Verve December 2012 : Volume XIII Issue 3

December 2012 Volume 13 Issue 3

Newspaper of Summit High School Board of Education Talks PE Exemptions

See pages 7-8

Opine..............2 Turf.................3 Gift Guide.........4&5 S&S.................6 Buzz................7 Globe..............8

Continued on page 7

Whats up?

12/8 Hanukkah Begins 12/16 Hanukkah Ends 12/21 Winter Solstice 12/25 Christmas

Winning... Juniors Blackout themed hallway wins the hallway decora

tion contest.

Bluemercury Opens in Summit

By GWEN ROGERS

Bluemercury is the nation’s largest and leading luxury beauty products and spa retail chain. Bluemercury presented its grand opening in Summit on November 17th at 374 Springfield Avenue. The shop itself is lovely with very clean design,warm tones, and nice lighting. They even had some gorgeous and delicious strawberries and chocolate for customers.

The chain is bustling at all hours with people trying on makeup and raving about new products. Their staff is attentive and plentiful so there will never be a wait to

beauty questions demystified. Today, Bluemercury is widely recognized as the nation's fastest growing beauty products and spa retail chain. They offer the world’s most innovative beauty products in a truly unique shopping experience. The store carries over 100 brands, in over 26 locations. The shop features fragrances, sun care, hair care, bath and body, and makeup. “Bluemercury” carries the best when it comes to brands, including Laura Mercier, Nars, and Bobbi Brown.

Continued on page 2

Seniors vs Juniors: Powder Puff Pictures

By MAX MACPHERSON

Photo by Max Macpherson

Holiday Gift Guide!

Discuss! The Summit Board of Education at work.

Go big or go home... Seniors Bonnie Nedvidek, Alexandra Mueller, Marissa Jennings, Cici Flanagan, Sade Tyndall,and Taylor Madden pose after their big

win over the Juniors.

Photo by Max Macpherson

this issue of Verve:

and taking AP classes.”

Lucaci then added, “The PE experience in Summit is not a good one.”

Round Two At the November 15 meeting, the Board continued discussion about the issue and seemed to indicate the ball was still in play.

During open discussion, the Summit Education Association representative, Mr. Dan Miller, read a prepared statement in defense of the teaching staff, said that the board president’s October comments were, “entirely inappropriate and unacceptable” in that the aim of such rhetoric was “to publicly denigrate” PE. He added, “Comments of this type are very damaging to the morale of staff and unjustly undermine the community’s confidence in a given program.” He said that, to the teaching staff and SEA membership, comments like this “are simply irresponsible and are not tolerable.”

Ms. Katherine Kalin, chair of the BOE’s policy committee, said, “The policy committee has met and has come to the conclusion that more analysis and further study is needed to make a solid decision.”

Concerned citizen Mr. Edgar Mokuvos broadened the discussion to include non-athletic exemptions for students involved in time-consuming extracurricular clubs and activities.

When a question was asked about the drama kids having the same privilege as the athletes, Kalin stated, “If we did have the options to have students opt out from gym if they’re athletes, then we can open plan B as well."

Mockuvos responded, “We’re only trying to tackle one issue at a time.”

Photo by Meredith Robertson

INSIDE

At the October 18 Summit Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nathan Parker supported a proposal that JV and Varsity athletes be exempt from gym once a week during the normal season. No decision is imminent, but the issue resurfaced at the subsequent November 15 Board meeting.

In October, and with the support of BOE President Mr. George Lucaci, Parker stated, "it would be a good idea, because this time it would apply to 800 students, not just the 30 who are currently using it."

The exemption as-is, which states that seniors and juniors who are 2-year, 3-season athletes can be assigned a once-a-week study hall, is found on page 37 of the SHS student handbook.

The move to broaden the exemption sparked controversy among athletes, nonathletes, and parents, some of whom were unaware of the existing exemption.

Given a chance to speak during the open public discussion, Mr. Dave Field, SHS Gym teacher and cross-country coach, opposed the gym exemption, explaining what the students do in gym and how it expands on key social skills and the trust factor.

“In class students are involved in Project Adventure.

This is a program in which students have to work together and trust one another in order to reach the common goal,” said Fields. He went on to explain how this classroom experience is uniquely necessary, and how it differs from a team experience.

A high-key moment at the meeting occurred when a concerned parent, stated “I wasn't aware of this exemption; my kids were all-season athletes

Photo provided by http://www.nj.gov

By ALEX ARIAS

Juniors attempt a comeback... Katie Chase carries the ball downfield in hopes of beating the Seniors.

A Look Into Legalization

RIP No Shave November

ment Against Prohibition) believe that by regulating marijuana like alcohol, this would create a “White Market” in which the illegal drug trade would collapse and drug violence would fall significantly. When asked if he thought that marijuana was a gateway drug, Franklin stated, “It is a fallacy; cigarettes and alcohol are far more harmful and addictive and yet are legal."

Recent studies generally support Franklin’s view point. For example, in 2011 the National Institute on Drug Abuse conducted 5 studies, in which alcohol consistently contained double the addictive potential as marijuana.

