east lyme high school east lyme, ct

the vvikingiking ssagaaga september 2, 2008 volume 42 edition 1 Teachers Work, Students Play Students benefi t from upcoming collecting data and putting together accreditation process portfolios, students will be taking it easy— by Ellie Kleinhans from January to December of 2009 students will get half days one Wednesday Every ten years public high schools in every month. “These half days are in place New England go through an accreditation so that Dr. Sullivan and the staff can prepare e.kleinhans/saga process run by the New England Association for the NEASC evaluation,” said Assistant The girls’ volleyball team must of Schools and Colleges, or NEASC. Come Superintendent of Schools Paul Freeman. be in top condition to hold onto their fall of 2010, East Lyme High School will “We need that time to discuss, organize reign in the Eastern Connecticut have its turn again. and analyze,” added Ms. Maddock. “We Conference after losing six seniors, “This is a good process to improve teaching may think that we do a really great job at most of whom were starters. and learning. It helps point out what something, but through discussion we may changes need to be made,” said Principal fi nd out that we aren’t so good at it.”

in Action Dr. John Sullivan, who has gone through By the end of the 2009-2010 school the NEASC accreditation process at both year the entire report will be completed and

schools where he was principal prior to his sent into NEASC. Once school starts up arrival at ELHS. again in 2010 a NEASC committee, made “This is a massive two to three year self up of teachers and administrators across evaluation that the entire faculty is involved New England, will be visiting for three in,” explained math teacher Eleanor days. During their stay these people will e.kleinhans/saga Maddock who, along with Family and ask teachers, administrators, students and The boys’ soccer team is looking Consumer Science teacher Freda Gianakos, parents about the school, ensuring that the to improve last year’s record. They is a co-chairman of the committee that report is in fact correct. have 12 returning varsity players. oversees and organizes the whole process. “After the visit the committee will make “We must gather hundreds and hundreds a report with suggestions on what needs of samples of student work, our work, work, last time they addressed our small assignments, lesson plans, tests, and so custodial staff and lack of air conditioning. on,” she continued. “But to make this less Then the report will be taken to the Board daunting, we have split up all of the teachers of Education. In the following years we will into eight different teams. Seven of the make those changes and start preparing for teams will be focusing on one of the seven the next [NEASC accreditation process],” standards that NEASC is evaluating us on. said Superintendent of Schools Dr.

e.newton/saga The eighth team is to collect percentages Paul Smotas. and write up an overall report.” In addition, the report says if the school The girls’ swim team is looking to To collect data, the teams will use has been reaccredited, or if it is being put repeat their trip to the ECC title. Right surveys. This fall, the committees will on probation. “Schools that are put on before school started, the team trained be posting surveys for students, parents, probation have to address that list and fi x in La Jolla, California for a week. teachers, and the Board of Education to the problems that NEASC has identifi ed,” take anonymously online. “They only said Ms. Maddock. A couple of schools in take 15 minutes. We are really hopeful Connecticut that are currently on probation Good luck to that as many people participate as possible. are Killingly High School and New Britain It is really important that everyone’s voice High School. is heard,” said Ms. Maddock. “I have no doubt that we will be all athletes! So while the teachers are hard at work, reaccredited,” said Dr. Smotas confi dently. Fall Sports Back

Summer Movie New Principal on Athletic Director: Meet the Editors the Loose4 From Middle to 5High 66-9-9 Review1100

inside 2 september 2, 2008 opinion of just that, the experience. insincere? How could he get When else are you going to to know us in such little time? be able to see your friends and But a few weeks ago I had the family every single day? When chance to meet Dr. Sullivan else will you go to football and he seems to be a genuine games and cheer on the Vikings man who wants to do his best along with three-quarters of the at getting to know us all. student body? Then comes the personal When else are you going to changes. I’m a senior (now

