Monthly Archives: April 2012

April 13, 2012 · 1:30 am

The Voice vs. American Idol

By: Nan Buti/ Elizabeth Lee

Staff Reporters

Nan:

Why put up with judges you disagree with every audition when you can watch all choices approved by
The Voice?

While American Idol has been around on television for ten years and is commonly watched, The Voice is a new and engaging show with a twist. The No. 20 show has attracted 20 million viewers since it was launched in 2011. The show has boosted NBC’s popularity while American Idol has kept things the same. The Voice is an American talent show that provides its viewers continuous leisure from its three phases: the blind audition, the battle phase, and the live performance. The show starts out with its most interesting segment, a blind audition, where the judges are turned around in chairs to only hear and not see the singer. Once the singer finishes a song, he or she must choose the judge that has turned his or her chair. The four famous judges on The Voice are Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton. This show attracts viewers of all ages and leaves them captivated. The Voice differs from American Idol due to its multiple components and uniqueness of the show. It has introduced a new version of reality singing shows. Most American Idol fans are tired of the switching out of judges from Simon Cowell to Steven Tyler. The Voice is shown on television on Mondays and Tuesdays.  The Voice features much more modern music choices by singers and also more interesting performers. Unlike American Idol, The Voice focuses on the more serious, dedicated singers that don’t audition in Hawaiian wear and break dance to “Thriller.” This interactive singing competition includes the nerve-wracking auditions, intense battles, and live broadcasts. With actual artist experience, the judges of The Voice are also the coaches of the singers who pass on to the next round. Unlike American Idol judges, The Voice’s superior coaches make themselves useful by lending their knowledge and skills to the performers. This show surely entertains its viewers more than American Idol, the bland.

Elizabeth:

American Idol is the original, the most popular, and has created musical superstars. 

American Idol is one of the most successful shows in U.S. television history. For a decade, millions of devoted viewers have kept American Idol’s ratings at the top of the charts, making the show a household name. The original nationwide vocal talent competition has an undeniably loyal fanbase, superior ratings, lovable contestants, and can connect to its audience’s emotions in a way that The Voice cannot.

American Idol has set records for its popularity because of its ability to cater to every demographic. The judges, coaches, musical selections, and contestants are diverse enough to appeal to nearly every potential audience member, whereas the coaches of The Voice are contemporary pop artists (and one country music artist), catering to a narrower, younger audience. Idol also engages its audience by allowing the people to have all of the power in deciding which contestants can advance to the next round each week. After the audition round, the judges on the show can only offer their opinions on the performances, while The Voice allows its audience to have a much smaller say in choosing the winner, and only on certain episodes.

Perhaps another of the main reasons American Idol has gained such attention over the years is the fact that it is one of the only reality television shows that is, in fact, real.  The contestants are ordinary people, which the audience can relate to, and one thing Americans love is an underdog to root for. The Voice casts their contestants, some of whom have had record deals prior to being on the show. Where is the reality in that? Some of the biggest names in the music industry today were first seen on American Idol – where would Grammy – and American Music Award-winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood be if they had not been on the show? Other notable talented artists like Chris Daughtry, Jordin Sparks, and Jennifer Hudson would still be undiscovered as well. The Voice, on the other hand, has yet to produce a single superstar.

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· 1:30 am

Oak Grove Drama takes on SETC

After winning Best in State at the Mississippi Theatre Association competition for their performance of The Jungalbook in November, the Drama family traveled to Chattanooga, Tennessee, March 7-11 to the Southeastern Theatre Conference to compete against other high school drama groups in the southeastern United States. The Oak Grove Theatre Department has been to SETC six times in the past few years, so this year was a continuation of their winning tradition.
In order to prepare for SETC, the drama students participated in a number of fundraisers, including several encore performances of The Jungalbook, and rehearsed the show to get it perfect for the competition. All of their months of hard work paid off at SETC. The show won the Golden Wrench Award, given to the most professional group at the conference, and the Judges’ Choice Award for outstanding makeup, costumes, and body art. Xavier Martin, senior, made All-Star Cast at SETC for his exceptional performance, and eight of Oak Grove’s students received a combined total of $220,000 in scholarships for their acting and creative designs. “I am grateful I got to perform with such an awesome group of talented students, and even though we didn’t bring home the title, we did bring home a better knowledge of teamwork and became closer as we progressed through the season. Because at the end of the day, we are one blood!” said Martin.
“I am extremely proud of our cast and crew,” said Suzanne Allmon, director. “It is very hard to work for eight months on a show like this. I’m proud of their performance as well as their attitude.” The Jungalbook’s achievements at SETC seem like an excellent way to finish out Oak Grove Theatre’s successful competition season and set the bar high for next year’s show.

