November Issue 2009

The Review

FIRST CLASS U.S. Postage PAID Houston, TX Permit No. 9081

The Official Student Newspaper of St. John’s School Vol. 61, Issue 4

November 2009

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Mavericks fall prey to Falcons

CLAY NICKENS| The Review

Quarterback Josh Winslow (‘11) is brought down by multiple Falcon defenders.

Cars broken into at St. Luke’s

By MEGAN RECH The front passenger windows of two cars were broken inward in the St. Luke’s parking lot on Oct. 28, 2009 between 2:00 and 3:00 pm. The first vehicle, Hannah Gershenson’s (‘11) 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan contained a purse and other belongings in plain sight, but nothing was stolen. An iPod Touch and cassette adapter were taken from the second vehicle, Mac Loftin’s (‘11) 1999 GMC Yukon.

“I live in West University and park on the street every day. I always leave my iPod, purse and wallet sitting in my car and nothing like this has ever happened,” Gershenson said. “I always considered St. Luke’s to be really safe, but I will be so much more careful now because I know that it can happen to anyone.”

The St. Luke’s officer who was in charge of the area was overseeing the pumpkin patch at the time of the incident and was unable to see what transpired.

“I think it was a matter of convenience for whoever was crossing the area,” John Enciso, Director of Security and Facility Services, said. “It is difficult to identify the individual that might have done this because it is a porous parking lot; it can be accessed from Buffalo, Alabama, and Westheimer.”

Neither student said they wished to file a police report,

Index News...........................2 Features.....................4 A&E...........................7 Photo Spread...........10 Beyond SJS...............12 Sports......................14 Opinions...................16

but Carlos Mendez, the officer who works for Riverdale patrol, has filed an internal report listing the incident details.

Mr. Enciso said that these kinds of occurrences have happened previously, and while full-time coverage at the time of the incident would be ideal, these situations are isolated and it is difficult to predict when and where they would take place in the future.

Currently, security makes rounds from 7:00 am until 3:30 pm throughout the campus, and North Campus Ambassador Carlos Veyna monitors the gates on the North Campus. The Senior Lot is monitored on a regular basis.

Mr. Enciso said that he is looking into having officers routinely check all student vehicles as they do their rounds, ensuring that the doors are locked, the windows are rolled up and personal belongings are not visible. If they do find a vehicle at risk of theft, they will make a note of the vehicle and the tag, identify who it belongs to, and make the student aware of the situation so that they can remember to put their belongings in a safe place.

“Every year we encourage students to be aware of the belongings in their cars, and where they park, especially at St. Luke’s because it is not as

secure as [Scotty Caven Field] or Senior Lot,” Mr. Enciso said.

Mr. Enciso added that if students think they forgot to lock the doors or left something in their cars, they should contact campus security for assistance.

If a student does see an incident such as a car break-in occurring, Mr. Enciso said students should walk away from the area to a safe site, contact campus security or the Houston Police Department, and give the important information about what is happening, but Mr. Enciso added that they should never approach the individual.

If students later find that something has happened to their cars, he or she should notify campus security that their vehicle has been damaged. An initial internal incident report will be completed and the student will have the option of contacting HPD for a police report for insurance.

“We can’t ensure that such incidents won’t happen again, but students can mitigate the risk of their reoccurring,” Dan Alig, Dean of Upper School, said. “We live and work in an urban environment, and we emphasize the importance of students’ taking basic steps to keep themselves safe.”

Teachers on Facebook Read about SJS teachers who have joined Facebook.

page 5

CLAY NICKENS| The Review

Kinkaid’s Ford Childress runs in the go-ahead touchdown.

By BRADEN DOYLE One of the great high school football rivalries was played out at Rice Stadium between the St. John’s Mavericks and Kinkaid Falcons on Oct. 30.

The game was an emotional one, a send-off for seniors, and Rice Stadium was filled with excitement and anticipation. It was a hard fought battle that came down to a single point, with Kinkaid taking home the victory 14-13.

The game was a defensive struggle but both teams had multiple chances to break the game open. Both teams had a source of motivation, Kinkaid was looking to compete for the SPC Championship, while SJS was hoping to play spoiler. Kinkaid had a tough time in the red zone, fumbling three times, losing two. The last fumble was recovered in the end zone and eventually won the game for the Falcons.

SJS was not able to capitalize on these turnovers and the

Fro-Yo Frenzy One hungry staff writer compares Tasti D-Lite and Blueberry Hill.

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score did not reflect the success Kinkaid had throughout the game. A single missed extra point ended up being the margin of the final score.

“It is always hard to lose to Kinkaid especially in a close game in which we feel like we could have won,” Head Coach Steve Gleaves said. “As far as I am concerned we just ran out of time at the end.”

The game was the last of the season for SJS, who finished the season 6-4, a five-game turnaround from last season.

“The other thing that is hard is losing the last game,” Gleaves said. “We don’t have the chance to come back the next week and do something about it, so it will take a little longer to get over this one.

The Falcons elected to receive and fielded fielded Dan Tweardy’s (’12) opening kick. SJS gained See KHS on p. 14

Undercover with the Enemy Read about Arvind Mohan’s adventures at “Dress Like St. John’s Day” at Kinkaid.

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news

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The Review

November 2009

Faraday Society tries to spark interest in science

Photo courtesy of Roxie Allen

Ann Hewitt performs a demonstration for the 8th graders.

By JESSICA ALLEN ___Faraday Society, the SJS chemistry club, celebrated National Chemistry Week (Oct. 18-24) by performing exciting demonstrations for Middle

School students to spark their interest in chemistry.

National Chemistry Week is designed to help businesses, schools and individuals appre-

ciate the role of chemistry in their everyday lives.

Since the part of the mission of the Faraday Society is to conduct chemistry outreach, Faraday Society Sponsor Roxie Allen asked Co-Presidents Justin Keeling (’12) and Stephanie Teoh (’12) to organize a series of chemistry demonstrations to show 8th grade SJS students who are currently taking Physical Science. The two started working at the beginning of the school year, searching for and designing projects and coordinating visits from the Middle School.

While Keeling and Teoh hoped to educate and inform the Middle School students, their main goal was to spark the students’ interest in chemistry and inspire them to pursue that interest further.

“We really weren’t out to teach them: ‘hey, this is this kind of reaction, and you need to know this for the test,’” Keeling said. “It was more like ‘Hey, here’s something cool you can do with chemicals.’ We just kind of tried to get them excited about chemistry and Upper School science and possibly joining Faraday.”

To spark such an interest, Keeling and Teoh went for experiments that were flashy and exciting, as well as educational.

They asked Middle School science teachers what kind of experiments would fit nicely with the current curriculum and worked with Ms. Allen to develop the demonstrations.

They also looked for experi-

ments that allowed students to relate chemistry to their everyday lives. “Chemistry is an absolute necessity, but it’s not really acknowledged,” Teoh said.

“It’s just really cool to see how you use [chemistry] every day, in ways you didn’t even know existed.”

For people to actually perform the demonstrations, Keeling and Teoh recruited members of the Faraday society as well as any Upper School students interested in chemistry. They recruited about 25 students to help perform the experiments and explained to them exactly how to perform the demonstrations.

Except for one broken test tube, the Faraday managed not to damage any school equipment in their demonstrations.

Keeling and Teoh picked out experiments that were safe and clean enough to perform in a classroom, but were unsatisfied that they had to omit certain experiments due to the confines and restrictions of a classroom setting. Therefore, they also decided to hold a lunch demonstration in which they could have larger, more explosive demonstrations that were even more exciting than the ones done in Ms. Allen’s class.

Thus, in addition to the 8th grade classes that came during their science class period to Ms. Allen’s room, many students came to the Mini Quad during their lunch period to observe experiments such as ethanol being lit on fire in a five-gallon jug, the reaction between Men-

tos and Coke and “The Hungry Dragon” experiment, in which a gummy bear combusts explosively with chemicals in a test tube.

“I think one of the coolest demonstrations was the electrified pickle, even though it only worked half the time,” Teoh said. “You got to see a pickle light up from the inside because it conducts electricity due to all the ions.”

Keeling and Teoh both said that Faraday society was planning on doing some sort of demonstration to Middle School students during the year, and this national celebration provided them with a reason to hold the demonstrations.

“We would have done it anyway, [and] it just happened that National Chemistry Week was there,” Teoh said.

Keeling also added that the demonstrations were good because they did not only reach out to members of the Middle School.

“We not only got the entire 8th grade excited about chemistry, but we also got a lot of upper schoolers excited,” Keeling said. “We created a lot of excitement over something that’s usually overlooked, because usually when you’re in class [chemistry is] mostly just math or figuring out how many moles are in this, etcetera. We eliminated all that by figuring it out to the point where people could just mix chemicals and set them on fire.”

SJS Dragonboat Team falls short at competition

By STEPHANIE GUO The SJS dragonboat team received a time penalty of five seconds and barely missed qualifying for the finals at this year’s Dragonboat Regatta.

The Regatta was held on Oct. 18 in Sugarland by Brooks Lake. The SJS East Asian Affinity Group has been participating in this event for six years now.

East Asian Affinity Group Co-President Lucy Gao (’10) said that although last year SJS’s team got sixth place, the two years before that they had won, and hoped to win this year as well.

East Asian Affinity Group Co-President Mai Bui (’10) said that many of the students attending had to leave early so the team was short of participants. To ensure that they could still participate, the SJS team asked a few adults to join their group and raced. However, because adults were prohibited from racing in the Youth Division races, they received a time penalty of five seconds, knocking them from third place from sixth.

According to ancient Chinese legend, dragonboat racing began because of a man named Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan was a famous poet in China who com-

Photo courtesy of Lucy Gao (‘10)

The SJS Dragonboat team races during the competition. The team finished in sixth place due to a time penalty. mitted suicide by wading into the Miluo River with a huge rock. The other villagers, in mourning and respect for his dead body, threw in traditional Chinese food, zong zi, to distract the fish from eating his body. They then rode around in dragonboats to find him.

Dragonboats fit from 10 to 12 people on each side of the boat and there are three teams per heat. There were three heats consisting of three rounds each and then a final.

In order to participate in the race, for the East Asian Affin-

ity Group to find a sponsor.

“We asked the parents and students in the club to ask many asian businesses or companies or restaurants that could possibly provide a partial or a full sponsorship for the regatta,” Gao said. Jonathan Ong (‘11) eventually got Lee’s Noodle Kitchen to sponsor the event.

To prepare for the race, Bui and Gao organized two practice sessions. The first took place at the Houston Watersports Complex on Oct. 3rd and was the “wet practice.”

Five students and four parents

showed up to practice rowing while an official commented on how to maximize efficiency of the boat.

The second practice took place during lunch at SJS. Students sat on tables and practiced hunching over to simulate rowing.

“There’re a lot of different races, like the 200 meter race which we compete in. Then there’s the 1000-[meter race] that the buffer, older people compete in,” Gao said.

People from differing ethnic backgrounds attended the

race. Many schools and big companies like Exxon, were also present. Breast cancer survivors also participate yearly.

East Asian Affinity Group Vice President Deanna Zhang (‘11) said that she believes that Dragonboat Regatta is a good way to enjoy Chinese culture and bring people together.

