THE
August/September 2011
O BSERVER
Jewish Community High School of the Bay
summer adventures
“Audemus jura nostra defendere”
Tech Initiative Continues Evolution By ALEX PRENETA
The technology initiative that began at the start of last year aimed to integrate technology into the classroom. As the program evolves, some changes are occurring. As part of the initiative students have been required to bring laptops to class every day. The laptops are loaned by the school for $100, on top of the additional $100 technology fee paid by all students. $200 per year. According to Tony Gruen, Technology Director, approximately 68% of students use laptops photos by arno rosenfeld/the observer provided by the school. RIGHT HERE Seniors Micah Fenner and Sophie Navarro consult a map onboard MUNI during Journey This year the laptops provided to freshmen were to the End of the Night, a nighttime combination race and game of tag through San Francisco. a different model than last Together with my friends, I moved through places I year. This is because the had never been, stopping at checkpoints along the way. model purchased last year Sometimes, we could go for several minutes without was not in stock, said Gruseeing a chaser, only to feel a rush of adrenaline after en. He added that there spotting one and sprinting to are only two actual differthe shadows where we would ences between the different be safe. models of laptop: the newer I was unsure of how the honor model includes a camera system behind getting tagged By MICAH FENNER and has a different outerwould work. There are bound case than the older model. eady, set, Go! to be cheaters in any game, yet Teachers had their comAs these words were yelled into a megasomehow, the cheaters were not puters upgraded this year as phone, 1,300 people standing in Justin Herman the winners that night. The people who get something plaza scattered in all directions. Some were wearing out of this experience are the ones who are participatcostumes, others were in their best running shoes and ing to learn something about themselves or the city, not shorts, but nothing was going to stop them from crossing the ones who just want to win. When my friends and I the finish line. Nothing, that is, aside from the “chasers” were tagged about two hours into the game, we decided spread throughout San Francisco trying to tag them. No, to make our way to the finish line, just to see how many this was not a scene from The people had made it so far. Once we got there about an Amazing Race, as one utterly hour later, we were surprised to find that only three runconfused tourist asked, this ners had arrived so far. Not only that, but only 20 or so was the fifth occurrence of other chasers had made it to The Journey to the End of the the end at that point as. The By SOFI HECHT Night. fact that no one had cheated Five years ago, this event This year, for the first and just skipped to the end was created with the hope of “reclaiming” the city and time ever, the JCHS yearor driven around to all of encouraging people to explore the city in which they book will be in full color. the checkpoints served as a live and work in a new way. Since then, it has become a Yearbooks at JCHS testament to the integrity of worldwide phenomenon with similar events occurring used to be completely the people participating. in Oakland, Chicago, Berlin, and London. It is an event black and white, and for This kind of event could really only start in San Franthat encourages camaraderie, exploration, and curiosity. the last couple of years cisco. Just as our city carries a spirit of discovery and The way the game works is that each person receives a they’ve had only a few seindependence, the Journey to the End of the Night fosmap with a list of checkpoints in addition to a blue and ters that spirit and encourages its growth. It is important lect pages of color (for exa red ribbon. At the beginning of the game, all but a few that we never forget everything that San Francisco has to ample, the color war page). selected to wear the red ribbon and be “chasers,” must Having the book in all offer and all of the incredible places and people that exist don their blue ribbon and go from checkpoint to checkcolor, although exciting, here. point, solely by walking or taking public transportation, has also made the yearbook I strongly encourage everyone to participate in the until they reach the finish line without being tagged. If team think much more Journey next they get tagged by a chaser, they must give up their blue about the design process. year and also ribbon and become a chaser themselves. Then, their goal to explore The ability to have a becomes tagging everyone else who is not yet tagged. full color book this year the city even As a first time participant, I was not entirely sure what without an comes from Yearbook to expect from this event. But, when I arrived at the sign event going on Advisor Maura Feinup point and saw a line hundreds of people long, I knew gold with the support of because San that I was in for a unique experience. When the race the yearbook printing Francisco has started, everyone was moving together, but as it contincompany, Herff Jones. a lot to offer. ued on deeper into the city, it turned into a journey of Feingold reflected on the discovery. transition to a full color book. “Two years ago, we Editorial Coach Carter The Weeknd moved our yearbook proArts.........................................4 The Keystone process has He’s not coaching this year, but No, not a typo. “The Weeknd” is gram online to ‘e-design’ Crossword.............................6 been reformed, for the better. teacher Lee Carter dedicated Abel Tesfaye’s R&B music [a Herff Jones site for deEditorials...............................2 We owe the school our thanks. eight years to building the soccer project. Ari Golberg-Safir says it’s signing yearbooks], which Horoscope.............................6 streamlined the whole pro[p. 2] program at JCHS. [p. 3] changing the genre. [p. 3] Sports.....................................3 cess. Herff Jones as a com-
