Panther Press Strath Haven High School January 2012 Student Council Update: Where We Are and Where We’re Going We have several school-wide essential part in helping to make Home- By Ryder Scott, ‘12 Home for our annual “Give A Little events coming up in the next few months. coming as much as a success as it was this Staff Writer Love” day. As the Silvertones put on a In early March, we will have our annual year. Throughout our activities this year, spectacular caroling show, we handed out Blood Drive to benefit the American Red they have been ready to help out wherever As the winter froze over the some very creative and handmade cards Cross. Even though you must be a junior they are need. A huge thanks to Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, made by the Student Council Representa- or senior in order to donate, this drive is them- Abby Kennedy, Ahunya Tilghman, things are just heating up for the Student tives. The day was ultimately a great suc- still a great cause that could really use Alex Prugh, Amira Dunn, Arya Boris, Council. Holiday spirit was high when the cess. Special thanks to the Silvertones for the support of the entire student body. Ashli Crew, Billy LaRosa, Brianna Irons, officers, along with the Silvertones, took spreading holiday cheer by singing loud a trip over to the Wallingford Nursing for all to hear. Student Council is committed to community service and well being.

Also look out for supply drive to benefit Bridget Scott, Charlotte Jenkins, Chris the Wounded Warrior project. Listen to Prugh, Ciara Lucas, Dan Lordan, Emma the announcements and check for flyers Hartley, Emma Martin, Hannah Herrera, around school for more information! Hart Clements, Isabel Clay, Jessica The other officers and I have Baschoff, Jonah Skobeloff, Julia Helms, recently been discussing the role we play Katherine Fedorchenko, Kirsten Wise, in the school during our meetings. We Lauren Henry, Lev Boonin, Megan O’ have made it our New Year’s resolution Dell, Molly Andersen, Natalie Gillies, to try and act more as a governing body Phoebe Hollyer, Rebecca Robbins, representative to the Student Body. In or- Riley Ambrose, Rob Magee, Samantha der to do this, however, is it essential that Snyder, Sara Labrum, Shane O’ Donnell, we keep a dialogue with the students and Shivani Gaur, Skye Harnsberger, Teju are aware of what people want to change Abeeb and Tyler Gallagher. in the school. So speak up! Let us know of any ideas or suggestions that you may have about school activities. You can find us meeting every Wednesday in room 311. The Student Council Seniors! Image courtesy of Ryder Scott. Finally I’d like the give a special thanks to all our representatives. They were an Science Olympiad Team Succeeds at the Battle of Valley Forge Invitational

By Peter Gao, ‘13 a somewhat disappointing finish. With saying “I really love science, and Science High School, the team placed sixth out of Staff Writer a healthy crop of juniors and seniors, as Olympiad has always been a fun way for thirty-six teams, bringing home a glass well as several talented underclassmen, me to pursue my interests.” His efforts plaque to show for their efforts. The team While you may have heard that only time will tell if this team is strong will be desperately needed this year if the also received medals in six out of twenty- the high school Robotics team recently enough to make the leap. Gabe Kroch, team wishes to make it to Nationals. three events, led by medal-magnet junior, started their season, the Strath Haven notoriously a monstrous performer, ex- At their first invitational, the Gabriel Kroch in three out of four of his Science Olympiad team has also recently plained his passion for Science Olympiad, Battle of Valley Forge, held at Conestoga events Experimental Design, Technical begun work, with their first competi- Problem Solving, and Sounds of Music. tion taking place on January 14th. With The team also fared well against other twenty-three different events in biology, Pennsylvania teams, beating Penncrest chemistry, and physics, Science Olym- as well as Conestoga. However, it’s too piad challenges participants to master the soon to know how Strath Haven will esoteric and truly useless information in do at Regionals, as other regional rivals this world. Events include classics like Harriton and Lower Merion did not Rocks and Minerals and Astronomy. Led attend. It is fair to say though, that the by captains Jiashan Zhang and Ashley team has as good a shot as any other of Mackey, Strath Haven’s team hopes to dethroning the perennial champions from finally make it to the national competi- Harriton. Regionals will take place on tion, held this year at the University of March 5th, and States will be on April Central Florida. 27th assuming the team earns a spot. With a rich history of appear- Finally, Science Olympiad has ances at the state competition held at traditionally held a Valentine’s Day fun- Juniata College, it’s become tradition draiser where students can donate to the for the team to travel every year to the team. Students will have the opportunity heart of Pennsylvania to compete for one to send heart-shaped cookies iced with of Pennsylvania’s two Nationals spots. personalized messages, which will be However, in recent times, these two delivered on Valentine’s Day during First spots have been monopolized by Strath Block Send them to your friends, lovers, Haven’s Central League rivals, Harriton and casual acquaintances. Show people and Penncrest. In 2010, Strath Haven Peter Gao, Ashley Mackey, Milena Williamson, and other students compete in Protein Model- that you really do care. Don’t miss out! placed fourth at the State competition, ing. Image courtesy of stoganews.com and last year the team placed seventh in January 2012 Editors’ Page Page 2 The Leditor

By Aaron Jacobs, ‘13 Editor-in-Chief submissions. But, it’s okay. The Panther soon. If you read this and then ask me to Press writers and editors persevered. We say, “Extra, extra, read all about it!” I will won the battle against winter break and not. But, I will thank you and give you a finals, and have successfully printed a hearty handshake. You deserve it, because January issue! you took the time to read my Leditor! With the advent of the new year Traditionally, the Leditor is also comes a proliferation of new prom- a place for the Editor-in-Chief of the ises and resolutions. While some might Panther Press to talk about the happenings find these promises cheesy and clichéd, I of a particular month. I guess that means ask the question: What’s wrong with aim- that I too should follow the trend and ing for some self-improvement? Whether discuss the best parts of January. your goal is to get straight A’s or to try The month January comes from new things, there’s nothing wrong with the Roman god Ianuarius. This god’s trying to better yourself. name is derived from the Latin word for For instance, I’m trying to write door, ianua. That means that January better Leditors. I understand that many of is the door to the new year! Thanks to you do not closely examine the Leditor. Is my over two years of Latin experience, I that for good reason? Perhaps. But that’s didn’t even need Wikipedia to tell me that! going to change. For the rest of the school We all know that January has year, I promise that my Leditors will be New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King totally rad. Well, that’s what I’m plan- Day. However, you might have missed ning for right now. Just like with any new National Human Trafficking Awareness year’s resolution, it’s impossible to know Day on January 11. Essentially, this day is how long you’ll be able to go without supposed to bring attention to the fact that breaking your promise. But I assure you, there are hundreds of thousands of prosti- my effort will be valiant. I will try my tuted children in the United States alone. best to produce Leditors of the highest Trafficking is equivalent to modern-day quality each and every month. If the qual- slavery, and it still is quite prevalent. This ity of my Leditors is lacking at any point, national day of recognition is supposed do not hesitate to confront me. I intend to to bring awareness to a crucial issue, but keep this promise. It may be true that I’ve virtually nobody knows that it exists. broken most of my new year’s resolutions. January is the coldest month of But that only means that I can prioritize the year. The average high temperature Editor-in-Chief Jacobs is. But in the life of the Editor-in-Chief this one! Trust me; my Leditors will be in Philadelphia is 40 degrees. Of course, of our school’s newspaper, January is a awesome. we’ve only had a handful of really frigid Dearest Readers: nightmare. The normal writing period Although I’ve looked frighten- days this January, and only one substantial was rudely interrupted by an unfortunate ingly similar to Mr. Burns throughout this snowfall. I predict that we will get snow I present to you the January issue week and a half: Winter Break. Even school year, I decided to get a makeover in February, and will have at least one of The Panther Press. Yes, it is a little bit after this dreaded time away from school for 2012. Hopefully you’ll agree that snow day. Hopefully I’m right. thinner than the December issue. And came to a close, we faced an obstacle I look a little bit younger. As you can yes, this issue is almost redefining where even eviler than winter break. As a see, I’m all about distributing newspa- Best, the line between January and February result of finals we received fewer article pers. Still, I probably won’t be shouting, Aaron Jacobs “Extra, extra, read all about it!” anytime Editors’ Picks Be sincere; be brief; be seated. Charlotte Jenkins Dan Ziring Aaron Jacobs Laser tag: It’s all fun and games until some- Loquax and Anti-Loquax: The classic set of Night-time Walks: Step outside and take a one gets hurt... twins from the Cambridge Latin Course cur- deep sigh. You can relax now. riculum. This style of naming twins needs to Angry Boys: For fans of Summer Heights be brought back into mainstream usage. A Treatise on Oratory: GC is the latest up High, Chris Lilley has returned with a new and coming duo. Their new hit single, “A mockumentary. Though some (like me) still “Max” puns: If you have a friend named Treatise on Oratory” will have you dancing in miss Mr. G, Nathan and Gran provide a fun Max, please go up to him and make a pun us- no time (and for no time). alternative. ing his name. Feel free to take your creativity to the Max. He will definitely appreciate it.

