Vol. 23, No. 1 Acton-Boxborough Regional High School November 2004 THE BEST FOOTBALL Indecent Assaults in Acton By DEBLEENA MITRA & incidents since these two attacks,” RASHMI JASRASARIA said Lieutenant Palma of the Acton TEAM IN STATE HISTORY Spectrum Staff Police, “but in order to prevent these assaults from happening again, ev- In October, two Acton women eryone has to be careful and stay were indecently assaulted by a 5ʼ 6” aware of their surroundings and man who remains at large. An in- whatʼs going on in their commu- vestigation is currently being con- nity.” The Police Department also ducted and the police are searching warns that citizens should be aware for information on the suspect. of “anything that looks out of the The first attack occurred on Oc- ordinary, especially suspicious or tober 4, when the victim was enter- unknown persons.” ing her apartment on Great Road. The Police Department stresses The victim described the assailant that people should always be aware as wearing a white or light colored of what is going on around them shirt pulled over his head. The man so that they do not become the vic- indecently assaulted the victim by tims of attacks. The public should touching her improperly in a sexual take extra precautions such as lock- manner. He advanced toward the ing all doors and traveling with a woman from behind and then ran buddy, especially when walking away. The second time, another around late at night. Even simple woman was assaulted indecently actions like remembering where a in the West Acton area during the car is parked will help people avoid evening. The vehicle that the sus- incidents similar to those afore- pect was driving may have been a mentioned. two-door, silver Honda. See ASSAULT / page 3 “Nobody has reported any new

AB football won its 41st straight game by beating Concord-Carlisle in a dramatic bout that shattered CCʼs own state record of 40 straight wins. Five thousand fans cheered AB to a 19-7 victory. See SPORTS p. 18 A Taste of Spain: DAVID EMER / SPECTRUM STAFF Construction Nears End Spanish Author Comes to AB By RASHMI JASRASARIA number of essays and poems. Este- known throughout America, and By TESS OʼBRIEN AB was able to secure state fund- Spectrum Staff Spectrum Staff ban has given conferences all over with his newly published book, his ing because “we met the stringent The student union was packed the U.S. and has spoken at Harvard fame is sure to explode. Construction has become a way criteria the state set down...[and] with students of Spanish as a short University, Wellesley College, Estebanʼs most recent novel, of life at AB. Over the past sev- we had a real necessity for renova- man of dark complexion composed UCLA, University of Delaware, Gabo y Fidel, outlines the friend- eral years it has not been unusual tion and expansion.” This necessity himself to speak about his language and University of Miami. He is ship between the Nobel Prize-win- to dodge drip-catching trashcans encompassed a complete overhaul and culture. On October 25, dur- currently visiting the United States ning Spanish writer Gabriel Garcia in hallways, duck raw wires that of several Acton schools, namely, ing first and second period, Span- for a few months to help prepare “Gabo” Marquez and Cuban dicta- dangled from the ceilings, or see a the double elementary school, the ish author Angel Esteban came to graduate level students who are tor Fidel Castro. “Itʼs a very in back-end loader digging outside a junior high, and the high school. ABRHS to speak to Spanish classes pursuing a doctorate in the Spanish classroom window. But on Novem- State funding, however, has not at the invitation of Mr. Diego Man- language. Clearly, Esteban is well- See SPANISH / page 2 ber 12, five years after the first pile provided for complete financial silla, a new Spanish drivers started distracting kids in support of the construction. The teacher at AB. math class, the schoolʼs omnipres- state will reimburse the school for Esteban is the ent construction will finally come two-thirds of every one dollar spent. Professor of Latin to an end. The town taxpayers are responsible American Literature Acton-Boxborough Regional for the remaining one-third of con- at the University of High School, along with many oth- struction costs. Grenada in Grenada, ers in the area, was first erected 30 At the high school alone, renova- Spain. He received or 40 years ago when Massachusetts tions include three student centers, his doctorate in liter- suddenly needed to accommodate a a double-sized fitness center, an ature in 1989 and is population explosion. Consequent- additional commons area, several now a distinguished ly, these schools of the same gen- computer labs, conference rooms, a professor or Profesor eration all required renovations si- digital language lab, locker rooms Titular. He is also a multaneously, causing a great press in accordance with new safety published author and for state funding several years ago. codes, and cutting-edge science has written over 30 Lani DeRome, the schoolʼs Build- and art classrooms. In addi novels along with a ing Project Coordinator, said that See CONSTRUCTION / page 2 Angel Esteban, who has written 30 novels, speaks to Spanish classes on October 25.

Forum 8 Features 11 Entertainment 14 INSIDE Entertainment ------14 Features ------11 Food in Class- Fall Play; Forum ------8 rooms; Fashion New Teachers; Halo; Concert Other Side ------20 Magazines; Photo Poll; Sum- reviews Politics ------4 Teen Drinking mer Volunteering Special ------10 Sports ------17 World View ------6 Page 2 The Spectrum November 2004 News Construction Continues at AB AB Speech and Debate November 12 Finish Anticipated Takes First Place at

CONSTRUCTION/ from page 1 construction and funding for other school-related expenses come from period—have accompanied this Sacred Heart Tourney tion, classrooms have been out- different channels. The two costs new rule, head custodian Stan Nel- By JYOTI JASRASARIA rick, a novice, won second, fourth fitted with a plethora of new tech- are covered by different taxes and son assured the school that these Correspondent and seventh in Group Discussion. nology including projectors, mobile different federal contributions, and new restrictions “have been a huge In Novice Extemporaneous Speak- laptop labs, and Smart Boards. they simply cannot be compared. help.” Before the food-and-drink The AB Speech and Debate ing, freshman Don Trombly won TLT Construction has complet- The recent budget-crunches just rule, one full-time custodian was team placed first at the Hall of first place and junior Helen Ales- ed nearly all renovations, making coincided unfortunately with the required just to take care of crumbs Fame Tournament at Sacred Heart, bury won fifth. Finally, in Varsity the November 12 finish date a vi- construction project. and spills about the school. Now, on October 23. Extemp, senior Brandon Lemos able goal. Every phase of construc- Fortunately, ABʼs classrooms thanks to the cooperation of AB The large group of rowdy, yet placed fifth. A typical tournament tion—including the fifth and final will not be empty for long. School students and the continued hard articulate, students gather every runs from 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM, phase that is currently drawing to renovations were designed to ac- work of the custodians, the halls Monday and Friday to practice including meetings, rounds 1 to 3, a close—has miraculously been ac- commodate an estimated student remain spotless despite their vastly their pieces in 258W. Made up of lunch, final rounds, and ultimately, complished on time or a day early population peak in the 2010-2011 increased square-footage. a wide variety of students, the team the long-awaited award ceremony. thanks to TLTʼs “absolute com- school year, when 2050 students Through compromises like this, competes periodically in a series Mr. Beck, an English and His- mitment to schedule,” reported are projected to be attending AB. the students and the administra- of tournaments hosted by different tory teacher at AB, continues to Building Committee member John But even if such significant ex- tion are all acclimating to the new schools. Out of the many students coach the team. This year, he is Fallon. Finally, with five years of pansions are necessary, is the new environment. And although we competing at the Sacred Heart tour- adding more structure and organi- heavy construction and $52.4 mil- school too vast? The main hallway might need roller skates to get from nament, 16 of them broke into fi- zation to the team. For example, lion behind us, the school is nearing is a quarter mile long, the HVAC Chemistry to Spanish in our five- nals, meaning that they competed the Speech and Debate board meets completion. again in the final rounds and were much more regularly to discuss the Ironically, however, ABʼs ex- recognized at the award ceremony. team and its progress. Seniors Katie pensive building project coincides The competition events ranged from Ames and Susan Yao, co-captains with the severe statewide budget- of the team, are optimistic about crunches of recent years. As a re- sult, state deficits have caused the unemployment rates to rise, and with a fast-growing town and state population, AB awkwardly finds itself money-conscious. Just as millions of dollars are poured into the construction project, the school doesnʼt have enough teachers to fill all the new classrooms. In recent years, students have found school amenities shrinking in accordance with budget cuts; this Trucks and equipment still litter the school grounds. ALFRED DEGEMMIS / PHOTOGRAPHY CORRESPONDENT year AB has extremely large class sizes, fewer teachers, an exclusion heating system struggles to main- minute passing time, most students of independent studies, and inflat- tain consistent temperatures, and acknowledge that the renovated ed athletic fees. These academic the schoolʼs hardworking custodi- school is a definite improvement, if privileges are arguably far more ans are now expected to maintain a only because the expansive library important to studentsʼ wellbeing much greater area without any ad- affords easy access to the daily than new whiteboards and their de- ditional aid. crossword puzzles. After years of privation is fueling a common sen- In an effort to help ABʼs cus- adjusting for the ubiquitous high ABʼs speech and debaters wait in the Sacred Heart auditorium to find out the results of the tournament timent among students: money for todians keep the school a cleaner school construction project, stu- DAVID EMER / SPECTRUM STAFF teacher salaries and independent place, students this year were asked dents and teachers alike will be studies is being drained to supple- to restrict all food and drink to a happy to see it draw to a close. ment the cost of construction. How- few specified areas. Though count- Hopefully, we will find something Childrenʼs Literature (known as this coming year, and rightfully so, ever, Ms. DeRome insists that this less grumblings—especially from new out the window to divert us Kiddy Lit to Speech and Debaters) after their outstanding performance is simply not the case. Funding for coffee-deprived students in first from class. to Radio Broadcasting, in which at the first tournament. Prasad Patil and Oliver Hong, two The team members enjoyed seniors, won second and fifth place, themselves immensely at the com- Gabo y Fidel Author Angel Estaban respectively. In Declamation, soph- petition. “We had a really big vic- omore Sneha Arjun won first place tory over Milton, our biggest rival, Engages Spanish Students and the title of Top Novice. Out of so that was cool,” commented Ar- the 18 Acton Boxborough members jun. “Youʼre not really competing SPANISH / from page 1 “They donʼt hear many people from sent to com- against the people teresting book. He certainly took Spain,” Mansilla said. Concerning pete in Stu- “We had a re- youʼre compet- some risks in writing that book,” literature itself, both Ms. Dix and dent Con- ing against. You said Mansilla. The book has sold Mr. Mansilla want to encourage gress, another ally big victory become more like well all over the Spanish-speaking students to read books by Spanish event, four friends...You care world. Recently Estebanʼs novel authors. “We want them to read— of our stu- over Milton, our more about doing was translated to English. It is due not necessarily books written in dents ranked your best and doing to start selling in mainstream book- Spanish, but books by Hispanic au- among the biggest rival, so well than winning, stores such as Barnes & Noble in thors,” Mansilla added. top twelve. which is whatʼs re- mid-November, when Esteban will Students were engaged and ex- Senior David that was cool,” ally great about it,” begin his national advertising cam- cited throughout the speech. Seniors Emer, juniors Jarboe added. paign for the book. Students at AB in Mr. Mansillaʼs class had ques- Julia Rey and - Sneha Arjun The entire team can look forward to hearing more tions for the author and received Wenxi Li, and has worked hard, about Esteban and his book in the some thorough responses about the sophomore Mark Amoroso earned practicing its pieces or researching near future. authorʼs interests in traveling, in fifth, seventh, eighth and ninth for a bill or group event during the The Spanish teachers were foreign cultures, and in the Span- place, respectively. In Poetry Read- past few weeks in preparation for very excited to have such a distin- ish language. Angel Estebanʼs visit ing, Kelsey Jarboe, a sophomore, this competition. Clearly, the prac- guished guest at the school, as they was unique and educational for all won first place, and Susan Ma and tice produced fantastic results. It had several objectives in introduc- involved. “I was expecting it to be Ning Qin, two seniors, placed first was a great tournament. Congratu- ing the students to Esteban. Mans- boring and hard to understand, but in Duo Interpretation. Seniors Ankit lations to the AB Speech and De- illa commented that in the language it was interesting and easy to under- Chandra and Charles Fisher-Post bate Team, and good luck to them aspect, he wanted his students to stand,” commented senior Prasad along with junior Shawn Kilpat- in the future! be exposed to different accents. Patil. November 2004 The Spectrum Page 3 News Martha Coakleyʼs Visit to AB Assault in Acton Considered

By HARSHA KROVI revolved around the death of young ruled Woodward guilty of man- a Police Priority Correspondent Matthew Eappen by Woodward, af- slaughter and sentenced her to 297 ter the young nanny tried to calm days in jail. Coakley played a major ASSAULT/ from page 1 contact the police department im- On Thursday, October 21st, the baby down by shaking him. The role in the conviction of Woodward Beth Petr, an AB parent who mediately. Lieutenant Palma said, Martha Coakley, the Middlesex prosecution, with Coakley, argued and this case was monumental in publishes a community e-mail list, “We would rather check a thousand County D.A., visited Mr. Kilpat- that the death resulted from brain the advancement of her career to sent out a press release from Acton suspicious activity calls and find rickʼs You and the Law class and damage resulting from the shaking. become D.A. Police Chief Widmayer about the them unfounded than have one in- Ms. Houleʼs Sociology class to talk The defense however argued that Another famous case that Coak- assaults. It raised awareness of the cident occur when nobody called.” about her job as District Attorney. those damages were already pres- ley was involved in was Common- issue in the community and has en- The indecent assaults have severely She discussed student rights with ent in the baby and thus not caused wealth of Massachusetts v.Thomas couraged people to take measures upset the Acton-Boxborough com- the members of the class, and edu- by Woodward. In the end, the judge Junta in 2002. Junta was charged to ensure safety. The press release munity and are considered high- cated them about their Fourth, Fifth with the murder of Michael Costin and Sixth Amendments, throw- when they got into a fight at their ing in examples to illustrate those sonsʼ hockey game. Accused of rights. excessive self-defense, Junta was Over 50 cities and towns fall sentenced to six-to-ten years in under Coakleyʼs jurisdiction. This prison. This case later prompted the makes her job especially difficult, creation of the Victim Witness Bu- as she has to take into account all reau in an effort to help the families the different town laws. She fights of such victims cope with injury or vehemently for both prevention as death. Once again, Coakley was a well as punishment. huge factor in this case. Coakley explained the legal Coakleyʼs emphasis on safety system in a nutshell, through the and prevention has been at the core now common motto of “innocent of her reputation as a firm District until proven guilty.” Coakley ac- Attorney. “It is my goal to reach ev- knowledged that individuals some- ery educator, police officer, parent, times do get jailed for crimes they student, and business leader with did not commit, and said that “the the information and resources they The Acton Police have been very active in alerting citizens about the need not only to maintain day-to- recent attacks. law tries to hold accountable the ALFRED DEGEMMIS/ PHOTOGRAPHY CORRESPONDENT wrong people, and itʼs hard to al- day safety, but to foster an overall ways be right.” Coakley cited two climate of respect and accomplish- warns citizens not to get involved priority by the police. instances, where innocent men ment in our schools and communi- in any suspicious behavior that they The community reactions to were mistakenly imprisoned for ties,” she says, having worked ex- may see. “Drive away if you are these assaults have varied, rang- rape, one fifteen years ago and one tensively with various community unsure of the intentions of people ing from anger to surprise and fear. nineteen years ago, until recent services. loitering around your home when “I feel scared to walk around by DNA technology proved them in- Our D.A. has announced that you arrive,” Widmayer advised in myself,” said junior Cecilia Ponto- nocent. Coakley admitted that this should Senator John Kerry win the the message. It also goes on to de- riero. The counseling department upset her, but said that she had to 2004 Presidential Election, she will scribe the vehicle that the suspect has opened its doors to any student take the bad with the good, and the run for his position as Massachu- may have been driving as a two- who has felt threatened or uncom- good outweighed the bad. setts Senator. With the respect she door, silver Honda. Finally, Wid- fortable. As one counselor put it, Coakley was involved in the fa- has garnered and all that she has mayer asks anyone with additional “If anyone has any concerns, they mous “Nanny Murder” case Com- done for the community, Martha information concerning the suspect should absolutely see their coun- mowealth of Massachusetts v. Lou- District Attorney Martha Coakley Coakley will be a very strong can- or other suspicious activities to selor. We are happy to help.” ise Woodward in 1998. The case DAVID EMER / SPECTRUM STAFF didate. Keeping an Eye on March 2005: The 411 on the New SAT I By WENXI LI many standardized tests, and will on an issue. The essay graders Princeton Review, two test-prep colleges accept only one or the oth- implement a new SAT I: Reasoning hired by the College Board are not companies in Acton and nearby er, or both? Ms. Rosenman, a coun- Spectrum Staff Test in March of 2005. expecting a perfectly polished piece towns. These courses usually last selor at AB, advises students to take The members of the Class of The new SAT I will have signifi- of writing, but will grade the essay for many weeks, and meet for three the new SAT and leaves the deci- 2006 have seen many changes. cant differences from the existing “on the total impression that it cre- to four hours a few days each week. sion to take the original SAT I up They were the first to take the test. For starters, the Verbal Analo- ates.” Two readers, who will assign Costs range around $900, and to the individual student. Accord- MCAS in 4th grade, and the first to gies will be removed from the Criti- a score ranging from a high of 6 to many of them prepare students for ing to an article in the Wall Street enjoy the fruits of the construction cal Reading sections. However, a low of 1, will read each essay. both the current and changed SAT Journal on July 2, 2004, a number project at R.J. Grey Junior High. short reading passages (around 100 The average of these two numbers Iʼs. “Weʼre given Verbal and Math of top-notch colleges, including Now, they will be the first class to words) will be added to the existing will be the total score for the essay, manuals, and we use them in class Harvard, Yale, and the University take the new SAT I: Reasoning Test. long reading passages and sentence which counts for one third of the and for homework,” says Junior Jeff of Pennsylvania, have decided to Although the SAT I is an important completion questions. The math final SAT I Writing Section score. Shane who takes the course offered let students submit scores from factor that colleges use when ad- section will eliminate Quantita- Colleges will also have the choice by The Princeton Review. “From both tests. Some schools are even mitting students, it is not without tive Comparisons, but will include to view the essays in order to gain the first test to the last test, my willing to mix and match scores. its faults. It has been criticized by harder Algebra II problems (such as an understanding of a studentʼs score went up 180 points.” Other However, many other universities many, including University of Cali- exponential growth, absolute value, writing when they are considering students plan to prepare themselves will not accept or consider an ap- fornia President Richard C. Atkin- functional notation, etc.) admissions. The test will take a to- by buying prep books that contain plicantʼs total from the current test. son, on grounds of inequality. At- The largest change to the exam tal of 3 hours and 20 minutes, 25 test taking strategies, vocabulary The majority of colleges will want kinson was horrified at the lengths will be the addition of a Writing Sec- minutes longer than the old SAT I. lists, and practice tests. “I use a to see the newer version; even the that parents would go, sometimes tion. The College Board explains The scoring of the SAT I will also computer course to help me study,” schools that are open to either test even shopping for doctors to de- that “writing is a core skill needed be different; a perfect score will no explains Katie McManus, “I can still prefer to see the newer version clare their children disabled in or- for success in both college and the longer be a 1600, but a 2400 due to study when I feel like it because I so that they can compare students der to procure more time to take the workplace.” This section will in- the fact that the new Writing sec- usually donʼt have a lot of time.” on an equal footing. test. Decisively, he announced that clude multiple-choice questions tion adds an additional 800 points. Research from countless universi- Even though the new test could the University of California would and require a student-written essay. The College Board does not believe ties has proven that preparing for evaluate a student more accurately, no longer take the SAT I, as it was, The multiple-choice questions will that these changes will make the the SAT I, even if it is only memo- not everyone is thrilled. “I prefer under consideration in the admis- be similar to the ones on the SAT test harder, and expects to see the rizing a few words or reviewing a the old one over the new because sions process. As one of the most- II: Writing Subject Test. Therefore, same range of scores from previous few math concepts, could greatly I donʼt like the essay and Iʼm not applied-to state schools (with high- when the new SAT I is offered, the years. improve an individualʼs score. too excited to have a longer test... ly-lauded UC Berkley and UCLA) SAT II Writing Test will no longer How are students at AB pre- Since the first offering of the but I still have to take the newer the universityʼs decision forced the be needed. The essayʼs objective paring for this alteration? Some new SAT I will begin in March version,” says Junior Angela Gan. College Boardʼs hand. The College is to try and measure the studentʼs students are enrolled in the prep 2005, should students take the old “I guess Iʼm just more used to and Board manages the SAT I among skill in developing his or her stance courses offered by Kaplan and The exam as well as the new one? Will familiar with the older version.” Page 4 The Spectrum November 2004 Local Politics Local Politicians Debate Issues at Town Hall Worcester and Middlesex Senate Seat (Acton and Boxborough)

