‘ h e T 1997 the students u c k rvoice a since k e r MT h e In d e p e n d e n t Jo h n F. Ke n n e d y Sc h o o l St u d e n ts ‘ Ne w s p a p e r Volume XII, Issue VI Friday, January 23, 2009 Circulation: 600 PAGE 1

Th e Mu c k r a k e r Keep It Vague American Embassy Officials Advise Thimun Delegates

Speaks! As formally dressed as they may be, as earnest in their dedication to January seems to be a rather the event, the students characterless time of year. It’s at MUN conferences are winter without the holidays, back sure to struggle to keep to school without major exams, an honorable delegate’s and those petty events like the SC face at the mention of dance or the trivia night without certain delegations. All any enthusiasm from our side… heads turn, anticipating But January of 2009 inarguably something fresh, naugh- has a theme: It’s Obama month, ty, and Guevarian, when or, setting the public frenzy and Cuba approaches the anticipation aside and rejoicing for podium; Israel and Pal- what’s really been accomplished, estine – now with a very bitter aftertaste – is the finally, Bush-is-out month! From photo courtesy of msnbcmedia2.msn.com epic feud, the Holy See now on, we will likely see the new can’t speak without rousing a giggle or at To prepare for the undertaking, the entire President’s every move analyzed, least a smirk. But the big purple elephant 35-student strong THIMUN team, about the whole world hanging on his in the room, the delegation that faces the half of which is US-delegates, visited with words, projecting their need for most scorn, scrutiny, lashing glances, is six officials from the US Embassy in the guidance during a financial crisis the United States delegation. The out- new embassy building by the Branden- and another Middle Eastern war come and quality of debate depends on burg Gate. into his person. What a time! You the country; students are eager to take Upon arrival, we were reminded that next can find two articles on the sub- up a model affront with the giant. At The to real-life diplomats, we weren’t such ject in this issue. Of course, we Hague MUN Conference of January 2009, very important people and waited out know large-scale developments we, the JFKS, play the giant. in the snow for almost three quarters of shouldn’t be one’s only concern. Embassy, continued on page 3 We’d go mad if we didn’t have our own little worlds to retire into, and Muckraker articles close to Obama Bruno S. it: There are movie reviews on Obama is more than a president; he Bruno Schleinstein is a Berlin ‘Twilight’ and ‘Tintenherz’ and a and his famous campaign-slogans actor with a remarkable story. dystopian novel directory for you are America’s new top merchandizing He suffered a terrible childhood entertainment needs, articles on brand. Change is in demand, after all. ordeal under the Nazis, ended up the annual concerns of holiday And in the US, that means: So we’ll sell a homeless, nearly got the break lard and New Year’s resolutions, it! Canada correspondent Alexander with his success in two big-screen a look into the life of a homeless Cohen presents shocking stories about films, but is now back in the big-screen actor, and much more. money being made on the presidential streets. Read about this original inauguration. man’s development. on page 6 We also wish you a pleasant one- on page 7 week winter break in advance. Ski, travel, party, explore Berlin safely … or just stay on the couch Zeidler im Wunderland Spice with a cup of tea, can’t go wrong Die Seiten wirkten etwas leer, Denn Eine Droge die Halluzinationen like that. Until then, good luck unser Zeidler zappt nicht mehr – Doch hervorruft, einen 4-mal so starken lange lässt er uns nicht warten, Ins Effekt hat wie Haschisch und auch warding off viruses! Wunderland ist er geraten! Der erste Artikel aus der neuen Reihe „Zeidler im noch LEGAL erwerblich ist? Das war Cheers, Wunderland“ beschäftigt sich mit nichts dann doch zuviel des Guten. Fakt ist: Geringerem als die Religion: Welche seit Ende Januar 2009 ist “Spice” nun Form eines Kirchenbesuchs spricht einen auch in Deutschland illegal. Woher die Your editors. Nicht-Gläubigen mehr an? Was macht neuartige Modedroge stammt und was die Kirche trotzdem attraktiv? Eine sie noch so alles mit eurem Gehirn persönlich Einschätzung findet ihr... anstellen kann, lest ihr... on page 5 on page 3 Volume XII, Issue VI Friday, January 23, 2009 Circulation: 600 PAGE 2 JFKS Life Teacher Feature: Mr. Robertson Please introduce yourself. My name is Mr. Robertson. I’m originally from Southern Cali- fornia, Long Beach area, but I moved to Berlin a year and a half ago to teach English here at JFKS. I have a wife and two little daughters, aged 4 and 3. My hobbies are listening to music, going to the movies, and I love watching and playing baseball.

Why did you choose to become an English teacher? I chose to become an English teacher after the 11th grade. I used to hate my English classes until 11th grade, when I had the best teacher, Mr. Finney, at Carson High.

Were you good in English class? I was a fairly average student. When I was younger, I didn’t really care that much about school. Instead, I played base- ball, which was more important to me than some of my class- es. But I loved literature as well, and in 11th grade I actually started soaking in, consuming literature.

So was your “dream job” actually something related to base- ball? Yes, it all goes back to baseball. When somebody asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up, I always said that I was going to be a baseball player. But of course, that didn’t From your experience, how disciplined are JFKS students in happen. terms of moral behavior or attitude? I find the attitudes completely fine. Students come to class, Is baseball still the passion of your life? they’re rarely tardy; it seems like they know what they have No, my family is the passion of my life. I’m supposed to say to do. Students here have the goal to graduate and to go to that… (laughs). college. In L.A., on the other hand, students didn’t see col- lege as a priority. Instead, they only wanted to get out, find So if you were an average student that suddenly chose to some kind of job, and party. become an English teacher shortly before graduation, you must’ve had natural potential in English, just hidden behind How would you compare Berlin to California? baseball? I love that I don’t have to get in a car to get around. In Ber- Yes, exactly! I’ve loved literature my whole life long. Growing lin, I especially love the transportation system. I love that I up, my father had a huge selection of books that I always can walk to school everyday. I miss certain restaurants, but looked at and read through, but again, I didn’t have that pas- that’s part of missing your original homeland. I have my fam- sion, or the ability to see the picture of literature until I was ily here, and that’s what matters most to me. in 11th grade. If you could be a character from a book, which character Do you have a philosophy for teaching or life in general? would you be? Keep it real, keep it fun, keep it alive! I would choose Odysseus from the “Odyssey”. He’s on a long journey to get home. For me, life is a wonderful journey and So you’re someone who loves entertainment and having I’m still on it. I don’t know where I’m going to be three years fun? from now. Maybe I’ll still be at JFKS, maybe elsewhere, but Yeah, if you can’t have fun in life, then what’s the purpose of that’s what I love about life: the uncertainties. Everything is it all? Otherwise it’d be just sitting around and doing noth- an unpredictable journey to me. ing. Is there anything you still want to tell our readers? To some people, their purpose of life is their job. Perhaps it Always strive for the best! I want my students to still be isn’t for you? in contact with me after they leave JFKS to let me know Teaching isn’t just a job for me. To be with students, to see that they’re doing well in life, at whatever it is. I love to see them learn, to see the light bulb come on, to see that “Ah- the fruit of my labor. And trust me, I labor with these kids! Hah” moment when they get it; that’s what makes my job (laughs) wonderful. It excites me when students get excited about literature. Being a teacher is one of my joys… as long as you Thank you for the interview! keep me in the classroom (winks). Sarah Lee

