Mr. Martocci revelas his mustache secret. Jennifer Hudson’s family deals with tragedy. Texting causes trouble on the road. TEACHERS LOUNGE / FEATURES / PAGE 5 JENNIFER HUDSON/ NEWS / PAGE 4 TEXTING / OPINIONS / PAGE 3 TheThe StSt.. ClairionClairion Volume 10, Issue 2 - December 2008 - Upper St. Clair High School Pittsburgh, PA 15241 All the news that fits...And then some! Phillies capture World Series in dramatic fashion Obama makes history By: Nick Buzzelli synonymous with “Philly tied the series with it shifting to By: Dallion L. Townsend handily by picking up 364 elec- Assistant Sports Editor Fanatics” during game six of the Citizens Bank Park for games Opinions Editor toral votes, 94 more than he series for all of the wrong rea- three, four and five. needed to win the presidency, Philadelphia, the city of sons. The Phillies were clinging Unfortunately, inclement The wait is over: the longest, and almost 200 electoral more brotherly love, has given us Ben to a 6-5 lead in the bottom of the weather delayed much of the hardest campaign of our genera- votes than McCain. Franklin, the Liberty Bell, and ninth when Mitch “The Wild series while in the city of broth- tion comes to a close. Senator McCain’s inability to capture Rocky Balboa. A World Series Thing” Williams was called erly love. Game three was post- Barack Obama overcame the key battleground states such title can now be added to that list upon to close the game. Joe poned for one hour and 30 min- Hillary Clinton, John McCain, as Ohio, Florida, and of great achievements. Phillies Carter then hit a World Series utes, with the Phillies escaping and the color barrier by winning Pennsylvania took away any fans have reason to celebrate and winning homerun to give with the victory. The weather the 2008 Presidential Election. chance of his winning the elec- will be doing so all the way to Toronto their second consecu- held off for much of the fourth Barack Obama has been toral vote. Another major prob- spring training. The last time a tive championship. The Phillies game. Philadelphia scored early characterized as “the best cam- lem for McCain was that he Philadelphia sports team accom- would have to wait another 15 and often, putting ten runs on the paigner I could not plished a feat quite like this was years until they would make it to scoreboard. The Philadelphia have ever change over a quarter century ago when the October Classic again. pitching staff was able to keep seen” by any of the Dr. J led his 76er’s to the NBA The Tampa Bay Rays came the Rays to just only two runs. Fox News “blue- title. Philadelphia has been to into the best of seven series with Philadelphia pitcher Joe Blanton host Bill states” to the “Big Dance” five times but momentum on their side. The became the first pitcher to hit a O’Reily. “red- came out victorious only once. young Rays made their first ever homerun in the World Series Obama’s states”. The Phillies now have a new trip to the post-season this year since Ken Holtzman did it in flag to raise at Citizens Bank and were able to escape elimina- 1974 (www.mlb.com). campaign For Park, “2008.” tion by defeating the storied The rainy and dreary weath- was up to Obama, The Phillies have not had very Boston Red Sox. Coming into er returned in a game five that par after after win- many shining moments during the World Series, the Rays had the Phillies were hoping to winning all ning 65 their 124 years of existence, but home-field advantage at clinch in front of the home of the states key votes their World Series titles top the Tropicana Field and looked to crowd. The game was called former in Florida, list. The Phillies are the longest use it to their advantage. The after the top of the sixth inning Democratic President-elect Barack Obama gives his New losing franchise in MLB history, Phillies won game one with the with the score tied at two apiece. nominee acceptance speech after it is announced he Mexico, has won the presidential election at his but that doesn’t matter anymore help of a Chase Utley two-run This was the first World Series John Kerry Election Night Rally in Grant Park, Chicago, Ohio, and because they are sitting on top of homer. Cole Hamels pitched a game to not be finished in base- won in Illinois, November 4, 2008. (Chuck Virginia, the baseball world. The fran- gem, allowing only five hits ball history 2004, along Kennedy/MCT) combined chise’s only other title came in over seven innings (www.phillies.mlb.com). When with battleground states with the traditionally democrat- 1980 on a team led by future (www.espn.com). The Rays the game resumed almost two Virginia, Ohio, Florida, and ic California, his electoral num- hall-of-famers Steve Carlton and stole the show in the second days later, the Phillies scored New Mexico. ber was pushed over the top. series MVP Mike Schmidt. game, scoring the first two runs twice more and won the series in With campaign messages Pennsylvania, a key state in the In 1993, Philadelphia was pit- of the game, while starter James dramatic fashion. The Phillies like “Change we can believe election, also sent 21 electoral ted against the defending world Shields kept the Phillies off the won their first title in over 28 in,” Obama was able to pick up votes to Senator Obama in a 55- champion Toronto Blue Jays. board for the first five innings. years and are now waiting until nearly 70% of all new voters, 44 tilt, even though McCain and Mitch Williams’ name became Tampa Bay’s four to two win they get a chance for another. according to the exit polls com- running mate Sarah Palin spent Congress attempts to bailout Wall Street piled by CNN. Obama was also much of their time campaigning able to convince 93% of the in the battleground state after financial shock African Americans voters to Almost immediately after the By: JP Gooderham largest business lobbying aged by risky loans. Following vote Democrat. results were tallied, Obama Editor-in-Chief group and a vocal bailout pro- the crisis, “The government Obama was the first presi- received numerous congratula- ponent, responded quickly […] made the first investment dential candidate since Bill tions from foreign leaders, such In the early fall, markets after the vote with a letter to of $125 billion to purchase Clinton in 1996 to win both the as China’s President Ma Ying- all over the world suffered all members of Congress. stakes in nine of the country’s electoral college majority and jeou, who not only praised the severe meltdowns, which ‘Make no mistake: when the biggest banks” (www.wash- the popular vote. He won president-elect, but also feels quickly caught the attention of aftermath of congressional ingtontimes.com). Of course, 52.42% of the popular vote with that with cooperation on both lawmakers on Capitol Hill. inaction becomes clear, the funding for the bank 63,846,619, while Senator John sides, the U.S. and China can Consequently, Congress Americans will not tolerate investment came directly from McCain received 56,367,794 form a stronger working rela- votes for 46.28%. Obama won tionship together. turned its attention to crafting those who stood by and let the the rescue plan. gages and housing prices con- Wholesale believes that the and passing a rescue plan to calamity happen,’ said the let- While some are optimistic tinue to slide, banks will con- “economy is moving in the save American businesses ter, urging reconsideration and of the plan’s potential effect tinue to suffer big losses. wrong direction. I think (the from crumbling. passage of ‘financial rescue on the market, many experts Unless something is done bailout plan) will keep things On September 29th, legislation’” do not feel that the rescue plan quickly to help American from getting worse. I assume Congress failed to pass the (www.reuters.com). After con- will be significant enough to homeowners avoid foreclosure everyone will breathe a sigh of first bailout plan which would tinued debate in Congress; save the American market. and stay in their homes, those relief. You can only hope that have distributed $700 billion however, a similar package The New York Times contends losses could swamp the the people who’ve thought this to an ailing Wall Street. was approved on October 3rd. that the worst has, almost cer- bailout effort by exceeding the through know what they’re Economists were shocked by The rescue plan sought to tainly, not passed: “The unfor- sums being spent to rescue the doing. No one involved in this the bill’s initial failure to pass: restore confidence in tunate reality is that as long as banks” (www.nytimes.com). process to date has done much “The U.S. Chamber of American banking while stabi- millions of Americans contin- On the other hand, Jim to instill much confidence” Commerce, the nation’s lizing a housing market rav- ue to default on their mort- Sinegal, CEO of Costco (www.usatoday.com). Page 2 Opinions December 2008

Panther Desk of the Editor Predilections Congress’s bailout is necessary to stop the What is your favorite bleeding in the global economic crisis thing about Thanksgiving? By: JP Gooderham right. We needed to stimulate the sis, as worried investors liquidat- more ridiculous. Editor-in-Chief economy then. The problem was ed stock portfolios. The equity The sad truth is that the bank- that the Bush economic team crisis made people feel poor and ing system must be re-stabilized By mid-September, 2008, it never turned off the green light metastasized into a consumption in order to begin lending once was clear that America was in a crisis, which is why purchases of again. state of economic turmoil. cars, appliances, electronics, As Friedman concludes, this Despite Congress’s response, the homes and clothing have just policy “may mean rescuing some Emergency Economic fallen off a cliff. This, in turn, has bankers who don’t deserve rescu- Stabilization Act of 2008, which sparked more company defaults, ing, while also helping prudent allowed the Secretary of the exacerbated the credit crisis and bankers who were doing the right Treasury to buy $700 billion metastasized into an unemploy- things. “Getting to see all of my worth of distressed companies, ment crisis, as companies rush to And, yes, that may mean rescu- out-of-town family.” the economy continued to plum- shed workers” (www.nytimes.com). ing reckless home buyers who – Evan McElhinny met. At this point, it looks like the never should have taken out Freshman In early November, representa- damage has been done. Interest mortgages and now can’t pay tives from twenty nations con- rates continue to skyrocket while them back, while not aiding peo- vened to discuss the economic credit becomes less readily avail- ple who saved prudently and are crisis, which had penetrated able, which further restricts con- still meeting their mortgage pay- every sector of the international sumer spending. ments. No, it’s not fair. But fair- community. The result: the repre- Editor-in-Chief JP Gooderham Thus, the most crucial change ness is not on the menu anymore” sentatives “endorsed several and told people to ‘go saving.’ So in the international economy (www.nytimes.com). stimulative measures, including with easy credit seemingly end- must be a restoration of con- Unless the downturn of con- interest rate cuts by central banks lessly available, American con- sumer confidence. sumer spending begins to slow, around the globe or potential eco- sumers saved virtually nothing On the surface, the economic the international economy will nomic stimulus packages” and bid up housing prices to bailout plan passed by Congress inevitably continue to plunge. (www.money.cnn.com). record levels. It was quite a seems, to some extent, unfair. Hopefully, the events that pre- While these measures may party” (www.nytimes.com). The very notion of saving busi- ceded the current economic crisis help to stabilize global markets, Because of reckless spending, nesses that destroyed themselves will be a lesson to Americans for the most crucial component of the mortgage market ultimately through greed is absurd to any years to come. However, in the “The food.” any plan is certainly consumer blew up, which sparked a credit observer. present, the federal government – Becca Lange confidence. crisis that annihilated the banking Furthermore, requiring those must continue to allocate aid to Sophomore Thomas Friedman explains, industry. Friedman continues, who have acted responsibly failing companies, or we will risk “When President Bush told us to “Banks stopped lending. That financially to foot the bill for any chance we have at a speedy go shopping after 9/11, he was soon morphed into an equity cri- such corporate greed is even recovery. Texting is one of the biggest distractions on the road today By: Julianne Tarullo addition, a Virginia Tech The train driver was texting while driving (www.iii.org). Front Page Editor Transportation Institute survey when his commuter train skipped Some states, such as Connecticut found that 80 percent of crashes through a red light and collided and the District of Columbia, Staying focused while driving involved driver inattention with- into a freight train. The wreck, fine drivers for the use of cell is crucial to the safety of the in the last three seconds of the killing twelve, and injuring 135, phones and other distractions, driver and passengers. Even crash. This distraction was most was recorded as the worst train such as applying makeup, or experienced drivers can take commonly found to be a cell accident since 1993 reading and writing behind the their eyes off the road for a sec- phone. (www.reuters.com). Railroad wheel (www.cbsnews.com). “The Bond-a-thon.” ond and be faced with a deadly A survey by National Mutual workers in California are tem- When students were asked if – Chris Peck crash just seconds ahead. Insurance Company discovered porarily banned from using cell they had ever been in a car while Junior Driving mistakes include apply- that 73 percent of drivers talk on phones on duty. This fatal crash the driver was texting, three out ing makeup, adjusting the radio, cell phones while driving. would never have happened if of five answered that they had. or talking on the phone, and tex- According to the Insurance the driver had been paying more Two of the three students who ting can now be added to this list. Information Institute, drivers attention to his job and less to his answered yes said that the driver Recently, texting has been the using cell phones are four times texts. was a teenager. These results cause of many horrible accidents more likely to be involved in an Recently, many laws restrict- show that an increasing number that could have easily been accident (www.iii.org). Clearly, ing cell phone usage while driv- of students in the high school avoided. any use of a cell phone is a major ing have been enacted. As of alone are texting while driving, Texting while driving is a distraction on the road and October 2008, California, and this needs to change. Teens new safety hazard that 37 per- should be avoided as much as Connecticut, New Jersey, New need to realize the importance of cent of teens say they find possible. York, Utah, Washington State, concentrating while on the road. extremely distracting, according One crash resulting from tex- Alaska, Minnesota, and Is it worth getting in a deadly to a survey conducted by Liberty ting was the recent train wreck in Louisiana have all banned the crash to carry a conversation Mutual Insurance Company. In California on September 12th. use of hand- held cell phones with a friend? The St. Clairion Assis. Sports Editor The St. Clairion staff is made The St. Clarion is a Upper St. Clair, PA Nick Buzzelli up of students who are commit- forum for student expres- Entertainment Editor ted to producing a newspaper sion. Opinions expressed in “Getting off from for their fellow students that school.” Editor-In-Chief Ali Cupelli by-lined articles are those of provides entertainment, self- the authors, not necessarily – Chrissy Rojcewicz JP Gooderham Front Page Editor expression, and relevant the entire St. Clairion staff. Opinions Editors Julianne Tarullo information in a fair, honest, Senior Letters to the editor are Dallion L. Townsend Photography Editor thorough, and respectful encouraged. All letters News Editor Madeline Kushner manner. The newspaper is should be signed and sub- Marni Schrieber Photographers financed by the sale of mitted to The St. Clairion Features Editor Madeline Kushner advertisement space to local mailbox in the main office. Alaina Zemanick Alaina Zemanick businesses. Advertising Obscene, libelous, or By: Kelsey Short Sports Editor Sponsor rates will be sent to any otherwise inappropriate let- Editor-in-Chief Greg Schlosser Ms. Caty DeWalt business upon request. ters will not be printed. Opinions December 2008 Page 3

St. Clairion Editorial Obama was the right choice for America Panther Predilections By: Marni Schreiber Romer, and Paul Volcker. This war, Obama wants to focus on require new resources and new News Editor highly educated and praised bringing health care to every- reforms” What is your favorite team will be able to aid the one. (www.education.com). thing about Near midnight on November country out of the deficit it has In one of his debates, Obama Obama wants to invest in 4, 2008, poll results revealed fallen into too. has said that healthcare early education and enhance Thanksgiving? that Senator Barack Obama One plan Obama has to help “should be a right for every the United States’ mathematics would be the first African- bring the country together on American. In a country as and science departments, American President of the his economic plans is to work wealthy as ours, for us to have allowing the country’s youth United States. America wanted across party lines. In a recent people who are going bankrupt to have a better chance of change, and they will truly get interview, Obama has said that because they can’t pay their competing with foreign pow- it under President Obama. “We have a consensus, which medical bills—for my mother ers in those fields. After Obama’s inauguration is pretty rare, between conser- to die of cancer at the age of Also on Obama’s agenda is in January, he will face a vative economists and liberal 53 and have to spend the last job creation here at home, an nation in an economic crisis economists, that we need a big months of her life in the hospi- effective energy plan, and a and violent conflicts in the stimulus package that will jolt tal room arguing with insur- secure Wall Street and the Middle East; however, Obama the economy back into shape. ance companies because housing market. “The delicious mashed pota- has plans to bring the country Across the board, people they’re saying that this may be America got it right when toes.” out of its downward spiral. believe that this stimulus is a pre-existing condition and they chose Barack Obama to –Val Repischak In confronting the nation’s critical” (www.washington- they don’t have to pay her be their next leader. He is the Freshman economic crisis, Obama has post.com). treatment, there’s something man who will bring the coun- said that “The fundamentals of There is also another very fundamentally wrong about try out of war and out of debt. the economy have to be meas- explainable reason the United that” (www.ontheissues.org). He is the man who will make ured by whether or not the States has fallen into so much Under Obama, his admin- healthcare a right and not a middle class is getting a fair debt during the Bush istration will provide “afford- privilege. And he is the man shake” (www.ontheissues.org). Administration: the trillions of able, accessible health care for who will enhance education Under the Obama adminis- dollars spent in Iraq. Once in all Americans, builds on the and give benefits to veterans. tration, 95% of working office, however, Obama will existing healthcare system, America truly got it right Americans will receive a tax focus on safely ending the war and uses existing providers, when they chose Barack cut. A tax cut of over $500 will in Iraq and divert focus on the doctors and plans to imple- Obama, the man who will be given to single workers, and more pressing matters in the ment the plan” (www.barack- restore this country’s status in $1000 will be given to work- Middle East. obama.com). the international arena: “to ing couples (www.barackoba- According to Obama, “My Barack Obama will make those who would tear the ma.com). first order as Commander in sure that every American can world down: We will defeat With Obama’s tax policy, Chief will be to end the war in afford to have healthcare. you. To those who seek peace only those who make over a Iraq and refocus our efforts on Under Obama’s plan, if one and security: We support you. quarter of a million dollars a Afghanistan and our broader already owns healthcare, he And to all those who have year, the wealthiest 2% of security interests. Let me be can keep his current provider wondered if America’s beacon “The apple pie.” families in America, will clear—my plan would not but will most likely get a still burns as bright: Tonight – Vijay Venkatesan potentially see tax increases. abandon Iraq. It is in our reduction in the cost. If one we proved once more that the Sophomore Even with this increase, strategic interest to maintain a cannot afford healthcare cur- true strength of our nation Obama’s tax plan has the residual force that will go after rently, under Obama, that per- comes not from the might of wealthiest American’s paying al-Qaeda, train Iraqi security son can be given the same our arms or the scale of our 39% lower taxes than they forces and protect U.S. inter- healthcare that is given to gov- wealth, but from the enduring would have under Bush’s pro- ests. But we must recognize ernmental officials. power of our ideals: democra- posed policy in his 2001 tax that the central front in the war Education is another high cy, liberty, opportunity and cut (www.barackobama.com). on terror is not in Iraq, and it priority for the Obama admin- unyielding hope” (www.edi- Obama has recently appoint- never was. The central front is istration. Obama believes that tion.cnn.com). ed his economic team, consist- in Afghanistan and Pakistan” there needs to be a “truly his- ing of Larry Summers, (www.time.com). toric commitment to education Timothy Geithner, Christina In addition to taxes and the – a real commitment will Changes need to be made in NFL officiating

