STEM: future focus of district By Eishna Ranganathan News Editor

After examining which subjects have the largest prospective career fi elds, the Neshaminy School District is attempting to emphasize STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – at all levels, elementary, middle and high school, via various upcoming programs and curriculum maps for the summer and during 2015-16 school year. “We are trying to better prepare students for success in a global, technological world; with an increase in hands-on activity, more students will gravitate toward the lessons, focusing on inquiry rather than recall, and active rather than passive learning,” Matt Thompson, science dept. chairperson said. The newest upcoming change, a STEM expo, will occur on May 28 in which younger students will have the opportunity to display their scientific projects in robotics, food science, computer design and the like. Middle schoolers will compete in an engineering- based challenge in experimental design. POSSIBLE MASCOT CHANGE- Should the school district not comply with the terms of adjustment, the Pa. Human Relations Commission will hold a public hearing with the school district and issue a final order on the matter. Photo/ Emily Fithian PA Human Relations Commission recommends district to change mascot

By Reed Hennessy “[The] Respondent shall immediately In addition to the school district Editor in Chief begin to investigate suitable, non- having 90 days to select a new name and discriminatory name and mascot for its mascot the terms of adjustment state that Photo/Neshaminy School District Recently the Pennsylvania Human teams and schools. Respondent shall have the school district must “cease and desist Relations Commission (PHRC) has found a period of 90 days to select his name and from holding any events utilizing the See “STEM:”pg 2 probable cause of discriminatory practice mascot and will be given a reasonable mascot name,” and that the school district by Neshaminy High School in its use of time in which to transition to district wide “shall receive training for its Board of Talks reduce the term “R------”. use of this name and mascot,” said the School Directors, administration, staff, The PHRC issued 10 “Terms of PHRC in its terms of adjustment. and the students designed to educate Adjustment” on Jan. 9, advising the Several school board members participants on the right of all persons to Iran Nuclear district to take actions on their mascot, and administrators were contacted for be treated in a non-discriminatory manner including fi nding a new mascot name comment on the matter. regardless of their Race and National within 90 days, ceasing and desisting Board member Stephen Pirittano Origin.” program all discriminatory activities utilizing the denied that the PHRC had made such In all, there are 10 terms of adjustment By Solomiya Syvyk name “R------”, and eventually phasing an order, “As explained at the [School all dealing with the process of changing News Editor out all references to Neshaminy’s current Board] Policy [Committee] meeting this the mascot of Neshaminy High School. mascot. past Tuesday in a statement put forward Also stated in the terms of adjustment Following two years of negotia- On Feb. 9 a conciliation meeting was by students representing the Playwickian, by the PHRC was that the school district tions, Iran and the , along held to address the terms of adjustment Mr. Levin, special counsel on this issue, “shall sponsor one half-day or full day with fi ve other world powers, have pro- and set a timeline for enacting the terms replied ‘No such action exists,’” said symposium for the community on the duced a framework specifying the limi- set forth by the PHRC, but the school board member Stephen Pirritano via historical signifi cance and harmful effects tations on Tehran’s nuclear program. district disagreed with those terms. email. of the use of racial monikers as mascots After eight days and nights of talks in When two parties disagree on the The only other board member and in sports.” Lausanne, Switzerland, the basis of the terms set in a PHRC case, a fi nal, public or administrator to reply on the matter If the school district maintains its agreement was announced on April 2 by hearing will be held in which a final was board member Anthony Sposato, current course of action the PHRC will Secretary of State John Kerry and Irani- decision will be made by the PHRC. This who stated in an email that he could not intervene in the matter. Should this be the an coequal Mohammad Javad Zarif; the may be the case for Neshaminy, but no comment on the matter under the advice case a public hearing will be held and the proposed plan is laid out for a span of 15 second hearing has been scheduled. of legal counsel. commission will issue a fi nal order. years, including attributions which make it the most intrusive inspection system in history. The unsigned accord has Iran reduce OOP-EdP-Ed SSportsports its stockpile of low-enriched Uranium SStudenttudent LLifeife from 10,000 to 300 kilograms and its number of operating centrifuges to 5,060, one-third its current amount. “But perhaps the most important compromise came in a lengthy battle over whether Iran would be allowed to SSchoolchool BBoardoard conduct research and development on ddisrespect:isrespect: 4 HHumansumans ooff NNeshaminy:eshaminy: 8 SSoftballoftball SSOLOL JJourney:ourney: 1100 advanced centrifuges, which are far more See “PROPOSAL:” pg 2 2 News April 29, 2015 STEM: PROPOSAL: continued from 1 continued from 1 Khamenei, announced that “all economic sanctions would have to be lifted on Additionally, the district is planning a Summer the day any fi nal agreement was signed STEM Academy for grades four through eight in the and that military sites would be strictly late summer, with one and two-week programs at the off limits to foreign inspectors,” wrote high school. Thomas Erdbrink and David E. Sanger in Those at the elementary school can select Camp the New York Times. This is deemed as Illuminate, centering around prototype simulations, highly problematic considering the United or Basic Version, centering around engineering. States held leverage by suspending the Those at the middle school can choose among an sanctions in phases so as to ensure Iran advanced and robotics-specifi c course. “[Neshaminy] is following through with its obligations. is really expanding its STEM focus beyond the Also, Fordo, along with several other sites, classroom, trying to get the community and businesses are located on military bases, thus partly involved and tell our Neshaminy story of events and preventing one of the main objectives accomplishments, through our voice, by taking a more reached in the accord, thorough inspection proactive role on the website and making STEM a of Iran’s remaining nuclear facilities. public endeavor,” David Geanette, Director of Math “The proposal displayed to the public and Science said. from the United States’ perspective still Two months ago, Neshaminy ran a STEM report TEHRAN- Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif does not completely match the wants of and started a blog, upkept by Chris Stanley, with status (right) and Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Iran, especially concerning the timing of the updates around the district. The high school offers Organization announce basis of unsigned agreement sanctions and the extent of the inspections. four Advanced Placement (AP) sciences, three AP to disable Iran from constructing nuclear weaponry for the These two small details which seem almost math courses, and six college preparatory engineering next 10 years. Photo/ Morteza Nikoubazl/Zuma Press/TNS irrelevant in the big picture could actually courses, all for which it has recently purchased newer permanently halt the entire process which equipment to further lab investigation. effi cient than current models. The Iranians won the right would deem the two years of negotiations “I think we should focus on a greater math to research, but not to use more modern machines for as pointless,” said senior, Hoyt Hoelper. requisite for students, four years rather than three, and production for the next 10 years,” wrote Michael R. As the probable accord presents a potential in better funded labs for study to build upon what we Gordon and David E. Sanger in the New York Times. renewing relations with a 35 year avowed enemy, have learned and understand concepts better,” junior The remaining 5 years of the accord would enable Iran unresolved disputes are to be voiced at the next round of Brenna Doyle said. to steadily resume implementation of their fi ndings. discussions in Vienna in order to fi nalize an agreement The budget, altered accordingly, caters to the One week after the political framework was by the mutually decided and already extended deadline various items bought and future purchases to be made completed, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali of June 30. with instructional materials and attendance of faculty at STEM conferences a priority for the district; around $165,000 will be devoted to the initiative. Administration also continues to recognize the importance of individuals who have gifts across Bald Eagle soars to popularity multiple fi elds. “I think it’s important to extend this invitation into the arts for a gamut of mindsets. You can incorporate the same problem-solving processes, By Nic Hoffman straying from the traditional methods, for a more Archivist integrated approach. You need imagination and creativity for solutions, rather than pure function,” A recent increase in the use of live streams, Geanette said. live transmission of an event online, has allowed Overall jobs in America tend to encompass six people to see new spectacular things in real time. fi elds: STEM, law, business, social sciences, liberal A huge spark of interest fi rst occurred about one arts and education. “At the bachelor’s degree level, year ago, when the National Aeronautics and students in humanities, education, and health sciences Space Administration set up a live stream from the had higher attrition rates (56−62 percent) than did International Space Station, allowing the ability those in STEM fi elds (48 percent),” according to the to tune in at any time to see the earth from space. U.S. Dept. of Education 2013 report. The NASA cam is still up and running, but a new Neshaminy’s measures start to involve the convocation of live streams has taken fl ight from district’s youth in STEM at an earlier age and attempt under wing of the space craze: the Bald Eagle WEBCAM- Livestream of Eagle family in Hanover, Pa., to better prepare them for a sense of real world camera movement. principals and career readiness. America’s national bird has gone through a one among many nests nationwide. sharp dive in its population but is now off the ground Photo/PAGame Commission, HDOnTap and Comcast Business again. At the time it was chosen to represent the fl edgling nation, there were roughly one hundred thousand Bald Eagles roaming the skies. Habitat egg shells then had DDT in degradation, hunting, and the human strain on their food them instead of strengthening supply led to their decline until the early 1900s, but calcium. When the eagles sat in the fi rst half of the twentieth century we went even on the eggs to incubate, the further, killing off the eagles without knowing how or eggs broke, killing the young. why it was happening. The surviving offspring were The use of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) usually sterile. and similar chemical pesticides was hailed as a beautiful The road to recovery took advancement of scientifi c progress and the cure to all legislative action but has been insect annoyances. Consequently, the Bald Eagle started largely successful. Protected by declining in population, d ropping to its lowest of 487 the Migratory Bird Treaty Act nesting pairs in 1963. and the Bald and Golden Eagle Rachel Carson authored Silent Spring in 1962, Protection Act, the eagle has pointing out what was happening with DDT and its been removed from protection killing off of the broods of the eagles. To summarize, by the Endangered Species the chemical would be sprayed on or near waterways, Act. The International Union enter the food chain on a low level, and biomagnifi es for Conservation of Nature up the food chain until it was in high concentration (IUCN) Red List now places Graphic/Nic Hoffman in the adult eagle. When time came to lay eggs, the the Bald Eagle as “Least Concern.” The wild population at any moment. Conservationists are hopeful about the is estimated to be roughly 10,000 nesting pairs. This is benefi ts of these webcams and of the vested interest a booming success after the they create in people. Here in Pennsylvania we have terrible dearth of 1963, but the benefi t of one of the best cameras. is still only one fi fth of the The Pennsylvania Game Commision has, on original population. their website, a high-defi nition camera displaying a The recent nesting pair in Hanover, Pennsylvania. The camera trend of eagle cameras across was installed in December and the stream aired to the the country has furthered the public on January 14. The fi rst egg appeared Feb. 14, American compassion for the the second appeared Feb. 17. They hatched on March bird. From Florida to Maine, 24 and 25, respectively. cameras have sprung up, An interest in our national bird is always welcome displaying the birds nesting. by Americans and environmentalists alike. The cameras Egg laying, incubation, are a great way to see a less than common bird at any hatching, and hunting are all given time, and a unique view into the nest of the visible on a myriad of cameras, freedom fl ier. each with the ability to tune in April 29, 2015 Student Life 3 Beloved role model center of widespread Al Durante: popularity, recognition, love By Tim Cho contributions. Kennith Gurysh, former men I have ever met.” Student Life & Web Editor math teacher at Carl Sandburg and “I was new to currently at Neshaminy High School, the district in sixth A living legend, Al Durante walks recalls how, “every year when they grade and on the first the halls of Carl Sandburg Middle School present the Al Durante Service Award, day I had no clue and has influenced over three generations you see how humble and caring he is and what I was doing or of students. Recognized by students how crazy the student body gets when where I was going and adults as one of the kindest people they introduce him!” and I remember Mr. they ever knew, Durante has also been Standing outside the front entrance Durante helping me recognized by the community, both by every morning, Durante greets every out with what to do, students and adults. person that enters the middle school. He he was there for me Every year, a Carl Sandburg student reminds students how wonderful they since my first day at receives the Al Durante Service Award are and how lucky he is to be able to Neshaminy,” Mabin for their contribution to the community know them. “He is arguably the kindest recalls. in honor of Durante’s own community man to ever walk the earth,” Gurysh Teresa Bidwell, said. 51, Cobalt Ridge Staci Speece, Spanish teacher, at native and current Neshaminy High School, remembers Redrose resident, attending Carl Sandburg and seeing has known Durante’s LOVE— Al Durante, (right) still coaching at Carl Sand- Durante every morning. “I’ve known daughter, Cheryl burg Middle School, recveives widespread love from Mr. Durante for 13 years now. I met him Durante, since as a 6th grader at Sandburg and really kindergarten, but all who know him; he stands with Carl Sandburg gym looked forward to seeing him every remembers Durante teacher Hank Coleman (left). day as a student there. He was always since their earlier Photo/Donna Durante so positive and cheery, and always had years; “He was Many admire Durante and strive to be something nice to say about everyone.” always smiling, out there waving to like him, including Speece. “The mark he Community members reciprocate everyone, especially saying, ‘Hi gang’ has left on generation after generation of even if there was only two students is something I want to do as well. “He reminds me why I love my job.” people hanging out.” He teaches us to stay humble when we’re -Staci Speece, Neshaminy teacher Anita Rubin Getz, family at our highest points and to stay hopeful friend of 44 years, remembers when we reach our lowest of points,” she Durante’s love for others; many have being Durante’s paper girl and his kind said. described him as caring, kind, affable, behavior, especially how, “he always Durante’s response to public opinion honest, and steadfast. “His smiling face talked to me…even when collecting; of him does not do justice to the kindness and his awesome, ‘I love yous,’ that he always made me feel comfortable, and he radiates; “I love them and they bring gave every morning made everyone feel leave with a smile; always took the time me great joy. I am truly blessed to still be great about themselves,” Carl Sandburg to chat, even if just for a few minutes.” working at Carl Sandburg Middle School, alum, Kelly Sauer, said. One of Durante’s daughters, Donna it is an amazing school with amazing Rhianna Mabin, Neshaminy High Durante, attributes his kindness to his love students and staff. [I] hope that I can work School sophomore, shared memories and how he, “truly loves everyone and… there another ten years.” of Durante while she attended Carl it’s wonderful that they [the students] can YOUTH— While Al Durante has aged, Sandburg. “He is so caring. He is always get it at Sandburg; he truly he still retains his youthful energy and giving and reminding people to smile, he does change their lives “That’s the kind of man he is —amazing.” compassion. shines light on everyone’s life he passes and I couldn’t be prouder -Jessica Souder, Carl Sandburg student Photo/Donna Durante through and he is truly one of the best of him.” 4 April 29, 2015 The Playwickian Editorials 2001 Old Lincoln Highway Langhorne, PA 19047 (215) 809-6670 Current school board lacks civility www.playwickian.com [email protected] Community members jeered and the alleged words. The board members disrespect, the community may likewise Editors in Chief shouted as the Board of Directors, argued until their microphones were go with them. We cannot have this Gillian McGoldrick and sprawled out on the stage, motioned turned off by a third member. This is just community embroiled in so venomous Reed Hennessy to close Samuel Everett Elementary one instance of the bitterness and anger an atmosphere. While we understand Managing Editors School. This scene was one among that has manifested itself between these the emotion of the community, we also Jackson Haines and many reasons the March 17 school board members. see the potential for the controversy to Madison Buffardi meeting was disappointing. Yet while This hostility has been aimed at become needlessly acrimonious. some community members perhaps can community members as well. Last year, This school board needs to change Business/Promotions Editor Stephanie Harvey be expected to be impassioned and at a school board member allegedly referred course. If they wish for greater respect times emotional, the more disappointing to a community member as an “a------.” from the community, they must respect Arts & Entertainment Editors display came from the board members It appears that working relationships each other. They have been elected—or Monica Dinh and themselves. The Neshaminy School among some (certainly not all) board appointed— to lead this community, Brendan McGoldrick Board, at this meeting and many others, members have fallen apart. If we are and so far they have not set a shining Literary Editor showed a lack of civility. to take the behavior in the meeting as example. If they wish to be re-elected, Nicholas Hoffman On March 17, this lack of civility any indication, there is a lack of respect it is up to them to change their image; if reared its ugly head as two board members between members, and perhaps even a they do not, then it is up to the voters to News Editors Eishna Ranganathan and argued over the Everett closing. By all lack of cooperation. The lack of civility elect those who show more respect and Miya Syvyk means, disagreement should be present only compounds the dysfunction which responsibility. among the school board, as it creates the this board has evidently griped with. Op-Ed Editors best ideas and opens up policies to valid Worse is the atmosphere this projects The unsigned editorial repre- Madison Buffardi and criticisms and thus to improvements. on the community itself. During the teacher sents the majority view of the Brynn MacDougall Editorial Board. What occurred here, however, was contract controversy the school board Features Editors different. One board member quoted set a hardline tone, and the community Ashley Reiss Gauri Mangala another board member, to which the likewise shifted to more stern of a stance. and Madison Buffardi second replied that he had never said If this school board sets an example of

