Friends’ Central School

VolumeF XXXV Issue 6 1101 City CUSAvenue Wynnewood Pennsylvania 19096 Special Issue Spring 2010 Edition SPECIAL ISSUE: DECADE IN REVIEW 2000-2010 Changes in FCS Through the To Our Readers, Eyes of the Headmaster We are so excited to present to you our annual special Lower School to its current issue which this year is aptly themed A Decade in school had to invest in By Madelena Rizzo ‘10 location on Old Gulph Road. new buildings, which has Review. As we begin the ’10s, the Focus staff revisited Mr. Felsen asserted that When current involved major campaigns of the past decade’s successes and failures, fads and there was a “huge response Headmaster David Felsen the last two decades. fashion, technology and innovations, throwbacks and to the second campus,” arrived here in 1988, Friends’ Both the academic and setbacks, and probably most importantly, its influence resulting in an increase of Central was composed of 630 athletic buildings were on all of us from childhood to adolescence. As seniors students to over 1000 in students; this encompassed lacking at the beginning prepare to leave, reflecting on their time at FCS, total. With this blossoming Focus all three divisions, mind of the second millennium. of enrollment, there was invites you to look a little bit farther back into the past you. Indeed, the Upper The science building also a swelling of diversity, to remember what was and to be excited for what will School was only about 220 was “inadequate,” and and FCS was flooded with be. Thanks for your support this past year, and we hope students, and the Lower the Linton and Rex talented individuals. New Focus gave you a better “focus” on campus life and the School was nestled into gymnasiums limited programs were developed, larger world. the current Middle School spectator attendance and and the faculty grew in size building. The dynamics of the also athletic performance. to accommodate the unique school changed drastically Mr. Felsen headed this Arielle Fogel and Madelena Rizzo , Editors-in-Chief and ever-growing student beginning in 1990 with expansion campaign, which body. However, this increase the decision to move the saw the construction of the in size also meant that the Fannie Cox Center and Shimada. In addition, tennis courts were added and 7 FCS Campus: Then and Now acres of land were leased The FCS campus has changed dramatically in the past 10 years. Here is see HEADMASTER on page 2 a look back on the appearance of the campus at the turn of the century. By Daniel Banko '13

The Cottage (used by Development Dept.) Paving of the Tennis Courts The Red Building (used by the Math Dept.)

Frame of Shimada Gym Front of the Campus in 2010 -- Photo Courtesy of Haleemah Jackson Page 2 April 2010 Editors from the Past 10 Years Consider the Past 10 Years Focus By Arielle Fogel ‘10

