The Merionite

The Merionite September 11, 2009

Volume 81, Issue 1

The official student newspaper of Lower Merion High School since 1929

LMSD greens up for the new year

LM braces for return of H1N1 Matt Rublin

Isaac Lindy

Class of 2011

Lower Merion School District is taking heavy precautions to combat the expected resurgence of Influenza H1N1 virus in the fall as schools reopen. The virus, known to many as “swine flu”, is expected to infect up to 24% of Americans through the fall and winter of 2010.

“We may see cases [of H1N1] as soon as school opens,” said District Coordinator of Health Services Terry Quinlan.

As the virus made its emergence around the globe in the spring, the district convened a “crisis flu team,” consisting of the superintendent, the technology department, the human relations department, and many others. The district also began to coordinate with the Montgomery County Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. These health departments work under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines provided for the upcoming school year.

The guidelines are different than those imposed last spring.

A child with flu-like symptoms can return to school if he or she is symptom-free and fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication. Children with symptoms, such as high fever, sore throat, cough, and fatigue,

Photo illustration by Ann Zheng/Staff are strongly urged to avoid interaction with others in school and in other community settings.

“We expect students and parents to be more cautious this year if they exhibit any symptoms,” said Quinlan, who expects a small drop in daily attendance due to the increased vigilance.

The nursing office will be heavily prepared for students who may fall ill with flu-like symptoms during the school day. Masks will be on hand to prevent the spread of possible H1N1 infections in the nursing office and a separate area for possible H1N1 infections will be set up within the office.

Preventive measures are also planned throughout the entire school building. Hand sanitizer will be situated in high traffic areas such as the cafeteria, and more attention will be

See H1N1, page 2

New grading policy postponed until 2010 Jenny Ma

Class of 2010

Grading policy changes occurring during the 2010-2011 school year may affect the student and faculty body for many years to come. The debate over grading policy changes that has lasted for many months has finally come to a close.

For many years LM graded students on a quality point average system (QPA). After weighing the pros and cons of many possibilities and systems, the final proposal was sent in a letter to all students before the school year started.

This coming year the only difference in the grading policy will be the elimination of the “E” for effort. The “E” differs

from the “F” in that “F” is for failing and “E” is for failing with effort.

“I think that the E is useless. I would rather get the F because the E means that I tried my hardest but still failed,” says junior Adam Reicherter.

The decision to eliminate the “E” was met with limited resistance as it was always used sparingly by teachers. Chemistry teacher Larry McAfoos recalls that the only time he gave an E, the recipient said he would have preferred an F. For the 2010-2011 school year percentages will be used to calculate the final grade; letter grades will reflect distinctions for all grades other than “A”, and a minimum grade of 56% will act as a “floor” for the first half of the year. These decisions, however, are only a part of the many suggestions made during the last few months.

At the final meeting in July, students, parents, faculty, and board members presented ideas in the interest of solving concerns regarding stress, the risk of grade inflation, and incorporating every concern of each community.

Harriton senior Ben Vander believes that the changes in the grading policy have a definite purpose. “The point is not to give better grades, but fair grades,” said Vander.

Student speakers used the meeting on July 13 as an opportunity to comment on the possible changes from a student’s perspective. The audience and commentators were composed of concerned parents and community members who offered their input. The board was open to suggestions until July 30.

LM’s student body Vice President, Dan Aronowitz, voiced worry that the changes to system will cause student’s grades to be lower.

“The new system will lower grades naturally,” said Aronowitz. “Grades used to be clump around the borderline ranges because people weren’t pushed to get a higher grade.”

Chemistry teacher Glenn Brooks shares his concern,,

See Yearlong debate, page 3

Satisfy your sweet tooth!

Check out Nick Normile’s recipe for the perfect chocolate chip cookie.

See A&E, page 13

The new Harriton See Features, page 9

Class of 2010

In an increased effort to conserve the environment, LM, along with the rest of the school district, is initiating varied plans and procedures aiming to reduce the environmental impact of the school community.

The 1:1 laptop initiative promises to be instrumental in the quest to go “green.” Because each student receives a laptop for the 2009-2010 school year, many aspects of academics and school administration will incorporate technology instead of paper.

“It’s a step going in the right direction, for us to go paperless,” said principal Sean Hughes.

“Teachers are trying to go paperless,” said AP Environmental Science teacher Glenn Rosazza.

In order to achieve a more paperless, more environmentally-friendly school, administrators have designed a printing scheme.

“Before when you would print, there would be one printer every three rooms. That’s done. What you’re going to do now is…print to four locations…It really makes…you think – do [I] need this paper?” said tenth grade Assistant Principal Scott Kilpatrick.

To further the quest to save resources, many school materials will now be found online.

“Everything’s going to be online – course registration, [student] handbooks, everything,” continued Kilpatrick, all of which would presumably reduce paper usage.

Photo by Ann Zheng/Staff Students at LM will notice these changes as they trudge into the new school year. More recycling bins and less printers are among the most visible of the changes to go “green.”

All of these initiatives are part of the Strategic Plan for LMSD. While the Strategic Plan contains goals for academics, communication, and countless other departments within the District, a large portion of it is dedicated to discussing goals for environmental protection. There are plans to adopt a School Board energy policy and to create an energy awareness program throughout District schools.

The Strategic Plan lays a foundation for environmental friendliness as students enter the newly constructed Harriton High School, and construction progresses quickly on the new LM. The new buildings promise to forward the conservation progress already achieved in the old LM and Harriton, with many revolutionary energy-saving devices.

The plans for LM sounds particularly promising in terms of environmentally-friendly features.

“The new buildings all have ‘green’ features, such as waterless urinals,” said Rosazza. “[Also] the type of light is like a fluorescent [in the new building] – it uses very little energy.”

The new building will feature more windows and open courtyards in order capture natural light, which will serve as a type of heating.

“That means that during winter especially, sunlight coming in warms up the building, so when it gets cold you don’t have to crank the heat up; you don’t have to burn the oil or the gas as much,” added Rosazza.

If the natural light, or “passive solar energy,” as Rosazza said, does not warm a room enough, there of course will be a thermostat system installed.

However, “temperature will be dictated [in the new building] – you can go 2 degrees warmer, 2 degrees colder – that’s all,” said Kilpatrick.

The lights in the classrooms will also adjust to the amount of natural light each room receives, illuminating or dimming accordingly.

See Greening up, page 3

Puzzled?

Find your fit in Features, page 8

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September 11, 2009

NEWS

The Merionite

A more personal look at Lauren Nordsiek

Name: Jaclyn Keammerer Position: Special Education Teacher Education: BA from LaSalle University Previous Employer: From Sun Valley High School in the Penn-Delco School District Other: -Member of the LaSalle University Graduate Faculty as she is the Principal and Graduate Teacher Supervisor for their special education practicum during the summer semesters.

Name: Nicholas Severeni Position: Spanish Teacher Education: BA from the University of Pennsylvania and MA from Saint Joseph’s University Previous Employment: From PlymouthWhitemarsh High School in the Colonial School District Other:Was a Spanish Teacher and the Varsity Boys Soccer Coach.

Photo courtesy of LMSD

e bl la va i ta no o ot Ph

Photo courtesy of LMSD

The Merionite: What are you most looking forward to at Lower Merion?

Lauren Nordsiek: I am most looking forward to being a part of the close-knit community here.

Name: Lauren Nordsiek Position: Long Term Substitute for Gavin (English) Education: BA from Connecticut College and MA from Villanova University.

Previous Education: Was Trish Schuller’s Student Teacher during the 2008-09 school year Other: Is the Assistant Swim Coach at Agnes Irwin High School.

TM: What is your proudest accomplishment?

LN: I am proud of following my passion and becoming an English Teacher.

TM: Favorite movie?

LN: I love Wes Anderson movies, my favorite is probably The Royal Tenenbaums.

TM: Favorite type of cuisine?

LN: I love Thai and Indian food.

TM: Any interesting hobbies we should know about?

LN: In my spare time I volunteer at a local animal rescue shelter.

TM: Twitter or Facebook?

LN: Neither. I still don’t even understand Twitter.

TM: Which newspapers do you read, if any?

LN: I read the Philly Inquirer and the New York Times if I can get my hands on it.

TM: Favorite website?

LN: Right now I’m addicted to Petfinder. com. I wish I could adopt all of the dogs on the site!

Students mandated to sign LM’s new student honor code Sivahn Barsade

Class of 2010

Over the summer the administration adopted LM’s first honor code, but as of yet the visible effect of the policy has been limited. The new honor code sets parameters for an entire honor code system: encompassing infraction bylaws, consequences, an Honor Council and an Honor Code pledge to be signed by all students. Students will be introduced to the new system on September 24.

“[The Honor Code] is something we’ve always had here at Lower Merion but now it’s in document form and spelled out precisely and clearly defined so there is no confusion,” said Assistant Principal Wagner Marseille. “I

thought it was a great idea to bring a core group of people together and help create a value system.”

Previously, an academic dishonesty policy was outlined in the student handbook. Yet teachers often created their own policy, sometime reporting infractions to the administration.

Now, the entire faculty has a more specific policy to follow.

The Honor Code elaborates on the basic forms of cheating to offer more specific examples of Honor Code Violations.

“The point of the honor code is not to be mean-spirited, it’s not to be punitive,” said Marseille.

Last year seven students led by Challenge teacher Lynne Freeland met once a cycle to create the Honor Code. The group consulted local high school and university Honor Codes’ in addition to soliciting input from administrators,

Precautions taken for H1N1 From H1N1, page 1

placed on cleaning “germy” surfaces such as doorknobs and desks.

Simple measures that can be performed by students themselves, such as sneezing and coughing into elbows, to stop the spread of germs will also be heavily emphasized.

The district plans to keep parents informed about the virus, and additional materials are ready to be given to parents on Open School Night. Updates concerning the virus will be posted on the district website.

“These measures are very much part of a public outreach,” said Quinlan.

If a “severe” outbreak of H1N1 occurs within the school, Quinlan says LM may be closed for five days based on the direction of the health department.

“We would then reassess the situation and discuss how to proceed,” said Quinlan.

The district may provide an H1N1 vaccine, available in October.

However, Quinlan says it will be given first to specific groups that are more susceptible to the virus, such as pregnant women, infants, and those from ages five to twenty-four. The only students who would be able to receive the vaccine would be those that volunteered and provided parental permission.

teachers, and students. This year’s Honor Council will be comprised of the same group that created the Honor Code “To me it seems like the same policy we’ve always been expected to follow,” said senior Seth Barton-Roberts. “I don’t think it’ll change much, people who cheat will probably continue to cheat. Signing a piece of paper doesn’t keep anybody from cheating.”

A video further describing the Honor Code will be presented to students in Advisory on September 24.

“This Honor Code is not a far leap from what Mr. Hughes has been talking about character and how character counts,” said Marseille. “I think an honor code is just a systematic way of saying that your character means more than your grades.“

HELP WANTED

BABYSITTER: Narberth family seeks occasional babysitter for their six and seven-year old girls.

GARDENING: We are also looking for a second student to help with trimming our hedge, weeding the garden, etc. Flexible schedule.

For either position, residence in Narberth a plus!

Interested applicants can email angela.duckworth@gmail.com with full name, cell phone, brief description of experience, references (if any), and current GPA.

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September 11, 2009

The Merionite

NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF

Philadelphia Magazine ranks public schools, placing LM 3rd and Harriton 1st

Philadelphia Magazine has ranked LM as the thirdbest public school in the Philadelphia region as part of its September issue. The list, which is published annually, places Harriton High School at the top, followed by Haddonfield High School.

George Recck, a statistical expert at Boston College, compiled the school rankings and based them on a variety of statistical factors including test scores, spending per student, and percentage of graduates attending college.

LM tied Harriton for most spending per student and ranked in the top five in SAT scores.

--Matt Rublin, ‘11

Graphic by Noah Zuares/Staff

End to yearlong Greening up for the new year debate over From Environment, page 1 grading policy One change definite for coming year; more planned for 2010-2011 From Grading, page 1

citing his own experience as proof that students thrive under the current system and will fail under the new one.

“Students are put at a competitive disadvantage,” said Brooks.

“There are 35 discrepancies within my grades and in every single case PowerGrade gave a lower grade than quality point. How would changing a policy that will see our student grade drop benefit the students? Pressure using numerical points will put more stress on the students. Numerical grading is more forgiving.