Senator Pam Resor was elected to the Board of Select- men in 1981. Nine years later, she Sen. Resor has been serving the was elected to the State House of region in town and state govern- Representatives, where she served ment for nearly thirty years. After the 14th Middlesex District for nine graduating from Smith College, years. In 1999, Resor was elected she moved to Acton in 1966 with to the State Senate, where she has her husband. Over the next twelve served ever since. years, Resor spent her time rais- At the October 14th debate, ing her three children and serving Resor explained her qualifications Senator Resor (left) and Rod Jané (right) square off at the Acton Town Hall on the School Committee and the for the position of state senator, and DAVID EMER / SPECTRUM STAFF townʼs Finance Committee. cited “environmental concerns” as Rod Jané In 1978, she became the president her original motivation for seek- $300 million company with 4,500 closing statement. The topic of of the local chapter of the League ing office. She supported rolling employees. He has also served as education came up again when Sen. Resorʼs challenger, Rod of Women Voters. At around the back the income tax rate to 5.0% the chairman of the Westborough he called the MCAS “one of the Jané, has not spent as much time in same time, the local water pollution “in time.” The Senator closed by School Committee. Jané, his wife great success stories” in Massachu- office, but his resumé is no less im- caused by W.R. Grace was becom- characterizing herself as “an inde- Sandra, and their four children cur- setts education. He also advocated pressive. Jané is a graduate of Col- ing a big concern. Resor was very pendent voice,” noting that she has rently live in Westborough, MA. English immersion in schools, and gate University with a B.A. in eco- active in raising awareness of this historically voted with Republican Jané highlighted his service on promised to “fight for education.” nomics. He also received an M.B.A issue and served on several groups Governor Romney “when it made the Westborough School Commit- Jané concluded the debate by call- from Harvard University, and later that dealt with its resolution. She sense.” tee during his opening remarks at ing the past several years “painful served as the president of Honey- the debate, and again during his for the Commonwealth.” well, Inc. Consumer Products, a 37th Middlesex House Seat (West Acton, South Acton and Boxborough) Representative James Eldridge position of State Representative for the 37th Middlesex District. El- Rep. Eldridge is a member of dridge was elected, and he has held the ABRHS Class of ʼ91. Eldridge the position ever since. played on the Colonials basketball Rep. Eldridge opened his debate team, where he met Coach Arthur with T.J. Dyer by describing his Lambert, who happened to be the close ties to Acton. He mentioned Chief-of-Staff to then-State Rep- his childhood, and praised the com- resentative Bob Durand of Marl- munity and the school system. “I borough. Lambert encouraged El- want to make sure future genera- dridge to accept an internship with tions have the same advantages I Durand. Eldridge then attended had,” said Eldridge. The Represen- Johns Hopkins University in Bal- tative mentioned his “commitment T.J. Dyer (left) and Rep. Eldridge (right) at a recent debate sponsored by the Acton chapter of the timore, MD, where he was elected to reform” in his opening remarks League of Women Voters. OLIVER HONG/SPECTRUM STAFF President of the student body in his and his closing statement. He at- junior year. After graduating from tacked Dyerʼs voting record, noting T.J. Dyer in the Acton-Boxborough school at all.” Dyer also attacked his op- Boston College Law School, El- that the Republican challenger had system both as a parent volunteer ponentʼs voting record, noting that dridge worked as a public interest failed to vote in the last six out of T.J. Dyer has kept himself busy and as a business owner. the incumbent had voted with the lawyer in the fields of housing, So- eight town elections. Eldridge also as well. Dyer lives in Acton with his Dyer began his opening remarks Speaker of the House 90% of the cial Security, disability, and unem- commented that his opponent has wife and two sons. He is the owner by characterizing himself as a “man time. He promised to “look outside ployment law. In the fall of 2001, demonstrated “an unwillingness to of Dyer & Associates, an employee of many hats,” referring to his sta- the box to find creative solutions” he announced his candidacy for the be a full-time legislator.” benefits firm, and a financial planner tus as a husband, parent, homeown- for the issues facing Massachusetts. for New England Securities. In his er, and community volunteer. He Dyer concluded by vowing to fight spare time, Dyer has served on the criticized the current State House of to bring about “positive change on Acton Lionʼs Club, the Middlesex Representatives, declaring that “the Beacon Hill.” Summaries by EVAN BROWN West Chamber of Commerce, and voice of the voter is not being heard Spectrum Staff

14th Middlesex House Seat (North, East Acton)

Representative Rep. Atkins lives in Concord with Doug Stevenson Cory Atkins her husband Chet. Atkins used the debate to out- Rep. Atkinsʼs challenger, Doug Fire Department, the Carlisle Fire- he was “proud of his record at Atkins received a Bachelor of line her three priorities as a repre- Stevenson, sports an impressive re- fighters Relief Association, and the the local level.” On the subject of the Arts degree in Political Sci- sentative: education, legislation re- sumé as well. After graduating from local Boy Scout troops. He is cur- the environment, Stevenson cited ence from the University of Massa- form, and economic development. Concord-Carlisle Regional High rently the Operations Manager for “conservation and protection” as chusetts. As a member of the state She noted that she had “one of the School in 1981, Stevenson went on a custom residential building firm his top environmental priorities, House of Representatives, Atkins most independent voting records to attend Boston College, where he based in Acton. Stevenson lives in and noted that although he had has served as the House Chair of in the house.” The representative double majored in Political Science Carlisle with his wife, Mary Beth, Governor Romneyʼs endorsement, the Science and Technology Cau- spoke about the need for more af- and Physics. He is currently in his and their three-year-old triplets. he was disappointed in some of the cus. She is also a founding member fordable housing in Massachusetts, third term on the Carlisle Board Stevensonʼs debate with Rep. Governorʼs environmental stances. and current Leadership Develop- calling the current state of low-cost of Selectmen, where he has served Atkins allowed him the opportunity Stevenson concluded by challeng- ment Chair of the House Demo- housing “the Achilles heel” of lo- since 1997. During two of those to communicate his qualifications ing his opponentʼs status as a re- cratic Council, as well as a mem- cal economic development. She terms, Stevenson was the Chair- for the position. He portrayed him- former, and asked for help on No- ber of the Environmental League also promised to work for legisla- man of the Board. Stevenson has self as a “family man” and a “small vember 2nd. of MA, the Concord League of tion that would benefit local public also volunteered with the Carlisle business man.” He also stated that Women Voters, and the chair of the schools and the environment, not- Lowell Mayorʼs Drug Task Force. ing that, in both cases, “we can do better.” Donʼt Forget To Vote on November 2nd! November 2004 The Spectrum Page 5 Local Politics

Viewpoint: Acton Speaks Senior Class Set To End With Style

Out Against fundraising events in preparation By NICK JESSOP accomplished much already, the for the Prom and the Senior Class future holds even more in store for Spectrum Staff Electoral College Trip at the end of the year. them. The class will sponsor its The class sponsored a dance at 5th speedball tournament on Fri- Another argument for the Col- The senior class has had a busy By JARED EISENBERG the high school on Friday, October day, November 19. “[Past speed- lege is that it helps spread out year thus far, and it looks as if itʼll 22, in the cafeteria. The dance is ball] tournaments have been very Correspondent the attention of the candidates, be getting even busier in the coming one of the first events of the year successful,” noted Secretary Amy Twice in the history of the making less populous states such weeks. All four of last yearʼs offi- to be planned and organized by Mehta. “We expect this tournament United States a presidential can- as Vermont and South Dakota cers were re-elected last spring, and the senior class, and it represented to be successful as well.” The offi- didate has received the majority receive some attention. Yet the President Peter Lowe, Vice Presi- a good start. Although it was not cers hope that these events will add of the popular vote but a minority opposite is also true, as a vic- dent David Shi, Treasurer David intended to be a fundraiser, early to the already significant amount of of the electoral votes and there- tory is possible with just eleven Harris and Secretary Amy Mehta reports indicate that the class will money raised. fore lost the election. Twice, the states: California, Texas, New have already picked up where they There will be several meet- people decided upon a leader and York, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, ings involving the class officers then had that decision reversed by Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and committees that will be the Electoral College. Georgia, and North Carolina. As a very important to the class of Now, many residents of Acton, result, the other thirty-nine states 2005. One such meeting will a traditionally Democratic town, will receive significantly less at- involve the Prom Committee. have had. Since the 2000 election, tention due to their diminished Lowe encourages seniors to at- in which Al Gore won the popu- importance in the campaign. tend as many of the upcoming lar vote but lost the election, there “Does anyone notice how all meetings as they can, stating has been much trepidation that the of the attention of the candidates that the class “will need help same turn of events may occur in is now focused in Ohio, Florida from many people to make this 2004. “Itʼs always going to hap- and Pennsylvania?” remarked an a great year for everyone.” The pen: someoneʼs vote is going to anonymous ABRHS teacher.Evi- dates of these meetings have not count because of the Electoral dence would indicate that the can- not yet been set, but interested College,” said an ABRHS senior. didates have noticed. Take Bush, students should ask either class Many agree with this point of for example. Instead of wasting officers or class advisor Ms. view; as long as the Electoral Col- his time trying to get the Massa- Houle, or to check the senior lege exists, millions of votes will chusetts conservatives to vote for board to find out more about be uncounted. If a state goes to him, Bush is spending his time upcoming events. Topics such one party, every individualʼs vote shaking hands and kissing babies as the prom, the senior class for the other candidate counts in Florida. The senior class is off to an enthusiastic start. trip, and Fall Athletic Recogni- for nothing. In the 2000 election But it comes down to this: all tion Day, will be discussed in the between Al Gore and George W. of the “disenfranchised” liber- left off. Although it is still early in turn a small profit from the event. near future. “We need your help,” Bush, six states, accounting for als of Florida (and the rest of the the year, the officers are already Although the senior class has stressed Lowe. 60 electoral votes, had margins of country) will definitely have some hard at work, planning several victory of less than 8,000 popular harsh words for the Electoral Col- votes. These would have been lege if it once again betrays them Junior Class Leaves Mark on the Community more than enough to swing the as it did four years ago. After an vote in favor of Gore, considering interview, Green stood up, laughed By DEBLEENA MITRA ing tournament, and a dance. “The The day will be a great chance for that Florida, whose 27 electoral at the subject and said, “Oh well, Spectrum Staff bowling tournament is a definite the junior class to come together votes could have given the presi- we just have to hope it wonʼt hap- possibility,” said Class Treasurer, and do something positive for the dency to Gore, ultimately chose pen this time.” This seems to be The class of 2006 is off to a Danielle Raad. “We are hoping to community. If you are a junior and Bush. a recurring theme among voters; great start on their junior year. The do that around mid-December.” are interested in helping out with “Itʼs a difficult situation for even though many donʼt like the officers have already met several Before starting fundraising ef- this project, sign up at the counsel- two reasons,” comments Mr. Da- system, there is an overwhelming times and have come up with many forts, the junior class is starting off ing office on the Junior Bulletin vid Green, our beloved history feeling of futility for those who ways to make this year as enjoyable its year with a community service Board or on Mr. Greenʼs classroom and political science teacher at wish to abolish it. Until then, we as possible for their fellow class- trip. On November 19, volunteers door (Room 240S). AB. “First, people are attached to will see 3-vote states like Vermont mates. from the junior class will go around The juniors have a busy year the system. Second, elections are happy with their visible contribu- The junior class officers started to different neighborhoods in Acton ahead; they already have several the responsibility of the states—if tion to the election cycle, and off the year by passing out surveys and Boxborough to rake yards for events planned, including different you eliminate them, many people Georgian liberals upset at having to their classmates during home- senior citizens. This trip will be a fundraisers such as a possible auc- will wonder if youʼre compromis- their votes count for nothing. room in October. The survey re- chance for students to earn commu- tion in spring. Mr. Green, the class ing state power.” quested that juniors list their e-mail nity service hours as well unite as a advisor, and the officers, Rashmi addresses so that the officers can class. “I think raking is a great way Jasrasaria, Brian Callahan, Dani- communicate with the class about for us to connect with our com- elle Raad, and Debleena Mitra are Calendar upcoming events. The survey also munity,” said Vice President Brian optimistic about the upcoming year. asked what types of class fundrais- Callahan. The students will meet at Class President Rashmi Jasrasaria ers the class would be interested in the Acton Senior Center after the added, “Iʼm really excited and I November 2004 holding, including some options early release from school. Pizza think weʼll accomplish a lot this 5 Hypnotist, 7:00 PM generated by the officers. The most will be served for lunch, and then year.” 5 & 6 Cabaret, 7:30 PM popular choices were a flag football groups will spread out to different 11 No School, Veterans Day tournament, a talent show, a bowl- areas of the town to start raking. 12 End of Term 1 10 Things I Hate About You - Opening Night 16 Career Breakfast, 7:23 AM Freshman Class Officers Off To A Fast Start 18 Acton School Committee, 7:30 PM 19 Early Dismissal By EVAN BROWN golius, Crofton-MacDonald, and is also a freshman-class-sponsored 22 Family Night, 7:00 PM Spectrum Staff Rodophele met with freshman class dance in the works on which more 23 Report Cards Distributed advisor Mr. Frank Calore to discuss information should be available in 24 Fall Athletic Recognition Day The freshman class elections the year ahead. Calore and the of- the near future. Calore and the offi- 25 & 26 No School were held on September 29. Miles ficers discussed possible commu- cers will be meeting approximately McDonald, Dave Margolius, Josh nity service events for the class, but once a month during the year to dis- December 2004 Crofton-MacDonald, and Kate no details have been decided upon cuss these plans and formulate new 2 Regional School Committee, 7:30 PM Rodophele emerged victorious at this point. “It was basically an ideas. The help of class members is 8 Financial Aid Night, 7:00 PM in close races for President, Vice overview,” said McDonald. “We strongly encouraged. Students in- 14 ABRHS Winter Concert, 7:30 PM President, Treasurer, and Secretary, talked about what weʼre going to terested in helping to organize these 16 Career Breakfast, 7:23 AM respectively. do this year,” he continued. The of- fundraisers and activities should Acton School Committee, 7:30 PM Although new to office, the of- ficers also discussed possible fund- speak with any of the officers or 24 Winter Recess Begins ficers have wasted no time in begin- raising ideas with Calore, including Mr. Calore. ning to plan out the year. Shortly a possible trip to Fenway Park for a after the election, McDonald, Mar- Red Sox game in the spring. There Page 6 November 2004

