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the
ubicon November 2010 <volume XXXVIII issue III> St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Ave. St. Paul, MN
Soccer in this issue: Boys Varsity Soccer takes fourth in State-Centerspread 8-9 Future of Spartan soccer-Sports 11
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Welcome
Staff the rubicon
Editor in Chief Nadja Milena
Managing Editor Maddie Butler
Chief Visual Editor Joanna Mendelsohn
News Editor
Noah Shavit-Lonstein
Feature Co-Editor Rebecca Xu Henry Moyers
Sci/Tech Editor Allison Wang
Centerspread Editor Iman Jafri
Sports Editor Alex Smith
Op/Ed Editor Rachel Kinney
A & E Editor Kaia Wahmanholm
November 2010
Letter from the Editor
Thirty days has...November
Eleven meanings and events for the 11th month The eleventh month is upon us, and if you’re anything like me, you’re wishing it would get off. November is one of the busiest, craziest, most stressful, and exciting months of the year. Here are 11 reasons why: 1. November 1st and 15th deadlines have come and gone, so the senior college application stress has significantly decreased for those applying early decision. For everyone else: just keep at it. We’ll get through this. Someday. 2. Fall Sports seasons have gone out with a bang, as Saint Paul Academy and Summit School students raised the roof for their team. Almost 200 SPA High School students attended and cheered for the soccer boys at the State Semifinal Game in the Metrodome. Our team’s skill and passion for a sport rightly named “the Great Game” vastly outweighed their loss. For photos of Varsity Boy’s Soccer in action, see our Centerspread (pages 8-9). 3. Second quarter has begun... but let’s think about how fast it will be over. We’ve got 7 days ‘til Thanksgiving Break and 29 days until the end of Quarter 2 and Winter Break! 4. November means Thanksgiving, which, for me at least, means Turkey. This National Eat-More-Than-Fits Day is on the 25th. Check out the Turkey Coloring Contest (due by November 30) on the Back Cover! 5. The US fall play, Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of our Teeth, opens Friday, November 19th. For an article about Severson’s vision for the show and its evolution through the rehearsal process, see Arts & Entertainment (page 12).
Satire Editor
6. Also on November 19th, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part I) hits the big screen. We know that there are strong opinions about HP at SPA, and you can read several of them in Op/Ed (page 15)
Photographer/Columnist
7. Flu Season has begun. Get your Flu Shots, drink a half liter of water a day (no, seriously), take your vitamins, and try to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night.
Staff Writers
8. The Pops Concert on November 13 included incredible performances by both Senior Soloists and some pretty inspiring underclassmen. Haven’t heard enough? Check out the story on talented musical artists (Feature page 6 ).
August King
Taylor Billeadeau
Saif Ahmed Taylor Billeadeau Ellie Fuelling Aditi Kulkarni Lucy Li Andy Monserud Calvin Rose Liz Rossman Nick Scott Zach Zanaska
Editorial Cartoon
Izak Kelsey-Friedemann
Turkey Illustration Claire Larkins
9. November means new beginnings for Sports Seasons: Fencing, Basketball, Hockey, Boys Swimming, Alpine and Nordic Skiing are all starting their seasons. 10. Remember, remember, the 5th of November! Guy Fawkes Day memorializes the day that Guy (Guido) Fawkes and his Catholic English conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. They were all tried and executed, but Guy Fawkes was hung, drawn and quartered, and his body parts were distributed to “the four corners of the kingdom.” Count yourself fortunate that you only get detention... 11. Daylight Savings Time began on November 7 and the clocks “fall back” which means an extra hour of sleep, and dark nights early.
Get sleep!
Adviser
Kathryn Campbell
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Writing for Publications Randall Findlay, CJE
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the student newspaper of St. Paul Academy and Summit School 1712 Randolph Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105 Memberships Minnesota High School Press Association National Scholastic Press Association Awards JEM All-State Gold, 2004-08 JEM All-State Silver, 2009-10 MHSPA Best in Show, 2004-2008, 2010 NSPA First Class with 3 marks of Distinction, 2010 Subscriptions may be purchased by e-mailing The Rubicon at rubicon.spa@gmail.com The Rubicon does not accept advertisements
In the issue News.................................................................................................................3-4 Feature................................................................................................................5 Soccer Fold Out................................................................................................6-7 Arts and Entertainment.....................................................................................8-9 Centerspread..................................................................................................10-11 Sci/Tech............................................................................................................12 Sports............................................................................................................13-15 Op/Ed............................................................................................................16-18 Satire............................................................................................................... 19 RubiMail
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The Team
The four members of the state championship WorldQuest team travel to Washington D.C. in 2011 to compete in the national competition.
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News
November 2010 Newsbrief WikiLeaks publishes Iraq War documents
Reid Kett Sophomore Specialty: Mountains, Rivers, and Deserts
Hannah Samuelson Senior Specialty: France
Hagop Toghramadjian
Sophomore Specialty: Capitals, General Knowledge
Jeremy Tong Sophomore Specialty: Flags, Specific Knowledge
World Q
uest
Team takes 1st Place at State, prepares for national competition in D.C.
Q: Test your WQ I.Q. Sample Questions from past competitions
possible. The team predicted this question by looking at questions from previous years, especially questions worth the most points. While other schools competing have a daily WorldQuest class, SPA’s team meets weekly and does all their other studying and preparation on their own. US History teacher, and WorldQuest team advisor, Ben Danielson, received no-
tice that the competition was being moved from winter to fall. When the time until the state competition was shortened by several months, the WorldQuest teams rose to the challenge. To practice, students have to go beyond memorization and immerse in reading. Team members are required to read the news, along with Academic WorldQuest’s magazine, Great Decisions.
Team member Hagop Toghramadjian suggests reading atlases, even if the team’s members do not retain all information. The team has been invited to compete at this year’s national competition in Washington, D.C. early in April. Competitors will answer general questions about geography and current events, but categories also include press freedom, medicine,
to of the folWhen humani2. Which 3. 1. According the U.S. Departlowing countries tarian assistance ment of Energy, the world’s largest oil exporters are (in order): SAUDI ARABIA, RUSSIA, _____ AND IRAN? A. NORWAY B. VENEZUELA C. KUWAIT D. NIGERIA
is not currently a WTO member? A. RUSSIA B. PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA C. KYRGYZ REPUBLIC D. SLOVENIA
is calculated in actual dollar amounts, the USA ranks ____ among nations in terms of its contributions. A. FIRST B. SECOND C. THIRD D. LAST
and gender equality to name a few. The team’s members receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to compete at the National Press Club. Despite hopes to place at nationals, the team knows that they have a long way to go. “We’re going to have to crack down,” says team member, senior Hannah Samuelson. “We only won by three points.”
of the fol4. Which lowing countries
does not possess a reusable spacecraft? A. FRANCE B. CHINA C. RUSSIA D. BRITAIN
ANSWERS: 1. A. 2. A, 3. A, 4. D
For the first Noah Shavit-Lonstein time in hisNews Editor tory, St. Paul Academy and Summit School’s Academic WorldQuest team took first place in the state competition, held October 29. The team ranked highest at the recent state competition; in large part, their victory hinged on a question where teams had to name as many French provinces as
Questions courtesy of the World Affairs website
WikiLeaks, a site that publishes secret military documents, recently published nearly 400,000 classified reports from the Iraq War. The reports reveal several instances of abuse of civilians by the Iraqi police that were not investigated. They also show that most civilians killed during the U.S. occupation of Iraq were killed by other Iraqis. Notes from the organization Iraq Body Count found around 15,000 previously unreported deaths mentioned in the log. The US Department of Defense expressed concern over the documents, saying knowledge of American military strategies may endanger troops. WikiLeaks’ founder Julian Assange was particularly angered by a military order telling soldiers not to intervene when they saw citizens being harmed.
Multimedia artist displays work in gallery Artist Emily Atchinson’s exhibit, “Being half of there” is located in the Harry M. Drake Gallery until November 23rd. Since receiving her BFA in Studio Art from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, her work has been featured in more than seven other Minnesotan galleries. On her web site, Atchinson says she is “interested in the untranslatable, misunderstanding, the reading of lips, and the persistence of miscommunication as it breaches the intimacy of life-long lovers and the most articulate intellectual circles alike.” The Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10am – 6pm.
Service learning up to good Student group Service Learning, which promotes volunteering and community service, plans to join the program Meals on Wheels. Meals on Wheels collects money and traditional thanksgiving food to provide meals for those who cannot afford them. Participation in this program comes alongside their general second quarter activities, which include raking leaves and collecting food items for food shelves.
