Professional Documents
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Journal 2009-10 Issue 1 Complete PDF
Journal 2009-10 Issue 1 Complete PDF
Journal 2009-10 Issue 1 Complete PDF
Journal
the
By and for the students of Guilderland Central High School
Guilderland Center, NY 12085 October 2009 FREE
Kat Keegan
It could have quite possibly been the fortunate to sit within close proximity nomic speech were many local
most important day of the entire year to him during his presentation. She sat officials and lawmakers. One
September 21, 2009, when our current in complete awe as President Obama’s of them was New York State
President, Barrack Obama made his first words poured into her ears. Senator, Roy J. McDonald. Mc-
debut visit in Troy, NY. President Obama “It was completely and utterly surreal” Donald is a known republican
was scheduled to tour the latest technol- Bourque began; “I still can’t believe it.” in the political world. However
ogy classroom and then deliver a speech Bourque, 18, applied to several four when asked; “Where you at the
to a small audience at Hudson Valley year colleges, yet chose Hudson Valley speech as a Republican?” McDon-
Community College (HVCC) at 11:30 Community College. “I excelled through- ald firmly answered: “No.” He then
A.M. , which was to be primarily focused out high school, and got into almost added; “I was there as an American.”
on the economy, but more importantly; every school I applied to” Bourque said. Views seemed to be set aside for
why our capital region area deserves a “But Hudson Valley really has a lot to Obama’s visit to the Capital Region (even
considerable amount of recognition. offer.” Bourque has also enrolled in the Governor David Paterson and President
It was the first time in years that a Honors Program at Hudson Valley and Obama seemed exchanged handshakes
United States President has come to the everyday she says she feels “challenged” prior to the speech and little tension
Capital Region. In fact, it has been fifteen by the courses she’s taking. According was observed).
years, when Clinton visited the University to Bourque, a theme of Obama’s speech
of Albany. So as can be imagined; it was a addressed education and its vitality to a
thrilling day for the people of New York growing and recovering economy. “The
State. But it was an even more exciting day college is truly serving its community” Obama 7
for one of Guilderland’s former students, Bourque said. “We need an affordable
Mckenzie Bourque, a freshman student at and strong education to recover and move
HVCC. Bourque was chosen via a lottery forward in this economy.”
system to attend Obama’s speech and was Also in attendance at Obama’s eco-
(theJournal) page 2 October2009
-Management-
Editor-in-Chief
Sohee Rho
Associate Editor
Lucia Qian
Associate Editor
Becky Glazier
Managing Editor
Beatrice Malsky
Courtesy of Amazon.com/The Journal
-Content-
Hallways Editor
Mike Marcantonio
Fine Arts Editor
Greg Barber
Pop Arts Editor
Tony Pitkin
Around Town Editor
Beatrice Malsky
Jen Crowley
Opinions Editor
Meghan Bodo
Sports Editors
Casey Gerety
Brendon Phillips
Copyeditors
Kyungduk Rho
Noah Rubin
Ved Tanavde
-Design-
Photography Editor
Abby Levy
Graphics Editor
Kaydee Bickmore
-Business-
Business Manager
Kenny Satterlee
Advertising and Distribution
John Ciccerelli
Libby Gioia
Faculty Advisor
Christopher Mazura
Building Principal
Brian McCann
Superintendent of Schools
John McGuire
page 4 ( Journal) October 2009
Hallways
Senior shirt causes controversy at GHS
Libby Gioia
If you go to Guilderland High forced because if someone is wearing ment, but the announcement that shirts inside out or cover up part of
School, you’ve heard about the se- something that may not be offensive interrupted class was.” the picture once the message made by
niors’ class shirts that were worn on to them, it could be offensive to oth- Assistant Principal Bailey admitted the pictures on the shirts was figured
the first day of school. These shirts, ers, and people must have respect for with a smile, out. If the Seniors had
which seemed extremely clever to others so they can have a pleasant “Of course not, the normal punish-
the eye of a student, were thought learning environment.” The seniors I thought it ment for breaking the
of as “inappropriate” by administra- decided to go along with the requests was clever. dress code would be
tors. Students thought of the shirt of the administration. Inappro- given, by either asking
as “harmless” because it didn’t actu- Senior Lauren Ferhevari was not priate, but them to go to in-school
ally refer directly to alcohol, but were pleased with the fact that they had to clever.” Se- or go home. McCann
asked to turn their shirts inside out turn their shirts inside out or cover nior, Kar- was grateful for the
or cover part of the symbol, so that part of the picture. “I think it was en Lima, seniors’ cooperation,
the symbols would not ridiculous thought, “they prevented it from
show. because “ We a l l becoming a situation. I
“The seniors helped no where thought it was pleased with their
to prevent this from on the was harm- maturity level that they
turning into a bad situa- shirt did less be- showed.”
tion,” said building prin- it actu- cause ‘key’ The administration
cipal, Brian McCann. ally say or and ‘stone’ thought that the class
“They were very willing spell out weren’t actually written out.” But shirts are a great idea, as long as they’re
to turn their shirts inside Keystone. even allowing the seniors to wear the appropriate. They think that any ex-
out or cover up part I don’t shirts for the day was breaking the pression of class and/or school spirit
of the symbol.” When think the dress code and was not going to be is a great idea, as long as no lines are
asked why the shirts shirts were tolerated, “Seniors can be seniors at crossed.
could not even be worn a distrac- home, or off of school grounds and The Senior Keystone shirt that
for the rest of the day, tion to our can wear the shirts there, just not in was banned on the second day
he replied, “The dress learning school,” Bailey stated. of school by the administration
(left and right).
code is so strictly en- environ- Students were asked to turn their
Photo by Abby Levy / The Journal
Mrs. McManus helps students with their homework (left), poses for the camera
(middle), and looks for a paper for one of her history classes (right).
page 5 ( Journal) October 2009
Hallways
Around Town
How thin will our newspapers get?
