08-09 EDITION 3.Indd

east lyme high school east lyme, ct

the vvikingiking ssagaaga october 7, 2008 volume 42 edition 3 I AM Rocking Out Music festival returns to New gotten better at what we do. The London better than ever fi rst year it was a little thin.” by Ellie Kleinhans “We have national acts, from places such as Memphis, On September 13th, bands, Brooklyn and Montreal, who artists, and vendors came are touring across the world,” together to celebrate the I AM said Martin. (Independent Art and Music) Many of these acts are on Festival in New London, the verge of breaking big in Connecticut. They fi lled the air the music industry. Two of with music and illuminated the the headlining acts were Kidz sky with spotlights from noon in the Hall and Jay Reatard. to 11 p.m. “Kidz in the Hall have been on “This is the third year TRL and one of their songs has of hopefully many I AM been picked up by the Obama s. mooradian Festivals,” said Rich Martin, campaign,” said Martin. “And The I AM Festival ended with a bang as upcoming artists Kidz in the the head of the New London the I AM Festival was Jay Hall performed in front of a large crowd. Their back drop was a mural Music Festival, which is a non- Reatard’s fi rst day out on his created by four graffi ti artists, who go by the name of profi t organization that runs this second major tour. Do you Destroy and Rebuild. concert. “Over the years we’ve (continued as I AM on pg 11)

comes 10-15 minutes earlier these expenses are becoming an Uphill Both Ways than last year and other buses increasingly imperative issue to East Lyme students are now affected by the change in bus go by my bus stop when they the district. trekking signifi cantly further to routes. She is concerned by could just pick me up later.” Fortunately, Mr. Freeman their bus stops the lack of sidewalks and the These hassles raise the estimated that around $10,000 by Natalie Kazierad and Dana speed of passing cars. She even question: why are the bus routes will be saved by making these Tricarico claims that in attempting to fi nd being restructured? Assistant eliminations. The actual a shorter route to the distant Superintendent of East Lyme outcome of this “experiment” At the beginning of the school bus stop, one of her sons was Public Schools Paul Freeman will be known by the end of the year, many East Lyme students chased by a neighbor’s dog. explained that “Fuel prices school year, when the Board awakened to a new addition in Stephanie Wisner, a freshman were going through the roof all of Education can look back their morning routine—a brisk at East Lyme High School and summer long…we needed to on their fi gures from previous walk (or run)—to the bus stop. a neighbor of the Vidakovics seriously look at fuel costs.” years and compare. Approximately 200 bus had a lot to say about the new Mr. Freeman also explained In addition to cutting the stops throughout the district bus stop changes: “It’s really that by reducing the number cost of fuel and saving time, the were removed or consolidated, far and it’s annoying to have to of bus stops, bus routes would district is now “going green” requiring students to leave their go all the way there. It will be a become more time-effi cient and by reducing the amount of fuel houses earlier and walk further, real pain in the winter, because less expensive. being used. Sheila, contract textbooks and all. it’s all uphill, and it will be all According to the Transportation manager of the district’s bus “I think it’s a safety thing icy and snowy.” Energy Data Book report, the company calculated that 12,000 that’s the biggest deal,” said A junior at East Lyme High average school bus gets around miles, or 1,714 gallons of gas Gordana Vidakovic, a mother School also expressed her new seven miles to the gallon. With will be cut this year alone. of two boys who have been inconvenience, saying, “My bus diesel-fuel prices skyrocketing, (continued as Buses on pg 5)

class fees guidance ﬁ eld hockey truth behind drama 4 counselor tips7 ﬁ eld destroyed8 MADE1100

inside 2 october 7, 2008 opinion say what you Even though Obama has a Alexander Graham Bell States has had. He was 43 strong following, not all are to invent the telephone. when elected and was the fi rst fans of his ideas. But he did. Catholic president (yet another Political analysts review It was “impossible” for impossible feat). Obama’s plans such as energy men to walk on the moon. So maybe having executive independence and say they are But they did. experience clouds the views impossible to put into action. It was “impossible” to of political veterans. These He doesn’t have enough make the light bulb. But veterans think they have seen experience. He doesn’t after hundreds of tries, Albert it all, that nothing new or understand what necessary Einstein did it. radical can work. Maybe steps are needed to put Truth be told, Obama does fresh, new, innovative something like this into effect. not have a lot of executive thinking are what The emily newton This raises the question experience (being the top over what the term impossible decision maker). However White House needs. History is about to made. really means. some of the United States best And although political It is possible, even probable “Impossible” has been torn presidents had no previous analysts say Obama’s that the United States will apart time and time again. In executive experience. Case in ideas are impossible, have a black president. And the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it point: Abraham Lincoln and as the election intensifi es, was “impossible” for United John F. Kennedy. I say let him prove possibility and probability are States’ mens’ 4 x 100 freestyle Lincoln was only in the himself. becoming reality. relay to beat the French. But House of Representatives for He has already surpassed Barack Obama. they won. two years before becoming impossiblity, becoming the fi rst He is a man with little After being diagnosed with one of the greatest American African American presidential experience but big ideas. And testicular cancer in 1996, it presidents, leading the country nominee. Why not surpass in my opinion, he is the man was “impossible” for Lance through the Civil War. another feat? who wants change, the one who Armstrong to win a Tour de Kennedy had more experience Nothing is impossible. takes chances and the one with France. But he won in 1999. than Lincoln – he worked in the Let Obama show you what all the drive and passion in the And six more consecutive times House of Representatives and he can do. Maybe then the world. And it is he who should until 2005. in the Senate – but was also the American public will believe be in offi ce. It was “impossible” for youngest president the United the impossible. schedule, it is important to save go in and get extra help for a about it. But if it is a reoccurring time for family and friends. test; instead I allowed work and event, that means you need to Skipping one day of working the Saga to take over my life. I take some thing off of your out to spend time with your got less than 15 hours of sleep plate—be it a job, club, or friends won’t prevent you from in one week.The morning of sport. You must remember what getting an athletic scholarship. the test it all caught up to me. I is most important to you, and Missing one day of school to broke down, fearing that I would keep that at the top of your list. go on a family vacation will not fail. Luckily, my teacher was If you ever fi nd yourself lower your GPA; and asking able to see the big picture more going over the edge, take a your boss for a day off because clearly than I could. She ended minute to relax—whether that of an overwhelming work load up giving me the opportunity to means grabbing a pint of Ben will not get you fi red. take the test a day later. and Jerry’s ice cream (after

