To read more about the individual experiences listed on this page, go to www.eastside-online.org
Vol. 45 No. 6
Cherry Hill High School East: 1750 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
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January 2011
or three weeks, fourteen Eastside editors changed their diets on a quest to find out what life would be like...
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To read more about their experiences, turn to pages 6 and 7.
Art by Kevin Cook (‘11)/ Eastside Art Director Photo by Avra Bossov (‘11)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief
Inside This Issue
Real Food
Real Views
Community, Pg. 10
Global Commentary, Pgs. 12-13
Real Men Humor, Pg. 20
NEWS/FEATURES Page 2
EASTSIDE
January 2011
Marching band marches to success ■ By Jheri Grossman (‘11)
only played the flute for ten years, but has also taken up the oboe for the past three years. The high school marching band: a The marching band’s recent sucstaple extracurricular in most US cess is a result of “the effort that [the high schools, usually the home of the band] puts in during the season band geeks. But at Cherry Hill East, [which pays] off at the end because we the 75 students in marching band are [work] hard as a family,” said Hones. band geeks… and proud of it. Hones said she wanted to become The East marching band has a drum major because “marching become a magnet for success in all band and everyone involved [in it] has endeavors: from attendgiven [her] so much… ing competitive tournaand [she] wanted to give ments to marching at something back.” football games. In addition, Faye has The group has recentbeen playing the trumpet ly attended two big tourfor ten years. After maknaments, the Pennsbury ing it through the tough Tournament of Bands and challenging tryouts, Competition and the Faye conducted the Neshaminy Kaleidoscope marching band as a of Bands Music Festival drum major and student this past October. At leader. Pennsbury, the band fin“[Marching band is] ished with a “silver ratone of the greatest things ing,” a high-ranking about high school,” said award that proved an Faye. amazing feat for a band One reason why it is of 75 against Pennsylgreat, he added, is vania bands of 250 stubecause “everyone indents. At the Neshaminy volved instantly has 75 competition, it also sucfriends: the band is one Courtesy of Dana Silver (‘12) ceeded in winning an large family.” The marching band won Best Performance in the But does marching band “outstanding rating.” In November, the band Collingswood Thanksgiving Day Parade. have a “secret to succontinued its tradition of marching in Then, Mrs. Wendy Kapra, also a cess?” the Thanksgiving Day Parade marching band competition judge, “The fact [is] that no matter how through Collingswood. After playing directs the East color guard, deciding good everyone else is, each individual a few songs, such as “Louie, Louie” whether the guard will twirl flags, needs to be 100 percent perfect,” said and the “Rocky” theme song, the band poles, or rifles and coordinates their Faye. ended in front of City Hall. This year, moves to the drill and music. Mr. Jay Keleher said that every single perit was awarded Best Performance. Cohen takes care of the administrason involved with the band “stretches Though its success makes marchtive work that goes along with a band, and rises to the challenge,” working ing band look easy, it is no simple such as taking attendance and dealhard to make every show, game, perfeat. An inconceivable amount of ing with paperwork. The task of formance and competition the best it work goes into every aspect of every making sure that the band runs can possibly be. section of the band. In the beginning smoothly also lies with the drum “Marching band has been one of of each year, Mr. Timothy Keleher, the majors, Logan Hones (‘11) and Alex the greatest experiences in my life overall director of the marching band Faye (‘11). because of the people and the pure and the instrumental director, starts Hones has been involved in music hard work that goes into it,” Hones arranging the music for the coming since the fourth grade. She has not said. Eastside Staff
T h e major focus of the Board lately has been to find qualified candidates Chandni to fill the Desai (‘11) two vacanAlternate cies on BOE Board: the Representative open seat on the committee, along with the soon to resign superintendent. On December 21, Carol Matlack was appointed to occupy the new vacancy on the Board. After going through a thorough application and interview process that presented several well-qualified candidates, the Board is very excited to welcome Matlack. As an extremely experienced PTA leader and community volunteer, Matlack is sure to be a great new addition. As the new year begins, the search for the new superintendent is reaching a close. The Board reviewed several applications through December and will conduct interviews beginning this month for the possible new superintendent. The Board would like to thank the community for the great feedback received throughout the process. Furthermore, the budget season is beginning soon. Public sessions and discussions are a great way to make sure your opinion is heard regarding any budget decisions. With the new live webcasts of Board meetings, it will be easier than ever to be up to date with all of the information. Please visit www.facebook.com/l/9c893 ;chclc.org for all new updates, videos and webcasts. During the past couple of years, scheduling changes have gained serious attention. Both high schools, East and West, have been researching thoroughly for the most beneficial change. With the aid of professional consultants, the two schools have found great future possibilities. After attending the December scheduling committee meeting, I learned that finalities on proposals are being made. Although no changes are set in stone, East and West have both developed a well-thought-out plan that will ultimately be decided upon by Dr. Campbell. It is important to note that the district is not considering a block schedule. Features of the new schedule include a unit lunch and a six-day rotating schedule. Final details and proposals will be created as more committee meetings take place. Residents of the district will be sure to know of any new information regarding dates of implementation, general updates and more.
year. Then, in mid-August, the band’s five-hour practices begin. However, Keleher does not work alone. Mr. Christopher Carl, an elementary school teacher in the Lumberton Township School District, directs drill and the marching formations. After receiving the music from Keleher, he puts the band into its formations, matching the movements to the music.
Science students pursue interests after school Research in Science is a class offered after school in which students explore areas of science that they may be interested in. ■ By Christopher Jung (‘12) For Eastside
While many East students finish a typical school day in eight periods, some students spend nine periods in school—dedicating an extra period to Research in Science. When Dr. John Burns, now an assistant principal, was a biology teacher at East, he initiated a class called Research in Science, which is still available at East. It is a class now directed by Mrs. Bethany Lau, also a biology teacher, that includes approximately thirty students who are interested in conducting their own research and going beyond the typical science classroom. Students create their o w n projects, which will ultimately be entered into a competit i o n , c a l l e d Coriell, in March. All of the students have conferences with Lau dur-
types of stars and specing free periods or after trums of the stars. school weekly so that they Surprisingly, most of these do not have to sacrifice any innovative, novel ideas for regular class projects came from the stuperiods. dents themselves. Because the On March 12, the stucompetition dents will take part in the requires the stuannual Coriell Science Fair dents to perat Camden County Colform experilege’s Blackwood campus. ments for There are many benefits their indethat students can receive pendent by entering this competiresearch, tion, such as winning a the students scholarship. One of All art by Kevin Cook w o r k Lau’s former students, (‘11)/ Eastside Art with either Sarah Cohen (‘10), won Director Lau or three thousand dollars in experts scholarship funds. The outside of the school, such students can also receive a as doctors and professors, full scholarship to select to perform experiments. colleges in the PhiladelMarie Sheldon (‘11) is phia area. currently working with a The Research in Science professor from Rutgers course also provides stuUniversity to examine the dents with opportunities in effects of Bisphenol-A different fields of science (BPA) on fruit flies’ that may not be included mutations. Bisphenol-A in East’s science classes. is a chemical found in For instance, Lau said one plastic, such as in water of her previous students bottles. got the opportunity to go Another student, on a trip to see a space Jared Dashevsky (‘14), is shuttle launch. currently working with a Indeed, Research in doctor that has studied Science, as its name indiconcussions throughout cates, presents an opporhis life. tunity for the students Other projects explore to enter any field of scitopics such as cancer ence. cells in mice, different “[The class] makes
me think critically about how to design an experiment,” said Winnie Cheng (‘12). Cheng said she has chosen to make a creative experiment “doable in the high school setting [that] still has significance for the scientific world.” Students can go beyond science classes offered at East and explore more scientific fields through Research in Science. “Research in Science allows students to learn what they are truly interested in rather than what is taught in the science classes offered at East,” said Josh Wynne (‘12). For anyone interested in pursuing a field of science in more depth than the regular science classes offered at East, be sure to look into Research in Science.
NEWS/FEATURES January 2011
EASTSIDE
Page 3
Midkiff earns critical opportunity ■ By Hannah Feinberg (‘12) Eastside Community Editor
The curtain seems to be rising for Jimmy Midkiff (‘12), whose talent for reviewing has won him a spot as an amateur theater critic. This year, Midkiff participated in a program offered by the Walnut Street Theatre and The Philadelphia Inquirer granting promising young writers the opportunity to review plays a n d
and in turn, they write reviews or feature articles,” said Midkiff. The program, called “Seeing the Stage Through Our Eyes – Students’ Perspectives,” accepts high school students in grades 9 through 12 based on a selective application process. “I heard about it over the summer because [my family] subscribes to the Walnut and I had to apply with a competitive essay basically explaining why I wanted to participate,” said Midkiff. Participants in the program receive free admission for themselves and a parent o r
Mia Holley (‘12)/ Eastside Photo Editor
have their work published. “It’s essentially where students interested in theater are invited to view five Mainstage plays at the Walnut Street Theatre
guardian to five Walnut productions and are expected to write a critique of each show. The students are also entered to compete for the
chance to have their work featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer. Students are invited to attend several of the programs’ additional events, including a panel discussion with Inquirer writers. The program, which is funded by The Wallace Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, aims to involve students in writing, theater and critical thinking. For the students, though, it is a rare opportunity to showcase their talents in writing. “I think it’s great and something to really shoot for. It exposes students to the theater and gives them the chance to write,” said Midkiff. This season, all student critics receive tickets to attend Curtains, White Christmas, Amadeus, The 39 Steps and Miss Saigon at the Walnut Street Theatre. Midkiff and other participants vie for publication on the Walnut Street Theatre’s website or in The Philadelphia Inquirer. Of the hundred or so students participating, only a few will have their work featured, a select few Midkiff hopes to join. Midkiff lets out his talents through this teen-targeted writing program. He plans to continue writing, and hopefully, to have his work center stage, spotlighted by the Walnut Street Theatre as a rising star.
East’s 6th annual Coffeehouse supports D’s Dawgs Last year, almost 700 people attended.
Coffeehouse 2010 supported the CARES Institute. ■ By Oruny Choi (‘11) Eastside Staff
Coffee is the 2nd most consumed beverage, behind water.
Tryouts for Coffeehouse ‘11 took place in early January.
Cherry Hill East’s Coffeehouse: all you can drink coffee and tea, performances and charity awareness. This year, for the sixth consecutive year, East’s Thespian Society and East Singers together hosted Coffeehouse, held on January 22. All proceeds from the Coffeehouse will benefit a cause dear to the community. This year, Coffeehouse raised awareness and benefitted D’s Dawgs, a foundation raising money to support the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. “D’s Dawgs is this year’s cause. It is a foundation that was started by the parents of Danielle Bledy, who died suddenly of a brain aneurysm when she was an eighth grader at Beck in 2007,” said Mrs. Laurie Lausi, the vocal director and co-organizer of East’s
Coffee mug by Hannah Luk (‘12)/ For Eastside
Coffeehouse. “She wouldhave been a senior this year so it seemed most fitting to benefit her cause.” The theme of this year’s Coffeehouse was “dogs” to support the chosen charity. The cafeterias were fashioned to resemble an actual cafe with small tables and comfortable couches. The Coffeehouse, as usual, featured singers, dancers, bands and comical skits to showcase East’s talent. To support the D’s Dawgs organization, in addition to the five-dollar admission fee, baked goods and jewelry were sold to further promote the cause. In past years, East’s Coffeehouses have raised between five and eight thousand dollars for different charities. The Cherry Hill community can help reach out and exceed past goals by coming to the event each year.
Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee every day. Coffehouse 2010 featured 21 acts.
SGA President gives his State of the Union Address: T h i s s c h o o l year has been going swell from an SGA standJason point. We Warren (‘11) have run SGA numerous President successful events, enjoyed by all, such as Spirit Week, Homecoming Dance and of course, Friday Night Live. These events seem to have really given people something to do with their friends and have promoted school unity. We have more school events in the works, such as Wing Bowl, Mr. East and a potential Friday Night Live 2. Hopefully people will be just as excited to come to these upcoming events as they have for the past events. Our most successful event had to have been Friday Night Live, which surprised many with its success. People had extremely low expectations going into it thinking that it would not be funny. To all of those people, you missed out. The hype afterward has led all of those involved to begin planning another show that may take place after Mr. East. Spirit Week this year went very well and all the classes seemed to respond to the events held. The cafeteria games generated a lot of buzz around the school, and of course the Spirit Week dance competition went well again. Coming up in February, we have our annual Wing Bowl competition, in which competitors will try to dethrone two-time champion and one-time runner-up Erdong Chen (‘11). The event is a staple at Cherry Hill East and people should start getting excited for it. Soon we will be selecting the seniors competing for the Mr. East crown. This school year’s SGA term is almost up and we would all like to thank everyone for their support and participation in everything we have tried to implement. If anyone has any suggestions for anything they would like to see us do while we are still in office, feel free to let us know.
Dates to remember: Wing Bowl Competition: February 4 at 7 p.m. Mr. East Competition: April 8 at 7 p.m.
NEWS/FEATURES Page 4
EASTSIDE
January 2011
Naviance helps students with college applications ■ By Meagan Riley (‘12) Eastside Staff
The number-one source of stress for most seniors— and some juniors—is college. Finding the right college is a very big decision, and for many it is a difficult one to make. Guidance counselors are there to help and they use something else in addition. Naviance is a program that allows students to search for colleges based on what they want to look for, and it can help them learn what colleges are looking for in students as well. Naviance is a districtfunded program that has both guidance counselors and Cherry Hill East students excited. Naviance
helps students locate coland charts displaying leges based on their sugEast’s alumni’s acceptancgestions, such as the locaes. Saul Daone (‘11) said tion, size or particular he likes using Naviance major the college offers. because it helps him feel However, it also allows stu“less stressed about finddents to see the acceptance history of previous East students to particular colleges. Throughout junior year, students are given seminars by guidance counselors Naviance is a program available to all instructing them with the college application process. how to use the Naviance program. They ing a college.” are not only taught how to Similarly, Melissa use it, but are also shown Simon (‘11) said that what useful features it Naviance focuses on stuoffers so students can most dents rather than putting easily explore their options more stress on them. for the future. Naviance does not only Naviance has graphs help seniors. Many juniors
who are trying to get an early start on finding the colleges they are interested in find Naviance helpful too. Tiara DeGuzman (‘12)
find what they want in a college, but also what colleges want to see from them. The Guidance Department is extremely pleased with the program. Cherry Hill East guidance counselor Mr. Roberto Figueroa said that Naviance is “without a doubt an extremely important tool Courtesy of www.connection.naviance.com for the college finding East students to help them process” and it will most likely stay a part of the process for a said that she likes using while. Naviance because it gives So, for any juniors or her a “broader perspective seniors having difficulties of what kinds of students in their search for the per[specific] colleges are lookfect college, give Naviance ing for.” a try. Students might just Therefore, not only does find exactly what they are this program help students looking for.