Abby Lowe Milena Williamson Vidya Venkatesh President Obama singing Al Green: End of Finals/Beginning of New semester: The Myth of Icarus: A cautionary and useful Youtube it. It’s a great feeling of all your old worries tale for all prospective wing-makers. disappearing and getting a fresh start... with all new worries Banana Bread: With chocolate chips.

Mornings: Waking up when it’s dark and walking to the bus stop when everything is quiet and peaceful.

Obama can sing! Image courtesy of sandrarose.com Mmmmmm...image courtesy of hersheys. January 2012 Haven Happenings Page 3 Roving Reporter By Jack Huemmler, ‘13 Staff Writer With a plethora of Dragonborn roaming the halls of Strath Haven, Jack Huemmler asked what you play as in Skyrim?

“I’m a level 4 High Elf.” -Tyler Clapp, ‘12

“I’m a level 45 Redguard, “I’m a level 19 “Uhh…. what?” Nord.” and I love to play on easy.” - Logan Hill, ‘14 -Dan Pfieffer-Kelly, ‘13 - Banjo Kid “I’m a level 21 Nord, but my parents took my XBOX.” -Joe Gesualdi, ‘12 District Announces New Plans

By Phil Bergman, ‘12 there will be increased continuity between busses either to or from school with tary and middle school math textbooks Staff Writer students and staff,” explained Ferg Abbott, elementary students, while also cutting out as well as changes to the middle school WSSD Director of Human Resources. two bus shifts for transportation employ- language arts curriculum were discussed. The month of January has been a “We are hoping to take advantage of the ees. Orientation will be taking place at Also at the board meeting the board busy one for the board of school directors activities that the schools have to offer, each resident’s respective neighborhood approved the Preliminary 2012-2013 of the Wallingford-Swarthmore School and this will make the transition easier for schools on February 25, and a FAQ’s sec- budget. The budget will total $67,096,343 District. At the January 9 meeting, infor- parents and families into the school com- tion about the Kindergarten transition will for the upcoming school year, a 2.5% or mation was announced about the upcom- munities.” be going onto the district website shortly. $1,657,971 raise from the current school ing Kindergarten transition. A second change with the Also at the January 9 meeting, the board year budget. “We’re excited about the move,” Kindergarten is in the change in time of strongly supported, and recommended, the If you have any questions, con- said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Rich- classes. 10 minutes will be added to each idea of using more student musicians in cerns, or items brought up at board meet- ard Noonan. The transition, which will session, with Session 1 starting at 8:45 the pit orchestra for musicals done by the ings, feel free to contact Phil Bergman. come into effect in for the 2012-13, will and ending at 11:30, and Session 2 going high school. Ryder Scott. move students from The Kids’ Place to from 12:45-3:30. These time changes At the January 23 meeting, the Cur- their local elementary schools. “By bring- were made to accommodate transporta- riculum Office gave an update of recent ing kids back to their elementary school, tion, making it possible for kids to take activities, and plans about future elemen- Second Semester Senioritis Strikes Strath Word Search Haven Senior Tyler Gallagher takes on the recent allegation that “senioritis isn’t real” By Tyler Gallagher, ‘12 Staff Writer

Sorry Charlotte. I decided to set out Senioritis is a controversial to discover if we all indeed had the topic with many pejorative connota- dreaded senioritis. tions (Thanks Mr. Wood). For those Ultimately, I got a couple unfamiliar, urbandictionary.com de- quotes for this article, which basi- fines senioritis as “A crippling disease cally amounted to people telling me that strikes high school seniors.” how little they wanted to be in school Symptoms include: “laziness, all the time. However, my “generally an over-excessive wearing of track dismissive attitude” got the best of pants, old athletic shirts, sweatpants, me, and I lost all my quotes. My lazi- athletic shorts, and sweatshirts. Also ness is also forcing me to turn in an features a lack of studying, repeated unfinished article. absences, and a generally dismissive attitude. The only known cure is a phenomenon known as Graduation.” As a senior, I noticed fright- ful symptoms appearing in many of Words: FINALS, HAVEN, HOMEWORK, PANTHER PRESS, PANTHERS, my friends, in addition to myself. For SECOND SEMESTER, SENIORITIS, SNOW DAYS, STUDYING example, I am currently typing this WINTER BREAK article two days after its due date. January 2012 Haven Happenings Page 4