News
November 2010
Lunchroom cooks up new halal foods Because not all of the foods served at lunch correspond with some students’ religious observances, the school has decided to add a Halal option in early October. Lunch usually offers a variety of choices. However, some religions, such as Islam and Judaism, have dietary laws, restricting followers from eating certain foods that are prepared in certain ways. This means some students may not eat what is served, similar to how vegetarians won’t eat hamburgers. After sending out a notice to parents in the SPA newsletter on October 7, Muslim families who would like to have a Halal food option at lunch may contact Food Services. All they need to do is to look over the menu for the week, mark what days they would like Halal food, and send it in to the receptionist, Bonnie Edhlund. Chef Simon Barrow, the Director of Food Services, made this change after he Lucy Li Staff Writer
talked to a group of sixth graders. This year, many sixth grade students are Muslim. Last year, Barrow and Diversity Counselor Karen Dye had looked into providing Kosher meat at lunch, but the food purveyor could not provide it. “The stuff that I can get was limited,” Barrow said. Last year, some students’ parents would bring in food for their students, according to Chef Simon. “I didn’t think it was fair for them to bring it [food] in on top of lunch that is included in the tuition,” Barrow said. Lunch won’t dramatically change. The only difference between the Halal and regular is the way the meat is prepared. According to the Qur’an, forbidden substances to eat include pork, blood, carrion, carnivorous animals, and alcohol. The method of slaughter must be considered, too. This new change in school lunch has received positive response from students. Senior Salwa Drake is
both Muslim and vegetarian. Usually, when lunch is serving hamburgers, she would usually just eat French fries or watermelon. “Yeah, sometimes I feel like I have a disadvantage,” she said. However, now, with the new option to have Halal at lunch, things may change. “That seems like a really great choice,” Drake said. “I might try it out. It seems really nice to have that sort of chance.” Barrow hopes for more parents’ support and positive feedback, especially since they are essential for the new option to work. “...I was hoping to have parents get involved, but ...students have been really helpful in this,” he said. This new change adds on to the process the lunch room has experienced in the past few years. With recently going trayless, adding milk dispensers and organic options, SPA is working on improving the dining experience. The halal options show Taher’s attention making lunch more inclusive.
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Photo Credit: Noah Shavit-Lonstein
Chef Simon Barrow prepares breaded halal chicken to serve beside the regular breaded chicken in the cafeteria line, providing an option for Muslim students. “I didn’t think it was fair for [families] to bring it [food] in on top of lunch that is included in the tuition,” Barrow said.
Johnson-Rivard rewarded through writing Senior wins national writing award; publishes first novel this fall If anyone in the St. Paul Academy and Summit School community doesn’t know senior Emma Johnson-Rivard’s reputation as a writer, they should. She has written in most genres, with a One-Act play in possible production this fall, a recently published novel, and a national writing award, there is no doubt that Johnson-Rivard is a talented author. In a recently US assembly, Johnson-Rivard was presented with an Achievement Award in Writing (AAW). According to their web site, The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) recognizes students with the AAW in order to “encourage high school students in their writing and to August King Satire Editor
Photo Credit: Rebecca Xu
During the recent Bookfest, Johnson-Rivard signed copies of her self-published novel Lithium. “I had to write 2,000 words per day, which translates into about ten pages. So I had less of a life, but it felt good; productive,” Johnson-Rivard said.
recognize publicly some of the best student writers in the nation.” Students are nominated in their junior year because they have been cited as excellent writers by their teachers. Teachers across the country nominated nearly 2,000 students this year. The students’ work is judged by a state panel of writing experts. Only thirty percent of nominees receive an award. Johnson-Rivard was nominated by the US English Department for the competition. “Emma was deserving because she met all of the criteria,” said US English teacher Haseena Hamzawala. “She’s an amazing, multifaceted writer.” Johnson-Rivard submitted two writing selections to the competition: the “Best” is a piece of personal or aca-
demic writing in any genre that exhibits the writer’s skill. Additionally, nominees must write a timed “Impromptu” essay on a topic designated by NCTE. This year, the topic was social justice. Her work is set to be published in the Minnesota Council of Teachers of English Student Journal later this year. This is not Johnson-Rivard’s only junior-year accomplishment in writing. She fulfilled her English credit in 2009-10 publishing a novel, spending first semester on the research and the actual writing, and second semester editing the drafts. “I had to write 2,000 words per day, which translates into about ten pages. So I had less of a life, but it felt good; productive,” Johnson-Rivard said. “I got to set time aside
during the school day to research into topics that were interesting to me and relevant to the book, but not covered in my classes, such as gun control laws, the psychology of drug abuse, and even Alaskan salmon fishing.” Her novel, Lithium, became available on October 31, 2010, a fitting Halloween release for the subject of the book. “[Lithium is] about a man who slides back into his old life as a mob enforcer and gets tangled up with several immortals and the start of the apocalypse,” said Johnson-Rivard. “Thematically, I wanted to tell a story with a protagonist who was not a hero.” Johnson-Rivard signed copies of her novel at Bookfest. It is available for purchase on Amazon.com.
Sophomore students encouraged to volunteer
Retreat shifts away from service; students challenged to choose projects Sophomores are given the option of doing eight hours of community service between now and the sophomore retreat, sometime in January or February. This deadline was chosen because it is the next time that all the sophomores will be together as a whole. At that time the project will be Saif Ahmed Staff Writer
discussed amongst the class; what went well and what did not go so well. Even though the community service is optional, sophomores are encouraged to participate. If they finish eight hours between now and the deadline, the Sophomore Class Leadership council will reward them. The council is keeping the reward a secret, but they say sophomores
should be looking forward to it. The council has made little orange slips located outside the Dean’s office on which students can record how long they volunteered and where they did. Sophomores are allowed to do community service anywhere as long as their work benefits the community in any way. “You could take a friend and go rake
some leaves in your neighborhood,” sophomore Rachel Ketz said. “Community service is just a nice thing to do.” While activities like raking may seem unimportant, they help out the people whose yard was raked by making their lives more relaxed. Eight hours may seem like a large amount of time, but, in fact, it really isn’t.
Sophomore Jeron Mariani has already completed over 15 hours of work. He even invited others to help him out. Jeron is an active member of Youthrive. Youthrive, a non-profit organization, helps to inspire and engage youth and adults through education, leadership and service to integrate peace making into the community,
Mariani helps to organize all sorts of activities which help people with understanding the purpose of community service and doing activities which do serve the community. Even though Mariani has already completed his eight hours of service for the school, he continues to do more, just for the good feeling that he gets inside.
Feature
November 2010
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Phone apps explode on the scene Two decades ago, very few people owned a cellular phone. They were considered a novelty throughout their introduction to the public in the 1980‘s and 1990‘s. Now, it’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t have a cell phone. When Apple released the iPhone in the summer of 2007, the already booming cell phone industry was overhauled entirely. Since then, a new wave of so-called “smartphones,” such as the Motorola Droid and the newer editions of the RIM Blackberry have hit markets. In the last several years, these mobile devices have steadily spread throughout the SPA student body. What is the appeal of these miniature computers? Many agree that it’s just that; they’re miniature computers. Smartphones, though small, have more computing power than many of the computers available at the time of the commercialization of the cell phone, and this allows them to run applications, or “apps,” almost anywhere. These apps can be found online, and have purposes ranging from granting access to websites like Facebook and Pandora to playing games on the touch screens typical of most Andy Monserud Staff Writer
Photo Credit: Rebecca Xu
Senior Leida Voulgaropoulos updates her facebook status on a Droid phone. She uses Facebook the most of all her apps.
smartphones. Many students use their smartphones for apps involving the internet, particularly social networking. Senior Leida Voulgaropoulos says she uses Facebook the most of all her apps, and many other students use Facebook or other social networking apps on their smartphones as well. While some apps serve practical or social purposes, many are simply for fun. Says sophomore Basil Ernst, “They always have the top twenty free apps, and they’re mostly... games, or... kind of useless little apps.” Ernst says he likes useful apps, such as the flashlight and Facebook apps. Students also use smartphones to stay updated on current events in news, sports and pop culture. Junior Gabe Brennaman says his favorite app is ESPN ScoreCenter. ScoreCenter allows him to keep up on new scores in over 500 international sports leagues. Similar apps keep track of news, both from renowned news sources like the New York Times and from the heart of the action itself, as the White House iPhone app does. Apps do alot: they can help with communication, tell us the news, and enhance our entertainment.