Students have turned to tutors to improve grades ■ By Gabrielle Kains (‘12) Eastside News/Features Editor
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a tutor as “a person charged with the instruction and guidance of another; a private teacher.” As most students at Cherry Hill East know, the academic classes are challenging for every subject and level. East has a very competitive environment, and as a result, students look to hire tutors. According to a recent survey of 270 Cherry Hill East students, about 27 percent of students have used a 55% wrote tutor to increase their that they grades have used a courses here. in private tutor. Of the 71 surveyed students who answered “yes,” that they have had a
tutor, 68 percent wrote 27% of surveyed that they East students have had a tutor for a have relied on a math class and 21 pertutor to raise cent wrote grades. that they have had a tutor for a science class. Thirteen students wrote that they have a tutor for an English class, five for a world language class and four for a history class. Twenty-one percent also wrote that they have had a tutor for more than one class. Ranging from no charge to eighty dollars per hour, students have paid small and large sums to bring up their grades. Shannon Smith (‘12) wrote, “I didn’t understand material the way it was explained in class.” Eleven other students also wrote that they got tutors to aid
Alexa Jordan Nichols (‘13) Wohl (‘11)
Mr. Saenz
Shriya Joshi (‘13)
Julian Vann
The extra
We asked...
If your life Aubrey was a Plaza (my Gabourey movie, Sidibe who would cousin!) play you?
Describe an atom.
Smallest entity of an element
One thing in your Jack refrigerator Braunstein right now
(‘13)
Really really really really really tiny
Tang
Atomic
Diet Tab
The smallest particle of a substance
Fruit
with their lack of understandwrote, “[My tutor] was nice but diding. n’t help much.” While most students benefitted Fifty-five percent wrote that from their tutoring experiences, they had used a private tutor, 38 percent used a tutor that seven students rated their works at East and seven experience a five or less percent used a classmate. out of ten, with ten being So, if one is struggling a great experience and 21% wrote with one or more classes one being a poor one. An anonymous stu- that they have and wishes to get a tutor, he dent who wrote negativeused a tutor or she is not alone. According to this survey, if ly about her experience for a math one looks around in the wrote that it was more class. everyday classroom, confusing than the way chances are that over oneher regular East teacher quarter of the students use tutors, had taught. too. Another anonymous student
NEWS/FEATURES January 2011
EASTSIDE
Page 5
Silver shines by giving children teddy bears ■ By Gabrielle Kains (‘12)
an American childhood; but not for Jenny Silver (‘14), creator of Bowling for Bears. Bowling and teddy bears Bowling for Bears is a are two ordinary staples of nonprofit organization that buys teddy bears to donate to children in need each holiday season. At just nine years old, Silver created this organization after learning about the devastating Hurricane Katrina. “I really wanted to make sure that the kids that were affected knew that someone was thinking of them,” said Silver. “Teddy bears really give a personal touch.” The first bowling event in 2005, despite having only sixty people in attendance, was able to fund the purchasing of Courtesy of Jenny Silver (‘14) one bear for every child at A child receives a bear from the Children’s Hospital of Silver’s event. New Orleans. Eastside News/Features Editor
Seeing this success, Silver decided to make Bowling for Bears an annual event. Over the past six holiday seasons, Silver has raised over $43,000 and donated more than 5,600 bears. Aside from the Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, Silver has donated to many local hospitals and shelters as well, with the list growing every year. In its sixth year, the Bowling for Bears event in 2010 hosted Courtesy of Jenny Silver (‘14) over 300 guests—a large improvement Many people came out to support Silver’s sixth annual from the first one. Bowling for Bears event on December 5, 2010. Since 2005, Silver has impact a teddy bear has on Bowling for Bears raised a total of over one’s day,” she said. accepts donations via mail $60,000 and provided over This year, Silver also and the Internet. If you 8,000 bears to children, started a Bowling for Bears would like to help out or many of which she personclub at East to promote her find more information, ally gave out. organization and get more visit www.bowlingfor“It’s great to see the students involved. bears.org.
Wilkins works to give families their own Habitat ■ By Juliet Brooks (‘13) Eastside News/Features Editor
Looking for a great way to get out of class? Julie Wilkins (‘11) was when she first heard about Habitat for Humanity, but she will take her interest to the next level: all the way to Kenya. Approximately forty students and eight faculty members go on annual week-long Habitat trips to the South, but Wilkins chooses to attend trips on her own. “The first time I heard about [Habitat for Humanity], Mrs.
McKee [told me] ‘you can get out of school for a day’ and that’s why I started,” said Wilkins. But Wilkins’ relationship with Habitat has certainly outgrown a simple desire to miss class. Last summer, Wilkins went to Mississippi for a program called Learn and Build, which she heard about through Mrs. Julia Rion, East librarian who went on a summer Habitat trip to Honduras. “I felt more passionate about it as time went on, especially after I went to Mississippi and worked
alongside the family whose house I was making,” Wilkins said. Wilkins said that for her, a big part of these trips is seeing where such families come from. When she was working in Mississippi, she saw the place where the family whose house she was building was currently residing. “The windows were broken and the walls were coming off, and part of the roof was missing so if it rained, Courtesy of Julie Wilkins (‘11) the rain went inside, Wilkins works on a house’s exterior. and [we] just built them a new house,” she said. Facing the reality of how these people lived before Habitat came along has made the whole experience more meaningful for Wilkins. She said that one of the great things about Habitat for Humanity is a system called “sweat equity,” which means that the people who will live in that house have to put in a certain amount of work on that Courtesy of Julie Wilkins (‘11) project. Wilkins hangs out with new friends on the Although being a roof while taking a break from hard work. senior makes it more difficult for Wilkins to go on East’s monthly day trips, Wilkins said she tries to stay involved, going on trips on the weekends when she can. Part of Wilkins’ upcoming trip to Kenya will be touring, but of course, the group will be building homes for impoverished families in Africa as well. Wilkins is still collecting donations. To Courtesy of Julie Wilkins (‘11) donate, go to her habi- Wilkins was able to become friendly with the tat link. family moving into the house she worked on.
Send donations to Julie’s personal habitat link:
habitat.org/cd/gv/participant/ participant.aspx?pid=93306783.
NEWS/FEATURES Page 6
EASTSIDE
January 2011
Throughout the course of the three-week experiment, each editor was asked to fill out weekly journals about day-to-day experiences. Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 How was your first day? day?
What are people’s first impressions upon hearing about your endeavor?
Is it difficult finding school lunch options? school lunch Consider options? whether Consideror not you buy or whether or lunch not you bring buy lunch orit. bring it.
My first day was They’re wondering Well, I usually bring easy. I usually don’t why I’m doing this. lunch, but Greg eat any kind of meat I’m wondering the treated me to some in school, so it same thing. fries the other day wasn’t like anything as a celebration of changed. When I got -Avra Bossov (‘11) my new diet, but I home I ate definitely never Saladworks and the noticed cooked only difference was I vegan options that didn’t get chicken. didn’t leave one’s Overall, it was fine. hands really greasy. My mom has been -Lindsey DuBoff (‘12) making me delicious vegan lunches. -Jack Braunstein (‘13)
Day 8
Day 9
Congratulations on Have you had any completing your first thoughts about disthoughts about week of being continuing the experdiscontinuing the vegetarian/vegan! iment? If so, why? experiment? If so, How does it feel? why? Yes because during I feel really good dinner withduring the Yes, because about sticking with chicken right dinnersitting with the it, but I feel very in front of me chicken sitting right unhealthy because (cooked for of myme parin front I’ve been eating ents) my (cooked forstomach my parmuch more pasta feels very empty ents), my stomach and bread. somehow. feels very empty –Danielle somehow.Hu -Hailey Edelstein (‘12) -Danielle Hu (‘11)
Day 15
Day 16
Day 10
1. Do you feel physically different? Are any of your Does your diet on the If this has been diffi2. Do think family members weekends differ from cult foryou you, whyyou has be able to carry the weekdays? If so, will it been? If this has participating in the out easier the rest of the how does this been than not, experiment with you? experiment? experiment factor why so? 3. If this has been into that? difficult for you, why Yes, my mom is has it been? On weekends, I doing it with me. usually have an 1. I wouldn’t say I omelet in the -Alana Kopelson (‘12) feel physically morning, but different, but I know I can’t have that I am not getting now. Instead, I had enough protein. oatmeal with agave 2. Yes, definitely, nectar, a sweetener that looks like honey. once I start someI have frozen yogurt thing I can’t give up. from Spoon Me or 3. I wouldn’t say it’s been too difficult, I Jilly B’s on weekjust like meat. ends, but this weekHowever, I can deal end I ate my soy ice without it. cream…yum (not really). -Rebecca Ohnona (‘12) -Lindsey DuBoff (‘12)
Day 11
Day 12
Day Day 13 13
Beyond the physical aspects, have you thought about if the experiment has affected your moral interpretation of the food industry?
Day 14 Overall, what have your friends and family thought of the experiment?
Day 17
Day 21
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20
What was the hardest part of this experiment?
Art Director
-Julie Coben (‘11)
Yes, considering I never went to the grocery store before this. Now I go twice a week to get vegan foods. Being a vegan is considerably more expensive especially expensive, especially because I’m buying for one person, instead of my entire family. –Laura Kane -Laura Kane (‘11)
To accommodate Has the experiment After three weeks of youryour dietary restricaffected you dietary being a vegan/ vegebeing a vegan/ tions, would you say physically? Are you restrictions, would tarian, do you vegetarian, do feel you you you bought say youprepackbought more tired, hungry, any physifeeldifference any different? aged options or preetc? pre-packaged options cally, emotionally or pared your ownyour vegeor prepared morally? tation/vegan Yes, I have found This experiment has own had little impact on options? that I get really vegetarian/vegan This experiment has me. Because I did I always had fleeting hungry throughout had little impact options? on not eat any red meat feelings of guilt I’ve prepared my the day, so I’m eating me. I did not lose prior to the when eating animal own for lunch a lot more snacks any weight, nor did I I’ve stuff prepared my experiment, I only products but never own likestuff cheese for and lunch than I did before the have to eliminate make any had to enough to really cracker or different experiment. like cheese and drastic lifestyle chicken and fish consider a change of dips and spreads. My Sometimes I feel a changes. Because crackers or different from my diet – twoI diet. Now, however, mom mak- little light-headed dipshas andbeen spreads. did notI eat any red foods previously I’m finding myself ing because of my My different mom haspasta been meat priorIto the ate often. think slightly repulsed by dishes anddifferent wraps. hunger. making experiment, I really my body adjusted milk, meat, eggs and pasta -Danielle dishes Fox and only had to eliminate although only honey, etc. -Julie Coben (‘11) well, wraps. chicken and fish minor changes were from my diet – two made. -Hannah Feinberg (‘12) -Danielle Fox (‘13) food items I previously ate Kains often. (‘12) I -Gabrielle think my body adjusted well, although only minor changes were made. -Gabrielle Kains
Has this experiment Have you lost any What was your Did you have any given you insight impression of veganweight over the close calls to impression of into veganism/ ism/vegetarianism course of this experi- breaking the rules of veganism/ course of this prior to this experiment? the experiment? vegetarianism prior vegetarianism that experiment? experiment? either confirmed or As a classified food to this ment? contradicted your Now that the trial lover, I’d be lying if I I lost some weight Yes, I definitely did. initial impressions? from being vegan. Because of the period is over, I’ve said that giving up I’ve always thought given up my stint as meat for three weeks that a vegetarian nature of veganism, Before the diet was very -Alana Kopelson (‘12) finding snacks that a vegan, but haven’t was a simple task. I experiment I didn’t healthy and that it forgotten the lessons. weren’t laden with forgotten the was tempted every know how it was be too would bedifficult too I’m not officially eggs or milk was lessons. I’m not day to go out and eat would possible to go handletobecause difficult handle abstaining from any some of my favorite to close to impossible. officially abstaining without meat, and there arethere onlyare so because foods,any butfoods, I’m defiGoing out for meals from but foods, like chicken now that I see it is many vegetables I only so many nitely trying to eat a was very difficult, I’m definitely trying quesidillas. I enjoy.I enjoy. possible, I mean it’s and there were times todiet eat much a dietmore much honestly cannot wait vegetables -Hailey Edelstein really not that hard, wholesome for me, when I just really more wholesome for until the day I can but it’s not the animals and and the return to my regular -Hailey Edelstein (‘12) wanted to order me, the animals satisfactory. environment. something normal! the environment. diet. Finding meals Headline by Julie -Hannah Feinberg that exclude my -Danielle Fox (‘13) Coben (‘11)/ Eastside -Avra Bossov (‘11) -Hannah Feinberg (‘12) favorite meaty Editor-in-Chief delights has been a Icon art by Danielle rough ride. Hu (‘11)/ Eastside What was beneficial during your three weeks of doing this experiment?
Have your trips to the grocery store changed? Have you noticed if being vegenoticed if being tarian/ vegan is is vegetarian/vegan more expensive?
My mom was extremely understanding during this experiment: she cooked a multitude of mouthwatering dishes every day of the experiment. The meals she made were so good that they made me want to stay vegan forever. -Jack Braunstein (‘13)
What was the first thing you ate to break youryour veganbreak ism/vegetarianism? veganism/ vegetarianism? I stopped the experiment five days early because I was leaving for a trip to Israel and didn’t want to worry about anything more than a “sim chonim” meal in the Middle East. But I’ll admit it: on Thursday, December 16, I stuck my finger into the icing of a chocolate cake. -Jack Braunstein (‘13)
NEWS/FEATURES January 2011
EASTSIDE
Rebecca’s reflection: omnivore to vegan ■ By Rebecca Ohnona (‘12) Eastside Entertainment Editor
Page 7
Alana’s reflection: Editors’ vegetarian reflections to vegan on the experiment ■ By Alana Kopelson (‘12)
Eastside Community Editor
My experiences as a vegan have been life-changing. After two days of being a vegan, I realized that this is what I wanted to be for the rest of my life. Every day since I made that decision, my life has been different. I have felt so much healthier since becoming vegan because I cut out so much of the unnecessary junk food I used to eat. Also I believe that I'm happier and more energetic as a vegan. I can't say sometimes it's not challenging, because some days it is. At home, I am able to buy many different foods that I can eat, which makes it much easier to eat as a vegan. My mom also decided to become vegan forever with me, so we now share a closer bond over food. After going to Florida for six days, I realized living life as a vegan isn't as easy as I thought it would be. You always have to ask if the food is made with butter or other non-vegan products. It also is challenging when nothing on the menu is vegan. Although I lived off bars and fruit during my time in Florida, I still think being a vegan is worth it. I love the reactions I get when I tell people I am vegan. Most responses are "What do you eat? Nothing?" I love when people ask me that because I love explaining the vegan lifestyle. People are so curious about vegans and I find it rewarding to share my perspective.