Sports Editors Alli Kaufman and Liam Krimmel

Student Life Editors Tim Cho and Jessica McClelland

Copy Editors By Brynn MacDougall Nic Hoffman and Op-Ed Editor Anthony Murray PHOTO SCANDAL: Day of Silence (DoS) is a protest Photography Editor Could have been handled better of MOGAI (Marginalized orientations, Emily Fithian gender, and intersex) based bullying, run by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network). DoS Graphics Editor By Reed Hennessy Grace Marion is supposed to call attention to the Editor in Chief bullying that MOGAI teens face every Sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages via mobile day and how it silences them. Many Archivist phones and other devices. This past October, although it may be hard to Nicholas Hoffman participate in the event, hoping that remember, a story broke about a sexting scandal involving Neshaminy by being silent, the stigma surrounding High School students. It may be hard to remember because of the gross Circulation Editors MOGAI identities will end. mishandling of the situation by Neshaminy High School administration Others, however, have expressed Makenzie Mason and from the very start to the very end. Molly McIntyre dissatisfaction with DoS. They feel The sexting scandal first came to light following a tumultuous week at that by feeling silent, they are not Neshaminy High School wherein the app “Yik-Yak” was being used as a really raising awareness for a cause, medium for students to post inappropriate comments about other students. Staff Writers but rather giving society what it wants. The situation was handled relatively well: Yik-Yak was banned from the If no one speaks about the issues that Melissa Ackerman, Daniel Bodine, Neshaminy campus. The administration was correct in doing this; however, Shawna Bratton, Austin Bucci, Nina MOGAI teens face those issues will they handled the sexting scandal poorly. only persist. Having a one paragraph Caruso, Tom Collins, Diana Cristancho, The only message sent out by McGee regarding the sexting scandal to Kyle DiFrank, Sierra Fiorentino, Emily card that generalizes the subject of the parents of students at Neshaminy High School contained the following MOGAI harassment does not do much. Hamilton, Catherine Hilliard, Sloane message. “The situation/incident was NOT a football team issue.” Why Horton, Mark Hullings, Sarah It does not let people know how deeply would one group of people be singled out and specifically defended by the bullying and harassment affect the Kelly, Leanne Khov, Grace Marion, McGee? Lily McCollum, Alexandria, Mendoza, victims. The simple reason is because at that moment in time ensuring the secure In 2011, GLSEN conducted a Konstantin Myasoyedov, Dasha status of the football team was just as if not more important than ensuring Nikolaenko, Brianna Rayner, Madison survey about MOGAI bullying. They the individuals who had their photographs passed around were okay and found that 64 percent of MOGAI teens Rodak, Lindsey Rush, Drew Scallorn, that any individuals found to be in possession of such photographs would Haley Sherman, Namish Siddiqui, felt unsafe in the school environment receive proper discipline. This is all besides the fact that the only person to due to their sexual orientation, and 44 formally mention the football team in regards to the sexting scandal was percent due to their gender identity. McGee. Even if a large amount of football players were involved in the Thirty-two percent of MOGAI Publication policy: sexting scandal it is not the job of administration to protect students simply students skipped at least one day of The following is an excerpt from Policy 600 because of they belong to a certain club or extra-curricular activity. school because they felt unsafe. which the Playwickian staff must follow. To make the point clear this is not a criticism of the football team, this On Dec. 28, 2014, transgender teen The excerpt is not representative of Policy is a criticism of administration; the message posted by McGee could have Leelah Alcorn committed suicide after 600 in its entirety. The Playwickian has been referenced any club or athletic team at Neshaminy High school and it still years of rejection from her parents. directed to publish this excerpt of the Policy would have been wrong. The message then went on to say that “Kids make They had sent her to conversion in its masthead. The staff feels this section of mistakes. We address the mistakes and then move on without malice.” Which therapists to convince her she was boy the policy is also important to be featured in is a nice thought, but there is a difference between making a mistake, and and eventually restricted her access the masthead: “It is the intent of the Board of intentionally committing a crime. to social media. Alcorn said in her School Directors of the School District that Also, there is a difference between moving on without malice and no suicide note on Tumblr calling for School District publications be considered longer addressing the issue. In that short 242 word message not one real gender to be taught in schools early government speech for purposes of the First issue was addressed, nor did the administration denounce the actions of on. Alcorn herself had only discovered Amendment and to the extent permitted by the students involved in the scandal. All the student body heard was that what transgender meant when she was the First Amendment.” mistakes were made, not that sexting is wrong, illegal, and should be reported 14. If kids learn MOGAI terms and Playwickian Policy: The policy of the Playwickian which shall be published as part of the immediately. The classic cop-out that “kids will be kids” does not apply to masthead of the newspaper shall be as follows: acceptance then they wouldn’t feel “Policy. Subject to applicable law and the terms, conditions and limitations set forth in situations where police have to get involved. Policy 600 of the Board of School Directors of the Neshaminy School District and this policy alone. statement, it is the policy of School District that student journalists shall have the right to The sexting scandal was a serious situation that was not necessarily determine the content of the Playwickian. Except for advertisements, all content shall be Additionally, many kids in schools prepared by students, subject to editing by others. “swept under the rug”, but definitely not handled well, not addressed in the Students: (a) strive to produce media based upon professional standards of accuracy, participating in DoS aren’t actually objectivity and fairness; (b) review material to improve sentence structure, grammar, spelling manner it should have been, and if anything the administration’s actions and punctuation; (c) check and verify all facts and verify the accuracy of all quotations; and participating. Some will claim they are (d) in the case of editorials or letters to the editor concerning controversial issues, determine will serve to perpetuate similar situations in the future. doing DoS in order to avoid answering the need for rebuttal comments and opinions and provide space therefore if appropriate. As examples, and not limitations on the proper authority of school officials, the following types questions in class. That is not to say of expression will not be approved for publication: (a) material that is obscene; (b) the work, taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value; (c) indecent or that most are faking it. Most honestly vulgar language is not obscene; (d) material that violates the legal or constitutional rights of others; (e) material that will cause a material and substantial disruption of school activities; want to support MOGAI teens. But and (f) any other material that the school authorities reasonably believe should be prohibited. Within the terms, conditions and limitations of Policy 600 and this policy statement, students being silent and not going in depth of are free to express opinions. Specifically, a student may criticize school policy or the performance of teachers, administrators, school officials and other school employees. the issues they face every day does The viewpoints expressed by anyone in this paper shall not be deemed to be the viewpoins of the School District, any official or employee of the School District, or any student other than nothing to help. the student or students who expressed the viewpoint. April 29 ,2015 Opinion 5 PERSPECTIVES American feminists should focus their fight on women overseas Feminism, to the extent that it aims rights among men and women? of 1963 makes it illegal to discriminate Obama, cannot be automatically assumed to end sexual discrimination, is a noble Additionally, the argument for “on the basis of sex by paying wages as fact just because one study found this cause. Neither sex is superior or inferior equal pay is invalid since men to employees in such establishment to be true. When looking at statistics, to the other and all humans – males and women in America are at a rate less than the rate at which one must look at the reliability of the and females alike – deserve the same already paid equally. American he pays wages to employees of the study before claiming it to be true. The fundamental respect. Sadly, the feminist feminists cry out about a opposite sex.” It states that people study only surveyed two universities, movement in America all too often supposed “wage gap.” This can only be paid more on the basis which does not accurately reflected misses this point. Women in America wage gap has been refuted of “(i) a seniority system; (ii) a sexual assault in American higher-level have obtained equal rights: the right to by many economists. In the merit system; (iii) a