Sohee Rho
Around this time last year, our nation price just another piece of the puzzle to series concerning the recession. Then we
was in a state of panic when the stock help the Times Union. It was also decided published the ‘Tales from the Downside’,
market plummeted. Now, about twelve to to create thinner issues for Mondays, which looked at specific people and their
months later, we are slowly creeping out Tuesdays and Wednesdays. “This change personal stories during this time of need,”
of this unfortunate economic state as took place before January. We chose to said Tyler. Extensive of attention to the
President Obama and his administration replace the Feature Section with the Un- stock market and national economic is-
continue to enforce new regulations. wind segment, which is included weekly sues have been an important focus for
While these new pieces of legislation in the Sunday issue,” said Tyler. the editors.
have shown signs of improvement, the This new approach was designed to Fortunately, there is a silver lining.
toll of this economic turmoil has made save money on newsprint, which is the “The Audit Bureau of Circulation in April
its mark on our society and our lifestyles. second largest expense for the Times of this year reported a net audience of
Among the numerous cutbacks, the news- Union, through publishing less pages print and online editions of the Times
paper industry has also been changed by and at the same time, this tactic does not Union increase by 8.7%. This increase
this economic phenomenon. completely eliminate the content of the translates into the seventh biggest growth,
Newspaper businesses across the na- previously distinguished Feature Section. in total for Internet and paper-print
tion have been making concessions dur- Those articles are placed into a larger readership, in the country,” said Tyler.
ing this past year and the Times Union section with a variety of different stories, The Times Union is still thriving and
has been a part of this changing wave. including information like travel. This continues to be the main source of new
Tena Tyler, Senior Editor of News and change, among the other notable adjust- literature, both online and in print, in the
Information Services Department, and ments, has been relatively effective for the Capital Region of New York.
Reader Representative of the Times business of the Times Union. While the Times Union and oth-
Union, reported that there have been fif- As the format of the issues were “re- er newspaper corporations seem to
teen full-time and three part-time worker vamped”, the content of articles were weather the storm, the future, however,
layoffs in these last several months. also very much affected by the recession. looks uncertain for the newspaper busi-
These job losses have been from the “As soon as the reality of the recession ness. Changes caused by the turn in
advertising and circulation departments was realized, it [the recession] absolutely the economy has indeed created a media
as well as from inside the news room. She influenced our newspaper. The editors world quite different from the past.
continued to state that other tactics were got together with the business editors “We [the media] don’t know what we
used to help out the corporation. to cover some element of the status of will look like in the future,” said Tyler.
“We did raise the news stand price to our economy. We pitched the ‘Cost of But right now, a thinner Times Union
75 cents per issue from the previous rate Living’ series, which looked at people and seems to be getting the job done during
of 50 cents,” said Tyler. This increase in businesses. It was our first launch of a this volatile economic state.
Fine Arts
In Mainz, Germany, a different kind of music program
What if at a Guilderland school concert intermission perspective. appearances, I soon found that the music department
(if our school concerts had intermissions, that is) you Strangely enough, one of the pieces chosen was was not all about jazz and popular music.
walked out into the school courtyard to the sight of “The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music”. Even The Frauenlob Gymnasium certainly offers education
the Guilderland Music Parents selling fresh bread, large more curious was the fact that none of the Germans in classical music. Though I did not see it, the school has
platters of meat, and a variety of cheeses? At first, you had ever heard of the “The Sound of Music”. All were a chamber orchestra in addition to its “band” that plays
might be captivated. But after a moment, you would be surprised and amused after I told them that the portrayal more traditional repertoire. In addition, students are
revolted. of Germans in that musical, complete with Lederhosen, offered courses in which they can study this traditional
You take your eyes off of the cheese and you notice is completely “stereotypisch”. The group even went on repertoire. I visited a class in which students were just
that most everyone in the courtyard is holding a cup of to play “God Bless America”, which really seemed to completing a yearlong study of classical music from the
either wine or beer, and there is a stand where people be a parody of American nationalism for many of the Baroque to the present, having learned about the major
are purchasing the alcohol. Eveywhere, the students are musicians. characteristics and composers of each period.
drinking and no one seems to be concerned at all. The whole concert, not just the repertoire, seemed Students who wish to do so can even focus on music
What would happen next if this were a real scene informal. All the musicians dressed in jeans and t-shirts at school. Unlike in the United States, students at a Ger-
at Guilderland High School? Parents would rise up to- with the logos of their musical groups. Audience mem- man Gymnasium choose a few focus subjects (music
gether against the school board, clamoring about a loss bers clapped whenever they felt compelled, and if the being a popular one) known as Leistungsfächer, in which
of morality and destructive behavior at school. There clapping synchronized at the end of a piece, it was a sign they would like to receive higher-level instruction that
would be extensive lawsuits and doubly extensive news that the audience was demanding an encore. would normally be reserved for the university.
coverage. This is not so in Germany. Although the group director planned for this with Teachers, like students, have focus subjects, but unlike
Seeing this exact scene during the Pause (intermis- additional pieces, he still was not quite prepared, as American teachers must teach two subjects. This means
sion) at the Frauenlob Gymnasium (advanced high the audience did not stop at one or two encores. By that they have to complete three courses of study at the
school) in Mainz, Germany, I too was shocked. But after the fourth repeat in a row, “Copa Cabana” was a bit university: two subjects and education. Seeing the band
realizing where I was, it did not seem so odd. Germans, obnoxious. This is not to say that the musicians lacked director lecture about restriction enzymes and genetic
and Europeans in general, are much more culturally and talent. The group had a huge sound of excellent quality, engineering in a classroom the next day was nearly as
politically liberal about alcohol. While this scene was reminiscent of “Big Bands” in the United States. Despite shocking as the concert intermission.