Ninjas, Buses and Chasers: A Race Through SF
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well, receiving the same laptop model as the freshmen. Also new this year are the iPads provided to some faculty. The school has been experimenting with various uses of the iPad for teaching, said Mallory Rome, Assistant Head of School But when it comes to dictating how teachers use technology in their classrooms, Rome says mandates aren’t likely to come directly from her. Each academic department and teacher individually looks at how technology can best assist them, Rome says. Because of this, while one class may ask students to use a laptop for taking notes, a different class may ask students to take notes by hand. While some grumbling among students about slow internet speeds, a common refrain last year, persist, the overall attitude toward the technology in the classroom seems to be positive. Senior Ben Heyman says taking notes on his laptop faster and more efficient than longhand, and he appreciates being able
Yearbook to be All-Color for First Time
index
copyright the observer 2011. volume 3, issue 1.
pany has been working for the past few years to allow smaller schools to produce more quality books and a digital design. The digital design reduces the cost of printing and therefore allows smaller schools to produce full color books for an accessible price.” Maura also is seeing “significant forward movement with the design process, as the yearbook staff experiments with new colors and designs.” Yearbook editors Shai Tabb (’13) and Jenny Klonoff (’12) echo Feingold’s excitement. Shai is “really grateful to the school for giving us this opportunity because we get to experiment with all the different types of formats and layouts and the pictures are much more prominent.” “Having an all color book is a huge step for the JCHS yearbook,” Jenny added. “The use of color allows us much more creative freedom.”
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THE OBSERVER PAGE TWO AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
THE
O BSERVER Established April 2010
THE
JCHS
Universal
Briefing
From the Archive
editorials Thanks for the Keystone Changes Keystone, the culminating project for JCHS students that takes place during senior year, has long been described as a mixed experience. Nearly everyone speaks of how the project changed their lives in a positive way. But the other message was how much the stress of the project detracted from their senior year. With college applications, classes, athletics, and a social life all competing in a packed senior year, Keystone limited students. The Keystone faculty has clearly heard this feedback and delivered some changes this year. One big change is that rather than being an ominous project with three large components, seniors will be able to focus on the area of study or work that most fits their topic. The change is both prudent and considerate on the part of the faculty and the administration. It should be that the culminating project of our “JCHS careers” should not be a stressful struggle but rather a challenge that we come away from as better students, and people, than when we started. The changes allow seniors to delve into topics without overextending themselves. The administration and faculty behind this decision deserve and enormous thank you on behalf of the entire senior grade, and all future seniors at the school. - Micah Fenner on behalf of The Observer
Another Year The first Observer came about in late 2010. Printed at a Kinkos on Market street, the first four-page issue was produced by just three people. The journalism was unremarkable, but the distribution of an independent newspaper at JCHS caused a small stir. Since that inaugural issue The Observer has blossomed into a formidable JCHS institution, with well over 10% of the student body having contributed to it. The paper has written over 100 articles, chronicling things at the school that would otherwise be lost to the vague memories of teachers and former students. We’ve worked to give voice to the students, to trumpet our achievements, and air our concerns. We’ve worked to entertain with arts coverage, to provoke thought with our opinion writing. We’ve had a lot of success, and we have a long way to go. As we start the third year of The Observer we hope it will grow stronger than ever before. With new members of the staff and a core of returning editors, we’re poised to take the paper places it hasn’t yet gone. Hope you enjoy! - Arno Rosenfeld on behalf of The Observer
(From left) Yael Cohn (’13), Zoe Ryan* (’13), Jenny Klonoff (’12), Perri Davis (’13), Ellie Burler* (’13) and Roza Trileyeskya watch the first game for a girls soccer team at JCHS. *no longer attends JCHS
The Observer will be digging through our archives each issue to give an interesting or relevant sample of an article from an old issue. This article covered the first-ever JCHS girls soccer game.