“I was struck by lightning . . . twice”
Book Fest keynote speaker Kevin Kling invites readers into his stories “When I tell a story, I start taking control over something...bigger than me. I think that’s why it’s so important to tell stories. They talk about things like ‘where do we come from before life? Where do we go after? What’s funny in this world? What’s scary?’ And then, by the asking, even if we never find out the answers... we know we’re not alone. And that, to me, is as important as any answer; to know how we belong in the world. And that’s why I tell stories.” Kevin Kling’s plan for his presentation during the annual Book Festival Kick off assembly at St. Paul Academy and Summit School was simple and specific: “I’m going to start off with a story. And then tell more.” That is what he does -- what he has been doing since he was a child. It is what makes him the writer, the playwright, and the actor that he is. Perhaps what makes Kevin Kling’s performance style so special is that he speaks directly to his audience, reaching for that common bond. “Do you guys get snow days here? You know, where school is called off because of snow?” he asks. Through a groan of “No, never, not here,” he launches into his first story, explaining, with a heavy “Menesohtan” accent, that he grew up in Osseo. He describes waking up, hearing the radio announce that Minnesota has been hit by the snowstorm of the century, and gets a laugh from the crowd: “Okay, I’m nine years old, this is already my third snow storm of the century.” Laughter ripples again as Kling describes looking over at his sleep-
Nadja Milena Editor in Chief
ing brother -- “When he’s asleep he looks so harmless, so innocent, I get a feeling of actual affection for him when he’s out cold,” -- and the laughs roll freely as the audience connects with the storyteller. Kling’s jokes are warmhearted and focus on family, friendship, discovery, and on the bizarre insights in the most mundane of situations. His face is animated, his voice versatile, easily transforming him into the old man who lived to feed Kling and his brother spicy pickles every Halloween, his true farm-boy father, who, directly after Kling was struck by lightning (the first time) simply said “well darn, we can’t stay out here now,” and the Chef that makes Spaghetti-O’s. He immediately breaks the ice in a way that few performers can. “You’ve probably noticed that my arms are different from one another,” he says. Kling’s left arm is shorter than his right, his left hand has only four fingers. His right arm hangs immobile at his side. “You can watch it the whole time if you want; it’s not gonna move.” The first tentative laughs begin. “ My left arm, there’s no high fiving with me, you can high four, and it won’t even be that high.” Kling’s humor is different from much of the humor American teenagers experience on a daily basis. His jokes are kind; although they reflect a deep understanding of the absurdity of everyone, they put no one down. It’s his warm charisma, and some pretty great voices, that it make obvious why he’s had such a successful career in writing, storytelling, and acting. In 1999, he was invited to be one of the speakers at the Jones-
Photo Credit: Henry Moyers
Kevin Kling signs his book, The Dog Says How, for a SPA student. Judging by his storytelling, he is also capable of luring his listeners back to the hard covers, thin pages and the wonderful smell of paper.
boro Tennessee National Storytelling festival, something that -- along with performing at the Kennedy Center for a disabilities conference -- he cites as one of the highlights of his career. Although his role at Book Fest was speaker and storyteller, he is also an acclaimed playwright. He has performed more plays than he’s published. Kling performed his one-man show 21A in Sweden; Louisville, KY; off Broadway in New York City; in Sydney and Perth, Australia; Edinburgh, Scotland; and the Czech Republic. 21 A is a play about the bus route that runs between Minneapolis and St. Paul, and the whacky characters that Kling has met, or
been inspired to create, while riding on that bus. Something as small as a woman wearing a pin saying “I feed my husband, but I talk to my cat” has propelled Kling into creating a character who owns a cat (Little Bob) and also, less importantly, has a husband (Big Bob). Another of his characters was inspired by a man who came onto the bus one day and shouted “Roger!” King said that “everybody on the bus knew two things: there was no Roger and one of us was going to be Roger. I was Roger.” In the next fifteen minutes, this man became Captain 12 Pack, the drunk, in 21A. Kling has been a regular storyteller on National Public Radio’s
All Things Considered and has released three CD recordings of his commentary, most recently Wonderlure in 2003. Kling signed his short story collections, The Dog Says How and Holiday Inn, at Book Fest after assembly. The books were for sale all week, can be purchased at bookstores and online, and are available for check-out from the library. “I used to always say that my two goals in life were to be in a library and to be required reading. So, I got one of them,” Kling said. Judging by his storytelling, he is also capable of luring his listeners back to the hard covers, thin pages and the wonderful smell of paper.
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Feature
November 2010
Master of the keytar His right hand flies over the keyboard across his knee, his left pushing buttons to alter the sound. What comes out is not the traditional melody of a piano, but the crazed, synthesized reverberations of something different. The song ends, the smoke clears, and senior Sinan Goral takes his bow. Goral’s penchant for the keytar, a lightweight keyboard instrument that is shaped and held like a guitar, has become a widely known fact around the St. Paul Academy and Summit School community. What is often lost behind the glitz of the keytar is Goral’s passion for – and talent with – a much more traditional instrument: the piano. Goral has been playing the piano for eleven years, ever since his mother, who studied at a conservatory in Turkey, got him started on it at the age of seven. His attraction to the instrument, however, was not immediate. “At first I hated music, and I hated practicing. The only reason why I did it was because I had to,” he said. “But Maddie Butler Managing Editor
now I do it because I enjoy it, and I want to do it for [my mom].” In past years, a normal practice session for piano would last between one and a half and two hours per day, with practice for other instruments on the weekend. However, the extra stresses of senior year have impacted the amount of time Goral spends on his music. “This year, if I can get in an hour every other day I’m lucky,” he said. Extra work this year has also impacted the time he spends writing music, recording songs, and practicing with his band, Parrot and the Razor, which he founded freshman year with fellow senior A.J. Frisell. For Parrot and the Razor, Goral composes the melodies of the songs before collaborating on lyrics with Frisell. They have performed at venues including the SPA Battle of the Bands, Grand Ole Day, and the Minnesota State Fair. Goral’s musical talents go far beyond the keytar and piano. He has been playing the drums for
Photo Credit: Kaia Wahmanholm
Senior Sinan Goral (top), Junior Dylan Perese (below), and Sophomore Will Whitaker (left) display their musical techniques and composition skill. “I don’t like playing other people’s songs. I like writing my own music,” Goral said.
four years, guitar for three, and a Turkish instrument called the saz for one and a half. “I don’t like playing other people’s songs. I like writing my own
It’s all about the
Photo Courtesy: Dylan Perese
Competitive composer The beat of a footstep is enough to spark an idea for Dylan Perese. A junior at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, Perese has been composing music since the beginning of middle school and fooling around with his own ideas on the piano even before that. He began playing around age six and hasn’t taken a break since. Whenever Perese has a free moment, he works on composing, using the Mac application Garage Band to record ideas. Out of the many ideas he has stored there, only about 20-30 have become songs. His process is not absolute, as Perese often has many ideas that don’t go on to become anything, or later are incorporated into a new piece. “I have definitely learned from my older compositions,” Perese said. Perese’s compositions don’t only benefit him. Some of his songs have been used in performances such as a video featured at the Walker Arts Center in Minneapolis, a dance recital, and PBS documentaries. One of Perese’s favorite pieces is called “Audacity”, and was written for two pianos. “Audacity” was Rachel Kinney Op/Ed Editor
inspired by a part of composer Igor Stravinsky’s ballet, Petruska. This piece went on to win 1st place in a statewide composition competition, and is currently progressing at a national competition. Perese has entered numerous competitions through associations such as Minnesota Music Teachers’ Association and MacPhail locally. He went to a summer camp at Interlochen Center for the Arts and participates in the Schubert Club Composer Mentorship Program during the school year. Perese is consistently involved in workshops throughout the Twin Cities. “I always try and keep myself aware of what’s going on around me,” Perese said. “I don’t know of any other state that has a program like the Schubert Club or a place with so many opportunities and resources like MacPhail.” Despite all the time and effort Perese puts toward composition, he doesn’t always work on composing in a set way. “It’s a day-by-day thing,” Perese said. “I always try to find free time to compose.” Even if Perese doesn’t necessarily want to structure his future around composing, he knows it will always play a part in his life.
music,” said Goral. “I can’t compose in the classical realm, that’s so hard to do… What I compose is very basic. It just sounds good because you’re playing it through
synths and it sounds complex, but really, it’s nothing to be impressed about.” It may be simple, but Goral’s success with his music proves he is certainly not ordinary.
Music
Inspiring masses, the unseen side
As a child, sophomore Will Whitaker hated taking piano lessons. He didn’t want anything to do with music. He couldn’t bear reading notes and never wanted to touch the piano. “I didn’t even like the sound of the word piano,” Whitaker said. However, as he stopped piano lessons, Whitaker had more free time to play with different melodies. “Since I wasn’t being forced to work and didn’t have to read other people’s music, I could truly put what’s inside of me onto the keys and make something that I wanted to make,” Whitaker said. “And that’s how I started composing music.” Presently, Whitaker has composed around 35 pieces of music. While currently working on four other compositions, Whitaker has also been preparing his song “Unseen,” which originated from a little tune he made in sixth grade. “Unseen” will be performed at the St. Paul Academy Pops Concert on November 13, 2010 at St. Catherine University’s O’Shaughnessy Auditorium. His work will be conducted by SPA Fine Arts teacher Anne Klus and sung by the girls of SPA’s choirs at the concert. Whitaker will be there as a piano accomAllison Wang Sci/Tech Editor
Photo Credit: Rebecca Xu
panist for “Unseen.” “I’m really thankful that Ms. Klus has given me the chance to promote student composing and trusts me to write a song for the school in her production,” Whitaker said. This is the first piece he composed for a choir. Previously, he had been working with just two soloists. While Whitaker mainly has been working with slow-beat compositions, he has also been working with different genres like pop, R&B, and hip-hop. Drawing his inspiration from Lady Gaga and politicians, Whitaker hopes to make his way into the music industry as an Audio Engineer in the future. His experiences at Interlochen, a music summer camp, allowed him to experiment with post-production. He worked on editing soundtracks in studios, which helped to prompt this aspiration.