Throughout this issue, Geoff studied at Vassar College comparable to the invention of seared into every American’s sense of connection and the current Focus staff has and then moved to France for the printing press! In fact, the memory. And then came the euphoria among all the reminisced, lamented, and a year to teach English. Now, Internet has already changed aftermath. Two long wars in Philly fans enjoying the explained the past decade. In he is currently a reporter in how we live our lives. Just look Afghanistan and Iraq, Abu moment, which I have never order to make our account of New Jersey where he’s been very at Facebook!” Ghraib, Guantanamo Bay, experienced anywhere else.” the decade more gratifying, we successful, winning a few New Daniel Pearl, torture memos, decided to reach out to former Jersey Press Association awards Jimmy is currently a medical Saddam Hussein’s execution, Matt, a sophomore at the Focus editors-in-chief from in the past couple of years. student in the 6th of a 7-year and all the rest. I cannot even University of Pennsylvania, the past 10 years to nominate medical program at National imagine what the decade is working towards a what they considered the Joyce Miller ’03 – “The Taiwan University in Taipei, would have looked like if the degree in economics with most memorable things of the creation of Youtube has Taiwan. attack had not occurred.” concentrations in finance and decade. affected everything with a real entrepreneurship. or potential audience, causing Sarah Brown ’05 – “I Aaron has just started his MD/ David Talemal ’00 – “The major power shifts in all would say increased global PhD at Harvard University Brendan Kaminsky ’08 – “To most memorable thing in the creative entertainment medias, communication through where he will study the me, the most memorable last 10 years for me, would and opening up a whole new e-mail, blogs, and social media economics of health. occurrence of the decade was have to be the introduction realm of possibilities for networks like Facebook, 9/11. Witnessing America, of the iPhone. I’ve had upstarts and young people twitter, myspace, linkedin, Ben Present ’07 – “This the most important force in all 3 generations so far, – and on an individual, flikr, etc. has had a profound past decade was definitely the world under attack,made and I definitely believe it educational level. Students can impact on the world this past a memorable one, from us question world stability revolutionized the way people Youtube Sean Penn harassing decade. When I graduated experiencing 9/11 as a and global US supremacy. stay mobile. From having a his daughter or dead poets from FCS, we were just seventh grader, to electing Personall,y being so close to phone, to surfing the web, to reading their own work aloud starting to use Smart Boards our first black president, to these attacks was very scary, listening to music and playing (while they were alive). We’re (leave it to avant-garde the Phillies winning their first and threatened my sense of games, the iPhone made an audio-visual society for the teachers like Mr. Gruber to championship in 25 years. security to travel in the United us much more of a mobile time being and Youtube serves institute such cutting-edge Talk about an unbelievable 10 States.” society, much more so than we as one of our central theaters.” learning technology) and years. Also I think you have were back in 2000. e-mail for school-related to look at creations like the Brendan is currently studying After graduating from FCS, projects. Now look at the kids iPod, the GPS, and Facebook at UNC-Chapel Hill where he Currently a manager at a Joyce studied at NYU where she these days! And it’s not just and the impact they’ve had is majoring in Management local Arby’s restaurant, David majored in theater. kids, obviously. Nonprofits, on people’s lives. Our world and Society with a minor in is trying to become a general like the one I currently work was certainly a completely entrepreneurship. He also plays manager sometime in the Jimmy Yang ’04 – “If it’s one for called Peace Action West different place 10 years ago.” on the basketball team. upcoming months. single ‘most memorable’ event, out in the San Francisco it’d have to be 9-11, but I’m Bay Area, use social media Ben is currently a junior at Dan Fedder ’08 – “There Geoff Wertime ’02 – “If guessing other former editors network marketing to target the University of Maryland are many important events there’s one thing that rippled will write about that, so I’ll potential peace advocates, where he’s been working for that define a period of time. through the first decade of write about something else. mobilize collective actions, the student newspaper, The I think the iPod and iTunes the new millennium, it’s I think when we look back and galvanize coordinated Diamondback. This summer, revolutionized the way we the effects of theSeptember in the future, the defining legislative pressure.” he’ll be interning in Harrisburg listen to and transport music 11 attacks. Throughout development of the 2000s at The Patriot-News, working today, which ultimately the years since that day in would be the information Aaron Schwartz ’05 – “That’s for the sports section. changed the way we 2001 we’ve experienced two explosion, which isn’t one a tough question you posed! communicate. We can see its wars, dramatic changes in event but a whole series As I’m typing this, I’m trying Matt Buchwald ’08 – development over the entire personal privacy expectations, of events, from Google to to decide between September “Watching the Phillies win decade as well, so this was a and a total shift in foreign Wikipedia to Youtube to 11th, the financial crisis, and the world series was one of the major part of the 2000s.” policy. Other countries have Twitter. This decade marked Barack Obama’s election. I most memorable moments completely reassessed their the shift from traditional hate to be a downer on this of the decade for me. It was Dan is a sophomore at international relations policies media to the web. The result one, but I have to go with incredibly exciting to watch Washington University in as well, and a notable few have is not only greatly increased September 11th. The attack the game and insanely fun St. Louis where he is double- undergone massive upheavals.” accessibility of information, inflicted such intense trauma to experience the post-game majoring in history and but also widespread channels on the country and its citizens. celebration on Broad Street. accounting. After graduating from FCS, for publication. The impact is The images from that day were There was an indescribable from HEADMASTER on page 1 current parking lot. This green we are faced with the threat an early age. These challenging of students” that results in from Lankenau to field the created a coherence of all of of shrinkage. According to times have led FCS to adapt a a “diverse student body.” girls’ soccer, varsity baseball the buildings; the architect Mr. Felsen, new marketing However, the administration and lacrosse teams. Mr. Felsen described it as a wheel, with the Lower campaign must be conscious of the partnered this growth of its various spokes leading out School is centered on future and ensure that FCS athletic facilities with a surge into the world. This was also feeling the the slogan, remains the place we love. in school spirit and unity. an important step in creating brunt of “Quaker Amazingly, Mr. Felsen Shimada boasted a gorgeous a more unified curriculum the hard Works.” revealed that there are already gym, a pool, and a wrestling and a more connected student times, since Despite these plans for the school 25 to 30 room, and it quickly became a body. Imagine FCS without parents measures, Mr. years into the future! That’s place where the student body the campus green--it would are less Felsen assured vision for you. could gather to watch games. certainly be a lot less appealing willing than me that the So much has changed at Unbeknownst to me, and inviting! before to philosophy of FCS over the last decades, there used to be a parking lot As the decade came to a enroll their the school is from the actual student in the space that is now the close, FCS was unfortunately children not changing, body to the facilities and oval. Wishing to change this, not spared in the economic in an as our mission opportunities available. And the architects of the Science recession. For every private expensive is still to as Mr. Felsen enthusiastically Building conceived a campus school in the area, enrollment private “attract a stated, “We’re not done yet!” green that would expand the is barely staying constant, and school from healthy mix April 2010 Page 3 America’s Changing Political Landscape What the Past Decade political system. It revealed the most popular political By Benjamin Yahalomi ‘11 flaws in our security system ideology, with more Should Be Called conservatives (40%) than Over the last 10 -- from airports to public By Devon Kratchman ‘10 years, there has been a buildings -- and flaws in our moderates (36%). A shock, dynamic shift in the political government's response to the I know! At Friends’ Central, This past decade has been filled with great technological landscape in Washington crisis; and it threw our nation liberals dominate (how many advances, political controversies, funny television moments, and in city halls around the into desperation and despair. McCain buttons or bake sales and other memorable events. When asked “What should this country. Who would have While 9/11 initially made the did you see around campus decade be called?”; FCS students came up with some clever thought that in 2008, the US united as a country, after during the last presidential and thought-provoking decade labels. Here are the top 11: country could/would elect some time tensions between campaign?), but around the a president of color, Barack Republicans and Democrats country, that’s not the case. 1. The iDecade Obama? But our country has exploded. encountered major problems: Nevertheless, as we move 2. The Uggs and Leggings Era unemployment, a health Spotlight on 2009: the into the new decade, I care crisis with outrageous minority party, Republicans, see a bright future for our 3. The Decade of Change costs, two major wars, 9/11, delaying votes on a bill they government. Politicians like and skyrocketing college fear will pass. At one point Republican Bobby Jindal, 4. The War on Terror Era costs. The population is in our nation’s history, the governor of Louisiana, disenchanted with a Congress filibuster was rare. But and Democrat Joe Sestak, 5. The Age of the Internet th that is stagnant and rarely in 2009, 139 bills were congressman from the 7 accomplishes anything. filibustered in the United District of Pennsylvania 6. The “All the Celebrities are Dying at Once” Era The Democratic controlled States Senate. There is not a (encompassing suburbs near Congress now has an approval more striking example of the Friends’ Central), represent 7. The Return of Retro Decade rating of only 18%, with 4 out pitfalls of partisanship. the new party leadership, and of 5 Americans unhappy with they will bring new ideas to 8. The Text Me Era the job they’re doing. As we encounter new Washington. 9. Tech Dec challenges, like the Wars The first decade of in Iraq and Afghanistan, As we move forward, 10. The Snookie Era the millennium will be Americans become there is hope for increased remembered as a pinnacle increasingly partisan in their cooperation between party 11. The “Leggings are not Pants” Era in the ongoing development viewpoints. According to the leadership and important new of American politics. 9/11 Gallup Poll, conservatism legislation over the next few profoundly reshaped our is now, for the first time, years. Longstanding FCS Teachers Shed Light On Their Experience At FCS faculty since 1969) added been working at FCS). Mr. to have a football team in One part of our school that By Benjamin Fogel ‘13 that now that all campus Davis went on to say that he the 70's who won three both Mr. Davis, Mr. Bradburd For this article, I buildings face the oval, the rather enjoyed seeing and league championships, but and Ms. Gowen Tolcott interviewed longstanding entire school has a different teaching the children of his because of a lack of student agreed will never change is FCS teachers to get their feel. He said that the school past students. To be able to see participation in football, the the sense of community. Our perspectives on how life has now focuses on the center of how generations and children team was dropped. Many community might be changed at school since they the campus and even though progress over the years is a new sports have also been continuously growing, but have been teaching here. (The there may be a greater number really special part of Mr. Davis' added in recent years such as our school's togetherness and earliest perspective, from Mr. of students on campus, all the time on campus. Although lacrosse, golf, indoor track and Quaker identity will never Davis, goes back to the late students are connected by the Mr. Davis thinks that students water polo. The requirement change. Mr. Davis told me 60's.) When I talked to them, campus oval. Mr. Davis also today are not as globally for sports credits has also that one of his favorite parts there emerged many similar expressed his appreciation conscious and interested as dramatically changed over about FCS is the constant themes and understandings of for FCS' GSA (Gay-Straight generations in the past (such the years. When talking to warm feeling that everyone how FCS has changed. They Alliance) and the amazing as when the students gave up Mr. Bradburd, I found out shows for each other, and all agreed that FCS has grown impact it has had on the FCS their Senior Prom in 1969 that originally students were the bonding we all share as a and expanded considerably community. He elaborated, to raise money for a local required to play all 12 seasons community every Wednesday over the years. There have been explaining that 30, 20, even 15 organization), he agrees that during their time at Friends' morning during Meeting for both positive and negative years ago, it was very difficult students today are just as Central; that number was Worship. Friends' Central's effects to this change. and almost unbearable for a warm and loving as they have reduced to seven seasons loving atmosphere is what student or teacher to come always been. before what it is today, 4 separates us from other Ms. Gowen Tolcott (FCS out and be openly gay. Now seasons. schools and is something