“You have a whole team trying to be synchronized and row at the same time and win. Sometimes they fail, but the point is, they have fun,” Zhang said.

3 New committee examines male experience at SJS

news

November 2009

By SAMUEL DUNN

On Oct. 8, a new committee was formed at SJS with the goal of seeking to understand the experience of males at SJS. The committee recently met with about 40 students in attendance.

The talk to create the group began after Upper School history teacher Gara Johnson-West and Former Foreign Language Teacher Elimari Sanchez-Ortiz began Women Helping Empower Each Other. Initially the group was created to find out whether male students would be interested in a group focused on their experiences.

“By most measures, it is fair to say that on average, the girls out-achieve the boys and that the boys tend to get in more trouble than the girls,” Mr. Wilson said.

“Teachers are interested if male behavior at SJS is typical of [male] behavior everywhere, or if that behavior is unique to SJS,” Mr. Zartman said.

The second meeting among the faculty decided that students needed to be brought into the conversation and the fourth meeting on October 8 began discussions about.

The committee is still in its initial stages. College Counselor Ivan Hauck said, “Mainly we just want to talk to students and gather input. We’re not even

CLAY NICKENS| The Review

Cody Rapp (‘10), Jonathan Newar (‘13) and Zach Gaitz (‘10) discuss issues with Mr. Zartman. sure if we need the [student] committee, but this was one of the ideas to look at the school from a different perspective.”

Over the last year, faculty members have been trying to develop ways to analyze the school and better understand the students. This committee is one of the new ways to study the school in a different perspective.

Because the committee is

new, few students have heard about it. However, the committee wants to get a broad range of perspectives by hearing from as many male students as possible.

“Discussing personal experiences at St. John’s helps the faculty and staff get a better understanding of the SJS student culture,” Mr. Hauck said. At the first meeting roughly 10 to 12 males were placed into groups

with two faculty facilitators.

The groups then discussed their experiences at SJS. Students should understand is that the committee is not trying to “fix” anything.

The first meeting was set up to get input, and there is currently no plan for future meetings or specific changes. “Right now we want to keep it as casual as possible. We’re not going in with certain expectations of

what this should be. We want it to be very student initiated and controlled.”

The committee is not only informing the faculty of the students’ experiences, it is teaching them as well. Mr. Zartman said, “As a teacher I’m trying to learn. I’m always looking at things in different ways and so now I’m not just asking how would students see this but how male and female students are are seeing this individually.”

So far the faculty sponsors, which also include history teacher Stephen Popp history teacher Kyle Parrish (‘01), Coach Dan Muschalik, Latin Teacher Colin Elk, history teacher Richard Doina and Coach Harold Baber, said they believe they have succeeded in getting the talk going. “The students felt very comfortable just talking about things that either bothered them or were on their mind. They were non-judgmental and very relaxed,” Mr. Zartman said.

Even though the talk is beginning, the teachers are not sure about what is going to change.

“The teachers are talking about where we want to go from here and that’s still very much up in the air, but there is very much a desire for conversation among as many students as possible,” Mr. Wilson said.

Homecoming moved to Monday SJS to promote environmental sustainability

By SHEILA NEWAR For this year’s annual Homecoming dance, SAC decided to move the date from the day after the Kinkaid game to the Monday before the Friday night game.

For the past three years, the Homecoming dance has directly followed the game and been on a Saturday night.

“The main reason we decided to change the date to Monday night was because the Saturday after the Kinkaid game is Halloween, and there was a negative response to having Homecoming on Halloween,” Prefect Daisy Wolf (’10) said. To counteract this problem, the dance was moved to Monday because of the parent conferences holiday on Tuesday.

SAC brainstormed before coming up with this alternative, as they did not want students to have to choose between coming to the dance and going trick-or-treating. SAC Sponsor Barbara DiPaolo proposed up moving the dance to Monday during a SAC meeting.

Moving Homecoming to Monday night would ensure that students had time to themselves on Saturday night, but at the same time it went against tradition. “Changing things up from the old tradition of coat-and-tie and having it on a Saturday night required us to make a lot of modifications to the planning” Moody said.

Instead of the usual coat and tie, or “cocktail” attire, SAC decided to make the dance a costume party in the spirit of Halloween. “The hardest part of planning the event was probably deciding on the date and the attire,” Wolf said.

By STEPHANIE GUO

CLAY NICKENS| The Review

Christopher Laporte (‘11) spooks students at Homecoming.

To help make the planning process run more smoothly SAC made different members in charge of different committees. “I’m in charge of the decorations committee, and I believe Rush was in charge of decorations, and Ben [Marek (‘10] is in charge of food. Jordan Schuler (‘11) is in charge of the DJ, and [Edward] Lu (‘12) has been coordinating with maintenance,” Wolf said.

SAC’s goals for the event included high attendance

and ensuring that students had a great time. “We hope everyone has a great time so they’re excited to come back to Homecoming next year,” Mace said before the dance.

“I really wanted a lot of Seniors there because Seniors had to be at school at 10 [p.m.] anyway to paint the mural, so they might as well come dance and have a good time at homecoming first,” Prefect Rush Moody (‘10) said.

SJS is getting more environmentally friendly. Chairman of the Board of Trustees Bob Graham said that, in 2008, the Board, along with the administration, faculty, parents, students and alumni worked to develop a new strategic plan for the school.

Mr. Graham said, “one of the goals [in the strategic plan] is to develop an inspiring, architecturally consistent, environmentally and financially responsible campus” and to implement the best environmental practices in order to preserve SJS’s sustainability.

The specifics of what environmental practices SJS wanted to implement were left to SJS’s administration, faculty, and students. So far, SJS has created the ECOS water bottle contest, added the water dispenser in the cafeteria, and is working on a pipe system that will save rain to water the grass.

For the ECOS water bottle contest, SJS students can enter logos and the student with the most creative logo wins a pizza party for his or her advisory. Their logo will also be sold on reusable water bottles in the Bookstore and concession stand.

Interim Headmaster James Hendrix said that the main purpose for this contest is to stop using plastic water bottles.

“Plastic water bottles are made of oil, which pollutes our oceans. It’s getting into our food and our food chain,” Caroline Spears (’13), an ECOS club member said.

But students, particularly athletes, need portable beverages to carry around and drink

out of to stay hydrated. So SJS decided to provide reusable, portable bottles that would pollute less than the plastic bottles.

Deanna Zhang (’11), a member of ECOS, said that the water bottle contest was also created to get people more used to the idea of recycling water bottles.

Mr. Hendrix said that the purpose of creating a catchy logo for the reusable water bottles is to involve more students. “The only way [projects like this] work in schools is for students to be heavily engaged, to be the driving force,” he said.

The deadline for the ECOS water bottle contest was Oct. 30. Mr. Hendrix said that he hopes that SJS will have the reusable water bottles ready by the end of the December break.

The SJS cafeteria has also become more environmentally friendly. They have set up a fountain serve system where, instead of buying water bottles, students can get glasses of ice water.

SJS is also working on saving water in other areas. Mr. Hendrix said that he hopes that SJS is also able to establish cisterns that collect rain water, or brown water. He said that this brown water collected by our drainpipes would then be reused to water the school grounds, instead of taking water from the tap.

Mr. Hendrix said that SJS hopes to establish even more environment-friendly implements and hopes that one day SJS will be acknowledged as having a fantastic environment-conscious program.

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November 2009

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SHOOTING FOR THE moon

By ANDREW VOGELEY “Houston, we have lift off.” These are the words physics teacher Luke Probst and student Catherine Padhi (’10) both wish to say one day. Albeit an uncommon life goal, both Mr. Probst and Padhi want to become astronauts.

Padhi traces her desires back to the age of four: “I really wanted to walk on the moon,” she said.

Mr. Probst said he wanted to be a NASA scientist, not an astronaut, in high school. When he went to college and became a physics major, he said he discovered his life dream. “I really got into the field of planetary science, which is a combination of physics, astronomy and geology,” Mr. Probst said.

Most astronauts come from one of the military academies. Mr. Probst said he had originally planned on attending the Air Force Academy, but his eyesight

“I just remember I really wanted to walk on the moon.”

-- Catherine Padhi (‘10) prevented him from doing so.

Until recently, poor eyesight had been an issue for both Mr. Probst and Padhi because astronauts are required to have perfect vision. For years, laser eye surgery had not been approved as an option to correct this problem. Recently, that rule has been changed.

Mr. Probst had Lasik eye surgery last May, and will be fully recovered by this May. Padhi also expressed interest in having this procedure done.

While neither Probst nor Padhi said they will attend a military academy, there are still many ways for both to become astronauts.

Mr. Probst said he hopes to enter the Educator Astronaut Program, which takes teachers from across America and trains them to become astronauts. The job slots are extremely competitive and limited; so far, only four teachers have been selected in the history of the program.

The status of the program is currently in limbo.

“There is so much change going on [with the new presidential administration] that it’s anybody’s guess [as to] what’s going to happen to the teacher astronaut program,” Mr. Probst said.

Location also plays an important role in Padhi and Mr. Probst’s desires to become astronauts. Padhi’s said her early yearnings to become an astronaut developed out of her repeated visits to the Johnson Space Center.

Padhi said she remembers visiting the Space Center at a young age and always being intrigued by the space food.

“I’ve been looking into some summer internships at the Johnson Space Center. It’s good because I can live at home and still do the internship,” Padhi said.

Mr. Probst first came down to Houston during his sophomore year at Bemidji State University to attend an annual planetary science convention. It was at this convention that Mr. Probst met Duane Ross, the current head of the astronaut selection program. His college professor encouraged him attend to the conven-

JENNY LEWIS | The Review

Mr. Probst and Catherine Padhi (‘10) show off their astronaut memorabilia. tion and set up a meeting between Mr. Probst and Mr. Ross.

At this meeting, Mr. Probst received inside information on the intense process of selecting astronauts. To become an astronaut, a candidate must have a Bachelor’s in a relevant science, pass a routine physical and three years of relevant experience. In Mr. Probst’s case, his teaching experience qualifies.

There are two subcategories of astronauts: pilot astronauts and mission specialists. Both Padhi and Mr. Probst said they would like to become mission specialists. Mission specialists carry out the experiments aboard the shuttle and go on space walks.

“Space walking and specializing in that would be something I would love to do,” Mr. Probst said.

If given the opportunity, Mr. Probst said he would like to set up a large telescope on the moon. Stars appear much brighter and clearer from the moon than from the Earth because there is no atmosphere to interfere with the light.

This telescope would give Mr. Probst the ability to look at things he could never see on Earth.

Padhi said she would love to visit Mars, which “would be ideal because you have to stop at the moon on the way, so it is a win-win situation,” Padhi said.

Although Padhi said she is now firm in her desire to become an astronaut she was not always sure of this aspiration. “I was actually interested in being a doctor for a really long time,” Padhi said. “I rekindled my desire to become an astronaut in Mr. Friedman’s

physics class last year.”

In addition to meeting with the head of astronaut selection, Mr. Probst did other work with NASA. “The first time I worked with a group that was searching for life on Mars. In 1996, the group was looking at a piece of Martian meteorite, and found what looked like a small worm. This was huge because it could have been the first photographic evidence of life on Mars,” Mr. Probst said.

