THE BLUE PRINT

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3 APRIL 2019 HALDANE WELCOMES CONGRESSMAN MALONEY FOR TOWN HALL

Catriona Fee variety of questions, The first question asked INSIDE THIS ISSUE: By the time the second from the recent govern- was on the government bell rang for the start of ment shutdown to the shutdown, and Repre- the lunch period on importance of youth sentative Maloney ex- GIRL’S LACROSSE AT 3 plained how the shut- Monday, February 4th, involvement in politics HALDANE high school room 126 today. He talked about down occurred, and was packed with stu- how our generation is what he was doing as a HALDANE’S LEO 3 dents, teachers, and taking the reins on po- member of Congress to CLUB members of the local litical activism and limit the shutdown. He press, all gathered for change in our country, elucidated students on WINTER BASKETBALL 4 Representative Sean and the importance of how budget bills and RECAP Patrick Maloney’s first civic involvement. He funding for the Federal student town hall. Rep- said, “There’s a lot of Government are Poetry Out 4 resentative Maloney things we need to do passed, in this recent loud briefly talked about the better in this country, case, through 12 budget Haldane’s Ski Trip 5 day-to-day functions of and it's not all on peo- bills, one of which con- Congress, before open- tained the controversial ple like me, it's on peo- New Ninth 6 ing up the floor for stu- ple like you. People like element of border secu- Grade Counse- dent questions. me are only as strong as rity funding. lor the people who send Haldane Cele- 6 Students asked their them to Washington. Contd. on pg 2 brates Kindness Congressman a wide This is a team sport”. Low Temperature 6 hits NY

Cultural Immer- 7 sion

2019 Awards 8 Show recap

Pats are Super- 9 bowl champs

A Trip to the 9-10 Movies Op-Ed 11 PAGE 2 THE BLUE PRINT

TOWN HALL CONT.

and fully funded border Maloney talked the to be exposed to politics security, but only pro- most about student civ- and the way in which it vides funding for addi- ic involvement, empha- can affect their lives. tional fencing at the sizing its importance in Having accessibility to border, rather than a improving the state of knowledgeable and ex- border wall. our nation. perienced individuals like Sean Patrick Malo- He then answered a The event certainly pro- ney can be greatly bene- question about Trump’s cured great excitement ficial to this which is tweets and discussed from many, students why I’m grateful he how social media, par- and teachers alike. Gov- came in and spoke with ticularly Twitter, has ernment and Politics us”. become a medium of teacher Ms. Seidman, political announce- who organized the fo- ments, rather than the rum, said: “I was really traditional press re- excited to have him lease. He responded, (Sean Patrick Maloney) “It's spring as a guest speaker, and I Sean Patrick Maloney “Tweeting is obviously fever. That is also told students that a new thing in Presi- think he did a really he, along with several of dential history, but it's good job running it as a what the his Congressional col- not that weird when town hall, and I think it name of it is. resonated with a lot of leagues, refused to ac- you think about it; The And when cept payment for the President’s tweets are students”. thirty-five days of the weird..”, stirring up you've got it, partial federal govern- some laughter in the Senior Reid Sandlund you want— remarked, “It was great ment shutdown. Malo- room. He proceeded to oh, you don't ney said that by this ac- answer questions about to have the opportunity tion, he was “standing current legislation he is to receive direct an- quite know in solidarity with those working on, including swers from him. He what it is you was articulate with his who were furloughed”. reform of Congress, do want, but In more recent weeks, campaign finance, and points and had an inter- Sean Patrick Maloney even the current esting perspective on it just fairly voted in favor of a Mueller investigation current politics, so I’m makes your spending bill, H.J.Res. into the current admin- glad he was willing to 31: Making further con- istration, considering come in and speak with heart ache, tinuing appropriations that Representative us”. you want it for the Department of Maloney was just so!” Homeland Security for placed on The House Junior Anneke Chan the fiscal year 2019. The Permanent Select Com- commented about the - Mark Twain bill prevented another mittee on Intelligence. event, “It's really im- government shutdown, Overall, Congressman portant for adolescents VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3 PAGE 3