According to Whitaker, Gaga would be his dream co-worker. He admires Gaga for not only her “fabulous music,” but also her advocacy for gay rights. Politicians in general have also provided a broad sense of inspiration for him. “Politics are the one thing that affects everyone in a very nondirect way,” Whitaker said. “You don’t know any of the decisions these people are making for you, but they can dramatically affect your life.” He wants to relate this idea of politicians to his own music. “When people hear a song that they really like and connect with through its ideas and sounds, it can change a person’s life,” Whitaker said. “They don’t know me; they just hear what’s on the track. This is why I work really hard, so that my listeners can connect to and see what I’m getting at through my music.”
iLose:
How loud music is increasing hearing loss
Music fans of the 21st century have given music its new slogan: “If the music’s too loud, then you’re too old.” Over the past forty years, music has greatly changed. From the 1979 Walkman to the 6th generation iPod, music is clearly not what it was before and neither are its listeners. This age of music-listening follows a new trend of “crankin’ up da beat”, which has silently started the rise in noise-induced hearing loss. For most students at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, listening to music is a daily ritual. Whether it be while studying, driving, or sleeping, almost all students, like SPA sophomore Chinaza Nwaneri, seems to be jamming to tunes on their iPod. “I usually turn up my volume when I’m listening to songs that define my day,” Nwaneri said. But sometimes, loud music can be too much. “At school dances and the Nigerian parties I go to, they blast the music so loud that you can’t even hear the person
standing next to you,” Nwaneri said. “I hate that so much.” However, excessive and loud music can result in the onset of noise-induced hearing loss. The earphones used by loud music listeners have been discovered as one of the root causes for hearing loss. According to a Harvard Medical School study on the effects of hearing loss, “tiny phones inserted into the ears are not as efficient at blocking outside sounds as the cushioned headsets; therefore users tend to crank up the volume to compensate.” But how are our ears damaged from listening to music at high volumes? “If you are listening to sounds with many different frequencies, those high frequencies are going to be amplified by your ear canal. If those frequencies start coming in at a higher level, they’ll damage your sensory cells in your ear. When sensory cells get damaged, they fall down and come up again, kind of like walking on grass. However, sometimes they can be
Liz Rosman Staff Writer
7 ways to
Science & Tech
November 2010
damaged permanently from one exposure,” University of Minnesota Professor of Audiology Robert Schlauch said. As with the loud earphones, noise-induced hearing loss can also result from the high-volumes of concert gigs or even blasted dance music. According to Otolaryngologist Sam Levine of abelard. org, the noise level of the average rock concert just about pushes 150 decibels [decibels measure sound frequency], which is 30 decibels more than the sound of a jet airplane taking off. Listening for extended periods of time can also be hard on the ears. According to Schlauch, long exposures can result in hearing loss. Dr. Schlauch explains hearing-loss can be experienced within a moment’s notice, “If your ears hurt or if it sounds uncomfortable you should be wearing ear protection.” For musicians and concert goers, choosing to moderate loud music intake and considering some earplugs when your in the front row may be a good option.
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reduce hearing loss
Hearing loss is a growing danger among members of the younger generation. It results from the intake of excessive noise. To combat this growing threat, companies have produced products which allow a safer way to listen to music. Listed below are a few pf ,amu ways to avoid long term hearing loss. Henry Moyers Feature Co-Editor
Illustration Credit: Allison Wang
Above: From The Journal of the American Medical Association, a study looked at the prevalence of hearing loss in adolescents. Researchers examined data from 12-19-yearold adolescent participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), an extended governmental study. The study found that 14.9% of teenagers in 1988-94 had at least 15 decibels of hearing loss compared to 200520006 with 19.5% of teenagers with hearing loss.
Journey through the ear: how they help us balance and hear Without ears, life would be a mess. Your ears are responsible for collecting sounds, processing them and sending sound signals to the brain. Sound waves come through as a succession of increased pressure, followed by decreased pressure. These vibrations occur at different frequencies, but only certain frequencies are picked up, or actually heard. Additionally, our inner ears, are also important for balance. The semicircular canals and vestibule of our inner ears are used to sense acceleration and deceleration as we move. The three canals are perpendicular to each other, and at the end of the canals, on the cochlear, tiny hairs detect the different affect of gravity when the head is in different positions. These hair cells pick up movement and impulses. The ear performs a unique, helpful function. Take a look at the diagram (left) to get and inside idea of how sounds reach the brain. Taylor Billeadeau Staff Writer
How Sounds Reach the Brain
Illustration Credit: Allison Wang
1 Apple, the maker of the famous iPod series, has a volume control feature, called “Sound Check,” on their popular MP3 players that allows parents to set the maximum volume level for their children, reducing the risk of excessive noise levels. Other companies, such as Microsoft have started to incorporate this feature into their own products.
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Noise cancellation headphones, can also lower the chances of hearing loss. Popular choices, such as Beats by Dr. Dre and Sony’s popular set of headphones allow block exterior sounds, which means that listeners can enjoy their music at a much lower volume. Buyers beware however, as these headphones can run as much as three hundred dollars.
3 The most successful products, however, are ones that block out noise. Typically, this noise-blocking products like earplugs are helpful. Earplugs are usually very cheap, and can be found at most drug stores. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration claims that soft earplugs work the best, as they can mold to fit your ears.
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Of course there is one solution that is not only cheap but also incredibly effective: limit the amount of time spent listening to loud, ear damaging music.
Myth Busters: Does cell phone radiation damage brain function? It’s an established Noah Shavit-Lonstein fact that cellular News Editor phones give off radio frequency (RF) waves. And it’s true that these waves are a form of radiation. But controversy remains over whether these radio waves could have negative health effects. Some recent studies say they won’t, but not everyone is convinced. The National Cancer Institute, a government-based organization, states that cell phone RF levels are “too low to cause significant tissue heating or an increase in body temperature.” The Institute believes that the studies are exten-
sive, though not yet comprehensive. Studies have not studied ionization, and have not yet involved children or teenagers. Some scientists remain unworried. Robert Roche, a statistician for the Wireless Telecommunications Industry was asked whether cell phone radiation is an issue. He responded with a clear “no” and a laugh. The Environmental Working Group, which works for consumer protection, is still troubled with the radiation output on cell phones. They show particular concern for children and teenagers, whose nervous systems are not as well
developed. They suggest studies that analyzed cell phones in close proximity to the user’s head. They also note that, due to the relative recency of cell phones, studies of long-term effects of cell phones are not yet completed. They fear the worst, and suggest taking precautions. “When [teens] can, they should try to use a headset,” said Leann Brown, a spokesperson for the EWG. “Text messaging is also a great way.” More concern comes from Doctors Ronald Klatz and Robert Goldman, who recently published an in-depth study of the dangers
of cell phones. They worried that cell phones could damage genetic material and may be linked to cancer. Shortening conversations may help, they say, as well as keeping cell phones away from the body. With a lack of clear-cut answers, a variety of studies have been conducted into teenage cell phone use. These have had mixed results. A Swedish study saw a sharp increase in brain tumors among teen cell phone users. In contrast, both a German report and a report by the FDA conclude that RF waves are harmless to children. Long-term studies are also un-
derway. One of these is COSMOS, from England’s Department of Health. COSMOS is scheduled to run over thirty years, and includes a quarter of a million phone users. MobiKids, which is funded internationally through the European Union, demographically studies British children with brain tumors. The Federal Communications Commission has responded to concerns by instituting legal maximum radiation levels from cell phones. With mixed results, until longterm studies are completed, it is hard to tell how much cell phone radiation affects the brain.
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rubiconline.com
centerspread
Boys’ varsity soccer restored to glory 3A Section Champions Class A State Tournament Participant - 4th Place All Conference Nick Forsgren, Conor Perkkio, Mac Stringer, Max Hommeyer Honorable Mention - Gabe Breneman, Sam Forsgren All State Nick Forsgren Honorable Mention - Conor Perkkio Pioneer Press All-State Team Nick Forsgren Honorable Mention - Conor Perkkio Star Tribune All-Metro - Second Team Nick Forsgren All State All Star Game MVP Nick Forsgren
Photo Credit: Megan Davies, IBID
Just outside the penalty kick area, senior captain Nick Forsgren pulls back his foot as he revs up for a free kick in the opening round of the state tournament against the Rochester Lourdes Eagles. Despite not scoring on the free kick, Forsgren was the Boys Varsity Soccer MVP for the 2010 season. After winning the game 2-0 the team advanced to the state semi-finals.
