The Merionite

The Meri nite November 14, 2008

The official student newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929

Phillies phever infects LM

PA mandates cumulative finals Jenny Ma Class of 2010

Photo by Sivahn Barsade/Staff

Photo courtesy of Clackamas Review

While a small amount of their peers remained at LM, students celebrated the second ever Phillies World Series Championship in Philadelphia.

See Phillies, page 2

District creates new redistricting plan in response to parent concerns Maya Afilalo

Class of 2012 On October 20, the Board of School Directors adopted a second draft of a plan for redistricting that does not force high school students to change schools. The class of 2013 will be the first students to attend high schools according to their assigned zones.

"So students who are in fifth grade this year would go to their new middle school. However, if you're in sixth grade and you are attending Welsh Valley or Bala Cynwyd you will stay in those schools,” said superintendent Christopher McGinley. “And if you are in high school and you attend LM or Harriton, you will graduate from that school.”

Many students were relieved after the Board announced that all high school students would be “grandfathered in” their current schools.

“I’m really glad that we aren’t getting switched because I want to be able to go to the same high school for the entire four years,” said freshman Lacey Serletti.

After many months of discussion, the Board of School Directors adopted the first draft of a plan for redistricting in September. On October 20, the Board of School Directors issued the revised second

draft of their redistricting plan in response to public input. They have committed to reach a final decision by December in order to prepare for the 2009-2010 school year. The Board will continue to hear public suggestions for a

third draft of the plan through November 6.

As stated by a report issued by the Community Advisory Committee, the plan was driven by “the desire to see that all children remain together from grades six through twelve.”

As in previous years, all students from Belmont Hills and Gladwyne will attend

Peek behind the curtain of Guys &Dolls See A&E, page 12

Welsh Valley and then Harriton. Under the second draft of the plan, a number of students from Penn Valley, Penn Wynne, and Merion who previously attended Bala Cynwyd and LM, will attend Welsh Valley Middle School. Students will attend their middle school according to boundaries drawn by the Board based on reasons such as bus routes and walk zones. Cynwyd students will not be affected and will continue to attend Bala Cynwyd Middle School.

“My family lives barely over a mile away from LM and my younger sister is going to Harriton,” said freshman Amelia AuBuchon, whose sister is currently a seventh grader at Bala Cynwyd.

However, there is much opposition to the new plan.

Protesters have concerns that students will be separated once they have already made friends in their current middle schools. g .or “The thought of SD M f L friendships torn apart o sy rte crushes me,” said Bala Cynou c wyd Middle School eighth grader oto Ph Julia Spandorfer at the October 23 meeting. “It would make school an uncomfortable learning environment.”

Concerns over redistricting causing difficulties with transitioning into middle school and high school were voiced by many others at the meeting.

See Redistricting, page 3

RADNOR WEEK LM celebrates the oldest high school rivalry in the country See News, page 4

In order to comply with new state law, this year, LM will implement two major changes to its final exam policy. The exams will now be cumulative and teachers will be required to administer common finals for each class.

In the past, finals have covered only second semester material, but cumulative finals will include content from both semesters.

Under a common final system, committees of same-subject teachers will meet to create a universal exam for the topic. Also, a different final exam will be made for AP, Honors, College-Prep, and Active level classes.

“80% of the final has to be common among the teachers; 20% is at the discretion of the individual teacher,” said English teacher Jean McWilliams.

Some students are supportive of the changes to the final system.

“The purpose of a final is to cover all the material covered over the year. That means cumulative,” said junior Jonah Mann. “If you don’t know the material from September in June, you don’t deserve an A on the final.”

“In certain subjects like math and physics, where the material is built on itself, I think cumulative finals would be easier,” said senior Caitlin Finley.

Though some form of cumulative final will be implemented this year, not all the logistics are definite.

“They might make only science classes have the cumulative exams. I am not sure if other subjects are giving a common final,” said chemistry teacher Glenn Brooks.

People have voiced concerns over changes in the system.

“While cumulative finals do not affect art, I’m troubled by the idea that everything needs to be the same. Teachers have different ways of working with the students and assigning work. ” said art teacher Russ Loue.

Cumulative finals may not be relevant for all subjects.

“Spanish is already a common assessment for each level,” said Spanish teacher Sara Nemoy.

Some are also concerned about the possibility of cheating if all finals are the same.

“Cheating will obviously happen,” said sophomore Wenwen Yang. “Honestly, I can’t tell you one person who hasn’t asked their friends ‘Is this on the test?’.”

“What I would do is change the numbers in the problems,” said Brooks. “But, changing a number or chemistry compound on the test can change how an equation balances, which may change the difficulty of the question,” he continued.

“We could have everyone take the math exams in the gym. Where I used to live, we

See Finals, page 4

The Merionite gets the inside scoop on the mysterious disappearance of Coldstone See Features, page 8

2

November 14, 2008

NEWS

The Merionite

Attendance low as students celebrate Phillies victory Sivahn Barsade

Itai Doron

Class of 2011 November’s construction focuses on laying down the foundation and continuing projects started last month.

Last month’s work included laying down foundations for future buildings and constructing the basement, gym, locker rooms, and auditorium of the new school.

This work will continue throughout November.

The current agenda includes setting up structural steel for the walls of

Photo by Esther Hoffman/Staff

the building. A crane was brought in to the rear of the construction site to perform this task.

At the end of October all remnants of the Ardmore Annex were removed, allowing construction workers to focus on building the new wing of the school, which will mostly contain classrooms.

“Construction of the new building will start to make its way towards Montgomery Avenue,” said Project Developer James Lill.

While this month’s construction will not affect the typical student, it created issues for some winter sport athletes. Basketball players and members of the swim team cannot hold practices or host games in the same locations as in previous years, and will be moved to off-site locations decided upon by LM administrators.

Look for next month’s construction update in the Merionite to read more about the upcoming plans for the new LM high school.

Student athletes left stranded by buses Sivahn Barsade

Class of 2010

This fall, buses have frequently transported student athletes to off-campus practices and games due to loss of fields during construction. But there have been numerous instances where buses showed up late or not at all. The District has been working since July to deal with the influx of routes due to off campus sporting locations. Administrators believe that after the slightly problematic fall season, all of the issues should be sorted out.

“Yes, there have been some issues with the buses,” said Athletics and Activities Director Don Walsh. “But after going through the fall season we have worked out the problems.”

Teams that have experienced bus difficulties include boys’ and girls’ soccer, field hockey, ice hockey, and ultimate frisbee. All of these teams had buses arrive substantially late.

Also, buses repeatedly never arrived at any time to transport the ultimate frisbee team. “ Wa i t i n g f o r t h e b u s f o r a n h o u r and a half was extremely frustrating,” said Girls Soccer captain Hannah Newman.

“It is outrageous that the bus never picked us up.

We were stranded without any way to get home,” said Girls Ultimate Frisbee captain Emily Eisner.

“We do our job and submit bus requests, and we expect the District to do their job and supply buses.”

While the Administration has not identified a sole cause of the bus problem, there are a myriad of

elements that may have complicated the situation.

“There have been some issues with the buses but there is not one main reas o n f o r t h e c o n f l i c t s , ” s a i d Wa l s h .

The athletic department uses a computer software program called Schedule Start to coordinate sporting events, but this fall marked the first time that this program was used for transportation requests. Naturally, certain technical glitches popped up during the season. Also, due to construction, loading for sports’ buses and regular dismissal buses occur in the same place. The sports’ buses are under a very tight time constraint since they must depart before the regular dismissal buses arrive as not to congest the bus loading area.

“It can be really confusing at times since you have so many buses arriving within ten minutes of each other,” said LM bus aid Helen Manni. “But the school knew that these times would be difficult. So they hired me, just to coordinate bus dismissals.”

Coaches and administrators plan to use this past sports season as a learning experience and improve on transportation for the rest of the year.

“Every coach I have talked to thinks the bus situation was the number one problem with their season,” said Girls’ Varsity Soccer coach Kevin Ries. “We used to take [buses] for granted, now we see that with so many activities off campus, District transportation was spread very thin. But I know that everybody here at LM is working hard together to solve the problem and everything should work much smoother during the winter season.”

Class of 2010 Two weeks ago over one thousand LM students celebrated the Phillies World Series win in Philadelphia, while approximately 600 remained at school.

October 31 marked the first national championship parade Philadelphia has had hosted in 25 years and the administration did not attempt to prevent students from attending the celebration.

“By far I have never seen anything like this,” said attendance office secretary Jan Hemingway. “I would guess that up to 75% of students were not in attendance by the end of the day.”

To accommodate the mass amount of students leaving early, the administration set up “Phillies Parade Boxes” outside the main office. Students dropped their early dismissal notes into the boxes and then filled out an official early dismissal pass themselves, under the watch of attendance secretaries Hemingway and Darlene Mandarino. Assistant Principal Scott Kilpatrick engineered the plan of the early dismissal boxes once the Administration realized that many students would leave early that day.

“I knew a lot of kids would be bringing early dismissal notes in so I started thinking about how to deal with it,” said Kilpatrick. “Can you imagine 300 kids trying to get in and out of the attendance office in a ten minute window? It would have been a safety hazard!”

The attendance office will follow the official policy in regards to the stacks of unprocessed early dismissal and absent notes. The attendance office has already tabulated over 650 full day absences. Those notes cite a variety of excuses for student’s absence, ranging from “sick” to “Phillieitis” to “seeing the impact of the celebratory parade on tourism and taxes of the city of Philadelphia during this financial crisis”. “[The box procedure] was smooth and easy,” said Kilpatrick. “It was a time to celebrate but we also have rules here at LM and I wanted to make sure those rules were being followed.”

“A majority of the students were honest and put ‘Phillies Parade’ or ‘family celebration’ as their excuse, but there were a bunch of people faking sick that day,” said Mandarino.

Prior to the Phillies win, Superintendent Christopher McGinley distributed a survey to other superintendents in Montgomery County asking how they were planning to deal with the possible parade during school hours in their respective school districts. McGinley considered declaring a half day to enable students to attend the parade.

Hearing that a half-day was a possibility, senior Drew Desantola encouraged students to e-mail McGinley urging him to declare a half-day in honor of the parade. McGinley received about forty e-mails from LM students, but did not proclaim a half-day.

“Once I did find out that the parade was on Friday a couple of things weighted into my decision [to not decree a half-day],” said McGinley.

“First, the short notice would have placed a heavy burden on parents of elementary school students. Second, that day was Halloween and there were a number of activities planned at the elementary schools. I did see that the parade was important, but I simply couldn’t declare a half-day on that morning.”

Many teachers did not teach full lessons that day due to the absence of so many students; but, some did teach to classes as small as three students.

“I did teach that day since it was a real day of school – except in the class that had only five students,” said chemistry teacher Glenn Brooks.

“What bothered me most was that probably half of the people absent were not actually at the Phillies Parade, but rather just used that day as an excuse to miss school.”

Many students who did attend the parade believe it was a once in a lifetime experience and did not hesitate to miss school.

“This was a historical event that I may never experience again. My parents didn’t really care if I missed school,” said junior Ethan Goldstein.

“And I’m happy that I did!”

Photo by Sivahn Barsade/Staff

Seniors Rachel Miller, Anna Haase, Hannah Spiegel, and Madison Highbloom celebrate Halloween and the Phillies win as they drop their early dismissal notes into the Phillies Early Dismissal Box outside the attendance office.

November 14, 2008

NEWS

The Merionite LM reflects on promise of change

NEWS IN BRIEF

Hana Rouse

Class of 2010 On Tuesday, November 4, Americans made history by electing the first multi-racial President. LM students were active throughout the electoral process; some volunteered for the candidates and many seniors voted for the first time. As the country rebuilds itself around a new administration, students take the chance to reflect on and react to the outcome of the election.

“It shows how far the American people have come. I think one of our volunteers summed it up in this quote: ‘Rosa sat, so that Martin could walk. Martin walked, so that Obama could run. Obama ran, so that our children could fly.’”

--Chris Murrell, ‘10 I’m happy for everyone that supports Obama, and we can talk in four months once he’s been president for a while.

--Naomi Hachen, ‘09

Students participate in “All Kids Count” film

Photo by Ann Zheng/Staff

As much as I don’t agree with [Obama’s] policies, I respect him for all he’s done. For the first time there seems to be a real connection between the two parties.

--Taylor Votto, ‘10

“Although I didn’t like McCain and Palin, I thought [McCain] was really We are going to have an amazing president who gracious for making his speech. I really respect him for that.” will get our country back on target. I’m not saying

--Ines Roman, ‘12 change will be easy, but we need to work for it.

--Jessica Mancuso, ‘11 Quite frankly, everyone seemed too obsessed with Obama and McCain.

There are third party alternatives out there like Bob Barr. His approach to issues “[Obama] made history, and I was there to see it!” like the economy are more logical than those of the other candidates.

--Rachel Barg, ‘12

--Yunica Jiang, ‘09

District hires new Assistant Superintendent Jason Kramen

Class of 2010

LMSD has chosen Dr. Michael Kelly to fill the position of Assistant Superintendent. Kelly has been involved with the District since 1999, mainly as the Director of Pupil Services, and was previously a special education teacher in the West Chester Area school district for 10 years.

Kelly earned various degrees from West Chester, Widener and Immaculata Universities. Since 2007 he has been serving as acting Assistant Superintendent and will now have the position on a permanent basis.

