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The multi-talented ALrmi,e Sheslow playing Big Jule in Gnys andDof]s. See her column on page 8 .
Sick of politics? Regain your sanity Annie MCDonough '13
News Writer In mid-September, Jon Stewart announced that he would be hosting the first ever "Rally to Restore Sanity" on Saturday, October 30th on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The mock-political rally had over 210,000 supporters who , under Stewart's direction, were sensible and rational citizens, sick of people instilling fear. When Stewart announced the rally for the sane on Zlfec Dcz!./y Sfeow, fellow comedian and Comedy Central talk-show host, Stephen Colbert declared his own plans to hold a competing rally on the sane day on the National Mall. The "March to Keep Fear Alive" takes advantageofthepanicandfearthatmany Americansfeelbecauseoftheamplificationofnationalissues.Whenannouncing the rally, Stewart urged Americans to ``take it down a notch for America," and
pereeived it as an imitation of Fox News correspondent GlennBeck's"RallytoRestoreHonor"earlierthisyear.Tea Party members and strong followers of Fox News mostly attendedthe"RallytoRestoreHonor,"thoughitwaslabeled as non-political. Although the Rally for Sanity may have started out as a parody of Beck's rally, as news about it got around and Stewart's message was spread, the sanity rallybecamemorepoliticalthanstewartanticipated.Some
Jon Stewart gathered a large group of supporters and fans through the rally, many of whom not only find his
people came to get their message out, while others clearly sought a comedy show, but all purposes aside, 210,000 jokes funny, but also believe in the message they thought people came in support of the Rally to Restore Sanity he was trying to convey. Said one rally go-er, "We just feel And/Or Fear. "My dad got us tickets because he though it as though the media has been driven by both extremes, would be funny. We're big fans of Stephen Colbert," said whetheritbetheleft-wingscreamingovertheright,orthe right-wing screaming over the left. The people that are in Maggie Snyder ' 13. The rally kicked off the middle are left out of the conversation because they with performances by don'twanttoscreamoveranybody,theyjustwanttosolve The Roots, followed by the problems." Much of the audience seemed to feel this a performance by John same way, holding up posters that not only protested the Legend. When Jon Stew- extreme lies the media tells us, but also the toxic environNIT PDLITI€AI VIEWS Colbert replied by asking Americans to art took the stage around ment of politics. "People do not feel represented by the "notch it up a scotch." Both comedians 1 P.M., he welcomed the extremitiestheysayonplacelikeFoxNewsandothershows continuedtofulfilltheirjobgoalsthrough crowd by joking about like that. They say that the real voices of people have been the rallies, but all joking aside, 210,000 IhNNtiT nE §uillMhnlz[n itsdiversity.Stewartthen muted, and the loudest voices are the ones that seem to took some time to preach carry the day. So these people want to feel a catharsis that people wondered how the fear vs . sanity rallywouldaffectthemid-termelections. sanitytotheevidentlydi- they're not alone, and that they are being represented not Whether or not the rally affected verseaudience,butsoon, by an extreme left or an extreme right, but by a sensible, IRI A PITHY SIGH the way people voted, the response to Colbert took the stage problem-solving middle ground," said Stewart. therallyshowcasedthesoft-spoken,unThere has been a great deal of speculation as to and things took a turn for Stewart's and Colbert's actual purpose in the rally. Was it the extreme. Colbert enpublicized,"in-between"partyaspeople who believe that the only way to solve tered dressed in an `Evil to mock Glenn Beck and the Fox News empire? Or was A sign from the Rally to Restore Sanity our issues is to stop naming names and Knieval-esque' costume , the purpose to provide a little bit of comic relief to the start coming up with solutions. When it and he ran around the working middle class? Or perhaps the rally 's purpose was became clear to most of the supporters that the ``Rally to stagejokingthat"massiveswamsofbeeswerecomingfor tri-fold. It's possible that Stewart and Colbert just wanted RestoresanityAnd/OrFear"(asitisnowofficiallyknown) youandyourchildren,"whileStewartattemptedtodiffuse to show America the absurdity of the modem-age media, was mostly a way to show America how ridiculous our thefabricatedterror."1wasforfear,mainlybecause1knew withalittlebitofcomedyservedthroughheavyreferences media can be, people took the position of the sane and that it was a joke, and because I favor Colbert over Jon to Fox News. Whatever the purpose, Jon Stewart and decided that they should not have to live in eternal fear Stewart," says Snyder. The remainder of the rally featured Stephen Colbert would see that theirjobs were done if all of possible dangers. variousperfomances,thecontinualbickeringoffcke-rivals Americans questioned the sanity of their local candidates When the rally was first announced, most people Stewart and Colber[, and the matter of sanity versus fear. when they voted on November 2nd.
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The Whittier Miscellany
Thanksgiving 2010
Politicians, parents, pupils and the pessimism pandemic John Fairchild `1 1 Co-Editor-in-Chief
With another crazy round of elections under our belt, it seems that our nation has entered into a very unstable seesaw of beliefs. In 2008, we witnessed an enormous pull to left in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This was evidently in response to a collective "unsatisfactory" rating given to then-President George
Pessimism comes in all forms. The first is what we call "hope." Let me explain. While the political campaigning season still lingers fresh in our minds. it might be useful to examine the methods candidates used during their political crusades. As I tried to peacefully watch Swrv!.vor (on Wednesday nights at 8:00 on CBS !), commercial after commercial appeared, showing me in
grave detail how awful other people were. While some ads occasionally flashed the words ``hope" or "change" W. Bush. In the elections that just passed, however, the onto the screen, they poorly disguised the negativity that seesaw tilted in the opposite direction. This seemed to pervaded each candidate's campaign. come as a result of people's frustration with the changes In fact, it seems that we no longer vote for a made by now-President Barack Obama, or, conversely, candidate or for an agenda. Instead we vote against his with the changes the government failed to make. These or her opponent. In many cases, people say they are two anecdotes essentially tell the same story of our voting for the "lesser of two evils," meaning they feel population's shared dissatisfaction.
Countless others
exist.
In senior year English at Friends , we read Adz.d#z.gfef 's Cfez./dre" by Salman Rushdie, who is best known for his internationally acclaimed and controversial novel, 7lfee Satanic Verses. Iri Midnight's Children, the charac®els are faced with a plague. This plague is not an infirmity; it's neither a health epidemic nor a medical disease. Very rarely would people even refer to such a thing as a "plague." It's the plague of optimism.
rather unsatisfied with both options. It's admittedly difficult to align with a candidate fully, but one should at least feel comfortably supportive of a particular person when entering the booth, not reluctantly voting for the one who "sucks less," as it were. What a terrible attitude. Cynicism at its finest. During our spring break last school year, I visited a few colleges along the East Coast to get a sense of where I could see myself happily living and studying for the next four years. I sat in on a multitude of information sessions, where admissions representatives or students would talk about the school's offerings and take
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How I envy Rushdie's characters. Although, as a nation, we don't necessarily agree on everything (or anything), we have ironically become united in our
certain they've got things under control. I realize parents want what's best for their young scholar, but have a little confidence. Have a little optimism. Politicians.
Parents.
Ih7ho's next?
Students.