Play like a girl be playing games with offi- fundamentals and to share Elizabeth Nelson get a team started. cial teams and referees. my passion of it in hopes The clinic is being held in Although Chuck Twoguns they will develop their own This upcoming spring there hopes to attract a wider range has wanted to start a team love for the game… We will be a girls lacrosse clinic of players, which will allow for quite a while, he knew make the game fun to learn for high school students at for an official varsity and/or this was not possible due to and hope the girls develop Haldane, along with a Girls junior varsity team in the fu- the lack interest, experi- their own passion for the Modified Lacrosse Team for ture, along with help from the ence, and funding for a game that will enable them seventh and eighth graders. Modified team. In the clinic new sports program. His to encourage themselves.” Chuck Twoguns is subjected Twoguns will teach the funda- intentions are to help amass to coach the clinic, while as of mentals of lacrosse. As of now more interest and There are a group of eight to now there is no coach for the the clinic will allow for the knowledge of lacrosse to ten high school girls inter- Modified team. Talk about a girls to compete in scrimmag- get the girls ready for a ested in the clinic, and of girls lacrosse team has been es with other teams to give a team. When asked about course more numbers are going on for a few years now, feel for what it’s like to play. the program Twoguns stat- desirable. New and experi- and after several girls in the The “season” will culminate at ed, “my intention is to enced players are welcome. high school have shown inter- the Annual Roscoe Tourna- teach any girl interested in est, Twoguns was happy to ment in June, where girls will this great sport the basic

Haldane Warms Hearts

Elizabeth Nelson blankets for charity groups to ill or traumatized by person- nus. “It was a great way for the club to get together and get in- On March 6th, the LEO Club donate to misfortunate chil- al experiences. “The LEO volved in an important issue.” came together in efforts to dren whom have been hospi- Club spent their lunch peri- This years LEO Club made make blankets for Project Li- talized. The LEO Club has od giving back,” says LEO twelve blankets that will be put nus. Project Linus is a non- been engaging in this charita- Club President Olivia Ol- into the hands of deserving chil- profit organization that col- ble act for the past three sen, who has been a mem- dren. lects old blankets as well as years. The blankets have gone ber since the club started distributes materials to make to children whom are fatally partnering with Project Li- PAGE 4 THE BLUE PRINT

WINTER BASKETBALL RECAP

Julia Rotando Hamilton. The boys had a The Haldane Girls Basketball teleone and Olivia McDermott very successful season ending team did not have the best rec- both got named to the All For years basketball at Hal- it with a 14-7 record. As the ord going into the postseason Tournament team, along with dane has been one of the most season slowly came to an this year. Losing more than Bela receiving tournament successful and popular winter end, players Mame Diba twice as many games as they MVP. Following this win the sports. The basketball teams (Junior), Kyle Sussmeier won, not many believed they girls took on Millbrook High always tend to make a run in (Senior) and Matt Champlin would be able to bring the title School in the regional semi- the off season, leading to the (Junior) all received awards home again. On February 21st finals on March 5th. Millbrook many section championships and were selected for All the girls beat Alexander Hamil- had defeated Haldane in the and postseason successes. League. Matt Champlin was ton in the section semi finals 62 previous year in the regional Within recent years, the girls selected for the All Confer- -37. Junior Bela Monteleone finals and the Haldane girls had team has won six straight sec- ence team as well. The boys led the team with 26 points, high hopes of getting revenge tion championships (2014- have high hopes for next sea- followed by junior Olivia this year. But, Millbrook once 2019) along with the boys son and believe they will gain McDermott and senior Julia again got the best of Haldane having three consecutive wins back the Class C Section 1 Rotando both adding 11 each. and defeated the girls 60-44. from years (2014-2016) title. Haldane is saying good- The girls then went onto the After the season ended, juniors bye to four graduating sen- sectional final and won yet an- Bela Monteleone and Olivia This year the Haldane boys iors: Kyle Sussmeier, Devin other Gold Ball on February McDermott were selected for basketball team ended their Siegel, Kyle Kisslinger, and 23rd defeating Keio Academy All League. Haldane is only season on Thursday February Peter Rodriguez all whom 53-22. Along with receiving losing one senior this year, 21st in a tough sectional semi will be missed next season. the gold ball juniors Bela Mon- Julia Rotando, and have high final game against Alexander hopes to surpass their success next year. Poetry out loud

