April 2010

Mr. Massa pequa

5th ANNUAL MR. MASSAPEQUA

SPORTS SPORT TEAMS CATCH STATE FEVER p 16 EDITORIAL SEXTING p 4 SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION p 7-10

Massapequa High School

APRIL 2010

mhsthechief@yahoo.com

Vol. LVIII - ISSUE 3

Treepocalypse: The storm that ravaged Massapequa It’s a bird; it’s a plane; it’s Superman! Wait; no…it’s a tree? First, we believed that the snow was out to get us in February, but on March 13 and 14 our accusation proved entirely wrong…it’s the trees that were really out to get us.

We watched with mouths agape from the comforts of our power-deprived homes as the worst wind storm since 1992 hit Long Island and the rest of the tri-state area, and sent small trees, big trees, old trees, new trees, and even some random branches soaring throughout our neighborhoods. The airborne debris even swept up some lawn furniture, basketball hoops, and tragically, even a few lawn gnomes were decapitated.

It seemed an apocalypse –commonly known as a revelation or prophecy that causes widespread destruction – had occurred. The events on that destructive day have been deemed as… you guessed it… the “Treepocalypse.”

of 993 members within a span of three days, and allowed them to share their photos, live videos, and stories about the day when we thought the world as we knew it was coming to an end.

Topping the number of 911 calls made on 9/11, the deadly nor’easter of historic proportions reached nearhurricane status as the winds went up to 60 miles per hour, with 70-75 mile per hour wind gusts at Bridgehampton and JFK Airport, according to Newsday.

The unusual intensity of the storm has caused tens of millions of dollars in damage, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as well as a total of six deaths across the tri-state area. Among the dead was a 73-year-old retired Brooklyn schoolteacher, Julia Hughes, who was leaving her grandnephew’s birthday party in Bay Shore on Saturday, March 13, when she was crushed by a falling tree. Suffolk police say that a firefighter, Peter Del Valle, who lived next door, rushed to the scene

Conversely, trees were not theonly thing uprooting; our inner shock uprooted to the point where a Facebook group was made by former Editor-in-Chief of The Chief, Chris Ryan. The group, entitled “I survived the Treepocalypse, but my neighborhood didn’t” reached a total

after hearing the tree crash, and found Hughes struck by the fallen branches of a tree. Hughes was taken to Southside Hospital where she was pronounced dead, according to Suffolk Police, who are still investigating the incident.

Bay Shore wasn’t the only town to

BY JENNA FRATELLO OPINION EDITOR

Source: facebook.com

get a scare from the attack of the trees.

Taylor Low, a sophomore at Massapequa High School, experienced a scare of her own when her family returned home from a softball practice to find more than a roof on top of their house; a tree had fallen on top of it. The tree could not be removed until the insurance company looked at it. “It’s really bad, we have to replace my sister’s whole room,” said Low. Yet, the scare triggered a sense of humor in her. “I thought it was funny.

The police were already there when I got home, it was so funny.”

More than 2,000 residents in Massapequa alone were left with blackscreened televisions, broken telephone lines, dead lights, and freezing cold water; the apocalypse of the trees certainly added a surplus paranoia to the already-widespread hysteria. “It’s sort of meteorological mayhem,” said Parks Commissioner, Adrien Benepe to NY Daily News after seeing the destruction throughout New York.

The shock of the nor’easter quickly turned into anger, planted by duration of power outages caused by the storm and its falling trees. On March 15, an outraged LIPA customer shattered the glass at the front entrance of their customer service offices in Bellmore after demanding to know when his power

would return. According to Newsday, the LIPA workers were still present at the office on Sunrise Highway when, at about 6:53 pm, police said the disgruntled man arrived, insisting to speak to a worker. When denied access into the building, employees said they heard the sound of shattering glass and the unidentified man driving off in a car.

Reported to be the only case of vandalism against LIPA since the storm, it is clear that people across Long Island and the tri-state area have experienced different reactions to the damage and the aftermath of such mayhem.

The extreme destruction is believed to have been caused by the previous saturation of the ground due to the unusually heavy snow accumulation this winter according to some news reports. Indeed, the attacks of the trees have left their implantation across not only Massapequa, but the entire tri-state region as well.

Complaints, cries, screams, and voluminous booms scattered themselves rampantly this March as northeastern residents got clear footage at one of the most destructive and possibly historic wind storms in almost 20 years. Maybe the next time we have a Treepocalypse you should think about placing those lawn gnomes somewhere else.

“A tree knocked into the power lines in front of my house and I was without power for three days.”

–Sean Scarisbrick

“We lost power on Saturday and we didn’t get it back until Monday March 22. I am now living at my friend Sarah’s house.”

–Jenna O’Donovan

MHS REACTS:

“I went to the movie theater in Farmingdale on Saturday night and just as the movie was about to end, the power went out.”

–Joan Stanton

“There was a downed wire near my house during the storm. The wire fell and was sparking and bouncing around for approximately 40 minutes before the power was shut off.”

–Caroline Philips

APRIL 2010

NEWS

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Mr. Massapequa: Tutus, Muppets, and RockBands

BY NOELLE WITT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

We all know that there’s only one way to do it in Pequa, and the fifth annual Mr. Massapequa was no exception.

