The Steelers look foward to the draft Who is Leo Ciarlone? Page 8 Apple Announces iPad Page 5 Page 4 TheThe StSt.. ClairionClairion Volume 11, Issue 3 - February 2010 - Upper St. Clair High School Pittsburgh, PA 15241 All the news that fits...And then some!

Brigadoon cast preparing for a Tragedy strikes Haiti after earthquake fantastic spring musical By: Alaina Zemanick concern for the Haitian people, Without Borders participant News Editor “They need to increase the dis- Loris de Filippi (Reuters). By: Alaina Zemanick wakes up every 100 years. On January 12th, a 7.0 mag- tribution - the pace and scope A plane with twelve tons of News Editor Romance and drama ensues as nitude earthquake struck the of the distribution - there are medical equipment for Doctors Albright and Douglas become impoverished country of Haiti, just more people who need the Without Borders was turned Since early January, the cast of involved with the town’s events. its epicenter only 16 miles aid than have been able to get away from Port-Au-Prince the 2010 Spring Musical, “The show is very different from from away from the (www.bbc.co.uk). Brigadoon, has been practicing any show I’ve ever done at USC,” capital of Port-Au- Because of the plane not extensively for their opening show says senior Anne Ciarlone, student Prince landing, five additional on March 5th. With a packed director, “It’s romantic, funny, and (www.cnn.com). The patients died without schedule of drama, music, and has a classic score. Everyone in it natural disaster killed proper care. dance rehearsals, works hard up to 200,000 people, “The tragedy in the cast mem- and has fun who were caught under Haiti is just so terrible,” bers, particularly being a part of collapsed buildings said Kate Groschner, a the leads, have a it.” that were poorly-con- junior, “I wish I could large load to With structed. Eight days personally go down carry. all the antici- later, a 6.1 magnitude there and do something “Yes, so true!” pation, many aftershock earthquake to help.” agrees Sarah good com- hit the devastated Philanthropic Nadler, who ments have region celebrities are now tak- plays female been spread (www.bbc.co.uk). ing part in the relief in lead Fiona Some of the Brigadoon cast rehearsing. about the Haiti after the earthquakeon January 12. The latest quake has Photo Courtesy of Flickr.com. Haiti. Actor George MacClaren, Photo courtesy of Alaina Zemanick. upcoming further limited supplies Clooney organized a “But, it’s fun.” spring musi- being spread around to the it. But I think we are getting musical telethon that aired on Brigadoon is the story of two cal. needy Haitians. American there, I see it” January 22nd on ABC. New Yorkers, Tommy Albright “I’ve heard a lot of good things, troops have been sent down to (www.voanews.com) Superstars such as Bono and (Mike Boyas) and Jeff Douglas and I am sure the show will be pret- Haiti to help with the relief Supplies in the area are Beyonce were among the per- (Santino Tomasetti), who take a ty rad,” states an excited junior effort, as well as former presi- scarce. Medical specialists formers on the telethon, which vacation to Scotland. While there, Kate Groschner. dent Bill Clinton. from Doctors Without Borders raised over $56 million. Many they come across the village of Performances of Brigadoon will “The second thing we need are without necessary supplies. of the singles from the airing, Brigadoon that is under a spell and be on March 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, and 13. to do is what the people on the “We were forced to buy a such as “Hallelujah” by Justin ground are working to do,” saw in the market to continue Timberlake are topping charts USC Juniors enjoy National College Fair Clinton explained, voicing his amputations,” said Doctors on iTunes (www.spin.com). By: Greg Schlosser Junior Caitlin Zovack took Google considering leaving China because of censorship Sports Editor advantage of the scanner, but was upset when she found out some By: Meghan Taylor search for Beijing’s Tiananmen able to all people” Every year, Upper St. Clair schools were not equipped with a Front-Page Editor Square disaster where the (www.reuters.com). juniors are given the chance to scanner. She said, “Also, some Chinese government killed hun- As a result of Google’s out- go the National College Fair at big colleges didn’t take advan- Recently, Google has chal- dreds during a protest on June 4, burst, they have delayed the the David L. Lawrence tage of the scanner thing. I really lenged China’s censorship poli- 1989 (www.news.cnet.com). launch of two new phones, both Convention Center in downtown wanted Pitt to, but they didn’t cies and is considering pulling Google has evidence that based on the Android. China Pittsburgh. Juniors are basically and they didn’t have a sign-up out of China’s internet. Google’s China was hacking into the believes that hacking into com- dismissed from school for a day, for anything.” and are able to show up at the Despite not signing up for a new concern would likely leave emails of the Chinese Human puters is necessary for their college fair at any time. The few of the schools she was inter- millions of Chinese unhappy and Rights Activists, yet the informa- country, and they have made National College Fair gave stu- ested in, Zovack enjoyed the col- unable to access much informa- tion they accessed was not suffi- statements regarding the fact that dents a chance to explore many lege fair because “all of the infor- tion. Google has announced that cient to the government showing Google needs to follow their different colleges by asking col- mation that was readily available China needs to stop censoring its only the time , date and subjects laws. lege representatives any question from the different colleges, websites or many Chinese will of the emails. Ma Zhaoxu, foreign ministry s they had. because I could get it from all of be left without the widely used China has been taking severe spokesman said, “Foreign firms The convention center was the colleges I wanted to at the search engine. . action in recent years to make in China should respect China’s filled with many booths, all rep- same time.” Chinese restrictions have been sure their censorship is top notch. laws and regulations, and respect resenting a different college. After spending some time at a problem for years. The For example, the government China’s public customs and tra- Most of the schools were from the college fair, most USC stu- Chinese government censors shut down thousands of unregis- ditions, and assume the corre- the Northeastern U.S., such as dents went out to lunch after- their internet with a very detailed tered websites in 2005. In 2007, sponding social responsibilities, Penn State, Pitt, and Villanova, wards. Many went to Premanti’s, system. Chinese law requires an the government again took action and of course Google is no but there were even schools, such which has several locations internet site provider to gain a and shut down several internet exception” (www.cnn.com). as the University of Alabama, throughout the city of Pittsburgh. license from the Ministry of data centers (www.cfr.org). As China and Google battle University of Miami, and the Another popular location was the Information Industry. Once the In addition to Google specifi- over the rights of the internet, University of Colorado. Hard Rock Café, which is locat- user has his license, he must keep cally, the United States has been China has the ability to hurt The National College Fair also ed in Station Square. Some, how- a record of all site users for the meeting with governmental offi- Google’s economy. allowed students to carry around ever, kept it simple, and ate lunch a bar code, which colleges would at a popular fast food chain. first sixty days. This process is cials regarding the censorship of Pat Davis, a junior at Upper St. scan to gain the student’s person- Junior Sam Humbert and her monitored by at least twelve gov- China’s internet. Assistant U.S. Clair High School said, “I do not al information. This made stu- friends went to McDonalds for ernmental agencies Secretary of State Kurt Campbell think Google should pull out of dents’ lives easier by not having lunch and “wandered around [the (www.cfr.org). told reporters that the United China. It would hurt the compa- to write out their address and city]. Then we went to the village Specifically, Google is prohib- States views Internet as the “uni- ny; as a US company, we want it phone number multiple times. on the way home.” ited from allowing the Chinese to versal right that should be avail- to succeed.” Page 2 Opinions February 2010 Panther Desk of the Editor Predilections Obama gives hope for the new year Who was your ideal Valentine? By: Marni Schreiber caused and could never be fixed as President. That is simply not healthcare was not passed; he did Editor in Chief in one year. It will take many true. Obama, his administration, not explain fully to the people years to stabilize the economy and Congress “extended or what the bill would exactly entail. On Wednesday, January 27, and rebuild the country. increased unemployment benefits He also needs to start cracking 2010, President Obama addressed Later in his speech, while talk- for more than 18 million down on the budget or else face a joint session of Congress and ing about Americans; made health more serious economic down- the American public in his much government insurance 65% cheaper for turns in the future. anticipated State of the Union spending, families who get their cov- The main focus, according to Address. For President Obama, Obama pro- erage through COBRA; Obama, for the next year is job this speech was more than a nounced:At and passed 25 different tax development.Obama, will also report on what his administration the begin- cuts […]We cut taxes for focus on issues such as ending the has and has not done over the past ning of the 95% of working families. wars, healthcare, making educa- “Ed Westwick” year, but it was a way to regain last decade, We cut taxes for small tion more affordable, the econo- – Dharti Ukani and Freya the public’s confidence not only America businesses. We cut taxes my as a whole, energy, and Brown in his administration, but in gov- had a budget for first-time homebuyers. national security. Freshman ernment as a whole. surplus of We cut taxes for parents To accomplish these goals, Obama’s hour and ten minute over $200 trying to care for their chil- Obama stresses bipartisanship speech started by reminding the billion. By Editor-in-Chief Marni Schreiber dren” (www.white- between the Democrats and the public that this is not the first time the time I house.gov). Republicans. Not only will this the United States has been took office, we had a one year The administration has also bipartisanship help pass vital and through hard times; the country deficit of over $1 trillion and pro- given “about two million significant legislation through the must again “answer history’s jected deficits of $8 trillion over Americans working right now Senate, but will also help bring call” and persevere past the cur- the next decade. Most of this was who would otherwise be unem- the country together. rent recession. the result of not paying for two ployed. 