Friday, October 1, 2010
Volume XX, No. 2
Pages 2-3 Summer News Photo and Design by Riley Champine
San Rafael, CA
Page 12 Pregame Rituals
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News
October 1, 2010
Happenings around the globe that you should know
From Russian spies to the World Cup, while we were enjoying our two month long summer breaks, the world was busy. This past summer, countries from all around the world had their own experiences that won’t be forgetten. Here are some of the top stories from this summer that are important for you to know.
LOVE PARADE During German music festival “The Love Parade” on July 24th 21 people were killed and 500 wounded when a stampede broke out. Concertgoers pushed forward until they were jammed into an underpass, trampled, and suffocated. This event raises safety concerns at future music festivals all over the world and contributed to the decision to cancel San Francisco’s “Lovefest” in September.
AFGHAN DISCOVERY
The U.S. discovered mineral resources in Afghanistan valued in excess of $1 trillion. Lithium, gold, copper, and iron have been found in the mountains. This new discovery could aid Afghanistan’s economy and raises hopes for the end result of the U.S.’ involvement there.
FLOODING IN PAKISTAN 14 million Pakistanis were displaced during two weeks of disastrous flooding. More than 1,600 people have been killed in these flash floods in what the U.N. has called one of the biggest humanitarian disasters in years.
RIOT IN CHINA
150 people died in ethnic riots in the city of Urumqi, China, caused by the racial tension between the Han Chinese and Muslim Uighurs. China is set to execute those responsible for the riots.
RUSSIAN SPIES
The U.S agreed to swap 10 Russian spies in the United States’ custody for the return of four alleged U.S spies captured in Russia. These Russian spies had been monitored by the F.B.I for approximately a decade before they were captured and swapped on July 9th.
WORLD CUP
The World Cup took place in South Africa this summer. Spain beat Holland to win the cup. The next World Cup will take place in Brazil in 2014.
SOMALI REBELS
Somali rebels attacked the U.N. and foregin aid groups this summer. The threat of kidnappings drove the U.N. to leave the country temporarily.
Image Souces: World Robinson Projection Map with Country Outlines, www.picsicio.us Writing and Reporting by Lucy Sogard and Lauren Thomas Layout by Ruby James and Riley Champine
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News
October 1, 2010
We’re going places: wildcats travel the world Senior Laura Schrier went to Paraguay with the program Amigos de Las Americas and spent two months in a rural community with one other volunteer from the U.S. Every day, Schrier taught environmental health at local the school and worked on projects with the community.
To expand his love of adventure, junior David Fisher traveled to New Zealand with Rustic Pathways. He participated in several thrilling activities. Morocco
New Zealand
Sophomore Will Zesiger traveled to Spain, Morocco, and Paris with his family. For Will, the most exotic and memorable place he visited was Morocco.
David Fish “O ne of m y m an y ad ve nt ur er es , bungy jumping 440 feet in the ai r,” said Fisher, “w as so exhilaratin g and one of th e best experien ces of my life.”
er
Doug Zesig
ow that and so narr p e e st ry e were v ill “The streets t down them,” said W fi ’t cars couldn
e
Noah Prudhomm
ren,” s g group of child in ir sp in , le ib cred “They are an in . id Wilton sa
Cambodia
Freshman Hannah Wilton worked at an orphanage in Cambodia called Center for Children’s Happiness. The children are all rescued from the garbage dumps of Phnom Phen or from the streets.
Paraguay
Kelsey Casp “It was an am ersen azing experie nce that had an enormous impact on m y life and the way I view th e world,” Sch rier said.
Olivia Glick
ok,” said the classes I to om fr h uc m word of “I learned so uldn’t speak a co I gh ou th n Glick, “eve French.”
France
Junior Olivia Glick traveled to Paris with the academic program Oxbridge, where she immersed herself in Parisian culture and took classes that fostered her love of art history and architecture.
Becca Rich
I learned so e,” said Rich, “and “I had a great tim e stories they ople I met and th much from the pe told.”