Later, Mr. Probst studied a certain surface area on Mars and attempted to convince NASA to land their new Martian rover at this particular spot. He gave a presentation in favor of this and, three years later, NASA landed their Martian rover, Opportunity, at the spot Mr. Probst advocated.

Mr. Probst’s favorite astronaut is John Young, one of the first men who walked on the moon.

“Amidst the astronaut community, he is the hero to all the other astronauts,” Mr. Probst said.

Although their potential job carries many risks, Mr. Probst and Padhi both said they are not scared by the dangers of the potentially deadly job.

“I don’t really care if my bone mass will go down,” Padhi said.

Although their dreams might seem unordinary, neither Padhi nor Mr. Probst have been deterred in chasing after their goals. “I just want kids to know that it is not an impossibility. I want them to hold on to their dreams,” Mr. Probst said.

“Space walking [...] would be something I would love to do.”

-- Mr. Probst

features

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November 2009

Your math teacher posted on your wall.

Teachers join the Facebook world

By VERONICA CHU

All photos by JENNY LEWIS | The Review

For many students, Facebook serves as an indispensable tool for speedy communication and homework help. The social networking site blends so seamlessly into their lives that students are increasingly accustomed to making connections in high school through their Facebook network. Throughout Upper School there are many high school graduates who spent their schooling without Facebook: teachers. Some have recently embraced the site, while others vow never to succumb to it.

History teacher Barbara DiPaolo signed up on Facebook three years ago at the invitation of one of her students who was leaving Houston. “Since then, I’ve reconnected with many people,” she said.

“I even found two friends who I hadn’t seen in twenty years.”

Science teacher Sarwat Jafry joined Facebook at the request of her husband. “[He] set up an account for me two years ago,” she said. “He got one first, and then he taught me how to use the site.

Now, I can keep in touch with him while he’s studying in France.”

While many high school students use Facebook to communicate with current friends from school, teachers often find themselves reconnecting to former classmates.

“I’m able to keep track of many of my college friends now,” Ms. Jafry said. “I find out that they have two kids or maybe they live in Australia, and it’s all so amusing. I think the connections are a positive thing because I lose touch with friends when I get busy.”

Teachers also use Facebook to keep in touch with their relatives.

“I use Facebook predominantly to keep in touch with my family members that I don’t see on a regular basis,” chemistry teacher Jennifer Kuhl said. “My parents live in Georgia, my in-laws live in Florida, I have cousins in South Carolina and sisters elsewhere.

Facebook is kind of like a one-stop shop for keeping up with family.”

Although many teachers use Facebook as a communication tool, in addition to email and phone calls, other teachers said they do not feel the need to create accounts.

“If a student or teacher wants to contact me, they have my email

address. I would be more than happy to correspond with them,” school librarian Peg Patrick said.

“I work very hard at the school, and honestly, I don’t need one more thing to do. That’s why I don’t have a social networking account.”

Sometimes teachers don’t sign up because of other people’s influences. “My children think having a Facebook will make me vulnerable to students who try to contact me too much,” science teacher Laurel Johnson said. “I have nothing against Facebook, but occasionally some of my former students [who have graduated high school] call me, and they aren’t always sober.

So my children have asked me not to get an account for my own protection.”

Facebook allows users to alter privacy settings to a certain degree, but “friends” are allowed full access to each other’s profiles.

Many teachers said they are aware of this effect, and they each have certain boundaries when it comes to friending students.

Ms. DiPaolo and Director of Curriculum Dwight Raulston both accept friend requests from current students. “I’m fine with students being my friends, but I never initiate the connection. I wait for them to ask me,” Ms. DiPaolo said.

“I think they know that I’m not going to look on their pages, and I have other things to do anyway.”

Occasionally, Ms. DiPaolo uses the site to communicate with her advisees. “I used it one night before the day when school started late,” she said. “I sent a quick note to my advisees to remind them.”

Dr. Raulston also waits for students to send friend requests to him rather than friending them himself. “Kids post on my wall sometimes, and every once in a while I’ll comment on someone else’s post,” he said. “Usually I don’t initiate friend contact with students, but if they ask to friend me I usually accept. Of course, knowing who they are always helps.”

Regarding the intricacies surrounding mutually public posts between him and his students, Dr. Raulston simply exercises caution.

“Personally, I’m aware that Facebook is a public medium,” he said.

“Consequently, I don’t post things that would get me into trouble if they were widely distributed.”

Other teachers who have Face-

book accounts said they prefer to maintain connections separate from the school community. “I don’t friend students and I tend not to friend teachers who friend students,” Ms. Kuhl said. “I don’t completely understand the levels of Facebook, so instead of accidentally doing something or saying something or hearing something that I don’t want to, I just don’t make the connection. Facebook for me is about maintaining connections with far away friends and family.”

Ms. Jafry and English teacher Kemberly Kemp, only friend students who have graduated. “My daughter won’t friend me, which is fine,” Ms. Kemp said. “My son, who is 23, has one, and I’m friends with him. It’s fun to see our lives intersect, although I find college kids funny because they post things that are random and absurd to me.”

The complexity of friend connections turns some teachers completely away from Facebook. “Ah, Facebook,” science teacher Eva Chan said. “All the students, all the friends, never. It’s much too complicated for me.”

Despite the intricacies underlying friend relationships and privacy, Facebook has introduced benefits for many teachers. “Being able to post little snippets of my life has triggered stories for me to write,” Ms. Kemp said. “When I talk to people who I haven’t communicated with in a long time, I start reminiscing and I feel like I have to get my story down.”

“I’m in the process of starting a blog,” she added. “I think it would be a useful tool for my English classes, especially my seminar. It’s a big step for me because I’m not too adept with technology, but all my new hopes stemmed from Facebook. I think it’s just a really sweet way to communicate.”

Considering the recent decline in the popularity of Myspace and Twitter’s recent take-off, Facebook might be just another stage in the rapidly developing web community. For now, though, the teachers who use Facebook will continue to keep their accounts.

“I don’t think Facebook will go away,” Ms. DiPaolo said. “Younger students will sign up, older students will grow up and I’ll always have a page.”

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features

...but only slightly

Sarah Koslov muses on methods of escape from real life By SARAH KOSLOV

A few months ago, in an article in Vanity Fair, Johnny Depp said “Escapism is survival to me.” He was referring to his privately owned, secluded island in the Caribbean. While Depp’s perspective is fascinating, it seems so fantastical—extraneous to my life.

Depp escapes from the pressures of Hollywood, work, and the general public by retreating to his very own, remote haven with literally an ocean barrier between himself and the stressors in his life. After weeks on the island, Depp rejoins society and pursues work with diligence; he attributes the conviction with which he acts to the time he spent unwinding and rejuvenating his mind in solitude.

I heard a similar story on an NPR podcast about Justin Vernon, the lead singer of the band Bon Iver. Vernon secluded himself for three months in a log cabin deep in northern Wisconsin, taking this time to gain perspective and cultivate music in a pure form. Vernon immersed himself in an alternate reality—a place

removed from the rest of the demands and expectations present in his routine life.

At SJS, students perpetually pursue excellence academically, extracurricularly, and socially. There are a wide variety of ways in which students commit themselves. I find it remarkable that half my friends sleep at all.

For Seniors, the college application process demands additional attention that many squeeze somewhere between school and extracurriculars. This jam reminds me of Thanksgiving when my mom brings out homemade pumpkin pie after I’ve already feasted to my hearts content on the non-dessert portion of the meal. No good can come from another bite of food. I like the thought of pumpkin pie—it’s delicious, but I just can’t handle it at the time. Refusing said pie is out of the question; my mom slaved all day to make the entire meal, and snubbing the pie would be bad form. Some might consider it rude.

Despite the potential risk of inducing a food-coma, I selflessly muster the strength to take a couple of bites. Sure, it was the right thing to do, but it required a good deal of conviction to get the job done. Thanksgiving and college apps demand the same steadfastness; essentially, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’ve already exceeded capacity before the second course.

On a particularly gloomy afternoon two friends and I couldn’t get beyond the calculus tests, college essays, history projects, and English papers looming in our immediate future. We hardly had time to eat lunch, much less go on sabbatical to the Caribbean.

We created thirty minutes of time between school and our extracurriculars to get a snack. Sure, we could have stayed at school to tackle our daunting workload, but securing our futures would have to wait. As we hopped in the car, TLC’s “No Scrubs” cranked from the car speakers, and we headed towards Swirll.

Windows down and singing our hearts out, I could hardly contain my enthusiasm by the time we reached the parking lot. One cup of Original frozen yogurt with strawberries later, the three of us headed back to the real world. Our soundtrack on the returning end consisted of A*teens’ rendition of “Mama Mia.” In those thirty minutes, my anxiety deriving from school, college, and dance faded—I was just having a laugh with a few friends while appeasing my sugar dependency. This little break refreshed our minds; the dark rain clouds initially hovering over our heads shifted towards a brighter forecast: partially cloudy with a chance of sunshine. The objectives I perceived as gargantuan mountains became manageable. Maybe I could perse-

vere without a private island after all.

I’m not saying frozen yogurt and 90’s pop sensations cure every problem, but these small moments help push us to accomplish our greater goals. Immersed in our chaotic schedules, taking a break seems like an imprudent use of time, but I think Depp and Vernon’s attitude has merit.

Sometimes escaping, if only for half an hour, provides new prospective—a chance to reboot. From miles away, our myriad objectives can be categorized and prioritized. The frenzied mentality of “I have to get all of this done OMG OMG OMG!!” bays when you take the time to step back and exhale. My fro-yo escapade may be another person’s yoga class, Super Smash Brothers game, or jog around Memorial Park; or as Katina Ballantyne (‘10) says, “just kickin’ it.”

Although vacations are always nice, we don’t necessarily need a thick forest or an ocean barrier to gain perspective. As we strive to excel in our current endeavors, countless obstacles and demands await beyond the storied cloisters. Retreat won’t always be the best battle tactic or even a viable option. In creating these seemingly trivial moments, we can make our own great escape. However, regardless of the matters that overwhelm us—it’s always a bit easier with the right people singing along next to you on the journey.

Matt Joyce: An Army of One

By ARIANA DICKEY Juggling the stresses of his Senior year with college applications, Matt Joyce (’10) actively debates as the SJS team.

Joyce’s forensics days began as a sixth grader at St. Mark’s School, where he joined the debate team to fulfill his elective period. Joyce now stands as the only member. “I am a one-man army,” Joyce said.

Joyce participates in debate tournaments from the local to the national level. He has debated in Dallas and Austin, but he said he generally prefers to stick to the Houston area.

“Unfortunately, most of the tournaments take place outside the 610 loop, so it’s lots and lots of driving,” Joyce said.

Often, Joyce debates political subject matter such as health care and political education. Occasionally, he is presented with the opportunity to partake in philosophical debates as well. “I think debating the killing of one innocent person to save one hundred innocent people was the most interesting debate I have ever been in,” Joyce said.

To prepare for his debates, Joyce spends about two hours a night the week leading up to the debate tournament gathering information and solidifying his argument. The tournaments normally begin on Friday and end on Saturday.

Each debate match consists of rounds. During the rounds, Joyce

starts off with his six-minute speech, which is immediately followed by a cross-examination period. When affirming his argument, Joyce said he tries to give the other team as little information as possible.