Students are most prone to catching the pessimism
pandemic. They often suffer the worst cases of the illness, ones that even Singing Meeting for Worship or a trip to the petting zoo might not cure. It might be best just to list some of the symptoms: "Our selection in the cafeteria is awful." "Teachers give way too much homework." ``Why don't we have any clocks anywhere in the school?" "I hate this new schedule. I hated the old one too. I also hated the one before that." "There's another collection?" "I'm honestly never going to get into college." "We don't have enough options when it come to choosing classes." "I'm trying my hardest to be pessimistic about everything." It seems endless-a bottomless pit of disapproval. Granted, no student dislikes everything, we just do a very excellent job of magnifying the things we do. Any infirmity comes with a treatment. The cure for pessimism is a difficult one to prescribe. There is a ton of mental training and focus involved. I spent the entire summer thinking about the changes needed to make such a transfomation successful. It takes time and perseverance, but it's worth the struggle. Even though we might not ever achieve a full reversal of the pandemic , I urge people to try. The negativity is exhausting. I'm tired of hearing complaint after complaint everywhere I
questions at the end. At every session, even at some of perennial disappointment-and please do not think, by our country's finest leaning institutions, parents would anymeans,thatourshareddiscontentislimitedtopolitics. effectively interrogate the speaker. Whether it was about go. I long for optimism. When will it come? I see it everywhere; the gas station, Wilmington Friends their study abroad program, the school's safety and So it goes. For the past few hundred words, I've School, restaurants, college receptions, television, the security, internship opportunities , housing and dining , or discussed how gloomy people are. I've labeled it the mall, and ubiquitously in between. Not only have we even class sizes, parents would manage to pinpoint some "pessimism pandemic" and examined its affects. No, entered into the previously mentioned seesaw of beliefs, fault in the university's framework. These institutions let's be honest: I've complained about it. I've cynically I have also recently diagnosed the United States with its have been around since the 1600s and are some of the complained about the pessimism that surrounds me. own pessimism pandemic.
most heavily endowed businesses on Earth. I'm fairly
What irony. I think I feel a sneeze coming.
Join cross country! (not propoganda) Louise Connelly '11 Co-Editor-in-Chief
My very first high school experience was on a blistering August afternoon in 2007. My first day of cross country practice. Although I thought I had adequately trained all summer, I soon discovered that no amount of running could have prepared me for the eight (plus) intervals that were in store for me that day in ninety degree heat and ninety percent humidity.
As a freshman I arrived to face a number of seasoned runners, and several other cross country legacies, including Maya Koretzky '09, better known on the team, for obvious reasons, as "The Braid," whose name still lies stubbomly atop a frustrating number of school records. Cross country quickly became more than the workouts we had during practice. The team was your team on the course and in every other aspect of life your life, and continued to be so for the rest of the year. The hours spent in the sun, later the rain, and even later the nearly freezing almost snowing practically glacial wintry frosty aftemoons translated to unbreakable bonds between teammates. Support in a race was
During the last week of practice I stopped focusing solely on the workouts each day (though not completely Coach Knight!). For the first time in four years, I looked up past the hill in front of me, out of the constraints of the course, and onto the entire park. As I emerged atop the crest of my final `Maintenance' hill repeat as a high school runner, I glanced up at the setting sun, the stretches of clouds stained pink and
purple, and the streams of gold cast across the acres of treetops, an image sharpened by the crisp November air. For the first time in four
years of physical and emotional training , I began to think I had finally placed it all in perspective, the season, the sport, my years in high school. Though my legs still burned with surges of lactic acid, this last time I was able to slightly numb the pain with the really quite alarming thoughts of the approaching termination of the season, and the number of practices left I could count on one hand. Although heavy thinking while out on the trails was not unusual, for the first time I was reflecting on the sport itself . I know it's too early for the sentimental editorials. It's only Thanksgiving, and I haven't
yet been accepted into college. But the end of my high school sports career marks a step even closer just as strong as support getting into college, sickness in the family, the death of someone to the end of high school, and I believe the value close, or even the celebration of the birth of a of what a sports team has to offer deserves some recognition. In the spring of seventh grade, our future XC legend. Sports, as a hobby, extracurricular, or teachers urged us to remain focused and to not passion, are unique in that they seep into every let the distractions of the waming weather and aspect of your quotidian routine. Cross country fast-approaching summer vacation prematurely season meant a break from the everyday carry us away. They told us to remember that a consumption of sweets, and an unusual increase marathon is always 26.2 miles, and that stopping of carbohydrates. Cross country reminded me of after the 26th mile won't win you a medal. A sports season is a marathon. Each school the necessity for hydration, the obligation for a
balance of vitamins, the importance of sodium replenishments, and an introduction to the cutting-edge , debatably legal "Gatorade Series." It led to the laborious laundering of mudsplattered Under Armour, the establishment of team rivalries sparked by the illegal play of our ribbon-sporting competitors, and the development distant, conference-wide crushes based only on the sleek digits of race times.
year is a marathon. High school is perhaps the hardest marathon we've had to run thus far in our lives, and for those of you who are just beginning, I wish you the best of luck. But to the seniors who now face that last fifth of a mile, I'd like to recall the wise words of our middle school teachers and encourage you not to forget that .2. The finish line is finally in sight. It's time to kick it.
Hungary mucks up: The toxic sludge situation l{enji Endo '14
News Writer On October 4th, a reservoir at an alumina refining plant in Ajka unleashed a flood of caustic red sludge through the Hungariancountryside.Thelethaltorrent, nearly 200 million gallons of toxic mud, swept cars off roads, engulfed bridges and houses, and forced hundreds of residents to evacuate. The residue covered an area of over fifteen square miles of
environment. The sludge originated at a storage reservoir, owned by a Hungarian manufacturer, MAL Zrt. The sludge poured into local streams and headed downstream towards the Danube, the second-largest river in Europe. Expertsfearedofdevastatingenvironmental consequences and long-term damage to ecosystems. On October 7th, the toxic sludge reached the Danube, and crews struggled to dilute the mud in order to
The alumina plant responsible for toxic sludge, which will come when the thecrisis,MALzrt,reopenedonoctober reservoir completely collapses. 22nd,ashorttwoweeksafterthereservoir There are more than a dozen sludge wall collapsed. The company claimed to have complied with all safety standards. Prime Minister Orban said, "This is an unprecedented ecological catastrophe in Hungary.Humanerrorismorethanlikely. The wall [of the reservoir] did not disinte-
storagepondsinthearea.Sludgepondsfrom various aging or closed industries dot the landscape all over Europe and also in the Unitesstates.Manyofthesestorageponds arealsopoorlymaintainedandposeathreat to our health and the environment 's health . grate in a minute. This should have been Upper School science teacher Michael detected."ZoltanBakonyi,themanaging Smithsaid,"ThedisasterinHungarypoints director of MAL Zrt, was outmajorproblems.Therearehundredsof charged with "criminal similar,hazardoussludgepondsalloverthe picturesque Hungarian countryside. ResidentsfromfoursmallHungarian negligence leading to world,nearriversandtownsfullofpeople. villageshadtorushfromtheirhomes a public catastrophe." We need to solve the `storage problem' . If as a six-foot high wave of sludge However, Bakonyi was we don't, what happened in Hungary will released without charge only be the tip of the iceberg." pushed its way through the villages' narrow streets and homes. The red after two days in custody, The lack of coverage the sludge spill mud burned right through villagers' because of "insufficient received suggests that we, as a society, are clothes and skin. Nine people, who evidence." The plant will slowly becoming less interested and more remainunderstatecontrol acceptingofdisasterssuchasthisone,with appearedtohavedrownedinthetoxic current, died, and over 150 people for up to two years. similar types occurring more and more ofwere seriously injured. Tens of milVillagers, forced to ten.Withtwomajordisastersoccuringonly lions of dollars in private property abandon their homes, six months apart, one might question the has been destroyed. The Hungarian began to return around laxregulationcoupledwithcolporategreed. Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, said the same time the plant It appears that corporations are bypassing reopened.However,there of the disaster, "It is difficult to find standards in order to increase and maintain Hungarian soldier wearing chemical protection in the streets the words." was not much to return to . agoodrevenuestream,andgovemmentsare Theredsludgeisabyproductfromthe The homes closest to the plant are now encouraging this with lenient regulations. protect the river. The sludge, with a pH as refining of bauxite into alumina, the basic high as I 3 , moved downstream at one mile uninhabitable. A resident of Devecser, We need to increase the amount of media materialformanufacturingaluminuin.The JanosneHorvath,said,"Wearetooscared coverage , to create awareness. To prevent per hour, as crews poured hundreds of tons sludge contains heavy metals and is toxic of plaster and chemical fertilizers into the tostayhereovemight.Iamactuallyscared other similar environmental disasters , we if ingested. It has low-level radioactivity, rivers in a desperate attempt to neutralize formylife."Emergencycrewsbuiltanew need to assess and correct our current sysits ingredients can cause health problems the alkalinity. All life in the nearby Marcal wall, about 1,500 meters long, to protect tem, which requires both environmental like cancer, and it is very harmful to the River has been extinguished. the villagers from the second wave of laws and strict enforcement.