Senior Becca Rich spent three weeks in Maine at a summer camp called Seeds of Peace International Camp. There were teens from the Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Palestine Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
Writing and reporting by Ruby James, Ella Storey, and Avery Hale Maine Layout and Graphics by Ruby James Country maps from schools.look4.net/geography
Features
4
October 1, 2010
Wait, who is that? New People to find on Campus Jennifer Christensen, who previous-
ly worked as a college advisor at Sonoma Academy, has joined the college counseling department. She loves spending time with her two dogs and has a strong obsession with Harry Potter. The incredible school spirit at MA has pleasantly surprised her. She invites all students to stop by her office and grab some candy. Written by Matt Waxman
Alisa Haller is the new photography
teacher, taking place of Jenny Rosenburg while she is on maternity leave. At home she finds herself busy with a 3-year-old daughter and her beloved dog. Haller has previously worked at University High School and also spent time as a freelance photographer. She is astonished by the quality of the teachers at MA, and is excited to begin a career here. Written by Matt Waxman
Matt Waxman
Matt Waxman
Lisa Tsubouchi ‘06 is back on campus until November, taking over Hideko Akashi’s Japanese IV class. Tsubouchi studied at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, and then transferred to Lewis and Clark, where she earned her BA in foreign languages. She feels teaching Japanese will be a good starting point for her career, but ultimately hopes to teach English abroad in the future. Written by Julia Irwin Julia Irwin
Evelyn Tseng will be joining the World
Languages departnement by teaching all Chinese classes. Tseng was born in Taiwan, came to the Unites States when she was 15, and went to college in California. Tseng moved up to Marin County two years ago when she taught in the Petaluma public school, she founded their first Chinese program. Her goal here is to help students achieve their goals of speaking the language well, be able to use it in their daily lives, and have an appreciation for Chinese and Asian culture.
Eric Slamovich
Written by Eric Slamovich
Megan Wheeler has joined the college
counseling department as an assistant, coordinating college visits, entering data, and providing general administrative support. Wheeler attended San Mateo High School and majored in communications at the University of Pacific in Stockton. Because her sister is Dean of Students Lynne Hansen, she was familiar with the school before starting the job, and her desire to be involved with it is one of the reasons she joined us this year. Julia Irwin
Written By Julia Irwin
Rebecca Young, after leaving MA in 2005
to get her graduate degree, has returned to teach a semester of freshman biology, and to replace Susan Adams as learning services coordinator. In this capacity, she works with students who have learning differences to make a learning profile, identify learning strengths and challenges, and arrange academic accommodations. She also helps her students advocate for themselves. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, running, and biking. Written by Julia Irwin Julia Irwin
October 1, 2010
Nicole Klaymoon , MA’s new Hip
Tess Winston
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Features
Hop teacher, has been bopping around to Tina Turner and Paula Abdul in hot pink spandex since she was 7 years old. Klaymoon gave up the trumpet so she could “bust a move” with her father to Stevie Wonder songs. Besides dancing, she kept ducks and a praying-mantis as pets when she was a child. She has taught at The Branson School, San Francisco University High School, Oberlin Dance Collective, Destiny Arts Center, and Roco Dance Academy.
Written by Tess Winston
Vielka Hoy has assumed the role of lead
director of the Crossroads program and will return as an assistant when Lauren Toker comes back from maternity leave. A California native, Hoy went to New York University where she attempted to build a career as a stand-up comedian. After getting her Ph.D. at UC Berkeley, Hoy joined Crossroads and will be starting her fifth year in the program this year.
Kelly Harvard is the assistant to the
athletic director, and coordinates the school sports programs. She’s returning full-time this year after being a temporary replacement for the prior assistant. Harvard previously worked mainly for non-profits, including the American Cancer Society and the Marin AIDS Project. As a college student she studied abroad in Thailand. Written by Annie Warner Annier Warner
Jared Baird will be joining the staff as an
English teacher, filling in for English teacher Jim Baldwin who is on sabbatical for a semester. Baird has always enjoyed studying English and reading. His favorite books are “Midnight’s Children” and “Mumbo Jumbo”. He has a BA in Classical Studies and an MA in teaching English. His favorite TV show is “The Wire”, and his favorite movie is “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”. Baird is also a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School. Written by Alex Clayman
Jon Bretan is the new Chemistry teach-
er. Bretan started out as a chemical engineering major at UC Berkeley, but switched to studying astrophysics. He enjoys watching Written by Annie Warner “Futurama” and “Mythbusters”, is an avid Annie Warner runner, and won the Marin County Marathon in April. Bretan is also an experienced luthier (someone who repairs string instru ments). In addition to joining the Science department, Bretan is co-coaching the Cross Carinne country team. Written by Alex Clayman Lemaire-George, who will be teaching French II and V honors, previously taught at Miller Creek Middle Nicole School, Terra Linda High School and Jensen is teaching three freshman Casa Grande High School. According to biology classes and one advanced biology George, MA has a lot more spirit and opclass. Because of her love of the outdoors, portunities than her high school in France she has also taken on mentoring the Ecodid and she loves the comfortable atmoAction club. Jensen taught AP psycholsphere. Unlike the stereotypical French ogy and biology at the Harker School in person, George shocks people when she San José before coming to MA. Be sure tells them she’s a vegetarian; however, to check out Thatcher’s windowsill for a she still loves cheese! view of her trusty sidekick Spud, the lively Tess Winston
Written by Tess Winston
Alex Clayman
Avery Hale
bearded dragon.