Observations by Ian: Upcoming Panther Press Staff Haven Supernatural Strath January 2012 Sightings -Editor-in-Chief- Haven Aaron Jacobs Introducing the new syndicated column “Observations by -Editors- Ian” written by our own senior Events Charlotte Jenkins Ian Anderson. Milena Williamson By Ian Anderson, ‘12 February 2-5: Vidya Venkatesh Columnist Abby Lowe and getting an interview with one Godspell Dan Ziring would require the most dedicated journalist this school has to offer. February 7: Unfortunately I’m not that person, -Staff Writers and Columnists- plus I have a lot on my plate right American Mathematics Ryder Scott now, so you are going to have to Contest Peter Gao settle for “Secondary” sources. Phil Bergman The first person who contacted February 10-12: me was one senior named David Ian Anderson O’Connell. I could tell he was Godspell Tyler Gallagher one cocky kid just through the Hannah Grossman Facebook message he sent me. February 11: Margaret Murray I followed up but he didn’t have Jack Huemmler any details- just that he had heard ACT at SHHS voices. I am a yellow journalist Hannah Tate and I need something to inspire the February 17: Sam Boxer people, or at least anger the masses No School for Teacher Anna Jaoudi who feed on the oppression of the Cassandra Kyriazis Panther Press. However, someone Inservice! Jill Troutman just hearing voices is exactly what Ian Everbach a ghost would say, and I began February 20: to think that there was no David Christian Belanger O’Connell, just some apparition No School for Presi- Kateri Sloat that these ghosts were trying to dent’s Day! Tomer Stern trick me with. No mortal could be Dan Haddaway that cocky. February 24: I realized that I needed Andrew Lombard Senior David O’Connell... to do field research, discover Chris King Student Justin Chang swimmer or supernatural? what was really going on. After Kirsten Wise some snooping I learned that the vs. Faculty Basketball Ashley Hoyle Like many of you, I believe in the swim team consistently sees two Dylan Van Duyne occult- beings from another celestial plane, little girls at their swim practices, with no Game paranormal activity (how topical!). Natu- adult supervision. The horror behind that Sam Snyder rally, I often wonder if our school some- is that.. that.. that.. THEY ARE GHOSTS. March 1: Josh Kauffman times is visited by these beings. I vowed If there is one Haven sports team whom I Red Cross Blood Drive to put on my newsman hat and write some have full faith and trust in and who treat me -Advisors- classic muckraking journalism. with respect, it is the swim team. Haven, March 7: Mrs. Jennifer Fisher If you are expecting some inter- you better look behind your back when you Mrs. Laurie Bruch view with a ghost, or a pro and con article are here during the night since our school is Winter Instrumental about ghosts with a hidden message that haunted. Luckily, I have called the exorcist was misprinted by the panther press staff, and school will be closed February 27th to Concert DISCLAIMER then I say you need to go back to school be purged of spirits. and retake ghostology since you don’t The Panther Press is first and fore- know jack. Ghosts are one of the great- most a reflection of the opinions and est mysteries that this earth has to offer, interests of the student body. For this reason, we do not publish any anonymous or teacher-written sub- Poll Princesses: missions, and we do not discrimi- nate against any ideology or politi- By Hannah Grossman, ‘12 New Yearz Edition cal opinion. While we are bound by Margaret Murray, ‘12 school policy (and funding), we Staff Writers will not render any article neutral, Hey Haven! athough individual points may be Happy New Year! With a new year and a new semester underway, edited for obscene or baselessly in- we thought it would be fitting to flammatory content, with the con- ask you what you’d like to change sent of the author. Finally, the ar- in the next 12 months. Everyone ticles published in the Panther Press starts with an ambitious goal, do not necessarily reflect the views of whether it’s to be healthier or to do better in school. While some the editors. of you wanted to get more sleep or lose weight, the majority are striv- Strath Haven High School ing to get better grades. 205 South Providence Road However, 21% of Strath Wallingford, PA 19086 Haven has already failed at their resolutions, breaking it within the 610.892.3400 first month – good try. To the rest of you still working towards becom- CONTACT US ing a better you, keep it up…we’re E-Mail: [email protected] rooting for you. Xoxo, Poll Princesses January 2012 Detours Page 5 Top 10 Things to Do in 2012 have less than a year to appreciate our time Nolan’s Batman trilogy concludes with By Peter Gao, ‘13 & Sam Boxer, ‘14 EBay in its quest against Amazon and bid on this Earth. Embrace the great outdoors The Dark Knight Rises, which comes out Staff Writers now. 8. Throw a Surprise Birthday Par- and go camping. If you can’t get out of July 20, 2012. Harry Potter’s over, but that It’s January and hopefully you’ve ty: Show your friends that you really care doesn’t mean you need to made some New Years’ resolutions. How- with a surprise birthday party! While we give up the time-old tradition ever, as it’s apparently also our last year all claim to be indifferent about our birth- of waiting for the midnight on this planet, according to several noted days, it’s always nice to get a surprise or premiere of movies. And Internet experts, it’s time to make a list of two. Nothing will compare to the look of Christopher Nolan’s awe- things to do before our supposed demise. joy on their face. As Christian Belanger some. 10. Buy a says, “I’ve always 3. Get a Job: We could Singing Valentine: wanted one.” all use a little more pocket If you’ve had your money, right? Or if you can’t eye on that special 7. Visit The Cake find a paying job somewhere, guy/girl, there’s Boss: If you try volunteering. Ultimately, only one way to haven’t seen TLC’s you’ll end up with some valu- completely embar- monster hit Cake able on the job experience rass them while Boss, go home and and maybe a few stories to expressing your watch it right now. tell. deep, strong love. Complete your 2. Get your driver’s li- Who can resist the Cake Boss experi- cense: Instead of continuing sultry melodies of ence by making to mooch off your friends for famed Silvertone a pilgrimage to rides (like we do), get some Gib Hartley? Send Buddy’s Hoboken driving practice in and take one to your best shop, and try not to the test. Your friends will friend and show creep him out too thank you (and promptly be- them that you re- much as you ogle gin begging you for rides). ally care about his cakes. 1. Have fun: Finally, them. As Chris- 6. Go to a whether or not 2012 proves tian Belanger says, Concert: Show to be our last year on Earth, “Last year I got Courtesy of http://www.tvguide.com your apprecia- there’s no reason to waste it. two singing val- tion of the Panther Enjoy yourself and do the entines, and they Press’ concert schedule by actually taking things you love. Make a fool changed my life.” Don’t miss out on this advantage of it. Because we live so close out of yourself. opportunity. to Philadelphia, we are constantly bom- Courtesy of http://www.mov- 9. Purchase Something from barded by numerous musical groups, tal- iesonline.ca EBay: Though EBay has been on the de- ented and otherwise. With so many con- cline in recent years, its formula of quirky certs, there’s no reason to miss out. the area, try making a visit to Rose Valley: items and auction pricing always provides 5. Go Camping: With the so- trees and trails abound. a thrill. From collectibles to food, there’s called apocalypse speeding our way, we 4. Go to the midnight premiere really nothing you can’t find. Support of The Dark Knight Rises: Christopher The School or Sleep-In Decision

