Moorestown Friends School, Moorestown, NJ • December 2013 • 2013-14, Gift Guide Issue Glee Club: MFS Ring in the Edition By Maura Aleardi MFS This year, two of Moorestown Theater Co. when she was Friends’ performing stars are six years old, and she hasn’t working together to create the stopped since. school’s first Glee Club. Holidays In its history, MFS has never Freshman Noah Borromeo and had a Glee Club. Aleardi com- sophomore Marirose Aleardi mented, “I think when there was already have ten student signa- an a capella choir, it was similar tures and are ready to bring the to what a glee club would be, club proposal to Agenda Com- so there wasn’t really a need for mittee. The two underclassmen one.” As the possible first Glee performers recently starred in Club president at MFS, Borro- MFS’s Legally Blonde as Em- meo said that he and Aleardi mett Forrest and Brooke Wind- “want to make sure that [they] ham. Now that the show has stay organized and cooperative, ended, they are trying “to pro- or else the club wouldn’t work.” vide a free, open environment for anyone to come and express If approved, the club would themselves through singing,” meet in Hartman Hall Room 108 explained Borromeo. with Kelly Bixby, MFS music teacher and director of the MFS Borromeo has been in plays Singers, as proctor. and musicals since sixth grade. He is also part of the MFS Sing- Aleardi said she hopes that “ev- ers, but he is starting the club ery week, we have a good time because he thinks that “not and enjoy what we’re singing everyone likes the choir struc- and become good and stron- ture.” ger.”

Aleardi is also a member of the She and Borromeo welcome MFS Singers, and agrees that all interested students to join. “we should have a place where Borromeo encouraged mem- we can sing what we want and bers, “whether you’re in choir just a place to express [our- or not, as long as you like to selves].” She performed in her sing, you’re welcome to come.” first show with Moorestown Christmas Away From Home By Tori Edelstein Christmas is all about fami- the same without people hanging “Black Friday,” Leon was amazed home to Germany at Christmas ly time, presents, and lights. Well, up vibrant colors the day after at how “people were starting to break to spend a nice week with at least that is how it is in America. Thanksgiving. However, Leon told worry about buying gifts so early.” his family. He’s looking forward Sophomore exchange student Leon us that “there are less Christmas He informed us that in Germany, to diving back into the old, fa- Pfeiffer gave us an idea of what lights in Germany,” and that it is the gift buying doesn’t start until miliar traditions he shares back at Christmas is like in Germany, and quite strange to see people hanging a few weeks before, unlike here home. And of course, the holidays how strange our normal customs them up so soon. It was hard to where we start buying gifts up to wouldn’t be the same without seem to him. imagine the holidays without the two months early presents. He shared with us that Lights have always been world lighting up at night. Ameri- Although Leon is enjoying for Christmas this year he wants an important part of Christmas ca seems to start everything “ear- the festive Christmas traditions in a high quality camera that he can here, and Christmas wouldn’t be ly” and after experiencing his first America, he is excited to return document his memories with. 2 Editorials NHL Rules