Michigan State actually proved sugar to be more addictive than cannabis, as sugar releases high levels of dopamine in the brain, which triggers feelings of pleasure, and euphoria. History and facts disprove that marijuana is fatal is a baseless claim, the following shows the amount of annual deaths that result from abuse of different substances: tobacco- 430,700 killed, alcohol- 110,640 killed, prescription drugs- 32,000 and killed marijuana- 0 killed.

Not one human has ever directly died from cannabis use, which leads many Americans to question how much harm it actually causes.

Only time will tell if legalization actually comes to New Jersey.

Photo from clker.com

Foreword: This article is NOT an endorsement to do any illegal activity, and it is not a recommendation to consume any substance, however the aim of this article is to inform, educate, and share a factual non-biased standpoint.

On Tuesday, November 6, 2012, voters in the states of Colorado and Washington voted to legalize canabis, commonly known as marijuana with an astounding voter turnout on both sides. In Colorado, more votes went towards legalizing cannabis than Barrack Obama who won over the state in the presidential election!

At this time, one may be asking themselves, “Will this come to my state?” Currently Maine and Rhode Island are putting legalization on the ballot. The United States spends an average of 15 billion dollars annually on the drug war, in which most of the money is spent on prohibiting marijuana and sending the guilty to jail.

Another question many Americans have is, “What exactly is happening and how will it affect me directly?”

New liberties of Amendment 64 apply to people of twenty one years or older.

Citizens of Colorado can grow up to three plants privately, legally possess up to one ounce, and give as a gift to other citizens twenty-one years of age or older. This however does not affect laws pertaining to driving under the influence of marijuana, for this will still be considered a very serious offense.

Additionally, you are not able to smoke in any public area, school, or restaurant with a no smoking sign. Basically, marijuana smokers will have to abide by the same rules that tobacco smokers do.

Neill Franklin, a veteran of 32 years on the Maryland State Police, believes “the amount of money, effort, and blood spent on keeping people from smoking cannabis is not worth it, for it is a war no force can win.”

Members of L.E.A.P. (Law Enforce-

Controversy. Legalizing marijuana is being heavily debated.

Akey Responds Hall decorations were almost as successful as the Romney campaign. Time to sit shiva for this tradition. Two of the hallways were decent, but there are so few of you participating it hardly seems worth it. And speaking of lack: administration outnumbers the student spectators, it’s time for this tradition to take a dirt nap also. Seniors, props for handing the juniors their lunch in what was really a trouncing in spite of the close score, 12-8. Kind of cool really, one point for each student spectator!

Logic takes a vacation this week in Verve. Note to drama students who want a one day a week PE exemption. Help me understand something. Why wouldn’t you come out of your theater class one day a week instead of missing PE one day a week? All the extra time you put in is drama related, correct?

The other mind bender was the legalization of marijuana issue. Marijuana isn’t a gateway drug? Really? There are many strong reasons to legalize marijuana, (quality control, the end of organized crime’s stronghold, enormous tax revenue) but when you ask people to believe it isn’t a gateway drug you lose all credibility. Do you honestly believe the thousands of people who die each year from drug overdoses started out on heroin? Blast from the past. Read Claude Brown’s iconic Manchild In the Promised Land if you don’t think pot is a gateway drug. Yes I did say read, and yes it is a book.

Gift idea. Think of the best present you ever received. (Baby Jesus - Swag T-Shirt) Write a hand written letter to the person who gave you the gift, telling him why you loved the gift and what it meant to you. For those of you who celebrate Festivus, consider writing a letter to the person who gave you the worst gift ever. (25 sheets of lined notebook paper) Peace Love and The Woodstock Nation.

By EMMA STANDING

Photo by Carly Nyman

By WILL LYCAN

Whose facial hair catches your attention? Seniors Ian Drummond, Robert Chase, Conor O'Malley, Andrew Oristanio, and Tyler Carbone show off their impressive facial hair.

Now that November has come to an end I can finally comment on the vast array of facial hair that’s been flowing in the halls. I’m kind of disappointed that I can’t participate, because if I did participate I know many of you would be questioning me.

Anyway, while most people are only able to grow minor peach fuzz or a little stubble, there are a few members of the SHS community capable of growing the best facial hair in the tri-state area. One of these people is senior, Robert Chase. The last time Rob shaved was October 31st, and if you see him in the halls you can see a nice bit of facial hair growing. Robert commented on his beard by saying, “Girls don’t like them, but men want one, and now that I have a beard I am better then everyone!” Although Chase’s beard is more impressive than most, he shared “I have only one flaw with my beautiful facial hair. My mustache is a big issue because no one can even see it!”

Another impressive beard grower is fellow senior, Matt Casagrande. He’s been growing inches of facial hair since his sophomore year, and is always very loyal to his beard. There is rarely a point in the year when you will see Mr. Casagrande without his companion. Matt and Will Beckett might have won best friends, but his beard comes a close second. When asked about No Shave November, Matt’s response was exciting and assertive. “I think I’ve easily got the best beard at SHS.” Although this month is no different for Matt and his facial hair, it’s fun to participate and show the other student’s what he is able to grow.