200,000 work in con- The Democratic Senator from Obama goes onto explain that wars, two tax cuts, and an expen- struction and clean energy. Iowa Tom Harkin responded that “One year ago, I took office amid sive prescription drug program. 300,000 are teachers and other “’ He [Obama] outlined a road two wars, an economy rocked by On top of that, the effects of the education workers. Tens of thou- map that, if followed with biparti- severe recession, a financial sys- recession put a $3 trillion hole in sands are cops, firefighters, cor- san support in Congress, can tem on the verge of collapse, and our budget. That was before I rectional officers, and first reduce our deficit, rebuild our “Ms. Millovac” a government deeply in debt. walked in the door” (www.c- responders” economy and create a new foun- – Ben Reicher Experts from across the political span.com). (www.whitehouse.gov). dation of prosperity for American Sophomore spectrum warned that if we did Obama, however, does not Regarding civil rights, families and businesses’” not act, we might face a second deny that he has increased the Congress passed the long overdue (www.cnn.com). depression. So we acted – imme- national debt by another $1 tril- Anti-Discrimination Act which No matter one’s opinion on diately and aggressively” lion. If President Obama had not takes major steps in protecting President Obama, it is under con- (www.c-span.org). taken measures to ensure the many Americans against hate sensus that Congress needs to One thing most Americans country did not fall into another crimes. He is also working to help start working together to get nec- seem to forget is that President Depression, as economists on with the equality of women, even essary bills passed. Obama is not Obama did not start the two wars, both sides of the political spec- though recently the Republicans the perfect president and will face cause a recession, or cause all the trum proclaimed, the country, for shut down an equal rights amend- a hard next three to seven years, national debt. George W. Bush the average citizen would be sig- ment. but he is taking the leadership to was President of the United States nificantly worse. Obama did not claim he was enact his policies which will, in before Obama took office. These Many in America think Obama the perfect president. He took the end, help the majority of problems could not have been has done nothing in his past year much of the blame as to why American people. The fair trade movement should be embraced

By: Vijay Viswanathan is pertinent that fair trade be the movement are that it is said, “I like it.” The mian “Charlie Dalrymple” Features Editor more widely accepted. more of a marketing scheme problem facing fair trade’s – Christina Hlutkowsky According to the socially than a genuine approach, and progress are more traditional, Junior In recent years, most of the conscious organization White that it doesn’t help developed conservative crowds. It is vital items Americans use on a daily Apricot, fair trade enforces economies. The former is not that these conservative critics basis have been coming from that all imports are produced entirely correct because fair take a step back and stop to see foreign nations. Even in this under fair conditions trade combines marketing ben- how helpful fair trade could era of social responsibility, (www.whiteapricot.com). efits with social help. That is be. items ranging from toothpaste Essentially, employers allow one of the best things about Even locally, fair trade com- to t-shirts are still made by workers to decide their pricing, fair trade, it helps both devel- panies exist. One specific com- overworked and underpaid rather than effectively forcing oped economies and the devel- pany, Mira Ethnicity, which laborers. Although started in prices upon workers. This pol- oping exporters. This way, it’s markets “socially responsible the 1940’s, the social move- icy has been growing in popu- a win-win situation. shopping” is based in Upper ment known as “fair trade” is larity around the US. Still, Especially among young St. Clair. Another Pittsburgh now emerging as an important many policy analysts such as crowds, fair trade is being company, Equia, is becoming approach to solving economic those at the Adam Smith embraced. They recognized very popular. Seeing all of this and social problems. On bal- Institute have asserted that fair how the power is a socioeco- positive outpour, it is clear that ance, this idea’s benefits far trade “impedes growth.” nomic problem-solving tool. fair trade is a good local solu- outweigh its risks. Therefore it The main arguments against Sophomore Soham Lawande tion.

Sports Editor The St. Clairion staff is made The St. Clarion is a forum “Ophelia after she goes The St. Clairion Upper St. Clair, PA Greg Schlosser up of students who are commit- for student expression. insane” Entertainment Editor ted to producing a newspaper Opinions expressed in by-lined – Rocky Patera Editor-In-Chief Madeline Kushner for their fellow students that articles are those of the authors, Senior Marni Schreiber Front Page Editor provides entertainment, self- not necessarily the entire St. Opinions Editors Meghan Taylor expression, and relevant infor- Clairion staff. Nick buzzelli Senior Issue Editor mation in a fair, honest, thor- Letters to the editor are Asst Opinions Editor Vinay Viswanathan ough, and respectful manner. encouraged. All letters should Garrett Cimena Copy Editor The newspaper is financed be signed and submitted to The News Editor Devin Ellis by the sale of advertisement St. Clairion mailbox in the main By: Meghan Taylor and Alaina Zamanick Sponsor space to local businesses. office. Obscene, libelous, or Ms. Caty DeWalt Alaina Zamanick Features Editor Advertising rates will be sent to otherwise inappropriate letters Vijay Viswananthan any business upon request. will not be printed. Opinions February 2010 Page 3

St. Clairion Editorial Is the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame too In defense of the love letter liberal with its admissions? Panther time for tinkering with wording By: Devin Ellis inducted next to Van Halen and Predilections February has come and gone, and carefully writing out char- Copy Editor R.E.M. This article is not intend- and with it, the endless cascades acters. ed to bash the quality of Run Who was your ideal of flowers, cards, and candy Careful tinkering is especially If you take a visit to the Rock DMC, Grandmaster Flash, or any Valentine? hearts that can only signal one important, as love letters lack- and Roll hall of fame in other artist, but aside from one mix thing;Valentine’s Day. While on ing consideration can have Cleveland, Ohio, you will find the of an Aerosmith song, it must be the surface it may seem like adverse effects on their recipi- top rock performers of the past said that Run DMC is not close to another “candy holiday” along ents. century and beyond being honored being a Rock band and no com- similar lines as Halloween, Sophomore Suraj Sundar can there. The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, parison can be made between Valentine’s does, in fact, carry imagine a love letter as coming The Grateful Dead, and many Grandmaster Flash and the deeper meaning. on too strong, saying, “I would more great rock bands and artists. Furious Five and Van Halen when Valentine’s Day is primarily be shocked. I would not expect Take a closer look at the inductees considering Rock and Roll music. the day of the year for profes- to confront this emotion so early into the museum and you will see The most shocking inductee, sions of love. For the chickens in my young life.” some different artists, like James though, was made in 2008 when out there, it provides an easy French teacher Monsieur Taylor, The Mamas and the Papas, Madonna was inducted into the excuse for asking out a crush. Clermont can remember when and Paul Simon. That’s ok, as long Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Once For the romantic types, he got his first love letter; “I as they have roots in rock, right? again, the intent of these state- “Cute twins” Valentine’s adds another layer was confused because it was Yet if you were to take a look at ments is not to contest the quality – Ruri Blair of meaning to an already com- anonymous. What is the point of the more recent inductees into the of Madonna’s music. Madonna is Freshman plicated feeling. However, even an anonymous love note?” hall of fame, you might question a music star, but she is certainly Valentine’s Day cannot produce Finally, as embarrassing as it the museum’s genre as a rock and not a rock star (as much as she a significant other for everyone may feel to ask someone out in roll hall of fame. might want people to think that on earth, hence the love letter. person, it may be even more off- Recently, the museum she is). Love letters are complicated putting to be on the receiving announced its 2010 inductees. Junior Nick Dorfner said, beasts. “How to begin?” and end of a live profession of affec- They