If you get an 84 one quarter, you are doomed to get a B whereas in the quality point system, the 84 is a B.” Many believe that the percentage system has its benefits such as demonstrating the difference a high B and a low B. Superintendent Christopher McGinley prefers implementing a grading process that is “fair, accurate, and more consistent” and the QPA system will not do.

Aronowitz points out that “checking out” or not putting in the same effort as one did in the beginning of the year is a big problem under the current system. Once grades are evaluated as percentages and not letter grades, he believes that “checking out” will not be as prevalent since any low grade could greatly affect the final grade.

The issue of when the new system will be implemented was also under discussion. Kary McCullen suggested a transition period of three or four years where the student is rewarded a final grade under either system.

Many high schools have already changed to a similar system or have always had a similar system in place. Many believe that three or four years are too long to wait.

A parent at the meeting brought up an interesting point. After having called five deans at acclaimed institutions, such as University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University, most if not all administrators reported back that the addition of pluses and minuses does not affect the way grades are evaluated. At Michigan University, the distinctions are knocked down so that a B is just a B. Stanford University knows the two high schools well and understand the range of each grade, so overall the change is really not necessary. The parent urges that this change is confusing accuracy with precision.

The last point in the proposal was creating a “floor” of a minimum grade of 56% in the first half of next year.

Chemistry teacher Dave Moyer says, “I am glad to see that they put a minimum grade in for the first 3 grades. A low percentage grade would’ve hurt their overall grade. If students bomb a midterm, it won’t affect them all that much.”

Other topics mentioned include weighing AP and IB courses differently and creating classes of 50 or more students in order to prepare students for colleges like Penn State, where large classes are common.

While the final school year in the old building continues, administrators hope to work with construction workers and the Operations department to make the current, outdated building as energy-efficient as possible.

“As we’re going through construction, we’re trying to connect all of the systems so that there’s one steady airflow, one steady heating flow,” said Hughes.

Heating and cooling system regulation is one aspect of a plethora of components that combine to determine a building’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating.

“Right now, we’re at a Silver [rating] for Lower Merion…We’re trying to get Lower Merion up to Gold,” Rosazza explained.

Environmental awareness and conservation reform must be had gradually. While necessary and progressive, sometimes the new “green” initiatives do not leave room for emergency situations.

“One day [I’ll] come in, [and] the computers aren’t up – there’s a 9/11 incident. How am I going to run and evacuate a school if I don’t have [hard copies of schedules]?” asked Kilpatrick. “I have a paper will – I printed it on paper. You have to have a hard copy, you know, because at the end of the day, if [someone] doesn’t have the password to my computer [to get my will], he’s [in trouble], because I’m dead.”

The clock does, however, tick, and the environment needs saving.

“We’re going through a revolution; we’re in the midst of a revolution. Now we’re coming to an energy revolution instead of a technological revolution,” stated Rosazza. “We have to change how we get our energy so we [can] keep the world as we know it today. When you talk about global warming, you are talking about a dramatic weather shift, massive flooding [in one area], droughts in another, huge storms; all this will come about with the change in the atmosphere. So we need to start now, we can’t put it off.”

Administrators at LM and across the district hope these initiatives, plans and procedures will do just that. LM aims to play its small yet significant role in the environmental drama with confidence.

Photo illustration by Isaac Lindy/Staff

Students wait in line at the library printer, one of school’s four printing stations.

District mandates a reduction in school activities and sports budget for this school year

Due to district budget requirements, all expenses for extracurricular activities will be equally reduced by a certain percentage. As described by the Athletics and Activities Director Don Walsh, with this “equal movement” down the board generally adds up to a 25% cut in the total extracurricular budget.

Since the district mandated the extracurricular budget cut, the cuts have the potential to help some activities and to handicap others.

“As of now, we haven’t seen the cuts have a major effect on sports or activities,” said Walsh. “All extracurricular activities from last year are running this year with all current needs to be in existence being met.”

Self-run groups such as Players are concerned about the affect that the deduction in expenditures may have.

“People will be proud of the many Players bake sales this year,” said Tali Berger, Players Thespian Representative.

“It’s hard to forecast but the possibility for more cuts is always there as well as the possibility of the budget remaining as is for the next fiscal year,” said Walsh.

--Jenny Ma, ‘10

LMSDtv hopes to produce more programming

With the start of the 1:1 laptop initiative, LMSDtv is planning a wide range of new programming that takes advantage of the new technology.

“Students having network access via their school issued laptops is a win-win for them and LMSDtv,” said technology teacher Scott Seibert.

Seeing the vast, potential opportunities of student laptop use, LMSDtv worked with principal Sean Hughes and the technology department to form an alternative outlet for content on the Internet. LMSDtv now has a link on the LM homepage on the district website that will provide students the chance to view LMSDtv programming and video announcements from anywhere. Though video announcements will be on the Internet, the morning announcements will still use the PA system.

In addition to the new plans for this year, according to Seibert LMSDtv will continue to film and broadcast school and district wide events. LMSDtv will also produce “Site 2 Studio”, a segment that brings viewers through the construction of the new LM by providing a site tour and interviews. LMSDtv has worked with LMSD Director of School and Community Relations Doug Young on “Spotlight on Education” segments.

“LMSDtv will continue to work with the School and Community Relations office to highlight the exceptional attributes of our school community,” said Seibert.

While LMSDtv has implemented new segments and continued prior programming, it still has aspirations to broadcast more shows and events. Seibert wants to join up with LM sports teams’ head coaches to retrieve copies of footage from games/matches to put on the LMSD cable channels. The club hopes to get volunteers to edit and voice over the play by play on the footage. LMSDtv also wishes to team up and produce videos with other activities and clubs within LM. “[LMSDtv is] hoping to collaborate with Film Club to produce a fifteen minute TV show once a month,” said LMSDtv President Tali Berger.

Berger, as well as Seibert, is optimistic that video programming will be widely seen by students this year, as many preparations have been made to reach out to a larger audience.

“Hopefully, with the new laptops, people can view more LMSDtv shows,” said Berger.

--Matt Rublin, ‘11

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September 11, 2009

EDITORIAL/LETTERS

The Merionite

EDITORIAL

Eulogy for the “E”

We are gathered here today to mourn the loss of one of LM’s greatest friends – the E. The E was not a superhero, nor a superstar, but the E was a staple. In the current, soon-to-be-obsolete grading system, the E represented the only grade not based on numbers. For those who never encountered the E before his tragic demise, he bridged the divide between D and F, holding a place in the alphabet and in our hearts. The E represented all of our failed attempts. When we had nowhere else to turn, the E gave us a consolatory pat on the back. He would say, “You tried. You failed. It wouldn’t count for anything in real life. But I still love you.” Speaking of the E makes us nostalgic for positive, nurturing times when grades were more holistic. The administrators may have said that the E was obsolete, that students would have rather gotten an F than a “dead-end E.” An E that some thought represented “capped potential.” But really, the E represented the antithesis of the grade-grubber, or the person who rejects the value of the material taught, except for its role in the achievement of a good grade.

A recipient of the E, though few and far between, showed a true desire to succeed and a respect for work ethic, regardless of the numerical value assigned to him or her. This is something we all should value: striving to work for the sake of education rather than for the grade.

We stand here today, in remembrance, left only with an incoherent alphabet of grades, with nowhere to turn in the large black hole of failure. Who do we turn to for recognition of our efforts? Who will comfort us in our time of need now that the E has passed on to a more fortunate high school? For all of you that the E has reached out to, life must and will go on. As much as the outlook seems bleak and empty, we will find new friends: the B plus, and the C plus (and even maybe the D plus). Though he is gone in body, he will always be with us in spirit. We must look to the E for inspiration. Not to emulate its hovering right over the F, but instead to remind us of the value of work ethic and the importance of a job well tried. It is only just to honor his illustrious life by taking a vow to uphold his ideals: life, liberty and the pursuit of effort.

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

The Merionite Published since 1929

Editors-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editors

Op-Ed Editors Features Editors

Arts & Entertainment Editors

Sivahn Barsade, ’10 Hana Rouse, ’10 Hannah Weilbacher, ’10 Hannah Goldberg-Morse, ’10 Jenny Ma, ’10 Matt Rublin, ’11 Isaac Lindy, ’10 Leah Rosenbloom, ’11 Rachel Cohen, ’10 Bina Peltz, ’10 Emily Sorensen, ’10 Han Tran, ’11 Jake Wellens, ’11

Sports Editors

Layout/ Web Editor Business Manager

Emily Eisner, ’10 Conor Ferguson, ’11 Xinran Wang, ’10 Noah Zuares, ’10

Ben Forer, ’10

Photo Editor

Ann Zheng, ’12

Copy Editors

Avi Chatterjee, ’11 Connie Hua, ’10

Advisor Business Advisor

Mr. Chad Henneberry 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.

Letters to the Editor Strengthening minds, building character: from Principal Hughes Dear LMHS Stu- student will pass on dents, to future generations the unique qualities Welcome to a new that have come to school year! I hope define Lower Merion everyone has had a High School. relaxing summer and Please remember is ready to return to that we are a school an exciting school that not only cares year. I have anxiously about what you learn waited all summer for but also about what the hallways of Low- type of person you er Merion to come to become. To foster life again with stu- this development, we dents, faculty, and are continuing our fostaff. cus on building a colAs we begin the laborative environ2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 0 s c h o o l ment distinguished year and prepare to by mutual respect. move into our new As a staff and high facility, please take school community we some time to honor will continue our emthe traditions that phasis on kindness, have made LMHS a integrity, respect and community of aca- humor and will be evdemic and co-curric- er-mindful that charular excellence while acter counts. Over the providing a nurtur- years, I have had the ing environment for privilege of watchgrowing and learn- ing the development ing. It is important of many bright and that we hold onto our talented young men traditions as we move and women and one forward. What bet- fact has remained a ter way to do so than constant with every by taking the time individual 100% of this year to value and the time: it is much appreciate the final more enjoyable to school year in this recognize academic, building…from re- athletic and extracurlaxing in the audi- ricular success when torium lobby to the it is accomplished by din of students in the a “nice person.”

Downs Gym; from I am sure your year the camaraderie in will be filled with acthe cafeteria to the ademic accomplishunique displays of ments and memorable student art; from the relationships as you colorful decorations leave your imprint on of Hallway Wars dur- LMHS. ing Radnor Week to Have a good year! the melodic sounds of the orchestra. It is Sean Hughes my hope that every Principal

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September 11, 2009

OPINIONS

The Merionite

Is a moment of silence enough?

Remembering 9/11 “

I think that the question is at what point do we stop remembering something en masse, basically a forced remembrance.

When are people allowed to remember by themselves?

- Jeff Cahill, Social Studies Teacher

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- Russ Loue, Art Teacher

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I will never forget the empty sky

It was such a dark day in American history and has carried so much influence through most of our lives that I think more remembrance would allow us to reflect back on it.

- Alek Klincewitz ’11

I don’t want to minimize the tragedy of September 11, nor the fact that for the days and weeks afterwards we Americans were suddenly (and rarely) united in a sense of grief but also pride. It’s fair to wonder, however, what the value of “remembrance” is when the school population is now just about too young to probably remember the events - and certainly not the sentiment that followed. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to pause in remembrance of the tragedy.

- Diane Sweeney, Math Teacher

A moment of silence is enough because it appropriately acknowledges the incident and allows time to respect those who died and who helped save others.

- Stephanie Rosenbloom, ’12

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Our cynical leaders have been and continue to make use of the tragedy of 9/11 to perpetuate two unjust (and unjustified) wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. As we approach another anniversary, many lost and maimed lives are looking at us demanding answers. How many more? Why?

We, as a nation, ought to be commemorating the tragedy of 9/11 not by our silence but by our loud opposition to the lies of the past and the broken promises of the present.

A moment of silence for most teenagers is just a time to text friends and to think about how you did on that English quiz. I believe there should be a little more effort put into remembering the day the twin towers were destroyed.

- Olivia Lindy, ’13

”

Especially in this generation with everything going on outside the Lower Merion bubble, I think it is very important that we take the time to understand what aren’t necessarily the easiest and most comfortable things to discuss.

- Laura Levine, ’10

I would say a moment of silence is a good start.