March 18 boasted the typical grandeur of a high school event: a balloon arch, a screaming crowd, and a group of young men dressed in tutus and tank tops. Though it would be nice to attribute the impressive student turnout and spirit to these factors, it’s hard to ignore what really made Mr. Massapequa 2010 a success – the unabashed talent of 22 MHS guys –and four teachers, of course.

The night commenced with a speech given by seniors James Vigilante, Tatum Heath, and Jason Kammerer that summed up Mr. Massapequa’s origins. (Did you know that Coach K was the very first man to receive the distinguished crown?)

The Chiefettes then took the stage to get the audience pumped with a routine of “It’s Raining Men,” that led into the introduction of this year’s candidates. The guys started off with the casual wear category to show off their ability to keep it cool under the pressure of the competition. Amusing autobiographies were read as they made their way down the catwalk and tried to gain the judges’ favor.

The talent portion, by far the audience’s preference, showcased the skill of the competitors with an edge of humor that summed up the overall vibe of the night.

Senior Alex Damiris charmed the audience with a rendition of “In the Air Tonight,” for which he eventually played the drums.

“Celebrity” and senior TJ Corona decided to be everyone’s favorite Romeo as he performed Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.” Accompanied by an acoustic guitar, TJ brought the raw talent on which MHS students seemed to thrive. But as we all know, a Taylor Swift performance isn’t complete without a disruption: Enter Mike Casino, who grabbed a microphone and mimicked Kanye’s infamous interruption by shouting, “Yo TJ, I’ma let you finish, but Matt and Vinny had the best performance of all time: of all time!”

And, as always, innocent fruit

KAITLIN GORDON// THE CHIEF

Mr. Massapequa flaunts a tutu

was exploited and sanitation questioned as senior Robbie Goeren skillfully caught grapes in his mouth after he threw them up with his toes. He was interrupted by Kenny Fundus running onto stage in an electric yellow banana suit singing “Peanut Butter Jelly Time.”

Goeren then proceeded to peel a banana with his foot and eat half of it.

“In terms of the talent portion, some things never change,” said Chris Ryan, an MHS graduate who won Mr. Massapequa in 2008. “People love dance routines, guys who dress as women, and food talents.”

Despite the usual success of the event, there was some question of how this year could possibly compare to the memorable acts from last year’s Mr. Massapequa, especially the “Evolution of Dance,” performed by Mr. Romano, Mr. Malone, and Mr. Kabelka.

“This year’s going to be great as well,” said Mr. Romano before taking the stage. “But it’s going to be up to the school and students to decide if we can live up to last year’s.”

And they did. To the crowd’s

The semi-finalists await the judges’ decision delight, Mr. Kabelka sauntered out in pink plaid, denim shorts, and cowgirl boots and sang Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the USA.” Mr. Romano followed, representing the “gangstahs” of Massapequa. The music switched to “Bounce with Me” and he casually threw “dollah dollah billz” to his fans. And just in case the act wasn’t appreciated enough, Mr. Malone, clad in a schoolgirl uniform with blonde pigtails, asked the crowd to “Hit me one more time,” as Britney Spears did early in her career.

Unfortunately, not every candidate was as admired as these three teachers. The infamous gong, monitored by the nine judges and controlled by senior Jocelyn Sausner, was sounded twice over the course of the night.

“We’re all great in our own way,” said senior Kyle Mahoney, who sang “It’s Not Easy Being Green” with the accompaniment of Kermit the Frog (and was not gonged).

And many were great in their own way. Seniors Mike Dioguardi and Mike Esposito beat boxed and hummed a cartoon medley that included the theme songs of Doug, The Powerpuff Girls, Ed, Edd, n’ Eddie, Rugrats, CatDog, Scooby Doo, and of course Pokémon.

Senior Mike Morgan showcased

Mr. Massapequa 2010: Matt Buchheit

Mr. Malone crowns Mr. Kabelka

his artistic ability with a large presketched canvas that displayed “The Girl with a Pearl Earring.” He painted the black canvas using his hands – yes, finger painting – and impressed the students with his quick execution of a realistic face.

The definitive act of the night, however, was given by seniors Vinny DelGuidice and Matthew Buchheit. While

Formal Wear competition was completed (with tuxes and an interesting glasses choice by Mr. Romano), the semifinalists were announced, incling Vinny DelGuidice, Matt Buchheit, Alex Damiris, Pat Regan, TJ Corona, Mike Morgan, James Nyreen, Robbie Goeren, Mr. Copozzi, Mr. Kabelka, and Mr. Romano.

Semifinalists were determined based on the “casual, talent, and formal portions. It’s broken up with 50 percent talent, 25 percent casual, and 25 percent formal. The four highest scores of the semifinalists are then placed in a secret ballot to determine the winner,” said Ms. Zappulla, senior class advisor.

It was at this point that the question and answer portion of the night was held. Alex Damiris lightened the mood when asked who his celebrity crush is.

“It’s a tossup between Snooki and TJ Corona,” he said jokingly.

It was ultimately Matt Buchheit who won over the judges, however. “I believe that when anything comes your way… just have faith,” he said.

He was crowned Mr. Massapequa 2010, as was Mr. Kabelka.

“It’s so great to represent Massapequa this way,” said Mr. Kabelka.

“This year was just as much fun as last year.”