faculty since 1981) said that with the establishment of Mr. Bradburd (FCS faculty that has not changed in the she used to know all the the GSA 12 years ago, the since 1977) explained to me Besides the sports past. This is something we students and teachers when community is more accepting the effect that the building programs, a number of must appreciate and recognize the student body was smaller of all students (whether they're of Shimada has had on the other school programs have just as these teachers have and now some of that small gay or not). Since Mr. Davis school. The sports teams now expanded majorly over the already done. community «feel» is gone. has been teaching at FCS for have a nicer and newer facility years. Originally FCS only Along with the expansion of so long, he has had the rare to train and play games. A had one orchestra, one play a (Incidentally, other teachers the student body, there have privilege of being able to teach building and a gym like year, and two choirs (one for who have been here 25 years or been many physical changes multiple generations of the Shimada complemented our the Upper School and one for more include Mr. Morris, Mr. across campus as well. With same family. He said that this basketball teams' continual the Middle School). The arts Nic, Mr. Buc, Doc Harnett, the construction of the FCC, interesting event at first really integration into our school's at FCS have come a long way Mr. Crauderueff, Ms.Haimm, the Language Building, shocked him (he thought community and popularity. since then, given the number Ms.Johnson and Ms. DeVan.) and Shimada, students are his age had finally caught up Sports have evolved at of orchestras, choirs and plays more spread out around to him and never realized Friends' Central throughout we now have yearly. campus. Mr. Davis (FCS how long he had actually time. For example, we used Page 4 April 2010 Fast Forward (Future Fashion, Friendships and Fun) overexposed leg warmers and worn as a dress-like outfit by ten layers of additional skirt Future Friendships: The By Gwendolyn Lewis ‘10 the still surviving high waist itself. An Outer Garment can underneath the outer layer of boom of technology in the jeans accompanied by a tucked add a touch of class to anyone’s skirt, no woman can feel more last 10 year span has taken Future Fashion: History in shirt. feminine than friendship to a new level repeats itself. It repeats itself We’ve replicated when wearing and has even redefined the in politics, world relations, the Fresh Prince of Bell this skirt! The meaning of the word. There human actions and most Air and his trademark outer layer are “Facebook friends,” visibly in fashion. Since the 90s gear by wearing of the skirt is “Facebook mutual friends,” dawn of the new millennium all of the colors of the embroidered “Myspace friends” and “AIM we have been defining rainbow at once, with a with a poodle buddies.” Nowadays, it is “what’s hot” and “what’s pair of Reebok Classic stitched in possible to carry out complete not” by adopting fashion sneakers to match. Bill the bottom friendships and even romantic trends from the previous Cosby even has a skirt at right corner. relationships without ever decades. This is the copy-cat Urban Outfitters named This item can having to meet in person or decade, the revival decade. and fashioned after his be found in hear each others' voices. If We’ve resurrected the 60s unique 90s sweaters, your local we never see or hear some of Letter Jackets, designed for called “The Cosby grandmother’s these people in real life, then the football or basketball Skirt.” So, what’s left? closet. how can we be sure that they “jocks”(look out for our own Or more interestingly, The 100 lb. actually exist? But, if they varsity boys basketball team what’s next? Well, Multipurpose are the “ideal friend” then sporting these jackets around fortunately for the Dress: copyright how much do we actually campus). Also from the 60s, future, we’ve yet to heist Renaissance - care about their authenticity? we’ve swiped the slack pants the 50s, the Renaissance Weighing in at After all, as Euripides said, and the dressy casual pocketed or Medieval eras, and approximately “One loyal friend is worth button down shirt. the Biblical times. 90lbs is this ten thousand relatives.” And We’ve subtly robbed Let’s take a look neutral colored if you think MySpace and the 70s of their earthy sandals at a few future fashion dress that can Facebook were revolutionary, and waist belts, and we’ve must haves: be worn on any wait until the launch of blatantly mimicked them The Outer Garment:copyright From http://www.mr-l.org/wp- occasion (i.e. swimming, AutoFriend.com! (COMING with peasant shirts, peace B.C.E - The Outer Garment content/uploads/2009/10/Lady- bathing, riding a bike, SOON in the near future) - a sign décor, hippy headbands, is a must- have staple in any gaga-corset.jpg frolicking in town). It is place to make “real” friends. gaucho pants and the bold man or woman’s wardrobe. perfect for any duty that Design or discover an already floral print. We’ve milked The Outer Garment, made closet and in it you will feel as a woman may carry out in concocted character and the 80s for all they’re worth, to accommodate all seasons retro fashionable as Moses. her everyday life. Wearing befriend it in an instant. Who first by “partying like a rock (comes in wool, cotton, lace, The Poodle skirt: copyright the dress is a workout in really wants to take the time star” in skinny jeans, thick leather and sheer), is an ankle 1950s - Similar to an oversized itself (carrying the dress on to get to know someone, glasses, sweat suits and chunky long overcoat which can be tutu, the poodle skirt is perfect your body burns calories like enduring the awkward stages fake gold chains (Hello, worn over most or all outfits to be worn with a cardigan on aerobic exercise). Run DMC!). Second, we’ve see FORWARD on page 5 or when fastened it can be a cool spring day. With about imitated them with boldly demonstrates these new look back at media from of the food and drug law players in the advertising 20 years ago, you would and regulations.” In other Sex Sells: Ads 2000-Today world. increase in the share of be hard-pressed to find words, drug companies By Madelena Rizzo ‘10 a prescription drug ad. were dissuaded from attractive flesh ‘on display.’” Another interesting According to the Food and displaying their products Whereas in the past women change in advertisements It’s seductive. It’s Drug Law Journal (“The for the public because of the were the main focus points has come from those alluring. It’s…..Millstone Development of Direct- burdensome warnings and of such ads, there is a trend involving food. As America coffee? Advertisements to-Consumer Prescription product information that from the past decade has become more health- share many important conscious (one might characteristics, including say health-obsessive), the all-important sex appeal. companies have made a Even though the use of point to state the calorie the erotic to promote a count of their products or product has been a seller for another similar statement, in decades, ads are continually addition to listing the health evolving to become more benefits. It is interesting and more suggestive. The to note that although the advertisements that I cited Stouffer’s Steak Tips Dijon above are both from 2001, below is part of their Lean demonstrating the use of Cuisine line, it says nothing were required by law. In sex to advertise a product of displaying erotic men as Drug Advertising on the front of the package the past, it was the doctors as neutral as coffee. Indeed, well. Regulation”), “With or in the advertisement who were targeted by the according to Wikipedia, regard to broadcast media, about its nutritional drug companies instead “Increased tolerance, more Advertising for this is a relatively new benefits. The motto states, of the patients. However, tempered censorship, prescription medications has phenomenon because, for “Do something good after the Food and Drug emancipatory developments exploded in the past decade, many years, pharmaceutical for yourself,” but this is Administration lessened the and increasing buying power now appearing everywhere manufacturers were ambiguous. Does this mean requirements for such ads, of previously neglected you turn. This developing reluctant to advertise their that you should ease up on the drug companies jumped appreciative target groups in market is known as “Direct- products directly to the yourself and allow yourself at the opportunity to appeal rich markets (mainly in the to-consumer” prescription consumer because of the directly to their recipients. west) have led to a marked drug advertising. If you ‘brief summary’ requirement see ADS on page 5 The 2002 ad below April 2010 Page 5 When Teachers Had a Life Another teacher, Nina called Escuela Bella Vista. However, physics. In By Samantha Resnik '12 Morton, was only 14 years The school was located in these bumps addition Some of you will be old and was in the 8th grade. her hometown of Maracaibo, in the road did to playing surprised to find out that She attended a small private Venezuela, and was composed not stop her. soccer 10 years ago, many teachers school in California, where of a diverse student body. Ms. Socorro there, here at FCS were in very she was the shortest person She professes, “Teaching eventually he also different places than they are in her class. Ms. Morton at EBV was definitely a arrived in played the culturally enriching Philadelphia, saxophone experience.” Though where she in a funk Ms. Socorro was very currently band called close with her family, resides. “Hiram.” she was looking for She good- That a new adventure. naturedly said, summer, She wanted to “Coming from Mr. teach Spanish at an Maracaibo, McCann international school one of the was an in another country, warmest and ocean but one of the sunniest cities lifeguard requisites to apply in Venezuela at the to those schools and with a Amagansett was citizenship or year round Beach residency in the temperature Association United States. She of about 950 F, in East now. For instance, Mr. Coval 10 Years Ago did not have either. you can imagine Hampton, Andy Coval, 10th how hard it was NY. He grade algebra teacher, was a explained that she for me to adjust humorously senior at Emory University hated science at the to the winter recounted, th majoring in philosophy. After time, which is ironic weather of Ms. Morton in 8 grade “I got paid he graduated, he wanted to seeing that she is now a Philadelphia.” to body volunteer, so he headed off first-rate chemistry and And last surf and get to a Mexican neighborhood Foundations teacher. but not least, Mr. McCann, sunburned. What a job!” located in Chicago to Instead, she was crazy also a math teacher, was Now you will probably volunteer for a church and about British literature. only a few miles away from sit in class and wonder where community center. Afterward, Ms. Morton, laughing, FCS a decade ago. He was your teacher was a decade Mr. Coval spent three months proclaimed, “I thought a sophomore at Haverford ago. Well, not if you have Mr. as a guest in a monastery, I was going to be a College, where he majored in Buck… living and following the rules writer, which definitely Your RSVP: Yes. No. Maybe. as if he were a monk. When I is not happening now.” from FORWARD on page 4 asked Mr. Coval what he was At the same when there is nothing to talk Host: Boy. thinking about 10 years ago, time, all the way in about and too much to learn? he replied, “Ten years ago I another continent, one Skip all of the tedious and Time:8pm sharp Venue: was thinking about the same of the Upper School’s annoying aspects of friendship Facebook chat things I’m thinking about Spanish teachers, Ms. and find a loyal, long-lasting avatar to be your friend today now: What to do with my Socorro, was teaching Mrs. Soccorro 10 Years Ago Description: Dear Crush, I life.” at an international school on AutoFriend.com. Hello always wanted to ask you out from ADS on page 4 were lower in resolution, advertisers focus more on popularity and goodbye social but I was always afraid to do outcast! On this site no one so in person. Thanks to the to indulge? The intentional the colors were duller, and visuals and less on text has to be lonely. Complete a future meaning of a Facebook choice of “yourself” instead the gadgets depicted were because they are aware that brief personality test and be event, I can now take you on of “your body” infers that clunky and awkward by many readers will not take time to read all of the print. automatically matched with a a digi-date. Will you go out best friend. AutoFriends give with me? So, what sort of ads you the pros of friendship can we expect to see in the while eliminating the cons. Guests: 2 Attending: future? Certainly more on Digitally manufactured, 2. Maybe: 0. Not Yet the computer, as technology these friends are exempt from Responded: 0. continues to evolve. With the imperfections of human more and more TV viewers friends. F.F.U.B.U (friends for Wall: (write something): recording their shows us, by us)! Girl: 10.01pm: What should or buying them and thus I wear? avoiding the commercials, Future Fun: Between text companies will be forced invites and Facebook events, to use other means to sell the act of mailing an invitation today’s standards. Also, is becoming extinct. With this dinner is not healthy their goods. Expect even there were many more the click of a button, you enough to be touting its more erotic ads as society words in the old ads than can organize a gathering of worth to the world. As becomes increasingly blasé there are in modern ads. thousands of people from all Bring it on societal attitudes towards about what is presented to As an example, look at over the U.S. But what if the food change, so do the them, and fewer words in the 2002 ad for the Honda Facebook event actually took Class of 2020! advertisements (even if the the ads. That said, how will Civic Hybrid. The reader is place on Facebook? Let’s take product has not changed). overwhelmed by paragraphs future observers dissect today’s advertisements? a look at the possibility of this describing the car and its happening in the future: Looking over ads from features, so much so that What will they be able to the start of this millennium, say about our society from it takes away from the Event Title: A Date. I noticed obvious actual product. These days, the values we exhibited in differences: the images our ads? Page 6 April 2010 O Brave New (CGI) World! The Decade in Music