“Girls Defy Skeptics, Win Game” published 4/19/10
...the girls had a commanding presence on the field... injuring several of Leadership’s players as well as sustaining several injuries. The Wolves were able to hold off charges by Leadership in the second half and secure the first victory, in the first game ever, for a girl’s soccer team at JCHS. They silenced many who had been
Briefing - Syracuse University and University of Pittsburgh have left the Big East athletic conference for the ACC. The move may be the beginning of conference consolidation in the NCAA that may end with four or five “super conferences”, allowing more television revenue for major schools.
skeptical, including some who had taken bets against them. The number of girls who joined the Girl’s Soccer Club has raised the notion of forming a girl’s Varsity soccer team in the fall. This would result in the current co-ed Varsity team losing important contributor Sophie Navarro, though at this point it seems more likely that an influx of girl’s to the current team will occur, not a new team for girls. - The Republican field for presidential nominees has ostensibly been narrowed down to Texas Governor Rick Perry and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, while Tea Party favorite Michelle Bachmann has been sidelined. - An earthquake shook India and Nepal last Sunday, killing at least 16 people. The magnitude 6.9 quake hit in a remote part of eastern Nepal.
Crazy News
Check It Out
- A New York Woman was just named the “Woman with the longest fingernails.” Chris Walton hasn’t cut her nails for 18 years and they measure 10-feet-2-inches on her left hand and 9-feet-7-inches on her right hand.
To Jew or Not to Jew...
- A Malaysian orangutan who became well-known for his habit of smoking cigarettes has kicked the habit. “Shirley” was taken into federal government custody two weeks ago, after it was decided that the zoo she was staying in was mistreating her and other animals. - A man in San Diego dressed up as Gumby, the claymation character, and tried to rob a San Diego 7-11 last week.
Solutions to the Los Angeles Times Crossword puzzle found on the back page. Rights to puzzle provided by Tribune Media Services via MCT Campus
Apple has removed an app from the French app store called “Jew or Not Jew?” The app’s purpose was to let users find out whether or not a particular celebrity was Jewish. The removal took place after an anti-racism group in France objected. Apple says the app violated local French law, which prohibits compiling people’s personal information, including religion. The French laws were put in place following the Holocaust which saw the death of 73,000 French Jews. [Source: Associated Press]
THE OBSERVER Executive Editor Arno Rosenfeld (’12) Arts Editor Shai Tabb (’13) Sports Editor Sophie Navarro (’12) Opinion Editor Micah Fenner (’12) Copy Editor Sofi Hecht (’13) Faculty Adviser Karie Rubin Printing Maura Feingold
Editor’s Note The Observer is student run and not a product of any formal academic instruction. The paper undergoes prior review by the Administration of JCHS and content may have been altered in order to allow publication. The Observer is an open forum for reader opinion and will publish reader letters.
letters ‘Take our word’ on Senior Stunts Senior Stunts are not synonymous with hazing or any sort of bullying that may occur at other schools. The stunts are an opportunity for all students to get together and laugh, and for our class to grow that much closer. I have heard no argument or case against Senior Stunts, other than those from some adults in the community. This may just be one of those things only kids can fully understand. If that is the case, try to take our word: we like the stunts, we want them to happen, and the entire community suffers without them. - Danny Robinow (’12) Note: The Observer respects the opinions of all JCHS students but wishes to make clear that it in no way condones disobeying decisions made by the school, even when dissent is presented in its pages.