Written by Annie Warner
Annie Warner
Faculty and Staff Additions 2010-2011
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Features
October 1,
Allah, Adonai,
Rel
In the news... Ever since Sept. 11, being a Muslim in America has meant having to deal with negative stereotypes and connotations associated with the Islamic faith. A recent proposition, dubbed Park51, has only heightened this religious tension. Park51 or The Cordoba Initiative refers to a project proposed to the lower Manhattan Board regarding the construction of a nine-story community center. This proposition includes a mosque that will be built on 45-51 Park Place, approximately two blocks from Ground Zero. According to its website, Park51 will be dedicated to “pluralism, service, arts and culture, education and empowerment, appreciation for our city and a deep respect for our planet.” Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf is the man who proposed this project, and he will also serve as the religious center’s leader. Rauf’s mission, as written on their website, is to create an institution dedicated to “diversity” and “Muslim traditions,” which will affect the nearly 600,000 Muslim residents of New York City and its surrounding suburbs. Although many are in favor of this project, President Obama, City Council speaker Christine C. Quinn, and current New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, there is also enough resistance to cause a public dispute. “Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country. That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances,” said President Obama in a statement regarding the controversy. “This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable.” These comments alone created quite a stir, especially amongst conservative politicians such as Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich, Rudolph Giuliani, and the Anti-Defamation League. The aforementioned parties are
opposed to the construction of an Islamic cultural center. “Placing the center close to the site of the late World Trade Center will not promote healing, and as for promoting a ‘better understanding of their religion’ it would certainly be a constant reminder of the evil it’s capable of,” said Ethel C. Fenig, writer for the conservative Internet publication “American Thinker”. Many Sept. 11 victims and their families, as well as New York City residents agree that building an Islamic center so close to the site of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks is “insensitive” and “not a politically smart move,” said Muslim-American and New York City resident Malik Nadeem Abid in a “New York Times” interview. Regardless of this opposition, Park51 has seen advancement in its plans. “I am very confident that we can find a way for both the landmark concept and the development of the mosque to move forward,” said Quinn in mid-May at a press conference. True to her words, May 25 marked the day that the Community Board No. 1, which deals with Park Street and lower Manhattan, voted in favor of the Islamic Cultural Center, with an overwhelming support ratio of 29-to-1. Despite the support that the proposition received in court, the public has not had quite the same response. Park51 has spurred hate-related events such as “Burn a Quran Day.” The controversy has also hit the youth. According to “The New York Times”, a group of New York teenagers were recently charged for soliciting a mosque and harassing its members. Whether this community is supportive or opposed to the construction of the mosque, the controversy certainly challenges Islam’s stance with the American people, Marin Academy included.
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Features
, 2010
, Atman, Amen:
ligion’s role on and off campus In our community... Our community is diverse in cultures and religions, yet at times, talking about these differences can be difficult. Recognized or not, this diversity is an omnipresent and critical factor in the student body.