By Steve Patterson (Faculty) count on reliable, sometimes By Scott Kulicke ‘10 a massive eraser out and astonishing performances. break your heart. And just as The last decade in starting again.” While horribly Computer generated Heath Ledger best stradled Ratatouille, The Incredibles, music has, in a huge way, been pretentious (a trend of the imagery (CGI) ruled movie both venues: his trumped-up or Finding Nemo made us a response to the 90s. With decade: pretentious artists houses with a steady stream Joker was the unidentifiable wonder if our love for the an excess of pop-punk (Blink making fantastic music (i.e., of must-see blockbuster epics. menace among us; and his Pixar style had grown too 182, Sum 41) sandwiched Kanye West: Graduation), Over the past 10 years, we've lovelost Ennis del Mar showed thick, stop-action reared its between nonsense (Limp Yorke was right: Radiohead had the computer-enabled how easily we misidentify that charming, claymation head via Bizkit), the thousands came completely changed the way Ring trilogy, the Potter series, menace. The Fantastic Mr. Fox. Perhaps around looking for something alt-rock was viewed, and, the Pirates franchise, legions the most provocative use of new. Several things grew out with a single album, cut out of superhero tales, and more With Bowling for Columbine the form: Waltz With Bashir, of this, but as the decade went pop-punk and ska bands that a hybrid of along, artists found themselves had had their way the past documentary looking around, disappointed decade (see the failure of Blink and animation with some of the answers 182 drummer and bassist’s that captured that emerged. There were project, +44, as an example). conflict in the some seeds that were more What followed was a more Middle East. mainstream recognition of There has bands like The been something Strokes (Is This of a paradox It?), The Flaming in the steady Lips (Yoshimi wave of films Battles The Pink struggling to Robots), and Avatar actress pre- and post-CGI. than a few make sense of the war in The Killers (Hot apocalyptic and Fahrenheit 9/11, Michael Iraq, a war we've hardly Fuss). Kid A was images of the Statue of Liberty Moore shaped a new attitude been allowed to witness hip to electronica imploding. All of them about the power and purpose otherwise (see The Hurt before Discovery have showcased awesome of documentaries. We came Locker or In the Valley of came out, and the spectacles, many of them have to enjoy the likes of Grizzly Elah). Indeed, with much collective impact made spectacular fortunes, Man, Hoop Dreams, or that was tragic marring our of these two and a few already look Murderball for their subjective times, it was not surprising albums paved cheesy. Frankly, I can't see viewpoints. We got so hip that many films dealt with influential than others, two of electronica’s road so that now how any one of them is more to the form that the jokes in the pain of memory and the which were Radiohead’s Kid we’re learning to deal with the breathtaking than what Ang mockumentaries like Borat or illusions of identity -- Donnie A and Daft Punk’s Discovery new found tool we have. Some Lee did with thin wires and Best In Show were easily Darko, Memento, Away From (2000 and 2001, respectively). have overused it (T-Pain: bamboo trees in Crouching caught, and it's become high Her, Eternal Sunshine of the Discovery opened autotuning), some have found Tiger. But we are definitely praise to say of a film, like the Spotless Mind, to name a one of the biggest doors their own niche within it in for more: Avatar closed drama-verite, The Class,«It few. Or that the zeitgeist was of the decade: electronica. (M.I.A), and some have used the decade with its modest seemed like a documentary.» so often captured through a What had been more or less its convenience to make some promise to transform the way lens darkly, as in There Will a marginal genre met with of the best albums of the movies are made and watched. Speaking of cinematic forms Be Blood, Children of Men, skepticism and dismissal decade (The Grey Album by enjoying a renaissance, what District 9, No Country for Old from “real musicians,” but Danger Mouse). It was also a decade when about all those cartoons? Up Men, Elephant, or The Lives Discovery, without any sort of The thousands have you could follow certain actors can now boast an exemplary pre-conceived agenda, shook been a decade defined by our to the Ritz or the cineplex and montage, guaranteed to see MOVIES on page 7 enough of the preconceptions answer to the 90s, electronica, about electronica that the and while some albums and door was opened in some artists have encountered huge Best Books of the Decade…Says Who?? really great, really horrible successes in conjunction ways. with the normal progression Wellesley. Kid A, however, was By Marilyn Lager (Faculty) (Lil Wayne, The White much more intentional. Thom Stripes), the truly interesting I always freeze when So when Yorke of Radiohead, upon the development has been anyone asks me (and people I thought release of the album, explained watching musicians fiddle do all the time) to name my about writing that, «Kid A is like getting with their new toy: computers. all-time favorite book or an essay about the they chose…and then see if from the UK is one of my author. I feel like a deer in I, a librarian with 35 years of favorite authors, and she was the headlights, because at best books of the decade, experience, agreed. the winner in 2007. A South first, I stammer, and I become African writer, J.M. Coetzee, tongue-tied, and then finally I started having the The Nobel Literature Prize, awardee in 2003, has written mumble something about awarded yearly to the author books such as Disgrace and Toni Morrison or Philip Roth same trouble. I am an who has written works Slow Man, and I can count or even Maeve Binchy. I “that have most benefited his book, The Life and Times frequently play back the scene over-zealous reader, humankind,” chose authors, in of Michael K as one of my at my interview at Wellesley the last decade, from China, favorites. So I’m not too out College, back in the days and I have read over 3 from the UK, Hungary, of synch with Mr. Nobel. when personal interviews at South Africa, Austria, Turkey, colleges were key to admission, a hundred books in this France, and last year, Romania. In this country, we have the and I was asked those same (No Americans. In fact, National Book Awards and questions: What is your past decade. I decided to American writers have only the Pulitzer Prizes, both which favorite book? Who is your garnered the award 7 times in favorite author? I froze then, turn to the experts and over 100 years.) I am pleased see BOOKS on page 7 too, and that September, I to say that Doris Lessing, went to a college other than see what From http://amazon.com April 2010 Page 7 TheBest Of The Decade According to FCS Faculty Devon Kratchman '10 and Rebekah Ahn '10