By Anna Jaoudi, ‘15 dents. “I love snow,” says Noonan, “[On buses to operate safely we have school,” degree weather. Staff Writer snow days] I come to work in the morn- Noonan says of his early morning safe-or- No worries if we don’t get any ing to do various things, including assess- not snow evaluations. A New Englander, snow days this year, Dr. Noonan reas- ing the progress we’re making in clearing where the winters are snowy and pond sured, because then just we’ll learn more As students in a seasonal area, snow and ‘getting back to normal’. I try hockey is a must, he knows when there’s than usual. Regardless, we do have Dr. we always find Noonan to thank for the longer breaks this the perks to each year: “We have a few extra days off this change of season. year around the holidays. That’s mostly I guess one of the because of where the holidays fell on the best parts of the calendar, but I also think it’s important to chilly/finals/new give families time for travel around holi- semester days days.” So in the end, everyone, even the at school is the superintendent, has to love a day dedicat- thought of wak- ed to snow. Rest assured that Dr. Noonan ing up to a snow loves snow just like we do, so when it day. So it isn’t comes down to a snow prediction, we will surprising that all be wearing our pajamas inside-out. excitement is in the air when we hear of a prom- ising snow fore- cast. Those snow Like writing? day enthusiasts will break out the silverware, Send articles ice cubes, and in- side-out pajamas, whereas some are to shpan- hesitant to show signs of hope until we see the therpress@ red notice on the district website. If so, the snow Courtesy of http://hmbca.ca gmail.com! shovel will wait in the garage until the perks of a day off to do a few hours of snow-shoeing or X- a lot of snow: “People tend to get hysteri- (sleeping in) are appreciated fully. If not, Country skiing before the day is done.” cal when they see snow. When the Eagles we’ll reluctantly break out the snow shov- Growing up in a hockey-crazy Boston game was canceled because of snow last el and backpack. area, and skiing since the age of six, Noon- year, the ex-governor asked if we’re be- So who is it that is faced with the an appreciates his winter sports as well. coming a nation of wimps. Did you know a school or sleep-in decision? Dr. Richard What about those days we still have to go that in Siberia you go to school if it’s -50, Noonan, our superintendent, actually ap- in, when clearly we’d ALL enjoy the bliz- but it it’s -52 you don’t?” Kudos to him for preciates the snow days just like the stu- zard? “If the roads are good enough for the letting us stay home in Pennsylvania’s -51 January 2012 Detours Page 6 Horoscopes January Crossword Across Down By Cassandra Kyriazis, ‘12 & Jill So switch that station over to some alt rock 1. In the air 1. Hams it up Troutman, ‘12 on 104.5 or maybe some 105.3 for a little 6. Fairytale land 2. Former Mediterranean note of Philly’s best R&B and classic soul! And 11. Follower of “g2g” 3. ___ tradition Staff Writers 14. Dating word? 4. U.S. Agency est. in 1934 for those of you extra ambitious listeners, 15. Fourth stanza in a ballade 5. Have an effect, or an example of cause and keep checking station 91.5 for Swarthmore Capricorn (December 22-January effect College’s much under appreciated sta- 16. Clumsy person 6. Smell like 19): Facial hair experimentation is only for tion. Beware, though, as about 70% of the 17. Past achievements, or an example of cause and 7. Also in the envelope: abbr. the strong-willed. Do not enter this realm time it’s just static, but the stars are tell- effect of uncertainty and pioneering unless you 19. Scrap for a dog 8. Macao penny ing us that that other 30% is totally worth are prepared to look very strange. 20. “I got a mule, her name is __” 9. _____ Voldemort it (think French language covers of really 21. “A mouse!” 10. Central vein in a leaf Aquarius (January 20-February popular American songs type of worth it). 22. ____ Bay, inlet northwest of San Francisco 11. Classic reading assignment, or an example of 18): Just Dance 3. Do you know what cause and effect Cancer (June 21-July 22): Article I’m talking about? If not, I’m totally se- 24. Everyday ‘Joes’ 12. Easy to steer, as a ship 41: A Bro never cries, unless watching rious about this, you need to go to Target 27. Occupational suffix with cash 13. Young newts Field of Dreams, ET, or a sports legend 28. Artist’s basecoat 18. “Losing My Religion” band and buy it. If you’re a part of the talented retire (only applicable to the first time he 31. Mid-October vacation, or an example of cause 23. Air-related prefix few who can dance, this game will be a fun and effect retires). Article 103: A Bro never wears combination of success and superiorirty 35. In an off-color way 24. Type of elec. circuit socks with sandals. He commits to one to the totally lame dance moves the video 37. Earl Grey or Darjeeling, e.g. 25. Breakfast, lunch, or snack cohesive footgear plan and sticks with it. 38. Bar sign after 6:00 26. What ‘Rosebud’ is game has you imitating. If you are part of Now go watch too much How I Met Your 39. Hockey Hall-of-Famer Bobby 28. Search in the dark the other 97% of the world, get ready to 40. Hoover or Three Gorges, for example 29. ___-bird special Mother. Barney Stinson is either waiting laugh your butt off at both yourself and 42. Tech. standard from Germany 30. Video printout process, or an example of cause to be your wingman or go on a date with your other friends who can’t dance. Guar- and effect you (but just one). 44. Salem’s loc. 32. Member of the congregation anteed, you will have that one friend who Leo (July 23-August 22): Wear all 45. It may be guilty or not guilty 33. Cliffside nest puts their whole body into it for maximum 47. Abbr. on a tombstone 34. Did a kickboxing move pink on the first day of the new semester, hilarity. Embarrassing, but hey, exercise is 49. Mollusk popular with collectors 36. Sailors and seamstresses spin it and the horoscope gods will smile upon good for you. 51. Cosmetics device, or an example of cause and 41. Steinbeck’s Of _____ and Men you. effect Pisces (February 19-March 20): Virgo (August 23-September 22): 54. Moved 43. Decorative bit of mail, or an example of cause Life is the bee’s knees until it’s not. Go and effect Bamboozle. Look it up. Also, beta fish are out and have, but don’t forget to ask others 55. Gross, after a reduction 46. Planet of the ___ a cool pet. Get one. how they’re doing. 56. French anti-ship missile 48. Photos, informally Libra (September 23-October 58. Makes sense 50. Humorous exclamation Aries (March 21-April 19): The 22): KEEP ALL YOUR TOENAIL CLIP- 61. Inverse cos 52. Musical exercises solution to stress? Drink some Yoohoo. 62. Ma’s bro’s son 53. Things to cut in business PINGS OR YOU’LL HAVE NO WAY TO That is some good stuff. 65. Debtor’s bane: abbr. 57. Porcini mushroom FEND THEM OFF. Taurus (April 20-May 20): Cat- 66. Military march, or an example of cause and 58. Aboriginal Japanese Scorpio (October 23-Novem- effect erpillars. Everywhere. They are crawling ber 21): America. Dishwashing. Michele 70. ___ de guerre 59. ___ and gloom up your arms and legs trying to make their 71. Like ghost stories 60. Kind of school Pfeiffer. Painful Grease 2 flashbacks. No cocoons on you. The only way to cure 72. Frozen dews 62. Presented itself friends! A fountain. You have no idea what 73. “Batter up” sayer 63. Elevated poems with irregular meter yourself of these little adorable and fuzzy the horoscope gods are talking about. Nei- 74. English glasses 64. Shaved peel pests is to watch copious amounts of mov- ther do we, or do we? 75. Do, to Shakespeare 67. Before, in verse ies with your favorite friend whilst eating 68. Bracketed word in erroneous quotes Sagittarius (November 22-De- take out from Shere-e-Punjab. Also do all 69. ___ de Janeiro, Brazil cember 21): Your chemical romance is of that friend’s AP English homework. at an all time low as you try to grow your Gemini (May 21-June 20): If you nails to nine inches. Now you’re on a sub- hear “Stereo Hearts,” that dancing in the lime dream street made of monsters and dark song that isn’t Bruce Springsteen, or men. Your third eye has gone blind! Oh no, another Hot Chelle Rae song again, your it’s just semisonic. Fun! brain is liable to explode from awfulness.

Answers to De- cember Cross- word

By Ian Everbach ‘13 Puzzler January 2012 Arts & Entertainment Page 7 Grammys Preview Christian Belanger loves the Grammy Awards.