ellie kleinhans Those of you who know me Right then it hit me. all stressed is desserts spelt know that I get stressed out Your friends and family, backwards) and curling up on High school is full of stressful very easily. You are probably the couch to read a great book, moments such as pulling an wondering why I would preach even teachers, want or going for a long run. all-nighter to fi nish that take about avoiding stress. Well, what’s best for you— Everyone has their own home test, or fi guring out how recently I had somewhat of and that is defi nitely not strategy, but it is crucial to to balance extracurriculars with an epiphany—okay so maybe stress. So if you cannot fulfi ll fi nd such personal time. It will school work. it wasn’t an epiphany, but it all of your duties, communicate help you unwind and keep you Even if homework, sports, certainly was a slap in the face. with your teachers, advisors, from losing your mind—and and work overload your I did not set apart time to parents, friends, and coaches, your relationships. the viking saga opinion october 7, 2008 3 need to say school at Harvard University but let’s look at population. drill for oil so we do not have where he served as President Alaska’s population is an further confl ict with the Middle for the Harvard Law Review. estimated 683,478 (census East. It sounds good, but after Sarah Palin, on the other 2007). The city of Chicago we suck up all the oil in Alaska hand, attended four schools alone is an estimated 3 million. in less than a year, we are going in four years, graduating with So when anyone says that Sarah to have to go back to our plan a Bachelors Degree from the Palin’s two years experience as with the Middle East, so why University of Idaho. Her claim governor of Alaska qualifi es even bother? to fame was being nominated her to serve as Vice President When Katie Couric I am writing in response for a beauty pageant in between of the United States, ask them interviewed Sarah Palin, she to Ellie Kleinhans’ editorial transferring schools. As far how she would know her way not only tried to explain how (September 22, 2008), as I’m concerned, Sarah Palin around Washington D.C. Alaska’s proximity to Russia defending Sarah Palin. In her lacks the education needed Palin made headlines when counts as her Foreign Policy opinion piece, she claims that to hold the second highest she fi led a lawsuit regarding the experience; she stumbled Sarah Palin is more experienced ranking political position federal listing of polar bears and over all her words, could not in politics than Barack Obama. in America. beluga whales as endangered complete a sentence, and was This could not be further from Ellie says that, as a senator, species. This is because they an embarrassment to herself, the truth. First, let’s look at Barack Obama “is just one of are in her way of drilling for the Republican party, and, in their education. Barack Obama many…whereas Palin governs oil and natural gas as she my opinion, to the American graduated from Columbia Alaska, the largest state in the charges into the Arctic National people. University and went on to law country.” This may be true, Wildlife Refuge. Her goal is to --freshman Livy Ferdon to a popular saga let us know what saga mad lib: song (see below) I made it through the ______(place), you think! Somehow I made it through Didn’t know how ______(adjective) I was until I found you email us at [email protected] I was beat incomplete I’d been had, I was ______(adjective) and ______(adjective) viking saga staff But you made me feel, yeah, you made me feel Ellie Kleinhans ______(adjective) and ______(adjective) and 2008-2009 Emily Newton Staff Writers Editors-in-Chief Stefan Aleo Like a ______(noun), Alex Addabbo James Compton ______(past verb) for the very fi rst time Managing Editor Shane Davies Like a ______(noun), Samantha Deabay Ramona Ostrowski (body part) Natalie Kazierad When your ______beats News Editor Next to mine Kit Brown Charlotte Kenyon Features Editor Kate Kielty Brendan Welch Amber Lamha Gonna give you all my ______(noun), boy Sports Editor Maeve McHugh My ______(emotion) is fading fast, Emily Moorardian Andrea Chrunyk Been saving it all for you cause only ______(noun) can last Entertainment Editor Karie Simmons Matt Heath Kiersten Sinko Back Page Editor Raj Thanabal You’re so ______(adjective) and you’re mine Jeff Beale Dana Tricarico Make me______(adjective), yeah you make me bold Advisor Featured Writers: Oh your love thawed out, yeah, your love thawed out