We went to the FCS terrain decision that had people whom he thinks may patients and their families’ singing “The Lamb,” all of the specialists to uncover what affected the whole world.” be his father. lives. Dr. Yin was involved musicals, and working with they thought to be the best The invasion into Iraq, one in a lab at UPenn in the late Theory II students. of the best of the past decade. of the most powerful nations 1990s that was searching From movies to moments to in the world, has interrupted MOST SIGNIFICANT for the mutation in a gene BEST PAINTING OR scientific discoveries, these any international cooperation SCIENCE DISCOVERY: that caused FOP. In 2006, ARTIST: teachers chose monumental, and only triggered a series of this lab found the mutation Although Mrs. Takiff-Weiss influential, and interesting unfortunate events that we Because “there are too many that caused the disease, and did not declare this piece of ‘Best Ofs’. “will continue to experience exciting discoveries within when she heard the news art necessarily the best painting the echoes of for many years to [her] field that have come she “had to pull over on the of the decade, she considered come.” out in the last 10 years,” Dr. road and shout out [her] the Obama Hope painting MOST SIGNIFICANT Yin chose a scientific finding astonishment and joy!” Dr. by Shepard Fairey to be one HISTORICAL EVENT: BEST PIECE OF she has a more personal Yin says “the discovery is of the most “momentous LITERATURE (FICTION): connection to. She chose the not only a beautiful example paintings” from the past ten Dr. Graham says that the discovery of the gene and of molecular genetics and years. Shepard Fairey had been elections of Barack Obama Mrs. Novo says that “one of mutation responsible for biochemistry, but it has notorious for making political and George W. Bush II the more under-appreciated the disease Fibrodyplasia already accelerated and statements with his art pieces, were the most significant books of the decade” is The ossificans progressive(FOP). focused research efforts to find and his Hope painting caused historical events of the decade Last Samurai by Helen This disease turns patients’ treatments for these patients.” a lot of commotion. Although because Obama’s election DeWitt. It was “an incredible milestone was published on so many levels” while in 2000 and BEST Bush’s elections were “also has a “breezy, MUSICIAN very significant, given the clever voice OR BEST constitutional issues they that might MUSIC raised.” remind us PIECE: of Dave Mr. Calder says that Eggers or Mr. Davis the rise of China is the most Zadie Smith.” lists many of historical event of the decade The book is his favorite because “China began to about a single FCS music assert itself in entirely new mother and moments of ways on the world stage” and her son in the decade such may become “the dominant London. The as Liz Gross economy on the planet in young boy and Taiwo the next decade or so.” He is a prodigy Whetstone, predicts that while England whose family both from the and the US have been the life in London class of 2000, dominant powerhouses of the is wacky and singing a duet world for centuries, the next out of the from “Norma” few “may belong to Asia with ordinary. The by Bellini, the China in the lead.” boy decides Upper School he wants to From http://large.bangzo.com Chorus singing From www.designlessbetter.com Mr. Rosengarten find his father, some of his says that the decision to yet his mother will not tell muscle into bone so that the work, last year’s Shepard Fairey was charged invade Iraq in 2003 is the him who he is. Most of the patient is essentially “trapped Barbershop singing “You’re with copyright infringement most historic event of the story is focused on a series of in a second skeleton”. This Just Too Good To Be True” decade. Rosengarten states encounters the boy has with disease, as you can well to him, Vocal Ensemble see BEST on page 8 this was a “change-of-the- imagine, has severe effects on