“I feel like religion isn’t discussed much at all here. However, I would still say everyone is very accepting,” said Catholic sophomore Anne Williams. Non-religious freshman Ruby Baumbaugh says that she has not heard any talk of religion since the start of her year. “I don’t think people discuss religion a lot, but I also don’t think [it’s because] people worry about offending people. I think this is a
Writing and reporting by Lena Felton, Olivia Lloyd, Andrew Miller and Ilana Salant Layout and design by Riley Champine, Katie Eiseman and Lauren Thomas Background photo by Talia Krahling
place where everyone can be who they are, including what their religious standpoint may be,” Baumbaugh said. “Religion is really only brought up in class,” said senior Andrew Hove. “I think we’re really politically correct here. And I also think a lot of people just aren’t religious.” The only religious club on campus is Jew Crew. Led by senior Zia Grossman-Vendrillo and juniors Joseph Kind, Maranda Barry, and Jennifer Katz, Jew Crew celebrates Jewish tradition by discussing the religion in today’s world and leading cultural activities. Sanjai Moses, Dean of Multi-Cultural Life, was asked about the club. “I think that, for so many people, Judaism is not just a faith or a religion but more of a culture,” she said. “When you go to the meetings, they’re not necessarily talking about the Torah.” Sophomore Cameron Stanton, a moderate Christian, would like to see the
number of religious clubs increased. “I don’t see Christianity being represented at all,” Stanton said. “I think that’s because Christians here don’t express their beliefs.” Moses addressed the lack of representation of other religions at MA as well. “We’ve had students on this campus who have been Seventh Day Adventists, Mormons, Johovah’s Witnesses, and just Christians who have literally hid in the closet about their religious beliefs,” Moses said. Hinduism is one of the smaller religious groups on campus, but when asked if she would like to see it represented in a club on campus, Hindu junior Maya Sampath was hesitant. “Some people might come to learn more about Hinduism, but it would not be as many people as a club like Jew Crew,” Sampath said. “Hinduism is not known as much and people may not feel comfortable with it.” While many of the interviewed students felt that MA was accepting of all religions, sophomore Max Norman disagreed. “I feel there is some anti-Semitism here at MA,” Norman said. “I am a Jew in a cultural sense, not practicing, but I have heard some anti-Semitic things.” In the world today, religion is everywhere we look except, according to many students, on campus. “I think that religion is an important part of society,” said junior Andrew Schleeter. “But I would like to see it addressed more at MA.”
8
A&E
October 1, 2010
Summer entertainment to last through autumn “Water for Elephants”
Swedish writer and journalist Steig Larsson’s bestselling series has taken the world by storm, selling more than 20 million copies of his trilogy in 41 countries. “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” is a crime-mystery novel that tells the story of journalist Mikael Blomvist. Blomvist arrives at a small Swedish town and teams up with Lisbeth Salander, a genius 24-year-old computer hacker. Together, they investigate the disappearance of a young royal from one of Sweden’s wealthiest families. Mikael and Lisbeth delve deeper, exposing the horrifying secrets within the royal family. ‘“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” quickly becomes one of those books that is impossible to stop thinking about, even after it’s finished,” said sophomore Keli Sherwood. “Between the shocking evidence that is unearthed and the tangled web of intrigue, this is a book that makes for a riveting read.”
Depressed and lost, Jacob Jankowski jumps onto a passing train without any idea of the consequences. He soon discovers that the train he has boarded is actually a circus that makes rounds in different cities each night. Jacob is accepted into the circus community as a caretaker for the circus animals. It is here that Jacob takes a special liking to the nearly untrainable Rosie the elephant, and falls for the married equestrian star, Marlena. An amazing period piece set during America’s Great Depression, “Water for Elephants” is an unforgettable read. “Water for Elephants is an illustrious look at life on the road as a circus performer,” said freshman Taylor Galla. Sara Gruen’s compelling and gritty novel has quickly become a best-seller, and is definitely worth a read.
BOOKS
“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”
“Inception”
“‘The Kids Are Alright’ is probably the most recent movie I’ve seen in which I could really identify with,” said senior Chloé Ouyang. “In the movie, the teenage daughter leaves for college, and it was the first time that I could see myself going off as well because of how realistic it was. “The Kids are Alright” didn’t glamorize or distort reality- and it really hit home for me.” Written and directed by Lisa Cholodenko, the film is about the son and daughter of a lesbian couple who contact their biological father. The unconventional family tries to develop a relationship with the father and eventually lets his presence influence the family dynamic for the better.
“Inception” caused audiences to revel at the notion that reality may be ambiguous. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Dom Cobb, a skilled thief in an interesting dimension of work; he doesn’t steal from banks or homes, but rather thoughts from the minds of his victims. His latest and most high profile job, though, seems nearly impossible: inception, in which a thought is planted into a mind. As DiCaprio travels further and further, moviegoers will become more and more enthralled by the complexity and cleverness of the film. “It kept me at the edge of my seat the entire time,” said sophomore Peter Krebs, “and I hope to see it again.” try to understand it better.”
MOVIES
“The Kids Are All Right”
“Rokstarr”
“Brothers”
agree with the popular vote. “[Taio’s] music typifies the mindless fodder that populates the iTunes Top 10 these days,” he said, “and his hollow lyrics simply pollute the airwaves. ‘Saying hey-oh’: I’m saying heck no.”