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· 1:30 am

McCarty, Dysfuntion Junction continue entertaining readers

by: Anna Kate Baygents

Staff Reporter

When Kent McCarty graduated last year as a Valedictorian, Star Student, National Merit Finalist, and Hall of Fame recipient, most of his teachers and classmates expected him to achieve big things. As former editor of The Warrior Beat, it came as no surprise when one of these included writing. Last September, The Conservative Journal, a popular political blog, was looking to start a new project geared toward a younger audience and needed a writer for it. “I never thought I’d get it,” McCarty said, “but I took a chance and applied.” McCarty was chosen, and The Dysfunction Junction was born. While writing for The Warrior Beat, McCarty wrote a column following his personal series of unfortunate events entitled The Dysfunction Junction. So when trying to decide what to name his blog, he chose to carry over the catchy title “because the only thing more dysfunctional than my life is the

Kent McCarty shakes hands with Phil Bryant at the Governor’s Inaugural Ball. / Submitted Photo

American Government,” McCarty said. McCarty’s first article was a live blog following a GOP debate this past September. Since then, The Dysfunction Junction has grown immensely and has even been mentioned on The Huffington Post for GOP primary predictions as well as spotlighted on Red Alert, another young political blog. Most recently, McCarty joined the staff of The College Conservative, a blog written by college students from all over the country. However, McCarty doesn’t only blog about politics; he is also very involved. On January 10, McCarty attended the inauguration of Governor Phil Bryant where he was able to speak and shake hands with the Governor. A few weeks after, McCarty flew to Washington, D.C.,   to attend the Conservative Political Action Conference, or better known as CPAC. Speakers ranged from Ann Coulter to Herman Cain, yet Sarah Palin stole the show. “I’ve never seen someone so well-received by such a large crowd,” McCarty said. McCarty met Palin and Cain along with other “celebrities” Mike Huckabee, Rick Santorum, and Newt Gingrich. McCarty’s connection with Gingrich, however, didn’t end in D.C. At the beginning of March, McCarty received an email from Gingrich’s campaign stating that they were looking for a chairman for Lamar County, and he excitedly took the position. McCarty was responsible for setting out all of the Newt signs around the county and for calling voters and reminding them to place their ballots on Election Day. Gingrich did indeed win Lamar County. For this summer, McCarty has applied to intern for Mississippi representative Steven Palazzo in the U.S. House of Representatives. He should hear back from Rep. Palazzo’s office soon. McCarty attends the University of Southern Mississippi but has yet to declare a major. “I have so many things I want to do with my life,” McCarty said. “I’m still trying to narrow it down.”Although he doubts he’ll be a professional blogger, McCarty hopes to keep his blog up and running for as long as possible.

Facts about his blog:

700 subscribers

3,300 Twitter followers

1,000 daily visits

100,000 unique visitors

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· 1:30 am

Hunger Games Movie and Book Review

by: Morgan Guess

Staff Reporter

Over the past several months The Hunger Games trilogy, written by Suzanne Collins, has become a worldwide phenomenon. The Hunger Games was published in September of 2008 and became popular among young adult readers.

The story is set in the ruins of future America that has been divided into districts. Due to the past rebellious acts against the government by the districts, the Capitol hosts an annual Hunger Games event in which one boy and one girl from each district must compete for their lives in an arena created by the evil masterminds of the Capitol. The event is viewed on national television and serves as punishment and as a constant reminder of past rebellious acts, their consequences, and the Capitol’s sovereignty in its citizens’ lives.

The story follows a survivalist girl named Katniss Everdeen through the rough conditions of the games after she volunteered to take the place of her younger sister, Prim. Katniss struggles for her life, and even love, throughout the trilogy. The movie adaptation of the first book in the series brought The Hunger Games to life on the big screen on March 23. The film sold $152.5 million  on opening weekend across America, making it the third largest grossing movie ever on an opening weekend.

The actors chosen to play the main characters of The Hunger Games really stepped up to the plate. Jennifer Lawrence, a no-nonsense  Kentucky native, brought raw emotion and a type of intensity to the screen that embodied the heroine Katniss Everdeen in every way. Experienced actor Josh Hutcherson portrays her fellow District 12 tribute, Peeta Mellark, the local baker’s son.  Katniss’s best friend, Gale, is played by Australian actor Liam Hemsworth. The three actors’ chemistry is apparent on screen.