Comments, Replies? send your opinions and articles to: [email protected] Volume XII, Issue VI Friday, January 23, 2009 Circulation: 600 PAGE 3 Opinion / Culture Embassy, continued from page 1 an hour before we were finally called in. they said, is to create “wiggle-room”, to Security checks were quite a spectacle. answer, but always with as much uncer- Thoughts Aside: 35 students’ chap sticks, deodorants, lo- tainty as possible without sounding too The Vacation Phenomenon tions, batteries, iPods, cell-phones, and a indecisive… And to “dance” when faced dozen CAS calculators had to be dumped with two separate and incompatible No matter how comfortable one into one big plastic container. Beverages American policies. “Be vague!” was their might feel at school, we all con- were allowed, but only after the hold- final piece of advice to us conference- tinuously crave for those way ers demonstrated a sip to prove they goers. too short breaks. Vacations al- weren’t toxic. On the wall watching: Rice, What furthermore became apparent, low us to follow up on discarded a very crooked-looking Cheney, and the apart from their fluid rhetorical skills and hobbies, socialize with forgot- head puppet himself. (How good to know specialized knowledge, was America’s ten or neglected friends or fam- they’ve been removed.) big transition in the air. The six were lax ily members, read a good book The meeting took place in a large con- about showing disapproval for the Bush that is not part of the curricu- ference room, modern and functional in administration and often concluded their lum – in short, unfold our per- architecture, as is the rest of the building. answers implying things will change un- sonalities. School forces us to The six officials, who were very generous der Obama. They said we must, as they spread our minds across such a to field questions, were each of a different will be doing, dissect the first adminis- wide variety of fields and sub- department – culture, economics, and po- tration announcements and clues within jects that it seems nigh impos- litical affairs being some examples. After Obama’s speeches to interpret his direc- sible to remember anything lon- some introductory words, we got to pose tion. our questions. Responsible for various Now Obama has finally been sworn in, ger than it takes to prepare for different topics at Thimun, we all wanted and listening closely is what the whole the next Klausur. The content of to hear how an American diplomat would world is doing on these first days of the one brain-compartment needs speak on such and such issue or handle a promised presidency. to make room for the next set trenchant question on the Iraq war, Abu Thimun comes at a riveting time. We will of fancy facts or throttling theo- Ghraib, or Guantánamo. try to model a UN post-Bush-era (not to ries so often that we can hardly The officials’ responses gave us interest- mention in an economic crisis) and wit- remember any of life’s mean- ing impressions of the works of diplo- ness how international youth receives the ingful details. We feel we ought macy. More than once, several of them new US-delegation. JFKS students will be to know a lot, but realize that giggled and joked, “Yeah, we [the US] try right at the center of the experience and we know nothing and can’t pos- not to talk about that. Frankly, we avoid will have to do their best to let the Ameri- sibly know anything. the topic as best we can.” Their own dis- can elephant dance gracefully. Doubtless, That’s where vacation chimes may for certain aspects of American poli- we will return from our trip with a more in most beautifully. It gives us tics showed through. They seem to have profound impression of what 2008/2009 time and leisure to think and re- a distinct diplomats’ ‘we’, which their and the next few years to come mean. consider who we are and what tone indicates doesn’t necessarily include we want from life. Or it poses them personally. Their job, in essence, Lena Walther an invariably exciting new ex- perience, in case you are the travelling type. It allows you to suck the marrow of life. You can Spice - Jetzt Illegal catch up with sleep (watch out, Spätestens Ende Januar 2009 wird Spi- ohne Alterseinschränkung in Hatshops he’s a fast one) or spend your ce in keinem Geschäftsregal mehr zu oder über das Internet erhältlich. Vom nights partying to the fullest. finden sein. Denn es steht fest: Verkauf Geheimtipp entwickelte sich das Pro- Either way you act according to und Konsum dieser Kräutermischung ist dukt in einen Kassenschlager, dessen your heart’s desire, which is all ab sofort in Deutschland strafbar. Aus- Erfolg nicht zuletzt wegen der übermä- that should matter. löser der etwas plötzlich eintretenden ßig hohen Preise fragwürdig blieb. Ins- Maßnahme ist die Studie eines Frank- besondere mangelnde Kenntnis bzw. Fortunately, the next vacation furter Pharmaunternehmens, welches Forschung über gesundheitliche Risiken is already at hand. Isn’t it fun- endlich in der Lage war, nötige Bewei- machte die Modedroge bei Jugendlichen ny, though, that while the time se für eine Illegalisierung zu erbringen. beliebt und gelangte somit bis zuletzt in remaining till winter vacation Demzufolge beinhaltet Spice nicht nur die Aufmerksamkeit der Medien. is exactly as long as the break als solche harmlose Kräuter, mit de- Nachgesagte Effekte von Spice seien Hal- itself, the time spans do not ren Naturbelassenheit immer gewor- luzinationen und Sinnesbetäubungen, appear equal in length? Time ben wurde, sondern auch ein synthe- die sich auf Herz, Kreislauf und Nerven- seems to follow a different set tisch hergestelltes Cannabionid namens system ausweiten. Oft genug wurde im of rules in such cases. One JWH-018. Es soll eine ähnliche Wirkung Zusammenhang auch von Suchtgefahr might say that vacation is near, wie Haschisch erzeugen – mit einem bis berichtet. Ein Blick in die Zukunft: Spi- even though it is three weeks zu 4-mal stärkerem Effekt. ce ist nun zwar illegal, doch birgt dieses away and will last merely two. Wie kam Spice aber überhaupt auf den neue Gesetz auch Risiken, wie etwa ein However, after the break one europäischen Markt? Hersteller der Abtauchen in den Schwarzmarkt. Und will usually conclude that it was Droge ist die Londoner Firma Psyche sollten sich bei manchem Kiffer noch too short. When does time pass Deli, verkauft wurde sie bundesweit als genug Hirnzellen anfinden, so wäre es slowest for you? Räucherwerk, „das beim Verbrennen jetzt vielleicht mal an der Zeit, diese an- einen entspannenden Duft verströmt”. zuwenden und endgültig aufzuhören. Unter versüßlichten Namen, wie „Sibi- rischer Löwenschwanz” , „Tropical Syn- Farsane Tabataba-Vakili ergy “ etc. waren die bunten Päckchen Annette Lazarus Volume XII, Issue VI Friday, January 23, 2009 Circulation: 600 PAGE 4 Culture / Entertainment New Year’s Resolutions A new year: a new start, new goals, new lowed through and succeeded. 10% resolutions. Lose weight. Stop smok- more women than men fulfilled their ing. Work harder. Be more patient. Eat resolutions. -Staff- healthier. More sport. Less alcohol. Re- Perhaps this is just a traditional way of duce stress. Better grades. Save money. telling people to improve their lifestyle Box Learn something new. Help others. Find or to get rid of bad habits. Does this friends. But in the end - do you ever? mean that humans start as clean and Founding Fathers: The tradition of coming up with good modest people in January and end up Mikolaj Bekasiak resolutions for the new year originated leading a problematic life in December? Seth Hepner in 153 B.C., thanks to a mythical king of If not, why is the New Year’s resolution Adam Nagorski early Rome named Janus (after whom one of the most commonly abandoned the month of January is named, too), reforms people commit themselves to? Editors: because he was the ancient symbol Maybe because you know you can nev- Ina Fischer for resolutions. As a god of beginnings er achieve your goal, you’ve tried too Eileen Wagner and guardian of doors and entrances, long for it to work. Perhaps other im- Lena Walther he could look into the past and future, portant things came up. Or maybe, you thereby deciding what needed to be im- just forgot. Layout Editor: proved. The Romans also came up with In the end, we all know that those who Farsane Tabataba-Vakili a few resolutions and exchanged gifts accomplished small increments along Journalists: before the new year started. During the the way will be more successful. Mo- Jung-Hyun An Middle Ages, the church moved this day ments of weakness may fail one or more Natascha Bergh to December 25th because the birth of resolutions, but small setbacks can also Aletta Bühler Jesus functioned as the beginning of a motivate you to remain determined. Lauritz Bühler new year for them. Over the years, the At first, the newly set goal is easy to Tatiana Bühler date was moved back and forth, but begin working on. However, doesn’t life Randolf Carr finally, in the 16th century, it was set eventually seem to have been better be- Lisa Feklistova back to January 1st. fore the new year? Before you stopped Marissa Fuchs The new year is a time for celebra- eating chocolate. Before you had time Mira Godiwala Joanna He tions and wishing others good luck for to chill and be unproductive. Before you Nikolas Jaeger the coming year. Although it can take started changing your life. Rebecca Jetter weeks, months, years, or even a life- Anyone has the chance to change his Max Jürgens time to fulfil certain New Year’s resolu- or her life at any given time. Not to- Annette Lazarus tions, the personal, professional, short- morrow. Not next year. Now, in this in- Kirstin Lazarus or long-term, arduous or simple goal stant. Afterwards, you may ask yourself Sarah Lee has the potential to positively and pro- whether New Years’ resolutions serve Stefanie Lehmann foundly create a lasting change in your as the first step to self-improvement, or Kim C. v. Schönfeld life. to self-deception. Leonie Schulte In a study on resolutions, 52% of the Denise Ünal participants said they would achieve Katarina von Witzke their goal, yet only 12% actually fol- Rebecca Jetter Moritz Zeidler Anna Zychlinsky Cartoonist: Movie Review: Inkheart Jakob Marsh Mortimer, or “Mo”, as his daughter Guest Journalists: Meggie nicknamed him, is search- Victoria Christians ing. Searching for a book titled “Ink- Maximilian Enthoven heart”. But he isn’t the only one, and Noah Henckel subsequently, when Mo finally gets Johanna Walther hold of a copy, he and Meggie are on the run. However, they aren’t fast Th e Mu c k r a k e r is an indepenent news- enough to shake off their mysterious paper. The opinions expressed here in no follower and his helpers, and Mo’s se- way reflect those of the administration of cret is revealed: He has a special gift the John F. Kennedy School.