Eight championship games. Four state titles. Four state runner up trophies. 15 state tournament appearances and arguably the greatest United States soccer player to ever lace up a pair of cleats. These are the accolades which the historic St. Paul Academy and Summit School boys’ soccer program rests it’s shoulder on. However, for over a decade the prestigious program failed to reach what was at one time considered an annual appearance: the state tournament. Heading into the season with a senior heavy team, the 2010 campaign saw a faction of seniors aspiring to be remembered and a group of underclassmen wanting their senior leaders to Alex Smith Sports Editor
be recognized for their athletic prowess. In the end both the seniors and the underclassmen would achieve these goals as the two worked together to form a squad which would achieve 16 wins and reach the state tournament and become known as the fourth best soccer team in the state of Minnesota for Class A. With just over half the team being composed of 11 seniors, including all three team captains, Conor Perkkio, Nick Forsgren and Max Hommeyer, the 2010 team was laden with experience. That said, the seniors weren’t just on the team to sit on the bench and be role models for the talented underclassmen. No, all 11 seniors over the course of the season wound up scoring
a goal, including goal keeper Alex Petronio. That is not a misprint; the senior goal keeper did a score goal. No joke. In every area of the team, there was a senior captain guiding it. That being said, one area of the team which was particularly loaded with seniors was the defense. The defense was lead by the sweeper, senior captain Max Hommeyer. On the outside, seniors Jackson Evert and Zac Mohring guarded the flanks as senior John Micevych watched the middle. Meanwhile, the midfield was lead by all-state honorable mention senior captain Conor Perkkio. While freshman phenom Sam Forsgren would end up statistically being the superstar of
the midfield, it was Perkkio’s poise and leadership abilities which directed the midfield and saw it flourish. Up top leading an attack which pored in an astounding total of 71 goals, was the man every opponent was worried about: two time all-state player and senior captain Nick Forsgren. Forsgren, who was the team’s offensive superstar, lead the team in goals scored at 23 as well as in total points with 36. Alongside Forsgren was senior Mac Stringer whose overpowering aerial abilities scorched teams just about every time the Spartans had a corner kick. Coming off the sidelines were seniors Nathan Rice, Conor
Dowdle and Ben Causey. Dowdle, a spark plug who always hustled and gave it his all, held the honor of scoring the first goal of the season. Meanwhile Rice would step onto the field with a deadly shot and a wide variety of offensive abilities. Lastly, Causey was a versatile player who over the course of the season would at one point or another play positions in all three areas of the field. Those were the 11 seniors, who along with a group of talented underclassmen, would form the fourth best Class A team in the state of Minnesota for the 2010 season, and restore glory to the legendary Spartan boys’ soccer program.
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Sports
November 2010
Taylor’s Wild Column The state of Hockey What does it mean to be a member of the State of Hockey? Although that is not our official title, I think that it’s definitely the most fitting. And ‘State of Hockey’ is broadcast throughout the Xcel Energy Center, and many other places. Minnesota has the most recognizable hockey programs in the country, from pee-wee and bantams to high school, and so on. Some kids start playing at 3, and play until they’re 60. They get up early, shovel the rinks, sharpen their skates, tape their sticks, etc. But if you don’t play hockey there are many ways to be a member of the State of Hockey without actually playing the sport itself. The fan base is incredible, and not just for the pro games, which have been sold out consecutively for the past 10 years. Because our program is so nationally recognized throughout sports magazines and newspapers, fans that attend the high school hockey tournament give incredible support. My dad and I, along with our family friends, attended a state tournament high school game a few years ago, and there were many other spectators aside from the kids that were supporting their school. Even they were riled up the entire game, always on their feet, cheering for their team. Although it’s hard to admit, I’ve seen bigger fans than me at Wild games. People that go all out, people that never miss a game, people that start cheers and give personal standing ovations every time Niklas Backstrom makes a save. People in the crowd at Wild games don’t just clap when a fight breaks out, or someone gets hit. They clap after a good shift or a good penalty kill. Although fights and hits are entertaining, Minnesotans can tell when a good play is made and usually clap or acknowledge the team’s hard work. The fans here want to see good, fast-paced hockey. The games continue to sell out even though the team hasn’t made the playoffs in three years. Minnesotans love their hockey. 10 years ago, when it was announced that hockey was returning to Minnesota, Minnesotans went nuts. During that break, all we had was high school hockey to turn to, and that was what Minnesotans cheered for. Many players from high school make it to the pros, and last year, the Wild picked Mr. Hockey from the year before, Nick Leddy, in the draft. As the high school hockey season approaches, I encourage everyone to go out and cheer for Minnesota, because hockey is a part of our state and will be for a long time. Taylor Billeadeau Columnist
Photo Credit: Alex Smith
In the first game of the season, which the Spartans lost 42-0, just as it looked like the Spartans would score, senior captain and quarterback James Adams fumbled ball near the goal line. Adams said the team needed to do a better job tackling and needed to put more effort in the weight room.
Football’s frustrating season
Even with a winless season, the football team remains in high spirit ticipation for this season was high. As the new Varsity quarterback and captain, Adams had big shoes to fill. Although the Spartans didn’t come as far on the scoreboard as they wanted to, it was evident that Adams and the other captains had worked hard. As quarterback, Adams had to motivate members of the team, a hard thing to do with zero wins. “Coach Heiser and Andrew Bennett motivated me. They were putting in so much effort; it made me want to give it 110 percent all of the time,” Adams said. This year was the first year under the new staff lead by Head Coach Mark Heiser. “The coaching was great. Coach Heiser was our offensive coordinator, Andrew Bennett was a great wide receiver coach,” Adams said. That being said, Adams was at times disappointed with certain members of the teams lack of effort. “We needed to put in more effort in the weight room,” Adams said. Doing a better job tackling was also an important note on Adams’ list. “[for next season] guys need to get in the weight room. They need to stay committed during the season,” Adams said. Senior Killy Past, felt that the summer practices were effective and helpful this season. When the season started this fall however, things didn’t quite work out as planned. “It seemed like we were
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It seemed like we were prepared, things just started to fall apart. Practices started to get pretty sloppy, players weren’t playing as hard.
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Dedication. Motivation. Commitment. All three of these words are regularly heard on the sports field. Whether it is the time put into conditioning, or waking up early to make a practice, athletes know what it means to sacrifice for the sport they love. From the season’s beginnings in the middle of August to the season’s end in late October, members of the football team put in the sacrifice needed for a successful season. Unfortunately that wasn’t enough as the Spartans would go 0-8 and have a winless season. “It was a disappointing season,” junior and wide receiver Andrew Bradley said. And with zero wins this year, it is not difficult to see why. “I always want to get better, and want to improve for next year,” Bradley said. Bradley pointed out that a contributing factor to the winless season was the lack of number of players on the team, a total of 31. With only two freshmen on the team this year, the number of players for next season will only decrease, and questions regarding if there will even be a football team have already started brewing. “We need a bigger turnout for next year. Along with more players, players need to hit the weight room [for next season] as well,” Bradley said. For senior James Adams, the anHenry Moyers Feature Co-Editor
Senior, Killy Pabst prepared, things just started to fall apart,” Pabst said, “practices started to get pretty sloppy, players weren’t playing as hard.” Because of the number of starters from last season graduated, the starters this year were not experienced. Although the coaching change was good for the program, Pabst felt the relationship between the coaches and the players could have been better. Pabst tried to help out the team by raising moral. Although not a captain, Pabst tried to fill the role as a motivational leader. “I had to pump up the team up and energize them. I had to get them excited to play,” Pabst said. Senior and offensive lineman Andrew Bullard felt that part of the challenges thrown at the Spartans throughout the season came from the lack of experience. Bullard said that other players on the team helped motivate him and kept him going. Bullard thought that the new coaching system worked out alright, and an area of improvement could happen in games. “We
can’t get so far behind in the first quarter,” Bullard said. For next season, responsibility will be in the hands of the underclassmen to improve the team. Sophomore Danny O’Shea, defenseman, enjoyed the season. “It was fun, it would’ve been nice if we won a game though,” O’Shea said. O’Shea believes the coaches did a good job. For O’Shea, practices were effective. “Practices went well; people played who wanted to play this year,”, O’Shea said. As a player, O’Shea tried to bring leadership on defense. Leading the team in tackles, O’Shea was a great asset to the team. O’Shea, like other members of the team, wants to see them get stronger. “[One of our goals] is getting in the weight room,” O’Shea said. No matter the sport, a win-less season is disappointing for any team. As each member of the team understands, improvements will have to be made for next season if they are going to put this frustrating season behind them.
Sports
November 2010
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Spartan Soccer’s Future Superstars
Eighth Grade Wonder of the World : Molly Fiedler
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Regardless of her age, she is going to be loved by her teammates because of how dedicated she is and how hard she plays.