Kelly will also continue to oversee the Pupil Services department.

Kelly assisted in the search for a new superintendent and has been very influential in the redistricting process.

LMSD Superintendent Dr. Chris McGinley voiced his approval and admiration of Kelly along with Steve Barbato, Director of Photo courtesy of LMSD.org Curriculum Services.”

Students and children team up to help animals in need Liz Bruss

Class of 2010 On October 19, juniors Jen Jovinelly and Melissa Kaufman held a fundraiser for animals in emergency situations at Penn Wynne Park, and donated the proceeds to Main Line Animal Rescue (MLAR).

The event included a sale of studentproduced artwork and pottery, a raffle of items donated by local businesses, a bake sale, and a flag football game, which together raised $750.

“I always wanted to volunteer at MLAR but I wasn’t old enough, [and] even though I am now, I still wanted to raise money,” said Jovinelly. “I love the animals and their program is so [helpful].”

“I was happy to have the chance to help Jen with such a great project,” said Kaufman. “We were really pleased with the turnout, and we are looking forward to our next fundraiser benefitting MLAR in the spring.”

The fundraiser was a unique opportunity for LM students to volunteer their time and talents.

3

Updated redistricting plan prompts parent complaints From Redistricting, page 1

“It is my professional opinion that for the developmental, emotional, and academic well being of our children, we need a plan that maintains K-12 structure,” said Penn Valley Elementary School teacher Susan Rose, who has taught in the district for over 20 years.

Those affected are worried about the extended bus rides that many students, especially those residing in North Narberth, will have to take. There was a massive turnout of Narberth parents at the meeting who organized a letter writing campaign to protest against North Narberth students going to Harriton when they are within walking distance of LM. “North Narberth students are currently bussed to school when they should be able to walk – a major reason for choosing to live in a walking community. We hoped this would be resolved in the new plan, but in the current proposal our children continue to attend a different elementary and middle school from their geographic neighbors,” reads the letter.

No matter what, one area of the township will be affected by redistricting and the new proposals shifts the area of those affected. District member and father Michael Noel said at the most recent meeting, “the current plan does not fix the problems of the old plan.”

“I felt so incredible when I was able to sell pieces of my artwork, of no value, for a great sum of money,” said junior Jenny Ma. MLAR offers aid to formerly abused or abanPhoto courtesy of Jen Jovinelly doned animals, Children and canines joined LM students to raise money for promotes aware- MLAR. The students plan to hold more fundraisers in the future. ness of homeless animals, and educates the public about the animals as we would if they were our benefits of adopting an animal in need. own, in an effort to help them to become “Part of the money raised will go to adoptable.” medical care, something very important and Some of the funds raised will benefit [very expensive],” said MLAR Director of advocacy programs, education, and public Development Lauren Christiansen. awareness of the overpopulation of comMLAR is a strong advocate of banning panion dogs.

Pennsylvanian puppy mills, or factory “MLAR is extremely grateful for the farms in which dogs are bred and then kept fundraiser held by LM student, Jen Jovinelin tiny cages, malnourished, and abused. ly and her classmates,” said Christansen.

“So many of the puppy mill dogs need “We are proud to know that friends of all care,” said Christiansen. “We treat the ages are raising money to help animals.”

LMSD contributed to the innovative program known as “All Kids Count,” which produces child-safety films. During the week of October 20, students of all ages gathered in focus groups to discuss internet predators, child abduction, and school violence, as well as possible methods to educate other children on these topics.

“All Kids Count” was launched as a part of the Department of Justice’s Safe Kids program, and includes four agespecific crime-prevention films that are shown in schools and to parents nationwide.

“We received a phone call from LM alumnus, Michael Nathanson [’70], who is putting together the project,” said Director of Community Relations Doug Young. “He asked if we would be interested in facilitating student focus groups to help develop the script, and we gladly agreed to assist” Each focus group included about fifteen students, and was supervised by District personnel. Although none of the surveyed children will actually appear on screen, their diverse views on these topics will be echoed throughout the films. The general public can access the programs online and through school and public libraries.

“We had two focus groups of 4th and 5th graders at Penn Wynne, one focus group at Welsh Valley, and two focus groups at LMHS of 9th and 10th graders,” said Young. “The subject matter and key themes certainly resonate with us and are in line with our own efforts to support student safety.”

--Samantha Hershman, ‘09

LM Math Club encourages creativity in problem solving

A select group of LM Math Club participants led by math teacher Peter Kaczmar plan to bring math awareness to middle schools in the form of a creative and rewarding competition.

Involved students will distribute question sheets to Welsh Valley and Bala Cynwyd Math Clubs, and finalists will compete to win a cash prize and a coveted spot in the annual Lehigh University Math competition.

The competition quiz, which consists of ten questions, is designed to test various mathematic skills and techniques beyond the standard middle school curriculum. The LM Math Club hopes to spread awareness and interest in mathematics among younger students.

“We’ll be looking at the more creative aspects of math,” said president of the LM Math Club, senior JC Chou.

The LM Math Club intends to administer the competition sheets to the participating middle schools in mid January.

“We don’t like to call it a test,” said Kaczmar, who is looking forward to exploring the “creative” and “non-standard” type problems with the middle school students.

Instead of only assessing students on prior knowledge, the LM Math Club works to show younger students how basic forms of arithmetic can be applied to solve more complex problems. The carefully chosen questions are designed to synthesize both familiar and new aspects of math.

“They won’t even know they’re learning,” said Chou, who wants to include binary code in the paper.

The test will run for exactly 30 minutes, allowing approximately three minutes per question. Rather than emulating an ordinary math test in which a teacher demonstrates the process of completing specific types of problems and assessing the ability to remember and apply them, this test will encourage students to think independently, outside of their comfort level and use methods creatively.

To further deviate from standard tests, the students will not be permitted to use calculators. By employing these methods, math club members hope to increase interest in creative mathematics and prepare students for higher levels of math.

“They’ll be better off for having seen this [question sheet],” said Kaczmar.

--Leah Rosenbloom, ‘11

4

November 14, 2008

NEWS

The Merionite

Student Government organizes LM pride Conor Ferguson

Class of 2011 Tomorrow, November 15, LM will challenge the Radnor Raiders to a game of football, continuing the oldest high school sports rivalry in the country. To build up school enthusiasm, this past week, and the student government will host a number of activities including a car smash.

“This year, it is a bit more difficult to have everything because of the construction,” said LM Principal Sean Hughes.

Instead of the bonfire, which was previously held on Pennypacker field on the eve of the LM/Radnor game, students and teachers will be given the opportunity to buy a swing at a car. The car was donated to LM through the LM Township Police, and all of the money raised from the car smash will be donated to Coaches Versus Cancer.

Also, while in past years the pep rally has taken place in the gym, this year it will be moved across the street to the sports stadium to provide extra seating.

The tradition of car smashing was originally popularized in the movie-musical “Grease,” created by former Radnor student Randal Kleiser. Kleiser based the idea for Rydell High School’s car smash on the LM/Radnor rivalry tradition.

To increase school spirit, student government de-

Filmmaker documents LM-Radnor rivalry

Samantha Hershman

Class of 2009 British filmmaker Dan Watkins is in the processes of creating a documentary featuring the oldest American high school football rivalry: LM versus Radnor.

“The documentary began as an idea back in 2005 when I spent a week at Radnor on a US-UK exchange whilst I was in my first year of Friesland Sixth Form College,” said Watkins.

“I chose LM and Radnor since its one of the longest running rivalries in the US.” The film will include various interviews exploring general opinions of the competition, origins of motivation for the football players, and the positive and negative affects of the rivalry.

While the pre-production for the film began in January 2008, the actual filming of students and faculty at both high schools began on November 11.

“I don’t think that the documentary will have a large impact,” said Superintendent Christopher McGinley. “I love to see this level of excitement regarding the game.”

Photo by Kyra Bergen Lee Shore/Staff

Hannah Newman and other Student Government members paint signs after school to advertise Radnor Week. The posters decorated the halls in order to build student excitement for the RadnorLM game.

clared the week leading up to the big game as a school wide spirit week.

Monday was pajama day; Tuesday, mismatch day; Wednesday, teal/pink day (to raise money for Coaches Versus Cancer); Thursday, black out day; and today, color wars day. Wednesday also featured a hallway war, pitting classes against one another to out-decorate and out-spirit each other. Today a panel of judges will decide which grade is the most spirited.

The bell schedule was adjusted to accommodate the pep rally, shortening classes to end early.

After the pep rally ends, different grades will challenge each other in the second annual Powder Puff game.

Male peers will coach girls who signed up to play in this flag football game. Following the Powder Puff games, the car smashing and a tailgating barbecue will be held in the parking lot adjacent to the sports stadium.

The game will be held on Saturday, and the Bulldogs and Raiders will meet for the 112th time. During half time Principal Sean Hughes will crown the homecoming king and queen.

“It is events and times like this that you will remember about your high school experience,” said Hughes.

“I hope everyone will make the best of this time and show their LM pride.”

A closer look at 112-year rivalry Liz Jacobs

Class of 2009

When childhood friends Harvey Hinkle and O. Howard Wolfe organized a friendly game of football on that fateful day in 1897, little did they know that what was then Ardmore Junior High’s 10-4 victory over Radnor would spark a 112-year rivalry that would inspire the Rydell High football rivalry in Grease.

The LM-Radnor rivalry is the longest continuous high school rivalry in the country. Devoted LM booster and 1897 player Barney Fischer came to every LM-Radnor game until the late 1970s and rubbed a silver horseshoe on the shoulders of the players to wish them good luck.

The rivalry was an escape from the economic hardships of the Great Depression: the Thanksgiving games were held in Villanova University’s new football stadium to accommodate the huge crowds of over 10,000.

Under the coaching of the legendary LM coach Fritz Brennan, LM enjoyed a 12-year winning streak over Radnor from 1945 to 1956. Despite the fact that LM has not beat Radnor in seven years, LM still holds the winning record, 54-45-11.

“Imagine an oxford-grey sky pouring rain over the muck that was Villanova’s football field. LM played the kind of football that they write abut in movie scripts. And with these two schools involved, it is felt that it was always be that way—despite anything.

Lower Merion won it, 7-6,” reads a Main Line Times article from November, 1952.

Supporting LM from the start, the bulldog is the official LM mascot. In the period between the first and second wars, the legendary basketball coach Anderson referred to his incredibly successful team as the “Aces,” a name that has spread to all LM sports.

To bridge the gap between our two mascots, the bulldog now sports the dog tag naming him Ace. “We beat Radnor only once in my tenure at LMin ‘98 and that was the last time LM beat Radnor,” said math teacher and LM alumni Michael Bomze.

“So let’s step it up boys and get Photo courtesy of narberthgallery.com a W!” LM-Radnor rivalry began in 1897 and has “LM beat us in continued to the present. A 1949 poster adverfootball each fall tised 25 cent tickets for the game at Villanova while I attended Stadium. This year’s game will be held on LM’s own Arnold Field Radnor. We had a streaker my senior year. Ran right across the field. He was a friend of mine, but I don’t recommend it,” said history teacher and Radnorite Michael Kelly.

“It was started by a group of kids who just wanted to play football. Win or lose, I love this time of the year. It’s so exciting because we show so much school spirit. Alumni from as far back as 1950 come back to watch with us,” said Principal Sean Hughes.

Academic departments to issue universal finals would line up hundreds of desks and have students take their finals there,” said math teacher Karen Defranco.

However, some believe this change will not greatly affect cheating.

“It is unlikely that there will be any more ‘sharing’ of the test than there is currently. Under the present system, there is nothing to stop a student in Set 4 from asking a student in Set 1 about the exam,” said McWilliams.

Others worry that universal finals will be difficult to implement given the diverse teaching styles of the

From finals, page 1

teachers at LM. “Having a common final would destroy the personality that the teacher uses to teach their class,” said junior Dani Dobkin.

“Teachers should have total flexibility,” said chemistry teacher Dave Moyer.

Still, some insist that teachers will not be affected much by the new system.

“Those teachers do cover the state standards but they still have leniency,” said Principal Sean Hughes. “[You should] not blame the administration. It’s state law,” said Loue.

The changes in policy are also meant to prepare students for future changes to the system. “The administration is having us make the finals 80% [cumulative to partially prepare for] 100% [cumulative] possibly as soon as next year,” said Moyer.

Also, these common finals will allow teachers to work together and hopefully create a more effective final.

“The common assessment provides a good opportunity for teachers to collaborate on common goals,” said McWilliams. “It ensures consistency across the grade level. We each bring our strengths and ideas to the process.”

5

November 14, 2008

The Merionite EDITORIAL

Districting plans: a chance for progress There are two types of students in this district: those who go to Harriton and those who go to Lower Merion. With the eventual opening of two new high schools, however, this relationship will have to change. This month, a new redistricting plan has been finalized, one that attempts to address the concerns raised in the initial draft.