photo courtesy of imageshack.us photo courtesy of for reading. His voice lets the words come alive! How to join Iain Softley has done a wonderful job in filming an adaptation of Cornelia Funke’s bestselling book, “Inkheart”. Although no ridiculously prominent ac- the Muckraker Staff tors are involved, the mysterious and fantastic feel of the story hasn’t been 1. Come to our weekly lost. “Inkheart” is shorter than the average fantasy film (only 106 min. meetings in the 20-minute- instead of the usual 150 min.), but does not lack imagination and love of break on Tuesdays in B214 detail. 2. Send in your articles to All in all, going to the movies to see “Inkheart” is time wisely spent. Fans of [email protected] fantasy and fiction will enjoy the film version of this worldwide bestseller. 3. Drop a note in our mailbox or approach us Aletta Bühler randomly in the hallways Volume XII, Issue VI Friday, January 23, 2009 Circulation: 600 PAGE 5 Column Zeidler im Wunderland: Nun sag, wie hast du’s mit der Religion? Zunächst einmal muss ich mich bei muss gestehen, dass ich nicht beson- eingeladen, mit ihm in die Kirche zu allen Lesern dafür entschuldigen, ders fit war, da ich die ganze Nacht kommen, und ich hatte zugesagt. dass es in letzter Zeit keine Zeidler zuvor mit einigen Klassenkameraden Das war, wohlgemerkt, noch vor dem Zappts mehr gegeben hat, und muss durchgefeiert hatte. Also saß ich hun- schulischen Kirchenbesuch. die Entschuldigung gleich auch auf demüde in der Kirche, vor uns stand Um acht Uhr geht’s los. Ich mache die Zukunft ausweiten: Ihr werdet der Pastor und predigte. „Meine Lie- es mir gerade gemütlich, lege den nie wieder einen Zeidler Zappt zu le- ben Schüler, es ist doch schön, euch Kopf zurück, mache mich auf weite- sen bekommen. Der Grund ist relativ alle so wach und munter…“ Gähnen re Stunden der Langeweile gefasst einfach. Inzwischen schreibe ich seit meinerseits. „…ist ein Schuljahr vor- und döse auch schon ein wenig vor zwei Jahren Zeidler Zappt, seit ein- bei. Wie die Zeit doch…“ Das Dach ist mich hin (wusstet ihr, wie schön For- einhalb Jahren erscheinen meine Ar- aber schön. Das war mir noch nie so tuna aussieht?), da rüttelt Dizzy mich tikel nun im Muckraker, und da habe aufgefallen. „… dieses Jahr war wie- wach und drückt mir eine Trompete in ich mir gedacht: Es muss mal was der spannend, es hat sich…“ Das mit die Hand. Ich starre ihn verdutzt an. Neues her. Ganz so neu ist es dann dem schrägen Lichteinfall ist wirk- „Was soll ich denn damit?“ doch nicht geworden, nur die Über- lich gut gemacht. „… gingen und ka- „Na, mitspielen natürlich!“ Ich schaue schrift und der Wohnort des Schrei- men, wir waren alle fleißig und haben mich um und tatsächlich stehen da berlings haben sich geändert. Sonst viel…“ Ich gähne erneut. Langsam plötzlich fünf andere Trompeter, drei sollte das meiste gleich, oder zumin- merke ich, wie schwer mein Kopf Posaunisten, ein Tubaspieler und zwei dest ähnlich bleiben. Ob das nun gut wird, deshalb stütze ich ihn zur Si- Trommler. „One, one, one, two!“ zähl- oder schlecht ist, die Entscheidung cherheit auf meiner Hand ab. „…sind te einer plötzlich an. Kurzer Atemzug, bleibt euch überlassen. wir doch trotzdem alle froh, dass das dann beginnen alle um mich herum So, jetzt aber ans Eingemachte, an Schuljahr endlich…“ Das Bodenmus- in einem Tempo, dass mit dem an- den ersten Erlebnisbericht aus dem ter ist ja auch faszinierend. „…freu- gezählten nichts zu tun hat, zu spie- Wunderland. en uns auf lange Ferien. Ob ihr hier len. Ich suche die Noten, doch das Die Frage der Religion ist eine äu- bleibt oder nicht, vergesst nicht, dass vergebens. Ich schaue Dizzy fragend ßerst konfliktbeladene, welcher un- Gott immer bei…“ Ich schlafe ein und an; er setzt seine eigene Trompete terschiedliche Gesellschaften unter- träume vom Drachentöter Georg, der kurz ab, raunt mir zu; „Improvisie- schiedliche Bedeutung zumessen. einen Drachen nach dem anderen re!“ und spielt auch schon weiter. Hier in Berlin an der Kennedy Schule, abschlachtet, dass das Blut nur so Langsam dämmert es mir (und Dizzy beispielsweise, interessieren sich nur spritzt. Ich höre nicht, wie der Herr sollte meine Vermutungen hinterher die wenigsten für die Religionszuge- Pastor sagt: „Lasset uns beten.“ Ge- bestätigen): Die spielen alle auswen- hörigkeit ihrer Klassenkameraden. In org reitet auf mich zu, und trifft mich dig! Die meisten der Musiker können Südafrika ist das etwas ganz anderes, mit seiner Lanze in die linke Seite. Es noch nicht einmal Noten lesen. Einer besonders an der Deutschen Schule tut eigentlich nicht besonders weh, stimmt einfach einen Choral an, die- Pretoria, die ja auch von einem Pastor es kitzelt eher ein wenig. Kichernd jenigen, die ihn kennen, spielen die gegründet wurde. Dort nimmt die Re- wache ich auf, drehe mich nach links Stimmen, die sie im Kopf haben, die ligion einen ganz anderen Stellenwert und schaue in strenge Augen, die anderen harmonisieren einfach so. ein, man hört Schüler Dinge sagen ebenfalls einem Georg gehören, wor- Und der einzige, der falsch spielt, bin wie: „Religion is the f***ing most im- auf ich sofort verstumme und meinen ich, in meinem verklemmten Versuch, portant thing in life“, und nicht selten Kopf im Gebet neige. Denn dieser Ge- ebenfalls zu harmonisieren. Ich bin fühlt man sich wie Goethes Heinrich org ist zwar kein Drachentöter, aber begeistert. So macht Kirche Spaß! Faust, den ja bereits vor 200 Jahren mein Klassenkamerad und der Sohn Doch meine Begeisterung bricht ab- das Gretchen fragte: „Nun sag, wie des Pastors, also mindestens genau- rupt ab, als das Lied vorbei ist und hast du’s mit der Religion?“ so gefährlich. der Pastor zu reden beginnt. Na toll. Schlucken meinerseits. Normaler- So geht das dann endlos weiter, bis Jetzt geht’s los. An der DSP habe ich weise habe ich mit meinem nicht- wir schließlich mit einem „Amen“ sei- wenigsten alles verstanden, aber hier Glauben keinerlei Probleme, aber bei tens meiner Mitschüler und einem er- ist alles auf Tswana! Doch – Oh Wun- erwartungsvollen Hundeaugen kann leichterten Stöhnen meinerseits ent- der! – der Mann redet nicht lange und man das einfach nicht so direkt sa- lassen werden. Meine Armbanduhr schon bald springe ich wieder auf, gen. „Ja, ähm…“, musste ich mich da behauptet, es wären erst eineinhalb meine Begeisterung frisch entflammt, immer rausreden. Und so habe ich Stunden vergangen. Ich beschließe, und wir spielen weiter. mich auch einige Male überreden las- ihr nicht zu glauben; meine innere Und so geht das dann weiter, bis sen, den einen oder anderen Freund Uhr sagt mir, dass ich schon dreimal wir schließlich mit einem herzhaften zur Kirche zu begleiten. so lange hier sitze. „Amen!“ aller Kirchenbesucher ent- Der erste der zwei Kirchenbesuche, Der zweite Kirchenbesuch, von dem lassen werden. Meine Armbanduhr von denen ich euch berichten möch- ich euch erzählen möchte, ereignete behauptet, es wären schon vier Stun- te, war an einem Freitag, und zwar sich lediglich zwei Tage später, also den vergangen. Ich beschließe, ihr am letzten Schultag des Schuljahres. am Sonntag derselben Woche. Dizzy, nicht zu glauben; meine innere Uhr An der DSP ist es so Tradition, dass ein Junge aus der Parallelklasse, des- sagt mir, dass wir noch nicht mal 30 an diesem Tag die ganze Schule wäh- sen Vater Pastor Minuten hier sitzen. rend der ersten beiden Schulstunden in einer „schwarzen“ Gemeinde im in die benachbarte Kirche geht. Ich Norden Pretorias war, hatte mich Moritz Zeidler Volume XII, Issue VI Friday, January 23, 2009 Circulation: 600 PAGE 6 Culture / JFKS Life Bruno S.: From the Streets to the Silver Screen and Back Again