9 11 Ten Yea rs Later
their lives The in the Observer remembers attacks all those ten years ago. who lost
Sports September 2011 Page Three
sports essay Fantasy Football is Simply Tragically Misunderstood “Why do you play this dumb game? The players aren’t even real, they’re just on the dang screen!” Critics will say. It’s lines like this that get to me. People just don’t understand. Yes, on the outside, the world of fantasy football looks like a gigantic waste of time. People spend hours clicking away at screens bargaining for professional football players with whom they will never share a word. On many occasions they will have money riding on the outcomes of games they aren’t even watching. I’ll admit it, to the everyday outsider this appears to be a ridiculous use of one’s time, but for some it’s not. There are a select few who truly understand what the sport means, and to us, it is an irreplaceable stronghold of our sports fanhood. “It gets me through the week,” says Matthew Levin – one of the most committed fantasy team managers within the walls of our school. “Without it I’d just be left lying sideways on my kitchen counter wallowing over the recent tragedies of the Giants baseball season.” Matthew is one of the few in our school who truly understands the finer points of the fantasy football world. Also falling into this elite group is mathematics and fantasy football fusion specialist, Mr. John Hagen Jr., a JCHS math teacher. If you seek them out they will defend their ‘hobby’ without hesitation. Spiderman’s uncle once said, “Our actions in the [sports] world define our character, and the moment anyone tries to belittle what we devote ourselves to, it is time to speak out.” This is me taking that responsibility and speaking out against the ignorant hatred of the essence of fantasy football. If you hate, it simply means you don’t understand, and I speak for all the faithful when I say that we’d be happy to explain our stories to you. - Danny Robinow
Like to talk Sports? Agree? Disagree? Have your own opinion? Send letters to observerjchs@ gmail.com
A Catalyst for JCHS Soccer, Carter’s Coaching Will Be Missed
photos by daniella kesel/the observer
DEDICATED Coach Lee Carter does push-ups along with the girls’ soccer team during their inaugural practice as a varsity team last Spring. Carter was central in elevating the team from club status to a varsity team.
By SOPHIE NAVARRO
A
s Coach Lee Carter takes a hiatus from coaching, it’s time to take a look back at all he has done for athletics at JCHS. Carter has dedicated eight years of his time at JCHS leading and supporting first the boys’, and more recently the girls’, varsity soccer teams— in addition to a few years of coaching tennis. But coaching is not all that he has done. Carter’s passion and regard for soccer and the teams he has coached has led him to push students to fulfill their athletic, academic and personal potential. Carter has instilled in his players the skill, knowledge and confidence that good athletes have, as well as the respect, integrity and accountability that all great athletes have. Though this year Carter has decided to take a break from coaching, he will continue to play an important role in the JCHS community in his position as a history teacher. Yet the change accumulated over the years, thanks to Carter, will not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Carter reflected on his past years of coaching: “I enjoy coaching because it is an opportunity to teach a completely different set of skills and habits than you do in the classroom. There are moments in athletics when you can teach lessons about how one lives their lives that can benefit all of the players. Coaching has offered the chance for me to know play-
ers in a broader sense than one gets in the classroom and I have had the chance to share my love of the game with all of them. I would just like to thank everyone for the hard work they put in and hopefully they will realize the growth they have made as players and as individuals.” The athletes Carter has coached attest to that. As Senior Danielle Cohen says, “Coach Carter always knew how to push us to do our best. He helped us gain confidence in areas that we were not comfortable in beforehand. I could really tell he cared about the team, both teams, the boys’ and girls’.” Athletes were not the only ones Carter impacted. Athletic Director, Coach Tim Kjar, said, “I’m very appreciative of Coach Carter’s efforts and dedication in starting the boys’ varsity soccer program… then he helped start up the girls’ soccer program that just turned varsity last year. I’m just very thankful for all he’s done.” Gretchen Kiesel, who coached the girls’ soccer team with Carter, reflected on her time coaching with him: “We had a great
Page Two: Editorials, Universal Briefing and Letters
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time out on the pitch with the girls – [Carter’s] crazy laugh kept us all in stitches. Mr. Carter showed me what it looks like for a coach to be fully committed to his team – both on and off the pitch. It was so satisfying to work together, coaches and players, to reach our goal of creating a varsity girls soccer program.” Aaron Pollock, boys’ soccer cocoach this year, who had previously coached with Carter, added, “I have sincerely appreciated [Carter’s] passion for teaching in general and for the game of soccer in particular. This passion has been an inspiration to me as well as many dozens of JCHS students and athletes for nearly a decade.” The absence of Carter’s unique skills and warm personality will not be forgotten. His presence in the Athletics Department will be missed tremendously. His contributions have enriched JCHS sports immeasurably, and for that we, coaches, students and athletes alike, say thank you Coach Carter, for everything.