clearly the most blatant difference I saw in the German After years of studying with the
music program, it was certainly not the only one. Guilderland Music Department, a
With a history that includes Beethoven, Strauss, German school concert looked very bi-
Schumann, Mendelssohn, Bach, and other legendary zarre. Even so, what I saw of German
composers, it would be expected that Germans take music education seems provide quality
their classical music very seriously, which is certainly instruction that is only diversified by
true. Formal classical music concerts receive much more other genres being taught and practiced
advertisement in Germany and most who I talked to alongside classical music.
knew of famous operas such as Wagner’s Ring Cycle
(another glaring contrast to the United States). But the
school concert did not give any indication of this.
Walking into the concert hall, I expected to see an
orchestra or a wind band, just as in the United States.
Instead there was a strangely put together hodgepodge
of a few violins, some cellos, trombones, trumpets,
horns, clarinets, saxophones, and flutes. It was neither
an orchestra nor a wind band.
Not quite knowing what to make of it, I looked back
and forth many times thinking I had seen incorrectly, but
the group was indeed as oddly constructed as I thought, Above and Right : Scenes from the Frauenlob
with string instruments sitting right next to saxophones. Gymnasium, Mainz, Germany
Their choice of repertoire was equally peculiar from my Photo Courtesy Noah Rubin/The Journal
Cellphones, gossip,
and Shostakovich
Gregory Barber
Amidst a number of, shall we say, “higher” quali- Needless to say, our tex-
ties, for high school students, the cello is simply ting cellist, Gloria de
a fabulous instrument for nothing more than its Pasquale, in the
convenience. When texting. orchestra now
Observations, I might add, not from personal for thirty-two
experience, the cello benefits from a larger working years, has prob-
space than a violin, and a particular convenience in ably played the
position when compared to the other large instru- Shostakovich 5 just
ments in the orchestra. a couple of times in
Yes, a “high school” habit as I said before, texting the past. Our napping
though has forged its way into unexpected places. violinists, too, had had a
And it’s not alone when it comes to annoying im- long night the day before
pulses. as well. Yo-yo Ma can be a
Earlier this summer, I, along with some friends, rather demanding soloist to
was given tickets to a dress rehearsal of the Phila- deal with I’m sure. Still though,
delphia Orchestra at the Saratoga Performing Arts a rather unexpected show put on
Center. It all felt oddly stodgy going in, joining a by world-class musicians in a world-
pool of white hair clustered around a stage popu- class orchestra.
lated by a comparatively young crowd of casually Sitting at the front of the cello sec-
dressed musicians. tion, Hae-Ye Ni, meanwhile, appears the
They were certainly not there to “perform.” quintessential hard-nosed principal player.
Many onstage seemed to give the audience rather Always intense, and always on top of every-
disdainful looks from time to time; Maestro Dutoit thing, she’s probably screaming at her section
even hushed the audience when they failed to quiet in private rehearsals, despite being half their
between works. He should probably have looked age. Similar are the wind player. They, i t
into his own ensemble when, however, when look- seemed, were afraid to even so much
ing for potentially rude behavior. as glance at each other.
Like a little girl at youth orchestra rehearsal, one Looking at “the Orchestra,” I’d say
of his revered cellists was texting behind her cello the youth orchestra conductors of
in the middle of the Shostakovich 5th Symphony. America are just setting their standards
Behind her, another was practically falling out of a bit too high. I mean, what do you
her chair laughing, having just leaned far out of want us to model after, the Berlin
her chair to whisper in the ear of the man sitting Philharmonic? Maybe they at
behind her, feet dangling in the air. Far across the least rehearse in a cell-phone
orchestra, at least two violinists appeared to be tak- and gossip – free environ-
ing a moment’s nap. ment.
page 10 (The Journal)
School
Becky Glazier
Students Show
Walking down the halls in early Oc- red and white, the varsity football players beginning of the year, has been excep-
tober, school spirit was felt in every inch held their heads high as they prepared for tional,” Sicotte said.
of Guilderland High School. With the the game. After school many members of At halftime, former Homecoming
powderpuff game and the homecom-
ing game approaching quickly, students
the Red Sea gathered to prepare to cheer
for their team by playing Can Jam, Ladder
King, Drew Pontillo, and Queen, Marissa
Valleta, passed on their crowns to seniors
Spirit At GHS
and teachers alike smiled and laughed as Ball, and many other games . Luke Stark and Rachel Glock. Soon after,
they merrily walked chatted about the While this tradition of pre-game activi- many former Dutchmen football players
upcoming events. ties previously took place in GHS parking joined the team on the field for a quick re- Monday Tie-Dye Day
While homecoming week united the lots, the option was unavailable home- union before returning to the bleachers to
grades, one event separated upperclass- coming weekend due to unfortunate cir- watch the rest of the game. “I came back Tuesday Black and White
men. As students stormed into school cumstances created by a select few GHS to see a few of my friends and to see how Day
the morning of Powder Puff, pink and students at a previous football game. the team was doing,” 2008 GHS Varsity
green “JUNIORS” tie-dye shirts were Students abused the opportunity to football graduate Joe Cardillo said. Wednesday Twin Day
present in every corner of the school. get together on school ground, Assistant The Dutchmen won the game 19-14 in Thursday College Day/
“SEN10RS” was written on hundreds Principal Aaron Sicotte said. While stu- the presence of GHS school spirit dur- Powderpuff
of senior girls black and purple tops dents have always needed to have direct ing Spirit Week. “It felt great to win in Game
as some senior boys raced down the supervision by a faculty member, recent front of everyone, especially with the day
halls covered in purple to show their events have created the need for a more Guilderland had as a community,” junior Friday Red and
support. formalized process, he added. captain and quarterback Ryan Smith said. White Day /
Tensions built all day as junior and As game time approached, GHS “We played great and worked hard for the Homecoming
senior girls prepared to fight for the bleachers filled with a sea of red and playoff birth. A lot more than football Game
Powder Puff title. After an exciting thirty white covered students, parents, adminis- was riding on that game.”