Discovered on the streets of Berlin titute, Schleinstein was often beaten in the 1970’s, street musician Bruno by his mother. At the age of three he Schleinstein became the star of two was abandoned and taken in by the hit films by director Werner Herzog, Nazis as a „ Reichsausschusskind“. becoming an instant icon in the Ger- Ausschusskinder, Schleinstein was no man film industry. Schleinstein was excuse, were regarded as degener- heavily praised for his performance ates and mentally unstable and there- in both films, “The Enigma of Kaspar fore used in medical experimentation. Hauser” and “Stroszek”, in which he Spending most of his youth isolated, plays a homeless alcoholic who im- in and out of orphanages and medical migrates to Wisconsin with his pros- institutions, S. found solace in mu- titute roommate Eva. In one remark- sic, teaching himself to play the ac- able and disturbing scene, Bruno is cordion, the piano, and various other captured sitting in a courtyard in Ber- instruments. He became a street mu- lin playing a ballad about his life with sician and worked construction to pay Eva on his accordion and “Glocken- the bills. It wasn’t until the mid 70’s spiel”. His eyes squinted under knit- that he was approached by the Ger- ted brow, as though forcing the song man film director Herzog, who was out of himself with strain, Bruno im- in Berlin filming a documentary on pressed with his uneasy, confused street artists. Schleinstein’s character behavior, often seeming to forget is notable for his speech: A sing-song what chord to play, moving his hand mix of made up words and phrases continuously towards his Glockenspiel, unsure about or borrowed lines from old songs. When referring to when to ring them, his head swinging deliriously in cir- himself, Mr. S. usually speaks in the third person. “Ev- cles as he pressed the lyrics out, often interrupting his eryone threw him away” he says about himself and his song with awkward gesticulations. “…Sein Geld, das hat short-lived celebrity life style, for not long after his sec- er ganz versoffen beim Schnapps und auch beim Bier…” ond film hit the screens, Schleinstein’s career began to “Prost, Prost, Prost!” he exclaims, raising his cupped dwindle. He quickly faded out of the scene, and today hand to his mouth, imitating a drink. His childish, dis- his pop icon debut is forgotten by most. tracted and irrational behavior amazed audiences. His Today, if he is not at home in his small cluttered apart- performance was exhilarating; however, it was never ment working on art pieces that he sells in the Berlin clear whether or when Bruno S. was acting or when gallery Endart, Schleinstein can be found wandering he was being himself. Herzog often complained about about the streets of Berlin, occasionally performing in a Schleinstein’s hour-long panic attacks before shoots little pub off of Anhalter Bahnhof, die Stadtklause, per- and often spoke about possible psychological distress. forming all the old songs he played in his films. The same observation was noted by New York Times Though his work is hardly remembered by most of the journalist Michael Kimmelman in his article on Schlein- German public, it is clear that Schleinstein still lives stein last year. “His performances were riveting, but he passionately in the years lost. In the years he was a was obviously not well mentally, and even as he came star. across in his own way as knowing, he was at the same time simply being himself, and the question hovered: How much was fiction, how much reality?” Born in Berlin in 1932 as the illegitimate son of a pros- Leonie Schulte Alkohol? Lieber nicht. Der Suchtpräventionsworkshop der 8c In den letzten Wochen hat unsere ner Runde, wo Genuss aufhört und len Kommunikation zu analysieren. Ethikklasse 8c Süchte, ihre Präven- Sucht anfängt. Zum Abschluss des Auch nahmen wir an einem Wettbe- tion und dessen Auswirkungen bear- zweiten Tages baute der Instruk- werb teil, dessen Thema Alkohol in beitet. Im Jugendfreizeitheim Düppel teur einen Parcours auf, den zwei den Medien war und warten noch auf (JFE) erlebten wir einen zweitägigen ausgewählte Schülerinnen mit einer einer entsprechenden Antwort der Workshop, in dem diverse Süchte DrunkerBuster™-Brille, die einem Jury. Außerdem erstellten wir einen behandelt wurden. Die Klasse bilde- alles wie mit 1,5 Promille erscheinen Kalender mit Anti-Alkohol-Plakaten, te zum Beispiel Gruppen und arbei- lässt, durchliefen. Auch im Unterricht den man für 3,99€ kaufen konnte – tete an Postern mit den körperlichen hat uns unsere Lehrerin Frau Star- ein tolles Weihnachtsgeschenk. und seelischen Auswirkungen unter finger über Alkohol in den Medien in- anderem von Cannabis und Essstö- formiert. Wir teilten uns in Gruppen Maximilian Enthoven rungen. Auch diskutierten wir in ei- auf, um Alkohol in der kommerziel- Noah Henckel Volume XII, Issue VI Friday, January 23, 2009 Circulation: 600 PAGE 7 Culture Cohen of The Obama Continent: Appeal to their minds, reach for their wallets In America they say any kid can grow up upwards of $60 a shirt. The “Artists for ble. The Borders chain has even designed to be president. And in America, there Obama” section of the store sold Obama their own Obama-Inauguration logo, are many ways to measure that kid’s artwork from many famous artists, such which adorns buttons, T-Shirts and hats. success. as Robert Indiana (Turning his famous The National Park Service, which runs There’s the media. When there is a sto- “LOVE” sculpture into one that said the shops in the countless monuments ry about you almost every day in every “HOPE” to go with Obama’s well known and memorials across the city, has its newspaper across the globe, you could message of “Hope and Change”), Antar boutiques stocked full of Obama memo- call yourself successful. When every pe- Dayal and Shepard Fairly, whose iconic rabilia. The Smithsonian Institution has riodical from Time to Ebony to American pop-art image of Obama was featured the stores in all of its museums carrying Dog runs your face on its cover, people everywhere from the cover of Time to everything Obama, from the usual pens might start mentioning your name along Obama postage stamps in Chad. and biographies to Obama family paper- with other successful individuals. When By the time of the Democratic National doll books. The gift shops all around CNN virtually becomes a round-the-clock Convention, independent retailers were the city have turned over most of their tracker of every move you make, you beginning to catch on to this fad. Den- space, formerly filled with FBI hats and could consider yourself accomplished. ver stores were stocked full of everything White House models, to Obama. T-shirts, That success could be earned in the Obama, prompting the British newspaper key chains, postcards and posters have minds of the people. When you prompt The Guardian to call the streets of Denver pictures of the Obama family standing young Americans, who’ve never cared “an open-air market of Obama-bilia, with inside of the presidential seal. The same before in the least about politics, to make vendors competing for the title of clever- assortment of merchandise can be found signs reading “I trust you”, that could be est souvenir”. Campaign Buttons, long with the added element of Martin Luther success. When old women who’ve voted a sought-after political souvenir, featured King Jr. under the headline “I have a by absentee ballot for the last couple of everything from Obama and James Bond dream-that dream has come true”. elections go to the polling station to vote, star Daniel Craig under the headline There are problems. While Barack Obama because you matter more than anyone “Convention Royale” to ones suggesting is a public figure whose picture can be they’ve ever voted for, that could dem- Obama pick teen star Miley Cyrus as his reproduced freely, King’s face belongs to onstrate a successful existence. Vice Presidential Candidate under the ta- the King Center and anyone wishing use But in America, where “the customer is gline “Teen’s Choice” (Not likely, as Bill it needs authorization. The problem is always right”, it’s not what voters watch, Clinton has already passed her up). that most of the vendors are small oper- read or say about you that makes you a Barack Obama and his people knew ations on the street that can pack up and success. Like all other parts of American from the outset that in this of all years, go in a matter of minutes. There have life, the success of a politician is mea- Americans needed something to believe also been concerns raised over the use sured by consumers’ wallets. in. And they knew that when Americans of the presidential seal. It started with the beginning of the believe in something, they buy into it. In Washington this kind of party is not campaign. Shortly after Barack Obama Literally. By the time retailers caught unfamiliar. Inaugurations have always announced that he was running for onto this trend, Obamania had become been cause for celebration—and sales. president on a chilly February day in a multi-million dollar enterprise and an But this feels different. Vendors won’t Springfield, Illinois, his campaign began integral part of Americana. even bargain on anything Obama, so selling buttons, T-shirts, hats, signs and Across the United States, election night confident they’ll find buyers among the posters though their website. Not that was a non-stop party. And where there millions of people who converged on this was different from other presidential were crowds, there were vendors. From Washington for the inaugural festivities. campaigns. This is America. There are the streets of Philadelphia, to Sugar Hill Ordinary people line the streets selling souvenirs marketed for every important in Harlem to Beverly Hills, Obamania was mint-condition Washington Posts from event, place or person, and presidential turning huge profits. At Grant Park in the day after the election, for $10 as candidates are no exception. But as the Chicago, where Obama gave his victory opposed to $20 in the store across the campaign advanced, it became evident speech, vendors pedaled every manner of street. Retailers have produced every- that this was different from any presiden- items declaring “I WAS THERE—CHANGE thing from Obama hot-sauce and action tial campaign America had ever seen. HAS COME”. Across America, people vot- figures (“an action figure we can believe Time called Obama the first real “brand- ed and they bought. And change came. in!”) to decks of playing cards and pins. ed” candidate, and named his marketing With 365 electoral votes to John McCa- Unions of Iron and Sheet Metal Workers strategy one of the top 50 inventions of in’s 173, Barack Obama became the first have banners on their head offices wish- 2008. This strategy was distinctly Ameri- African-American President of the United ing Obama well. Some joke that Barack can. Appeal to people’s minds and they’ll States. And more than ever, the market- Obama is the American economic stimu- reach for their cash—online mostly. You’ll ing opportunities exploded. YES WE CAN lus he has promised. not only make millions in campaign do- became YES WE DID. Whatever the Obama presidency has in nations, but also acquire the addresses, Washington leading up to the inaugu- store for the nation, most agree that he phone numbers and e-mails of thousands ration has been other-worldly. It liter- will never be as popular as he is now. No of potential volunteers. ally turned into Obamington. There is no one will forget this historic run, with all Soon the Obama merchandise spread avoiding the sensation that is this Afri- its twists and turns, weather the Obama beyond the usual campaign kitsch. The can-American man born in Hawaii by a weather wins out or goes up in smoke. Obama Store’s “Runway to Change” pro- white mother and a black Kenyan father, If it does, we’ll all know. That’ll be when gram brought onboard many high-profile raised in the heartland by a single parent the people stop buying. designers such as Vera Wang, Beyoncé and representing working class people and Tina Knowles and Shawn “Jay-Z” on the south side of Chicago. Carter, all designing Obama gear for Every bookstore has an inauguration ta- Alexander Cohen Volume XII, Issue VI Friday, January 23, 2009 Circulation: 600 PAGE 8 Entertainment / Culture Twilight- Bis(s) zum Morgengrauen: Der Film Kreischend empfing das Kinopublikum Edward Cullen (Ro- bert Pattinson), als er das erste Mal auf der Leinwand er- schien. Goldbraune Augen, braunes Haar, blasse Haut und ein mysteriöser Blick auf dem Gesicht - das perfekte Bild eines Vampirs. Schon die vier Bücher von Stephanie Meyer waren welt- weit und besonders in den USA ein riesiger Erfolg. Die Lie- besgeschichte von Bella Swan (Kirsten Stewart) und Ed- ward Cullen, einem normalen Mädchen und einem Vampir, spielt sich in dem verregneten Forks, Washington State, ab. Sie verlieben sich sofort und Bella ist begeistert von der Lebensart der Familie Cullen. Doch die Liebe zwischen einem Vampir und einem Menschen ist gefährlich. Bellas verlockender Geruch nach Blut und Mensch bringt sie oft in Gefahr. Ein wohl durchdachter Angriff eines verfeindeten Vampirs der Familie Cullen kostet der 17- jährigen fast das Leben. Seit einigen Tagen ist das erste Buch nun auch in Deutsch- land als Film erschienen. In Amerika ist er schon ein Millio- nenerfolg. Das Kino am Potsdamer Platz war gefüllt, über- wiegend von Mädchen, die bei fast jeder Bewegung Edwards

