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v I o s I s U In u e e 64 Jan nary 2003 5 In This Construction Causes Graduation Issues By Meghan Moore middle school graduation ceremonies ate off-site because of construction at Issue... ChiefofStaff have been held during school hours, the high school. Darien High School seniors are which would allow for a quick set up If necessary to have graduation in­ Inside Opinion plagued with thoughts of college and following school and an afternoon doors and possible to have it off-site, future plans. However, relieving one's graduation for the Class of2003. How­ the Middlesex Middle School and Town stress is the thought ofgraduation. The ever, this will only be possible ifweather Hall auditoriums are possibilities. How­ past three school years have been ardu­ permits. ever, if this were to happen, the maxi­ ous and exciting years for DHS seniors mum capacity limit and now, more than ever, seniors are anx­ of the auditoriums iously anticipating their graduation. would restrict the However, there is one slight prob­ number of friends With three lunch shifts in lem- where will graduation be held this and family mem­ June? In years past, graduation has tra­ bers hoping to at­ full swing for nearly two ditionally been held on the DHS foot­ tend gradation cer­ and a half years, it is ball field ifweather pennitted. Unfortu­ emonies, similar to what happened at surprising that there nately, the Class of 2002 was subject to a rainy and cold June day, which forced last year's gradua­ hasn't been a push to a class ofapproximately 200 students to tion. rearrange the balance of congregate in the DHS auditorium. One The most would only hope that weather will per­ ideal location for students in each shift. mit the Class of 2003 to have a gradua­ graduation would It's been long enough... tion ceremony outside. However, due be at one of the lo­ cal clubs, if they NEIRAD has a proposal. to construction, graduation will not be able to be held on the DHS football field, would allow the See page 2. leaving many people wondering where Inclement weather for a mid-June high school to use their facilities. Per­ the Class of2003 graduate. Principal Dr. day is still a looming thought, which co haps the Class of 2003 could graduate Inside Feature Auclair notes, "Graduation plans have uld cause problems for a gradua- at Wee Burn Country Club or at Tokeneke not been made yet Beach Club. If graduation were held at With 2003 upon us, and the administra­ Wee Burn Country Club, the high school tion is going to look could be available for additional park­ NEIRAD has dug deep to more closely at the ing. Ifgraduation were held at Tokeneke, find ways that we can graduation issue dur­ parking would become an issue. Other possibilities for graduation deliver a better monthly ing the second se­ mester." ceremonies include the Ox Ridge Hunt paper. Ideas have come Forced to relo­ Club and the public beaches. The Ox in and our list ofNew cate graduation cer­ Ridge Hunt Club traditionally holds a Center for Hope Dinner Dance in mid­ Year's resolutions is here. emonies, the adminis­ tration could choose June. If the date of the dinner dance See page 4. to host graduation on and the date ofgraduation were to fall in the soccer fields at the same week, the Class of 2003 could InsideEntertainment Middlesex Middle use the same tent that is set up for the School. However, dinner dance. If this were to happen, Darien HighSchool'sDrama graduation ceremo- the cost of graduation would be cut. Club, Theatre 308, has nies for the eighth graders traditionally tion ceremony. Ifweather does not per­ For the time being, graduation plans mit, the Darien High School auditorium are up in the air. Although graduation anticipated take place on the last day of school at selected its highly Middlesex. If weather permits and could host graduation. Since the school ceremonies have traditionally been held spring musical. It willbeA Middlesex graduation is held on site, is currently under construction, it would at the high school, the Class of 2003 be ideal to have graduation offsite. Se­ could deviate from the norm. Chams Line. NEIRAD there is a slight possibility that the Class of 2003 could still hold graduation cer­ niors Stephanie Lake and Cait Ruegger previews inside. emonies at Middlesex. Traditionally, noted that they would prefer to gradu- See page 6. New Students Ingers• Inside Sports atDHS cool By Erin Frasca StaffWriter This has been the school year for foreign exchange students. Besides having the Chinese students visit our school, we now have two new faces visiting from Nicaragua and Brazil. The Darien High School's Edith Reyes, visiting from Nicaragua, Girls' Basketball team has is currently staying with sophomore Michael Pollick. She came to Darien opened their season with the second week in February and will an impresive record. be here until February break. Juliana Behind captains Allyson Sayao-Dominguez is also visiting from Brazil. She is staying in town with her Teatom and Amanda aunt and is being assisted by junior Wilson, Blue Wave Bas­ Natalia Fuentes. Here the girls hope ketball hopes to rise to a to get a better glimpse at our educa­ tion and what our schooling is like. One new level. of their goals while staying here is to See Page 7. improve on the English language. In ...... 1r...... the future they plan to attend a uni­ versity in the United States. Bpi io anuar 2003 2 As Cafeteria Nears its Breaking Point, NEIRAD Need for Change is IDlDlinent