Catie Cameron Elliot Brake What was ______(adjective) and ______(adjective) Illustrator Jake Davis virgin a like madonna’s the viking saga 4 october 7, 2008 news Behind the Numbers: School Supplies The Money Even though we are Constitutionally guaranteed $ituation a free public education, it is still expensive! East Lyme High School faces This is not true for the global language problems with collecting fees departments. “It’s really a mess,” said by Emily Newton French teacher Nathalie Casey. “Some Highlighters: teachers are telling me to let kids write in $5.99 The fi rst few weeks of school are workbooks if they have not bought them monotonous. Meet new teachers, get yet and other teachers are telling me not to Composition assignment sheets and pay class fees. let them write in the books.” book: But this year, there has been a hold on The decision to permanently stop $2.49 the latter. collecting lab fees will result in some “There has been a ban on collecting changes at ELHS. money for the time being,” said Principal “The curriculum will change if we Dr. John Sullivan. For students who have are not allowed to collect lab fees. The already paid their lab fees, this money will students will have to use the workbooks Pack of six be returned to them once the problem is in class or during lunch and will have to wirebound completely resolved. The entire process notebooks: should begin to take place within the $7.49 upcoming weeks. “There has been a Box of 12 Questions about the legality of collecting dues were raised to the Connecticut State ban on collecting pencils: Department of Education (CSDE). Dr. $2.29 Sullivan said that a parent expressed the money for the Box of 12 unconstitutionality of charging fees for time being.” pens: labs and other materials. At the Budget - Principal Dr. John Sullivan $1.29 Committee Meeting on September 8th, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Smotas presented the opinion of Laura Anastasio, answer questions on another sheet… doing 3-ring Attorney for CSDE. According to the this is not the same as writing in the books binders: meeting’s minutes, “The CSDE believes and you do not get as much out of it,” $3.79 each that state law prohibits a school district from said Global Language Department Head charging fees for classes, books, material Laurie Barry. and supplies.” The meeting’s minutes “If we can’t take lab fees any more, also said, “The budgetary implications [of we will have to start doing more book work Backpack: having students not pay fees] could be in and less cooking,” Sandoval said. $39.90 excess of $100,000.” Since no more fees are collected, one The fees under question were charged solution is to raise taxes. “It is going to mostly for electives such as culinary be very hard to get support from residents,” and art classes. Additionally, freshman Dr. Sullivan said. “Adding $100,000 to the Scientifi c were required to purchase a Writer’s Inc budget will not be a popular decision… it’s calculator: for English classes, and many foreign a real issue.” language teachers asked that students For the time being, all classes have $14.99 purchase workbooks. enough money to continue the year It will take some time before the lack normally. However, once this money runs of these materials becomes evident. In out, “some tough decisions are going to be some departments, such as the culinary made,” stated Dr. Sullivan. department, nothing has changed since this Separately, paying class dues is still Total: $78.23 ban has been set into place. “As of now, we mandatory as the public school system have not been told to stop buying food,” does not guarantee admission to proms or said culinary teacher Melanie Sandoval. fi eld trips. These activities are extra, and “Everything is continuing as normal.” therefore still require extra funding. the viking saga news october 7, 2008 5 News Briefs Music Department Goes Digital by Ramona Ostrowski New keyboard lab in music wing almost complete by Stefan Aleo and Kiersten Sinko • Upperclassmen, remember last year when the clock was changed? It caused an Walking into room D130 was a new money for a “digital music lab” inside the uproar: class time wasted complaining, experience for many of the musical students orchestra room so the students would not facebook groups, editorials in the Saga. at East Lyme High School this year. Why? have to travel to the computer lab regularly. Many people blamed the morning show, A fourth of the classroom is now fi lled with With the money she gained, she was able believing it was their fault. In fact, Mr. 14 high quality computers. to purchase the desks, computers, and Place and his crew have nothing to do “These computers will mostly be used for monitors. But, according to her, the school with the clock. District Technology the Music Theory classes in order for them needs another $20,000 to purchase the Coordinator Mrs. Curioso handled the to do composition work,” says music teacher software, keyboards, headsets, and training clock last year, but Mrs. Resetar has Anthony Maiese. manuals that the taken over this responsibility. AP Music classes need. • The senior trip is one of the most Theory is a class When the anticipated events of senior year. As that teaches lab is fi nished a whole, the class of 2009 agrees that students how to (which Mrs. Six Flags will simply not cut it. The become more Curioso plans Senate distributed a survey during fl uent with to have with Mentor/Mentee recently to get students’ the language the rest of feedback on the location. Suggestions of music, and the school’s ranged from serious-Block Island, AP Music funding toward Camp Hazen, a camping trip to Maine-to Composition the end of silly-Kevin Frank’s house, Gull Island, is a class that the year), the Singapore. The debate rages on, until teaches students composition the senate has a formal vote. how to analyze process for • On September and write music r.ostrowski/saga students will 17, students in the as well. One of be fully digital. The as-of-yet unfi nished computer lab in room D130 Contemporary Issues the AP Music In other words, and AP Government Theory students, sophomore Teresa Lan, the computer software will record students’ classes and the explains that the “new technology would own creations with the electronic piano. political science help improve these classes a great amount. Once imported, they will have the ability club got a chance to The computers will be an extraordinary to edit their masterpieces before exporting, hear political analyst resource for these classes.” if they wish, to their mp3 players or and author Cokie Sophomore Xiao Li agrees with Teresa, onto a CD. Roberts speak at and explains that the new pianos will “help The computers may seem like they Connecticut College. students to learn basic piano as well.” are taking up space now, but once the lab She was named Last year, information technology is fully functional, it will allow students one of the 50 Most specialist Jill Curioso noticed that both to communicate globally, with modern Infl uential Women in music classes were using the computer labs methods to share whatever they are able to Journalism, and has in the library frequently to compose music produce. With all of these features students published two books for their classwork because the computer will soon be able to access, it will be no r.hardy/saga on the women who lab supplied the class with the headphones surprise if Room D130 will be known as Cokie Roberts helped shape early and software. She was able to obtain “Studio D130.” (right) American history.