I think there needs to be reflection with the moment of silence…to allow students to understand why it happened.

I think it’s very important in the classroom especially to focus on it not only on that day, but within the curriculum.

- Tom Reed, Social Studies Teacher

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Students in Arms

LM’s course selections

The summer heat brought swimmers to pools, bums to beaches, and, surprisingly, bills to Congress. The Waxman-Markey American Clean Energy and Security Act, more commonly known as the “Cap and Trade” bill, came to the floor of the House of Representatives June 26, before the recess, when the members of Congress were still battling ideological opponents and blazing weather.

Isaac Lindy The heat may have Class of 2010 served as a constant reminder to the Reps of the incessantly rising global temperature. Or maybe the Reps were anxious for summer vacation. Or the stars aligned. For whatever reason, the “Cap and Trade” bill luckily passed by a miniscule majority, with a vote of 219 to 212.

The “Cap and Trade” bill, in layman’s terms (I don’t know any others – I’m just a kid!), aims to limit nasty emissions from big industries by giving companies “emissions cap.” If any company exceeds its “cap,” or limit, theoretically it would have to pay the government for more “carbon credits” or face penalties. This scheme has three purposes: 1) to create a “carbon market,” (which revitalizes the economy); 2) to initiate a government fund dedicated to researching clean energy technologies; and 3) to send a warning to big industry – pollute and pay, or stop polluting.

The bill made sense. It garnered popular support and presidential backing. But Washington D.C. doesn’t always respond logically even to the political environment. To ensure passage, the

I couldn’t wait for my senior year.

Yeah, maybe we weren’t getting a new building, but being the oldest in the school would have its distinct advantages. By then I’d know some of the teachers and staff, be able to take on some leadership positions in clubs and activities, and have three weeks o ff i n M a y f o r Senior Projects.

But most of all, I was excited for Hannah Goldberg Morse the freedom seClass of 2010 nior year would afford me – not of campus privileges, ‘cause I’d had those since sophomore year and it’s a “closed campus” anyways, but of choice. And by freedom of choice, I mean more course options.

So it was with great anticipation and probably too much excitement that I opened my course selection guide, flipping to the English section. Lucky me, I thought, it’s one of my favorite subjects! As I looked over my options, it then dawned upon me—while there were distinctions between the levels, the choices for the class were, in essence, all the same.

Overlooking the fact that just a few years ago LM did, indeed, offer multiple senior-year English courses, I moved on. History was the same situation as English – Gov or bust! – but I was more understanding by then, mostly because I had realized that, great as

authors of “Cap and Trade” dealt with opposition by watering down the “Cap and Trade” bill.

85% of the carbon credits, the same credits that were supposed to cost dirty businesses money, are now free. Only 15% are up for “trading” between the government and the industrial sector to increase revenue.

I know that gradual solutions are the “only” way to a total and final resolution. I know that the industrial sector must adjust slowly to paying for pollution. I know that more radical solutions, like having 100% of the credits up for auction, would probably not pass.

But the earth needs us. I do not say this as a diehard tree-hugger. But I am a student. Historically, students are a radical bunch prone to erupt at any moment. Students are generally dissatisfied and unstable, but also naive and foolish. All the more reason to be unreasonably optimistic!

Why not push the boundaries? We should demand as naïve students, in any forum available, more drastic solutions to the environmental and economic problems that plague our Earth and country. The gradual tip-toe approach, as to not bother opponents, must be abandoned. Throw caution to the wind! Embrace the possibility of environmental cleanliness, of economic betterment.

A commanding, unequivocal, prompt solution may not pass. But it will stall in the House and Senate with boatloads of revolutionary dignity.

So let’s email our Congress people and our Senators. Let’s make big industries pay for their waste. Let’s place ourselves on mailing lists that keep us updated about the status of environmental reform. Let’s flaunt our Sigg bottles like nobody’s business. Let’s hope for a better tomorrow by rejecting mediocre legislation today. Let’s be proactive. Heck, let’s even take to the streets. We’re students. We’re fairly young, sufficiently sophomoric, and possess a dangerous yet inextricable sense of immortality.

Why not take advantage of it?

”

- Mohsen Ghodsi, Challenge and Spanish Teacher

”

...or lack thereof

our school was, it probably just didn’t have the resources to offer a greater variety of classes. Science came next, and I was floored. I could barely wrap my head around the options, counting nine (NINE!) distinct options, not even including the different levels. It was what I had been waiting for, but this reward was bittersweet. And frankly, it left a pretty sour taste in my mouth.

It’s not that I have anything against the science department, but it just struck me as unfair. Why the drastic imbalance?

I still don’t understand the inequity of situation – does the district think that Science courses are eight times more important than their English and History counterparts? I think it’s great, fantastic even, that we have so many options, but shouldn’t we extend that to all areas of study? A future scientist can pile Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Astronomy, and Geology into their year, but English students can only take one course for the English credit.

Adding another layer of confusion entirely, taking four years of English is mandatory while only three years of science are required for graduation.

Shouldn’t we have more options for the class we are actually required to take?

I understand that we are limited in resources – in faculty, teaching space, and, especially in this fiscal climate, money – but shouldn’t we extend the freedom of choice to all classes? Where’s our British Lit class, our Global Affairs seminar, our Italian and Mandarin programs?

We’re slowly moving into a new era of LM education. We’re getting a brandnew building – shouldn’t our course offerings be upgraded as well?

6

September 11, 2009

OPINIONS

The Merionite

“Jeffersonian” truisms Sometime in late August, the Op-Ed section and the editors-in-chief of The Merionite were kicked out of the Ardmore Starbucks.

They were closing and therefore raining on our parade, so we took it outside – namely to the tables in the Square (in particular the one closest to Victoria’s Secret). At around Leah Rosenbloom t e n o ’ c l o c k , Class of 2011 while discussing cutting-edge, epic Merionite things like writers’ meetings, we noticed that a security guard was chaining up the tables and chairs around us. Instead of kicking us out, he noisily pulled up a chair and sat in our circle.

Since this was completely spontaneous and none of us had a recorder (we’re good, but we’re not that good), I can only describe the following events from my memory. He said something like “this sounds like a pretty interesting discussion, I have to get in on this,” which was followed by “So what are you all doing, anyway?”

By the time we explained, Mr. Holman

Jefferson felt like a part of our Merionite family. He wasn’t your run-of-the-mill cynical adult, that’s for sure. Jefferson was eager to share his ideas about what they don’t teach you in school. His points were really powerful and surprisingly relevant.

I speak for myself and the majority of LM students when I say stress isn’t electric bills, putting bread on the table, keeping a family together, or being responsible for the general upkeep of a home. We might contribute a little here and there (not continuing to argue with younger siblings when mom tells us to stop, cleaning our rooms or setting the table when dad asks us to, etc.) but we won’t feel the true weight of an adult life until it is far too late and we are forced to learn on our own. After all, our job is to work hard in school. Each step to a successful life has been illuminated for us: get a high school diploma, apply to college, choose a major, get a degree.

And then? Get a job. Maybe a house, a spouse, and a few kids who we can shower with our abundant flow of cash streaming from some dream job we will have spent our whole collegiate lives studying for.

This sounds like a good plan. I like it, you like it, our parents definitely like

it. So what could be so horribly wrong with it? What could possibly hinder our certain success?

The fact is, Jefferson says, most jobs these days aren’t lucrative. There are so many career options that look promising until one is nose to nose with finding a job – and then it becomes clear that “back to school” is the only option. My dad, who went to school to be a jeweler, a dental technician, a software engineer, a social worker, and finally a clinical psychologist, learned the hard way that not every dream-career option will lead to the success we see our parents enjoying. Jefferson told us about the career pitfalls he took, and how he finally graduated to be informed that the only job openings America involved him moving his family a few hundred miles north. He reminded us to research early, get as informed as we can, and search for the truth about a career option before choosing our majors in college.

After all, the more times we go to school, the more money we pay. “That’s how they get you,” I remember him saying.

You leave school for the last time with mounds of debt. Unfortunately, debt in the real world can’t be paid off with hugs, I.O.U.s, or even cookies (shocker, right?). So many peoples’ lives are consumed by debt, and yet we are encouraged to pursue any career option we wish; no one is willing to give us the whole picture. After all, our parents and teachers are beyond their times of struggle and probably don’t want to look back. Jefferson, however, is eager to share his experience so we can learn.

And Jefferson isn’t the only one who has information to offer.

Fortunately for you, me, and most LM students, our parents are America’s success stories. We get to enjoy our privileged lives and we have yet to worry about adult problems like bills and debt because they were able to succeed.

Like Holman Jefferson, your parents and teachers know what’s up with the way the world really works after college. They have the resources to teach you what the school curriculum never will, and all you have to do is ask.

We won’t feel the true weight of an adult life until it is far too late and we are forced to learn on our own

Not so jazzed about competition

Life is a competition. There’s no way around it. In order to succeed in the world, we must compete with others for the top spot in school, in sports, and even in music.

However, competition Han Tran Class of 2011 can bec o m e demoralizing and silly.

Ever since sixth grade, I’ve been part of my school’s jazz band. My jazz band experience has allowed me to grow as a musician, and I am very grateful for it. Every year, jazz band goes to several jazz band festivals in the area. These jazz band festivals are competitions. School jazz bands play for three judges, and these judges rank each band. At the awards ceremony, the judges give a rating to each jazz band based on their performance. The rating system is as follows (highest to lowest): superior, outstanding, very good, and good. Also, the judges give an award to the best sections (i.e. the best trombone section, the best rhythm section, the best trumpet section, and the best saxophone section).

Finally, the judges give three individual awards to the best soloists of the night. The judges decide these awards and ratings by a vote.

I’ve had my fair share of experiences at jazz festivals. I know what it feels like to be in

the band that gets a superior rating. I know what it feels like to be in the best rhythm section. I know what it feels like to be one of the three best soloists of the night. I also know what it feels like not to be within any of these categories.

While competitions offer musicians a chance to interact with and listen to other musicians,

to the music because it doesn’t feel good to play with musicians that you dislike. This tension often shows in the music. On top of that, music is notorious for being subjective. In music, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I like Jason Mraz’s music, but I know a lot of people that don’t. Jazz band judges may have the credentials to judge us,

competitions can be silly. Music isn’t a contest; music is for selfenjoyment and self-fulfillment.

You should aspire to become a great musician because you want to become a great musician, not because you want to be better than everybody else. These jazz band festivals fuel tension between and within bands. As a result, musicians can become cutthroat. This is detrimental

but there’s no reason why we should take their word as God’s law. What good is a competition where the results could’ve changed if there were different judges? In the end, jazz band competitions are fun, but they define anybody’s musical experience.to playing music.

Just as jazz band competitions miss the inherent goal of music, grading at LM often misses the

entire point of education The changes to the grading system, which are set to take place during the 2010-2011 school year, will breed even more competitiveness within the student body. Students that are concerned with their personal record will now strive to get that B+ instead of that B- for the year. This competition will be even harder now that grades are

wrong direction. Grades should be much more of a personal matter than a competitive one. After all, we go to school to learn, not to compete. Right?

In addition, competition for grades isn’t truly fair. Many classes, like English and History, are graded subjectively. In English and History, one man’s trash can be another man’s treasure. Just like music. By changing the grading system to percentages, the administration is pretending that grades are objective. True, this unfairness existed before the new system, but the new changes will exacerbate this unfairness.

This “subjective-ness” makes the competition unfulfilling. If a student gets a B+ instead of an A, he’ll speculate that he could’ve gotten a better grade if he had a different teacher. I’m going to pose a similar question to one I asked earlier: what good is a competition where the results Art by Jenny Ma/Staff could have changed if there was a different evaluated by percentages. Every teacher? grade will count, thus it will be As much as I may complain harder to get that B+. Students about competitiveness in the will compete to get the better high school arena, competitivegrades, because a lot of students ness will always be a fact of life. think that with better grades In the end, while competitions comes a better life. But since the may get you where you need to competition will be harder, it will be and can even be fun, nothbe fiercer. This competition will ing is wrong with learning for put a damper on school spirit. the sake of being educated, or Tensions will arise between stu- playing music just for music’s dents. Grades are moving in the sake.

7

September 11, 2009

FEATURES

The Merionite

Make a $1 bill into a bowtie

Features Commentary

W dst ck:

A cultural legend or a living legacy?