Natalie Sandick wide competition at SUNY New Paltz on February 7th. The annual the Poetry Out Loud competition took To prepare for this contest, place on January 7th in the Bingham says he tried to be- Haldane Middle/High come familiar with the School library. A total of words, and wanted to put his eleven high school students own personal touch when participated, each reading reciting them. He also felt it two poems of their choice was important to watch for in front of a panel of three speech patterns and mesmer- judges. Students are judged ize the rhyme and rhythm. on accuracy, physical pres- ence, voice and articulation, This was Nachamkin’s first dramatic appropriateness, year participating in the com- evidence of understanding, petition, “I never [thought and overall performance. about doing] Poetry Out Loud until Dr. Richter ap- Juniors Noah Bingham and proached me, and I ended up Andrew Nachamkin were winning the Haldane contest. victorious and went on to I really enjoyed this experi- participate in the region- ence and learned a lot about public speaking.” PAGE 5 THE BLUE PRINT

SKI TRIP

Katelyn Pidala at Stowe Mountain Re- lodge only a gondola ride and even a hot tub. Freya sort. Stowe is away at Spruce Peak. The Wood-Gallagher, a mem- located on Ver- students had access to ber of the ski club for mont’s highest skiing at this smaller ski many years, said “once mountain, area that was accessible again the Round Hearth Mount Mans- by a gondola that went gave us a warm and wel- field, at 4,393 over the parking lot. coming experience.” feet. It was a There was also a small ski little colder this village with shops, eating, On the last day, the bus day, reaching a and ice skating that could departed Stowe at 4 p.m. high of about 20 be enjoyed if students with a 6-hour trip ahead. degrees. During were tired from skiing or Halfway during the ride On February 17 through 19, this day, some chose to snowboarding all day. home, the bus stopped for 48 Haldane students attended take the risk of adventur- The first two days ended food where the students this year’s overnight ski trip ing through the glades to with fun at the Round could pick from Taco Bell, to Vermont. Starting at 6 go to a cave. One of these Hearth. For people KFC, or McDonald's. Af- a.m. Sunday morning with a participants was Maura who’ve been on the ski ter eating for about 30 3-hour coach bus ride to Kane-Seitz who said: “we trip multiple times, the minutes, the ride contin- Bromley and ending late almost died.” The glades Round Hearth is a very ued home, and the bus Tuesday night after a long were a challenge, but in familiar place filled with returned to Haldane day of skiing at Stowe. This the end it was worth it fond memories. Here around 10 p.m. This was year, like almost every year, for the view. This was students ate dinner and the last ski trip for many of they stayed at the Round also her last trip, so she slept. There were also the Seniors, some of Hearth at Stowe which is had some sentimental tons of activities to keep who've gone since eighth only a 15-minute drive to thoughts about it as well them occupied, including grade. Stowe Resort. including, “This year's ski air hockey, pool, board trip was extremely fun, games, a movie room, The first day of skiing was at but it was sadly my last Bromley, “Vermont’s Sun one. We had really nice Mountain.” The bus arrived conditions at Stowe, and at around 9 a.m. to the it’s always fun to spend mountain. After the long bus time with others at the ride, the ski trip was finally Round Hearth.” able to begin. In the morning there were a few clouds, but The third, and final, day it cleared up for the rest of of skiing was at Stowe the day. The temperature again. This was also the was in the 20s all day, you coldest day with the tem- could never tell with all the perature remaining in the sun. For many, this was their single digits to negatives first time to Bromley because almost all day and 12 last year the ski trip went to MPH winds. The cold Okemo the first day. was made bearable while many chose to take ad- The second day of skiing was vantage of the upscale VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3 PAGE 6

INTRODUCING MRS. KAHAN Spreading Kindness

Sophia Scanga from somewhere? at Haldane

They can pick up the blue Mrs. Kahan is the new 9th for their teachers and staff form in my office. grade guidance counselor at members.