from MOVIES on page6 Tambien, Amores Perros, from BOOKS on page 6 Strout’s, Olive Kitteridge. (Although the kinder, gentler Cidade de Deus, El Orfanato, award would decidedly not of Others. While each was and anything by Pedro award fiction top prizes. go to Cormac McCarthy’s admirably crafted, hope and Almodovar. They've brought The National tends to The Road,an apocaplytic redemption, when ventured, unfamiliar nuances of joy, pick books with a lot novel of a father and son came apprehensively. color, danger and mystery to of drama and edge, like trying to stay alive when the the screen. Not to mention The News from Paraguay, world has been destroyed). As for the undead Gael Garcia Bernal. 2004, and the book I am popularity of torture-porn in reading right now (how So now, if asked, about the such series as Saw or Hostel, Finally, though I regret prescient of me), Let best books of the decade, I don't get it. And as for the choosing a favorite film of the the Great World Spin by I am not going to stress. I question of vampire hysteria, decade, I'll say El laberinto del Collum McCann, 2009 am going to memorize the there was an answer in the fauno (Pan's Labyrinth). Del winner. It is not my award winners. Ultimately, gorgeously creepy Let the Toro captured the terrible favorite of the bunch… the best books will appear Right One In. More enjoyable innocence of childhood, the or the decade. It is simply on these lists. Somehow, were the goofy bromances urgent necessity of fables, too dramatic and over the even in spite of not wanting that flirted with homosexual the lunacies of war, and the top in plot and language. to follow fashion and desire, then claimed, «Dude, ambiguities of happy endings The Pulitzer awards seem authority, I agree with them I was joking.» Most welcome in ways that made me forget, to go to kinder, gentler most of the time. And I will were the fine imports from with every viewing, that it's books, such as Jhumpa keep on reading into the Latin American and Spanish just another CGI movie. Lahiri’s Interpreter of next decade. directors -- Y Tu Mama Maladies and Elizabeth From http://amazon.com Page 8 April 2010