Matt Buchheich was equally excited. “I can honestly say I didn’t think I was going to win,” he said. “I just came out here to have some fun with my friends, and I’m shocked!”

Although technical difficulties could have been problematic, in true Massapequa fashion the show went on.

The night, filled with surprises, is sure to leave its mark in MHS history.

KAITLIN GORDON// THE CHIEF

removing multiple layers of clothes (there was a shirt rip), the two danced to “What Is Love,” and “Grease Lightning,” and performed the routine to “We’re All in this Together,” from Disney’s High School Musical (for which they donned their basketball jerseys.) Matt’s attire was complete with a pink tutu and the pair finished off with a Dirty Dancingesque lift in the air that got the crowd to cheer.

The effort that the guys put into their acts clearly paid off – after the

Jason Kammerer, Tatum Heath, and James Vigilante

PAIGE SNIDER// THE CHIEF

APRIL 2010

NEWS

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Teacher tragically dies at 31 Earthquakes kill thousands

tary School. “I remember having her as a student teacher when she first started Kristen Bednar, a beloved teacher teaching there. Ms. Blum (her name from our school district, , died of severe before she got married) always had a trauma to the head from a tragic snow- smile on her face and she encouraged mobile accident while visiting her fam- us so much,” recalls Christina Floridia, ily in Vermont on December 31. a former student of Mrs. Bednar.

Mrs. Bednar was a physical educaThe children she worked with were tion teacher at Birch Lane such an important part of her Elementary School for life, but most importantly, she five years. And whether was such an important part of Mrs. Bednar was a coach, theirs. The entire community a teacher, or a friend, the has reached out to Mrs. Bedinstantaneous support nar’s family and friends. If given to her and her famyou would like to become a ily has shown our entire part of it, join her Facebook community what a truly group, “In Loving Memory loved person Mrs. Bednar of Kristen T Bednar (Blum)” really was. where you can learn how to source: Newsday.com She was an avid make a donation to iMatter volunteer at iMatter Surf Surf Camp in her memory.

Camp, a camp designed by Community It is so important that our community Options Inc, a non-profit organization gives back to the woman who gave back dedicated to improving the lives of to others her entire life. children. The iMatter Surf Camp is held Mrs. Bednar was a genuinely oneduring the summer in Westhampton for of-a-kind woman; in her 30 years she children with autism spectrum disorders accomplished more than most people and other disabilities, and Mrs. Bednar do in an entire lifetime. Her memory was a vital part of the program. lives in us all as an inspiration. Mrs. Aside from taking part in the Bednar loved a good sports game, iMatter Surf Camp, she was a favored and she played her game of life pretty teacher by many at Birch Lane Elemen- amazingly.

BY JENNA FRATELLO

BY CHRIS VALENTI

OPINION EDITOR

STAFF WRITER

Massapequa thought it saw a natural disaster when it was hit by a storm jokingly coined the “Treepocalypse,” but true tragedy struck two nations recently in the form of an earthquake.

A massive earthquake struck the already struggling country of Haiti on January 12. The earthquake was a mind-boggling 7.0 in magnitude with aftershocks measuring as much as 4.5 in magnitude. The center of the earthquake hit close to Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince destroying the Presidential Palace, United Nations Haiti Headquarters, and many other buildings. Over 230,000 people were estimated dead, surpassing the amount of people killed in the 2004 tsunami.

Since New York has a large Haitian population, people were worried about the health and wellbeing of family members in Haiti. The Haitian born hiphop artist Wyclef Jean led the attempts convincing people to donate to foundations that are currently supplying aid.

Many celebrities (to name a few, Jay-z, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, and Mary J. Blige) participated in a benefit concert that aired on television to raise support and awareness.

MHS deals awareness to students and staff

BY NOELLE WITT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

With constant concerns about increased drug use in Massapequa, it’s no wonder Awareness Week had such an effect on MHS. Held the week of March 8, the program was designed by Mrs. Waters to “give valuable information and teach important life lessons.”

“We want people to be more aware,” said junior Maria Benvenuto, who was involved in the planning of the week’s activities as a member of the Chiefs Challenge Club. “Mrs. Waters picked assemblies based on what she felt was more effective and sunk in the most last year.”

A stress management program was held on March 9 for any classes whose teachers wished to participate. MHS health teacher Mr. LaBella helped students practice meditation, exercise, and proper breathing techniques and educated them on the benefits of channeling daily stresses – such as schoolwork, relationships, and family life – into a productive result.

“It was very relaxing,” said senior Matias Constenla. “We lay on the floor and breathed. I actually used what I learned last night.”

An assembly that detailed life in Phoenix House, a non-profit alcohol and drug abuse treatment and prevention facility that aids people throughout ten U.S. States according to phoenixhouse. org, was held multiple times on March 12.

Two guest speakers, Nick and Brian, spoke to students about their lives in Phoenix House, which Brian referred to as a “therapeutic community.” Both young men have found success through the organization’s programs, for they provide someone to report back to – in

other words, someone to monitor their progress.

“I think my attitude has changed a little bit, and it’s for the better,” said Brian. “It’s not for everybody, but it seems to be working.”

He continued to say that though life in the community can often be rough, it “conditions people to realize that life isn’t always about you. The people it works for, it works really well.”