There is no love more sincere in my life than my love for food. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I spend any free time I have watching the Food Network, reading blogs about food and even trying different diets just for the fun of it. Because I, like most people, have regarded a vegan diet as deprivation, assuming that foods without milk, eggs or butter are simply tasteless, a vegan diet is one of the few culinary endeavors I have not attempted. Until now. I decided to give the plant-based diet a try, with the sheer doubt that I would even make it through the first day. Despite my initial doubt, I have successfully made it through three weeks of the vegan lifestyle. Throughout the first few days of my veganism, I was posed with many challenges; the hardest being a trip to my favorite restaurant, The Continental, where my friends on either side of me got my favorite meal, the Chilean sea bass, while I sat there with my tofu. To my surprise, however, I wasn’t as depressed to watch them devour the fish as I thought I would be. I found comfort in the fact that no animal had to be terrorized in order for me to enjoy my meal. Though my family members have been anything but supportive of my endeavor, I have chosen to continue it past the three-week experiment. Realistically, I am not positive that I can be a vegan for the rest of my life, but I am going to try anyway. This process has taught me a lot about myself, most prominently that I possess a lot more self-control than I thought I did. I would be a liar if I said that the smell of chicken coming out of the oven no longer entices me, or that watching my family eat steak does not make me want to cheat even a little bit, but I have come to terms with the fact that eating something that would jump off my plate if it could is just not humane. I don’t need to contribute to the killing and exploitation of animals in order to feed my body properly. ■ By Max Cohen (‘12) I’ve never been obliviEastside Sports Editor ous to the apparent negative aspects of eating meat. Despite reading Fast Food Nation and reading news about mistreatment of animals in factories, the idea of becoming vegetarian never hit home. However, I guess Eastside gave enough of a reason to try it out. Ultimately, my stint of vegetarianism changed my life little. The time I felt most tempted to eat meat or fish was actually at synagogue, as the lox and tuna fish seemed very appealing after a vigorous service. However, as I reached down for some tuna fish, I remembered my new temporary way of life. It became somewhat annoying going out to dinner either with friends or family because the overwhelming desire of my taste buds was to devour ■ By Mia Holley (‘12) meat. Eastside Photo Editor My first consumption of meat occurred the very night the experiment ended as I happily ate a Not Panchero’s burrito at IAmMikeDavis.com’s (the eating meat or dairy does summer’s first-ever online late night talk not seem too difficult. But that’s just ■ By Laura Kane (‘11) show) burrito-eating contest. Although I it: it doesn’t seem that way. Drastically Eastside Editor-in-Chief stayed strong for three weeks, I will changing one’s diet just to see what it’s like sounds never hesitate to eat a burriI’m weird to most people; however for me, I assumed it to be to in the future. a girl who could live off easy. Well, I realized it’s not. of cheeseburgers, fries and Weighing in at about 100 pounds upon starting the experimilkshakes: a full-hearted omnivore. ment, and always eating three meals a day, never did I think that Thus, staying true to a vegan diet was altering that in such a way would seriously affect me. To my demise, nothing short of will power. My spur of the I thought I could do without the alternatives to meat and cheese. I moment Friday pizza nights were replaced with knew it would be more of a challenge, but that’s exactly what drew me to pre-planned tofu and rice dishes, my meals out with the idea in the first place. By the end of the first week, I was a few pounds friends were substituted with take-out dishes from my lighter, starving, tired and irritable. cupboard and the typical options for family dinners were Visiting my doctor ten days after going the full vegan step, he informed me reduced to only 1/3 of the local grocery store’s products. that what I was doing was dangerous and I either had to conform to alternaCheese-craving, weary of checking labels and on my last tive vegan options, stop being vegan altogether or continue to lose weight on whim, I discovered the vegan savior: Whole Foods. The store’s such a scale where it would be classified as an eating disorder. vegan desserts, snacks and tofu helped me to quickly adjust Soon after my visit to the doctor’s office, I went to the nearest restaurant to the diet’s strict regiment. Replacing meat with soy, and and ate a burger. Do I regret it? No. Not in the slightest. dairy products with wheat-based items, enabled me to feel I learned a great deal from the experience, and although many would call more full after meals. Besides feeling tired earlier than norme a quitter for not trying the alternatives, I feel like I faced a fork in the mal, my body felt healthier. road that many vegans have to take: eat the meat and dairy alternatives, Before becoming a vegan, I thought the diet was reserved or forgo the alternatives to go on the tough route. It’s a difficult choice to for extreme animal lovers and health nuts. However, I make, because even with alternatives, you never know what that sublearned that it’s for those who are willing to dedicate stitute meat is coming from. However, with my short stint of being a themselves to promoting alternative and cruelty-free vegan, I have a whole new profound respect for them. food options. Although I will no longer be vegan now Believe it or not, not eating meat or dairy products, whatevthat the three-week span ended, my careless er the reason, is making a difference. Whether for the animindset is behind me. Instead of eating animals themselves or to stop the major companies in conmal-based products during every meal, I For more reflections, go to trol of the food industry, I believe that going for the plan on finding a healthy balance option of not eating meat or dairy is helping www.eastside-online.org! between the traditional and the world, even if it is a small contriunconventional world of bution for the better good. Art by Danielle Hu (‘11)/ Eastside Art Director food.
Max’s reflection: omnivore to vegetarian
Laura’s reflection: omnivore to vegan
Mia’s reflection: omnivore to vegan
NEWS/FEATURES Page 8
EASTSIDE
January 2011
Buote finds inspiration for art in students ■ By Hailey Edelstein (‘12)
Buote spent an "intense" five weeks painting nature. Currently, Buote paints Aside from teaching, art a lot of nature and teacher Mrs. Bernadette Buddhism. Most of her Calnon-Buote is a true paintings connect to people artist herself. in her life and were Before compainted based on ing to East, what was going on Buote majored with them along in painting and with what she was drawing at the feeling. University of S h e Georgia for her particibachelor's pates in degree in fine all kinds arts. Later, at of art Rowan Univershows to sity, she reboth sell ceived her certiand show fication to teach h e r art to students w o r k , from elemenand has tary school to had four high school. of her While studyo w n ing to be an art s h o w s, teacher, Buote includsaid, "I always ing an Ben Taylor (‘11)/ Eastside Photo Editor exhibit knew I wanted to teach here," Buote stands with one of her wall paintings in F091. t h i s before she even p a s t set foot in the building. still paints every single Pine Tree, a Zen ink paintMay at the She had met many peoday. ing she made in honor of C a m d e n ple from East and heard Buote paints many difher mother. Pine trees C o u n t y about great experiences. ferent types of paintings; symbolize strength and C o l l e g e "It's kind of funny that I however, after she received pinecones symbolize a new Gallery in ended up exactly where I a grant to study in Japan, birth. Blackwood, New wanted to be," she said. she focused on zen paintLast summer, Buote parJersey. "I'm really happy here, it's ings. Buote, along with art ticipated in an artist in resBuote is planning a nice place to be." teacher Mrs. Christine idency program at to paint a mural Before moving to East, Schultz, received PhilaSkidmore College in New outside the library she taught art at Thomas Niponica Foundation York, where she got to with some stuPaine and Clara Barton grants to study the art of paint with artists from all dents later elementary schools in Japan and travel for three over the country. Situated this year. Her Cherry Hill. This year is weeks in the summer of right near Lake George, Advanced Eastside News/Features Editor
her sixteenth year in the district and her fourteenth year at East. "I've loved doing art since I was five," said Buote, who added that she
2009. "I was influenced by the Zen ink paintings that we saw there," said Buote. Many of her paintings reflect this, including The
Foundations of Art class is planning a series of murals for the teachers’ dining room. She also hopes to begin working on the junior grade level showcase along with some of her juniors. Buote said she is always inspired by her students. "It's been very inspirational, having the opportunity to teach, because I'm just really interested in art history and art appreciation," said Buote. "I enjoy thinking about it, talking about it and finding new ways to explore it with students."
Easel by Hyun-keun Oh (‘11)/ For Eastside
The painting on the easel is Buote’s Zen ink painting called The Pine Tree.
EDITORIAL January 2011
EASTSIDE
Page 9
Editorials represent the views and opinions of the Eastside Editorial Board.
Improved teacher evaluation necessary According to a banner at the entrance of East’s main hallway, “[East] believes that provided with appropriate conditions, all students can successfully learn.” The Cherry Hill School District prides itself upon the education it provides for its students. Throughout four years of high school, students are encouraged to work studiously to ensure a rewarding education. However, in order for students to reach their full potential, the teachers must reach theirs as well. As teachers gain experience in the classroom, they learn which methods of teaching work best for them. Unfortunately, these methods do not always work best for the students. Although the administration currently attempts to address this issue, it fails to evaluate teachers effectively, which proves to be a detriment to students’ learning experiences. Out of 250 surveyed East students, 78 percent believe East administrators fail to correctly evaluate teachers. In fact, 84 percent of students who take accelerated and honors/AP classes with an “A” or “B” average wrote that they have had or currently have a teacher who they believe is unqualified to teach his or her subject. Although East currently has an evaluation system, it cannot be applied effectively because the administrators’ opinions of teachers are formed from minimal observation. If a teacher has tenure, he or she only has to be observed once; if a teacher does not have tenure, thrice. In other words, the district evaluates a school year’s worth of teaching based off of either 44 or 132 minutes of planned observation. This system has its flaws, but it
also has potential for successful evaluation – if executed differently. Administrators should continue to evaluate in this traditional way to experience the classroom environment first-handedly. However, the dates of specific visits should be concealed from teachers so the teacher cannot plan lessons in advance to fulfill the standards the administrators are expecting. “Planned visits by the district [mean] nothing because teachers plan accordingly,” one student wrote. To support the aforementioned statement, with the present evaluation system, only 13 percent of students wrote that having a teacher they felt to be unqualified did not affect their grade. Furthermore, out of the same 211 students, 75 percent wrote that their teacher’s style hindered their ability to succeed in future courses of that subject. “The input of those personally affected by the teachers in question would provide the clearest data,” wrote another student. To enhance the current system, East could adapt a process similar to that of New York University. According to a senior from NYU’s student resource center, at the end of each semester, an anonymous survey is distributed to the students. In it, there is a variety of categories, each of which is rated on a one to five scale. The administration compiles the results, and the professors are able to see their students’ ratings and comments. Administrators also use the feedback to base promotion decisions and other position changes. With this knowledge, professors have more of an incentive to teach the course in a style that benefits everyone.
Rutgers-New Brunswick and Goucher College in Maryland, two schools of varying size, also distribute evaluations at the end of each semester. Although the results go only to administrators, students still get to express their opinions and experiences. Almost every college in the country has a system in which students give input. In order to create an evaluation system similar to those of the previously mentioned schools, the East administration should alter the system to include students’ input. Each semester, administrators would distribute teacher evaluation surveys to students. Once completed, the administrators would gather and analyze the results, and if they find something questionable or of concern, then they would select a random group of students with a wide range of grade averages to openly discuss the performance of the teacher. The students may speak positively or negatively, as long as they speak constructively. This discussion will allow administrators to understand a teacher’s strengths and weaknesses so that they can offer direct points for improvement. There are some things that, once broken, can be easily mended, but after a student’s education becomes flawed, patching up the holes is no easy task. For this reason, it is imperative that East students are provided with a proactively improved teacher evaluation system. A new system would allow administrators to properly execute new courses of action when necessary. Transforming the current system will only enhance the students’ educations as well as the teachers’ teaching styles, thus providing a better experience for all.
Cherry Hill High School East 1750 Kresson Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 Phone: (856) 424-2222, ext. 2087 Fax: (856) 424-3509
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2010-2011 EASTSIDE EDITORIAL BOARD Managing Editor: Sally Yang News/Features Editors Juliet Brooks Hailey Edelstein Gabrielle Kains Sports Editors Max Cohen Dillon Rosenblatt Community Editors Hannah Feinberg Alana Kopelson Opinions Editors Lindsey DuBoff Sherin Nassar
Editors-in-Chief: Avra Bossov, Julie Coben, Laura Kane
Entertainment Editors Danielle Fox Rebecca Ohnona
Art Directors Kevin Cook Danielle Hu
Global Commentary Editors Moriah Schervone Diana Yu
Photo Editors Mia Holley Ben Taylor
Humor Editors Jake Trommer Gina Villecco
Video Editor Rebecca Mulberg
Underground Editors Jack Braunstein Sarah Minion
Online News Editor Darby Festa Online Sports Editor Jake Fischer Technology Director Peter Shivery
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Editorial Assistants Hank Davis Bryan Sheehan
Adviser Mr. Greg Gagliardi
Business Manager Alex Feldman
Contact the Board: To contact a member of the Eastside Editorial Board via e-mail, type the person’s first name followed by a period followed by his or her last name followed by “@eastsideonline.org,” ie: sally.yang@ eastside-online.org. (Note: There is a dash between “eastside” and “online”)
COMMUNITY Page 10
EASTSIDE
January 2011
Vegan restaurants forgo meat, not flavor ■ By Claire Hoffman (‘12) Eastside Staff
With the vast assortment of dietary trends and fads continually growing, veganism awareness is also on the rise. Savvy restaurateurs are responding with interesting new vegan restaurants, making the diet accessible to all diners. Whether to promote the ethical side of veganism or to merely provide people with healthier food choices, vegan eateries have surged in popularity in the Philadelphia area. On January 15 of this year, Allison Lubert and Heather Esposito opened their vegan bakery Sweet
CH business personalizes sweet treats ■ By Alana Kopelson (‘12) Eastside Community Editor
You design, they create and ship. Three simple steps are all it takes to create your own personalized chocolate bar. Chocomize, launched last December by three students from Columbia University, provides an online customizable chocolate bar service. Chocomize’s factory is located in Cherry Hill, but its website, www.Chocomize.com, is where the designing takes place. The ordering process is fairly simple: first you must select the type of chocolate you want, given the options of milk, dark or white. Next, you select your toppings from a wide selection including hard candies, Oreo pieces, cookie dough, nuts, seeds and fruits like blueberries and pineapple dices. Aside from the typical toppings, Chocomize also offers vegetarian bacon (and real bacon), potato chips, ground coffee, parsley, curry and cinnamon,
Freedom on South Street in Philadelphia. Though a vegan establishment, Sweet Freedom covers a lot of allergy bases, as it is advertised as gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soyfree, corn-free, peanut-free, refined-sugar-free and kosher. “The driving purpose for opening a vegan bakery started because I am hypoglycemic, a condition where I can’t have sugar,” said Lubert. “I wanted to create things I can eat. It made sense to do a vegan bakery because we knew a lot of vegans had the same eating restrictions as I do.” Sweet Freedom uses many replacements for the products they cannot use. However, the food is not dry, as people often associate with vegan desserts, but rather rich and moist. The chocolate chip cookie sandwich is one of the most popular baked goods, but Lubert and Epsosito try to keep their menu fresh by constantly making adjustments. Their seasonal ginger snaps will be missed once the holiday season is over. Though a recent enterprise, Sweet Freedom has already had great success. When vegan actress Alicia Silverstone was in town, she specially ordered a package of baked goods from Sweet Freedom. Hopefully this is a sign for among other non-traditional add-ons. In each category, there are about one hundred toppings to choose from. Customers can also choose to decorate their candy bars, giving each order a special flair. Some decorations include sprinkles, candles (for a birthday celebration bar), crystallized violet petals, commemorative placards and even 23-karat-gold flakes. After the chocolate bar has been personally customized, it is then made to order and delivered directly to the customer’s doorstep.