system education. Also a large number of people be a citizen, own property, receive an 95-page report “An Analysis which measures earnings did not respond to the survey, making the education, vote, hold public office, and – of Reasons for the Disparity by quantity statistic an even greater misrepresentation. yes – receive equal pay for their labor. in Wages Between Men or quality of Even a high school student who has taken In contrast, women in other parts and Women,” economists production; statistics for a year would know that the of the world are denied these rights and evaluate how the wage gap or (iv) a small sample size and potential response more. In Saudi Arabia, women are not only accounts for a median differential bias make these findings unreliable. Some legally permitted to drive. In some regions of all earnings of men based on any claim that even more women are sexually of the Middle East women are forbidden and women, meaning it other factor assaulted than the statistic shows but that from exposing any of their skin. Clearly, does not account for men other than claim is simply not based on any facts. these women deserve better treatment and women in the same sex.” Modern-day feminists in the U.S. have and basic rights. And are feminists jobs. Women – although Another drastically steered away from the roots of fighting for them? Well, often times they are not forced into statistic that the 1848-1920 Feminist Movement. The not. Unfortunately, American feminism any jobs – tend to have feminists roots of feminists called for empowering focuses inward when there is little change lower paying jobs. This is argue that is women by giving them every legal right to be made rather than outward where possibly the result of women misleading granted to men. However, feminism atrocities are plentiful. wanting to work part-time jobs is from a 2007 study, The in America has evolved into women The loudest outcries from American or nine-to-five jobs instead of Campus Sexual Assault complaining on social media about feminists includes #FreeTheNipple and working long hour jobs that Study, which states one in misleading statistics. Feminists should calls for equal pay in the United States. typically pay more like stock five college women will instead use the voice and power they Being able to get a hashtag trending brokers, surgeons, or lawyers be sexually assaulted. This have on social media to make changes in nationwide shows the power of American largely because they are raising statistic, even cited countries where men and women are not feminists. So why not use this power in a children. By Stephanie Harvey by President Barack equal. country that does not already have equal In fact, the Equal Pay Act Business Editor We need feminism in all areas of the world, for different reasons People often assume that a feminist’s primary agenda is to convince schools to may be true that men and women can work the same job and make the same amount. have lackadaisical dress codes and to hate men. The truth is, the goals of feminism The point is though, that women are less likely to be hired into certain fields or are reach far beyond something so small as a high school dress code. wildly misrepresented in fields as a direct result of sexism in the work place. The Though allowing women to dress as they please and still be respected is idea that some jobs are more suited for men is sexist. important, there are other, greater things to be fought for. The act of denouncing Another point often brought up by those that are against feminism is citing feminism or claiming to “not need it” is blatantly ignoring horrible injustices the fact that the statistic claiming that one in every five women will be sexually happening to women daily. To denounce feminism is to choose to not support basic assaulted during their college career is “false”. This is true, if you’re saying that civil rights of all people. the statistic is under-reporting. In places like India, China, Pakistan and other similar locations “honor killings” The statistic is based on a study done by the Justice Department’s National are common – which is the act of murdering a woman to maintain the honor of Institute of Justice in 2007. It was an anonymous online survey conducted at only one’s family. According to a Pakistani women’s rights group, more than 1,000 two universities. It is correct to say that using only 2 universities will not create an women die each year as a result of honor killings. accurate representation of assault victims, but saying that is over estimating victims Though it does occur throughout the world another issue concerning is nothing but detrimental. women which is centered in South Asia are acid attacks. An acid attack, Given the sheer nature of the crime and its effects, victims will commonly not also called vitriolage, is when acid is thrown on a person in order to report being assaulted or raped, not to mention, some victims don’t even know that disfigure, torture, or kill them. These attacks happen to primarily what has happened to them is considered assault. If the one in five women statistic women when it is felt they’re causing dishonor. is what bothers you, there are other statistics to consider. Female genital mutilation is another huge issue which exemplifies According to RAINN – Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network – 68 percent the separation between genders and highlights the mistreatment of of sexual assault is not reported to police and 98 percent of rapists will never spend a women. Genital mutilation includes procedures that intentionally injure day in jail. Approximately two thirds of sexually assaults are committed by someone or alter a females genitalia for non-medical reasons. Genital mutilation known to the victim, which only makes reporting it, or even talking about it, affects women primarily between infancy and the age of 15, more harder for the victim. than 125 million women alive today have been mutilated. There is no benefit in claiming that the statistic is over- So, it’s simple to denounce feminism for women who are reporting the numbers. It’s detrimental, insensitive, comfortable and safe in their day-to-day life. It’s easy to say and offensive to victims. It must be asked, what is the that they “don’t need feminism” when they aren’t facing being goal of such a claim? Is saying that the statistic is mutilated or killed as a result of exercising your basic rights exaggerating the numbers a call to stop trying to as a human being. prevent sexual assault? And even if the statistic was But, just because these things aren’t so prevalent in over reporting, which it isn’t, wouldn’t one in every America, doesn’t mean we don’t need feminism in America 300 women still be one too many victims being – because unfortunately ignoring injustices doesn’t help raped? Claiming the statistic is false only amplifies the anything. In America though, it’s important to remember that ignorance and desensitization toward sexual assault, women aren’t being accurately represented. and undoubtedly adds to the problem. Keep in mind that there are 318.9 million people in the United While one of the top goals of feminism is to States, 157 million of those people being women. In the House of empower women, it does not mean feminists view all Representatives there are currently 362 men and 76 women and in women as weak and oppressed. Feminists are not the Senate, there are 17 women and 83 men. So, for a nation that aiming to make women stronger – women are already is nearly half men and half women, our house and senate is over strong. The goal is to encourage women to keep being strong until they 80 percent male. It’s obvious that 20 percent of a whole isn’t equal make up half our government, until they can feel safe walking the streets representation. Not to mention the 239 years we’ve gone without at night, until they can report a crime to police and see justice, until they a female president. By Madison Buffardi can see equal amounts of men and women in all jobs, and until Yes, women can vote. But due to ongoing underlying Managing and Op-Ed Editor people who want equality between genders aren’t seen as a bunch sexism in America women have yet to achieve equal of promiscuous women who just want to #FreeTheNipple. representation in our government. Whether you are pro-life Being against equality for all people is nonsensical. It’s or pro-choice, whether you believe birth control should be important to understand that someone can be a feminist and be covered in health care or not, the voice that is speaking in government toward a housewife, or want to dress conservatively, or be a man, or a number of other issues that concern primarily women is overwhelmingly male. things. Victims of sexual assault are facing unimaginable hardships, and if we cannot A statistic that is commonly discredited is that women make 77 cents to every at least empathize, we must not diminish their cases to a statistic. Victims should dollar men make. The argument goes on to say that the 23-cent gender pay gap is know their suffering is valid and real – regardless of if they’re one in every five or simply the difference between the average earnings of all men and women working one in every 5,000. full-time. It does not account for differences in occupations, positions, education, The crucial point of this is that feminism is important. America has progressed job tenure, or hours worked per week. quite a bit, but it’s not equal yet. It cannot be denied that women of the world are That argument actually proves that there is a gap in pay based on gender. So it not treated equally to men, and feminism aims to put that to an end, in America and universally.

