The Blazer VOL. CXVII No. III Loyola School, 980 Park Avenue, New York, NY January/February 2020 Fiat Veritas This Year’s Vision is 2020

Who’s Got Spirit? Which Teacher are You?

By Grace Copps ‘22 By Alex Deramo and Kate Lui ‘20

It’s the most wonder- men brought back the other to prove which as well as 3 on 3 basket- 1.) Describe your favorite pair of shoes. ful time of the year... early ‘00s in their class had the most school ball and dodgeball. Spir- A.) I’m not the fancy shoe type. I’d rather wear no no, not Christmas. Spirit best Juicy Couture, spirit in the traditional it Week 2020 was one of shoes at all. Fuzzy socks all the way!! Week! Every Loyola sophomores dressed pep rally that afternoon. the best ones yet, and B.) Thirty year old oxblood and black saddle shoes from student knows and loves like everyone from Students from each grade The Blazer would like England. I was going to throw them out but I couldn’t the school week lead- Cher in Clueless were chosen to battle in to sincerely thank Stu- bring myself to do it. I wore them to school today. ing up to the legendary to Will Smith in challenges such as a re- dent Government, Ms. C.) My periwinkle Brooks running shoes because I can Sports Night, where we Fresh Prince for the lay race and a “Finish Watkins, and Ms. Meyers be sporty (run some trails) AND chic (not feel like a dress up according to ‘90s, juniors broke the Lyrics” competition, for putting it all together! a different theme each out the scrunchies shleb) day. It’s like every day is and shoulder pads for D.)There’s too many to choose! Actually they’re prob- the Met Gala! This year the ‘80s, and the seniors ably under my desk. Something with a high heel and a mixed old and beloved donned their best bell funky color. My purple block pointy toe heels are pretty themes like Twin Day bottoms for the ‘70s. The cute. and Maroon and Gold fan-favorite Twin Day E.) My blue disco platform shoes in the 70s were quite Day with some new ones was Thursday’s theme, a look. I sprained my ankle in them, but I looked great such as Pop Culture Day and students paired up while doing it. and Decades Day. We with their friends to started the week with dress alike in a variety of Pop Culture Day on outfits. The week closed 2.) What’s one thing you dislike about high-schoolers? Tuesday, and the student with Maroon and Gold A.) Posting selfies. So odd. body sure did not dis- Day, where the whole B.) People walking with phones in their hands. Espe- appoint, dressing up as school turned into a sea of cially when they climb the stairs, is something really everything and everyone our school colors to that important to look at? Don’t get me started about from VSCO girls to Ar- show support for our those bozos on the subway. thur to JoJo Siwa to the Knights as they headed C.) The need to photograph everything. I don’t want to cast of Duck Dynasty. off to face our infamous know what you had for breakfast- I get it you eat! Wednesday brought archrival Columbia Prep D.) That google is your answer to everything. What another new theme, De- in basketball games that ever happened to dinner table debates about who was cades Day, which was my afternoon. The grades L-O-Y-O-L-A! Knights! Knights! Knights! in what movie!? personal favorite. Fresh- fought hard against each Photo courtesy of the Loyola Instagram. E.) Why don’t you guys talk through email? Sports Night! 3.) Describe your dream retirement situation. By Lexa Honeck and Amanda McGreal ‘21 A.) Somewhere warm… Hawaii sounds nice… Hawaii Sports Night, the night the JV teams play away some great defense. At many shots being taken sounds really nice... that many students con- at Columbia. The Varsi- half time, Loyola and by Loyola which caused B.) Saratoaga, New York. It’s not one of those dead sider to be the most fun ty girls played well, un- Colombia Prep were tied Columbia to get ahead. towns. They have horse racing up there. night of the year. A night til they let their guard 23-23. The fans were However, the Knights C.) Traveling to the tropical places on my Instagram where all of Loyola down in the second half, going crazy after every continued to play their feed comes together as allowing Columbia Prep basket and allowing the hardest until the last D.) New York City brownstone full of books (Beauty and one to support all to take the lead with a team to keep the energy. minute. Although it was the Beast style). of our athletes, Var- final score of 63-26. As the third quar- not enough to save the E.) Traveling somewhere warm and taking piano les- sity and JV, as they The Varsity boys played ter came to a close, game, the knights made sons. I want to relax but I don’t want to veg out! face our biggest rivals, immediately after, and one of the Knights a good comeback with a Columbia Prep. The by this point, the bleach- best players fouled final score of 57-70. days leading up to Sports ers were covered in out, but that did not Even though both varsity 4.) What would be your superpower of choice? Night are always full of supporters wear- stop them. The crowd teams lost, sports night A.) Seeing what goes on in your heads. Really, what is school spirit, and ing maroon and gold. was even more antsy to will always be special happening up there? Sports Night is just The knights, despite see how this game would because of the unique B.) Reading my student’s minds. Scares you, right? the cherry on top. only having six play- play out. The rest of the way that the school C.) Ability to see the best in everyone, even when they’re The Varsity teams ers, continued to third quarter was cold, can come together and being a jerk. It’s a superpower and a half, there are a lot play at home, while persevere and played and there were not support each other. of jerks out there. D.) I wish I could make people feel my pain. No one understands me! E.) I’d love to be walking on the beach while simultane- ously being at Loyola

5.) What is your strangest fear? A.) Being tied up in a garbage bag (dark… stuck… suf- focating…) B.) Being attacked by sharks. C.) Swimming in large bodies of water. Don’t be fooled- sharks could eat you, whales could eat you, squids could drag you out to sea... D.) Any kind of fish. Small. Big. Even goldfish, I just don’t like the way they move. E.) Getting stuck in an elevator. And dropping. Drop- ping all the way down.