By: Dallion L. Townsend many times have we seen this pass and after review, the touch- games are only played on Sun- “Being with my family.” Opinions Editor happen? A call was missed, one down was taken away. The day days, Mondays, and Thursdays – Eleni Romanias team suffers, and then they get a after the game, the NFL released after Thanksgiving for only 27 Junior For most of the NFL season, letter of apology from the NFL a statement saying that the call weeks per year. fans have oohed-and-aahed over that the game may have been was missed and the score should Ed Houchili is only human, bone-crunching hits as the altered by the human error that have counted. And because of and calls are missed every game, National Football League wrote comes along with having human that miscue, the NFL offered that in every sport. There are proba- out notices and fines to players refs. And nothing else comes they will “tweak” the current bly blown calls the fans miss involved in these types of vicious with it, no records changed, no review system and allow for a because the calls don’t have an hits. Bob Smizik noted in an arti- statistics fixed, just a form letter second visit at the replay booth obvious effect on an outcome of cle for the Pittsburgh Post- with Roger Goodell’s signature after the replay official converses a game. NFL referees should sit Gazette that these hits are dan- on it for teams to hang on their with the rest of the referees down with the NFL front office gerous because the players are refrigerators as a reminder of (www.espn.com). and standardize a system in now “bigger, stronger, and faster.” “what could’ve been.” Ed Houchili was the center of which to call illegal hits and put Smizik has a great point, and Sticking with Hines as an criticism after two blown calls in the referees on a fulltime payroll. obviously hits are going to be example, he had a would-be 62 a span of four weeks that While in this “should-be meet- higher on the Richter Scale yard catch in the home opener arguably altered the course of the ing,” the idea of the same offi- because of the monstrous size of against the woeful Houston Tex- game. San Diego got its apology cials working with each other the players in the league today. ans and he was accused of “push- letter in the mail the day after the throughout the season should be Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh ing-off” of a defender because tilt against the Denver Broncos in removed. Steelers is the best blocking the linebacker, DeMeco Ryans, Week 2, and everything was Since the crews work with “Sticking my hand inside receiver in the NFL and was lost his balance (www.steel- cleared up, right? No. Instead, each other for an entire season, a turkey.” fined twice for illegal blocks in ers.com). Ward too, got a nifty Houchili is perceived as an awful officials tend to base calls on – Tommy Hoffman the middle of the season. Neither letter of apology. official after eighteen years of familiarity with who they’re Senior play was flagged during the And in Week 11 against the commendable refereeing experi- working with, and by breaking game, but Ward was notified by Chargers, All-Pro safety Troy ence, in which he has blown very up the officiating crews, this league officials days after the fact Polamalu made a spectacular few calls and has also officiated familiarity will go away and that his hits were indeed illegal. play and brought back a fumble two Super Bowls. force the refs to make calls based To the teams who suffered at for a last second touchdown as The NFL is the only major more so on judgment instead of the hands of Ward, “the sixth the “Bolts” attempted to lateral sports league in North America in their co-workers. The NFL lineman,” they got a letter from their way to the endzone. How- which the referees are not on the should not change the way the By: Madeline Kushner the league that they apologize ever, a call was made that the first payroll as fulltime employees, in game is played, but instead, how Photography Editor that the calls were missed. How lateral was an illegal forward large part because of the fact the game is officiated. News Page 4 December 2008 It is time to spread awareness Cruel conditions continue in puppy mills By: Marni Schreiber Alzheimer’s, but research is duct research to help find a News Editor constantly being done to learn cure. The Pancreatic Cancer By Julianne Tarullo breeding dogs suffer under the more about the disease, and Action Network is asking that Front Page Editor horrible conditions, often pro- Even though November was how to prevent and treat it. during the month of November, ducing puppies with diseases the chosen month to spread The remebrance month was people tell their friends about The Amish are known for and behavioral problems awareness for two very real and meant to be a “time to remem- the disease, contact elected offi- their gentle and peaceful ways; (www.dachshund.org). increasingly harmful diseases, ber those who are living with cials, write to an editor of a however, very few know about But why are these facilities students need to keep spreading the disease, thank those who newspaper, and donate money the Amish’s harsh injustices so often associated with and the word during the month of care for them, and recognize to help spread awareness about towards dogs in puppy mills. run by the Amish? The answer December. Alzheimer’s the severity of Pancreatic The horrible cruelty to the is unknown. However, some and Pancreatic Cancer Cancer (www.pancan.org). breeding dogs in these mills is say that the Amish people have should be the topic of dis- An estimated 37,680 widespread across America a different perspective on ani- cussion these months. will be diagnosed with should be looked at more mals and their place in life. The In 1983, President pancreatic cancer in 2008, Ronald Reagan chose and of those people, closely. Pennsylvania Bureau of Dog November to be the 34,290 will die from the Breeding dogs in puppy mills Law Enforcement cites an month to spread aware- disease. One out of seven- are born and raised for one rea- extreme amount of these cruel ness about the serious- ty five men and women son: to breed. The Stop Puppy facilities in Amish areas. There ness of Alzheimer’s dis- will be diagnosed with Mills organization says, “Life is an estimated operating 243 ease. When Reagan des- pancreatic cancer in their is particularly bad for ‘breed- kennels in Lancaster County, ignated this month, there lifetime and there is only a ing stock,’ dogs who live their Pennsylvania, and 470 in were fewer than 2 million 5.1% survival rate of liv- entire lives in cages and are Holmes County, Ohio. Americans diagnosed ing five years after the continually bred for years, Recently, legislation has with Alzheimer’s. Today, diagnosis (www.seer.can- without human companionship been introduced that will pro- there are more than 5 mil- Barbara Drum, left, helps her mother Ruth work a puzzle in cer.gov). and with little hope of ever tect the rights of animals in the lion Americans with the community/activity room at The Court at SouthPark, an With pancreatic cancer becoming part of a family.” puppy mills. The Puppy Alzheimer’s, and by 2050 assisted living facility for the memory-impaired, November being the fourth leading Living in sickly conditions, the Uniform Protection Statute there will be an estimated 5, 2008, in Charlotte, North Carolina. cause of cancer deaths, it eleven to sixteen million is becoming even more breeding stocks have no veteri- introduced September 20th, people with this terrible disease those who are seeking solutions imperative to spread awareness. nary care, no treats or toys, and 2008 will close a loophole in (www.alz.org). to its cure and prevention” The Pancreatic Cancer Action no beds (www.stoppup- the Animal Welfare Act that Alzheimer’s disease is an (www.accessexcellence.org). Network emphasizes that “The pymills.org). These dogs are currently allows commercial “irreversible, progressive brain In addition to being the louder you raise your voice, the forced to breed as much as pos- breeders to keep their breeding disease that slowly destroys Alzheimer’s awareness month, faster we can advance research, sible, and when they are no dogs in unacceptable condi- memory and thinking skills and, November was also the month support patients and create longer able, they are killed. tions. “The legislation will eventually, the ability to carry designated to spread awareness hope” (www.pancan.org). When a shopper enters a pet require that any breeder who out the simplest tasks of daily about another serious disease, Even though it is no longer shop and sees the adorable face sells more than 50 dogs per living. In most people with AD, pancreatic cancer. November, students should still of a puppy staring back at him, year direct to the public symptoms first appear after age Pancreatic awareness month take measures to spread the the shopper may find it hard to through internet sales or other 60” (www.nia.nih.gov). helps to spread awareness about word about these deadly dis- walk away without the pup. outlets be inspected and Scientists have not yet dis- this deadly disease and raises