MUSIC
It is more than likely that students and faculty heard tracks from Taio Cruz’s party anthem album “Rokstarr,” either blasting through car radios or being played at soirées this summer. Released in June, Cruz’s album is100% party ready. The songs’ heavy bass lines and catchy choruses make it apparent that dancing is essential to truly enjoying the album Though the easy-listening music was embraced by America as a whole this summer, senior Johnny Winston doesn’t
The Black Keys, a two-man, alternative rock band, released their new album “Brothers” in May. “I like the driving force through half of their tracks. It’s steady and repetitive, but not enough to get boring,” said sophomore August Larmer DiFillipo. “I also appreciate how there are only two members in the band, yet they are able to create the sound of a five-person band.” Writing and reporting by Charlotte Lobdell, Maddy Scheer, Lena Felton, and Adam Perlestein
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A&E
October 1, 2010
Fall TV line up: what to watch
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Greig Stein Staff Writer
One of the only T.V. musical shows, “Glee” strikes the perfect balance between music, comedy and drama. It is a show following a high-school glee club that competes against other schools. Don’t be ashamed to sing along; it is almost hard not to. “This fall I’m definitely going to be watching it,” said junior Tyler Sylla. “It’s got great writing, and most of the time I like their songs, too.”
“Modern Family,” in its second season, follows the sometimes chaotic and always quirky lives of everyday families.The show brings out the humor in today’s family unit, and is a reminder of the joys that can be found in every day family time. “It’s easy to relate to each family and the things they’re going through,” said junior Yuriko Vaughan. “It makes me value my family life a lot more.”
“The Office” is putting out what may be its final season with its star Steve Carell. Never before has something as simple as the lives of office workers been so funny. A definite show not to miss, as it may never be the same without Carell’s Mr. Scott. “I always love watching ‘The Office’,” said senior Alex Muresanu. “It has a different kind of humor than most shows, which I really like.”
This fall “Smallville” returns for its tenth and final season. ‘Smallville’ follows the lives of superheroes, and focuses on Superman’s life before his fame. Whether sick, grounded or just feel like staying home on a Friday, make sure to tune in to watch the final episodes of this comic book inspired show.
“Glee” FOX 8pm
“Modern Family” ABC 8pm
“The Office” NBC 9pm
“Smallville” The CW 8pm
If ever in need of a fresh dose of drama, “Gossip Girl” has plenty of it and always keeps viewers on their toes. It follows the lives of privileged college kids in New York City. “It’s basically a bunch of hot guys in indie clothing hanging out with a bunch of pretty girls in equally indie clothing. What’s not to like?” said junior Evy Roy.
“Gossip Girl” The CW 9pm
Graphics by Riley Champime
Image Sources: http://blog.nola.com/, http://4.bp.blogspot.com/, http://www.metronews.ca/, http://www.tvsquad.com/, http://blastmagazine.com/
Theater company will rock the cradle this fall Sam Pritzker A&E Editor
On November 4 - 6, the Marin Academy theater company will thrill the community with their rendition of “The Cradle will Rock.” As New York Times writer Anthony Tommasini describes, “[This] is a landmark musictheater work that audiences have heard about but seldom get to see.” The production centers on capitalist avarice and the persecution of the workingman in 1937. “The Cradle will Rock” was originally a part of the Federal Theatre Project, a New Deal undertaking to finance theater productions during the Great Depression. “Jim Baldwin and Nancy Hoffman approached David and I, and suggested we might find a show that would relate to some facet of the MA curriculum,” said co-director Annie Elias. “I am very excited for this production, particularly as many students will be able to relate
to it on an academic level.” Another rousing aspect of this season’s theater production is that it is a musical rather than a
production,” said Elias, “but the fact that this is a musical makes the auditioning process more complex and angst-ridden. It’s unfortunate
However, a number of students felt relatively calm about needing to be talented in both singing and acting. “I felt the atmosphere was pretty lowpressure for most of us,” said junior Tyler Sylla. “I think the fact that so many of us felt amateur about singing helped everyone feel a lot more relaxed about the musical aspect of the audition. We also felt good knowing that the play was an ensemble, with no part being that much more stressful than the others.” Many members from the class of 2013 will make up the more prominent roles in the produc-
tion, including (but certainly not limited to): Maia Sinaiko, Henry Begler, and Haley Schwartz. The remaining parts will go to various other students who are adept at both singing and acting. “Overall, the music and acting in the production is really interesting and complex,” said junior Maya Rhine. “It also reveals quite a few of MA’s hidden talents.” The fusion of these talents will manifest in “The Cradle will Rock,” a rare opportunity for MA actors and actresses, as well as for the community at large.