If you picked MOSTLY As, you are... MS. MEYERS If you picked MOSTLY Bs, you are... MR. SULLIVAN If you picked MOSTLY Cs, you are… MS. CINTRON Star Player Ava Culoso during the Varsity Girls’ Game. Kevin Coffey on Offense during the Varsity Boys’ Game. If you picked MOSTLY Ds, you are… MS. WATKINS Photo courtesy of the Loyola Instagram. Photo courtesy of the Loyola Instagram. If you picked MOSTLY Es, you are… MR. LYNESS 2 | January/February 2020 The Blazer Loyola School

State of the Union

By Katie Spillane ‘22 As expected Trump’s chanting “Four more years!”. mediately.” This prompt- the presidential Medal of ered a medical miracle; daughter of a detective third State of the Union However, the most dra- ly many democrats to Freedom. He also invit- Janiyah Davis and killed in an anti-Semitic at- was eventful. From go- matic point of the whole stand up and reference ed a military family who Stephanie Davis, an ad- tack; and Andrea Cham- ing through his typical night came at the very H.R. 3, which is a bill were surprised by the re- vocate for school choice; blee, whose husband talking points to address- end. Pelosi decided to the House has passed in turn of their father. His and two veterans, Paul was killed at The Capi- ing new issues, Trump visibly rip a copy of an effort to lower drug other guests include: Kelli Morrow and Tony Rankins. tal Gazette shooting. definitely gave an- in Trump’s speech. While it costs but the Republi- Hake, whose husband Some notable guests of The State of the Union sight to what he plans on may be just as dramatic can controlled a Sen- was killed in Iraq; Iván Si- the members of con- represented exactly how running on in 2020. So here as her sarcastic clapping ate has not looked at yet. monovis, who was jailed gress include: Court- our nation looks in to- are some of the biggest in the last state of the union Economy: Trump re- in Venezuela; Raul Or- ney Wild, one of Jeffery day’s political climate; takeaways from the speech. it was definitely less subtle. flected on the economy tiz, the deputy chief of Epstein’s accusers; Rushan petty and polarized. With Partisan drama: With a Healthcare: Trump spoke and what he believes to border control; Jody Abbas, a Uighur activ- no one able to agree it congress as divided as on the issue of health- be the, “great American Jones, whose husband ist; Hatice Cengiz, fi- seems everyone has re- this one it was pretty care and used it to com- comeback.” Obviously was shot by an undocu- ancé of the deceased sorted to using any much a guarantee that ment on the status of a strategic move con- mented immigrant; Robin Jamal Khashoggi; Na- method necessary to someone was going to socialism in America. sidering the support his and Ellie Schneider, than Law, a pro-democ- make the other side be angry. The center of He commented on how economic policies have whose birth at twenty racy advocate in Hong look bad. Not surpris- the tension came from many senators support received. It is easy to as- one weeks was consid- Kong; Hailey Seals, ing but still disappointing. Speaker Nancy Pelosi the elimination of private sume the economy is and President Trump himself. health insurance saying, something Trump will ref- Starting with Trump’s refusal “...we will never let so- erence often in the 2020 to shake Pelosi’s hand at the cialism destroy American election. While no one beginning. She was also health care.” However, can deny the obvious im- seen shaking her head he also promised to al- provement in many ar- and even rolled her eyes ways protect those with eas, some fact checkers during various points preexisting conditions. have a few concerns about in the speech. Something that many some of the things said. There was chanting from found odd considering the Guests: As always many both sides of the aisles current administration has guests were invited to at- on different issues. The yet to provide such a plan. tend the State of the democrats made their Prescription drug pric- Union from both sides of feelings about Trump’s ing was also an issue the aisle. Trump invit- drug cost and healthcare Trump stressed. Explain- ed Limbaugh, a famous plans known. The re- ing that lawmakers must, conservative news fig- publicans reassured their “get a bill on my desk, and ure, and even announced The President adressing the Union. commitment to Trump, I will sign it into law im- that he would receive Photo courtesy of abcnews.com.