Haldane. Many of you may Are there any specific know her from her quick Ninth grader Shea DeCaro classes you recommend visits to Mrs. Cordaro’s and 10th grader Arden Cony- students take? classroom to work on sched- bear were awarded a prize for I recommend students get ules for tenth grade. Mrs. being the two students who their required classes out of Kahan has been a High completed and submitted the way such as fine arts. I school guidance counselor Kat Buslovich their tic-tac-toe square of also recommend students for 12 years and a middle good deeds. take classes in an area of school counselor for three During the week of the Feb- interest. They can talk to years. If you need to speak ruary 11th, students at Hal- On February 14th, Valen- me and we’ll sit down and to Mrs. Kahan you can easily dane High School participat- tine’s Day, Haldane’s Interna- come up with a 4 year plan find her in Mrs. Story’s old ed in Random Acts of Kind- tional Club held their annual as outline for classes. Alt- office. She can help all stu- ness week. Each day of the carnation sale. Students could hough I can’t guarantee that dents create a job resume week was assigned a random have a carnation and a card they are going to get the and talk to them about any act of kindness to encourage delivered to a friend for $1. courses. problems with their sched- high school students to do Some interesting statistics of ule. I interviewed Mrs. Ka- something helpful and kind Valentine’s Day is that the Currently where should han about the 9th graders to someone. Each student total spending for the holiday students be in the pro- making their schedules for was given a “tic-tac-toe” is an estimated $18.2 billion, cess of their schedule the next school year. Here styled grid in one of their the average American will making? are is some important infor- classes, each square had a spend, $146.56. 58 million All 9th graders should have mation that all 9th graders good deed such as, “give pounds of chocolate were their form finished since we should know regarding their someone a high five” or purchased during the week of did them in Mrs. Cordaro’s schedules. “hold the door for some- Valentine’s Day and 36 mil- classes. Students should also one.” Students filled out lion heart-shaped boxes of always be updating their If a student wanted to hearts with nice messages chocolate were sold. resume on Naviance. change/work their schedule how could they contact you? New York Sees Record Low Temps The best thing to do is email [email protected] Betsy McBride or stop in and see me when to hear buildings and outdoor make sure no one was stuck they have an elective class objects creaking” were pre- in the cold during these This year’s polar vortex but, they would need to get dicted. Schools and work- times. caused record chills that af- a pass from their teacher places (including ones all fected people all over the first. around Putnam county) were Very cold weather during country. Although New York closed due to the weather. the winter months is com- State experienced harsh tem- If a student has not More than 1,600 flights were mon, especially in New peratures during the January made their schedule yet cancelled around the country York State, but this year’s months, we did not get the what should they use to and social service agencies, temperatures were definite- worst of it. In fact, we were- make their schedule? Is local governments, officials ly some to go down in the n’t even close. In Chicago, 72 there a certain paper or and landlords raced to warn books. Not only did this hours of sub zero wind chills form they need to get and help the elderly, disa- weather affect people’s daily and 48 hours of sub zero wind bled, and homeless, and lives, but it was dangerous chills so low that “we’re going in some areas as well. PAGE 7 THE BLUE PRINT