In the current system, Harriton students must face the disadvantages of a smaller school, without the option of easily switching to LM (in 2007, the graduating class of HHS was 219; LM’s was 405). A smaller student population means less diversity— in courses, extracurriculars and social atmosphere. A small size, however, can also be advantageous. For example, the teacher to student ratio can be smaller (10.2:1 for HHS compared to 12:1 for LMHS) and it can be easier to foster a closer sense of community. Regardless, students who attend Harriton usually do not have the option of switching to a larger school like LM, which comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. In the current districting plan, a majority of students attend LM–but with these disparities, while it is easy for LM students to opt into Harriton, it is much harder for Harriton students to switch to LM. Our new schools are an opportunity to fix this problem. The ultimate goal of our current redistricting plan, after all, is to equalize the two student populations. Yet despite our need for redistricting, complaints about this issue continue to accumulate. Chief among these complaints are the social upheaval that students will experience if they are forced into an unfamiliar school and inconvenient busing. But under the new districting plan, students will be tracked into a middle school and high school starting in sixth grade—not exactly a life-changing, heart-wrenching catastrophe for a student’s social life (despite what fifth graders may think). And if we can improve the disparities between LM and Harriton by equalizing their sizes, is taking a bus to school instead of walking really too high a price to pay?

The transition will not be easy, but neither will it be catastrophic, and both students and parents should accept the change with McCainlike grace. Now is not the time for selfish complaining and incessant whining. Yes, there will be social transitions to make, and buses to be rerouted. But our administration and our community must move forward in these efforts to offer similar opportunities to all our neighbors.

Unsigned editorials on this page reflect the general opinion of student editors, not the views of individuals.

The Merionite Editors-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editors

Op-Ed Editors

Features Editors

Arts & Entertainment Editors

Carolyn Chou, ’09 Liz Jacobs, ’09 Emma Saltzberg, ’09 Sivahn Barsade, ’10 Samantha Hershman, ’09 Hana Rouse, ’10 JC Chou, ’09 Ethan Cohen, ’09 Niklas Thompson, ’09 Hannah Goldberg-Morse, ’10 Bina Peltz, ’10 Jessica Scolnic, ’09 Sophia Hirsch, ’09 Jenny Smolen, ’09 Hannah Weilbacher, ’10

Sports Editors Elie Peltz, ’09 Xinran Wang, ’10 Corinne Zucker, ’09 Layout Editor Sam Blum, ’09 Graphics/ Noah Zuares, ’10 Web Editor Business Marissa Presser, ’09 Manager Photo Editor Esther Hoffman, ’09 Copy Editors Isaac Lindy, ’10 Emily Sorensen, ’10 Advisor Mr. Chad Henneberry Business Advisor Mr. Sean Flynn

The editors believe all facts presented in the newspaper to be accurate. The paper acknowledges that mistakes are possible and welcomes questions as to accuracy. Inquiries regarding accuracy should be directed to the editors of the paper. Editors can be contacted via e-mail at merionite@gmail.com or in Room 116. To represent all viewpoints in the school community, The Merionite welcomes all letters to the editor. Letters can be sent via e-mail or dropped off outside the Merionite office. The Merionite reserves the right to edit letters to the editor for length or clarity.

Editorial/Letters Letters to the Editor

Redistricting:

a student’s perspective

Dear Editor, I have a little confession to make here. I complain constantly about LM’s lack of functioning toilets in the bathrooms. I get annoyed when the library is closed or too crowded. I hate the fact that our roof leaks when it rains and we have to set out buckets to catch the water. But in spite of all its problems, I actually love Lower Merion High School.

There’s something very special about LM. It could be the number of different extracurriculars the school offers.

Or maybe it’s the great teachers I have had who made class fun. It could even be the overpriced food sold in Savi’s Hut. The aura LM exudes cannot be detailed; it combines both tangible and intangible qualities.

Just as with anything you really like, you want to recommend it to your friends right?

I for one know I love to brag about LM, and do so to anyone who will listen… especially to my little brother. So it came as a huge shock when we received a letter from the administration’s redistricting committee, telling us that he would be going to Harriton High School in the future.

Redistricting. What an inane idea. Especially since it affects our younger siblings—the future generation of Lower Merion School District.

I can find no apparent reason for any change. I know, I know, the administration wants to equalize Harriton and Lower Merion so that both schools will have the same amount of students. Ok, that’s fine, but why?

Amidst the flood of papers and speeches given about this issue, this one important question has never been properly addressed.

Granted, the construction taking place now will produce two schools fit to house two equal groups of students, but it’ll take a while before construction on either of the schools is finished.

While it may be annoying to change several blueprints for the buildings, it can be done. LM’s construction is less than 15% finished. There is time for change.

I understand there are certain disadvantages to Harriton being a small school. With fewer students and less teachers, there are bound to be fewer opportunities for class options. But that’s a huge reason why the International Baccalaureate program is housed in Harriton, and in Harriton only. It acts as an enticement for highly motivated students to change schools if needed. And anyway, it’s not like the Harriton kids are getting an awful education. They’re offered the same amount of AP classes as are LM students, and their teacher-student ratio is lower.

Secondly, this redistricting plan, while apparently flawless on paper, makes very little sense in real life. According to MapQuest, I live less than two miles and four minutes away from LM, and I can easily walk home.

On the other hand, I haven’t the slightest idea where Harriton is… other than far, far away.

Following the redistricting plan, some students who live within walking distance of Lower Merion would have to wake up half an hour earlier to catch a bus to school fifteen minutes away.

Wow. That makes a ton of sense.

Thanks Administration! In addition to being stressed because I’m the typical Main Line overachiever, I’ll have to be even more sleep deprived because you want me to go to Harriton!

But the biggest problem the redistricting committee is ignoring is that by nature, Harriton High School and Lower Merion High School are very different schools. Sure, we may all be in the same district, but we might as well be worlds apart in most other ways. Changing school size by equalizing the number of students would also change the very spirit of the schools.

Has anyone ever considered that perhaps Harriton students enjoy going to a small school?

I know I love the diversity and size of LM’s student body. I can be sure my English classes have an interesting mix of people and my Latin class has a different mix. I love going to an after school activity and meeting a wide variety of my peers. I couldn’t get that at Harriton and that’s why I’m at Lower Merion.

Then again, I’m sure there are special quirks about Harriton that Lower Merion could never have.

It’d be nice to have an open campus in nice weather and be able to know everyone in my class.

It’d be helpful to have a lower student-teacher ratio so I could get more individualized help.

When I wake up in the morning, I can’t always say I adore coming to school (to be fair, at 6:30 AM, I can barely dress myself, let alone form coherent thoughts), but at the end of the day, I know there is no where else I would rather go to school than Lower Merion. And because I love LM so much, I want the same opportunity to be given to all the younger kids who could have gone to Lower Merion, but instead will be redistricted to Harriton. Unfortunately, if the school district chooses to proceed with its current plan, in spite of the numerous criticisms and complaints, such a thing will not be possible.

Connie Hua Class of 2010

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November 14, 2008

The Merionite

THE AUTUMN INFESTATION A selfish group of people is re-emerging.

They have come out of their caves for the first time in years. Nope, not those hairy Geico cavemen.

It’s the Philadelphia band-wagon fan that is making a huge comeback around our school and area as the Phillies have won the World Series for the city’s first championship since 1983.

For all the Matt Rublin people out Class of 2011 there who may not know much about bandwagon fans, they are people that cheer and root for a team only when the team is doing extremely well. It is the simple reason why half of the kids in your math class are wearing brand new, out of the box Phillies shirts.

For my 15 years of existence, I have never followed anything as closely as my Phillies. Over the years, I have watched more Phillies games than I can count. I’m not one of those crazy people who center their entire lives on a sports team, but I think of myself as a pretty dedicated follower.

Trust me, I love seeing people rooting for the Phillies. It makes me feel great to know that all of us are cheering for them.

My fellow diehards and I, however, have been with our Phillies during times when a championship was thought to be impossible. I am angry that these bandwagon fans were able to avoid the emotions and anguish that came during those tough years. For them, it is no pain, but all gain.

To be considered in my book a “real” fan and not a band-wagoner,

and who aren’t paid $10 million? Whenever I’m in a crowded staircase at LM and I see a Ryan Madson jersey pass by, I know I am not alone in my full-time support for the Phils.

The last commandment: you have to stay with the team at ALL TIMES! I do not care where you are or what year it is. You must be loyal to the Phils, in good times as well as bad. I did not suffer for 15 years just to see you celebrate for something that you have been following for three weeks.

It is a slap in the faces of committed Phils fans everywhere. Were you there when they were in the cellar of the division?

Nope, you were in hibernation mode, waiting to be awakened by something special.

Following a team is something that should not be taken lightly. It is a serious responsibility to cheer your team on at all times. This means no studying for chemistry, doing geometry homework, or reading a novel during a big game. You need to be ready to yell in anger at your TV at all times.

During crucial games, bandwagon fans should not be tolerated. I believe that bandwagoners, with their disloyalty, are on the same level as liars and cheaters. I’m sure most band-wagoners are truly nice people, but they betray their sports teams when they don’t give support when it’s needed most.

When the Phillies lose nine in a row and fall into third place, they need your support. When Ryan Howard goes into that giant slump, you need to be cheering him on.

You either root for the Phillies from day one or you do not root at all. There are no exceptions. Real fans do not need greedy, obnoxious people to steal their championship glory, which had never been tasted in some of our lifetimes. It’s like a group project: the people that did the most work (rooting) deserve the most credit (glory and jubilation). My beloved Phillies should not be used as a tool for

Opinions

Attention must be paid:

Social Security amendments must be made

The election is over. The rhetoric is still rampant, and the promises plenty, yet something that has been absent from the political commentary the last two years will still be missing: serious talk about reform of Social Security, and the crisis that could happen without it.

Social Security, as a brief overview, is a social Avi Chatterjee insurance proClass of 2011 gram run by the federal government and funded by payroll taxes. Umbrella programs include Medicare (health insurance for the old and disabled) and Medicaid (health insurance through state grants for low-income citizens).

Helping the old and poor has been a staple of our government for decades now. Simply abolishing the program is absurd. Consider this: Social Security accounts for nearly 25% of our entire federal budget, costing roughly $585 billion each year. Such figures dwarf the budgets of the Department of Defense ($493.3 billion—while funding two wars, mind you) and Department of Transportation (a mere $12.1 billion). Moreover, the government plans to increase the program by 5.8% in 2009 to balance the inflating cost of living. As the baby boomer generation heads for retirement, Social Security could usurp nearly half the federal budget within the next 15 years.

I am not suggesting an impending collapse of our country within the next half-century. However, we must heed the advice of experts, and the facts readily provided, so serious reform can occur.

In a recent interview with CNN, Maya

MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, predicted that a budget pinch would be inevitable within the next decade, at which point our political leaders could no longer eschew the issue of Social Security.

For everyone’s benefit, I hope her point proves substantive, because thus far, the Social Security crisis has been neglected drowned out by the penetrating mantras of “hope” and “change.” Indeed, according to the bipartisan group U.S. Budget Watch’s “Guide to Social Security in the 2008 Presidential Election,” Social Security had been mentioned in the candidates’ speeches ten percent of the time, while “change” and “hope” had been brought up 60 to 75 percent of the time.

Ultimately, we have three options: raise taxes, reduce spending, or make the current payroll taxing system work.

As in all things, the combination of these three proposals in moderation would pay huge dividends for our country and avert a national disaster. Yet these ideas contradict one another in that they are the fundamentals of opposing political parties; in other words, Democrats traditionally raise taxes, while Republicans usually pledge to reduce spending. By polarizing our political arena so drastically, it will be near impossible to transcend petty partisanship, even in the name of our country’s welfare and posterity. This poisoning ethos must change.

Social Security demands attention.

Indifference is what’s led us to this point, and we can’t let it drive us down any further. A sickened economy only compounds the problem, but it’s critical to realize that the two issues are undoubtedly linked. The worse our economy becomes, the direr the Social Security predicament grows. America has dug itself out of countless holes through its storied history; let us do the same now before we become buried alive.

This, too, will surely pass

Art by Tyler Steinbrenner

you must fulfill a few requirements.

First off: you need to know how the game is played. Too many times have I watched a game near my mom as she asks repeatedly: “Why is he running?” and other uninformed baseball questions. Please, root only when you know what is going on.

There are many resources to learn about baseball, which include books, magazines, and instructional videos. You may not know much about baseball now, but that does not mean you can never become a diehard fan.

A real fan must also know all the players on the team. Yes, I know that you recognize the big names. Everyone in Philadelphia has heard of Chase Utley. But do you know the lesser-known players? Do you know the players who play the minor roles on the team

people to achieve artificial happiness.

I was at the ballpark the evening the Phillies won the World Series, celebrating the best night of my life. I got teary-eyed as I realized that all the cheering, yelling, and waiting had finally paid off. To see a team that I had cheered from early spring to late autumn win the championship was gripping and compelling. These emotions could not be expressed by people other than dedicated, Philadelphia fans.

Sadly, I believe that once the hoopla around the Phillies’ run dies down, most of those brand new Ryan Howard jerseys will get tossed back into the closet, possibly being worn for the last time ever. What shame and disrespect to hard-core sports fans everywhere.

For students at Lower Merion, complaining about administrative oversight is a given. Not only is it a hobby, students at this school have effectively turned it into an art.

Regardless of the most minor administrative action students are almost uniformly unhappy, or at best apathetic. So when the administraJeff Nelson Class of 2009 tion does something that substantially “infringes rights” students tend to go crazy. The creation of the hall pass system was no exception.