included the Stooges, cer- “When the Rock and Roll Hall of “What to say?” are just two of tion. The private nature of a tainly a rock group. The Hollies, Fame inducts people like the quandaries facing would-be love letter ensures that neither it’s about time they got in! Jimmy Madonna into their museum, it is wooers. Also, love letters have, person feels embarrassed by the Cliff, well he’s more reggae but he an insult to the whole rock scene.” in recent times, garnered a repu- situation. probably influence some rock acts. The Rock and Roll Hall of tation for being too old fash- Perhaps the best part of a love Genesis, wait, wait, wait! In what Fame must stop these unnecessary ioned and clichéd to be attrac- note isn’t what it says directly, way was the electro-pop band that inductions into their museum and tive. However, the characteris- but what it implies. As the jump started the career of the droll take a look around their own place tics of letter-writing benefit all sender has opened conversation Phil Collins a rock group? to remember the meaning of the involved with a love note. through use of a letter, the This loose interpretation of the words Rock and Roll. Each lousy Unlike a face-to-face meet- receiver is now welcome to words Rock and Roll seems to be induction lessens the weight that ing, a letter allows the writer to reply with one, thus giving the a very recent trend for the hall of being inducted into the Rock and “Taylor Lautner” think carefully about what he or recipient all the same benefits. fame. In 2009 the remaining Roll Hall of Fame has. The Rock she wants to say. Even if the Even though February has – Marissa Luxemburger members of Run DMC stood next and Roll Hall of Fame better start Sophomore thought was nice, poor face-to- passed, pause and wonder if to the great guitarist Jeff Beck, inducting Rock acts again, or else face delivery can ruin an in-per- now is the time to find out if the who played with the Yardbirds, to people will stop visiting and the son offer of companionship. feeling is mutual with that spe- be inducted into the Rock and Roll museum will be no more. Then The letter also takes care of this, cial someone. And remember: hall of fame. In 2007 Grandmaster there will be no good reason for allowing practically unlimited love letters are here to help. flash and the Furious Five were anyone ever to visit Cleveland. Finals should become 20% of students’ grades By: Vinay Viswanathan grade by more than 4% is if final destroys one of the pur- finals. With the current 10% Senior Issue Editor the student received a perfect poses of the final exam: to weight, students with, for score on the exam, and only if give students a second chance. example, an 88% grade in a In the wake of January’s the student also had an ‘F’ Currently, students can have a class joke how they need a mid-term finals, many stu- grade in the class. cataclysmic destruction of 20% on the final to lose an dents have been pondering the Sophomore T.J. Murray, an their goal letter grade, but they ‘A’, ergo the kids don’t study. effects of finals. Finals can opponent of the current finals cannot increase their grade by decrease grades at any level by system, complained that “only a sizeable margin. Contrary to popular belief, up to ten percent. kids who are failing their class With the current flawed sys- education isn’t just about Finals currently comprise up can bring their grades up by tem, students in this sticky grades. It’s about what stu- to 10% of a student’s grade in ten percent. A ten percent quandary have nowhere to go, dents actually learn and “Beyoncee” any class, but if finals were weight on finals is a bit low.” because, as sophomore Paul remember. Sophomore Jack – Lucas Worth increased to 20%, they would If finals became 20% of a Van Ryzin voiced, “The Snowdon said that “If finals’ Junior help both students and teach- student’s grade, kids with an impact [of finals] isn’t as big importance were increased, ers in significant ways. 88% in a class could get an ‘A’ as itA should [be]”. everyone would be studying First of all, finals have an and kids with a 75 could end Also, 20%-weighted finals more.” extremely small, positive up getting a ‘B’. This would healp teachers, and Upper St. Clair’s student impact on the grades of improvement could really help everyone as a whole, to be will shine brightly if this USCHS’s students. The only the High School’s pupils. happier because students change to 20%, rather than time finals can increase a Second, this low-weighted would have to study more for 10%, happens. Off-field antics affecting all aspects of the NFL By: Nick Buzzelli it seems that the athletes have taken Former Cincinnati Bengals’ wide fered during the fall. The Bengals Opinions Editor advantage of him because they feel receiver Chris Henry has had, by far, lost a valuable teammate because of they can get away with their actions the most off-field-problems in his his carelessness off the field antics. Within the past few football sea- (www.chicagotribune.com). For short NFL career. After first breaking “It’s a shame that NFL players sons, one thing has become clear: example, after having a breakout sea- into the league with the Bengals in have to pull crazy stunts just to get National Football League players son in 2006, Atlanta Falcons quarter- 2005, Henry was pulled over for a attention,” said junior Stephen have had their fair share of off-the back Michael Vick decided he would routine traffic stop, but when the Kleinhans. “NFL players have gone field antics. While the NFL is some- press his luck and take the $20 mil- authorities searched his car, they overboard and it seems to have neg- “Kenneth Branaugh” times referred to as the “No Fun lion he made from his playing career found illegal drugs hidden in his ative aspects on their careers as well - Molly Jones League,” because the players are not and enter the world of underground shoes. Henry also was suspended by as their lives.” Senior allowed to show off on the gridiron, dog fighting. Because of this, Vick the league for two games in 2006 for Other than Tiger Woods, athletes does this give them the right to do all was suspended from the NFL for two disobeying their substance abuse from other professional sports their celebrating off the field? seasons, and released by the Falcons policy (www.usatoday.com). leagues only make the headlines Football players are the party ani- before finally being signed by the Perhaps the most tragic part of with impressive performances on the mals of professional athletes and Eagles (www.sport.espn.go.com). Henry’s short-lived career is that it ice, the court, or the baseball dia- sometimes their off-the-field antics Although Vick has traveled the dif- ended abruptly on December 16, mond. The NFL needs to allow their affect not only their playing careers, ficult path back to the NFL, no one 2009. On that day, he fell out of a players to unwind on the field and but also their lives as well. will ever know how good he truly moving truck that was being driven have a little fun if they want to cut By: Meghan Taylor and Ever since Commissioner Roger could have been if he had not been by his fiancée. Henry died two days down on dangerous league wide Alaina Zamanick Goodell took over the league in 2006 suspended for his illegal operations. later from trauma to his head, suf- antics. News Page 4 February 2010 The cell phone industry is being “Googled” by Nexus One Five Americans arrested in Pakistan for By: Garrett Cimina allows users to run multiple ating system allows Nexus One terrorism charges Entertainment Editor applications simultaneously and users to fill in text fields by display moving backgrounds. speaking into the phone and fea- By: Marni Schreiber things from their possession. It’s thin. It’s sleek. It’s got a However, as the system is still tures a 3D photo gallery. Just Editor in Chief Later we came to know that they big touch screen. It is not, how- new, Android has yet to gain don’t swear into the voice recog- have come here with the inten- ever, a new iPhone. Coming on much support of the type that nition software, as Nexus One Five Americans disappeared tion of ‘jihad”(www.timeson- the heels of the release of its has made the iPhone a true will censor you faster than Don from Washington D.C, and were line.co.uk). mobile operating system, industry leader: applications. Imus (Reuters). later found to be arrested in There are, however, different Android, Google has thrown its Apple.com currently claims The battle for smartphone, or Pakistan for violating the coun- accounts of what happened. One hat into the cellular communica- over 3 billion apps have been as Google says, “super phone,” try’s anti-terrorism act. The five account from Java Islam tions ring with the release of its downloaded from the company- supremacy will likely not end men being held are all in their explained that the men were self-proclaimed “super phone,” run “App Store,” and while offi- just because of this particular late teens and early twenties. The wishing to join militants in the Nexus One. cial figures for Google’s phone release. Apple’s ground- men have been identified as Pakistan’s tribal area. From a short distance away, Android market have yet to be breaking device holds a huge Ahmed Abdullah Minni, Umar The FBI has since become anyone could easily be forgiven released, it is safe to say that lead in terms of variety of appli- Farooq, Aman Hassan Yemer, involved. Supervisory Special for mistaking the Nexus One for Apple’s multi-year lead in the cations and looks quite similar to Waqar Hussain Khan and Ramy Agent Katherine Schweit of the an iPhone. The similar size and smartphone business will be the Nexus One. Google’s phone Zamzam; two Pakistani- FBI’s Washington field office shape of the phones is clearly a tough to overcome. is faster, can run more than one American, two Yemeni- explained that “’ We are working result of the Apple product’s vast The Nexus One however does app at a time, and allows users to American, and one Egyptian- with Pakistan authorities to popularity and sophisticated advance in areas the iPhone has speak rather than use yet