HyunKeun Oh (‘11)/ Eastside Staff
Sweet Freedom Bakery in Philly displays some of its vegan and allergy-free creations. Even without tree nuts, gluten, refined sugar, milk, soy or eggs, they are still delicious. good things yet to come for Sweet Freedom. Another vegan restaurant was recently launched in a similar area. In October, Philadelphia’s first vegan pizzeria, Blackbird Pizza, opened on South 6th Street. The menu consists of an assortment of sandwiches, salads and pizzas. Friends Mebus and Moylan had entertained the idea of opening a vegan restaurant together for years, but not until The chocolate bars range from five to ten dollars, depending on how many toppings the customer chooses. The site also offers premade customer favorites, like the Trail Mix or Tighty Whitey bar for those plagued with indecision facing Chocomize’s neverending options. Because of the thirty billion possible combinations to choose from, Chocomize is an idea sweet enough to satisfy all customers, no matter if they want a sweet, tangy or even spicy taste.
recently did they find the location to do so. A challenge to many chefs, the cooks at Blackbird select only the most flavorful vegan options to make a believable version of the tasty treat vegans must often forego. Daiya vegan cheese, the most commonly cooked non-dairy cheese amongst chefs, is used on their pizza because of its flavor and ability to melt the best. The pepperoni on the pizza and the meat in the Philly cheesesteak both use seitan, a wheat-based product, as a replacement for the meat. Mebus and Moylan’s goal is for common people to become involved with veganism. Blackbird Pizza’s convenient location and casual atmosphere invite the diner inside. But even if the customers are not convinced of the ethics of Blackbird Pizza, the food will surely make them want to schedule a return visit. This vegan craze is beginning to transform the outdated thoughts about
vegan diets. With the new emerging restaurants, people have rid themselves of ideas of dry, flavorless vegan food options. With the correct replacements, vegan food is not only healthy, but also delicious. Sweet Freedom Bakery 1424 South Street Philadelphia, PA 19146 Try: Double Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies Blackbird Pizzeria 507 S 6th St Philadelphia, PA 19147 Try: Veggie Supreme pizza with onions, peppers, mushrooms, artichokes, tomatoes, red sauce Try: Marinated Tofu Cubano with baked tofu, seitan pepperoni, pickles, caramelized onions, grain mustard aioli, daiya cheese
New Jersey locals defy their TV typecasts ■ By Kristen Hearn ('14) Eastside Staff
It is almost impossible to turn on a TV these days without seeing or hearing about a Snooki or this or that Situation. Last year the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” were all too real. There is no doubt these shows are entertaining, with “the Jersey Shore” having an average 1.3 million viewers per episode, but they have also created mounting anger in New Jersey about the stereotypes these shows have inspired. A typical “Jersey Shore” episode shows the cast partying and getting into violent fights, and who could forget catty Teresa Giudice from “The Real House-
wives of New Jersey” flipping a dinner table? Love them or hate them, these stars have cast some unfortunate shadows on New Jersey’s reputation, but how much of it is accurate? A major generalization facing the Garden State is the notion that everybody likes to party - all night, every night. This one is false—at least the “every body” part. While surely some people like to do this, most Jersey-ans spend their nights more mildly -either at home watching TV while doing homework or watching a movie. Snooki once said, "I tried to read ‘Twilight,’ but, you know, it got boring by, like, the second page." Most, if not all, people from New Jersey can read
a book. Sure, not everyone here is a genius like Thomas Edison, who, by the way, hails from West Orange, NJ, but almost everyone is literate or better. Ratings for “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” spiked after Paterson native Giudice famously flipped a dinner table during a fancy dinner party. While this was an amusing spectacle, most, if not all Jersey natives, show a bit more manners. New Jersey-ans are known for being hot heads on the road, but even that rarely gets past a stomp on the brakes or a blow of a horn.
Ever since the infamous “ J e r s e y Shore” boardwalk brawls
and apartment fights that include hair-pulling and face scratching between a self-described “family,” it has been understood across the country not to get in a fight with anyone from New Jersey. The truth is, most people from New Jersey have an average temper. Instead of focusing on the Jersey stars that stir typecasts, let’s shine a light on those laudable ones -- Judy Blume from Elizabeth, Jon Bon Jovi from Sayreville, Frank Sinatra from Hoboken or Bruce Springsteen from Freehold – who refute them. Frank Zhang (‘11)/ Eastside Staff
COMMUNITY January 2011
EASTSIDE
NY Bagel brings Cherry Hill NY taste
■ By Kaylin Magosin (‘14)
For Eastside
Walking into the n e w l y opened NY Bagel Café and Deli in Pine Tree Plaza, I figured it would be just another bagel shop. Instead, I walked into a contemporary, but warm, inviting space. This was not the average bagel shop. The shop’s hardwood floors, metal tables, leather couches, fireplace and two TVs grabbed my attention. I enjoyed the warm and serene ambiance even before I ordered my meal. NY Bagel, which serves breakfast and lunch, offers far more varieties of food than the typical bagel shop. Breakfast items include the norm—bagels, breakfast sandwiches and muffins, plus more gourmet fare. Most breakfast items cost between two and four dollars. For lunch, soups, salads and over twenty different types of sandwiches are available. My egg and cheese bagel sandwich was hearty, and my chicken salad sandwich was a delicious twist on a classic. Even the side of potato salad had its own unique taste. NY Bagel, even with traditional entrees, still finds a way to twist it up. Russel and Kim Ahmed, the owners, moved from New York to Cherry Hill two years ago. Upon arriving in Cherry Hill, Russel noticed that the bagel shops were not as good as those in New York. With this in mind, he decided to bring the style of a New York bagel shop to Cherry Hill. The shop’s bagels are shipped frozen straight from New York and then baked to order, rather than microwaved, which is what makes the bagel place different from the rest. NY Bagel has a very open and inviting ambience, something that Russel said he hoped for in the shop. “All ages, kids and families [are welcomed],” he said. The eatery is most crowded on weekends, and it is a nice place to do homework or study, because free Wi-Fi is available. NY bagel opened with the goal of bringing fresh, New York quality bagels to Cherry Hill and of creating a friendly atmosphere that offers a variety of meals for its costumers. Bagel art by Danielle Hu (‘11)/ Eastside Art Director
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Molecular Gastronomy foams up The nation’s newest cooking trend shows up in Philadelphia kitchens ■ By Bryan Sheehan (‘13) Eastside Editorial Assistant
A new cooking trend, called molecular gastronomy, has started to “foam up” in restaurants all over America . Molecular gastronomy, in short, is the science of food. The term was coined in 1992 by Hervé This, a French chemist and au-
thor, who describes molecular gastronomy as a way to “understand culinary processes and recipes” and “introduce new products, new tools and new methods.” As a type of cuisine, molecular gastronomy is characterized by its use of unconventional methods and ingredients, including flavored foams and meat-
glues, for making foods. There are many molecular gastronomic restaurants, such as Alinea in Chicago, wd-50 in New York City and Nine-Ten in San Diego, but Philadelphia lacks these kinds of restaurants. One of the few examples of molecular gastronomy in the area is Marigold Kitchen in West Philadelphia. Its menu
includes unexpected cooking styles and techniques, like “spicy caramel froth” and sous vide, which is food cooked in an airtight bag. But, chef and owner of Marigold Kitchen, Rob Halpern, said his food may not be suitably called “molecular gastronomy.” When describing his restaurant, Halpern explained that using a modern technique like flavored foams is not better or worse than just frying food. “It’s just different,” Halpern said. The chef disliked the label, molecular gastronomy, for its connotation is contrary to his culinary sensibilities. “It doesn’t sound appetizing, it sounds like science,” said Halpern. Although the molecular gastronomy trend is boiling up across the globe, it seems that for now, this style is still only at a simmer in Philadelphia. Marigold Kitchen 501 S 45th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104
Kirk An (‘13)/ Eastside Staff
Try: Sashimi of Hamachi and How ‘Bout Them Apples
Molecular gastronomy brings science to the kitchen, safety goggles required.
New home for Jewish Museum ■ By Carly Zive (‘12)
T h e fourth floor, “FoundAfter residing in an 8,000-squareations of foot building for nearly three Freedom”: decades, the National Museum of 1654-1880, American Jewish History (NMAJH) explores the has moved locations and is now situjourney ated in its new home at the IndepenJews endence Mall. dured when Since 2005, the board members of trying to the NMAJH had wanted to relocate defend and in order to turn the museum into a test their real national destination. Once they freedom as a learned there was a vacant site at the religious intersection of 5th and Market in people. The Philadelphia, their dream started to exhibition become a reality. ends with Mia Holley (‘12)/ Eastside Photo Edtior The core exhibition, which covers the great The National Jewish Museum is now located at the three of the five stories, allows visimigration in Independence Mall in Philadelphia. tors to explore how, when and why the 1880s, in Israel and what the creation of the Jews immigrated to America as well which a large influx of Jews came to state meant to American Jews. The as the choices and challenges they America. exhibition also includes two interacfaced while doing so. The third floor, “Dreams of tive experiences, “Contemporary Freedom”: Issues Forum” and “It’s Your Story,” of 1880-1945, which visitors have a chance to share begins with the their views and reactions on everyexploration of thing they have seen in the museum. Jewish immiNot part of the core exhibition, but grants’ strugan important gallery to the museum, gle to get by in is the “Only in America Hall of America and Fame,” residing on the first floor, ends with the which celebrates the central theme of experience of the museum – America’s ability to American Jews provide people with amazing opporduring World tunities. War II. Louis Brandeis, Albert Einstein, The last Barbara Streisand and Golda Meir floor of the core are only a few of the 18 individuals exhibition, the featured in the gallery. second floor, The new and improved museum is “Choices and open Tuesday though Friday from 10 Challenges of a.m. until 5 p.m. as well as Saturday Freedom”: Mia Holley (‘12)/ Eastside Photo Editor and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5:30 1 9 4 5 - To d a y, The new museum explores the history of Jewish explores p.m. For directions or more informathe America. tion, visit www.nmajh.org. creation of Eastside Staff
Page 12
EASTSIDE
“Hollywood”
For Eastside
“The American dream”
“Broadway”
“The Statue of Liberty”
Soundbites "I have a few favorites because in Israel most of the movies [are] in English." -Gal Blumenfeld, 17, Israel
"When I went to America I was amazed and it was fun because it is like the movies. In the city there are a lot of high buildings, and the houses are very big and nice and the high school was like High School Musical or Hairspray." -Alejandro Gosalvez, 16, Spain
Entertainment Here, celebrities explode across tabloid pages. Britney Spears and Justin Beiber are always on magazine covers. Abroad, celebrities include historical figures. Our big blockbusters are their big blockbusters.
“Last week our English teacher taught us the existence of Fox News, which talked about a so-called civil war in France a few years ago. We found this so much funny.” -Laurine Mahe, 16, France
“In Brazil, the US is viewed as ‘the land of opportunity,’ a very rich country with an honest government,” -Perla Kindi, 14, Brazil
Politics Many foreigners believe that America has a fair government. They think of America as a safe country where people are blessed with the right to express their opinions. However, some were surprised by the apparent conservatism in American politics, and support the Democratic party. “I think that Obama's Health Reform is a blessed move! It's about time that every person can get a medical help regardless to his bank account.” -Ilya Fox, 17, Israel
“Another thing that impressed me was that there wasn’t any public transport. They always depend on [having] a car or someone who has a car so when you want to go to the mall, you cannot go on a bus. All the time, you need a car.” -Angela Rodrigo, 18, Spain
Transportation Foreigners were suprised by the lack of public transportation in our area. They also commented on driving etiquette in the US.
“Something that surprised us was to see how drivers stop when a person needs to cross the street...very polite.” -Ana Paula Kabbani, 15, Brazil
Eating Habits “Compared with Spain, American people eat so early, like 18:00 for dinner. [In Spain, we eat at] 21:00. I suppose it is because the sun [is up for] less time than here.” -Angela Rodrigo, 18,
Spain
Our eating habits (beyond the occasional Big Mac) also astound foreigners. Many exchange students were surprised at how early Americans eat dinner. In countries across the globe, dinner takes place much later in the evening and people eat smaller portions.
Appearance
“The typical American is the man who eats fast food at every meal and who doesn't like sports...” -Laurine Mahe, 16, France These are a few of their favorite things... Music: Bon Jovi, Kings of Leon, John Mayer, Pink, Green Day, Skillet, Aerosmith, Katy Perry, Michael Jackson, Paul Petrucci TV Shows: Glee, Gossip Girl, The Big Bang Theory, Friends, How I Met Your Mother Food: McDonald’s, burgers, pancakes, cupcakes, bagels, donuts, cookies, ketchup Movies:
In New York City, check out the long line outside Abercrombie & Fitch – it is mainly composed of foreigners. This is just one example of how they respect our “sense of style.”
Sports While Americans have basketball, baseball and football, people in other countries follow soccer with a passion. However, many foreigners also enjoy American sports and find them exciting.
Art by Kevin Cook (‘11)/ Eastside Art Director Photo illustration by Ben Taylor (‘11)/ Eastside Photo Editor Headline by Avra Bossov (‘11)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief Blurbs and layout by Moriah Schervone (‘11) and Diana Yu (‘11)/ Eastside Global Commentary Editors Additional research by Gilana Levavi (‘14)/ Eastside Staff
(500) Days of Summer, The Notebook, Titanic, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Shutter Island Celebrities: Leonardo DiCaprio, Johnny Depp, Michael Phelps, Julia Roberts, Martin Luther King, Orlando Bloom, Barack Obama, John F. Kennedy
“Cheeseburgers”
“For us, [the American teenager] is someone who is really affected by his popularity and who is very careful of appearances.” - Laurine Mahe, 16, France
“[The] typical American likes to BBQ and go to the gym. The typical American has an iPhone, a family and a dog.” -Ilya Fox, 17, Israel
“Cheerleaders”
“The first thing that comes to my mind when I hear ‘America’ is probably dinner. You guys eat dinner so early and that is so weird!” -Ana Paula Kabbani, 15, Brazil
“When me and my friends are looking for the best place in the army, Americans are looking for the best college.” -Gal Blumenfeld, 16, Israel
“Money”
Coming to the United States from Germany as an exchange student means dealing with new things. School and the general behavior are sometimes the same as in Germany, but other times they are very different. Lunch, lockers, Spirit Week, homeroom and after-school activities are all new experiences for me. American schools are famous for the after-school activities, always keeping their teens involved. There are things to do for everyone, even during Spirit Week. I learned that Americans like to keep everyone involved and give everyone the same chance to be involved. As for homeroom, you could debate about the necessity of it, but the Pledge of Allegiance is an awkward moment for me, yet I stand up to show respect. Everyday life in America is very different from life in Germany. I was surprised about the necessity of a license and a car or someone to give you a ride. The options of using public transport are very limited and not safe. The way certain topics are handled, like politics and growing up, is also a new experience for me. The arrival itself and my visits to New York City and Washington D.C. showed me how Americans handle a difficult topic: security. People arriving from international flights get special treatment. Guarded by policemen with machine guns, I had to prove that I am legal and do not have or do any suspicious things. I also had to tell the Department of Homeland Security almost everything about me in order to keep Americans safe. I noticed a huge police presence in New York City and Washington D.C. School police is also a completely new experience for me. My biggest personal interest is, of course, sports. Since soccer is the indisputable number-one sport in Europe, it is interesting to see different sports as being the most popular. My personal favorite of the "American" sports is basketball—a fancy, fast and skillful sport. Football, baseball, ice hockey and lacrosse are the other sports which I would consider to be "American.” American excitement for sports is big, supporting their teams every day in school by wearing certain clothes. Unfortunately, I have not been to one of the Philadelphia stadiums yet. But it is exciting to learn about sports other than soccer. I have made great, but also sad experiences so far. I am glad I came to the United States to visit a great nation with great people. My personal view about the States has changed, too, to the good side, and I would love to come back someday.