“It is awesome that
this is a musical because we can more readily integrate MA musicians into the production.”
Anna Kelly
straight play. “It is awesome that this is a musical because we can more readily integrate MA musicians into the
when we get a student who would excellently play a role as an actor, but can’t do the vocals (and vice versa).”
10
Opinion
October 1, 2010
It’s time to start the conversation about religion Perhaps we do not talk about spent at church services, area lo- with the church is to be stereotyped to Easter, there are members of religion very often in this commu- cals are more likely to be found at as an anti-gay, anti-abortion con- our community who abstain from nity because we cannot see anoth- the farmer’s market or on the hik- servative, a label that sets any in- some indulgence in observance of er person’s religion dividual apart simply by looking at from the Bay him. And because we Area’s majoroften don’t know the ity. religious identities of And still, those we are addressalthough it is ing, we run the risk not as popular of being offensive. as Eco-counIn a community cil or lacrosse, where we strive to religion is embrace and celepracticed by brate diversity, our members of deep fear of offendour commuing others has created nity. Every a history of religious September silence. Now is the when the stuKatie Eiseman time to break the sident body celInformation taken from the 2010 U.S. Census. lence and start up ebrates two Results based on lunch-line poll of 50 students. conversations about days off for ing trails. If an individual replaces the High Holy Days of the Jew- Lent. During the ninth month of faith. The Bay Area as a whole is an environmental consciousness with ish religion, there is a group of the Islamic calendar, there are inextremely liberal and secular com- religious faithfulness, he or she is students and teachers who spends dividuals walking around campus munity. While Sunday mornings in at risk of being labeled in unfavor- their days in synagogue. Each who fast from dawn until sunset in many other parts of the country are able ways. To identify one’s self year for the 40 days leading up honor of Ramadan. There are sure-
ly other religious practices that take place within our community and yet, as a whole, they proceed unrecognized. This unappreciated diversity at our school ought to be brought out for discussion. There are beliefs, life lessons, traditions, food and song that can be enjoyed by all. Whether this takes place organically or through an all-inclusive religious forum is not important. What is important is that we Katie Eiseman take the risk to begin religious dialogue. Only then can we truly understand, let alone accept and respect, an important aspect of many community members’ lives: religion.
Continuously changing our religious stripes Max Weiss Opinion Editor Several mornings ago, I walked into my kitchen for breakfast and helped myself to a heaping pile of bacon, washing down the delicious food with a large glass of chocolate milk. Nothing seems out of place about this—apart from the fact that I’m discussing my eating habits in a newspaper. Here’s a hint: I’m Jewish. Given the very large population of Jews at our school, I think that many readers will be able to guess what is wrong with my meal: It isn’t Kosher. In fact, it is about as far from Kosher as you can get. If I were to eat my breakfast in front of an Orthodox Jew, combining meat and dairy, I might as well denounce my faith right then and there. I identify as Jewish. Yet, I do not feel even the slightest shame that I do not follow the religious laws that dictate what people of
my religion are allowed to eat. I am also not the only one who feels this way. This is the 21st Century, and religion isn’t what it used to be. The best way to describe my religious affinity is “Jewish chameleon.” I change my level of observance depending on what the situation merits. Although I almost never observe Shabbat on Friday nights when I am at home, to skip it when I am in the company of my relatives--two of whom are rabbis-is shameful. To the surprise of many of my friends who have never seen me show any inclination to be religious, I can recite the prayers for Shabbat. However, once I am back at home and in a community where it
is not the norm to be religious, I revert to my casual practices. It is not that I am even remotely ashamed of being Jewish. I am extremely proud of my faith. I just do not feel the need to follow its absolute doctrine. I know I am not the only one who feels this way. Observe the school cafeteria on any given day and you will see members of Jew Crew munching on a pork chop. Yet these members also attend Avery Hale services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur every year, just as I do. This just goes to show that for many of today’s youth, religion is simply about being a good chameleon.
