April 2014 Issue 2 The Teen Excalibur

The Online Nazareth RHS Student Newspaper

April 2014, Issue 2

Have a Happy Spring from The Excalibur staff!

Washington DC Trip – Gettysburg Address Anniversary By: Larry Castin

The trip to Washington told us where the meetings DC was a trip like no other were where she would meet - Upcoming 2014 Events - that I have experienced in my with all the members of years at Nazareth. Taking two Congress to come up with Spring Break 4/14 - 4/23 coach buses filled with my new reforms. She mentioned SAT Exam @ Naz 5/3 peers and classmates, we took how paperwork is something Board of Trustees Meeting 5/8 a five hour trip down to the that has to be done Last Day of Classes for Seniors 5/20 capital city. I was going to visit frequently. Abraham Lincoln’s cottage! While in Washington, His cottage was where he we all were given Abraham would go to during vacation Lincoln’s typical breakfast and whenever he wanted to be and lunch. The breakfast away from politics for awhile. included two hard boiled Also, Lincoln’s son died eggs for the most part and the during his time in office, so the lunch, on the way back to cottage was an escape from the Brooklyn, included a chicken daily life of a President. sandwich. We also received a Whilst in Washington tour of the capital and we D.C. my peers and I were able were able to observe the to meet with the admirable architecture. Congresswoman that Famous figures such as represented Brooklyn and she Martin Luther King Jr and 1 April 2014 Issue 4 Washington D.C. trip continued… http://www.facebook.com/NazarethRHS Rosa Parks were inducted into a circulatory room that had people who were known to have made a difference in this country. The Gettysburg Address speech was spoken by everyone who was on the trip and it was recorded for the news/radio. We all stood on the steps of Lincoln’s cottage and we even met Navy Seals who were there as well. In the cottage, there is still a piece of floor that Abraham himself walked upon and was one of the only pieces of the cottage that wasn't renovated. I recommend that all my fellow students attend the http://www.facebook.com/NazarethRHS Gettysburg address trip if it is scheduled in the next year. This trip was only for Juniors and Seniors, so don't get discouraged if you aren't one yet, your time will come. Long bus rides with your friends, a personal tour of the capital and a tour of the cottage were all highlights of the trip. It was an experience like no other and my American Government teacher Mr. Paul was the best guide to have ever been directing us.

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Abraham Lincoln’s cottage. Present day.

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2 April 2014 Issue 2

Album Review: Beyoncé

By: Jahmela Joseph “intimate” with the person you you aren’t a female. “Mine” love with songs like “Drunk in featuring Drake reveals the Beyoncé Knowles- Love” (featuring her husband Jay hidden insecurities that Carter returns to the music Z), “Blow”, “Partition”, and anybody would feel in a world with a vengeance. relationship, which is also After literally dropping the complemented with a album out of nowhere on futuristic African beat. ITunes without any form of Beyoncé dedicated a song to promotion, or even an her daughter in the slow announcement on Twitter, the and sweet “Blue”, and even self-titled album managed to had her perform some debut at the top of the vocals at the end. The lead Billboard 200 chart—making single “XO” was a lovely her the first female artist to ballad that makes you want have five No. 1 albums on the to hug all of your family chart. Considered as a visual and friends as if you album, BEYONCÉ also has 17 wouldn’t see them again. music videos—a video for I would give this each song that really “Rocket”. I personally think album five out of five stars complement the bold that the best song of the album not only because I am part atmosphere that the songs is “Flawless” because the dirty of the Beyhive, but also give. beat and lyrics show that because I didn't have any The album starts off sometimes you lose, but it’s issues with any of the with “Pretty Hurts” a self- okay as long as you embrace songs' content. I also empowering song that these losses. thought that the video criticizes the stereotypes of a I really think that the portion of the album was a woman’s beauty. Knowles sample from a speech by major treat for both diehard boldly expresses how there is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and regular fans. nothing wrong with being will inspire this generation on how to be a feminist, even if

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3 April 2014 Issue 2

coverage due to pre-existing conditions such as having a disease or simply, being pregnant. In addition, “Health insurance companies will no longer be able to drop plan members once they develop a chronic condition” (Louis, 2013). This will assure that every patient gets treated before the disease spread and handled under the proper care of their medical doctors. Even though our economy is currently not the best, Obamacare ensures that every citizen is By Yadiry Lagombra protected regardless of money or others factors that may interfere with one’s ability to get medical attention. The Affordable Care and Patient America needs the Affordable Care Act, Protection Act, otherwise known as our old health care system is broken and this law “Obamacare”, is currently a federal law will allow us to rebuild what started a few years that will ensure that all Americans have ago. The old health care system in the United access to quality, affordable health care and States sends out a confusing market system that will create a major improvement among the separates health care expenses between the health-care system. Currently, this law has government and private businesses. It does not produced a significant amount of provide universal health care among citizens controversy mainly because of its goals and and is alone among developed nations. The old effect upon our economy in the nearby health care system does not provide coverage for future. Many citizens are against the law pre-existing conditions, doesn’t provide free due to the fact that taxes are being raised preventative care and removes children from and many Americans are at risk of losing their parents plan upon reaching the age of 21. their jobs. On the other hand, many citizens On the other hand, the well-known Affordable support the law because it provides a Care Act reduces the cost of health care for system of affordable healthcare to individuals, offers access to affordable health individuals and benefits young people as care, contains coverage for pre-existing well. Based on my knowledge and conditions, allows children to say on their perception on this law, I’m in support of parent’s plan up to the age of 26 and provides the Affordable Care and Patient Protection preventative/contraception care. One day, we Act. hope that Obamacare will be as successful as the The Affordable Care Act offers universal health care systems in France and universal health care coverage to every England whose citizens are also protected by the citizen regardless of income, age, condition, government. As of now, Obamacare will serve to or gender. “ Over 32 million United States help America’s citizens and improve the health citizens and legal residents who are not care crisis of our nation. covered by health insurance currently will either have coverage or will get the coverage they need starting in 2014” (Obama, 2013). This will be beneficial because now everyone will have insurance and will get treated rapidly for their medical conditions. Patients will no longer be discriminated against or denied 4