minutes of play, the seniors came out on trators, and alumni. The Red Sea stood in
top with a 38-34 victory. After senior the front row leading cheers as the foot-
fans stormed the field for a victory lap ball team rushed onto the field through
with the players, the event culminated the lines of cheerleaders.
with a multitude of music from GHS Halfway through the game many stu-
bands as a massive bonfire was lit. dents in the row painted their stomachs
The school spirit continued to build in red paint spelling “DUTCHMEN”
the next day with the 2009 Homecoming as they continued to cheer for the team.
Football Game. As students dressed in “The Red Sea this year, especially in the
Has it Gone
(theJournal) page 11
l Spirit:
Lucia Qian
Educators have always seen school game and dance. Five of the students had ent meaning. For the sake of the sports teen drinking. In Westchester County,
spirit as a positive reflection of their to be rushed to the hospital to have their team, the administration is backing away the widely-publicized scandals caused
own investment in student upbringing. stomachs pumped. At Harrison High from a policy that has every right to stand. county officials to suggest penalties for
Student support for sports teams rep- School (also in Westchester County), nine While spirited students may be supportive minors caught drinking, but the proposal
resents that the school is developing an football players were suspended for drink- of their peers, they do not always know was met with vehement protest from
active, energetic student base that feels ing at post-game parties. One Harrison what is right. Scarsdale teenagers. In East Haven,
proud of its community. Pride in sports football player even died after being hit- Meanwhile, Bow High School in New the charges of alcohol possession were
teams is an asset for a school, especially ting his head on a patio at a beer party. Hampshire is currently dealing with its completely denied by students and par-
in the apathetic climate of today’s “teen- More recently, East Haven High own alcohol controversy. On October ents, despite prevailing evidence from the
age wasteland.” School in Connecticut has been under fire 1st, eleven students involved in sports police. Many high school students seem
Unfortunately, school spirit does not after an alcohol-related controversy. In activities were caught drinking at a party completely unwilling to acknowledge
always manifest itself in the most re- September of 2009, the police caught sev- hosted by the superintendent’s son. Most that illegal consumption of alcohol is a
spectful of ways. At Guilderland High eral prominent members of the football of the students were taken off the sports problem.
School, administrators have battled with team and two cheerleaders with alcohol. teams they played for. School spirit at sports activities, while
the juxtaposition of school spirit with In the past, East Haven suspended any At Lincoln-Sudbury High School in being a positive demonstration of com-
inappropriate behavior such as underage players who were caught in possession Massachusetts, drinking has become such munity support, is tainted by its asso-
drinking. Social gatherings in support of alcohol from playing sports for the a problem at football games that drink- ciation with partying and drinking. The
of sports teams – such as pre-game and year, but recent protests from devoted ing regulations have been raised in order notorious pre-game tailgating parties
post-game parties – have become alcohol fans have been vociferous enough to to curtail the high-profile arrests that in the parking lot of Guilderland High
parties. The problem is not limited to force the school to cut back on its policy. happened at last year’s football games. School are by no means an isolated inci-
Guilderland – in fact, the intertwining of The high school, which once proclaimed Westwood High School also joined the dent. Throughout the nation, underage
school sports and alcohol has become a a strict zero-tolerance policy on posses- fight against underage drinking at school drinking at high school sports activities
nationwide issue. sion of alcohol, revised its policy to al- sports events after discovering several is a serious problem – one that cannot
The problem of underage drinking low the students to continue playing for students under the influence of alcohol easily be remedied.
is not news to most people. In 2002, the team. Peers and parents have made at a football game.
Scarsdale High School in Westchester enough noise to convince the school to School sports and alcohol seem to
County faced a flurry of alcohol-related relax its rules regarding alcohol, which be inextricably related. The greatest
activity at its sports games. An embar- allows the football team to continue to difficulty in solving this problem is that
rassing number of students (nearly 200) prosper. However, this relaxing of alco- most students seem to be unreceptive
showed up drunk at the homecoming hol guidelines is problematic in its inher- to any proposals that aim at decreasing
Too Far?
page 12 ( Journal) October 2009
Pop Arts
What We’re Listening To...