Anglim debriefs Christine O'Donnell wouldhaveresultedinmanymoreRepublican victories all over the state of Delaware in addition to a victory over Coons. From the time Christine O'Donnell When O'Donnell beat the nine-term won the Republican primary election UScongressman,sheautomaticallybecame against Congressman Mike Castle , politi- the face for what the "new" Republicans calpunditseasilypredictedtheSenateseat stood for in Delaware to the average voter. would go to Chris Coons. What no one This huge upset was broadcast across the predicted, though, was the massive losses nation and as O'Donnell's name became Republicans faced in our local Delaware more common, clips of outrageous comments and television appearances she had elections on election day. These losses againsttheDemocratsforseatsinourstate's in the past became widely publicized. Legislature resulted in a historically moderate state shifting to the left while the rest of the nation shifted to the right. Why?Mydiagnosisfor this shift is two words: Christine O'Donnell . Delaware's GOP nowonlycontrolsseven state Senate seats, fifteen seats in the state House, and one lone statewide office , which was won by just one Kevin Anglim '11
Guest Writer
she is not me, I get connected with her." Kovach was just one of multiple moderates that believe they suffered becauseofo'Donnell'slong-shotcampaign for Senator. Like many other moderate Republicans,KovachbelievesthatRepublicanscouldhavegainedmanymoreseats in Delaware's Legislature if O'Donnell had not run. There is the potential that O'Donnell could still do much more danage to the Republicanestablishmentinthiscountry. O'Donnell's concession speech was anything but a concession. Hinting at signs
of running once again in
2012'
she claimed that she still made many accomplishments even though she lost by a whopping
percent. Even moderate Republicans lost their elections; Mike Lindquist for Recorder 16.6percent. of Deeds by 3.4 perMy cent, John Marino for advice to StateRepresentativeby O'Donnell 2.6 percent, and Colin is to lie low Democrats (and Friends School parents) Chris Coons and John Ca:rney are SenatorBonnini for State Treawhen the and Represerttative-elect for Delaware surer by just 2 percent next electo name a few. Since she then represented the average tions come around. If she truly wants to These moderates should have been Republican,oreventheaverageTeapartier "take our country back," then she needs able to win in a moderate state, especially for that matter, the moderate Republican to step out of the way and let the real when a conservative wave was crashing candidates in Delaware suffered from the conservatives do it. She does not reprethrough this country, but something went public's dislike of her. sent the ideals of the Tea Party and she wrong after the Republican primary elecTom Kovach , a moderate Republican definitely does not represent the ideals of tions:Theynowhadtoworryaboutthecolthat tried to hold his seat in the House, lost the GOP. She's a phony icon looking for lateraldamagefromchristineo'Donnell's his election by five percent. He said to a fame who single-handedly made Delanasty race against Coons. NewsJournalreporterthat,"O'Donnelllost ware one of the most liberal states in the I believe that if Mike Castle had won two-to-one in my district. Having her at country through her pursuit of a seat that the primary election against O 'Donnell , it the top of the ticket did not help . Although she could never win.
The Whittier Miscellany Thanksgiving 2010
The Whittier Miscellany Thanksgiving 2010
Guys & dolls, crapshooters & missionaries Sophie Mester '13 Features Wi'iter
Choreographing and leading the dancers in the show have
proved to be both fun and challenging for Sara Coughlin ' 11 and Kristin Siegfried ' 11 . "The biggest challenge I had to deal Whether you are up on the stage performing or watching with was the change in musical arrangements for the songs the action from the auditorium seats, the annual Friends I had already choreographed. I had to change some of the School musical is a captivating fall tradition. Students and sequencing and the formations weeks after I had taught the faculty spend months working to produce the best musical original material, but the entire process has been really great. possible, and this year's exciting production of Gwys ¢#d I love when I can tell that the girls are pushing themselves during rehearsals and are having fun with it!" says Coughlin. DOJ/s certainly reflected their hard work ! Siegfried adds, "Having to re-teach a group of about 17 The November 12th, 13th, and 14th productions of Gnys cl#d Do//s were very memorable and entertaining people an entire dance was the most stressful experience in my performances. The musical is set in the 1950s, and follows the musical career thus far. However, it actually feels good to have story of two couples: Sky Masterson (John Fairchild ' 11) and such a great responsibility and to help other people with the Sarali Brown (Allie Rudin '13) and Nathan Detroit (Daniel dancing. I have been dancing for most of my life, and being Potter '12) and Miss Adelaide (Olivia Latney '12). It is a able to combine that with my love of singing and performing dramatic tale of Nathan's illegal gambling and his quest to has made the musical a really enjoyable experience for me." Siegfried's and Coughlin's creative contributions to the win one thousand dollars through a bet he made with Sky. Gwys cz#d Do//s is a Tony Award-winning musical that production added to the success of the show. The cast members of Gnys ¢#d DOJJs were not only premiered on Broadway in 1950. The show became extremely popular and several of the songs in Gziys clnd Do//I are still rewarded for their hard work with a great production, but also well known today, including "Luck Be a Lady." Many students with new friendships that formed while working on the show. at Friends were excited to lean that the school production this The new relationships created between the cast of the musicals year would be Gz4ys a"d Do//s and knew they wanted to find a are what keeps Pierce-Matlack and many others performing in the show each year. "I have been in the musical since freshman way to put their own personal spin on this famous musical. "The musical is great in general," says Daniel Potter ' 12. year, and I think the best thing is the bond you make with the "There are a lot of great songs, such as `Guys and Dolls' and fellow cast members from spending so much close time with `Rocking the Boat' that are really fun to perfom. The script is them. When you perfom, you have all of your barriers down," also fabulous, with many hilarious lines that I hope got some laughs." Gz/ys cz;cd Do//s is not only an entertaining musical, but
its production was different than past years' shows in many ways. "The musical was very interesting this year because there were four different leads! I think that made the show multi-dimensional," says Allie Rudin ' 13.
Another way this year's production differed from past musicals was that the students, along with director Tammy Paulino, were much more involved in shaping the musical. ``1 think the fact that the seniors have really taken a leadership role this year has set this musical apart from past shows. Sara and Kristin are both dance captains and Sara is choreographing the dances," says Alexa Pierce-Matlack ' 11.
says Pierce-Matlack. "I really like the relationships that develop and are created
during the musical. Some people join just for the backstage experience," shares James Kocher '13. Just what, exactly
goes on backstage? The only way to find out for sure is to become a part of next year's musical. It is clear that the late play practices and long hours the cast spent memorizing lines paid off . Gwys a#d DOJ/s was a fabulous production. The success of the play was not due solely to the performers, but also to the pit band, parent volunteers, sound and stage crew, director Tammy Paulino, and a delighted audience. Thanks to the help from everyone involved, Gz/ys a#d Do//a will be remembered as one of the greatest Friends School musicals.
