Friday, March 26, 2010 by Saint Louis Priory School

Friday, March 26, 2010

The Record Volume 40, Issue 22

The Official Student Publication of the Saint Louis Priory School since 1960

Robotics 2nd at Regionals, Sets Record

Zach Weiss, ’11 Staff Writer

Thursday, March 18, 2010: For Priory’s own RoboRebels, six weeks of designing, building, programming, testing, and repairing a robot culminated in the moment they stepped into the Chaifetz Arena. As the team began to unpack their robot from shipping, assemble their pit, and frantically work to ensure everything met regulations, this reporter can only imagine the sense of accomplishment most felt in making it even this far. Replacing the trickle of trained but unreliable labor from the girls of Visitation with a flood of juniorschoolers, the former VIPERs of team 1329 worked in two-hour shifts to complete the robot, many devoting almost all of their free

time as the competition approached. The added manpower allowed for the construction of a prototype robot as well, which meant twice the work. However, it also meant that the team had more time to refine the programming and crucial aspects of the robot’s hardware. When it was time to compete, the RoboRebels’ familiarity with their prototype caused them to swap out its parts with those of the original robot. Just as teams from as far away as Ohio, Minnesota, and Florida were doing, 1329 spent their Thursday fine tuning their robot to pass inspection and testing their equipment. A dedicated pit crew was instrumental in preparing for the competition, and it would continue to prove its worth well into Friday and Saturday. Although it wound up taking most of the day to receive the clear for the robot to

compete, it was a far cry from the horrors of last year, and much better than many of the other teams, one of whom drilled holes in their robot all through Thursday to remove the eight pounds of excess weight. Unlike their drill-happy adversaries, Priory’s own managed to test most of their equipment and respond to the more serious issues. However, previous competitions had shown this was no guarantee that the robot would run smoothly, and the next day the RoboRobels received several brutal reminders. While infinitely better than last year, technical difficulties plagued the team all throughout the prelims on Friday. Two matches were lost because of radio problems, Plexiglas shattered, and the drive chain snapped in the high contact, high s t r e s s (Continued on back page)

Entertainment/Opinions

Friday, March 26, 2010 Volume 40, Issue 22

The Record - The Official Student Publication of the Saint Louis Priory School

The Record Staff Editor in Chief: Patrick R. Mulvihill, ’10

Shutter Island Review Trevor Jin, ’12

Layout Editor: Chad E. Huber, ’10 Content Editor: Sean J. Lamb, ’10 Editorials Editor: Mike Haueisen, ’10 Entertainment Editor: Quinn Underriner, ‘10 Opinions Editor: Kevin Hess, ‘11 Sports Editor: David Taiclet, ’11 Faculty Moderator: Mrs. Barbara K. Sams In this issue... Patrick Mulvihill, ’10 Sean Lamb, ’10 John Notter, ’10 Zach Weiss, ’11 Kevin Hess, ’11 Trevor Jin, ’12 Austin Hakim, ’15 Aris Sevastianos, ’15

Entertainment Writer

This movie was both fascinating and mind-boggling. Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his partner are set on a case as Federal Marshalls to investigate a mysterious break out of a prisoner on an island made just for the criminally insane. Unfortunately for him, the workers on the island are all suspicious and to top it off a hurricane blows in, preventing an early exit. This is one of the few movies I have seen in awhile where you literally have no idea what is going on (in a good way)

as Martin Scorsese puts you in the view of a man just trying to get along. It kept me guessing the whole way even to the end, and was well worth the ride. It is surprisingly unlike what the trailer shows, and not a generic horror movie at all. It’s smart, smarter than all of us and looks can be deceiving. It doesn’t have millions of dollars worth of animation, or blue aliens, or 3-D, thank goodness. Instead of feeling like you’re just a member of the audience, you will feel a part in the movie. A bond between you and the main character and his depressing struggle with what’s real and what is imaginary is formed easily. See this movie. It is the best 2010 has given, and will be well worth the money. 4/5 Stars.