(Buses continued from front page) alone in their actions. Other schools, such California have even done away with bus “The more we keep the bus running, the as West Boulevard Elementary in Columbia, routes altogether. less fuel we burn,” is the logic Mr. Freeman Missouri are also reducing their number of Mr. Freeman also made it clear that the presented. In other words, if the bus waits bus stops, some to an even more drastic safety of this situation is not only important at a stop, it is still burning a signiﬁ cant measure. In many cases, if a student lives to parents, but to the Board of Education as amount of gas that could be reduced if the nine-tenths of a mile away from school, well. There is a hotline number for parents bus remained in motion. On the other hand, they do not even have the option of taking to express their concerns about the reforms. Wisner pointed out that a lot more people the bus. MACCRAY High School in Clara There have already been suggestions to add are driving to school or to the bus stop, City, Minnesota and others schools have another 20-24 bus stops. When speaking so it may waste more gas overall than it even gone as far as to reduce the distances of safety, Mr. Freeman said, “It’s been our actually saves. of sporting events and cutting ﬁ eld trips foremost concern.” However, East Lyme schools are not to save town money. Many schools in the viking saga 6 october 7, 2008 features

America,” Ms. Scott explained. An Apple a Day. . . In other words, Scott’s apples Learning to rely on and appreciate local produce “are a lot fresher.” by Natalie Kazierad By supporting Scott’s Farm, While living in the suburbs around the 140-acre farm, her husband Tom, and daughter you are also supporting local of Philadelphia, I rarely had a where they can get off and pick Allison, reassured me that the farmers. “People have no chance to pick apples in the fall, apples, pumpkins, gourds and snacks a customer can enjoy idea how hard we work,” considering the closest are “healthy said Mrs. Scott, as she busily apple farms were about ones” including sorted through a massive crate 40 minutes away. popcorn, fresh, of apples. Her best advice: That is why I am homemade “Appreciate where local food extremely grateful to now doughnuts and comes from.” have a farm in walking- caramel and Scott’s also supports the distance from my house. candy apples. environment by using a Scott’s Yankee Farmer Naturally, there is minimal pesticides sprayer provides East Lyme seasonal produce containing radar and sonar to and neighboring towns as well, primarily detect the size and spacing of with a wide variety of apples at this crops so that pesticides are local produce, as well as time of year. only sprayed where necessary. numerous activities in The apples are Locally grown food also cuts the fall. n. kazierad/saga one of the best the amount of fuel needed for Visitors to Scott’s are Scott’s Yankee Farmer, located on 436 Boston Post Road, parts of living transporting. welcome to watch apples offers a wide variety of activities for fall-themed fun in a rural area. So fi nd some time this fall being pressed in the cider mill, raspberries. “What you fi nd in the grocery to visit Scott’s Yankee Farmer lose themselves in the corn Karen Scott, who owns and store could have come from to enjoy and support your maze, or enjoy a wagon ride runs Scott’s farm along with Washington State [or] South community and environment. How to Survive... Same Places A guide for any freshmanFreshman who wishes to stop receivingYear NEW FACES remarks of “frosh!” in the hallways Introducing this week’s new faculty member... by Kate Kielty 1. At the beginning of the day, may be time to chat and have Mr. Reginald Grover avoid clumping together a pleasant stroll from class to Long-term sub. counselor in front of the school’s main class, the rest of the school has entrance. It is irritating to places to go! for Ms. Quinn Room: 10/12 team offi ce the rest of the school. The 7. Please walk around the upperclassmen will not bite you, sophomores, juniors and Experience: 18 years in New so do not hesitate to walk past seniors, it does not work the London; 2 years in North them and clump elsewhere! other way around! Bridge, MA; 6 years in Sutton, MA; 2 years in Lebanon, CT; 2. Try not to complain about 8. Trying to sit at a lunch table schoolwork; you’re guaranteed is a waste of your time. Chances 1 year in Foster, RI. to have more next year! are, your table will be taken Worst Job: Stocking shelves in an A&P on Cape Cod from 3. Screaming at each other in over by upperclassmen. On the midnight to 8 a.m. the hallways is bothersome. bright side, there are plenty of h. barner/saga Please use your inside voices. hallways in East Lyme High Favorite thing about his job: The kids, no question. 4. Attempting to win Spirit Week School for you to sit in! Favorite thing about ELHS: Everyone is nice and friendly. will not get you anywhere: the 9. We know... we know, we One place you would never visit again: Amarillo, Texas seniors will defi nitely win! were freshmen once too. But because everywhere you looked it was beige. 5. You can carry your right now, it’s your turn! High school activities: Basketball, baseball, drama. backpack, so do not complain 10. Do as well in your classes If you could add another day to spirit week, what would it about carrying your heavy as you can and keep your eye be? Favorite sports team day. science book, you will survive. on the prize. Next year you can What is one surprising thing about you? I was in the movie 6. Walk faster! While there pester the Class of 2013! Marooned, it was about astronauts lost in space. the viking saga features october 7, 2008 7 Drama for The One Stop Shop a Day From the football gridiron to the grand stage The East Lyme High School guidance offi ces have everything students need by Shane Davies by Samantha Deabay and Maeve McHugh The assignment: On request from A freshman fi nds himself in calculus clipboards are put away, the best way to my section editor, it was my journalistic instead of algebra. A sophomore has trouble set up an appointment with a counselor is duty to trade in my football gear for with friends. A junior cannot take the stress “by e-mail, so we can let you know when an afternoon of artistic endeavors at a of his courses. A senior needs help with we’re free,” said Ms. Kelly. If it is not an rehearsal for East Lyme High School’s college applications... where should these emergency, then the best time to meet with drama club. students go? Freshmen and juniors should your counselor is during a study hall or As a member of the football team, I go to A200, and sophomores and seniors before and after school. was unsure how this experience would should head to A250. What lies inside As senior year approaches, the thought turn out. At around 2:20 p.m., I walked these mysterious rooms? Guidance offi ces, of college comes to most high schoolers’ into the auditorium and did not see a of course! minds. In the busy atmosphere of senior single student in the seats. Instead, I saw From the fi rst day as a freshman, to the year, it is extremely important not to forget a teacher with a stern look and shiny hair, and two kids up on stage. At fi rst, I wondered if I was in the right place. As I later learned, the man with the stern look happened to be video productions teacher Grant Place, who is also the director of the upcoming fall production Who’s Wives are they Anyway? When I approached the stage, I was stunned to see how many people were backstage. Whether they were working or eating Dunkin’ Donuts, almost everyone seemed to be getting along. As I moved into the mob of people backstage, I was instantly greeted by a familiar face. Kit Brown, drama club member and Saga staff member politely showed me around and told me to visit anywhere I wanted. I decided to visit the students k.brown/saga who construct the set. They were Freshmen, do you know who your guidance counselors are? Pictured (from L-R): Ms. Marcia building fl ower boxes from wood which Goldreich (last names A-C), Ms. Deb Kelly (D-Mc), and Ms. Lisa Ramaccia (Me-Z). is stored in the “can,” a trailer outside day of graduation, the guidance team wants about applications and recommendations. the auditorium used for drama storage. to help make high school a great experience. Ms. Kelly reminds seniors to “request your The most interesting detail I picked “Whether it’s your best day or your worst, transcripts on Naviance.” up on while at rehearsal was how much or you just want to share something that Ms. Marcia Goldreich, the guidance work these students do behind-the-scenes happened, we want to hear from you,” said department head, also stressed that it is very to make the play possible. When people guidance counselor Deb