Rosencrantz. Guildenstern. “The Child”. By Caroline Adams ‘21 Philosophy is the re- widely contemplated first greets them. Rosen- sult of an abundance of questions in fictional crantz and Guildenstern time. The luxury to con- worlds and indeed in real are unimportant; they do The Blazer sider global questions of life philosophy revolves not have lives of their existence, morality and essentially around the own. They exist within humanity comes from words “Why am I here?” the covers of Hamlet as Loyola School the stipulation that one’s “Why am I here?” Har- a dual entity with little 980 Park Avenue basic needs are met with ry asked as he faced purpose other than to take New York, NY 10028 no indication that they Voldemort in a darkened Hamlet to England (212) 288-3522 will cease to be so. This graveyard. “Why am I and then to be killed. is easy to understand; if here?” Thought Wilbur Readers and philosophers www.loyolanyc.org a person had not eaten as he lay beneath Char- have speculated on the FAX: (212) 861-1021 for a week, their mind lotte’s words on her nature of Rosencrantz The Blazer is the official newspaper of Loyola School, would be entirely con- web. “Why am I here?” and Guildenstern ever produced and published by the students of the school sumed by the primal need asked Thor when he was since the play was writ- for the Loyola School Community. to fuel, not the question of sent to Earth by Oden. ten, with some even go- the nature of the hu- “Why am I here?” Jesus ing so far as to give the man soul. The point of implored in the garden two a “spinoff”. Some President ------Mr. Tony Oroszlany this hypothesis is not of Gethsemane. Ultimate- have speculated that Principal------Mr. James Lyness to discredit the value of ly we, like these four, Shakespeare included Dean of Academics------Ms. Jessica Holden philosophy as an edu- must accept that what- these characters with little Dean of Students------Mr. Daniel Sullivan cational pursuit, in fact, ever the purpose of our to no real thrust to offset asking these questions is existence, we remain Hamlets complete bounty a triumph of the human completely powerless to of thrust. In Rosencrantz Editor-in-Chief------Alex DelFranco condition and ultimate- the ineffable movements and Guildenstern are Dead Production Editor------Caroline Adams ly what sets us apart of the universe. That is, by Tom Stoppard, we, the Sports Editor------Chris Burich from other living things. as the title sequence audience of Hamlet, are Moderator------Dr. Robert Meade Literature is typically the in my favorite movie allowed a peek into the breeding ground for such Heathers so eloquently almost blank minds of considerations. As char- put it, “‘Que Sera Sera’; the two, and at several Students are encouraged to contribute to the school acters battle evil, they whatever will be will be”. points, we watch as the newspaper at any time by sending their articles to: focus of survival, but as One of the most obvi- two consider the very [email protected]. they sway in limbo be- ous examples of com- question that philoso- tween sleep and waking plete powerlessness to the phers have scratched their in their comfortable bed, whims of fate is that of beards over for years: Students should be aware that their contributions, if printed, may be they ask the questions Rosencrantz and Guil- why are we here. Ulti- edited to fit the available column space ofThe Blazer. Content may also that lurk in the corners denstern in Shakespeare’s mately, what both Rosen- be edited to conform to newspaper norms. of our minds and on the Hamlet. Rosencrantz crantz and Guildenstern blackboards of dimly lit and Guildenstern are are Dead and Hamlet al- The staff of The Blazer holds monthly meetings to plan upcoming college classrooms. Of plot devices; they ex- low us to understand is course, in rare circum- ist not to have charac- that we, the main char- issues. Students are strongly advised to attend these meetings to get stances, a character in ter arcs or to explore acters in our own story, a sense of what articles need to be written. We are most in need of a story, faced with an some internal aspect of at times serve as nothing straight-reporting articles about school life. We are least in need of imminent and dyer situ- humanity, but to move more than nondescript editorials or other opinion pieces. ation considers ques- the plot of Hamlet for- tertiary characters in a Articles of general interest not specifically related to school life will tions of philosophy ie: ward. Furthermore, none broader narrative with no life, the universe and of the other characters more control over also be considered but will be printed at the discretion of the staff. Such everything when con- seem to be able to distin- our fates than a lamb articles include, but are not limited to, movie reviews, book reviews. fronting aliens who have guish one from the other, ————— horoscopes, editorials, and humor. All decisions made by the staff come to destroy your as Shakespeare dem- Continued on Page 3 regarding the suitability of an article are final. planet. One of the most onstrates when Hamlet Loyola School The Blazer January/February 2020 | 3