International Summer Experiences People to People: Japan Camp with a Twist to feudal times, such as the Himeji larger. The phones also had cameras By ALFRED DEGEMMIS Castle (or the White Heron Castle); which they snapped quite frequent- By HANNAH MAYER very nervous. They were in a new Spectrum Staff we saw firsthand the devastation of ly; some even had limited TVʼs. Correspondent country, and had to live— and make the atomic bomb at Hiroshima; and In contrast to our colorful and friends—with about eighty people Culture shock had never been a we explored the technological capi- newly renovated school, theirs Playing games, singing songs they had never seen before. All of part of my travel plans, as my trips tal and massively cultural city of was somewhat older and as dry and learning how to play a sport their reactions were different; some to this point had been to the vari- Tokyo, where liquid-crystal screens and colorless as a hospital. They are generally the images that every were uneasy about getting along ous ordinary tourist traps around mounted halfway up every skyscrap- didnʼt wear their shoes in school American child has of overnight with the other staff members, while camp. Children all over the country others were excited about getting have been going to camp for years started. The first week of camp and for many people, itʼs become consisted of staff training, in which an annual tradition. However, for all of Burgess and Hayward staff many people living outside of the resided in one camp and attended United States, camp is an experi- workshops teaching them how to ence both new and unique. While deal with children. They also did working at camps on Cape Cod, I activities in groups—dances, a co- learned that most places outside ed sleepover and different games of the US do not have any camps. that they would play with the camp- Camp Hayward for girls and ers during the summer. Although it Camp Burgess for boys are unique seemed really silly, and they felt in that most of the staff is from kind of lost, the counselors got in- foreign lands. For many of them, terested in the games and began to it was their first time working at love them as much as everyone else. a summer camp. Upon realizing I asked them how they felt their this, I interviewed some of my accents impacted their work; one international friends to see how would imagine it would be hard they felt about going to camp for younger children to understand and what got them interested. a thick accent. At first, most of the The Burgess director, who origi- staff found it hard and somewhat nally lived in Ireland but now re- frustrating to talk to children be- sides in Sandwich, MA, explained cause they had such trouble with the application process. He told me their accents, but in the end they that he hires staff from the United all became comfortable speaking Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and English. Moreover, they said that I found myself say- the camp was an excellent way for them to expand their vocabulary. A group of students at Tokyo Reitaku University. ing “garbage” in- The accent barrier went both ways. It was hard for me personally to the United States. Despite the nu- stead of “trash,” or er advertised all the latest products. but rather the brown slippers that understand, but after a week or so, merous national parks I had visited, However, what made the trip they asked us to wear. My feet “trousers” instead of I adjusted and could easily under- I still hadnʼt found the eye-open- fundamentally different from my couldnʼt fit into the biggest of stand some of them, although I still ing experience I was looking for. “pants.” American trips was the interac- them. There was no air condition- found Scottish accents difficult. However, when I joined a program tion that I had with the students ing, and in July they were still in other countries when they ap- By the time camp was over, ev- called People to People, a govern- at Tokyoʼs Reitaku University. We school, despite the blistering heat. ply through organizations such as eryone agreed it was a great expe- ment sponsored group that takes spent five days at the campus, in- Even those who dominate ABʼs Camp America and Camp Counsel- rience and all of the international “student ambassadors” to vari- teracting with giggling hordes of competitive academic environ- ors USA. The organizations set up counselors wanted to come back ous locations around the world, I Japanese high school students. At ment would find it challenging at a directorʼs fair, which American next summer. Some, like my good was able to go across the Pacific an American-style barbecue that Reitaku University. The classes camp directors attend to interview friend Laura Hastings, who is a to the island nation of Japan and we held, we sat down with the stu- are so demanding that students the hundreds of applicants. The camp addict, have even had staff experience a truly different world. dents and were able to converse couldnʼt spare two hours for a director also uses his personal con- fundraisers in Scotland for chari- People to People was founded one-on-one with them and learn barbecue when that time could be nections overseas to recruit staff. ties and have every intention of by President Eisenhower, who more about students from a com- better spent studying. The competi- Many of the people I interviewed coming back for many summers. served as Honorary Chairman. pletely different part of the world. tion to achieve high status in their became interested in going to camp I found that most of them recom- Each summer and during parts of While students here are gen- university presses them to work because they wanted to have a dif- mend going to camp to their friends. the school year, it takes students erally free to express themselves harder and harder at school. This ferent job and travel to a different During my summer with Brits, from 7th to 12th grade around the through their appearance, the Japa- could explain the large number of country. Others were interested in Aussies, Scotts, and many other world in order to connect cultures. nese school uniform doesnʼt allow student suicides each year in Japan. working with children. But none of staff members from around the It seeks to educate youth by giving much room for personalization. Clearly some parts of the them knew exactly what to expect. world, I learned about many differ- them hands-on experience with dif- In fact, they basically only get to schooling system in Japan are dif- One of my friends, Andy Tullet, said ent cultures. While they picked up ferent cultures around the world. choose their hairstyle, and the brand ferent from those of Acton-Box- that he prepared himself by watch- American lingo, I found myself say- Of course, we visited the famous symbol on their knee socks, which borough, but when it comes right ing Dawsonʼs Creek because he ing “garbage” instead of “trash,” or historical and current sites in Japan. is used as a status symbol. All stu- down to it, theyʼre just cell phone- heard that it was filmed on the Cape. “trousers” instead of “pants.” Hav- We saw plenty of sites dating back dents carried cell phones, as they do toting, status symbol-wearing, When the international counsel- ing international staff is wonderful— at AB; however, theirs were slightly over-dedicated students like we are. ors first arrived at camp, all were it really brings diversity to a camp! Foray into Venice of the North (a.k.a. Potato Heartland of the World)

By SYLVIE SCHWARTZ shared, the experience of immer- small but significant town of Vil- tempted to move our very American cases and tiny elevators throughout Spectrum Staff sion in intriguing and foreign cul- jandi nestled in the pastoral coun- (large) stuff into the very European the trip, which made for rather sub- tures, just from walking through the tryside of Estonia. We came to the (petite) elevator, or up the rather stantial headaches while transfer- Last June, the Greater Boston beautiful cities, was incredible and town via bus, rolling through the lovely windowed stone stairwell. ring 130 people into and out of ho- Youth Symphony Orchestra em- will remain with all of us, along with rich green fields with their clay- In the elevator, there was room for tels. In Eastern Europe as much as barked on its seventeenth inter- the desire to come back to the coun- tiled houses. Later, we spied the three people plus most of their bag- Western, the staircase is the much national concert tour. This yearʼs tries we visited and explore others. evening light of Midsummerʼs gage if you actively crammed until favored transportation device. tour was to five cities throughout The first vista that sticks in my Day, the sky dotted with custom- the doors closed and abandoned all The morning after this late- Estonia, Latvia, and Baltic Russia. mind came after dazed bus rides ary bonfires for the celebration. hope of personal space, apparently night hotel invasion, when our While much of what we got out through Helsinki and Tallinn on Our next direct experience of Eu- a distinctly American value. We en- See RUSSIA / page 7 of the trip was the memories we the way to our first destination, the ropean culture came while we at- countered the problem of huge suit- November 2004 Page 7

sition of 15th century structures The food, like the broader pre- VOICE Making Noise RUSSIA / from page 6 and architecturally modern movie vailing culture in the cities we vis- in the Community first concert was canceled due to theatres was also quite amusing. ited, was generally not drastically the late arrival of cargo containing Alright, enough architecture for different from mainstream Ameri- By WENXI LI & RASHMI she has interviewed about 15 stu- the large instruments, we had a full now—about those potatoes. There can culture, probably because of JASRASARIA dents of varied ethnic backgrounds. day to wander the ancient streets were a lot of them. Everywhere. our own European roots and the Spectrum Staff The video is scheduled for comple- lined with 18th-century traditional After a week of eating essentially influence of American culture As the student population be- tion shortly after winter break. houses and the park with preserved nothing but potatoes (there is no throughout Europe. It was quite comes increasingly diverse, the In addition, the committee wants medieval buildings and castle ruins word for “tofu” in Russian), the easy to see the fundamentally dif- VOICE committee acts to enhance to construct a database of different vegetarians among ferent elements of Estonian, Lat- cultural education and address rac- resources (e.g. books, videos, mov- us were screaming, vian and Russian culture that have ism issues at Acton-Boxborough ies, media articles, etc.) that show and everyone else evolved through many centuries of Regional High School. Headed by racial problems and stereotyping of was adjusting to history, including the characteristics ABRHS vice-principal Ms. Susan different groups of people. Books eating much more food—marked by the prevalence Atwater-Rhodes, the student-fac- such as Why Are All the Black Kids meat than we had of fish and other meat and winter- ulty committee has been meeting Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?, been accustomed surviving root vegetables—and the for four years. Initially, the com- by Beverly Tatum, and the article to at home. One of medieval layout of the older cities. mitteeʼs main project was organiz- “White Privilege: Unpacking the the most memo- Another cultural difference ing a day to celebrate the myriad Knapsack” are a few examples of rable meals of the of particular interest to those of cultures represented by the student publications that the VOICE com- trip was the lunch us in the orchestra was the much body and talk about cultural is- mittee is including in its database, served to us at the more integral part classical music sues. This manifested itself in the which teachers can use as supple- Latvian equivalent plays in the daily lives of at least creation of VOICE Day, which has ments for their classes, especially Old Tallinn. of Old Sturbridge urbanite Estonians, Latvians and BEN MICHEL been held on an early release day during MCAS week. The head li- Village—a recon- Russians. We saw this especially each April for the past three years. brarian, Ms. Voorhees, has pulled overlooking the river. The sheer age structed traditional Latvian medi- in the cultural capital St. Peters- This year, though, VOICE out a great deal of useful material of everything was one thing that re- eval fishing and farming village. burg, where we sold out the major would like to expand its influence and is helping the committee find ally struck me in all of the cities we The meal was in keeping with concert venue, Philharmonia Hall, and address more than just the vis- appropriate articles for their project. visited except for St. Petersburg, a Latvian agricultural culinary tradi- to a very appreciative audience. ible cultural aspects such as food, Another idea to improve aware- comparative adolescent—celebrat- tion, meaning it consisted of three In short, while five cities were a clothing, and music of different ness of racial issues is to hold mov- ing just its 300th anniversary last meat courses, a large bowl of pota- lot to cover in two weeks, the tour ethnicities. The initiative be- ie screenings after school in the year. To an American, the medieval toes, and a shredded cabbage dish was a fascinating exploration of Bal- gan last year when counselor Ms. cafeteria periodically throughout feudal city is a concept out of fairy resembling sauerkraut, but made tic and more broadly European cul- Serino, a VOICE faculty member, the year. Some movies being con- tales or David Macaulay videos; with vinegar rather than being actu- ture. The snatches of life and land- and a group of students invited sidered are Remember the Titans it was quite an experience to walk ally pickled/fermented. Mind you, scape, through train windows and Project Hip Hop to help AB stu- and Stand and Deliver. Examples through narrow cobblestone streets it was all good food, but none of us on hurried walks through bustling dents understand some of the ra- of both positive and negative ste- and past landmarks that have been wanted to eat potatoes for a very, cities, were incredible to observe, cial problems existing at ABRHS. reotyping, these movies will en- there for centuries. The juxtapo- very long time after we got home. and I would go back to immerse Kicking off this year, the courage students to actively reflect myself more fully in a heartbeat. VOICE committee set up a table in on their actions. This is still a work the library during Back-to-School in progress, but members of the Night on October 20, 2004. Their committee are enthusiastic about objective was to show parents that its reception by the student body. the community has grown more di- VOICE has become an integral verse over the past couple of years. part of the ABRHS philosophy, Committee members translated and other student organizations are Principal Donovanʼs opening re- carrying on the VOICE message marks into five different languag- in their activities. For example, es: Chinese (Mandarin), Russian, junior Katie Peabody, Secretary of Korean, Spanish, and Portuguese. the Student Council, is organizing These were available to parents in Mix It Up Day at AB. A nation- the library. In addition, committee wide day for the celebration and members Wenxi Li and Carlos Gar- encouragement of diversity, Mix It cia announced the end of classes Up Day has been observed for the in Mandarin and Spanish, respec- past two years at R. J. Grey Junior tively, during passing time over the High and will come to the high loudspeaker. Senior Linda Yan, also school on November 16. During a member of VOICE, commented all lunches on November 16, stu- that “parents were very pleased and dents entering the cafeteria will be appreciated the effort.” The an- handed a colored identification and nouncements were a nice way for will be asked to sit with others that the committee to start spreading its receive the same color. The goal is message to the school community. to give students a chance to interact Goals for this year include with students outside their ordinary a continued focus on spreading group of friends and meet students awareness of different cultures to of all grade levels. Students will the students at ABRHS. Senior Su- not be forced to participate, but san Yao is creating a twenty-minute the Student Council and faculty documentary that addresses ethnic strongly encourage their involve- and racial stereotypes that occur at ment, as this can only benefit the the school. “It is all about aware- goal of an inclusive social envi- ness and looking at our school to ronment that VOICE advocates. see what problems we have and The message of VOICE has what we donʼt,” says Yao. Within reached many members of the the year, the VOICE Committee school community as the orga- plans to show the video in class- nization continues to strive to es. “Because VOICE Day has an make ABRHS a friendly and re- Epcot-like feel, I donʼt think it is spectful environment for all. very effective. We want something Students potentially interested that will reach people in everyday in VOICE, please contact Ms. life and also affect them daily,” Atwater-Rhodes in the Admin- said Yao. “Although there have istrative Office (South Wing.) not been many racist incidents at To become involved with Su- school, which is good, there are a san Yaoʼs special documentary, lot of subtle things that go on such readers should contact Susan via as negative stereotyping.” So far, email at [email protected]. Page 8 The Spectrum November 2004 Forum Should Food Be Allowed in Classrooms? Food Should Be Food Should Not Be Allowed In Classrooms By SUE ZHANG oneʼs math lesson. Because of this override is successful, he has been forced to resort to other methods Spectrum Staff sudden change, many oppose this Allowed in Classrooms new “no food” rule. After all, being for increasing the budget. Many By STEPHANIE LI have noticed that the fees for cer- would your attention span have Theyʼre standing there, carefully allowed to eat in class has always Correspondent tain extra-curricular activities, es- held during tedious videos in histo- surveying the flow of students, mak- been one of those quirks that set ABRHS apart from other schools. pecially sports, have risen since last Food has been an integral ry class, without the compensatory ing sure none of us smuggle any- The students here have gotten so year, as has the senior parking cost. part of the classroom since quills handfuls of popcorn? Would you thing out. Theyʼre spread through- used to having certain liberties that This trend is likely to continue until were replaced by ballpoints. Once ever have understood the double- out the school—on the pavement, they quickly fill the niche of the re- the money problem is resolved. To upon a stricter and considerably helix structure of a DNA molecule in the common areas, stationed out- bellious spoiled child once those lib- demand more janitors in our school less happy time, chow and chalk- without the memorable hands-on side our cafeteria—making certain erties are taken away. However, in- now would just be adding fuel to an boards were fiercely segregated. approach involving toothpicks, already raging fire. And personal- Fortunately for the modern day Twizzlers, and marshmallows? ly, I donʼt want to be paying $400 ABRHS student population, those Would you even haåve consid- for parking when Iʼm a senior. days of gastric oppression had ered raising your hand in some dry However, that is not to say been over for a while. Until re- class had it not been for his or her that our eating liberties will con- cently, food had been permitted bribe of candy for paårticipation? tinue to diminish. In November, in the classroom, greatly enhanc- The answer is a resounding “No!” a food court will be established ing the general school experience. The new ban ruthlessly strips stu- and ready to go. Also, the area Now this progress has been re- dents of a fun and interactive part behind the counseling office was versed. A brand new rule, imple- of their learning environment, just recently finished, providing mented this year, firmly forbids any and unsurprisingly, the issue is a yet another location for munch- food and drink (other than water) budget one at base. With the addi- ing. The vending machines are inside the walls of our classrooms. tion of 140,000 square feet to the now filled with even more choices However, if there is anything that school building, there is no longer than before, lining one entire wall. a liberal Massachusetts educa- money in the budget for enough Think of these additions as com- tion should have instilled in us, janitors to maintain the space. If pensation for the new rule. As it is tolerance for different ways students go about the additional atonement for closing the hall- of life. And food in the class- acreage leaving messes of their ways as potential places to eat, the room has been our way of life, food, janitors would have a much building committee has opened from first grade to senior year. more arduous task before them. Students protesting the new rule that forbids food in classrooms.. JONATHAN EISENBERG / SPECTRUM STAFF up even bigger possibilities. Perhaps Iʼm only a nostalgic However, all this should mean is On top of that, the administra- schoolgirl, but humor me for a that in order to keep food inside stead of complaining, we should try tion eliminated the only compel- while. Recall your primary years classrooms, students would have that no forbidden substances enter to grasp the bigger picture instead. ling reason for having food in the of education, when cursive writ- to take more responsibility of dis- the hallways. Doubtless, weʼve You see, the reason for this new classroom. Last year, students were ing appeared as meaningless as posing of their messes; simply, stu- all acknowledged their presence. rule is quite simple: there are just allowed to take a full eight periods Caesarʼs cipher. Think about the dents would have to clean up after Iʼm talking, of course, about the not enough janitors to clean up af- of classes a day, meaning that they role food has played in establish- themselves. Still, as the old adage monitors. Along with their tasks ter our spills anymore. Our school were skipping their lunch. In that ing the school environment up to goes, donʼt cry over spilled milk. If to maintain peace in the hallways, is now roughly 540,000 square case, the students were allowed the present. What would school AB students can sweep most of the they have also been hired to strictly feet. Thatʼs the equivalent of about to have their lunch during a regu- have been without the hush-hush country away with their standard- enforce the new school rule that 216 four-bedroom houses. If you lar class. Now, however, there is a under-the-desk Doublemint distri- ized testing scores, surely they can came with our impressive new think mopping your floor once new rule stating that students must bution? What would it have been sweep up some Snickers wrappers. building, the no-food rule. No food a week is a chore, imagine hav- have a lunch period. Now, no one without the brownies and cookies In her popular cookbook chef Shei- is allowed to exit the cafeteria, un- ing to do it every single day, 216 should be going hungry during the devoured during in-class holiday lah Graham declares, “Food is the less it has the intention of heading times each day. Well then, imag- day, since weʼve all been assigned parties? Would school have been most primitive form of comfort.” towards a designated eating area. ine how the janitors must feel. a 47-minute time slot for enjoy- school without Munchkins the In our school food has become a If youʼre caught eating in the halls, “Well, why not just hire more ing what the cafeteria has to offer. day after a chorus concert, the due tradition in the classroom, serv- you are quickly shooed to the near- janitors?” one might ask. Sure, that In the words of Mary Engelb- date of a particularly impossible ing as a motivation and reward for est eating area and asked to remain seems like the easy, logical solu- reit, “If you donʼt like something, project, or as a special treat for the students, as well as a useful tool there until finished, leaving our tion. However, that question brings change it; if you canʼt change it, class on a not-at-all-special day? for teachers. Therefore, if there halls barren of students with food. to light the real root of the problem, change the way you think about it.” Even if it isnʼt just for physical is enough money in the budget to This sight is such a contrast the schoolʼs financial issues. Princi- We may not like the schoolʼs new sustenance, food is an irreplaceable lavish on new tennis courts and from last year, when students with pal Donovan is expected to cut $1.2 rule, but right now we have no real element of the student experience. high-tech language labs, it logi- bagels and cookies could be seen million from the budget for the up- choice but to tolerate it. We cannot Not only is food an enjoyable break cally follows that students should crowding in the corridors, and the coming year, and the numbers are put more financial stress on this for students, it has proven itself be granted the sorely missed occasional crunch was heard during only expected to increase in years school by demanding more janitors; time and time again a valuable tool liberty of food in classrooms. following. Even though 65% of it they have a hard enough time main- for teachers. Just think, how long was state-funded, the building proj- taining the school as is. Also, more ect still drained $14 million from eating space is being provided soon, Late To Class Will Not Cut It local funds. Also, since student so overcrowding should no longer be a problem. And with the addi- Last year, the teachers under- crowd is even bigger this year with enrollment each year is increasing, AMY DU tion of the food court and the new stood and sympathized with us, the large incoming freshman class. there is expected to be an increase Spectrum Staff vending machines, we will have excusing students for being late if Unlike the leniency that teach- in classroom size, and eventually, more food choices than before and On the first day of school, as they became caught up in the pan- ers exhibited last year, this yearʼs the number of teachers. To allevi- a mandatory lunch period to enjoy many teachers go over the “whatʼs demonium of the crowd. It was teachers have suddenly started ate the financial issue, Mr. Dono- them. So folks, what will it be? Are expected of you for being in my tough to get to class on time and enforcing the policies on tardi- van is working hard for an override we going to continue complaining class” guidelines, they never seem the teachers realized this, many ness, even though construction is from the town, which would grant about this new rule or act like ma- to forget to reprimand their late of them having the same prob- still ongoing. Perhaps with their the school an additional $6 million ture adults and just learn to deal? students for being late. They yell lem with their mobile classrooms. brand new classrooms, teachers to work with. However, until that at the belated students, terrifying Unfortunately, the hallways have forgotten how difficult it is the unfortunate souls into bab- arenʼt much different this year. to commute from wing to wing bling wrecks. Next, they go into There is still only one hallway in the crush of hallway traffic. that long speech about the im- from the two extremes of the Tardiness is a problem with portance of being on time, warn- school since the Old South Wing many factors beyond the control ing the other petrified students of is now closed off. Not only is it a of students. Two solutions are vi- the horrors that would take place full quarter mile but traffic is just able: to have either teachers un- if they ever dared to be late. The as congested as before. There are derstand the problem and not make teachers completely ignore the fact still clumps of people blocking it a huge issue...or to commis- that it is still incredibly difficult the way during passing time, and sion a new secret weapon that to be on time if the student has a itʼs still a hassle to get through the will decrease the population in class in another wing of the school. jam. To make matters worse, the the hallways by a factor of ten. November 2004 The Spectrum Page 9 Forum Kaganʼs Komments: Frivolous Fashion Magazines A Paradoxical Approach to Do Not Belong in Library By SARAH ZHANG promoting this negative body image. and would be totally inappropriate Correspondent There are also a number of if found online. Why is there such the Drinking Problem magazines with questionable con- an inconsistency in the policies of ity is what attracts the vast major- When walking into the new tent. Glamour magazine recently Internet use and school magazines? By MARK KAGAN ity of teen drinkers. If the drinking school library, one first notices ran a cover story titled “The Ulti- While a teenager is not allowed to Spectrum Staff age were lowered, drinking would the large collection of magazines. mate Dos and Donʼts of Sex” and even play computer games at our It is Friday night in Acton and not seem as attractive to teenagers. While these publications can be regularly features such articles school library, he or she can look up Boxborough. Adults return to their Lowering the drinking age wonderful resources, there are a in all of their issues. While not a tips on how to “sustain the peak” in families to eat dinner and celebrate would also help teach students how number of irrelevant magazines, fashion magazine, a recent The magazines at that very same library. the end of the week. A teenager to drink responsibly. In European specifically the fashion magazines. Outdoors Man was subtitled “The Fashion magazines are among hopelessly looks around for some- countries where drinking is not At least six magazines can be clas- thing to do, somewhere to go to considered to be taboo, kids learn sified as fashion or gossip maga- let his or her spirit go wild. Of- how to drink, but not become alco- zines. Do we really want the glossy ten, the search proves fruitless as holics. Drinking ceases to be such a covers of Seventeen or Instyle on big deal. Instead the shelves of our school library? of getting wasted I am by no means saying that I every weekend, am against the publication of fash- European teenag- ion magazines. The freedom of ers gather to have press is extended to all. Everyone a few glasses of has the right to write and read such wine and enjoy magazines, whether at home or at an intellectual a public library. I just think they conversation in do not warrant the libraryʼs money. a relaxed at- While we do not all have to be mosphere. This diligent-minded, fun-scorning Pu- could be possible ritans, we should take a look at the in America, but suitability of fashion magazines in only with a low- our high school library. I expect to find educational materials at a Frivolous fashion magazines infiltrate the schoolʼs library shelf ered drinking age. ALFRED DEGEMMIS / CORRESPONDENT Teenagers would school library, rather than magazines learn how to listing J Loʼs favorite perfumes. drink moderately Unfortunately, all fashion mag- Sex and Sin Issue”. By display- the most widely read magazines and responsibly azines sell on sex appeal. They ing magazines of such content, in our library. Thus, it would be under the proper promise to improve your looks the school unwittingly endorses illogical to advocate the banning supervision of and love life and are filled with the dubious values shown in these of all fashion magazines from li- their parents. pages of glossy photos of beauti- magazines. Is this the right message brary shelves. Their presence L o w e r i n g ful people airbrushed to perfection. to send to high school students? doesnʼt bother me as much as the little more than a bowling alley the drinking age would also help The pictures projected from the Our schoolʼs strict Internet pol- quantity present. Why do we have can be found in the Acton-Box- solve another fundamental problem pages of Teen People present a body icy forbids students from viewing six different magazines all telling borough region. Many teenagers, related to alcohol: teenage drunk image impossible to really achieve. similar material on the web. Internet us what to wear or how to flirt? with nothing better to do, go and driving. Despite the fact that drunk Studies have shown that the unre- use is both monitored and narrowly For next year, I suggest cancel- get drunk at their friendsʼ houses. driving laws are fairly tough, it still alistic photos in fashion magazines limited to educational purposes. ing some fashion magazine sub- Ever since I came to Acton from remains a major problem in subur- contribute to the negative body im- In contrast, there are currently no scriptions. I hope to see fewer fash- Russia this strange phenomenon has ban communities. Every week the age of teens, especially adolescent guidelines for school library maga- ion magazines and more magazines puzzled me. The root of it lies in the police log is filled with occurrences girls--our high school library should zines. The content of fashion maga- along the vein of The New Yorker. teenagerʼs rebellious nature. Be- of teens arrested for drunk driving. be the last place to find magazines zines is definitely not educational cause Acton is so affluent and shel- Why? Teenagers are already tered, teenagers that need an outlet breaking the law when they drink, for their energy often resort to the so breaking another one by getting rebellious action of getting drunk. behind the wheel does not seem Confused? Stressed? Ask Advice Anna The solution to this epidemic like such a big deal anymore. With Dear Advice Anna, are just too oppressing, donʼt stay if seems simple: create more enter- a lower drinking age, teenagers I just started on a Junior Var- youʼre not happy. In addition, donʼt Dear Hopeless In High School, tainment in the region. Theoretical- wouldnʼt be breaking the law when sity basketball team, and I really stay on the team just to make your High school will be one of the ly, if teenagers could let their energy they just drink, so they would think enjoy basketball. But I broke my parents happy. I think it might be scariest experiences in your life, elsewhere, they would not need to twice before getting into the car finger and wasnʼt able to play. more important to them that youʼre but also one of the best. You have drink. However, there simply is no under those very same conditions. Now I can play, but nobody is very happy, and they understand if you to remember that there are a ton of economic incentive for this. Sub- Teenage drinking is a major nice, and I think the coach really tell them that youʼre unhappy. If people in this high school just like urban environments arenʼt made problem in suburban communities hates me because he is always yell- you really canʼt stand the basketball you. They are uncertain and afraid for large-scale entertainment. What like ours. Clearly, the most adequate ing at me. I want to quit, but my atmosphere, then you might consid- of not making any friends. Usually then can be done about the teenage solution is lowering the drinking parents are counting on me to be er joining another sport or activity. in class, you will do get-to-know- drinking problem that Acton faces age. Although it may sound ludi- on the team. What should I do? There are a many cool choices out each-other activities, which lessen every year? The answer is counter- crous, this would reduce drinking there! Donʼt do what other people the tension. Just talk to whoever intuitive: Lower the drinking age. and DUI violations among teens, -Unhappy Player want or youʼll just end up unhap- is next to you, and Iʼm sure you I know what youʼre thinking: and make it possible to educate py. I hope I gave you some things will find friends in every class. “How could lowering the drinking teens about responsible drinking. Dear Unhappy Player, to think about to help you decide. Another scary thing is lunch; age help reduce teenage drinking?” Most importantly, it would protect I think you should base your wondering who youʼre going to sit Since teen drinking is an act of a the people of Acton, Boxborough, decision on what truly makes you Dear Advice Anna, with and fearing that there might be rebellion, illegality and immoral- and other suburban communities. happy. If the reason you want to Iʼm going to a new high school no room. Donʼt worry. I got scared quit is because your team is being and Iʼm really scared. I know too, thinking no one I knew would mean to you, but you really enjoy that there are going to be a lot of be in my lunch, but there was al- basketball, stick with it because it new people and a lot of girls that ways at least someone I knew that I is something you love and theyʼll I will need to compete against. could sit with. Itʼs human to assume warm up to you eventually. A sports I was kind of popular in my last the worst--but itʼs really not that team can be a pretty tight-knit and school, but most of my friends are bad. After you get into the routine exclusive group, but once they feel going to another school or are of it, youʼll be happy youʼre with so more comfortable around you, you not in my classes. Iʼm just ter- many new people. Just relax and re- should have an easier time making rified. Whatʼs high school like? member these are the best years of friends. If you feel that their attitudes -Hopeless In High School your lives--the best of luck to you!