For those of you incapable of growing some sort of beard, mustache, soul patch, whatever you want to call it, don’t worry because most of us girls can’t either! Hope everyone enjoys the rest of this year and stays safe and happy during the holiday season. Peace and blessins’, Jemma.

A Semi-Major Problem

By LINA MOCKUTE

I absolutely love this time of year.

Everyone wears their grandmothers' hand knitted sweaters and gingerbread men guard the entrances of every store, and - if you’re lucky - a teacher will flash a smile in your direction, a rare sight for some. But also girls, remember, even though it’s two months away, you can't forget to ask a boy to go to Semi with you!

Yup, that's right. This is the time when a lot of girls start preparing for semi. We purchase expensive heels that we end up kicking off our feet after a long car ride and pre-party where our parents incessantly tell us to pose with each other. It is a time to choose the perfect dress (not too short, not too long), a time for trendy makeup and salon styled hair. And finally, surprising our friends, crushes, and boyfriends with the most nerve-wracking question of the year: “Will you go to semi with me?” I came to the conclusion that we ask so early because nobody wants the guy they're after to be asked by someone else.

However, I’ve written this column a month in advance, so if I am the person that starts this bloodbath, I apologize.

Semi is a lot to deal with. It’s costly, but it also is a fun experience. Regardless of the fact that we spend so

much time just wanting to look good in pictures, my favorite part is asking – choosing your victim, (whether he be a stranger or a close friend), pondering how to ask, and finally, the most essential step and asking him.

The only issue with being creative when asking your potential date is that it can become frustrating. I was thinking about baking cupcakes, but what if my target prefers chocolate over vanilla?

Choosing the wrong flavor would end in instant rejection and a heartbroken Lina Mockute. But I also can't be too simple. Walking over to a friend and politely asking him to smile and look nice before a school event does not have the originality I desire. I could just make a phone call, but that’s too boring for my taste. Not to mention, I don’t want the way I ask my date to be the same way that other girls ask plan to ask.

Honestly girls, signs with “SEMI?!?” written in garish letters are so cliché.

Maybe my asking is a lost cause.

Maybe I should just go without a date and take pictures with my friends who also plan on going solo. But I think that’s the easy way out, and I’m not one to take that road. So I figure I might as well do it now. Jack Legoff, will you go to semi with me?

Verve Editorial Policy: Verve is a publication open to opinions of its readers. Please submit all letters to shsletters2editor@gmail.com. Letters must be signed and will be subject to editing for space, grammar, and factual accuracy. However, all efforts will be made to preserve the writer's intent. Libelous and inappropriate writing will not be published in the Verve.

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December 2012

By TOMMY DISIBIO

ing all season. By the time competition comes around, it will be about seven months! I’m really excited because we really click and work well as a team.”

Her teammate, Sophomore Emily Hurley adds, “Training has not been easy; sometimes we have practice for four hours a day and we have had to work through some serious injuries along the way. Cheer competitions are a lot different and more intense than just typical cheering at football games.”

Natasha Smith, one of the senior captains, reveals her enthusiasm for the big day. “I am excited for us to do well so we can prove that we can perform on a competitive level.”

With the cheer event approaching fast, Coach Velez doesn’t seem nervous, “This is a good and enthusiastic team. This is the team to try something new with. They are a focused group and I think we will do well.”

Photo provided by Maddie Simko

Although the Football season is coming to an end, a talented group of 16 girls from the Varsity cheer squad are still working hard drilling cheers and perfecting basket tosses. For the first time ever, Head Coach Mrs. Velez has entered the Summit High school Varsity Cheerleading team into a competition for the upcoming month.

Coach Velez is considering several options for the event. On January thirteenth, there will be two contests, one in Lyndhurst, New Jersey and one in Elmwood Park, New Jersey. The girls wait for the big day with much anxiety since, for some, this is their first time cheering in a competition. The squad hopes to make a good first impression in the world of competitive cheering.

The cheerleading team anticipates fierce opponents and has put in the time and dedication to prepare. Sophomore, Imogen Terrett explains, “We have been work-

Cheer! Summit's Varsity Cheerleading Squad suits up to prepare for their cheer competition later in January.

Excessive Rules Ruining an Otherwise Perfect Game

By MATTEO DIMAYORCA Is a sport once meant for the toughest men in society turning into a game for the fragile and weak? With the many unnecessary rules and fines, the NFL might not the bruising league it was before. Many new rules have been passed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that pretty much prevent any ball carrier from doing his job. The game we all know and love could get ruined forever if these new rules keep coming.

Take Ray Lewis, for example. Three years ago, he hit Chad Ochocinco’s helmet off on a tackle, but, nevertheless, it was a completely clean hit.

Despite Ochocinco telling Goodell directly that he thought Ray Lewis should not be penalized, Lewis still lost 25,000 dollars to the NFL. This is a perfect example for one solution to this penalty problem, e.g. the victim of the “penalty” should decide if the other player should be fined.