“A drug is a drug is a drug is a drug,” said Nick, and this is exactly the point that the organizers of Awareness

responsibility was promoted through an assembly given to sophomores by families who gave accounts of their experiences with the death of their loved ones as a result of heroin overdose.

“It taught us how effective drugs can be,” said sophomore Mike Romeo.

His classmate, sophomore Denise Liguori, agreed, for she believes that some of the stories were very sad.

Not all students testified to this effectiveness, however. “I just felt that it was disorganized,” Julia Sontag, an MHS sophomore said.

Drug and alcohol abuse were not

Students practice relaxation techniques with Mr. LaBella Week hoped to express.

The assembly’s purpose seemed to be accomplished. “Although I knew a lot of the information given, hearing it from people with firsthand knowledge really affected me,” said junior Erin Geier.

“I liked that we got a firsthand experience instead of just a diluted, politically correct perversion of the truth,” sophomore Matthew Goldenberg said.

On March 10, the concept of

PAIGE SNIDER// THE CHIEF

the only topics covered throughout the week. On March 8 a presentation was given by the Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth to promote tolerance and acceptance.

Ashley Adler, a sophomore involved in the MHS Broadcasting class, designed a PSA that was played on the morning announcements to highlight this same topic. “I wrote a script for ‘It’s Okay to Be Gay,’” she said. “I hoped to give respect to the gay community that

Immediately after the earthquake, many nations around the world did everything possible to help. In the United States a popular way to donate was through text messaging, which raised over one million dollars. People also donated to the Red Cross to support Haiti.

Locally, in Massapequa High School there have been several events to help Haiti. The art department has developed a campaign, “Houses for Haiti” in the main campus, creating magnets for students to wear in order to support Haiti. “We made the houses by hand and each was a dollar. All the money went to relief for Haiti and we sold about one hundred fifty,” said Brianna Harley, activist in the art department.

What seemed to be almost directly after this famous devastation, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit Chile, causing the entire earth to shift off of its axis. Although almost 800 times stronger than the Haitian earthquake, this hit killed 1,000 times less people. The Chilean government reported that this is because of routine exercises in school and work offices that prepare the community since the 1960 earthquake of Chile that was even stronger than this one.

it deserves.”

Suicide prevention, dating violence, cyberbullying, and methods for coping with the loss of a loved one were also stressed through various speeches and presentations.

“We found the speakers who received the best reviews were those that spoke about their personal experiences with drugs and alcohol,” said Mrs. Marascia, a social worker at MHS who is involved in the MTA (Massapequa Takes Action) program.

Despite the week’s success, Mrs. Waters was disappointed in the number of staff members who chose to participate. She reported that approximately 21 teachers voluntarily signed up their classes for assemblies – a small amount in comparison to the potentially powerful effects that the programs could yield.

“I hope next year more teachers take advantage of Awareness Week and take the opportunity to sign their classes up for the presentations. Education is more than reading, writing, and arithmetic; it’s also about teaching students how to cope with the challenges they face without escaping through drugs and alcohol,” said Mrs. Marascia.

Though the number of participators was thought to be inadequate, Mrs. Masascia was pleased with the week’s overall results. “I thought this year’s Awareness Week went exceptionally well. We scheduled many workshops that addressed a multitude of issues with the overriding theme of making good choices,” she said.

“We would like to teach the students holistically,” said Mrs. Waters.

This goal was met, proven by the overwhelming response claiming that the speeches, PSAs, and assemblies profoundly affected the student body.

OP/ED

APRIL 2010 EDITORIALS

Who let the dogs in?

It was a typical day at Massapequa High School – the halls were crowded, the cart lady was selling her palatable cookies, and the students were hyped over yet another piece of gossip.

But this time, it wasn’t about the latest cat-fight or last weekend’s events. Drug dogs were sweeping the halls, scoping out any paraphernalia ranging from drugs to weapons.

An outsider wouldn’t have assumed that anything about the school day was different because, in all honesty, it wasn’t. As most of the staff and student body had expected, nothing was found during the initial investigation except a few scents of which the dog warned his holder. After analyzing the three lockers at which the dog stopped, investigators found nothing except normal school books, jackets, and backpacks, according to Dr. Grossane.

The only true newsworthy material that arose from the infamous “drug dog” came the next day in a classroom when a bag of marijuana was found underneath the radiator when a student was looking for her cell phone battery on the floor. Couple this with the fact that the marijuana was so old that it had lost most of its potency and the results are obvious: either there are no drugs in Massapequa High School (highly unlikely) or the warning of the dogs made it so.

So what now? Is this considered a major victory for the town on its war against drugs? Absolutely not. The only thing this proves is that students don’t bring drugs to school, which should have been assumed before the investigation that cost a total of $1,500.

The inconclusive information was not beneficial for anyone and has caused a gap in our taxpayers’ wallets.

OPINION

However, it was deemed necessary by active community members and administration and the Board of Eductation of the Massapequa School District. The issue of hiring a private contractor to bring a dog to the school was unanimously passed by the Board of Education and applauded by its audience that watched in hope of the start of a drug free environment.

“I think it was a good way to show the community that our students don’t bring drugs to school,” said Senora Schellberg, a Spanish teacher at MHS. Her class agreed that it was a symbolic measure to prove to the community that the school’s attempts to keep its students safe after the local drug bust of Doctor Saji Francis, owner of the practice right next to the school who sold medications without prescriptions to teenagers.