“Innovation”
Page 13
“Your Cotillion”
“Big Dinner”
■ By Daniel Lucas (‘12)
“Pop music”
EASTSIDE
“Jobs”
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “America”?
The view from an East exchange student
“New York”
January 2011
“Big American home”
“Burgers”
“Big American car”
GLOBAL COMMENTARY
January 2011
OPINIONS Page 14
EASTSIDE
January 2011
Should world language classes incorporate speaking? YES (si, oui, ja, ita)
NO (no, non, nein, nullus) Ha
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Eastside News/Features Editor
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■ By Kobi Malamud (‘12) Eastside Staff
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Throughout the course of one’s time in public school, he or she will spend years studying a foreign language. However, due to the primarily textbook-based learning experience some teachers institute, students do not truly gain the practice that would be acquired if they spoke it daily. Unfortunately, this learning experience does not differ at East. Utilizing mainly worksheets and textbooks, the basic strategy of the teachers is for the student to rely on memorization and constant review to learn new rules, grammar and vocabulary. It is understandable that the majority of teachers use this method to avoid dealing with the task of creating and preparing whole new lesson plans. However, the current textbook teaching process is very weak when compared to the speaking exercises. “Having taken Spanish all four years of high school, I have found that compared to friends who study languages abroad, [my classmates and my] understanding of the language is lacking,” said JB Frisby (‘11). People who travel to a foreign country for an extended period of time will have picked up more knowledge of the language in only a few months than they would have in a year of learning it with textbooks. This is because one is forced to rapidly learn to speak and understand the native language to survive properly in the country. “Learning a language through its culture is the best way to really understand it,” said Alexa Garber (‘12). “When I went to Germany, I learned about the language much faster than I did in school.” The same methods of speaking should apply in the classroom. Speaking allows students to think within the language, which is missing from textbook learning. Just as when children learn their first language, they associate sounds and pictures they hear and see with certain words, making a lasting image in their brains. This type of visual and audible language learning experience makes computer programs, such as Rosetta Stone, so popular. So why not follow what has been proven to give better results? Remodeling the Foreign Language Department to concentrate less on textbooks and more on speaking and listening practices will allow students to learn and speak much better.
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Photo Illustration by Ben Taylor (‘11)/ Eastside Photo Editor
In learning a foreign language, it only makes sense that speaking and hearing the language could enhance one’s ability to be fluent. However, written assignments and lessons in a textbook are one of the most important factors in mastering the language. According to a national study, only 25 percent of students are dominantly auditory learners while 65 percent are dominantly visual learners. In a typical testing situation at East, students complete more assessments in writing than in speaking or listening. Students are more likely to visualize an answer for a test question rather than pronounce the answer correctly. Aside from assessments, when speaking a different language, those who are not auditory learners tend to visualize what they are saying, and a textbook provides them with that visual image. Students agree that a textbook groups together similar concepts so it is easier to build a vocabulary and skillset. “It’s pretty helpful to have a textbook, [as] you are able to see pictures or vocabulary from the unit,” said Shirel Daniel (‘12), a Spanish 4AP student. Learning through a textbook provides students with a convenient way to study because they have a physical piece of writing to
use for reference and clarification. Learning by only hearing the language makes it difficult to study for an assessment outside of the classroom. Textbooks play a vital role in allowing students to bring the classroom environment home, where it may not be possible to listen to and speak a different language.
New driving program needed at East ■ By Rachel Tinkelman (‘13) Eastside Staff
All 16-year-olds wish that they have had enough practice when taking the driving test. Some schools, such as Washington Township, offer Drivers Education programs for students that involve hands-on teaching. East, however, does not. Drivers Education class is important to make sure students understand the rules of driving when behind the wheel, which East tries to apply to its own program. Unfortunately, no amount of knowledge can fully prepare students for driving. It is the experience that counts. To ensure that East students have the experience they need, the school should set up lessons for each student. “It would be nice to have [driving lessons] in Drivers Ed., so we don’t have to pay more money for lessons,” said Danielle LeVine (‘12).
The Drivers Ed. teachers, Mr. Kenneth Smith, Mr. Daniel Mitchell and Mr. Ryan James, all agree that a hands-on part of the class would be extremely beneficial. “The class tells you what to look for, but you can’t actually mas-
ter it until you get behind the wheel,” Smith said. However, a hands-on program could not exist because of its cost, they add. Primarily, a hands-on program would require insurance and at least three cars, which would have to be m a i n tained, along with a certified
instructor who would have to be with the student driving at all times. “It becomes a liability issue and it gets really expensive to get the license to do it,” said Mitchell. The students would end up having to pay for the lessons because of the costs, and if not, the money would come from taxes anyway. However, if cars are too expensive, there are still other options that will help students. Smith mentioned that there are driving simulators that, although also expensive, are very helpful. They track the mistakes of the student and show them, after the simulation, what they did wrong, which would be beneficial to the Drivers Education students. If students could practice with someone they were familiar with, the test would be less daunting.
“We have a lot of students come to us and say they felt uncomfortable with the driver,” James said. With a chance to drive with their teachers, students might feel more comfortable when they take their driver’s license tests. The whole idea of the Drivers Education course is to get students more prepared for the test—and ultimately, for the road. Even if students are just practicing parallel parking in a golf cart, that is still better than highlighting key points in a driver’s manual. Some students may have the whole manual memorized, but they will still not be truly educated drivers until they get behind the wheel. Golf cart by Kevin Liao (‘12)/ Eastside Staff Driver by Danielle Hu (‘11)/ Eastside Art Director Stop sign by Kevin Cook (‘11)/ Eastside Art Director
OPINIONS January 2011
EASTSIDE
Page 15
Should students be able to use laptops in the classroom? ■ By Rebecca Ohnona (‘12) Eastside Entertainment Editor
Over the past twenty years, technology has changed the way Americans lead their daily lives. Most prominently, cell phones and laptops have completely evolved the way we communicate on a daily basis. While some high schools in the country have taken advantage of this cultural change, Cherry Hill East has yet to make good use of it when it comes to the daily classroom environment. Unfortunately, students are still deprived of what could possibly be the best opportunity to improve the learning environment—the accessibility of laptops in the classroom every day. Laptops offer a new and improved learning realm for students, as there are so many beneficial uses for them. First off, it would be much easier and environmentally friendly if students could take notes on a laptop. The swift manner in which many teachers speak would be better recorded through typing as opposed to writing. Also, it would help save paper if students could all download a PowerPoint or outline and view it on their own computers rather than printing it out. Ms. Susan Nicalazzo, an East math teacher, said that she “believes that if we could learn in a completely academic environment, then laptops in the classroom would be a great idea.” In other words, if it were clear that everyone was on task, then they would earn the privilege of taking notes on a laptop. There are also many benefits for teachers. A lot of teachers complain about messy or illegible handwriting, but if everything were typed, there would be no excuse for why a teacher could not read a student’s writing. Also, papers in general will be more organized if everyone had a file for each subject. Though laptop programs will change the shape of teaching, teachers should be ready for the challenge, as they take the initiative of taking advantage of new learning possibilities every day. Unfortunately, the traditional methods at Cherry Hill East just aren’t quite giving students the push they need to reinvigorate their drive to learn and excel.
Photo illustration by Ben Taylor (‘11)/ Eastside Photo Editor
Teachers should offer different teaching styles to their students ■ By Naveen Yarlagadda (‘12) Eastside Staff
Today, modern education relies on uniform methods to ensure a student’s success. If one looks at a typical English class, he or she will find that students’ e s s a y writing c a n never be consist e n t because students have to adapt to t h e teacher’s e s s a y style. In o t h e r words, students have no academic freedom. Instead, m a n y students are obliged to follow their teachers’ methods. Students should be given an opportunity to experiment with a teacher’s assignment without making it less challenging. The consequences of not having academic freedom results in indifference or students developing a hatred towards a subject they once loved. Academic freedom would give students a chance to do significant yet enjoyable work . “[Students] should have more academic freedom, because students would be more determined to do the work if they got to decide what they had to do. It is not fair
that teachers decide everything and only plan it out their way,” said Alana Seidmen (‘13). Although it is very much a challenge to cater to students’ wants, flexibility would give students more options and possibly allow students to understand more. Some teachers do not a l l o w students this acad e m i c freedom in fear that they will twist t h e assignment into s o m e thing to w h i c h they are n o t accustomed. However, Kevin Cook (‘11)/ Eastside Art Director there are some teachers at East who are open to different teaching methods. “Teachers should be open to differentiated instruction to where it would appropriately fit into the curriculum,” said Mr. Jeff Killion, a math teacher at East. Some students are also parallel with Killion’s idea. “It is important for students to be able to have a choice about the way they learn something,” said Shyam Bharadwaj (‘11). Curriculum advisors and administrators should consider such changes in the school system to better aid students in their pursuit of a higher education.
ENTERTAINMENT Page 16
EASTSIDE
January 2011 Photo illustration by Ben Taylor (‘11)/ Eastside Photo Editor
:
■ By Joe Incollingo (‘13) Eastside Staff
Following the never-ending vein of comic book adaptations in Hollywood comes The Green Hornet. The radio program-turned-comic book series-turned-television series, now turned-feature film franchise, stretches all the way back to the 1930s, following the antics of a masked vigilante and his wheelman as they diffuse criminal plots in their city’s underground scene. Academy Award-winner Michel Gondry, director of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Dave Chapelle’s Block Party and others, is at the helm, directing a screenplay written by Seth Rogen and his collaborator, Evan Goldberg. The film follows protagonist Britt Reid (also played by Rogen), who becomes a crime fighter after the death of his media mogul father. Also included in the cast is Cameron Diaz, Inglorious Basterds’s Christoph Waltz and Taiwanese singer-actor Jay Chou as the Green Hornet’s sidekick Kato. The Green Hornet was released in 3-D on January 14.
■ By Sherin Nassar (‘13) Eastside Opinions Editor
The Script once again graced the musical world and its fans with yet another original album, Science and Faith, released January 18. The album flows with the descriptive, yet genuine lyrics of the songs. Although some may think that the band is “too soft,” The Script truly packs a punch with the song “Walk Away.” But the band still stays true to its stingingly earnest lyrics with lines like “Saying I know you got a soul even though you’re heartless/ she finds color in the darkest places.” One thing that listeners will notice, once they have finished listening to the whole album, is that all the songs revolve around the theme of love and girls. However, The Script has mastered the one tool many artists have not, which is the ability to tastefully spin the theme of love throughout its songs by presenting different perspectives; the lyrics distract listeners with not only catchy phrasing, but also the poetic truth within them. In the end, The Script is a band of its time, and though front man Danny O’Donoghue was inspired by “the journey from a feeling of devastation in the pit of [his] stomach,” his journey, along with his lyrics, was defCourtesy of goldenplec.com initely not scripted.
■ By Scott Nover (‘13) Eastside Staff
As a great year in music came to its fated end, attention is now directed at 2011. Kicking off the year in style is The King Is Dead, the sixth studio album from the Portland indie rock band The Decemberists. The band was formed in 2000 and began receiving due attention by the time their third LP (Long Play) Picaresque was released. Under Kill Rock Stars, an independent record label most known for jumpstarting the career of indie rock legend Elliot Smith, The Decemberists entered into the public eye. In 2005, the band signed with Capitol Records, and since then their success has been noteworthy to say the least. The King Is Dead, released on January 18, is, as Douglas Wolk of Rolling Stone puts it, “the most pastoral, rustic record they’ve ever made.” While making the album, the band, alongside producer Tucker Martine, spent six weeks at a farm outside of Portland, Oregon, which is evident in the album’s first single, “Down by the Water.” The album has been described as “folksy,” and according to Colin Meloy, the band’s front man, the album is heavily influenced by the music of R.E.M. The King Is Dead features guest appearances by country singer Gillian Welch and Peter Buck, the guitarist from R.E.M. Buck had previously toured with the Decemberists, opening for them as a part of Robyn Hitchcock and the Venus Three during the 2009 A Short Fazed Hovel Tour. In any case, this album takes The Decemberists down a new path and is cerCourtesy of theaudioperv.com tainly something to discover.
■ By Joe Incollingo (‘13) Eastside Staff
For literate folk who are bummed out because the Harry Potter and Twilight movie franchises are wrapping up, there is good news. Lionsgate is set to adapt the recently popular New York Times bestseller The Hunger Games for the big screen, using a screenplay penned by the novel’s author, Suzanne Collins. Set in North America following a cataclysmic war, the novel follows its female protagonist as she competes with other youth in an annual deathmatch orchestrated by a sinister government. Gary Ross, director of both 1998’s Pleasantville and 2003’s Seabiscuit, will be manning the project on a budget of 60 million dollars. A number of actresses, including “How I Met Your Mother”’s Lyndsy Fonseca and movie star Chloë Moretz, have expressed interest in the role of the film’s protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. With decent star-power backing it, The Hunger Games is likely to be a hit within the upcoming year.
■ By Carly Zive (‘12) Eastside Staff
On January 3, 2011, the continuation of the first season of ABC Family’s new hit drama “Pretty Little Liars” aired after a four-month absence. The show, based on the novels written by Sara Shepard, traces the complicated lives of a teenage clique: Aria Montgomery (played by Lucy Hale), Hanna Marin (played by Ashley Benson), Spencer Hastings (played by Troian Bellisario) and Emily Fields (played by Shay Mitchell), after the disappearance of their “queen bee” Alison DiLaurentis (played by Sasha Pieterse), during a slumber party. Due to the disappearance, the four remaining girls begin to drift apart. But, one year later in the girls’ hometown, Rosewood, Alison’s body is discovered and is instantly proclaimed dead. Upon the discovery of the body, Aria, Hanna, Spencer and Emily each begin to receive taunting text messages from an unknown source referred to by the name of “A.” As the girls discover more and more about the accident that occurred one year prior, the messages from “A” threaten to reveal secrets about each of them that only Alison knew. Although each one of the girls has her own twisted story within the show, the girls’ main motive is to uncover the mystery of “A” and once and for all discover how their best friend died.