One of the most heated bashing against Goodell was one made by James Harrison, a Pittsburgh Steelers’ linebacker. He has been fined numorous time for hits againts players such as Colt McCoy, Vince Young, and others. Harrison stated, “If [Roger

Monthly Sports Star: Liam McLaughlin

Goodell] was on fire and I had to piss to put him out, I wouldn’t do it. I hate him and will never respect him.” Most adherents of Goodell will say that head injuries are very lethal and that they should be prevented, but as Harrison said, “Non-guaranteed contracts make players more likely to hit high because (in the NFL) a torn ligament would be worse than a concussion.” Goodell should change some of the league’s policies on things like contracts instead of penalizing players with new rules.

Although Goodell is trying to save the sport of football by protecting his players, he is actually ruining it. Not only are some of America’s top scientists and doctors are inventing new helmets that can prevent head injuries, but also when these rules are being created, it prevents defenders from doing their job. Now-a-days defenders have to hit the ball carrier with precise timing and placement.

Lastly, when players are entering the NFL and playing against some of the most feared men in the world, they should know what they are getting in to. All of these problems will go away if Goodell takes these tips that could potentially save the sport of football.

Photo Provided by Tommy DiSibio

By MADDIE SIMKO

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30

20

Summit Cheerleaders Commence Competition Season

TURF

Watch out! Monthly Sports Star, Liam McLaughlin, takes the ice for his shift.

After last year’s amazing season, which ended with an unbelievable overtime victory at the Prudential Center, Liam McLaughlin is looking to help the Mens’ Varsity Ice Hockey team win another title. As the first Junior voted captain in Summit Hockey history, Liam has been catapulted into a new leadership role. He described last year’s surreal experience, “It was the most fun I have ever had, and want to relive the glory this year!”

Liam has been playing hockey ever since he was four years old and has always looked up to the former Devils player Zach Parise, one day hoping to be like him. Hockey is his favorite activity, and in addition to playing for Summit, Liam plays on the U16 New Jersey Devils Junior team. With nine players graduating last year, Liam thinks new, younger talent will have to step up and many of the sophomores and juniors are definitely capable of doing so.

As a crowd favorite, Liam has really lived up to his position on the team. Last year he led the team with 57 points making his high school career a whopping 91 total points.

Liam is shooting for a staggering 70 points this year. He is anticipat-

ing playing most of every game this year and contributing to every game.

Liam says, “Knowing the game really well, Head Coach Nixon really relates to all the players and gets every one of us to perform our best every game!”

Since ice time is costly, the team has dry land practices that include running outside in the cold and lifting in the weight room. Liam has many goals for the season that include most importantly winning the Union County Championship and winning the CRON tournament.

Chatham, Morristown, and Randolph are expected to be difficult opponents and the games will be at the Union Sports Arena or Warinanco park.

A team tradition Liam likes is the “Bucket” , where everyone puts a dollar in a bucket and talks about their feelings and goals for the team. Then the seniors figure out a way to utilize the money such as buying team shirts.

Liam may not be the biggest on the ice, but he posses the biggest threat and isn’t afraid to be tough against opponents.

Nothing is more fun to watch than hockey and especially the hockey team’s superstar Liam McLaughlin shredding up the competition. With his fantastic stats and confident mindset Liam McLaughlin is this month’s Monthly Sports Star.

Summit Board of Education continued from Front Page...

Cristina Tsanas, a senior, feels that being a theater kid shouldn’t exclude her or her peers from any possible exemption. “I understand that the athletes should get a study hall instead of gym, but … time-wise we (theater kids) are here much later than athletes, and we’re here all year long; we don’t have a break between seasons and some of us don’t even have study halls to do homework,” explained Tsanas.

Kristy Gargulio, one of the Captains in the Cross Country Girls team, feels that the sports exemption should be passed. “I think we shouldn’t be doing gym because we get enough exercise with our sport,” adds Gargulio.

In addition to Field, other Physical Education teachers vocally opposed the proposal. “I’ve always have great pride that Summit values the Physical Education program and

that’s why I came to here in the first place. Mr. Sears has commented on the value of the brain and that the more fit you are the better you do academically,” comments Ms. Bohan.

She continued, “Being physically active is a stress reliever. All here in PE love our job and love what we do-that’s why we take the time to do Project Adventure so that different groups of people, male or female, can interact--a program no other school has.”

Varsity Football head coach Mr. John Liberato added, “As a teacher, parent, and coach I believe all students should be involved in Physical Education and, besides, I'm guessing 90% of student (athletes) already have a study hall.”

Field summed up the status quo point of view, saying, “I love what I do and believe in what I do, and I believe that all students should be in PE class.”

December 2012

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The Verve Holiday Gift Guide 2012

Photo from http://www.geek.com/ Photo from http://www.sephora.com/

If you have a loved one who is a techie, you will be the hero of their holiday season if you hand them this. The Virtual Keyboard is something out of the future. Plug in the square projector into your iPad, iPod, or computer, and you now have a much cooler keyboard. This is a fun gift for someone on your list who is difficult to shop for. The pricing is at $99.99 but there may be holiday sales. It can be found at www.brookstone.com or at any Brookstone store such as the one at the Short Hills Mall.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II by Tristan Cort Have a sibling who is into video games? Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 landed in stores on November 11. This game will primarily appeal to anyone who likes war video games. This game has a consistency of being an adrenaline pumping joy ride. Many “gamers” nowadays are into action and war games so Call Of Duty is more than perfect. Because of the strong notoriety of the game, it can be purchased at many stores and online retailers such as GameStop, Toys R Us, Amazon, Wal-Mart, Target, Best buy, and other retailers. It can be purchased for $60 plus tax.