Bina Peltz

Woodstock?

Many of the issues that Woodstock For three days in 1969, 500,000 people Nation protested remain unresolved today. came together as one. This sensation The enduring appeal of peace, love, freeevolved into the cultural paradigm of dom and brotherhood is seen through our the latter half of the 20th century-Wood- continued struggle to fight for these causes. stock.

But our generation may be too distracted by This past summer, with the celebration our gadgets and shopping malls to confront of the 40th birthday of Woodstock nation these problems head on. and the release of Taking Woodstock, “Despite some evidence to the contrary, Woodstock mania erupted. and the efforts of some people to pursue the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, more ideals, lifestyle, and music that charactercommonly known as Woodstock, occurred ized the Woodstock generation, I believe on Max Yasgur’s 600 acre farm in Bethel, that our generation as a whole has strayed New York (not actually at Woodstock) so far from the simple philosophy of peace during the weekend of August 15-17, 1969. and love that we could never really go During this rainy weekend, 32 performers, back,” said junior Emily Shepard. including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Joe While some newspapers called Obama’s Cocker, Santana and the Who, graced the election a second Woodstock, in truth, we outdoor stage before 500,000 diverse sup- could never fully experience the pure feelporters of the hippie counter culture move- ings of mutual aid and sharing. We’re too ment. The concert organizers anticipated isolated from our peers; any large scale only 200,000 attendees, and as hundreds of youth gathering could only happen virtuthousands of people swarmed the farm, ally, on Facebook. Not to mention our the fences were torn down and obsession with consumerism the concert famously beand extravagance. came a “free” event “Instead of sitopen to the public. ting and enjoyDespite the mud, ing the music, cramped people would space and be concerned s h e e r with buying mass of concert people, t-shirts Wo o d and other stock souvenirs instilled instead of feelings of appreciating harmony, love the music,” said and peace in the Bowen.

Ph concert-goers.

Jones added, o More than just a to co “Nowadays, a great m urte s.c o nice weekend at the farm, show consists of strobe sy of id e ac ha m pi on Woodstock served as the utopia lights, smoke machines and back of the peaceful counter culture movement up dancers, not a natural shared experiamid a war-torn and forlorn country. Thou- ence.” sands of people still make pilgrimages to Large scale festivals, such as Bonnaroo the festival site, leaving memorabilia as if and Lollapalooza, do exist, but they don’t visiting a shrine. Clad in hippie apparel and serve the same purpose as Woodstock. holding peace protests, the inhabitants of “The reason why Woodstock worked the present day town of Woodstock con- was because it was an organic next step that tinue to embrace their bohemian past. emerged from the hippie movement. We “Woodstock is not much larger than have Bonnaroo which is great, but it’s just Narberth, but the town green is always a festival, not an event for social change,” filled with live music and hippies wearing said senior Peter Johnston. bohemian apparel that probably hasn’t Is it possible to find a festival that can been washed since the original concert,” surpass musical meaning? For many, this said senior Maris Jones, who spends summer’s Rothbury Festival, “a sustainsummers at her grandparents’ house in able camping festival revolution celebratWoodstock. ing music, art and action” served as a The festival not only influenced the comparable experience to Woodstock. baby boomers, but also manifested itself “Rothbury was absolutely unbelievand its values into our generation: the able; everyone was genuine and kind. We children of Woodstock Nation. Wood- all shared with each other and the music stock brought the baby boomers’ music was amazing. From what I’ve read about into the mainstream culture and onto our Woodstock, it was definitely a similar ex“Fav Tunes” playlists. According to Pew perience. There were about 40,000 people Research, approximately two thirds of there though, as opposed to the 500,000 at the country prefers rock and roll, making Woodstock, which I think definitely says it the most popular music in the country. something about the number of Americans Compare that to the 1966 Harris Survey who are still interested in festivals like which reported that 44 percent of people this. Also, the historical backdrop is difdisliked rock. ferent because we aren’t in the midst of a In addition to affecting our music revolution,” said Shepard, who attended preferences, the festival altered our sense Rothbury festival. of style.

For the meantime, it seems that “Woodstock brought hippie culture to Woodstock is unreachable and recreation the mainstream--hippie-chic fashion can of that sort on that scale is impossible. be seen everywhere,” said senior Rachael So take this as a sign. There’s still Bowen. much unchartered territory ahead for We may dress like we’re in 1969, our generation to claim as its own. Start but could we ever create a modern day looking!

Class of 2010

1. Fold a crisp dollar bill in half with George’s face on the outside. Crease.

2. Pinch and tuck top corners inside. Form a pentagon.

3. Fold up edges to meet the face at the point. You have a taco-like shape when viewed from the side.

4. Take the corners of the folds (not the free edges) and bend down to make triangles on each side. Do this four times, twice on each side.

5. You should be holding a large triangle.

6. With your fingers on the four traingles on the outside and your thumbs inside, carefully pop George’s face out, revealing a bowtie. Flatten.

7. Enjoy!

Is there something you want to know how to do, but you’re too lazy to research it yourself? Or is there something you just think everyone should know how to do? E-mail your ideas to merionite@gmail.com.

8

September 11, 2009

FEATURES

The Merionite

Advice to guide you through the puzzle of LM

Welcome class of 2013, to the hallowed, soon to be torn down halls of LM. We all hope you aren’t bewildered for too long. But lucky for you, we’ve compiled some good advice to ease your transition.

Work hard and know your place in the school, but don’t be afraid to try new activities or meet up with new people.

--Danny Kane ’12 Write for the Merionite! It’s a great way to get involved and learn more about your school. But for even more ways to get involved, look below at the numerous clubs LM offers!

--The Merionite

Community Service Help others and help yourself

Stay calm...do not panic if you cannot find a classroom, if a teacher assigns work the first day or if you cannot get through the lunch line before the end of the lunch set. Be organized from day # 1 and do not fall behind.

--Marcy Hockfield, Assistant Principal

Don’t let freshman year define your high school experience - each year presents a new opportunity to challenge yourself in different ways. You don’t have to stick with the same activities or types of classes all four years, and it’s never too late to try something new.

--Meredith Goldberg-Morse ’10

The less time you spend thinking about your transcript and college and the more time you spend making friends and enjoying high school, the better off you will be. And don’t forget that there’s someone out there better than you at everything you do, so don’t get a big head.

--James Haglund, English teacher Go to sleep early. The Wall Street Journal says that bad sleep correlates directly with lower GPAs. It was in the June 9, 2009 issue I think. Also, Midterms are a nonissue. Quarter grades are what matter. Don’t stress over midterms.

--JJ Hoffstein, School President

LM CLUBS:

Where do you fit in?

Alex’s Lemonade Stand BuildOn Environmental Club Interact Reach Out Service League

Performance Simply awesome

Academic

If 7 hours of class aren’t enough for you

Academic Decathalon Math Club: Mu Alpha Theta Mock Trial National Honor Society Science Olympiad Speech and Debate Technology/ Engineering Club World Affairs Club

Dance Team Drill Team Jazz Band Be intimidated, be very intimidated LM A Cappella—Ace Harmony / Ace’s Angels Pep Band Art Forum Players Film & Photography Clubs Stage Crew/ AV

Arts

Cultural

Media

Student Activism

Save the world while boosting your transcript

Join the Merionite, enough said

Dolphin (Literary Magazine) LMSD TV

Merionite Yearbook

Eat food, watch movies, eat more food

Student Government Students Against Destructive Decisions C.R.A.Y.O.N.S. GSA (Gay/ Straight Alliance) P.A.W. (People for Animal Welfare) Student Global Aids Campaign Student Voice/ S.H.A.D.E.S S.U.A.VE Amnesty International

French Club Israeli Culture Club Latin Club Spanish Club

September 11, 2009

FEATURES

9

The new Harriton High School See what $108 million can do Cafeteria

Photos by Ann Zheng/Staff

Imagine this open room filled with tables and chairs, and that’s how the cafeteria will look. Yes, those are booths that you’re seeing. There will be a variety of tables, including smaller tables and round tables. A door leads outside to open concrete which will be used as an outdoors eating area.

Classroom Building

The classroom building is the only part of the facility which has three floors. The classrooms are grouped by department. Glass windows are at the ends of the hallways and there are windows in the stairwells which overlook the turf.

Bina Peltz

Biology Classroom

Class of 2010

After two years of construction and 100 million dollars, the new Harriton building is complete and ready for use. The luxury facility includes a black box theater, a greenhouse, three gyms and a lecture hall. Don’t be too jealous-think of the new Harriton as a preview.

LM’s new building, designed by the same architect who planned Harriton’s building, will look practically identical except for different floor tiling and a pool instead of a third gym.

With its new technologically friendly facilities and innovative teaching methods, Harriton is truly an example of a modern school. The southside of the building uses passive solar lighting which lets the sunlight in, but not the heat. The guidance offices are set up so that no desk sits between the student and counselor-the open space makes for a more comfortable situation.

“A 21st century school, as we envision it, means more then just helping students become technology literate, it means preparing students for college and the work force. Our lecture hall was created to give the students a taste of a college class atmosphere,” said Harriton Principal Steve Kline.

Although the new building will bring changes, certain aspects of old Harriton will remain.

“We’re trying to bring old Harriton up the hill and also use the new building to recreate Harriton. It’s exciting, but also challenging to make sure that we keep things that are worth lasting, but also throw out things which have expired,” explained Kline.

In order to preserve the open atmosphere of old Harriton, an enclosed courtyard, attached to the student lounge area, was created for student use and recreation.

Large glass windows are a major component of the building design, bringing in light and enhancing the open feel of the building.

“There is one area in the school where there’s a crossroads and no matter how you turn, there is glass at the end of the hallway. This spot, to me, epitomizes the architect’s vision,” said Kline.

Enjoy this glimpse of Harriton and of our future home and remember to take in all the details of our present school before it’s too late.

All classrooms have a projector and a laptop box, which can be used for accessing TV shows,hooked onto the ceiling. They are equipped with whiteboards and built in cabinets under the windows. After 15 minutes, if no movement is detected in the classroom, the lights will automatically shut off. A prep room area adjoins neighboring science classrooms.

Greenhouse

Photo courtesy of www.lmsd.org

The greenhouse is located on the third floor of the classroom building near the biology classrooms so that biology students can easily access the greenhouse. The Philadelphia police department provided their confiscated growlights to the greenhouse.

LM students elevating the burger at new local eatery Rachel Cohen

Class of 2010

If you’ve been home this summer perhaps you’ve had the opportunity to step into Wynnewood’s newest hoppin’ hamburger haven: Elevation Burger.

Everyone’s been talking about it. So what is the evident edible enchantment of this new eatery?

Part of the appeal comes with its motto: “Ingredients Matter.” Elevation Burger prides its burger meat on three qualities—being organic, grass-fed, and freerange. Let’s put this in more elementary terms. The meat is all-organic, which means that no chemicals, pesticides, or antibiotics ever grace the beef. The cows are raised on free-range pastures which provide them with a healthier, more humane life compared to cows that are restricted in movement in slaughterhouses.

And finally, these cows are all grass-fed, producing beef which tastes more natural and fresh, and possesses higher levels of healthy fatty-acids.

Being “grass-fed” also means the cows are not “grain-fed,” or raised on a diet of corn. This corn diet weakens cows’ immune systems, which explains why grain-fed cows must be given antibiotics to help com-

bat this problem, and the corn also adds substantial calories and saturated fat to the beef.

Junior Maggie Walker said, “Despite Elevation being a little overpriced, I like that I don’t feel gross and lethargic after I eat there like I do after Five Guys!”

Photo by Sivahn Barsade/Staff

The Wynnewood location of Elevation Burger is one of five branches set to open in the Philadelphia area.

In the past there have been LM student job-hotspots in such places as Ice Café in Narberth and City Sports in Ardmore, but now Elevation Burger has moved into

the number one spot. Sporting those signature navy visors are sophomores Rowie Rennert and Brady McHale and seniors Kyra Shore, Gabe Siegel, Ace Millis and Chris “Blackalicious” Turton.

Former employee and current senior Libby Arganbright said, “I worked at Elevation this summer and it was just a really fun time. The management and everyone who works there is just generally really friendly.”

Turton added, “My experience at Elevation Burger is different than at any other establishment. Instead of working with co-workers you are working with family, and the guests are our sons and daughters.”