CULTURAL IMMERSION

Katelyn Pidala waltz. They were taught cultural lunch of plantains, Sharpe where they learned On Friday, March 1st, the each step in small parts rice, French onion soup, about this important compo- Spanish and French students and then combined it all cheesy potatoes, and pulled nent of Canada’s economy. of Haldane High School em- together at the end with pork fajitas. Lunch was fol- Later on Pentagrama arrived barked on their annual im- music. After the dance, lowed by performances by with a full band and showed mersion trip. This year the the Spanish and French the students of a variety of students the Cumbia. Stu- trip was to Sharpe Reserva- students split into two songs, poems, and immer- dents were invited to learn tion in Fishkill. The day be- groups and attended lan- sive dances. Once again, the about the history of this gan with a breakfast of pan- guage-specific presenta- students divided into two dance and take part in the cakes, bacon, fruit, and cere- tions. For Spanish, the groups. The Spanish stu- musical performance. After, al. Students were also intro- students learned about dents listened to a presenta- dinner was provided by duced with folders that had Costa Rican culture, tion about Spain from Mer- Sharpe before the students different information like the grammar, and sayings with cedes Burke. This presenta- returned home. The students itinerary for the day, brace- teacher John Schepisi. The tion highlighted the differ- of this year’s Immersion Pro- lets, and sheets to go along French Students learned ent sites and customs of gram enjoyed their experi- with the presentations. The about the culture and his- Spain. During this, French ence at Sharpe Reservation first activity was a “Cultural tory of Haiti with Jerrice students went on a walk and look forward to next Dance” by Fred Astaire, who Baptiste. The students through the woods for a year’s program. taught the students how to joined together again for a “Maple Syrup Program” by VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3 PAGE 8

2019 AWARDS SEASON

Riley Bissinger A Star Is Born (dir. Bradley BlacKkKlansman depicts the God's Plan (Drake) As February 2019 draws to a Cooper; star. Lady Gaga, Brad- true story of the African- Attending the Grammys for close so does this years’ ley Cooper) American who attempted the first time in years, Drake awards season, the season of The story of a famous musi- to infiltrate and expose the took home the award for best the Golden Globes, Grammy cian who discovers and falls Ku Klux Klan with his rap song for God’s Plan, also Awards, and Oscars. This in love with a struggling art- white colleague during the nominated for record of the season has been an interest- ist, A Star Is Born is an uplift- early 1970s. Although it year and song of the year. ing one, especially with the ing drama that ends in trage- only received one award controversy surrounding the dy. Lead actors Lady Gaga total, the award for Writ- Sweetener (Ariana Grande) director of nominated film and Bradley Cooper received ing - Adapted Screenplay Despite her absence from the Bohemian Rhapsody, as well Best Actor / Actress nomina- at the Oscars, the picture show following controversy as the absence of a host at tions at both the Golden received two Best Picture regarding her cancelled per- the Academy Awards fol- Globes and Oscars, and the nominations and ten nomi- formance, Ariana Grande lowing the controversy sur- movie itself was nominated nations across both shows. won best pop vocal album for rounding Kevin Hart. How- for Best Picture at both Actors John David Wash- Sweetner. ever, despite this, this shows as well. The drama ington and Adam Driver awards season has brought received a total of eight nom- were both recognized for recognition to many deserv- inations at the Oscars and their performances, with ing movies and acknowledg- five at the Golden Globes, Washington receiving a ment to deserving music. but only won a total of two nomination for Best Per- Here are some of the most awards for its chart-topping formance by an Actor in a THE Writer’s notable songs and films, all single, Shallow. Motion Picture Drama at of which received numerous the Golden Globes and BlocK awards. Black Panther (dir. Ryan Driver receiving a nomina- Riley Bissinger Coogler; star. Chadwick tion for Actor in a Sup- Katrine Buslovich Movies Boseman) porting Role at the Oscars. Bohemian Rhapsody (dir. Bry- The first Marvel movie star- Spike Lee was also recog- Arden Conybear an Singer; star. Rami Malek) ring a black superhero, Black nized through two nomi- Alden Dobosz A musical celebration, Bohe- Panther is the story of the nations for Directing. Catriona Fee mian rhapsody follows the prince of Wakanda returning Riley Johanson rise of Freddie Mercury and home to become King fol- Liam Marinan Queen as they achieve lowing the death of his fa- Music Ada McBride worldwide success. The ther. The movie received This is America (Childish movie itself has been suc- awards for Costume Design, Gambino) Elizabeth Nelson cessful as well, winning Best Original Score and Produc- Although Donald Glover Katelyn Pidala Motion Picture Drama at the tion Design as well as a nomi- did not attend the Gram- Julia Rotando Golden Globes and awards nation for Best Picture at the mys, his song This Is for Film Editing and Sound Natalie Sandick Oscars. Although the picture America won him four Sophia Scanga Editing at the Oscars. The did not win in any categories awards, including record star of the film, Rami Malek, at the Golden Globes, it re- of the year. Damian Vladimiroff received much critical ac- ceived nominations for Best claim for his performance as Motion Picture Drama, Best Invasion of Privacy (Cardi B) Faculty Advisors: Freddie Mercury, winning Original Score, and Best Also nominated for album Ashley Linda & Jenna Isabella awards for Best Performance Original Song. of the year, Invasion of by an Actor in a Motion Pic- Privacy made Cardi B the ture Drama at the Golden BlacKkKlansman (dir. Spike first solo female to win the Globes and Actor in a Lead- Lee; star. John David Wash- award for best rap album. ing Role at the Oscars. ington, Adam Driver) VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3 PAGE 9