Renee MacDonald ...On the NFL Well folks, football is finally back, and it started with a bang! A Thursday night game between the past two Super Bowl champions seemed to prove that the preseason lockout’s influence on training wasn’t too negative. Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to a victory over New Orleans and joked in his postgame interview that his exceptional playing was due to all the preseason offensive training, poking fun at the lockout and lack of training time. There were many standout performances opening week, including Cam Newton’s rookie debut with over 400 passing yards. Unfortunately those numbers couldn’t lead his Carolina Panthers to a victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Ted Ginn Jr. helped the 49ers find their first victory of the season by scoring two back to back touchdowns, one from a punt and one from a kickoff! More notable performances occurred on the first Monday Night Football of the season, when two games were played. First the New England Patriots beat the Miami Dolphins 38-24, a game largely influenced by Tom Brady’s 500-plus yards thrown. For him, that’s just another day at the office. Then the Raiders beat the Broncos by just three points (23-20), these extra points were brought to you by Sebastian Janikowski’s 63-yard field goal. He became only the third person to ever accomplish such a feat. It was a particularly difficult offseason this year largely due to the lack of action from the lockout, but this weekend was so exciting that this football fan thinks it was worth the wait—almost.
volleyball brief
It all starts off with a perfect pass. The setter sends the ball to her hitter, who does an approach, hitting it just right. No player on the opposing team is able to return her hit; kill! The team comes together in a cheer, excited by the previous play. Volleyball is a game of dedication, a game of agility, a game of sportsmanship. It’s a game like a house of cards: if one player were missing, the whole team would fall apart. I’ve always been told volleyball is the hardest sport to play. “You cannot hide someone in the corner of the court,” my coach always says. “The plays are quick. You’re expected to focus on everything all at once. If you’re not here to give your best at any given moment, then you shouldn’t be here at all.” It’s all about being there in the moment. This year, the Wolves are havinga great season. Support and encouragement from our new coaches, Amy and Sarah, have helped us overcome our struggles. - Paige Lerman
Arts
September 2011 Page Four
Time for
The Weeknd.
Abel Tesfaye’s music project is transforming R&B By ARI GOLDBERG-SAFIR
R
&B is making a comeback and it is all thanks to The Weeknd. Artist Abel Tesfaye’s contemporary R&B project, The Weeknd became active in late 2010. With the help of music blogs and magazines, an uncanny amount of hype has built around the Weeknd. And the hype is well deserved. Tesfaye’s music is a breath of fresh air for the R&B genre. The Weeknd’s first album, House of Balloons, was released last March. When I first heard it, I was stunned by Tesfaye’s smooth, but sinister croons. His singing is reminiscent of R&B contemporaries like The Dream and Frank Ocean. Tesfaye, who sings mostly about long crazy nights out on the town, and then of regrets about his escapades, walks the line between euphoria and all out creepiness. Over the dark and slow tempo of “What You
Need,” Tesfaye convinces an unnamed girl of his superiority in bed, compared to her current boyfriend. In his music, the production of the beats matches, if not surpasses, Tesfaye’s voice, thanks to the production wizardry of long-time Canadian beat makers Doc McKinney & Illangelo. On House of Balloons, the producers manipulate samples of songs by Beach House, Aaliyah, and Cocteau Twins into seductive and ominous-sounding beats. Most astounding is Tesfaye age: 21. Tesfaye is currently touring North America to promote his second album, Thursday, which was released August 18. Thursday is a great sophomore effort, building on the themes in House of Balloons. You can tell Tesfaye is well aware of the attention The Weeknd has received, because Thursday has a much slicker production. The album also features the song “The Zone,” with established fellow Canadian rapper Drake—a testament to the hype The Weeknd has gotten. Tesfaye digs deeper into his emotions on his second album, contemplating how fame will change him in the
Freshman Finds JCHS Theater Welcoming By ILANA GOLDBERG I’ve spent the past few afternoons singing my heart out, speaking with a New Jersey accent, watching old films of Fred Astaire, and
We don’t all look like penguins—and I’m sure that even I will nail that step eventually flopping around like a penguin, trying to tap dance. Welcome to rehearsal for JCHS’s fall musical, “Anything Goes.” I’ve always loved to sing. When I was in kindergarten I would find myself singing the songs from “The Sound of Music” on the playground and announcing that I was Marta Von Trapp. When I was in third grade, a teacher of mine suggested that I audition for the school play, coincidentally “The Sound of Music.” I was cast as a nun, and I was hooked. Since then, I have performed in 12 musicals and several non-musical plays. When I saw JCHS perform “The Sound of Music,” a show that is