Dr. Grossane agreed as well. “I was satisfied; I didn’t think we would find anything.”

But not everyone feels the same. “It wasn’t needed,” said junior Michael Albaranes. “Who would be stupid enough to bring drugs to the school?” Many students agree, claiming that the only benefit was getting out of class for the assembly.

Some good did come from the investigation, however. As Superintendent of Schools Mr. Sulc said at a Board of Education meeting, “The first step to a drug free environment is a drug free school.”

Granted, this is only one of the first steps the school board must take if it truly wants a drug free community.

If its members solely want to prove to the worried parents and teachers that the school has no part of the drug war, then this is where their involvement should end.

BY CHRIS RIOTTA

like,” he said, reassuring the American people that, while his approval ratings have sloped since he first took office, he will continue to push for the goals he promised during his campaign.

Not everyone was for the passing of the bill, including some MHS students like sophomore John Lollo. “I think a $940 billion bill isn’t what this economy needs now. Jobs are what this economy needs, and if that was government’s primary concern then health care would become more affordable.”

The divisive bill is probably one of Obama’s biggest accomplishments as President, but not his most controversial. After his decision to close the Guantanamo Bay facilities, the President’s approval ratings slipped almost 20 percent, according to Rasmussen Reports. He has recently gained some approval after his stance on Afghanistan and recent speeches regarding employment in America. So far, health care reform has only lifted his ratings as President.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has said that the legislation will cut the deficit by over $130 billion in the next ten years and give coverage to 32 million Americans

Txtings not wt it used 2 b

Sending a picture message may not be as innocent as it used to be. Almost everybody over the age of thirteen owns a cell phone, has a Facebook, uses Twitter, or some combination of the three. Ultimately, the texting can get out of hand, but there is a new form of texting that’s been crossing the line as well. Now, the trend of “sexting” – or the distribution or possession of sexually explicit messages, pictures, and/or videos – is increasing at an alarming rate.

Not only is the practice just morally repugnant, but it’s also against the law. In a recent case, three teenage girls allegedly sent nude or semi-nude cell phone pictures of themselves to three male classmates in a western Pennsylvania high school. All six students were charged with child pornography possession and/or distribution.

Last October, an eighth-grader from Texas spent the night in a juvenile detention center after his football coach found a nude picture on his cell phone that a fellow student sent him. In a recent survey of 653 teenagers (ages 13 to 19) by the National Campaign to Support Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 20 percent admitted to sending or posting nude/semi-nude photos or videos of themselves for others to see, and 39 percent of teens admitted to have sent or posted sexually explicit messages to others.

The biggest problem with sexting is finding a way to make it stop.

Unfortunately, technology is ahead of the law. Currently, there are no laws against sexting in and of itself. Instead, the court has placed the offense under the jurisdiction of child pornography laws. Someone who is caught with the possession of or is distributing sexually

Healthcare bill passes by slight margin NEWS EDITOR

In tears, Michele Clyde watched as 219 votes for the historic health care legislation was cast. “This isn’t real; this has to be a dream,” said Michele, a 47 year-old Long Island mother of two suffering from non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a deadly cancer, who can no longer find a health care insurer to provide her with coverage due to her pre-existing condition.

“This is the bill that will save my life.” The health care bill that was voted on March 21 is designed to help people just like Michele. For her, the bill will now make it illegal for health care insurance companies to deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions.

Her child, 24 year old Anthony, who is struggling to find a job after college, will now be allowed to remain under her insurance plan until age 26.

Michele wasn’t the only one awaiting this bill’s passage. President Obama, seemingly ecstatic over the 219 vote, was giving out high-fives and Tweeting his slogan “Yes We Can.” Shortly after the final vote, Obama addressed the nation in a widely-televised speech. “This is what change looks

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without insurance. These strong words have been attacked by Republicans as “inappropriately left,” yet the Committee claims their only interest is the budget.

For people like Michele Clyde, the legislation passed by the President will ultimately save her life. For people POLITICAL CARTOON

explicit messages or photos is actually charged as a sex offender and must register as such if convicted. In other words, they are put on the same list as someone who has raped 10 people.

But how do we stop it altogether?

Basically, we remember all of the security tips our parents gave us. “The problem with the new technology in this case is that it provides a false sense of security,” Mr. Piotrowski said. Everything online can be retrieved, even if it is deleted. Everything sent out can be seen by anyone. Employers, college recruiters, teachers, coaches, parents, friends, enemies, strangers, anyone can see it.

Consider how the recipient will react as well. Just because a picture is sent to a boyfriend or girlfriend of however many years or months doesn’t mean that he or she will see it the same way. People can never be sure what others will do with those files.The practice of sexting is not uncommon. Over 40 percent of the girls interviewed said they were under “pressure from guys.”

Educating people who use these technologies of their risk is imperative in preventing the problem from increasing even more, according to Mr. Piotrowski. Who also reported that teachers has recently attended a staff development session on the topic of sexting and cyber bullying. There will be plenty of “first amendment infringement talk” as this issue rises in Congress, so we have to educate ourselves on the risk of exercising this right.