If you need advice, e-mail your plea to [email protected] or drop a note in the box at the main office labeled “Dear Advice Anna” Page 10 The Spectrum November 2004 You and the Media - How Much are YOU Influenced? Celebrity Scoops or Presidential Elections? By ROSANNA XIA manner that allows every reader to These magazines deal with an- read.” Many believe that reading the Spectrum Staff understand. Though magazines like other important aspect in an ado- The key word to all of these newspaper is more educational Teen People are not “educational” lescentʼs life: fashion, especially teen magazines is “fun.” In the and beneficial for school. There is Teen People or The Boston Globe? in the academic sense, the maga- finding out whatʼs “in” this season. end, teen magazines are pleasure some truth to that belief. For ex- Which do you prefer to read? zines deal with real life situations An advertisement for Teen People reads. When reading Teen People, ample, vocabulary words which When given a choice between or problems that teenagers face magazine included the line, “Youʼll students do not expect to increase appear in the SAT are often in The reading one or the other, some their vocabulary, learn the his- Boston Globe. The writing style of students at AB would choose tory of America, understand The Boston Globe is simple but to Teen People while others whatʼs going on in Iraq, or the point, and the reading level of would choose the Globe. As to gain any form of academic The Boston Globe is worthy of a a whole, parents and teach- knowledge. “Teen magazines high school student. Written in a ers regard Teen People and are good for occasions when straightforward style, it still pro- other magazines that fall in you donʼt feel like thinking,” vides models for any student writ- this category as non-educa- says Blaise Nothern. ing an analytical or nonfiction pa- tional literature and encour- The Boston Globe is a per. Between Teen People and The age their children or students general circulation newspa- Globe, Blaise Nothern believes that to read more along the lines per that provides local, na- “The Globe is obviously more in- of The Boston Globe and The tional and international news tellectually stimulating and worth New York Times. But is there coverage. The Globe includes the time.” really something wrong with sections on politics, science Ultimately, the reasoning be- reading Teen People? What and technology, business, real hind the choice is a matter of what is the reasoning behind the estate, arts and entertainment, interests a particular person. There choice students make to read and sports. “The Globe covers is nothing wrong with preferring to one or the other? much more than Cosmo,” says read Teen People over The Boston Students like to read Teen sophomore Doug Breuer. “If Globe or the other way around. People or The Boston Globe people want to stay informed Both publications create aware- based on personal interest. about the world around them, ness, whether it applies to the hap- Teen People, Cosmogirl, ym, Two students reading: one reading Cosmopolitan Magazine, the other they can look to The Globe— penings in Iraq or the best way to and such are all magazines that reading the Boston Globe. from science to cooking, it covers help a friend with anorexia. Yes, “bring you intimate profiles of your DAVID EMER / PHOTOGRAPHY CORRESPONDENT a lot.” The Boston Globe does help a stu- favorite celebrities and inspiring The Boston Globe readers tend dent academically, but reading The stories of teenagers just like your- everyday, such as eating disorders, know Whatʼs what. Whoʼs who. to be more aware of current issues, Boston Globe is not necessarily the self. Each issue reveals the latest family problems and relationship Whatʼs new. Whatʼs cool. Donʼt such as the presidential elections only way to do well in school. The trends in clothes, hair and cool gear advice. “It [Teen People] talks more miss out!” As one student explains, and the happenings in Iraq. “I per- range of content that news publi- as well as the inside scoop on ce- about issues that pertain to people “I like to read Teen People occa- sonally think that reading The Bos- cations and teen magazines cover lebrities, styles and more” (www. who are our age,” Sue Zhang, an sionally just to see what is new. I ton Globe is better because it keeps provides a much-needed balance in teenpeople.com). The reading level AB sophomore, says, “Itʼs more donʼt always follow what the mag- us updated on whatʼs going on in a studentʼs life. So whatʼs the ver- of magazines such as Teen People is applicable to our life.” azine says, but itʼs always fun to the world,” says Kristen Ayers. dict—Teen People or The Boston simple—the language is written in a Globe? You decide. Why Does Everyone Wear Abercrombie?

