly left summer and entered autumn, Varela’s bowling team faced a competitive season. full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:43:02 GMT <![CDATA[Swimming team breaks records, includes diving]]> By Kristina Camara/Photo Editor


photo by Kristina Camara
Freshman Ariel Figueroa competes in the 100m Butterfly.

Both the boy’s and girl’s swim teams have finished normal competitions and are well on their way towards districts. full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:41:15 GMT <![CDATA[Volleyball continues success]]> By Analia Fiestas/Staff Reporter
“Go! Run! Serve it! Don’t lose it!” Those are all phrases the volleyball ladies are really used to hearing on a daily basis… not only from Coach Caryn Cortright, but from each other. full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:39:20 GMT <![CDATA[Football tackles season]]> By Richard Gomez/Staff Reporter


photo by Kristina Camara
Senior Brian Maura returns a kick return for an 80 yard touchdown. The touchdown didn’t count because of a Varela penalty 20 yards before the end zone.

This year some feel that the football team has a new and improved look in them. With a mind set on the district champions some agree that we have a chance. full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:37:38 GMT <![CDATA[Michael Jordan proves to be poor winner]]> By Hernando Monroy/Staff Reporter


photo with permission Chicago Tribune MCT
Michael Jordan, alongside David Thompson, is inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame at Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts, Friday, September 11.

Many words could be used to describe Michael Jordan: the greatest, the best ever, or simply incredible. However, recently many would say you could add one more word to this category: “arrogant.” full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:35:13 GMT <![CDATA[Sports Face Off]]> By Brian Goins/Section Editor and Richard Gomez/Staff Reporter



Brian Goins

Will Dwayne Wade stay with the Miami Heat next year? full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:32:05 GMT <![CDATA[Florida student’s future is bright in basketball]]> By Brian Goins/Section Editor
Many high school athletes would do anything for a chance to play their sport at the collegiate level. Just the idea of getting a prepaid scholarship to play sports at any college is a luxury. Howeve full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:24:25 GMT <![CDATA[Union of European football under way, fans excited]]> By Thalia Laham/Staff Reporter


graphic by Liliana Mora

There are thousands of fans roaring, many singing their club’s chants, hearts pounding as they watch their team play in the most awaited soccer competition of the year. This is the sound of many enth full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:22:53 GMT <![CDATA[College football defensivemen fights and beats cancer]]> By Brian Goins/Section Editor
Meet Mark Herzlich. He’s the reigning ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-American. Herzlich is a linebacker for Boston College University, and he has matur full story > ]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:21:42 GMT