“The goal is to give non-answers that appear to be answers…I don’t want to concede anything in the midst of their questioning,” Joyce said.

If he is cross-examining, Joyce

“Debate is something where no one can complain about how I’m beating them up.”

-- Matt Joyce (‘10) said he looks for weak points in the opposing team’s case. “I look for incomplete links and warrants that don’t seem completely true, things that would hurt them later on,” Joyce said.

Though debates can get fastpaced, Joyce said he spends most of his time at tournaments just waiting for his round. “[The tournaments] are highly inefficient. Rounds usually run over, which pushes the other rounds later, and so basically everything leans off-kilter. I generally do my homework while I am waiting. Either that, or I prepare for my next round, making any last-

minute changes to my argument,” Joyce said.

Joyce has participated in fewer debates this year. “It is hard to keep up with [debate] right now because I also have college applications and six classes. I just haven’t found the time to prepare for a debate lately, but I will probably get more active later on this semester,” Joyce said.

Although debate played a significant role in Joyce’s schoo life, he said he most likely will continue in college. “Debate in college is a significantly greater time commitment than it is even now, so I think it depends on where I’ll go to school. If I go to school at a place where academics are very rigorous and require all of my time, then I probably won’t debate there,” Joyce said.

Joyce added that he does not do debate just for the sake of looking good on a college résumé. “I do debate because it is inherently worthwhile. It’s not really an application thing. I could spend my time doing any combination of things and the payoff would be more immediate and easier to access,” he said. “But I like discussing politics and those sorts of things.”

“Debate is really taxing, but very fun.” Joyce said. “It is especially rewarding because it keeps me sharp and because I like arguing with people. Debate is something where no one can really complain about how I’m beating them up.”

LILIANA VARMAN | The Review

The SJS Debate Team poses for a photo.

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The Review

November 2009

Examining homecoming: Suggestions for future themes

By AVERY HINRICHS A recent and growing SJS tradition, Homecoming Week is a time filled with less homework and stress and more joy all around the SJS campus. There is so much to look forward to the Monday morning before Kinkaid Week at precisely 7:44 a.m., like the cleverly crafted Kinkaid Video, “Dress like Kinkaid Day” and cheer routines that can drive one to the border of delirium.

With so much suspense and joy in the air, the addition of sheer excitement when talk of the homecoming dance begins makes it almost impossible to breathe.

The various elements of Kincaid Week are tied together as one examines the decorations of SJS, and the week’s theme is revealed. Kept unknown until the Monday of Kinkaid Week, the theme of the year’s homecoming is no small secret. The identity of the grade is defined by their theme.

From having a Matrix theme to having a Jungle theme, SJS has seen it all. Whether the cheerleaders descend on the field before the all school pep-rally in helicopters, with ROPO vehicles or on camels, the week is always interesting. When Jamie Pellerin of the Isidore Newman School in New Orleans, LA heard about SJS’ elaborate Kinkaid Week plans, she said “Are you serious? Wow. Everything really IS bigger in Texas.”

There have been many great themes in SJS history, and while most are not original, they are all fun.

Every year, as Kincaid Week draws nearer, my curiosity gets the better of me and I ponder about potential themes. After considering the seemingly Will it secretly be endless amount of possibilities I came up with some a spy theme?

I’d like to see in the future.

I have come across some that have occurred in past years, like Glow in the Dark or Neon Night, as well as the cheesy ones you see on websites suggesting ‘Possible Homecoming Themes’ like Hollywood Red Carpet Affair, Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Arabian Night.

Although many of my ideas were busts, I did come across some great possibilities such as The Wizard of Oz. From guys dressing up as cowardly lions, heartless tin-men or brain dead scarecrows to girls still being able to dress in their formal attire with the touch of red sparkly shoes, it could be one short night of excitement in the Emerald City.

More colors than green included, Mardi Gras fffffffffffffffffff would be a great theme to fff choose. Green, purple fffff . . . fff me and gold beads e h t n would adorn every a e wall. It could also oc an go into a more ” a masquerade direction, with everyone wearing Mardi Gras spirited masks.

While colors make great themes and present many possibilities (other possibilities can include Metallic Madness or Somewhere over the Rainbow), we do live in Texas, so themes like Rodeo Cowboys and Girls, Cowboys and Indians or Larger than Life would suit any grade at SJS. While dressing as an Indian or Cowboy or Cowgirl is self explanatory, and good costumes are plentiful at Party City, Larger than Life would be a theme for the creative ones. From huge cups and cookies for the food to huge ball-gowns or clown shoes included in costumes, the night could be a huge success.

Moving away from the more obvious, I also considered some other themes. Cruising the SS Maverick at first glance doesn’t seem like it could be a great theme, but if you think about it, captains’ hats, whistles and paddles combined creates a pretty interesting party. For those who like to get into the theme, they could even extend it to ‘Under the Sea’, with mermaids and mermen and even Spongebob Squarepants. Food such as Swedish Fish, salty chips and Déjà Blue could contribute to the seaside atmosphere.

Endless possibilities filled my mind as to what

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this years Kinkaid theme was as I thought about future themes. Could it be something like Born to Be Wild, a theme that would include animal prints, Grease Pink Lady jackets and tight leather pants, or possibly some theme revolving around the classic song Kokomo by the Beach Boys with a Illustrations by CAROLINE CLUTTERBUCK tropic, Hawaiian atmosphere?

I again reminded myself that I would simply have to wait until Kinkaid Week to find out this year’s theme. Sigh. Some other themes that stuck out to me included Egyptian Gold, Glitter Glamour and Everything Shiny, and Written in the Stars.

Picture a room covered in gold, girls with intricate gold jewelry and those yummy chocolate gold coins—and who wouldn’t want an Egyptian theme? Glitter, Glamour and Everything Shiny would also be fun.

Boys could dress up in suits too tacky (fur, purple, zebra etc.), top hats too large and chains adorning their necks, while the girls could wear just about anything. From tons of jewelry, to dresses with too much ‘glamour,’ to silver shoes that just shine too much, the potential costumes would be painfully beautiful.

And finally, the last couple of ideas that I considered using for Homecoming 2012, the year I am a senior, included Spies and Secret Agents, Famous Couples, Candy Land, Pirate’s Booty or Musicals and Movies (each grade assigned a separate famous play or movie); A few more could be The Beginning of Time: Adam and Eve and Dinosaurs, Musical Genres (each grade could have a different genre such as Techno, Rock, Reggae, Country and Rock) and even Barbie and Ken. As SJS continues the tradition of Kinkaid Week and the students e continue to wonder tak t i about future themes, I am e? ill confident in saying that s w them d ea as we can expect great themes y b i Gr n a and memories from future rd m w a Ma o classes.

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BOBBIE RICHARDSON| The Review

The Fall Choral Concert featured performances from the six choirs across all three levels of SJS, from the St. John’s Singers to Kantorei.

In tune with the Fine Arts concerts

By POOJA SALHOTRA The week of Oct. 19 was a busy one for the SJS Fine Arts Department as the annual Fall Choral Concert and Fall Instrumental Concert took place in the Lowe Theatre.

The Fall Choral Concert on Monday, Oct. 19 featured Lower, Middle and Upper School choirs. This annual concert provides members of the SJS community and beyond the opportunity to listen to the different choirs and get a taste of each of them.

Each choir gets a chance to showcase the pieces they have been working on during the fall semester.

The six choirs that performed were St. John’s Singers, Boy Choir, Cantatores, Les Chanteuses, Chorale and Kantorei.

These choirs represent a broad range of musical talents and abilities.

The various choirs performed several different genres at the concert. These include, jazz, country swing, gospel, a Korean Folk Song, a French Chanson, and an arrangement of the William Tell Overture sung by Kantorei.

The concert opened with an upbeat piece by Carolee R. Curtright called “Jubilate!” St. John’s Singers, SJS’ youngest choir, performed this piece. The program continued with the St. John’s Boy Choir showing off three pieces and Cantatores performing four songs including a piece in French from “Les Choristes.”

The concert ended with Chorale’s performance of “Shir Ahavah,” in which Laura Brill, a member of Chorale (’10) was a scat soloist.

In addition to the singers, talented musicians accompany the choirs, often times setting the tone for the piece. Accompanist Donald Doucet, the pianist, played with all of the choirs; Mr. Dar-

rell Parrish, director of Wind and Jazz Ensembles, played electric bass with the Boy Choir; String Bass with St. John’s Singers, Les Chanteuses and Chorale; and percussion with both Boy Choir and Chorale.

The instrumentalists also had quite a successful performance at The Fall Instrumental Concert, which took place on Oct. 21, two days after the Fall Choral Concert.

“I was very pleased with the performance of the wind groups. I can tell that the level of musicianship has improved from previous years,” Mr. Parrish said.

Like the choral concert, the instrumental concert featured ensembles from Lower School through Middle School.

The performers included the Lower School Strings Ensemble, the Middle School Jazz Band and Sinfionetta, and the Upper School Jazz Band, Chamber Strings, and Wind Ensemble.

The Lower School String Ensembles opened the concert with “Echo Sweet,”

by Robert S. Frost. They continued with some well-known pieces including Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” and the traditional “Amazing Grace”.

The program went right through the Middle and Upper School Ensembles, ending with a performance by the combined Middle School and Upper School Winds. This group consisted of over fifty people, playing a variety of instruments including the flute, clarinet, sax, trumpet, trombone, tuba, French horn, timpani, and percussion.

Overall, the Choral and Instrumental Concerts represented the wide range of musicians at SJS. Over the course of this school year, the ensembles will perform on numerous other occasions including Candlelight and the annual Spring Concert.

Stranded by Lost mythology

Explore a (spoiler alert) series recap in 815 words The show starts with the crash of Oceanic Flight 815 on a seemingly abandoned Pacific island. That night, crashing sounds are heard in the jungle. Sayid, an ex-Iraqi torturer, Charlie, a recovering addict, Sawyer, a con-man and Kate, an escaped convict try to find a transmission. Sawyer shoots an over-aggressive polar bear after finding a 16-year-old looping signal. Locke, a former paraplegic, encounters the monster, a creature composed of smoke, while hunting but does not inform anyone. Jack, a doctor finds fresh water in a system of caves where a group of the survivors moves.

Sayid finds a cable and follows it to find Rousseau, the French woman who sent the message. She identifies the other island inhabitants as “Others.” Claire, a pregnant woman, dreams she is held down while stabbed in the stomach during the night. A census is taken and a man named Ethan was not on the plane.

Ethan kidnaps Claire and Charlie while Jack, Kate, Boone and Locke go to search for him. Jack and Kate find Charlie who eventually kills Ethan. Ethan had taken Claire to a medical station because all island pregnancies end in miscarriages.