ping machines. is the actual shows that teens watch at teens, yet Marlboro is the brand By HELEN ALESBURY Furthermore, there are entire that influence them as well. The of choice for 60% of teen smokers, Correspondent clothes, and do sexy, trendy things. networks on TV specifically geared subliminal messages that lie un- according to David Leonhardt, au- The depiction of teens living in a towards kids; some channels in- der Everwood, Alias, and even the thor of Hey Kids, Buy This! He also The effects of the media can be world that canʼt possibly resemble clude Nickelodeon, the Disney dearly departed Friends are only reports that Camel has a similar seen everywhere as you walk down reality makes the images and ideas Channel, and ABC Family. Accord- part of the reason why kids are will- program called Camel Cash, which the halls of AB. In many ways, that they portray exciting and cool. ing to the Media Awareness Net- ing to pay $20 more for a shirt from is trying to appeal to teens by spon- the halls resemble a runway. Both In real life, these lifestyles are un- work, in a three-year period in the Pac Sun than from Target. Accord- soring rock concert tours. boys and girls are decked out in likely or impossible to attain. 1990ʼs alone, the advertising geared ing to an article in Rolling Stones The Media Awareness Network the most fashionable and trendiest It may seem like the viewing towards teens rose an astonishing magazine, the shows that we watch reports that television viewing gen- clothes from some of the most styl- audience is at the mercy of the me- 50% to $1.5 billion. Companies are all give the same stereotyping mes- erally drops during adolescence ish stores. We proudly strut around dia kings and queens that control focusing their efforts to reach kids sages. Women are perceived as because teens spend more time in our American Eagle, Abercrom- TV programs and magazines, but because they want to discover the looking sexy and perfect. Although socializing and doing schoolwork. bie, and Victoriaʼs Secret. Is there donʼt despair. There will always be things that kids latch onto and want that mentality and picture may not Watching TV becomes a relaxing a reason why we latch onto name a chance to express yourself and be to buy. The effect of this research is apply to all shows, the popular ones activity that does not require high brands and pay $100 more for a unique. Simply do not succumb to that preteens are treated like minia- depict women as physically flaw- levels of thought or concentration. pair of jeans that could have been the conformity that is forced upon ture adults, and start to make deci- less. Usually, all of the main char- Regardless, TV still remains as a easily bought cheaper somewhere us. At AB, there is diversity and no sions that only their parents should acters in sitcoms are Caucasian; major source of information about else? law stating that everyone must wear make. These days, it is not strange there is little diversity within these sex. A 1997 study by the Kasier The affect that TV, music, and Abercrombie jeans. The media may to see an eight-year-old with a wal- shows. When performers are from Family Foundation found that 61% other media hotspots have on our influence teens, but we can still be let filled with allowance money and minority ethnic backgrounds, they of teens said that entertainment minds today is astounding. As man- individuals. The Media Awareness given the freedom of making his or may support racial stereotypes and media was their top source for in- ufacturers come to realize that par- Network states that it is at the ages her own choices on what he or she cause damage to that ethnic group. formation concerning sexuality and ents do not control what their kids of 14-18 that teens are most eas- wants to buy. In this year alone, an These shows not only affect what sexual health. buy, they target us more and more. ily molded into believing that they average teenager will have watched we wear and eat, but also influence Other shows, like Sex in the At an early age, we get introduced need to be cool. Although some AB an estimated 20,000 commercials, our ethnic views. Friends, where City, are literally a fashion runway. to the brands and icons of Ameri- students may be less influenced ranging from Cover Girl to Leviʼs. all the main characters are Cauca- Teens and college students eagerly ca. When shopping for toddlers, than the average teen by the media, With these statistics, itʼs hard not to sian, portrays women as size two drink up the new plot line... and the it is impossible to find diapers or there is still the lingering thought get hooked on American industry. amd beautiful, and it shows the dresses; what Carrie, the main char- clothing that donʼt have pictures of and desire to fit in. “I think the “I buy toothpaste based on com- “friends” having unrealistic rela- acter, wears is what is considered to Sesame Street or Disney characters media influences 67% of my deci- mercials, but the media wouldnʼt tionships with their parents. be cool. The reason we wear these on them. When we are young and sions,” says Senior Elly Burke. The cause me to do something I felt was The tobacco industry also tar- clothes at AB is because it is cool on absorbing the world around us, the students of AB feel the insecurities immoral”, explains freshman Mar- gets the teenage viewer by using TV; the TV people who are wearing encounters with our culture are lit- of our age and surroundings. We garet Neptune. nontraditional marketing programs, these clothes usually get the guy or tle more than disguised sales pitch- cling onto what beauty magazines However, the effect of the media such as prize giveaways, that Pep- the girl. es, shaping us when we are still too like Seventeen tell us: if you buy does not only come from the com- siCo and other food companies use. So there you have it. A pletho- young to react to the media. The hipster jeans you will be cool. fact is, we are being “prepped” to mercials that are targeting kids to Philip Morris Co. denies that their ra of information on why we feel devour styles and to become shop- attract them to a certain product; it cowboy gear on cigarettes is aimed compelled to buy sexy, trendy November 2004 The Spectrum Page 11 Features Lessons on Mud, Odd Girl Out Friendship, and Giving any of us were used to. “I loved the historical, cultural, environmental By CHARLOTTE BIGFORD Bees and Wannabees, perfectly sums By ROSANNA XIA physical challenge,” said Nathaniel, or social service institutions for Spectrum Staff up the aggressiveness of girls: “A Spectrum Staff one of the volunteers in my group community service. (Examples of world in which she comes to school “Wow, Iʼve never seen so much and a junior at Weston High School such institutions include Plym- Walking into the East Wing lec- one day to find that her friends have mud,” I first said upon reaching in Connecticut. Although not every- outh Plantation, Gould Farm, and ture hall for an after-school meeting suddenly decided that she no lon- the weather-damaged trail. For the one adored the physical aspect like Shelburne Museum.) The main of the Odd Girl Out Book Club, I half ger belongs. Or sheʼs teased merci- next two weeks, my team and I Nathaniel, it was truly wonderful. idea of the program is for a group expected to find a gaggle of Eng- lessly for wearing the wrong out- would be fixing this trail. Our team, Landmark Volunteers is a of teenagers who have never met lish teachers sitting in a circle and fit or having the wrong friend. Or twelve high school students from discussing feminist issues. To my branded with a reputation she canʼt all over the country, volunteered amazement I found a diverse group shake. Or pressured into conform- to fix trails in the Adirondack of at least thirty girls and even some ing so she wonʼt be kicked out of Mountains for two weeks as part guys, spanning different grades, the group. For better or worse, [a of Landmark Volunteers, a non- styles, cliques, and ethnicities. girlʼs] friendships are the key to en- profit summer service organization. Ms. Blauch began by address- during adolescence—as well as the The first thing we did when we ing the audience with an enthu- biggest threat to her well-being.” got to the base camp was to get rid of siastic “Welcome back!” and a The thought that a girlʼs friends any “unnecessary” items from our recap of the progression of the could also be her enemies is a backpack, including extra clothes, Odd Girl Out Book Club, named scary thought, but the Odd Girl soap, and snacks. We learned from after the book that is being spot- Out Book Club allows girls to open our team leaders that it was a four- lighted. The book is a character up, speak out, and trust other girls mile hike up to the cabin, which study of girls in grades K-12 who with their own personal issues we were going to be staying in for deal with bullying and aggression about teen aggression and bullying. the next two weeks. In addition, we from other girls. The group met at In addition to allowing girls to had to bring all our food and tools the end of the last school year with voice their opinions, the book club along with our personal gear. There intentions to read the book, writ- lets girls know that other girls have was no running water, so there was ten by Rachel Simmons, over the shared the same feelings of loneli- no point in bringing soap. “Get summer and come back to school ness, exclusion, and backstabbing. used to being smelly, ʻcause the prepared to speak out about the This is what makes Odd Girl Out next time youʼll take a shower is issues discussed within its pages. Book Club a unique organiza- in two weeks,” our leader told us. As girl after girl shared her tion; it informs while it cleanses The hike up the mountain was own experiences dealing with the conscience of negativity. intense, but we made it. We had “alternative aggressions,” such Published in 2002, Odd Girl Out to train hard to get in shape before as “the note that is slipped into a is the first book of its kind. When camp, and now we knew why. For desk; the eyes that catch, narrow, Simmons was researching girl ag- the following two weeks, our days and withdraw; the lunch table that gression, she came up with a sur- started at six in the morning and we suddenly has no room,” I real- prisingly small amount of sources. worked until six in the evening. We ized how wonderful and rare the For this reason, she is one of the pushed back root masses, filled in situation I had fallen into was. first people to “shed light on de- ditches, and covered a huge mud pit Topics flew around the room, structive patterns that need our with rocks that we hauled up from a ranging from how girls have un- attention. With advice for girls, nearby river. We lived off of peanut reasonable expectations that lead parents, teachers, and even school butter, canned tuna, and other foods them to aggression, to social is- administrators, Odd Girl Out is a that did not have to be refrigerated. sues present at AB. One girl stated groundbreaking work that every that girls are not inherently “bad,” woman will agree is long over- The team bonded; thereʼs nothing The finished trail that was completed by Landmark Volunteers. like shoveling mud together for while another stated, “At AB, due” as described by the publisher. four hours to break the ice. It was an girls give you ʻlooksʼ and you If you would like help or more amazing way to live for two weeks, two-week program in which high to live together for two weeks, be know that theyʼre checking your information dealing with teen ag- because it was so far from anything school students work at important jeans and hating you for wear- gression, contact members of the See LESSONS / page 12 ing the same shirt as they are.” AB staff: Christina Granaham or The teachers also shared their Mrs. Nancy Kolb. Or, you can read experiences from their class- Reviving Ophelia (by Mary Pipher), Got Xanga? rooms and their own teen years. Queen Bees and Wannabees (by Rosalind Wiseman), Odd Girl By JI XIAO Xanga is that you can write anything life and read comments left by my One of them described how male teachers donʼt always see the is- Speaks Out (by Rachel Simmons), Correspondent you want. If you had a really bad friends. sues that girls have with one an- or visit www.empowerprogram.org. I’m sure that some of you day, you can rant and complain. If Xanga is also a way to express other, while female teachers do If you would like to get in- have heard your friends talking something good happened to you, your personality and sometimes, because theyʼve been through volved, contact Mr. Hitzrot or about Xanga, and you may have you can express and share your joy. the side of you that your friends similar situations themselves. Mrs. Rosenman, in the counseling wondered, “What is Xanga?” It really helps sometimes when you don’t know about; the BlogRing A description from Rosalind department, to learn more about Simply defined, Xanga is a feature enables people Wisemanʼs popular book, Queen Mentors in Violence Prevention. community of online diaries to do this. A BlogRing and journals. It’s an easy- is a place where people to-update personal website get together and share a where you can design your common interest. It can own layout and embed be grouped into many music. This may sound categories, including boring and abstract, but entertainment, school, there is more to it. Many AB computers, and sports. students have a Xanga, and Depending on your each and every one of them interest, you can join carries their own identity. a BlogRing that’s One of the reasons why dedicated to your Xanga is so popular among favorite movie star, us teenagers is the fact that football player, or even An AB studentʼs Xanga it’s free. Of course, being free JONATHAN EISENBERG / SPECTRUM STAFF your school. does not mean it’s worthless, and Xanga is also a nice way it is not the only reason why it’s just want to reveal how you feel. to get in touch with your friends popular. Xanga is free because it People may leave encouraging no matter where they are. You can was created for convenience, not comments or messages if they like. leave comments to ask friends in profit. I have a Xanga myself, and I find school if they have finished their Another benefit of having a it comforting to write about my See XANGA / page 13 Page 12 The Spectrum November 2004 Features AB Alum is New Choral Director “The building is better—more By RASHMI JASRASARIA open and brighter,” Ms. Moss Spectrum Staff comments on the new construction. One of the many new teachers There are more activities, and this year is the new choral director, the school presents a more “open What should be done to reduce the Ms. Jennifer Moss. She is a young, campus, collegiate atmosphere, charismatic leader who loves what which is great.” The students are she teaches and has already brought more driven to do well, more stress level of students? new life to the choral program at involved, and somewhat nicer than AB. Furthermore, she was a student the classmates she remembers. at Acton-Boxborough ten years Ms. Moss is enjoying her new ago and finds it interesting to be job. “It’s really great that I can experiencing the music department come in and teach… I laugh all the from a faculty member’s point time, and the students are open and of view. Having her return as a interesting.” She has quickly become Ryan Grogan (10) – Have more Lauren Rodda (10) – There Eric Carlson (10) – Outlaw pop colleague has been a pleasure for her close with many students who find free periods and less homework. should be a week of vacation quizzes; they’re pure evil! former band director, Mr. Hickey. her easy to relate to as a young every month. “I was extremely excited that we teacher. “I haven’t met with any were able to bring Jennifer, Ms. animosity, and the administration Moss, back to Acton-Boxborough. has been great to work with,” She was a great student—talented Ms. Moss says of her new job. and hardworking—and I knew she As for her personal music tastes, would bring that to our program.” Ms. Moss enjoys “all kinds: jazz, As a student, Ms. Moss describes classical, folk.” Some of her favorite herself as heavily involved with artists include The Police, Rufus Alisha Mueller (11)– We should Rob “Durden” Hagelstein (12) Mike Mandrus (9) – Get us out the music program at Acton- Wainwright, Led Zeppelin, John have longer lunch periods, so – People should know their own of assigned study... it kills free Boxborough. Ms. Moss played Coltrane, and various hip-hop and we can eat, de-stress, relax, and limitations and stay within them. time and it’s impossible to get clarinet in the band, was drum classical artists. When performing just chill, you know? work done in it anyway. major during marching band season, music, Ms. Moss prefers singing and a member of the Madrigal in small chamber vocal ensembles, Singers. She thinks it was really where there is usually one person beneficial to be a part of all these. per part, or singing a capella. Although she enjoyed band, One of Ms. Moss’s favorite she felt more comfortable singing pastimes is traveling. “If I could than playing the clarinet and live in Europe, I would,” she says, chose to major in voice when she recalling her past summer there. Hannah Mager (12) Kelsey-Tait Jarboe (10) Brad Dye (Alumnus) - AB went to college. She was also very Her favorite cities in Europe are – We should reduce overly – Students should not be required should tell students to relax. Itʼs interested in education: “I knew Florence, Leipzig, and most of all, demanding academic work… to take courses they know they easy to do it. I got into college I wanted to be a teacher from my Dublin. This next summer, Ms. no, wait, that sounds bad; just won’t use in real life… for an and my teachers all suck. leadership experiences in the band.” Moss is going back to Tuscany, Italy give less work and start classes artist, everything’s wrong with She studied voice at the University for a special music workshop. In later. math courses! of Massachusetts in Amherst, and the United States, she enjoys going continued her graduate studies to Philadelphia and Florida, where at Temple University. At UMass her sister and two nieces live. Ms. Amherst, Ms. Moss was part of Moss hopes to visit Australia and an all-female a capella group. the Caribbean within her lifetime. While she was a graduate student at Ms. Moss’s goals for the choral Temple, she was the advisor to an program at Acton-Boxborough Ankit Chandra (12) - Everyone Doug Breuer (10) - Try to reduce Matt Shimuzu (12) – I don’t feel undergrad mixed a capella group are to have the program grow should have a life-sized card- the amount of busy work and stressed, but maybe make the and helped it grow into a successful even more. “We have a Women’s board cut-out of my handsome give a quiet place to daydream. colors around school look nicer. ensemble. She was sure of her Ensemble, but it’d be nice to see face. career once she took conducting a Men’s Ensemble,” she said. classes; it reinforced her desire to She wants the music program to teach choral ensembles. “It was just go beyond just the performing fun,” she says of why she finally groups, and she continues to focus chose to go into music education. on having a good time and singing Once she was out of college, as much as possible. Ms. Moss is Ms. Moss lived in Pennsylvania, looking forward to the construction singing in Philadelphia. She also of a brand new chorus room as Brandon Lemos (12) - Eat, Alice Ren (10) - Bring back Lauren Brooks (10) - Try to taught sixth to eighth grade students well. She is planning a festival sleep, and homework canʼt be couches and make more comfort- space out tests more and make general music and sixth grade performance in New York City in all we do as colleges donʼt even able student centers. class participation have more on chorus at a middle school in Yardley, the spring, because she believes like this, our future depends an impact of the grade. PA, a suburb of Philadelphia that “a tour is really important for the on extra curricular as much as was “very similar to Acton.” She students.” She is very excited for schoolwork liked it a lot, especially since she the upcoming year, and plans to “got to see all the kids.” Ms. Moss continue performing for a while, LESSONS/ from page 11 this summer were unforgettable. I we take for granted here at home. also periodically went to help out eventually hoping to be part of a come a team, and help others. In took a break from my everyday life “I think this [Landmark Volunteers] at the high school in Yardley. She semi-professional gig in Boston. their words, “Participating in [our] and went into the wilderness. I met was an excellent experience and I missions will help you understand eleven other people my age who recommend it to anyone who enjoys felt more suited to teaching at the To students wary of their future our environment, gain a feeling for were just as dedicated, generous, working in groups and exercising high school level because she could positions, Ms. Moss advises, “Be the needs of others, appreciate our and willing to do something new and working outdoors,” said Na- relate better with the older students. patient and realize that you have history, and develop insight into and different as I was. During our thaniel. My experience with Land- “High school is such a fun time in your whole life ahead of you. Do the importance of the arts” (www. two weeks together, we had fun, mark taught me many things, but life. You’re young adults, [you] what your gut tells you. Find out volunteers.com). Upon finishing accomplished rewarding things, most of all that itʼs worth it to give get to make your own choices, and where you want to be and then the two weeks, volunteers receive and learned from one another as back to the community. you’re getting ready for what you’ll how you want to get there.” The a letter of recommendation and well as from our surroundings. Two If youʼre interested in applying do next: college, travel, work.” students at Acton-Boxborough eighty hours of community service. weeks in the mountains reminded for Landmark Volunteers , visit their Many things have changed at welcome Ms. Moss to the faculty. My time in the Adirondacks the twelve of us of everything that website at www.volunteers.com. AB since her high school years. November 2004 The Spectrum Page 13 Features Un Nouveau Prof de Français Vient à AB