I have never heard it referred to with anything but scorn, and occasional anger. As always, the student body will grudgingly adapt and eventually forget this “injustice.” Do you remember how impassioned students were about the installation of security cameras? What happened to that? What about when we were denied the student lounge? The simple fact is LM students never sustain their feelings about the most recent

“intolerable act” levied on them by the Administration. Fortunately, in the case of the hall passes this won’t matter.

Students should not have to worry about bothering to get their hall passes signed, or paying a dollar to replace them. The whole system is completely unfeasible. Hall passes are fine and good, if everyone is assigned to a class and the halls are empty. But students have frees. Do students need a hall pass to walk to the bathroom when they are allowed the free range of the building?

Of course not. If the campus aides or janitorial staff had to chase down everyone they saw to check for a pass, they would never get any work done.

Most of the students that were in the halls long enough to get noticed would have frees anyway. Simply put, the hall passes are too inconvenient for everyone-- students, teachers, and administrators alike-- to be seriously used.

What teacher wants to stop class to sign a sheet when a simple nod of approval will do? It’s a waste of class time and a hassle for a student who just needs to pop down the hall to use the rest room. So, worry not, apathetic student body: not only will you forget your outrage over the middle school style hall pass system, everyone else will forget about it too.

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November 14, 2008

Opinion

The Merionite

Rage against the machines

Political commentary “The truth rears its ugly head” Tyler Steinbrenner, Class of ‘09

Laptops overrated All I’ve heard ever since the beginning of school has been complaints about how students from Harriton have their own personal schoolprovided laptops and we don’t: “HarBilly Gu riton is Class of 2011 in the lead…

In a dog eat dog world we need that edge in order to survive in the future… Why have we been left in the dust?”

But what’s all this bickering about? Frankly, I believe that the one student one laptop idea was a bad one from the start. The vast majority of

kids in Lower Merion have computer access at home, and if they don’t they could always go to the library and use the computer resources there.

The money for these laptops should be spent on something more useful, like better, more nutritious food in the cafeteria.

Other than the fact that the laptops are unnecessary for Lower Merion students—or anybody from Lower Merion or Harriton for that matter—the laptops are excess baggage to carry between school and home, and hassle students can do without. That is preposterous. Students already have enough to carry with their four-inch binders and textbooks; they shouldn’t have to carry a four pound laptop as well.

In addition, laptops are pretty expensive. Expensive things mean more responsibilities. Even as a small child of ten I was expected to take care of expensive things such as a Game boy, a CD player, and a

cell phone. When something bad happened to these items, dire consequences followed. My mom would take my TV privileges, or not let me play with my friends for a week. That was some pretty hard punishment for me back then. The same will go for these laptops. What would happen to someone who lost or damaged their laptop? What kind of punishment would we receive from “mother Administration?” I just can’t imagine.

My fellow students, if you are like me, someone who is already preoccupied with SATs, doing well in class, studying for tests, or doing anything outside of schools such as sports or clubs, then you also will not have the time or energy to brood over that little scratch on your laptop or worry about your laptop being stolen. Laptops are just non-necessities that I do not need to be bothered with or be forced to take care of. Let Harriton keep their laptops!

By the time you read this, the presidential election will be over. Families all over the country will already have watched avidly as CNN reported the playby-play totals, and will have Leah Rosenbloom either Class of 2011 gone to bed insurmountably devastated or incredibly jubilant. Either way, America takes CNN and other broadcasting networks seriously.

But whom does CNN take seriously? The polling places all throughout the country. And who do the polling places take seriously? It all comes down to the manufacturers of the electronic voting machines.

The American people assume they’re credible, even after the devastation of Al Gore supporters all over America in 2000.

Has America forgotten about that little miscount? The miscount when the race was so close it could have possibly snatched Gore’s victory away at the last minute? America shouldn’t take these big e-voting corporations as seriously as they do. Despite claiming to have “fixed” the problem after 2000, these corporations have had major malfunctions since then.

E-voting machine corporation Diebold, whose products are still used throughout America, gave Maryland a major scare in 2004 when as many as 12% of machines failed to give accurate voting totals. Although the situation went as far as a voting machine lock-down, Diebold was able to convince the

thousands of Sequoia’s “AVC Advantage touch-screen” voting machines failed to boot up, stalling some polling places for hours. Next, the voting machines’ defective memory cartridges produced thousands of votes that officials say didn’t exist. Similar results were found in Chicago, including voting machines that spat out two completely different totals, neither of which matched the polling places’ paper sign-in records.

The scary thing is that Sequoia refused to have their machines checked by a third party researcher, Princeton scientist Ed Felton. They went as far as threatening the researcher and New Jersey officials with legal action, claiming they had already gone through “rigorous” testing. The facility used was later barred from further testing for “not having proper controls and containing no evidence that tests were actually conducted.”

If that doesn’t scare you, maybe this will: when a judge finally ordered the testing, it was confirmed that Sequoia’s machines had been hacked into overnight by means of their company website. When the company realized the mistake, they took the site down and “removed the intrusive content.” Ironically, the only one who noticed this problem in time for anything to be done was none other than Ed Felton, the same Princeton researcher who was blackmailed for interfering.

If that’s not enough to keep you awake at night, it gets worse: the state of Pennsylvania decided to buy voting machines from Sequoia especially for Election Day. Chances are you or your parents voted using these touch screen e-voting machines by either Sequoia or Diebold.

It would be a miracle if everything ran smoothly, and the man in the Oval Office received his seat fair-

Art by Tyler Steinbrenner

media that Election Day went smoothly, despite data cartridges coming out completely blank— losing thousands of votes.

Another major e-voting manufacturer, Sequoia, malfunctioned during the 2008 primaries. First,

ly. Chances are, if history really does repeat itself, it didn’t go as smoothly as you think. Don’t let CNN’s flashy pie charts fool you into thinking our system is flawless. Sometimes there’s more to the story than just the numbers. We deserve the whole truth.

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November 14, 2008

Bina Peltz

Class of 2010

It’s Friday afternoon and you’re strolling around Suburban Square when an intense ice cream craving hits. Anticipating the familiar, sweet smell of Coldstone ice cream, you rush down the street only to find yourself face to face with an empty storefront. Yes, Coldstone Creamery in Suburban Square, along with its Wayne counterpart, saw its end on the fateful day of October 5. We no longer have easy access to cake batter ice cream topped with chunks of butterfinger and fudge swirls.

We no longer can order our ice cream according to the sizes “Like It,” “Love It,” or “Gotta Have It.” While it’s true that other options, such as Maggie Moo’s, BaskinRobbins, and Carvel, are available, nothing can completely fill that empty place in our hearts reserved especially for Coldstone’s signature creations. With its neither hard packed nor soft serve texture, Cold-

Emma Saltzberg

FEATURES Graphic by Sam Blum/Staff

The Merionite

stone succeeds in creating “the ultimate ice cream.” The Ardmore Coldstone’s premier location seemed to guarantee its success. So why on Earth is it gone?

What could possibly have prompted the closing of this ice cream haven? Only the Merionite attempted to uncover the mystery during an exclusive interview with a trusted inside source: a former Coldstone employee. Our source has requested to remain anonymous so as not to elicit unwanted publicity and to protect his privacy.

Merionite: So, why did Coldstone actually close?

Mystery Source: Honestly, I don’t know for sure. They never actually told us, but I have my theories. The manager was rarely at the store, because he was in charge of multiple stores in different locations.

I know they had some serious problems with finding people to work the day shifts.

Also, in the winter, 75 percent of profits go toward employee salaries. Some say

it closed because workers gave away too much ice cream for free.

M: What excuse were you given when you were fired?

MS: They didn’t. They sent out a mass email to us workers informing us that that oubranch was closing and not to come back to work.

M: They didn’t give you any notice?

MS: Not at all, they sent the email the day the store closed, Sunday, October 5.

M: Was it a surprise, or did you see it coming?

MS: In the beginning of the summer, I had heard some rumors, but they weren’t substantial. Then, in August, we were told potential buyers were coming to look at the store, but I just assumed they meant new owners, not a totally new business.

It’s just so strange that it closed because it was located in such a profitable site.

M: Did they help you find a new job?

MS: We were given the numbers of other Coldstone locations, but because those stores are so far away, nobody really wanted to work there.

M: Did they provide you with severance pay?

MS: They just mailed us the final paycheck.

M: What’s your favorite flavor?

MS: I would have to say coffee ice cream with peanut butter, graham crackers and fudge.

M: Any last comments on the mystery closing?

MS: Soft serve is better anyway. Unless, of course, the other rumors are true, and it reopens in the spring…in which case I will absolutely be getting my old job back.

Joe of all trades

Class of 2009 Jozak. J-Koz. Pumpkin. JoJo the Dancing Fish. Uncle. Oppie. Ukrainian Dancing Boy. Senior Joe Kozak goes by many names. Makes sense for a guy with so many identities. From dancing to computers, NHS to blacksmithing, Joe’s unassuming talents shine through.

So where do these nicknames come from, anyway? “JoJo the Dancing Fish” (“probably [his] favorite one”) was born one fateful day in Mr. Ries’ freshman biology class when Joe was called upon to demonstrate his prodigious dancing skills; physics teacher Mr. Vinci is the one who coined “Ukrainian Dancing Boy.” Dance is, in fact, a big part of Joe’s life.

A member of the Voloshky Dance Ensemble, he rehearses twice weekly and performs on weekends. “I’ve performed in Missouri, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia,” says Kozak.

Though it might seem like dancing is a hobby that could get him teased, Joe reports that people are generally more interested than antagonistic. “Most of the time, people who don’t know what [Ukrainian dance] is are just curious,” he says.

Vinci’s second nickname for Joe is “Oppie,” for “Oppenheimer”—Robert, that is. (Apparently Joe’s facility with a calculator put Vinci in mind of a certain Manhattan Project scientist.)

His technological leanings aren’t limited to the TI-83, though. Joe also tinkers with building computers. “My computer is currently not in use because of problems, and by ‘problems’ I mean ‘I can’t get it to start’,” Joe explains.

There’s something wrong with the motherboard. “Someone pointed out that if the company has a 24-hour help service it’s probably not the best product.”

Even more unusual than that, though, is the hobby Joe’s held onto ever since

he made it his odyssey in Mrs. Mastriano’s English class: blacksmithing. Yes, Joe knows how to bend iron. Impressed? You should be. He’s used the forge at his grandparents’ house in the Poconos numerous times. “I’ve bent things and made very rough things. Nothing too elaborate,” Joe says. The homemade apparatus has a few problems, though. Apparently it doesn’t quite heat up enough. “One time got so frustrated I almost threw the hammer through the forge.”

He doesn’t have much time for computertinkering or iron-forging these days, though; in addition to dealing with the usual firstsemester-senior stress, his days are full: in addition to serving as co-president of National Honor Society and president of A/V Club, he’s taken on another task. “Yes, I’m participating in Movember to raise awareness for prostate cancer. It’s a curable cancer that has lost funding because it’s not as publicized,” says Joe. “I’ve never grown my facial hair out before. We’ll see what happens.”

Photo courtesy of Joe Kozak

Joe spends a lazy Saturday blacksmithing at his grandparents’ small forge in the Poconos.

November 14, 2008

The Merionite

Class of 2009

“Is this right Señora?” a student asks, pointing to her Spanish exercise. It’s academic advisory and room 304 is teeming with students. At the center of the mayhem is Maryflor Betegh, whose attention is in high demand. After a sprint toward the questioning voice and a quick glance, an exclamation escapes from Betegh’s lips: “Now you’re cookin’ Rachel!” She runs toward the other side of the room, still shouting with delight, “Now you’re cookin’, now you’re cook-IN!” It’s hard to imagine that this enthusiastic Spanish teacher once held a different job—but Señora Betegh got her start as a senior in high school as a salesperson at John Wanamaker’s Department Store in Wynnewood. The young Maryflor arrived in the US from Venezuela in 1965, and attended LM before moving on to Villanova University. It was there that her destiny was realized. “One day my counselor asked me what I wanted to do in my life and after thinking for some time, I decided to become a teacher. I thought that being a native speaker would help and I love kids,” she recalls. One student teaching gig at LM and 34 years of teaching later, she is extremely happy: “Looking back, I can only say that it has been an unbelievable journey and I have the students and faculty to thank.”

But don’t underestimate the significance of her previous employment in department stores; Betegh has retained a great sense of style and fashion. As her perfectly coordinated ensembles suggest, she believes that the final touches are most crucial in achieving an elegant look; “A scarf, piece of jewelry, or a pin,” she elaborates. Another word to the wise: “Fashion comes and goes but the classics stay and look very beautiful and elegant.” However, the clothing connoisseur is very modest when it comes to her expertise, as I witnessed first hand when she received a compliment from a former student. When told she looked

!

Kyra Sutton

FEATURES

Bonita Betegh !

great, the teacher flushed and cried loudly “No, no, not true. But you know, I just have to be well-coordinated!” “No really, you look great!” the student insisted. “Listen,” Betegh yelled in a tone of confidentiality, pointing to her face, “This is L’Oreal, but don’t tell anyone cause I’m worth it!”

And she is worth it.

The teacher’s impeccable taste extends beyond her wardrobe, and on to literature, film, and yes—automobiles. Favorite book?