Meanwhile, Locke finds a hatch in the jungle and tries to open it. After it’s opened, the survivors meet its lone inhabitant, Desmond. They eventually decide to open the hatch. Some of the survivors build a raft only to be attacked

By BEN GROTTA offshore. Jin, Michael, and Sawyer meet to the survivors. The Others take Locke the survivors of the tail section after to meet their leader, Jacob, who is invisdrifting ashore. Locke learns the hatch ible to Locke. Flashbacks show Ben as a was a science experiment created by the boy annihilating the Dharma Initiative Dharma Initiative, a research commu- and befriending an ageless Richard, who nity that forces the inhabitants to type is an ambassador to Jacob. The survivors a set of numbers into a computer. These make contact with an offshore boat but same numbers are significant in most of learn that it is not there to help the surthe flashbacks. An argument over des- vivors after Charlie contacts Desmond’s tiny and free will is an ongoing theme girlfriend, who was thought to have of the show and is introduced with the sent the boat. A group of scientists from experiment. Michael runs off into the the boat make contact with the Surviforest to find Walt, his son, who was vors. Sayid enters the boat to find Mitaken by the Others during the attack chael, who is serving as Ben’s inside on the raft. The survivors encounter man on the boat. Ben tells Sayid the Ben Linus, leader of the Others and im- frigate belongs to Ben’s nemesis, Charles prison him. In order to regain his son, Widmore. A team of mercenaries from Michael kills two tail section survivors the boat attacks Locke’s group and kills and frees Ben. The survivors continue Ben’s daughter and many others, trying to find other Dharma Stations. Michael to kidnap Ben. Claire, Jack’s half-sister, leads Kate, Sawyer, Jack and Hurley to disappears with her father, who is also a the Others, who imprison Jack, Kate, servant of Jacob. Hurley, Ben, and Locke and Sawyer. Michael and Walt are al- go to Jacob’s cabin for guidance. Ben lowed to leave the island. Locke refuses moves the island through space-time to to enter the numbers in the hatch, lead- protect its inhabitants. Kate, Jack, Huring it to implode. It is revealed that ley, Sayid, Aaron and Sun (the Oceanic the hatch controls an electromagnetic Six) are rescued. Ben is forced to leave pocket that crashed flight 815. Jack, the island after moving it. Locke leaves Kate and Sawyer are imprisoned by the the island after stabilizing its place in Others. Jack performs spinal surgery on space-time and joins Ben to reunite the Ben, but buys time for Kate and Saw- Six. Ben kills Locke to traumatize the yer to escape. The survivors, trying to Six, who eventually return to the island rescue Jack, find him content with his through a plane crash while Locke is life after he is promised a return home. inexplicably brought back to life on the Locke ruins his dreams and Jack returns island. Because of the distorted space-

time relationship on the island, some of the Six are brought to a different time than others. The remaining survivors and Jack, Kate, and Hurley, reunite in 1977 after joining the Dharma Initiative. Sayid is imprisoned by Dharma and then kills a then 12-year-old Ben. He is taken to Richard for medical aid, where he finally becomes an Other. The survivors decide to detonate a bomb in an electromagnetic pocket to keep them from crashing in the beginning. Locke is appointed the leader of the Others

by Richard and demands to be taken to Jacob. Locke convinces Ben to kill Jacob. When Jacob dies, Ben sees the real Locke, who is still dead. ****DISCLAIMER**** I am sorry if this summary either made the show look even more confusing than it already is or if it left out a few details. The next season is the last of a show that has gained a cult following in the past few years. The producers promise to answer all remaining questions (and there are many) in the next season. If you are still confused or want to know more, you can check out the summaries of Wikipedia or watch every episode for free at www.ABC.com.

Dharma image courtesy of lostpedia.wikia.com Illustrations by CAROLINE CLUTTERBUCK

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November 2009

The Best Taste of Success: Tasti D-Lite vs BlueBerry Hill

By ROBERT MCNIEL

HANNAH DEGNER | The Review

HANNAH DEGNER | The Review

Tasti D-Lite I was led to Tasti D-Lite for the first time after another successful tightening of my retainer. I was looking for something easy on my teeth but that really delivered on the flavor. As I made my way down San Felipe, a pleasing combination of blue and pink caught my flickering attention.

After deducing that this was not just a random blur of blue and pink and that it was indeed a yogurt shop, I decided to try my luck at what I thought was nothing but another frozen yogurt shop that would soon get caught up in the tide of more popular shops and GET washed out of business.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, let me be the first to inform you that Tasti D-Lite is here to stay. While it is certainly not the best frozen yogurt in town, it is a delectable and healthy (well, healthy for frozen yogurt) dessert.

Technically, the frozen treat served at Tasti D-Lite is neither frozen yogurt nor is ice cream because it lacks the butterfat content. Derived from skim milk, this product looks like soft-serve ice cream and claims to have between 75 and 100 calories in a small serving. For all practical purposes, it is frozen yogurt.

Upon first entering Tasti D-Lite, the establishment seemed to be channeling Swirll in many of its facets, including the airy, modernist décor and the almost antiseptic nature of the place.

The wait staff could not have been nicer, although the length of time it took them to produce a small vanilla could be considered inordinate by some.

The endless selection of flavors is no doubt supposed to be the crowning jewel of the establishment, but I found it to be the place’s largest drawback. The abundance of flavors like Pineapple Cake and Green Tea are just unnecessary. With over 100 flavors to choose from, actually deciding what to get is quite the feat.

Although the shop is lacking in original ambiance, the prices were not outrageous and the “frozen desserts” served were tasty. All in all, Tasti D-Lite was an enjoyable experience.

BlueBerry Hill If Tasti D-Lite is not the best yogurt place in town, then what is, you ask? That prestigious title, my friends, goes to Blueberry Hill.

I had been hearing tales about the deliciousness of Blueberry Hill for some time before I finally made up my mind to go. Since then, I have been attending every weekend with a fervor typically attributed to religious fanatics.

One might expect that because the name contains the word blue in it, that the shop itself would be blue but Blueberry Hill has a very unexpected décor. The fact that the shop is actually green brings a certain level of comedic irony to the place that is just right.

While some may see Blueberry Hill as a Swirll-esque yogurt shop, the similarities end at clever names.

As of right now, Blueberry Hill has four flavors: Original Tart, Blueberry, Pomegranate and Agave. Blueberry is hands down my favorite, and perhaps the best yogurt I have ever eaten.

The lack of a myriad of flavors is one reason why I love Blueberry Hill. Who needs 100 flavors like Crème brûlée and Red Velvet Cake when you have four flavors that are basic yet delicious? The actual act of choosing what to get is much simpler, which makes the entire experience more laidback, ergo more enjoyable.

The one complaint that Blueberry Hill yields is the prices. While $4.50 is not an outrageous sum of money, compared to other yogurt shops, it is without a doubt on the expensive side for a small yogurt with one topping.

If you get a craving for frozen yogurt this weekend, I without a doubt recommend trying Blueberry Hill. The yogurt is delicious, the environment is great and the employees are very helpful and engaging.

o n s k ’ s c T a H J l I e S a I h S c IT i M FILM REVIEW

By HENRY MORRIS

Just as the impact of Michael Jackson’s death was finally beginning to wear off, the biographical film This is It opened in theatres.

I left school early on Oct. 28 in order to catch the 2:25 p.m. showing. Since the middle of the afternoon on a weekday is an extremely inconvenient time to go see a movie, the audience (which filled approximately three-fourths of the seats) consisted mainly of children and older women.

The diverse crowd had an interesting reaction to the film. Predictably, the children laughed at Jackson’s pelvic thrusts, word choice, etc. The aforementioned women, however, may have been the most attentive, passionate fans in the room.

At one point, I heard some extremely enthused grunting noises coming from the right of my frontrow seat.

When I looked over, an elderly Caucasian woman was air drumming with incredible gusto. She was completely immersed in the music, not realizing that her caretaker was trying desperately to calm her down.

This is It covers the preparation for what was to be Jackson’s final concert tour. The film is largely made up of rehearsal footage, new music video footage and

Illustrations by CAROLINE CLUTTERBUCK

interviews of the dancers, musicians and directors of the This is It tour.

The rehearsal footage is really the focal point of the film, and for good reason. Jackson looks extremely thin, and although his dancing was not exactly a disappointment, it was less energetic than one might expect.

Don’t get me wrong; the magic was still there. All of the special charisma, effort and talent that defined his music was clearly on display for this final performance.

You could hear it in his voice, which was actually pretty on key. Jackson hit almost every note, save a few from his Jackson 5 days, and the tone of his voice was surprisingly reminiscent of his studio sound.

If you go to the movie looking for his big hits (i.e.

“Thriller,” “Beat It,” “Billie Jean”), you’ll have to be patient as there are a wide variety of songs from Jackson’s catalogue, and performances of his smash hits are shown near the end of the feature.

Personally, I thought the movie was great. I was never bored, the music was fantastic and the quality of the video is incredible.

The film provides the feeling that if you had gone to this concert, it would have blown your mind. The stage

and light set-up was amazingly intricate, the back-up band was composed of some talented musicians such as and to top it off, the concert was going to be headed by one of the greatest entertainers of all time.

Unfortunately, this concert was never and will never be shown. Jackson died right in the middle of the process and This is It is the only remnant of what could have been.

Sure, this review is biased. But if you aren’t biased towards Michael Jackson, or at least towards his music, you probably won’t appreciate how well this movie is crafted.

The creators of the film didn’t throw in any classic music videos because we’ve seen them already. They didn’t throw in any court footage because we’ve seen it already. They focused on Michael and his pursuit of his final ambition.

Some people say that this movie was a cash grab, that the producers looked for an easy way to profit from Jackson’s death. I don’t know if this is true, but I don’t think it matters. If you like Michael Jackson’s music, you should buy your tickets tonight and get ready for a magical ride down a memory lane of Jackson’s discography.

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November 2009

kinkaid game

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Photos by Cla

photo spread

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ay Nickens (‘10)

November 2009

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beyondSJS

November 2009

The Review

Nerds Undercover: ARVIND MOHAN | The Review

__Kinkaid needs to improve their security.

This was my first thought as I pulled into the heavily wooded campus on The Kinkaid School Drive off of San Felipe. There was an unmanned gate, allowing anyone to enter without so much as signing in. If someone in the SJS community wanted to plan a mass incapacitation of the football team for next year’s Kinkaid game, let me just tell you that you don’t even need a code to get in.

As Susan Frost (’10) and I pulled into the school, we also noticed how huge the school was. The entire Upper School could have fit into one half of Kinkaid’s Upper School. The main entryway is paved with Italian marble, all the computers are iMacs and wood paneling covers all the walls. It’s nice. __The school also lets Seniors do whatever they want when they don’t have academic classes. “We don’t sign out [like at SJS]. We just leave if we don’t have a class,” Kinkaid Senior Christina Cantu said. Cantu is one of the luckier students; her classes end at 12:40 p.m. every day because she worked her schedule so she has no afternoon classes. Maybe the SJS administration should take a

Senior Arvind Mohan investigates SJS week at Kinkaid

ARVIND MOHAN| The Review

Kinkaid students Skylar Dabbar, Daniel Lim and Christina Cantu with Susan Frost (‘10). decorating their student center, that project is not unveiled until hours before the game, whereas our school displays its spirit non-stop during the entire week.

Our school is so much more interesting; we have jungle fever vines draped all around the school: I even tripped over one in senior country, but that one was clearly a trap. We even

ARVIND MOHAN | The Review

Kinkaid students Megan Blaney and Devon Harris pose. hint. __Every year, Kinkaid, like SJS, participates in spirit week to drum up school spirit for

“I love [SJS] week.