Another piece of the Pakistan puzzle Lahore Mozang Rotary Club and guest speakers. The first of these meetings took place on October 6th, and another one occurred in mid-November. These conferences What do you know about Pakistan? Sure, everybody are hosted by Cab Calloway School of the Arts. "I am really knowsthatitisacountryincentralAsia,andifyouarearegular hopeful that these meetings will have a positive effect on reader of 77!e Wrfez.ff!.er, you probably read about Pakistan's the student body," says Scott Rhodewalt, the Peace, Justice, terrible floods in the last edition of the newspaper. Maybe you and Social Change teacher. "They have been extremely well have read the book 7lferec Cwps o/rccz by Greg Mortenson, or organized. I'm impressed by how much emphasis the Rotary you have heard the country of Pakistan mentioned in relation members have put on working to make this a collaborative and to the current war in Afghanistan, but how much do you really reciprocal relationship for both the Pakistanis involved and our students." There is actually the unprecedented possibility know about the country, its people, or its values? "I don't really know that much," says sophomore James in mid-April of hosting a few Pakistani students from a school Kocher. This is the answer that The Wilmington Rotary Club, similar to ours in Lahore. If you are interested, Mr. Rhodewalt along with several local schools, is currently trying to change. encourages you to come and speck with him. The speakers certainly were educational as well as Rotary clubs are present all over the world. Their mission statement is to "work locally, regionally, and intemationally inspirational. They did not make light of problems facing to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide the United States and Pakistan, but they kept an uplifting education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate and hopeful tone throughout their speeches. Representative polio under the motto Service Above Self." In partnership Vidrom Singh was highly engaging and covered a range of with the Lahore Mozang Rotary Club of Lahore, Pakistan, the topics, from the views held by Americans about Pakistan and Wilmington Rotary Club has founded a school for girls and visa versa, to how students could help support Pakistan. Predictably, most of the discussions were centered on the has begun has a life-long relationship with Pakistan. They call this world community service effort "The Pakistan Project." Pakistani-U .S . relationship and the War on Terror. However, at The goal of The Pakistan Project is to create lasting ties and the very end, a new topic was addressed. Rather than speaking meaningful relationships between groups here in Delaware about any specific issue or problem, a member of the Lahore Mozang Rotary Club spoke about everything good in Pakistan . and overseas in Pakistan. This year, students from the Wilmington Friends School ` s It was a refreshing take on a country often characterized as Peace, Justice, and Social Change classes have been invited simply being barren mountains with a few crazy terrorists to join a group of eight other schools at several conferences running around. "One of the specters made me want to go to concemingthedifferentaspectsofPakistani-U.S.relationship. Pakistan!" exclaims Sutthawe Jitjingjai ' 12. This is exactly the goal of all these meetings, as well as The Wilmington Rotary Club has organized a delegation of eleven members from the Lahore Mozang Rotary Club, quelling rumors or misconceptions of Pakistan. "A lot of including businessmen, politicians , and joumalists. people in America have gotten the wrong idea about Pakistan," The response from students has been overwhelmingly said one of the speakers, "and we are here to change that." Wilmington Friends has kept a strong message of good. "Everything about these people is so positive! I'm trying to think about something negative and I just can't. This diversity, interfaith connections, and global awareness alive has been a great way to lean about a different culture," says in the curriculum for so long that it is now ingrained into our Catherine Curran ' 13 . At these conferences, students have the community as well. The Pakistan Project is just a continuation opportunity to listen to and ask questions of Deputy Special of this idea and a wonderful opportunity for the whole school. "I hope that what the students lean here will stay with them Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, U.S. State Department, Vidrom Singh, as well as members from the for their entire lives," says Rhodewalt. We hope so too.
Dunia Tonob '13
Features writer
Unmasking the ultimate slice in the Battle of the Pies Pumpkin: A special treat
Apple: A classic choice
Porter Ergon '12 Features Writer
Christa Chappell '12
Features Writer
When it comes to Turkey Day, there are some things that you just have to have. Of course there is the turkey (hopefully bum-free), the delicious stuffing, and good guaranteed to spark a heated debate in seconds. So what could this groundbreaking, old mashed potatoes. Hm, now what else to stuff your exploding stomach with after enjoying such a delicious meal shared with your finily and friends? Duh, you silly earth-shattering question possibly be? It's really very simple. Which is better: apple thing: pumpkin pie! No matter how tight the waist of your pants has become, nor how pie or pumpkin pie? While the answer may seem shockingly obvious to many of us, it is possible to noticeably your bulbous tummy is poking out from under your gravy stained shirt, there is always room for just one more bite of the most special Thanksgiving pie on come across a person every now and then who has not yet acquired such a fine taste the face of the earth. for pies. But before you make up your mind as to which pie you prefer, let me tell you Pumpkin pie. Just think about it. Bask in its wondrous, one-of-a-kind , and why apple pie will forever reign supreme in the battle of the pies. First and foremost, the delicious, moist, buttery flavor of apple pie is far superior festive flavor. Dive through its perfect light and fluffy texture, all the way down to to the rather bland flavors of pumpkin pie. Apple pie is complex. The bottom crust, the delicately crisp-esque crust. Don't tell me there is anything better, because I will hush your wrongful speech and tell you right now, there is not. That's right, I'm saying apple filling, and upper crust or crumb topping adds rich flavors to the classic dessert. Pumpkin pie, however, is a very simple pie without the many layers of scrumptious pumpkin pie is the best pie out there. Thanksgiving: turkey and pumpkin pie. That's tastes that apple pie provides. Because of the simplicity of pumpkin pie, it is harder just how the world goes round. Now, be aware there are many pies out there trying to steal pumpkin pie's glory. to come across a really good pumpkin pie. The simple recipe that calls for pumpkin One of these is apple . What a joke , I know. When it comes to apple pie , it's quite natural from a can is generally the same from family to family. You will rarely find a pumpkin to initially hold it at a higher ranking of delightfulness than pumpkin. Understood, it pie that has a unique twist or special flavor. While pumpkin pie is probably the least is known as ``The American Pie." However, halt yourselves, because once again you creative of all of the pies in the world, apple pie has many variations . Some have crumb toppings, some are made with Granny Smith apples, and some follow the traditional are being silly. Let me ask you this , what is more American than the celebration of Thanksgiving? recipe that has been passed along through the generations. Each family has their own The colonists that we trace our Thanksgivings take on apple pie, so it is easy to discover a delicious one. Taste aside, apple pie just looks better back to first experienced pumpkins right here on American soil, the pumpkin's native habitat. than pumpkin pie. The golden brown crust of They had hardly any food, but they did have one apple pie is iconic, while pumpkin pie is just a layer of, well, pumpkin. Not to mention that thing:pumpkins.ItissaidthatNativeAmericans pumpkin pie is an unappealing dark orange, kindly offered the settlers pumpkins to ease their hungry bellies. Obviously, pumpkins are the almost brown color, and the mushy consistency most crucial and historically important things similar to the baby food that we stopped eating the colonist could have been given, because years ago. no pumpkins would mean no pumpkin pie, and Like George Washington and the Star a world with out pumpkin pie would not be a Spangled Banner, apple pie is truly American. world worth living in. It represents the country that we know and love. P`rmpkins are natIve to NIorth ALmeric;a.. Do Pumpkin Pie .. The symbol Apple pie has become so symbolic of America Apple Pie: A delicious that when asked why they were fighting in you know where apple trees originated? The a/ 7lfeo"ksgg.vi.#g year-round staple World War 11, the soldiers' typical answer was, first apple trees are traced back to Western Asia! "For mom and apple pie." The entire concept of pumpkin pie just seems more foreign. Who's the American pie now? Besides , what better way could people like the colonists think of to relieve themselves of a harsh winter than to indulge in a delicious pumpkin Pumpkin pie appears once a year around Thanksgiving, but then fades back into obscurity after the holiday celebration ends. Because apple pie is a true representation pie, the best, most American pie on earth? Thanksgiving is about caring, sharing, and of America, it is common to see the delicious dessert all year long, in restaurants, gratefulness. Pumpkin pie is a symbol of all of these things. And, most importantly,
It's the question that has been known to come between many a family. You begin to hear mumurs of it around this time of year. The controversy surrounding it is
parties , and Grandma's kitchen. It is utterly undeniable that apple pie is the dessert that everyone grows up with. While ipods may have surpassed record players, and television the radio, apple pie is living proof that newer is not always better. Apple pie has been traced back as early as 1381, and pumpkin pie did not come around until 1621. Though both pies have changed drastically over the years, apple pie has had nearly three hundred years longer to perfect its recipe. In a society in which we have to have the newest, fastest, and best, it is refieshing to see something as traditional as apple pie last throughout the years . In a way, I feel sorry for pumpkin pie. Pumpkin will forever remain second in the hearts of Americans. In a holiday in which food is a focal point, do not simply settle for the flat flavors and off-putting consistency of pumpkin pie. Instead, reward yourself with the best, and cut a big slice of warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream melting over the top. Believe me, you will not regret your decision. This Thanksgiving, before you decide which type of pie you would prefer, consider everything you now know. The decision should be fairly obvious.
it's bangin' .