“I sat by the river… I sat by the river… oh what it is?” Betegh cries, her eyes narrowing. After a few moments of silence she shrugs, “Oh well! It’s ‘I Sat by the River Something and I Wept’ by this great Brazilian author” she tells me. She strongly Photo by Esther Hoffman/Staff encourages anyone interSeñora Betegh keepin’ it real. ested to look it up at Borders or their local library. This may prove impossible as she also failed drives a BMW with a sweet license plate to remember the name of the author, that reads “Chevere.” I don’t understand. but it’s worth a shot. Favorite movies? “It’s a word particular to Venezuela that “Out of Africa,” “Jerry Maguire,” and says ‘awesome,’ and if you were in my “When Sally Met… what? What’s the time, ‘groovy,’” she explains. Anyone name of that movie?!” I assure her that who sees it and understands typically two is enough, but Betegh begins yell- honks—“they know I’m Venezuelan, ing to the students gathered around her. baby!”

“When Sally Met, When Sally met?!

Savvy and stylish, Senora is also Who knows it?” Without any context for opinionated and in the know when it her outburst, those around her sit staring comes to recent conflicts. She gets very in confusion. “MEG RYAN!? Oh come enraged when the financial crisis is menON!” she says animatedly, at this point tioned. “It’s Bush,” she tells me huffily running in laps around her classroom. We and simply. “It’s all Bush. I wanted to never did determine the rest of the title, sit down and meet with him, but no, he though I’m sure some of you out there didn’t have time for me.” Another recent are savvy enough to IMDB it. But when devastating event that’s taken its toll on it comes to the issue of her pimped out Betegh’s life? The school’s new cameras. ride, Betegh has no memory loss. She “I tell you, there are cameras all over the

9

place,” she goes on, whispering, “You think it’s a lamp—but NO it’s a camera!

No one ever told me I had one outside my room, and then one day… I saw it. I thought ‘Oh GOD!’” Yet when you find yourself too immersed in recent tragedies, as many of us do in this day and age, a little reminiscing is a great spirit lifter. In need of memories to perk you up? Betegh’s favorite childhood story always does the trick for her.

She and her family were vacationing near a beach. “There were lots of little lizards there and my younger brother took one and threw it in my cleavage! I got so scared and ran to take a shower, to get it off of me. My poor brother, on the other hand, got a good spanking,” she recalls.

“It wasn’t funny then, but looking back, it was funny.” So when life gets you down just remember—what stinks now will always seem humorous in retrospect.

Pinning down Betegh for a final piece of advice proves to be a difficult task.

She’s running from one side of the room to the other. “You know it girl!” she cries to one student who’s figured out a new concept. “YOU KNOW IT, you KNOW it!” A second later she is across the room, exchanging pleasantries with a past student: “Oh yeah, I just saw my sweet little Grandma—my little gigi peanut!” Suddenly the phone rings and she’s on the move again, sprinting toward it. The voice on the other line has apparently asked to speak to someone else and Betegh exhales a sigh of exasperation: “Since when do I look like the ANSWERING SERVICE,” she cries to no one in particular. Finally she is at my side again, her voice suddenly much lower in volume. She must be in great shape because I hear nary a pant after all that movement. The words of wisdom she’d like to impart to students? “Life is not fair,” she says. A moment later she’s shaking her head, “That’s so negative, that’s not a good thing!” she realizes. Her eyes are closed as she racks her brain for a replacement. “Life is good,” she says finally. “Life is GOOD!”

5 Best $5 and under eats within 5 miles of LM

Hannah Goldberg-Morse

Class of 2010

Ardmore Farmers Market: The Farmer’s Market has food to suit almost any taste. Asian Box has prepackaged servings of pan-Asian favorites like sesame noodles, dumplings, pad thai, and summer rolls. Most run about three dollars. Slices of pizza at Pallante’s Pasta Company start at two dollars, and sushi rolls can be found at Genji for four dollars.

Run next door to Trader Joe’s for a cold beverage or dessert— Hansen’s natural

Photo courtesy of Google Images

The Ardmore Farmers Market

sodas (Mandarin Lime Icee instead- you’ll five dollars for a fruit plate seems absurd, is quite tasty) can be had break a five with two and your eyes cannot bear the sight of for just forty-five cents, bucks to spare. another green logo with long-flowing and their Caribbean Fruit locks— there is a place for you. Milkboy, Floes (four for $2) are the Photo courtesy of Google Images on Lancaster Avenue, has a both food and perfect end to a meal— drinks, including Fair Trade coffee and although I’ve been known Chipotle Mexican a large selection of loose-leaf tea. All to eat them as the main course.

Grill: beverages are under five dollars, as well

You may be surprised to see as egg sandwiches and grilled cheese— Ruby’s Diner: Chipotle on this list: although known the perfect mix of gooey and fried. The Even with hamburgers and salads for their quality ingredients and pleasant bagel and cream cheese in particular is creeping towards the ten dollar mark, ambiance, most items on the menu aver- a bargain: just $1.50. Milkboy is also a Ruby’s (recently renovated) still has some age about $6. The portions, though, are musical venue— check the calendar at bargains to be found— if you’re willing to enormous. And the best bargains can be milkboycoffee.com for slim down your portions as well. A kid’s found when deviating from the standards. more information. meal of their delicious chicken fingers or Delicious, freshly made tortilla chips and a turkey burger and fries comes to $4.25- salsa can be had for under $1.50, and sinleaving you with 75 cents to spare. gle tacos, chock-full of meat, vegetables,

and a huge assortment of toppings, are just Wawa: $2.

Wawa is known for its uncompromising quality and reasonable prices— skip Milkboy Café: the hoagies if you are really looking for a

If Starbucks is no longer bargain, though, as they can run you about your cup of tea, if the increasingly four dollars. Go for a hotdog and Coke foreign-sounding terms have gotten too complicated, the thought of paying Photo courtesy of Google Images

10

November 14, 2008

FEATURES

The Merionite

AV club: neither seen nor heard An insider’s perspective from Chloe Bollentin ’11

The bell rings at 2:10 – it’s time for a class meeting during academic advisory. Students file into the auditorium, find their seats, and start chatting away with their friends. They hardly take notice of the microphones that have suddenly appeared in the front of the room, or the projector and screen that are conveniently positioned for their viewing.

Where did this equipment come from? Who gave up their free time to ensure that the students would be able to properly see and hear the information presented at their class meeting?

And who are those students dressed in black running around the hallways of LM during their free periods? Is there a connection between these suspiciouslooking students and the technical equipment that always seems to magically appear wherever it is needed?

As a matter of fact, there is. The audio/visual stage crew, otherwise known as A/V club, had its first meeting for the 2008-2009 school year on Wednesday, October 22. The meeting was lead by Mr. Rigby, a district video technician and the A/V club sponsor.

If this is the first time you are hearing about this club, you are certainly not alone. But while A/V may not be as public about its existence at LM as other clubs, the time and effort its members put into their jobs shows just as much dedication as that of many other extracurricular activities. Class

Photo by Esther Hoffman/Staff

Sound check for A/V club members. meetings are not the only events on the A/V club agenda. The list of their responsibilities seems endless, as it contains essentially anything that requires audio or visual equipment. A/V members can often be seen running around and setting up during many school and district-wide events—A/V members are in charge of microphones and projector screens for all administrative and school board meetings. They take care of the technical equipment for the LM pep rallies, as well as the set up and running of lights and sound for the mu-

sic concerts. They also have the responsibility of running the video broadcasting equipment for both Lower Merion and Harriton’s commencement ceremonies. Some of these events, such as the class meetings, take only minimal amounts of time to set up, while events like graduations and board meetings can go on for hours—and these are just the events that are planned in advance.

A/V club is responsible for all technical equipment asked for, including lights, sound, and film, so often their schedule is unbeknownst even to them.

A/V club currently has eight members, including two student officers: senior Joe Kozak, president, and junior David Hocky, vice president. Kozak has been a member of A/V club since freshman year. When asked about the importance of A/V club, Hocky responded, “Audio/ visual stage crew provides an important behind the scenes role in helping set up and maintain the technology regularly used for graduation, class meetings, pep rallies, and other such school events.”

One of the most important goals of A/V club is that there is always at least one member available when equipment is needed. For this reason, all members are trained early in the year to run light, sound, and video equipment, so that they can be ready at a moment’s notice for any request presented to them.

This is hardly an exaggeration – sometimes A/V members are given notice of a job only a day in advance, and they have to make sure they take care of it.

So next class meeting, instead of using the time to whisper with friends or do homework on your lap, take notice of the work that went into setting up those microphones and that projector, and appreciate the students who gave up their free time to assure that you could get the most out of those twentyfive minutes. Or, if audio/visual technology is your scene, find a club officer or Mr. Rigby and talk to them; A/V club can always use more members.

11

November 14, 2008

The Merionite

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Cash-autumn-presidential jams

by Zack Block ‘09

This November, we embrace a cold fall, the presidential election, and an economy that’s in the gutter. I’m trying to save up for college, and instead of focusing on which president is elected, all I could think about is dead presidents. So here is some Cash-autumn-presidential music to listen to: Dead Presidents II

by Jay-Z Based off of a piano sample by jazz fusion great Lonnie Liston Smith and a vocal sample from Nas, “Dead Presidents II” is Jay-Z’s ode to the almighty dollar.

This is him basically saying, “Yeah, I make a lot of money from rapping. But even if I wasn’t rapping I’d still be rich.”

As he puts it, ”I’m still spending money from ’88.”

One Nation Under A Groove

by Funkadelic “Can I get on the good foot? GOOD GAWD!” Yes you can, George. Yes you can.

Even as I’m sitting writing this article I find myself dancing in my seat. Mr. Clinton and the boys are as funky as their name implies. This is the music that people should be dancing to.

Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground

by The White Stripes Let me just say, Meg White plays the drums like an 8th grader. It’s not necessarily a bad thing— she definitely has her style—but she couldn’t play anything outside that if she wanted to.

Luckily the band isn’t about what Meg wants to do; it’s about what Jack White, the lead singer, wants to do. From this track it’s obvious that Jack wants to make bluesinfluenced fuzzy garage rock. This song is based off of a killer guitar riff and is a good example of their standard sound.

Baby, I’m an Anarchist

by Against Me! This one’s dedicated to the people who could’ve voted and chose not to.

The song is a love story between an anarchist and a communist. They find something in common because the mainstream does not accept their views, but they ultimately find that they don’t accept each other’s views either. Romantic and funny, “No I won’t take your hand, and marry the state.”

For the Love of Money

by The O-Jay’s With its instantly recognizable opening bass lick, introductory chanting, and call-and-response chorus, this track is a stone cold classic—the definition of stank. I don’t think anyone got closer to pure funk while working in the “R&B for radio” medium.

“For the Love of Money” talks about the societal ills that money has caused. It’s a warning with rhythm.

Give Me the Loot

by Biggie On this track, Notorious B.I.G. showcases his incredible story-telling ability. He goes bar for bar with one of the greatest MCs of all time, a tweaked version of himself. In the song, his friend Inf has recently been released from jail, and they decide to start robbing people to get some money. If Biggie had never released anything other than this, he’d still be one of my top ten favorite rappers.

Money (That’s What I Want)

by The Flying Lizards This 1979 cover of Barrett Strong’s 1959 hit was co-written by Motown man Berry Gordy. Its appeal lies in its lyrical irony: “The best things in life are free, but you can give them to the birds and bees. I want money.” However, it’s hard to tell whether the irony was really intended—Gordy was known as a ruthless businessman who cared for no one but himself.

I prefer the Flying Lizards’ version to Strong’s because the vocals are more fitting. They’re soulless. On this track the Flying Lizards come off as robotic gold-diggers complete with boops, beeps, and all. They turn an old R&B tune into DEVOesque rock n’ roll with a heaping spoonful of femininity.

November Has Come

by Gorillaz feat. MF Doom As with many Gorillaz songs, I don’t really know what they’re talking about, but I know that much of this album, Demon Days, was politically motivated. MF Doom just kind of speaks nonsense on everything that he’s done post-KMD. The only thing I can say is that this song is loosely about the end of November and has an ill beat. Plus, Doom always brings the flow.

Reaganomics

by D.R.I. I know that it doesn’t really make sense to blame President Reagan for our current economic state, but I don’t rea l l y c a r e . T h e r e ’s nothing wrong with a little scapegoatary.

So here is 80’s hardcore band D.R.I, or Dirty Rotten Imbeciles, with their ode to Ol’ Ronnie.

Graphic by Noah Zuares/Staff

Dear Summer

by Jay-Z I miss summer, and Jay-Z does too.

This jawn’s an odd one. It’s actually a single from Memphis Bleek’s 2005 album, 534, but Bleek has no vocals on the track. Jay just laid it down and Bleek decided it was too good to touch.

When people talk about the beef between Hova and Nas, they always say Nas is the better lyricist.

Nas is great, there’s no questioning that, but I think that people always limit Jay-Z to his flow when he can definitely bring it lyrically, and this track proves it. In this song, he is writing a letter to an ex-flame who is a proxy for the rap game. Hova was in the midst of a brief stint of retirement from rapping and this song was just supposed to be one verse to help out his friend Bleek.

Where’s Your Money

by Busta Rhymes feat. ODB That seems to be the current question.

Hopefully not too much was in the stock market.

The track starts off with just bass, horns, and ODB giving a brief intro: “It’s all about the money, money rules the world.” Then the devastating keys and drum machine enter while the late Wu-Tang member proceeds to spit his 16 bars.

“Where’s Your Money” was supposed to be the first single off of Busta’s 2006 album The Big Bang, but didn’t even make it onto the final cut. Poor choice if you ask me, because it’s better than any other track on the record.