■ By Nick Mitchell (‘13) For Eastside
One of 2009’s most critically acclaimed comedies, The Hangover, is resurrecting from the grave with a new sequel, starring the talented Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis and Justin Bartha. In The Hangover Part II, Stu (Ed Helms) marries a woman who may or may not be the stripper he met in Las Vegas. Only this time, the bachelor party will be “a safe, subdued wedding brunch,” said Warner Brothers. Hopefully, this harmless “brunch” will turn into a chaotic yet hilarious adventure, filled with absurd situations and memorable quotes. Unlike The Hangover, which took place in Las Vegas, the sequel will be shot in Bangkok, Thailand. “What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok can’t even be imagined,” said Warner Brothers. The Hangover Part II is set to launch on May 26, 2011, and is expected to please viewers with what critics hope to be one of this year’s most comical motion pictures. Green Hornet, King is Dead, The Script, Hangover II by Kevin Cook (‘11)/ Eastside Art Director. Hunger Games, Pretty Little Liars, TV and filmstrip by Danielle Hu (‘11)/ Eastside Art Director
ENTERTAINMENT January 2011
EASTSIDE
Page 17
A cappella: taking pop culture by storm ■ By Gabrielle Kains (‘12) Eastside News/Features Editor
The ever-changing music industry has found a genre that is taking popculture by storm: a cappella. Originally a religious tradition during the nineteenth century, this unique harmony-driven genre has received much hype. A cappella music is performed using pure vocals unhampered by instrumental sounds. A cappella groups have always been common among students at colleges, but during the last decade, groups have been forming everywhere. Casual Harmony and Key of She are a cappella groups at East. Another local group is Cherry Hill West’s Men Of Note, which won the ICHSA competition in 2006, 2007 and 2008, the only group to win three years in a row. The alumni of Men Of Note during those years reunited and were featured on NBC’s “Sing-Off.” On the collegiate level, University of Southern
California’s SoCal VoCals, Berklee College of Music’s Pitch Slapped, and Univer-
and third places, respectively, in the International Championship of Collegi-
Photo illustration by Ben Taylor (‘11)/ Eastside Photo Editor
Examples of a cappella groups’ role in pop culture. sity of Georgia’s Accidentals came in first, second
ate a Cappella for 2010. Pitch Slapped was fea-
tured on the second season of NBC’s “SingOff.” Another acclaimed a cappella group is Rockapella, formed in 1986. They perform A Rockapella Holiday tour to spread holiday cheer. “It’s a one-of-a-kind show,” said Scott Leonard, of the Columbus Dispatch. “Everybody knows the songs, but they’ve never heard them like this.” To feature this phenomenon, NBC created the show, “Sing-Off.” Season 2, hosted by Nick Lachey, featured the country’s top ten acappella groups. The celebrity judges were Ben Folds, Shawn Stockman and Nicole Scherzinger. Viewers across the nation voted, and the winner, Committed, from Huntsville, Alabama, received $100,000 and a Sony music recording contract. Keep your ears open to this popular music, because it will always be a one-of-a-kind sound worth hearing.
William and Kate host “wedding of the century” ■ By Danielle Fox (‘13) Eastside Entertainment Editor
People typically regard a royal wedding as an anachronism in a contemporary age. However, Prince William and Kate Middleton challenge many of England’s traditional betrothal procedures as they give royalty a modern edge. On November 16, via Twitter, the couple announced their engagement and then later tweeted the date of the wedding, April 29, 2011. The wedding will be held at Westminster Abbey, the 1000-year-old church in London, England, where British monarchs are crowned and where his grandmother’s, Elizabeth II, wedding and his renowned mother’s, Princess Diana, funeral took place. In an interview with “Good Morning America,” royal expert Katie Nicholl said, “The ceremony promises to be a traditional affair by most measures, but the couple looks to make the event their own. This couple will inject some modernity, a breath of fresh air.” Though estimated to cost over five million dollars and marked an official bank holiday, the wedding will be a unique “People’s Royal Wedding,” filled with children, volunteers and the homeless. Most wedding details remain exclusive; however, many news stations still have their predictions. Many believe there is a one in three chance that the bridalgown designer will be Bruce Oldfield, a British fashion designer who clothed Princess Diana. In an interview with BBC Radio 2, Elton John, a favorite performer of Diana, declared that he will “probably” perform at the royal wedding, before joking “I’ll probably
Westminster Abbey photo courtesy of greggayden.com Photo illustration by Ben Taylor (‘11)/ Eastside Photo Editor
be busking outside.” According to ABC News, Snoop Dogg may contribute to the royal affair. The rapper has even written a single entitled, “Wet,” for the bachelor party, claiming the song is “the perfect anthem for Prince William or any playa to get the club ‘smokin.’ Though intriguing, Snoop Dogg is not the only modern twist to this royal fairytale. Middleton validates that social mobility is present in a class-conscious society. Her parents, Carole and Michael, met at British Airways, where they worked as a flight attendant and flight dispatcher, respectively. Though the Middleton family currently lives high off the hog, they never dreamt about the day their daughter would come home with the same engagement ring worn by Princess Diana. This power couple may give off an essence of grandeur, but they are refreshingly downto-earth. In an interview, William said, “We’re like ducks. We’re very calm on the surface, but with our little feet [quickly moving] under the water.” Whether this Cinderella will aid the world like Diana cannot be determined yet, but what is certain is that Prince Charming and his bride-to-be will give the world an epic day to celebrate the start of a new fairy tale.
■ By Darby Festa (‘13) Eastside Online News Editor
Do you ever wonder what stars do when the cameras aren’t rolling? Sure, they go shopping and clubbing and live ordinary lives. But a few Hollywood celebrities have taken up a new and lucrative hobby: writing. Lauren Conrad, star of MTV’s hit series, “Laguna Beach,” and later its spinoff, “The Hills,” is not only an acclaimed fashion designer, but is also currently a New York Times Bestselling author. Hillary Duff, who starred in the popular Disney Channel television show “Lizzie McGuire,” has pursued a music career, a fashion line, her own fragrance and is even the author of the teen novel, Elixir. And then there is also Nicole Richie, famous for her own television show, “The Simple Life,” who has also written two novels, Priceless and The Truth About Diamonds. Celebrities recently seen gracing the covers of tabloids can also now be seen on “About the Author” pages in the back of the novels they write. The book-writing trend is becoming very popular in Hollywood, for multiple stars have recently pursued the publication of their own literary works. Other celebrities to pursue careers in writing include Kim Kardashian, with her novel Kardashian Konfidential, Paris Hilton, Madonna and more. Lauren Conrad, however, has really made a splash in the world of Barnes and Noble and Borders. She has four novels published: three are part of a series, titled L.A. Candy, detailing the accounts of two young Hollywood starlets on a reality television show. She has also written a style guide called Style. All three novels in the L.A. Candy series rocketed to the number-one spot on the New York Times Bestseller list after release and remained there for several weeks. The popularity of these novels is also apparent among students in the halls of East. Alex Pooner (‘13) said she really enjoyed the novel. “I thought it was an amazing tale of two young women with a desire for success,” Pooner said. Hopefully, more stars embrace the practice of writing beyond their reading of scripts, for their pursuit of publication has proved successful thus far. Logo by Avra Bossov (‘11)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief
UNDERGROUND Page 18
EASTSIDE
East -- The Ink’d Life ■ By Mia Holley (‘12) Eastside Photo Editor
Over the years, tattoos have become an American obsession, as they allow people to express themselves through permanent ink. Though body art has not always held the best impression with some people, there are many that cannot get enough of this “rebel” statement. Many East students have embraced the bold trend themselves despite some of the negative connotations that tattoos hold. S t e v e Lopez (‘11) had heard that tattoos were a mist a k e and could indicate negative influence, but that did not thwart his plans of getting two separate tattoos. “I remember being at my first rock concert,” said Lopez, “and being around all these tough guys all tatted up. I knew I wanted one right then and there.” Defying the stereotype that tattoos bring out a person’s dark side, Brandon Pugh (‘11) thinks differently. Pugh said he feels exact-
ly the same since he got his body art; it only affects his life when someone asks to see it. Other students with tattoos feel that tattoos are subject to interpretation. “I think parents judge me more than anyone [because] they think I’m a bad influence. But other than that, I think
whether p e o p l e judge me or not is based on their own personal views of tattoos,” said Lauren Minkoff (‘11). People like to caution tattoos Mia Holley (‘12)/ that permaEastside Photo Editor are nent, and if Shawn Vidra (‘11) one ends up shows his Genghis disliking the Khan quote tattoo. tattoo he or
Out of the vault, under the radar: Skip-It! toy ■ By Rebecca Mulberg (‘12) Eastside Video Editor
Although at first glance it may look as though your five-year-old neighbor is on house arrest, Tiger Toys’ revolutionary children’s toy, Skip-It, is anything but a punishment for criminals. Introduced in the late ‘80s, the Skip-It phenomenon was composed of a small plastic hoop anklet and a ball attached to the end (accessorized with a skip counter!). Following the popular Saturday morning cartoons on Nickelodeon, a series of Skip-It commercials swarmed onto the scene. The genius of the Skip-It was not in its advertising, but rather in its simplicity. To children living in the technology era of Wii games and PS3s, such a facile design may not seem impressive. To a child living in the 20th century, bored on any afternoon upon coming home from school, the SkipIt conquered all. Only from its predecessors did the Skip-It emerge. In the 1960s, the Jingle Jump, a red plastic tube attached to a blue ball filled with a jingle bell, made its way into America’s conven-
ience stores, selling for only one dollar. In the 1970s, Chemtoy presented the world with the first ever Lemon Twist: black plastic tubing with a yellow lemon shape at the end. Twenty years later, the Skip-It model hit the shelves, and soon after became a household name in American child’s play. For some, especially younger children, the SkipIt’s vibrant colors and brutally entertaining simplicity served as the perfect schoolyard toy. For others, playtime with the Skip-It resulted in bruised knees, broken ankles and, for those young over-achievers, even broken legs. The worst fear of all: when a Skip-It owner managed to beat his or her record of jumps, only to find that his or her counter was reset to zero. Shoot. How disappointing. But where can one find a Skip-It? Unfortunately, the mass production of Skip-Its has found an end. The children of today may prefer an iPod Touch to what is essentially a weighted plastic ball attached to a little hoop, but the Skip-It era will always be a cherished memory for many East Students.
January 2011
East students reflect on their tattoos and on how their body art has changed their lives.
she acquired, his or her dissatisfaction could be as permanent as the tattoo itself. Some students with tattoos disagree. “Each one means a lot to me, so no changes. No regrets,” said Shawn Vidra (‘11). Other students with tattoos feel the same. “I love my tattoo. There is nothing about it that needs to be changed or altered,” said Maria Bregatta (‘11). Tattoos are a way to express emotions through body art that will stay with him or her forever. There is a lot of technique, thought and strenuous amounts of time that are put into every tattoo, making tattoo artistry an ambiguous and skillful art. Those with tattoos said that hesitant students can always wait. “Don’t get a tattoo. Simple as that,” said Rob TayMia Holley (‘12)/ Eastside Photo Editor lor (’12). Steve Lopez (‘11) reveals one of his tattoos.
Undergound’s monthly quest for the best milkshake: Pt. 1 ■ By Sarah Minion (‘12) Eastside Underground Editor
Several frozen yogurt places, like Jilly B’s and Spoon Me, have recently become the new ‘go-to’ places and seem to be the answer to every student’s question of “where should we hang out?” The fro-yo fad has exploded in the past few months, and it seems as though people have lost appreciation for old-fashioned treats. Call me nostalgic, but I am definitely more of a milkshake kind of kid. However, considering that all anyone ever wants to do anymore is get frozen yogurt, I started feeling the absence of milkshakes and decided to embark on a quest to find the very best shake around. Since I want to keep my search local, I set my standards strictly for nonfranchised venues. This means that McDonald’s shakes and WaWa’s F’real unfortunately cannot be in the running. So I decided to start at the one place everyone seems to go when in search of chilly treats: Spoon Me. Located in the Ritz Shopping Center, Spoon Me offers an original and hands-on environment where costumers can serve themselves. Besides frozen yogurt, Spoon Me sells random options like oatmeal, waffles, coffee, smoothies and even merchandise like underwear. So I decided I might as well ask about milkshakes, seeing as that’s a convenient place for most locals. Much to my dismay, the closest thing to a milkshake was a “Creamy Blend,” which worker Yael Shamir describes as a healthy milkshake alternative. No offense, but that sounds gross. I ordered a Chocolate Velvet Creamy Blend, which Shamir told me was her favorite. Essentially it is chocolate yogurt and non-fat milk or soy. I didn’t have high expectations going into the first sip, but I must say it was definitely better than expected. Considering that it’s made with yogurt rather than ice cream, and I’m really not even a chocolate shake fan, it was surprisingly not awful, and continued to get tastier with every sip. Although I will most likely never crave a Creamy Blend, nor will I go to Spoon Me specifically for a Creamy Blend, I would potentially try other flavors in the future. My adventure has just begun: every month I will try a Art by new milkshake from a new place, and document my experiTamir ences in The Quest for the Ultimate Milkshake. Lieber Feel free to send recommendations to underground@eastside-online.org!
(‘11)/ Eastside Staff
UNDERGROUND January 2011
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Guide to 2011 Entertainment ■ By Jack Braunstein (‘13)
Eastside Underground Editor
Lost writer Damon Lindelof and the legendary Steven Spielberg all share the title of executive producer. The film stars Daniel Craig (yes, the new James Bond), Harrison Ford, (yes, Han Solo) and Olivia Wilde (yes, a total babe). Basically, it’s an incredible cast with a plot constructed seemingly to over-excite eleven-yearolds—or eleventh graders. The plot revolves around a ship of aliens invading Earth in the year 1873. For some reason, they decide t o
2010 was quite a year. The first year of the new decade brought about waves of political turmoil: the Wikileaks scandal, the tragic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the absolutely devastating Haitian earthquake. But despite all worldly ills, the world of music and movies shouldered on. Plenty of great and entertaining albums and films, from Titus Andronicus’ The Monitor to the street art documentary Exit Through The Gift Shop, went criminally under-recognized last year. 2011 is shaping up to be similarly promising. Here are some of the impending highlights. Cowboys and Aliens: Although the title may sound like a crude and absurd Bmovie (a la Mega Shark Vs. Giant Octopus, which is—astonishingly—a real m o v i e ) , Cowboys and Aliens is legitiPhoto by Jack Braunstein(‘13) and Sarah mate. The proMinion(‘12)/ Eastside Underground Editors duction bill is Photo Illustration by Ben Taylor (‘11)/ Eastside stacked: Iron Photo Editor Man producer Pat McLaughlin (‘14) can’t wait for Jon Favreau, what 2011 has to offer.
start with the Wild Western frontier. Do they not realize that cowboys are the toughest guys on the planet? Regardless of poor extraterrestrial planning, Cowboys and Aliens should be a wild romp. Look for the film in theatres in July 2011. Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will: Glasgow, Scotland natives Mogwai are a titanic force in the realm of “Post-Rock,” a mostly instrumental genre based on monstrous crescendos, razor-sharp dynamics and cathartic build and release of musical tension. These Scots have excelled since the mid ‘90s by orchestrating songs that start delicate, build up, go through a huge climax, then resolve. Seven albums in, and Mogwai is branching away from the quiet, louder, louder, loud that their ca-reer grew upon, opting instead for intense sonic experimentation. As early singles “Rano Pano” and “How To Be a Werewolf” exhibit, Mogwai’s seventh album will not abandon the postrock archetype; it will simply embellish it with innovative sounds. Fantastic. The album hits shelves on February 15 via Subpop Records.
Please include your name, mailing address and phone number. Entry information will only be used for prize fulfillment contact. This month’s winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Starbucks and other assorted Tutoring Club goodies. Winner will be selected randomly from entries with the correct answer and contacted via email by February 18, 2011. Winner must come to Tutoring Club by February 25, 2011 to receive prize.
Photo courtesy of Drew Farber (‘12)
Drew Farber (‘12) has 95 hockey pucks, including ones from the Stanley Cup and Eastern Conference finals.