April 2014 Issue 2 The Top 10 Movies of 2013 by: Yajá Mulcare

10) Mama (Genre: Horror 7) Olympus Has Fallen (Genre: 4) 2 Guns (Genre: Action) ) - This film not only had Action) - This movie was much - A fun-filled action movie good scares, but was very better than its predecessor, White that keeps your heart suspenseful to the end. House Down, due to its drama, pumping each scene. The The only reason it's at intense action, amazing visuals, comedy thrown in keeps number 10, is because the and suspense. While White you laughing and the story was quite mediocre House Down was goofy action keeps you on the ed and was poorly told. sometimes, and tried to throw ge of your seat. jokes in at the wrong times, 9) Identity Thief (Genre: Olympus Has Fallen stayed Comedy) - This was film serious and straight to the point. was a fun and hilarious It gave a great perspective on experience. The actors what could happen to the country were great, the jokes were funny, and the ending was very short and sweet. 3) Side Effects (Genre: All I have to say is that I Suspense, Horror) - I feel wished the movie didn’t this movie deserves a lot have to drag on at times. more attention. It gives you a strong fear of what you trust in your 6) Parker (Genre: Action) - prescriptions. It shows the Another great action film, filled viewer the idea that "you with assassinations, death threats, must take heed of what kidnappings, murders, and so your doctor gives you". on. Parker is a film that gives the perspective of the antagonist, 2) The Call (Genre: Action which is a great idea in my book. Suspense, Mystery) - The 8) Evil Dead (Genre: Call is a film that makes Horror) - Although it was 5) Gravity (Genre: Sci-Fi) - you anxious and scared to not as good as it's Gravity is a film that cannot be be alone. Definitely worth original, Evil Dead was spoiled. It gives a sense of dread, watching. You'll be on still a nice experience. anxiety, and fear for the main edge of your seat for the The gore, of course, was character, and takes you on an whole movie. disgusting (yet cool) as it unbelievable journey outside of should be. It was a good, Earth. It shows that we are And the #1 movie of 2013 and goofy, film, and it unknown to the dangers outside is… showed that it wasn't of our planet. meant to be serious.

5 April 2014 Issue 2 Top 10 Movies of 2013 continued Game of Thrones: Successful? Or a Flop? By J’Nique Williams 1) The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Throughout the history of television and (Genre: Action, Suspense, Drama) - film, directors and producers have either failed or Most of the time, movie sequels are succeeded to create an efficacious movie or show never as good as the first. However, based on written work. There were failures such when it came to Catching Fire, not only as Twilight: New Moon, The Golden Compass, was it good, it was way better than the Pet Cemetery, Beloved, and Alex Cross (Why first. The plot twists came (nonstop), Tyler Perry?). However, there were also the drama kept getting more and more successful movies such as The Hunger Games, insane, and the build up was Lord of the Rings, The Notebook, Forrest Gump, extremely suspenseful. Throughout the whole movie, you can't help but side with the main character. Every single moment she goes through, it's as if you're going through it with her. It's definitely worth watching. You will be so glad you saw it. This film receives a 4.5/5 from me.

Interview with a Vampire, and the Marvel films that overcame the disappointment of those failed movies. Despite some successes and failures, Game of Thrones became another significant and successful series that was based on written work. This is why…. 1. The plot of the books and the series are relatively the same, despite minor changes. 2. The actors played the role of the characters quite well. In fact, Peter Dinklage won an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister in the show. 3. George R.R. Martin, the author of the books, is one of the major producers of the show. 4. The book and series aren’t afraid to disappoint the audience. In other words, Game of Thrones held all the traits of a successful screenplay based on the books. The characters and the storyline remained virtually unaltered, the story was consistently exciting, and it ultimately belonged to the author. 6

April 2014 Issue 2

Artists Corner – “Presenting in Global” by Rhea Frederick

Support Nazareth Kingsmen Baseball &

Lady Kingsmen Softball 7 April 2014 Issue 2

The Excalibur Staff

Writers: J’Nique Williams Yadiry Lagombra Jahmela Joseph Yajá Mulcare Larry Castin Rhea Frederick

Photographer: Tiana Whyte

Advisor: Mr. Bryer

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