Photo from http://www.lafamily.com/

Virtual Keyboard by Ben Henning

Photo from http://www.gametipcenter.com

Awesome Presents for All!

Zip-it Pencil Case by Emily Gao

Edible Arrangements by Erin LeGoff The Edible Arrangements store in town has a great, unique gift idea to give to a friend or loved one. Edible Arrangements puts a creative spin on the classic gift of a bouquet of flowers; Instead of flowers in the vase, it it has carved fruit and chocolates in it! Anyone would love this present because is it both beautiful and delicious. The store is located downtown at 84 Summit Avenue across from Village Trattoria. There, you can choose which exquisite bouquet of fruit you desire (a simple holiday-themed arrangement sells for around $47). This gift would be perfect for one’s parents, friends, or relatives. They can even deliver to whomever you would like to send them to! This means that there is virtually no work for you to do! Anyone would be thrilled to find an Edible Arrangement creation at their doorstep.

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Photo from http://www.applei.ph/

Photo from http://stylish-moms.com/

The best gift recommended for the people you love this holiday season is a monster Zipit pencil case. This pencil case is made from one long Sephora Color Daze Blockbuster by Katie Maltese zipper (it can be fully zipped and unzipped) and is accessorized with eyes Teenage girls are constantly on the prowl for good make-up deals, and and teeth to look like a cute monster. It is extremely sturdy and a lot of Sephora has one of the best this holiday season. Make-up has become such an expensive item, with many stores charging extreme prices for de- fun, perfect for a friend or a younger sister. They can be bought during signer make-up. At any local Sephora stores you can purchase the Color any time of the year. Monster Zipit pencil cases can be found at a Zipit store for $9.99, but they are sold at Office Depot for $5.99, available in Daze Blockbuster make-up kit, which has over 148 different eye shadows, lip-glosses, eyeliners, and what they call “different formulas, finish- five colors (red, green, blue, red, and pink). It serves as the perfect pencil es, and textures.” With semi formal right around the corner, any teenage case gift for beloved children of all ages. girl would love having such a wied variety of colors that she can mix and match with any outfit! This gift is a $370 value, sold at the special price of $49.50. It’s a fabulous bargain.

Lifeproof iPhone Case by Sam Griffith Is your iPhone constantly being dropped and broken? Do you really need a new and foolproof way to protect your phone? Once in a while the inevitable happens. Someone throws your iPhone into a lake as a joke, or someone accidently drops it into the Hudson River. Maybe someone wants to take epic underwater photographs with their iPhone, but they just cant do it because their phone would break.

Well now, we’re all saved, thanks to the LifeProof iphone case. With lifeproof, your phone is indestructible in almost any situation. It can still be waterproof in up to six feet of water! These cases are great for any outdoorsmen who love great pictures, while still keeping their iphone and everything on it safe. They are also perfect for that clumsy kid who drops his phone three times a day.

These cases can be bought at around $70 from http://www.lifeproof. com. Even better, it comes in a variety of colors! You don’t need to always go with boring black, or white. These cases are perfect for the stylist, too. LifeProof cases are usually $80 but if they are bought soon with the pre-holiday sale, they are just 69.99 plus tax!

December 2012

Holiday Polls

Conducted By Lindsay Leiter Total SHS students surveyed: 166

Holiday Gift Guide continued from page 7

Photo from www.thehiddenlist.com

Ever-lasting Phone Battery by Ethan Mandelbaum

Anthropologie Hidden Book Charger by Emily Drake

Don’t know what to get for your favorite book-worm? What about a smart and subtle new way to charge an iphone? The innovative charger was created by Rich Neely Design, at $68 a pop these beautifully fashioned book chargers are definitely one of a kinds! This gem can be found online atAnthropologie.com.

December 2012

Need a gift for mom, dad, or a friend with an iPhone? The Mophie Juice Pack Plus Case for iPhone 4 and 4s is perfect. This phone case charges your phone when it is running out of battery. Hate that “20% left” notification on your phone?

Just switch the case on and it will start recharging! All you need to do is plug it in at night, when you plug your phone in, and it can almost double the life of your phone!

You can find it at the Apple Store in the Short Hills Mall or at www. apple.com for $99.99, or on sale on www.amazon.com for $55.34.

Photo form www.gizmodo.com

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Taylor Swift Debuts New Album

25 Days of Christmas

By FELISA DELLI SANI

Swift’s new Grammy worthy album “Red” hit iTunes on October 22nd, racing to the top of U.S. album charts immediately, and didn’t budge for three consecutive weeks selling 1.74 million copies, winning the title of best selling album of the year. Generally critics love the new sound, New York Times critic James Lachno deemed “Red” an “eloquently written transition album for the maturing starlet”.

Also Summit High School’s very own country music lover senior Abby Rasweiler praised the album as well “I absolutely love “Red”, it’s a perfect combination of Swift’s old sound with a new Pop sound that adds a vibrant twist”.