PATRIOTS DEFEAT RAMS FOR SIXTH SUPERBOWL TITLE Alden Dobosz consecutive season, an NFL man added. ‘‘I’m physical- years, drawing 98.2 million The 2018 NFL season came record. ly and emotionally people to watch the big to an end on February 3, pooped’’, saying this dur- game. In fact, it was the low- 2019, with the New England New England Patriots quar- ing a post game interview, est watched since Super Bowl Patriots beating the Los An- terback, Tom Brady, earned with NESN. Edelman’s XLII. Many people called this geles Rams, 13-3 in Super his sixth Super Bowl champi- strong showing, as well as year’s game “boring”, as was Bowl LIII. The game, played onship, along with head the defense playing stellar, the Pepsi halftime show, fea- in Atlanta, GA, featured the coach Bill Belichick, also limiting the NFC’s highest turing Maroon 5, Travis perennial contenders, New earning his sixth. However, scoring team, the Rams to Scott, and Big Boi. This England Patriots, and the it was a different Patriots just 3 points. Reporters, game almost certainly defined Los Angeles Rams, appear- player that ultimately led his cameras, and other mem- Tom Brady as the greatest ing in their first Bowl since team to victory, earning Su- bers of the media immedi- quarterback of all time, solid- 2000, when they defeated per Bowl MVP: wide receiv- ately swarmed Brady as ifying his legacy in NFL histo- the Tennessee Titans. The er Julian Edelman. He to- soon as he took one final ry along with the greatest Rams had a very successful taled 10 receptions for 141 kneel to end the game. coach of all time, Bill Bel- regular season, finishing with yards, becoming just the sev- “We made the plays when ichick. But not to be over- an impressive record of 13- enth wide receiver to be we had to, and did just looked are the Los Angeles 3, clinching the NFC West. named Super Bowl MVP. “It enough to beat a really Rams. Even though they’re The Patriots had a somewhat just matters that we won,” good football team over coming off defeat, they look substandard record, com- Edelman said. “It was a crazy there (Rams).” to have a bright future in the pared to previous seasons, year. We had a resilient years to come, as is the case finishing at 11-5, clinching bunch of guys. It was unreal. Super Bowl LIII had fewer for many more NFL teams in the AFC East for the tenth I’m pretty ecstatic,’’ Edel- viewers than in recent 2019.