As Period 8 closed on a D the beginning of the imbalance. Third going to lunch, A Wing is an obvious Day in early January, I approached lunch consists of D Wing, PE, and ALP. candidate for one or three. Art, mu­ Mr. Siano and asked if I could leave Though many students pass through sic, and technology classes have the NEIRAD early. I was countered with these areas during the day, the capacity same issue of cleaning up involved. the obvious question of why. It was of them simply doesn't make for any For this reason D Wing as well must the simple fact that I was tired of try­ great mass of students during anyone be placed in the first or third shift. ing to find space at a table to eat my period. On the other hand, the second The other three wings don't seem to lunch during the first shift ofPeriod shift, B Wing and C Wing, contain class­ contain any eminent situations that EDlTORS-IN-C 5. With my request granted, I pro­ rooms every require ceeded to the cafeteria perhaps a twenty feet them to °tlin Blankemeier minute early, and found a chair and on both h a v e Bryan ink I was just beginning to eat my lunch sides of the forty­ A IATEEDIT R when the bell rang and a mass ofstu­ hallway that e i g h t dents from A Wing and E Wing filled are usually consecu­ Olivia °tcheU the space around me. It is within all occupied. tive min­ TAFF these minutes that time and place This ac­ utes. decided that I was lucky enough to counts for I t egbanMoor have a table on which to eat my lunch, the many is with EW EDITOR at least for today. students that these ele­ David Hepburn The issue at hand ,is one descend ments in that has most certainly been ad­ 'upon the nar­ mind that OP 0 EDITOR dressed by students of the school r " a w an alter­ over the past three years. The com­ entranceways to the cafeteria seconds nate possibility can be created. First Gigi aufman plaint has commonly been the table after 11 :44. As for the also troublesome lunch, in order to accommodate the ..="...... IRE EDITOR arrangements minimizing the amount first shift, A Wing and E Wing aren't as needs of science classes as well as Libbet egroz of students that could sit at them, or tightly constructed as Band C, but they art, music, and technology, should be more frequently still, the evident lack certainly are filled during most of the af­ designated as A Wing and D Wing. EN'fERTAD'IlMlwrEDrroR to chairs during some shifts. The ternoon timeslots. This serves to balance out some of Je ica oontz perspective that hasn't been visited In considering an appropriate the overpopulation that is seen in A in the eyes of students quite as much configuration of the wings, one must Wings coordination with E Wing. His­ is the rea- first con­ tory classes can move in with some of son to . sider that the English and Foreign Language, why the certain and the new second shift will consist wings are wings carry ofB Wing and E Wing. With EWing divided with them re­ being slightly less populated than C up as they quirements Wing, the situation is some"¥hat dif­ are. Truly, for eating. fused, and on a non-disturbance of if there is The obvious classes note, Band E are coming from a more one is Physi­ the same general part of the school. even dis­ cal Educa­ Finally the long wait of third lunch tribution tion, which would be bestowed upon the con­ of stu­ would turn glomerate of classes in C Wing, along dents in into an un­ with PE, and ALP. Though eWing each shift, pleasant classes may seem a little longer with­ the issue mid-day sur­ out the twenty-six minutes reprieve in of chairs will never even come into prise if it were anything but third. The the middle, teachers and students play. other two wings with classes that may should be able to handle the transi­ It can be clearly seen that become difficult if split up are A Wing tion. the least populated of all the lunch and D Wing. With all the science classes This proposal is a simple shifts is third. With this final lunch being in A Wing, labs are inevitable and one, and takes in all the obvious re­ drawing so few people, there is no frequently fall during lunchtime. Due to strictions, but if it will ever be con­ other way for the other two shifts to the requirement of some labs to be com­ sidered, only time will tell. Until then, compensate. The three wings des­ pleted without extended stops, and the I'll do my best to get to lunch on time. ignated to eat during this time are lost time in having to clean up before

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OVING EPORTER. ,II cp" -Dina laval re 10 •• I build a Dowman and go ledding"­ Megan elsoD 11

.. I Ie pin, 0 ut to lun h, play gam~, id and hang oul with my .. JIik to go outsid and pi w..."­ fiends.. :'·Za Redin 12 Gary K ntishek 9 3 Januar 2003 Opinion Colentan, his Corolla, and the Winter Rush By Coleman Miller the blame on the teachers. There are also Sports Editor sports commitments. Occupational com­ * Baubles * Every AP student to ever gradu­ mitments. Family commitments. The stack ate Darien High School has had one of responsibilities for the average Darien piece of advice for the students of the student seems to be ever-growing. Sterling SilverJewelry following year: "Don't slack off on So why assign a project over a break, your Hamletjournals for Ms. Herman." when a student's work ethic is at its worst? These younger students, in turn, when There are presents to be bought, gifts to Watches • Engraving· • Repairs the time has come for them to do their be wrapped, cards to be written, trees to be journals, wait until the very last minute decorated, and foodstuffs to be enjoyed. to write them. And so the cycle con­ What right-minded student would want to tinues. abandon that to think about school? It • Ear Piercing • I, like rougWy ninety percent ofmy seems to me that the right course ofaction fellow AP English students, was awake isn't to ruin vacation by hanging this as­ nd at 2:30 AM on Thursday, January 2 signment over student's heads; instead, it and cool stuff for all ages finishing the journals. Something has may fall to the teachers to plan their cur­ to change. Each year, Ms. Herman as­ riculum so that any big semester projects signs the journals to be due the day are due before the break. Not only would 1070 Post Road • Darien after break; each year, her students, that relieve a lot of holiday pressure, it juggling other assignments, put the would also give teachers time to get the (203) 655-8618 journals off until the three last days of assignments back to students more quickly break to write them all. Several stu­ because they would have time over break dents are under heavy workload from to correct them. GO BLUE WAVE!!! other classes as well. For instance, any Of course, as usual, nobody is going student in AP or honors physics has to listen to me. All I know is that by the Baublesl070®aol.com . Mr. Dumais' ominous oral midterm exam end of my Hamlet journals, I was ready to looming over them. Also, midterms for take a hostage. I don't know why I would other classes are right around the cor­ have taken that hostage, but I do know ner, and don't get me started on col­ one thing: Don't slack offon your Hamlet lege apps. journals for Ms. Herman. Of course, I don't mean to place Ii 15. NAME ADP A Memorable New Year's: C.ITY __~