6 Features April 29 , 2015 April 29, 2015 Features 7

Q: Do you classify yourself as a hip- Q: What is the most hipster thing you know? ster? Hip · ster A: Mr. Cochran. A: I like coffee, books, cardigans and noun informal reading poetry...hipster stereotype, or English teacher stereotype? You a person who follows the latest trends and fashions, decide. especially those regarded as being outside the cultural mainstream.

An overwhelming amount of hipster teachers have popped up in Neshaminy High School, almost to the point where they are the mainstream teacher, and therefore no longer hipsters – but not quite! From their recognizable senses of style to their choice in music, hobbies, and an abundance of memberships to the art museum these teachers ironically fit the hipster mold. But just like snowflakes, each hipster is unique – so what makes Neshaminy’s hipsters so hipster? So you want to be a hipster? By Gauri Mangala Features Editor So, you want to be a hipster. Well you have come to the right place. Welcome Photos/Ashley Reiss to the world of hipsterdom, in which you will find such delights as biking to work because it is more environmentally sound and using a satchel instead of a backpack because who carries backpacks anymore? Q: Whats the most hipster thing First thing is first, do not shave. Ever. Facial hair is the epitome of a hipster. you have ever heard of? Pros, cons of The facial hair of a hipster is equivalent to yellow and black stripes of a bee, when you see it, you just know. And don’t be mistaken, the “don’t shave” rule does not A:Writing an article about hipster apply just to men. Ladies, keep that leg hair. Let that unibrow be free in the wind. fashion amongst middle aged having a hipster Now that you have got that cover, it’s time for a new wardrobe. A mix of teachers rather than students. Aging neon and pastels is appropriate, as is the use of outdated attire such as, but not into the lower middle class and limited to, bowties, suspenders, overalls, fedoras, and anything from Goodwill. mediocre success as the next trend. teacher It should be noted that the term vintage is a necessity when describing any article Edgy. of clothing that has been complimented. By Ashley Reiss The hipster diet is one that is both boring and interesting at the same time. Features Editor Being a vegan is a must to the hipster, as is having a balanced nutriment of organic foods. A truly hip foodie knows all the under the radar places to get their eat on. Q: How would you describe your style? Pro: Easily persuaded by a cup of coffee and a vinyl record They know all the great places to get authentic Assyrian food and hate Chipotle because it’s not “genuine Mexican food.” A: I think people can recoginize me by my Con: Don’t know if they’re making fun of you or saying something abstract The musical stylings of the hipster are extremely important. The hipster must headband, it’s like my thing. not only focus their time on fangirling on undiscovered indie bands and never Pro: more relaxed and laid back “who really needs to be yelled at for using inviting their friends to concerts because “they’ve probably never heard of it.” a pen instead of a pencil” Along with this, hipsters must be able to play guitar, along with a counterculture instrument, like the ukulele or accordion. Con: they have better style than you It should be noted that being a hipster means that you can never consider yourself as such. Good luck, my friends. Be hip. Pro: funny and relevant with a hint of sarcasm

Con: their worship of irony is unholy

Pro: need a record player? It’s probably in their messenger bag Q: Is being a hipster something you strive for or does it just happen? Photo/Emily Fithian Con: own more flannels than a lumber jack A: I suppose my choice would be something I “strive Q: Do you classify yourself as a hipster? for,” being that I “strive” to dress myself on purpose each morning, mainly to avoid being arrested. A: I don’t classify myself as a hipster because I have had the same lack of fashion for the last 20 years. Q: What makes you different from all the other hipsters?

A: I diligently follow professional sports just Q:Is being hipster something you to be ironic. strive for or does it just happen?

A:I guess it just happens when I’m not looking.

Q: What makes me a hipster?

A: My commitment to fleece.

Photo/Jack Haines

By Maddy Buffardi 8 Student Life April 29, 2015

By Monica Dinh Entertainment Editor

“How long have you two known each other?” “About a few seconds.”

*Disclaimer: A few months ago, Graphics and Robotics teacher, Bob Wood, had his “no button” stolen.* “Do you ever have trouble picking out “Where do you think your ‘no button’ which tie you’re going to wear in the went?” morning?” “It magically grew legs that were made in the “Sometimes the tie dictates me. robotics classes and somehow managed to walk The day dictates the tie sometimes. itself out of my classroom. That being said if I Sometimes I base it on my dreams. find those robotic legs that stole my ‘no button,’ Sometimes the dream just comes to they will be broken.” me.”