Nobody likes a dried-up sour, old, pie with bland crust. However, I'm sorry to say this happens a lot with apple. Yes, apple pie can be delicious, but unless grandma cooks it, it is usually dull, flavorless, and boring. Are those attributes you would like to describe yourself as? Wouldn't you rather describe your likings as, I don't know, say: spiced, zesty, and smooth? If you're a boy, having a piece of pumpkin pie will attract more ladies to you than you can count. And for all you ladies out there, a scrumptious
pumpkin pie will undoubtedly draw all the playas straight to you. Pumpkin pie raises everybody's cool factor through the roof. It's simply the way to go. So, after your Thanksgiving feast is through, it will finally be the long awaited beautiful time of night: pie time. It won't be any stinky apple pie, though; it will be a good old-fashioned pumpkin pie. And when the moment arrives, you'1l be ready. You'11 lock eyes on the best pie in the world, and you'll lovingly stare as it graces the presence of your plate. Of course, within moments it will be gone, down to the depths of your stomach. But, when it is, you and your family can all come together and join hands in saying, "Apple, shmapple!" and a hearty "Happy Thanksgiving!"
Street Talk: What funny things happened to you on college visits?
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The Whittier Miscellany
Thanksgiving 2010
The Whittier Miscellany
Thanksgiving 2010
IIIegal hits get hit hard by new NIL restrictions ``they definitely need to do
ductive years left in him. Barber later exsomething about it. It should be a two strike policy: First plained that he wanted to pursue a broadcastHow would you like to be a football player running time for a player, just a fine, ing career, but that full speed , totally defenseless , knowing that massive de- but the second time they was not the foremost fenders could, at any moment, hit you right in the head should get a suspension." reason that he called it with very little consequence? The NFL announced on It is doubtful that anyone would like to be in this October 20th that helmet-toquits early. Barber said that situation, but unfortunately, that is part of the job of the helmet hits could lead to susthe physical nature receivers in the NFL. pensions. An ESPN.com article of the game takes too NFL receivers today are signed up to be human tarmuch of a beating on by Chris Mortensen reports: gets; once they catch a pass they have no way to defend ". . .even first-time offenders a person's body. At the themselves. time of the retirement, Nasty hits have always been a part of the game, and face suspension for `devasBarber was happily T.his ppotogra.pP, alon.g.with other^sf tot:_o_f_i.Ileg.pl hits, always will be, but there needs to be a way to eliminate tzwing hiits' and `hend shots' married with two kids. is no longer?.eipg sold,?s pa:t of.tpe. NFL's ef forts to some of the serious head injuries. While some minor accJrdir[8 to Ftry A;ride[son, Sustaining too many eliminate serious head injuries. head injuries are part of the daily grind in football, others the leELiis's ex;ecwhNe v-roe head injuries would cross a line. president of football operahave ruined anything he had after his football days were The NFL is making strides to crack down on the tions." There are already different kinds of penalties and Over. number of head injuries in football. Recently, the NFL Senior Glenn Felder knows where Barber is coming has been handing out fifteen-yard penalties to players fines for illegal hits that do not involve the head, but nevwho tackle using helmet-to-helmet hits. Fifteen yards er before have concussions been such a hot issue as they from. He says, "As exciting as it is to see big hits, I don't think it's worth players getting brain damage. And if that is enough to make a player think twice before smash- have been in the past few years. ing their helmet against an opposing player's helmet, but Now that we better understand the danger of these becomes the nomi among former players, then it'1l deter these are the hits that are most dangerous for the players, serious hits, more precautionary action needs to take athletes from playing pro football at all." If players are scared to play or want to retire early causing head injuries to both the hitter and the player re- place. Before, people did not miss any time when they because of the fear of a long-temi injury, rules need to ceiving the shot, and for that reason, some feel the punishment should be greater. sustained concussions, and they would treat them as if it change to protect the athletes . Sophomore Jack Hall is afraid that a big compoJust look at the Week 6 hit by Falcons comerback, were not a big deal. Now, however, we understand how Dunta Robinson, on Eagles ' wide receiver, Desean Jack- dangerous it is for athletes to play while they have a con- nent of football will be taken out with the NFL cracking down: "The players should know the consequences of son. The violent collision between the two not only gave cussion. The New York Giants ' ex-running back, Tiki Barber, playing football. Everyone loves seeing the big hits." Jackson a concussion, but caused Robinson to sustain However, big hits can still happen, as long as they was in the prime of his career when he retired. He had set one as well. The use of the helmet to tackle anyone should be a number of all-time Giant records, and had over 10,000 avoid almost-certain head injuries; the violence of the hits will be transferred to a less dangerous part of the highly discouraged after the results of not only this hit, rushing yards in his career. Yet inexplicably, at age 31, Barber retired without a body. but of numerous helmet hits over the past few years . Discouraging players from hitting helmet-to-helmet Some people argue that a fifteen-yard penalty is not Super Bowl ring. nearly enough of a punishment. New York fans were shocked; the best running back won't end the excitement of a great tackle; it will just On the topic of these hits, junior Alex Balis argues, in Giants history had retired when he still had many pro- ensure a little bit more safety.
Zach Lessner '13
Sports writer
Row, row, row your...shell Erin skibicki '13
dents interested in crew.
collisions that are very common in con-
Sports writer
Junior caroline MCDonough started crew the summer before her sophomore
tact sports .
Rowing, also known in the United year after injuries prevented her from States as crew, did not originate as a sport, playing lacrosse. but as a means of transportation in Egypt, She rows for WYRA (Wilmington Greece, and Rome. The idea was then ex- Youth Rowing Association) and says, "The most important objective in crew is panded into warfare, providing a country with superiority on the water. to do the same exact thing, at the same It wasn't until the 19th century that exact time as the seven other people in rowing for sport became popular in Eu- the boat, so getting along with your teamrope , then spreading to America. mates is essential." Today, Philadelphia and Boston are MCDonough expresses the importwo of the major American rowing cities tance of teamwork in crew, saying , "Crew is the ultimate team sport; there are no on the map. Delaware is not known for being stars or standouts. The more in sync you
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Crew is such an uncorm'ron high school sport, and colleges are always looking for potential rowers . a populqu rowing state. In fact, St. Andrew's School is the only high school in Delaware that offers rowing as a sport. Evidently, high school rowers are very unusual. However, high school students whose schools do not have a team will often go
to a rowing club in order to join a rowing team. Wilmington Rowing Center and Wilmington Youth Rowing Association are the two clubs available for our stu-
isn't the sport for someone looking to be the MVP. Even though crew does not give individual glory, the sport is very demanding. Not only does it require endurance, but also core balance, and upper body and leg strength. Rowing is one of the few athletic activities that involve all of the body's rna-
The rowing boats today, called shells , are made of extremely lightweight carbon fiber. The single skull, the smallest boat on the water, weighs approximately 30 pounds and is 27-30 feet long. The largest and most common boats are called Eights and are 60 feet long and a little over 200 pounds.
In the Eights there are eight rowers and one coxswain. The coxswain, who is usually short and petite, sits in the back and calls out commands. The eight rowers use oars, made with carbon fiber handles and rubber grips, to propel the shell, doing what the coxswain directs. Instead of games or matches, there are regattas, which are rowing races. Re-
gattas are held at a number of different locations.