schrien. Das Publikum freute sich, lachte, weinte und alle photo courtesy of backseatcuddler.com waren begeistert von dem Film. Die Schauspieler brachten im Wald machten alles noch eine Nummer spannender. die Buchfiguren bezaubernd zum Leben. Insgesamt wurde Wir können nur allen, die schon von den Büchern begeis- die Geschichte sehr gut verfilmt und alle wichtigen Ereig- tert waren, empfehlen, den Film zu gucken. Ihr werdet ihn nisse wurde einbezogen. Wie immer wurden natürlich ein lieben! paar unwichtige Szenen ausgelassen. Es stimmt einfach alles in dem Film: die Schauspieler, der Johanna Walther Text, die Stimmung… Die Musik und der gruselige Drehort Victoria Christians Will they be able to COPE? “Konkurrenz belebt das Geschäft“ ist ment erhalten könnte. In Anbetracht eine allseits bekannte Weisheit. Je- der Tatsache, dass bisher die zweit- doch ist es genau das, was der Süd- stärkste Partei (die als „weiße Partei“ afrikanischen Regierungspartei, dem verrufene “Democratic Alliance”, kurz: African National Congress, fehlt. Seit DA) nur 12% der Stimmen einholen den ersten demokratischen Wahlen konnte, sind 20% auch gegenüber The Cynic’s im Jahre 1994 weiß der ANC, dass den 70% des ANC eine anständige ihm die Zwei-Drittel-Mehrheit sicher Leistung. Dictionary ist; er kann also machen, was er will. Bisher hat der ANC sogar die Macht, Und genau das tut er auch, bzw. tat im Alleingang die Verfassung zu än- PRESIDENCY er auch. dern. Die kommenden Wahlen könn- “The greased pig in the field Bis der African National Congress vor ten nicht nur das ändern, sondern ihm einigen Monaten eigenmächtig den sogar seine absolute Mehrheit weg- game of American politics.“ Präsidenten Thabo Mbeki, Erzrivalen nehmen, was ihn zum ersten Mal seit des Parteichefs Jacob Zuma, fällte. seiner Regierungsübernahme in eine Dies war der endgültige Anstoß für die Koalition zwingen würde. Feeling cynical, too? immer zahlreicher werdende Menge Schlechte Karten hätte COPE jedoch, Then submit your own defini- der unzufriedenen ex-ANC-Anhänger, wenn der ANC anstelle Jacob Zumas ihrer ehemaligen Partei ein für alle Mal einen Überraschungskandidaten für tions to themuckraker@gmail. einen Denkzettel zu verpassen. Dieser das Amt des Präsidenten aufstellen com by February 16th. Denkzettel heißt COPE – Congress of würde, z.B. den amtierenden Präsi- the People. denten Kgalema Mothlante. Da das Unter der Leitung des ehemaligen Ver- gesamte Wahlprogramm von COPE in teidigungsministers Mosiua „Terror“ erster Linie ein gegen Zuma ausge- Eileen Wagner Lekota und des ehemaligen Premiers richtetes Programm ist, könnte solch der Region Gauteng, Mbazima Shilo- ein taktischer Schachzug zu einem wa, gründeten rund 7000 Südafrika- K.O. in der ersten Runde für die junge ner im Dezember die neue Partei. Partei führen. Zurzeit deuten Prognosen darauf hin, dass COPE bei der nächsten Wahl im April bis zu 20% der Sitze im Parla- Moritz Zeidler Volume XII, Issue VI Friday, January 23, 2009 Circulation: 600 PAGE 9 Column / Culture Unsere Kultour: German Brass sie in Berlin auf, die 10 Blechbläser und der Schlagzeuger des international renommierten Ensembles. Zu sehen war German Brass im Konzertsaal am Gendar- menmarkt, wo das Ensemble vor einem bedauerlicherweise recht kleinen Publikum auftrat. Die erste Konzerthälfte bestand aus barocken und klassi- schen Stücken, wobei besonders die Werke Bachs im Vor- dergrund standen, während in der zweiten Hälfte eigene Medleys aus zahlreichen Weihnachtsliedern verschiedener Regionen präsentiert wurden, unter anderem Weihnachts- lieder aus Amerika, England , Frankreich und Russland. Das Konzert wurde schließlich mit dem Jazz-Klassiker „Sing Sing Sing (With a Swing)“ abgeschlossen. Die Gruppe überzeugte mit perfekten Harmonien, viel Rhythmus und besonders mit den für sie typischen, teils fetzigen Arrangements bekannter Stücke, wie zum Beispiel eine Kreuzung zwischen Ravels „Bolero“ und dem bekann- ten „Drummer Boy“, welche wieder einmal die Kreativität und den Humor der Gruppe bewies. Auch der Hornist Klaus