kick back and read a Saga? that’s something strange to ellie kleinhans ellie emily newton The answer is never. say)…yet again changing It is up to us to make the grades and moving on up the The fi rst two days of school changes and to make high Change is inevitable; totem pole. My brother is no are treacherous. school what we want to make and whether or not we want longer home, meaning my For the freshmen, it is it. Looking back on the past it to happen, this is the year mistakes will no longer be home to having butterfl ies and three years, I do not remember that everything will change— overshadowed by his. running around the halls to the times when I stayed home to throughout the nation, in our But then again I won’t have try to fi nd where the heck Mr. fi nish my Chemistry homework, school and in our homes. him lecturing me on what and Kydd’s room is. nor the days that I decided to eat Throughout the nation, what not to do. Although that For the sophomores, they lunch in the commons instead change will come at the end means greater consequences become overconfi dent and of going to a club meeting with of this year’s race for the for my actions, it also means egotistical now knowing that my friends. White House. Either Barack I’ll become more independent they are no longer at the bottom I remember what made high Obama or John McCain will and responsible. There is no of the food chain. school an experience – the pull out successfully and doubt that I’ll miss him, but he For the juniors, the realization sports, the activities, the clubs replace President Bush come being gone will prepare me for of the diffi culty of classes and the people. January 20th. And while many the real world. sinks in. As this year progresses, Americans are counting down Change can create And for the seniors, arguably seniors will fi nd out where until that day, others fear what problems, but most often the most important grade, the they will go to college and may is in store for us if the country is feeling of having the last fi rst realize that they will never see placed in the wrong hands. fear. Fear that Obama day of school brings forth some of their best friends ever On a less dramatic scale, will pull the troops out a smile. again. But we cannot East Lyme High School will too soon. Fear that Dr. High school is an inevitable also be going through a great part of life. It mirrors the dwell on the negatives. deal of change in leadership this Sullivan will instate real world, with the freshmen Transition is a normal year—a new athletic director, a stricter rules. Fear that being “The New Guys” and the part of life and we have new history department head my brother will never seniors being “The Veterans.” to embrace it – every and most importantly a new Oh, and the teachers being the principal. With Mr. Roberts be the same. terrible CEOs that make your single minute. Truth be gone, students and faculty will But we need to try life, well, you know. told time fl ies in high have to get used to turning to to overlook the fear and Since everyone has to go Only 180 days of our new principal, Dr. John to high school, no matter how school. see the bright side of school and that is it. Sullivan. I’m sure many have much they may hate it, it is every situation. If Obama So take each day like it is the been hesitant to accept such important to make the most of wins, he will make history for day before graduation. Then change, but they will get used the experience. Watching The being the fi rst black president. hopefully at graduation you to it. Family Feud one afternoon Dr. Sullivan will bring new will smile and not cry, realizing I myself was hesitant. As a during the summer, a question ideas to ELHS, helping our all of the great things that you senior I immediately thought asked people to rate how fun learning environment expand. have done with your about graduation. Would high school was on a scale of And personally, it wont be too four years at o u r principal’s one to ten. The top two answers hard to fi nd the bright side of ELHS. speech be were ten and nine. The reason my brother leaving, after all that people rated their high the house will be a lot cleaner school experience so high was and the car will be all mine. because