The Cowboy Pianist

By Ryan Hogan ‘20 The pianist walks out be- At twelve years old, Van the Soviet Premier Ni- performance to Alexander burn was lauded a hero. Worth, and has been held fore the crowd, and stops Cliburn was the best pia- kita Khrushchev set to at- Goldenweiser, another great He had traveled into en- every four years since, with before his instrument. They nist in the state, winning tend, the world’s best and Russian pianist. Cliburn emy land and reinvigorated focus not only on piano cheer, and grow quiet. He a chance to play with the brightest pianists sailed, pulled the bench in to- American patriotism with but on strings, woodwind, calls out to them in a tongue Houston Symphony Or- rode, and flew to the USSR. ward the keys, sat, his success. He was given and vocals as well. He was he does not know, only chestra. At 17, he moved to In April of 1958, the con- and the music began. a ticker-tape parade in invited often to play for just memorized, and takes New York to study at Juil- testants took to the stage, The entire performance New York City, the only dignitaries and national his seat. There is a long liard, where he learned the hailing from both behind lasted thirty seven minutes, musician ever honored as leaders, holding concerts for pause, and his show has songs and techniques of and outside of the Iron typical timing for profes- such. He was the cover every President from Harry begun. The horns sound Russia’s great composers, Curtain. Pianists came sional concerts. But this story of Time magazine, Truman to Barack Obama. their call, and are cut short like Rachmaninoff and Mus- from China, Japan, the Bal- performance was far from billed as “The Texan Who Cliburn would rest on his by the clang of the timpani sorgsky. At 20, he won the kans, Scandinavia, and the typical, as Cliburn jumped Conquered Russia.” laurels relatively early in drums. The horns again esteemed Leventritt Award, Rus itself. They came from from chord to chord, con- A recording of his his career, leaving behind rise, now in concert with at the time an award so England and France, Can- trolling melody and rhythm Rachmaninoff was re- the fame and glory in 1978. the violins, cellos, oboes, prestigious it was not given ada and the United States, with every press of the leased as a single, and His father’s death prompt- flutes, and brass, and the out if the competitors did all playing for national keys. After twenty min- he met with President ed the hiatus, but he came pianist takes charge upon not meet the Leventritt glory. Cliburn was nervous, utes of Tchaikovsky, he Dwight Eisenhower to dis- back to the spotlight in the keys. His tone is whim- Foundation’s standards, like any 23 year old would launched immediately into cuss US-USSR relations. 1987 to play for President sical, and he leads the rest and he played at Carnegie be in technically enemy Rachmaninoff’s Piano Con- The subsequent album he Reagan and then Soviet Pre- of the orchestra in train. Hall. From 1952 to 1958, he territory, but was greeted certo No. 3, which took up recorded of the entirety of mier Mikhail Gorbachev. With three triumphant won in competitions across right off of the plane by a the next seventeen. When the Tchaikovsky and Rach- In the following years, he chords in each measure, the country, and was invited friendly personal assistant. he had finished, hands maninoff pieces won him would go on tours, open the stings intone in his own to play in Moscow, USSR. She rode with him around aching, sweat drenched, a Grammy for Best Clas- concert halls, and play for time, following along as he In October of 1957, a de- Moscow, showed him the and out of breath, he rose to sical Performance, and the world leaders, and though quickens and slows the cade into the Cold War, the theater the Ministry of take his bow. The ensuing hearts of Americans and his first album would go pace, swaying the audi- Soviet Union launched the Culture selected for the eruption of applause from Russians across both triple-platinum, his music ence with his lullaby of ab- satellite Sputnik into orbit, show, the Red Square and the standing ovation carried countries, as it was cer- never found the same fol- solute music. His name is not only initiating the Space the Kremlin, and left him at for eight minutes. The audi- tified gold by 1961. lowing as had when the Harvey Lavan “Van” Cli- Race, but starting off with his loft. Shortly thereafter ence’s favorite was clearly Cliburn even established tall Texan took the tourney burn, Jr., and his rendition a lead over the USA. As he was invited to meet determined, and soon his own musical contest. in Tchaikovsky’s town. of Tchaikovsky’s Piano an expression of Russian the judges, and although after the judge’s favor- In 1958, he was honored Harvey “Van” Cliburn died Concerto No. 1 in B-flat superiority, the leaders in intensely intimidated, he ite was as well. They sent at a dinner event, where a peacefully in 2014. His tit- Minor put a hia- the Kremlin organized the found that they were just as an envoy to the Premier’s contest in his name ular foundation carries on tus on the Cold War. first International Tchai- interested in his ability box to ask if an American was announced, and his legacy, and the legacy Van Cliburn wasn’t origi- kovsky Competition. Pyotr as he was in their work. victor would be al- would be funded by of history’s many clas- nally from Texas, but by Ilych Tchaikovsky was The contest began in the lowed, to which he re- the National Guild of sical composers, host- 1960 he was one of the the composer of Russia’s mid-afternoon on April 14, plied “Is he the best? Piano Teachers. The ing the next Van Lone Star State’s greatest most well known works, 1958. He practiced with Then give him the prize!” inaugural competition Cliburn International Pi- heroes. On July 12, 1934, writing during Russia’s a full orchestra the night Returning home, Van Cli- was held in 1962 in Fort ano Competition in 2021. he was born in Louisiana Romantic period in the before, along with the rest to Rildia Bee and Harvey 1800’s. His oeuvre includes of the contestants, and Lavan Cliburn, Sr. His orchestral pieces like Ro- knew that he was ready. The father was an executive oil- meo and Juliet and the 1812 crowd was excited. They man, and his mother a pia- Overture, which features had heard plenty of excel- no teacher. Like Socrates to the sound of sixteen can- lent pianists that night, and Plato, Franz Liszt trained nons blasting, as well as were filled with the pride her original teacher, Ar- ballets like Swan Lake, of the great composers of thur Friedman, and when Sleeping Beauty, and The their land. Now at the end of Van was all of three years Nutcracker, among other the show, they were ready old, his mother found him tunes and operas. He was to watch this American playing on his own, a natu- the first Romantic composer they had heard was highly ral Alexander the Great. to reach international fame, skilled play before them. She became his Aristotle af- playing all across Europe, Van Cliburn was the last to terward, mentoring him in and renown in the Ameri- take the stage. He walked the way of the ivories for cas as well. So, when the out to the crowd, stopped most of his young life. The competition was an- before the piano, and family moved to Kilgore, nounced to the world, and waved to Khrushchev in Texas, in 1940, and after a the panel of judges made his box. Before sitting, he few years of practice, Van of contemporary Russian called out to the audience in Eraserhead anyone? was ready to compete. composers released, and Russian, dedicating his Photo courtesy of wikipedia.com

Rosencrantz. Guildenstern. “The Child”. (continued)