Tony Pitkin Mike Dvorscak Alex Dvorscak
It is the all Three years This summer
too familiar since there Dave Mathews
story. The drug breakthrough Band released
afflicted, sex album Louder their 7 t h stu-
addicted, teen- N o w , Ta k i n g dio album, Big
ager moves to Back Sunday is Whiskey and the
L.A. with plans back at it again. GrooGrux, and
to start a riot Armed with it was arguably
in his or her new guitarist their best. The
own way. Years Matt Fazzi, Tak- album is named
later what do ing Back Sunday after the late
you have? Da- released New LeRoi Moore
vis LeDuke, a Again, a fitting “Gr ux”, who
fallen product name after three lineup changes over the course of four played saxophone in the band for 17 years. The album
of the United States education system, who’s snarling albums. The album starts off with Matt Rubino’s gut both opens and closes with solos recorded by him be-
personality, earned him a punk band on the fast track bustin’ fuzz bass line on the title track, “New Again”. fore his death, a death due to complications from an
to success. After all, the new single, “On My Way”, has The song then transforms into a crunchy verse, then ATV accident. It’s a very concise album; less jamming
already landed television spots on Entourage and Gossip into the classic Taking Back Sunday chorus; smooth then songs from their famous past, yet the songs are of
Girl, just to name a few. It is clearly evident that Davis guitars mixed with a tight bass line. Next comes the
has revived his childhood tribulation to create a disastrous
the same caliber and old fans remain pleased with the
albums single, “Sink Into Me”, a great upbeat song that new material. One major difference is found with the
lyrical fantasy that we, raised in a composed suburban
starts with showering cries of “HEY” firing full throttle addition of Tim Reynolds on electric guitar. He adds
society, can only dream of.
on all cylinders. Another standout song is “Where My a new dynamic to the band and is showcased on the
So what happens when all of this nightmarish re-
Mouth Is”, one of the few Taking Back Sunday songs song “Shake Me Like a Monkey” and has a great solo
bellion inside Davis’s mind is put to pen and paper?
The ul�mate result: Drama Junkie Queen, an album ever to feature an acoustic guitar. But don’t be fooled, on the slower tune “Dive In”. The album clearly has
described by the band as “hot, wild, abusive, dirty…” it may start with an acoustic guitar but the song builds, a central theme based off of its hit single “Funny The
and several other adjec�ves and verbs all of which were eventually turning into a very powerful song. Another Way It Is” which talks about all the opposites present
far too controversial for a school publica�on. Inside this standout song on the album is “Capital M-E”. Recently in the world and how everything doesn’t always work
recipe for disaster are influences like The Stooges, Hives, featured on the Transformers 2 soundtrack, “Capital out. Love is shown to be the only thing to fall back on
White Stripes, Strokes, and even a sprinkle of Weezer’s M-E” is a very catchy song with a great hook and a fan- as exemplified on the track “Spaceman”. The album
Pinkerton. For those who grew up under communis�c tastic vocal performance by Adam Lazarra. New Again ends with two of the prettiest love songs Dave has ever
household laws, this music will only ensure that you are is a great album for both album for hardened souls, but written; showcasing his acoustic guitar on “Baby Blue”
locked in your room for the rest of your young life. For also the sensitive type. and “You and Me”. Dave Mathews Band’s new studio
those who devour Jonas Brother’s music like a Thanksgiv- Key Tracks: “New Again”, “Sink Into Me”, album, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux, is their best since
ing dinner, I can only admonish you of the raunchy topics “Where Your Mouth Is” the nineties and arguably one of the greatest releases
you are about to encounter. For those tough enough to this summer.
stomach the filth and fury of punk rock, Drama Junkie Key Tracks: “Funny The Way It Is”, “Baby Blue”,
Queen is an essen�al for one’s inner rebel.
“Why I Am”
Key Tracks: “On My Way”, “Saturday’s Child”, “4
Leaf Clover”
Opinions
2009-10 School Year brings Changes
to Physical Education Policies This new physical education grading
The
policy is receiving both positive and nega-
tive feedback by students. It requires you
I m p l i c at i o ns
to show up and show effort that goes
above and beyond old expectations to o f M o d e rn
exceed.
“I think it’s fair to change participation
to 80/20 but not the grading rubric, I
Te c h no l o g y
don’t think they should have done both,” Josh Santos
stated Malamood. You’re on your way to school and you
But is it really that hard to pass physi- forgot what you had to have for your first
cal education? Are they really asking that class. No problem, you just take out your
much out of students, to show some cell phone and text a friend that has the
effort for just eighty-five minutes, one same class. You’re doing a report on the
day a week? This new grading policy civil war and you need information about
pushes students to succeed unlike before. a certain battle. No problem, just google
Photo Courtesy of Casey Morris / The Journal Students know that in order to succeed, it and find a website, or you could just
Abby Levy
in physical education, they have to partici- go on Facebook and procrastinate for a
The Physical Education Department tion based class, so we wanted to see more pate, show good behavior and character, while. Either way, technology is there for
has made two major changes to its struc- emphasis on that,” says Physical Educa- and not just do well on a quiz. They have us to use for things ranging from educa-
ture this year. The first is their new grad- tion teacher, Coach Allison Relyea. to work hard every class and not just a tion to recreational purposes. But when
ing policy. The other is a new curriculum The new grading policy makes it few, which is a good change. is too much?
that includes a mandated activity each much harder for students to obtain an “I think that the students will be asked Since the age of the World Wide Web,
semester for students in each grade. S+ average (90-100) if they do not make to do a little bit more but because of that people have been able to access informa-
Last year and in previous years, physi- up a class they missed. If they were un- structure. Most students like structure, tion and services more easily than ever
cal education grades were based on sixty prepared, it will have a signficant impact they like to do well in classes, they like to before. It has progressed to the point
percent participation, and forty percent on their grade. They no longer can just perform well,” says Relyea. where you can carry around a mini com-
knowledge. Each class you were assessed get a good knowledge grade to pass. On The new mandated activities as well puter in a pocket. Many things could be
on a three-point rubric based on par- the flip side, a student who regularly as the new grading policy are going to done from an iPod alone, from checking
ticipation and effort. The participation participates cannot fail because of one greatly improve the physical education your bank accounts to making charts
grade was focused on coming to class bad knowledge grade. department. Throughout the rest of for work. There are other “apps” such
and being prepared. It was also based on “Overall we’re looking at character, Guilderland students’ high school careers, as Tap Tap Revenge and Bubble Wrap.
showing effort and leadership skills, and energetic behavior, and participating in they will be open to more activities and The question is, though, are Teens too
being respectful. The knowledge portion class. We’ve looked at that in the past, but not just always repeating activities from reliant on electronics? Many people might
came from quizzes, homework, projects, now we’re just putting more emphasis on previous years. not think so, but how many teens can do
and in-class assignments. participating when it comes to grades,” The changes made by the Guilderland long division without using a calculator?