“So did you dream about pigs last night?” “Porkchops”

Senior Interim Progress Report Due Junior Class Trip April 29 May 2 through May 4 Virginia “If you could give Wear Your Autism Awareness Shirt a message to the April 30 NHS Academic Recognition Ceremony world, would it Neshaminy High School May 6 Neshaminy High School Auditorium be?” NHS Drama & Music’s ‘Collabaret’ “Quoting Bill & April 30 & May 1 Ted, I would just Blackbox Theatre Underclassmen Interim Progress Report say be excellent to Due each other.” May 6 National Honor Society’s Blood Drive Senior Prom May 1 May 9 Neshaminy High School Gym 3 Sheraton, Center City

Engineering, science classes work together, create new homes for birds to disperse throughout the school grounds and within By Nicholas Hoffman Idlewood. Archivist & Copy Editor “We’re just trying to establish a habitat,” said Murray, hopeful for the project and its implications. He continued, Neshaminy’s Manufacturing and Construction students are saying “The Environmental Action Club along with myself working at top gear to churn out bird boxes, both for the school and Mr. Maloney will put up the boxes at various points on and the community. campus and then it will be an ongoing process to monitor Gary Warlow, teacher of the class, was recently contacted the boxes, checking for invasive birds once a week until by the Langhorne Rod & Gun Club to construct eight Wood bluebirds are established.” Duck nesting boxes. As of April 11, four of the eight boxes were Junior Dave Terrell, Sophomore Mike Principale complete, delivered and installed by the club. and Freshman Sam Nelms are all leading the production, The Manufacturing and Construction class, designed to a project that exemplifies the class as a whole and has use wood, wood substitutes, metals and plastics to manufacture environmental benefits as well. and construct today’s products, is tackling the challenge with Warlow is excited to engage his students in an outside HOUSES— Sam Nelms, Mike Prin- enthusiasm, embracing the prospect of a group assignment for project and to contribute to the community. Warlow said of cipale and Dave Terrell lead the bird an outside source. the project “We’re teaching across the curriculum, hands house s’production for the Langhorne In addition to their Wood Duck boxes, the class is producing on. In Manufacturing and Construction, we’re making the Rod & Gun Club and Environmental bluebird boxes for the Environmental Action Club. Warlow boxes, and just down the hall in Environmental science the Action Club. was asked by James Murray, Science teacher and advisor of project is helping Mr. Murray. They get to hang them and Photo/Garry Warlow the Environmental Action Club, to produce 20 bluebird boxes observe them. April 29, 2015 Sports 9

Neshaminy girls dominate spring sports

By Liam Krimmel By Alli Kaufman Sports Editor Sports Editor

As a junior, Mackensie Comp- Only a few weeks into the girls’ ton is making her mark this season on varsity lacrosse season, and the team has the Neshaminy softball team. The girls already matched their previous record are on a dominating streak in the Sub- of 4 wins in a season; a record that was urban One League and PIAA District set in 2013 and matched during the 2014 One conference this season. Compton, season. For the first time in ten years the alongside teammates Olivia Zaino (LF), Neshaminy Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse team Sam Offenbeck (P), and Nikki Wild(C), defeated a conference opponent, winning has made a great improvement over the a great game over Central Bucks East with a score of 17-14 on April 14. last few seasons. This sudden boost in the lacrosse The girls are a PIAA 4A team program can be attributed to many factors and are considered as a respected team yet the most obvious is freshman Bridget in the Suburban One League. Neshami- Carrezola. Carrezola, a starter for varsity ny recently had their game against carried the team, scored six of the 17 goals JUNIOR-- Mackensie Compton, Cen- LACROSSE-- Bridget Carezola is be- terfielder is a Providence College re- Nazareth Academy where Compton in Neshaminy’s game against CB East went 2-4 hits and her solo homerun put ing recuited by some of the most cruit and will begin her college seaon and has scored over 40 goals so far this Neshaminy in a very impressive lead. prestigious schools like Rutgers and in 2017 as a freshman. season. “So far I think we’ve done really Compton has been playing on James Madison. Photo/Alli Kaufman well, we had a really big win Tuesday it varsity since her freshmen year and was our first league win since 2005 and Photo/Liam Krimmel hasn’t looked back since. During her if we can get another one that would awesome,” Bridget said. sophomore year, Compton finished her season by stealing 12 bases. Her hard work Carrezola is not unknown to the lacrosse world having been named a 2014 Brine last year paid off and this year she will be the leadoff hitter for the season. During National All-Star last year; representing the Pennsylvania team at a conference for a recent game against Council Rock South, while Neshaminy was down during the best middle school lacrosse players from around the country. Bridget got her start the game, Compton stepped up to deliver an RBI double to put Neshaminy on the in the sport earlier, following her older sister’s footsteps to play for Lower Bucks’ scoreboard. The girls are now 5-1 in the conference and 9-1 overall in the state. Lacrosse, though she now plays for South Jersey Select in addition to Neshaminy’s Mackensie also plays for Rock Gold, another club outside of school for team. softball players. Compton has been playing for about 10 years and has gotten better With an impressive middle school career, Bridget’s lacrosse successes certainly ever since. “My sister did it so that had a big influence. My mom wanted me to get didn’t end when she got to high school as she currently leads Bucks County in the most on the field and get involved”. goals scored for the season. She was also chosen as a Philly Showcase All-Star in Nov. 2014. As only a freshman, Bridget is being recruited by several colleges for lacrosse, Compton has shown herself as a great athlete and an overall leader towards including (but not limited to) Penn State, James Madison, and Rutgers. “My greatest her teammates. “I’m hoping to become a better leader for the team. Our biggest accomplishment I would say was being recruited as a freshman and just getting the strength is how often our team gets together and communicates well,” she said. exposure that I need to get to where I want to go because that’s my ultimate goal, to These strenghts have been evident in the teams successful season so far. end up playing in college,” Bridget said. Before this season, Compoton had already been recruited by Providence Only halfway into her first season at Neshaminy and Bridget Carrezola has already College, for softball, a Division I school in Rhode, Island. “My greatest accom- proved to be an important asset to the lacrosse team. Needless to say, great things can plishment has been committing to Providence College as a junior,” Compton said. be expected from Carrezola in the seasons to come. Junior represents Neshaminy at gymnastics state finals By Makensie Mason gymnasts from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Circulation Editor Virginia, West virginia, Maryland and Delaware compete for a prestigious spot For much of the population, at the national competition in Florida. gymnastics is a sport watched every four Macelko has been on the NINA MACELKO-- Junior years with the olympics, one that is competitive gymnastics team at Somerton Nina Macelko, a state Gymnastics for nine years and is and regional gymnas- coached by the owner, Donna tics competitor, soars interesting, Guenther. In between her bust during her bar routine. but wanes school day and other extra- and waxes from the curricular activites, Nina must Photo/Nina Macelkco public’s attention. For find the time to train. junior, Nina Macelko, it is She trains about much more. To Nina, gymnastics five days or 20 is the sport that has taught her hours a week. dedication and perseverance since age five. “I have a “I always jumped around the total of 20 trophies and house and tried flips on my own, so 143 metals from competing,” my mom said I had to either join Macelko said. These prizes dance or gymnastics. So I chose are results from gymnastics gymnastics,” she said. competitions she has More recently, Macelko was competed in throughout the ranked number 11 in Pennsylvania country, including Wisconsin, as well as second on the floor and , Illinois, and Arizona. fifth on the beam, her favorite event. In Macelko’s exuberance order to move onto regionals, a gymnast for the sport is perfectly reflected: must score above a 34. Macelko reached “I love talking about gymnastics,” this score and surpassed it, scoring a she said. 35.45 and qualifying her for Nina’s love for the sport is the regional competition at evident in the hard work and time Ursinus College. that she has put in. Her successes The regional don’t end here as there is competition is where much to come in her career. 10 Sports April 29, 2015 Softball team poised for play-off run By Jackson Haines got there my sophomore year but with plans to play for the University with that said, the Managing Editor we weren’t able to come out with of Rhode Island. Their junior girls have no easy a win,” said senior Sarah Snider teammate, Mackenzie Compton, path to that success. In 2013, the Neshaminy softball Leonhauser, who plays first base for verbally committed to Providence The Suburban One team made it to the state finals, only the team. College before the season even League National to lose in a 12-inning nail biter to Not only are those began. Snider-Leonhauser, another Conference, in Canon-MacMillan. They would upperclassmen hungry, they’re big piece in Neshaminy’s dangerous which Neshaminy have to settle for silver. good—really good. lineup, will be playing softball at competes, is all Two years later, several members A look at the post-graduate Ursinus College. around of high of that team are still playing for the plans of the players reveals just Though their offensive talent quality. The team’s high school. They have had a hunger how talented the squad is. Sam looked to be strong, they had to fill remaining SOL for gold ever since. Offenback has signed a letter of holes in their pitching staff. Along schedule includes “Our goal is getting to the state intent to Long Island University; came two freshmen, Sarah Dowalo a rematch against championship and winning… we Nikki Wild has signed her own letter and Amber Ruggaro, and junior Cailyn Council Rock South. Seely. The team was complete, and “In this league, you set for go. need to take it one Win after win, the girls began game at a time and their season by defeating opponents never look past your handily, scoring over 10 runs in next opponent,” several games. Miller said. Not even Pennsbury, Out-of-confer- perennially Neshaminy’s strongest ence play will be opponent, could stop the offensive tough as well, as onslaught Neshaminy produced, and Neshaminy must the Falcons fell 11-3. take on Notre Dame Yet three weeks and nine High School, the last wins into the season, Neshaminy standing undefeated faced its first test as the girls fell to team in the area, in HUNTER HART-- Sophomore Hunter Hart Council Rock South by a score of May. watches the action patiently as she takes 2-1 on April 21. It was of course Miller remains a lead off the base, waiting for the next disappointing, but there were lessons confident about the play. to be learned from the loss, and season’s second half. positives to take away. “Of course this team Photo/ Ryan Miller “It was a well played game, and has a shot at a state title. With doing their job and taking the even though we hit the ball we had several juniors and seniors already leadership roles they need to take.” a few breaks that just did not go our committed to college programs, they Her teammate Mackenzie way. Despite the loss, the team still hope to bring Neshaminy its first Compton shared a similar belief: has high hopes and it’s better to lose state championship in softball since “we work together as a team really early in the season, rather than in the 2001,” Miller said. well.” playoffs when it matters most,” said Equally important is the It is this belief in themselves SOFTBALL-- Senior Sam Offenback tied the score at the Edward Miller, the Junior Varsity chemistry and trust between the that has kept them undefeated thus Pennsbury-Neshaminy softball game with an RBI, contribut- coach to the team and a social studies players. far, and it is this belief, the team ing to Neshaminy’s 11-3 win over the Falcons. teacher at Neshaminy. “Everyone on the team has hopes, that will drive them to that Despite the loss, the team stepped up as a leader this year,” said Photo/Ryan Miller state title. seems poised for success. But even Snider-Leonhauser, “Everyone’s Sportorial: Athlete-coach relationship hurt under new policy