What is the “Elevation Burger” anyway? By definition it’s a hamburger that can be loaded with up to ten patties. Unbelievably enough though, people have exceeded this “limit”—with the current record breaking Elevation Burger standing at 19 patties.

Millis, after an impressive feat of eight patties, commented, “It’s weird ’cause I thought that I was gonna feel sick but... nope, I felt pretty normal afterwards.”

So next time you’re hungry, or have some money burning a hole in your pocket, walk on over to the Wynnewood Shopping Center and see what this beef buzz is all about.

10

September 11, 2009

FEATURES

The Merionite

The cuddly canines and furry felines of LM teachers

Emily Sorensen

English teacher Bill Quinn recently got another puppy to play with his bichon frise Louie.

No one likes a teacher’s pet. At He’s from Main Line Rescue, least not the human kind. If it has and Quinn’s family is currently fur, feathers or scales, well, that’s debating about names, considera different story. And animal loving “something like Scooter or ers abound among LM faculty.

Scooby.”

Physics teacher Rob Schanne Math teacher Peter Kaczmar has three cats: Einstein, also just got a new puppy named Newton, and Frtiz (can Molly, who “chews on everyyou tell he’s a science thing.” teacher?). Lucky for “Everybody loves Pogi and Schanne, they hunt in Pogi loves everybody,” said music a pack, and he “finds teacher Thomas Elliott about dead moles and cicadas his dog. “[Pogi] can each morning on the also count and kitchen floor.” His cats sing ‘Happy also tend to climb trees, Birthday.’” but have trouble getting French back down again. “Octeacher Lisa casionally we’ll hear Allen didn’t a small meow from know she was the branches,” said getting a dog. “Our Shanne. daughter filled out a form Another cat lover for Main Line Animal Rescue is math teacher Diane and didn’t tell us,” said Allen.

Photo courtesy of Rob Schanne “When they called my husband to Sweeney, who owns a “gifted” cat named Schanne’s cat Einstein thinking outside the box follow up he decided that it was a Sugar. “He uses his good time. He’d never had a dog paws a lot,” said Sweeney. “He’ll black lab, and English teacher and always wanted one.” tap on the window when he wants James Haglund has an “awesome” Principal Sean Hughes has a to come back inside. He can even dog and wishes he “could bring half boxer and half Great Dane climb on the roof to knock on our her to school every day.” dog named Patton, after General Class of 2010

upstairs windows.”

There’s a reason dogs are called man’s best friend: they’re extremely popular pets, and it’s no surprise that they’re the pet-ofchoice for many of LM’s teachers.

Physics teacher Eugene Guay has a collie named Lucy, math teacher William Hawkins has an “extremely energetic”

George Patton, and “looks exactly Vinci’s dogs picked up some like Scooby Doo.” Patton “gets of their own tricks. “When Merlin his head stuck in the cat door,” was about nine months old I was and “gives [Hughes’] kids mini over my sister-in-laws house who ‘horseback’ rides.” had a baby a few months before.

Defying the perpetual The baby was in a car seat on the dog-person cat-person floor sleeping with a conflict, Biology teacher pacifier in her Jennifer Sand has “two mouth. Merrescue cats named lin went over Maxwell Edison to her and and Natasha,” as very genn le Al well as a dog named tly with his a is Bailey, whom she resf L paw took the pacifier o sy out of her mouth without cued from rte u A o l Camden len’ c waking her up. He then picked s do to County Shelter ho it up and walked around with gV P ince when he was ten months it in his mouth sucking on the old. pacifier.”

“He was in really bad shape Most teachers were more than because he had been severely willing to gush about their pets. neglected by his previous owners. The exception to this was chemNow he is a loving part of our istry teacher Glenn Brooks, who family,” said Sand. owns a water turtle named Dale.

Physics teacher David Vinci “There used to be a Chip too—you owns three dogs, all Australian know, Chip and Dale—but he…

Shepherds, and three cats. Vinci died,” said Brooks. Apparently, was “attracted to the companion- Dale is a “dirty, unpleasant sot ship of a pet,” but ended up doing of creature,” and there won’t be “much more with them than [he] any relief; “[Dale] has a life exever expected.” Two of his dogs pectancy of 60-70 years, so she’ll do agility training, “where they get outlive me. My grandchildren will timed running through an obstacle have to take care of her.” Hopecourse.” fully they’ll like her more.

Stop Stressing, Students: What stress is and why it’s bad Class of 2010

Ah, a new school year. Fresh pencils.

Clean assignment books. New resolutions that “this year I’ll ACTUALLY be organized.” Even though we’re still all mildly depressed that summer is over, we cannot deny that familiar September anticipation that creeps up as students begin imagining the type of school year they will make for themselves.

As we vow to become organized, diligent, conscientious and all those other unlikely goals we set for ourselves, we cannot forget what else comes around in September: Stress.

I think we’re all familiar with that old standard line, “I’m soooo stressed out!” Perhaps the cries are accompanied by their slang counterparts: “BUGGING OUT,” and “I’m seriously gonna dieeeee,” and “AHH freaking out…”

Well, what IS stress? It’s probably a

good idea to delve into the meaning of the word students at Lower Merion throw around so frequently.

Stress, in biological terms, is the consequence of a person’s failure to respond to emotional or physical threats, whether legitimate or imagined. The term origi-

is where the “fight or flight” hormone, adrenaline, is released as your body starts to identify the threat(s).

The second stage is resistance. This is where you formulate coping mechanisms to help deal with the identified stresses. You might begin by talking out loud to calm yourself down, by writing out lists, or by mentally planning how long each activity will take.

This is the stage where you try to take deep breaths and try to not get overwhelmed by the situation.

The final stage is exhaustion.

The body cannot stay in stage two forever, and eventually all the defense mechanisms wear out and fatigue sets in. Other byproducts of stage three inPhoto courtesy of Google Image Search clude irritability, ulcers, sweatnated in the 1930s, when endocrinologist ing, raised heart rates, etc. This is where Hans Selye began testing different stimuli you collapse on your desk and dream about on rats. He found a less stressful schedule. that rats, as well Are kids today more stressed than previas other animals, ous generations? We sure complain about it showed a similar a lot more. Although there is a significant series of reactions amount of evidence that kids today are that occurred in under enormous three stages. He pressure, it’s named this GAS also important (General Adaptato realize that tion Syndrome). the term The first “stress” stage is alarm. wasn’t popFor example, it’s ular until reseventh period cently. Stress and it suddenly had not been hits you that you fully accepted have soccer pracinto the pubtice till 6:00, two lic and scientests to study for, tific commu100 pages to read nity until the for English, and 1990s. It took Latin homework 60 years for you haven’t even Seyle’s concept looked at. This to become fully mainPhoto courtesy of Google Image Search

Rachel Cohen

stream. “I’m stressed out” has become a euphemism for a wide range of problems.

The term is handy because we can elicit sympathy without actually revealing what our issues are.

Hopefully everyone takes it easy this year, and remember that we’re all in the same boat. We share similar stresses and a cutthroat competitive environment will hurt more than it will help. So lay off of the 1,000 PowerSchool checks per day, and put that energy toward those other September resolutions.

Ways to avoid stress 1. Take ten deep breaths to calm your body down.

2. Realize that in the scheme of things, what you’re worried about probably isn’t that big a deal.

3. Talk through your problems and stress factors with somebody else.

4. Be productive during free periods and study halls--you’ll have less to do later.

5. Budget your time and devote it to things you really care about.

6. Focus on a deal with one task at a time--don’t overwhelm yourself.

7. Make use of assignment books and planners, and make lists.

8. Exercise--it releases tension and gives you endorphins, which make you happy.

(Yoga is especially effective.)

9. Laugh. Watch a funny YouTube video (but don’t use it to procrastinate).

10. Stare at this box. It’s blue, a color that promotes tranquility.

11

September 11, 2009

The Merionite

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A mirror on the man: Michael Jackson revisited

MJ’s death: A big deal? MJ’s death: A accountable tragedy Sivahn Barsade

Class of 2010

I consider myself a compassionate person, but this summer I had some doubts. Just so you know, in case you live buried under 62 enormous rocks or something, Michael Jackson died. I initially responded to the death of

Jackson like most people– dropped jaw, exclamations of “nuh-uh…no way… ohmygod,” but then, my mouring ceased.

I empathized with his family, but did not Photo courtesy of lament the silconcaribe.com irreparable loss to music – what’s wrong with me?!

To me, Jackson equaled a once famous singer who went a little cuckoo towards his later years. Growing up in the late 90s (like most of you students), I failed to watch the rise of the self proclaimed King of Pop. I did though, watch the fall.

I never glued posters of Michael on my wall, I never watched the entire Thriller music video, I never attempted to do the moonwalk (although that may be attributed to my complete lack of coordination instead of the times I grew up in).

I did though, hear all of the news stations’ allegations of child molestation and bankruptcy and (many) plastic surgeries.

So once the initial shock of Jackson’s death subsided, I was left contemplating what all of these people were so upset about. Suddenly everyone’s Facebook status mourned the loss of ‘the greatest musician of all time’ and melancholy spread through the world. I didn’t mind that people suddenly switched from sharing Michael Jackson jokes to sharing stories of how Jackson changed he world with his music. But I didn’t pretend to share their sentiments, I just didn’t know that Michael Jackson.

I grew up, like many of you students, with the ‘Freak of Pop,’ not the ‘King’ of it. So I empathized with the loss but did not join any Facebook groups or purchase any shirts mourning his musical genius. I can appreciate what Jackson represented to many people but I personally cannot claim to share those same feelings. So am I a callous, horrible person? I hope not, I like to view my response (or lack thereof) just as a product of the times I grew up in, and I don’t have to pretend that this man meant anything more to me than an interesting E True Hollywood story – and neither do you.

Han Tran

Class of 2011

Michael Jackson’s death shocked millions across the world.

Everybody remembers where they were when they found out that Michael Jackson died. Yet in some ways, his death may not have been a complete surprise. True, nobody expected him to have a heart attack, and nobody expected his death to be ruled a homicide. However, Michael Jackson had been sprialing downward since the beginning of his musical career with the Jackson 5. Michael Jackson’s death is a tragedy not only because he was a great singer and dancer, but also because with his death, his enemies achieved a victory against him.

“Wacko Jacko” was considered by many to be a creep. His skin changed from black to white (apparently due to the skin disease vitiligo); he had an amusement park in his house; he had countless plastic surgeries (one of which might have cost him his nose); he was twice accused of child abuse; he slept with children (allegedly not sexually). However, almost all of these eccentricities can be traced to his father: Joe Jackson. Aside from being Michael Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson was also Michael’s manager during the Jackson 5 era.

Joe Jackson was a strict, stern, and abusive father. When he managed his kids, he allegedly ordered them to call him Joseph. He is said to have pushed his sons into walls.

According to Michael’s brother, Marlon, Joe “held Michael upside down by one leg and pummeled him over and over again with his hand, hitting him on his back and buttocks.” Michael was so scared of his father that he would throw up in his mouth upon seeing Joe. One of Michael’s doctors even stated that Joe kicked Michael so hard in the groin that Michael became sterile (which would make sense be-

cause there are reasons to believe thought it was okay to have kids Michael’s kids are adopted). But sleep over at “Neverland.” UnJoe’s abuses were not exclusively fortunately, corrupt parents realphysical. Joe ized they would taunt could take Michael and advantage call him “Bigof Michael’s Nose.” Finally, innocence.

Joe forced his They filed kids into the child molesspotlight. As a tation lawresult, Michael suits against didn’t have a him. While childhood.

Michael was Michael’s declared inchildhood exnocent, these Photo Courtesy of wordpress.com perience would allegations Joe Jackson is responsible for have harrowing would affect Michael’s issues effects on him. him forever.

He would carry the name “Big- His reputation was stigmatized, Nose” for the rest of his life. As a and he started taking drugs to ease result, Michael underwent many his psychological pain. Michael’s plastic surgeries, but he would health deteriorated. This deterioranever be satisfied with the results. tion may have eventually contribBecause Michael didn’t have a nor- uted to his death. mal childhood, he never matured.

Michael Jackson’s life was Mental health doctors diagnosed tough, and in many ways, his Michael as a regressed ten-year- death liberated him from his old. This diagnosis would explain troubles. I hope that he’s havwhy Michael made his mansion, ing a wonderful time in heaven.