The album has 16 tracks, featuring the most well-known “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”, and six other upbeat Pop songs including “Starlight”, “Stay, Stay, Stay”, “22”, “ I Knew You

Were Trouble”, “Holy Ground”, and “Red”. Swift’s new album also features a song called “Everything has Changed” a first ever collaboration with British singer and song writer Ed Sheeran, and “The Last Time” featuring Gary Lightbody, unlike her other albums which were all written and sung solo.

Another stand out song is “The Lucky One”, where Swift explains the details of fame, and how it doesn’t always offer an ideal life as most perceive. All stick to Swift’s classic country style with a new and refreshing flare.

All and all Swift’s new CD is a hit, incorporating a new and improved sound, yet keeping the classic make up/ break up theme which has girls across the country hooked; another great accomplishment for the young singer and songwriter.

Going Medieval: When Will March 31st Arrive?

By OWEN CROWL Although the Game of Thrones solution would be futile due to the countdown website displays only lengthy production process as well 118 days until the return of the as the producers needing extra time show, it seems that March 31st is to make each episode captivating, only receding farther and farther the show has room to space out away each day. There is no feel- and nothing would become less of ing comparable to the anguish felt the show’s quality. Other top HBO during the monotonous period be- shows such as Entourage were able tween the season finale and season to space out their episodes mainpremier of a show. No such period taining high ratings and ultimately feels quite as extensive as the 284- reducing the gap between finale day break between the Season 2 fi- and premier to about 8 months. nale and Season 3 premier of Game However long a break still, Enof Thrones. Since March 31st, over tourage showed that there is room 3 million viewers have been left to reduce the gap between premier wondering what will become of the and finale while maintaining the show in the third season after the quality of the show. Based off of second season left numerous un- Entourage’s success as one of the answered questions and suspense. top shows on television for nuWhile others might argue such a merous years, it is apparent that

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Frosty the Snowman, the original A Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life, and even A Christmas Story were all cut from the viewing list. I understand that not all classics can be included but when time slots are consumed by the likes of Willy Wonka and Harry Potter while holiday icons are sidelined; 25 Days of Christmas becomes more about viewership numbers and less about holiday cheer. It’s quite disturbing that ABC has strayed from the majesty of the winter holidays in favor of movies certain to reach a larger audience. If you love watching obscure holiday movies, fifty reruns of Home Alone, and every movie not even related to the holidays, then 25 Days of Christmas is for you.

Photo provided by http://tvfilmnews.com

A perfect tune!... Check out Taylor Swift's newly released song “Red”!

December is now upon us and that means the return of ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas T.V. special.

This year’s 25 Days features over seventy different titles, while not all are full-length films.

Mediocre straight to DVD/TV movies are a staple of ABC and 25 Days of Christmas has them in abundance. However, nostalgia is guaranteed when viewing such classics as Home Alone, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, Little Drummer Boy, The Santa Claus, Elf, and The Family Man. Similar to last year’s special there are many beloved holiday classics excluded in favor of more family oriented films. I was very disappointed to find that Rudolph, Charlie Brown Christmas,

The coundown begins!.. Be sure to check out ABC families holiday favorites!

this solution can be executed.

With over 3 million viewers watching the Game of Thrones countdown website seeming to get farther and farther away in days each day, the extensive period of anticipation must be eliminated. It

is futile to think a show would air only ten episodes in 76 days of the year. In order to amend this crisis, episodes must simply be spaced out over a longer time, or more episodes must be produced.

Photo provided by en.wikipedia.org

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By JACKSON SIDEBOTTOM

Showtime!..The new season of Games of thrones premiers on March 31st.

December 2012

Snow Days and Sandy Make Up

BY SARINA MUSALLAM

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It’s Friday....NOT... It’s Thankgiving!

Mother earth strikes again! Sandy’s aftermath takes it’s toll on Summit.

Because of New Jersey’s 180-day school cold and snowy winter for the large part year requirement, Boards of Education of the country,” including New Jersey. across the state are now faced with Lawrence Feinsid, executive the problem of when to add on director of the New Jersey School these lost days. When asked if New Boards Association, suggests Jersey would waive the 180 day “making up the days on weekends requirement the New Jersey Board and vacations.” However, this is of Education hedged, “Our number unpopular with most people. Emily one focus right now is helping Chin, a sophomore at SHS, comments, schools get back online and helping “Everyone is so stressed and school students return to the classroom. six days out of the week would just We will share more information be way too much.” Summit calendars as we address this question.” always have four snow days built Summit schools missed a total of into the school calendar. However, six days but got three back when if five or more school days the NJEA cancelled its convention are used, then days will be and the administration cancelled taken away from April break. a professional development day As of now students shouldn’t scheduled for teachers. Now schools have to worry about losing spring are only left with one free snow day. break but we’ll have to wait to Accuweather.com predicts a “brutally see what this winter has in store!