East students get creative with the art of collecting ■ By Kobi Malamud (‘12) Eastside Staff
Many people have or know someone with typical collections of assorted objects, but ultimately the collections people remember are impressive and original, as determined by their uniqueness and the dedication that the collectors have to completing them. Drew Farber (‘12), Kabir McGee (‘12) and Jake Ruttenberg (‘14) are no strangers to the commitment of collecting. Ever since he was three years old, Farber has had season tickets to the Philadelphia Flyers hockey games. Always sitting within inches of the away team’s bench and only feet from the entrance to the locker room, he has the opportunity to ask players before and after games for their hockey sticks and game-played pucks. With a collection of about thirty sticks and ninety pucks spanning more than ten teams, he has gotten them from notable players such as Petr Nedved, Simon Gagné, Jason Arnott, John Leclair, Scottie Upshall and Michael Leighton. “I even have an autographed stick from Paul Kariya and the 2010 Winter Classic and Stanley Cup final pucks,”
Farber said. McGee and Ruttenberg’s choice of collectibles is comics. McGee, who has always been interested in Japanese anime, collects issues of Shonen Jump, a popular manga magazine. It features different recurring series such as Bleach, Naruto and One Piece, and comes in weekly and monthly issues. “As of now, I have over 85 issues,” said McGee. Ruttenberg, on the other hand, collects a different kind of comic—“Simpsons” comics. An avid fan of the show, he has seen every episode, and has been collecting the comics for over five years. He buys the majority from online retailers that specialize in comic collectibles and the rest from bookstores. “In total, I have at least 162 including the original issues and eight of the larger reprints,” said Ruttenberg. Several of Ruttenberg’s collection are limited edition and one is a hand signed issue by Matt Groening, the creator of “The Simpsons.” Having a unique collection can be just as interesting as having a special skill or talent, as these three students prove.
Photo courtesy of Drew Farber (‘12)
Drew Farber (‘12) poses with Sergei Samsonov’s hockey stick while wearing his Danny Briére’s Philadelphia Flyers jersey.
HUMOR Page 20
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January 2011
Testosteronetastic month of Manuary celebrated ■ By Jake Trommer (‘11)
men of Landerqual that they decided to participate in the next year’s “manliThis month, men ness marathon,” and even around the world will saw it fit to give it the begin celebrating Manuclever name of Manuary. ary, a month-long tribute From then on, Manuof sheer manliness. ary’s advance across the Expected festivnation was inexities include copiorable. At first, it ous consumption was merely a of red meat, the practical matter, as the wildlife and growth of facial beverage stocks in hair to ridiculous and around Lanlevels, chivalrous derqual had been deeds such as permanently dedefending women pleted, so von from tools and the Slamchest and his watching of grafellow revelers tuitously violent were forced to go movies. to the closest But where did county. There, all this come they repeated from? their Manuary Research has revels of the prerevealed that vious year, so Manuary was impressing the started towards locals of that the end of the age county that they of the Wild West promised to join in a frontier logthe celebration ging camp. Lumnext year. berjack Fisticuff President Theovon Slamchest, dore Roosevelt, fed up with his himself an advohenpecking wife, cate of many proposed to his manly activities, fellow loggers “a received word of festival of manlithis new holiday ness during the while simultanefirst month of the ously skinning a year, to remind us bear, gorging himof our roots as self upon vast true men.” amounts of veniThis first Manson and plotting uary was only two the invasion of a weeks long, celeforeign country. brated by the Inspired by the utter annihilation sheer manliness of any and all aniJake Trommer (‘11)/ Eastside Humor Editor of such a holiday, mals within a R o o s e v e l t five-mile radius Archival photo of Fisticuff von Slamchest, displaying sheer manliness. declared Manuary to be a of von Slamchest’s logging mining camp to grow out beverages and beat up national holiday. Thus, the camp within the first their facial hair. Following every single person they month of Manuary we week, and the consumpthe ritual slaughter of the saw hitting on women. know and love was born. tion of the raw, uncooked surrounding animal popuSo envious were the Eastside Humor Editor
meat during the second. Considering the celebration a rousing success, von Slamchest decided to extend next month’s “manliness marathon” to a month in length, and also exhorted everyone in the
lation (which they had allowed to rise again following last year), the lumberjacks then descended upon the nearby town of Landerqual, in which they consumed the local saloon’s entire stock of
The Mournal (man-journal) of a Very Manly Man Celebrating Manuary
Photo by Thomas Hudson (‘14)/ For Eastside
■ By Bolt McWallsmasher (‘14) For Eastside
Journal Entry #18 Dear Man Journal, Happy Manuary! I can’t believe I’ve been writing MENtries for 18 years now… even though I’m only 17 years old. Writing a MENtry in the womb is not as easy as it sounds, but boy, or should I say man, it sure is manly. I can feel it in my blood already: this year’s Manuary is going to
be the best one yet. I started growing my manly beard in October. I just know I’ll be one of the manliest men at Manly Hill East! While my beard is still a little patchy, I know that praying to our bearded forefathers—Abe Lincoln, Joaquin Phoenix post-hysteria, Zach Galifianakis and that little bro from the Lord of the Rings—will have my beard flourishing in no time. I’ve got my murse (man-purse, for some of you non-men) and my Indiana Jones hat ready to go. Tonight’s adventure to the Outback Steakhouse for my minner (manly dinner) is going to be one man of a time. *** Journal Entry #18.5 Dear Man Journal, It’s already the middle of Manuary and you know what that means: wild manventures have already
occurred. Just this week I went out with a few fellow men and did things that mere boys could only dream about. We did things like slide down my roof on a snowboard made of all the discs of the seven seasons of “American Gladiator,” cover our entire faces with Rogaine Hair Growth and take a bath with nothing more than Axe body spray: manventures that truly separate the men from the boys. Well, got to go, fellow man. Andrew (otherwise known as Mandrew) is about to Jell-o wrestle the cast of “Rocket Power” and I do NOT want to miss this. *** Journal Entry #18.5… and a half Dear Man Journal, Well, Manuary is coming to a close, and as you can see by my three journal entries, I was cor-
rect in saying that this would be the best one yet. I’m happy to report that I have officially been inducted into the Wall of Man for growing out my beard long enough to lose my sandwich in it, a feat only carried out by the strongest of men. For our final feast of Manuary, we will be eating only the manliest of food groups. The appetizer will be crab legs that we will crack with our biceps. For the main course, four pounds of steak, each cooked just long enough to not give us salmonella. For refreshments, raw eggs (obviously). And for dessert… HA. We’re men, we don’t eat dessert. That just about sums up my Manuary of 2011. *** Mournal entries by Dan Fabi (‘12)/ Eastside Staff
DISCLAIMER: Manuary is real. However, Humor section does not, in any way, shape, or form, intend to advocate one gender over the other or advise participation in any of the acts described in these fictional stories...no matter how incredibly manly they may be. Wimp.
■ By Gina Villecco (‘11) Eastside Humor Editor
A recorded 48 percent of the male population celebrates Manuary every year. However, the other 52 percent of men refuse to celebrate Manuary, not because they don’t want to, but rather because they don’t know how to. If you are included in this 52 percentile, continue reading, my fellow brother. Manhood awaits: #1: Instead of showering every morning, wake up and appreciate your natural man-stench. Deodorant is okay, but it must smell very manly. (Commonly used manodorants include Axe, Old Spice, Degree for Men and more Axe.) #2: Your beard truly completes your manly appearance. If you have softer, more feminine features, grow your beard as long and as thick as you can. If growing facial hair is not a possibility, hairgrowth enhancers are highly recommended. #3: Random grunting, snorting and heavy breathing make you seem intimidating. Just be careful you don’t sound constipated. #4: Breaking things and being destructive is encouraged. Some newer Manuary participants start with mailbox smashing and paint-balling to get a feel for it. #5: Perform acts of manliness on a day-to-day basis. For example: when you crush cans, crush them on your head; when you brush your teeth, swish toothpaste around in your mouth rather than use a toothbrush; bite off your nails and toenails instead of cutting them; write in your own blood instead of using a pen or pencil. #6: Never put the toilet seat down. Let others be constantly reminded of your presence every time they enter the bathroom. It makes it seem like you don’t care that they have to clean up after you. #7: Remind everyone that you are the man. Don’t let anyone so much as say “please” or “thank you” without questioning their doubt for your manliness. #8: Bellow. Roaring, yelling and shouting in a deep voice obviously indicate that you are manly and you know what you’re talking about (even if you don’t). #9: Look yourself in the mirror every day and say, “I am the man.” Never forget to remind yourself as you remind the world by these actions. These tips have helped even the weakest of boys gain a sense of manliness during Manuary. So what are you waiting for? Practice makes perfect, and if you’re reading this, you probably need it. So man up!
HUMOR January 2011
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Page 21
Holiday recap: Grinch successfully steals Christmas ■ By Kobi Malamud (‘12) Art by Sally Yang (‘11)/ Eastside Managing Editor
Attempted coup d’etat of Mr. Rosenberg’s regime brought to a halt with an uplifted eyebrow. Student buys ten parking spots so he can drive his M1 Abrams tank to school. Massive horde of returning college students leaves East a barren wasteland. Student downloads episode of “Jersey Shore” via BitTorrent, sentenced to life in jail for horrible taste. Mysterious government agents kidnap Ms. Mason following controversial AP Gov lesson. Her whereabout are currently unknown. Students riot over a proposal to have mediocre 1980s synth music play in the hallways between classes. Three students were admitted to the hospital after an argument about a gym class volleyball game turned ugly. Vegan student horrified at discovering that the lettuce he ate may actually have touched an animal. Warfare between Cherry Hill East and Eastern Regional High School ends after East students remember they have no school spirit. FNL such a success that Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Nights Live planned. Quality expected to plummet as a result. Women decide to have their own month in response to Manuary; Fembruary expected to start next month. Hat-ban has been lifted, ban of stupid Tshirt slogans to replace it. Entire school outraged after morning announcements play Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” instead of announcements. Yes, Cherry Hill East was Rick Rolled.
Eastside Staff
It’s that time of year in Whoville again. Temperatures are dropping, snow is falling and birds are flying south for the winter. However, Christmas is nowhere to be found. Preparing as usual for the annual return of the evil Grinch, the citizens of Whoville thought they were ready; but they were wrong. On Christmas Eve, the Grinch decided to execute his evil plan several hours later than expected to trip up the Who’s. According to Jimmy, a local Who, “Even when we tried to guilt the Grinch with our heartwarming singing of ‘Fah who for-aze’ and ‘Dah who dor-aze,’ his heart would not grow a sin-
gle inch.” Unbeknownst to the Who’s, the Grinch recently had a level three heart transplant several months earlier from a rotten and loathsome donor, which made him almost ten times more bitter and merciless than before. Feelings of sadness and anger poured through the streets of Whoville after the incident. Some Who’s even went into complete states of shock and disbelief. “He almost always steals Christmas, but then gets cold feet half-way through,” said two-time, Christmas-saving champion Cindy Lou Who. “Everybody was kerbabbled.” Others, along with Santa, went around chanting for the imprisonment of the Grinch.
“Last year, and the year before, we invited him to our Christmas in Whoville celebration,” said Mayor Augustus Maywho. “Not this year, no way. He ‘slunked’ around our houses, stole our decorations and destroyed our presents just before Christmas day.” On the other hand, some optimistic Who’s were able to cope with the mess and still manage to celebrate. In prevention of another Grinch attack next year, the citizens of Whoville are currently working on a security system based on heavily armed guards, Who-dogs and nightly neighborhood watch to free the town of heartless, selfish, green, hairy men that closely resemble “a threedecker, saurkraut and toadstool sandwich with arsenic sauce,” wrote Whoexpert Theo Suess Geisel.
Eastside Humor Editor
So, I got this pair of socks for Christmas, right? Oh…my…gosh. No one will ever understand the level of excitment that is pulsing through my veins right now. Tearing through the flawlessly wrapped, silky smooth, Santa paper and opening that perfectly packaged package was most definitely the longest recorded suspenseful moment of my entire life. When I shook the box and heard absolutely nothing in there, I just knew that present was going to be epic. These socks have been
on my mind, and feet, from the moment I first laid eyes on them. I eat, sleep, run, shower and occasionally take Jasmine-scented bubble baths with them. The eccentric design of three red stripes on top a solid-white body completely excites me. Every time I think about those cotton beauties, I feel a shiver run down my spine. With every thread so carefully woven around the next, I don’t know how anyone could possibly resist such perfection. These socks made my Christmas the best one yet. Out of all the presents I got—a brand new MX-5 Mazda Miata, air hockey
Eastside Humor Editor
Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced today that they had managed to trace the circuitous course of a bread warmer originally given to Dan Jensen of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Jensen, 25, reported on Christmas that he had given the bread warmer, originally a gift from his mother, to his uncle for the man’s birthday. He was shocked to receive it as a Christmas
gift—-again from his mother. Special Agent Ross of the FBI said that he was, “amazed at the course this gift has taken. From Jensen’s uncle, it then went to his aunt, who gave it to a friend, who gave it to that friend’s niece, who gave it to her friend’s mom Michelle Obama, who gave it to her husband the President, who gave it to Vice President Biden, who gave it to Chairman of the Joint Chief ’s Admiral Mullen, who gave it to his
A True Critic Girl: Who is this? Boy: Some idiot covering Elton John. Suck it Up Girl: He’s gonna start crying. Boy: GOOD. The Ideal Man Boy: The key to popularity is to look like Bigfoot. Dog-Sitting Girl: You sat on my dog. Boy: He needed to be taught a lesson.
Tell it Again Girl 1: Then he was like, “what?” And I was like, “yeah.” Girl 2: Wow. Good story.
Kevin Cook (‘11)/ Eastside Art Director
Student’s reaction upon opening his present to find socks. table, four back-stage passes to the Justin Bieber concert and an all-paid expense for a week in Cabo—those socks were, without a doubt, the best. Some people say that the best things in life are free, but I say the best things in life are socks.
Holiday recap: The incredible journey of a bread warmer ■ By Jake Trommer (‘11)
Ultimate Gamer Boy: Are you ready for an intense match of chess?
Teacher’s Pet? Teacher: It doesn’t matter what you say to me, you’re still going to fail my class. Boy: I love your tie.
Holiday recap: Socks make best Christmas ever for East student ■ By Gina Villecco (‘11)
Art by Sally Yang (‘11)/ Eastside Managing Editor
wife, who gave it to her mother, who gave it to her step-grandson, who gave it to his friend, who gave it to his friend, who gave it to his mom, who gave it to Jensen’s mom, who finally gave it back to Jensen. It’s insane.” Jensen was reportedly quite bemused by the news. “I was all set for Christmas, and I see the same darn bread warmer,” Jensen said. “I really don’t know what I’ll do with it now. Probably regift it again.”
RUN Teacher: Seventh period, when the freshmen come, we’ll be hiding under the tables. Yes, Pop-Chips Girl: So, yesterday I bought Pop-Chips at Target and they were $2.99 and I was like, “POP-CHIPS?! POPCHIPS?!” Metaphorical Failure Girl: No party? WHAT. I brought cups. I slaved over a hot cabinet all night for these. Home-Echh Teacher: Some babies come out as butterball turkeys. Like, woah, you got a lil’ man inside you. The Unattainable Boy 1: Did he go to Yale or Harvard? Boy 2: Both. At the same time. Brain-Food Boy: My mom says that they help brains grow. I think it’s because they look like brains. Ever hear something completely ridiculous in the hallway? Tweet overheards to twitter.com/eastside_humor
Holiday recap: Family extends Chanukah from eight days to nine ■ By Gina Villecco (‘11) Eastside Humor Editor
A family of four went into a state of shock after accidentally celebrating nine days of Chanukah. According to Carl Steinberg, 50, the family “got carried away and did not realize all eight candles were already lit.”