ByThe Alex National Horn Hockey League is keep the conferences balanced, it even a sixth place team could still reverberating from the jarring was clear that some changes had to face this bizarre eventuality. This slapshot of a change that struck it be made. Over the course of two arbitrarily penalizes and rewards during the offseason. The league’s years, the league came up with a certain teams due to the location conferences were realigned, its plan that made many fundamental of their hometowns, rather than playoff mechanics were changed, changes to how the league works. their quality of play. Additionally, and its fans are now left to wonder It has finally gone into effect for Western Conference teams have a what the repercussions will be. the 2013-2014 season, and the significant advantage over Eastern Previously, the NHL was com- consequences look unfortunate. teams: the Western divisions are posed of two conferences, each There are now two confer- smaller, meaning that there’s less with three divisions of five teams. ences, each with two divisions. competition for a coveted spot in a Within each conference, the team The Western Conference has two division’s top three. Photo by Flickr user Prayitno. Used with permis- with the best record in each divi- divisions of seven teams, while the Let’s put it mathematically: sion under a Creative Commons license. sion was guaranteed a postseason Eastern Conference has two divi- under the old rules, a team with slot. The five teams with the next sions of eight. The top three teams the eighth best record in either best records from each conference from each division qualify for the conference had a 98.95% chance to play teams in the same time also made the playoffs, regardless playoffs, along with two wildcards of making the playoffs. In the new zone. Another benefit of the re- of how they placed within their that have the best records regard- system, an eighth place team in the alignment is that every team will own division. This system was fair less of division. East has an 89.98% chance, while now play in every arena, every and worked well; it promoted com- At first glance, this plan seems an eighth place Western team has season, allowing fans to see teams petition between teams in the same fairly innocuous, but it will have a 92.25% chance. Instead of once from all across the continent live. division while still ensuring that, dire repercussions when the every hundred years, the eighth- Sadly, these positive changes are in general, the best teams in the postseason comes around. The best team in either conference will outweighed by the new playoff league made it into the postseason. most important factor in making not get its deserved playoff spot an mechanics, which replace the The Players’ Association, the playoffs used to be having a average of once every ten years. elegance of the old system with many head coaches, and even good overall record. Now, a team’s Not only did this rule inject unfair- arbitrary, unfair, and uncompetitive some league commissioners have quality of play against opponents ness into the system, it applied it rules. One can only hope that the made suggestions over the years from around the league is less unevenly between the conferences. league will either be able to adapt to change the conference system, important than the quality of the Of course, it isn’t all bad. and flourish, or else see their mis- but the lack of incentive meant that other teams in its division. While Certain changes were made out take and reinstate the old system. none were adopted. Then in 2011, before, among the top eight, only of simple common sense. Detroit Until the playoffs come, all we can the Atlanta Thrashers, an Eastern an eighth place team could possi- and Columbus were moved to the do is keep our eyes on the ice. Conference team, moved far west bly lose a playoff spot to a team Eastern Conference, allowing them and became the Winnipeg Jets. To below it in the standings, now Home for the Holidays WordsWorth Staff By: Vivian Bao Have you heard about spring festival? I The Spring Festival lasts 15 days from the Editors-in-Chief: can already feel Christmas approaching beginning to end. The last day of this sig- Maura Aleardi as it is only two weeks away. In China, nificant festival is also called the Lantern Jared Edelstein a similarly exciting holiday, the Spring Festival. During that period, almost all the Festival, is also quite close. activities can be related to food. Chinese Art Director: People eat “JiaoZi”on the first day and Everett Aldrich The date of the Spring Festival varies “TangYuan”on the last day. This festival from year to year, because it is according is important to the children. While visiting to the ancient lunar calendar, which is all the relatives in the family, kids always Copy Editor: constructed in a different fashion than the receive a big pocket of candies and get a Edward Gelernt Western solar calendar. In the Chinese red envelope filled with money. calendar, the beginning of the year falls News Editor: somewhere between late January and ear- Like all the other festivals, the Spring AJ Dunham ly February. The Chinese have been using Festival has evolved. Almost 40 years the Western calendar since 1911, but the ago, when televisions became widespread Sports Editor: lunar calendar is still used for festive in China, a new tradition was born of Mitchell Mullock occasions. This year, the Spring Festival watching a special TV show with rela- will fall on January 31. It is actually the tives on the night of Chinese New Year’s Chinese New Year, but it gets this name Eve. Also, more people travel on vacation Editorial and Pop Culture Editor: for it symbolizes the arrival of spring. during the festival than before 2000. Like Jackie Sackstein Christmas in America, a lot of big shop- The other Chinese name of this festival is ping malls started giving big discounts Staff Writers: “Nian”, which originates from an an- during the holiday. Yi (Vivian) Bao, Lauren Buck, Tori Edelstein, cient story. It is said that a monster called Mateo Flores, Alex Horn, Chelsea Maddred, “Nian” would come to a village to disturb Celebrating Spring Festival is a 2000- Sam Milligan, Mattie Sloan, Medina Shah, the residents there during this day every year old tradition. Though some parts are Wesley Share year until villagers finally learned that modernized, other parts can still represent firecrackers could get rid of it. This is why the people’s beautiful but simple wishes Newspaper Advisors: people typically like to ignite firecrackers towards harvest two thousand years ago. Diana Day and Debra Galler during the Spring Festival. 3 Special Feature ’Tis The Season For Video Games Every fall and early winter, an influx of new games for Xbox and Playstation flood the market, vying for the attention of kids from kindergarten to twelfth grade. This year is no different. For people without video game By Samuel Milligan experience, there may be too many to choose from without a little inside information. Here are six popular and highly-publicized games that are prime gift candidates this holiday season.