marin academy voice The Marin Academy Voice is a student-run newspaper published free from faculty or administrative censorship or prior review. Unsigned editorials represent the views of the entire staff. Columns represent the views of the writer, not necessarily those of this paper. If you have any questions or would like to receive The Voice, please send a request to voice@ma.org. Editors-in-Chief Katie Eiseman Lauren Thomas News Editor Ruby James Features Editor Neha Budhraja Op-Ed Editor Max Weiss Sports Editor Marshall Levensohn A&E Editor Sam Pritzker Copy Editors Olivia Lloyd Andrew Miller Faculty Advisor Mary Collie
Staff Everett Barger Alex Claman Lena Felton Avery Hale Julia Irwin Charlotte Lobdell Adam Perlstein Ilana Salant Claire Schurz Maddy Scheer Eric Slamovich Allie Smith Lucy Sogard Greig Stein Ella Storey Anie Warner Matt Waxman Tess Winston
11
Opinion
October 1, 2010
Don’t like your schedule? Welcome to the War Room Karen Jacobsen Guest Writer Ever wonder why you have four of your hardest classes on the DEFG days and your free, your art class, and your easiest academic class on ABC days? Well, you can blame me! One of my jobs as registrar is to help create a unique schedule for every student in the school. It’s a long process that begins when your teachers make their recommendations for the classes they think will suit you best for the following year. Next, you and your parents meet with your advisor in the spring to discuss your choices and preferences for next year. All your choices are then entered into a software program. That’s when the fun begins! Joe Harvey, the academic
dean, and I get locked into room for two or three days to build the master schedule. I like to call it the War Room. There’s a lot of arm waving and shouting. There are so many issues that need to be considered when making a schedule for over 400 students. We consider teacher schedules, classroom availability, conflicting classes, etc. Let’s face it: it’s hard to make 400 kids and 53 teachers completely happy. We try not to schedule teachers more than two classes per day. We try to make sure the students’ schedules are balanced, with a free on even days. It’s impossible to make that happen!
Max Weiss
Karen Jacobsen expresses her frustration over the scheuduling process.
Let’s take, for example, freshman Human Development. With five sections of human development, two teachers and one classroom, one section is going to have to be on an odd day. Once we have the master schedule built (with teachers and classes and blocks and classrooms), Joe and I then carefully look at each student’s schedule. We look at your first choices and what your priorities are, and we work really hard in getting you in those classes. We spend all of June and part of July doing this. And still, you might wonder why you didn’t get your first choice of an English elective, for example. Well,
you were probably not alone in wanting that class. With 78 rising juniors putting Personal & Expos as their very first choice, and 36 spots available, you can see not everyone is getting in. But I know that the English class you did get is going to be just as great.
Want to share your perspective? Approach a member of the Voice staff or email the OpEd editor at mweiss@ma.org in order to contribute your very own My MA piece.
The most underrated team in school is ... The Voice Neha Budhraja Features Editor Are you a freshmen reading this newspaper for the first time? Have you read “The Voice” before but always skipped to the teachers’ favorite TV shows article then stopped reading? Are you a totally lost senior who’s never heard of this before in your life? Well, whoever you are… Welcome to “The Voice!” The Marin Academy Voice is back and all set for another yearlong season of writing, editing, and designing the newspaper for the student body. This is the paper’s 20th year of publication and things have changed quite a bit over the years. Every A Block, the team of 28 meets in their new home stadium, the Annex, where head coach Mary Collie discusses tactics ranging from content to page picas. With 10 editors and 18 staff members, this year’s squad of student writers, investigators, and artists is sure to be one to pay close attention to. The team captains this year are Co-Editors-in-Chief, Katie Eise-
Neha Budhraja
The Voice staff poses for a team picture outside of their home stadium The Annex).
man and Lauren Thomas. Both seniors and in their second year on the staff, this power packed duo is filled with insightful topics and bursting opinions to share with
the entire community. Continuing the senior editor listings are News Editor Ruby James and Managing Editor Riley Champine. James plans to get the scoop on the ex-
citing happenings both on campus and off, while Champine brings his design genius to every edition. This year’s bunch also sees a fair number of junior editors. Max
Weiss, the most experienced with a full three semesters on the staff (two of which were spent serving as the trustysports editor), will now be taking on the Opinion/Editorial section. Following him are five second-year juniors: Neha Budhraja will be covering features, Sam Pritzker on arts and entertainment, and Marshall Levensohn on sports. Never before seen on The Voice will be the addition of two copy editors: Olivia Lloyd and Andrew Miller. They will be responsible for everything from missed commas to misspelled headlines, making the paper the cleanest, most error free it has ever been. On the remaining staff are returning players senior Eric Slamovich, junior Avery Hale and sophomores Lena Felton, Charlotte Lobdell, and Ilana Salant. Joining them are all new members, seniors Maddy Scheer and Allie Smith, juniors Greig Stein and Everett Barger, and sophomores Matt Waxman, Tess Winston, Julia Irwin, Claire Shurz, Annie Warner, Alex Clayman, Ella Storey, Lucy Sogard and Adam Perlstein.