Eric B. Is President

by Eric B. & Rakim Does it really matter who won the election? Eric B. Is President.

But on the real, I think Eric B. is as corny as they come.

There, I said it; he’s not a very good DJ. He does simple “baby scratches” and the beats are weak. Rakim is the treasure; without him rap wouldn’t be what it is today. Before Rakim no one was flowing like that. His monotone voice is hypnotic, and he is one of the greatest MCs to ever grip the mic.

C.R.E.A.M.

by Wu-Tang Clan Often times when I talk about rap to kids who don’t like it, they’ll say something like, “Well, I’m into OutKast and Wu-Tang.” First off, that’s just silly. You obviously don’t care enough to form a balanced opinion on the genre because you haven’t spent time looking for stuff you enjoy outside of those two groups. Honestly, I would’ve preferred to hear something like, “No, I don’t like rap. Something about it just gets on my nerves.” Second of all, you got good taste.

Everything about this song is great. The title stands for Cash Rules Everything Around Me. The RZA beat, the Method Man hook, and two killer verses from Raekwon and Inspectah Deck. Whenever I hear the first few lyrics of Rae’s 16 bars it always reminds me of film noir. He spits, “I grew up on the crime side, the New York Time’s side,” and lures you in.

Oasis digs out new sound on album

Hayley Mansfield

Class of 2011

The ever-changing sound of Oasis takes another fabulous turn with the release of their seventh album Dig Out Your Soul.

Oasis, a British rock group from Manchester, England that formed in 1991 includes Liam Gallagher (vocals), Paul Arthurs (guitar), Paul McGuigan (bass), Tony McCarroll (drums), and Noel Gallagher (guitar and vocals).

Noel Gallagher, Liam’s older brother, joined the band a little while after it was formed. Oasis released their debut album, Definitely Maybe in 1994.

The following year they released one of their more popular albums entitled (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? This album significantly increased the band’s popularity, but Be Here Now, Oasis’ third album, was released at the height of their fame.

For over a decade and a half, the group has turned out hit after hit while still remaining true to their core sound.

The opening track of Dig Out Your Soul, “Bag It Up,” highlights the traditional raw sound of Oasis’ electric guitar and colossal drumbeat, setting the perfect scene for the album. The second track, “The Turning,” begins with a steady drumbeat and preview to the melody,

leading into the striking chorus and unbelievable guitar hook. The track fades out to the sounds of sirens and the sea, reflecting the imagery in the stunning lyrics. Listening to “The Shock of Lightning” is like taking a trip back to the beginnings of Oasis. The track could have fit perfectly well in the 1995 album.

“I’m Outta Time,” the heart of the album, is captured by the golden vocals of Liam Gallagher, lead singer of the band. The Lennon-esque sounding ballad was written by Gallagher and dedicated to Beatles-member John Lennon, his hero.

Oasis is often compared to The Beatles since their vocals and style

are very similar. Oasis will obviously never match up to the rock legends of the 1960’s, but the band continues to show Beatles inspiration through their music today.

The full album of Dig Out Your Soul will be featured as downloadable content in Activision’s Guitar Hero World Tour videogame for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 in 2009.

Dig Out Your Soul is a great listen that rediscovers the original Oasis and presents a great attempt in putting out something new. Loyal fans may not be used to this style, but it definitely should be heard by the fans who followed Oasis from the start, as well as newcomers.

12

November 14, 2008

The Merionite

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment you can bet on

L. Mastrogiacomo/D. Moscow

involved. Because Players is a student-run organization, students are the at heart of it, serving not only as crew members, but also as crewheads, Illegal dice games? Midnight trips to Havana? Random designers, directors, and members of the board. dancing in sewers? Is this wild chaos? No—it’s LM Play- Adult sponsors oversee each crew, but for the ers’ latest musical production, Frank Loesser’s Guys and most part, the student leaders run all aspects of Dolls. the organization and its productions.

Guys and Dolls follows a group of gamblers desperate To achieve Johnson’s vision, junior Rebecca to find a place to play craps, an illegal dice game. Nathan Plotnick, the show’s set designer, created a miniDetroit (played by senior Ari Stern) is the organizer for malist set featuring a 12-foot-tall black cityscape these crap games, much to his fiancé’s dismay. To get some as the backdrop for the action, which will be illumoney, he makes a bet with famous gambler Sky Masterson minated during the show. Because the show takes (junior Marcus Odom) that Sky can’t take a girl of Nathan’s place in multiple locations, including New York choice to dinner, and Nathan chooses the prim sergeant City, Havana, and a sewer, different set pieces are Sarah Brown of the Save-a-Soul Mission (freshman Elsa added in front of the cityscape. The scenery crew Schieffelin). Sky, after much persuasion, convinces Sarah built the entire set, from creating the cityscape Photo by Esther Hoffman/Staff to go on a date by promising to fill her usually empty down to painting each detail on street signs. prayer meeting with a dozen sinners. Meanwhile, Nathan, The lighting crew has a lot to do as well. They Co-lighting crewheads Rachel Keleman and Evan Bollentin run a commitment-phobe, has been engaged for 14 years to work on hanging, focusing, and circuiting lights, power to the lights in the cityscape through a snake with lighting Miss Adelaide (junior Amanda Farrell), the featured singer which usually involves climbing up ladders to coach Bill Stonehouse’s assistance during a tech run. at the Hot Box nightclub. As soon as Adelaide is informed individually adjust and replace lights. Although of Nathan’s crap games, she rethinks their relationship. lighting plays a large role in the final production, Without each of these crews, a Players show could not To fix their lives, both Nathan and Sky must choose be- it is often overlooked. However, the lighting can significant- come together into a final cohesive production. “So many tween the excitement of ly change the mood of the scene. Senior students are involved in this production, and by some gambling and a loving Katie Cochrane, lighting designer, said, miracle of creativity and organization, Players is always relationship.

“Look out for the sewer scene, because able to pull off a show,” said Johnson. “It amazes me every Senior Beverly Johnit’s going to be amazing!” The stage time, as I’ve seen all the plans come together from separate son directed the show will be illuminated with purple and red designs that end up complementing each other so well, the with a very clear vision. colors for an almost surreal feel. lighting, costumes, and set all fitting together like a puzzle “I wanted the audience to Junior Jordan Cooper designed the that creates an spectacular image.” feel like they are watchcostumes, trying to stay within the Players shows are not just about the final product; ing a fifties movie,” she 1948 time period while expressing each they’re also about all of the hard work that goes into them, said. “The actors should character’s personality on stage. For this and that’s a lot more work than you may have thought. make the setting around show, many of the costumes are colorful Everyone involved in the show puts in a great deal of efthem come to life, so and vibrant, adding a fun and exciting fort to make the show what it will be on opening night. movement is the central look to the action. Players builds almost While it’s difficult and even frustrating at times, everyone focus. The movement every costume used in their shows from in Players will agree that the work, along with the fun, Photo courtesy of Tom Simon just fabric and thread, so the costumes was well worth it. of the actors brings the audience in closer to the crew works hard everyday.

“Everyone should come see the show. People put a actual scene, making Senior Ari Stern and junior Amanda Farrell take to The show would be nothing, how- lot of effort into it, and the talent may impress you. It’s them feel like they live in the stage as Nathan Detroit and Adelaide in Play- ever, without the publicity crew bringing something different than a sports event,” said Johnson. ers’ musical, Guys and Dolls. it with the actors.” the crowd in. Large sandwichboard signs The performances will be next week, Thursday, Friday, and But the other four are hung outside of LM, and posters are Saturday, November 20-22, at 7pm in LM’s auditorium. crews—scenery, costumes, lighting/sound, and publicity— put up in restaurants, stores, and other places in the com- Tickets are available now to experience Players’ production play an equally important role in the production; a suc- munity. Publicity informs people about the show to get a of Guys and Dolls. cessful show requires group effort from all the students larger audience at the performances.

Class of 2011

More than your typical takeout

Emily Shepard

Class of 2011

Takeout, the salvation of suburban mothers and overworked high school students everywhere, is a quick and easy way to do dinner, as well as a fun way to experience new and exotic cultures. Regardless, orders of General Tso’s chicken and large plain pizzas can quickly become monotonous.

You don’t have to resort to the same old Chinese food restaurant for a quick meal. If you’re looking to change up your order, a variety of places on the Main Line and in Philly provide new and unique foods to liven up your palette.

The Couch Tomato in Manayunk boasts a variety of pizzas, calzones, wraps, salads, soups, and sides; they have off-beat and healthy twists on traditional takeout. The selection is a little pricey, but everything is prepared with fresh produce, and the dough is made daily. If you’re looking for something new, but not feeling brave enough to venture into the dangerous territory of foreign foods, The Couch Tomato is a

great choice.

Maoz is a completely vegetarian, Middle Eastern chain restaurant that specializes in falafel.

Customers are invited to come and make their own sandwiches, and it also has a complimentary salad bar. It’s an affordable, vegetarian, and healthy

alternative to mainstream food. They don’t deliver, but Maoz has restaurants in Phildelphia on South Street

and Walnut Street—so if you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth the visit.

HaLong Bay is a relatively new Vietnamese restaurant right next to the film institute in Bryn Mawr.

Vietnamese food is lighter than

priced, and offers a variety of dishes such as shrimp pancakes, salt and pepper scallops, and duck stew. If you’re looking for Vietnamese cuisine in the area, HaLong Bay provides delicious takeout that’s close to home.

Though I was looking to steer clear of Chinese food restaurants for the sake of originality, I can’t help but recommend Auspicious in Ardmore. They have an incredible range of unique foods like Mango Chicken, Eggplant in Chili Garlic Sauce, Shrimp and Strawberry Salad, and Coconut Prawns, as well as a variety of vegetable dishes such as sautéed mushrooms and bok choi.

Auspicious is affordable, right on the Main Line, and has many foods to experiment with.

Takeout food provides an opportunity to try so many types of new cuisines and experiment with new cultures. Next Friday night when your mom Graphic by Sam Blum/Staff Chinese, prepared with doesn’t feel like cooking, less oils and more vegetables, so it’s try calling one of these restaurants and healthier. HaLong Bay is reasonably you might find a new favorite.

13

November 14, 2008

The Merionite

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

“Tripping Up” to the top Class of 2009

Though you may not know it, we have stars in our midst here at LM. The five-minute film “Tripping Up,” a short romantic comedy, stars freshman Leo Koorhan and senior Laura Piccoli, and has already been screened locally.

Koorhan plays an extraordinarily clumsy yet well-meaning character of the same name. On the way to pick up Laura (played by Piccoli) for their first date, he begins to have doubts about the arrangement. “He thinks she is way out of his league,” said Koorhan of his character. However, after observing something about his date, he learns to have a little confidence in himself.

The film was produced, written, and directed by Leo’s father, Greg Koorhan, owner of Crossbow Studio, a marketing firm located right in Philadelphia. Greg Koorhan’s daughter, Sophia, was the associate producer and provided technical assistance for the film. According to Piccoli, the film started out as a summer activity for the Koorhans. “[Greg Koorhan] created it with the thought in mind of just doing

something fun with his son and daughter for the summer, and I think things sort of escalated from there. Once the film was done we realized that it was pretty good,” said Piccoli.

Koorhan and Piccoli had not

Piccoli and Koorhan find clumsy love in Tripping Up.

Photo courtesy thirdscreenfilmfestival.com.com

Ariel Julian

expected to have their summer project become so popular. Piccoli hadn’t even known the film was going to be submitted to the festival, but she supports it all the way.

“We were afraid that it would just sit in the back of some closet, so I’m glad it got out there,” said Piccoli.

The film was good enough to gain a spot in the top ten highest viewer-rated films of the 2008 Third

Screen Film Festival, sponsored

by A&E Indie Films. The festival, which allows viewers to vote for their favorite videos clips via the Internet or mobile phone, is one of the first of its kind.

Film arts teacher Russ Loue had only compliments for the film. “It was great to see students engaged with their parents in an activity like movie making,” said Loue.

Some students were not surprised to hear of the film’s success. Senior Montana Hauser said, “The scene where Laura falls down the steps is hilarious. I mean, the whole thing is really well shot. I enjoyed it.”

On October 6, “Tripping Up” was screened at the Bryn Mawr Theater. But its journey won’t end there.

“We are going to throw this thing into as many projects as possible!” said Koorhan. “That is of course, until we make the next one.”

According to Piccoli, we can expect to see more of Koorhan’s work, and she will quite possibly be working along with him again.

“Tripping Up” has been rising in popularity, and gained fourth place in the A&E Indie Films Third Screen Festival.

High School Musical 3: “Breaking free” of the TV

Jordan Cooper

$42 million. It topped Saw V, the second place winner, and even beat Mamma Mia! ($27.8 million) to A lot has changed for the cast of take the title of top earning movie High School Musical since its start musical, and Hannah Montana and in 2006, and I’m not just talking Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds about Ashley Tisdale’s nose.