It really helps the Upper School get closer together before the big game,” Marsh said. the big game at Rice Stadium.

However, there’s a major problem: no decorations. After traversing the entire upper school campus at Kinkaid, I noticed merely one poster that said Maverick Massacre. While it is true that Kinkaid goes all out in

have a tunnel so dark that it helped my blond wig and dark sunglasses obscure my line of sight completely. The walls are decorated fabulously with all sorts of paint and spirit-raising phrases. Compare that to Kinkaid’s one banner. __Last Monday, I was shocked to see some SJS students loitering around the Kinkaid campus. I went up to one of these students only to find out that she was actually Kinkaid Senior Lindsey Marsh. Sporting a plaid SJS skirt, white polo and some questionable black glasses “held together” with masking tape, Marsh almost escaped into the girls’ bathroom before I caught up with her.

“I love [SJS] week. It really helps the Upper School get closer together before the big game,” Marsh said.

__At Kinkaid, SJS week has five parts. The first day is “Dress like SJS day”. While planning outfits, Kinkaid students feel, for some reason, that we all walk around with suspenders and taped glasses. The girls wear side ponytails and, for the most part, steal uniforms from SJS students.

Kinkaid Senior Megan Blaney, for example, borrowed uniforms from Mackenzie Hicks (’10), right down to her Dinosaur club sweatshirt. I saw Blaney eating lunch in “Senior Hallway” at Kinkaid with her friend Devon Harris. Both of them looked silly. Boys like Kinkaid seniors William Krell and Daniel Lim wore suspenders with either a red polo shirt or one of our uniform shirts with khaki pants and outrageous glasses. Lim, for example, wore inexplicable glasses that had six lenses that opened and closed. “It’s because SJS is nerdy,” he said. __Honestly, I’ve never seen suspenders at SJS. I didn’t even know that people actually wore suspenders anymore. But then again, no one at Kinkaid walks around in pastel colored shirts with popped collars, and no one wears a blond wig, wizard hat and purple velvet flip flops to school on a daily basis. __Unlike SJS, Kinkaid allows all students to dress up during their spirit week after the senior-only Dress like SJS day. It also doesn’t have uniforms, so it can’t really enforce the rule. Dress like SJS day is followed by “Hunt the Mavericks” day, where all of Kinkaid is allowed to dress in camouflage. Too bad they’ll never find any of us at Kinkaid. We don’t even have school that day. Take that, you falcons. __Wednesday was “Scare the Mavericks” day. All students

were allowed to dress up in their Halloween costumes, and the following day was “Rope up the Mavericks”, which takes on a Western theme. Friday was Kinkaid’s version our Red and Black Day although it is called “Spirit Day” at Kinkaid. __The big game is almost as heralded at Kinkaid as it is at SJS. Kinkaid Senior and Varsity football player. William Krellsaid that he was unsure of the outcome because the SJS team has improved from last year, while Kinkaid’s has remained about the same. I’m no sports writer, so I couldn’t have predicted the outcome of the game, but I definitely love

being there, cheering my heart out, except not literally, because I sort of need that organ to circulate my blood. __These dress-up days also foster a sense of community between SJS and Kinkaid. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true.

We exchange uniforms and outfits with Kinkaid. The cheerleaders even have an exchange program set up so they can wear the other school’s outfits. Clay Nickens (’10) exchanged outfits with John Ed Mcgee and Julie Timte (’10) exchanged her uniform for Cantu’s letter jacket. __SJS’s misconceptions, including mine, of Kinkaid are just as outrageous as Kinkaid’s misconceptions of SJS. Do we really believe that Kinkaid students wear sequin studded skirts, neon tights and high heels that are almost as tall as me? Probably not. However, Kinkaid needs an excuse to break out the suspenders and we need an reason to bring out the trashiest attire we own.

Or at least, that’s what my plan was. I couldn’t walk down the street wearing a towel cape, a blond wig, a wizard hat and wristbands all over my body without getting weird looks. I couldn’t even walk around the SJS campus dressed like that without getting weird looks, but Dress like Kinkaid Day is a good way to kick off Kinkaid week, so we can fry, fricassee, and fragment the Falcons. In the words of Anand Tamirisa (’07), hope you met us at Rice, because it most assuredly “went down.”

beyondSJS

SJS alumnus braves mayoral campaign

Photo courtesy of The Quadrangle

Photo courtesy of khou.com

Peter Brown today.

Peter Brown’s Senior page.

By ALLEGRA FRADKIN

__After serving four years on City Council, Peter Brown (‘54) is pursuing the title of Mayor of the City of Houston.

After graduating from SJS, Brown earned a Bachelors from the University of Houston and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Languages from University of California, Berkley.

Upon graduation, Brown enlisted in the U.S. Army. After a year of active service, Brown entered the active reserves while attending the University of Pennsylvania.

Brown began his career in 1966 as an architect and urban planner and eventually in 1983 he started his own firm, which he grew into a successful national business. In 2003, Brown was given the title of Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, the highest distinction an architect can hope for.

He has designed many municipal facilities, including affordable housing and traditional

13

November 2009

neighborhoods, fire and police stations, parks and recreation centers, jails and courthouses, libraries and health clinics, transit stations, and theaters.

Brown first ran for City Council in 2003 against incumbent Shelley Sekula-Gibbs and lost by a narrow margin even though he had raised more money than any previous City Council candidate. In 2005, he ran again and won. In 2007 he was re-elected to his second term.

Since taking office in 2006, Brown has been working to improve street standards and make the city pedestrian-friendly.

He was instrumental in the creation of Houston General Plan and the Houston Mobility Plan. He was also involved in the creation of the Old Sixth Ward historic district.

He is a supporter of decentralized municipal government and city government and wants to bring city services closer and

more accessible to the community.

Brown is also an advocate for promoting “green” initiatives such as a recycling, urban gardens and air quality standards.

In 2008, he was appointed to the Chair of the Council Committee on Sustainable Growth, which was created to promote environmental health, energy efficiency and conservation of natural resources in Houston.

In February 2009, Brown officially announced his candidacy for Mayor of Houston.

Other candidates include Gene Locke, Roy Morales and Annise Parker.

Brown’s campaign has nearly $2 million dollars on hand, over three times the amount of his opponents. An independent poll conducted by 11 News/ KUHF Houston Public Radio in late October showed Brown holds a nine point lead over his nearest opponent.

Class of 1982 present in HISD Board of Education

Photo courtesy of The Quadrangle

Harvin Moore’s senior page.

Photo courtesy of HoustinISD.org

Harvin Moore today.

By IMAN CHARANIA Harvin Moore (‘82) has come a long way since being a member of Boy Scout Troop 55 and singing in Glee Club at SJS. Moore is currently running for re-election as Trustee for HISD, district VII, which includes River Oaks, the Galleria, Briargrove, Tanglewood, Briarmeadows and parts of Memorial. Moore and his family are active members of St. John’s the Divine Church.

Brown attended Northwestern University after SJS. After Northwestern, he joined the U.S. Department of the Treasury in 1986, where, he learned about business and banking in the community and beyond while simultaneously earning an MBA from New York University. In 1991, he became one of the youngest bank examiners to earn the National Bank Examiner commission, a prestigious status given to select group of bank examiners.

Moore has been an active volunteer in public education since the 1980’s in East Harlem, New York City. When he returned to Houston in 1992 he continued his volunteer work with Communities in Schools, Junior Achievement and Kids Hope USA. Moore which he still participates in Kids Hope USA weekly.

In 1995, Harvin began working with educational entrepreneurs who went on to create the KIPP and YES programs, now among the most successful charter schools in America.

Harvin served as board member, Treasurer and Vice Chairman of KIPP for six years.

For the past two years, Moore has been known to bring fresh ideas and business experience to the board of HISD and continues his philanthropic work throughout the community.

November 2009

sports

14

The Review

Falcons trip up Mavs

CLAY NICKENS|The Review

Kinkaid’s Damion Dunn is hit and fumbles at the goal line.

KHS cont. from p. 1

momentum early though, when on the first offensive possession of the game Kinkaid quarterback John Ed McGee threw a backwards pass that was recov-

CLAY NICKENS|The Review

Captain Jett Williams (‘10) attempts to break an arm tackle at the line of scrimmage.

ered by SJS at the 38 yard line.

After two strong runs by Senior Captain Jett Williams the offense was stalled. After two unsuccessful runs and an incomplete pass Joshua Winslow

(’11) threw a pass that was intercepted in the back of the end zone by Damion Dunn.

Such was the first half, which seemed to be a series of miscues and missed opportunities by both teams.

Kinkaid had two drives end abruptly with a missed field goal and a goal line fumble.

The Mavericks looked like they were to break the scoreless tie, however, near the end of the half. After driving the length of the field, the Mavericks had time for one final play. Winslow dropped back and heaved the ball towards the end zone, intended for Will Wallace (’11).

At the last moment, the ball was tipped by a Falcon defender, and fell through Wallace’s hands. At halftime, a defensive struggle reigned supreme, with the score even at zeroes.

The teams headed back to their locker room at half time, with the game scoreless. SJS came out of the locker room with renewed vigor. SJS began their drive at the 35 yard line after receiving Thomas Deskin’s opening kickoff. At the 8:27 mark in the 3rd quarter, Winslow ran it into the end zone from 27 yards out to put SJS on the scoreboard first. Tweardy followed with an extra point right through the uprights to put SJS up 7-0.

Kinkaid began their drive at the 28 yard line and moved the ball quickly down the field. At the 8 yardline Freshman Macan Wilson lost the ball, and it was recovered

by Jack Craddock (’12).

Kinkaid had 3 fumbles in the game, two of them were lost.

After trading three-and-outs with their opponents, the Mavericks then began a methodical drive that took 5:30. SJS covered 60 yards with Winslow willing the team forward with his legs. The drive was topped off by a three yard rush by Rush Moody into the end zone for the second touchdown of the game for SJS. However, the point-after-touchdown proved to be problematic for SJS. After a false start penalty caused the try to be moved back five yards, the extra point sailed wide left, a miss that would prove costly.

Kinkaid started what would be their final drive with 6:06 left in the game. McGee took the game into his own hands and moved the ball efficiently with completing two passes for 32 yards as well as picking up many yards on the ground.

Wilson got the handoff from three yards out, but as he pushed towards the goal line, the ball popped out of his hands, yet landed in Ford Childress’ arms. Childress pushed ahead into the end zone to knot it up at 13. Thomas Deskin added the extra-point, and ultimately sealed the deal for the Falcons.

SJS got the ball back with 1:27 left in the game, hoping to mount one final drive. Winslow was able to scramble his way up the field, and also completed two passes for 30 yards on the drive. This took SJS down to the Kinkaid 24 yard line with seconds left. SJS rushed the kick team onto the field and Tweardy attempted a 41 yard field goal. The kick fell short, the seconds ticked away, and just like that the game, the season and the Seniors’ high school careers ended.