eases spreading across the But do any of these shoppers licensed by the United States covered the cause or cure for money to help scientists con- country. know where the puppies came Department of Agriculture” PNC and National City merge in struggling economy from? Back at the mills, the (www.akc.org). By: JP Gooderham per share, and created the fifth PNC last Friday. National City Jennifer Hudson’s family tragically murdered Editor-in-Chief largest bank in the United States, statements and omissions with deposits accumulating to ‘induced’ Sheerer and ‘thou- Alaina Zemanick This misfortune comes at a On October 24th, the PNC over $180 billion sands of unsuspecting share- Features Editor high-point in Hudson’s career. Financial Services Group (www.cnn.com). holders’ to buy or hold their Her new movie, The Secret Life announced that it would pur- However, while the future of stock, then were hurt by the On October 24th, Darnell of Bees, was just released with chase another local giant in the National City seems much stock’s continued decline” Donerson and Jason Hudson, much praise, and her song, banking industry, National City. brighter under the strength of (www.pittsburghlive.com). the mother and brother of “Spotlight” hit number one on Following the Wall Street crisis PNC, the long-term impact of Another lawsuit was filed Dreamgirls star Jennifer Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip Hop earlier in the fall, PNC was the merger is unclear. In fact, as against the struggling bank soon Hudson, were found dead at charts. given the opportunity to expand Steve Shore, a principal at after. A “shareholder sued their home in the South Side of Funeral services for after receiving aid from the fed- Bluemark Capital of National City in federal court in eral government. Beachwood, explained, “You’ll Wilmington, Del., alleging it “PNC Financial Services see a very large institution breached its fiduciary duty by Group became the first industry (PNC) replace a great and long- failing to obtain a better deal. player to unveil an acquisition standing institution. I don’t see PNC’s offer is ‘unfair and gross- concurrent with an announce- much of a difference from a real ly inadequate,’ said the lawsuit. ment that it will receive funds estate perspective if you were in It also accuses CEO Peter from the Troubled Asset Relief a good market” (www.crainscle- Raskind of ‘self-dealing,’ and Program. The Pittsburgh bank veland.com). objects to golden parachutes revealed plans to scoop up strug- On the other hand, the fallout totaling over $41 million for the gling regional bank National of the deal is still being felt for banks top three executives” City for about $5 billion in National City Corp. “A lawsuit (www.pittsburghlive.com). stock. At the same time, it said it filed in federal court in Fortunately, National City will would sell $7.7 billion of equity Pittsburgh by shareholder Martin most likely settle the lawsuits to the treasury” Sheerer […] accuses the without significant damage, and (www.usnews.com). Cleveland bank of fraud by mis- may begin to improve, once In the end, the sale valued representing its condition in the again, under the leadership of National City’s stock at $2.23 months prior to the deal with PNC. Hudson family and friends arrive at the Apostolic Church of God on Chicago's South Side for the funerals of Jennifer Hudson's mother Darnell Donerson, her brother Jason Hudson and her nephew Julian King in Chicago, Illinois, on Monday, Residents take precautions after dangerous wild animal sightings November 3, 2008. (Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune/MCT) Julianne Tarullo The number of coyotes in through their garbage or roam- Chicago, according to the Donerson, Hudson, and King Front Page Editor Pennsylvania has drastically ing through their backyards. Associated Press. Hudson’s were held at Apostolic Church increased over the years. The The Post Gazette reports that nephew, Julian King, was origi- of God in Chicago on After several alerts of haz- Pennsylvania Game “Pennsylvania’s black bears are nally missing, but the search November 3rd. Many mourners ardous animals in the area, Commission reported about 100 reproducing at a younger age ended when his body was found waited outside for Jennifer Upper St. Clair and near-by res- coyotes in Pennsylvania in the and having larger litters of cubs in a white SUV that had gone Hudson to give her their sympa- idents are not so keen on letting 1970’s and between 20,000 to than anywhere else in the United missing from the scene. King thies. their pets roam free through 30,000 today. According to Tom States. With the recent mild win- was found with a bullet in his “She needs us right now,” their backyard woods. In the Fazi, a conservation officer with ters and ample food supplies, the head (www.cnn.com). said Shenika Bowers. “She past year, numerous sightings of the Pennsylvania Game males aren’t truly hibernating, The massacres seem to be the needs support from everyone coyotes, bears, and other wild Commission, coyote harvests and are naturally dispersing into consequence of domestic abuse, who she can get it from. I can- animals have been reported have tripled since the beginning areas where they haven’t tradi- says Monique Bond, a police not imagine how she feels but I throughout the Pittsburgh area. of the 1990s. Coyotes are known tionally roamed before” spokesman (Associated Press). do feel for her” (AP). Recently, more than a dozen to hunt down foxes, rabbits, (www.postgazette.com) Through her tough time, Currently, King’s stepfather, cats have gone missing in two sheep, fawns, and pets, in partic- Recently, there have also been Hudson is continuing to William Balfour, is held in cus- Mt. Lebanon neighborhoods. ular, cats rumors of a rabid fox inhabiting “[remain] strong for her fami- tody for suspicion of slaughter- Residents believe these disap- (www.pittsburghlive.com). the Deerfield Manor area of ly,” says another spokesman of ing the Hudson family and for a pearances are due to the surplus In addition to coyotes, the Upper St. Clair. This sighting when the Hudson had to identi- parole violation. There have of coyotes in the area. One resi- number of bears in the should not be taken lightly and fy King, “It was very clear that been no charges filed against dent in Upper St. Clair tells of Pittsburgh area is also increas- potential dangers of this fox she was the leader. She held him as of yet, but he was previ- her two cats who were recently ing. In a neighboring area, need to be recognized. Pets and hands with her family. It was ously busted for possession of attacked by a coyote. She now Fayette County, the Game children could be seriously obviously a very emotional cocaine in June of this year dur- insists on keeping a close eye on Commission averages two to injured by this animal, and par- moment”ing his parole her remaining pets (www.theal- three complaints a day from res- ents should be taking all precau- (www.telegraph.co.uk). (www.ibtimes.com). manac.com). idents reporting bears ripping tions necessary. December 2008 Features Page 5 USC seniors take initative in this year’s election By: Alaina Zemanick the other 31% supported “and I have seen the polls. So, I Teacher’s Lounge Features Editor Republican candidate John know more did.” McCain. “I think that more young peo- According to a CNN poll, Obama also connected more ple voted in this election, first of nearly 18% of voters on with younger voters, too. Jim all, because it was a presidential Election Day 2008 were aged Demers, a strategist for election,” continues Prorok. 18-29. Two of these individuals Obama’s campaign, stated dur- “This election prompted a lot of Mr. Martocci, Social Studies Teacher were Christine Prorok and ing the campaign, “Young peo- discussion among young people Your mustache has become election, who is your favorite Kevin Goodlett, both USC sen- ple connect with Barack Obama because their futures will be infamous among your stu- president and why? iors and Obama supporters. better than any other candidate. greatly influenced by the poli- dents. What was your inspi- Teddy Roosevelt because of “I voted for Barack Obama If this guy wins, it would be the cies of the person elected presi- ration? how he used the position [of because I believe that America first time since the Vietnam War dent for the next four years.” My wife and kids. During president] to make an impact needs a change,” says Prorok, that the youth vote made a dif- As Obama followers, the two the first week of summer, I in regards to positive changes “After eight years of a ference” (www.msnbc.com). were very pleased with the out- was very lazy and didn’t in society. He made wrongs Republican in office, I found To these two students, voting come of this year’s election. shave, and my wife suggested right. that I largely did not agree with this year has been a great privi- “Since Obama won by such a growing a goatee. So, I started How do you balance being a the Bush administration.” lege, especially to Prorok: landslide, I think that the a goatee, but my daughter did- school teacher and assistant Goodlett expressed similar “Voting is often taken for grant- American people are ready for n’t like the goatee, and I made athletic director? thoughts to Prorok’s: “I believe ed, but I think that is extremely change and trust Obama to a mustache. The last week of It’s busy, but you have to use [Obama] can bring some posi- important for Americans to implement that change,” summer, I was deciding whatever time you have. I have tive change to our nation and the voice their opinions in elec- expresses Prorok. “Also, the whether or not to shave it off kids and balance schoolwork world.” tions.” fact that an African American for school, and I said, “What and sports. The challenge is Prorok and Goodlett Both students feel as though was elected president is an the heck?” fun. expressed similar values to more young people stepped out extremely significant step for What is your favorite histor- What advice do you have those of most youth voters. The to the polls this year to have our country.” ical era and why? towards current high school same CNN poll states that 66% their voices heard. Goodlett agrees, “I think that The early 1900’s and the students? of voters aged 18-29 selected “They know [voting] is this will do wonders for our Industrial Era. I like Labor his- Work consistently, consis- Obama as their president, while important,” states Goodlett, country.” tory and the concept. I am very tently challenge