By Christian Belanger, ‘13 awards, and of awards shows themselves: Doo-Wops and Hooligans? It sounds like and Keys by Death Cab for Cutie; Torch- Staff Writer have they stopped being about honoring you’re writing nursery rhymes for aspir- es by Foster the People; Circuital by My the most deserving people, and instead ing gangsters. Morning Jacket; The King of Limbs by The 2012 Grammy Awards will take place become a grand, decadent vanity, just 2) This category is really wide- Radiohead February 12th at the Staples Center: as al- another way for music’s biggest stars to open to anybody not named Bruno Mars, Prediction: From a purely musical stand- ways, they will challenge us to reflect, ap- remind themselves of how wonderful and and Foo Fighters may take it simply point, Foster the People and their catchy preciate, and savor the past year in music, talented they are? Of course. Though the because the other all while allowing us to reflect, appreciate, Grammys are comprehensive (the less three will split the and savor the sight of Rihanna and Nicki prestigious awards are handed out at an pop vote Minaj performing their wholesome and de- earlier luncheon), they are really just a lightfully classy dance routines. LL Cool J magnificent circus, gratifying the celebri- Best New Artist: will be hosting, because the producers of ties’ egos and enrapturing us, the viewers, Nominees: The the show have a rule that states that hosts with a glimpse of the glamour and glitz of Band Perry; Bon cannot have been popular or relevant for at fame and fortune. Anyway, here are the Iver; J. Cole; Nicki least fifteen years. nominees – and predictions– for some of Minaj; Skrillex the major categories: Prediction: Having Record of the Year: to Google two of Nominees: “Rolling in the Deep” by the names on this Adele; “Holocene” by Bon Iver; “Gre- list adds little to nade” by Bruno Mars; “The Cave” by my credibility in Mumford and Sons; “Firework” by Katy this category (or in Perry general, really), but Prediction: As much as it pains me to say what I do know is this, this has been Adele’s year in terms of that Bon Iver came both sales and popularity, and so the ubiq- out with their first uitously played, mind-numbingly catchy, album in 2008, so incredibly obnoxious song that is “Rolling they really shouldn’t in the Deep” will probably win. As long as even be in this category. The Band Perry, whoever they are. but empty it isn’t Bruno Mars. Ultimately, it’s prob- image courtesy amazon.com songs are ably between Bon Iver greatly out- The totally relevant LL Cool J. Album of the Year: and Nicki Minaj, who has absolutely classed, but their crossover impact this image courtesy inquistr.com Nominees: 21 by Adele; Wasting Light by blown up since appearing on “Monster” year has been such that they could easily Foo Fighters; Doo-Wops and Hooligans by Kanye West, though The Band Perry is nab this award from under the noses of by Bruno Mars; Born This Way by Lady probably a dark horse. more deserving and talented musicians. Of course, the annual spectacle that is Gaga; Loud by Rihanna the Grammys presents a very interest- Prediction: Two points- Best Alternative Music Album ing question about the nature of giving 1) Who names their (debut) album Nominees: Bon Iver by Bon Iver; Codes

Farewell, Bearded The Free School Companion Movement Fleet Foxes loses a bewhiskered drummer. By Tomer Stern & Dan Haddaway, ‘13 whom share our same ideas and have Staff Writer been proven to be beneficial to the chil- dren. The minds behind creating such By Kateri Sloat, ‘13 the gaping maw of obscurity I go.” And schools realize that children will naturally Staff Writer here it is, folks. (Ha. Folks. And they play Imagine, having full freedom take courses and learn about what they folk music. Haha.) Since we know that when it come to your academics and being are interested in. Say you’re fascinated in Tillman is a hipster, we can assume that in a school that encourages you to follow theater, you would not be forced to take he enjoys, no, prefers relative obscurity, Well guys, as of January 20, your aspirations. Every day we go to a pointless math courses that will not help so that he may then lord it over all those one of indie music’s premier wunder- school that restricts our creativity by re- you in life later on, unless to want to jump within 5 miles of him. Therefore, clearly kind bands is out one whisker-wielding quiring courses that are irrelevant to what off a ferris wheel and land in a moving what happened here is that Fleet Foxes member. Drummer J. Tillman announced the student wants to be in life. For genera- bucket of water. just became too mainstream for him. his resignation from indie folk band Fleet tions, math, science, english, history, and Another ideal held by free The other beards just weren’t hardCORE Foxes via tumblr (surprise, surprise) fol- foreign languages have been the corner- schools is that grades should be in the enough, you know? The other members lowing the concluding performance of the form of written portfolios probably showered. Or wore something Helplessness Blues tour in Tokyo on the instead of numbers or letters. other than skinny jeans and peacoats one 20th. Tillman, who joined the Foxes in A detailed analysis of how you too many times for him to take it. And 2008, in true hipster fashion, neither gave did over the semester is by far a so he left, probably off to make more of explanation for his leave, nor clues as to better way of judging a student’s those chart-topping solo albums of his. his future plans, only leaving a vague post progression than a letter grade. reading, “Farewell Fleet Fans and Friends This new grading system would Alright, now before you all [yes, with that weird capitalization]. Back provide incentive for students unleash your passive-aggressive hipster into the gaping maw of obscurity I go. To- to do well because they will feel hatred on me, I’m being sarcastic here kyo is my last show with the Foxes. Sorry that the teachers care more about (buuuut you should recognize that pretty if I was ever distant and obtuse if we ever their academics. well though, huh), and it must be said met. Have fun.” ‘Interesting’ is about the We know that Strath that the soulful stylings of J. Tillman only word I can think to describe this, Haven will probably never turn added much depth to Fleet Foxes’ lovely ahem, unique farewell message; although, out this way in our time. But folk melodies. Joshua Tillman, both your behind its seemingly evasive words, it just as this type of school becomes drumming and that gloriously scraggly may offer up a possible reason for Till- more popular and education beard of yours will be missed, so, best man’s departure. advance, maybe one day Strath of luck to you, sir. May your pants be Haven could join the free school invariably tight, your music perpetually The United States stands for freedom. And we want First, I’d like to note the second- movement. to-last sentence, which reads, “Sorry if I obscure, and your t-shirts ever ironic. Live free schools. Image courtesy of sonofthesouth.net was distant and obtuse if we ever met.” long and prosper, my friend. This statement can be shown as ‘People’s stones of what is taught to highschoolers. Exhibit A,’ that if it wasn’t painfully obvi- Well my fellow students, it is time to ous before, here is the concrete evidence rethink what it means to be a school. We that J. Tillman is unquestionably a veri- propose a school where students are in full table hipster. That being said, let us further control of their education. notice his curious statement “Back into There are schools that exist today January 2012 Arts & Entertainment Page 8 Best Picture Preview

By Aaron Jacobs, ‘13 to each of the characters. On January 15, it was a highly entertaining romantic a nomination. Editor-in-Chief “The Descendants” won the Golden Globe comedy. Woody Allen always manages to for Best Motion Picture - Drama. George bring a creative twist to his movies, and War Horse: Steven Spielberg’s latest epic Clooney also won Best Actor for a drama. this is no exception. This is a good movie, follows a boy and his horse through Eng- The Academy Award for Best Will this actually win Best Picture? I’m but certainly won’t win the Oscar. land during World War I. It’s based on a Picture of the year is the most prestigious not so sure, but I hope the Academy Tony Award winning play. The fact that prize that a film can win. Fantastic mov- makes the right call. Hugo: “Hugo” is the latest film from Spielberg directed “War Horse” virtually ies like “A Beautiful Mind,” “Platoon,” director extraordinaire Martin Scorsese. guaranteed a nomination, but it probably and “Annie Hall” have managed to go The Artist: This black and white, SI- Although radically different from Scorse- won’t be able to compete with many of down in infamy as Best Picture winners. LENT film has been wowing audiences se classics such as “Taxi Driver” and “The this year’s other nominees. Other amazing movies like “The Gradu- for months. It is certainly a unique film, Departed,” this film has received virtually ate,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin But- but I don’t think that means that it’s a universal acclaim. It received 11 nomina- The Tree of Life: Similarly to “2001: ton,” and “The Aviator” have been hon- great one. I think that audiences who tions for this years Oscars. I wouldn’t A Space Odyssey,” “The Tree of Life” ored with a nomination, but have failed to support “The Artist’s” campaign for Best rule it out for Best Picture, but I’d still bet has an abstract beginning and end, and a etch their name in the history books as the Picture are sort of deceived by the unique on “The Artist.” spellbinding main story. It’s worth seeing. greatest film of their year. On January 24, nature of the film. In comparison to “The Still, “The Tree of Life” will probably be the nominations for the 2011 Best Picture Descendants,” “The Artist” is totally one Moneyball: The second time that a movie too philosophical to draw enough Acad- were released (along with the rest of the dimensional, and lacks much real depth. version of a Michael Lewis books has emy votes for a victory. Academy Award nominations). Which of Because it’s so surprising that a silent been nominated, I think “Moneyball” has these movies deserves to take home the film would be entertaining at all, it makes about as good a shot at winning as “The It really should be a two horse big prize on February 26? the film seem remarkable. At this point, Blind Side” did. In other words, although race between “The Descendants” and I am expecting “The Artist” to win Best an enjoyable movie, “Moneyball” has no “The Artist,” and I suspect that the charm The Descendants: In my mind, this should Picture, but we’ll see. chance. of “The Artist” will draw enough Acad- definitely win Best Picture. “The Descen- emy voters for a victory. Regardless, dants” seriously has it all. It’s an incred- The Help: It’s been praised for a great Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close: it should be a very enjoyable Academy ible story of a Hawaiian family’s struggles ensemble cast, and has received critical Although this movie has received mixed Awards show this year, with Billy Crystal after their mother/wife has severe head acclaim. I doubt this movie will win Best reviews, the story of a boy who loses his making his long-awaited return as host. trauma and enters a coma. As you might Picture, but you never know. father on 9/11 is so emotionally charged Watch it on Sunday, February 26! think, it is depressing. But there’s a that the Academy was forced to give surprising amount of humor to lighten the Midnight In Paris: This movie really “Extremely Loud” a nomination. A win is mood, that also adds tremendous depth doesn’t deserve to win Best Picture, but unlikely, but this incredibly story deserves Strath Haven Art