By Caroline Adams ‘21 beinh led to slaughter. resemblance to a certain control of its fate, and instinct or a single- of our shared narrative in about madness and mur- Characters like Rosen- three-foot-nothing, sen- his existence is not minded lust for murder. this world discussed at der, fate treats you with crantz and Guildenstern tence-inverting, swamp- explained and rare- Approaching the logical the beginning of this non- the same mindless amuse- are not atyplical in lit- living Jedi master. In ly speculated upon. conclusion of this run- sense. Whether the au- ment. No matter how erature and indeed, media the dark, we are. Now, While The Mandalorian’s away train of thought, thor intended you to be pivotal or otherwise we as a whole (see Neville obviously, the TV show writers make it quite this writer is beginning to the central protagonist of objectively are, we have Longbottom in the ma- has not concluded its sto- clear that Baby Yoda is think that this entire hy- your ten episode Disney+ just as much chance of jority of the Harry Potter ry arc yet, and this writer a central, if not pivotal pothesis is very likely TV show, or he placed meeting fate the same Books,and jane in Pride is absolutely positive part of the plot of the nothing more than a caf- you unceremoniously way a king or and Prejudice) . In fact, that all will be revealed show, and Shakespeare feine fueled mania trip within one act of a play a beggar does. I was reminded of such in due course. With the treats Rosencrantz and taken in the wee hours lovably flaccid charac- minor exception in epi- Guildenstern with the of the morning when the ters during my viewing of sode two, (spoiler alert) dispensable sleight of parts of the mind that John Favreau’s Mandalo- when the child uses an hand typical of any ter- need sleep are stripped rian, specifically in the early indication of the tiary character, one can- of reason and secrete character of “The Child”. force, and the penulimate not help but remark at the purest insanity. Is Baby At this point, “The Child”, episode in which we are parallels of fate between Yoda actually anything hereafter referred to by his inroduced by the child to the characters. Sent to like Rosencrantz and proper title: “Baby Yoda”, “force healing”, and the fi- the protagonist by duty Guildenstern? Most likely essentially exists as a nal episode, in which bay- or something to that not. The very desire to plot device for the Man- by Yoda blocks a stream effect, this character or compare such a clearly dalorian. Without giving of fire shot by a storm- characters serve as a important green child away too much, none of trooper, Baby Yoda ex- catalyst to some astro- to history’s most neglect- us have any idea of where ists to be acted upon. The nomical revelation and ed characters is akin to he came from. None of child acts, for all intents something resembling the ravings of a madwom- us know why he’s so and purposes, like your self discovery, whether an. I believe, however, important, other than the average seven month that be in the form of a that this comparison Question: Is The Mandalorian a Christ allegory? fact that he bears a striking old. The child is not in deeply buried paternal speaks to the very nature Photo courtesy of insider.com. 4 | May 2019 The Blazer Loyola School

Acrylic Painting in painting 1

By: Caroline Adams ‘21

“Peacock” by Siobhan Twomey ‘21 “Pug” by Jacqueline Fiechter ‘21 Photo courtesy of the Loyola Painting 1 Class. Photo courtesy of the Loyola Painting 1 Class.

“Sunflower” by Valentina Marini Fichera Photo courtesy of the Loyola Painting 1 Class.

“Cow” by Caroline Adams ‘21 Photo courtesy of the Loyola Painting 1 Class.

“Wave” by Sophia Griffo ‘21 Photo courtesy of the Loyola Painting 1 Class.

“Birds” by Daniel Moreno ‘22 Photo courtesy of the Loyola Painting 1 Class.

“Mountains” by Imani Good ‘21 Photo courtesy of the Loyola Painting 1 Class. In our October issue, we likely notice a few key dif- after it dries, but becomes pigment with acrylic poly- published a set of paintings ferences between them, and more challenging to layer mer. Acrylic can not be ma- done by Ms. Meuler’s Paint- these stem from key physi- because paper, the ideal nipulated after it dries, and ing 1 class. These were the cal properties of the paints substrate for watercolor, it dries quite quickly, mean- first in a series of watercolor and therefore techniques soaks up the compound. By ing that it is idea for layer- paintings done by the class. used for application. Firstly, layering watercolors too lib- ing and creating dimension. The paintings you see in this watercolor is made by com- erally, a painter will break Enjoy these incredible issue are done in the acrylic bining pigments with gum down the paper substrate works by Loyola artists. medium. If you were to arabic, a natural gum that that supports the paint. Special thanks to Ms. “Buildings” by Natalia Adam ‘21 compare the two sets of reacts with water. Water- Acrylic paint, on the other Meuler for her guidance Photo courtesy of the Loyola Painting 1 Class. paintings, you would most color can be manipulated hand, is made by mixing in the Painting 1 class. Loyola School The Blazer January/February 2020 | 5

Acrylic Painting in painting 1

By Caroline Adams ‘21

“Abstract Three” by Caroline Adams ‘21 “Abstract One” by Sophia Griffo ‘21 “Abstract One” by Natalia Adam ‘21 Photo courtesy of the Loyola Painting 1 Class. Photo courtesy of the Loyola Painting 1 Class. Photo courtesy of the Loyola Painting 1 Class.

“Abstract Four” by Juliette DeSpirito ‘21 Photo courtesy of the Loyola Yearbook

“Ship” by Andreea Grigorescu ‘21 Photo courtesy of the Loyola Painting 1 Class.