In comparison to the best-selling book, the film was almost spot-on, missing only a few minor details. The movie’s magnitude brought the terrifying games to reality just as the book did. Despite its two and a half hour mark, the movie never dragged but kept the anticipation and constant action rolling.  The Hunger Games not only addresses the female audience through romance but the male audience as well in action.

When compared to other young adult novels such as the popular Twilight saga, The Hunger Games appeals to a much broader audience and has something for everyone. The Hunger Games is a must-read book and must-see movie (in that order) for men and women of all ages.

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· 1:30 am

The Truth Behind Kony ’12

by: JoAnna Gunnufsen

Staff Reporter

A new generation of activism

On March 5, the world was first introduced to the KONY 2012 campaign through a 30-minute video on YouTube. Since that first upload, the video has had more than 100 million views and has sparked controversy on all types of social media.

If you haven’t seen it already, the video, which was created by the non-profit organization Invisible Children, describes the acts of Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony. For the past 30 years, Kony has been kidnapping children and turning them into sex-slaves and soldiers for the Lord’s Resistance Army, or the LRA. Since 1986, Kony and the LRA have abducted more than 30,000 children in northern Uganda.

Kony’s actions were not gone unnoticed. In 2005 the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Joseph Kony and the other leaders of the LRA. The video urges viewers to “make Kony famous” by telling others about the violence he has caused in Africa and asking policymakers and celebrities to show their support of the effort.

When I first watched the video, I was skeptical. The film was well-made and obviously designed to stir up sentimental emotions in its viewers. In one of the scenes, Russell, creator of the film, tells his young, blonde-haired, bright-eyed son about what Kony is doing in Africa. His son seems surprised that someone as harmful as Kony could not be captured. Certainly, if a cute kid knows that Kony is doing wrong, we should try to put a stop to it. Don’t get me wrong; Kony’s actions are undoubtedly wrong. However, this kind of emotional appeal is deceptive and makes the cause seem less credible.

I decided that if I was going to support the KONY 2012 campaign, I needed to do my fair share of research. Apparently, the video distorted a few key facts about Joseph Kony and the LRA. The video failed to mention that Kony was no longer in Uganda. While Kony has not been captured, the LRA left Uganda for good at the start of 2006. The LRA has dwindled in numbers and strength, but they now carry out their attacks in the regions of northeastern Congo, South Sudan, and Central African Republic. The LRA reached its peak in 1999, with over 4,000 active troops in Uganda. However, the Ugandan government estimates that there are now only around 400 LRA fighters left.

The video portrays Joseph Kony as a new villain among the world’s most dangerous war criminals. The video begins with this sentence printed across the screen: “Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.” If Kony has been working with the LRA for almost 30 years, why hasn’t Invisible Children been trying to stop him before now? Certainly, this video should have been released years ago.

On April 4, a second video was released by the same organization who created KONY 2012. “KONY 2012: Part II – Beyond Famous” has received a little over a million views, which is a mere one-tenth of the views of the original video. It’s not posted all over your Facebook newsfeed, and it has received little media attention. However, this video changed my entire perspective on the KONY 2012 campaign, and I ask that you watch it. The second video explains, with more depth, how Invisible Children is working to stop Kony and the LRA. It relies less on emotion and more on the true facts. Instead of looking at the campaign with criticism, I saw it for what it was. Invisible Children is not trying to find a single solution to a complex problem. They are simply trying to remind others of the inhumane violence that still occurs in the world. Whether it be in our own country or the heart of Africa, this kind of ruthless violence should not be tolerated.

Why don’t we admire this effort? It shows the capacity of our generation to fight for justice and equality. We are a new generation, willing to look past social and racial barriers to create positive change. However, the initial criticism of the campaign also shows our ability to research, investigate, and decide our own opinions about important issues.

On April 20, you have the choice to participate in KONY 2012’s “Cover the Night” event. Take a stance for something you believe in, and act on it.