Earlier this fall, MCDonough's crew team traveled to Boston for the Head of the Charles regatta, which is one of the most famous regattas in the world. Regattas are unlike most other sporting events. At a normal regatta there are usually 15-20 other crews and it is an all day event. ``There is a ton of food, music and
people. It's really chill and fun and the races are really exciting to watch," comments MCDonough. Crew is unlike any other sport in its aspects of teamwork, fitness, and overall hard work. It is definitely a beneficial sports I've ever done; it's a full-body sport that is already growing and will conworkout, but it's totally worth it" says tinue to spread. MCDonough. MCDonough concludes , ``Rowing is a While rowing is undoubtedly a dif- really hard sport, and it takes a lot of time ficult sport, since it is non-contact, it re- and dedication, but it is completely worth moves the danger of injuries caused by it in the end."
jor muscle groups. It is very similar to cross-country skiing: although rowing looks graceful and smooth, it is very exhausting, and rowers are among the world's best athletes. ``It's definitely one of the hardest
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201012011 winter sports preview
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"Last year went really well for the girls team; our freestyle
Thomas Connelly '14
Sportswriter As the successful fall sports season comes to a close, Wilmington Friends athletes are getting ready for a new winter season . "Last season didn't go too well," admits junior Chazz Hig-
relay qualified for the finals of the State Championship meet, and it was the first time a relay from Friends ever made it past the preliminaries ," says senior captain Ellen Rodowsky. She expects that this year will be even more successful. "We have a lot of returning swimmers, all of whom im-
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ginbotham, commenting on the 2009-2010 boys basketball sea- proved tremendously last year, as well as many new swimmers son, where the team finished with a 3-16 record. joining, so I'm very excited to see how we do, both individually However, he is hopeful for this year, saying, ``We are retun- and as a team." ing three starters: Me, Matt Skibicki, and Jermaine [Young]; The wrestling team had a great season last year with a winand all of us played major minutes [1ast year] ." ning record of 9-3. With the loss of six seniors, three of whom Higginbotham, along with his teammates, has big goals for qualified for states, the team is left with only two seniors, Joe this year: "We should be over five hundred for the first time this Geoghegan and Kieran Smith (who is joining the team for the first time).
decade!" he says.
Captain of the varsity basketball team, senior Jermaine Young , agrees with Higginbotham. "Last year we had a really young team, and it took a while
Junior captain Pat Schlecker, however, is not at all worried about this year's season. "Unfortunately we no longer have our short, loving dictator, Jesse Paul; caveman-like Connor Juers; or for the tealn to gel," he explains, ``After the camp we did at the hippie-wanna-be Sani Finkelman as our captains ," says SchleckUniversity of Pittsburg, the team bonded and the players had all er, "[But] luckily we have some great young wrestlers." come together. The offense is flowing, and the defense is comHe adds, "It's going to be fun this year to see many of the municating well. I just like the overall direction that we are look- sophomores step up, such as Seth [Ruffins] who won us the ing towards right now." match against Newark last year, and others like Luke [Magness] , On the girls' side, junior captain Erica Brown also has high Bowman [Benge] and Chris [Palmer] who all have amazing pohopes for her team. tential." "Last year's season was definitely a showcase of our young It is clear that all of the teams have high hopes, as well as talent and hard work. This year, we will become the new defini- high potential , for a great season . Both captains and athletes look tion of Wilmington Friends girls basketball ," she says , forward to seeing their teams progress, so do not forget to cheer "We will be playing as one bonded team that will constantly on the Quakers this winter! try [its] hardest." Last year, seven out of the fifteen athletes on the girls' bas-
ketball team were freshmen. Brown herself was only a sophomore when she earned her position as varsity captain. With Brown leading the young team, Girls Basketball is going to have a both successful season this year, as well as successful seasons in the future. Sam Davis, senior captain of the boys swim team, is looking forward to another positive season. "Last year we had a good group of guys on the team. Four of the seven [athletes] qualified for the State Championship meet," he says. ``As for this year, we are looking to improve on both the size of the team, as well as our times in the events we swim." The team lost state diving champion Greg Miraglia, but they plan to keep their successful team reputation alive. The girls team is also looking to build off the success of last
AIhletic Director Marc Samohisky is hand at work schedrling games , matches , and meets for the winter.
Season.
Down, set, hike! Fantasy Football takes off Sean Kirkpatrick '13
Sports writer As the National Football League season winds down, the fantasy football season heats up. Whether it is adjusting your team's roster for the weekend's games, checking the injury report for any stars out of action, or picking up a player off the free agent list because a player on your team has a bye week, Fantasy Football is a giant commitment that takes a lot of dedication .
Fantasy football, an addicting and fun activity, has become more and more popular at Friends as students compete to win the chanpionship. You might be wondering, wfeczf cjr-
actly is fantasy football? Fantasy football is a virtual competition in which people manage professional football players . Usually, the person drafts a tealn of NFL players and manages them in head-to-head competition. The scoring system is based on the statistics for the NFL players each week. As the manager of your team and roster, you are able to trade with other managers and add or drop players off your roster. To be the best in your league you need to adjust your roster many times, which takes a lot of commitment. ``1
In 2009 , Apple released a Fantasy Football Appplication so "managers" can check their team's slats on the go!
love
fantasy
football [for] many reasons," says sophomore Zach Lessner, "It
Fantasy football has become very
gives me something to look forward to on the weekend. It takes a lot of time and dedication, but it is really
popular at Friends. If you take a look into the library or computer lab, you will see committed students competing to have the best fantasy team.
fun," says the avid football fan. Some students are very intense about fantasy football, but many students play for friendly competition between their
The Whittier Miscellany
Thanksgiving 2010
classmates and family. Fantasy football can be used to connect across long distances with family members and friends. Sophomore James Kocker says, "I use it both as a competition between my school friends and I aln also in a league with many of my relatives . It's fun to connect with your relatives by playing fantasy football." Many students agree that it is fun, ffiendly competition. So far this season, many of the top
projected players have done very well. For example, Minnesota Vikings running back, Adrian Peterson, who was
projected as the second best player in the NFL this season, has played great so far. In the first nine weeks of the season, he scored a total of 156 fantasy football points in any default ESPN.com fantasy football league. This total is ranked fourth out of all players in the NFL. Other fantasy football scoring leaders through the first nine weeks include Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers, Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts, and Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers. Fantasy football is not the only fantasy sport that players can compete in. ESPN.com offers a wide variety of sports, with everything from fantasy faseball to fantasy folf (PGA). ESPN.com's variety of fantasy sports is only a small reflection of the variety of fantasy sports that can be found on the rest of the web. All over the internet there
are fantasy leagues for a number of different sports, including surfing, cricket, and auto racing. However, the most popular fantasy sports at Friends are fantasy football and fantasy baseball. "I play both fantasy football and baseball, and they both are awesome. I don't get into all the other Fantasy sports," says sophomore Chris DiMaria, an avid sports fan. Whether you are a football, soccer, baseball, or cricket player, an all-around athlete , or even just a regular sit-at-homeon-the-couch fan , fantasy sports give students a way to experience the "inside" of their favorite sports through fun competition.