Tour ($31.1 million) for best G-rated Since its debut as a Disney Chan- live-action movie. nel Original Movie in 2006, the High HSM 3 rejoins Disney gems Troy School Musical (HSM) franchise has Bolton (Zac Efron) and Gabriella accumulated six Emmy nominations Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) and the and two wins for the premier install- rest of the gang at the start of their sement, a sequel (High School Musical nior year. The once happy-go-lucky 2) named the highest rated Disney teens have some tough decisions to Channel Movie to date, a quadruple- make and questions to answer: What platinum soundtrack, a spot in will become of their friendships the Guinness Book of World Re- after graduation? Will their original cords, apparel, dolls, musical production video games, and an (cleverly entitled astounding crowd of “Senior Year”) be a devoted —sometimes success? Who will obsessive—tween receive the one Julfans. But the biggest liard scholarship? news for those of you And of course who deny having there’s always memorized “We’re All prom drama. In in this Together,” is particular, the plot that on October 24, the centers on Troy, final part of the trilogy, who finds himself High School Musical Photo courtesy of corrifox.com once again torn be3: Senior Year, made tween basketball its big screen debut. The cast of High School and theater when Yes, the little Dis- Musical returns for their choosing which silver screen debut. ney Channel Original kind of college to Movie that could has reached full- attend. A decision all too familiar for length feature status, and while this LM students, this may not resonate new development provokes squeals with movie’s target 8-12 year old of joy from some and winces of pain demographic. from others, none can deny how imIn general, the film has received pressive it is that a Disney Channel mixed reviews. Critics especially Original Movie could receive such have expressed contempt for Perecognition. ter Barsocchini’s screenplay and HSM 3 immediately secured the apparent lack of substance its spot at the top of the box office throughout the film, but millions of with an opening weekend gross of ecstatic viewers think otherwise. A Class of 2010

Photo courtesy of theinsider.com

Gabriella (Hudgens) and Troy (Efron) dance at the prom in HSM3.

few critics even applauded the dance numbers for their energetic choreography and execution. “Rolling Stone” described HSM 3 as a “nonthreatening sexual marshmallow.”

There are the ever-present comparisons to Grease, Footloose and other charmingly choreographed, feel-good musicals of the past. And of course everyone noticed the plots and subplots that have been recycled so many times they’ve lost all hope of mirroring reality or anything but last week’s sitcom. However, with reality looking less than sunny, HSM 3 may be just the vacation moviegoers need.

The question remains as to how exactly HSM made such a major leap. But for now, with Zac Efron’s lovable face plastered on silver screens across America, a whole new set of merchandise, and the promise of a fourth chapter (though most likely without the full principal cast from the first three), the young cast has plenty of time to bask in the limelight and the Disney Family has plenty more money to make.

“SNL” influences election?

You betcha!

Han Tran

Class of 2011

“I can see Russia from my house!” With these immortal words, Sarah Palin... er... Tina Fey was able to boost “Saturday Night Live’s” popularity to heights it had never reached before.

“Saturday Night Live” (“SNL”), already a popular show on NBC, got a huge ratings jump by incorporating skits about the 2008 Presidential Election into their repertoire. “SNL” struck gold when former cast member Fey agreed to return and play the former Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin. After her first appearance as Palin, “SNL’s” ratings skyrocketed, especially when the real Sarah Palin guest starred on the show.

If you haven’t seen the skits on TV or online, here’s a recap. The first skit, “A Nonpartisan Message from Governor Sarah Palin & Senator Hillary Clinton,” starred Amy Poehler as former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton along with Fey as Palin. The skit emphasized Clinton’s disdain for a cute, ditzy, and inexperienced Palin. The second was a parody of Palin’s interview with Katie Couric (Poehler). The skit’s most effective lines involved excerpts from the actual interview.

The third was a recap of the VP debates between our Vice President-elect Joe Biden (Jason Sudeikis) and Palin (Fey). This targeted Palin’s habit of dodging questions and dropping arguments, as well as Biden’s repeated proclamations of both respect and hatred for John McCain.

In the fourth skit, the real Sarah Palin appeared on Weekend Update while Poehler rapped with Todd Palin (also played by Jason Sudeikis), a group of Eskimos, and a man in a moose costume.

Finally, “SNL” held a Thursday Night Special where George W. Bush (Will Ferrell) endorsed former Republican Presidential candidate John McCain (Darrell Hammond) and Sarah Palin (Fey).

Given Bush’s current approval ratings, McCain was not too happy about this endorsement.

And finally, McCain himself appeared on the show, pitching fake GOP-related products along with Fey on QVC and discussing campaign strategies such as the

“Sad Grandpa” with Weekend Update’s Seth Meyers.

Even though “SNL” director Lorne Michaels might not agree with Palin’s policies or ideology, Michaels certainly should thank Palin for all she has done for his show. Fey’s caricature of her may last longer in Americans’ memories than the woman she mocked.

When Palin appeared on “Saturday Night Live” with her doppelgänger, “SNL” had its best ratings in 14 years. The week before that, “SNL” also managed to boost its ratings by 23%.

During the first half of the show, about 17 million Americans tuned in, a very impressive turnout considering that the show starts at 11:30 pm. During the week that Palin herself appeared, “SNL” had the third highest rating of the week, only trailing behind “CSI” and “Dancing With The Stars.”

“Saturday Night Live”’s average rating in households increased by 76% compared to “SNL’s” average rating in households at this time last year.

Some LMers have even started to follow the political scene because of “SNL.” “I’ve definitely started to pay more attention to it since they began the political skits. My parents have always watched it, but I never tuned in because it didn’t interest me,” said junior Kira Goldner. “In recent weeks, however, I’ve begun not only watching ‘SNL,’ but also watching more of the debates and speeches in order to catch what the show is going to make fun of next.”

Despite the fact that “SNL” only makes fun of candidates for laughs, we have to remain cognizant of the fact that political skits may have had an effect on the election.

“I think the skit itself doesn’t directly sway votes, but it’s definitely a contributing factor, among dozens. But all put together it makes an impact,” said junior Nash Tomey.

Public interest in the election drew viewers to the show, and the skits informed viewers of the current issues. Regardless of whether you like our new President-elect Barack Obama or not, one can only wonder if John McCain would have won if “SNL” had gone a little easier on Sarah Palin.

Photo courtesy of newsday.com

Seth Myers, and the real Sarah Palin groove to Amy Poehler’s “Sarah Palin Rap”.

14

November 14, 2008

The Merionite

SPORTS

Powderpuff preview Jericho Sav

Class of 2009

Last year, when the idea of a Powderpuff football game was proposed, the first thought that came to mind was: why hadn’t this been done before?

This football game for girls is a common festivity that goes along with the entire homecoming weekend. As the thought started to materialize, students jumped on board.

Shirts were ordered, rosters were made, and trash talking began.

“I think it was a wonderful addition. Each grade gets really involved and the competition gets pretty intense,” said junior defensive back Frieda Peterson-Horner. “Plus, we get cool T-shirts.”

The Second Annual Powderpuff Football Game will be held today, Friday November 14, as a fundraiser for the senior class. Powderpuff is more than a game of football for the girls participating.

It’s a chance to show off their athletic abilities in a maledominated sport.

The champions of last year’s Powderpuff, the Class of 2009, look to return this year with the same core of great players. With everyone determined to play a big part in the team’s success, the possibilities are infinite. And let it be known, the seniors are

determined to win.

“We’re going to dominate.

It’s looking good this year that we will win again. Backto-back champions no doubt,” said senior starting quarterback Molly Hanlon.

After early exits last year, the Classes of 2010 and 2011 look to avenge their losses and prove their competence. The departure of the Class of 2008 opens the door for the leastexperienced competitors, the freshman class.

Looking to make an impact, freshman Julie Reiff said, “We may be the youngest but we will definitely come out strong.

We are going to prove that freshmen aren’t just annoying little kids who crowd the hallways.”

Confidence is always a key factor in any matchup, but the coaches know they can’t let success get to the players’ heads.

Along with the football game, there hopefully be a cookout conducted by LM’s resident griller and chiller, Mr. Bomze.

Today at the pep rally, the anticipation will mount, and the only thing these girls will want to do is play. After each class is done shaking their booties and the Dance Team has wowed the crowd once again, each team of girls will suit up with one thing on their minds: victory.

Photo courtesy of Joel Waldfogel

Sophomore Patty Neckowickz scores a tough shot during the team’s playoff win.

Girls’ soccer picks up surpise postseason win defying doubters and history Danny Kane

Class of 2012 As another fall comes to a close, so does another successful campaign for the girls’ soccer team. The Lady Aces capped off an impressive 134-1 regular season by shocking a higher seeded Kennett team in the first round of the playoffs before losing to a talented team from Villa Joseph Marie.

“The defining moment of our season was definitely the win over Kennett,” said senior co-captain Hana Chamoun. “We were seeded 20 and they were seeded 13, and we ended up winning 5-1. We were able to come together and crush the other team. No one would have known watching that game that we were the lower seeded team.”

Up against extremely harsh wind conditions, the first half of the Kennett game was grueling for the Lady Aces.

Senior co-captain Hannah Newman assisted fellow senior Corinne Zucker in getting the first score on the board for the Aces by scoring off of a set corner kick play. After letting one slip through on the other end, the score was tied 1-1 at halftime. In the first

20 minutes of the second half, the team went on a rampage, with freshman Julie Rieff and sophomore Patty Neckowickz adding a goal each, and Newman adding two of her own to build the Aces’ lead to 5-1. Kennett was unable to fight back against this momentum, and the Aces pulled out an exciting underdog victory.

Also characterizing the successful season was an exciting senior day victory over Garnet Valley that placed the girls in the District tournament.

“We knew we had to win that game in order to have hopes of getting a playoff seed. The stakes were high and the team pulled out a victory…it really defined who we are as a team,” said Newman.

Newman scored once and Reiff scored twice to catapult the Lady Aces to a playoff-clinching 3-1 win.

The victory would not have been possible without stellar play by the defense, led by sophomores Julia Miller and Laura Peterson and junior Dana Meyers, which helped limit Garnet Valley to only one goal.

The girls’ season, however, was not without its speed bumps. With only three seniors leading the way,

the Lady Aces were a very young team this year, after losing five starters from the 2007 season. Losses to rivals Haverford and Radnor were difficult to handle, but all in all head coach Kevin Ries’s squad defied expectations “As the season progressed, everyone improved. It was clear that we were all learning from each other from how we played our first game of the season to now,” said Newman.

Bonding has also been a very important factor for this young team.

“A lot of times we rival crew for the school’s biggest team cult. We have a great group of girls, so it’s hard not to be friends,” said Chamoun.

The end, unfortunately, arrived for the three seniors and the team in its second round District game. In a cold night game against Villa Joseph Marie, the Aces lost a close 2-1 game, despite initially leading 1-0.

Despite the loss, the girls consider the 2008 campaign a successful one.

By capturing the historically elusive District win, the team demonstrated great promise, and with its crew of talented underclassmen, optimism reigns for next season.

standout Cara Piccoli, the girls stood atop the Central League coming into the Central League Championship.

At the league tournament, the team finished fourth and Piccoli finished fifth, both qualifying for the following round of Districts. The girls, hoping to perform well enough to obtain a spot at States, finished fifteenth. Piccoli continued to exhibit her poise, finishing with the twelfth best time and securing a spot at the state tournament.

“Cara had a great year and throughout the season, she was the number one runner in the Central League. She has raised the bar for future LMXC runners,” said head coach Dermot Anderson.

On November 3, Piccoli ran the State meet with over 200 runners from across Pennsylvania. Despite falling at the mile mark, she persevered and came in 42nd place.

Led by the guidance of Coach Megan Capewell, who has increased participation and improved training during her tenure, the boys cross country team lost only two races during the regular season. Consistent, excellent running from seniors Ben Furcht and Neal Berman anchored the varsity seven. “[Furcht and

Berman] set the bar for LM cross country. Ben did not lose to anybody but Neal until the state meet,” said senior Jake Perry.

At the Central League Championship at Rose Tree Park, the boys exhibited their flare and talent, capturing their second title in 34 years, as Berman and Furcht finished first and second respectively, breaking established course records. The boys had high expectations for Districts on October 24, hoping to secure one of the five possible team qualifications for States. Unfortunately, the team finished sixth out of 62.

“Overall, the team did well at Districts. We placed sixth which was our best finish in years. The unfortunate thing, though, is that the top five teams go to States, so we just missed our goal for the season,” said Furcht.

But individually, Furcht had much to be happy about, as he finished first overall with a time of 15:08. Equally impressive was Berman’s third place finish despite running two-thirds of the race with only one shoe.

“Neal’s District run was such a huge motivator to keep on working your hardest. He ran 2.5 miles with

one shoe on and finished third in the strongest district in the state,” said Perry.

After the successful tournament, both Berman and Furcht were ready to take on the field at States, hoping to top the season with a 1-2 finish at Hershey. But Hershey did not prove to be as sweet as the boys had anticipated. Difficult starting conditions and Furcht’s bout of dehydration stymied the two, as Furcht finished 11th and Berman 22nd–-impressive enough accomplishments in a highly competitive race, yet results that did not meet expectations.

“We’re totally not satisfied with states. Neal and I wanted to go onetwo—could’ve gone one-two—but didn’t,” said Furcht.

No matter the end results, the LM cross country program completed one of its most prolific seasons in recent years. The postseason performances of both teams as well as Berman, Furcht, and Piccoli demonstrate the progress made and the possibility of much more to come.

“This year’s team was the strongest in years. The outlook for the future is great,” said Anderson.

Cross country sprints to success

Elie Peltz

Class of 2009

LM cross country is officially on the map. After years of falling under the radar, both the boys and girls squads registered successful seasons, losing only three combined matches and sending runners to the

state tournament.