Mother and Daughter Bonding in Style: The Little Black Dress Party

Summit High School’s Key Club has successfully planned yet another fun event to raise money and awareness for a cause. The Key Club invites Summit’s mothers and daughters to come support a good cause in a classic style. On January 18th, Key Club will be holding an event called The Little Black Dress Party. It will be hosted at the Junior Fort Nightly Club to honor the iconic Audrey Hepburn who was a global ambassador for The United Nations Children’s Fund, or UNICEF. Money will be raised through ticket sales as well as an exciting silent auction. Some of the prizes include a 30-day membership to Bar Method, a three-month membership to the new Equinox and

December 2012

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By CARLY NYMAN

even a four-person massage and facial at Skin Deep Spa in New Providence.

The Key Club’s Vice President, senior Gillian Dukoff, is chairing the event. She hopes “to raise a lot of money and educate people on what UNICEF is all about. Of course we want to have a great time doing so as well as create an opportunity for mothers and daughters to spend some time together.” Tickets go sale early December for $25 dollars each. Drinks and h’orderves will be served and accompanied by live music. So mothers and daughters of Summit, dig up your little black dress and come out for Key Club’s Little Black Dress Party this January.

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Photo from SummitPatch

BY MEGAN SHAW

Mmm...this turkey leg tastes great! Westbrook gleefully sings in her new music video.

Tween’s Thanksgiving Ring Goes It’s Thanksgiving.” Key techniques that Viral “Oh, oh, oh, It’s Thanksgiving”, are repeated in nearly all of his songs the new auto-tuned song seems to include lots of repetition, references resemble the infamous “It’s Friday, to the calendar, an embarrassing Friday” Jam by Rebecca Black. rap, and an appearance by the CEO Twelve-year-old Nicole Westbrook himself. Wilson is seen in a Turkey has replaced the notorious “Friday” hit costume in the video, and a rapper in with the cheesy “It’s Thanksgiving” Friday. The ‘rap’ homage in the tune song which is a little less catchy and is possibly the worst part of the song, extremely cliche. Is it much of a “Gotta be thankful, can’t be hateful.”

A highlight of the video includes surprise that turkey legs and mashed Westbrook grabbing a nearby turkey leg potatoes aren’t the ingredient for a hit song? YouTube certainly is fawning as a microphone. Yes. A microphone. over the new single, but the video It seems as if these kids are signing has quadruple the ‘dislikes’ than the themselves up for embarrassment. ‘likes’, 120,000 vs. 15,000. Though As in both cases, Rebecca Black and it is unclear whether this holiday Nicole Westbrook are being laughed at, anthem will don as much publicity and rather than laughed with. ARK Music attention as “Friday”. Nonetheless, the Company has produced dozens of odds are in its favor. The Thanksgiving these singles but has failed to produce jingle is gaining nearly a millions actual talent. It seems the music scam views each days, now at XXXXX just uses tweens’ money to make them number of views. Similar to “Friday” the laughing stock of the country. the tune spends chorus after chorus Sophomore, Grace Totman explains, singing about the calendar, “December “These videos are just a waste of time, was Christmas, January was New and yeah, the’re funny, but I really just Year’s, April was Easter and the Fourth feel bad for the singers.” Hopefully of July but now it’s Thanksgiving.” this is the last Internet music sensation ARK CEO Patrice Wilson who wrote and a month from now every computer and produced “Friday,” also produced “ isn’t playing “It’s New Year’s.”

Kids Helping Kids: New SHS Club Emerges

BY EMME HARRIS New club, Kids Helping Kids, Helping Kids, for more information. founded by sophomores Samantha The volunteer work one can Theriot and Claudia Hanley is aimed participate in for TryCAN can towards working with special needs range from sports to the performing children, educating people about arts and beyond. This organization was these conditions, and raising money. created in 2007 by a Summit mother This club, aligned with TryCAN, of a child with special-needs, and in is hoping to gather more volunteers 2009 joined with New Providence for the special-needs programs. and Berkley Heights to offer these Claudia describes TryCAN as, “a opportunities in all three towns. They local organization that provides are in great need of volunteers to peer these kids with fun, educational mentor kids in these activities and opportunities to grow and learn.” Claudia and many others want more Claudia and Samantha are excited to get people to participate in this opportunity, more people involved with these great “Samantha and I have both worked children and to raise awareness. They with TryCAN for a really long time created this club because no other and share a common passion in community service club in Summit helping these kids. These children are High School directly addresses so sweet and it is heartbreaking when working with special-needs kids. there aren’t enough volunteers to help The meetings will generally be in the them.” So please attend a meeting and morning, and students are encouraged volunteer for TryCAN. Small actions to join the Facebook group, Kids can make a great change in a child’s day.

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Verve Views:What AreYou Going To Do The Night Before The World Ends?

Photos Provided By Miriam Meller

By MIRIAM MELLER

Will Kaplan ('13) "Throw bricks in windows!"

Rachel Schwartz ('16) "I'm going to go bungee jumping!

Puerto Rico’s Push for Statehood

By DAVID MEYERS

Picture: An American flag with 51 stars. Sound strange? The commonwealth of Puerto Rico has a very good chance at becoming the 51st state in the United States of America. Puerto Rico is a small Caribbean island located eleven hundred and fifty miles from the state of Florida and has been a US territory since the Spanish-American War in 1898.