Students Comment SENO 15. Tf) ~,DAf(fuJ H"H ~HfJI)L N, CT. in their new year they don't feel the need to o By Olivia Mitchell consummate their wish withdevilish antics such Associate Editor as we do. The Indian new year is a festival of Happy New Year! It's January 2003 lights called Divali inwhich the people pray for now, and the majority ofus probably cel- a wealthy and prosperous new year. In prepa­ '. 1 Intersection . ebrated its arrival on New Years Eve. New ration for the ceremony the Hindus thoroughly Years Eve is always atruly memorableholi- clean the house and cook a meal, however, the day, however, the problem is most of us meal doesn't include any meat. To celebrate ..' BV'GiUi~::Kaulman' can't seem to remember it. You may re- Divali,prayers are made and firecrackers are lit member putting an outfit together, but do in celebration of the goddess Lakshmi. youremembertakingitoff,orforthatmat- Throughout this entire ceremony there is not ter who tookit off? Some ofthe lucky ones even a hint ofdevilish American schemes that woke up in revolve their own around comfybeds ~B~~~~~OO~~~------I New in PI's Contributi"g Writer Yea r s while the Eve. So o the r s What I cannot WlderstaDdanymore i why ew why is it f 0 u n d Year i such a big deal. Once upon a tim , ear' that we themselves was c I brati D ofa h an eag I anticipated feel the in more droppin ball, and a chaDce to tay up to the dangerous need to compro­ hour f midnight. This y I: all of tbat w absent I be the mising pent ewYear' atapartywith junior.afresbman two only cul- places like eighth graders, lew of paren and borde of their ture in thecold tile children. And a cat. f: were bing 00tbaIJ which al- of a bath­ up until 11 :S9 and 32 n cried c 0 hoi room floor, oultbatitw fund thebaUtoclrop. day started, and sex in your w almo l mi the ball, and ( eDt to bed at the e are the front yard, lim I frequently do on w ta iUy thing to promi- or perhaps g t worked up 0 er! nent ac- L- ~ tivitieson a strange bed. So if New Years Eve is so hard to anight where we should be celebrating renewal remember, do you remember your resolu­ and rebirth? tions, or did you even make a resolutions. Think about your own New Years Eve ac­ Personally, I have never been a person to tivities, what did you do? Ifyou can't seem to make resolutions and ifI do, I never seem remember specifics then you may need to re­ to keep them. I don't understand the point think your New Years activities. IfNew Years of a resolution if you're not going to re­ Eve is a time for rebirth, there are many other member it after the bottle, case, ortruckful things that one could be doing-and at the end ofchampagne you downed after you made ofthem you would end up in your own bed, in it yourPJ's. In other countries, the New Year is a hopeful time--a time for prayer and re­ newal. When other cultures wish for luck Feature Januar 2003 4 Neirad Takes a Step Towards the Future...

By David Hepbwn News Editor NEIRAD related. For this reason alone, NEIRAD resolves to at least realize that With the New Year upon us, and reso­ Moving on to the actual writing pro­ ing. We resolve to address that. our year is a perpetual cycle, and begin lutions to be found everywhere, NEIRAD cess, a plethora of potential resolutions Once all mticles have been fmalized, the next brainstorming process in our can be discovered. You may be wonder­ has decided to take on a few of its own. the layout process begins for the sec- days of waiting. Not to imply that the monthly process ing, when are NEIRAD articles due in

that NEIRAD has become accustomed relation to the brainstorming session? tion editors. Unfurling the demon that To put a close on our resolutions, The answer, commonly within the days to is inefficient, but it could be adjusted can only be called Microsoft PageMaker, we need to look beyond what goes on following the "final day for all articles." here and there. the long process ofcombining headlines, the pages, and dig deep into the mind of Starting with the beginning ofeach NEIRAD's solution: setting deadlines in articles, and pictures, along with the our beloved faculty advisor, Mr. Siano. the past. If we say, for instance, "Ar­ month, the brainstorming session of ar­ other elements of the page can become It might be suggested that we push his ticles are due yesterday," with any luck ticles for the issue begins. Here is found nightmarish for the "lucky five." Now limits every day during Period 8, and they'll tum up the next day. Messing the first place that may possibly need an the process itself isn't so harsh, but it is NElRAD resolves that he has dealt with with time can truly solve major issues. upgrade. It's a slow process, but occa­ the comments that tend to go along with it for long enough. As our metaphoric Once the articles arrive, the most sionally the classroom comes to life with it. Actually the comments tend to come olive branch, our final resolution is dedi­ mysterious journey of all begins, edit­ issues such as who gets to write the the editors' ears just after they have fin­ cated to the sanity ofthe man behind the monthly article praising Pat McGee. It is ing. Truly this shouldn't be an issue ished. Articles that go MIA during the desk: we resolve that Mr. Siano will ini­ at these times that NElRAD must focus considering that editors make up nearly layout process must be caught early or tiate all conversation in which he isin­ its energy and use it to come up with a sixty percent of the staff. Of course, they now will be demoted to nonexist­ volved. Case closed. variety of interesting articles. Building NEIRAD surpasses all boundaries. Fol­ ent. From now on NElRAD resolves to To all the critics of NElRAD, hear off of this energy, the first resolution is lowing a year of sentences that were always follow the phrase, "I don't see this. We stand here before you profess­ bom. NEIRAD resolves to officially out­ grammatically incorrect, politically incor­ my atticle," with, "Neither do I." ing our resolutions to you the reader, in law the following phrases: "I don't have rect, or downright unrelated, a pledge Once layout is complete, the issue hopes that you'll be awoken by a greater must be made to editing articles in their an article," "Who signed me up for that is nearly finished except for quite possi­ understanding of how much NElRAD entirety. Now especially in this part, ef­ article?" and "Do I have to write an ar­ bly the most necessary part, the print­ truly means to its creators. We don't ticle?" Welcome to whomever didn't re­ fort is involved, but an important fact ing. During the three to "x" days that guarantee that these resolutions will alize that brainstorming had begun for must be brought to the attention of the the staff awaits the joyous occasion of work, but we can only say one thing, we the month. It's about time we started to class in Article Three of the NEIRAD folding, many things go on in the class­ tried, and that sounds like a good start understand complex processes like think­ resolutions. The class commonly called room: chatter, homework, designating of to 2003. ing of anything at all that could be put "NEIRAD" actually goes under the title official NEIRAD holidays, and ofcourse into words. "Advanced Journalism." Now there are talking with the big man in charge, Mr. two important words there, and one of Siano. Ofcourse, there are a couple prob­ them has something to do with writing. lems here. The glaring one is that none The other one implies that its good writ- of the ways of consuming our time al'e ALP UPDATE...