Kelly. important to send applications fi rst, and think of drama, they think of people This year, the guidance department then send the recommendation, because in acting, although most of the people in is making an extra-special effort to get years past recommendations have been lost the club are involved in behind-the- to know the freshmen class. Freshmen or misplaced by colleges because they do scenes activites. I was impressed with Academy classes are now arranged so not yet have a place to fi le it. For students the drama club’s teamwork and their that every student in each class has the applying Early Decision, Early Action or overall friendly personalities. same guidance counselor. Five times each to other early entrance programs, notifying When fi rst I walked into the auditorium, semester that class’ guidance counselor will your guidance counselor is a defi nite must. I did not know what to expect. When I stop by to get to know the students better. Even though the counselors are extremely left, I left with much more respect for While the freshmen may have easy busy, they want to let students know that the drama club. If I was not interested access to their counselors, the rest of the they are available and fl exible. Said Ms. in sports, I would think about joining the students at ELHS may not be so lucky. Now Goldreich, “We’re here whenever you want drama club because one thing is for sure: that the beloved scheduling appointment to stop by.” it is defi nitely better than conditioning Regional College Fair at East Lyme High School ● October 7 6:30-8:30 everyday at football practice. the viking saga 8 october 7, 2008 sports WELCH’S (legal) JUICE Field Hockey in the Outfi eld Revoir. The team’s new location is a softball outfi eld. Jim Moran, the new athletic director said, “Considering the short notice, Parks and Rec. have www.wikipedia.org been very accommodating.” “At fi rst I didn’t see how it Yankee Stadium is gone. Nevermore would work with the lines in the will a game be played in “Baseball’s outfi eld, but now that it’s all there, Cathedral,” “The House that Ruth I’m sure it’ll be fi ne,” said varsity Built,” the home of 26 World Series coach Amy Lloyd. “I’m trying to championships and 39 AL Pennants. look on the bright side of things I will admit, as a Red Sox fan, I used to and I’m glad this happened at the scoff at such praise of the hated Yankees beginning of the season as opposed and the headquarters of their Evil Empire. k. kielty/saga to the middle.” To me, the only good thing to happen in This dirt cross caused quite a twist to the fi eld hockey season “Mr. Moran has made me Yankee Stadium was the fi nal game of the feel like our team is a priority. He 2004 ALCS when the Red Sox completed Damaged fi eld forces fi eld hockey has put his best forth to get the girls settled their unprecedented comeback. team to change home fi elds on their new turf. He has made sure they But then I decided to watch the last have lines, short grass, and goals, which he contest to take place within those walls by Kate Kielty and Amber Lamha that, as I have been told countless times by “It was not until I hit a cliché ESPN voiceovers, “echo of names Walking up the stairs to try-outs over the like DiMaggio, Mantle and Ruth.” The summer, the fi eld hockey team expected ball and it bounced like match between the Yankees and Orioles nothing but a victorious season; what they ten feet in the air that I would have been meaningless had it not saw when they reached the top, however, been the swan song of Yankee Stadium. was not what they anticipated. realized that something Viewing that contest was one of the “When I saw the fi eld, I thought it was best sports decisions I have ever made. odd that a giant cross had planted itself in wasn’t right.” For the fi rst time I looked at the sea of the middle of it,” said sophomore varsity -sophomore Claire Tocheny dark blue in the stands and saw fans not fi eld hockey player Claire Tocheny. drove to Essex by himself to get,” explained worthy of my disdain, but of admiration. Due to the water shortage in East Lyme Coach Lloyd. These fans made the trek to baseball’s over the summer, drainage pipes directly “Personally, I feel like this could have true shrine not because of the wins and under the fi eld dehydrated the grass above. been prevented,” said Tocheny. Many girls losses of the team that currently takes This grass eventually died and left what is on the fi eld hockey team feel as if their residence there, but the memories of the now known as “the giant dirt cross.” team is being neglected compared to the team that made Yankee Stadium their This dirt cross extends from all sides football team. The football fi eld has its own home for generations. of the fi eld and intersects in the middle. well, however, and because of the summer For the fi rst time I viewed Yankee At fi rst the girls did not feel as if the cross water ban the fi eld hockey fi eld could not legends and their normally sickening would have a signifi cant impact on their have been watered over the summer with pinstriped uniforms with awe and season. They even joked about how it was the town’s water. “There was no way we respect. They are some of the best to ever a sign from God that they would have an could have transported the water from that play the game, and their achievements outstanding year of play. well to the other fi elds,” said Moran. will never be matched. “It was not until I hit a ball and it bounced Depending on how fast the new grass As I listened to Yogi Berra, Whitey like ten feet in the air that I realized that grows, the fi eld hockey team still has a Ford, Reggie Jackson and Michael Kay something wasn’t right,” said Tocheny. chance to play on their original fi eld before commentate, the legacy of the Yankees Passes and shots would get caught in the dirt the season is over. Moran is pushing for was cast into the glorious light that it truly sending the ball to dangerous heights above some home fi eld hockey games to be at deserves. I felt like more than a Red Sox the players’ knees. This has caused the East Connecticut College. “My ten year goal fan that night. I felt like a baseball fan. Lyme High School girls’ fi eld hockey team is to have artifi cial turf put on the fi elds,” Yankee Stadium, even Red Sox Nation to have to pack up and move out. says the determined athletic director. The can tip its cap to your legendary days. “Now we have to practice and play our fi eld hockey team, however, has a goal of That’s the juice. home games on Vets Field in Niantic, which its own: to stop Stonington from winning This is the opinion of Brendan Welch stinks,” said senior varsity captain Autumn ECCs eighteen years in a row. the viking saga sports october 7, 2008 9 Overtime Thriller at Bridebrook Vikings rally to force overtime Doherty fi red and pocketed the ball into the Ledyard and playing well against RHAM. by Raj Thanabal right side of the net to tie the game. Senior captain Ryan Cave had this to say: With the September 5th matchup against “Words can’t really explain my emotions. “If we can come out and play how we the RHAM Sachems winding down, all I just had so much emotion building normally play, we will be successful.” seemed lost for the East Lyme High School up. I really just can’t describe it,” said a Coach Christensen agreed. boys’ soccer team. Luckily for them, a speechless Doherty. “We will be competitive in every game miracle struck: Doherty also added an assist earlier in the we play,” he stated with certainty. With only a mere 55 seconds left on the game. Along with him, junior Gary Power While the Vikings may have needed a clock and the Vikings down 3-2, senior Sean stacked the stat sheet with a goal and two miracle to save the game, don’t expect it to assists in the double overtime 3-3 tie. be a trend. This season, they are determined Earlier, it seemed as if ELHS was going to put the game away early and often. to run away with this one. Moments after Following the writing of this article, the boys the start of the game, the Vikings raced dominated and shut out New London, 9-0, led down the fi eld and junior Phil Ziegler put by junior Phil Ziegler’s four goals. the ball in the goal for a 1-0 lead. In spite of On September 24, the team also won at this, the Sachems swiftly gained a 2-1 lead Waterford in overtime, 3-2. Gary Power had and held it until the end of the half. two goals and Sean Doherty scored the game- Throughout the game, the Vikings winning point in OT. missed on huge opportunities left and right. They took almost three times as many shots as the Sachems, yet each team scored the same amount of goals. “While we did outplay them, we committed too many mental errors,” said coach Wally Christensen following the game. “We failed to convert on too many