photo courtesy of germanbrass.de Wallendorf brachte mit seinen kabarettistischen Einlagen zwischen den Stücken das Publikum zum Lachen. Sie sind die bedeutendsten Blechbläser Deutschlands, spie- Fazit: German Brass ist ein MUSS für alle Freunde leb- len in den wichtigsten Orchestern des Landes mit. Sie spie- hafter Musik. Wann sie das nächste Mal in Berlin spielen, len so ziemlich alles zwischen Bach und Jobim. „Weihnach- steht noch nicht fest, wer will kann aber regelmäßig unter ten ohne German Brass ist wie Schach ohne Würfel“, soll www.german-brass.de nachschauen, dort werden stets die einst Lukas Podolski gesagt haben, auch wenn das sicherlich neusten Konzertdaten veröffentlicht. Auch wir werden euch positiver gemeint war, als es klingt. Sie spielen fantastisch, rechtzeitig vorher Bescheid geben! grandios. Sie begeistern seit 30 Jahren ihr Publikum. Im Rahmen ihrer Weihnachtstour am 15. Dezember traten Moritz Zeidler How to Lose Your Christmas Carbs the “Fun Way”! Christmas season is ending, school doesn’t take much effort, and for books, jewellery, decorations, is starting, and it’s time to face flushes out all your superfluous fat. and our favorite: shoes! the music. Get ready to clear your Every morning, drink a glass of wa- 6. Little tricks do make life easier. guilty conscience of the sweet sins ter (preferably warm). It helps with Bag your goodies in small amounts. Christmas had to offer. Motivate your digestion. It has been statistically proven that yourself and watch how your body 4. Take the stairs. Whenever you once a bag is empty, the crav- gets back into shape, without the can, integrate little “workout” ses- ing ends. So, if there is a smaller usual discomfort that one usually sions into your daily life. Instead amount in the bag, there are fewer has to face. Let’s start with some of taking the bus to school, get off calories to be consumed. simple facts: earlier and walk the rest of the way. 7. Most important of all: Make the 1. The most common mistake one An alternative to being picked up plan fit you and not vice versa. If can make is to starve yourself. A from a friend’s house is taking your you are forcing yourself into rules, result of this is the so called “yoyo bike. Even though these actions you will likely have an urge to break effect.“ What happens is that after seem unnecessary, they are almost them. Make working out a habit, a you hunger, you lose control over effortless and effectively substitute fun past time. Don’t see it as an your eating habits which results in a full workout session. obligation. To make things fun, join pigging out. This means that you 5. Keep motivated. Do little things an after school activity that makes gain more weight than you lose. that keep your mood perked up. you move. Dance classes or team 2. Always eat breakfast. Even Listen to good music, hang out sports are favoured, because you’re though you may not think so, we with your friends, or go on a shop- focusing on the fun factor. can confirm that eating breakfast ping tour. You’ll be amazed to see Remember the two Golden Rules: really does help. If you have a good what that can do to your attitude A) Make habits, NOT rules! basis to start your day on, you will towards life. WARNING! Don’t shop B) Stay motivated! not succumb to the temptation of for clothes, because that usually snacking even when you’re not leads to low self-esteem, for the hungry. clothes usually never fit and never Aletta Bühler 3. Drink A LOT of water. It is easy, look good on the first glance. Look Marissa Fuchs visit ourwww.freewebs.com/muckraker website at: Volume XII, Issue VI Friday, January 23, 2009 Circulation: 600 PAGE 10 Entertainment Dystopian Novel Guide Over the Christmas break, I decided first seems like a utopia is being death. Be to read some dystopian novels and described because the characters careful tremble in fear under my blankets. take all possible steps to eliminate while you I was tired of horror movies but pain, but as the book progresses, it are reading was in the mood for fear and, man, becomes clear that the society has this book- books can also be frightening. lost contact with the ideas of family Big Brother The dystopian novel genre was very and love. The protagonist, Jonas, might be common in the 20th century, and it gets selected to be the only one in watching is now considered one of the clas- his society who receives memories. you! sics. The term ‘dystopia’ was first used during a speech of the Brit- #8. Stasiland by Anna Funder #5. Player ish philosopher and economist John This book is not fictional. Anna Piano by Stuart Mill. Mill created a new word Funder’s Stasiland is a non-fiction Kurt Von- by adding Greek words dys (bad) book about living in East Berlin un- negut, Jr. and topos (location). Since then, der the Stasi, the official secret po- Vonnegut’s