By Kaitlin Blankemeier working to spend time at the Norwalk their services. Editor-in-Chief Emergency Center. ALP has taken an Ifyou would like any further infor­ With midterms right around the cor­ active role in palticipating in volunteer mation on the activities of the program ner, the students and teacher ofALP (Al­ activities and reaching out to the com­ you can contact Mr. Leete downstairs in ternate Learning Program) are, like most munity these past few months. They will the ALP room. of us, preparing for exams. However, continue this effort, as they coordinate a

From to and ~lngln

10.-... fJ*D that's not the only thing students and food drive that will take place in the weeks • oppOIIee f.f.) teachers are up to. As they plan on wel­ to come. Neirad would like to thank and Darien. CT 06820 coming a few new students into the pro­ support the students and faculty of ALP (203) e&S-1688 gram for second semester, they are also who work so hard to strengthen our com­ www.edwWdt:ut**.eOM munity and constantly give back with 5 Januar 2003 E! MAMMA MIA! LibbetMegroz Feature Editor Tanya, two sophisticated, yet crazy nally from Sweden and came over to You're Peifect, Blood Bothers, The World women. The story is filled with surprises, America knowing hardly any English. In Goes Around, and Rock'n Roll. Tina Ifyou like disco music from the sev­ excitement, and best of all it keeps you fact, most of Maddigan, who enties and eighties and you just want to singing and dancing in your seat. the songs that plays her daughter experience one ofthe most exciting plays The play incorporates the sweet they sung Sophie, also gives on Broadway right Swedish songs of were taught to a great perfor­ now, then you should ABBA. The them by their mance. This is her go and see Mamma trademark ABBA writers and Broadway debut Mia. Mamma Mia is '\'., sound consists of managers and and she was nomi­ based on the songs two main ingredi­ they barley nated for the Na­ of ABBA and in­ ents: keyboard­ even knew tional Star Awards cludes twenty-two of based wall-of­ what they and the Robby their greatest hits wo­ sound arrange­ were singing. Awards after per­ ven into three won­ ments and the so­ Back to forming in San derfullove stories. prano and mezzo­ the musicaL .. Francisco and It takes place on soprano of the Mamma Mia Chicago, in the a small Greek Island, two women in the has an awe­ first North Ameri­ in the present day. It group. ABBA some cast in­ can touring com­ is the story of a was complied of cluding some pany of Mamma young girl, Sophie, four members: well known Mia. The cast is who is engaged to be Anni-Frid Synni and respected full of many other married to Sky, a popu­ Lyngstad, Bjorn Broadway ac­ talented perform- lar local. Sophie was Kristian Ulvaeus, tors and ac- ers that all give raised by her mother, Goran BrorBenny tresses. The cast includes Louise Pitre, four-star performances. Donna, without knowing who her father Andersson, and Agnetha Ase Faltskog. as Donna, who gives a fabulous perfor­ Mamma Mia is a show that is defi­ was her whole life. With the anticipation Anni-Frid Synni Lyngstad better known mance both on acting and singing. antly worth seeing. It is a capturing story ofher wedding, Sophie steals her moth­ as justFrida was engaged to fellow mem­ Louise has performed in many shows be­ full ofwell-known songs that get you up er's journal from the past and discovers ber Goran Bror Benny Andersson, bet­ fore Mamma Mia; she starred as Fantine on your feet and dancing. So make sure three men, Sam, Harry, and Bill, and fig­ ter known as Benny and also the remain­ in Les Miserables, where she gained to take some and go see Mamma Mia, ures out that one of them has to be her ing members Agnetha Ase Faltskog and widespread recognition and respect. Oth­ now on Broadway at the Winter Garden father. Later in the play we meet Donna's Bjorn Kristian Ulvaeus were also en­ ers include, Pial, Tartuffe, Jacques Brel Theater. two sidekicks from the past, Rosie and gaged. All of the members were origi- is Alive and Well, Beehive, I Love You