Saint Louis’s Top 5 Places to go in the Spring Austin Hakim, ’15 Staff Writer

The Record Disclaimer The Record is the official student publication of Saint Louis Priory School in St. Louis, Missouri. It is produced by student editors/ staff members. Its purpose is threefold: to inform students of events in the community; to encourage discussion of local, national, and international issues; and to serve as a training ground for budding journalists, photographers, and graphic designers. The Record accepts contributions from all members of the Priory community, including students, faculty, and alumni. The Record will not publish content considered legally unprotected speech, including but not limited to: libel, copyright infringement, unwarranted invasion of privacy, or material disruption of the educational process. Student editors apply professional standards to the production of the newspaper and are solely responsible for all content, both explicit and implicit. Letters to the Editors are always appreciated. Feedback not intended for publication is also welcome.

Six Flags – If you like lots of fun this is the place for you to be. It opens Friday, April 2, although the water park doesn’t open for a while. My favorite ride at Six Flags is one of the originals, The Batman and I suggest you try it if you like a rush.

The Galaxy Theater – Watching movies is an option year round and is always fun. The Galaxy in the Chesterfield Valley is my favorite because of the Mega Screen it has.

The Botanical Gardens – This 79 acre garden in South City is the perfect location to enjoy the outdoor weather in Saint Louis. The 100+ year old trees, the newly budding flowers and the dozens of fountains make it the best place to enjoy nature without having to drive out of Saint Louis.

Bushwhackers – Paintballing is a much loved thing among young teenage boys. This paintball park has six different fields to play on and is open all year round.

Forest Park – what more could you ask for? A beautiful park where you can ride your bike, play soccer, baseball, football, and Frisbee, and have a picnic. This is a fun place to go with family and friends and is a good place to go in the spring.

Friday, March 12, 2010 Volume 40, Issue 22

Editorials, Weekly Update

Chili Weapons:

The Record - The Official Student Publication of the Saint Louis Priory School

What Grinds My Gears

The Weapons of the Future...

Weekly Calendar Friday, 3/26/2010

Mike Haueisen, ’10 Kevin Hess, ’10

Editorials Editor

Staff Writer

The Indian military has come up with the new non-toxic weapon against terrorism: the thumb-sized "bhut jolokia," or "ghost chili." They plan to use this chili to make tear gaslike hand grenades to immobilize suspects. This chili has more than 1,000,000 Scoville units, which is the scientific measurement of a chili's spiciness. Tabasco sauce ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville units, while jalapeno peppers measure anywhere from 2,500 to 8,000. This means that the ghost chili is more than 100 times hotter than a jalapeno. The Indian military plans to use these gas grenades to choke people out of hiding. However, the Indian government is also planning of making an aerosol spray made from the ghost chili to be used by women against attackers so Indian men beware!

Spirit Club Baseball: A Priory Pastime As the spring term starts, I hear collective groaning among diehard sports fans. The same sad words echo throughout the halls, “There are no good spring sports to cheer for,” they say. This, however, is a false statement. Although I grant that tennis and track are not much to cheer about, the Spirit Club has high aspirations for this baseball season. Ideas are circulating about a “day at the beach” game. This would include swimsuits, obnoxious amounts of sunscreen, and kiddie pools. Other ideas include the classic “toga day” and “dress like a pirate day.” More to come on these themed games, but for now stay on the watch for more information and please go out and support your baseball Rebels.

LOST ITEM Alex Haueisen (Form III) lost his Assignment Notebook and it is very important that he finds it. Inside the front cover it says “Property of Me” so if you find it please contact Alex.

What Grinds My Gears Patrick Mulvihill, ’10

Saturday, 3/27/2010

Editor in Chief

You know what grinds my gears? When Mikey Haueisen doesn’t turn in an article.