very near to my heart, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the theater program at JCHS. I was amazed at the talented and close-knit cast. In the spring I found out about auditions for this year’s musical, and was very eager to audition. At the audition I barely knew anybody, and I was nervous. Everybody was so encouraging, and by the end I had forgotten that it was an audition. From the get-go, our rehearsal process has been fun, funny, and fantastic. We do much more than recite our lines. We warm up our voices with ridiculous tongue-twisters (“I am the thistle sifter”), play improv games and research unfamiliar terms in our script (for example, “the nose on the great Durante”), we make up backstories about our characters to understand their personalities. I couldn’t have asked for a more welcoming cast. Since a lot of them had been in shows before, I was one of the “new kids.” I was worried that it would be hard to make friends, but at the first
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song “Rolling Stone.” But there are still energetic, upbeat songs like “Life of the Party.” Thursday succeeds in providing the listener with emotional diversity. The Weeknd has started a new wave of contemporary R&B, defined by sampled beats and eccentric lyrics. Other new R&B artists beginning to ride this wave with The Weeknd include: How to Dress Well, Active Child and Frank Ocean. It is exciting to see how the genre has changed and to contemplate where it may go next.
The Weeknd’s Top Tracks - High For This - The Knowing - Birds Part 1
- Loft Music - The Zone
All of the Weeknd’s songs can be found on Youtube.com
book review Extremely Good & Incredibly Relevant By JENNA ZIMMERMAN In Jonathan Safran Foer’s second book, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, he introduces a new gripping collection of characters and circumstances. Our protagonist, Oskar Schell, is an extraordinarily pensive, haunted, and franExtremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer 2005, 326 pp., $13.95 tic nine-year-old boy living in Manhattan. His father was killed in the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks, which Oskar refers to only as the “worst day.” Oskar finds himself going through the city, knocking on stranger’s doors in search of the lock matching a mysterious key he found in his father’s closet. Prior to his death, Oskar and his father had made a game of these quests and completing this final one became his obsession. Oskar deals with a self-absorbed mother, and has a quick, constantly overburdened mind and un-
yielding grief for the loss of his father. I was immediately captivated by Oskar’s narrating. His thoughts were beautiful, innocently manic, adorably misunderstanding and honest in a way only a child can be. A signature Oskar trait is his reference to having “heavy boots,” which is his way of ar-
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THE OBSERVER ARTS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011
5
first person
For JCHS Troupe, ‘Fringe’ in Scotland Busy and Marvelous By AVIVA HERR-WELBER
W
alking along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile on an afternoon in mid-August, you really can’t expect to get anywhere too quickly. Besides the fact that a mix of locals, oddly dressed performers, and tourists from every part of the globe surround
This all might sound really exciting — or downright insane. Truth is, it was both. you on all sides, you will most likely find your hands stuffed full of advertisement postcards Throw them in the nearest trash bin? Not so fast! These cards are hardly the typical city-street pizza ads we’re used to in the U.S. Handed out in staggering numbers each day, they’re actually the most effective form of performance advertisement in the entire city of Edinburgh. And picking them up is as simple as taking a step onto the Royal Mile, where they’re thrust upon you by the dozen before you can even say “Already seeing a show tonight!” Later that day, sifting through the postcards that fill your pockets, stuff your bag, and decorate your floor, you probably won’t remember how or why
you gained possession of them. What you will know is that you’re definitely seeing “Evil: the Musical,” that the gripping drama “What it Feels Like” sounds too good to miss and that the night’s activities are likely to include a trip to at least one sketch comedy show and maybe a drop-in at “Pink Noise By Fork: Scandinavian Rock A Capella.” And as for your own advertisement postcards? They occupy a special jacket pocket of their own, ready to jump out at even the mildest expression of interest from passers-by. This might sound really exciting, or it might sound downright insane. The truth is that it’s both. Being at Edinburgh’s Fringe festival is an experience unlike any other. It’s as though you’ve been dropped into the center of the world’s biggest, craziest, theatrical melting pot. Almost everybody there, from the shopkeepers to the tourists to the college students, is taking part in the unbelievable undertaking that means every open space is a performance venue and every restaurant meal is being eaten pre-show or post-show. In addition, there are the regular delights of Scotland: huge stone castles, pure green hills, highland cows with in-