“Neverland,” into a child’s para- However, Joe Jackson deserves dise. It also explains why Michael to burn in hell.

Some of Michael Jackson’s Achievements and Feats -Michael Jackson helped desegregate MTV -Michael Jackson turned the music video into an art form.

-Michael Jackson’s dance moves brought a nation to its feet.

Jackson’s moonwalk earned a significant place in pop culture.

-Have you ever done the “Robot”? Jackson popularized that dance move in the 1970s.

-Thriller was the best selling album of all time. Over 110 million copies have been sold.

-Michael Jackson was the quintessential pop icon of the 1980s.

He was the Beatles of his time.

-Michael Jackson co-wrote “We Are The World.”

Photo courtesy of layoder.wordpress.com

Our princess of pop is now the queen Connie Hua

Class of 2010

Britney Spears. The epitome of the late 90s scene, along with the Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC and our favorite episodes of Boy Meets World. Well, times have changed. We’ve grown up and so has Britney.

Sure, the past may not have been smooth for our favorite pop princess.

But even after a nasty shaved head incident, a divorce and more than her fair share of barbs from Perez Hilton, Britney has persevered and shown that she is this generation’s go-to for catchy songs one can’t help but dance to.

On her worldwide Circus Tour that stopped in Philadelphia on August 30 at the Wachovia Center, the entire show was, in effect, a circus - pure entertainment. Even the preshow festivities were well thought out. Before the concert began, Britney, along with the radio station Q102, Twittered clues for

Philadelphians to find her hiding place for free front-row seats to the show!

Eventually one lucky woman found her tickets at Geno’s Steaks.

These specially customized ringside seats, which sold for $500, were surrounded by venders selling popcorn and cotton candy. The entire performance was resplendent with clowns, jugglers, acrobats, magicians, and of course, a freak show (anyone remember that song from Britney’s 2007 Blackout album?). Props ranging from antique furniture to picture frames dangled from the ceiling while frequent and dazzling light changes transfixed the audience. An additional circular green screen, which played animations and song lyrics kept the crowd visually entertained.

Numerous costume changes ranging from a surprising bedazzled Indian sari to a more common police officer outfit completed the night. Although it was Spears’ Circus tour, the performer

made sure to sing songs from different periods in her careers: “Hit Me Baby One More Time,” “Me Against the Music” and “Piece of Me.” Granted, the singing in question may not have actually been singing, but rather lip-syncing.

Given the intricate and difficult dance routine the star performed though, this could easily be forgiven. Besides, since most people in the crowd sang along, Britney’s actual voice was difficult to hear.

But Britney hasn’t built her reputation on her singing voiceshe’s no Christina Aguilera. From her tabloid scandals to her steamy music videos and suggestive song lyrics, she’s always kept everyone entertained. She’s built her entire career on being the best performer Photo courtesy of www.jolienadine.com in America, in essence, “putting on Brtiney Spears has pulled her act together since a show.” And there’s no one better her notorious performance at the 2007 VMAs and no one we’d rather see doing it.

12

September 11, 2009

The Merionite

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Becoming one of the Beatles with “The Beatles: Rock Band” Han Tran

The game features 45 tunes that The Beatles recorded, including “Birthday,” “Revolution,” “I Feel Fine,” and much more. At least two Beatles medleys Are you worried about having “A Hard Days are present. The first one is “Within Without You/ Night” all “Eight Days A Week”? Well say “Hello Tomorrow Never Knows,” which is a remix that was Goodbye” to your stress, because MTV Games just made in 2006 for The Beatles Cirque Du Soleil show released “The Beatles: Rock Band” for PlayStation Love. The second is “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts 3 (PS3), the Wii, and Xbox 360 on September 9. Club Band/With A Little Help From My Friends.”

“The Beatles: Rock Band” focuses on the musical While these two songs are technically two separate career of the most famous rock band in the world: tracks, they are presented as a medley for the video The Beatles. Take a “Day Tripper” from your worries game because they flow seamlessly on the album Sgt. and let your troubles dance away to the beat of Ringo Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Also, there are Starr’s drumming. other Beatles songs that can be downloaded online to While you can “play” the guitar, bass, and drums play. in “The Beatles: Rock Band,” vocals are probably the Meticulous research has been done to make most innovative the game part of the game. as authenUp to three singtic as posers can sing at sible. The the same time computer(provided three generated Rock Band mifigures that crophones are represent available). Each The Beatles singer can score look very points and keep realistic. their perforThere are mance meter up also differsimply by singent animaPhoto Courtesy of beatlepool.com tions for difing along with the lead singer. The Rock Band Beatles At The Ed Sullivan Show ferent time However, bonus points can be earned if the singers periods. You’ll get to see The Beatles’ hairstyles sing full passages in two or three part harmony. If change from lovable moptops to unruly beards. you need “Help!” figuring out the harmonies, “The Specific Beatles concert settings have been faithfully Beatles: Rock Band” has a vocal training mode. The recreated for the game. The concert venues include vocal training mode lets you choose which vocal The Cavern Club in 1963, The Ed Sullivan Show in part you want to sing. That vocal part is augmented 1964, Shea Stadium in 1965, The Budokan in Japan in so that you can hear the part more clearly, making it 1966, and the rooftop of Apple Headquarters in 1969. easier to sing.

Each tune is placed in a concert in its respective time There are different modes of gameplay. If you period. For example, “Paperback Writer” was released want to have the experience of being in a band, you in 1966, and is thus played at the Budokan in 1966. can play with many people. Your “band” can consist All Beatles tracks that were not performed in concert of six individuals (three singers, a drummer, a bass- will be played at the game’s rendition of Abbey Road ist, and a guitarist). If you’re feeling competitive, Studios. Songs first start at Abbey Road Studios but you can take on other players in “Tug Of War” and then move to a fantasy dreamscape that represents “Score Duel” modes. There’s a “Story” mode that the song. For example, “Yellow Submarine” is pergoes through the lifespan of The Beatles, which formed underwater. In the water, you can see elements lasted approximately from 1962-1970. This mode is from the Yellow Submarine cartoon film. broken up into chapters, each with its own optional If this sounds interesting to you, “Run For Your challenges. Should you complete the challenges suc- Life” and go buy “The Beatles: Rock Band” at your cessfully, you will unlock prizes, such as The Beatles’ nearest video game store! “It Won’t Be Long” before Christmas Album. Also, you can learn the drum parts you feel like a Beatle at the height of Beatlemania. with a mode called “Beatle Beats.”

Have fun playing! Score some points for me.

September Entertainment $ = $0 - $10 $$ = $11 - $25 $$$ = $26 - $50 $$$$ = $50 +

Class of 2011

September , 2009

Every Monday Night – Ardmore Milkboy Coffee 7:00 $ (Open Jazz Jam) Every Tuesday Night- Ardmore Milkboy Coffee 7:00 $ (Open Mic Night)

11 – Ardmore Milkboy Coffee Concert 8:00 $ (Tiff Jimber, Joshua

Popejoy, Alec Stewart) Movies coming out $ (Sorority Row, Tyler Perry’s I can do bad by myself, Whiteout) Walnut Street Theater 8:00 $$$ (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) Running until October 25 Chris’ Jazz Café 11:30 $ (Claffy-Howell Band) 12 – Ardmore Milkboy Coffee Concert 8:00 $ (Izzy and the Kesselton ics w/Rebecca Hart) Academy of Music Concert $$$$ (Cedric the Entertainer) 13 - Ardmore Milkboy Coffee Concert 4:00 $ (Mama Mac) - $ Ice Cream Sundaes!

18 -Kimmel Center Academy Of Music (From September 15-20)

7:30 $$$-$$$$ (Chicago Starring Jerry Springer) Ardmore Milkboy Coffee Concert $$ 8:00 (Jonah Smith w/David Stein, Justin Trawick, and Dawn Iulg) Movies coming out (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Love Happens) 19 - Theatre Of The Living Arts 9:00 $$$$ (The Sounds) 20 -Susquehanna Bank Center 7:00 $-$$$$ (Dave Matthews Band)

24- Electric Factory 8:30 $$$$ (Regina Spektor) 25 -Kimmel Center Verizon Hall 8:00 $$$-$$$$ (Sonny Rollins) Ardmore Milkboy Coffee Concert 8:00 (Up The Chain CD Release

featuring: Hezekiah Jones and Chris Kasper) Arden Theatre Company 8:00 (History Boys) Running until Nov 1 Up The Chain CD Release featuring: Hezekiah Jones and Chris Kasper Movies- coming out $ (Fame) 26- Ardmore Milkboy Coffee Concert 8:00 $ (Adrien Reju w/ the Barn Swallows) Electric Factory 8:00 $$$ (Porcupine Tree) Junior Niki Forman’s House (222 Upland Road, M) 8:00 $ (Coffee House) 27-Theatre Of The Living Arts 8:00 $$$$ (Charlatans UK) 28-Chris’ Jazz Café 8:00 $ (Wade Dean Enspiration)

Historical facts that the “The Beatles: Rock Band” got wrong Senior Portraits Han Tran

Class of 2011 While Rock Band did an amazing job replicating an authentic Beatles experience, there are some elements of the game that are historically inaccurate.

“Can’t Buy Me Love”- This song is played at The Beatles’ performance on The Ed Sullivan Show in February 1964. However, “Can’t Buy Me Love” was released AFTER their appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. Also, George Harrison plays a 12 string guitar for this song in the game.

However, “Can’t Buy Me Love” doesn’t require a 12 string guitar.

“Ticket To Ride”- This song is performed at Shea Stadium in 1965. Harrison is shown playing his Rickenbacker 12 string guitar. While Harrison DID play this guitar on the studio recording, Harrison played a six string Gretsch Tennessean guitar during the Beatles’ actual performance at Shea Stadium. Also, Lennon and McCartney are shown singing in two separate microphones during the game. However, Lennon and McCartney shared ONE microphone during their actual performance (for this song).

“Taxman”- This George Harrison original is

played at the Budokan in Japan in 1966 (in the game). First, The Beatles never played “Taxman” live. Second, The Beatles performed at the Budokan before Revolver was released anyway.

“Yellow Submarine”- In this song, the Beatles are portrayed with facial hair. However, the Beatles only started to grow facial hair in late 1966. “Yellow Submarine” was recorded in early 1966 (and was never performed live). Thus, the Beatles didn’t have mustaches when they sang “Yellow Submarine.”

That being said, there’s a very good reason why the Beatles were portrayed this way for the game.

In the Yellow Submarine film, the cartoon Beatles had facial hair. The makers of “The Beatles: Rock Band” probably wanted to portray the cartoon.

“Back In The USSR”- This is probably the most blatant error of “The Beatles: Rock Band.”

In the game, Starr plays the drums on “Back In The USSR.” However, Starr quit The Beatles in 1968 (when The White Album was being recorded).

While Starr was persuaded to rejoin the Beatles two weeks later, the Beatles recorded some tracks on The White Album without him. Because of Starr’s absence, McCartney played drums on “Back In The USSR.”

When: Sept 29 – Oct 5 Where: LM Auditorium You should receive your appointment card in the mail by Sept 23.

If you do not receive one or have any questions, email Mr. Schanne (schannr@ lmsd.org) or stop by 307.

Make up dates: Oct 27 & 28 Information on purchasing yearbook will be mailed home in October.

Seniors – look for a letter in the coming weeks detailing all we need from you to make this the best LM Yearbook!!

13

September 11, 2009

The Merionite

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

District 9: Intergalactic barbarity meets profound political novelty

Photo Courtesy of www.behindthehype.com

A dilapidated alien vessel breaks down over Johannesburg, raising panic and setting the stage for what is possibly the best SciFi film of the year.

Jake Wellens

weapons trading, prostitution and gang violence. The prawns have a bizarre and intense obsession with cat food, which is exploited by a Nigerian gang who charges ridiculously high prices for cans of the stuff. As unrest grows in Johannesburg, it becomes necessary to relocate the prawns to a more secluded area, which is known, predictably, as District 10.

It is the job of Wikus Van De Merwe, the relocation team’s clueless leader, to hand deliver eviction notices to each prawn and receive their signatures.