dystopia was used as an antonym lice. It was the ministry for state debut nov- photo courtesy of mccsc.edu of utopia, an ideal society with per- security of the GDR. Funder’s Stasi- el, Player fect political, economical, and social land is a collection of the grim, but Piano, is about a society set some- systems. So a dystopia is a negative true stories of people living in East time in the future after the third utopia, a society in which the condi- Germany. Almost everything in this world war. Imagine a society where tions of life are miserable. Dysto- book can be found where you are there is no labor. pian societies are characterized by living right now- Berlin! And which Machines do everything. This might human misery, poverty, violence, is why it is more frightening. not seem frightening at first, but oppression, disease, and/or natural think again. What is the purpose of hazards. #7. Brave your life then? Reading dystopian novels can be New World of great help in your English and by Aldous #4. The Handmaid’s Tale by Marga- history classes, give you the shiv- Huxley ret Atwood ers, but most importantly, they are Huxley’s This book takes place in the Repub- page-turners. So use this top ten Brave New lic of Gilead, a country formed with- dystopian novel guide to familiarize World is in the borders of what was original- yourself with some of them! There about de- ly the US after nuclear, biological, are many more books which fit into velop- and chemical pollution. To put it in this genre, but these are my per- ments in a nutshell, imagine a society where sonal favorites. reproduc- women are valued only if their ova- tive tech- ries are viable. #10. We by Yevgeny Zamyatin nology This book is generally considered and sleep- #3. Animal Farm by George Orwell one of the first dystopian novels. It learning This book is a blend of dystopian was written in response to Zamya- that com- photo courtesy of tpet.com literature and satire because Orwell tin’s personal experiences with the bine to change society. Like in The depicted Stalin and his regime (dys- Russian revolutions, and was trans- Giver, everything appears to be topian) and wrote a satire about it. lated into English in 1924. Zamya- perfect at first- free and legalized Stalin, Trotsky, the major Russian tin writes about a society called One drugs, promiscuous lifestyles, sleep- communists, common populace, State, a nation made entirely out of teaching, and no fear of death. What and even political spin-doctors are glass, and where everything is or- could be the problem then? Read it all represented by animals. This ganized according to numbers. yourself and find it out. novel is just amusing to read be- cause you can compare the real his- #9. The #6. 1984 by George Orwell tory and this book. Giver by Probably considered one of the Lois Low- greatest books ever written, George #2. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Brad- ry Orwell’s 1984 is almost the exact bury Most of opposite of Huxley’s Brave New Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 will you have World. In 1984, Winston Smith lives blow your mind. This novel pres- probably in London, which is part of the fic- ents a future American society in encoun- tional country Oceania. The world which the masses are hedonistic, tered this is divided into three countries: Oce- and reading books is considered as book, with ania, Eurasia, and Eastasia. Ocea- committing a crime. Side note: The the school nia, and both of the others, is a to- title refers to the temperature at edition’s talitarian society led by Big Brother, which paper burns. infamous- which censors everyone’s behavior, ly weird even their thoughts. Having sex is #1. What is your favorite dystopian smell, in banned, a new type of text-mes- novel? I’ll leave the number one up 7th grade. sage-style language is created, and to you. In The even thinking or dreaming about