Battlefield 4 Assassin’s Creed IV This installment of the highly successful Battlefield series is, in a Assassin’s Creed IV is another excellent gift option. This game word, excellent. The graphics are superb, and gameplay is smooth is predominantly a story mode game, though there is an enjoyable for the most part, with only a few glitches. The campaign mode multiplayer option. However, the real attraction is the campaign. One has just the right mix of cutscenes, firefights, and sequences that of the problems for previous Assassin’s Creed games was that the require frustratingly exact precision and stealth. Though there are real story took too long to reach; there were way too many cutscenes, only seven missions in the story mode, Battlefield 4’s campaign is backstory, and pointless missions before the meat of the story. For the very strong and entertaining. It also has a great ending. fourth Assassin’s Creed, this problem is almost nonexistent. The main story is good, but Assassin’s Creed IV is at its best when the player is The multiplayer is also quite good. Although several of Battle- free to roam around its beautiful, scenic, Caribbean landscape. There field’s game modes take too long per contest, the multiplayer is are plenty of worthwhile side missions, and the graphics and envi- still engaging and interesting. In some respects, it is a little too ronment are impressive. Additionally, the naval battles that frustrated complicated, but still very enjoyable. This game is suitable for just many in Assassin’s Creed III are much improved and easy to control. about anyone, whether he/she is new to first-person shooters or was The Assassin’s Creed series has a different set of controls and style raised on them. Battlefield 4 is rated M. than most other games; therefore, it is hard to adjust to the game without playing other Assassin’s Creed games first or having friends to help you through some of the discrepancies between this and other series. Assassin’s Creed IV is rated M.

Call Of Duty: Ghosts The tenth Call of Duty (COD) is certainly not the series’ high point; Fifa 14 however, that is not to say that it is not worth buying. The Call of Duty: Fifa 14 is very much in line with its predecessors, with entertaining Ghosts campaign starts off very slowly, but picks up with each mission. multiplayer options and addictive solo experiences. Fifa Ultimate It gets more entertaining as the story gets more and more crazy and Team and Online Pro Clubs are ridiculously fun, especially with ridiculous. After all, who isn’t impressed with shootouts in space and friends. Though the game offers little revolutionary or innovative dodging sharks on the ocean floor? Ghosts’ ending really is its saving features, it is still very, very cool. The graphics are sharp, and game- grace; it is unexpected, and leaves unfinished business for the main play is smooth and realistic. It really is an awesome game, but try characters that could easily translate into a sequel in the coming years. getting through a game without yelling about offsides calls. Just try. Fifa 14 is rated E. Call of Duty’s multiplayer, as usual, is excellent. The basic pattern that Grand Theft Auto V has made COD multiplayers so much fun in the past is still present, Grand Theft Auto V is the fifth Grand Theft Auto available for Xbox with the right mix of new material and fan favorites from past games. and Playstation. It is mostly a one player game, but the somewhat The default maps are varied and diverse; everyone will have their own limited multiplayer is also nice. The story mode is exciting, funny, particular favorite, from run-and-gun types to camping snipers (don’t and above all, entertaining. Grand Theft Auto gives the player free- be that guy). This aspect of the game is simple yet outrageously enter- dom that does not exist in many other games. Players are mostly free taining and infuriatingly competitive. Experience does not matter in to roam through an extensive, interactive world and do just about this game; any player can jump in and understand it quickly, so it will anything they want. If you are looking for nearly endless gameplay be perfect for someone with little video game experience. and liberty to play however you want, this is the game for you. COD: Ghosts is rated M. GTA V is rated M Images used with permission from publisher. Images from Wikipedia. Protected under fair use laws. Gift Guide 2013

Lit Club @MFSWordsWorth Barbecue Club @MFSWordsWorth Same old season, same old classics. #TheGhostOf- Spend $5 to wait in a 20 minute line #TakeANum- ChristmasPast ber #RoboticChefs

Ping Pong Club @MFSWordsWorth #tennisracquet

Photo by Flickr user #96. Used with creative commons license.