The Love Den Ask your date to Prom. Now

Monday, 3/29/2010

Billy Brohan and Benny Broski Love Experts

Prom is coming up. We all know this. This is your official reminder from the love doctors: ask your date sooner as opposed to later. April 1st makes an excellent deadline. You can do this in a number of simple ways. If you are not romantically involved, a simple message on her car (car markers, post-it notes) should suffice. If you want to make a statement to this lovely lady, however, go above and beyond. Flowers, cakes, body paint, skywriting, anything fun and memorable should be attempted. I’m out, keep lovin’.

Tuesday, 3/30/2010 •7:15-9:00pm Form V Mock College Admission Program

Wednesday, 3/31/2010

Weekly Lunches 3/12 - 3/19 Friday, 3/12 Pancake Bar Monday, 3/15 Chicken and Dumplings Tuesday, 3/16 Hot Dog with Chili Wednesday, 3/17 Mostaciolli Thursday, 3/18 NO SCHOOL, HOLY THURSDAY Friday, 3/19 NO SCHOOL, GOOD FRIDAY

Easter Break begins with last class

Thursday, 3/18/2010 NO SCHOOL HOLY THURSDAY

Puzzles

Friday, March 26, 2010 Volume 40, Issue 22

The Record - The Official Student Publication of the Saint Louis Priory School

Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 1. Crystal-lined stone 6. Offensively malodorous 10. Drift 14. Colorado resort 15. Coastal raptor 16. Notion 17. Not now 18. Earl Grey and orange pekoe 19. Speaker's platform 20. Promising 22. They come from hens 23. Atlantic food fish 24. Ancient ascetic 26. Giggles 30. Precipitous 32. Backside 33. Small 35. Malicious burning 39. Fragrance 41. Tear 42. Depart 43. III 44. False god 46. Once again 47. Increase 49. Bovine mammaries

Sudokus

51. Gather on the surface, chemically 54. African antelope 55. Rodents 56. Betrothal 63. Decorative case 64. Defeat disastrously 65. Not at any time 66. Canvas dwelling 67. Indolent 68. Nigerian monetary unit 69. Jittery 70. Cobras 71. A mixture of 2 or more metals DOWN 1. Celebration 2. Jacob's brother 3. Chooses 4. Profound 5. Make wealthy 6. Malodorous 7. Chocolate cookie 8. A Central American sloth 9. Tenant 10. Throughout far and wide 11. Maxim

Word Search

EASY

HARD

12. Pretend 13. Piece of armor for a thigh 21. Price 25. Secure against leakage 26. Not first 27. Part of a foot 28. ___-friendly 29. Unselfishness 30. Malicious 31. Erratum 34. Colored part of an eye 36. Rational 37. Not under 38. Current event information 40. Rip 45. Breathing organ 48. European peninsula 50. Chaperone 51. Mountain crest 52. Old hat 53. Bitten 54. Movable fence barriers 57. Gestures of acceptance 58. Swallow 59. Breakfast or supper 60. Wickedness 61. A Roman emperor 62. In a cafeteria, what food is served on

WORDBANK batch

frustrate

sheen

bright

history

shorts

brittle

labor

shuffle

closet

money

stubble

couch

north

tamper

cross

offense

thought

cupcake

poison

trouble

dart

pressure

vast

discuss

quite

victim

farce flash

resort rival

Cryptogram

- Winston Churchill

Sports

Friday, March 26, 2010 Volume 40, Issue 22

The Record - The Official Student Publication of the Saint Louis Priory School

Gage’s Walk-Off Stuns BlackCats

FIFA 2010 World Cup Soccer Rankings Aris Sevastianos compiles a preview of the best teams and players in the world...