',I
The Whittier Miscellany
Thanksgiving 2010
Mashing up stuff, Thanksgiving style! Cai.oline Scott '11
that have been served beside turkey throughout the years , I am most concerned with the two most famous (and delicious) sides: mashed potatoes and stuffing. Mashed
will never get boring. But my opinion shouldn't be the last word: let's let the Wilmington Friends community decide this one. The time has come, yet again, for the best meal of potatoes, the fluffy concoction of potatoes, cream, Some Friends students have a hard time deciding the year. Yes, it's a time when the matriarchs of families and butter, were introduced to 16th century Europe by between the two: "It's like choosing between two of your nationwide come together to cook a delectable and Spanish explorers. However, the French are generally children!" exclaims senior Annie Sheslow. Some don't gastrointestinally satisfying Thanksgiving dinner. Or given the credit for spreading the food throughout appreciate either side: "It freaks me out that you put a maybe your family is too progressive for gender roles the continent. Stuffing, a dish usually made using thing inside of a bird and then eat it. Also, I feel like there and your dad is slaving away at the stove every fourth breadcrumbs , onions , celery, spices , herbs , and anythingare so many more delicious ways to eat a potato than Thursday of November? Or maybe your family doesn't else you want to put into it, has been eaten as far back as tuning it into a paste," declares senior Sara Coughlin. celebrate Thanksgiving because Despite these neutralities, they're too enlightened to celebrate most people have a decisive a holiday that's based on historical stance on either side. Those inaccuracies , false friendships with who like mashed potatoes tend thenativepeopleofourcountry,and to contrast the texture of each lies about cooperation over food. food: "Stuffing's all nasty and I can respect that. However, this chunky," replies junior Gwen article is not about the deception of B-Z when asked which side Thanksgiving , or radical fahilies ; it she prefers. Another junior, is about sides. Richard Monari, agrees with Yeah, turkey takes all the fame her: "There's nothing on this when it comes to the Thanksgiving planet greater in every aspect dinner. But is it the best part? I than mashed potatoes. They would argue that it's not. Often dry, have the consistency of pure sometimes bony, the turkey has a joy." These mashed potatoes reputation for being hard to cook. fanatics seem staunch in their Unless your grandmother has been beliefs, but what about stuffing on rap Cfoe/, the likelihood that the lovers? "Mashed potatoes turkey at your Thanksgiving dinner are so blaahhh," eloquently Mouthwatering rl'iashed potatoes! S crunptious stuf f ing ! will be perfect is slim. states one 20th Century World Already second place to the History teacher; "Stuffing is like a medley of food. It's star of Thanksgiving , turkey, sides are often overlooked the Roman Empire. As with mashed potatoes , the French like a harvest medley." Scott Clothier is not the only one as necessary companions to the bird. They are like those have made the most notable use of stuffing throughout to comment on the diversity of stuffing: "Stuffing just hardcore metal kids who are sick at bass and don't have the ages. Stuffing is present in kitchens worldwide; the has more flavor and substance beside just potatoes. . .and a lot of friends, but who everybody loves deep down variations are endless , and the possibilities for creativity it tastes better," observes senior Sabrina Lessner. due to their endearing awkwardness and instrumental are equally as unlimited. Dating back to the first Thanksgiving when Pilgrims adeptness. They just don't want to admit it cause the So, which wins the side-battle at Wilmington and Native Americans probably argued about their side metal kids are kind of weird. Well, let sides and metal Friends: mashed potatoes or stuffing? In my opinion, it's of choice, the side-battle perpetually continues. Will it kids be diminished no longer! Because turkey isn't stuffing for sure. Mashed potatoes are great, undoubtedly ever be decided? Can one side be named the favorite of ffeaf good, and most hip-hop, happening kids who dig comforting and fluffy, but fairly monotonous. You can't America? Probably not. But whether you're a mashed kESSSsHa can't even play an instrument. really do anything interesting with mashed potatoes; potatoes lover or a stuffing fanatic, the beauty of Although there are innumerable delicious side dishes everyone makes them more or less the same way. Stuffing Thanksgiving is that there is something for everyone.
Entertainment writer
TV ads up.. 24 + Lost = The EVENT Julia Rhodes '14
and comparable political thriller plotlines. Both series usually have some dimension of politics, blood, or gore. And, of course, a brilliant computer programmer must If 24 and Losf had a baby, it would be 77!e Eve#f . be in the cast. Instead of dealing with mass genocide, After eight and six years, respectively, of programs that as in 24, this show's President Martinez deals with changed television, a promising new show was to fill the detained aliens on Mount Inostranka. As in most CIAvoid of NBC's Monday spot at 9/8c. The writers of 24 and FBI-style series, shooting breaks out when least have crafted it like their first show, and hope to have the expected. Necessary? Probably not. Does it sustain a same legion of followers flock to their new creation. large demographic of viewers? Most definitely. Random 77ic Eve„f compares favorably with current popular and surprising moments of extreme violence , execution, television shows. But when making a comparison with and self-mutilation serve to amplify the dramatic tone. "I heard [Z72c Evc#f] is a lot like Zosf ," says freshman Losf and 24, the show reveals itself to be a good series. Good, not spectacularly great. The writers handle the Jamie Martelli-Raben. One technique Zosf fans are quite topic of aliens well; they do not over dramatize the familiar with is the use of ``flashbacks ." The writers' goal theme, or bounce too far off the wall. They manage is to increase character development by having an allto throw in a cliffhanger at the end of each episode so encompassing view of the series while still following 7lfec Evc#f becomes its own self-prescribed drug. This different characters. 7lfec Evc%f does not succeed in this is not always done subtly or meticulously. Instead, the goal in the same way that Lest succeeded. Instead, many show tries as hard as possible to create mysteries, such times the episodes consist of snippets from a tangled as a plane randomly disappearing during the last three array of incongruous "flashbacks." It poorly mimics a minutes of an episode. While it may not be the most patented Lesf technique. So far, the cast of 7lfec Eve„f artful or cinematically creative way to evoke confusion, lacks solid dimension. For the amount of time spent on it is effective nonetheless. reinforcing characters , each one seems to be stereotypical 77!c Evc72f has been criticized for making the viewer in their own way. An assassin with a heart of gold, the think too much. It is not a show that one would be able evil older brother, and the poor kidnapped girlfriend are to passively watch and still understand. But is that such a just some examples. Many agree that each was executed bad thing? Zosf required careful watching and reviewing more successfully by other series. to understapd. Audiences rose to the challenge in droves. And just what is "the event" referred to in the title? A Confusion is therefore a natural product that comes man searches for his vanished girlfriend, leading him to from the attempt to write an intellectual thriller. For unravel something, as the show claims , "catastrophic." A some, watching 77!c Evc#Z week after week may just be president is pushed to his limits when alien terrorists are frustrating, with the constant plot twists and mysteries. imprisoned and plot to free their detained relatives. But For those people, going on Hz4Jw, a free website with neither situation is "the event" around which the show hundreds of TV shows, to view several episodes in a row centers. "I really don't care about the Giants. Zlfoe Eevc#f may be better. But some people obviously must enjoy the is on in two weeks instead of one!" exclaims freshman suspense from week to week because the show remains Matt O'Brien, in response to a delayed episode due to on the air. sports coverage. Yes, it can trump the World Series. 77!c Evc#f seems to have more similarities with Though flawed, 7lfee Evc#f, like 24 and Loff, is incredibly 24-including conspiracy theories, plenty of guns, addictive.