Sit-Com Club @MFSWordsWorth Photo by Flickr user silverfuture. Used with creative commons license. Reality TV #WelcometotheRealWorld #KeepingUp- WithTheKardashians Service Committee @MFSWordsWorth Make it rain! #ACardFullOfMoney Pride Club @MFSWordsWorth A ride on a rainbow-colored slide big enough to fit all the #wavesofsupport and #acceptance

Algorithms Club @MFSWordsWorth #01000001010011000100011101001111010100100100 10010101010001001000010011010101001103

Badminton Club @MFSWordsWorth A football. #TimeToTryARealSport #ByeByeBirdie

Photo by Wikipedia Commons user stillframe. Used with creative commons license. Dance Club @MFSWordsWorth Tons of talent #TheMovesLikeJagger

@MFSWordsWorth IT DOES EXIST!!!!! #waltdisney’shead

Drama CLub @MFSWordsWorth A photo album to collect the many #DramaticMo- ments

Photo by Wikipedia Commons user Double Blue. AP Gym Theory @MFSWordsWorth Used with creative commons license. Someone call the board of education #APCredit Gift Guide 2013

Agenda Committee @MFSWordsWorth Gender Equality Forum @MFSWordsWorth If pro is the opposite of con, what is the opposite “I know you want it” ;) #RobinThickesNewAlbum of progress? #MoreEfficientThanTheUSGovernment

Animal Awareness @MFSWordsWorth It sure is lonely in Newman’s room today #HereAre- SomeMembers

Future Educators Club @MFSWordsWorth A bag filled with apples and students on time for class #SorryWeDontRunFromHartmanhall #Apples- ForTheBest

Photo by blogger josepvinaixa. Used with Creative Commons license.

Chess Club @MFSWordsWorth A club that actually plays chess #misnamed

Girl Up Club @MFSWordsWorth For the lack of recent meetings #ameeting #with- somepeople

Ultimate Frisbee Club @MFSWordsWorth A bronze statue #TheFirstUltimatePlayer Photo taken by Lauren Buck

Computer Club @MFSWordsWorth A fire pit to burn the Macs #WhereAreTheApple- Fans?

Diversity Commitee @MFSWordsWorth A ten minute audience with #BigMouth #PaulaDeen

MLK Club @MFSWordsWorth Burned off Thanksgiving Dinner, gained it back with Soul Food Fest #MOREFOOD Photo from Wikipedia. Used with creative commons license. commons with creative Used from Wikipedia. Photo

@MFSWordsWorth C’mon guys, it’s time to up the realism. #OrcAnd- BattleAxe

Environmental Club @MFSWordsWorth You and the environment deserve the very best for