STUDENTS SOUND OFF

“I’m glad that Invisible Children is making an effort to stop Joseph Kony.” - Lucy Robinson, 10th grade

 “There are more important issues to focus on, and we should have been trying to stop Kony a few years ago.” - Ashton Beightol, 11th grade

“I think the Youtube video is really cool, and I like that it shows awareness about what’s going on in other places besides our hometown.” - Lace Clark, 12th grade

“I hope to make a difference by getting a group of friends together to put up flyers on April 20th.” - Rohini Malkani, 11th grade

“The government has been trying to stop Kony for years. Americans are just now getting involved.” – Dylan Carpenter, 12th grade

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· 1:30 am

Chews Wisely

by: Julie Robinson

Staff Reporter

Throughout this year I have written solely about my opinions and tastes and while I consider my opinions as above reproach I thought it would be a good idea to let you read the opinions of some promising seniors at Oak Grove. I interviewed seniors about their favorite restaurants, but it wouldn’t be my column if I didn’t first tell you what my favorite restaurant in Hattiesburg is. I love almost all food and most restaurants in Hattiesburg, but my absolute favorite place to eat is Crescent City. You just can’t get better than crab cakes and bread pudding. It looks like Oak Grove’s senior class has some excellent opinions on restaurants…

 ”My favorite restaurant is Outback because the cheese fries are to die for. If the world were ending, and I could have one last meal from one last restaurant, I’d choose Outback.” – Madison Bourne, senior

“I love McAlister’s because I can order a kid’s pita pizza and a Reuben for under ten dollars. Plus, it’s a great way to stay in shape.” - Jay Lang, senior

“Baker’s Burgers have unique burgers, and I can choose whatever condiments I would like. They also have great service.” - Lace Clark, senior

“I love Popeye’s because I just like chicken. It’s tasty. Sometimes they give you free drinks!” - Shawn Anderson, senior

“Super King because they have some of the finest lean mean Asian cuisine ever.” - Trest Underwood, senior

“My favorite restaurant is Raising Cane’s because I get to make up my name whenever I go there. I get to be a new person every time I walk into Cane’s.” - Brooks Becton, senior

“I love Qdoba. Who doesn’t like authentic Mexican food in a super Indie environment?” - Jacob Nelson, senior





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· 1:30 am

OGHS junior’s spirit shines bright on stage

by: Julie Robinson

Staff Reporter

Olivia Sanguinetti was crowned Miss Spirit of the South Outstanding Teen on February 11th. Along with the title, she received first place in interview, fitness, and evening gown. She will receive a $2,000 scholarship to William Carey University for winning Miss Spirit of the South Outstanding Teen if she chooses to go there. On February 26th she spoke at Hattiesburg’s cotillion about her title. She focused on the importance of self-esteem and how to express it. She talked to the coming of age sixth graders about ways to be different. Sanguinetti also talked about ways to get involved in the community and shared about the many opportunities she has had to better the community through her platform.
Sanguinetti’s platform is “creating a normalcy for special needs students and adults.” She is contributing to her platform by participating in Summer Adventures at Thames elementary school. Summer Adventures is a five week day camp for children with mental and physical disabilities. She is also an active member of the Junior Civitan club, participating in many projects. She has participated in the newly launched campaign “Spread the Word to End the Word”, collected cleaning supplies for the Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp and money to help send children to that camp, and was a student mentor in the play, Snow White.
This summer Sanguinetti will compete at the state competition in Vicksburg at a chance for Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen on May 31st – June 2nd. She will be judged on talent, evening gown, fitness, on-stage question, and interview. To prepare, Sanguinetti is working out daily, taking weekly voice lessons from Josephine D’Arp, a retired professor of music at William Carey, and keeping up with current events to prepare for her interview. The director of Miss Spirit ofthe South Outstanding Teen, Darlene Lee, has spent many months helping Sanguinetti prepare for the state competition by hosting a mock interview, helping with time-consuming paperwork, and finalizing Sanguinetti’s wardrobe for the state competition.

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· 1:30 am

Softball heats up with district play

by: Kirk McCarty

Guest Reporter

Right-handed ace Mahalia Gibson, sophomore, propels a pitch to the plate in a recent match-up against Hattiesburg High, her first game back from an injury. / Photo by Raven Jones

The team goal this year: win a state championship. Halfway through the regular season, the Lady Warrior softball team sits at  12-2.  Due to Mother Nature’s wrath, the Warriors have had five games rained out and have played three district games so far this season, those being dominating wins over Meridian, Petal, and Hattiesburg.

This year’s Warrior team is led by a very talented group of seniors. Kelsea Lewis and Heather Boutwell have both been starting since their eighth grade years and are committed to continuing their softball careers at Pearl River Community College, while other senior starters include 2nd basemen Aston Vincent and pitcher Stefani Cayten.

The pitching staff has had to really step up early in the season due to the loss of ace Mahalia Gibson who was forced to have surgery on her throwing hand pinky. Peyton Sheffield and Stefani Cayten have definitely done just that for the Warriors. Sheffield has logged 37 innings already this season with an impressive 1.14 ERA (earned run average). Cayten is right behind her with 27 innings and a 1.30 ERA.