“Abstract Three” by Valentina Marini Fichera ‘21 Photo courtesy of the Loyola Painting 1 Class. “Art is what you can get away with.” -Andy Warhol “Horse and Goose” by Juliette DeSpirito ‘21 Photo courtesy of the Loyola Painting 1 Class. 6 | January/February 2020 The Blazer Loyola School

A1 Sauce: The Only Sauce That Matters

By Caroline Adams ‘21

As I find myself march- only the best sauce, but venient, but not in the I check the ingredient satility. Ketchup is good A1 sauce is better on ing, steadfast through the the only sauce that mat- least bit reliable or en- label every single time I for about three dishes, French fries, burgers isles of my local Mor- ters for three reasons: joyable to be around. use it. It can’t be, I say to those being as follows: and hot dogs. A1 sauce ton Williams Grocery taste, quality, and versa- A1 is a deep, passionate myself, feverishly skim- French fries and French provides the bright, sa- Store, I am consumed tility. Let’s talk about it. love affair that spans the ming the tiny print on fry adjacent products, vory sweetness that with a question that many Firstly and most funda- confines of time, space, the bottle. There has to hot dogs, and ham- Ketchup refuses to deliver ask yet so few can an- mentally in a sauce, the and energy. It is the kind be something in it: glu- burgers. Beyond these on, without Ketchup’s swer- in any way that taste. The true palatabil- of love that poets write ten, eggs, pig eyes, cater- delicacies, ketchup is added disappoint- demonstrates a deep- ity of a sauce should be about; it is a love that lasts. pillar spines, something. absolutely useless. A1 ment and failure. er, fuller understanding measured, not by how Secondly, let’s talk about But no. Each time I check, Sauce is not. Although To conclude this trea- of what it means to be it complements an ac- quality. A1 is a sauce I am reaffirmed in my its bottle declares it a tise on truth, love, and great. Men, women and companiment, but on that we can all use and deep, spiritual trust in “steak sauce”, A1 is not universal justice, allow children throughout his- how it tastes singularly. feel good about using. A1 sauce. This magic a one trick pony. I put me to say this: you, dear tory have been wrong, Ketchup, specifically As a vegan and a celiac, potion, this serum if the A1 sauce on everything. reader, are worth it. You but never quite so Heinz’s, does not taste I must usually be quite gods, this special sauce I dip vegetables in A1 are wonderful. You are wrong as they are about good by itself, in fact, it careful with my condi- also comes packaged sauce, I marinade my tofu, so wonderful that you sauces. It is not, however, is repulsive. I challenge ment selection. Some in a glass bottle, easily I put it on my Beyond deserve so much better the fault of said men, women you, dear reader, to re- sauces contain dairy, recyclable and reus- Burgers, I put it on my than Ketchup. You don’t and children that they are so call a time when you, a other hidden eggs, oth- able for anything, mak- hash browns, I put it on deserve middle-of-the- devastatingly misguid- sensible person, made ers wheat (which could ing it worlds better than my vegan mashed pota- road, sticky, goopy non- ed. Indeed, it is the fault the conscious choice to destroy my insides), and Ketchup, which comes in a toes and peas. Further- sense. You deserve the of a much greater, more dip your finger in the other anchovies (those flimsy plastic bottle filled more, I firmly believe that warm, gentle pow- powerful entity, one that ketchup on the side of weird fish). A1 does not, with absolute nonsense. A1 sauce outperforms er of A1 Sauce. Make reigns from afar: Heinz. your plate and transfer said and I know this because Finally, let’s discuss ver- Ketchup at its own job. the right decisions. While we mere mortals finger on the end of the entertain ourselves with arm of an intelligent con- our playground games sumer to your mouth of politics and religion, in order to take a na- Heinz looks on, tighten- ked taste of ketchup. The ing their web of false- thought sickens me to hoods in which they have my very core, and I’m entwined each of us, each sure it does the same for of our families, and our you. A1 Sauce, however, French fries. For de- passes the finger test. cades, Heinz has managed Once finished with my to convince the United French fries, I feel no res- States as a whole that ervations about in turn their finest product is finishing my leftover A1 their Ketchup. This is a sauce. It’s bright, com- lie, a boldfaced lie at that. plex coagulation of sweet- The time has come for ness, acidity, and spice us to reject this lie and warms my very soul, in step into the light of truth. a way that a corn-syrupy, Search Words Sudoku Ketchup is not the best fuming, and sickly sweet sauce, in fact, it isn’t even smear of ketchup will a good one. The best sauce never begin to suggest. is Heinz’s A1 Steak Sauce. Ketchup is a brief fling A #1 sauce. Heinz’s A1 sauce is not with a partner who is con- Photo courtesy of enjoyflagstaff.com. Exploring Earth on More Soup Bowl 54 (Translation)