However, they have no representation in Congress and no electoral votes in the presidential election. This means that Puerto Ricans are governed by the United States, but they do not have any say on who will be governing them.

When Puerto Ricans have voted in the past regarding whether or not they desire statehood, the majority of citizens were opposed to the idea. However, in the most recent presidential election, over half of Puerto Rican citizens voted for statehood in the United States.

According to a Huffington Post article published on November 7th, by Ben Fox and Danica Coto, approximately 61% of people who voted said that they were in favor of statehood.

Just like the procedure with all states being annexed into the United States, the job of annexation now falls into the hands of Congress by the law of the Constitution. In order to become a state, legislation would need to pass through both the House of Representatives and the Senate and the President would then have to sign the bill.

When asked about the issue, President

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Summit, NJ 07901 Principal: Mr. Paul Sears Assistant Principals: Mr. Tony Akey Mrs. Stacy Grimaldi English Supervisor: Mr. Corey Walsh Advisor: Mrs. Anne Weisgerber

Page 8

Obama said that he “would support the will of the Puerto Rican people” regarding their feelings on statehood.

The only problem now is that Congress is notorious for moving at a slow speed and accomplishing little. A bill for Puerto Rican statehood might take a while to appear on the floor of either the House or the Senate. In addition, the ominous “fiscal cliff” that has been the talk of the nation is a very pressing matter and another reason why a bill for Puerto Rican statehood might be ignored for a while.

Despite this, with the recent vote by the people of Puerto Rico and a supportive President with the interests of the citizens in mind, a 51st star may appear sooner than most people think.

Bluemercury Continuation from Front Page

In addition to skincare, makeup, hair care, and fragrance products; the experts can pamper clients in the many on-location spas. The spas are home to the ultimate results-oriented treatments, including their worldrenowned oxygen facials, glycolic peels, waxing and microdermabrasion. In a recent interview for the magazine American Spa, “Bluemercury” was asked about the key behind their success. It’s “because we deliver a new, creative, and innovative experience, we have been fortunate to see growth.” The Summit location will be featuring a spa sometime in the near future. “Bluemercury” clients receive

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Miriam Meller & Carly Nyman FRONT PAGE Section Editor: Jamie Macpherson GLOBE Section Editor: Alex Arias OPINE Section Editor: Lindsay Leiter

Jack LeGoff ('14) "watch all of the Harry Potter movies in order with all of my friends"

Sarah Runo ('13) "I won't do my homework and I am going to do something fun that's always been on my bucket list with my friends"

unparalleled technical product knowledge, expert advice and friendly service. “Our teams would rather have clients leave the store with handfuls of samples, so that they can be sure to find products that work for them, rather than ever buy anything that is less than 100% right,” stated “Bluemercury”.

The store has received rave reviews and mentions in New Beauty, Marie Claire, More, and Allure magazines.

The store has great features, a wonderful staff, and a gift certificate to the store would make a great gift for anyone!

will prepare them for similar events in the future.”At a local council on Monday, November 12th, attendees and council members discussed possible reforms that could be made to ensure that a disastrous blackout like this never occurs again. One suggestion included firing JCP&L and creating our own power utility. A few towns in the area have already put something similar in place. Madison Electric Utility has been Madison Borough’s power source since 1950.

During and after the storm, Madison residents lost power for a maximum of six days. Compared to the 12 to 14 days without power in Summit, Madison had a very successful restoration process. Another option to improve power restoration is to bury the power lines. A drive through Summit during the week after the storm showed there was a multitude of broken poles and wires scraping the ground. Not only is this a hazard, but also JCP&L was working on limited supplies and was unable to replace many poles in a time effective manner. Burying lines would help prevent issues like these but is incredibly costly for the city.

Bloomberg.com estimates that, for the average suburban town, the cost of burying lines is $723,692 a mile. The entire project would cost over four million dollars. Hopefully, a freak October storm will not become a regular occurrence, as some worry. Regardless, Summit should consider making decisions on how to better deal with storms that come its way.

Summit Residents Want Changes After Sandy

By JULIA HECKELMAN

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, Summit residents and students want changes in the electric grid. The majority of homes in Summit were without power, during the storm some homes not receiving electricity and heat for almost two weeks after the storm.Many citizens took to Facebook and joined the group “Power-Up Summit, NJ” where they discussed the need for improvements. Though there was a significant amount of anger towards JCP&L (Jersey Central Power & Light), Claudia Hanley, a sophomore, states, “I know there has been much disappointment over JCP&L’s performance during this disaster, but I think it is important to remember how wide-spread the power outages were…. Hopefully, this instance BUZZ Section Editor: Tommy DiSibio & Felisa Delli Santi TURF Section Editor:Stephanie Ollom HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Section Editors: Miriam Meller and Carly Nyman

Reporters: Emily Harris, Julia Heckelman, Nic Lalicato, Carly Leiter, William Lycan, Max Macpherson, David Meyers, Sarina Musallam, Meredith Robertson, Elizabeth Schaffer, Megan Shaw, Jackson Sidebottom, Madeline Simko, Emma Standing, Xiaoying Yu

SCREEN AND SOUND Section Editor: Gwen Rogers

December 2012