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She had a total number of 58 shots, 38 of them were on goal, and 11 of those were converted into goals. And she’s only in eighth grade. Over the summer, Molly Fiedler was encouraged to try out for the Girls Varsity soccer team. “I didn’t really think I was gonna make it, I thought I was just gonna try out for the experience,” she said. Having not played with many older girls, she didn’t know how good they were and if she would be able to play up to their skill level. Even though she was nervous during tryouts, when going through the drills her talent caught the eye of the head coach. “In the varsity tryouts, we do a lot of objective testing, and she scored in the top three in all of our events, which on paper and objectively made her look like one of our top players overall and it’s hard not to keep her when she can score so many,” Girls Varsity Soccer coach Ben Danielson said. She described the season as going pretty well. “After a couple games it began to feel more comfortable and I could play a little better. Towards the end of the season it was just a lot of fun,” Fiedler said. Just as her season was going on, as was her brother’s, sophomore Matt Fiedler. Whereas Molly is a goal scorer, Matt is the goal keeper Aditi Kulkarni Staff Writer
Girls Varsity Soccer Head Coach Ben Danielson
for the boys varsity soccer team. “Molly works really hard and she definitely deserves to be on the field. I know she’s going to keep scoring goals and helping the girls’ team throughout [her high school career]. Too bad she still can’t score on her older brother,” Matt said with a smile. Unfortunately her season was cut short during the opening round section game against De La Salle. With two minutes left in the game and the Spartans winning, one of Molly’s teammates played her a through that got past all of the Islanders but one. Both Molly and the De La Salle defender rushed towards the ball. The race towards the ball was tight knit, but, as usual, Molly had a step on her opponent. With this advantage, Molly got to the ball before the opponent could. Then things took a turn for the worst. Just as Molly got her cleats on the soccer ball and looked towards scoring a goal, the Eighth Grade Wonder of The World was violent-
ly checked. Molly fell on her shoulder. As she landed, Molly says she heard a crack. She broke her collar bone. Her marvellous season was over. “I was really mad at first and really sad and disappointed. I really enjoyed the season and it was really sad it was over,” she said. “It was frustrating when I couldn’t play in the games. But I was happy to go and support everyone and they played great so that’s all I could do,” she said about the rest of the season. Other players in the past who have made varsity when in middle school are varsity player standouts, junior Jenna O’Brien and sophomore Amanda Hotvedt. “What’s great about Molly is shes got this humble, hardworking approach,” Danielson said, “and because of that, regardless of her age, she is going to be loved by her teammates because of how dedicated she is and how hard she plays. It’s not a matter of her youth as much, but more who she is.”
Photos Courtesy: Kristina Kramarczuk
Eighth grader Molly Fiedler scored 11 goals in her first year on varsity. “I know she’s going to keep scoring goals and helping the girls’ team throughout [her high school career]” sophomore -and older brother - Matt Fiedler said.
Fearless Freshman Phenomenon : Sam Forsgren
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[Sam] was able to do so well because he has the physical ability to play with older kids, as well as the mental ability. While most freshman are intimidated [by older kids] he is not afraid of anyone.
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Sam’s older brother, senior Nick Forsgren
Photo Credit: Alex Smith
As a freshman Sam Forsgren was a awarded a spot on the Tri-Metro All Conference Honorable mention team. Besides leading the team in assists he had the sixth most assists in the state of Minnesota with a total of 19.
“He’s a freshman,” clap clap clap, “He’s freshman!” The Spartan fans cheered when freshman phenom, Sam Forsgren scored against Rochester Lourdes in the State quarterfinals. The goal put the Spartans up 2-0 and created a sense of comfort with the multiple score lead. Being the younger brother to two time all-state soccer player, Mr. Soccer finalist, and senior captain Nick Forsgren , meant that younger brother Sam had big cleats to Alex Smith Sports Editor
fill when his first season at the varsity level kicked off. However, Sam did more than just hold his own against the competition; the freshman phenom dominated the competition. Sam is arguably one of the best 20 players in the state of Minnesota. Don’t believe it, look at the stats. At the end of the season, statistically Sam was so dominant in the state of Minnesota he ranked number six in assists total, at 19. Meanwhile in overall points total he was the number 12 ranked
player in the state. Also Sam was awarded a spot on the Tri-Metro Conference All Conference Honorable mention team. Over the course of the season Sam played the role of distributor on the team. For those who may know more about basketball than soccer, in essence Sam was the point guard on the team. “On my club team I play a distributor as well, I set people up a lot, “Sam said, “being a distributor is something I do best.” That being said, as shown in
the State quarterfinal game, Sam is equally as confident in his passing abilities as he is in his scoring abilities. “Because I can also finish near the net well, I will continue to score.” Sam said. Just how exactly has Sam been able to do so well in his first season at the varsity level? “[Sam] was able to do so well because he has the physical ability to play with older kids, as well as the mental ability,” older brother Nick said, “While most freshman are intimidated [ by older kids] he is not afraid of anyone.” The one question just about every Spartan boy’s soccer fan has wanted to be answered is, “Who was better as a freshman, Nick or Sam?” It’s complicated. When Nick and Sam were asked this question, there was not a definitive yes or no answer from either of them. “[Sam] was more of a physical
presence than I was, and I had nowhere near the stats he did,” Nick said. Meanwhile Sam believes he was able to accomplish more because he got more playing time, while older brother Nick got less playing time during his freshman campaign because he had to play with more collegiate bond soccer players. Sam understands that going to state at such an early stage in one’s high school athletic career can be both a curse and a blessing. However, Sam is confident that he will someday be back playing in the state tournament and setting foot on the turf in the Metrodome before his high school playing days are over. “Even though we are graduating 11 seniors this year, the team still has a good amount of talent,” Sam said, “I believe we could make state again. I will continue to make an impact year in and year out.”
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Arts & Entertainment
Student Playlist:
The Blanchard Sisters
November 2010
The best show he possibly can Positive rehearsal environment fuels play prepara“Seves wants to put on the best show he possibly can. He is constantly revising and reconstructing his ideas, constantly changing them to form a greater whole,” cast member of the upcoming fall play senior Max Cowles said. This November 19, students at St. Paul Academy and Summit School will be opening their fall show, Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth. The play, a mixture of farcical comedy, biblical tragedy, and family drama, uses one family as a microcosm to examine all of humanity. In every act, except for the last, humanity is destroyed; only the Antrobus family, survives. The family is, in some ways, the original nuclear family. Antrobus has a remarkable similarity to the Latin word for human being, Antropus. The question the play asks is why the Antrobuses continue to survive when everyone else perishes in cold, flood, and war. They are not the “perfect family” that can deserves to be saved; Mr. Antrobus (played by senior Max Cowles) regularly yells at his children and is seduced by other women; Mrs. Antrobus (played by senior Kaia Wahmanholm) doesn’t love her husband, and their son Henry (played by junior Sam Rosenberg) is actually Cain, and killed his brother. So why do they survive? Why doesn’t humanity learn from past mistakes? Will it all be repeated, again, and again and again? There aren’t necessarily any clear answers. In fact, as recent fall plays go, this is probably one of the more strange and unusual. Severson said his directorial approach is usually very dictatorial; he knows exactly what he wants: what it should look like, sound like, and feel like. “Sometimes when I read a piece of dramatic literature images come flooding into my mind about how this particular play might look on stage,” he said. This was the case for last years fall play, William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Severson gave the production a distinct punk rock twist, with Alex Smith Sports Editor
All Photos Credit: Nadja Milena
These 10 favorite driving tunes from Chapin and Caroline will rev up your current car playlist
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Green Light (feat. André 3000) - John Legend
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Church T-Pain featuring Teddy Verseti
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Stuck Like Glue - Sugarland
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Red Dirt Road - Brooks & Dunn
Down (feat. Lil Wayne) - Jay Sean
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Find My Way- The Gabe Dixon Band
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I’m Only Me When I’m With You Taylor Swift
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Its a perfect sing-a-long song that’s up beat.
It was played one day at tennis and was stuck in my head for the next week. On iTunes it is classified as rap, so it is the only rap song I can stand listening to.
I didn’t like this song when I first heard it, but after a while it becomes hard not to smile while singing it. The video is also pretty hilarious.
It’s one of those classic 90’s country songs that we listened to when we were little, so we know all of the words and it never gets old.
CHAPIN’S FAVORITE SONG. She knows ever single word and she sings it as loudly as possible, especially in the summer with the windows down.
This is the opening song to The Proposal, and at the end of the movie the tune of this song was still stuck in my head.
Who doesn’t love this song? It’s one of those songs that just makes you happy.
Lover, Lover - Jerrod Niemann
Chapin hated this song with a burning passion, because of the horrible grammar, but after listening to it A LOT it became one of her favorites.
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King of Anything - Sara Bareilles
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Forget You - Cee Lo Green
It’s bouncy! All of her songs are really good, and they are never overplayed on the radio which keeps them likable.
I have become a bit obsessed.. and I’m not really sure why, it’s not a spectacular song, but its catchy.
Photo Credit: Maddie Butler
Mr. Antrobus, senior Max Cowles, and the mammoth, senior Chase Butterworth, rehearse act one of The Skin of Our Teeth. Rehearsals are long for the actors but this is all to, as Cowles said, “put on the best show...possible.”
Mohawks, spray painted walls, and background music like punk-rock band staples such as The Clash. But the vision for this show is coming more gradually. “This time [I’m] being inspired by each and every actor on that stage,” Severson said in an e-mail. Severson and his set designer Dutton Foster, former Upper School Drama Director and English teacher, want the set for the first act, which takes place in the Antrobus household, to look like a combination of a classic 1950’s living room and the back room of a museum. The legs of the couch are piles of books, the front door of the house is covered in sheet music. There is also a current student group working with him as well. SPAM (SPA Media) has been putting together video and still im-
ages which, according to Severson, will be projected on multiple monitors throughout the performance that will help show some of the bigger ideas and themes present in the text. If a constant stream of laughter and jokes emanating from the rehearsal rooms is any indication, the cast is having a great time preparing for this show. “Rehearsal environment has been wonderful. We laugh far too much... This cast is absolutely phenomenal... they have such a delicious camaraderie during rehearsals that we sometimes take forever to get started or finished because we are all chatting/laughing/engaging with each other... It feels good. They are really working together as a beautiful ensemble.”