A display of Strath Haven’s artistic talent.

Top left: cut paper portrait by Katy Santa Maria. Bottom left: tape sculpture by Angelina God- derz, Sarah Ogram, and Lela Meunier. Center: acrylic painting by Destiny Bottino. Top right: tape sculpture by Katie Packel, Du- wayne Spangler, and Jake VanLangeveld. Bottom right: tape sculpture by Ryan DiBello, Tiara Cooper, Brielle Wilkins, and Taylor Savary. January 2012 Opinions Page 9 The Most Memorable Moments of 2011

By Andrew Lombard and Justin Death of Osama bin Laden already caused many deaths and millions Chang, ‘15 On April 30, most of the world Nature of dollars in property damage, people Staff Writers had no idea where the most dangerous 2011 was a very strange year were frantic trying to prepare for the man of the decade was, and we feared in nature. First, on August 23, we had worst. People boarded up their houses on As we settle ourselves down into each where his next target would be. The the most powerful earthquake east of the the coast and painted signs saying, “Don’t New Year, many of us tend to reflect on next day, however, we found out that Rocky Mountains in over 100 years. The be mean, Irene,” all throughout the coast. the events of the year past. 2011 especial- bin Laden, the man responsible for 9/11 epicenter of the quake was in Virginia, but People were so afraid of Irene that SEPTA ly was a year that no one will soon forget. and who brought new meaning to the the quake was felt in 12 states and several shut down for the first time in history, and From moments of tragedy and bizarre- word “terrorist”, was dead. When I first areas in Canada. Fortunately, there were I was dragged away from the beach to go ness, to moments of pure awesomeness, heard about his death from other people, no deaths and only minor injuries, but sit in my basement for the entire night. here are our opinions of some of the most I remember brushing it off as a hoax. We $200-300 million in damages to buildings After it ended, Irene caused at least 65 memorable events of this hectic year. had been hearing rumor after rumor about was estimated. Despite this, the Internet deaths, an over $7 billion in property dam- The Year of Protests age throughout the United States, Canada Who could have even imagined and the Carribean. And finally, on October that the self-immolation of a Tunisian 29, we had the first October snow in over street vendor could change the world so 30 years. dramatically? After this vendor lit him- The Death of Steve Jobs self on fire at the end of 2010 in protest On August 24, Steve Jobs an- of oppression, thousands of protesters nounced his resignation as the CEO of gathered in the cities of Tunisia and Apple, shocking the computer industry ultimately toppled the government on and the world. He said that he could “no January 14. The protests then spread to longer meet [his] duties and expectations the rest of the Arab world, and the first as Apple’s CEO” and named Tim Cook part of 2011 became known as the Arab his successor. He had been on a medi- Spring. Protests in different countries cal leave of absence since January, and led to the ousting of leaders in several his health had declining since he was countries and a civil war in Libya. The diagnosed with cancer in 2003. But on Arab Spring partly inspired the Occupy October 5, Apple announced that Steve movement, which is still ongoing and Jobs had died. The world was shocked to gaining momentum today. have lost such a great visionary, having Japanese Earthquake & Tsunami founded not only Apple, but also Pixar. In what has been called the Although Steve Jobs has passed, his greatest crisis since World War II, and legacy lives on, and he will always be certainly the greatest calamity of the known as one of the greatest inventors of year, the devastating natural disaster our time. that hit Japan in March has the country As we look back at these events still reeling today. The earthquake and and many others, we look forward to what tsunami, which killed more than 15,000 2012 has in store. people and caused $300 billion in dam- The results of the Japanese age, upset everything in the nation, from earthquake. the nuclear reactor crises to the economic Image courtesy of cheeahdeals.com impact to the islands themselves, which shifted their positions several meters bin Laden’s death for years, so I never exploded with tweets and Facebook pages during the quake. The nuclear accident bothered looking up the details. But in the talking about it mere seconds after the especially gained attention as the worst next twelve hours, every news outlet in quake. People in New York and Boston nuclear related incident in 25 years. Ris- the world was blaring the news that Navy reported reading tweets from Virginia ing to the aid of Japan, however, was the SEALs had found bin Laden’s hideout and seconds before it hit them, and a Wiki- rest of the world. Over $1 billion was killed him. For the first time in ten years, pedia page was put up 12 minutes later. donated to the Japanese Red Cross in people relaxed slightly, knowing that the Then, less than a week later, Hurricane disaster relief. end of Al Qaeda could be nearing. Irene struck the United States. Having What do YOU care about? The Cheese Corner: Panera Bread Food? Music? By Kirsten Wise, ‘12 Knows Me Staff Writer That kid sitting Panera Bread has this little next to you in known – no, wait, it’s well known – secret, and that is the mac ‘n cheese. On 3rd block who the menu, the mac ‘n cheese is under the kiddie section, and also apart of the has the best “Signature Pastas.” First of all, no one should feel judged about ordering from smile? the twelve-and-under menu if it’s really, really good. Second, if there’s an item on the menu twice, that’s a restaurant saying We want your “Hey, take a hint; this dish is excellent.” And at Panera Bread, there is no opinions! bluffing; the mac ‘n cheese is, in a word, fabulous. There’s a well-known saying when tasting great food, “there’s a party in my mouth.” Well, the mac ‘n cheese is Send ideas and more like a ritzy gathering. The sharp- ness of the white Vermont Cheddar brings submissions to the mac one step closer to a Steven Starr shpantherpress restaurant and one step away from Kraft Nom nom nom in the microwave. And yet, in the mist of Image courtesy of Vodkitchen.com @gmail.com. the sophisticated smoothness, there’s the tenderness of the down-to-earth, Ameri- can cheese. And suddenly what was con- Cheesy Pun: sidered really good is turned into comfort food… which also means it’s addicting, Q: What cheese is the scariest? so watch out. In a way, the balance of the mac ‘n cheese sort of defines Panera Bread: jazzy, and yet casual. A: Munster cheese! January 2012 Opinions Page 10 THE WORLD IS ENDING: For Real This Time?