The girls varsity team finished the regular season with only one loss after starting their campaign with seven consecutive wins. Additional talent this season aided the team, as four girls recorded 5Ks in under twenty minutes this year as opposed to only one last year. Led by senior

Photo courtesy of lmsd.org

Shoeless senior Neal Berman runs the District course neck-andneck with senior Ben Furcht. Furcht finished first and Berman finished third.

15

November 14, 2008

The Merionite

SPORTS

Boys’ basketball prepares for season Drew Goldberg

Class of 2010 As LM anxiously prepares for the upcoming winter basketball season, the boys’ varsity players have been diligently practicing the past few weeks, hoping to advance further than last year into the playoffs.

After a successful regular season last year, the team lost unexpectedly to Council Rock South in the second round of Districts, which put a sudden halt to the team’s seemingly unstoppable force. This year, however, the Aces have come out with a fresh mindset, looking to overcome the shortcomings that impeded last year’s team.

Over the past few weeks, the players have been practicing six days a week, and, at times, even on

Sundays. Practice has consisted of son. With no new basketball workouts run by Coaches freshman joining the Gregg Downer, Chris Vernick, and team and the loss of Doug Young, and weightlifting key seniors includat Athlete’s Advantage. Twice a ing Carl Johnson, week, the team brings in offensive Steve Meehan, Kevconsultants from New Jersey who in Escott, and Andrew are assisting with new plays and King, it will be especially strategies for the upcoming seahard for the boys to mainson. This year, the team will be tain the winning record shifting to a Princeton offense, that they have had the which is composed of a series of past few years. cuts and picks.

“I think it will take “The team is working very time to adjust but we hard to learn this new offense have a lot of guys ready in order to help us compete to step up and take on with some of the top teams in a bigger role,” says Cothe area,” said junior Oliver Senior Greg Robbins Cohen. puts up a shot during But a new offense a game. alone will not guarantee any team a successful seaPhoto from Merionite, December 2007

hen.

With the loss of so many key players, the team will look towards seniors Greg Robbins, Eric Stahler and Harley Williamson as leaders this season. Robins, who committed earlier this year to play collegiate ball at Richmond, averaged 17.4 points and 7.7 rebounds a game last season and will be called upon for leadership and consistency.

“My role this year will not change much from last year, because I will need to continue to display the same leadership that I showed last year,” remarked Robbins.

This year, the schedule is replete with matchups against Central League rivals. The boys will also face competition in out-of-league games against Chester and Simon

Gratz. Yet the team is not fazed.

“I’m not worried about the schedule. I’m sure that we are going to have a great season this year,” Robbins said optimistically.

In addition, the boys will open the season playing in a new and unfamiliar gym. Due to the school’s construction and the Main Gym demolition, the team practices and games have been moved to Bala Cynwyd Middle School. Fans are encouraged to attend games at the new site.

As the beginning of the season approaches, the players, despite a new offense, the loss of key players, and a new home court, are anticipating a successful year.

The season officially starts on December 15 with an away game against Parkland High School.

Benedict’s Prep School with a score of 1-0, while the tie came from Strath Haven. Junior Johnny Dolezal and senior Jason Kass, backed by senior goalie Justin Corrado, have played relentless, shut-down defense, while junior Jordan Wolf, seniors Greg Robbins, Stahler, and DiLullo have formed an explosive, high-scoring offense.

After the controversial, heated game versus Strath Haven, the Aces dominated the end of their season, winning two of their last three games by a score of 10-0, going into the playoffs with great momentum.

“We played really well the last few games of the regular season, so we’re looking to just continue on the same path and keep improving,” said Stahler. “The team has stuck together very well throughout the past year with the help of Coach Fadely and his grueling training. The way the team

Pennsbury. The entire game was filled with intensity as both teams knew the stakes, and the final result was extremely close. In the end, the game ended in a shootout after a 1-1 tie after two overtimes that left the Aces with the loss. Despite the loss, the team had already qualified for States and the goal to capture the state title remained within reach.

“Every team we face is going to play a tough game since this is the playoffs and nobody wants their season to end. Teams come out with a different intensity than they would in the regular season,” said Stahler about the team’s chances in the postseason.

In the first game of the state tournament, the team played against Parkland High School, and bounced back from the district loss with a whopping 3-0 victory.

In the second round, the Aces

played a rematch against the same team they lost to in Districts--Neshaminy--in a tight and well-played game. Lower Merion jumped out to a 2-0 lead by the 19th minute. Neshaminy, however, came back with two goals and the game was tied at 2-2 at the end of regulation. Just like their previous match, the game went to penalty kicks after two scoreless overtimes. Unfortunately, LM lost again, with a score of 4-2 on penalty kicks.

Overall, the team had a successful season and should be proud of its dominating performance. On the season, they outscored their opponents by a collective score of 71-11, and finished with an overall record of 18-3-1. Though the team hoped to capture a title at States, the disapointing loss should not overshadow a truly remarkable season.

Boys’ soccer falls in States after dominating season has worked together and fought like a band of brothers shows that we are in it to stay. We refuse to go down without a fight.”

The leadership skills and overall presence of the twelve seniors were significant to the regular season success.

“We have a lot of good senior leaders keeping us focused,” said Wolf.

As soon as the team stepped onto the field, there was an aura of intensity and invincibility surrounding them.

This team hoped to carry over this attitude to the postseason.

In the first game of the district tournament, a 3-0 win against Radnor moved the Aces one round forward into the semifinals. In the next round, the Aces played the twelfth-seeded Neshaminy, who had battled strong as the underdog past the fifth seed Henderson, and then the fourth seed

Goals:

Hobbies:

Favorite Phillies Player: Quote:

Varsity Volleyball

Devi Jadeja Junior

Sophomore

Sports:

Garrett Baker

Freshman

Grace DeFresne

Faces of the Aces

The best athletes that LM has to offer

Sports:

To strive to be better and Goals: hopefully win a couple more Hobbies: games next year.

Reading, texting, playing Favorite volleyball Phillies Player:

Varsity Soccer Baseball Win States Sleeping, eating and playing soccer

Chase Utley Quote: “Everything happens for a

reason”

“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s Quote: whether you get back up” - Vince Lombardi

Chase Utley

Senior

Class of 2010 A long year has passed since the varsity boys soccer team’s successful season in 2007. The Aces won Districts and were crowned Central League Champions. Sadly, this streak came to an end with a loss to Central Dauphin in the first round of States.

Now, a year later, the nationallyranked team has returned, fighting for a state championship and hoping to regain footing after last year’s disappointing finish.

This strong squad, led by senior captains Jason Kass, Eric Stahler, and Danny DiLullo, barreled its way through a dominant season, outscoring its opponents 58-4 during the regular season. They finished the regular season with a powerful 14-1-1 record.

The Aces’ only loss came at the hands of the nation’s second ranked Saint

Justin Corrado

Ethan Goldstein

Sports:

Varsity Tennis

Goals:

Make States next season

Hobbies:

Favorite Phillies Player:

Listening to music, working out Cole Hamels

“Respect everyone, fear no one”

Sports:

Varsity Soccer Varsity Lacrosse

Goals:

Win a state championship

Hobbies:

Training, Aces Races

Favorite Phillies Player:

Ryan Howard

Quote:

“Basil, what are you doing?”

16

Volume 80, Issue 3

November 14, 2008

SPORTS

The Merionite

PHILLIES: 2008 World Series Champs!

Phillies capture long-awaited title

E. Elbaum/J. Ochroch

Class of 2011

What a year it has been. It is only fitting that America’s Pastime has given the city of Philadelphia its first professional sports championship since 1983. Prior to 2008, the Phillies, who have been around for over 100 years, had captured one lone championship in their long history. The last World Series win came in 1980, when Mike Schmidt and Tug McGraw led the team to the title win. Since then, the Phillies had suffered from a championship drought, making it to the World Series twice since 1980, but losing both times.

Throughout the season, the Phillies fielded a complete team. On offense, with speedy shortstop Jimmy Rollins batting lead-off and Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, Pat Burrell, and Jayson Werth in the lineup, the team was almost unstoppable, posting the third best OPS in the National League. The pitching staff, composed of starters Cole Hamels, Brett Myers, Joe Blanton, and Jamie Moyer, and relievers Brad Lidge, J.C. Romero, Ryan Madson, Scott Eyre, and Chad Durbin shut down highpowered offenses. The pitching was also helped in part by a defensively strong infield, led by All-Star 2nd baseman Chase Utley and Gold Glove shortstop Jimmy Rollins.

After a season long battle with the Mets which ran down to the wire, the Phillies prevailed by taking the NL East by three games. In the playoffs for the second year in a row, the Fightin’ Phils were set to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the first round.

Led by dominating pitching performances from Hamels, Myers and Blanton, and some timely hitting, including Victorino’s grand slam off of Brewers ace C.C. Sabathia, the Phillies easily dismissed the Brewers and moved into the Championship Series against a Dodgers team that roared into the playoffs behind the hitting of Manny Ramirez. After winning games one and two in Philly, the Phils dropped game three in L.A and were on the verge of dropping game four when Shane Victorino smoked a game-tying homerun in the 8th inning. Two batters later, the late acquisition from Toronto, veteran Matt Stairs, worked the count to 3-1 against Dodger

Phillies fever hits LM

Corinne Zucker

closer Jonathan Broxton, and launched a homer that still may not have landed yet.

An easy game five win launched the Phillies into the World Series and infused the city with palpable excitement and energy.

Standing in the team’s way of the championship was the Tampa Bay Rays, a young but talented team that had surprised many during the regular season. After splitting the first two games in Tampa, the fun began in game three.

Tied in the ninth inning, with a runner on third, catcher Carlos Ruiz, who had homered earlier in the game, dribbled a grounder down the third base line that Rays third baseman Evan (not Eva) Longoria couldn’t handle.

The run scored, and the Phillies led the series 2-1. In order to wrap up the series in Philly, midseason acquisition Joe Blanton would need to pitch the game of his life in game four. Behind two homers from Ryan Howard and a solo shot from Jayson Werth, Blanton settled down and even added a homer of his own, the first by a pitcher in the series since ’74, en route to a 10-2 win. Due to heavy rain, game five was suspended with the Phillies set to bat in the bottom of the sixth. Two nights later, play resumed with each team adding a run of its own. In the 7th inning, though, Pat Burrell launched a double to the outfield wall.

Photo courtesy images.google.com

Bruntlett pinch ran, and Victorino moved him to third on a sacrifice hit. Pedro Feliz ripped a single up the middle to give the Phillies a lead they would not relinquish. Reminiscent of 1980 with the closer needing three more outs to secure the title, Phillies fans were confident. Now in 2008 seeing Brad Lidge enter the game, #54 on his back, Phillies fans, again, knew the end was near. Two outs later, the Phils were on the cusp of victory and the crowd couldn’t get enough of it. And like the Tug twenty-eight years before him, Lidge reared back and threw, and Eric Hinske whiffed on a nasty 84 mph slider, causing the Phillies to pile on top of each other on the mound in celebration. The city went wild and two days later a celebratory parade down Broad Street attracted over two million fans.

The 2008 Phillies were a special group.

Jimmy Rollins compared the team to a family, many of whose members, including Burrell, Rollins, Utley, Howard, Myers have suffered through long anguishing seasons when the team ended up missing the playoffs by only a few games. From a star like Chase Utley, to an ace like Hamels, to a role player like Greg Dobbs, this ’08 squad epitomizes the word team, which is exactly why our city has it’s first championship in 25 years.

Class of 2009 A quarter of a century later, and we finally got it. A championship for not only the team, the World Series title is an accomplishment for the city of Philadelphia as a whole.

“I don’t think anywhere else in the country could have possibly been as excited about it as we were” said senior Chris Rowe.

Widespread enthusiasm completely overwhelmed our city of brotherly love, and could easily be found in our very own hallways.

“I thought it was Christmas. It felt like Christmas!” said die-hard fan senior Anna McCarthy. “Coming to school was really cool to see how excited everybody else was. It’s great that we can come together after having won something awesome.”

“It meant everything. It was actually the greatest thing of my life,” said fellow senior Bernie Perlman, who attended game four, and claimed it was “unbelievable.”

Walking the halls of LM, Perlman “could see a lot of people in the school wearing Phillies apparel he was surprised were fans. It had a big impact on the school.

The teachers also got into the spirit.”

For some teachers who have lived in the Philadelphia area all their lives, this championship meant just as much to them as it did to the students, if not more.

“I’ve been waiting my whole life for a win like this and I will always remember October ‘08 as one of the most exciting months of my life,” said math teacher Michael Bomze. “I can’t describe the state of euphoria that I was in during the moment Brad Lidge struck out Eric Hinske for the final out of the Series.”

Physics teacher David Vinci, too, was filled with immense excitement at the Phillies victory.

“I was lucky enough to be at game five of the World Series so I got a chance to celebrate with the crowd at the game,” said Vinci. “So not being able to attend the parade was a little easier.”

Many students skipped school on October 31 to attend the parade held in the city. Luckily, many teachers understood the large absences, agreeing that the Phillies parade will probably be an experience all Philadelphia natives will remember for the rest of their lives.

World Series spirit on and off the field

Photos courtesy of www.espn.com/www.yahoo.com Graphics by Sam Blum/Staff