The heart of the show: now we’re playing Milena shares her personal experience while prepping for the stage “Okay guys, come on out and have a seat on the stage.” It’s the end of a long rehearsal, the actors are tired, and they all know what’s coming. There are nine days until the final dress rehearsal for St. Paul Academy and Summit School’s production of Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth. The cast had just run the second act of the play for the first time. It was a train wreck. The actors shuffle on stage. The ones who have worked with Eric Severson, Upper School English teacher and Drama director, know what’s coming. Severson (or ‘Seves’ as everyone calls him; “Please, Mr. Severson is my father,” he always Nadja Milena Editor in Chief
says in rehearsals), will demand more commitment to character, a review of blocking and some serious line memorization. There could be some yelling, and everyone’s ready for it. Instead there is quiet. There is a simple “That was…really rough.” But there is no booming Seves voice. This is not good. The quieter Seves is, the more disastrous the run through was. Everyone who wasn’t feeling it before suddenly notices the crunch of time’s teeth. Suddenly, almost miraculously, everyone steps it up. Main characters start meeting during free periods and lunch periods, to run lines.
The next night’s rehearsal is all about memorization. August King, who plays the announcer, runs his two monologues again, and again, and again. The Antrobus family and their maid Sabina (played by yours truly) run the end of Act II until they are familiar with everyone’s lines, not just their own. The choir room looks like an asylum for the deranged: students pace back and forth, repeating, mumbling, cursing. And, as it always is, the next night is better. There are blocking issues and dropped lines, but the heart of the show is beginning to show through. Now it’s getting exciting. Now we’re playing.
Satire
November 2010
Har, Har.
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the rubicONION
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Action taken to enforce students behavior at dances Student Activities Committee rennovates dances to fit a more traditional Ideal After multiple warnings in class meetings and blue sheets, the Students Activities Committee has decided on restructuring St. Paul Academy and Summit School’s dances to fit more “traditional” standards, loosely following a Puritan idea. The teenage days of US Mathematics teacher Bill Boulger and US Science teacher Dan Ertl are also being used as a reference of renovation. “It had to be done. We were receiving too many complaints from parents and it was just awkward to ‘dance’ in front of Mr. Boulger,” SAC co-president Zach Rice said. SAC members allowed anonymous recommendations from teachers last week, one even saying “Grinding should only be used as a verb for processing corn” While no Christian prayer sessions will be held during the dances, many other aspects of a PuriRebecca Xu Feature Co-Editor
Global warming has never felt this good! H- 68 L- 55
tan ideal will followed. Clothing requirements have been changed from wearing sheets as togas to wearing clothing that fully covers the body and even headdresses for women. Dean of Students Judy Cummins will be strictly enforcing this policy, as simulations of lynching are to be set up in the gym foyer. In preparation for a more formal structure, Thursday during x-period will be used as a training session focusing on appropriate dance behavior, hosted by the new teacher-led group, General Reform of Social Sex (GROSS). “Whatever group that plans the Middle School socials has the right idea,” said a representative from GROSS. Students can choose from learning how to simply stand and talk without dancing, learn the areas where teachers will be so he or she can discuss upcoming tests with them, and even how to ballroom dance
without eye contact. All Thursday sessions with GROSS are mandatory. This idea of dancing at dances has spurred discussion within the SPA community, as some students are not welcome to this change. “Why do we have to dance at dances? I like jumping up and down for three hours!” junior Danny Foussard said. However, change doesn’t end with the reform of the ideology of the students. To perfect these newfound dances, the Upper School orchestra has been invited to play accompanying music at these newly designed social gatherings. Ready to make the night a thriller, Upper School orchestra teacher Almut Engelhardt has prepared a variety of music from popular composers of the ancient past: Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig Van Beethoven, and the biggest party animal, Wolfgang Amedeus Mo-
zart. “Dancing was once considered an elite pastime. I hope orchestra’s presence at these dances will help return dancing to its former self ” Engelhardt said. With little time before the next scheduled dance, the Upper School orchestra has a lot to prepare. However, considering all members of the orchestra are required to play the same songs for the full three hours, they will not need to worry about a traditional outfit from the 1920’s and therefore will have plenty of time to ready themselves. SAC’s newly made changes to SPA’s school sponsored dances remind of us of how actions always bring on consequences. Trending a new way of putting on dances, St. Paul Academy hopes to accomplish its mission of bringing a safe and comfortable learning atmosphere to all aspects of the school.
Student accepts science teacher’s challenge of “this Popular smart phone “apps” make it easier for students to cheat and teachers to catch them assignment cannot be done the night As the popularity Nick Scott before it is due” of smart phones Staff Writer
“Quick, hide in here! She’ll never see us...”
See 2C
continues to grow in the SPA community (as well as around the world), so does the revolutionary virtual content available on the phones. Anywhere from music and movies to utilities and programs (otherwise known as “apps”), the availability of apps is increasing as is their diversity and usefulness.
The user interface of the extremely popular Teamwork Interference Radar app, which pinpoints the location of nearby teachers.
Friends!
America Kit News Inc.
Senior gives speech about sport accomplishments, failures See 6B
For some of the more politically versed smart phone users, conservative news station Kit News Inc. is in talks to create an app called America, that allows users to recieve critique from pundit Glenn Beck. Users will be able to send in keywords like Obama, Hitler, Democrat, America, etc. and recieve an opinion from Beck himself. Price: Varies; depends on daily tax increase by our socialist president
Final Verdict
Take that high school! A Korean company developed Friends! to make high school rejects feel better abour themselves. The app automattically adds hundreds of firends to the user’s Facebook and/or Myspace profiles. Some controversy has stirred over the 1/5 chance that an automatically added friend is a Korean conman attempting to steal your identity, but the app still grows in popularity due to the desperation of some people. Price: One Hundred Trillion wons (about 1.99 USD)
Final Verdict
“It’s in One- Teamwork InterNote” Fraud ference Radar Student Union Detector Noah B. Ess
Teachers in the SPA community have recently found a utility in the new Lie-Detector app. According to the description on the app developer’s website, while the app is in use, a lie uttered in the English language will cause the phone to vibrate. According to math teacher James McVeety, his phone has recorded a total of 317 false homework excuses, all from his first period class. Price: Irrevelant; taken directly out of school’s endowment
Final Verdict
This new app making its way into the hands of students at an incredibly fast pace. Users may enter their school name and location and be alerted whenever a teacher is nearby. As a result, the Disciplinary committee has reported a significant decrease in academic dishonesty. Dean Cummins has spoken out openly against the use of the infamous app on school ground. Price: $2.99, but that can probably be cheated
Final Verdict
14 Lunchroom eco-friendly changes help make a difference Opinion/Editorial
November 2010
Steps such as composting, milk machines help control waste and consumption of food full, let alone overflowing. No more trays clutter up the counter space, and students move freely through the area, quickly placing each component of their lunch where it belongs before speeding off to their next class. This new system is the result of a few changes that have been made recently in the lunchroom. It began last year, when individual milk cartons were swapped out for large milk-dispensing machines. The effects of this exchange were immediate, and very visible: no more cartons filling up the trash cans, and thus less waste being thrown out every single day. Returning to school this August, students were met with even more changes. The silverware bins pre-wash all utensils, saving time, water, and cutting down on clutter in the window. Trays have disappeared, forcing everybody to think about the amount of food they will really consume. Purchasing decisions have become smarter as well.