The Warriors have been a force at the plate as well posting a team batting average of .375. Kelsea Lewis leads the team with an average of .484 followed by Constance Quinn and Carly Crawford who are hitting .458 and .457, respectively.

Great stats are, well, great, but what really sets apart this team is their attitude and mindset to win games. “Our team has a lot of heart, and when we get down, we spring right back up,” said senior first baseman Heather Boutwell. “We all have the same mindset to win.”

The Warriors will really find out what they’re made of in the next couple of weeks when district play really heats up.  Oak Grove will take on HHS, Petal, and Meridian one more time before the season’s end. Senior night and the game many fans will attend with cowbells in hand, takes place at Warrior field on April 17 against the one and only Petal Panthers. Come support the Warriors on their quest for a ring this season.

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· 1:30 am

Top-ranked baseball continues winning ways

by: Laura Prehn

Staff Reporter

Baseball season is up and running, and the Warriors couldn’t be playing any better. In their longest winning streak in several years, they now stand at an impressive 22-1. Although none of this year’s players are new to varsity baseball, they possess a dedication and solidarity that enables them to play harder than ever before.  Many of the seniors have been playing together for several years, and their relationships and ability to work together gives them an edge.

This season has proved both challenging and exciting so far. Most recently, on April 10, the Warriors faced rival Hattiesburg and pulled out an impressive 8-6 win.

Oak Grove sluggers Tyler Odom and Jansen Bounds have both led the team to victories with huge homeruns. Odom helped the Warriors overcome Vicksburg with three homers while Bounds homered twice in a win over Gulfport.

In addition to successful hitting, one of the team’s greatest assets this year is their number of talented pitchers, including, but not limited to, sophomore Kirk McCarty. McCarty, a starter for two years now, is one of the strongest pitchers on the team. McCarty’s biggest claim to fame was pitching a no-hitter at the Meridian game earlier this season. Spoken like a true athlete, McCarty said, “I love to compete, and I love being out on the field with my teammates.” The Warriors have had only one loss this season, one many would like to forget against Petal. Surprisingly, McCarty admits that the Petal game was the most memorable of the season. “That loss motivates us to keep up the hard work and never give up,” McCarty said. He, like most of the players, is focused on just one ambition. “The goal is to make it to state and win,” he said. “I think we have a good chance.” A predictable goal, yes, but perhaps more attainable than ever before.

There’s a lot of talent on this team, and the possibility of making it to State is looking good. The Warriors have raced through the first half of the season with flying colors, and the remainder of the season promises to be just as, if not more, thrilling for the players and fans alike.

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· 1:30 am

Rookie Driver’s Handbook

by: Jordan Farrar/Morgan Guess

Staff Reporters

 Quite a few teens think that all you need to drive is a set of keys and a license,
but that is not the case.

When pulling into the driving world, it can be a bit overwhelming, but with a few rules and tips, you can go from 0-50 mph in no time flat. To start, teens will have to hold their horsepower. Patience is the key to driving safely and efficiently on today’s roads. We all know that it is a virtue, but

Elizabeth Lee was caught texting and driving while leaving the school parking lot. / Photo by Raven Jones

sometimes being patient is easier said than done. It is required for everyday driving from stop signs to traffic lights. Being aware of one’s surroundings is another rule that is necessary for rookie drivers.  One must be diligent when they are driving on the road; you never know what will happen. Like most parents say, “It’s not that I don’t trust you; it’s that I don’t trust the other drivers.” Driving defensively means being aware of your surroundings and knowing how to react to whatever may occur. Being safe on the road is the number one goal for all drivers. However, being safe doesn’t mean anything if one gets distracted by the buzzing of a cell phone. Turning the phone on silent or pulling over is a safe alternative to texting and driving. There’s no reason to put not only you, but the drivers around you, in danger. All of these rules are necessary to becoming a safe and experienced driver, and if followed you’ll become a pro in no time.

 Rules of the Road

Common Courtesy – We all know what common courtesy is. Just be polite to your fellow driver on the road.

Don’t Text and Drive - Wait until you get home to answer your next text message. A text message isn’t worth your life.

                            Hold Your Horsepower- Be patient on the road. Everyone is trying to get to their own destinations.
 Be Aware of Your Surroundings - Know what is happening not only in your car, but also be aware of what others are doing around your car.
 Defensive Driving, not Offensive- Notice and be able to react to what the other drivers are doing.
 Park on the Straight and Narrow - Be aware of your parking. Take the time to park evenly between the yellow lines.

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