of our opportunities to come out on top.” r. thanabal/saga r. thanabal/saga The Vikings have high hopes this year after winning their road opener 3-2 against Junior Gary Power, ready to strike the soccer ball Sean Doherty’s clutch goal sent the game to OT Athletic Director’s Corner Hello ELHS, diffi cult to see our soldiers die. I remembered my sense of your feelings are towards a I want to formally say hello Towards the end of the duty as a soldier and as a leader. play made by the other team and let you know how excited day, two badly injured Iraqi I remembered the oath I took or a call made by the offi cials, I am to be working with the patients came into the hospital. and the honor code I promised we are better than that. Life athletic programs at the high I found out that these patients to follow. I would do the right is too short for us to consume school. It has been wonderful were insurgents that had been thing despite my feelings of ourselves with anger. A good seeing all of your faces again. involved in the fi ghting that anger. sport would never yell out to I have a special bond with day. The same fi ghting that Why am I sharing this? distract the opposing team. the students at ELHS as you caused the loss of life amongst It’s an important lesson I Let us rise above it and were the group that gave me our soldiers. learned that correlates to good do the honorable thing. Cheer a heart warming send off as I I felt the anger swell inside sportsmanship. While we on your fellow Vikings and deployed to Iraq. me. In front of me lay a person may want to say or do things acknowledge a good play I had been in Iraq two weeks responsible for the death of that are not appropriate, it’s by either team. Take pride when we had a particularly an American soldier. My fi rst important remember what in your school. I invite all diffi cult day. Many casualties thoughts were to leave this we stand for. I believe it’s of you to come out to the had been fl own in to our man alone and let him die. As important to demonstrate good athletic events hosted at hospital from various places I debated how to deal with my sportsmanship at all athletic ELHS. Enjoy the competition in Iraq where the fi ghting was anger, a soft yet stern thought events. and send the opposing teams getting intense. We treated came over my mind. I am a Whether you are an athlete, a home respecting East Lyme patients all day long, many of better person than this insurgent. spectator, a student or an adult, High School. I look forward which had sustained serious Not treating him makes me just sportsmanship is everyone’s to seeing you at the games. injuries. It was extremely as bad as he is. responsibility. No matter what Thank you. Mr. Moran the viking saga 10 october 7, 2008 entertainment MADE Up! A Reality Hoax? Most people have seen or heard about the show MADE, where discontented high school students are transformed into something they have always wanted to be. There is usually a happy ending with a student winning a competition or gaining popularity. But the question is, does this really happen? Saga staff members Charlotte Kenyon and James Compton were there for two separate episodes. The Ballet Imposter The Wrong Grasshopper by Charlotte Kenyon by James Compton November 2006, a senior out of place.” What most students at East traditional martial arts that at Grasso Tech, Keith, wrote to Miller was also requested Lyme High School may not focused more around real life the MADE producers in hope by the producers to show the know is that show MADE applications. But on the show of being ballroom student actually came to the East he was made out to be a Karate “made” into how to do a Lyme area. Martial arts studio Kid-esque instructor, focusing a ballroom proper lift. The Middlesex Tang So Do in Old on meditation and fi ghting dancer. He lift that Miller Saybrook was the place where a blindfolded. In fact, most of was selected showed was a local girl was transformed from the training exercises depicted and was typical ballet lift an undisciplined schoolgirl in the show were completely approached and fi nish, used into a devoted, respectful, inapplicable to the style of by his in ballroom, hardworking martial artist. martial arts in which the student