photo by jchs via facebook
OVERSEAS The cast of Metamorphosis, in costume, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland, where the annual Fringe Festival took place. credible bangs, far too many plaid scarves to count, and the notable bagpiper-beat boxer duo strolling the streets of Edinburgh daily (bet you won’t find THAT anywhere else!) Like a good piece of Scottish shortbread, this picturesque
BOOKS Foer Book Highly Recommended by JCHS Teachers, Students Continued from Page 4 ticulating almost any negative emotion. Another distinct Oskar trait is the way he describes his relentlessly overthinking mind. Whenever he needs to
“An unplifting myth born of the sorrows of 9/11” - Boston Sunday Globe occupy his mind he begins to “invent things.” This is him self-diagnosing his idiosyncratic and infantile imagination. The book is complicated further by a subplot of revealing letters written by Oskar’s grandparents to his father and to him. The letters divulge the depressing, unconventional and otherworldly characters and lifestyle of his grandparents. Both are deeply troubled. Whether you buy into Foer’s traumatized characters is, as always, something readers must decide for themselves. Though I enjoyed intricate and pained descriptions in these letters, I had trouble with some of the complexities of Oskar’s grandparents. Oskar’s grandfather does not speak. Instead he carries a book with him at all times, writing anything he needs to communicate. Both grandparents are so emotionally damaged that
they create “Nothing spaces” in their apartment. The “Nothing spaces” are where the two go to be invisible to each other and the world. The nothing spaces are just one example of the pair’s quirks. The two plots come together at the conclusion, providing titillating reunions and answers to chapters of questions. I was completely captivated by Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, its unique voices and mesmerizing detail. Humanities teacher, Ms. Frandina, when asked her opinion on the book said: “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is equal parts heartbreaking and hilarious. Oskar is one of the most complex, loveable and surprising child narrators I’ve come across in literature, and his journey to solve the mystery of an anonymous key, mirrors his journey to heal from the sudden loss of his father. Foer’s second novel is an important contribution to post-9/11 literature that explores our collective and personal experiences in the aftermath of this horrific event.” Sharing in mine and Ms. Frandina’s love for this book is Junior Sofia Hecht, who says she’d surely recommend the novel to anyone.
Observer Sports: Your source for everything Wolves!
city and the festival that descends upon it in August are to be sought out and savored. And just like eating shortbread, after you try it once there’s no doubt that as soon as possible you’ll be back, begging on your knees for more.
The “Scotland Blog” is online @ jchsofthebay. org/Scotland Blog
DRAMA
No Stranger to Plays, Newcomer Finds Home with JCHS Drama
Continued from Page 4 rehearsal, everyone introduced themselves to me and was very enthusiastic and supportive. They proved to me that although being a freshman at a new school is challenging, theater is a place where I will always feel at home. We’ve been rehearsing for a little over two weeks and I can already tell that the show is going to be great. Even during the first read-through, we were cracking up at the comic lines. Our voices blend smoothly as a cho-
rus, and we have some stellar dancers (we don’t all look like penguins—and I’m sure that even I will nail that step eventually). Everyone is dedicated to making our show wildly entertaining. The great thing about theater is that it is an art that gives back. The cast gets the wonderful experience of performing, and the audience gets to watch an entertaining show. If you like musical theater, this show has it all. If you’re new to theater, it’s a great way to be introduced. In the words of Cole Porter, “It’s delightful, it’s delicious, it’s de-lovely!”
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JCHS Journal September 2011 Page Six
time to get out
►► Get the picture? Knesset organized a fun extended lunch in the courtyard to start off the school year and a good time was had all around. But, the festivities did not go off without any hitches: some raucous kids got a little carried away in the bouncy house, pulling it to one side and causing a temporary evacuation.