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Sports
October 1, 2010
Wildcat’s pregame rituals are recipe for success Marshall Levensohn Sports Editor
Wildcat athletic teams have long been feared by BCL-West and NCS foes for not only their sheer skill, but also the passion and intensity that the athletes bring to every game. Is there a science to their unprecedented spirit, possibly something in the water? We explore the pre-game lives of the fall sports teams to track down the chants, tunes, and other rituals that define how the Wildcats compete.
Girls Volleyball
Girls Tennis
“Before every match, on the count of three, we shout ‘MA’ in our manliest voices possible.” Boys Soccer
“Before our games Josh talks to us about playing for the team not the individual, with intensity, and our work rate.” Mason McDowell ‘11
Pump-up song: “Gettin’ That Paper,” Big Boi
Josephine Ubben ‘11
Pump-up Song: “Right Above It,” Lil’ Wayne
“We all get a piece of athletic tape that our coach writes a word on that he wants us to focus on throughout the match and each person puts it on her left pinky.” Ellie Saake ‘10
Pump-up Song: “Like A G6,” The Far East Movement
Boys Water Polo
“During the [pregame] meditation we hold hands and close our eyes in silence and pass a squeeze through our hands. Then we huddle up [and our] captains and coach talk a little bit and then we chant ‘K’ some ‘A’, go MA!” Maddy Scheer ‘11
Girls Water Polo
“Our cheer before the “We all jump in at the same time, and start doing game is usually “Deep in our normal swimming warm the Heart” and we all go to up [of 400 yards]. Our team the center of the pool and motto is: play as a team and do [the cheer] in a circle.” Laura Schrier ‘11 for the team.” Hunter Swanson ‘11 Pump-up song: “Marshawn Lynch,” The Cataracs
Girls XC
Pump-up Song: “Baby Got Back,” Sir-Mix-a-Lot
Pump-up song: “We Are Your Friends,” Justice
Boys XC The team shouts: Captains: “When I say wild, you say cats.” Captains: “M” Team: “A” Captains: “M” Team: “A” Ben Bogin ‘11 Pump-up song: “You,” Atmosphere
Photos Courtesy of MA website. Design By: Riley Champine
Little freshmen, big game: new athletic prospects Hannah Wilton
Everett Barger and Claire Schurz Staff Writers
Everett Barger: How important is winning to you? Hannah Wilton: Winning is not as much important this year to me as it is the seniors, I want to help them win. EB: Did you play any volleyball during the summer? HW: I play club volleyball, which goes into the summer, and after that finished I stayed in shape with MA’s captains’ practices. EB: What are your goals for the season? HW: I want to get as much playing time as possible and try to work my way up the team. EB: Was making the varsity team intimidating at first? Avery Hale HW: A little bit. I’m intimidated by the other teams, not by our own. The seniors are really nice people. I just want to do my best for them because they have worked so hard and it is their last year on the team. EB: Do you look up to any specific players on the team? HW: I look up to Savannah Leaf specifically because we play the same position on the court and she plays it so well. I also look up to all the seniors because of their commitment and hard work for the team throughout their time at MA.
Eloi Vasquez
Claire Schurz: When did you start to play soccer and what inspired you? Eloi Vasquez: I started playing soccer when I was two years old – as soon as I could walk. I was inspired by my dad who has played his whole life as well. CS: How do you feel about making varsity as a freshman? EV: I played a lot with my FC [Marin Football Club] team this summer and I Claire Schurz trained a lot so it feels good because I get to learn from older kids. I also get to train harder because most of the kids are better than me. But I like that because I am inspired by my teammates, especially Mason [McDowell]. CS: What is your nickname on the field? EV: My nickname is Tito because it’s my family nickname and my mom accidentally put it in the directory and my coach [Josh Kalkstein] found out. CS: What is your personal and team goal? EV: My personal goal is to get as much playing time as I can and my team goal is to win BCL. CS: How would you describe the team’s style of play? EV: We are very possessive and we play kind of like Barcelona because Josh is obsessed with Barcelona.