another American (www.cnn.com). determine their identities and the design. not. The Nexus One’s hardware bizarre touch screen keyboard. The five men had been living nature of their business there, if Much like the Motorola Droid, is significantly faster than even The fight rages on, but the ulti- with their families in the Virginia indeed these are the students who another smart phone from the new iPhone 3GS, although mate winners will be the con- area until they disappeared about had gone missing”’ Verizon, the Nexus One runs on this is most likely a result of sumers. As engadget.com puts a month ago. The men left a (www.latimes.com). Google’s Android operating sys- needing additional system it, “The genuine-article Google jihad-style farewell video to their Nadeem Kiani, a spokesman tem. This operating system is resources when running multiple Phone is finally here — for bet- families and were not heard of for the Pakistani Embassy, states similar to Apple’s and also applications. The Android oper- ter or worse.” again until their arrest in that the men were arrested due to Pakistan. raised suspicions, especially in In recent weeks, the Pakistani the current atmosphere of Apple’s iPad disappoints at press conference government has begun to crack Pakistan. Kiani explains that “[i]f By: Greg Schlosser likely want to have to carry tasking (running more than one down on the anti-terrorism act. a person is in a certain area Sports Editor around a large bag just to take app at a time), and the iPad does The authorities have arrested where he does not have apparent- the iPad with him or her. not feature a camera. many Americans accused of ly any business there, he can be On January 27th, Apple show- Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, Also, the iPad will run on the going to places such as Pakistan arrested and investigated” cased its latest gadget, the iPad, said during the press conference, iPhone operating system, which and Somalia to learn terrorist tac- (www.latimes.com). in San Fransisco. “”iPad is an means programs like Word or tics. The future of the five men is Unfortunately, the awesome way to PowerPoint will not be function- A chief for the Pakistani gov- still undetermined. It is possible iPad doesn’t intro- enjoy your al on an iPad, and the features ernment explained that “We that the men will spend the rest duce any new fea- music collec- normally found on something watched them for one and a half of their lives in jail. Details from tures and will most tion, and of like a Macbook Pro will not be days and then arrested them […] their court date have not been likely not sell well. course we have on the iPad, which makes the We seized laptops and other released. First of all, the the iTunes store iPad’s size almost useless. iPad itself is “slight- built right into The iPad, however, excels in ly smaller than a the iPad so you some areas, as it runs much John Frusciante no longer a Red magazine” can discover faster than an average iPhone (www.apple.com). music, purchase and will have special applica- Hot Chili Pepper In all seriousness, it. Movies, pod- tions that will only run on the By: Devin Ellis This is a good point and not an who is going to cast, iTunes uni- iPad and will be a viable way to Copy Editor uncommon opinion among RHCP want to carry versity, every- watch a movie as the screen is fans. The guitarist position for Red around this awk- thing built right around 8” by 10”. Apple’s iPad has a similar appear- In December 2009, John Hot Chili Peppers has almost wardly sized device ance to the popular iPhone and is in”Junior Megan Povenz thinks Frusciante announced on his blog become like the Defense Against that is basically an just much larger. (www.slideto- the iPad is “really cool, even that he will be leaving the band the Dark Arts in the series Harry oversized iTouch? (Photo courtesy of Flickr) play.com). though I don’t know what it Red Hot Chili Peppers to venture Potter in that it seems to be cursed If the owner of the Everything does.” further into his solo career. His to never be a secured position. iPad is a woman, then it can that Jobs listed above is avail- Only the consumers of blog stated, “For me, art has never The remaining members, singer probably be assumed to fit in a able on the iTouch and iPhone, America will decide whether the been something done out of a sense Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, and purse. If the owner is male, how- which basically makes the iPad iPad will be a hit or not, but if of duty. It is something I do drummer Chad Smith have decided ever, he will have to carry it massive version of the iPhone. the iPad doesn’t upgrade its fea- around in a backpack to save the Yes, the iPad will feature new tures within the next year or because it is really fun, exciting, to give the new guitarist job (for the humiliation of having a “man types of business applications, two, this latest Apple creation and interesting. Over the last 12 moment) to Josh Klinghoffer. purse.” Either way, no one will but once again there is no multi- will most likely fail. years, I have changed, as a person Klinghoffer, an accomplished ses- and artist, to such a degree that to sion guitarist, has contributed his do further work along the lines I services to artists like Gnarls J.D. Salinger dies at 91 did with the band would be to go Barkley and Beck (www.conse- against my own nature. There was quenceofsound.net). However, By: Marni Schreiber Salinger able to create a character where he kept most of his writ- no choice involved in this decision. probably the most important factor Editor in Chief most people can relate to, he cre- ings, will now be opened to the I simply have to be what I am, and in RHCP’s decision to make ated a character that outlasted the public. have to do what I must do” Klinghoffer their guitarist is the J.D. Salinger, the famous and test of time. When it comes to For the past many years, novel- (Johnfrusciante.com). fact that he toured with them in respected author, died Holden, you either love him or ists have known of Salinger’s This decision was a shock to 2007 during their Stadium Wednesday, January 28, 2010 you hate him, but he will always secret writings. Salinger’s neigh- almost everyone. John had finally Arcadium Tour (www.nydai- from natural causes. The be one of the most remembered bor explained that “the author had gotten his life together, kicked his lynews.com). This means renowned author has pleased high literary figures of all time. told him years earlier that he had drug habit, and was recently mak- Klinghoffer is familiar with the school students and adults alike To many, Salinger himself is written at least fifteen unpub- ing better music with RHCP. Their band’s styles and can most likely with his cult classic novel The just as fascinating as the charac- lished books kept locked in a safe most recent albums, By The Way play a lot of their songs. Catcher in the Rye since its pub- ters he has created. When at his home. A year earlier, author (2004) and Stadium Arcadium Interestingly enough, Klinghoffer lishing in 1951. Salinger was still publishing, he and former Salinger girlfriend (2007) had sold incredibly well and is a good friend of Frusciante’s and Salinger wrote his classic, quite was “a demigod in a cult that Joyce Maynard had written that included some amazing songs that appeared on his most recent album possibly the most classic, coming seemed like a conspiracy between Salinger used to write daily and Frusciante helped write such as The Empyrean last year. of age story in 1951. Since then, his books and his readers. He had had at least two novels stored “Can’t Stop” on By The Way and Still, John Frusciante is off to Salinger and the book have been mystique and a second-hand away” (www.cbsnews.com) “Snow ((Hey Oh)) on Stadium make his eleventh solo album. And raised to a level not many find. To charisma” (www.washington- Whether or not Salinger’s Arcadium. although his solo work has this day, The Catcher in the Rye post.com). unpublished works will be shared “[John’s exit from RHCP] does- improved greatly since his first two continues to sell around 250,000 Salinger, however, did not with the public, Salinger will n’t really matter to me anymore,” heroin soaked albums, Niandra copies a year and has sold over 10 embrace this fame. He spent the surely be remembered and said Junior Sarah Paulino, who is a Ladies and Usually Just a T-Shirt million copies since its publica- majority of his life in seclusion at embraced. Not only is Salinger devoted Chili Peppers fan, “RHCP and Smile from the Streets You tion (www.washingtonpost.com). his home in New Hampshire. He, praised for The Catcher in the has gone through tons of members. Hold (the second of which he has The average American knows however, did not stop writing dur- Rye, but also for classics such as When they lost Hillel [Slovack, admitted was for drug money), one of Holden Caulfield, the protago- ing this time though. Nine Stories, Franny and Zooey, RHCP’s original guitarist, who must wonder if he will ever reach nist of Catcher, and his famous Salinger did not publish the and Rise High the Roof Beam, died from a drug overdose in the musical quality that he sayings, such as his always popu- majority of his writings. It is Carpenters and Seymour: An 1988], that was really when the achieved with Red Hot Chili lar “phony.” Not only was speculated that Salinger’s safe, Introduction. soul of the group died.” Peppers. February 2010 Features Page 5 Kous Kous Café is proving to be a hit Teacher’s Lounge By: Marni Schreiber should consider as an appetiz- rant. Senior Marissa Murin Editor in Chief er. The portion is large enough explains that “even though the Mr. Khila, the former Arabic to share and there is plenty of restaurant was small, it had and French teacher at Upper warm Moroccan bread to go authentic decorations through- St. Clair High School has left around. The other appetizers, out the place, making it feel teaching, for the time being, both hot and cold, are also that you were actually in a true Mr. Shefler and has opened up a Moroccan very appealing. The Moroccan Moroccan