yourself, do interested in such events as the what’s right, and not giving Students under stress from lack of sleep Homestead Strike. into peer pressure to set a By: Julainne Tarullo and adults, teens find it harder to le that homework and get one With a recent presidential course of success in life. Front Page Editor fall asleep early in the evening. more thing out of the way? While children and adults can Parent Center says the best time Health USC: Marijuana High school life can be rough. easily get to sleep around 9:00 for teens to work on homework is Staying up until 12:30 AM to fin- pm, teenagers normally don’t fall right after school. This time is By: Steve Garbin reading this article some of ish that lab report and waking up asleep until around 11:00 pm ideal because the student brain is Guest Writer my peers will continue to at 6:30 AM to catch the bus in (http://kidshealth.org). still in school mode, so it won’t deny the adverse effects of the morning is not the most Teens Health also says that lose focus Kids in Upper St. Clair marijuana in an attempt to pleasant of circumstances. It’s no over 20% of students fall asleep (http://parentcenter.babycenter.c smoke marijuana. I don’t see justify their poor decision wonder teens all hit the hay for at in class. When asked if they get om). any benefit in using some making – it is only my hope least a half an hour as soon as the right amount of sleep for Another way to lower the clever tone of phrase to pirou- that that comment may shock they come home. However, life teenagers, nine out of ten stu- stress levels of day-to-day ette around the issue – tempt- them enough to continue read- doesn’t have to be this tiring. dents said they did not. With a teenage life and get more sleep is ed as I was to slip in a “purple ing. In terms of chemical tox- With a few tips, teens can get lack of sleep, most teenagers will to not procrastinate. All kids have haze” or “half baked” allu- icity, smoking a joint is just as their workload under control and feel moody or even depressed. heard this before throughout their sion. Maybe my eagerness to bad for your health as smok- stay awake in school. So, how are students supposed to life, so why not take the advice? use such a reference is in and ing a cigarette. Cannabis Many teens feel that getting up get the sufficient number of One student replies, “Most of the of itself a revelation about our smoke contains twenty times in the morning is a painful hours of sleep? One way to help time, I just don’t feel like work- teenage culture and the misin- the ammonia, and five times process. They also find it hard to the body sleep at night is to not ing, so I put it off so I only have formation about marijuana the nitrogen oxides and concentrate in class. These are all take those 30 minute cat naps to work on it for one day.” that is being dealt around hydrogen cyanide that ciga- symptoms of lack of sleep. when getting home from school. However, saving a project for the faster than hash brownies. rette smoke contains. Most According to Teens Health, most In addition, experts say exercis- night before it’s due will just add Movies that use marijuana nitrogen oxides, and hydrogen teenagers need about 8 ½ to nine ing right before bed will make it to the stresses of life. In addition, consumers as their chief pro- cyanide are extremely toxic, hours of sleep each night. harder to fall asleep, but activity the Parent Center says that taking tagonists (“Pineapple and not exactly “natural” sub- However, this is a constant strug- right after school will help the a break when teens get home Express” anyone?) often stances for a human to have in gle when the teenage body won’t body to get a better sleep. from school is not a bad idea. focus on the psychoactive his or her bloodstream. allow itself to fall asleep as early With schoolwork, after school Students can eat a snack and take joys associated with smoking Now for the big one: smok- as adults or children. Because activities, jobs, and sports, stu- a break from the long school day, cannabis. The ridiculous and ing marijuana will give you their brain hormone melatonin is dents certainly have a full plate. and then get cracking on that comedic actions of the char- lung cancer just like smoking produced later at night than kids So when is the ideal time to tack- project. acters, and their view of mar- cigarettes will give you lung ijuana as an idyllic miracle cancer. Regular inhalation of Clarion Choir belts its heart out drug that can make anything any variety of smoke has been By: Alaina Zemanick stretch named after a student level music; they are very talent- funnier and everything more constantly linked to lung can- Features Editor teacher), the girls look forward to ed.” entertaining often overshad- cer and; actually, smoking this period of time. “I love ‘Inspiration of Hope,’” ow any truths about the marijuana will give you can- During the early hours of the “I love ‘The Lacki’ and the mas- Mallory Winner states, “the notes effects of the drug. Euphoria, cer quicker than smoking cig- morning, the sophomore girls in sages during warm-ups!” exclaims are so simple, but the message is relaxation, and an increased arettes will. This is because Clarion Choir wake up their tired Tiffs Kitner. so profound.” enjoyment of humor are all most people who smoke mari- minds with the “The stretches Alyssa Zakaria continues, “I reported short term effects of juana tend to inhale a larger singing of vari- during warm-ups like Panis Angelicus because it’s marijuana that are viewed as volume of smoke than their ous songs for are my favorite so pretty.” desirable. The long term psy- nicotine-addicted counter- their pleasure. part,” adds Carly The singing is not the only thing choactive effects of cannabis, parts. Conducted by Straight in accord that brings the sophomores to class on the other side of the music, So, while marijuana is dan- their beloved with Kitner. every day. The connections are a bit more serious than a gerous in many of the same choir director, Though Clarion between the girls and Millovac in weekend high; psychosis, ways that, say, alcohol is dan- Ms. Lorraine Choir might be the choir are something that is anxiety (that’s what you want- gerous (they both impair Millovac, the slightly laid back, unique. ed to reduce, right?) and judgment and motor coordina- students enjoy Clarion Choir poses for a picture in the songs the “We are like one big family,” depression all potentially tion) it also shares many their time with class. group sings are explains Maria Alessi. loom in the future for users. deadly side effects with its her in the Picture Taken By: Madeline Kushner definitely the President Lisa Moore elabo- The physiological effects of hazy cousin the cigarette, classroom. opposite. From a poem written by rates, “It is such an honor to be smoking marijuana don’t even notorious for its noxious “We love Millie a lot!” says Jewish children held hostage dur- president because I love everyone have a short term upside, and effects and general repugnan- Sarah Nadler, Vice President of ing the Holocaust (“Inspiration of here, and I love to sing!” this is the area where culture cy. The appeal of possibly Clarion Choir. Hope”) to a beautiful Latin piece Millovac agrees with her stu- seems to be most confused screwing up your life for a “How can you not love Millie?” (“Panis Angelicus”), each song dents, “They are awesome. about cannabis. I have been few short bouts of euphoria asks Anna Mittelman. proves to be a challenge for the Clarion Choir keeps me young!” told countless times about and relaxation is lacking, and Even though singing plays a girls but one they want to over- Overall, Clarion Choir proves to how marijuana is “all natu- I’m not so confident that that large role in Clarion Choir, most come. be a favorite class of all of the ral,” “cannot harm you” and prospect would ever be students like warm-ups the best. “I give them music from my members. Jen Lloyd can sum it up “has no negative effects.” In humorous…even if I was Whether the girls sing the solfege women’s choir at Pitt,” admits best, saying, “Clarion Choir is fact, I am sure that while high. scale or do “The Lacki” (a choir Millovac, “they sing advanced crazy fun!” Features/Entertainment Page 6 December 2008 Students opt for fun winter break destinations Fashion prodigy Marc Jacobs furthers his By: Madeline Kushner is Florida or a colder and closer for the holidays is seen in Jordi elevated status with fabulous collections Photography Editor place, such as Cleveland, varies McDonough, a senior at By: Alaina Zemanick hats and huge bags that could among students. USCHS. “I really like spending Features Editor almost have an endless bottom. At Upper St. Clair High Hanna Friedlander, a sopho- any free time I have in the winter Bold prints, such as near- School, winter break ranges from more at Upper St. Clair High sitting around and watching Design icon Marc Jacobs was dowdy florals and country December 24 to January 4. So, School, opts for a colder vaca- movies. That or having snowball extremely busy in September, plaids, mixed in the most fash- students are rushing to make tion. “My favorite thing to do fights,” explains McDonough, a providing fashion lovers with ionable way possible. Jacobs plans during the holidays. during winter break is to go ski- member of the group that opts to three incredible collections left audience members stunned Majority of the students at ing with my mom,” says stay put during winter vacation. from his self-named line, Marc with the inventiveness behind Upper St. Clair High School have Friedlander. Also sharing the same love for by Marc Jacobs, and the ever- the collection. decided to travel to different The other five students sur- the snow is Rocky Paterra, a jun- so-powerful house of Louis “Yet somehow,” comments places. There is no specific veyed about where they like to go ior at Upper St. Clair High Vuitton. With each runway British Vogue’s Lauren David theme to any of these locations, during winter break, though, said School. show receiving praise from the Peden, “[the collection] all such as warm or cold, except for that they have decided to stay “I like to bring out my inner child common folk to American worked. Beautifully. More than the fact that the students go so home for the holiday. Since win- and go down with my friends to Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna beautifully, in fact; it was noth- they can spend time with their ter break lasts for twelve days, those huge hills in