A Night at Irving Plaza • • •

By Sarah Shimmel at McDonald's, seeing as the train tick­ to meet the members ofThe Clarks. I met good. It was an incredible closure to an Business Manager ets had taken a large chunk out of our the lead singer~ Scott Blasey, and I am amazing concert," said senior Meghan wallets. We took our time eating, and at proud to say he signed my hand. Moore. The concert, all in all, seemed to After seeing a Pat McGee Band and about 6:30 headed over to Irving Plaza. Rich Price & Braddigan came on, and be very well received. "I have been to o.A.R. concert at the Hammerstein Ball­ The line was already down the block they were fairly well received. I person­ three Pat McGee concerts and this was room on October when we got ally thought they played quite well, al­ the best one by far because it had the 29, my friends and there, so we though I did not know any of the songs. best set list, and Pat McGee had a great I decided that it headed to the I was disappointed that they didn't play haircut," said senior Libbet Megroz. would be a lot of back and any well known Dispatch songs, but they Also, senior Eileen commented, "They fun to see just a waited for the were still very good. played a lot ofnew stuffwhich is always Pat McGee Band doors to open. Finally, the moment we had all been disappointing, because you don't know concert. I decided We waited for waiting for came. Pat McGee Band came the words but you want to sing along. to check on about a half on, opening with "Who Stole Her From However, the crowd and the music cre­ ticketmaster.com hour, while Heaven?" The rest of the concert was ated a fun atmosphere, so it was worth to see ifthey were watching ticket just as good. The band played favorites the $25.75." Says senior Lauren Pierce, playing any dates scalpers at­ like "Shine", "Runaway", "Hero", "Pas­ "From those who didn't have to work on near us, but I was tempt to buy or sion", "Haven't Seen for Awhile", and their AP English journals over vacation, fairly skeptical be­ sell tickets from "Flooding the Both of Us". One com­ I heard it was really fun. I heard the band cause they had anyone in mon complaint about the concert, how­ played a good set-list, and even did some just played in New sight. ever, was that the band seemed to be impressive covers, which is why I bought York City. Chances Mterwhat promoting their new CD rather than play­ a ticket. Ifonly I could have gone..." are, they would be seemed like for- ing old favorites. Says senior Miranda Personally, I enjoyed the concert playing in Virginia, or some other place ever, the doors Hughes, "I enjoyed the Pat McGee con­ very much. The Pat McGee Band is in­ for away. I checked anyway, and luckily, opened and we were let in. On the first cert, although I wished they had played credibly talented, and they put on a very I found out that they were playing at irv­ floor, there were an immense amount of more old favorites rather than new songs good show. I was a little disappointed ing Plaza on December 29. But tickets people waiting in line to check their coats. to get people to buy their new CO." To that they didn't playas many oftheir old would be sold out my now, since the con­ I hadn't brought a jacket for this very finish their set, the Pat McGee Band did songs; however, their new songs were cert was less then a week away, wouldn't reason, because I didn't feel like forking an excellent cover of U2's "Where the very good. They did play many favor- they? I typed in to get 4 tickets, the limit over the $5 for them to watch my coat, Streets Have ites, and this re­ per person, and clicked "Look for Tick­ and I didn't really trust them to keep my No Name." ally got the ets." To my surprise, the bill page popped jacket safe. There was also a booth For the en- crowd involved, up. I called all my friends immediately, checking I.D.'s if you wanted a wrist­ core, the which is always collected $26 from everyone, and went band, which was necessary to purchase band first fun. The venue down to the Ticketmaster booth in alcoholic drinks. The stage was upstairs, played "Elegy was very small, Filene's in Stamford to buy the tickets. and then there was a balcony above the for Amy" and and very My advise to any concert goers is to by stage. The doors had opened at 7, but it then played crowded, which tickets from Filene's because it's cheaper was about another hour before the con­ the first half got pretty an­ than having them sent to your house. cert started. The Clarks opened, and as of"Rebecca." noying at times. The best part about the concert was that someone who had never heard The This lead into But, I was stand­ it was less then a month away, which Clarks before, they were very good. At Bob Marley's ing fairly close meant my friends and I wouldn't have to the end oftheir set, they played an excel­ "No Woman to the stage, and wait very long. lent cover ofMarvin Gaye's "Let's Get It No Cry" and had a very good The afternoon of the concert came, On", and they werejoined by Pat McGee "The Re­ view ofthe band, and my friends and I were extremely ex­ himself. AfterThe Clarks finished, it was demption Song." The concert ended with Pat McGee especially. All in all, I would cited. We headed into New York City at about another half an hour before Rich the band playing the second half of definitely recommend anyone to go see 3:45. After aniving at 4:45, we headed Price & Braddigan, from Dispatch, came "Rebecca." 'The encore was great, and a Pat McGee Band concert. down to Irving Plaza. We decided to eat on. But this gave fans the opportunity Pat McGee's cover of Bob Marley was I Januar 2003 6 The majority of the story is set at end, of course, is a happy one: neither of • Rushmore Prep School - a wealthy, up­ the pair marries Ms. Cross, yet they all Rushmore: per-class private school- to which Max remain friends and live happily ever af­ The Line was given a scholarship on account of ter. his gift for play-writing. He is a dynamic Rushmore is likely to be a hit with Not Worth and creative student who brings energy the critics, but not with the general pub­ .Upforthe to the school, as evidenced by the fact lic. The acting, especially that of Bill that he is the president orfounder ofeigh­ Murray, is superb. The actors bring life The Rush teen of the school's clubs, associations, to their characters, and are extremely be­ and societies. He is more akin to an en­ lievable. It is unfortunate, however, that .Chorus trepreneur starting up different business the script and plot line cannot live-up to By Suzie Waller ventures, Max is not a typical student. the standards set by the actors. The Contributing Writer Nor does he have the typical student's movie is hard to follow, and confusing. romantic adventures, falling in love in­ Coming across as neither a serious or Line... stead with one of the teachers