For example, chips no longer come in individual packages, but are bought in bulk and then put into a bowl, cutting down on packaging waste. Lastly, members of the student group People for Environmental Protection have recently announced plans to begin composting, a system that has already been put in place in the Lower School and will, hopefully, cut the school’s waste down to almost nothing. The Rubicon would like to commend the lunchroom staff, as well as anyone else who helped in the efforts to create a more eco-friendly lunchroom. According to Chef Simon Barrow, the results of these changes can already be seen. The difference between the amount of food that was thrown away each day before the cafeteria went trayless and the amount that is thrown out now is substantial. Furthermore, almost everything that is currently thrown in the trash cans can be composted, with
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The changes that SPA has made in our cafeteria truly will have an impact on the environment around us...SPA has a responsibility.
hardly any extra effort. In today’s society, the effort to be “green” can often be mistaken for being a trend. Oftentimes, actions can be interpreted as being meant for show, and not in hopes of real change. However, the changes that SPA has made in our cafeteria truly will have an impact on the environment around us. The only actions we can control are our own, and SPA has a responsibility to ensure that all efforts are being made to cut down on our own waste and to set an example for others. The new system is not without its small glitches. Sure, there may be a few more steps to clearing your place after eating lunch. Sometimes you have to get up and go back in line in order to get
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The lines are getting longer. Additional kids and teachers continue to pile up, but no one at the front is moving. The reason for the hold-up is obvious: trash cans are overflowing with milk cartons, napkins, and other waste. Plates, silverware, and trays piled in uneaten food stack up in the window, waiting to be washed. In the confusion someone is bumped into a wall, dropping their tray and sending chicken tenders, ketchup, and juice crashing to the ground. The line builds and builds, the trash grows bigger and bigger, and it becomes apparent that a change must be made. Up until recently this scene was not an uncommon one in the St. Paul Academy and Summit School lunchroom. Waste was abundant, and with that came an abundance of problems as well. Recently, however, the landscape has changed. Bins full of blue liquid stand to the side of the window, ready to clean silverware. Trash cans are barely
seconds, instead of piling all the food you think you’ll eat on your tray before you even sit down, and those eating at the first table behind the silverware bins are occasionally sprayed when an overexcited student throws his silverware into the liquid with a bit too much force. However, these issues are minor in comparison to the impact the changes have made in the level of food waste and trash being thrown out. What is a few more seconds in line in order to prevent hundreds of pounds of trash from going to a landfill? The Rubicon praises all those involved with the changes that have allowed our lunchroom to become a more earth-friendly environment, and encourages all students, faculty, and staff to approach the new
The Rubicon editorials are representative of the opinions of the Staff Editorial Board, which is made up of all students in Journalism/Editorial Leadership. All other opinion pieces are the opinions of the authors themselves. The Rubicon welcomes letters to the editor. They can be mailed to us or e-mailed to rubicon. spa@gmail.com. Letters should be limited to 150-200 words and must be signed. Letters may be edited and published by discretion of The Rubicon staff.
Letter to the Editor
Captain Planet, The SPA Lunch Staff have got “going green” covered. You can go back to saving the world.
Cartoon Credit: Izak Kelsey-Friedemann
Dear SPA community, Almost every day at SPA, I hear one racist comment, and that’s one too many. Hearing comments within our school is not okay, but making discriminatory comments in public while representing our school crosses an entirely different line. The fact that something like that would even pass through our minds makes me question our community culture. The delay in an administrative response is indicative of a larger issue. We are not upholding our mission in “educating our children to be culturally competent in a global community” (Diversity Action Plan). There are many people that I am proud to say think in a multicultural way, but there is a large group of individuals who continue to disregard our stated values. This either means that the values we say are true at SPA are not our actual values, or that the people that continue to make disrespectful comments don’t belong in the SPA community. Making excuses for the actions that take place is something that needs to be stopped. “Just joking” does not make hurtful remarks okay to say. I hope everyone who reads this will take what I’ve said and make a point to check themselves and people around them to live up to the standards that SPA should proudly portray. Thank you. Serena Hodges Editor’s Note: At the Boys Varsity semifinal game in the Metrodome Monday, November 1, cheering and sportsmanlike behavior came into question. What some interpreted as “talking smack” took on racial and social undertones. This unsportsmanlike sentiment was addressed in grade level meetings on Monday, November 15. The conversation sparked by the events that occured at the Metrodome will continue in various ways throughout the year.
Opinion/Editorial
November 2010
Harry Potter impacts some, infuriates others Who’s got black Iman Jafri hair, green eyes, Centerspread Editor an unusual facial scar, and the power to defeat “HeWho-Must-Not-Be-Named” (but for our purposes, shall be named: Lord Voldemort). If you guessed Harry Potter, congratulations! You are correct. If you guessed someone else, chances are that you are not part of the millions of Harry Potter fans worldwide. Since its birth in 1997, courtesy of author J. K. Rowling, the Harry Potter series has taken the world by storm via books and movies, the latter of which has a new addition called Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 coming to theaters November 19. It has been 13 years since the young wizard first appeared, and yet anticipation for the film and enthusiasm for the whole series has not dwindled. It is easy to see what keeps people of all ages, from all around the globe, coming back to the books and movies, what keeps the series so popular. It’s almost – sorry for the cliché – like magic. The magic of Harry Potter certainly attributes greatly to the popularity of the series. Magic has never ceased to fascinate the masses, regardless of how scientifically advanced we as a society have become. It takes the mundane out of the regular world, brings about the possibility that there could be magic all around us, and we might not even know it. Along with the magic, there is the classic rags-toriches story that gives even the most average Joe hope. In the stories, Harry Potter goes from being an abused little boy living in a closet to an allpowerful wizard. Even if it seems impossible, it is the type of story everyone wants to happen. These fantastic elements draw in readers and watchers, along with, strangely enough, the parts of the tale that are somewhat realistic. The characters go through real emotions, and even some experiences that everyone goes through. While most people are probably not going to a school of witchcraft and wizardry, they do have to face the trials of
getting along with others, of fitting in, of balancing school and fun, just as Harry and the gang do. People in all walks of life have to go through these hardships. It seems like Ron could really be your best friend, Dumbledore could be your wise math teacher, and Hermione actually could be that really smart girl in your science class. The characters are relatable and do what so many of the best books do: tell you that you’re not alone, at least in your emotions. Not only is Harry Potter both magical and relatable, but it is also relatively simple to get into it. This is coming from someone whose first exposure to Harry Potter was through having it read to her as a six year-old, and who was absolutely terrified by it (it was the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, where, spoiler alert, someone dies, and this was too much for said writer), and didn’t go back to the series until two years later, when the third book was read to her, and then the fourth. This person then decided to read the first, and then the second. Said person then tried to read the fifth, but found it too depressing, but was later drawn back into Harry Potter through the simple pleasure of the movies. Basically, unlike some fads, it is not too difficult to understand. Yes, for more hard core fans, the details can be crucial, but you do not need to memorize them to appreciate the books and movies. It is easy to get hooked Of course there are Harry Potter haters out there, or even neutrals. In the actual world, it is not possible to cast a spell on virtually everyone, even one of a series so addicting. But there is no question that the series’ popularity is here to stay, hopefully for at least another 13 years.
September 27, 1998: I am having my 6 year old birthday party at Lava Links. While playing miniature golf I see this kid with an oddly shaped mark of dirt on his forehead wearing a robe and these weird circle shaped glasses. He is also trying to play miniature golf- with a wooden stick. The kids at my party and I don’t say anything to the kid. We try not to make eye contact. We just wait for him to finish up his hole. With the knowledge I have now I can describe him like this: There is this kid around my age, who is dressed as if he is part of a cult that wears robes and John Lennon glasses wherever they go. The kid is also obviously horrible at taking showers because he has yet to wash off his cross from Ash Wednesday. And, he must be a numbskull, because he is trying to play miniature golf with a wooden stick. Looking back I now realize he was a young Harry Potter fan because the U.S. release date of the first Harry Potter book was September 1st 1998. My sixth birthday was on September 27th 1998. I was in Kindergarten when the first Harry Potter book hit the bookshelves, my bookshelf included. Since I didn’t know how to read yet, my mom tried to read it to me. Whereas most kids were stimulated and enticed by the narrative and listened word for word, I did not. I think my mom got up to page 30 before I took the book out of her hands and threw it against the wall. When I was six years old I thought the first Harry Potter book was the worst story ever written. However, thanks to the curriculum here at SPA, I would be proven wrong twice. First in 4th grade when this darn school forced me to read Sarah, Plain and Tall and then in 10th grade when the school forced me to read The Age of Innocence. Alex Smith Sports Editor
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I figured it would be easy to spew venomous Harry Potter hate all over the page, because before I started writing this, I thought I really did hate Harry Potter. Well, when I did that, I ended up sounding as unintelligent, if not more, than Glenn Beck when talking about Barack Obama. So I scrapped it, wrote this instead and learned something about myself. I learned that I despise Harry Potter books because I was never taken away by the books or the movies. I don’t necessarily hate Harry Potter because it sucks; I hate Harry Potter because it never impacted my life as much as it did most Harry Potter fans. I imagined Harry Potter fans to be like Monty Python fans and cool nerdy comic book fans rolled all into one. Not only did they dress up as characters, but they also quoted them. I have seen all of the Harry Potter movies and have found them to be extremely entertaining and enjoyable. I read the first and second books when I was 10, and while the books, like the movies were entertaining, they never made me want to go dress up like that kid I saw at my six year old birthday party. Because of that- because I wasn’t a huge Harry Potter fan - I stopped reading them and a hatred for the Harry Potter series started growing inside of me. I was angry that I was not a part of the millions readers who loved the books or the millions of fans that loved the movies. I was jealous certain people were inspired enough by a book or movie to wear costumes in public, while I was not. I felt excluded from the hype, and because I was so immature at the time, I therefore thought I hated Harry Potter. I now know otherwise.
Illustration Credit: Maddie Butler
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urkey time
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Thanksgiving is upon us, and that means it is time to see family, stuff your face, and color some turkeys! Take some time out of your day to relax and decorate the turkey below, drawn by St. Paul Academy andSummit School senior Claire Larkins, in whatever fashion you please. Return your finished turkey to the box outside the Deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office or email it to The Rubicon at rubicon.spa@gmail.com by December 1st for your chance to receive a special prize. Happy Turkey day!
Illustration credit: Claire Larkins