photo courtesy of mrsevansclassroom.com Giver, it betraying the party can result in Jung-Hyun An Volume XII, Issue VI Friday, January 23, 2009 Circulation: 600 PAGE 11 Entertainment The College Application Process “This book” referrs to a prospectus of the University of Rocherster. The images below are taken from said book’s envelope. Farsane Tabataba-Vakili

Book Review: The Problems of Philoso- phy by Bertrand Russell

What characterizes a book worth read- ing is an intellectually stimulating content combined with a pleasant writing style. In this respect, Bertrand Russell’s Problems of Philosophy is a highly recommendable book, for it provides philosophical insight on the theory of knowledge in a delightfully logical manner. In a little more than 100 pages, Russell explains difficulties in the pursuit of knowledge and thereby reveals many questions of epistemology. Com- mencing with the basic question ‘Is there any knowledge in the world which is so cer- tain that no reasonable man could doubt it?’, Russell explores the limits of human knowledge by analysing the existence and nature of matter, the correlation between appearance and reality, idealism, induction, a priori reasoning, knowledge by acquain- tance and by description, and possible er- rors in our perception and preconceptions. Coming from a mathematical background, Russell possesses the ability to investi- gate philosophical difficulties with logical purity. Nevertheless, one is able to follow his train of thought without having to re- linquish enjoyable language because Rus- sell systematically develops his questions and supports his answers with valid and sound arguments and simple yet powerful examples. This precise and succinct style of writing produces a cleansing, almost ca- thartic effect. For these reasons, Problems of Philosophy not only exhibits invigorating substance, but also offers a clear and as- sessable introduction to philosophy. It is in every aspect a timeless and yet refreshing book.

Eileen Wagner Volume XII, Issue VI Friday, January 23, 2009 Circulation: 600 PAGE 12 Entertainment

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