at the dramatic story, the humor is also limited, Max Fischer: Jason Schwartzman school. Unfortunately for him, he ends ultimately making it rather boring. There Miss. Cross: Olivia Williams up being expelled from Rushmore for poor is no compelling backdrop, no visual ef­ Mr. Blume: Bill Murray grades. fects, and little or no change of setting. My Rating: 2 At the other end of the scale is Mr. A movie doesn't have to have expen­ Written by Wes Anderson and Blume-a middle-aged, married man with sive effects or costumes to be good, but Owen Wilson, and directed by Wes two sons, both of whom attend Rushmore needs an extra something Anderson. Running Time: 93 minutes. Rushmore. Through his sons, Mr. Blume along these lines to keep the audience RatedR meets Max, and as the story progresses, interested. Whether the movie was in­ Rushmore is not your average love they become close friends. It is in the tended to be a comedy or a drama, is story. It's a love triangle with a differ­ context ofMr. Blume that the depressing unbeknown to me. Unfortunately, it fails ence: a quirky story where an adoles­ undertone of the story surfaces: he is an at both. cent - 15 year-old Max Fischer played alcoholic with a failing marriage, two ram­ However it is a quirky view of the by Jason Schwartzman - and an older bunctious and insensitive sons, and a complex nature of friendship, not just man - the 50-something Mr. Blume meaningless life. Trying to unite Ms. between Max / Ms. Cross / Mr. Blume, played by Bill Murray - fall in love with a Cross (played by Olivia Williams) and but also between Max and his friends at plain but enigmatic young teacher. What Max, Mr. Blume also falls in love with school, particularly Dirk If this movie a t pring. Darien High follows is an unconventional, unortho­ her. Both Max and Mr. Blume see some­ succeeds at any level, it is in showing us ch J" drama cl ub, Thearr dox, and sometimes depressing story of thing in her that is not evident through that our need for friendship, to connect pre nted to u. Kiss M • Kate; in love, friendship and betrayal. simply her looks or personality, some­ with other people in a profound way, is th fall we aw Til Cru ibl a ri-' thing that fills a void in them both. The greater than any fleeting romance. ou and dramati play. Thi pring however, Theatre 08 will perform a lOU i al unlik 0 tb r rh y hav d n bef reo or th n t tw : month ,Theatre will b prepar- in for Ih ir March perf rmance of A horus LiTle. Ba d n the live nod truggle fa pt f . i nal Br adway dane r, Ib 5r ry ta pIa during on af- I en n wh r nin teen dan r ar trying ut for a p I on Ih h TU lin . B cause ther i 0 ingl I ad in thi mU'i ai, a pp ed t many olb r , th r ar a lot of p ople n •rage at oDe' instead of tb . am t 0 or Ihree act r. nch main rol ha tb ir di.tinct per nality. which all w th t ry t em re int r t-, The Two Towers Raises the ing and aliv , a well a ring m Cast List: diver ity t th stag. Juni r im Grim haw, a m mber ofTheatre 308, Roof .aid. 'f'm x iled forA horllsLil1 Cassie- Director/Choreographer (for­ be au, e it i v ry differ Ol from any- merly known as Zach)-Aimee Grimshaw Lori- Zach's assistant (formerly By ColemanMiller I thing we have done ~fore.l am al a Frodo the Hobbit, Ian McKellen as Sports Editor lookjng f rward 10 it b au e th rc known as Larry)-Chadae Chang Gandalf the wizard, and Viggo 'i a tron pr enc f th ting Zach- Broadway dancer (formerly One ofthe biggest regrets ofmy life Mortenson as Aragorn the human all · and dancing:' hnrus Line i known as Cassie)-Dan Micciche is not seeing The Lord ofthe Rings: The carry the story very effectively. Sheila-Amanda Rich 'al different from th r loU ieal Fellowship ofthe Ring in the theater. I While on the topic of Aragorn, ,Th atre 08 ha p r~ rm d.in that it Val-Alice Johnson didn't hesitate with The Two Towers. I I think I have to point out that he is the Diana-Laura Thoren th most badass character in the universe. 'Iak pI e in pr nt day. It c uld' was there Friday, December 20 , with re­ •ben 'id r d th "Re I World" f Judy-Sayaka Yamaguchi served tickets. I was definitely not go­ Forget Shaft. Forget Han Solo. Forget "Ih Jif fa Br adway dancer. Kristine-Jessica Koontz ing to let an opportunity like seeing The Dirty Harry. Forget Rambo. Aragom is veryday aft r h 1 Th aIr Maggie-Katie Brewer Two Towers in the theater pass me by. officially the most badass person ever. .30 practie under Ihe guidance of. Bebe-Cecilia Smith As I waited in line for my Sno-Caps, I On top of this strong acting ancy H rmao director, Lauren Connie-Katie Hill hoped that I would not be let down. Af­ foundation, we have the story laid out : Pierce as i tant 10 Ihe director and Tricia-Bren Roberts* ter all, The Fellowship is one of my fa­ by J.R.R Tolkien. The Lord ofthe Rings 'Keith hawg dir t r f mu i . Mike-Steve Rosati vorite movies of all time. I hoped that, fantasy saga is one of the most widely­ 'Be au e A hom Lin ha a gr at· Richie-Phillip Garrett because they filmed all three movies in read book series in the world, and for ,am uol f dancing, Theatre 3 ha, Don-Mike CritellilDavid Coupe* the series at one time, that the quality of good reason. It has captured the hearts •again hired mily rangipane, who: Paul-Will Nichols The Two Towers would be up to the par and minds of several generations. · ha, 'h re graphed mu i a1 for' Mark-Matt Nelson set by Fellowship. To finish, the special effects in lh m in th pa l. P rf rman e will Greg- Alex Bennett I was not disappointed. The The Two Towers were phenomenal. The take plae at eight cia k in Ib DR Bobby-Nathaniel Hoover* Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is best representation of the production aodit rium on Mar h 20. _1. and 2. Al-Chris Berry one of the best movies I have ever had staff's skill is Gollum, the completely computer-generated emaciated Hobbit­ Ti kel pei • ha n t yel b en de- * subject to change the privilege ofenjoying. From the rivet­ ;cided. ing beginning as the wizard Gandalf creature. I think their goal was to make ntilth n, the DH ommunity· chases the Balrog (that's fire demon for the creature be a 60-year-old heroine ad­ will anxi u Jy wail for th perfor-, the unhip) down the chasm of Khazad­ dict. )man of A hom Line whit The­ Dun to the special-effects phenomenon Anyway, I highly recommend atre 0 i bard at w rk. Seni r J-, called the Battle of Helm's Deep, I was The Lord ofthe Rings: The Two Towers. ,i 0 ntz. a m rob r fTh alr 08. bolted to my seat, only looking away to Although it's quite long, it's a definitely id. "11 will b a hall nging pr -. take a sip from the bottle of Pepsi that I worth your $15 movie ticket. I give it two du tion f r u but 1 am I oking f r-' smuggled into the theater. "towers" up. ward t w rking on it and baving The foundation of the Rings \ fun:' movies is solid acting. Elijah Wood as