This proves to be a difficult and dangerous process, and the humans involved demonstrate some frustratingly excessive

becomes a valuable test subject at the fictitious governClass of 2011 ment sponsored corporation You’ve probably seen the for which he works, due to the commercials, billboards and fact that his newly sprouted previews showing an omiprawn limbs enable him to nous-looking UFO hovering operate the powerful bio-intestagnantly over Earth, or even grated prawn weaponry. noticed a “HUMANS ONLY” I will refrain from spoiling sign on a passing SEPTA bus. any more of the plot, so you’re You’ve probably subsequentgoing to have to trust that Disly thought to yourself, “Oh trict 9 is filled with enough idboy…another alien movie...no iosyncrasies to set it apart from thanks!” other movies of the genre. The District 9 has all the makrealistic quality of the film alings of that trite man vs. alien lows it to raise questions and conflict film you were probintroduce some perspectiveably imagining. It is gory, altering concepts. Human inviolent, loud and filled with tolerance and brutality are exexplosions. Surprisingly, the posed, and one begins to feel movie proved to be original, sympathetic for the prawns as extremely entertaining, and an oppressed race. The actually kind of thought despicable treatment of provoking. the prawns and squalid The movie takes a docconditions in which they umentary approach that is are forced to live serve reminiscent of the angle as metaphors for many of that made 2008’s Cloverthe heinous acts of govfield so unique (but this ernment oppression that time, the camera isn’t have occurred in the past nauseatingly unstable). and continue to persist in Shortly after the movie the present. The effects starts, it becomes evident of this isolation and degthat the commentators are radation on the prawns referring to events that are clearly visible in have already occurred. their behavior, which, They speak with suspiespecially after readcious disdain and disaping Savage Inequalities, pointment about the main are easily comparable to character, a government the effects that lack of bureaucrat named Wikus, adequate education and as though he is dead. The medical care had upon historical context of the Photo Courtesy of www.notoriouskim.blogspot.com the children who grew up film begins to unfold: 20 Anti-alien propaganda promotes human- in our country’s slums years ago, an enormous alien segregation. in the second half of the alien spaceship, carrying 20th century. The film over one million malnourished force. The prawns are gener- also begs the question, “what alien “prawns” (their unpleas- ally regarded as unintelligent, does it really mean to be huant appearances earned them hedonistic worker-types, with- man?” Personally, the answer this derogatory nickname) lin- out any leaders or diplomats. to this question came with the gers sedentarily over Johan- As the movie progresses, we last scene of the movie. The nesburg, South Africa. The meet Christopher Johnson, a simplistic imagery is profound prawns are brought down to prawn with a metaphorically and resonant enough to leave Earth and allowed to settle in human name, who exhibits a you reticent and pensive on a confined area known as Dis- degree of intelligence previ- your walk out of the theater. trict 9. The surrounding hu- ously unseen in a member of District 9 will satisfy your heman population does not take his species. During his evic- donistic appetite for violence kindly to the presence of the tion mission, Wikus gets in- and alien gore, while also prawns, and fears attacks on fected by a mysterious fluid, stimulating your intellectual nearby villages. District 9 and unwittingly begins a slow curiosity. I strongly recomquickly turns into an impover- and painful transformation mend this film for all audiished slum, filled with illegal into a prawn. He immediately ences.

Nick Normile’s Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe: “After testing and retesting this recipe, I found that I consistently got a soft, chewy, delicious cookie. A cookie that is not only cheaper (per cookie) than Savi’s, but also more flavorful. I implore you to try these before you make another batch of break n’ bake. Making your own cookies is a rewarding process that yields delicious results.”

Photo Courtesy of Nick Normile

Ingredients: 2 cups bread flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted 1 1/4 cup packed dark-brown sugar ¼ cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 large whole egg, plus 1 large egg yolk 8 oz. semisweet chocolate chunks cut from a semi sweet bar.

4 oz. chopped pecans 1) Combine the melted butter with the sugar over medium speed in a stand mixer (or hand mixer) 2) Sift together the flour, salt and baking soda.

3) Add the egg and yolk, and vanilla extract to the stand mixer.

4) Very slowly add the flour mixture.

5) Add the chocolate and pecans and mix until just combined.

6) Scoop the batter into individual portions then freeze for thirty minutes (on parchment paper on cookie sheets, or just on plates if the sheets are too big. When ready to bake place the portioned dough pieces on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet) 7) Preheat the oven to 350° Farenheit 8) Remove cookies from the freezer and bake for about 17 minutes, (rotating the sheets halfway through) depending on the size of your cookies.

9) Enjoy!

Photo Courtesy of Nick Normile

Check out the full article at www.themerionite.org!

14

September 11, 2009

SPORTS

The Merionite

Boys’ soccer strives towards excellence Conor Ferguson

Class of 2010

the most rigorous training season for the players. Not only did they participate in a summer league but they also took part in several training camps. In the middle of the summer, Lower Merion hosted a weeklong T3 soccer camp for both varsity players and varsity hopefuls. The T3 camp was run by Ursinus College soccer players. After that, the team went to a weeklong sleep away camp at Bucknell.

There they took part in many training activities and scrimmaged against other high school teams.

On August 27, the Aces took part in

a tri-scrimmage with Pennsburry and Westchester Henderson high schools, which are predicted have the top two teams in the state this season. Though the Aces lost 2-0 to Pennsburry, they won 2-1 against Westchester Henderson.

Days later LM boys’ soccer participated in a tri-scrimmage against Bayard Rustin and William Tennet high schools. These two teams are lower in ranking than LM’s previous competition, and the Aces beat Bayard Rustin with a score of 1-0. They also beat William Tennet 3-2, starting the season off on a great note.

Last year, the boys’ soccer team ended their regular season with an impressive 18-1-1 record. They went on to play in states but lost to Neshaminy in the quarterfinals, with a nail-biting shoot out.

Though this year’s team has lost 13 crucial seniors, they are determined as ever to succeed.

“We are a different team, but I believe that we are just as good if not better then last year’s,” said junior Garrett Baker.

Since the team has lost such a large number of its players, returning players are stepping up and filling those vacant positions.

“We know that losing seniors for us is not a matter of recovery, but a matter of adaptation,” said senior Captain Jack Van Adelsberg, Unlike other sports, boys’ soccer training for this season began long before August 17.

“To be able to last a full 80 minutes in a match come autumn, it is no secret that the work has to start about a half-year in advance,” said Van Adelsberg.

Once the 2008 season ended, training for the 2009 season began. For the past nine months, the soccer players have been involved in several leagues and camps all geared toward making the team the best that it can be. The team participated in both a winter and spring league, with the addition of weight training in the spring.

Photo courtesy of Ann Zheng The summer months proved to be Boys’ soccer has trained all year in preparation for the new season.

What does it take to make the team?

• Running two miles in under 12:12

• Running one mile in under six minutes • Running four 400’s each in under 72 seconds • Running a 40 yard dash in under 5.5 seconds • “Aces Races” – sprinting exercise in which players race around the goal posts • “14 down” – 14 pushups, 13 sit-ups, 12 pushups, 11 sit-ups…all in 2:50 • Beep test

Boys’ cross-country does not look back Emily Eisner

Class of 2010

After a year of bittersweet performance, this year’s boys’ cross-country team is looking to match last year’s team’s record. Although the top Varsity seven, whose race times are added to-

gether to create Lower Merion’s overall score in a race, lost six of last year’s runners, players still have confidence going into this year.

“We might even do better than we did last year,” said senior Kyle Ingerman, the only returning top Varsity seven runner.

“I, personally, hope to do just as well as Neil Berman although Ben Furcht is sort of a step up.”

The boy’s cross-country team has grown enormously in size since its coach, Meghan Capewell, joined the team. Before Capewell began coaching, the team had only around twenty participants, but now the team now consists of over seventy runners, and is still accepting new freshman for this year.

“It all starts in numbers,” said Capewell as she enthused about the growing talent and ability of the team.

But still, many are wondering how this year’s team can come anywhere close to achieving as highly as last year’s team: winner of the central league championships and home to national competitor, senior Ben Furcht.

Photo courtesy of Harry Winkler

Boys’ XC works to ensure team depth.

“We’re looking to defend last year’s title as central league champs,” said senior captain Lucas Van Houton. “While we don’t really have anyone to match Furcht, we’re focusing more. This year we have a very deep team with many strong runners.”

Capewell said, “Every year is very different, and this year is very different.

This is a very focused and hard-working

“This is a very focused and hard-working group that would like nothing more to be the Central League Champions” group that would like nothing more to be the Central League Champions.”

The Varsity seven which included two of the top runners in the state, Furcht and Berman. Ingerman and senior Chris Baumohl remain as the only two team members with varsity experience. Ingerman competed last year with the varsity seven, and Baumohl competed two years ago, but was injured last season. Although it seems that the team this year is lacking in experience, there are many strong athletes that are working hard to earn a position on the varsity squad.

“This year we are looking to have an overall more skilled team than last year’s team. We aren’t individually as impressive as Furcht or Berman, but our times together can be just as good as last

year’s,” said van Houton.

Lower Merion has the largest boys’ cross-country team in the state and one of the largest teams in the country.

“It’s really amazing watching our team standing on the starting line,” said Capewell. “Everyone is in maroon and even all the fans are maroon. It really helps the energy and enthusiasm of our team.”

With such enormous and growing energy, this year’s team is excited about the upcoming season.

“Last year we did have the kids right there but in the important race people fell apart. This year it comes down to if everyone can pull it together in the same race. As a team last year we were great and as a team this year we’ll be great. It just comes down to one race,” said Ingerman.

To succeed in the five kilometer race, runners focus on their mental endurance too.

“All I think about while I run is who I can beat,” said van Houton. “Once I start to think about how tired I am, I’m done.”

Coach Capewell made sure to explain the complexities of the sport. “This sport isn’t just about running your fastest,” she said. “There is so much strategy and there are so many maneuvers you can make while running to psyche out competitors or energize your teammates.

It truly is a team sport.”

With the enthusiasm, energy and extraordinary hard work the team is putting in, they expect to be strong competitors in this year’s league.

15

September 11, 2009

SPORTS

The Merionite

Girls’ soccer moves on with new formation The girls’ varsity soccer team this year is looking forward to a new season. After losing two of their top players, Hana Chamoun and Hannah Newman, they have adjusted their strategy to fit the new team.

“We have been practicing our new formation, a 4-3-3, nonstop since preseason began,” said co-captain, senior Dana Myers.

The 4-3-3 formation consists of four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. It is one of the most basic formations in soccer, but should be very effective for the Lower Merion girls.

With a new strategy and bubbling team chemistry, the team feels very strong going into this season. “The team definitely feels the void left by last year’s seniors, but we have several strong players who can step up and fill this gap,” said co-captain, senior Julia Buckman.

The new formation being used is designed to hide the team’s weaknesses while accentuating their strengths.

At the team’s first scrimmage against Methacton, the strategy proved to be working out for the team and resulted in a 2-1 win for LM. However, it is essential that the LM girls’have the formation down cold by

Myers agrees saying, “The 2009 LMGS team is getting along very well. We have done many bonding activities in order to have good communication on the field, which is very important.”

After losing only three seniors last year (including the two captains and top goal scorers), the team has added only two new players, freshmen Samara Kitnick and Keirsten Daley.

Myers describes them as having “added great skill and wonderful vibes to the team.”

Both Myers and Buckman agree that many underclassmen are stepping up to fill the gap left by last year leaders, Chamoun and Newman.

Finally, the Lower Merion Girls’ Soccer team is infamous for its vigorous training during preseason. Teammates work incredibly hard to insure strong play all the way through a game and intense dedication to the team and its performance.

“The conditioning we are doing this year will definitely make a difference in our level of play, as it has in the past. We are working hard on our quickness and well as our endurance. Both will give us a competitive edge during games, to be able to play hard for all 80 minutes of play,” said Buckman.

“Although no one loves the conditioning aspect of soccer the entire team knows how important it really is, and how much it makes a difference when you’re twenty minutes into the second half and you still have twenty to go. In order to put in your best effort during game time you need to be physically fit, and Coach Ries really knows how to make sure we are physically fit!” said Myers.

This years girls’ soccer team is looking hyped as they accelerate into the new season. The change in strategy should prove to be difficult, but the team is certainly working hard to make sure it is prepared for the start of the regular season. Spirit is high and intensity is higher this year on Lower Merion’s Girls’ Soccer team.