www.eastlymeschools.org the viking saga opinion september 2, 2008 3 horns up... Mission Statement To the maroon and white paint in the althletic wing We, The Viking Saga staff of 2008–2009, understand that the responsibility of this newspaper is to inform students and the To the new speed bumps that could tear entire East Lyme community of news pertinent to East Lyme off your exhaust High School. We aim to express information freely, truthfully and fairly by To having the North gym for practices printing stories of interest to all those who read this paper. We will and the pep rally effectively represent the opinions of the students at ELHS. The Viking Saga will act with taste, exhibiting ethics, accuracy To depending on your alarm clock again and a level of respect. Writers for The Viking Saga will show excellence in writing, spelling and grammar. In addition to continuing the traditions of our predecessors, we will strive ...horns down to make our own mark on the community using the articles in this newspaper. 2008-2009 Staff Editorial Policy Ellie Kleinhans Editor-in-Chief he editorial policy of The Viking Saga must be signed and limited to 250 words [email protected] Tis published to make students, staff and may be subject to alteration for spacing and members of the East Lyme community effi ciency. Anonymously signed letters Emily Newton Editor-in-Chief aware of the freedom of speech, press and will not be printed unless the repercussions [email protected] expression that is guaranteed under the could harm the author physically, First Amendment of the United States’ psychologically or academically. If such a Alex Addabbo Managing Constitution. It also serves as a guideline for threat is present, the letter may be printed [email protected] all members of this student-run newspaper under the circumstance that the Editors–in– to ensure that all news is reported accurately, Chief know the author’s identity. Ramona Ostrowski News ethically and responsibly. If a dispute over a controversial article [email protected] The goal of The Viking Saga is to provide occurs, the entire Saga staff will discuss further actions. In the event that the entire Kit Brown Features the community with information on school activities and local events. National news staff cannot meet or come to a fi nal decision, [email protected] will also be reported if it is relevant to the the editorial staff will have the ultimate say Brendan Welch Sports interests of the student body. on what to do. In addition, The Viking Saga will provide While dealing with controversial articles, [email protected] student opinion through editorials or the staff will consider all audiences and Andrea Chrunyk Entertainment letters to the editor. While any unsigned show no bias. All sides of the issue will editorial refl ects the offi cial position of the be covered and the story will be reported [email protected] newspaper, a signed opinion piece or letter accurately and fairly;it will cover the story, Matt Heath Back Page represents the viewpoint of the writer and not create one. [email protected] is not attributed to The Viking Saga staff as With this, accuracy in all articles is a whole. critical so that this student-run newspaper Jeff Beale Advisor The newspaper staff highly encourages and remains uncensored by the administration [email protected] welcomes comments concerning all issues and Board of Education. It also is vital Catie Cameron Illustrator from students, faculty, administrators and for The Viking Saga’s credibility with the community members. However, all letters students and community readership. In the event that an error is made, The Viking Saga will take immediate responsibility and correct it on the Opinion page in the next edition. Have an opinion? Send it to us! If the journalism students of East Lyme High School are to continue to publish [email protected] and distribute The Viking Saga to the school and community, then it is asked that the individuals involved cooperate and understand the goals of this newspaper. the viking saga 4 september 2, 2008 news Problem Solved: Dr. John Sullivan joins the East Lyme High School family by Ellie Kleinhans and Ramona Ostrowski a principal. “I liked the notion of leadership and management,” he explained. When Mr. Lawrence Roberts announced By the age of 24, Dr. Sullivan had his plans to retire as Principal of East Lyme achieved his goal. He was principal at High School, the administration embarked Stonegate, a school for special needs on a nationwide search for his replacement. students in Durham, CT. Since then he has However, despite a grueling 4-month quest, also been principal of Nantucket Junior the spot remained unfi lled. and Senior High Schools and Wilton High Many people learned this story when it School. was reported in The New London Day. One Although the Nantucket schools were of them was former principal, teacher and much smaller, Wilton High School (CT) is superintendent Dr. John Sullivan. “I know about the same size as ELHS. Dr. Sullivan Dr. Smotas (Superintendent of East Lyme said that he tries to “make big schools Schools) because I was a superintendent feel small.” To accomplish this, he has a and we traveled the same paths. So I philosophy: every student needs to make immediately thought that I would call a meaningful connection with one adult in him up and apply for the position,” said the building. Dr. Sullivan. While he hopes to make an impact on However, he never made the call. the students, Dr. Sullivan does not intend to The next week, at a meeting of the make any big alterations in school policies. Connecticut Association of Public School e.kleinhans/saga “It would be unfair and unprofessional Dr. Sullivan on his fi rst day in the offi ce Superintendents, Dr. Sullivan was surprised for me to come in and make changes on to see Dr. Smotas.Taking it as a sign, he “It was all very serendipitous. I wasn’t something I don’t know anything about,” walked up to him and said, “Hey Paul, I’ll looking for you; you weren’t looking for he explained. retire [from my job] and solve your high me,” said Dr. Sullivan, who at the time was “I’m a student advocate. That is what school principal problem.” Once he won the Superintendent of Schools for the I’ve been for all my years. Everything I do over the Board of Education and met with Department of Children and Families and is for the best interest of the kids. However, the faculty, Dr. Sullivan was announced had just fi nished his 35th year in education, I do think that when rules are made, they as the interim principal of ELHS for the making him eligible for retirement. need to be fulfi lled,” said Dr. Sullivan, the upcoming