restaurant.” restaurant in Mt. Lebanon. platter with three different The restaurant itself is very “[I] took calculus as an elective” The restaurant has delicious appetizers, including the small, holding less than a By: Vijay Viswanathan food and a very comforting humus is recommended. dozen tables. This does mean Features Editor Q: When was the last time you atmosphere that almost all Another thing to look for- that waits can be long to get had to use a box-and-whisker guests will enjoy. ward to is the main course. inside. In fact, on a Thursday Q: If you had to resurrect one plot? Mr. Khila, who has spent There is something on the night, the line to get a table mathematician, who would it be? much of his life in Morocco, is menu for everyone. Khila was well outside. I’ve never had to use a box-and- able to cook up authentic and offers chicken, beef, duck, This wait, however, should [Leonhard] Euler. That guy knew whisker plot my whole life long. comforting food. There are salmon, and of course, cous- not stop people from going to a little bit of everything. many classic Moroccan cous. There are also options Kous Kous Café. Once, inside, favorites on the menu, such as for vegetarians, including the customers are sure to have Q: When did you realize you vegetable humus, eggplant vegetable couscous. great food and dine in an Q: What is the hardest math wanted to go into math? dishes, duck, and, of course, Dessert is something that excellent atmosphere. course you’ve ever taken? couscous. should not be skipped. There is Another incentive for USC I realized I wanted to go into The vegetable humus is a delicious chocolate mousse students to visit Kous Kous By far, abstract algebra. Ordinary math in my senior year of col- proving to be one of the most and Moroccan cookies. Tea is Café is also to visit Mr. Khila, differential equations were close, lege. I completed my English popular items on the menu, also a good alternative to who, if not too busy, will but abstract algebra was degree and took calculus as an especially among Upper St. dessert. Moroccan tea is very always find time to talk to his RIDICULOUS. elective. Clair students. Senior Carly sweet and delicious, perfect old USC students. Senior McCann comments that “the during and after a meal. Olivia Lammel comments that The linguistic extinction humus is amazing. It was In addition to the food, the “I was very excited to see Mr. By: Vijay Viswanathan have any words for numbers probably the best I have ever atmosphere of Kous Kous Café Khila again, he was one of my Features Editor over ten! (www.toptenz.net) had.” is very aesthetically pleasing. favorite teachers. Also, he is According to the University This demonstrates the isolation The humus is definitely There are Moroccan lamps and an amazing cook, and every- of Basel, English is spoken by and growth of different cul- something restaurant goers pictures around the tiny restau- thing I ordered was perfect.” roughly 1.8 million people tures. (www.ehistling- Even though keeping lan- Leo Ciarlone: A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man pub.meotod.de). Compare this guages alive gives great By: Alaina Zemanick under his chin, “I like base- “I like–writing bad poet- to the roughly five to seven glimpses into different cultures, News Editor ball analogies.” ry–” he explains, comparing hundred thousand speakers of people have views against A briefing of his past can himself such sickening poets the language 400 years ago, and them. One view is that keeping Mods 9-10. Senior Leo shed light onto the man like Sylvia Plath and Emily a disparity is clear. The fact is, languages alive simply is not Ciarlone sits quietly in the Ciarlone has become today. Dickinson. “Occasionally, I English is now a linguistic car- worth the struggle. For exam- band room, dear readers, Playing instruments since a mess up and write something nivore that is universalizing ple, famed linguist Michael playing some melody on the young age, he has developed remotely good. It happens.” language while terminating oth- Krauss estimated in 2007 that piano. His fellow peers are into a fantastic musician and Ciarlone is very well ers. over 6000 languages exist. With whispering and staring sus- lives in a near-virtuoso known among his peers. In the late 80’s and early 90’s, this in mind, keeping all alive piciously– they know that he state. If you were to ask him “I’ve talked to him once or is a great man. Hated by though, he would deny all twice,” says fellow senior the world was concentrating on would be impossible. Further, some but loved by all, truth to this statement. Jeff Wucher, “He seems like an old man named Tevfik as sophomore Karl Egeland Ciarlone exudes the brilliant “C’mon, I’m not that a nice guy.” Esenç. The reason: he was the pointed out, “These languages magic that human beings “Leo is my uncle’s last speaker of Ubykh, which should not be revived because only experience once in name,” pipes junior Joe was considered to be the rarest their speakers could learn a a lifetime. Merchant. language at the time. Even more universal language. This “Leo is my Aslan,” Cialone also has a when he died, effectively way language could become says Bruce Franz, a jun- twin. No, it is not senior killing the language, the epitaph more general.” ior, “He is a lion.” Laura Rollick as some on his grave read: This is the Overall, though, the concept Behind the thick- believe. It’s Anne rimmed lenses and Ciarlone! grave of Tevfik Esenç. He was of keeping a language alive is toughly-knit argyle “He’s a good twin,” the last person able to speak the being widely embraced. For sweater vests lies a man adds sister Anne Ciarlone, language they called Ubykh example, in the early 21st cen- so tender that even a senior, “He is kind of (www.circassianworld.com). tury, the Cornish language, Princeton summa cum laude great,” he modestly says, overrated.” The primary significance of from the English county of graduate could not even while playing a flawless As the song on the piano these dying languages is the Cornwall had less than 300 comprehend his magnitude. rendition of “Rhapsody in fades, Ciarlone glances at fact that there exists languages speakers. A recent project “I admire people who are Blue” on the piano. the music he has just fin- and sounds that would be caused that number to jump up greater than me,” Ciarlone Yet, dear readers, Ciarlone ished and thinks contempla- admits, “like A.E. Housman, does possess the powers in tively about his life. Dear inconceivable in the Western to 2,000 and counting. For the [Henri de] Toulouse the field of music alone. He readers, this scene is very world. Most people couldn’t case of the Cornish language, it Lautrec, Dean Acheson, and appreciates art with the abil- emotional. This thought imagine sounds other than the was said that Cornish was Waltz King Johann Strauss. I ity to recognize beautiful process is historic, beauti- alphabet. Linguists are, howev- important in the culture of the have all the bases covered.” paintings (as well as the ful, and very much a life- er, intrigued by the different United Kingdom. He pauses for a few seconds horrible ones), and in his changing moment. Ciarlone grammatical and phonetic As Mr. Martocci opined, “In from the piano piece he is spare time, he enjoys writ- has come to the conclusion– aspects of languages. Often, order to understand our own playing and places his hand ing. he is happy with his life. these offer views of cultures. language, we must understand Resurrected old-time theatre shines through For example, one of the rarest other languages, even if they shadows of modern giants languages, Taushiro, doesn’t are dying.” By: Danielle Schultz ter, The Hollywood Theatre. cy with the film. The art deco sions are reasonably priced Warner, Cinemette Theaters, Guest Writer This theater has a much design and furnishings intro- despite the fact that the the- Neighborhood Theaters, zand Nowadays, movie theaters more broad selection of films, duce a comfortable at-home ater relies on its small profits CineMagic, finally, in 2007, are huge concrete edifices showing anything from the feeling; the theater is com- to keep it up and running. landing in the hands of with enough screens for Jon Christmas classic It’s a plete with a balcony contain- Also, the show itself costs Motion Picture Heritage, a and Kate and their kids to Wonderful Life to the cult- ing orange 50’s era armchairs only $6 for adults and $4 for group determined to restore each watch a different movie. classic Rocky Horror Picture and a cozy lounge full of its Sunday matinee. old theaters to their former They have lost the beauty and Show to the new hit couches and armchairs The Hollywood Theatre glory. coziness of their predecessors Inglorious Basterds. beneath the lobby. opened its doors in 1924 and Thus, two years, $300,000, that have run out of business. Though containing but a Unlike its multiplex kin, was renovated in the late 40’s and a ton of hard work later, There is, however, one grand single screen, the theater’s The Hollywood Theatre does by Warner Bros. Theaters. Its the Hollywood Theatre has old theater in Dormont which smaller size provides the not require its visitors to ownership switched around a re-opened its doors to the has restored its previous lus- viewer with a certain intima- break the bank. The conces- few times between Stanley- public. Page 6 Sports Febuary 2010