With only about twenty physical edu- says Relyea. physical education department are going How many teens know how to research
cational classes per semester, last years Another change in this year’s physical to prove to be beneficial to students in without using Google or Wikipedia?
policy enabled students to miss or come education program is in its curriculum. months to come. They give students an It’s the day and age when almost any-
unprepared to class about four or five Each ninth and tenth, and eleventh and opportunity to see what they can do, how thing can be done on a computer. Writing
times without making them up, and still twelfth grade class has a mandated activ- much effort their going to put forth, and papers, chatting with friends, finding out
pass. This was because of the forty per- ity each semester. This means that no to excel to the best of their ability. They about current events, learning via twitter
cent of their grade based on knowledge. matter what physical education class you provide students with a variety of activi- that your friend is now taking a nap, all
Students who did well on a quiz, project, are in, or who your teacher is, one of ties by mandating them and encourage of these and more can be done on a com-
or classroom assignment, were able boost your activities will be the same as in all students to be respectful and leaders. puter. Music is just a touch away thanks
up their failing average to passing, even the other classes. “We’re trying to teach a variety of ac- to mp3 players. They become oblivious to
with a low participation grade. On the Incoming freshman, and all classes tivities, and give them the tools that they the outside world when they have those
other hand, students who were coming after them, will have eight mandated need to live a healthy and active lifestyle. buds in their ears. They no longer need
to class prepared and showing could have classes completed when they graduate And through changing the curriculum the radio that most people used to listen
a poor average because of a bad quiz or in addition to other activities. Some of and grading policy and grading rubric, to if they wanted music or news. They
other knowledge grade. those activites are volleyball, basketball, we as a department are now offering can watch TV shows right on their little
For the aforementioned reasons, cardiowalking and fitness. a better program for students. I think handheld device. How many teens do you
the grading policy has changed. Eighty “We reinvented the entire curriculum that’s important for them to recognize,” know that can write a letter and correctly
percent of your grade is now based on and looking at how we’re doing our of- states Relyea. address it without anyone’s help? E-mail
participation, and only twenty percent on ferings,” stated Relyea. and texting has almost eliminated regular,
knowledge. Each class, participation is Photo Courtesy of Abby Levy/The Journal old fashioned mail for most teenagers.
evaluated on a four-point scale, instead Even some phones nowadays have GPS
of a three, making it more challenging systems built in, so that you can find
to receive full credit. a route to where you’re going without
“I think the 3 point scale from last year having to stop for directions or plan the
is better than the 4 point scale from this route in advance.
year because not everyone can go above The old fashioned ways of doing
and beyond. Even if you do the satisfac- things has changed drastically in these
tory job you’re suppose to do you can’t past few years. Researching via books in
get full credit; it’s just not fair,” says junior the library has become almost obsolete,
Kyra Malamood. and writing papers by hand is found to
To receive a four, or full credit, the be outrageous to most teens. Commu-
“student is prepared for class. Student nication has become easier and more
demonstrates fair play and appropriate efficient, allowing people to talk to each
competitive behavior. Student partici- other around the world. If these things
pates energetically and safely, demon- were suddenly taken away, teenagers, and
stration self-control and respect for the even adults, would have a hard time re-
positive and safe experience of others,” adjusting; some might even lose all hope
according to the course syllabus. You are entirely. Just keep in mind, if you’re out
being graded on the effort and attitude somewhere with your friends and need to
you put forth each class. find a place to grab a quick snack, there’s
“We decided our class is a participa- an app for that.
page 16 ( Journal) October 2009
Boiling Over
Ved Tanavde
American politics has always been a The most recent partition of the both commentators, and their col- by the words and outbursts by a few,
theater full of performers. Movers and American public is being led primarily by leagues, has gone too far. ignorant people. The recent outburst
shakers, crooks and phonies – the players the conservative media, mostly as a result The impact of both can be seen of Republican Representative Joe
vary in attitudes, yet one thing remains of political circumstances. Those not in in any of the number of protests go- Wilson, during President Obama’s
the same. No matter their religion, their the seats of majority power are often the
ing on across the nation, with signs health care address to a joint session
demeanor, or their status – they are all source of the greatest outcry. The Bush
quoting Beck and Limbaugh, pairing of Congress, only reflects this. That
actors in one great opera. The past year era brought much opposition from the
has been no different in its supply of left wing, with Democrats and liberals their images with messages against a 62 year old Representative shouted
histrionics. If we clear the air of gaffes, leading the fight against Bush’s policies. the so-called tyranny of President “You Lie!” during a Presidential
blunders, and comedic fodder, we are left And now, the Republicans have taken that Obama. The sheer stupidity of what speech is absurd and completely
with a climactic third act. As the Presi- spot as the Democrats are behind the these commentators say can be un- disrespectful. Such an event might
dent pushes his healthcare reform and reigns of the political trinity of American believable, and it is clear that their set a precedent for future outbursts,
other political aims, pundits and the less legislation: the Senate, the House, and the words are meant to arouse hateful and the fact that Wilson is now being
qualified are tearing through his agenda, executive branch. Conservative radio and opposition. In August, Limbaugh lauded shows that nothing substan-
a scene where the American crowd now television hosts like Glenn Beck and Rush went as far as to liken Obama’s new tial has been learned from it. Those
takes center stage to decide the fate of the Limbaugh are seeing rising numbers of healthcare logo to the Nazi swas- who control the media and those who
nation. We have entered hot water and it’s listeners and viewers. Their words have
tika. Viewers and listeners blindly are in the seats of power are inciting
quickly boiling over. set the American public, or at least a part
accepted Limbaugh’s words and pandemonium within America.