school year. “It’s been a while since I’ve been a son of a policeman. “The Board was very impressed with high school principal. I’m really excited On a more personal note, Dr. Sullivan his credentials and the fact that he has to be here,” said Dr. Sullivan with a is a true family man. He lives with his approximately 22 years of superintendent genuine smile. wife Carol, a teacher at Madison Middle and principal experience,” said Assistant Although he graduated from Southern School, and their 11-year-old son Riley. Superintendent Paul Freeman. “Dr. Sullivan Connecticut State University in 1973 They spent a portion of the summer in Bald is now the principal of ELHS. Interim just with a Bachelor’s of Science in Special Head, North Carolina relaxing on the beach means ‘at the time being’.” Education, Dr. Sullivan always wanted to be before school started up again. Fun Fact: Behind the Numbers with Dr. Sullivan Red Sox or Yankees? “I’m a Red years he has schools Sox Fan, but I 3535spent working haven’t always where he in education 3 been,” explained 3.53.5years he has 3has been Dr. Sullivan. “When I worked as a principal was a little boy I used to be a Yankee fan. teacher But there was a guy in the neighborhood years he spent as who took us up on hikes at Devil’s 11a House Master Hopyard. He always told us ‘No Yankee at NFA before fans come with me.’ Of course he was years he has 1111jobs in the position was education just kidding, but I was young so I didn’t 10 worked as a know better. So I went home and took eliminated he has held 10superintendent my Yankees jacket off. Now I’m a proud Red Sox fan.” the viking saga news september 2, 2008 5 Getting in the Game Much Too East Lyme High School’s new athletic director Young prepares for the job commentary by Alex Addabbo by Ellie Kleinhans Here in America, when we proudly James Moran is new to East Lyme High just last May Mr. Moran fi nished his sixth watch the red, white and blue clad School. He comes from the middle school, year degree in Education Administration at United States Olympians compete, but he is not a student—he is nearly 40 the University of Connecticut. we expect to come out on top (of the years old, is married and has two children. “Always take an opportunity to learn if podium, that is). When our expectations He is also the new athletic director of the it is there. Take advantage of it,” said Mr. aren’t met, the accusations start to pop high school. Moran, who is also in the Army National up. The other teams must be cheating “I told my eighth graders I’d be following Guard and is currently stationed at Camp if they can defeat the all-powerful them [to the high school],” joked Mr. Rell as an Offi cer Candidate School Director. Americans, right? This year, however, Moran, who Just four the accusations may actually have some has taught years ago truth behind them. Physical he served Two words–Chinese gymnastics. Education in Iraq. There is absolutely no way that those at the “Having girls are 16-years-old and the fact that middle been on a they expect the world to believe that school for battle fi eld they are is insulting. Do they really 14 years fi ghting for think that the rest of the world is that and will freedom, clueless? The toothless grins that they continue it means a fl ash each time they unfairly beat out the to do so. “I lot to me Americans for the gold is just one of the will teach seeing kids many signs. The last time I checked, 16- two classes use their year-olds have all of their adult teeth. in the freedom to Cheating at the Olympics can be morning at make good put into the same category as death and e.kleinhans/saga the middle choices and taxes–they are inevitable. This year school, Mr. Moran getting to know his two assistants, Ms. Asciolla do good alone, athletes from both China and the and then and Mr. Biggs things,” United States have been disqualifi ed spend the said Mr. for drug use. There must be a way to rest of my day with the high school,” Moran. “I am an advocate for athletes to determine an athlete’s age, as birth he explained. learn respect for themselves, for others, and certifi cates and passports no longer Mr. Moran was hired just two weeks ago for their school. And to learn the value of cut it. and is already settled into his new offi ce. hard work and to appreciate the freedoms If their unsportsmanlike behavior “I love this school system. They’re like my and luxuries in this country.” was solely that, a demonstration of family. I just fi nished my administrator’s With this, Mr. Moran hopes “to develop dishonesty, then maybe we would certifi cation; the A.D. position was an the sportsmanship aspect of our program simply turn the other cheek. However, opportunity to use my certifi cation. I see it and emphasize the lessons that can be it is more than that because the younger as an exciting opportunity,” he said. learned from participating in sports.” He athletes have clear advantages in “We hired him because he has also wants to continue developing the great competition. They are more fl exible and experience as a coach and has leadership sports program already in place at ELHS. more willing to do tricks with higher experience in terms of the intramural “In many ways being the athletic director start values as they are more daring. programs at the middle school that he is like being the principal of a school. He has Though I have been appalled by this runs,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. to organize all the activities and make sure deceitful behavior, I can still look back Paul Smotas. that all of the[Connecticut Interscholastic at the Summer Olympics and smile. Mr. Moran is also highly qualifi ed due to Athletic Conference] requirements are Though the Chinese have won more his education. He graduated from Eastern met,” said Assistant Superintendent of gold medals than the U.S., we have won Connecticut State University with a degree Schools Paul Freeman. the most medals of all the countries that in P.E. and Health. Then he obtained a So along with his two assistants, competed in the summer games. So Masters in Exercise Physiology from P.E. teachers Jack Biggs and Carolyn China, take your underage gymnasts to Southern Connecticut State University. At Asciolla, Mr. Moran will tackle his fi rst big the Junior Olympics where they belong the United States Sports Academy he got his administrative job. “I think he’ll do a great and leave the real games to those who second Masters in Sports Management. And job,” said Dr. Smotas. are old enough to play them. the viking saga 6 september 2, 2008 meet the editors emily newton ellie kleinhans EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