Junior quarterback Joshua Winslow led the charge for SJS, leading the team in rushing yards with 107 and scoring the first touchdown of the game. Winslow finished the season with over a thousand yards and led the SPC in rushing. Senior Captains Rush Moody and Jett Williams rushed for 68 and 60 yards respectively and played their hearts out until the end. Williams also added a 21 yard catch. Moody finished his senior year at SJS with 816 rushing yards, which is fourth in the SPC, as well as finishing first in the SPC with twelve touchdowns. Williams finished up sixth in the SPC in rushing with 547 yards and eighth in the SPC in receiving with 177 yards on the year.

sports

15

November 2009

Students blog for Houston Rockets, Steve Novak

Bhagwat Kumar (’11) and Billy Rogers (’11) are the writers of a Rockets blog ‘Bring Back Novak,’ which focuses on the Houston Rockets organization and other stories around the NBA. Rogers said the goal of the blog, along with discussing the Rockets, is to “expound upon the greatness of Steve Novak.”

The blog started in April when Kumar and Rogers realized the Rockets did not get much media attention. Kumar said be believed they could write a blog about the Rockets because “We felt like we knew more about the Rockets than most, or at least we could talk about the Rockets because no one else ever does.”

Kumar and Rogers decided to call the blog ‘Bring Back Novak’ after they went to two Rockets games in 2008. Kumar says their love for Steve Novak began last year during the Rockets’ 22-game winning streak.

“It was the eighth game of the streak and Steve Novak, who had not played the whole game, came in and hit a game-winning three[-pointer] against the Sacramento Kings with around 10 seconds left. From then on we were obsessed with Steve Novak.”

Later, they went to a Clippers game and saw Novak playing against their beloved Rockets. They brought various signs to the game such as one that read ‘Bring Back Novak,’ which they chose as the title because some of the other choices were slightly offensive.

Kumar said the inspiration for the blog came from many sportswriters, including Bill Simmons, a columnist for ESPN. com. Simmons is noted for bringing pop-culture references into his oftenhilarious articles as well as out-of-thebox analysis.

The blog gained popularity during last year’s playoffs when both Kumar and Rogers would each post at least two articles a day. Since then they took a three-month hiatus during the summer

By BEN GROTTA but resumed posting shortly before the for so long so we need to get this estabseason began. The first post of the new lished again. I think the Texans would season was a season preview and Kumar be the next team we did if we did anand Rogers hope to follow it with ar- other blog.” They also think expanding ticles on new Rockets including Trevor to other sports may be too much to ask Ariza, David Andersen, Chase Budinger of SJS Juniors. and Pops Mensah-Bonsu.

After considering the addition of up Their blog ran into adversity last year to two more writers, Kumar and Rogers due to a problem with advertising. Ku- made an “executive decision” to keep mar and Rogers urged readers to click the blog at two members. on the ads adjacent to the articles beThey believe an Independent Study

SARAH WINDHAM| The Review

Billy Rogers (‘11) and Bhagwat Kumar (‘11) would like to see Novak back. cause the ads guarantied small revenue every time one was clicked. The ads were taken off the blog because clicking too many times from a certain location is illegal. Rogers said, “We illegitimately obtained over $30 through illegal click activities.” There have been no serious repercussions from the incident, although the money was withheld from Kumar and Rogers.

Kumar and Rogers have entertained the idea of expanding the blog to other sports. Kumar said, “We are content with the Rockets now because we stopped

Project would be the key to expanding the blog because they would have more time to post articles on the Rockets and possibly expand to the Texans, Astros, and maybe even Dynamo. Kumar still doubts whether the blog could be a legitimate ISP. He said the only way an ISP is possible without expanding the blog would be to do it in the second semester, when basketball season is under full swing.

The writers have had many high points in their short-lived careers. This summer, they were interviewed at the

Houston Rockets draft party.

“A video journalist from the Houston Chronicle recognized us from the blog,” Rogers said, “and knowing that we had superfluous Rockets knowledge, interviewed us on our take of the Rockets offseason.”

Kumar and Rogers urge any readers of the blog to leave comments. Kumar said, “We love comments but make them related to the article. Tell us the articles are good, we do not have a lot of selfesteem so that helps.” They do not want the comments to be unrelated to article like some were last year, such as Stephen Firestone‘s (’11) comments about his ‘Me and My Mink’ YouTube series.

An important part of the blog lies in some of its lore. Since Kumar and Rogers never actually give out their ages in their posts, all the readers think they are full-fledged analysts well into their twenties. They ask that any readers not leave any sign of them being in highschool in the comments. Kumar said, “Just never talk about school.”

The blog has experienced a steady increase in popularity since its inception and boasted 500 visitors in a single day during the 2009 Postseason. Also, the Facebook Group “Beat L.A. (Go Rockets),” which is made up of more than 10,000 members, posts every Bring Back Novak article shortly after it is written.

So far, the reception to blog has been generally positive. “People are actually really into it so far,” said Rogers. “A couple of the comments on that ‘Beat L.A.’ Facebook page talked about how we’re ‘one of the best Rockets blogs out there,’ so that was pretty cool.”

Kumar and Rogers are looking forward another season of writing for their popular blog and would like the SJS Community to help them out in an important part of their lives by reading the blog.

The web address is www.bringbacknovak.blogspot.com.

UCAL teams ready to tip off new season

By CAROLINE GIBSON Sophmores and Seniors will begin this basketball season as the two top-ranking United Church Athletic League (UCAL) basketball teams that unofficially represent SJS. The Navy team is expected to be the best of the teams, and with the returning athleticism of members such as Jett Williams (‘10), Stuart Dickerson (’10) and Reed Daniel (‘10) they will most definitely have the upper hand this season in strength, height and experience.

The Sophmore team, which dons

white jersies, could pose a threat to the Navy in the UCAL Championship.

White has a reputation for taking UCAL basketball more seriously than any other SJS team. They run actual plays, and sometimes they even have practice. This team, though young, was begun in seventh grade, giving time for strong bonds to form between players.

Their bonds are apparently like “bonds between soldiers in battle,” Christopher Gow (‘12), small-forward for White, said.

Dan Tweardy (‘12), Nicky Mintz (‘12),

John Mace (‘12) and Jack Craddock (‘12) bring intensity and work ethic to the team; though, Gow said, “I take it very seriously, probably more seriously than anyone else.”

Gow’s focus is not the only thing White has going for them; Ms. Elisa Inman, middle school history teacher, will return to coach White this year. Coach Inman’s college basketball experience could be the guidance that pulls White through those down-to-the-wire games they are sure to see this season.

“She is the glue that holds us together,” Gow said of Coach Inman.

Two teams c o n s i s t i n g primarily of juniors will struggle for a foothold this year, though competition is not their most pressing objective; returning player Cameron Neal (‘11) said, “we could lose by fifty points every game and still have fun.”

Neal’s team, Columbia Blue, is returning this year with a multitude of experienced players such as Will Wallace, Will McDugald, Jack Waller, William Carver and Tim McDugald, who are all in search of more “fun.”

Surprising as it may be, this

star-studded team did not enjoy much success in its past season, most likely due to their consistent failure to attend games.

“We might have gone to four of the seven games,” said Neal.

Another difficulty Columbia Blue will have to overcome this year is the loss of former team member Jeffrey Coburn (‘09) whose talent inspired his teammates last year.

Even in the face of hardship, the junior team plans to dunk their way to the UCAL title and finally defeat the rival Navy team.

A new Junior team will compete this year, also trying to redeem the junior class from the slump endured by Columbia Blue last year. Players-towatch include Billy Rogers, Stephen Firestone and Henry Morris.

New this year will be the first all-girl team in the league. Cary Hines (’10) and Olivia Herbert (‘10) look forward to competing against their classmates and expect to set a new three-point record.

The factor that will give the girls’ team a bid at the championship is the combined experience of Alex Beckham (’11) and athleticism of Catherine Franklin (‘09) and Jessica Carroll (‘11) .

The girls team’s debut is highly anticipated. However, they cannot expect to be treated differently on the court, for as Gow said, “I don’t like to lose,” and neither do the other fifteen teams in the league.

With spirit high off the heels of Kinkaid week, UCAL basketball is sure to spur on Maverick morale through the winter season into spring. As Gow said, UCAL basketball provides “healthy, intense competition between the grades” at SJS, an essential ingredient for harboring school spirit.

16

opinions

Editorial Kinkaid Week could benefit from additional dress-out day Kinkaid Week is easily the most spirited week of the entire school year.

Seniors dress up in their trashiest purple-and-gold attire on Monday, varsity athletes join them to dress up in camouflage attire on Thursday and the entire Upper School wears their most spirited red-and-black clothing on Friday.

However, Wednesday is sadly missing from this wonderful list of spirit. The Editorial Board would like to have a dressout day on Wednesday of Kinkaid Week If having a non-uniform day would pose some problems with Wednesday chapel, the theme of the dress out day could be one that wouldn’t involve distracting costumes. Another way to remedy this situation would be to hold Kinkaid Week chapel in the VST. Moving the chapel to the VST will allow students to dress out of uniform while still maintaining the themes and traditions of the Kinkaid Chapel. A speaker will still be able to give a message of sportsmanship and team spirit; someone will still be able to perform special music and acolytes can still walk down the aisles. If it is required that there be at least two chapels in the church, one of the other assemblies in October can be moved to either November or September.

Wednesday should be a day as spirited as Monday because the Upper School students come back after a day off due to parent conferences and the teachers come back after a grueling day of giving parents feedback about their students. It’s essentially like returning after a weekend and erases whatever spirit was previously drummed up on Dress like Kinkaid Day. It stands to reason that the Wednesday after the day off should be the most spirited day of the entire week, since students are essentially rebuilding their spirit and only have three days for it to reach Kinkaid Game-levels.

Even The Kinkaid School, the school that is the reason this week exists, allows its students to dress up all days of the week in costumes to drum up school spirit. The Editorial Board strongly suggests not being inferior to Kinkaid in any aspects, especially when it comes to school spirit, and a way to ensure this would be by moving the Kinkaid Week Chapel to the VST. The Editorial Board hopes that students and faculty alike will see the benefits of the suggested change, and that by as early as next year students will be able to dress up in costumes all four days of Kinkaid Week instead of just three.

The Review

November 2009

The Review

The Official Student Newspaper of St. John’s School 2009-2010 Editor-in-Chief: Liliana Varman (‘10) Managing Editor: Stuart Dickerson (‘10) Business Manager: Christy Lee (‘11) News Editor Arvind Mohan (‘10)

Features Editor Melissa Yuan (‘11)

Opinions Editor Blake Wulfe (‘10)

beyondSJS Editor Mariam Matin (‘11)

Arts&Entertainment Editor Sports Editor Joe Martinez (‘11) Hudson Duncan (‘10) Copy Editor Bhagwat Kumar (‘11)

Staff Writers

Photo Editor Jenny Lewis (‘10) Clay Nickens (‘10)

Jessica Allen (‘11), Iman Charania (‘13), Veronica Chu (‘12), Joshua Dickerson (‘13), Ariana Dickey (‘12), Braden Doyle (‘13), Samuel Dunn (‘10), Allegra Fradkin (‘11), Zach Gaitz (‘10), , Caroline Gibson (‘11), Ben Grotta (‘11), Stephanie Guo (‘13), Avery Hinrichs (‘12), Sarah Koslov (‘10), Robert McNiel (‘12), Henry Morris (‘11), Sheila Newar (‘10), Andrew Perry (‘11), Megan Rech (‘11), Pooja Salhotra (‘12), Andrew Vogeley (‘13) Circulation Manager Meagan Longoria (‘10) Advertising Manager Allie DeLuca (‘11)

Photographers Hannah Degner (‘11), Erica Reed (‘12), Bobbie Richardson (‘11), Sarah Windham (‘12)

Illustrator Caroline Clutterbuck (‘11) Business Staff Morgan Allen (‘11), Lindsey Collie (‘11), Spencer Lepow (‘13), Annabel Massey (‘11)

Advisor Kyle Parrish (‘01) David Nathan

As the student newspaper of St. John’s School, The Review provides a forum for student writing and opinion. The opinions (signed) and staff editorials (unsigned) contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Headmaster or Board of Trustees of St. John’s School. Staff editorials represent the opinion of the paper. Letters to the editor and guest columns are encouraged but are subject to editing for reasons of clarity, space, accuracy and good taste. The Review reserves the right not to print letters received. Either e-mail letters and guest columns to review@sjs.org; give them to Liliana Varman, Stuart Dickerson, Kyle Parrish, David Nathan or Blake Wulfe in the office of The Review (Q-210); or mail to Editor-in-Chief, The Review, St. John’s School, 2401 Claremont Lane, Houston, TX 77019.