Sophomore’s single in his first Varsity at-bat drives in the winning run against Herculaneium

Aris Sevastianos, ’15 Staff Writer

John Notter, ’10 Sports Writer The Priory Rebels Baseball team started their 2010 season off right with a victory over Herculaneum by means of a comefrom-behind win in the bottom of the 7th inning. Senior Brendan McDermott started on the mound and threw four great innings. After one, the Rebels were down by 2 and came back to take the lead. The lead changed hands several times during the game and was a nail biter. After four, senior Jay Wortham came in to close the game with an outstanding performance of five strikeouts, three of which were in one inning. With solid defense and fantastic pitching from both seniors, the Black Cats were unable to generate any offense, which gave the Rebels their chance. Going into the bottom of the 7th inning, Herky led 7-5. After lead off hits by James Kopfensteiner and Luke Simpson, Nick Thompson laid down a perfect bunt down the third base line to advance the runners. Next batter, John Notter hit a single into the left-center gap, scoring two to tie the game. With the game on the line, the Rebels counted on sophomore Carter Gage to deliver, and deliver he did. Carter, with a walkoff single, buckled down under the pressure and came through for his teammates. This exciting win finally buries the hatchet with Herky, and has given the Rebels their proof that their hard work and determination is beginning to pay off. However, we must not get complacent here. There is a long season ahead and we must keep our composure. Next varsity game will be this Friday 4:15pm at Priory. The fans were great last game…Lets keep it up!

With the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa coming up this summer, everyone is wondering which team is most likely to win. As this is the largest sporting event in the world, and to help with your predictions, here is a preview of the top ten out of more than 200 countries: Rank

Country

Points

Key Players

Spain

1642

Iker Casillas (Goalie); Pepe Reina (Goalie); Fernado Torres (Forward)

Brazil

1594

Julio Cesar (Goalie); Kaka (Midfielder); Robinho (Forward)

Netherlands

1324

Edwin van der Sar (Goalie); Dirk Kuyt (Forward); Robin van Persie (Forward)

Italy

1226

Gianluigi Buffon (Goalie); Andrea Pirlo (Midfielder); Fabio Grosso (Defender)

Germany

1208

Lukas Podolski (Forward); Bastian Schweinsteiger (Midfielder); Rene Adler (Goalie)

Portugal

1201

Christiano Ronaldo (Forward); Deco (Midfielder); Pepe (Defender)

France

1171

Patrice Evra (Defender); Thierry Henry (Forward); Florent Malouda (Midfielder)

England

1109

Wayne Rooney (Forward); Frank Lampard (Midfielder); Steven Gerrard (Midfielder)

Argentina

1087

Lionel Messi (Forward); Carlos Tevez (Forward); Javier Mascherano (Midfielder)

Greece

1074

Theofanis Gekas (Forward); Loukas Vyntra (Defender); Avraam Papadopoulous (Defender)

Honorable Mention Croatia: Modric (Tottenham) and Srna (Shaktar Donessk) should lead the team this year, ranked #11, they look to pull off some upsets this World Cup United States: With an upset over #1 Spain and a close 3-2 loss to #2 Brazil, the U.S., led by Landon Donovan (Everton), look to win against all odds... Cote D’Ivoire: Didier Drogba (Chelsea) and Solomon Kalou (Chelsea) should score some goals paired up top, making the Ivory Coast a tough team to defend.

Friday, March 26, 2010 Volume 40, Issue 22

Robotics 2nd in State (Continued from front page)

environment of the Arena. Once again the pit crew performed admirably in repairing the robot, and no doubt breathed a sigh of relief in the knowledge their robot wasn’t the one sent crashing to the ground by the machinations of a feisty opponent, or the one whose battery trailed behind it like the entrails of a wounded soldier. No, none of these things happened to Priory’s robot, and for that this reporter believes the pit crew deserves all the credit. Without them, it is unlikely team 1329 could have even played the game. And the name of that game was Breakaway. If soccer had four goals, multiple balls, was played by alliances of three robots each, and had a pair of massive humps and towers in the middle of the field, then it would be Breakaway. Once the technical difficulties had been patched up (and even when they hadn’t), the RoboRebels’ robot managed to consistently score points and help the other teams in their alliance to do the same. Coach Chad Huber and drivers Luc Bettaieb, Saagar Desai, and Luke McGartland all performed exceptionally well in maneuvering the robot, whether it was playing forward, midfield, or defense. Unfortunately, the drive team alone could not account for the other robots in the alliance, and the losses continued. Priory finished Friday near the bottom in 31st place. Every dog has its day, and the same is true of every robot. That day was Saturday. At first it seemed like the RoboRebels would have no more success than the day before, but that all changed after a strategy meeting with the Parsons Vikings of team 1448. 1448’s robot, like Priory’s, could pull itself up one of the towers and hang suspended at the end of the match for an extra two points. However, unlike most robots it could also support another robot from its cross-beams while in