By Chelsea Campos and Valentina Marini Fichera ‘21

Vari’s Entry #5621 part 1 We hovered in our cam- about a “Super Bowl.” innocent human. I don’t woman whose name is one of my arms. Our mission to rescue ouflage crown-shaped We camouflaged our ship understand why they “Shakira” started sing- “Hey! She’s mine!” I more creatures of our ship over this box-looking and noticed big tough wouldn’t let it keep the ing. Her voice made my yelled. “I don’t think so, kind in the Milky Way building full of humans. humans running around brown object. I was rooting mouth drop. She also had I’m making her my 49th galaxy took longer than It was a very odd spec- the green blob. They for the humans wearing very nice dance moves! wife” Vari replied. Command Center ex- tacle. Chee-Chee and I kept attacking each other, red because they were “I want to make her “Okay, how about we pected. We hopped from determined it to be some it was quite entertain- called the Kansas City my wife” I said. make a little bet. If the red solar system to solar form of entertainment ing. They never let a hu- Chiefs. My loyalty to Vari didn’t respond. I team wins, I get Shakira. system and there was for the humans. I am man run for more than Chief L will never die out. looked at him and he was If the white team wins, nothing as far as we just puzzled about the five seconds. There were When the humans stopped too busy drooling over you get to make could see. Around 5250 purpose it served. We many instances in which attacking each other. the woman singing in the Shakira your 49th minutes spent on the watched for hours, a large number of hu- The lights turned off a interesting language. wife” I suggested. journey, with about mesmerized by the col- mans would attack one bit. Then an attractive I smacked him with “Ugh, fine” Vari said. three minutes per solar ors and waves of people. system, and there It is so amazing how hu- seemed to be no intel- mans get excited about ligent life that fit our the most simple, unim- Chief’s description. portant, earthly things We received a message when they could experi- from Chief L to return ence so much greater in our to Earth on our route to galaxy just 12 mil- their sun to refuel our lion light-years away... ship. I am not sure why Chee-Chee’s En- we even had to stop by try #5621 part 2 Earth. We had already ... Having a break was visited 45 minutes ago much needed after trav- and saw they neither eling through the galax- needed our saving nor ies for 88hrs straight. were they intelligent life Beaming creatures from forms. Chee-Chee and I all over the Universe to orbited Earth and scanned our home planet can be the humans once again, extremely exhausting. but this time noticed a As we were heading greater collection of closer to little Earth, we humans tuned into noticed thousands of hu- one satellite channel. mans surrounding some Chee-Chee suggest- sort of bright, artificial ed that we get closer. greenery, grass as they We flew to the south- call it. We then noticed Needless to say, I now am rightfully allowed to marry Shakira. She will be so pleased! Photo courtesy of the authors. eastern peninsula of usa. that they were excited Loyola School The Blazer January/February 2020 | 7

Speech Wins! Puzzles! Crypto Ken Ken

The Team at UPenn! Photo courtesy of the Loyola Instagram.

Sudoku

The Team at the Regis Loyola Tournament. Photo courtesy of the Loyola Instagram.

Word Search 8 | January/February 2020 The Blazer Loyola School The Knightly News

Phoenix Rising : the Key to 28?