All photos submitted. Of all your favorite foods, which one would you fi nd most What do you want to major in in college? diffi cult to give up? Well, I had this idea that I could be a cake decorator by day, and Defi nitely ice cream because I pretty much eat it every day! a secret investigator by night... but it turns out that’s not very practical, so engineering is my second calling. Which famous person do you imitate or impersonate the best? What is the worst dream you’ve ever had? Steve Carell... I am pretty good at ‘that’s what she said’ jokes. When I was in preschool, I had a nightmare that a wolf - a very big wolf - came out of my closet and was about to eat me. I ran out If you could have one superpower, what would you want it of the room (not in my dream) and I swear he followed me until I to be? turned a corner. I think it was real. I swear it was real... and until I would want to have long arms to reach whatever I wanted. I moved out of that house, in the third grade, I slept with my arms crossed on my chest like a mummy. The wolf never returned. Besides its intended purpose, what’s the most creative way you can think of using a paper clip? Worst moment of freshman year? Making a paper airplane with it... even though I stink at Going to Catholic school. making them. If you owned a yacht, what would you name it? If you could proclaim a new national holiday, what would it be Titanic II. I’m not the best at driving a boat... and how would we celebrate it? National Relax Day. Everyone would just have to chill out for If you could go back in time and somehow avert any tragedy in a day. American history, what incident would you choose to prevent? What particular sound annoys you the most? Obama running for President. Anyone who has a nasal voice. Worst thing about East Lyme? You have been offered the chance to jump off a diving board How the entire town shuts down at 9 p.m. into a pool fi lled with anything of your choice. Into what substance would you want to jump? Red Sox or Yankees? Soft serve vanilla ice cream. Baseball puts me to sleep.