MADE coach www.mtv.com but with a Unfortunately, watching the was training. in school. completely show in production was far from The goal of the episode He would Keith does a lift at Eastern different what is seen on television. was to prepare the contestant Connecticut Ballet be training at approach. When MADE fi rst came to for tournament competition. Eastern Connecticut Ballet “I think [Miller]thought the the studio, they changed around In preparation to do so, MTV (ECB) in East Lyme. whole thing, staging included, the entire layout for more and her coach brought her to The irony was that ECB did was just really funny,” aesthetically pleasing designs. Waldorf, Maryland, to observe not have a ballroom class, or Garofalo said. They also refused to fi lm with the national tournament that even a ballroom instructor. So After the episode aired, all the “noise” going on around took place there. the choice, overall, was odd. Garofalo said that, “the ballet in the studio. Due to this, silent They also gave her the The aspiring ballroom dancer section was only a few seconds.” classes were employed while opportunity to watch her coach was also requested to take an She also described how Keith fi lming was going on, three to compete. Alec competed in the advanced ballet class, despite actually applied based on a four days a week. advanced adult men’s division. having never taken a ballet dare, not for real interests. “I stopped coming because of While he competed in all class. East Lyme High School She recalled how in the the silent four events of seniors Kate Citron and Melissa episode the student had to lie classes,” his competition, Chmielewski, and junior Diana that he wanted to be there. stated he did not place Garofalo were in the class. Other clips were also edited; Noah in any. In fact “I remember that Keith came Garofalo and Citron said that Taylor, a he was actually to class late and the MADE Keith told their ballet class that nine-year- beaten by the crew had our teacher, Adam when he was out practicing at old red two 17-year-old Miller, yell at him. Then the a club, the MADE producers belt at the instructors from cameramen told us all to stop, had edited the material to make studio. On www.mtv.com his studio, in all it seem like he had not danced occasion of the events. and that the microphone did Danielle’s training focuses on not record properly, so they with anyone, when in actuality they deep breathing rather than But when the made him leave and staged him he had. would also relevant techniques show aired, it was walking back into class and The consensus among the stop classes edited to make it Adam yelling at him again,” dancers was obvious. “What completed in order to obtain an seem like Alec won. He even Garofalo explained. was fake about it? The whole uninterrupted shot. took part in an interview about Another staged moment thing,” said Citron. The so-called “coach,” Alec what victory feels like to him, involved the MADE producers But in the end, Citron and Shane, was actually a martial even though he lost. placing Keith in between Garofalo did not feel that the artist who was trying to make The program was not at Garofalo and another ballet experience was an entire waste. his way in Hollywood and long all concerned with accuracy, student, “because we were “I wasn’t disappointed. Reality out of practice. and it just goes to show that much shorter than he was, so TV is fake anyway, but this just He was once an instructor even reality can sometimes be it made him appear even more proved how fake it really is.” who taught self-defense and “Made” up. the viking saga entertainmentoctober 7, 2008 11 The Coen Brothers are at it again Burn Notice: with their latest fi lm (I AM continued from front page) by Jake Davis and Elliot Brake really want to miss that?” Burn After Reading is yet another dark After a seemingly disturbed co-worker of Kidz in the Hall is a hip hop group comical addition to the repertoire of Coen Litzke and Feldheimer stumbles upon the disc made up of two men, Naledge and Brothers comedies. It has the signature plot containing Cox’s memoir, the series nonsense Double-O, who met at the University of a Coen Brothers fi lm, beginning as a simple numbers and names that comprise the text of Pennsylvania in 2000. “The name story that eventually escalates out of control assures Feldheimer that they posses valuable into a series of absurd and occasionally intelligence information. ‘Kidz in the Hall’ had a ring to it,” said gruesome occurrences that They attempt to sloppily Naledge, a native of Chicago. “It doesn’t seem to have no resolution. blackmail Cox. Their sound like we are a rap group, so it John Malkovich plays incompetence however, didn’t immediately put us in a box. Most ex-CIA analyst Osborne fi nds themselves in a web of rappers put on this façade. But we don’t Cox, a Princeton graduate adultery, accidental murders, talk about guns, sex and drugs. What you who constantly asserts his and divorce proceedings. see is what you get.” superior intelligence upon George Clooney makes “If you observe what’s going on around the so-called “league of his role as a U.S. Marshall you, it’s not hard to write a song,” said morons” he has had the that much easier with his Double-O. An example being their song displeasure of dealing with characteristic sly demeanor called “Work to Do”—which is now the his entire life. After getting and ability to charm ladies offi cial Barack Obama campaign song. fi red from the CIA for www.collider.com all the way to the beaches “It was not made specifi cally for the problems with alcoholism, of Ipanema (Stan Getz Chad Feldheimer, the post- campaign. But we knew it was election reference, anyone?). he masterfully constructs millennium nitwit time, and we were involved in the Obama a need to chronicle his life’s The plot of this fi lm is as campaign. It just made sense to write this dramas into a gripping memoir. unpredictable as it is satisfying to the veteran song,” said Double-O His memoir soon fi nds its way into the fans of the Coen Brothers fi lmography, and if “People on the internet labeled it the hands of Linda Litzke (Frances McDormand) you’re a fi rst to their brand of discombobulated Obama Song, so the Obama people did and her brainless associate Chad Feldheimer and consistently exciting humor, you’ll (Brad Pitt), who embodies the post-millennium forever have an impression of pure hilarity and some research on us and labeled it as the nitwit with spectacular enthusiasm. artistic genius. campaign song,” said Naledge. Also, their single “Love Hangover” just gs premiered as number six on TRL—their y in music is kind of a mix between Outkast M F the item of the a h re is w and Black Eyed Peas. Their performance ia von Tra T He e ar pp gs. e M , v e in k at the I AM Festival lasted about 45 o t th : e r ori ik O ite L by Andrea Chrunyk vor minutes to an hour on a stage with a prah ve fa , I ha nine panel graffi ti backdrop done by four The internet has made leaps and do it in an extremely clever way. artists from Brooklyn, New York, who go bounds since Al Gore supposedly invented Depending upon your knowledge of fi lm, by the name of ‘Destroy and Rebuild’. it in the 1990s. There are sites devoted to minutes to hours are spent deciphering the “We destroy the city through our the strangest things, such as blogs about stationary infused clues, a maddening yet graffi ti, now we’re rebuilding it with nothing and the history of the armadillo. exciting consequence. our artwork,” said Mike Baca, otherwise Among the random stands one: From the most classic of fi lms to recent known as 2Esea. “My whole life I’ve www.stationerymovies.com. While it may ones that have stolen our hearts, the fi lms been an artist. But I’ve only been selling be one of the most perplexing sites on the depicted on the site are hilarious once you my stuff for three or four years. We put world wide web, underneath the surface fi nally fugure them out. our lives on canvases.” there is a really addicting puzzle. And while the prize for answering all of This festival also included 40 vendors, The creators of the site took classic them correct may not be exactly legitimate, Niantic’s Tumbleweeds being one of movies, and recreated famous scenes using the achieving the correct answer is well them, and over 15 artists who either all stationary products. While it may seem worth the agony. Movie lovers alike should performed on one of two stages. Other really hard to recreate a scene from a 1930s check out this semi-unknown site to test attractions included demonstrations musical using only Post-Its, they manage to their fi lm knowledge. on Zine, duct tape wallet, and screen t- shirt making. “It went really, really well this year. I hope everyone comes out to participate next year,” said Martin. So next year, be sure to check out what future stars could be at the I AM Festival. www.stationerymovies.com www.stationerymovies.com www.stationerymovies.com Can you guess what movies these scenes are from? the viking saga 12 october 7, 2008 back page If you could be a talk show host who would you interview and what question would you ask? “Hugh Hefner, why “George Clooney How are you the coolest can you make me more person?” like you?” sophomore Andy senior Jake Davis Henderson