he thought that he wanted to have a Monsieur Cosseron is welcome By HELEN ALESBURY my native language.” Last June, career in translation and eventually here at AB and Correspondent Cosseron received a Master’s become an interpreter for the United degree in Teaching at the University is obviously For many students here at Nations. After finally deciding to of Massachusetts at Amherst. very talented in AB, taking a foreign language become a translator, Cosseron went Then comes the question: what linguistics. If you is unfortunately not seen as an back to school, to the University of was it about AB that made him didn’t know better, important part of their education. Paris, to get a Master’s degree in want to work here? you would think For some, there is no longer room Literary Translation. Simply put, AB was the first English was his for it in their schedule, and they After getting his Master’s to reply to his job application. first language; he have discontinued their study. But degree, Cosseron elected to go However, it seems to have been a speaks it without for those who are excited about abroad and utilize his language good choice, as he says he really even a hint of an continuing a foreign language, skills as a teacher. He sought likes teaching at AB and intends accent. Although I there is a brand-new teacher who inspiration from his father, who to continue teaching here for some have only been his just might inspire students to make was an English teacher, and applied time. He now lives in Watertown student for a few their French class a priority. for a teacher’s assistant position at and, unfortunately, only moved weeks now, I can Nicolas Cosseron, one of the Mount Holyoke College, receiving in two days before school started, honestly say, and newest members of the World his first experience teaching French having to start the school year so can many of his Language Department, spent his there. He remained at Mount barely unpacked. other students, that youth in Havre, France, in the Holyoke for a year, living in a dorm Currently, Monsieur Cosseron he is a very hip province of Normandy. and teaching all levels of French, is not a United States citizen and teacher. Maybe With his two younger sisters, from elementary to intermediate. does not want to forgo his French that will convince Monsieur Cosseron attended After his first year of teaching, citizenship, which means he cannot those of you who elementary school through high Cosseron returned to France and vote in the coming presidential have dropped a school immersed in French decided to give translation a shot, election. When asked how he would language to take it traditions. He studied German, but applying for a position in Toronto, vote if he could, he replied, “Kerry, up again. he lost interest in it as he became Canada, which, as it turned out, definitely.” Alors, Monsieur increasingly interested in English. was not as exciting as he thought it Additionally, Monsieur Casseron, les He later attended the University of would be. After this realization, he Cosseron’s favorite movie is élèves d’AB Le Havre and earned his B.A. in resolved to go back to the United Moulin Rouge. That’s right, Moulin voudraient vous English. States, deciding to teach French dire “Bienvenue!” Monsieur Cosseron Rouge, the American translation of SNEHA ARJUN/CORRESPONDENT Like many people after instead of English because he had a French story. Don’t worry; I was graduation, Monsieur Cosseron was been learning English for so long confused too. I was expecting some not entirely sure what it was that he that he needed a change. As he French film I had never heard of and wanted to do with his life. At first, put it, “I feel very proud to teach would have a hard time spelling. is also an effortless thing. It is very XANGA / from page 11 similar to checking your email; it homework, or for friends should not take longer than five Interview: Diego Mansilla, Español that are far away, if they have minutes, nor should it be considered and an all-around good place to P: How do you compare time to get together on a three- a distraction from work. However, By PRASAD PATIL teach. The principal at my old teaching here to your prior jobs? day weekend. When you have a it will take some time if you choose Spectrum Staff school told me it was a great SM: You mean in Argentina? Xanga, you can also subscribe to to explore your friends’ Xangas I had the opportunity to interview community, so I was very interested. P: Sure. your friends’ Xangas online and and leave comments for them. That one of the newest recruits to the P: How are you finding the school SM: Well, I have to say the get daily emails containing all of is why you can subscribe to them, AB World Language Department, so far? How do you like the facilities, students are more mature here. their most recent posts helping so you will get an instant reminder Señor Diego Mansilla. Sr. Mansilla the faculty, and the students? I haven’t seen any fights or you get in touch with what’s going when they’ve updated their Xanga. teaches Spanish II AE, III CP, and SM: Great! Everything is arguments, and I love the kids. on in their life. This saves you the time of actually V AE, and I believe he will be absolutely great; I couldn’t have They are respectful and they want to Many people, especially going to their sites to see whether a great asset to our learn, and I like this. parents, dislike the idea of they have updated or not. staff. Our interview The workload and their children owning a Xanga Some people protest that it is homework is basically went as follows: because they think it is addictive dangerous to put up online journals the same here and Prasad: Give us and provides a distraction from because it is easy to attract strangers. there, but overall, it some background on schoolwork. These claims are But unlike chat rooms and forums, is a very different yourself: Where are unfounded; writing in a Xanga Xanga provides security measures to you from? Where did e n v i r o n m e n t . is not the same as playing a protect your privacy. First, you can you study? Family, P: Since we’re computer game. For Xanga, there limit the amount of information you interests, etc.? running low on time, is no addiction involved in terms choose to post. Also, if you desire, Sr. Mansilla: I was one last question: you can protect your posts so only born in Buenos Aires, What are your plans of updating. It is possible to get those on your friends list can view Argentina. I came to the for the future now addicted to it if you choose to US in 2000, currently that you are here? update your Xanga multiple times them. live in Andover, and SM: I plan to stay a day, but that time commitment is Joining Xanga is very simple. All taught in the Boston here as long as I can. I not necessary to enjoy it. Similar you need to do is go to www.xanga. Public School system love teaching—I think to a diary, it is rare that someone com and register for your own. This and in Newton before I it is very rewarding— will want to make several entries way, you can explore and find out came to Acton. Before and I’d love to stay a day, barring extraordinary more about Xanga yourself. If you I began teaching, I as long as I can. events. Checking your Xanga don’t know where to start, check worked as a translator, I would like to for comments and subscriptions out my Xanga at www.xanga.com/ and even helped thank Señor Mansilla apple427. develop one of the texts for offering some we use here today. My of his time to do parents and sister live this interview. We in Buenos Aires, but are lucky to have they visited me here him join us, and recently. In my spare I’d like to formally welcome him to the AB time, I love to read, and enjoy Señor Mansilla photography, soccer, and boating. SNEHA ARJUN /CORRESPONDENT community! Bienvenidos! P: What made you decide to come here? hoped for better. The students are SM: I was told that this is a very good, the faculty is great, great system, a great community, and everything is just great! Page 14 The Spectrum November 2004 Entertainment 10 Things I Hate About You: Totally Grody! Pearl Jam Rocked of glitter, there is a pound of sweat. frigid Kat Stratford, an uncompro- appropriately, “Go.” Coming from By HEATHER MCCORMACK Be that as it may, I can tell you mising feminist whose dress is drab By TRAVIS PALANO their second album, Vs., “Go” was Correspondent one thing—this show is really, re- and who refuses to date. Her young- Correspondent a very fast paced song that got the Chances are, if youʼre read- ally good. Iʼm pretty sure you are er sister and professional daddyʼs The stage is empty and dark- crowd up and going. They kept the ing this and you donʼt live under just as excited about this show as I girl Bianca, played by sophomore ened. Except for a few roadies mill- momentum going by playing “Ani- a rock, youʼve probably seen 10 am. Well, maybe not to the extent Angela Powell, desperately wants ing around, checking instruments, mal,” also from Vs., and “Do the Things I Hate About You. And if of the limb amputation, but I can to be a teenager and party all the all is still. Then, just barely visible Evolution,” from Yield. The crowd youʼre a normal teenager with get pretty worked up sometimes. time. However, their psycho dad in the smoky darkness, a lone fig- was very pumped for the first half- any taste for good clean wonʼt let Bianca date ure clad in a jean jacket carrying hour of the show because Pearl Jam comedy, you liked it. unless sheʼs accom- an electric guitar approaches the played many of their hardest songs You liked it to the extent panied by Kat, other- microphone. Suddenly, a beam of early. Nearing the end of the song, that youʼd cut off your wise known as “the light slices through the darkness Eddie started to improvise some of left arm to be anywhere shrew.” So Bianca and and shines upon the figure. Itʼs Ed- the lyrics, making them about poli- near Heath Ledger... her slightly misguided die Vedder. This enigmatic vocalist tics. One line that I found particular- Okay, clearly youʼre not love interest, Cameron, of Pearl Jam, the headlining band ly fitting was when he sang “I wish all normal teenagers like played by senior Alex for the nightʼs festivities, has de- I was the president...” showing his me, but Iʼll let that slide. Eksir, devise a plan cided to kick tonightʼs concert off dislike of the current inhabitant of As soon as I found out to get Patrick, played with a little solo performance. He the Oval Office. From “Wishlist,” that it was going to be by junior Russ Viola, begins to strum out a chord pro- they moved onto “Present Tense” ABʼs fall play this year, I the intimidating and gression on his guitar. Ed starts to and “Corduroy.” To end their main put on my extra eyeliner intriguing rebel with sing the first few bars of the song. set, they played “Once,” a hard- and slid into some Birken- an attitude problem, As the first words come out of his edged, fast-paced, slam-pit song. stocks, hoping to be the to go out with Kat. mouth, everyone loves it. He is When the group came back on Julia Stiles of Acton- Trouble is, he ends up covering a Jackson Browne song stage, they explained that the next Boxborough. Sadly, not falling for her. Now, I called “I Am a Patriot,” which set would be quieter. They started every story has a perfect donʼt want to give any- is incredibly appropriate for the their first encore with “Lukin” thing away of course, ending, but watch for my Maya Cookson and Russ Viola practice for the fall play. Vote for Change tour. Ed starts to from No Code. They also played three mesmerizing lines MATT BASKIN / SPECTRUM STAFF but letʼs just say there sing the bridge of the song, “And “Man of the Hour,” from the Big as the kid in detention! are fist fights, live mu- I ainʼt no communist, and I ainʼt Fish soundtrack. To end this first Being in the play has given me a Anyway, this show is going to be sic, and totally tubular 80ʼs refer- no capitalist,” and the crowd eats encore, the group played their big- first-hand view of what really goes amazing. Itʼs based on the movie, ences. Be at the fall play, 10 Things it up. When Ed sings, “And I ainʼt gest hit so far, “Black” from Ten. on in a theater production. Itʼs not but with one clever alteration—itʼs I Hate About You, and be gnarly. no Democrat, and I sure as hell Live, this song was amazing, eas- all glitz and glamour by any stretch set in the eighties. Starring fresh- Performances are November ainʼt no (expletive) Republican,” ily my favorite of the night. They of the imagination; for every ounce man Maya Cookson as the totally 12th, 13th, 14th, 19th, and 20th. the crowd really goes ballistic. mixed the moaning vocals of Eddie As he walks off, I know that I am with Mikeʼs Jimi Hendrix-esque going to see something amazing. soloing beautifully. The song was The Vote for Change tour is extended with Mikeʼs incred- Cabaret: A Preview a series of shows that features. ible soloing for a long time. Af- By ESTHER PARK & DIANE restaurant or nightclub that features musical performance atmosphere. among others, Bruce Springsteen ter “Black,” they exited the stage HWANG entertainment, specifically sing- 3. How is Cabaret different and the E Street Band, Dave Mat- and the crowd waited for more. ing and dancing. ABʼs version of now from when it first started? Correspondents thews Band, R.E.M., Jurassic 5, When they came back, everyone a Cabaret show includes the usual Ms. Moss: As an AB alum, I and, of course, Pearl Jam. The was out of their seats—I donʼt think Cabaret: n. A restaurant or singing, dancing, and food, but remember performing in the first tour has thirty-seven dates and will I sat down for the last half of the nightclub providing short pro- weʼve expanded the entertainment Cabaret. It took place in the old Mc- go through thirty cities in battle- show. They started off the second grams of live entertainment... to include instrumental numbers Carthy-Towne cafeteria and the acts ground states. Pearl Jam decided encore with “The Seeker,” a The Well, it wonʼt be in a restaurant and novelty acts as well. There were similar to the ones that appear to do a warm-up show in Boston Who cover. After that, they broke or a nightclub, but this yearʼs Caba- is also a well-known musical en- today, but the number of acts has in- at the Fleet Center before they out another big hit, “Daughter” ret Night at AB is sure to provide titled Cabaret, which takes place creased greatly. Since then, Cabaret join Bruce and the others. Origi- from Vs., which absolutely blew many short and entertaining live in 1930s Germany and follows has also become an almost entirely nally, the group was only going my mind. At the end of “Daughter,” programs. Cabaret is an opportuni- the life of Sally Bowes, one of the student-run production with mem- to play one show in Boston, but Eddie started to sing “War” and the ty for students at ABRHS to show cabaret singer-dancers at the club. bers of the chorus acting as com- the show sold out in a matter of crowd sang along. The center was off their musical talents. While we 2. What is the difference be- mittee chairs for various parts of the days. Since it had been only avail- deafening. After that, they contin- were researching this yearʼs show, tween Cabaret and a talent show? show. Students gain valuable leader- able to the Pearl Jam fan club, ued the hits by playing “Glorified we had a chance to catch up with Ms. Moss: A Cabaret show usu- ship skills by organizing, planning, they decided to add another date. G,” one of my all time favorite our new choral director, Ms. Jenni- ally features acts with music select- and leading groups such as Back- I bought tickets for this second Pearl Jam songs. Itʼs got a hard and fer Moss, who is also an AB alum. ed from genres such as musicals and stage/Tech, Crew, Decorations, Bake show on Wednesday, October 29th. funky guitar part and some very As director of this yearʼs Caba- Broadway shows. A talent show Sale & Food, Publicity, Ticket Sales, After Vedder completed the first poignant lyrics about gun control. ret, she gave us the inside scoop. may include things like juggling and the ever-popular Emcee Com- song, he introduced Gob Roberts, Eddie apparently took the lyrics 1. Where did the name and stand-up comedy. ABʼs Cabaret mittee. It is wonderful to see how the first of the opening acts. Gob verbatim from an argument he had “Cabaret” come from? show includes music from genres the size and popularity of the show Roberts wasnʼt as terrible as the with the groupʼs former drummer, Ms. Moss: A traditional Cabaret outside of the traditional Cabaret has grown over the last ten years. crowd made them seem, but they Dave Abbruzzese, when Dave had show is one that takes place in a scene, but we keep the original 4. What will be special/dif- werenʼt good either. Tim Robbins bought a gun. After “Glorified G,” ferent about this yearʼs Cabaret (yes, the actor) is the lead vocal- Tim Robbins came out for a duet since it is the 10-year anniversary? ist for the band. All of their songs with Ed on the song “The New Ms. Moss: This yearʼs Cabaret had some kind of political mes- World.” The energy slowed a little will showcase a wide variety of acts sage in them. They played mostly with this song, but it was picked performed by students involved in power/punk rock, which didnʼt right back up again when the band ABʼs music program. Since it is the seem very difficult and wasnʼt played a song that they hadnʼt tenth anniversary of Cabaret, it is always enjoyable for me. They played for ten years called “Iʼve our goal to feature as many differ- finished up quickly and exited to Got a Feeling.” Mike and Stoneʼs ent students as possible in the show. several boos from the crowd. Af- good guitar riffs and Eddieʼs won- The acts range from upbeat to con- ter Gob Roberts came Death Cab derful vocals made it one of the templative, serious to outrageous, for Cutie, a pleasant surprise espe- highlights of the night for me. and much more. There will be both cially after the Gob Roberts fiasco. Pearl Jam played their last song solo and ensemble singing, dancing, They played a pop-emo style that at about 11:45 pm. The house lights bands, a cappella groups, and special was very well done. The lead vo- came up and the opening notes to introductions by student Emcees. calist, Ben Gibbard, who is also a “Rockinʼ in the Free World” came Cabaret will take place at 7:30 member of The Postal Service, has out of the speakers. The crowd p.m. on Friday, November 5th a dreamy, flowing voice and a very reaction to this Neil Young clas- and Saturday, November 6th at good range. Between songs, they sic was amazing. Pearl Jam has the Parker Damon Building. Tick- would talk about random topics, been closing with this song since ets will be sold during lunches which were actually pretty funny. 1992, and playing it for the Vote in school the first week of No- When Pearl Jam finally came for Change tour really capped the vember and will also be available onto the stage, it was about 9:15. from Ms. Moss in Room 130E. The opening tune of the night was See PEARL JAM / page 15 November 2004 The Spectrum Page 15 Entertainment Wilco: Good Country Trite Times at Pennsbury High: The Forgery of a Wonderland Wilcoʼs sound has grown so that the rebel has a pregnant girlfriend, self capable of being a journalist. By MAGGIE DUFFY By MATT BASKIN itʼs no longer easily recognizable and so on. In doing so, he attaches The event that Wonderland relies Spectrum Staff Spectrum Staff as country. The lyrics, while still the boring to the extreme, and his on to carry the reader through is the Itʼs not that I love country music. as minimal and incisive as when Every so often, a book comes book slowly turns into an episode stereotype to end all stereotypes: Iʼve got a healthy contempt for the set to rowdy country beats, are now along that is so powerful, so vivid, of Oprah gone horribly wrong. the prom. To my surprise though, stale chords and trite ballad lyrics surrounded by nuanced, jarring and so full of truth that the reader Bramberger mixes the common Pennsbury Highʼs prom is some- that cling like parasites to the stuff. chords. No matter what Tweedy canʼt help but feel it. Sometimes, with the melodramatic for a result what different from what weʼre When my neighbors blast the coun- writes, itʼs impossible for us now to such a book is set in the desolation that is comparable only to taking used to. Instead of limos escorting try station loud enough to be heard in say that they “sound like whatʼs his of Auschwitz or the deserts of Af- heavy sedatives. One might argue dates to the doors of some semi- their driveway as well as across the name.” Wilco sounds more itself rica. On the other hand, Wonder- that melodrama is appropriate; after ritzy hotel, students find innovative street, down the road, and through than it ever has—the words are per- land is a non-fiction taking place all, the book is set in a high school. ways of getting to the school gym, my closed windows, I cringe. So sonal and unexpected at every turn. in the corridors of a high school However, he uses it to the extent setting for the biggest event of the donʼt go accusing me otherwise. “A Ghost is Born” is one cohesive that failed to take me any further that one wants to forgo tears in favor school year. While an interesting That said, Iʼll admit that Iʼve thought; the beats and styles of the than the bathroom. Full of type- of vomit. Itʼs not that Brambergerʼs component to the book, Bamberger developed a fondness for steel gui- record, instead of adhering to a casts and banalities, Wonderland writing is ineffective. To the con- relies on it far too much and consis- tars and raw lyrics. You could even genre, focus on expressing that sin- reads like a glorified report on the trary, he proves himself capable tently implies that it is the pinnacle call it a preoccupation. Wilco, a gle thought. The lyrics on the new youth of America as if the youth of of reaching the reader, taking him of social life for every student, again band which has evolved through album are more precise and more America was concerned with noth- to emotional highs and lows while reducing the students of Pennsbury hazy electro-montage and con- distinctively Tweedyʼs own as the ing outside of going to the prom. also maintaining a sense of humor. High, and America, to a stereotype. scientious pop on the way to be- groupʼs sound on the whole has be- Author Michael Bamberger, However, Bramberger maintains Read Wonderland, but donʼt coming what it is today, has done come something completely unique. who is of all things a Sports Illus- that despite all these tools used to think that youʼre reading a work this to me. Thereʼs a good chance Wilco has always been great trated columnist, never strays far influence the readerʼs emotions, his of nonfiction, lest you react as I that Iʼll never be the same again. enough to have plenty of crossover from bland. In choosing his char- book is still a work of journalism. did. Instead of reading it as the Wilcoʼs most recent album, “A appeal—its following is extremely acters, Bamberger tries to create By doing so, he turns it into a work groundbreaking piece of journal- Ghost is Born,” has won them the varied. When I went to their con- a cross-section of Pennsylvaniaʼs of exploitation, not only of the ism which it proudly claims to be, praise and attention theyʼve always cert in Boston at the beginning of Pennsbury High School, yet comes reader, but of the students he pro- read it as the decent piece of fiction deserved, and has placed the band October, I noticed this in their audi- out with stereotypes. From the prep- files as well as their families. In one which it humbly is. foremost in the sprawling genre ence. I saw my fair share of cow- pie three-sport athlete down to the passage, he reduces the death of a of alt-country. While artists rang- boy boots, but there were just as leather-jacket rebel, he represents student hit by a car to a fictional ing from Bright Eyes to Norwayʼs many dreadlocked heads as black- what he claims to be a socially di- tragedy, building suspense leading PEARL JAM/ from page 14 Sondre Lerche to Elliott Smith rimmed glasses in the crowd. The verse student body with students so up to the death and showcasing the night nicely. All in all, this was have been influenced by alt-coun- age range especially struck me— clichéd that one canʼt help but laugh actions, words, and emotions that an amazing experience for me and try, itʼs a difficult label to define. itʼs rare to see teenagers and adults at his naivety. In a sad and obvi- went along with it. In another, he hopefully, Pearl Jam will be back Leann Womack and Tim McGraw boogying together so harmoni- ous effort to keep the reader on his depicts a girlʼs heart condition as a next year. Or as Eddie put it, “Weʼll are country; Whiskeytown, The ously. While all the members of the toes, Bramberger makes sure that result of bad karma. All of this adds see you next year, in Fenway.” Old 97ʼs, and the Jayhawks are alt- band are extremely talented, it was his students have the proper eccen- up to one word: sleazy. Bramberg- country. Suffice it to say, alt-country Jeff Tweedy for whom the audience tricities so as to make their stories erʼs techniques are cheap, and while isnʼt satisfied as easily—while your showed the most fondness and who readable. And so, the three-sport he shows himself capable of being average country singer lolls in the did the most talking between sets. athlete has a handicapped brother, a writer, he does not show him- stylization of the genre, alt-coun- His ever-personable stage presence, try musicians look for something as well as his recent return from more. Wilco has managed to absorb drug rehab, made for a supportive, the emotional honesty and spacious affectionate audience. The perfor- energy of country music while dis- mance didnʼt lean on this affec- carding the rest of the sensational- tion in the slightest, though; Wilco ized mess. Itʼs a return to an earlier filled the large Wang Theater with immediacy, similar to that of John- undeniably gorgeous music. Instru- ny Cash, granddaddy of all things ments that were de-emphasized country. So in this sense, I see Wil- on the CD were more noticeable, co and the other alt-country bands and the band played a great selec- not as an alternative to country, tion which spanned all of their re- but rather country as it should be. cent albums. The performance was On Wilcoʼs earlier albums, the complemented by a large screen connection to country music is behind them which showed foot- more literal. AM and Being There age of bees, skyscrapers, and other are full of ringing ballads about semi-psychedelic images. Tweedy love, highways, and whiskey. sounded remarkably good—his Harmonicas wail, hearts are men- gritty voice hung on the notes in a tioned—itʼs the familiar country way the album had subdued, mak- music. Thereʼs a certain dissatis- ing a phenomenal performance. fied quality to this early music “Every time I make a rhyme which makes it both appealing and / I live my life like I wasnʼt invit- somehow unfinished. “You Already ed,” Tweedy sang towards the end Know the Story” lead singer Jeff of the concert. His lyrics, which Tweedy growls in “Someone Elseʼs are often lost under the soaring Song”: “And the chords are just the chords and mind-bending effects, same / You already know I love you have the uneasy grace of an intro- / And I sound like whatʼs his name.” verted child. Only itʼs clear now: Since then, spanning eight ma- not only has Wilco been invited to jor albums, as well as countless this party, but theyʼve come bear- collaborations and side projects, ing a fine gift for the rest of us. Page 16 The Spectrum November 2004 Entertainment Game Time: Halo 2 Coming Soon Robert ParkeHarrison: By NICK JESSOP my own buddies. Perhaps this is mires, the moment of truth is tan- what has made Halo such a wildly gible and finally upon us. “The Everyman” Spectrum Staff popular game over these past three Hundreds of thousands of words By PETER AHERN graphs can best be described using Unless you plan on spend- years—the fact that you donʼt need have been written about Halo 2, Spectrum Staff one of his pieces as an example. ing the rest of the year in front of to be a hard-core gamer, or even most in more detail and depth than I To create a piece called Navi- your television, donʼt buy Halo 2. good, to reap its boundless fruits. could even pretend to exhibit. A few Itʼs very hard to describe the gator, ParkeHarrison took numer- Donʼt purchase it. Donʼt barter for The greatest proof of this reality extremely helpful websites with a work of Robert ParkeHarrison ous pictures of himself climbing a it. Donʼt even steal it. Halo 2 plethora of articles, screen- without using oneʼs hands or voice twisted, asymmetrical ladder, while should not be in your house- shots, and movies include for emphasis. Maybe it is because holding an over-the-top, bizarre hold when it is released on IGN.com, Bungie.net, and the artwork of his exhibit at the telescope. Next, he took numerous November 9th. You may be Gamespy.com. What I can DeCordova Museum in Lincoln is pictures of the sky, then pictures of wondering why the single add is that, while Halo might nothing short of extraordinary. The cotton stuffing (to simulate clouds), most highly anticipated have had an impact on our technique, the use of props and sets, finally piecing together elements video game in the history of lives in the past three years, it and the implied visual metaphors from the several photographs to re- humankind should be avoid- cannot compare to the immi- that characterize ParkeHarrisonʼs semble a crude collage. But once tak- ed at all costs. Donʼt worry, nent shock to the system that creative photography are unparal- en into a darkroom and run through Halo 2 will almost certainly the hype surrounding Halo 2 leled in the world of art. But what developing procedures, the image exceed your immense ex- suggests. If the game is half of does his work look like? Every one became seamless, blending perfect- pectations. No, the reason what it is expected to be, we of his pieces consists of the same ly the many different elements to for caution is really much could be in for largest media subject, a man in a suit one size too give the end result: a surreal image less surprising: quite simply, and pop culture bonanza that small—a man he calls ”The Every- of a man climbing a crooked lad- Halo 2 will change your life. video gaming has ever seen. man.” This man is consistently fea- der into the clouds with a telescope. Ever since the 2001 re- On November 9th, you tured in an uncommon but familiarly All of his photographs are tinted lease of Halo: Combat, will have a crucial decision to desolate landscape, interacting with a warm sepia, making it impossible which drew praise as “one of the make: To buy, or not to buy. his surroundings using a variety of to tell whether they were made yes- best games in recent times, on any lies in the vast range of people who Actually, no; youʼll buy it. In fact, bizarre and strange props, while the terday or just unearthed from an console, bar none,” gamers have play the game. Halo has truly el- youʼve probably already pre-ordered whole time exuding a sort of uncan- archeological dig. Most pieces are been salivating over the prospect of evated gaming to the mainstream. it. Or at least, you should have. ny innocence. For example, in For- heavily varnished on a thick slab a sequel. This is not to say that they Obviously, this hasnʼt gone un- However, youʼve been forewarned: est Bed, “The Everyman” is seen of birch wood, giving his pictures have not enjoyed every minute of noticed by Microsoft. The maker Halo 2 is threat to the productivity asleep on a mattress suspended on a grainy, rudimentary appearance. the original. I myself have wasted of Xbox realized that Halo alone of you and students everywhere. dry twigs and roots high above a ParkeHarrisonʼs method of creat- countless hours on my friendsʼ had the ability to sell consoles. [Be sure to read next month when bed frame. In another, titled Mend- ing multiple-layered photographs couches vainly attempting to save With dollar signs in the executivesʼ Matt Fisher-Post and I provide an ing the Earth, “The Everyman” can and his mixing in of paint and ink the human race or merely enjoying eyes, a sequel was immediately in-depth review of the game that just be seen crudely stitching what ap- is astonishingly disorienting to the dizzying variety of multiplayer proposed. Now, after three years of inhaled 500 words in a high school pears to be a volcanic crack in the view; the viewer is able to identify games, only to get humiliated by setbacks, delays, and general quag- newspaper 7 days before its release] earth with an enormous needle and with “The Everyman,” but not with thread. In another of his weirdly the landscape or freakish objects whimsical pieces called Suspen- found throughout his prints. It is sion, “The Everyman” is seen an- impossible to tell what is real and Fundraiser? More Like FUNraiser! choring huge clouds to the ground what isnʼt, and it is this feeling that By EVAN BROWN significantly to their enjoyment of tion, the school allowed students to with thick, coarse rope. Amazingly, makes this exhibit so enjoyable, yet inconceivable. This is a must- Spectrum Staff the dance. “The music sounds the enter the dance as late as 9:30 PM, all of these photographs are created same, no matter who the DJ is,” instead of the usual 9:00 PM. This without the use of any digital media. see exhibit for anyone interested For one evening, the night of commented senior Joe Hart, who was due to the fact that the dance The technique ParkeHarrison in photography or enticed by the October 23, the students of ABRHS attended the dance. “[Kelly] did a coincided with a home high school uses to create such visionary and unusual, and I give it my highest were transported to a dimension in good job.” football game that was expected to eerie photographs is his use of sil- recommendations. The DeCordova which the laws of physics held lit- By hiring Kelly instead of a draw a considerable number of stu- ver gelatin prints and a variety of Museum and Sculpture Park is lo- tle authority over their movements. professional, the school saved a dents. By allowing students to enter mixed media including painting and cated in Lincoln at 51 Sandy Pond Those who attended will not soon considerable amount of money. A later than usual, the dance was able montages. ParkeHarrison also uses Road; to preview ParkeHarrisonʼs forget it. professional might have charged as to attract a number of people com- grand, self-designed sets and spindly work, you can visit his website at “It was a mental stimulus for much as $300, whereas Kelly was ing directly from the game. Since machine-like props, though fash- http://www.parkeharrison.com/. me,” senior Rohin Jaiman com- paid $100. the official end time was 11:00 PM, ioned to be very rustic and primitive mented afterward. “And by mental The dance was also unusual in students coming from the game in form and appearance. The way I mean physical. Intensely physi- that it was not held to raise money still had sufficient time to get their he goes about creating these photo- cal.” for a class or group. “It wasnʼt sup- groove on, and many praised the Although the class of 2005 has posed to be a fundraiser,” noted schoolʼs decision to allow students sponsored dances in the past, this Senior class Vice President Dave to come after the game. “I probably one differed from past events in Shi. “It was just something people wouldnʼt have come [to the dance] several ways. For example, the wanted to have.” In fact, the ticket if they had cut it off at 9:00 PM,” school did not hire a professional prices, which were originally set to stated senior Tim Glick. “I think a disc jockey for the dance. Instead, be $6 or $7, were lowered to $5 to lot of students wouldʼve just gone the music was prepared and select- raise attendance. Despite the fact somewhere else after the game.” ed by junior Andy Kelly, who acted that it was not intended to raise Clearly, straying from tradition as a DJ at the dance. Students re- money, Shi estimates that the class greatly benefited this event. The sponded favorably to Kellyʼs per- will earn a small profit from the dance was well attended and en- formance, and most did not feel a dance. joyed by all. professional DJ would have added In yet another break from tradi- November 2004 The Spectrum Page 17