Photo taken by Tyler Carstarphen Tyler by taken Photo Christmas. #NewSUV 6 Pop Culture Fashion Spotlight By Chelsea Maddred “I’d describe my style as comfy but cute,” explained sophomore Jade Sometimes students wake up feel- Ernest. Since her freshman year, ing reluctant to get dressed up, but this fashionista has walked the Ernest has a plan for those days: halls of MFS sporting outfits that “For a lazy day I normally just catch the eyes of all who pass by throw my hair into a messy bun her. and wear an oversized sweater with leggings and boots.” “My favorite season for clothing would be fall because I’m into the Ernest suggests that when out whole sweater-and-scarves thing,” shopping for clothes, “Get what she said. “I love cardigans, and you like. Don’t try to have a partic- I like to wear Earth tones all the ular style. If you see something you time, so fall is a good time for like, just get it, because chances are, [fashion].” She has sweaters and if you like it, you’re going to feel cardigans in nearly every color, and good in it, and you’ll look good in she is accumulating a collection of it, too.” scarves. TBS: Very Funny? Chelsea by Maddred taken by taken Ernest Jade of Photos No matter how often TBS’s com- taining and induces an occasional ancing the dramaBy ofEdward a game show Gelernt CEO of the company where Brody mercials tell me that their new chuckle; at its worst, it makes me with the humor of a comedy show. (Astin) works. Overall, the show shows are “very funny,” my disap- yawn, shake my head, and wonder However, the contestants often aid is funny and maintains a consistent pointment in them is not swayed. what the world has come to that in adding to the dramatic flare and plotline. I am concerned that the a good comedy channel like TBS tension, while hosts D.L. Hughley show will quickly run out of en- Within the last month, three new is putting out such a poor show. I and Michael Ian Black do a good tertaining ideas for new episodes; shows debuted on TBS, bringing give The Show one job in keeping the mood light and however, there have been glimpses with them a new agenda for the star out of five; it is not always humorous. I give Trust Me, I’m a that the program will explore the network’s late-night program- boring — just most of the time. Game Show Host a tentative three characters in greater detail in the ming. The first show to premiere stars out of five; it has the capabil- future, which would solve that was Trust Me, I’m a Game Show Significantly ity to be a great problem. I give Host, a comedy game show that better than the show, but it is four stars out of five; it is funny, first aired on October 22. Six aforementioned truly nowhere engaging, and I look forward to days later, the first episode of show is Trust near meeting watch as the show develops in the The Pete Holmes Show, a new Me, I’m a Game that potential. future. talk show, was released. Several Show Host. weeks later, on November 14, the This program While the two Overall, I am not impressed by world watched the pilot of Ground attempts to mix previously TBS’s new programming. The Floor, a romantic comedy. Since the essence of discussed shows Pete Holmes Show is unengag- their premieres, I have followed comedy with have been large- ing and dull; and Trust Me, I’m a each of these shows, and overall, I the world of scale disappoint- Game Show Host falls far short of have found them to be disappoint- game shows; ments, the third the high expectations one might ments. it features two and final new set for it. The only show of the hosts, both of program shows three that is funny enough to de- Photo from Flickr user charlesfettinger. The worst of the three shows is whom read some prom- serve its late-night spot is Ground Used with Creative Commons license. unquestionably The Pete Holmes bizarre-sound- ise. Ground Floor. I think the network’s prima- Show. The talk show’s humor cen- ing factoids, one true and one Floor is a romantic comedy about ry mistake was releasing all three ters around slapstick comedy, but false, to a contestant, who then a bigshot banker who falls for a shows in such a short time span; the slapstick is not so blatant that must choose which host is telling ground-floor maintenance worker. viewers would have benefitted one cannot help but laugh (i.e. The the truth in order to win cash. In The two of them do their best to from a period of time to watch a Three Stooges). Rather, the jokes undertaking this daring attempt to sustain a relationship, even though new show, decide to stick with it are generally boring and not funny, mix two entirely different types of both of them get pressure from or kick it to the curb, and then take making me wonder why I bother shows, TBS knew it had to pro- colleagues to break it off. Skylar in another dose of new program- watching. Holmes often plays duce something above average, but Astin and Briga Heelan do a stellar ming. with fire during his monologues at unfortunately it failed. The show is job portraying these two awkward- New episodes of The Pete Holmes the beginning of each episode; he certainly entertaining and some- ly situated characters, but the best Show airs every weeknight at attempts to make quasi-profound times even crosses the threshold acting comes from the supporting midnight. statements while still maintaining into funny, but all in all, the show characters. does a New episodes of Trust Me, I’m humor. He tends to struggle might- is not nearly as good as a comedic great job as Harvard, a ground a Game Show Host air Tuesday ily with this undertaking, although game show has the potential to be. floor worker who has a crush nights at 10:30 P.M. as the show has progressed, he has The problem the program experi- on Jenny (Heelan); and John C. New episodes of Ground Floor air grown gradually more adept at it. ences is the most easily foreseen McGinley is absolutely hysterical Thursday nights at 