Entertainment writer
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Celebrity lookla-like: Our cartoon teachers •``1
Religion Teacher RIch,ard Berrand
Oogweygivom Kung Fu Panda
First Grade Tleacher Julie Rodowsky
E/czsfz.gz.rJ ,om The Incredibles
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Well, it's kind of a funny story... Entertainment writer
it was an effort to get some credit for her own acting talent rather than playing the chaste, bubblegum-y
It's Kind Of a Funny Story shourd not be a. good movie. Based on Ned Vizzini's eponymous 2006 novel cheekily describing the angst and embarrassment of teenage depression, the movie should follow the usual awkwardly plodding plotline of a remake of a semi-
parts she receives on Aunt Julia's name. Whatever the reason for her having chosen it, this will not be the movie that she redeems herself with. Her timing is somehow simultaneously awkward and predictable, her character choices bizarre and inconsistent. Yet,somehow,despitethesepainfuldrawbacks-the
Kristi lannelli '12
popular teem lit book. It should begin with a teenage boy on the brink of committing suicide. It's best that it's nothing too gruesome, as we want to draw in the pre-teens and tweens too, so he should probably be standing on the edge of a bridge or taking lots of pills or something. A close up on the pupil of the teenage boy's eye should reveal-surprise, sulprise!-a flashback on all of the ways his life has gone wrong up to this point. A montage of acme and girl troubles and perhaps a failing test score or two should ensue. The flashbacks should zoom back out to the young actor's pale, sweaty (though notably acme-free) face, at which point he will be prevented from following through with his attempt on his own life and forced to enter a program of counseling or rehabilitation. Say, for instance, he is consigned to about a week in the mental ward of a local hospital. Sure. There, he will meet a quirky young
predictable plotline , the uneasy heroine , and the clich6d conventions-the movie works. Perhaps it is a credit to Keir Gilchrist, the actor behind our hero, Craig Gilmer. His role could be painful to watch, melodramatic, and simply unjustifiable, but the young actor skillfully manipulates the viewer into giving him a chance at the very least. At times, Gilchrist is almost tongue-in-cheek in his consideration of Craig Gilmer as a character, noting Craig's classically teenage desire to be `screwed up.' He sort of wants, in spite of his discomfort, to be as crazy as possible, for the way it inspires his peers to find him interesting. Gilchrist does not shy away from the vulnerability of Craig's personality, instead playing it extravagantly, making this trait, commonly believed to be a weakness, into somewhat of a strength. Certainly, Craig's ultimate piteousness is something that the audience admires girl (probably a popular teenybopper actress to draw in more of those tweens), in the character by the end of the film. theywillbothforgetalloftheirproblems, The writer/director team also and they will live happily ever after. deserves recognition for their skillful It's Kind of a Funny Story "ck!es handling of a tricky text to adapt. Anna use of all of these familiar plot devices. Boden and Ryan Fleck, whose credits Haha! It treads a well-beaten path, awkwardly together include H¢// Ive/so# (2006) andsz4gar(2008),havedonegreatwork paced with clich6s abounding. Should we substitute the name of `Craig Gilmer,' our protagonist, in pulling Vizzini's entire novel into a decent screenplay, for `teemge boy,' we would find that the plotline of Jf 'F with the addition of offbeat dialogue and a few more K!.#d a/ a Fw#ny Sfory has been neatly summarized. touches of comedy here and there. They unflinchingly Emma Roberts plays the love interest of our pale, accommodate all of the enchantingly awkward quirks of anxious hero, with awkward slash marks etched on her the novel: Craig's issues with stress-induced vomiting skin by some wayward makeup artist in a halfhearted (occasionally in public), the agoraphobic Egyptianattempt to display the intense emotional distress bottled American named Muqtada who shares Craig's room up inside her character. Why Roberts chose this role, in the mental ward, his certified genius little sister, the world may never know. Perhaps it was an attempt into what is somehow a perfectly plausible tale. to distance herself from the bright, cutesy characters Who knows if Jf 's Kz.#d a/a Fz473jty S/ory will be kind she has played in the past five years in, for exaniple, of a successful movie? It's a hard movie to categorize, Aquarlcarine , Hotel for Dogs , a:nd Nanny Drew . M:2ry:be for one thing. The vaguely adult material in it, such as
The Whittier Miscellany
Thanksgiving 2010
teenage groping, dirty language, what may or may not be drug use, makes it completely inappropriate as a Sunday afternoon activity for the whole finily. The movie is too emotional for most manly men and too childish for most real adults. It's too Vtz"p!.re Weeke%d for the Emma Robertskindofcrowd,tooEmmaRobertsfortheVtzj73p!.re Wecke#d kind of crowd. It's not really that politically correct most of the time, anyway, which rules out a lot of viewers. However, it's a good movie-a comedy about depression, a reminder that nothing's that serious in the endanyway.Butit'salittlegrimforthecomedyfansanda little upbeat for the lovers of true tragedy. So who 's going to wa,ton It's Kind Of a Funny Story? Not many people. Still, though. It's Kind Of a Funny Story is a little bit more than kind of a good movie. You might find that you kind of dig it.
The Whittier Miscellany
Thanksgiving 2010
The Consti
the Tea Party, and Jaylz Zimmerman Josh Zimmerman '11 Features Editor / Columnist "Congress
shall
makenolawrespecting an establishment of religion,orprohibiting the free exercise thereof..." This, in case
you did not know, is the beginning of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. It was, surprisingly, a center of debate during the Delaware Senate Election this year. Chris Coons agrees with Thomas Jefferson, who wrote in a letter to Danbury Baptists , "Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should `make no law respecting an establishment of religion,
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between church and state." Christine O'Donnell, on the other hand, like many Tea Partiers , believes that the First Amendment does not construct any sort of "wall of separation between church and state," and that the Constitution should be interpreted exactly as written-throwing aside both the clearly stated intent of the Founding Fathers and hundreds of years of settled Supreme Court cases. O'Donnell justifies this belief by saying that the Constitution is a "covenant" based on "divine principles," and, hence, is
flawless. Sarah Palin, another Tea Party favorite, claims that "the Constitution...essentially acknowledg[es] that our unalienable rights . . .come from God." Such an attitude towards the Constitution goes against all of the founding principles of our nation. To elevate the Founding Fathers to some godlike entities who created a divine and flawless document is , ironically, a slap in the face to the very ideals on which this nation
Fiona's fall playlist
country back hundreds of years, rejecting settled case law such as Brown v. Board of Education, which forbade school segregation, and Loving v. Virginia, which Fjona Nagaswami '13 Entertainment writer allowed interracial marriage. was founded. Though the founders of this country were Additionally, the Constitution cannot take into religious, they recognized that religion had no place account new technology-like cars, telephones, and the 1. "Dust Bowl Dance" by Mumford and Sons whatsoever in government, and that the Constitution they Internet-that came into existence since it was written in 2. "Nobody knows Me At All" by The Weepies 3. "Butterfly" by Mad Dog MCRae produced was in no way perfect, or even the best that it 1787. It must be a "living document," constantly open 4. "The Box" by Johnny Flynn could be. Jefferson, in an 1816 letter to a friend, stated for reinteapretation and amendment. 5. "White Blank Page" by Mumford and Sons his strong disagreement with those "who ascribe to the The loth Amendment to the Constitution, which 6. "1'11 Hy Away" by Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch men of the preceding age a wisdom more than human, many conservatives cite to support arguments that the 7. ``Rowing Song" by Patty Griffin and suppose what they did to be beyond amendment." federal govemment's power should be limited to what is 8. "California" by Joni Mitchell In addition, through the First Amendment and their expresslystatedintheConstitution,saysthat"Thepowers 9. "Like A Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan other writings, the Founding Fathers were beyond clear not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, 10. "Sigh No More" by Mumford and Sons that they believed religion has absolutely no place in nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the 11. "Gray or Blue" by JayMay States respectively, or to the people." What many who government. 12. "Feel the Tide" by Mumford and Sons The view professed by many members of the argue this point may not know, however, is that James 13 . "Eet" by Regina Spektor Tea Party is an extreme version of textualism, which Madison, among other Founding Fathers, refused to add essentially states that the Constitution, as originally the word "expressly" before "delegated" in the text of written , is perfect (a "dead" document) , and that supreme the loth Amendment. They believed that "there must Court cases (and, to a lesser extent, Constitutional necessarily be admitted powers by implication," or, in Amendments) which reintexpret the Constitution based other words, that the Constitution could not possibly on writings from sources other than the Constitution go enumerate all the powers the Government could have. against the intent of the founders, and hence should not To believe otherwise is, frankly, dangerous, and an OCcur. insult to the Founding Fathers. If textualism were the This philosophy is highly flawed. There is a reason sole basis for determining the powers of government, the Founding Fathers saw it fit to establish a method for then schools would still be segregated, Social Security amending the Constitution, and allowed the Supreme and Medicare wouldn 't exist, interracial marriage would Courttointerpretitindifferentcontexts.(Theconstitution be illegal in many states , and government-directed prayer never explicitly says this , but Alexander Hamilton states , in public schools would still be legal. "The interpretation of the laws is the proper and peculiar That's not the America I want to live in. As Regina Spekeor's ``Eet," from her album,Far, province of the courts. A constitution, is, in fact, and technology and society grow and adapt, so must the makes it on Fiona's Fall Folk Playlist . must be regarded by the judges, as a fundamental law. Constitution, which is, after all, a document for We the It therefore belongs to them to ascertain its meaning," People. So, We the People must be able to reintexpret 14. "Homeward Bound" by Simon and Garfunkel 15. "Train Home" by Chris Smither and an 1803 court case formally established their right and amend it to ensure that it stays relevant in our rapidly 16. "Leftovers" by Johnny Flynn to do so.) changing society. 17. "All the Dogs are Lying Down" by Johnny Flynn The Founding Fathers knew that the Constitution 18. "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan could never be a be-all, end-all for every dispute about Josh Zimmerman has been a part Of The Whittier 19. "Tum! Tum! Tum!" by The Byrds what the government could or could not do. Going back Miscellany staf f f tor three years. He is currently Features 20. "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon and Garfunkel to the Constitution exactly as written would set our Co-Editor and an independent columnist.
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