Callahanʼs Corner Just Another By BRIAN CALLAHAN Automatic, Mariano Rivera—the out of the wrong goblet and spon- Spectrum Staff most dominating closer in the his- taneously combust.) I guess Iʼll live tory of the game. But a leadoff with Ortiz and an excited Joe Buck “Success is how high you walk to Kevin Millar, a pinch-run shouting, “And theyʼre running “Boring” Season bounce when you hit rock bottom.” steal by Dave Roberts, and a single all the way back to New York!” -General George Patton up the middle by Bill Mueller tied The rest, as they say, is history. Before the ALCS, I had two up the game and gave Rivera his Curt Schilling, who had pitched the possible headlines for this column. first-ever blown postseason save. worst game of his postseason ca- for AB Golf One of them, you see above. The It was one that would prove costly, reer in the past week, would deliver other one, would have been “The for in the bottom of the twelfth, a gutsy performance on the heels Cusker. It must have been more than Song Remains the Same.” And Roy Hobbsʼ incarnate, David Ortiz, of a fractured right ankle—one that By NICK JESSOP luck, since the Colonials played one for a while, it looked like I would ended the game with a home run. has to go down as the most coura- Correspondent of the best matches of their season, be using “The Song Remains the The ballʼs arc into the right field geous performance of any athlete Acton-Boxborough Varsity posting nearly one hundred points Same.” The Red Sox were playing bullpen gave him his second walk- of our time. After battling through Golf coach John Carco approach- for a close victory. The team was horrendously, and the New York off shot for the postseason, and six innings with a blood soaked es the game with a simple man- giddy with anticipation, as the win Yankees were rolling on all cylin- injected life into a Red Sox team ankle and the lead in hand, Curt tra: “Good golf is boring. Put the was seen as a sign of great things to ders. And for a while, this seemed that was in dire need of a catalyst. Schilling walked off the mound at ball in the fairway. Hit the green, come. However, in a dramatic fin- to make sense: the season to this By Game Five, Red Sox Na- Yankee Stadium and walked into putt twice, and move on to the ish against bitter rival Lincoln-Sud- point had seemed to be too New England lore. Later on, in next hole.” However, while su- bury, the glory of the St. Johnʼs win charmed for the Red Sox. From the bottom of the ninth, when it perb play catapulted the team to would become agony when they reloading in the off-season with looked like the ghosts of Yankee a 12-4-1 record and a state sec- had to settle for a tie with LS. While the additions of Curt Schilling stadium would return to haunt us tional tournament berth, boring a tie was better than a loss would and Keith Foulke, to a rebirth once more, The Incredible Foulke is the last word one would as- have been, they could not help but of sorts after trading Nomar, to shut down Tony Clark to force sociate with AB Golf this year. feel dejected over several missed a wild card birth, and finally to an improbable Game Seven. After a mediocre 2003 season opportunities. “Their number-one an epic sweep of the Angels in Going into the final game of plagued by spotty play and marked player only had eight points, so it the division series, the Red Sox the series, the anticipation was by the departure of four seniors could have gone either way,” re- seemed to have everything going evident. The Red Sox would have and two key contributors, the AB marked Christmas. Pita, who in an too well for them. You could hear the chance to complete an epic sixteen did some soul-searching unprecedented act of short-game everyone in New England say and unprecedented comeback, over the summer. Knowing that dysfunction, took four putts on the how this team was the best Red and stick a fork in the grave of he would need a huge season in final hole, couldnʼt help but feel the Sox team they had ever seen in The Bambino. Early on, it was order for the team to contend for unwelcome weight of guilt on his their lifetime; a team so deep, so evident that the Red Sox were a a DCL title, senior co-captain Ted shoulders. “URGGAHH!” was his courageous, and so motivated to team on a mission. After Johnny Keith retooled his game with the only response when asked about a single ultimate goal that it would tion was just glad to still be alive. Damon turned water into wine with help of a local pro. His dedication the crucial misplay. However, Pita be more of a surprise if they were I was just glad that my body was a Grand Slam off Javier Vazquez, and determination was matched would soon avenge his misdeed to lose, than if they were to win it still functioning properly. Sadly, giving the Sox a 6-0 lead, the team only by that of senior co-captain when, in a match at Nabnassett all. But if history has taught us any- Game Five didnʼt help me in that of self-proclaimed idiots were able Courtney Richardson, who kept Country Club, home of Westford thing–and I donʼt think I need to go department, but it did help the to roll. Anchored by a stellar per- her already polished game sharp Academy, he needed zero putts on into details—it is that the Red Sox Red Sox, once again battling their formance from Derek Lowe, who by playing in junior tournaments the 175 yard sixth hole. The hole have been unsuccessful time and hated rivals all through the night pitched on only two days rest, they over the summer. When the team in one was the first of Pitaʼs short time again in their pursuit of base- in the longest game in postseason were able to cap off the most in- reconvened in late August, it was career, and, along with his jaw- ballʼs Holy Grail. For 86 years. history. Rivera blew yet another credible series comeback in sports clear that with a lineup featuring dropping 22 points, he garnered the On a cold, rainy Sunday in save, and the Red Sox bullpen de- history. Rallying from a 3-0 defi- four tested seniors, AB was poised attention of local media outlets in- Boston, it looked like the Red Sox livered in the clutch, providing cit to a 4-3 victory, they overtook to make a run at a DCL title and cluding the Beacon and Lowell Sun would be unsuccessful once again, scoreless relief for seven innings. a team that had owned them ever a State Tournament berth. Along newspapers. Alas, the Colonials fell and that their fate would once again Read that sentence again. since the sale of you-know-who, with Richardson and Keith, se- short that day against the DCL jug- be the same. The night before, they When was the last time you re- and advanced to the World Se- niors Matt Pita and Andrew gernaut foe. Their despair was re- had suffered through one of their member Rivera blowing back-to- ries for the first time in 18 years. Christmas had also seen their newed, when soon thereafter, they worst losses in recent memory. back saves, all the while having a Thatʼs right: they did this all in one games reach the next level over lost by one measly point to Con- The 19-8 thrashing at home thrust Sox bullpen anchored by a soft toss- night. And the world hadnʼt ended. the summer. With newfound dis- cord-Carlisle on an absurdly picky them into a 3-0 hole to their hated ing closer, a knuckleballer, a starter After the game, when you were tance off the tee, Christmas post- rule interpretation by a CC player. rivals, the New York Yankees. The who was rocked just two days be- pinching yourself to make sure it ed a strong showing in the Stow While disappointed, the AB sixteen Yankees had outplayed the Red fore, and a reliever dropped by the wasnʼt just a dream, you couldnʼt Acres Junior Club Championship used the incident to strengthen their Sox in every aspect of the game, Kansas City Royals, one of the help but wonder: could this be the in August. Pita, meanwhile, took resolve. “It just shows you how im- whether it be hitting, pitching, laughingstocks of baseball? Thatʼs turning point of a team that has his vaunted putting touch south, portant every shot is,” said coach defense, or relief. Not helping right, never. And, what could be been doomed for 86 long years? all the way to Hilton Head Island Carco, “One shot can make the dif- was the fact that the Red Sox ace, better than Ortiz stepping it up again One thing is for sure. After all where he sampled some of the ference in a close match.” Armed Curt Schilling, had faltered in his in the bottom of the fourteenth and the heartbreaking losses and melt- finer courses on the east coast. with determination and vengeance, first start and was doubtful for the delivering another walk off hit to downs that have occurred over the Along with the wizened veterans, AB handed CC their collective hat rest of the series with a sore right send the series back to New York? years, an improbable week in Oc- junior Matt McCusker entered upon the latterʼs visit to the Colo- ankle. It looked like the brooms (Actually I wouldnʼt have minded tober was able to capture our spir- the season with a new role on the nialsʼ home course. After a seven- would be taken out once the Yan- seeing Tim McCarver in Indiana its and show us why this Red Sox team. Asked to help lift the team match winning streak, however, kees brought in their closer, Mr. Jones and the Last Crusade drink team will never let us lose faith. with his explosive play, the junior AB ended the regular season with letter-winner assumed his new an embarrassing loss to Lincoln- niche as one of the elite. At the Sudbury, who flat outplayed the AB Soccer Looking for Some Respect same time, junior Chris Seward Blue and Gold. Despite the disap- teacher, is in his fourth season as the lon points out, “We had a couple of and sophomore Max Rogers wit- pointing finish, their 12-4-1 final By BRAD RIZZA varsity coach and is impressed with struggles early, but we just had two nessed significant improvements record stands as a testament to the Correspondent the teamʼs success, especially after good wins over Wayland and New- in play, and sophomore Billy mettle of the team. Never quitting, As the late great Rodney Dan- losing John Tarson, Tyler Webster ton South and everybody seems to Tamulynus continued his impres- despite heartbreaking losses that gerfield once put it, “I donʼt get no and Alex Mitchell-Hardt who ac- be stepping it up a little bit.” These sive consistency. With leaders spoiled their shot at a DCL title, AB respect.” The soccer team feels counted for 75% of last yearʼs scor- wins havenʼt been easy, as the team and depth, the team was ready to showed that golf is not merely an like this is the case, playing in the ing. Filling that scoring void are has had intense practice schedules begin an especially “boring” sea- individual sport. Now, primed for a shadow of the record-setting AB seniors Dan Salvo, who leads the both after-school every day and son, that is, until someone decided strong showing in the state tourna- football team. Despite setting a re- team with seven goals, Mike Tro- in the off-season. While they may a little excitement was an order. ment, the Colonial sixteen is proof cord for consecutive victories, the bagis, who has six goals, Joe Hart, not get the recognition they believe First, there was the shocking that player development is the key soccer team garnered little atten- with four goals, and junior Kendall they deserve from the student body, upset of powerhouse St. Johns to success in high school athletics. tion compared to the football team. Crouch, who has three goals. On Coach Baumritter says he can see Prep, an annual non-division Despite losing six key players, the The reigning DCL champions the other side of the field, junior the soccer teamʼs dedication and match that was meant to challenge team has been given new life by its showed no signs of a letdown this Ben Knight is quickly establishing focus every time they hit the field, the players. Despite the lofty as- improved senior leadership, emerg- season by posting a 7-2-2 record himself as one of the top goalies in and that if they donʼt have respect signment, AB took a swing at ing hotshots, and rising stars. Join- in their first eleven games. Coach the league. With a team firing on yet, they definitely will soon. the traditionally potent St. Johnʼs ing the ranks of the aforementioned David Baumritter, an AB chemistry all cylinders, captain Steve Scan- lineup. “We got lucky,” said Mc- See GOLF / page 18 Page 18 The Spectrum November 2004