If you could create and market toothpaste in any fl avor other Favorite sculpture when you were in elementary school? than mint, what would it be? I made this one that had Kobe Bryant’s head, with a zebra body Eggplant. and a baboon’s backside. It was an assignment... the viking saga meet the editors september 2, 2008 7 alex addabbo ramona ostrowski MANAGING EDITOR NEWS EDITOR

Of all your favorite foods, which one would you fi nd most Which famous person do you imitate or impersonate best? diffi cult to give up? Audrey Hepburn... because I’m just fabulous. Peanut butter. I’m a vegetarian, so if I gave up that I wouldn’t have anything to put on a sandwich! If a sculptor were making a statue of you, in which position would you like to be rendered? If you could have anything in the world completely to yourself Sleeping, because that’s my favorite position. for one day - any object or place - what would you choose? Disneyland - no lines! I would ride California Screamin’ and Space Which daily activity do you perform with the greatest care? Mountain until I couldn’t see straight! Checking my Facebook!

If you had to describe your personality using a Native American Worst habit when driving? name, what would it be? The fact that I can’t drive... My mom says that my Native American name would be “Bossy Puma,” but she’s crazy. Favorite fl avor of Gatorade? I don’t do sports drinks. If you had to be trapped in a TV show, what would it be? I would be a judge on Iron Chef America, but I would have to run Favorite fl ower? laps around Kitchen Stadium in my spare time otherwise, after a The rose (cliché - but classy). month I would be facing serious health problems. Favorite athlete? If you suddenly became a star and had to choose a stage name, Derek Jeter, but only because he’s hot. Once I saw him on what name would it be? the highway! Xzandra. It’s the rapper name that we came up with in Ms. Burton’s class and it would be perfect because that’s obviously what I would You are going to the beach for the day. Besides your swimsuit, be famous for. what other item will you take with you? Tanning lotion, and aloe vera for when I inevitably get burned. You have been offered the chance to jump off a diving board into a pool fi lled with anything of your choice. Into what Summer job? substance would you want to jump? Busser at Niantic Diner. And yes, it’s as bad as it sounds. I would jump into water. It’s boring, but I fear that if I jumped into jello or pudding I wouldn’t be able to swim in it and I would Of all your favorite foods, which one would you fi nd most suffocate. That would be a terrible way to go. It’d literally be diffi cult to give up? ‘death by chocolate!’ Potatoes, in all forms. the viking saga 8 september 2, 2008 meet the editors kit brown brendan welch FEATURES EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR

All photos submitted. Summer job? Favorite object in your room? Sales associate at American Eagle – trust me,it sounds better than My bed. Sleeping is kind of a big deal during the school year. it really is. Least favorite article of clothing? Favorite word? Glasses, they make my eyes look really big. Allegedly, or smorgasbord. What do you believe is the greatest unsolved mystery of all? Worst habit when driving? Mr. Warykas. Drinking (nothing alcoholic, though!). In your opinion, what is the best piece of music ever written? If you had a superpower, what would it be? “My Girl” by the Temptations. Greatest. Song. Ever. Super strength… no, invisibility… no, x-ray vision… oh I just can’t choose! If you could go back in time and somehow avert any tragedy in American history, what incident would you prevent? If you had to describe your personality using a Native Brendan Welch from taking Journalism. American name, what would it be? Sleeping Wizard by the River. If you were one inch tall for a day, what specifi c place would you like to explore? If you had to choose a stage name, what name would it be? My backyard, as long as I don’t get trampled by one of the rabbits I like to consider myself a star already, but I’d go by Kitt – the or skunks that chill back there. extra T is for emphasis (no last name necessary). Favorite summer memory? If you were to make a Top Ten list of the the all-time greatest Performing at Drum Corps International open class semifi nals Americans, whom would you rank fi rst? with 7th Regiment. Kit Brown. What do you want to be when you grow up? If you were an entry in the dictionary, under which word I’ll just end up doing whatever I feel like doing. I would get would people fi nd you? bored doing one thing for my entire life... so honestly I’m not Creeper. really sure!

If a sculptor were making a statue of you, in what position If you could have any building or institution named after you, would you like to be rendered? which one would you choose? The “thinker pose.” A high tech porta-potty.

the viking saga meet the editors september 2, 20089 andrea chrunyk matt heath ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR BACK PAGE EDITOR

Favorite vacation spot? If you could fl y in a hot-air balloon over any city, in what city Although I’ve only been there once, I liked Paris. Even though would you choose? going there made me pretend to be Canadian out of shame for Gotham, so I could get a good view of the Joker blowing up being American. hospitals.

Dislikes of ELHS? Of all your favorite foods, which one would you fi nd most Kind of cliche, but there aren’t enough chairs. And also, I’m diffi cult to give up? about 37% sure it’s haunted. That is not really a dislike, more of The cheesy bacon tender crisp because it’s new and exciting. a fun fact. In your opinion, what is the best piece of music, pop or Favorite word? classical, ever written? It’s a tie between paradoxically and esoteric. And I like adroitly, “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles. but never adroit. I only like it as an adverb. If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, which Worst habit when driving? show would you choose? I guess slamming my sister into the window on turns, but I think The Girls Next Door. that it bothers her more than it does me. Especially when it’s on purpose. Then it really doesn’t bother me. Oh, and texting. What do you believe is the greatest unsolved mystery of all? What state the Simpsons live in. Favorite athlete? Emily Newton. And Ellie Kleinhans. It’s a tie. If you had to describe your personality using a Native American name, what would it be? Favorite summer memory? Screech of chimpanzee. Surviving an earthquake, because how many among us can say that we have survived a natural disaster? If you could proclaim a new national holiday? Give Matt Heath a Dollar Day. Periwinkle or Lime Green? Lime green because I always wanted a Volkswagen Beetle that If you were an entry in the dictionary, under which word was lime green for some reason. would people fi nd you? Velociraptor. Worst moment of freshman year? Getting a terrible nosebleed during the condom presentation in What particular sound annoys you the most? freshman academy. That was suffi ciently awkward. Children’s laughter.

the viking saga 10 september 2, 2008 entertainment Summer Movie Showdown:A recap of the summer’s best (and worst) movies Worst Best