Letter from the Editor

Dear Reader, This isn’t the front page that you, or anyone for that matter, wanted to see. As always, we were all hoping to, as they say, FTF (Fry the Falcons). However, I felt that this year was different for two reasons. First, I really thought we would win.

I’ll admit that I know nothing about football, but even though I knew little of the team’s overall status, I felt like we really had a shot. Most of this sentiment probably stemmed from the fact that I’m a Senior, and there’s no better way to end your last SJS football season than with a victory. I always felt that the spirit of Kinkaid Week, at least in the Upper School, was truly embodied by the Senior class, and, after experiencing it firsthand, I stand by that statement. From the infamous “Dress Like Kinkaid Day” tradition to the Senior Lockin and mural painting (which one could perhaps say is on its

way to becoming a tradition), Kinkaid Week is filled with special Senior activities. I remember watching the Kinkaid Video freshman year and wondering what on Earth was going on, but I’ve since come to realize that the Kinkaid Video is, in a sense, a big inside joke for the Senior class. It’s funny for everyone, but, after seeing four videos, I have to say that nothing quite beats seeing the football players dancing to ditties like “Party in the USA.” Although I’m not really the best person to talk about school spirit (my attendance at football games and other sporting events is kind of lacking, and since I myself don’t participate in sports, it’s easy for me to skip games and feel little remorse, if I hear of their existence at all), one thing I’ve realized over the years is that school spirit can be embodied in different ways.

Sure, the most obvious way is to attend these games and

cheer, but there are other ways to support SJS, whether by attending theater productions, volunteering for community service projects or—wait for it— even reading school publications! If you’ve read this far, you’re off to a fantastic start. If you didn’t attend the SJS choral or instrumental concerts, check out what you missed by reading the article on page 8. Or, perhaps you could support SJS’s budding astronauts by reading an article about them in our Features section.

And, for those of you still upset about losing the game, read about Kinkaid’s “Dress Like St. John’s Day” on page 12 (rest assured, our version is far superior). Have a great month and, as always, thanks for reading.

-Liliana Varman Editor-in-Chief

Letter Policy Letters to the editors and guest columns are welcome but are subject to editing for reasons of clarity, space, accuracy and good taste. The Review reserves the right not to print letters received, and all letters must be typed and signed. Give letters, guest columns and classified advertisements to Liliana Varman, Stuart Dickerson, Kyle Parrish or David Nathan in the office of The Review (Q-210).

opinions

17

November 2009

The Neglected Quadrangle Staff Writer Zach Gaitz opines on the Quad and its potential for greater use As a freshman, I revered the Quadrangle. It seemed a Mount Olympus upon which only a select few could tread – a beautiful stretch of land enclosed by limestone and redtile buildings, peaceful and quiet in a way no other part of school could hope to be.

And yet, as a Senior, I look at the Quad and question why I don’t take advantage of the privilege we have earned.

I have come to realize that many Seniors rarely, if ever, go into the Quad during school other than perhaps for Senior Tea. Occasionally they may walk across, but only because it provides them with the most efficient way of traveling from class to class.

I myself can only claim to use the quad once a week on chapel days. It is quite conceivable that some Seniors may never spend free time in the Quad.

It is possible that if Senior Tea was not located in the Quad that some students would never even enter the area. I have observed that on days when Senior Tea is located in Senior Country the turnout is substantially increased.

If students are able to access senior tea more easily is it is situated in senior country, I question why it should not be permanently relocated. To this you may object, purporting that it breaks with tradition, but has that stopped us in the past?

I don’t mean to devalue the legacy or peaceful atmosphere of the quad, but what is the quad’s purpose, and why are

By ANDREW PERRY

It was a dark and stormy night when the SJS students showed up to “Dance the Fright Away!” The costumes ranged from hockey players to hippies, but out of all the disguises, we have chosen a few that stood out.

5 “Illegal Businessman” JENNY LEWIS| The Review

The Quadrangle provides many unused opportunities. seniors not using the Quad to the extent they used to? Maybe the weather makes it too hot in the fall and spring to simply hang out in the Quad, especially considering the air conditioned, video game-filled environment of Senior Country.

Perhaps Senior interest with the Quad had dwindled due to the ever-increasing impact of technology on our lives. As I consider this situation, I become increasingly unhappy with the current situation.

How can we use the Quad more?

The first way I suggest students use the quad is through sports. Competitive kickball games, softball tournaments, and lighthearted jai alai would utilize the large patch of land superbly and provide students with entertainment. There is certainly potential for the creation of competitive leagues

within SJS, intramural sports you might say.

Secondly, I purpose that students host large events that may or may not be club related. For example, a movie screening or picnic on Friday would be much appreciated

by Seniors, especially with the absence of Senior Tea. Events such as these would bring students together, utilize space, and further the rich history of our beloved Quad. I acknowledge that many students already watch movies in Senior Country, and this could certainly continue. But relocating the “theater” to the Quad when possible would make for a much more unique experience.

We could continue lawn games, play sports, or just hang out, yet so far we haven’t. And so I turn to my peers and request that they consider all the possible uses of the Quad.

A Brief Letter for all the Sophomoric Sophomores

By JOSHUA DICKERSON As the 11:10 bell rings each school day, students hurry to lunch, quickly dropping books off at lockers and rushing into the lunch line, talking amongst each other about tests, homework and basic “street” gossip.

During this scene, an understood series of events occurs.

Juniors and Seniors proceed into the cafeteria, freshmen form a line, and sophomores consistently cut it.

Freshmen quietly bow to sophomores, not reacting to the offense, but mentally noting the transgression—perhaps for future retribution, but most likely not.

The implied reasoning behind the sophomore action is that they are older, and therefore deserve to bypass the five to ten-minute wait.

Yes, sophomores may in fact be older, yet they are still way away from being upperclassmen.

This presumed superiority creates a much less perceivable influence on underclassmen life in general.

Top Five Homecoming Costumes

Sophomores’ lack of respect for freshmen translates into a number of negative acts that in actuality have very little merit.

Why is this? What makes sophomores better than freshmen?

The argument that people can treat those younger than them any way they want is really only applicable to sibling rivalries, not to an inter-high school conflict.

As a freshman, I am tempted to claim that sophomores act as they do because they are simply the outcasts of high school.

I could claim, for example, that just as freshmen are valued for the vitality they bring to the high school, sophomores seem to be ignored for their audacious attitude.

Perhaps I might say that class value is symbolized best by the hangout areas of respective grades. Freshmen reside in the Freshmen Hallway, Juniors relax in Trammel and Seniors lounge in Senior Country.

But, where do sophomores spend their free time? They really just hang out in that little space near the freshman area.

It is arguable that sophomores are merely reacting to a lack of attention. But, I say no. I will not take such a low route.

Instead I choose a different explanation. I choose to claim that sophomores act as they do because they perceive surviving freshmen year as some monumental, earth-shattering feat.

But it isn’t. The issue is one of perception.

Sophomores view their accomplishment as worthy of reward, when in reality it is just what every class that goes through high school has, and will, go through.

And so, I conclude by requesting of the small minority of sophomores who abuse their perceived superiority: to recall what it was like to be freshmen rather than focus on what it is like to not be one.

SJS is gang turf, no doubt. Students who came dressed as pimps showed the seedy underbelly of the school, prompting one to wonder if they were actually in costumes at all. I was surprised that these people were dressed in such nice suits, but they told me that ever since receiving financial advice from ACORN, business has been booming.

4 Vampire

Arguably the most famous monsters that come out on Halloween, people may joke around by dressing up as the soul-suckers who haunt me in my dreams, but I was ready for them with my stake and garlic on October 31.

3 Fairy Tale Snow White, Dorothy, Goldilocks: these are just some popular female Halloween costumes.

While I personally fail to distinguish between them, it seemed as though they were all out in force at Homecoming. From the risqué to the reserved, these were simple yet fun outfits.

2 M&M

What this costume lacks in originality it makes up for in pure chocolaty goodness.

1

Robot

I saw two robot costumes and both looked creative and horribly uncomfortable. For both looking cool and enduring approximately two hours of hot, sweaty, boxed-in misery, the robots take the top spot.

Illustration by CAROLINE CLUTTERBUCK

odds&ends

19

Thumbs Thumbs down up Homecoming... actually Brooks, Ariza, Battier, Scola, Andersen EHS doesn’t get school off for SPC

Word for Word “If you were my girlfriend, I’d call you high maintenence.”

– Physics teacher Mr. Carr to John Ytterberg (‘10) “Students, I’m about to show you something racy: algal sex.”

– Biology teacher Priscilla Elliot “Okay, so say you’re Squirtle and I’m Charmander– ” “No! Now is not the time to talk about astrology!”

– Robin Doody (‘10) and French teacher Mme. Vest

College Supplements McGrady, Ming, Artest “3” - Britney Spears

Staffer of the issue Once again, Caroline has proved invaluable for The Review this issue. Editors endlessly piled on requests for illustrations, yet Caroline neither hemmed nor hawed; she merely took the assignments with a smile and turned them in punctually. In addition, all her illustrations featured in the issue truly show how Caroline great an artist Caroline is. Thanks, Clutterbuck (‘11) Caroline!

Photo of the issue

“Give me your lunch money.”

– Frank Mace (‘10)

sixty seconds with Natalie Plummer (‘13) JENNY LEWIS| The Review

name natalie plummer grade 9 relationship status taken sjs is the bomb diggidy cafeteria item chocolate chip muffins sport to play wrestling manager sport to watch boys volleyball olympic sport golf and rugby professional sports team dynamo music kenny chesney movie 300 tv show spongebob book breaking dawn radio station 93Q restaurant cpk comfort food bbq baked lays vegetable carrots breakfast food lucky charms Facebook or MySpace? facebook holiday christmas color red and black drink dr pepper hero coach jamie sing in the shower? of course when i grow up i want to live in california favorite spot on the sjs campus front row, middle seat, ms. steele’s room motto nat plum, here i come do you read the review? mhmm!

CLAY NICKENS| The Review

Mac Loftin (‘11) gets a bit too into character at Homecoming.