A TRIP TO THE MOVIES WITH LIAM & RILEY

First Man (2018) Review by: Liam Marinan protested by the American to the moon. Ryan Gosling's er. But the most impressive people. It takes us through performance as Neil Arm- part of the movie is it’s fantas- One of the greatest achieve- Armstrong’s previous mis- strong is fantastic and is tic special effects. First Man ments of mankind, First Man sion Gemini 8 and through definitely a focal point of the won best visual effects for the tells us the story of The Apollo the tragic Apollo 1 mission film. Without his strong 2019 Oscars and it’s no sur- Missions and the first moon where all astronauts on board performance First Man prise. The effects really make landing through the eyes of died. In the movie, the astro- would not nearly be what it it look like you are floating Neil Armstrong. But is not the nauts are not perceived as is. He provides a great Neil through the emptiness of feel good movie of the year by these glorious hero’s, they Armstrong and portrays space with the crew. The sur- any standard. It’s true to the are seen as real people with Armstrong correctly, show- face of the moon also looks story it tells and that is one of families and lived outside the ing viewers the insurmount- incredibly realistic and elevat- constant trial and error. Dur- space program. While on the able amount of courage it ed the movie to another level. ing the film we go through Apollo 11 mission First Man took these men to make it First Man is a fantastic movie Armstrong’s selection and puts you right into the action to the moon. The other and I would definitely recom- meet other astronauts such as as we see how astronauts like actors portraying Buzz Al- mend giving it a watch. It is Ed White. We see as these Neil Armstrong, played by drin, Ed White etc are also no wonder First Man was up men risked their lives in a pro- Ryan Gosling and Buzz Al- fantastic and the really make for 4 Oscars, winning 1 and gram that was under incredibly drin, played by Corey Stroll it seem like this is a crew can really be seen as one of pressure from Congress and going on their daring mission who train for years togeth- the best movies of 2018. VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3 PAGE 10

A TRIP TO THE MOVIES WITH LIAM & RILEY

Vice (2018) Fighting with my Review by: Riley Johanson (Christian Bale’s mind bog- Family (2019) chasers than this one. The gling transformation in order actors are commendable in Love him or hate him, the to play Cheney can’t be em- Review by: Riley Johanson their willingness to allow story of Dick Cheney is one phasized enough). McKay For those interested in fake themselves to be recorded of great intrigue and his ef- makes no effort to hide his wrestling, cookie-cutter repeating the atrocious dia- fect has shaped our modern disdain for his film’s protago- inspirational stories, and logue and the director for world in a peculiar way. nist and portrays him as one low quality film making, attaching his name to such a Written and directed by of the great villains of mod- this movie knocks it out of film and still being able to Adam McKay, Vice is a satiri- ern American Democracy. the park. For everyone else, take himself seriously. Hy- cal take on the life and ca- Using satire and comedy to a better use of their money perbole aside, Fighting With reer of Cheney and his role convince the viewer of his would be wasting it on arts My Family is another throwa- in altering the future of feelings regarding Cheney as and crafts, setting in on fire, way, studio cash grab that American politics and in turn the film follows Cheney from or simply throwing it out provides just under two global events. Starring his years as a directionless when compared to spending hours of simple entertain- Christian Bale as Cheney, utility man in Wyoming to it on a movie ticket to see ment defined by crude jokes Amy Adams as his wife his term as the most power- this film. Unlike Vice’s polit- and predictable plot points. Lynne, Sam Rockwell as ful Vice President in United ical commentary, Fighting The film is a dramatized re- George Bush and Steve States history. The journey With My Family starring telling of the rise of female Carell as Donald Rumsfeld, through Cheney’s life is divi- Florence Pugh, Jack WWE star Paige from her the performance of the cast sive and thoroughly politi- Lowden, Vince Vaughn and humble beginnings in England stands out as one of the best cized resulting in a film expe- Dwayne Johnson is the per- to stardom in the States and of the year and their acting rience just as polarizing as fect escape from todays po- all the troubles he must over- alone provides an entertain- anything else in today's larizing climate. No matter come to achieve it. I would ing film experience world. what your beliefs are, I definitely recommend wait- think we can all agree that ing for this to come out on few other movies have such cable before giving it a watch a startling ability to cause and even then only if nothing regret among ticket pur- else is available.