USC Hockey heats up the ice The Steelers look to build with this By: Nick Buzzelli offense is senior forward James upcoming draft class Opinions Editor Kline, who was the Panthers’ top scorer last season with 54 points By: Garrett Cimina Steelers’ front three is an aging prolific tackler, nearly as big as The Upper St. Clair hockey in 22 games Entertainment/Assistant bunch, featuring only two play- Farrior but with more speed and program has always had a win- (www.postgazette.com). Aside Opinions Editor ers under 30 in its entire rota- moderate pass-coverage skills. ning tradition unmatched by any from being one of USC’s most tion. Ziggy Hood, last year’s Lee was improved in his pass other team in the Pennsylvania productive players, Kline, the As the Steelers closed out first round pick, caught on coverage every year in college, Interscholastic Hockey League. captain, has brought veteran their disappointing season towards the end of this season with his senior season netting against the Miami Dolphins, and promises to be a force come him his first interception with a With former players, such as leadership to a Panther team full many fans back in Pittsburgh fall, but besides him, the line is return (espn.com). Lee hasn’t Ryan Malone of the Tampa Bay of underclass talent. were already planning how to go filled with aging ends Aaron had the troubling off-field diffi- Lighting and AHL defenseman Rounding out the Panther through the difficult times of a Smith, Travis Kirschke, Brett culties of highly touted Florida Dylan Reese, the Panthers’ offense is junior CJ Murray and Steeler-less January. For some, Keisel and Nick Eason (steel- linebacker Brandon Spikes, hockey club has produced some senior Zach Feldman, who both there are the Penguins, for oth- ers.com). either. And with the departure of the most notable hockey tal- bring veteran experience to the ers Pitt basketball, but real Dunlap, one of the biggest of Charlie Batch seemingly ent from Western Pennsylvania. team. Justin Selep, Rob Schneid, diehard football fans take this and most athletic ends in the inevitable, Lee could also pro- After a disappointing over- and Mitchell Lewis anchor the time to study up on the 2010 draft, could step into the rotation vide the Steelers the hometown time loss in the Penguin Cup Upper St. Clair defense. NFL Draft. immediately. He has the size to connection they appear to value quarter finals last season, the Matt Wregget and Mike Stein This year’s draft features highly. Panthers are trying to make a have been solid net-minders for some of the most high-pro- 2. Tim Tebow, the senior statement this year as one of USC this season, posting twelve file graduates of any class quarterback from Florida. Class AAA’s toughest teams. wins and four shutouts through in history, including quar- Despite being widely credited Last year, the Panthers the Panthers’ first 17 games terbacks Tim Tebow, Jimmy as college football’s greatest capped off one of their most pro- (www.eteamz.com). Clausen, and Tony Pike, player and having come off his ductive seasons in recent memo- The 2009-10 Upper St. Clair dominant defensive players best game statistically against ry with a trip to the PIHL semi- hockey team is looking to Ndamukong Suh and Eric an undefeated Cincinnati team finals at Mellon Arena. USC was restore the program to its former Berry, and a myriad of other in the Sugar Bowl , Tebow is unable to come away with the glory by winning their first state highly-rated players. not projected to be a good fit victory against Seneca Valley, championship in over 20 years. Unfortunately (or fortu- for a conventional pro-style but this year, they are a more With the Panthers’ nucleus of nately) for Pittsburgh fans, offense and therefore is free- experienced team and have talent, they aim to bring a cham- the draft hasn’t been much falling down draft boards in the learned from last season’s bitter pionship back to Upper St. Clair of a landmark in recent Steelers warming up before their game with the major sports magazines loss. and cement their legacy as one Cincinatto Bengals. years, with the Steelers last Picture coutresy of Marni Schreiber. (rivals.com). Pittsburgh, hav- Leading the Upper St. Clair of the top programs in the PIHL. picking in the top 12 back ing just enjoyed a terrific sea- in 2004 when Ben hold his ground against run- son of quarterback play by Ben The Pitt-Washington Rivarly becom- Roethlisberger was drafted. blocking tackles, but also Roethlisberger, seems an unlike- ing the best in the NHL Despite the lackluster nature of enough speed to rush the passer, ly spot for Tebow to land, but the 2009 season, the Steelers are perhaps allowing another the curious thing about Tebow is By: Greg Schlosser Both players have publicly in a fairly mediocre situation at defender to help out in the weak how unorthodox as a whole he Sports Editor voiced their discontent of each pick number 18. Still, some Steeler secondary. is. other, as Crosby said “Like it or quality talent of the non-Limas Three-man rushes became Everything he does, from The NHL has always had its lump it, that’s what he does […] Sweed variety should be pres- more common this season, with throwing lefty to running over rivalries throughout the years; Personally, I don’t like it” ent, including these top 5 the lack of speed of the Steelers’ linebackers, is so beyond the the Toronto Maple Leafs and (www.nhl.fanhouse.com). Steelers prospects: defensive ends dooming many a current scope of professional Montreal Canadians have always Ovechkin responded with, “He’s 5. Taylor Mays, the senior defensive stand. Despite play- quarterbacking that no NFL been a classic. The Colorado a good player, but he talks too safety from USC. While Troy ing in a 4-3 defensive scheme in coach currently has in place a Avalanche and the Detroit Red much.” Polamalu is undoubtedly one of college, Dunlap is as big (290 system to take advantage of Wings rivalry was at its height Ovechkin and Crosby aren’t the best safeties in football, his pounds) as the prototypical Tebow’s unique skill set. The during the 90s. A new must see the only two to get after each insane style of play has left him Steelers defensive end. If he Steelers can adjust just as easily match-up, however, is the other in this rivalry, as there is a susceptible to injuries. With somehow is not large enough to as any other team, and having Pittsburgh Penguins and the lot of bad blood between the two multiple concussions in the not- be a lineman, he can always play Tebow and Roethlisberger side- Washington Capitals. teams. The rivalry goes all the so-distant past and nearly his linebacker. by-side in the shotgun would entire 2009 season ruined by a 3. Sean Lee, the senior line- open up a world of possibilities Both the Pens and the Capitals way back to 2007 where suppos- bum knee, it is only a matter of backer from Penn State. James never before explored by a pro represent the post-lockout NHL edly Ovechkin punched Evgeni time before his superhuman play Farrior is getting old. While he offense. Plus, he would do won- to a tee. Both teams have high- Malkin’s agent at a Russian begins to decline. may try to skirt the issue, the ders for ticket sales. flying offenses that score almost nightclub In the meantime the Steelers fact is, when opponents needed a 1. Golden Tate, the junior at will. (www.sports.yahoo.com). secondary is a wreck of under- big third down conversion this wide receiver from Notre Dame. Washington leads the league On the ice, big hits such as the performing players who were season, they frequently threw to The speedster with good hands with 3.92 goals per game, while one Malkin laid on Ovechkin in low draft picks to begin with. the halfback being covered by and sound mechanics could add the Pens are ninth in the league the 2007/2008 season and the Setting Mays next to Polamalu Farrior, who was too slow to to the three-headed monster of with 3.03 goals per game dirty knee-to-knee hit Ovechkin in the secondary would give the keep up. While he may have Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes (www.nhl.com). This is what put on Sergei Gonchar in the Steelers more playmaking abili- been, and continues to be, a and Mike Wallace to create the average fans dream of because 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs have ty and allow Ryan Clark to try great run-stopping middle line- most dominant receiving corps more goals always equal a more intensified the rivalry even more. his hand at cornerback in the backer, the tread on his tires is in the NFL. With over 1,400 exciting game. The NHL is certainly happy place of woeful William Gay. wearing thin. Enter Sean Lee, a receiving yards and 15 touch- It also helps that the top two with the rivalry that has been cre- Should Polamalu once again product of Upper St. Clair’s high downs in his junior year, Tate superstars in the NHL, Sidney ated between Pittsburgh and find himself on the sideline, school football program, who was nigh-unstoppable in college Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin, Washington. When the two Mays would be a much more tal- spent his college career playing (espn.com). In the pros, espe- are always at their best when the teams are dominant offensively ented partner for Clark than on a talented Penn State team. cially in the slot of a four-receiv- two teams meet. Crosby is the and the two top superstars go Tyrone Carter. Despite having missed all of er set, he could be the straw that more reserved, pass-first type of head to head and absolutely 4. Carlos Dunlap, the junior his 2008 season because of breaks the back of any NFL pass player while Ovechkin is the despise each other, it is always defensive end from Florida. The injury, Lee has proven to be a defense. flamboyant goal scorer. must see TV. The US Winter Olympic team faces glory By: Vijay Viswanathan poised to make the US proud. arguably the most intense of the British Amy Williams and and Ryan Whitney, both former Features Editor They finished off their season Winter Olympics sports. In skele- John Montgomery from Canada Pens, are on the team, and both with six straight wins culminat- ton, riders slide with a sled came away with the only gold have made key contributions on Millions of Americans have tune ing in a victory at the World roughly half the size of their body medals in skeleton. the team’s quest for a medal. din to watch the Winter Curling Tour (www.curling.tea- down slippery and slick moun- This year the US Hockey team An Upper St. Clair sophomore, Olympics. This year’s batch of musa.org). Even USC students tains. To make things more diffi- is looking decent, led by Zach Andy Tomiczek, had only one American competitors is proving are proud of this team, and the cult, they have to hold them- Parise. The goalies are Tim complaint. When asked what he to be great. sport in general. Sophomore selves up for most of the time on Thomas, Ryan Miller, and Jon wants to watch on the Olympics, The Winter Olympic sports can Chris Beaulieur agreed: “My their hands alone. The skeleton Quick, while among the defense- he deadpanned, “Swimming. I be narrowed into a variety of favorite Olympic sport is sled also has no brakes, so to turn man will be Pittsburgh’s own have seen the Winter Olympics classes. To start, there is the time- Curling, because it’s quirky.” or break, the rider must use his or Brooks Orpik. The only other commercial of Michael Phelps less sport of curling. The US Then, there are the high-speed her legs. And the rider can expe- Pittsburgh player on the squad is swimming on a road towards team of Jason Smith, Jeff sports, such as bobsled, luge, and rience a mind-bending five Gs of Alex Goligoski, who is an alter- Canada, so they should have Isaacson, and John Benton seems skeleton. The skeleton is pressure! Sadly for the US team, nate defenseman. Ryan Malone swimming.” Entertainment February 2010 Page 7