South Park Wintour (Style.com Video), ing less than a tour de force” family. some students like to take advan- and go sled riding,” says Paterra. Jacobs is sure to stay seated on (www.vogue.co.uk). However, a number of stu- tage of the long break to recuper- Overall, majority of students the throne of American fashion. Audiences proceeded to be dents do decide to leave home for ate after a stressful semester. For enjoy staying home during the Marc by Marc Jacobs, wowed by Jacobs a couple the holidays. Four out of nine finals and the endless homework break, like McDonough and Jacobs’ laid back and less weeks later at his Louis Vuitton students at USCHS have decided and tests that students are given Paterra, because of the stress of expensive collection, produced ready-to-wear show in Paris. to travel to a place outside of can be very stressful. the academic semester at Upper some of the most marketable He combined the themes of Pittsburgh, but whether that place An example of staying home St. Clair High School. apparel for this spring season. Vuitton’s home of Paris and The clothing, which included tribal living into one suprising- Thanksgiving food has hit the table dainty baby doll dresses and ly, elegant collection. The light denim outerwear, will clothes were created of bright By: Marni Schreiber tury, Queen Elizabeth popular- Thanksgiving food. Sarah drive profit from Marc Jacobs purple and orange fabric and News Editor ized eating geese during the Walters- Slezak explains that devotees around the globe. The sewed in the most simplistic harvest time. However, when stuffing is her favorite because accessories appeared to be shapes possible. The show- Thanksgiving, also common- the pilgrims came to America, “I rarely get it, and my grand- well-acquainted with its fellow stopper was the most sophisti- ly known as Turkey Day, was geese were too hard to find, so mother’s recipe is amazing.” clothes as well with hints of cated shoes to be seen by fash- originally intended to be a day the settlers began eating turkey Even with stuffing on the quirkiness (the Marc by Marc ion viewers in ages; feathers for Americans to remember to celebrate the harvest table, another favorite Turkey Jacobs mascot, Miss Marc, was poured off the t-strap heels with their humble beginnings. (www.coolquiz.com). Day dish is the ever-popular sewn on the bags) and a large several ropes and beads accom- However, in this generation, Even though turkey may be mashed potatoes. Senior Danny touch of cool. panying them. only one thing is on everyone’s the main dish at Thanksgiving Poljak explains that he likes The artistic values of Jacobs For his Louis Vuitton appar- mind on Thanksgiving: food. dinner, it may not necessarily be mashed potatoes because “you were best displayed in his Marc el, Jacobs commented, “Little A Thanksgiving dinner table the favorite. Stuffing, another don’t have to chew them. Put Jacobs and Louis Vuitton col- Parisienne princess, no?” can be recognized by signature Turkey Day staple, may take garlic, salt, and butter on them lections. His brilliant Marc (www.style.com). Turkey Day favorites: turkey, preference on one’s dinner because that is like the steak Jacobs collection, which com- As his work demonstrates, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and plate. fries from Outback.” bined several inspirations there is no doubt that Jacobs pumpkin pie. While the pota- According to Marissa Murin, With so many delicious (“America, womanly, could be called the king of toes and pumpkin makes sense a junior at the high school, options, however, it may be too Broadway, Perry Ellis, country, fashion. The idea can best be when talking about the harvest, “stuffing is my favorite because hard to think of just one favorite naïveté…” he told Style.com), supported by a more famous the tradition of serving turkey it is savory and luscious and hits Thanksgiving food. When could arguably be the best show Jacobs worshipper, Victoria has never been fully under- the spot every time no matter asked her favorite, junior Olivia of the season. The models Beckham: “He’s Marc Jacobs. stood. what. Hot or cold, it’s so good.” Lammel explains that she looked similar to Mary He’s a genius” One of the more common Other students agree with “thought about it for ten min- Poppins, wearing tipped straw (www.wwd.com). explanations for the serving of Marissa’s argument that stuff- utes and really can’t decide. this dish is that in the 16th cen- ing truly is the best They’re all so good.” W. shows an inside look into the life of a controversial president The Dutchess royally flushes auidences Madeline Kushner England, Keira Knightley portrays Whitbread Prize, a great honor in By: Marni Schreiber the film suddenly becomes a half- News Editor documentary about the Iraq war, By: Assistant Entertainment Editor the character in a very delightful way. Britain. Like most good novels, The changing the tone as well as the up- Knightley’s costar, Ralph Fiennes Duchess was then adapted into a Oliver Stone’s newest political close-and-personal feel” The Duchess strode into theatres raved about Knightley saying, “Why motion picture by Jeffrey Hatcher film, W., starring Josh Brolin as (www.variety.com). on October 10, making a grand she works is that she just loves that and Anders Thomas Jensen, and was George W. Bush and James Viewers who expect a movie appearance just as the true Duchess character. She’s completely comfort- adapted and also directed by Saul Cromwell as George H. W. Bush, which completely bashes Bush for of Devonshire, Georgiana Spencer, able playing it. You could take all of Dibb. may turn a few heads with its por- his incompetence to regulate the would have during the 18th century. the clothes away, and it has to do with In the movie, Knightley’s character trayal of the soon to be ex-president economy, his utter ignorance in In the film, Keira Kinghtley takes her belief in the character” is tricked into a loveless marriage of the United States. The film entering a war which cannot be over the reigns as the Duchess of (www.yahoo.com). with the Duke of Devonshire played depicts bush as a “boozing woman- won, and his idiocracy of his con- Devonshire. Although the original The Duchess was originally popu- by Ralph Fiennes. After some time izer, a spoiled son of power and tinuous attacks against the middle Duchess was known as a very cele- larized as a novel written by Amanda has passed, and a bumpy road has privilege” until “Jesus Christ and a class, may in fact be a little dissa- brated woman in 18th century Foreman. The novel was awarded the been traveled, the Duke grows tired little lady named Laura [...] steer pointed. him down the path of righteousness While Stone does have scenes of Georgiana because she has failed and over to 1600 Pennsylvania which show Bush as the “the drunk, to produce a male heir. So, he turns to Avenue” (www. ascending to the highest office in Georgiana’s best friend, Lady movies.nytimes.com). the land as if by birthright, only to Elizabeth Foster, otherwise known as Stone starts the movie in a presi- discover that he’s in way over his Bess, who is played by Hayley dential meeting following 9/11, but head,” Stone also takes a more sym- Atwell. Georgiana then finds comfort soon flashes back to the Bush of his pathetic view by explaining how in her friend and true love, Charles younger years. These flashbacks Bush is “an unlikely underdog, the Grey, played by Dominic Cooper. also show how Bush’s relationship younger son apparently incapable One of the most memorable things with his father has influenced him of maintaining an honorable fami- about the movie was not just the greatly. ly’s traditions, always coming up actors, but the costumes that In fact, W. could be described as short in his father’s cold, judgmen- Knightley was dressed in. Knightley a “as a father-son story [...] the tal eyes” (www.cnn.com). young George W. is severely chas- All in all, the film received a was seen wearing a wig that was two tised by his patrician father for his wide variety of reviews; some feet tall. wayward behavior” (www.vari- exclaiming the film as brilliant, but Knightley commented on the wigs ety.com). many saying it was a dissapoint- saying, “People kept shouting ‘tim- The film flashes back and forth ment. Even with the difference in ber!’ as I walked past” between the Bush in the White reviews, W. is still a film worth see- (www.latimes.com). House and the Bush who is falling ing because of its “balanced look at The Duchess recieves a four out in love and trying to stop his party- the life (as opposed to the politics) five stars based on the movie’s over- ing ways. But, “When the Texas of the current president of the all story and the actors’ portrayal of flashbacks finally catch up with the United States” (www.the- the characters. Washington, D.C., framing device, movieblog.com). December 2008 Sports Page 7

Panther baseball prepares for 2008 World Series suffers a ˆno hitter˜ upcoming season By: JP Gooderham leadership from seasoned veter- By: Tyler Feldman ball. Most notably, the Phillies pour. The weather was so bad Editor-in-Chief ans. Wheeler contends, “Three Guest Writer were the first team in over 100 the next day that the game had out of four infielders will be years of baseball to reach to be postponed again. The The Upper St. Clair Panther returning to the field this year. I After many surprises during 10,000 losses, a difficult feat game was not completed until baseball team has been led by also have a lot of confidence in the 2008 Postseason, the to come by. Monday, October 27. Game many star athletes over the years, guys like Scott McMurtry who biggest shocker came when The problem with playoff five ended in the least magical but the team has often struggled can be trusted to make the play at two heavily favored underdogs baseball is that it ties into the World Series clincher in the to find the success that the play- the end of the day.” won their way into the World start of the football season. history of baseball. The game ers think they are capable of. As a pitcher and captain, Series. Those two teams were That reason is a big problem was long overdue and the While the 2009 season is still Wheeler also believes that he several months away, the varsity brings an unparalleled leadership the Philadelphia Phillies from because football is the most weather became too much of a team is already preparing for this to his team: “Let’s face it, when the National League and the factor. year’s campaign. the game is on the line, they want