THE LOVE GURU TELL 4NO ONE Something That You Purposefully and Besides having a great title, this French fi lm is full of suspense and intrigue. Insightfully Dislike. Or STUPID. The movie is very similar to The Fugitive in that Alex Beck’s (François by Andrea Cluzet) wife is murdered and he is framed for it. But is she really dead? That is all that can describe this Chrunyk movie. Stupid. The fi lm is one that will have you thinking about it hours after the credits The plot was highly improbable. roll. The intricacies within the plot, and the dynamics between characters are For a guru to be so selfi sh as to thought-provoking, and provide for an non-stop thrill ride. want to do anything to win the title So if subtitles are your thing, or even if they aren’t, Tell No One will of “Best Guru in the World” goes not disappoint. MAMMA MIA! against all of the principles that he Ok, so maybe it’s cheesy, but what else would you expect from a fi lm supposed to instill in people. And based around ABBA songs? It’s not synthetic cheese though, it’s the his ridiculous (and rarely funny) expensive kind. acronyms became old really fast. In this adaptation, Amanda Seyfried plays the completely fatherless The performances, led by the Sophie. With her wedding approaching, what’s a girl to do but read her always terrible Jessica Alba, mother’s (Meryl Streep) diary to fi nd that missing piece? hammered the nail in the coffi n for Unfortunately, her mom may have been a bit more promiscuous than this rotten tomato. she had hoped, but she narrows it down to three unsuspecting fathers THE MUMMY: TOMB OF and sends out the invitations just in time for her wedding. THE DRAGON EMPEROR Along the way to discovering her father, songs such as “Voulez The always mediocre Mummy series Vous” and “S.O.S.” are peppered throughout. In context, the usually takes a turn for the worse in this latest random lyrics fi nally obtain meaning. attempt at suspense. The fi lm supplied plenty of laughs, and the singing was The plot was odd, to say the least. excellent (well, Pierce Brosnan might need a few more lessons Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) is on before Mamma Mia! 2). So if you are in the mood for some another world-saving, mummy-slaying cheese, then this light-hearted blend is perfect for you. mission with his wife (Maria Bello) and THE DARK KNIGHT son who appears to be about 10 years too The pinnacle of the summer blockbusters is The Dark old for them. Except for this time there Knight. Breaking all previously set movie records, this aren’t really mummies, only undead terra wonderfully crafted dark superhero fi lm is worth cotta soldiers. every penny. The acting was too much, the dialogue was The movie opens with a magnifi cent bank too cheesy (“here we go again” is the start of robbery by Batman’s nemesis, The Joker, who the mess), and the plot was too predictable. whittles down his accomplices one by one. Rachel Weisz was lucky to get out while she This scene sets the tone for the rest of could, before this disappointment was made. the movie as The Joker becomes a twisted version of James Dean— a rebel without INDIANA JONES AND THE a cause. KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL The actions of The Joker would not While it may have been the earliest of the have been made possible without summer movies, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the brilliance of Heath Ledger. the Crystal Skull was one of the worst. His commitment to the character With a star-studded cast, and a beloved character showed in his ad-libs, such as and franchise, it seemed like this fi lm would be the the sarcastic clapping in the long-awaited return everyone was hoping for. jail cell. Perhaps under all of this pressure George Lucas But the story is about cracked, and produced one of the worst storylines the vigilante known as possible for the series. Batman. And as the fi lm The beginning seemed to be ok. Nazis, the frequent concludes, a question foe of Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), are replaced by is posed: should a communists during the Cold War. Marion, his former superhero continue fl ame from Raiders of the Lost Ark, is back, and brings to fi ght crime when Shia LaBeouf’s Mutt Williams along for the ride. lives are at stake? But with a sci-fi twist, rather than religious angle, this A thinking man’s latest installment does not stay true to its roots, and die- comic book movie, hard fans will be completely disappointed. this fi lm is a the viking saga all photos from imdb.com must- see. entertainment september 2, 2008 11 Gad-Zeus From Summertime ! The Olym pics Are Back! Reading, to This Olympics has been one of the highest rated in Primetime Watching history. But why? What should happen this season on our http://www.cbc.ca by Andrea Chrunyk favorite shows As with what is customary every the Olympics, how have the ratings sky- by Andrea Chrunyk four years, the summer Olympics have rocketed? The Offi ce: enthralled people around the world. But “Michael Phelps!” exclaims sophomore After accepting Andy’s marriage proposal, this year brought a strange revelation to Rachel Merry. Angela marries him in a private, and very American audiences. Although it may seem like a personal preppy, ceremony where no one from Average viewership of the Beijing opinion, there may be some truth to Michael Dunder Miffl in has been invited. Although Olympics is up 13 percent from the Athens Phelps boosting ratings. In fact, according she is now a married woman, Angela games, according to sportsbusinessnews. to celebritygenius.com, on the evening continues her illicit affair with Dwight. com, and is the highest rated non-American he won his eighth gold medal, 40 million But after a Bible salesman shows up at based Olympics since Barcelona Americans tuned in. the offi ce, she decides to end it immediately. in 1992. The place that started No matter what the reason, whether The next day, she shows up to work with the letter “A” emblazoned on her sweater it all failed to get as many rooting for a favorite athelete or watching set. Thinking she is just going through viewers as the games history happen, a Laverne and Shirley phase, everyone in Beijing. these Olympics ignores her symbol. Until her marriage This begs the question as show how crumbles and Andy is sent back to anger to what the major difference truly management for undisclosed reasons. is between this Olympics and patriotic games in years past. and Many locations of Olympic dedicated House: Games have been protested, and to home With all of the intense moments of the Beijing defi nitely falls in that team athletes last season, Dr. House needs a break so he can recuperate. He puts himself under self- category. Americans imposed house arrest, which starts to scare So with a signifi cant amount have become. his neighbors. of people boycotting watching http://www.washingtonpost.com/ His odd hours at the hospital have gs already led many to believe that the abode y in em o is haunted, and watching a sad House M F the it f the a h re is w hobble through his home catches the eye ia von Tra T He e ar pp gs. e M by , v in k of two young children that are neighbors of o e h : e r o it t r k O te Li Andrea Chrunyk ori his. They set out to see if he is actually real, pra e fav h, I hav or just the ghost they have been imagining, Sex sells. drama. But less in a Laguna Beach and more and fi nd that maybe they should not have Everybody on the planet knows this in the vein of The Sopranos. bothered the man. He is House afterall, marketing cliché all too well. But on the hdhThe show follows Draper through his and would not hold back in chastising, and 1960s based drama Mad Men, advertising normal life. From meeting and pleasing ridiculing, two young children. After this is so much more than gimmicks like these. clients, to meeting and pleasing mistresses, incident, he fi nally feels ready to go back. It’s about people. Or so Don Draper (Jon his seemingly stressful days are glamorized Hamm), an advertising executive at Sterling by the backdrop of 1960s New York City. Cooper, claims. No matter what Draper does, he will Pushing Daisies: Draper is one of many employees at the always remain a hero, even as more and Although new episodes did not resume Madison Avenue based advertising agency. more skeletons burst out from his already after the writer’s strike ended, during the Combined with young copy writers trying brimming closet. With bigger secrets come fall season this show is going to be back to move up in the world, and the secretaries bigger scandals, a bonus for anyone who and better than ever! The show left off with who are willing to do anything watches the show. Ned telling Chuck that he accidently killed to ensure their boss’ The show has new episodes every Sunday her father, and her leaving. happiness, this ensemble at 10 p.m. on AMC, so tune in for back- In the new season, he should throw lavish effort is heavy on the stabbing, money-grabbing, and ladder- parties in his pie shop, with the hopes that climbing that won’t disappoint. one day she would show up and he could make everything better between them. Even if being back in her life might lead to her eventual demise, he will be willing to do so because he is in love.

http://www.imaginaryforces.com the viking saga 12 september 2, 2008 back page What is the one thing you hope to see at school this year?

“To see the juniors come in last place during Spirit Week,” -senior Sarah Mooradian

“I want caffeine back in our e.kleinhans/saga school system,” -senior Matt Sangster

www.facebook.com

“[Mr.]Sandford!!” -senior Olivia Formica “To see East Lyme beat St. Bernards in “Mr. LaConti with hair,” every sport,” -senior Ali Facchini -seniors on varsity volleyball team

e.kleinhans/saga

“Those speed bumps “For me to get my removed,” license,” -senior Sean Doherty -senior Ryan Cave

e.kleinhans/saga

the viking saga