The Record The Official Student Publication of the Saint Louis Priory School midair for another three points. Up until then, the Vikings had been unable to utilize this aspect of their design. That is, until they met the RoboRebels. And before the eyes of a captivated stadium and FIRST Robotics founder/segway inventor Dean Kamen, the RoboRebels became the first team in the world to hang suspended from another robot, and the only team who would do so for the rest of the competition. With l20 seconds to go, the drivers of team 1329 waited anxiously as 1448 pulled itself up onto the tower, and deploying the robot’s grappling hook, they ratcheted the RoboRebels up off the ground and into the history books. Priory had set a world record.

This amazing feat and strong play from the team did not pull up their rankings enough to be one of the top eight teams automatically in the elimination rounds, but their stunning achievement with the doublesuspension meant they were selected to play on the same alliance as teams 1806 and 1098. A broken wheel looked like it might have stopped the team dead in its tracks, but team 1806 came through in the clutch and supplied the parts. From here on the competition became intense, and each match the alliance played was incredibly close. The first match of the semifinals was when disaster struck. The drive chain once again fell to pieces. The team’s darkest hour became the pit crew’s finest, as they and team 1806 repaired the robot in a frenzy of

labor, calling a time out and even then barely making it to the next match. The alliance agreed it would be best to let 1329’s battered and weary robot play defense. Priory rose to the challenge, letting in almost no goals despite being double-teamed and letting its alliance partners turn each match into very high scoring games. Entering the finals, however, the strategy began to falter. The enemy alliance had a much tougher offense than the one the team faced in the semifinals, and all were haunted by the words of Admiral Ackbar as they came to a terrifying realization: their shields can’t repel firepower of that magnitude! However, the offense of Priory’s own alliance remained superb, and it looked like the match would end in a tie; but a one-point penalty against the alliance for extraneous parts spelled the end of the best run in the history of Priory robotics and left the RoboRebels in second place. Despite their loss, Priory could not help but feel a sense of accomplishment. During the team’s partnership with Viz, the elimination rounds had seemed like an unattainable dream, but now the RoboRebels were within a hair’s breadth of the National Championship in Atlanta. Team 1329 owes a great deal of thanks to our moderator Mr. Dodds and our mentors Mr. Huber, Mr. Avery, Mr. McGartland, Mr. Ward, Mr. Reitz, and Mr. Weiss for their contributions to its success. The RoboRebels graduate two seniors this year, Chad Huber and Saagar Desai. As president, vice-president, secretary, and 7year veteran of Robotics, Chad will be especially missed by all his teammates, but we place our firm trust in the leadership of our president-elect, sophomore Luc Bettaieb. This reporter knows young Luc has some big shoes to fill, but hopes he can lead the team to an even more stunning victory next year and qualify for nationals, which, it has been announced, will be held in St. Louis.

THE RECORD - The Official Student Publication of the Saint Louis Priory School 500 S. Mason Road, Creve Coeur, MO 63141 314.434.3690 ext. 221 therecord@priory.org Editor in Chief: Patrick R. Mulvihill, ’10 Layout Editor: Chad E. Huber, ’10 Content Editor: Sean J. Lamb, ’10 Moderator: Barbara K. Sams