Tampa Bay Rays from the This has made Major League Christian Wheeler, a senior the ball in my hands.” American League. The Baseball and the Commission- and the team captain, explained, He explains that because the Phillies, who had not won a er Bud Selig to think about “As a team, we hope to make it team has played together for sev- World Series in 20 years and how to make October better. to the playoffs by improving our eral years, “We are definitely a the Rays, who had not had a One idea that has been dis- record. These last two seasons, strongly bonded unit on the winning season since the start cussed heavily since the end of our performance hasn’t taken us field.” of their franchise in 1998, the 2008 season is the idea of to the postseason.” While pitching has been one of caused a ridiculous drop in tel- moving the World Series to a With many strong local rivals, the Panthers’ greatest weakness- evision ratings for this year’s neutral site, like the way the the road to a championship will es over the past several years, a World Series. NFL does the Super Bowl. certainly be challenging. strong staff may help to bring the However, as Wheeler explains, team to victory. Wheeler argues, Only the true fans know the However, this does not sit well miraculous story of the 2008 with several baseball fans “I think we have a pretty strong “This pitching staff is the best in The Phillies take the field at chance at our first goal, which is the section, hands down. [Matt] Tampa Bay Rays. After being Citizens Bank Park (Courtesy because they feel that if their to capture the section title. After Fraudin is going to be unbeliev- in the dumps for the past nine of Scott Wescott) team makes it to the World that, I think there is definitely a able. Roberto [Capriotti] and years, the Rays, with new man- Series, they shouldn’t have to strong possibility that we will Scott [McMurtry] are going to agement and new players, drive to some picked-out-of-a- win the WPIAL championship.” really step up their games this came out and won the Ameri- popular sport in America. hat site to play postseason ball. Senior Brian Gaudio believes year and give us some wins.” can East Division; probably Another wall that had to be Also, while the Super Bowl is that “there is definitely a lot of However, even though this the hardest division in the climbed during the 2008 World just one game, the World room for improvement on our season may look bright for the Major Leagues. Unfortunately, Series was the weather. The Series could be up to seven squad, but I think that we will get graduating class, some members many people did not know and problem was not apparent in games. Moving the World it done this season.” of the team are worried about did not follow the success Tampa Bay because the ball- Series to a neutral site would Senior Scott McMurtry what the future may hold for the explains that the team has been Panthers baseball squad. story of the 2008 Rays, causing park is indoors, but it was a ruin the atmosphere of what “revamping the workout pro- Wheeler concludes, “The team is many analysts to believe that much bigger issue for the baseball is all about, passion- gram. We have a definitely inten- losing so many strong pitchers that was one of the reasons for games that were played in ate fans cheering on their team sified it a bit. I think the players, this year. The pitching staff next the huge drop in ratings. “Philthadelphia.” The weather in their hometown. especially the pitchers, will have year could be pretty shaky unless As well as the Rays lack of was so cold and rainy that Hopefully by next year base- greater endurance in games.” some players step up. Hopefully, popularity, another problem Game five of the World Series ball will get back on track and The team’s greatest strength the best works out for those was that the Phillies do not had to be postponed in the make people want to watch this season may very well be its teams.” have a storied history in base- sixth inning due to a down- baseball again. Pitt football surges back to victory; Lance Armstrong announces return to pro-cycling

returns to post−season bowl By: Madeline Kushner Lance wants to spread cancer By: JP Gooderham four years, using Louisville’s capture the Big East title. To fin- Photography Editor awareness through his cycling Editor-in-Chief numerous mistakes — including ish the season, Pitt will face (www.poligazette.com). two fumbled punts — to over- Cincinnati, West Virginia, and On September 9, Lance “It’s now time to address can- In 2004, the University of come LeSean McCoy’s career- Connecticut – all have been con- Armstrong announced to the cer on a global level,” announced Pittsburgh returned to national low 39 yards rushing” sidered contenders for the Big public his return to pro-cycling. the cyclist. prominence by capturing the Big (www.espn.com). East title over the course of the As a result of this decision, Armstrong was originally East conference title and advanc- Indeed, Pitt’s victory over season. Armstrong plans to go for an diagnosed with testicular cancer ing to the Bowl Championship Louisville, traditionally a power- Pitt’s success, in many ways, eighth win at the Tour de France. in 1996. The cancer then spread Series’ Fiesta Bowl. Following a house in the Big East confer- has been the result of strong “[The Tour de France] is the to his lungs, abdomen, and brain crushing defeat at the hands of ence, guaranteed the team a spot leadership from seniors, as well intention, but we’ve got some as well. Armstrong then under- the Utah Utes led by Alex Smith in the postseason. However, with as some young stars. Of course, homework to do over there,” went surgery and took a drug and coach Urban Meyer (who only a single loss in the confer- this leadership has led to many says an Armstrong spokesperson, called VIP to eliminate the can- went on to be drafted in the ence at that point, the team set its accolades and awards in addition Mark Higgins (www.kansasci- cer in his lungs. Fortunately, the NFL’s first round and capture a to victories. “The Maxwell ty.com). treatment worked and Armstrong BCS Championship respective- Football Club today announced Armstrong, who first retired in was able to go on and win seven ly), the Pitt football program has that Pitt senior middle linebacker 2005, feels that despite his age, Tour de France races. changed rapidly. Before the 2005 Scott McKillop and sophomore he can still race. “Look at the As a result of Armstrong’s bat- season, head coach Walt Harris tailback LeSean McCoy are Olympics. You have a swimmer tle against cancer, he feels it is left the team, and was replaced semifinalists for two of the coun- like Dara Torres. Even in the his responsibility to spread by Dave Wannstedt, a former try’s most prestigious player-of- 50m (freestyle) the 41-year-old awareness of the growing cancer player for the University of the-year awards. McKillop is mother proved you can do it,” epidemic sweeping the world. It Pittsburgh during the 1970s. one of 15 semifinalists for the said the cyclist in an interview was estimated that over one mil- Under Wannstedt, Pitt consis- Chuck Bednarik Award, annually with Vanity Fair. lion Americans have been diag- tently failed to advance to post- presented to the country’s A friend of the Tour de France nosed with cancer this year. season bowl games, and disap- The Pitt Panthers get ready to Outstanding Defensive Player of winner, George Hincapie, is also Within that one million, though, pointed many optimistic fans take the field (Courtesy of the Year. McCoy is one of 15 very excited for Armstrong’s only half have survived during each season. Fortunately, Marissa Murin) players named a semifinalist for return. Hincapie feels that (www.cancer.org). after closing the 2007 season the Maxwell Award, given to the Armstrong has, “done more than Throughout the world, the epi- with an unexpected victory over sights on capturing another Big Collegiate Player of the Year” anything anybody’s ever done demic is even larger. Lance national championship-bound East title in the pursuit of anoth- (www.pittsburghpanthers.com). for cycling” Armstrong himself said in a West Virginia University, Pitt er BCS bowl berth. Though this season has (www.poligazette.com). press conference that nearly returned to the winning tradition In addition to an impressive proven to be substantially better Winning the Tour de France is eight million people are diag- for the first time under win over Louisville, Pitt also than the last several for the not Lance’s main reason for re- nosed with cancer worldwide. Wannstedt during 2008. defeated the highly ranked South Panthers squad, the team still has entering the cycling game; his Armstrong will begin his “The Panthers (7-2, 3-1 Big Florida Bulls during an away numerous obstacles to overcome main concentration is cancer. In return to cycling by racing in East) assured themselves of their game in October. The victory in order to establish the team as a addition to Armstrong’s founda- Australia at the Tour de Under on first bowl bid and winning sea- against South Florida automati- national threat and able to reach tion, LiveStrong, which donates January 18-25 (www.tourdow- son in coach Dave Wannstedt’s cally placed Pitt in a position to a BCS bowl consistently. its profits to cancer research, nunder.com). Entertainment Page 8 December 2008 New best sellers spark teen interest Before They Were Seniors By: Julianne Tarullo series by Melissa de la Cruz, and sacrifices (http://www.bor- By:J.P. Gooderham Front Page Editor action combines with chick lit to ders.com). Editor-in-Chief form an intriguing tale of a young Released in August, Identical, Looking for a good vampire girl unraveling the by Ellen Hopkins brings an emo- read? Whether searching for secrets of her ancient past. In the tional journey about two twins adventure and survival, fantasy, first novel, Blue Bloods, and the problems they endure. or an emotional heart- wrencher Schuyler Van Alen discovers Kaeleigh and Raeanne suffer this season has it. This fall brings mysterious secrets of her back- through life each with deep a plethora of teen novels ranging ground, teaming up with an secrets that seem to be haunting from fantasy fiction, to chick lits unlikely ally from her private them. Their family appears to be in a variety of stories bound to New York City school. The sec- picture perfect, but nothing is as capture the attention of teenage ond novel in the series, it seems in this powerful novel of readers. Masquerade, takes readers on an