10:30 P.M. At it’s best, the program is enter- issue: it often struggles in bal- as Mr. Mansfield, the owner and 7 Sports All images used with rights from mfs.smugmug Boys Basketball By Wesley Share Coach’s Corner: among others, is returning to the Returning as head coach, team. “His quickness gives him former University of Maine for- the ability to make defenders look ward Colin Haynes is hoping “to silly”, said sophomore forward at least double our win total from Joe Beideman. “Pierce’s speed the 2012-2013 season, make the gives him the ability to score NJSIAA playoffs, to make the many fast break points,” contin- Friends School League playoffs, ued Beideman, “His defense will or win the newly-installed Quaker also be very helpful to our team Cup.” He continued, “We have this year.” Many fans consid- several players returning from last er Williams to be a player who year’s team, we have 32 student could ease the heavy load that athletes signed up, and our coach- senior point guard Dan Richards ing staff is extremely excited to - who found himself eighth in the see what they bring to the court.” Friends League in points per game - shouldered last season. Haynes has also been eyeing some incoming freshman. “I followed Last Season: the 8th grade team and Coach The boys basketball team Schmidt last year,” he said. Re- regressed last season, finishing garding these incoming freshmen, last in Friends League. They were he added, “They are an impressive 4-21 overall and 0-7 in Friends group and have had success on League play, eight games out of a the court. The transition into high playoff spot. school sports is difficult, a learn- ing process, and the coaching staff is intrigued with who will rise up to the challenge. We got to see some freshmen over our summer workout sessions, as well as some who played in our Fall league, and they competed at a high level.” Players to Watch: After last season’s absence, Follow the QR code and senior guard Pierce Williams, check us out online! Swimming By Everett Aldrich Coach’s Corner: These talented swimmers are, according to Funk, sopho- Chris Brookover and more Edward Gelernt, juniors Allison Funk are this year’s Brandon Beach and Steph- swim coaches for the Foxes. anie Walker, and senior Lisa Funk said that she and Brook- Eiffes. over want “everyone to give their best effort in practice and therefore give the team Last Season: its best chance of winning The swim team last year dual meets.” Along with win- placed fifth out of seven in ning meets, Coach Funk also the Friends League and had said she strives to “[place] one win and eight losses at as high as possible at the the end of the season. Beach Friends League Conference said, “We had some strong Championships.” moments, but we definitely left some room for improve- ment. Luckily, we only lost a Players to Watch: few swimmers to graduation, Coach Funk said she and participation is up this wants “breakout years from year. We are looking forward all of [the] swimmers,” but to a successful season for there are a few from whom swimmers, new and old.” she expects leadership and We’ll see if things change for stellar performances because the better in this new swim of their “experience, past per- season. formances and leadership.” 8 Sports All images used with rights from mfs.smugmug Girls Basketball By Mitchell Mullock Coach’s Corner: elle Smith, our point guard, should Coah Mike Brunswick both have good seasons as return- expressed his expectations for his ing seniors.” Among these se- girls’ basketball team this year: niors, Brunswick also talked spe- “As long as we stay healthy, we cifically about Sarah Applegate, should be able to do well in both a returning senior slated to play the Friends League and in South basketball at Dickinson next year. Jersey.” He was hesitant to make He predicted that this well-round- bolder predictions about the fate ed player “should have a good of his squad because he did not season if she stays healthy.” yet know his team’s full roster; however, he did know that he has Last Season: many returning upperclassmen. The girls’ basketball team Coach Brunswick recognized that last year had 10 wins and 13 loss- “[as long as] our team can play es, with a 4-4 record in the Friends together well like last season, we League. The .500 record in the have a good chance at being suc- Friends League last year gave cessful this season.” them the 5th seed, missing the playoffs by half a game. Notable Players to Watch: wins in the Friends League con- The lady Foxes have many sisted of away victories at George returning upperclassmen this year, School and Westtown, where they including seniors Jasmine Brown beat their opponents by double and Katrina Savon and junior Sar- digit scores. Last year’s season ah Henig, who together form what ended at the hands of Gill St. Ber- Brunswick called a “three-headed nard’s, in the Non-Public B State monster down low.” Brunswick Tournament, by a score of 93-26. added, “Emily [McKeown], a very good three-point shooter, and No-

Fencing By AJ Dunham Coach’s Corner: Christian Aguilar. His goals Milos Vasic is returning include a state championship as head coach of the team qualification for Aguilar. Last this year. His goals for the year, he placed second in team this year include qual- district championships and ifying the épée team for the sixth in state championships state championships as well to earn a spot on the 2nd all- as qualifying senior Christian state squad. Aguilar for the state champi- Last Season: onships. Along with Aguilar, Juniors Matt Scalamandre The 2012-2013 season and Alex Master are expected was an impressive season in by Coach Vasic to play key accolades for the team. The roles for the team. épée squad qualified for state championships and finished 8th. Christian Aguilar qual- Players to Watch: ified and finished 6th in the Coach Vasic expects a individual épée. strong season out of senior