On May 14, last year’s senior and cross-country star Ben Furcht was awarded the William F. Dannehower Award by the Triangle Club of Montgomery County. The award goes to a high school student from a public, private or parochial high school in Montgomery County who demonstrates excellence in sports, scholarship, and service. Furcht was awarded a scholarship and will have a plaque with his name in the courthouse of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas due to his excellent performance on Lower Merion High School’s cross-country team, his academic success, and overall service to the community. The award is named for the late William F. Dannehower, a judge for the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas.

LM boys’ basketball: best in Southeast PA Lower Merion Basketball has had their fair share of accomplishments: Kobe Bryant leading the 1996 State Champion team, winning the 2006 State Championship, 78 winning seasons and have earned 32 league titles, 38 District 1 playoff appearances, 15 District 1 titles, 20 District 1 Final Four appearances, 24 State Playoff bids, 12 State Final Fours and six PIAA State Titles. But now the team has another notch on its belt, being named the best basketball program in the Philladelphia region. In the September 2009 issue of Philadelphia Magazine, Aces Basketball was called “the Duke of high schools.” After a trip to California, and this high praise, Coach Downer and the Boys Basketball team will come back this season with the bar set high, but determined to surpass expectations.

Ian Bellah’s stroke with fame This past weekend, senior Ian Bellah traveled to the famed Pebble Beach in Monterey, California to compete in the Wal-Mart First Tee Open pro-am where he was paired up with professional golfer Hal Sutton. Bellah, captain of LM’s golf team, was invited to play at Pebble Beach through the First Tee of Philadelphia program. Before being invited, Bellah was evaluated by the FirstTee orgainizaiton, both on the golf course and through a series of interviews regarding character and community engagement.

“What makes Ian speical is that he cares abou the success of his teammates as much as he cares about his own,” said Math teacher nd LM golf team coach Brian Feeney to the Main Line Times.

Since Bellah first joined First Tee of Philadelphia at age eleven, he has acted as a junior coach and achieved the rank of Ace Certificate. This was Bellah’s second time playing in the Wal-Mart First Tee Open pro-am, last year he played with Fulton Allem.

Junior

Sophomore

Roberto Bonilla

Freshman

Gabby O’Leary

Julia Seigal

Faces of the Aces Photo by Ann Zheng/Staff

Sophomore Rachel Newman dribbles away from pressure

Furcht wins Dannehower award

Compiled by the Sports Staff

The best athletes that LM has to offer

Senior

Class of 2010

their first game against Springfield. “It is very important that by the beginning of the season, and by the first Central League game against Springfield we know how to solve every problem that occurs on the field, and everyone knows exactly what they need to do at all times. If one person is not doing what they should be doing the formation could fail,” said Myers.

This new formation takes a lot of work to get down; it requires excellent technique, endurance, and team unity.

Buckman exclaims, “During preseason, we are working on our fitness, foot-skills, and our new formation. Our new formation requires our fitness and foot-skills to be excellent.”

While the team does feel well bonded, Buckman says, “The only thing the team is lacking is hours in the day to spend time together.” While working so furiously on a new team strategy, the team has found it hard to relax together.

Thankfully their hard work looks like it will pay off both in the skill and endurance of the team, resulting in a powerful hunger to win. Even with little time to spend together, the team is already planning great spirit days, and is getting together to bond.

“The team chemistry is stronger than ever; we are bonding well and becoming one strong, cohesive unit,” stated Buckman.

Shourjo Chakravorty

Emily Eisner

A brief look at the LM sport stories you may have missed

Sports: Varsity Volleybll Sports: Varsity Soccer Sports: Varsity Soccer Sports: Varsity Cross Country Goal: Completely understand the Lacrosse

Varsity Indoor Track

5-1 setup and work on my Goal: For the team to improve Goal: Beat Radnor and become Varsity Track & Field

jump serve Hobbies: Playing soccer, hanging out

first pick for back-up goalie Goal: Repeat at Central League Hobbies: Volleyball, track, karate, with friends, videogames

Champs, make districts as

horseback riding, Favorite Hobbies: Professional lazertag and a team

and reading thing to do

minigolf and counting my Hobbies: Studying for Kaczmar Favorite at the beach: Sit in the sun and relax

sodium intake

tests thing to do Favorite Favorite at the beach: Swim! thing to do Quote: “We lost because we didn’t thing to do at the beach: Test the amount of sodium at the beach: Build sandcastles

win.” – Ronaldo

in the ocean Quote: “Winning teams must have

two things: clear goals and a Quote: “To give less than your Quote: “I’m a normal”

burning desire to achieve

best is to sacrifice the gift”

them.”

16

Volume 81, Issue 1

September 11, 2009

SPORTS Devi Jadeja bares all about her tennis career The Merionite

Xinran Wang

Class of 2010

Senior Devi Jadeja is in her fourth and final year on the LM Girls’ Tennis team. After a successful career here with numerous state tournaments and a third place in doubles with Kristen Roth in 2008, the ten year tennis player sat down with us to talk about her career.

The Merionite: So how did you start playing?

Devi Jadeja: I tried different things like ballet and soccer but nothing really stuck. Tennis was one thing I ended up being good at.

TM: Are your parents coaches?

DJ: My dad is a coach. He coached a girl who played junior Wimbledon. He has been in the tennis business for…20 years. So that’s good having a coach who’s also your dad to help you out.

TM: So he has been part of your tennis career?

DJ: Yeah, ever since I was little.

He has always been one of my coaches. He videotapes almost all of my tournaments and helps me with my strategy and my tactics.

TM: Have you ever been frustrated by having a father that was also your coach?

DJ: Oh definitely! There is a really fine line between parent and then coach. And sometimes I just

want to yell and I know that if I weren’t being coached by my dad I wouldn’t be so frustrated. At the same time its okay because we go home and he tries to change back to dad mode, so like picking me up for ice cream after a bad day.

TM: Have you ever been frustrated by playing tennis or felt like you just needed to take a break from the sport?

DJ: I mean I’ve had a few injuries in my life. I had knee surgery in eighth grade and last year in October during our season I hurt my knee again. And normally junior year is the biggest year for tennis – college and tournaments and everything. I was really frustrated at that point because I was sick of being injured all the time. So I just took it easy for a while and I focused on my rehab. And it’s been good so far.

TM: So this leads to your injury last year. During the first round of Districts, your knee injury caused you to forfeit your match and LM would eventually lose the game 2-3, a letdown in the middle of what was a perfect season. How did you mentally react to that?

DJ: I couldn’t help but blame myself because I was up in my match and we only needed one match to win. If I hadn’t hurt myself, I mean we would have won.

TM: But it wasn’t really your fault, just a tough break.

DJ: Yeah I guess so.

TM: For last season and this year, you are the leader of the team as number one singles. Do you feel any pressure to step up every time and make sure you win your matches?

DJ: Sure with some matches… with the rival teams. But most of the times, I trust all the others on our team. We have a good team and I trust that they will win. I don’t feel as pressured as some other people playing number one for their high schools.

TM: As an underclassman, you often played against much older players in the states’ tournament both in singles and later doubles.

What was the experience like?

DJ: I was kind of used to it because in some tournaments I’ve been playing people older than me.

But what was different was having a team. Tennis is a very individual sport, you are usually out there by yourself, and you are not used to having someone telling you what to do. So it was really nice having people support you and saying you can do it.

TM: Was that similar to World Team Tennis?

DJ: Yeah because you are encouraged to cheer, you are encouraged to pump up your teammates whereas in tennis it’s more hushhush and serious.

forehand is one of my strengths…and my serve. I like getting the lead in a point using my serve then hopefully finishing that with a forehand or being aggressive and moving in.

Mentally I think one of my strengths is keeping my cool. I know there are players who when the pressure comes, they are done, they are out.

I don’t snap, you know, I don’t get frustrated. I just try to breathe and take a deep breath and take it easy.

TM: How does your height affect you game?

DJ: Because of my shortness I guess, I’ve been using more touch and feel to make opponents hit shots they aren’t comfortable hitting. I don’t like being defensive. So I’d rather stay on top of the other player and play aggressively. And also Justine Henin, she was very successful and she also wasn’t very big. So she’s one of my inspirations.

TM: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

DJ: I like coming in but my

TM: Do you model your game after her?

DJ: I think so. Because whenever I’m being coached my coach compares me to her and her game.

zone at all, only scoring more than a touchdown only once out of eleven games. The future seemed unclear and many again assumed another lost season.

“When you put two new systems in, it takes a little bit for the kids to get into the system and to really learn what to expect.

Even though the first year was horrendous we feel we did improve,” said new head coach Jon Rothberg The improvements showed up.

The next season, though its record would not show it, the football team played much better: scoring tripled and the defense gave up over 100 fewer points on the year. Improved play gave the team good chances to win games, leading to a 1-11 record. The coach noted that only a lack of experience gave away a number of close games. Without having to learn a completely new playbook, the team’s performance dramatically improved.

So coming into what was thought to be Cubbage’s third season, the team was ready to put together experience and playbook familiarity to finally break out.

But yet again, misfortune plans to wreck havoc as Cubbage resigned less than two weeks before the first game to take a coaching and teaching position at Harry S. Truman High School, once again

breaking the continuity of the team. The head coach position now passes to former defensive coordinator Rothberg. A twentyyear coaching veteran with experience at both the high school and college levels, Coach Rothberg hopes to keep the continuity of a quickly improving program.

“Last year was just a product of what happens when you have continuity,” he stressed. “For the most part, we just get better and better, and hopefully it will show up in the wins column not just in points per game.”

Unlike many new coaches who come to a team and implement a strict no nonsense rule, Coach Rothberg have treated his players with respect, “treating them how I want my kids to be treated.” This attitude has rubbed off well with the players who have worked hard and learned much this summer.

According to the coach, the team has had a great summer camp and looks to build upon the progress made in the last two years.

The year won’t be an easy one.

Over the last decade, LM football has continually had problems with team and player size, two problems that Coach Rothberg has inherited from his predecessors.

Throughout the last few seasons, he, as part of Cubbage’s teams, has tried to instill a positive atmosphere within the players,

Photo by Ann Zheng/ Staff

TM: What has been the most important match you have played in your career?

DJ: Probably um last summer in a tournament I played a girl who was in college and plays for the Boston University team. She was really good and had a really good reputation. I was down 6-0 in about 20 minutes and quickly I was down 4-1 and I was like oh man this match is going to be done. So I thought why not go for everything.

So the next thing I knew it was one set all and the third set I won so it was pretty amazing.

Check www.themerionite.org for the complete interview!

Continuity key to successful transition for football

coach Ed Cubbage, his ideas and the players’ hard work finally paid dividends in a significantly Coaching changes are never improved team last season. Just easy. Within the few weeks of after getting back on track, the summer camp, every player has team again has to deal with coachhad to absorb a completely new ing turmoil as Cubbage resigned playbook, a defense scheme, a just a week before the start of the coaching style. After a miserable season. first season under former head A year ago, coming off Ed Cubbage’s first year the football team had just finished its second straight winless season. Transitioning to a completely new offense and defense, the team posted just 68 points on a season, less than six points per game, while giving up almost six times that number on defense. The entire year, Photo by Ann Zheng/ Staff the offense Captain Jon Rothberg strives to perfect his team’s struggled to play during practice. enter the end

Xinran Wang

Class of 2009

and especially making efforts to retain underclassmen to stay in the system.

“That’s what we are trying to create for them [freshmen] to have a good experience so that they have as much fun as possible,” said Coach Rothberg.

The other problem, player size has changed the way LM plays.

With generally smaller players, Coach Rothberg had instituted a base 4-4 defense which he will continue using this year. The 4-4 defense, with four linesmen and four linebackers, places emphasis on speed and intelligence, focusing on stopping the run and flexible blitz packages. Offensively, as players have gradually absorbed the playbook, the coach hopes to institute a more balanced attack from a run-based offense.

“We know we are one of the smaller teams in the league, but we make up for it with speed intelligence and character,” said Coach Rothberg.

As the team tries to survive yet the second coaching change in the last two years, promoting from within the system will surely help. Coach Rothberg’s main goal is “to keep the continuity of the team going and to keep the team heading upwards.” Maybe finally, LM football will again be a major force in the fiercely competitive Central League.