m. heath/ saga

“Michael Phelps, Will you go out with me?” junior Brianne Miredki m. heath/ saga “The guy who plays Tony the Tiger, do you have a real m. heath/ saga job?” junior Mikey Babcock “David Kennan, why do you call me crying every night?” senior Billy Havrda

m. heath/ saga m. heath/ saga Words of Wisdom with Matt Heath his views on this year’s election. As Jason Lee of Mallrats would If only they could just give us Last but not least I would give say “Why can’t they bring a re- what we want and revisit char- my right foot up just to see an make good show like BJ and acters of primetime sitcoms episode of Seinfeld: Parole. I’d the Bear? Now there’s a con- we actually enjoy. If only we even like it if they turned those cept I can’t get enough of could see what Fonzie Ritchie, Windows commercials with Sein- a man and his monkey.” and the rest of the Happy Days feld and Bill Gates into a sitcom. After I saw an add for the gang are up to of course now Just keep in mind that none new Knight Rider series I the show would take place in of these shows will probably couldn’t understand why peo- the 80’ss instead of the 50’s. ever air seeing that they only ple keep attempting to bring I also wish All in the Fam- bring back shows with horribly back this show. What could ily would return. Obviously generic plots like Knight Rider KITT, the car of Knight Rid- no one could take the place of and dare I say 90210… although er honestly do that a car with Carry O’Connor as Archie but Shannen Doherty is a goddess. Onstar and a GPS couldn’t do? I still would have liked to see

the viking saga