We the people, the citizens of America of it, in chaotic motion. Town halls are
and the voice of all that is right, have flooded with angry, concerned, and frus- continued the trend of foolishness, There is one thing to be learned
always paraded around with a sense of trated citizens. The angriest, and often the claiming Obama to be a Nazi. To from everything that is going on: if
entitlement, but with good reason, right? most uninformed, inundate the news with compare the group responsible for those in power and those with the
Though claims of American superiority words of rancor and ignorance. Com- the genocide of 11 million people louder voices are destroying every-
are products of this entitlement, it comes mentators like Beck are to be blamed for to President Obama and his staff is thing, it is up to the public to make
to little fault of the people for they have fanning unnecessary anger, diluting the rash and asinine. These people are the change. It is up to the American
historically been fed with a silver spoon; actual message of upset Americans. The joined by protesters wielding assault public to decide whether or not Beck,
at least, those who do have a voice have words of the ignorant and paranoid are rifles (as an exercise of their rights) Limbaugh, and others should dictate
enjoyed pomp and privilege, things they often, and wrongly, taken to be the voice and people writing death threats their views and words. America had
will not give up without a fight. And that of the entire right-wing.
against the President. Though the passed its boiling point long ago and
is a truly noble, and wholly American After the arrest of noted scholar of
public might be setting up such everything is starting to boil over. If
sentiment, isn’t it? The truth remains African-American culture, Professor
uncertain for America is made up of a Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and the subse- precarious situations, irresponsible those controlling the media control
mixture of attitudes, but this is the one quent conciliatory “beer summit” held commentators are only lighting the the voice of the public, the entire
that most prevails; this is the kind of at the White House, Beck denounced powdered keg. At the same time, nation will delve into the political
attitude that is fueled by the words of President Obama as a racist for seemingly their irresponsibility is only adding turmoil one can see on any news
talk-radio personalities and fellow televi- siding with Gates. Beck went on further on to the list of problems. channel. Ignorance, stupidity, and hate
sion pundits. Americans have always been to accuse President Obama of having The Republican Party and un- are poisoning efforts at reform from
stubborn, believing that their view is the “ a deep-seated hatred for white affiliated conservatives are being both directions and soon, everyone
only correct one. However, the stubborn people,” antagonizing the already tense inadvertently slandered by the will suffer. It is time for the media to
attitudes of individuals are becoming race relations within America. In reaction words of ignorant observers. With stop being so irresponsible and for
more problematic. Internal fights are to a recent school bus incident where demonstrators and television hosts Americans to become more informed;
growing, and with the kind of headstrong two Black students assaulted a White stu- spreading biting, fallacious words, we are past stagnation, instead sink-
approach that most Americans have, they dent, Limbaugh decried that “We need
are all very tense. If one has paid atten-
it becomes difficult to hear those ing further and further into despair.
segregated buses,” and went on to who are trying to make legitimate We must admonish the absurd and
tion to the healthcare debate within the describe the incident, where “white
past few months, it is clear that America arguments. In turn, the members of undo our tainted minds. It is time to
kids… [got] beat up with the black the right-wing, notably the Repub- stop our destructive thoughts or else
remains as divided in opinion as it had
been nearly 150 years ago, when it was
kids cheering,” as part of “Obama’s lican Party, are being characterized everything will boil over.
on the precipice of civil war. America.” The irresponsibility of
YANKEES ANGELS
Pitcher: C.C. Sabathia Expect the Yankees to pull this one out in a tough Pitcher: John Lackey
Catcher: Jorge Posada series. The Yankees have the advantage, with better
pitching, and a better lineup, but the Angels are always Catcher: Mike Napoli
First Base: Mark Teixeria pesky. The weather will be a big factor, whether or not
First Base: Kendry Morales
the Yankees are able to go with a three man rotation
Second Base: Robinson Cano or not will be key. The Yankees starting pitching will Second Base: Howie Kendrick
Third Base: Alex Rodriguez have the upper hand, unless the weather forces post-
ponements. Whether or not Chad Gaudin is forced to Third Base: Chone Figgins
Shortshop: Derek Jeter start or not against Scott Kazmir in game four could
be a deciding factor. The Angels, will have to take ad- Shortstop: Erick Aybar
Left Field: Johnny Damon vantage of their speed on the basepaths, and hope they Left Field: Juan Rivera
can generate runs that way. In the end, the team with
Center Field: Melky Cabrera better hitting and pitching should win, and move on to Center Field: Torii Hunter
Right Field: Nick Swisher the World Series
Right Field: Bobby Abreu
Closer: Mariano Rivera Closer: Brian Fuentes
YANKEES IN 7
Fencing 101
Russel Oliver
While it may not be the most common
two opponents. Each bout goes to a total
sport, everyone has heard of fencing at
of five points. There is also a judge who
least once. Whether in a movie or online,
determines who gets certain points and
everyone is aware of it. Why do only a
keeps track of the score. A five point bout
few people actually play the sport?
can last up to three minutes.