By Chris Burich ‘20 By Chris Burich ‘20

The Phoenix Suns are Devin Booker at SG, Mi- er due to injuries to The buzz of the off- Year in 2018, most be- son struggle at the plate one of the most success- kal Bridges at SF, Kelly Ricky Rubio and Kelly season for the Yankees lieving he was snubbed may open up opportunities ful franchises in the his- Oubre Jr. at PF, and De- Oubre Jr., and the 25 has obviously been the of the award due to the for powerful lefty Mike tory of the NBA. Today andre Ayton at C. That game suspension of De- recent acquisition of popularity of Angels dual Ford, but Voit’s experi- they feature a premier lineup has an offen- andre Ayton. Deandre the star pitcher Gerrit threat, Shoehei Ohtani. ence at the position and starting lineup of some sive rating of 133 and a Ayton was suspended Cole. Last year with the Miguel Andujar was lit- with the Yanks makes of the best young tal- defensive rating of for taking a diuretic, cheating Astros, Geritt erally better in every hit- him a lock going into ent in the league. When 96. However, they which is often used boasted a 2.50 ERA ting column hitting .297 the season. At second healthy, the Suns sport have hardly been to hide Performance accompanied by 326 with 27 HRs and 92 base, the three time gold Ricky Rubio at PG, able to play togeth- Enhancing Drugs. strikeouts and only 59 RBIs. Ohtani only played glover and 2019 Silver earned runs in a 33 game a little more than half Slugger winner David Welcome to the XFL campaign. Mr Cole will a season but apparently John LeMahieu, aka Le- become the clear ace and hitting .285 in 100 Machine, will start the By Chris Burich’20 number one starter of games and starting 10 season in the heart of the the now an impressive games at pitcher in that infield and in the heart Football fans always hoping for a better re- two points from the Yankee rotation for the time frame was more of the offensive threat dread the off-season. sult. He has taken a lot 5-yard line or three points upcoming 2020 season. attractive. This season, for the Yankees. No They wait seven long of time to plan out the from the 10-yard line. Cole will be supported manager question here. Moving months for the next NFL league this time around. Although there will no by Masahiro Tanaka, will need to find a way past shortstop and third season to kick off. They Unlike the AAF, the XFL longer be extra points, , J.A Happ, to get Andujar involved, base, the outfield has want to see more football. will be well funded since kicking will still be part and another pitcher who either splitting time at some interesting pieces to There have been many Vince McMahon is worth of the game. Kickoffs will be fighting for that 3B, 1B, DH or even LF be sorted out for open- attempts in the past to an estimated $2 billion. have been reimagined to last spot. James Paxton to get full potential out of ing day. build a football league Here are the details of move most players down will be out indefinitely the high ceiling slugger. will be out until the sum- for the NFL off-season. the XFL. There will the field so that they until May-June following Another position change mer with Tommy John Last year, the Alliance be eight teams. The aren’t hitting each other back surgery. The first will occur on the left surgery, so long-time of American Football teams are the Dallas at full speed. The kicker year with the Yankees, side of the infield. Prov- veteran and previous (AAF) was created. Fans Renegades, the D.C. will kick off from the Paxton proved to be a ing his MVP caliber gold glover Brett Gard- were initially excited to Defenders, the Houston 30-yard line, 5 yards clear number one or two skills last year with 38 ner will be a lock in see some more football Roughnecks, the Los An- further back from the pitcher in the rotation home runs and a .278 centerfield. 2019 Wilson but without the proper geles Wildcats, the St. NFL, in an effort to limit with a team low 3.82 batting average, 22 year Ball Glove Defensive funding, the league col- Louis BattleHawks, the touchbacks. Replay re- ERA among starters. The old will of the Year lapsed quickly. Fast for- Seattle Dragons, the Tam- views are still part of the team will be more than have to make the jump and homerun machine ward one year. In steps pa Bay Vipers, and your game, however coaches happy to slip him back into from second base to will continue WWE chairman and CEO New York Guardians. challenges have been the rotation in early sum- shortstop with the fare- to be the face of the fran- Vince McMahon. Vince There are many different eliminated. The play- mer once he is healthy. well of beloved shortstop chise, sitting in the short attempted to start his rules that the XFL has ers won’t be stand- The Yankees are sit- Didi Gregorious. The porch in right field. If own football league, when compared to the out superstars, in ting as +350 favorites young buck will have big not at the DH spot, 6’7 the XFL, back in 2001. NFL. The play clock will fact you probably to win the 2020 World shoes to fill defensive- monster Giancarlo Stanon However, he didn’t have start at only 25 seconds, won’t recognize any Series even with the ly, for Gregorious was will patrol the left field the right mindset. He in order to speed up the of the players. No one Dodgers recent trade, acquired for defensive fence. If starting in the tried to blend football games. The game speed really knows if the XFL adding stars Mookie purposes after hall-of- designated hitter position, and WWE professional will also be cut down will last this time, but Betts and David Price to famer Derek Jeter retired. lefty Mike Tauchman and wrestling into one sport, by a short 10 minute half- it’s more promising than their already star studded Some scouts say that may get which did not work. The time, and only two coach- ever. If you want to organization. Before the Torres struggles with a chance at the 7 spot original XFL only last- es timeouts per half. watch the XFL, every season starts, however, footwork that may cause in the defensive lineup ed one season and was There are no extra point game will be broadcast there are some notable defensive trouble in the to showcase their range seen as yet another failed kicks in the NFL. In- on either ABC, ESPN, positions battles to be 6 hole. The only other and surprising sparks at attempt at rivaling the stead, teams will have the ESPN2, FOX, FS1 had. With Paxton pos- option the Yankees have the plate. Moving past NFL. Nearly twenty option to go for one point or FS2. Cheers sibly out through May, at the SS position is the starting rotation, the years later, McMahon is from the 2-yard line, to more football! that spot in the rotation speedy Tyler Wade, a bullpen has high expec- will be challenged by twenty five year old who tations to meet, being pitchers Jordan Mont- only had 94 at bats in one of the best in the gomery and Jonathan 2019. Wade will be a previous two seasons. Loaisiga, both sub 5 lock on the team, how- Notable signings and ERA pitchers who have ever, because of his departures include an highlighted success dur- defensive flexibility at extension of 2019 AL ing their small outings many positions and his Reliever of the Year Ar- with the Yankees. 20 year speed on the bases, some- oldis Chapman, and the old pitching prospect thing that the Yankees Met’s signing of 6’8 gi- Deivi Garcia will be lack due to most of ant Dellin Betances. someone to watch for, their star hitters being However, Zach Britton, however, starting the sea- over 6’2 and 230 lbs. , Tommy son in the big leagues this Aside from these chang- Kahnle, and Adam Ottavi- season will be a long es however, the Yan- no will continue to throw shot. If more injuries kee will be returning a cheddar, all above 94 plague the rotation, do large portion of their mph for average fast- not be surprised if the 2019 team. The projected ball speed, three of them promising young stud lineup, provided by Bry- throwing over 96 mph. gets his first shot. an Hoch of mlb.com, will Even though the Yan- The bigger position include many familiar kees fell short of the competition, howev- faces. Gary Sanchez will AL Pennant in 2019 er, will come from the be the clear starter due to the sign stealing left side of the infield. to his offensive firepow- Astros, runner up for Previous near gold glove er and defensive-game 2019 AL Manager of the winner, , will calling ability. Losing Year, Aaron Boone stated have 24 year old Miguel backup catcher Austin confidently, “We don’t Andjuar on his tail, Romine due to free agen- feel like anyone should chasing the 5 spot in cy, 2019 third-string Kyle be able to get in our the field. Shoulder sur- Higashioka will see more way,” (per ESPN). Com- gery after only 3 games of the plate, while the ing off of a 103 win in 2019 kept Andujar Yankees signed veter- season, the Yankees sidelined for the whole ans Chris Iannetta and will begin the 2020 season. The up and com- Erik Kratz for further season with their best ing star was in the run- cushion. At first base, chance to conquer their Gerrit Cole in action. Photo courtesy of nydailynews.com. ning for AL Rookie of ’s 2019 late sea- 28th World Series Title.