In the long run, nothing is private, and nothing can be taken back. Sexting is a huge contemporary issue and the only way to fix it is with common sense and education. So next time you open up a new picture message, beware – it might not be what you expect.

like John Lollo, the bill will give new reason for revitalized debate against the majority congressional party. While it seems the American people will never find a common ground, one thing is certain: we will continue to progress as one single nation, with liberty and healthcare for all.

APRIL 2010

OP/ED

THE CHIEF 5

Formspring: To Use or Not to Use

Formspring.me is a newly popular website that allows visitors to ask any question to its users in complete anonymity. Already, the site has begun to stir controversy. Some say that the growth of this social media outlet has given power to millions of cyber bullies and internet “hate-mongrels” to attack teenagers across the globe. However, others claim that the site has the potential to be a means for teens to express their thoughts.

Point

BY NICK BARBIERI COPY EDITOR

I’m sure those of you that have heard of the website formspring.me already have your opinions on the subject, but if you truly see it as a negative site, personally, I feel you’re dead wrong.

Sure, I had my doubts when I first got a profile on the site, and yes, people can say hurtful things on it—but that does not make it a bad site! You don’t have to take everything said to heart.

In no way do I condone people making fun of others via formspring; to be quite honest it is rude and foolish.

However, you cannot blame the site for that; you can only blame the people that are posting, the ones who are too afraid to say what’s on their mind without the assistance of an anonymous button.

Upon signing up for the site, you must expect that people will be rude. Sadly,

Counterpoint

it’s human nature; I certainly expected it, and I got rude comments. Did I take them to heart? Not at all. If people are being rude, you need to have the strength to just brush it off, and focus on the positive things.

My response was, “Not at all. I’m actually pretty against it and not afraid to say at all that I think it’s complete bull.

People who have had it are merely infatuated/obsessed and are mistaking it for love.”

As it is clearly shown in the aforemen“If people are being rude, you need to tioned example, the site have the strength to just brush it off, is not bad at all for this fact alone: I bet you and focus on the positive things.” probably just learned something about me What are those positive things? that you probably didn’t know before.

Those would be the questions that ac- That is what’s so great about the site, for tually have deep meaning. Let’s take every obnoxious person asking quesan example directly from my profile: tions on it, there is another that asks An anonymous person asked me, “do u serious and thought-provoking ones. I believe in love at first sight?” I became personally believe that this is what the pretty ecstatic when I saw the question, site is for, and it would be great if more because it’s meaningful, and this is a people used the site in that manner. To topic that I actually feel strongly about. those kids who do get hurtful questions

and are genuinely upset by it—delete your page! There is no harm in not having a page, but just know that you are missing out on some pretty deep questions that may come your way.

Finally, you can learn a lot about what people think about you on this site.

People can be quite pushy and opinionated, as seen when people tend to know who you like, or what you like to do.

Yes, those people can be wrong, but I have to say, no matter how wrong they are, it is interesting to know what people are thinking. Furthermore, if you don’t like it, you can act to alter the way they think or simply do nothing and don’t let it bother you. Therefore, formspring.me is an interesting site—you can learn a lot from having one, and others can learn a lot about you. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into before you make one.

said on Formspring.me should be taken now face will follow them forever. And to heart and that you should be able to it was all because of an overly-dramatic tell the difference between harmless internet bashing-session that turned It’s a Friday night, and you’re pokes at you and serious ones…but ruthless. sitting and talking with a few of your maybe not everyone can. If a person The vulnerability that we are givclosest friends. On the inside, you’re chooses to end his life, we may never ing in to is massive. The hatred that secretly praying that they won’t ask you know the exact reason why; but would we are spreading is massive. The unsome questions that you would prefer you want it to be because some words necessary drama that we are causing not to answer. The next morning you that were written on Formspring.me is massive. Formspring.me should not wake up and log on to Formspring.me to got out of hand? There may come a be abused; it should not be used as an find a deluge of questions from…well, day when someone writes the wrong online “Burn Book.” that’s just it…you don’t know. thing to the wrong person.

This website has done nothing but Some of these questions are funny, “This website has done nothing but expose the To some, I may be blowing expose the raw immaturity and shallowthis a tad out of proportion, ness that flourishes throughout teenagsome are compliments, and others are personal raw immaturity and shallowness that flourishes but it is better to be safe ers alike. Is it really necessary to post than sorry. rude, overly-dramatic, and most likely or inappropriate ques- throughout teenagers alike” Recently, at Central untrue comments about people who may tions followed up by a Dauphin East High School even be your so-called “friends?” The few – wait scratch that – a ton of insulting comments. And yet, the words written on them are anything in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, a fight answer is no.

There is no benefit whatsoever what do you do? You answer them. But but thought-provoking or nice; rather, broke out. The fight, which began while the question is, if you wouldn’t have they’re just a mix of downright nasty the students were switching classes, re- when it comes to publically, or virtuanswered these questions for your clos- and almost vicious things – being writ- sulted in girls punching each other, but ally, bashing each other on the internet. est friends, why would you answer it to ten with erroneous grammar if I might it truly originated with the girls punch- Maybe one day Formspring.me users an anonymous person who really, could add – by pathetic teenagers who hide ing at the keyboards. The reason of the will open their eyes to the mess they’ve be anyone? Is it just me, or does this not behind the hypnotizing screens of their fight is unknown, however it is believed given into and see how vulnerable they that the fight began as a Formspring. have made themselves because of this make any sense? computers.