• 7 Januar 2003 Sports OYS' BASKETBAll Boys' Basketball: A Fresh New Start First Year DHS Coach Sets Plans for a Better B-Ball Program

scored, the team kept up. The fact that they also a rookie squad. With three seniors, our By Kaitlin Blankemeier stuck through and fought until the end is teamis primarily a sophomore/junior ~up. Editor-In-Chief something that everyoneacknowledged and However, the sophomores are playing very gave themcreditfor," saidMegGleason, cap­ good for their age. Jack has an incredible AlthoughtheDHS basketballprogram tain ofthe DHS cheerleading squad. commitment and for Brendan, the sky's the hasn't conquered powerful teams in the Captains Henry Homes and Ian Sergo lirnit," saidDuffy. Stateand FCIACinprevious years, first year ledthe teamcontributing to the 63 points the Theteam did face some struggles, with DHS head coach Sean Duffy has big plans boys put on the board. Although it wasn't Sullivan and varsityjuniorMatt Rogers suf­ for the program and optimistic thoughts on enough to top the 93 points Central racked fering from sprained ankles. Ryan suffered the beginning of a brand new season. up, sophomores Jack Ryan and Brendan from bronchitis for a week, keeping him off Duffyis definitely the manfor thejob. Sullivan heavily contributed to the game, the court as well. BominNewYOlk City, Duffy attended Regis scoring 10 and 33, respectively. Other var­ The team has not let a few losses and High School, where his love for the game sity teammates Kevin Sorgi, Radornir injuries tear themdown. Duffy plans to con­ began to grow. Basketball became a pas­ Kovalenko, Peter Stamm, and Thomas tinue to work with the team to carry out two sion and he spent a fair amount ofhis high Nielson helped to keep the ball rolling, put­ main goals: first, to win more games than last school years on the court. He was soon ting points on the board as well. season (last year's record was 1-4), and sec­ recognized by scouts and recruited to Coach Duffy commented on the game ond, to wineightgames and qualify for States. Harvard. After two years ofvarsity basket­ with nothing but positive thoughts. Although these goals may be difficult to ob­ ball at Harvard, Duffy decided to play club "We need to understand that we are tain for arookieteam, Duffy is up for thechal­ basketball instead to be able to focus on his lenge. studies. However, his devotion to game 'Trying to change a program doesn't neverdied and after college he went backto From a coach's perspective, happen in a day. It doesn't happen ina week, Regis Highas an assistant basketball coach. Darien is a great place. This has or a month, and maybe not even a season. . Duffyjumps on the main gymcourt with a We can'texpectinstantresults. This is some­ fres~ attitude and expectations on and off been nothing but a good thing the players must earn on the court and the court. experience. in the off-season. These are very good kids "At the end ofthe day, ifI can help a and they want to work hard," said Duffy. group ofkids make good decisions on and DHS fans can watch the enthusiasm r football. i offthe court, [mycareer] will be a success," playing top tier teams. It's hard to start a Duffy expresses and the drive the players commentedDuffy. season offwith these tough competitors. It's possess in the upcoming games throughout Although the team has dropped to 1-5 the season. overall and 0-3 in the FCIAC, theirrelentless "Froma coach's perspective, Darienis a effort and determination against tougher greatplace, these are greatkids, r m receiving teams in the FCIAC is clearly visible to the lots of support, and this has been nothing basketball fans, especially in their most re­ buta good experience. Ilookforward to stick­ cent game on January 7th againstBridgeport ing around, working to improve theprogram Central. over the years." ''No matter how many points Central