A Streak of Dominance Continues for AB Football

AB tries to push through to the end zone against Concord-Carlisle. JONATHAN EISENBERG / SPECTRUM STAFF By WILL CRONIN the team early in the season, they came out on top with a 19-7 vic- Spectrum Staff only further proved the depth of tory. After a first half of turnovers the team. Bobby Abareʼs spot was and punts, the Colonials went into Another football season has be- filled by the three remaining backs the locker room at the half only up gun, and it has been another fan- when he went down with an ankle by six. Although Concord-Carlisle Field Hockey on a Roll tastic start for the Acton-Boxbor- injury after the Concord-Carlisle played their hearts out the whole By BRIAN CALLAHAN Star Liz Stanford and senior sweep- er Allison Potter. There is no reason ough football team. In the process game. Matt Clancyʼs position was game, they mustered only one Spectrum Staff of winning their first six games, filled by juniors Tyler Roberts touchdown to ABʼs thirteen sec- Stanford shouldnʼt be an All-Star the Colonials have beaten three and Craig Yamamoto at guard af- ond-half points. For those of you The Acton-Boxborough Field again; she has been outstanding, re- top-notch football teams, broken ter he suffered a knee injury dur- who werenʼt among the some 5000 Hockey team has gotten off to a cording several shutouts and gutsy a 50-year-old re- in attendance, strong start this season, posting a 9- performances week in and week out. cord, appeared on the game was 3-2 record in their first 14 games of With a solid group of players, SportsCenterʼs a nail-biter the season. Despite losing several it is no surprise that AB has turned “Top Ten Plays for a while, key seniors from a year ago, the in many important victories this of the Day,” sus- but the Co- Field Hockey team has arguably season. They opened the season tained a num- lonials were their strongest team since their last on September 14th with a 2-1 win ber-one ranking victorious in DCL Title in 2001. Led by senior over DCL rival Concord-Carlisle, in the state, and the end. The captains Mariah Baxter and Liz in which the tremendous play of set the stage for game marked Stanford and second-year coach their defense held off a late come- what should be ABʼs forty- Mae Shoemaker, the field hockey back by CC. Later on in the season, an exhilarating first win in a team has been firing on all cylinders, their 4-0 victory against Bedford remainder to their row, a new coming up with big wins and stellar clearly showed that they were a 2004 season. state record performances week in and week out. force to be reckoned with. Al- Led by captains for consecu- This year, the field hockey though a recent 2-0 loss to Weston Bobby and Larry tive wins. It teamʼs relentless offensive attacks stymied their recent run, the team Abare, the Colo- surpassed the have kept constant pressure on the is right in the playoff mix as their nials are a skilled old record set opposing teamʼs defense, opening regular season winds down. Hop- team with a good by Concord up many scoring opportunities. Led ing to avenge their loss to Westford balance of skill Even Mr. Noeth got involved in what he refers to as “jockery.” High in 1954 by senior forward Katelyn Tulp in last yearʼs MIAA State Tourna- JONATHAN EISENBERG / SPECTRUM STAFF and depth. Their and beating and junior midfielder Jenny Raf- ment, the AB field hockey team running game is Concord-Car- tery, ABʼs offense has been nothing is looking stronger than ever as superb, as they have rushed over ing the Bridgewater-Raynham lisle to to cement the record only short of exceptional. The defense they hope to put an exclamation 200 yards in each game so far this game. Alex Sheier sustained an added to the aura of the night. The has been just as good, anchored by point on what has been a tremen- season. Joining the Abares in the ankle injury during the Bedford next week was an easy trouncing co-captain and perennial DCL All- dously successful season so far. backfield are Nate Crutchfield and game, but sophomore Doug Ma- of Bedford, 28-16, and the week Bret Manning. They run the holes honey joined Rankis and Sides to that followed was a 21-7 victory in made by a proven offensive line, fill the tight end duties. After just a muddy game against DCL rival GOLF / from page 17 brother of co-captain Ted Keith. including seniors Ben Larkins, half a season, the Colonials have Lincoln-Sudbury. As The Spectrum returning players will be a While it is easy to ponder the fu- Matt Clancy, Jim DeCristofaro, proven that they deserve the top goes to press, the Colonials will large pool of solid contributors, ture of the team, the Colonials seem Joey OʼBrien, and junior Eric Gar- rank in the state of Massachusetts. be looking to extend their streak who like their predecessors, could set on the present. If they were to gulio. Junior Dave Crocker is the The first half of the 2004 season has to 44 wins in a row and continue grow into fabulous players with advance past the state sectional field general at quarterback, while been exciting right off the bat, start- their undefeated season when they complete games and unflappable tournament, they would be only the his primary targets, the receiv- ing with the first game with Marsh- square off against Boston Latin. nerves. While super sophomores second squad to do so during coach ers, are tight ends Peter Rankis, field. After beating them 14-9, the With five games remaining in the Robbie Barton and Steve Dic- Carcoʼs tenure at the school. As the Andrew Sides, and Alex Sheier. Colonials visited Chelmsford, then season, the Colonials still have some cico were the only two to catch a days grow short and the air regains Playing both ways, the offensive Bridgewater-Raynham, beating unfinished business. They will look glimpse of the matches this sea- the bite of winter, one thing can be starters are also the defensive start- them 21-7 and 20-0, respectively. to further their streak of eleven con- son, potential exists among ju- said for certain about the sixteen ers, further testament to the ver- Then there was the historical game secutive DCL titles to twelve and niors Andrew Gruet and Ravi Shah golfers representing AB: “boring” satile skill of this football team. against Concord-Carlisle, in which go into the post-season with dreams and freshmen Chase Caldwell, couldnʼt be farther from the truth. Although injuries have riddled the Colonials played sloppily but of yet another Superbowl berth. Robert Owen, and Joe Keith, November 2004 The Spectrum Page 19

Going All-In with Poker Here at AB

suggested brings out the “limit” in BY DAN CROWLEY AND No Limit Texas Hold ʻEm. In this SCOTT LABENSKI situation when people put in all of Correspondents their chips for their bet, they are “You were lookinʼ for that third hoping that their hand will prevail three, but you forgot that Professor in the end, and that they will stay Green folded on Fourth Street and in the game. Sometimes, players try now youʼre representing that you to take out other players with low have it. The DA made his two pair, chip counts by forcing them to go but he knows theyʼre no good. Judge all-in. Other times, a player risks it Kaplan was trying to squeeze out a all by choosing to go all-in to see if diamond flush but he came up short they can get lucky. Either way, it is and Mr. Eisen is futilely hoping that always an exciting turn of events. his queens are going to stand up. So Picking apart other peopleʼs ten- like I said, the Deanʼs bet is $20.” dencies can be a valuable asset in -Matt Damon, Rounders this game. There are many different Girls Swim and Dive Team Here at Acton-Boxborough styles of poker players. There is the High School, a poker craze, popu- aggressive player, the conservative larized by the World Series of player, and the “crazy” player who Motivated to Be “Hotter in the Water” Poker on ESPN, has captivated likes to bet on everything. Know- many big-name teams, including New England, and AB finished in By MARTY GOMEZ many students. The version most ing who you are playing against its biggest rival, Chelmsford. In top place for Massachusetts. The commonly played, No Limit Texas Correspondent helps you judge whether or not to addition to the great swimming that New York event is similar to the Hold ʻEm, is a fast-paced game stay in hands and whether to call or This yearʼs swimming and diving is occurring this season, the team state meet that the girls will com- where anything can happen at any raise certain bets. Junior Andrew team is the first team to use the wouldnʼt be where it is without its pete in at the end of their season; given time. Every player is dealt Long-Middleton likes to categorize newly renovated high school pool, skilled and accomplished diving in both, many teams from different two cards face-down that only he himself as a little reckless or crazy. and they sure are breaking it in with squad. The divers are coached by leagues compete in one large event. or she can see. During the course of “When I play, I get into the other style. The teamʼs motto for this sea- AB math teacher Amanda Brom- Nowadays, the state meet is the de- a game, five cards are placed in the playersʼ minds so that they have son is “Hotter in the Water,” and up berg and are led by State Qualify- fining competition in a swim teamʼs middle of the table which everyone no idea what Iʼm going to do next. to this point, they have been noth- ing divers sophomore Renee Glid- season. At this point, the teamʼs can see. This is called the commu- I guess you could say soy loco.” ing but that. Under the guidance don and senior Katelin Downer. success depends on whether they nity. The object of the game is to No matter what type of style and coaching of veteran coach Jeff The most important accomplish- can rise to the occasion and get the make the best five card hand using a player has, however, it is al- Johnson, the girls have gotten off to ment for the team this season came job done on the big stage. If the AB your down cards and any variation ways possible to win with timely a hot 6-1 start with their only loss when they placed 8th at the Long swimming and diving teamʼs per- of the community cards. While it bets, good hands, and a little luck. to the reigning state champs, Ando- Island Invitational in New York in formance at the Long Island Invita- sounds like an easy game to learn, As Brendan Agrillo says, “I re- ver. Other than Andover, the team early October. The meet included tional is an accurate indicator, then it is certainly a hard game to master. ally like to change my style in has easily cruised to victory against teams from New York and all over they should make a big splash at Senior Brendan “the gyman- every event I play. I like display- States. Last year, the girls came in sium” Agrillo explains the hard ing a new demeanor every time second place at States, losing to ri- work that goes into becoming an out there, savage, conservative, or val Andover. This year, senior cap- expert poker player, “Poker is just whatever.” These different styles The Future of Cross Country tains Katie Niro, Cecilia Jenkins, like weightlifting. To get better, certainly add to the complexity of a dime for every time he impress- and Megan Madaluno will do ev- you have to practice constantly. the game and make poker a game By HARSHA KROVI AND es me, I would be richer than the erything in their power to make sure When you think about it, a master- unlike any other. With the obvi- BRYAN SHAFFER guy who owns Ikea,” remarked that AB is the team on top when ev- fully played hand is kind of like ous popularity of poker these days, Correspondent Benson about Grant. Benson be- erything is said and done. To com- a sweet max-out on the bench.” itʼs no coincidence that No Limit Like the stars shining on a clear lieves that this is one of the best pete in the States, the competitors Texas Hold ʻEm is also a game Texas Hold ʻEm has been launched autumn night, the future of ABRHS teams AB has had in many years. must qualify in the event that they that requires patience. Junior Eric into the American mainstream. cross-country is looking bright. The “Next year will be our best year are competing in. So far, AB has Byrnes struggles with this fact: “I Junior Mike Brown, avid poker team here at AB has many blos- since the fall of ʼ83. We have such numerous qualifiers for the State just get bored easily so itʼs not my player and wrestling star, summed soming stars that will soon domi- strong legs coming back for us.” meet, including Globe All-Scholas- favorite game in the world. I like up the current state of poker best: nate the varsity team of their sport. The girlsʼ cross country team tic Katie Omstead, and they hope to action. I like to go all-in on the “Poker is here to stay and those Both the cross-country boys and also has its share of solid talent. increase the number of state quali- first hand.” Going all-in as Byrnes who donʼt like it can get out.” girls teams have an abundance of Freshman sensation Kate Warwick, fiers before the team begins compe- fresh talent that will develop su- who won the girlʼs varsity meet on tition in November. Until then, the perbly if they keep up their work October 20th, has been setting the girls will keep working, keeping the ethic. Among the new runners on pace not only for the freshmen, but water hot for as long as they can. the boyʼs team are sophomore Alex for the entire girlʼs team as their top Webber and freshman George Nea- runner overall. They came out run- gle. Both are excelling in the tricks ning on September 22nd and had a of their trade and know how to get great meet overall against Concord- the job done at every meet. Varsity Carlisle, one of the toughest teams captain Yeatman Benson, a hard in the DCL. In junior varsity, Erin man to impress, has been impressed Kuta, a sophomore, placed sixth by their running so far. He com- in the 2-mile race with a time of mented, “I donʼt know how they 15:31. Freshman Katrina Freitas do it. Itʼs like they go into a trance came eleventh overall with a time when theyʼre out there. Their legs of 15:59 with Sarah Piantedosi move, their hearts pump, and they right behind her at 16:36, placing breathe. Itʼs like clockwork. Some- sixteenth in the race. Behind the times you need to fine tune the parts, leadership of these girls, AB has and if you do you will get great re- some other good times in store for sults.” Benson also extols the ex- the future. The runners practice hard ceptional hard work and effort that and give their best day in and day runners like Brett Herrick and Dan out, striving for perfection at every Grant bring to the table. Herrick, meet. “Whenever I look out on the a sophomore, has a blazing 3-mile fields, Iʼm always reminded of my time of 18:10. Unlike Allen Iver- good friend Charles Darwin. Itʼs son, he rarely misses practice and survival of the fittest out there and sets a tone for all the other sopho- itʼs not always pretty. But we never mores. Grant, a seasoned freshmen, give up and keep wanting more,” also is a fantastic runner. “If I had said freshman Lauren Shaffer. Page 20 The Spectrum November 2004 The Other Side

The Power of Technology NINA YI / Correspondent ESTHER PINSKEY / Spectrum Staff

Forced Famine Freshman Year For Dummies By IAN KEYWORTH as he or she travels the seemingly Teachers are just as groggy as By YIKE JIANG Spectrum Staff endless hallways to the holy sanc- students are without their morn- Spectrum Staff tuary. In the past, students could ing coffee. When was the last For those of you who are un- munch on a snack bar or drink time you saw a math teacher mix ATTENTION ALL FRESHMEN: aware of the “No Food or Drink” some coffee, enough potential up plus and minus? Or an English policy, I hope you took advantage energy for the average student teacher forget the title of the book 1. Do not read the handbook (unless youʼre just flipping through to of your ignorance while you had to survive until lunchtime. Since youʼre reading? Or a Spanish find a way out of a test or homework). the chance. I also suggest that food and drinks are now banned teacher start talking in French? 2. You must obey and praise the list* (Unless you are dissatisfied, in you read no further. from most of the building, a stu- While we have all witnessed such which case profanity is acceptable when out of earshot of the office Currently, the cafeteria is the dent suffering from starvation has mistakes before, they are definite- administration). only place that students are per- no choice but to hike all the way ly much more common this year. *The list: the holy scripture of ABRHS, located in the office (if you mitted to eat indoors, and it just to the cafeteria. Of course, the worst part for have just become very confused....shame, shame, shame. Slap your- happens to be on the other side How is this affecting academic teachers has to be enforcing the self and visit the office to pay homage to the list immediately). of the world. It can take several performance? Perhaps the blank new restrictions. We must sym- 3. If you have suddenly become the random object of any teacherʼs or minutes to travel that far. Every stares in history class are just for pathize with those poor teachers upperclassmanʼs spontaneous road rage in the halls, accept the inflic- child that delays eating by those show, but if you see an attentive who are forced to order you to put tions without complaint. few extra minutes runs the risk student during third or fourth pe- away your food or soda when that 4. You must travel in packs: traveling alone is dangerous. The ex- of fainting from low blood-sugar riod, check their “water bottle.” food is probably the nicest thing ception if a freshmanʼs backpack is obstructing hall traffic, for then theyʼve seen all morning. Per- you all will be punished with trampling, shoving and old-fashioned EMERGENCY STOCKPILE haps the nicest thing you could stoning. In other words, travel in a straight line on the right side of the In an act of desperation, if you should you ever be forced to do is offer them a bite, before you hall. stave off starvation and get caught eating or drinking, you may be throw it out of course. 5. Your hall has the highest probability of becoming the location forced to resort to the age-old technique of fibbing. In such extreme It is a sad thing when, despite of any senior prank, so keep a gas mask, a change of clothes, and a situations, a plausible excuse is always handy. We have taken the the known fact that teenagers greased-pig repellant in your locker at all times. time to compile a list of helpful excuses should you ever be caught need to eat a lot to fuel our rap- 6. You must always stay in study hall (during all study halls, lunches, unprepared. (Disclaimer: The Spectrum does not condone nor con- idly growing bodies, and minds, free periods, passing time, otherwise unscheduled time, afterlife, etc.). demn the use of said excuses and claims no responsibility for the we suffer a forced famine. Stu- 7. You must leave all projects, essays, and studying for the night effects of their use. Readers should be warned that these excuses dents canʼt pay attention as well before and work until 4 am (if you fail to do so, it may result in a have not been tested for their effectiveness and that individual in class if all theyʼre thinking passing grade). results may vary.) about is when they can next eat. 8. You must always talk quietly in the library, the hall, and in class “Of course itʼs water in this thermos!” Sadly, we seem to be regressing (freshmen should not be seen or heard). “My unique religion requires me to eat at least once every fifty-two to the Stone Age, so hungry that 9. You will never get big lockers! MUAHAHAHAHA (this expires in minutes.” (Credited to Mr. Green) our only purpose in life is finding two years...) “Whoever said itʼs unusual to eat, I mean, drink water from a bowl our next meal. with a spoon?” (Credited to Ankit Chandra) “Yes, this Sprite bottle is filled with water. Itʼs only fizzing because it gets jostled around in my back-pack all day.” Biblioparadox WEN XIAO / Correspondent “Iʼm chewing on the rubber bands for my braces, not a candy bar!” “Itʼs plastic food that weʼre using as props for French class.” “It wouldnʼt fit in my backpack, so Iʼm storing it in my stomach.” “If I donʼt have the energy to learn, then youʼre wasting your en- ergy teaching me!” “Mwat foo? I dome fee eny foo!” Spout Offs... These Spout Offs are straight from the mouth of the student body, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Spectrum staff. Take advantage of your first amendment rights. It takes only a minute to tell the whole student body what you think. Here are the Spout Offs for the last 47,520 minutes.

Derek, stop bothering me about Spout Offs!

Remember, this column doesnʼt work without your input! Place your Spout Offs in the purple box in the library.