First it was MySpace, then FaThese teenagers are often con- me internet brawl and culminated in website.

Remember when I said that this cebook, and now, Formspring.me has sumed with belittling others to make the halls the following day according jumped into the lives of teenagers and themselves feel better, and now, they to ABC 27 News on WHTM.com. The website is spreading like wildfire? Well, it is spreading exponentially. The Indi- can do that within the comforts of their fight, described as “vicious” by Lt. Gary like wildfire, it is destroying and ruining anapolis-based social media site created own home…sad, isn’t it? I remember Seefeldt, called for the attention of the everything in its path. And its users are in 2009 that allows you to create a “box” the days when a bully had to go to the police. The girls involved in the riot, letting it. This is a clear exploitation of ranging from three 14, 15 and 16-year- pure cyber-bullying at its finest. The that allows your friends or followers to sandbox to belittle a kid. ask you questions anonymously. But One of the first lessons that we olds, all face felony riot charges. Be- only thing that we are gaining from it’s high school, and there is always that learned in kindergarten was that if you cause of Formspring.me, seven young it is hate. The hate needs to stop. One one person who takes something too far, have nothing nice to say, then don’t girls have left a permanent streak on comment or question could change who crosses the line between harmless say anything at all…and yet, it’s so their reputation; the charges that they your life. fun and obnoxious. Maybe we should unfortunate that we can’t even abide by The Chief Editorial Staff actually try thinking before we speak… that simple and easy lesson. Despite the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF FEATURE EDITOR or rather, type. many despicable comments and quesNoelle Witt Tyler Novet Remember that old saying, “Keep tions you write on Formspring.me, in ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR your friends close, but your enemies the end it will only make you less of a MANAGING EDITOR Tom Strong-Grinsell closer?” This website is the validation person. It will probably only make you Anthony Cassero LAYOUT EDITOR of that saying. Who needs friends when feel worse for exposing such cruelty Lauren Reisig BUSINESS MANAGER you can get home from school, instan- towards another person.

PHOTO EDITOR Lynn Horowitz taneously log on to Formspring.me and Individuals should at least try to Paige Snider read outlandish and nasty comments or have the decency and the class to keep NEWS EDITOR COPY EDITORS questions? their immature thoughts and opinions Chris Riotta Sara Pickles Maybe it’s just me, but I can to themselves. Think I’m exaggerating Nick Barbieri OPINION EDITOR think of a lot more productive, satis- a little bit? There is even a Facebook Eileen Liebler Jenna Fratello factory, and beneficial things that you group entitled “Formspring.me is going ADVISER could do instead of fawning over your to cause the suicide of teenagers.”

Elyn Coyle computer screen answering or reading Yes, I agree that not everything

BY JENNA FRATELLO OPINION EDITOR

comments that most likely lower your self-confidence, insult you, or make you feel uncomfortable.

Now, I’m not saying that every question or comment that a user receives has negative intentions, and I’m not saying that you won’t receive a few compliments or actual thought-provoking and insightful questions here and there. Yet by the looks of a few Formspring.me profiles that I have seen, a majority of

THE CHIEF 6

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THE CHIEF 7

The

DOS & DON’TS

Distracted Driving Brings Disaster

BY MORGAN MAXWELL STAFF WRITER

In 2010, technology is a huge part of our lives.

But can technology affect us in a negative way while on the road? Using cell phones, texting, playing with the radio, fidgeting with the controls and blasting your music in the car are all things that could possibly be harmful to you or someone else on the road.

Talking on a cell phone while driving is more hazardous than driving while intoxicated according to 1800duilaws.com. The site reports that when a person was on the phone while driving, he or she had a harder time keeping a safe distance from the car in front of him than a person who was intoxicated. Also, studies have proven that a driver who was on the phone while driving was less likely to keep a constant speed than an intoxicated person.

Similarly, when you are on the phone while driving, you have one hand on the wheel, which can be very dangerous, for if something sudden happens you will not be able to react as quickly. During this process, you also have your head tilted on your shoulder, which can again make it difficult to react quickly in comparison to someone maintaining normal posture.

There are also many consequences for driving while on a cell phone. If a police officer catches you on the phone or texting while driving, you will receive a ticket. A good way to avoid talking on the phone while driving is either to call the person back when you are not driving or pull over to talk to the person if it is an emergency.

Texting while driving is equally

as dangerous as driving while talking on a cell phone. When a person texts and drives at once he or she is not completely focused on the road; instead, the person is looking down at his cell

Edmunds.com, if a driver is blasting his or her music while driving, the driver will not be able to hear emergency sounds such as sirens, horns or motorist.

Joanne Maxwell, a concerned

source: tampabaycriminaldefenseawyerblog.com

phone and is more focused on it then the road ahead of him. A student from Massapequa High School said, “Texting and driving is almost as bad as drinking.

You have no ability to see what you’re doing; when you drive your one focus should be the road, not the phone.”

Other studies from Edmunds. com have shown that fidgeting with your controls or the radio can also be a big distraction to the driver because you are looking down at the radio or the control and focusing more on that than driving itself, which causes accidents. Even something as innocent as blasting your favorite song can be distracting to the driver. According to

parent, said, “Blasting the music while driving is very distracting to the driver.