Overheard “Did you see that bouncy house in the courtyard? What is this? Preschool?” One freshman to another in the hall. ►► The Inside Scoop: Fall Musical to be ‘Anything Goes’
Anything Goes is a musical about an ocean liner going from New York to London. It’s a “decade” piece because of the amount of dancing and jazz music involved. You will certainly be blown away by the performance, and find yourself laughing throughout the show! The costumes are going to be outstanding and the characters are hilarious. The music is unbelievable, and the script is genius. - Sally Khomikh
los angeles times crossword puzzle
the jchs horoscope By Jenny Klonoff Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19) This month is the time for you to get organized. Not the most exciting activity, but doing it now will make the rest of the year run much more smoothly. Because it’s still early in the year and the homework load is light take advantage of your temporary freedom and participate in a hobby you love. Get involved with it now because before you know it, you wont have the time! Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20) Be careful how you manage your time this month. Procrastination will arise as a potential issue for you, but you have the ability to overcome it! Though in the moment putting work off may seem like a good idea, in the long run you’ll regret it and wish you had completed your assignments with time to spare. Towards the end of the month you will reconnect with an old friend from whom you’ve drifted apart. Be open to re-welcoming people back into your life. Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20) You are feeling extreme-
Answers to LA Times Crossword Puzzle on page two
ly ambitious this month! Take advantage of that boost of energy and do something productive. Get a head start on some of those long term projects that you would normally put off. At the end of the month you will see positive results from your hard work. Make sure you still make time for your friends so they don’t feel randomly neglected.
Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 22) This is a stressful month for you, with what feels like an overwhelming amount of work to do. Make daily after school schedules for yourself, to make the workload feel much more manageable. Don’t forget to pencil in free time for yourself so you can effectively do your work and avoid a mental breakdown. If you think school’s stressful now, just wait a month or two. Knowing how to manage your time effectively now will better prepare you for what’s to come. Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22) Your headstrong personality
proves to be a challenge this month when you find yourself working together with someone who takes the control you seek. This is a good opportunity for you to step back and allow others to take charge; you might even find that sometimes it’s just as fun to follow as it is to lead. Take some time on the Shabbaton to get to know people better and be open to talking to people whom you normally wouldn’t. You never know who in the school might connect with if you get to know them better.
Virgo (Aug 23- Sep 22) Take some time this month
to really listen to what others are saying. It sounds cheesy but often times you’re so solely focused on yourself, that you forget about other people’s needs and feelings. You have a special knack for making people feel good about
themselves, so be sure to throw a few compliments out here and there. It always feels good to brighten up someones day.
Libra (Sep 23- Oct 22) Happy Birthday Libras! Li-
bras make the world a more peaceful place. Libras abhor being alone and love spending time with the ones they love. Libras are very skilled at keeping balance in their lives. Because of their vibrant personalities and unique charm, Libras build relationships easily, something others struggle with. Their biggest weakness is being generous to the extreme and going too far to please others.
Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 1) Now is the time to go
outside your comfort zone and really express yourself. It will be scary at first, but ultimately very rewarding. You will find others coming to you for help in all aspects of life this month. It’ll be a tad annoying, but it’s also very empowering. You will be surprised how much you enjoy feeling needed.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Now is a great
time for you goal oriented Sagittariuses to get into a new habit. Whether that be going to the gym weekly or going to bed earlier, getting into the routine of it now will make it easier to accomplish throughout the year. Speaking of habits, unfortunately you have developed one of not paying attention and disrupting others in class. Make a conscious decision to change and you will find that people will start taking you more seriously.
Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19) Money has recently
arisen as an issue for you. Your habit to spend excessively on unnecessary things has finally caught up with you. Start being more aware of where you’re spending your money. Doing that will allow you to make fewer and smarter purchases, something that will benefit you in the long run.
Aquarius (Jan 20 -Feb 18) You will be presented with opportunities this month to get to know your classmates better. Whether that be having classes with people you don’t normally talk to, or bonding with people on the Shabbaton, you will find yourself relating to people you never thought you would. Be open to new friendships and the positive things they could add to your life. Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Make sure you’re follow-
ing through on your projects. Make sure plans are doublechecked the rest of this week for accidental errors.