from BEST on page 7 people of different cultures, to describes how “music can the fascist triumph in Spain in part is breathtaking and well participate in his project; his weave through all cultures as 1939. The cruel stepfather of incorporated into the plot by the Associated Press it brings separate of the movie” for using this image as the strands together,” because Ofelia basis of his painting, the becoming one “tries to lawsuit was cleared, and his uniform piece escape reality painting became one of the as distinctions into a world “iconic images of Obama’s begin to fade. She inhabited by campaign.” Mrs. Takiff- also spoke about fauns, fairies Weiss says this painting how the film was and grotesque “sparks many questions “honest” because figures, and she regarding appropriation, it portrayed the is successful in the role of the artist in cultural tension accomplishing society, and the ability between these her prescribed of art to reach a wide groups as being tasks to return audience.” “far from perfect.” to her real “D’une seule father.” She voix” was “simply claims that the BEST FRENCH FILM: human” and she ending was hopes to teach it bittersweet; it Madame Ostroff- next year in one of was both sad Weinberg says that her French classes. and liberating “D’une seule voix” and in her (“One Voice”/ “One Sole BEST SPANISH opinion, Pan’s Voice”) is the best French From http://ozap.com FILM: From http://www.ramchandra.me.uk Labyrinth “is film of the decade as this Señora Gowen- one of the best documentary focuses on Tolcott says that of Guillermo’s goal being to bring people of Ofelia, the young protagonist the profound power of music. Pan’s Labyrinth is her favorite del Toro’s realizations.” such differing backgrounds to of the film, embodies “the In this film released in 2008, Spanish movie of the decade gather in France, the “neutral” tyranny that will rule the Jean-Yves Labat de Rossi as it combines both reality place, to compose and perform country for decades.” GT personally invites Muslims, and fantasy. It is set during Jews, Christians, Palestinians, music together. Madame describes how “the fantasy From Floaties to Uggs: Fashion Changes TOP TEN INTERNET Spears in 2000, the streets and 90s grunge fashion with PHENOMENA OF THE DECADE By Keira Sultan ‘12 became filled with teen and Converse shoes, Vans, skinny Dentist took over the By Hannah Albertine '12 In the 60s, the hippies preteen Britney look-alikes in jeans, and spiked hair for men Internet in 2009 with 51 spread peace and love in tie midriff tops and trucker hats. and straight hair for women. million views. One small 1) “Charlie Bit Me” dye shirts and long floral But in 2003, people threw Although many of the trends boy on a whole lot of pain- This YouTube craze tops dresses. People discoed away their revealing shirts of the earlier part of the killers. the list with about 161 through the 70s wearing bell and covered up in track suits decade slowly faded, other million views. I’m sure bottoms and platform shoes. by Juicy and Puma. Whether fads such as Uggs (2003), Ray 6) “Jill and Kevin’s Wedding you’ve all seen it, and if They partied Ban wayfarers (2004), Entrance” you haven’t, get to it! Cute through the leggings (2005), ballet Complete with a couple kids, slight pain and Brit- 80s in their flats (2007), flannel dancing down the aisle to ish accents- it can’t get any shoulder shirts and leather jackets Chris Brown’s, “Forever,” better than this! pads and leg (2008), are still sported this real life musical was so warmers, by teens and adults all popular that there was an and rocked over the U.S.. episode of The Office based the 90s in With the rise on it. blazers and of innovative new petticoats. technologies such as 7) “Leave Britney Alone” Each decade iPods, Macbooks, and A Wacky Britney Spears’ is partly iPhones, some believe the 2) “The Evolution of Dance” fan expresses his support defined by years of 2000 through A middle-aged nerd with and sympathy for the the styles that 2010 will be remembered some sweet moves shows troubled pop star. were worn as “the techie age.” As off his versatile style of ev- which echoed this technological trend erything from the Twist to 8) “Numa Numa” the social, caused so called “geek Hammertime. A hilarious lip-sync to the political, and from http://www.papermag.com/ culture” to become Moldovan techno hit. In cultural climate of more accepted and prevalent, 3) Susan Boyle’s Performance 2004, “Numa Numa” was those past ten years. But how running at the gym or fashion trends arose such on Britain’s Got Talent one of the earliest Internet about the past decade? What strutting through high school as Chuck Taylor All Star An unexpected and heart- phenomena to grace the were the fashion styles and halls, teen girls and adults Converse, colorful hoodies, gushing clip from the world. trends that marked the turn of alike paraded monochromatic and tee-shirts with pictures show Britain’s Got Talent. the century, and how do they head to toe valour clothing. and phrases mirroring current Even impossible-to-please 9) “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” epitomize this decade? Those more interested in the pop culture. Simon was smiling! We all sang it in middle If you travel back in time to music scene stayed home As the past decade came school….. the Friends’ Central middle from the gym and rocked to to an end, so did the fashion 4) “Sneezing Baby Panda” school halls in 2000, you will punk rock bands in baggy scene of the 2000s. And what Who knew such a cute 10) “Diet Coke & Mentos most likely overhear a group of jeans, spiky hair, trucker hats, will the 2010s hold for future little fuzz ball could be so Fountain” teeny boppers belting out the and aviator sunglasses made style trends and fads? We’ll loud? A popular experiment tak- familiar lyrics of “Oops I Did popular by bands such as just have to wait and see. en to an extreme measure. It Again.” With pop music at Blink 182, Green Day and 5) “David After the Dentist” (Please contact the Science its height, and the breakout Sum 41. Early 2000 style A personal favorite of Department for further of music sensation Britney was very reminiscent of 70s mine, David After the details.) April 2010 Page 9