By Ashley Hoyle, ‘14 While an excellent joke for the back of the come. What would you do if you knew the world Staff Writer class of 2012 senior t-shirts, this prediction If every time someone flipped to the end was ending next December 21st? “I would does not have much supporting evidence. of their calendar they started giving away do everything on my bucket list! Live life Although mystifying natural di- Contrary to popular belief the their possessions and dropping out of to its fullest before it’s gone” says Kaelin sasters and bizarre weather has everyone Myan calendar is not a huge piece of stone school, we’d have a serious problem on Caldwell, Grade 10. “I’m lactose intoler- fearing the impending apocalypse, the labeled with thousands of years stopping New Year’s Day. I’m not going to lie, the ant, so I would eat a ton of ice cream on year 2012 has not yet ended all our lives. in 2012, but multiple calendars working thought of refusing to turn in my home- the 20th” says Kate Bozentka, Grade 10. in conjunction. work on the principal that I don’t want “I would travel as far as I needed to to see And these cal- to waste the rest of my life doing it has Justin Beiber in concert” says Kristen Bas- endars will fin- slipped into my mind a few times during choff. Do what you will, but I won’t be the ish their ‘great class, but the end of a calendar is not cause one with a stomach ache and no money on cycle’ on De- enough to take such drastic measures. the 22nd! cember 21, 2012. While the Myans I’m sure were ex- cellent calen- dar-makers, I doubt they It doesn’t could make one that goes sound like the on forever. The movie 2012 is Mayan calan- going to take dar lasts 5, place in real 125.36 years, life...Imaages which in my opinion is just courtesy of long enough, Cnreviews. maybe even a com and little over-kill. 86news.com Just because calendars stop does not mean the end of the world will Haven Art

Atlas Irked By Katie Williams,‘12 By Stefano Licht, ‘12 January 2012 Sports Page 11 Flyers Fall in the Winter Classic By Dylan Van Duyne, ‘14 replaced by Sergei Bobrovsky. To make To add to the chaos, after the need to learn to be supportive without earn- Staff Writer matters worse, Jaromir Jagr left the game Winter Classic some Flyers fans thought ing a reputation of brutally beating fellow Flyers and Rangers- one of the early with a leg injury and never returned. that the proper outlet for their anger was fans. With a Phillies fan getting punched greatest rivalries in Philadelphia sports With Pronger out for the season, surely Pe- two Rangers fans. The two Rangers fans to death and now a police officer beaten, I history, outside on ice in front of a record ter Laviolette did not expect to finish the were beaten badly at Geno’s Steaks, one of hope Philly fans clean up their act and help breaking crowd. For the second straight Winter Classic down his best defender, which was a police officer. Philadelphians make Philly a great, safe place for sports. year, the Philadelphia Flyers were granted franchise goalie and star the opportunity to play in the Winter Clas- forward, but that’s how it sic, and for the second straight year, they all played out. Frustrated blew it. As if the rivalry wasn’t already Flyers fans had to suf- enough, the two teams both entered the fer through watching the game as legitimate Eastern Conference first place Rangers enjoy contenders, and were evenly matched a Winter Classic victory, across the board. HBO had cameras all and couldn’t help but over the place for its 24/7 series highlight- to feel déjà vu all over ing the Winter Classic, supplying even again. more drama to the heated rivalry. Although the The Flyers lost the Winter Clas- Winter Classic angered sic 3-2, despite jumping out to a 2-0 many Flyers fans, myself lead. The Rangers, after being down 2-0, included, keep in mind scored 3 unanswered goals and its goalie, that only half the season Lundqvist, emerged as the hero when he is finished and the best is stopped Danny Briere’s penalty shot (some yet to come. As the Fly- question why Briere was even taking the ers start to prepare for opportunity in the first place). Claude Gir- what will hopefully be a oux, who is playing hockey as well as any- deep run into the play- one in the NHL, scored for the Flyers along offs, we can only hope with rookie Brayden Schenn (brought over that 2012 has good things in the Richards trade). The $51 million in- to come for the orange vestment, Ilya Bryzgalov, was benched and and black. Philadelphia hosts the 2012 Winter Classic at Citizens Bank Park. image courtesy wikipedia.org Obscure Sport: Equestrian Vaulting Imagine it: a gymnast flips right compete in freestyle, where routines may modern sport was born in post-war Ger- By Sam Snyder, ‘14 from a handstand, to her feet, to a back consist of mounts, dismounts, handstands, many, as a set of exercises used to improve Columnist tuck in the air; she sticks the landing per- kneeling and standing moves, and aerial general riding. Cavalry officers introduced As children, many of us are ex- fectly, falling astride a beautiful white stal- moves. Teams may additionally carry, lift, the sport into the 1920 Olympic Games, posed to a plethora of different sports. lion racing at full speed around a circle. If or toss another vaulter into the air. In this calling it “Artistic Riding,” yet it was not Soccer, karate, basketball, baseball, the list you can picture that, you’ve a pretty ac- area, vaulters are judged on the basis of continued in the games. goes on and on. For some kids, gymnastics curate idea of what the sport of equestrian technique, performance, form, balance, and/or horseback riding may number on vaulting looks like. That’s right, forget difficulty, security, and this list. Never together, however. That is, about performing stunts on a boring old consideration of the horse; until now. balance beam. We’ve got something better. horses are also scored. In This sport is the perfect combination regular vaulting, the uni- of grace and terrifying, edge of your form is a standard unitard, seat danger. As if the complicated flips, with as little embellishment jumps, twists, and tumbles of gymnas- as possible. In freestyle, tics weren’t enough, equestrian vaulting competitors may experi- brings the sport to a whole new level ment a bit more with their by adding in the element of landing all looks, perhaps wearing cos- these moves perfectly atop a moving tumes consisting of skirts horse. and leggings. Simply put, this daredevil sport The origins are is gymnastics and dance on horseback. thought to be traceable to It works very simply. Competitors ancient Greece during the may perform solo, with another, or as Roman era, and some even a team. They perform feats of gravity theorize that vaulting was atop the back of a carefully controlled included in the Roman horse moving around a 15 meter cir- games. But others trace cle. Though the horse is not saddled, it its history back to ancient wears rollers and a thick back pad, with Crete, with the legend- special grips to help the gymnasts with ary bull-leaping tradition. their aerial feats. Open to both male and Still others hypothesize female athletes, each individual, pair, or that vaulting originated in team performs a meticulous routine, set Central Asia with bands of to music, compromised of six compul- ancient Iranian tribes (col- sory exercises and choreographed free- lectively called the Scyth- style moves. The competitors are given ians), where this sport could An equestrian vaulting team competes at the a score from 0 to 10 for each exercise, be associated with the tra- international level. and the horse is judged and scored upon ditional practices of the An individual attempts a flip atop a fast moving horse. image courtesy mtedenvaulting.net its gait. Vaulters may also choose to tribes. In any event, the image courtesy wikipedia.org Flyers Sixers