By Natalie Pietrowski and “The policy has been necessitated either educational Rachita Singh by state archiving and right-to-know or athletic in Sports Editor and Office Manager laws. Communication to and from nature, then there public employees needs to be archived. is no reason to In a technology based age, the Therefore, private individual electronic restrict it,” said quickest way to reach someone is to communication is problematic. District a Coach in the send an email or text. For many coaches, email is an appropriate option,” said high school, who the easiest way to inform an athlete of a principal, Rob McGee. wished to remain change in time or location of a practice is It is very clear that this policy anonymous. to send a group message to the entire team has a purpose; a) to protect students In the at once. However, in a new policy known from predator-ail coaches and b) to School District’s as 811.1 Neshaminy School District has protect coaches from unjust accusations. blanketing limited the ways student-athletes are Although policy 811.1 was written with attempt to solve allowed to interact with their coach. best interests, it has become increasingly the mentioned “School District employees and limiting to both coaches and athletes. “I problems in officials may not communicate with used to text my coach to ask about games communication, School District students on Social Media and when they were,” said sophomore more issues have or their private email accounts or texting Crystal Teoh. “Now I can’t do that.” been created than accounts without notifying the Principal “The intent is obviously to protect our where already in POLICY 811.1-- The school district social media policy, ap- of any such communication,” states children, which all teachers and coaches existence. Now, proved and implemented in June, 2014 has restricted staff section F of Policy 811.1 would agree is worthwhile and important. due to this policy, and teacher communications with students. The policy was approved in June 2014 However, this particular ruling is not only free information Photo/Alli Kaufman and was implemented for the first time inconvenient, it really is unnecessary. If has been limited during this academic year. Already, it is the purpose of communication between leaving athletes in the dark, when it comes The district has purchased a system to causing a lot of inconvenience. teachers/coaches and students/athletes is to changes in practice time or venue. permit to allow such communication “So often, as a coach, we need to make called “Parent Link” and “Teacher last minute decisions and changes to the Contact,” but the use of this system schedule. In order to communicate quickly has been slow as it requires a strenuous and effectively, this communication has to process of collecting the email addresses occur. I’m sure the District’s argument is and phone numbers of all students. The to send email through the school, and yes district hopes to introduce the system in that would work, but we all know there are September. faster and more quickly accessible ways of “As a stop-gap, NHS contibues to sending information,” said the anonymous permit staff and coaches to use apps like coach. Remind 101. In addition, staff and coaches Currently, teachers and coaches may continue to text students as long as use applications such as Remind 101 or the texts are group texts in which I am Edmodo which are public and parent- included. The new texting system will accessible to communicate with students. facilitate that process. Presently, the group These methods of communication, text with me included is also working very however, are very slow and inefficient. well,” said McGee. April 29, 2015 Arts&Entertainment 11 “Saul” calls in the end of season one “” spinoff gives fans a new obsession By Maddy Rodak The episodes give us a look into the of their seats for more. Using Staff Writer early life of Jimmy McGill. Viewers get signature camera work and to watch his adjustment from ‘Slippin’ intense scenes, the plot is built The season finale of ‘Better Call Jimmy’, a succesful con artist in Chicago, up heavily for the fantastic Saul’ premiered on Monday, Apr. 6 and to struggling lawyer. Jimmy’s brother, season finale. set the stage for a plethora of possibilities Chuck McGill, is introduced, and over Gabby Rodak, a junior at in season two. time it becomes clear how much influence Neshaminy High School ‘’ crushes the very idea he has over Jimmy’s life choices and his and avid ‘Breaking Bad’ fan of a spin-off. It is strong enough to stand presence in the later days of ‘Breaking expresses her feelings about alone. AMC reported that ‘Better Call Bad’. When Chuck tells Jimmy “You’re the show. “‘Better Call Saul’ Saul’ was cable’s highest-rated series not a real lawyer,” it changes him forever. is one of my top shows now. premiere to date with 6.9 million viewers. Throughout the season we get a look into Saul was one of my favorite By the season finale, it was tallied that the life of , another characters in ‘Breaking Bad’, the entire first season averaged a rating character from the show ‘Breaking Bad’. so getting to look into his of 5.9 million viewers. Before becoming a hit-man, fans get to past is a really interesting In the first season of ‘Better Call Saul’ see Mike working at a parking ticket experience. We finally get to we find Jimmy McGill—the actual name booth, harmlessly chastising Jimmy. This see why he is the way he is in of —a simple lawyer in perspective into Mike’s earlier days is ‘Breaking Bad’. Albuquerque, . Living in interesting, considering how versatile a Though ‘Better Call Saul’ the small closet of a nail salon, Jimmy criminal he is in ‘Breaking Bad’. Viewers is not as dark a show as struggles to get by in the lawyer business. also get a glance into as to why he moved ‘Breaking Bad’, it is just Desperate for money, Jimmy teams up from Philadelphia to Albuquerque, and his as original. The storyline is with a pair of young con artists, only to involvement in a murder case of two cops. unlike anything else, with its later suffer the consequences. Even in The episodes are intricately written, cast of dynamic, intriguing the first episode, it doesn’t take long for designed to not give too much away, but characters and unconventional Jimmy’s life to spiral out of control. to leave the audience waiting at the edge plot twists. Nothing can be predicted. MAN IN THE MIRROR -- Lawyer Saul Goodman, There is more tension and (a.k.a. Jimmy McGill) preps to work his magic action in the first few episodes on the jury for another seemingly doomed of the season than throughout the middle, where more criminal. Photo/amc.com background information is It is a completely different creature, soft laid down and character development is in its climb to insanity, but more than made. “Breaking Bad’s” Tuco makes an worthy of the ‘Breaking Bad’ praise and By Catherine Hilliard and interests. He was not thrilled about appearance, but unfortunately does not stir world-wide acknowledgment. Staff Writer the move from Washington D.C. to his as much trouble. As the season progresses. The series will return in 2016 for its new home in the suburbs, and continues to ‘Better Call Saul’ is not ‘Breaking Bad’, second season. A new family comedy series has make numerous attempts to fit in with the though fans might expect it to be similar. recently hit ABC on Feb. 4, 2015. Receiving rest of the students at school throughout 7.93 million views and rated the second the series. Inspired by his favorite rappers, highest comedy premiere of the season, Eddie is usually calm, and always finds “” takes place in the creative ways to change the situation for ‘90s, in Orlando, Florida. the better. The show is based off of former lawyer- Unlike his brother Eddie, Emery turned- celebrity chef, restaurateur, and instantly fits into his new school, and even author of the memoir “Fresh off the gets a girlfriend on the first day. He has Boat,” ’s real life childhood an outgoing personality and optimistic experiences. Huang, 32, narrates himself attitude, which makes him easily loved by as an adult in the comedy. all. Freshman Charles Marone has The youngest of the three brothers, watched the show since it premiered. “I Evan is extremely obedient and a stickler don’t think there has been a show quite for rules. A mama’s boy, Evan is often like Fresh off the Boat,” he stated, sent by his mother to get the details of “This show is unique in expressing the neighborhood meetings. challenges, memories, and humor of growing up. I like how the show Despite the hefty includes the hardships of trying to number of viewers and By Leanne Khov a plotline of D.J. Tanner (Played her pursue the American dream, and continuous amount of Staff Writer the success that comes with original actor Candace Cameron-Bure) good reviews, Huang who is now the mother of her own “fuller persistence and hard work. It has tweeted that he has Remember Jesse Katsopolis, shows that if you work hard, house” with three young boys. been disappointed Danny Tanner, Joey Gladstone, and Reports are saying that the spinoff you will profit in the long with the show. “For DJ Tanner, our beloved characters run.” will star Candace Cameron Bure the record, I don’t from the ‘80s and ‘90s hit sitcom “Full as DJ Tanner and Andrea Barber as Twelve year old Eddie watch ‘Fresh House?” They will soon appear on Huang played by actor Kimmy Gibbler once again. Bob Saget, off the Boat’ television screens again. John Stamos, and Dave Coulier as Hudson Yang, his on ABC,” In a recent interview on “Jimmy parents Louis Huang Danny, Jesse, and Joey will also guest he posted Kimmel Live!”, it was confirmed by star. (Randall Park), Jessica on Twitter. John Stamos (Uncle Jessie) that the Huang (Constance “Growing up watching one of my “I’m happy series would be seen in 2016. For favorite childhood shows always made Wu), and brothers people of “Full House” fans, it’s time to get Emery (Forest my day,” senior Mel color are excited. A spinoff Ackerman said. Wheeler) and able to of “Full House” Even (Ian “It was always see a will be on the way fun and Chen) have to Netflix. just moved hilarious to see my from the streets reflection of According of Chinatown favorite themselves to the characters in Washington through interview, D.C., to a like ‘Fresh off the the episodes, Michelle neighborhood in Boat’ … but I don’t of which Orlando to pursue Tanner recognize it.” Huang there will live their Louis’s wishes of also said the show be 13, will living the American dream life. I hope misrepresents his life, and start out as Netflix by opening his own Western glosses over specific events that a reunion of themed restaurant, Cattleman’s Ranch. will made his childhood memorable. the cast, but definitely Tune into ABC on eventually FAMILY TIES -- Original cast of “Full House,” which The oldest child in the family, hip-hop decide to Tuesday nights at 8:00 P.M. to watch new branch out aired from 1987 to 1995. loving Eddie Huang often feels distant make a episodes of “Fresh off the Boat” every and follow Photo/abc.go.com spinoff.” from the family, due to his unique style week. 12 Arts&Entertainment April 29, 2015