revenge and jealousy. Readers Initials: CTR When looking for an expedition to Venice, Italy, while will find this book filled with Birth date: 6-16-91 Initials: GAP action novel with a twisted sce- Schuyler hopes to find explana- intensity and emotion while fol- Best friend(s): Amy Twerdok Birth date: 8-27-91 nario, check out The Hunger tions for mysterious deaths of lowing the girls’ twisted lives and Kate Lester Best friend(s): Mary Kate Games. Suzanne Collins gives young blue bloods. This October, (http://www.fantasticfiction.com First word: Outside Billotte, Grace Hardwick, and the reader a taste of cruelty and Revelations revealed another ). Favorite color: Pink! Christine Prorok competition in this gripping teenage tale of suspense, when Recently, students have been Best high school memory: First word: Apple novel about a fight for survival. the vampires find themselves interested in a number of differ- Music Dept. trip to Disney Favorite color: Green In the future nation of Panem, fighting an ancient nemesis in ent books. When asked what nov- World Best high school memory: sixteen- year- old Katniss is cho- Brazil (http://melissa- els they were interested at the Favorite extracurricular activi Hanging out with friends sen to use everything she knows delacruz.com). time, several students replied that ty: CHANGES club Favorite extracurricular activ- to survive during the annual This season, Brisingr by they were reading the Twilight Favorite teacher: Mrs. ity: Crew Hunger Games, an intense battle Christopher Paolini, ranks among series by Stephenie Meyer. Robbibaro Favorite teacher: Mr. Miller to death, which the totalitarian teen bestsellers. This novel is a Another student said she was Years in USC: My whole life Years in USC: 5 1/2 government uses as a means of classic adventure novel that reading This Lullaby by Sarah Future Plans: Peace Corps Future Plans: College for threat to the people seems to be a hit among young Dessen. Other students said that Elementary Education (http://www.barnesandnoble.com adults. Eragon and his dragon, they were really interested in The Express: A story of triumph and tragedy /subjects/teens/index.asp). Saphira, encounter life threaten- reading The Hunger Games by By: Nick Buzzelli Orangemen great, Jim Brown. Gossip Girl meets Harry ing experiences and adventures Suzanne Collins. Assistant Sports Editor Ernie Davis led Potter. In the new Blue Bloods leading to a tangle of promises Syracuse to a National Virginia where the film portrays. Mamma Mia parties in Pittsburgh One of the newest Championship in 1959 during his Dick Easterly was the Syracuse inspiring sports films this year is sophomore year, and as a senior quarterback that day and feels By: Madeline Kushner By the end of the night, the The Express, which tells the he won the most covanent award ashamed that the film would Assistant Entertainment Editor the audience was dancing in their story of Ernie Davis, the first in college football, the Heisman present the scene that way. “I On November 5, seats and fighting the urge to sing African American to win the trophy. Upon winning the apologize to the people of West Mamma Mia made a reoccurring along to the well-known tunes. Heisman trophy. Along his jour- Heisman, Davis became the first Virginia because that did not hap- appearance at the Benedum When the curtain call came, not ney, Davis faces racism and African American to be awarded pen,” Easterly said (www.daily- Theatre in downtown Pittsburgh. only did the cast receive a stand- adversity. Gary Fleder directs the the trophy. While Ernie was in mail.com). The musical was part of the ing ovation, but the cast also pre- heart-warming motion picture New York to accept his award, Mickey Furfari was in the “Broadway across America” formed two encore songs, during which stars Rob Brown and President John F. Kennedy press box during that game. “It’s series. which six of the main characters Dennis Quaid. The film derives requested to meet the top college pure fiction,” said Furfari, who Mamma Mia, featuring came out sporting, neon, seven- the title from a book called the football player. Ernie Davis was has been covering WVU football 22 of ABBA’s hit songs, original- ties attire. Elmira Express, by Robert C. drafted by the Washington for over 62 years. “Ben ly opened in London on March At the end of the show, Gallagher. Redskins in 1962 and then almost Schwartzwalder would turn over 23, 1999, in the Prince Edward Susie McMonagle briefly In the film, Ernie Davis immediately traded to the in his grave about this.” Theatre. explained about the “Equity is shown growing up in Cleveland Browns where Ernie Unfortunately, during prepa- Mamma Mia, originally Against Aids” Foudnation. The Uniontown, Pennsylvania with Davis and Jim Brown were pro- rations for the college football starring Lisa Stokke and Siobhán foundation raises money through his grandparents. Once Ernie jected to be one of the best run- All-star game, Ernie Davis was McCarthy, chronicles a daughter different companies across learns the story of Jackie ning back duos in football histo- diagnosed with leukemia. (Sophie) and her marriage. But, America to help fight aids. So, at Robinson, the first African ry. Originally, team owner Art before she gets married, Sophie the end of the show, a few actors American to play Major League The film received both Modell projected Davis to only would like to figure out who her rushed off stage with buckets and baseball, he knows he wanted to positive and negative reviews, miss one season, but in 1963 at true father is, for her mother stood by the exits of the theatre. be an athlete. After moving to with the average review score the age of 23, Ernie Davis died (Donna) had overlapping rela- The actors collected money for Elmira, New York to live with his being a 66 from acute monocytic leukemia. tionships with three different the cause and sold some special mother and step-father, Davis (wwwmoviefone.com). The His number 44 is now retired by men (Sam, Bill, and Harry). So, edition memorabilia from the found his passion for football. Express is criticized for a scene Syracuse University and the after discovering her mother’s show. When Ernie was a senior in high in which West Virginia fans were Browns retired his number 45, diary, Sophie decides to invite all To add to the show’s school he received over 50 schol- shown throwing trash at the although he never appeared in a three of her possible dads to her popularity, Universal Pictures arship offers from some of the Syracuse players. Fans and for- game for Cleveland. Ernie Davis wedding. But what Sophie does adapted the show into a motion top football programs in the mer players in attendance during came from a small coal mining not realize is the chaos she has picture. The movie featured country, which was rare for a the game noted that the scene did town to the top ranks of college just brought to her small Greek many big names, such as Meryl black athlete at the time. Davis not actually occur. The football. The Express is an inspir- island. Sophie and her mother Streep as Donna, Amanda ultimately chooses to attend Mountaineers and Orangemen ing true story about one man’s then embark on a journey of true Seyfried as Sophie, Pierce Syracuse University, hoping to played their 1959 meeting in struggle to play the game that he love and self discovery Brosnan, Colin Firth, and follow in the footsteps of Syracuse, instead of in West loves. (www.mamma-mia.com). Dominic Cooper. The movie also In the Pittsburgh ver- grossed about $63 million in the The Haunting of Molly Hartley fails to “haunt” audiences sion, Sophie is played by Rose first week (www.the- By: Ali Cupelli catches her with her boyfriend she hears voices, and she sees Sezniak and Donna is played by numbers.com). Entertainment Editor and tells her that they need to things that should not be seen. Susie McMonagle. The two are “It is a ridiculously fun leave. The two get into the car and Whenever Molly’s mother accompanied by an amazing cast movie to see with your friends,” “I know what you are,” he begins to ramble on about how appears one cannot be sure that truly makes the show enjoy- says Kate Groschner, a sopho- says the voice haunts Molly she cannot turn eighteen because whether Molly’s mom is actually able to the eyes and ears. In addi- more at Upper St. Clair High Hartley the whole movie. The she will die. The girl is very con- there, or it’s just a figment of her tion to the show’s fabulous up- School. Haunting of Molly Hartley is fused and does not understand imagination. beat songs and stellar choreogra- Even though the movie about a seventeen year old girl what her father is saying. The two Liz Grodin, a senior at phy, the production is accompa- did cut out about half of the who is disturbed by memories of then get into a car accident and USCHS said that “Chace nied by great acting. But what songs from the show, it was still a when her mother tried to stab the girl dies. The opening has no Crawford is gorgeous, but the plot truly made the show so great is success. The movie received a Molly (Haley Bennett) to death relevance to the rest of the movie was really stupid.” the witty sarcastic remarks made four out of five in a review given with a pair of scissors. Chelsea and just makes the plot even more Melissa Ebeck, also a senior by almost every character in the by the New York Times Bain of Boston Globe commented confusing than it already is at USCHS noted that “the plot cast. (www.nytimes.com). that “Molly Hartley is dull at (www.eonline.com). was really confusing. I had to ask to understand what was just “Who is the idiot director that worst and surprisingly spooky at Quite frankly, this movie my friend several times what was watched. Not only was this movie filmed this movie?” and many best” (www.metacritic.com). was absolutely horrendous. It’s going on.” a terrible horror flick, but its others, arise as soon as the credits At the beginning of the supposed to be a haunting of The whole movie was full of biggest problem was that the roll. The Haunting of Molly movie, a girl is walking through Molly Hartley, but it just turns out annoying characters, scary music, movie was extremely forgettable. Hartley is not worth the $10.00 the woods and eventually meets that she is just going insane. She and cheap thrills. When the movie Questions, such as “What was ticket price. Do not waste the time with her boyfriend. Her dad has visions of her psycho mother, ends, one is shocked and unable that?”, “Uh what just happened?”, or the money!