Atlantic Division Standings (As of 1/23) Atlantic Division Standings (As of 1/23) GP W L OT PTS W L Perc. GB NY RANGERS 46 30 12 4 64 PHILADELPHIA 11 5 0.688 0.0 PHILADELPHIA 47 28 14 5 61 BOSTON 6 9 0.400 4.5 PITTSBURGH 48 27 17 4 58 NEW YORK 6 10 0.375 5.0 NEW JERSEY 47 26 19 2 54 NEW JERSEY 5 12 0.294 6.5 NY ISLANDERS 46 19 21 6 44 TORONTO 4 13 0.235 7.5 January 2012 Sports Page 12 The 2012 Phillies: Where We Stand By Josh Kauffman, ‘15 pressing days later, phans from Rehoboth, cleats or leaves the team for another after grand total to $60 million. In addition to Staff Writer DE to Scranton, PA watched on mlb.com finishing his three year contract. signing the man who, as I personally wit- “We fail ourselves if we decide as Ruben Amaro declared his intentions, That brings us to outfielder Do- nessed on a frigid fall day in Boston, spe- this is what we are and not try to get better. those being to make changes to benefit the monic Brown. In 2010, Brown came up to cializes in Irish jigs while riding on top of We owe it to our fans, our players and to team and answer for that agonizing night. the big leagues with a ridiculous amount World Series parade floats, the bullpen will each other to try to change to get better, to Now we sit here, a mere moon from Spring of hype that only intensified with an RBI be much improved by the return of Jose get it to this level. Our next level is to get to Training, with almost all of the dealings double in his first at-bat that sent the crowd Contreras, who spent most of last season the World Series and win it.” Such were the done. Has Mr. Amaro fully primed the at Citizens Bank Park into fits of joy and on the disabled list. Finally, the Phillies words of Ruben Amaro, Jr., General Man- Phillies for a championship run? Let’s find standing applause. After only two weeks, took a chance by signing former 20-game ager of the Philadelphia Phillies at a press out. just to show what a rough game baseball winner Dontrelle Willis to a one-year deal. conference on October 11, 2011, four days One of Amaro’s main goals for can be, Brown began to spend his days after perhaps the most painful game in re- the winter was to make his roster younger. between riding the bench in MLB and cent team history. I am speaking, of course, At the end of last season, the Phils were starting in AAA. What is his fate in 2012? of the 1-0 National League Division Series a team with one of the highest average When I asked him after a lecture at Univer- Game Five loss the city suffered to the St. player ages in baseball. Younger players sity of Pennsylvania, Phillies President Da- Louis Cardinals that ended Philadelphia’s mean more energy, and the Phillies are cer- vid Montgomery responded that Brown is playoff hopes. One of the best, if not the tainly in need of that. At the beginning of devoid of self-confidence and needs a full greatest pitcher in the game, Roy Halla- the offseason, there were only two major season at Lehigh Valley to build his con- day, gave a masterful performance, going holes that could be filled with youth: short- fidence, plate discipline, and skills in left eight innings strong with only one measly stop and left field. Coincidentally, two of field. Hopefully, the potential star will put run given up in the first. It was after the the team’s hottest prospects play just those together a stellar season in the minors and Fightins retired outfielder Lance Berk- positions, Freddy Galvis and Domonic silence his impatient critics. man to end the first frame that I, standing Brown. Galvis is a slick-fielding, well-hit- The Phillies have made numer- in Ashburn Alley noshing on a steak from ting shortstop who was on the fast track to ous moves to bolster left field and fill the Tony Luke’s on that chilly Friday night, be the opening day shortstop in 2013. Un- hole at first base left by Ryan Howard, who began to worry that this game would mir- fortunately for him, the Phillies’ re-sign- was injured during the final out of Game ror that of so many others this season: great ing of Jimmy Rollins for three years now Five last fall and will likely be out for the pitching, no offense. keeps Galvis in the minors for at least three first two months of the season. Shortly af- As I stood there in dismay follow- more years. While he could come up if J- ter the conclusion of the World Series, the ing the final out (it ain’t over till the big Roll becomes injured long-term (hopefully front office gave fan favorite Jim Thome a man falls), a quick look at the scoreboard not, of course, but sadly a distinct possibil- one year return ticket to the City of Broth- confirmed my fear: one run for the Cards, ity) Galvis is likely to stay at the AAA level erly Love, having been traded to the Chi- a big fat zero for the Phillies. Four de- in Lehigh Valley until Jimmy hangs up the cago White Sox in 2005 to make room for (ironically) Ryan Howard. Thome will likely start first base a few times a week Jonathan Papelbon is the newest addition until Howard returns around mid-June. to the Phillies’ incredible pitching list. After that, he’ll most likely start at most image courtesy mlblogs.com once a week. The same goes for newcom- ers Ty Wiggington and Laynce Nix, who will both most likely platoon left field with Willis has had trouble the past few seasons John Mayberry, Jr. in addition to sharing on the mound but will have an opportunity first with Thome and eventually Howard. to prove himself this season. These moves make the Phils’ bench stron- This 2012 season has much to ger and give the offense more potency. look forward to: we still have Halladay, As far as pitching is concerned, Lee, and Hamels, and the offense may there were only a handful of moves made, produce more runs with the additions of although one has been Ruben Amaro’s Thome, Wiggington, and Nix. The NL East biggest trophy this winter. That would be looks to be the most competitive Major the signing of all-star closer Jonathan Pa- League division this season, as every team pelbon, who has put together several mas- in the Fightins’ division has created buzz terful seasons since he exploded onto the this offseason, save for the pitiful Mets. As scene with the Boston Red Sox in 2006 2012 is appearing to be an intriguing sea- with 35 saves and a 0.92 ERA. The pitcher son for the Phillies, the countdown begins The painful memory of Ryan Howard falling in agany as the Phils lost the 2011 NLDS signed the most lucrative contract ever for for February 19, when Spring Training of- to the St. Louis Cardinals. a closer at four years, $50 million with an ficially begins and hope springs eternal. image courtesy latimes.com option for five years that would bring the February 2012 in Philly Sports

Flyers Sixers

Thu, Feb 2 vs Nashville 7:00 PM Wed, Feb 1 vs Chicago 7:00 PM Sat, Feb 4 vs New Jersey 1:00 PM Fri, Feb 3 vs Miami 7:00 PM Sun, Feb 5 @ NY Rangers 1:00 PM Sat, Feb 4 @ Atlanta 7:00 PM Tue, Feb 7 vs NY Islanders 7:00 PM Mon, Feb 6 vs Los Angeles 7:00 PM Thu, Feb 9 vs Toronto 7:00 PM Wed, Feb 8 vs San Antonio 7:00 PM Sat, Feb 11 vs NY Rangers 1:00 PM Fri, Feb 10 vs Los Angeles 7:00 PM Sun, Feb 12 @ Detroit 7:30 PM Sat, Feb 11 @ Cleveland 7:30 PM Thu, Feb 16 vs Buffalo 7:00 PM Mon, Feb 13 @ Charlotte 7:00 PM Sat, Feb 18 vs Pittsburgh 1:00 PM Wed, Feb 15 @ Orlando 7:00 PM Tue, Feb 21 @ Winnipeg 7:00 PM Fri, Feb 17 vs Dallas 7:00 PM Thu, Feb 23 @ Edmonton 9:30 PM Sun, Feb 19 @ Minnesota 7:00 PM Sat, Feb 25 @ Calgary 10:00 PM Tue, Feb 21 @ Memphis 8:00 PM Tue, Feb 28 @ San Jose 10:30 PM Wed, Feb 22 @ Houston 8:00 PM Tue, Feb 28 @ Detroit 7:30 PM Wed, Feb 29 vs Oklahoma City 7:00 PM