‘Good Old War’ bring tour to a close in Philadelphia By Tom Collins Staff Writer

When Good Old War’s Tim Arnold announced he would no longer be a part of the successful acoustic folk trio from Langhorne last year, fans were heart- broken. In a band that relied heavily on three part harmonies sung by the distinc- tive voices of drummer Arnold, keyboardist Keith Goodwin, and guitarist Dan Schwartz, no one was quite sure how they would go on. Goodwin and Schwartz proved they could fair just as well on their own with the release of a new song, “Tell Me What You Want,” from their forthcoming album “Broken Into Better Shape,” however fans were elated when it was announced that Arnold would be joining the group on their recent spring tour. The tour wrapped up in Philadelphia on April 12 in the basement of the First Unitarian Church, which will be—at least for the time being—Arnold’s last performance with Good Old War. Both openers Pete Hill and You Won’t did an excellent job warming up the sold out crowd, but they still saved all their energy for when Good Old War took the stage. After a young woman took the stage and asked the crowd if they were ready to see “the best band in the world,” Arnold, Goodwin, and Schwartz humbly took the stage, laughing at the introduction. WALKING IN STRIDE -- Members of “Good Old War,” Keith Goodwin and After taking their spots on stage, they broke into one of their best known songs, Photo/blog.wsj.com “Coney Island,” which prompted everyone in the crowd to sing along, which they Dan Schwartz continued to do for the rest of the night, for almost every song. The band played songs from all three of their albums throughout the set, highlights including “Better Weather” and “Over and Over” from 2012’s “Come Back as Rain” and “Weak Man” from their debut album “Only Way To Be Alone” which featured an excellent, extended, bluesy guitar solo from Dan Schwartz. They also played several new songs, with guests from the opening bands joining them onstage. The set list more than pleased all fans at the show, save for one who had a bit too much to drink, who repeatedly shouted at the band from the back of the venue, demanding that they play “Sneaky Louise,” a song from their 2010 self-titled album. “Come on, man,” Keith Goodwin said, finally acknowledging the drunken fan, “We haven’t played that song in like five years!” After an encore that included fan favorites “Amazing Eyes” and “Loud Love,” the band members hugged each other as a last farewell to Tim Arnold before walking off stage, directly into the crowd, stopping to chat and shake hands with any fans that were approaching them. Even after losing an essentia l member, Good Old War proved with their new material they played live, as well as the singles they’ve released, that they will continue making incredible music, that will be highly enjoyable for new and old fans alike.