Phoenix in the Phast Lane - Decade Edition

Jamie Sundheim ‘02 Hakim Warrick ‘01 Jamie is a proud member of the class of 2002. While at Friends’ Central, In a year where the boys' basketball program captured league and she was an All-League and All-Main Line soccer and basketball player, but it state titles, we should remember a man who took over a program and helped was on the lacrosse field that she really shone. Jamie earned All-League and bring home the FSL championship, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished All-Main Line status all four years as a Phoenix lacrosse star. During her senior since 1974. Hakim Warrick spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at season, she compiled 29 goals and 25 assists. Jamie was nominated for Main University City High School before coming to Friends’ Central in his junior Line Times athlete of the year. After Friends’ Central, Jamie went on to play year. Only 76 points from joining the 1,000 point club, Hakim averaged 16 lacrosse at a division one level as a member of the Princeton women’s lacrosse points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks per game during his senior season. After program. During her career as a Princeton Tiger, she twice reached the national high school, Hakim went to Syracuse University to play basketball. There championship, and took home the crown in 2003. he won a national championship with the Orangemen in 2002. During that game, Warrick had a last second block to ensure a victory for ‘Cuse. He was drafted 19th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA, but now Warrick is a member of the Chicago Bulls. Four years ago, Friends’ Central retired his number 21 jersey.

From http://a.espncdn.com

Let’s Bring the Felsen Cup Home

By Jamie Urlich ‘12 seasons can be attributed to recent memory. the fact that GFS doesn’t have But on the other hand, if In some respects, swimming, boys’ lacrosse or you run cross-country or play this has been a successful golf, and Friends’ Central has baseball, you know firsthand decade for the sports teams housed successful teams in all the powerhouse teams GFS of Friends’ Central. If you three sports. Consequently, has produced. This decade, are a member of either the these sports account for GFS has captured nine of ten swim team or the girls’ tennis almost 20 percent of the total boys’ cross country titles, eight st team, you dominated the 21 championship programs in of ten in girls’ cross country, century thus far. Add two our school’s history and have and six consecutive baseball state championship basketball produced successful programs crowns. Dominance in these trophies to the equation, in the past ten years. sports, as well as consistent and you might think it was a Yet the rivalry still doesn’t showings in others, has good ten years to be a student seem so lop-sided. In boys’ allowed the Tigers to own the athlete at FCS. Yet despite and girls’ basketball, the Felsen cup in the 21st century. some successes, it has been an most heavily attended In terms of championships, embarrassingly slow decade sporting events on campus, Friends’ Central and Championships Over the in terms of our rivalry with Friends’ Central has been Germantown Friends have Germantown Friends School. the dominating power. For the two most successful Decade The competition between three years in a row the boys’ sports programs in Friends the FCS Phoenix and the GFS basketball team has been to League history. The two have Do you think you know how many times each varsity team has captured Tigers, in all varsity sports, the league championship combined for 192 conference the Friends League title over the last 10 years? Put in your guesses, then resulting in the winning of The game, a game that titles in league history, and read on to find out the actual answers! Boys’ Swimming—8 Girls’ Tennis—6 Felsen Cup, has been a one Germantown hasn’t played it makes sense that the two sided contest for the past ten in since 1997 or won since would establish a rivalry. Girls’ Swimming—5 Boys’ Basketball—3 years. The Felsen Cup became 1989. The girls’ basketball Unfortunately, as of late it an official trophy in 1989 team at Germantown has has been all Germantown. Girls’ Lacrosse—3 Softball—3 when David Felsen switched enjoyed more success, but Heading into this decade, Golf—2 Girls’ Soccer—2 from teaching at GFS to being still hasn’t won any league Friends’ Central led the Felsen the headmaster at our school. titles this decade. For the Cup 5-4. However, at the close Boys’ Lacrosse—2 Boys’ Soccer—1 Only twice this past decade majority of FCS students who of the decade, FCS trails 13-7. has the Felsen Cup called our regularly attend the basketball Hopefully in the next decade Boys’ Cross Country—1 Girls’ Basketball—1 City Avenue campus home. games, the real rivals are we can re-establish our leading Girls’ Cross Country—0 Water Polo—0 Ever since 2002, FCS has Shipley and the Academy of position. failed to win the majority the New Church. These two Wrestling—0 Baseball—0 of the regular season varsity schools have been the stiffest Boys’ Track and Field—0 Girls’ Track and Field—0 competitions. competition in the league in Our seemingly successful Page 10 April 2010 Members of the Focus staff from the year 2000

Devon Kratchman – Daniel Banko – Keira Sultan – Jamie Ulrich – Ben Fogel – I aspired to be a Disney Princess, I was addicted to Playmobil. My favorite food was "shushi" (I Hey Arnold’s #1 Fan. Saving the world and drinking and many times attempted to fly still pronounced all my s's as sh's). chocolate milk, all before bedtime. away on a magic carpet ride...but failed miserably.

Jordan Taffet – Sami Resnik – Rebekah Ahn - I knew where to find every Dunkin Donuts and I loved the Wild Thornberrys. If I wasn't watching Rugrats I Zany Brainy in Philadelphia. was playing veterinarian with my Arielle Fogel – stuffed animals. I was obsessed with Rocket Power and when I wasn't watching Nickelodeon, I was owning people in Gogos FOCUS

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Arielle Fogel ‘10 Madelena Rizzo ‘10

LAYOUT EDITOR: Matthew Karliner ‘11

Benjy Yahalomi – Madelena Rizzo – SENIOR/NEWS EDITOR: Questioning was my passion...still is today. Matthew Karliner- Just call me the two-braids- Devon Kratchman ‘10 Stanley Cup here I come... and-a-headband-every-single- day girl! ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR: FCS Babies of the New Decade Scott Kulicke ‘10 SPORTS EDITOR: Jamie Ulrich ‘12

STAFF WRITERS: Hannah Albertine ‘12 Rebekah Ahn ‘10 Daniel Banko ‘13 Jackie Conyers-Jordan ‘10 Alex Flick ‘12 Ben Fogel ‘13 Gwen Lewis ‘10 Sami Resnik ‘12 Keira Sultan ‘12 Jordan Taffet ‘12 Benjamin Yahalomi ‘11 Lea Jayden Weiss Abe Corrigan McCann Anna Callaghan FACULTY ADVISORS: Mrs. Callaghan, Marilyn Lager Ms. Weiss, Art Teacher Mr. McCann, Math Steve Patterson Teacher Former Science Teacher