Future is Bright as a Big, Orange, Pebbled Sun Girls' Basketball on the Road to Success ByEmilyGambir summer days of tanning, swimming FCIAC. The YMCA changed their the overall performance of the team, Senior StaffWriter and doing absolutely nothing to basketball program so that travel the girl's love of the game, exhibited participate in summer camps, com­ basketball begins in 5'h grade, as op­ by their team spirit, is what has The future is bright for Darien petitive summer basketball leagues posed to 7 th and 8th grade. There­ brought them this far. As senior cap­ Girls' basketball. With a record so while also adhering to individual fore, this year's freshman and future tain Ally Teatom expressed, "People far of 4-3-0, the team is prepared to workouts devised by their coach, freshman will bring four years of ex­ want to be here because they like to make this season a slam-dunk. The Steve Armistead. Many girls also perience to the team instead of one play basketball and are willing to girls' motivation and hard work, com­ partook in spring league, AAU, and or two, raising their potential to de­ work at it." This common sentiment bined with new, more advanced ath­ a fall league. Several girls attended velop into excellent basketball play­ has fostered a close relationship be­ letic abilities introduced to the team, ers during their four years of high tween the players. As senior cap­ will help make this season, and many school. Freshmen Becca Kriskey and tain Ally Teatom said, "Our team is more to come, prosperous. Katie Biggart and Sophomores so much like a family. We all get The basketball season has Alyssa Dudzick, Alexa Princi, and along and we are all each other's started off with a bang. Although the Kate Barston have already proven friends not because we have to be girls have lost to J. Barlow, Staples their vital roles to the Varsity team but because we want to be." and St. Joseph's, they have beaten along side senior players and cap­ It will be exciting to watch the Greenwich, Harding, Norwalk and tains, Ally Teatom and Amanda Wil­ players grow as the future of Darien Central; tremendous victories that son. girls' basketball unfolds. have boosted their confidence indi­ Although practice and experi­ vidually and collectively. What has ence have tremendously improved allowed the Darien Girl's basketball team, which has not performed as successfully in the past, to surpass the skill and strength of power teams plyometric classes, which increases such as Greenwich and Norwalk? their vertical leap, quickness and The primary factors are hard-work, upper body strength, all of which experience, team unity and of are essential for shooting. Off-sea­ course; the love of the game. son training is essential for making As opposed to previous years, States and FCIAC, since other the girls remained focused on the teams are working just as hard in sport in the off-season, thus enhanc­ the off-season to improve their ing their basic skills and providing games. more time to concentrate on strategy Darien Girls' Basketball has not during the main season. As senior won states or FCIAC since 1985. captain Ally Teatom said, "One of However, the talent of the under­ the reasons we are so much better classmen this year and the future this year than other years is the work players coming to Darien High certain people do in the off-season." School are bound to raise the The girls sacrificed their precious chances of winning States and Januar 2003 8

XIRA BASES down on the play, but no pass interference in a skirmish with Terrell Owens. They Giants Clash ahCf''']efs:'t:f5'sh-;···,· was called. The referee did not throw the should have come out ofthatlocker room flag for pass interference. Instead, it was for the third quarter not with a cocky men­ NFL Playoff Action Heats Up the Gridiron for the Giants having an illegal receiver tality, but with the hunger that got them downfIeld. However, prior to the start of there. Trey Junkin's bad snap did not lose By Bryan Finkel 41-year-old Trey Junkin blew the snap the game, Seubert informed the referees that the game for the Giants; the Giants lost it Editor-In-Chief on third down, causing holder Matt Allen he would be an eligible receiver on such for themselves. Yes, they deserved an­ to execute a desperation pass to one of plays. Had the pass interference been called, other chance. But a football team with the It was the tale oftwo teams in one city. the Giant linemen, a pass that was incom­ it would have resulted in offsetting penal­ heart of champions would have never The Jets, riding the wave of momentum plete, just as the Giants' season seemed ties, meaning that one fmal, un-timed down given up those 25 unanswered points. generated by the emergence of Chad to be as it abruptly ended on one botched would be played, giving the Giants and They would have sealed the deal. . Pennington, made it as far a<; the AFC East­ play. their abysmal fIeld-goal unit a chance at So with that nightmare over, the Jets em divisional playoffs. The Giants, play­ Butwait! Not sofast, oh loyal reader. redemption and a trip to the NFC divisional kept chugging along toward the Super ing strong with a revitalized pass attack Everyone in the Giant locker room had a game. Bowl. Chad Pennington, a careerback-up from Kerry Collins, were knocked out early. bitter taste in their mouths as something So the Giants technically desel'Ved an­ for Vinny Testaverde, finally got his Let's start with the wild-card-game dis­ about that last play, something besides other shot. But they should have never chance to lead the team, and within two missal of the New York Football Giants. the godawful snap from Junkin, seemed been in that position. They should haye weeks ofhis installation as starting quar­ Coming into the game, the Giants were, at wrong. On the play. Rich Seubert, a line­ never allowed Jeremy Shockey to get out terback, it became Chad's team. The least in the New York media, favored to man for the Giants, sped downfIeld in an of hand with his taunting of the crowd in young southerner brought the Jets from win, and win big. Having won their previ­ attempt to create an open target for Alien's the first half, and should have pulled Shaun the brink of mathematical elimination to ous four games, whereas the San Francisco desperation pass. However, he was pulled Williams after the fIrst oftwo rsonal fouls Continued on page 9 4gers, the home team for the game, had lost two of three, the Giants were, by all ac­ counts, the better team. And in the fIrst halfofthe game, this was more than appar­ ent. Collins connected on multiple occa­ sions to WR Amani Toomer and TE Jer­ emy Shockey, and TIki Barberhad no prob­ lem accumulating yardage on the ground. Exceptfor an early 76-yard touchdown pass from San Francisco QB JeffGarcia to WR Terrell Owens, the Giant defense seemed up to task in stopping the feared wideout, and at the half, the Giants had a command­ ing 28-14 lead. Coming out ofthe locker room for the start ofthe third quarter, the mood changed. San Francisco scored 25 unanswered points and seemed to have a new vigor on every play. And, with seconds left in the game and down by one point, the Giants had the opportunity to gain the victory. However, already showing their weakness, the Giants' special teams unit, for the sec­ ond time in the game, missed a fIeld goal from close range. And with this came the end ofthe game and the st311 ofthe trouble. In that final play ofthe game, newly-signed

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