However, according to Steinberg, when they tried to light the ninth candle, they finally realized how much damage they had caused. Now recuperating at the PostHoliday Trauma and Rehab Center of Philadelphia (PHTRCP), Steinberg and his family are doing everything they can to forgive and
forget. “It’s not like we’ve never celebrated Chanukah before,” said Carl’s wife, Betsy, 48. “It’s just so nice to spend time with the whole family before the kids go to college and only visit once or twice.” Twins Riley and Paul, 18, both agree that they are not as upset as their parents are.
According to Carl, once the Steinberg family is released from the Rehab Center, they vow to return all presents given on the ninth day of Chanukah and keep their holiday cheer under control next year. However, they, “really wish [they] could keep the ninth night’s presents,” said Riley.
COMICS Page 22
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January 2011
Lemon by Kevin Cook (‘11)/ Eastside Art Director
Procrastinitis by Joel Greenspan (‘13)/ For Eastside
Addicted by Tamir Lieber (‘11)/ For Eastside
Sea Wing by Maya Butler (‘14)/ Eastside Staff
Only on eastside-online.org... • • • • •
Find out more about the Eastside editors who became vegetarians and vegans for three weeks each. See videos of major events from the past few months. Catch up on winter sports scores. Have the time of your life reading thousands of stories written by your classmates. See photos of Snooki’s recent visit to F087. Oh, wait, no. Ignore that. We’re holding on to those for now.
SPORTS January 2011
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Page 23
Where is she now? Lacrosse superstar Sam Stern ■ By Max Cohen (‘12)
ask her to try harder,” said mous selection to the congame to the game of her Gatelein. ference’s All-Rookie Team teammates. Johnson With this lack of a her freshman year. This is expects Stern to rack up the assists in addition to superstar swagger, Stern nothing new for Stern, who Most great athletes are her already stellar goal set the bar high for her earned Lacrosse National bred to play the sport in total because she has teammates at East. High School Allwhich they developed a rapport with Always a team player, American status excel. It takes her teammates over the when asked to recall her after her senior the rare combifall. top accomplishments in season at East in nation of skill Stern’s former lacrosse lacrosse at East, Stern which she set a and persistcoach at East, Mrs. Kim remembers the South school record with ence to master Gatelein, knows why Stern Jersey duo single season 106 goals scored. a sport they has been able to succeed on scoring record she set with Although Stern have had limita higher level. teammate Alexa Ginsburg has collected an ed exposure to. (‘08). impressive array of Entering The only awards in her first her freshman thing defitwo years at the year at Cherry nite about college level, the Hill East, Sam S t e r n ’ s that Stern (‘08) had Courtesy of University of domination l acrosse occurred every never suited Vermont Athletics career is time she walked up for a that she has onto the field at lacrosse game. Four years the potenEast has subsided. later, she left East as the tial to domi“I walk onto the field best girls’ lacrosse player nate at and everyone is the in school history. Now, Vermont as same caliber as I am,” said Stern continues to put her she did at Stern. talents to use on and off East. As she Despite these modest the field at the University proved at sentiments, Stern has of Vermont. East, she begun to distinguish herStern has been racking can become self as a great player at the up the awards at the collean all-time collegiate level. She led giate level just as she did great at the team with 28 goals her at East. Not only has Ve r m o n t sophomore season and was Stern been recognized for with intense second on the team in her lacrosse, but also for effort and points with a total of 34. her dedication in the classdedication. This season, University room. Stern has been Courtesy of The Courier-Post After all, she of Vermont girls’ lacrosse Stern tears up an opposing defender. named to the America East made a coach Jen Johnson expects Conference Academic “Sam was very easy to mark on girls’ lacrosse Stern to be a solid conHonor Roll in both of her coach. She came prepared like no other in just four tributer. Johnson praises seasons at Vermont in every day. I never had to years. Stern’s ability to adapt her addition to being a unaniEastside Sports Editor
High School Achievements/Statistics - 3x South Jersey Lacrosse Association AllConference first team - 3x Courier Post All-South Jersey selection - US High School Lacrosse All-American her senior year - 106 goals as a senior; 246 for a career
College Achievements/Awards at Vermont - 2x America East Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (2008-09, 2009-10) - 2010 America East Women's Lacrosse All-Academic Team - 2009 America East All-Rookie Team - Team-high 28 goals her sophomore season
Girls’ chemistry looking sharp ■ By Oruny Choi (‘11) Eastside Staff
Entering the season, the girls’ basketball team faced enormous expectations in
often on the same team. This longevity as teammates has created cohesiveness on the court unseen on many teams. "I love playing with
Ben Taylor (‘11)/ Eastside Photo Editor
ing creates opportunities for each girl on the court. "We're all used to playing together. We're all connected [on the court] and we know what each person can do. We know Rae [Sisholtz] likes to shoot, we know Marie likes to spin," said DiBartolomeo. Remaining friends throughout elementary school and middle school, the senior girls have formed a sisterhood off the court. The bond that developed over the years translates to the team's success on the court. "We all get together and we know how to work as a team instead of as just as one person," said Sisholtz. This year's seniors are excited to play their last
season together and aim to make it memorable. “This year will be a good final closing of all of us playing together," said DiBartolomeo. Coach Kim has high expectations for this senior-dominant varsity team. "Playing together [for so long] will help the comfort level, I would think. Sometimes things can get a little tense [on the court],” said Keyack. "The expectations are high all around. They have the talent to accomplish great things. Winning the conference and a state championship is a realistic goal for [the girls]." The sky is the limit for these girls as they play their last season together.
DiBartolomeo, Boisvert, Sisholtz and Muniz at practice. Onu not pictured. the South Jersey basketball community. Despite tough competition, East’s team has a significant advantage over almost all of their opponents: many of the senior girls on the team have spent almost the entirety of their basketball lives playing together. Since Sharp Elementary School, Marie Boisvert (‘11), Caroline DiBartolomeo (‘11), Brittany Muniz (‘11), Michelle Onu (‘11) and Rachel Sisholtz (‘11) have consistently played in the same leagues,
these girls and we have a lot of chemistry playing on the court because we've played together for so long," said Muniz, the starting point guard. Although the girls have diverted paths at times on the court and played as rivals, such as in middle school, when Onu attended Rosa, they picked up right where they left off once they arrived at East. Each girl understands the abilities of the other four on the court to a tee. This mutual understand-
Courtesy of Caroline DiBartolomeo
The girls won together in elementary school too.
Logo by Diana Li (‘12)/ Eastside Staff
East Talk with Dillon and Max How do East’s winter sports teams deal with high expectations? Max: Many teams faced high expectations this winter sports season. The boys’ basketball team faced these expectations understanding the leadership abilities of star Chris Santo (‘11). The team is fueled completely by the desire to win Coach Valore a championship. Dillon: The girls’ basketball team is made up of several senior players who all look to exceed their expectation as a topfive team in South Jersey. What people fail to realize is that it’s not only the seniors who impact this team. Key bench player Darby Festa (‘13) will help this team reach the playoffs. Max: Girls’ swimming is also predicted to be in the top five of South Jersey. They rely heavily on their top swimmers who remain unfazed by the pressure. Sam Sides (‘11) and Marlee Ehrlich (‘12) try to take the pressure off of the younger swimmers by dominating their own races. With such a young team where almost half of the girls are freshmen, they realize they have to lead by example and make sure they win their own races. Dillon: The boys’ swim team always seems to finish among the top in South Jersey, and with an experienced team led by Joe Petrone (‘13) and several good senior swimmers, they should once again make it to the finals as they thrive for first place. Max: Another team with extremely high expectations this season is the winter track team. After the 4x400 relay team reached the national competition last year, they are expected to do well again. Despite the loss of Terrence Owens (‘10) due to graduation, the other three runners must use their experience to compensate for his loss. Dillon: The last team that has high expectations to live up to is the boys bowling team, which is dealing with the loss of Jason Cornog (‘11), who chose to forgo his amateur eligibility. He was their best bowler for the past two years.
SPORTS January 2011
EASTSIDE
Page 24
Tsakiris skates to qualify for Olympics ■ By Dillon Rosenblatt (‘11)
2014 Winter Olympics for figure skating. Since half of her family Sitting in East’s classlives in Greece, she said rooms is a girl whom most she would represent them. students The upcomknow as just ing Olympics M a r i a will be in Tsakiris S o c h i , (‘11). Russia, but Tsakiris is traveling an ice skater. comes off as Not only is no surprise she an ice to her. She skater, but has skated in she is among Italy, Czech the elite Republic, class of Croatia and Maria Tsakiris (‘11) skaters with F r a n c e . the chance to make the Tsakiris is also the threeOlympics. She is in the peat Junior-National midst of qualifying for the Greek champion, which takes place in Athens, Greece every year. The origin of how her career started is a story unto itself. When she was seven years old, she said she rollerskated every Saturday with her friends and she decided to try iceskating. “We took group lessons and the coach came up to me and [suggested] that I should take private lessons,” said Tsakiris. She continued to further her skating career simply because she loves doing it. “Doing what I love Kevin Yoo (‘12)/ Eastside Staff Tsakiris skates during prac- and being able to entertain everyone who is tice at The Igloo. Eastside Sports Editor
watching is amazing. Just the feeling you get for putting on a show for others to see… everything is about me out there.
“Time just stops and I feel like nothing else is going on in the world but me skating.”
Kevin Yoo (‘12)/ Eastside Staff
Time just stops and I feel like nothing else is going on in the world but me skating and the adrenaline rush is amazing,” said Tsakiris. Tsakiris wasn’t always as calm as she is now on the ice. She had to deal with anxiety problems a few years ago and decided to switch coaches. She said her new coach, Julia Kuznetsova, has taught her so much over the past two years
Five reasons why East’s boys’ swim team will do better than last year ■ By Chris Sardone (‘11)
Joe Cucinotti has welcomed his role this year with open arms. He has been doing a phenomenal job of keeping the team working hard every practice as well as focused on our season goals. 2. Our team has many talented swimmers. One in particular is Joe Petrone (‘13). As a freshman, he was state champion in the
line-up, those superstars cannot win meets all by For Eastside themselves. We have so Chris Sardone is a key much talent in the many leader/captain on the varoutside lane swimmers sity boys’ swim team. that strive to get those fourth and fifth places durUnrecognized on a daying races. These small to-day basis, the student point contributions add up athletes of the Cherry Hill during the post-season. East men’s swim team 4. This year, our practice have been very successful schedule has changed drathe past few seasons. The matically. Every practice, Cougars not only won Coach encourages us to the sectional champiget as much yardage in onship, but also during the limited hour secured a spot in the that we have each day state finals, where we for practice. By managfinished our season ing our time wisely and number two in the working hard, our team state. With the 2010has been able to com2011 swimming seaplete upwards of 3500 son already underyards per practice to way, we have high keep us ready for compehopes to perform just tition. as successfully. Here 5. Finally, we compenare the top five reasated for our losses sons why our team Rebecca Mulberg (‘12)/ Eastside Video Editor because of graduation. has the potential to Sardone swims the butterfly stroke. After losing a strong finish number-one in senior class, we knew the state this season. 500-yard freestyle race, that we needed a great 1. In the past season the and returned this year to deal of talent in order to swim team lost two great defend that title. Petrone place as high as we did leaders, however gained is a pivotal part of our last season. Many of our four more. Wesley Ho (‘11), team’s line-up, as he not underclassmen have risen Mike Krohn (‘11) and I only excels in the pool but to the occasion during the have made it a point this also shows great sportsoffseason and really season to lead by example. manship and leadership worked hard. Swimmers We organize team funcout of the pool with his felincluding Eric Anderson tions and serve as role low teammates. (‘12), Dan Hagedorny (‘12) models in and out of the 3. An important factor and Austin Weitz (‘12) are pool for the underclassthat sets our team apart ready to fill the key roles men, instilling a true sense from the competition is in the line-up this year, of teamwork in the swimdepth. Although we have taking on much more mers. In addition, Coach some “superstars” in our responsibility in meets.
that she no longer has problems with anxiety. “At local competitions when my friends are with me, I socialize before I have to skate, which keeps me relaxed,” said Tsakiris. She also said that for competitions in other countries, she listens to music to calm her nerves. “Usually Lady Gaga [music] helps me stay calm,” she said. Skating does not come easy to Tsakiris though. Being an ice-skater, she must maintain a healthy diet. “I have to stay lean and muscular, so I eat fish and vegetables. I don’t eat too much red meat, but I have to sometimes for the protein. I mainly just eat a lot of fruits and vegetables,” said Tsakiris, who added that she has to stay small so it’s easier to jump. Since attending a faraway college and skating would be difficult for her, she will go to school at Rutgers-Camden so she can continue to do what she loves and stay close to her coach.
Tsakiris’ Daily Skating Schedule Tsakiris skates at The Igloo in Mt. Laurel, NJ six days a week.
Monday Skating: 1:15 - 3:00 p.m. Ballet: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday Skating: 1:15 - 3:00 p.m. 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. "Off-ice" (conditioning class): 5:45 - 6:45 p.m.
Wednesday Skating: 1:15 - 3:00 p.m. Ballet: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: Skating: 1:15 - 3:00 p.m. 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Friday: Skating: 1:15 - 3:00 p.m. 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. "Off-ice" (conditioning class): 5:45 - 6:45 p.m.
Saturday: Skating: 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Sunday: Her one day off * Tsakiris also uses the rink’s bike machines at various times during the week.
Lussier wrestles his way up the South Jersey leaderboard ■ By Hank Davis (‘13) Eastside Editorial Assistant
Rock and rap music blast through his earphone buds as Brian Lussier (‘11) musters up energy to win an upcoming match. Lussier’s record last year consisted of 29 wins and four losses, making him one of the top wrestlers in South Jersey. He has been a varsity wrestler since his freshman year. Lussier’s work ethic has developed to meet his needs as a top wrestler, and he has gained many wrestling experiences over thirteen years. However, being a successful wrestler doesn’t come easily. Lussier trains by running, lifting and practicing every day. Not only does he work out, but he also watches his diet to maintain his weight and health. Lussier said he cuts out all the junk food and soda in his diet. He does not consider eating healthy a difficult task because it makes him feel better about his wrestling body. Throughout the off-season, Lussier practices so he can live up to his own high expectations. His coaches, teammates, family and friends serve as motivation for him to be successful. “I expect [Brian Lussier] to be a state champion at 189 pounds this season.
This is a very realistic goal,” said Mr. Michael B r o w n , E a s t wrestling coach. Brown has known Lussier for eight years and has watched him grow tremendously as an individual. “He is [internally] driven and has one of the best work ethics that I have seen in my eleven years at East. Lussier has risen to be a team leader and has stopped to help the underclassmen and his teammates grow as a team,” said Brown. Outside of East’s wrestling team, Lussier participates in different wrestling clubs. He is considering continuing his career through college; Rider University and York College have been scouting him. Lussier not only defeats opponents, but he also leads and motivates his teammates to do the best they can. One of the captains this season, Lussier can solidify his status as an East wrestling great by potentially becoming a member of the exclusive 100-win club, which currently has two members in East’s history.