Penguins of the can only be forged in the of courage and leadership, voice actors of our genera- Madagascar (2014) Central Park Zoo. I would and teamwork. The voice tion. Esteemed actor Bene- Review by: Liam Marinan highly recommend watching acting in the movie should dict Cumberbatch plays clas- this movie multiple times to be the gold standard for sified, a secret agent wolf Love them or hate them, truly understand its com- later renditions. Skipper, and I couldn’t think of any- they are undoubtedly the plexities. Coming out in who is voiced by Tom one better to do the job. greatest animated penguin 2014 with an impressive McGraff is done to perfec- Cumberbatch truly took spy hero’s of our generation. 73% on rotten toma- tion. The respect Skipper some time to nail his role as To put it bluntly, the is one toes,Penguins of the Mada- gets from the rest of the a talking secret agent wolf. of the best movies I have gascar remains a timeless team gives Skipper the This is not an easy role to seen in my long and distin- classic celebrated by film ability to command the perfect but somehow he guished six month career critics, as it will for centu- team precisely and ensure performs it flawlessly. reviewing movies. Every- ries. Through purely perfect his orders are followed out Overall, It is a must watch thing about it is impeccable direction, the movie com- perfectly and they com- and cannot recommend it and it is truly flawless. Pen- municates in a playful tone plete the mission. Tom enough. 11/10 Stars guins of the Madagascar shows while still sharing an im- McGraff is the physical the brotherhood of four pen- portant message that's pro- embodiment of Skipper guins, a brotherhood that motes the important ideals and is one of the greatest VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3 PAGE 11

OP-ED

The Power Grab: How Janus daily to lessen the power of Leisa Lundberg, a special does is allow non union mem- vs AFSCME is the continuation unions and their constituents education teacher from bers, who don’t pay their of a conservative takeover across the country. Queens and a card-carrying dues, to reap the same bene- UFT member, (the United fits as due-paying members. Damian Vladimiroff Janus vs AFSCME was the suit Federation of Teachers) said The intention of the conserva- that ruled that, on a first in an interview that “public- tive groups who funded this In February of 2019, Senate amendment basis, Union sector unions across the lawsuit was to bankrupt Un- Majority Leader Mitch members are not required to country, could lose tens of ions by allowing people to not McConnell (R-Ken.) de- pay their dues if the Union millions of dollars and see pay their dues… This ruling scribed a bill to redefine supports a cause or candidate their effectiveness dimin- seeks to debilitate public em- election day as a national that doesn’t align with their ished.” She went on to quote ployee unions and take away holiday as “a power grab” for personal values, and over- Justice Elena Kagan’s dissent their power to advocate for the Democrats. This was not turned the Supreme Court for Janus vs AFSCME: “[the their members by undermin- incorrect as of course the bill ruling in the Abood vs. De- ruling] prevents the Ameri- ing their funding structure. ” would empower millions of troit Board of Education, can people, acting through She finished by saying that busy voters to head to the which granted such. This was their state and local officials, “the UFT is standing strong voting booths every Novem- reflective of President from making important and is well positioned to fight ber— further constructing Trump’s power within the choices about workplace this. They won’t be backing the Democratic base. How- Judiciary. His appointment of governance. And it does so down.” ever, the irony in this state- clearly partisan Judges and by weaponizing the First ment is that, systematically, Justices, like Brett Ka- Amendment, in a way that Janus vs AFSCME is only the the conservative movement vanaugh, (who misleadingly unleashes judges, now and in edge of a long string of court has sought to root out all accused the Clinton family the future, to intervene in rulings that reflect the ultra- liberal and democratic causes and the Democratic Party of economic and regulatory conservative policies of the within the government. scheming against him in front policy.” present presidential admin- Look no further than our of a Senate panel, a clear istration. It has become clear judiciary. Ignore the nomi- breach of judicial nonpartisan- However, ironically, Ms. that the Trump Administra- nations of Brett Kavanaugh ship) shall leave a legacy on Lundberg continued by stat- tion has become presumptu- and Neil Gorsuch-- the high the American Judiciary; a ing that the ruling has had ous in its attempts to radically seats of Trumpian politics; legacy that could affect teach- little effect on New York change the liberal foundations look to court rulings like ers. teachers and the UFT: that were constructed by pre- Janus vs AFSCME which seek “Ultimately, what this ruling vious administrations.

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