It is partly because it is not advertised
There are also fifteen point bouts,
as much as other sports. Commercials
which is similar to a five point bout except
and broadcasted games of sports like
that every three minutes there is a one
football, basketball, and baseball, are
minute break. In a fifteen point bout there
common, but not fencing. It’s not only a
are three, three minute periods, so fifteen
physical challenge, but it’s also a challenge
point bouts can reach up to nine minutes
in its mental perspective. Fencing pro-
long excluding the breaks.
duces a great workout, working the legs
and arms in both agility and strength. The number of moves in fencing
First off, there are no teams, it’s just a are numerous and range in different
competitor against everyone else involved experience levels. Some of the basic
in the tournament. This has both good control of one‘s energy. If too many ad- times during a match in order to prevent moves are the lunge, parry, and ri-
and bad aspects like many sports. This vanced moves are used in a short period injury. poste. A lunge is a basic attack where
sport centers around self awareness and of time, their lack of energy could allow Thirdly, is the glove, which provides a the fencer launches their front foot
self improvement. The advantage of the opponent to take the advantage. better grip on the blade and protects the forward and extends their blade, hit-
individualized sports is that unlike team When fencing, it is required to where fencers hand. The fourth piece of equip- ting the opponent.
sports, many factors can influence the certain equipment. First, is the blade. ment is the plastron. This goes over the A parry is a blocking action made
outcome. It can be the other players’ in- There are three different kinds of blades fencing hand under the jacket and serves with the blade. It blocks an incoming
ability to successfully compete or poor depending on the kind of fencing. There’s an extra protection.
team dynamics.
attack and protects the fencer from
the foil, the sabre, and the épée. The foil is The fifth and final piece of equipment
The movements in a match are mainly getting hit. A riposte occurs after a
less aggressive, but more tactical than the is the jacket, which goes over the entire
forward and backward down the “strip,” parry. Once an attack is blocked, the
other two. Each different type of blade upper body. This padding protects one
the area where one fences on. This lim- has an entirely different set of rules and from injury when receiving a hit, which fencer immediately comes forward
ited mobility does not make it any less movements. is likely to happen in any fencing match. with their own lunge.
of a physical challenge. Matches can be The second piece of equipment which The jacket maps out which areas are “on There are many other moves that
very strenuous depending on how much is almost as important as the blade is the target” and “off target”. The “on target” can be used. Fencing moves work as
effort is exerted and the difficultly of the mask. The mask is to protect one’s face areas are the back and front of the upper a wheel. One move can defeat the
moves that are used. from any incoming attacks from the op- body, excluding the arms and head. next move. Eventually, the circle goes
Fencing is a sport that focuses on the ponent. The mask is crucial to wear at all Bouts are fencing matches between back to the beginning, a simple lunge
NFL Roundup
attack.
Brenon Phillips
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
TOP FOUR
NEW YORK GIANTS
With five weeks in the book this NFL There’s no stopping Peyton Manning The biggest question coming into the
season has been full of some surprises, and co. Manning’s already leading the season was the Giants wide receivers. The
some let downs and quite a few interest- league in touchdown passes with 12 and biggest question now? Who can stop the
ing weeks ahead. From the start, we isn’t feeling the loss of Anthony Gon- Giants. Steve Smith leads all of the NFL
saw some teams fall and rise quickly zalez yet. The wide receivers in Indy with 481 receiving yards and is tied for the
with some shockers in the middle. The feature one of the leagues best with Reg- most touchdowns with four. The defense
Tennesse Titans still winless? It was the gie Wayne, and standout rookie Austin has always been good, and are not letting
Titans who last year were undefeated Collie. After a bye in week six the Colts up. The G-Men have allowed the least
through week 12. And the Denver Bron- will look to keep rolling with the Rams, total yards, least yards per game
cos undefeated? After a rocky offseason 49ers and Texans scheduled.
with many question marks, the Broncos
have silenced their doubters, and are
among the leagues best.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS DENVER BRONCOS
With easily the best offense in the Yes, the Broncos are this good. De-
league, the defense was iffy coming spite many doubters, Josh McDaniels
QUICK THOUGHTS into the season. The Saints are third in and Kyle Orton find themselves atop
the league in yards allowed and points the AFC West. Kyle Orton has finally
How about a brother vs. brother allowed. Darren Sharper remains a clicked with Brandon Marshall, and
Super Bowl? Eli vs. Peyton. threat at corner, leading the league with their new Wild Horses formation is
five interceptions. The firepower of the sure to cause confusion. The next four
If the Rams can’t get past the Saints offense can’t be matched either, weeks the Broncos will face tough tests
Lions and Titans, they have a good with Drew Brees leading the way. Lead- against the Chargers, Ravens and Steel-
chance of finishing the season win- ing the league in points per game, Drew ers, but won’t be backing down.
less. Brees can always find an open man, or
dump it off to running backs Reggie
Wade Phillips, Dick Jauron and Bush or Pierre Thomas.
Jim Zorn should be nervous, they’re
on the hotseat and could be on their MVP WATCH
way out. Adrian Peterson Peyton Manning Eli Manning Cedric Benson
Can any defense stop him? No one can argue with 1600 Right up there with big Benson deserves consideration.
If Michael Crabtree comes up Peterson is second in the passing yards, 12 touchdowns brother, Eli is right behind No one expected him to lead the
big, the 49ers have a good chance league in rushing yards, and a 114.1 passer rating Peyton with 10 touchdowns league in rushing yards and carry
at the playoffs with Vernon Davis and leads the league in through 5 weeks. and a 111.7 passer rating. the Bengals to a 4-1 record.
lining up next to him. touchdowns.
page 20 (theJournal) Sports October 2009
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