Conan O’Brien leaves NBC’s “Tonight Show” The best albums you By: Alaina Zemanick O’Brien has only managed to score consider to be the greatest franchise probably missed in 2009 News Editor 2.4 million viewers in comparison to in the history of broadcasting. The By: Alaina Zemanick album.” Letterman’s 4.2 million, nearly dou- Tonight Show at 12:05 simply isn't the News Editor Another fantastic album that On January 21, NBC officially ble of O’Brien’s audience Tonight Show” (www.huffington- dropped this past year was announced the departure of Conan (www.yahoo.com). post.com). In 2009, famous albums took Julian Casablancas’ solo project O’Brien from “The Tonight Show "We believe Leno will be very O’Brien also added that NBC’s center stage, widely raved by Phrazes of the Young. with Conan O’Brien” competitive right away," said Jay intentions “would hurt the other NBC critics. But some of the best Casablancas, lead singer of the (www.cnn.com). This statement Gaspin, chairman of NBC Universal franchise that I love [“Late Night”], albums of the year fell under the Strokes, followed in the foot- radar and managed to gain a steps of his bandmates on the came after a week of controversy Television Entertainment, "and that and it would be unfair to Jimmy small American cult following. Strokes’ three year hiatus and involving former “Tonight Show” over time Leno will be the late-night [Fallon]” One such album was the created a very interesting host Jay Leno. When his prime-time leader again" (www.yahoo.com). (www.huffingtonpost.com). Arctic Monkeys’ newest album, album. Though Phrazes is hour turned out to be a flop, NBC Originally, NBC was going to Though O’Brien will be gone from Humbug. Compared to their infused with many Strokes- cancelled the show but promised to push O’Brien back to his old 12:05 the seat at “The Tonight Show,” he sophomore success, Favourite esque elements, Casablancas place Leno in the late-night lineup. time slot for “Late Night,” currently will not be uncompensated as NBC Worst Nightmare, Humbug is incorporates many electronic This action meant removing O’Brien hosted by Jimmy Fallon. However, has reportedly given him a $45 mil- much darker with heavier and elements that he found by lis- as the current “Tonight Show” host. O’Brien refused to accept NBC’s lion severance package. Rumors are more complex lyrics; the new tening to many underground There was addition motivation idea. also swirling about O’Brien getting a sound is thanks to their guest techno bands. In addition, he behind O’Brien’s removal as well. O’Brien released in a statement, “I new show on Comedy Central producer, Josh Homme of managed to place a coordinating For the 5 months since O’Brien took sincerely believe that delaying the (www.chicagotribune.com). Queens of the Stone Age piece of advice with each song. over for Leno, ratings for “The Tonight Show into the next day to “I really like Conan,” said Brent (www.nme.com). For example, for his opening Tonight Show” have not fared well accommodate another comedy pro- Heard, a junior, “Being a fellow red “[W]ith this [album], we were song “Out of the Blue,” against CBS rival David Letterman. gram will seriously damage what I head, he’s a cool cat.” prepared to put a bit more con- Casablancas’ matched the angry sideration into,” said Alex tone of the song with “Anger is Turner, lead singer of the Arctic weakness, patience is strength” NBC’s Community has become the best Monkeys, “For the first time, (www.juliancasablancas.com). this thing really feels like we’re He told The Guardian, "In new show on the air not catching up with ourselves” general, the goal was to By: Devin Ellis college life is, Community Community is a pretty good (www.rollingstone.com). inspire." Copy Editor shows how people down on show. It’s funny and it “I really like the new sound Besides the inspiring aspects their luck can kickstart their reminds me of the office, from Alex Turner,” says senior of Phrases, each song individu- At the start of this TV sea- life with the help of some great which is good.” Krissy King, a long-time ally is fantastic, and when com- son, NBC debuted a new show friends. The show’s commer- Community seems to have Monkeys fan, “It’s really bined, the songs make a great, called Community. This show, cials (and characters in the taken on the role of one of mature, and Josh Homme has eclectic combination that helps which features an all- star line- actual show) have compared those nighttime NBC comedy added a nice touch to their new promote Casablancas’ talents. up including the timeless the situation in the show to the shows like The Office and 30 Chevy Chase, is an exciting situation in The Breakfast Rock. So far the show is hold- new comedy about life in a Club, and the comparison is a ing its own against these TV small community college fair one. The cast of the show show giants, and seems to be called Greendale Community consists of a motley group of building it’s own loyal fan College. The show, with its community college attendees base. superb acting and witty writ- with different backgrounds Hollywoodreporter.com ing, has impressed audiences who come to become very reports that, “it's clear that all over America and has good friends. This causes the "Community" has the ingredi- become a big part of NBC’s plot to be very believable and ents needed to attract and build Thursday night lineup (which the characters to be more an audience, something that includes 30 Rock and The endearing to the audience. could not be said for many of Office). Sophmore Mike Stein agrees the shows NBC has run at 9:30 However, instead of ridicul- that the show is appealing, p.m. Thursdays over the years” ing how pathetic community saying that “I think (www.hollywoodreporter.com) New batch of ‘Idol’ contestants surprise audiences By: Vijay Viswanathan were in Atlanta, Chicago, Charity Vance, who was only Features Editor Orlando, Pasadena, Arlington, sixteen but had a very unique Originally a spin-off of the Texas, Denver, and voice. However, as Sophomore British hit series, “Pop Idol,” Foxborough, Mass. Of these, David Claypool posited, “In American Idol has managed to Chicago had the lowest number American Idol, there are a lot of become one of the superstars of of tickets given out, only 13 bad singers with great voices.” the reality show genre. Despite over two days (www.nj.com) Ultimately, a large attractor is switching Paula Abdul with a In Orlando, a man named Matt bad singers. Sophomore John variety of guest stars and ulti- Lawrence sang a flawless rendi- Kulp opined, “I don’t like the mately Ellen DeGeneres, the tion of Ray LaMontagne’s show’s intent, but I like the show still manages to keep “Trouble.” His history was trou- idiots who make themselves great ratings and help Fox “rule bled (at the age of 15 he was popular on it.” Wednesday” (www.hitfix.com). sentenced to four years behind One ridiculous singer was a Although sophomore Sean bars because he robbed a bank), young looking man who Gaudio claims that he “[does- but Simon and the other judges claimed to have fought in the n’t] like watching people sing,” raved over him. In Chicago, Korean War and sang a Tiny the majority of people are arguably the most notable Tim song called “Tiptoe beginning to appreciate the singer at the auditions was through the tulips.” Another bad show. With a healthy balance of Katelyn Epperly, who gave a singer was the infamous Jarrod some great singers and some soulful yet minimalist take on Norrell, who was an awful entertaining failures, the ninth “Syrup and Honey,” by Duffy. singer but had to be forced out season of “Idol” is shaping up One other great singer on the of the audition room. And lastly, to be a good one. show was Jermaine Purifoy, there was the final singer in Some of the most popular who was a straight-edge singer Atlanta named Larry Platt, who parts of “American Idol” are the who performed a Tony Bennett wrote a song called “Pants on auditions. Some people featured song. the ground.” However, Platt’s in the auditions are simply great Among the “different” people reception was different because singers, while others are just were the uniquely good and the he had only auditioned in order hilariously bad. Indeed, audi- purely bad. Of the smaller num- to make a point against wearing tions may be one of the driving ber of good, there was a man pants “real low.” Furthermore, reasons that “American Idol” named Jay Stone, who beat- it was revealed that Platt is a became popular. As freshman boxed while singing “Come famous, recognized, 62-year old Chen Hao Yang added, “I like Together” by The Beatles. Also, civil rights activist. Because the the auditions.” among the people with different age limit for the show is 28, he The auditions for the show styles was a singer named was kicked out. Entertainment Page 8 February 2010

The Lovely Bones may disappoint many The Grammy Awards light up By: Marni Schreiber between” between heaven and sick and twisted murderer Staples Center Editor in Chief earth because she is unable to George Harvey. By: Vijay Viswanathan Jay-Z to Stephen Colbert’s let go of her life on earth and Senior Sarah Walters- Features Editor daughter. Even Stephen Colbert The Lovely Bones, a new move forward. This “in- Slezack remarks that “the himself (who won the awards for film by Peter Jackson, staring between” is a beautiful place movie was able to show just The 52nd annual Grammy top comedy album) gave the Mark Wahlberg, Rachel that can be whatever Susie how disgusting of a man Awards came to the Staples opening address in which he Weisz, Susan Sarandon, can imagine in her head. The George Harvey is. The actor Center to celebrate what the poked fun at the iPad and Susan Philly Inquirer called, “Music’s Boyle, to name a few. Stanley Tucci, and Saoirse imagery of Susie’s heaven is was very believable in the Biggest Night” The start of the show was inter- Ronan, proved to be a fairly breathtaking. role.” (www.philly.com). Dominating esting, as it suddenly panned to inaccurate adaption from the The transitions between her Overall, the movie has the stage were what the Inquirer show a “Fame Factory.” Then, a popular novel by Alice heaven and the scenes that received many mixed christened the “Big Three,” Lady tuxedo-clad announcer creepily Sebold. The movie does, surround Susie’s family and reviews. Some praise the GaGa, Beyoncé, and Taylor introduced Lady GaGa. GaGa however, have stunning visu- her murderer George Harvey, movie for its visuals, but Swift. Even so, some Upper St. and a team of camouflage-clad als and portrays Susie’s heav- played by Tucci, are sharply many comment on the lack of Clair students such as sopho- men went through a steampunk en in an original and beautiful contrasted and poorly edited. depth and warmth present in more Sean Dougherty called the dance routine culminating with a way. Susie’s heaven can be seen as the novel. awards, “a pointless set of version of Elton John’s “Your From the start, the movie is artwork, but to some, the film On Rotten Tomatoes, the awards.” Still, shown live then Song,” sung with Sir John him- rather emotional. The viewer “shows less audacity and too movie received only a 37% and broadcast on television the self. Still, Lady GaGa’s perform- hears that fourteen year old much art” approval rating, citing that next day, the Grammy’s stood ance (with her shortage of ade- girl Susie Salmon is mur- (movies.nytimes.com). the movie was "stuffed full of out once again. quate clothing and dramatic dered. It does, however, take The movie is very visual, Peter Jackson’s typically daz- Taylor Swift, who collected pyrotechnics) was not for the a long time for the murder to but not as heartwarming and zling imagery, but The Lovely “Best Country Music Album” weak-hearted. One sophomore take place on the screen. The sentimental as the book Bones suffers from abrupt among other awards, also per- fan, Rishab Nathan, agreed, movie first reveals the back- proved to be. Mark Wahlberg shifts between horrific vio- formed her energetic single “You “Lady gaga is my goddess.” ground of Susie’s life and delivers a believable perform- lence and cloying sentimen- Belong With Me.” Her album Arguably the night’s most family before her murder. ance as Susie’s father long- tality” (www. rottentoma- Fearless was 2009’s top selling memorable moment was when Despite its controversial ingly looking for justice, but toes.com). album, but some USC students Smokey Robinson, Jennifer nature, Peter Jackson handled other characters are less While a 37% rating may had issues with her (www.bill- Hudson, Usher, Carrie the topic of child rape and developed, such as Susie’s truly be ‘rotten’, the movie is board.com). One of these critics, Underwood, and Celine Dion murder well. Susie’s actual mother and policeman Len not nearly as good as the musician and junior Anas Hoque sang a tribute to Michael posited, “I can't believe they Jackson. Shortly afterwards, attack is not shown on screen, Fenerman. book. If Jackson had devel- allowed Taylor [Swift] to come.” Michael’s children Prince and but rather in a roundabout One exceptional perform- oped all of the storylines As is tradition, the awards Paris Jackson collected a sort of way. Also, Susie’s pro- ance is Stanley Tucci’s. from the book, many of which acted as a magnetic force for Lifetime Achievement award. gression into her “partial” Tucci, the very flamboyant were missing completely, the celebrities. If one looked to the This truly memorialized the sad heaven is handled well. Nigel from The Devil Wears movie could have been more stands he or she would see stars loss of one of the music indus- Susie is stuck in the “in- Prada, truly embodies the accepted by fans of the book. ranging from Andy Samberg to try’s biggest superstars. Demon’s Souls will grind your bones to make its bread By: Garrett Cimina the multitude of items, mag- One, the setting. Demon’s from other players can Souls is already intense and Entertainment/Assistant ical spells and character Souls is a Japanese game, appear on the ground that moody, but when you Opinions Editor varieties of any Role but its setting is based on may warn of impending dan- receive a flashing message Playing Game (RPG), but dark Western fantasy. That ger or hidden loot. The notifying you that ‘Black As 2009 wound down, one beyond that, the scope of the means castles, dragons, dun- bloodstains of other players Phantom Noobkiller3000 has thing was painfully apparent game is manageable. What geons and possessed soldiers may appear on the ground, invaded,’ it’s hard not to in the world of gaming: isn’t manageable, at least are the headliners. The which, when activated, will start sweating.” Playstation 3 was the new not right away, is the diffi- player’s character may display the last ten seconds In the end, Demon’s Souls boss. Not only were console culty. Demon’s Souls is choose to begin on a stone of that player’s life. This is may prove to be too brutally sales way up since the most certainly the hardest bridge leading to an omi- especially useful in diagnos- difficult to be attractive to beginning of the year, but a game yet released on the nous-looking fort, full of ing an area for potential pit- more than a handful of slew of terrific first-party Xbox 360, Wii or inhabitants displaying the falls. The ghosts of other diehard gamers, but those games dominated the Game Playstation 3. The tutorial classic symptoms of pro- players may wander past, few will experience a game of the Year awards across is easy, but only until its end longed insanity. Needless to showing how those players unlike any other. With its the major game magazines. boss, which sends the player say, playthroughs by young are doing in their own paral- bizarre yet effective combi- Most notable was certainly straight to spirit-land with a children are not encouraged. lel universe of the game. nation of chillingly tough Uncharted 2, as it swept past maximum of two axe- Two, the gameplay. Yes, it The two best parts of combat, deep character pro- Call of Duty to take the top swings. That’s right, the is difficult, but yes, it is also online multiplayer, however, gression, and imaginative prize at Spike TV’s VGA tutorial has a boss. fair. Most of the time play- are a bit more direct. In one multiplayer play, Demon’s video game awards show. So how tough is Demon’s ers spend in Demon’s Souls instance, a player may be Souls should be at least But on the lesser-traveled Souls? For one, the game will be in fighting the end- summoned into another attempted by anyone inter- site of gamespot.com, a very cannot be paused. Period. less hordes of insane, player’s parallel universe of ested in games, and certainly different champion was For another, it is quite possi- undead, or just plain evil the game, to help conquer a deserved more than one nod crowned, albeit still a ble in Demon’s Souls to enemies that infest every boss or sprint through a par- for Game of the Year. Playstation 3 game: Demon’s enter a world with a mighty corner of the game world, ticularly treacherous area. Souls. sword-wielding knight as and so would benefit from The home player gets to Demon’s Souls is a role- the player’s character, only rock-steady combat controls. advance in the story, and the playing game in the strictest to discover that the creatures Thankfully, the game deliv- summoned player gets to sense. That is, the player in this world fly, and so will ers a deep set of options for acquire as many souls (the can create a personalized never get close enough to be engagements with the bad game’s currency) as possi- avatar from a number of cus- felled with an axe. The guys. The fact that the game ble, so the arrangement tomization options, assign creatures all carry a seem- is so hard, then, is more a works out for both sides. that avatar a particular set of ingly infinite number of product of the enemies’ skill On the other hand, players attributes, such as knight or spears, waiting to be thrust than the poor quality of the can also invade other play- thief, and then progress into the knight’s helpless game controls, as might be ers’ worlds as Black through a world in which he body. true of other games. Phantoms, and try to hunt or she defeats enemies, There are a lot more exam- Three, the online multi- them down and kill them for scavenges equipment, and ples of how Demon’s Souls player. As far as RPGs go, their souls. After the game kills bosses. After a brief, is an exceedingly difficult the fact that Demon’s Souls notifies the home player easy tutorial, however, the game, but to list them all even has an online compo- they have been invaded, one game suddenly smothers the would only take away from nent is a break from the can expect some very care- player with its labyrinthine the game’s redeeming quali- crowd. The online compo- ful looks around corners, complexity and Draconian ty: it makes the gamer want nent is a fortunate break for waiting for the inevitable difficulty. to keep playing. How is this gamers, though, as multi- confrontation. As Make no mistake: Demon’s possible for such an unfor- player in the game is appar- GameInformer.com editor Souls is not an overly com- giving game? Three rea- ent in all aspects of game- Phil Kollar puts it, “The plex game. Sure, there is sons: play. Helpful messages atmosphere of Demon’s