It is important to hear as much as see when driving. If you blast the music you could possibly cause a fatal accident.” Hearing is just as important as seeing while driving.

In 2009, 31 percent of all drivers fell asleep while driving, which caused 1,550 deaths, 71,000 injuries, and $12.5 billion in monetary losses annually according to 1800duilaws. com. Adults that are more likely to drive while drowsy are in the age group of eighteen to twenty-nine, and adults with children are more likely to drive drowsy than adults without children.

have to prove the death resulted directly from the accident, caused by a negligent driver, according to criminalattorney. com. A negligent driver can be someone taking part in careless behaviors such as drinking and driving, texting while driving, being under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, or simply not paying attention, disregarding the lives of others.

Breathalyzer tests are administered to suspicious drivers that are suspected of driving while under the influence. If a person’s BAC (blood alcohol content) is over .08, the person can be arrested for DWI (driving while intoxicated) as reported by nydmv.com.

When a vehicular manslaughter case is brought to the attention of a court room, it can be ruled as a misdemeanor, or a felony, depending on the level of seriousness in the situation, as well as the driver’s state of being. A grossly negligent person, meaning someone who was driving under the influence, would be charged more heavily than

they weren’t paying attention, according to criminalattorney.com. Prior convictions may also come into play when judging an occurrence of vehicular manslaughter.

The crime penalties are broken up between the different counts of vehicular manslaughter. If the crime is judged in the first or second degree, it is considered to be a felony, which is judged much more severely than a misdemeanor, according to criminaldefensefirm.com.

John Brosnan, a former police officer living in Massapequa said, “I don’t understand how people can act so irresponsibly…it’s ridiculous really how unconscious people can be about their actions, and the direct affects they have on other innocent people.”

As a concerned police officer in New York City exposed to irresponsible driving, John Brosnan wishes to raise awareness to those who are impaired and despite this impairment, still choose to drive. “I live in a community with

of Driving

This, however, can easily be avoided: if you are feeling drowsy before getting into a car do not drive, for it can put your life and someone else’s life in danger. Instead, you can see if someone else can drive you or take a cab home in order to prevent accidents in the future.

Other distractions while driving are chatting with friends, eating, taking a long drive while you are angry or looking at a map. Edmunds.com states that young drivers are more likely to get into accidents with young passengers in the car than those who are driving alone. For example, if your friend says something shocking, your reaction could be to turn around and look at them, which ultimately would distract you and cause an accident. Similarly, when a person is staring at a map he or she is more focused on where he or she needs to be than the road itself.

When you are eating while driving, both hands are not on the steering wheel, making it hard for the driver to react quickly in case of an emergency. Instead, you park or pull over and then eat your food or wait until you get to your destination to eat.

According the edmunds.com, when you take a long drive while you are angry, your judgment is off and it is almost as if you are driving drunk.

Edmunds.com studies have proven that when you’re angry and driving you are less likely to realize that you are flooring the gas pedal. To avoid this, wait until you calm down before you get on the road.

There are many distractions while driving. These, however, are very easy to avoid. The more you avoid these common distractions the less accidents there will be on the road.

Careless drivers can be charged with vehicular manslaughter slaughter did occur, a lawyer would someone who was negligent, meaning a high school full of teen drivers, so I

BY KRISTINA BARRY STAFF WRITER

Picture this: You’re driving down a road that is familiar to you. The tires are making their way down the street as you drive completely responsibly. Then, out of no where your car is hit, totaled, destroyed…despite the fact that you were driving with complete sensibility and caution. Sadly, that’s the daily risk people face driving on roads. A person is only as safe as the least responsible driver when out on the road.

Vehicular Manslaughter, although rare, occurs as a direct result of another person’s carelessness on the road. Vehicular Manslaughter is defined as the unintentional, unlawful killing of a human as the result of a car accident.

Forty-seven states in America have vehicular homicide statutes, meaning someone has been a victim of a negligent driver. Alaska, Montana, and Arizona are the only states that do not have legal statutes in place, according to bikeportland.org.

In order to prove that the man-

have every reason to worry,” said John Brosnan.

Another police officer and Massapequa resident, Donald Barry, said “I pull over way too many people annually whose BAC levels are way too high. I just don’t understand the lack of initiative people choose to take. How hard is it to pick up the phone and call a cab?”

Although drinking prior to driving is not a requirement to be convicted of vehicular manslaughter, it severely increases the degree of severity used to come to a verdict about the future of the person criminally charged.

Vehicular manslaughter should most certainly never be a lawsuit brought to court because it should never occur in the first place. Responsible driving, and driving while completely aware of your surroundings is all it takes to save your life, and potentially another.

THE CHIEF 8

APRIL 2010

Driving safely always a priority

BY NOELLE WITT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The time period during which a person learns to drive is quite possibly the only time when driving does not seem a natural process. As kids, we constantly nagged our parents to help us—whether for entertainment purposes, like putting on The Lion King soundtrack, or convenience purposes, like putting the lid back on our apple juice sippy cup—while they attempted to keep their eyes on the road.

There’s a lot more to driving than entertainment and convenience, however, and the unfortunate truth is that safety is often sacrificed for these reasons.

Driving, as many actions are in life, is an interactive process. A lot of accidents could be avoided if roads were only driven on by one person at a time, avoiding contact with those who might assume you are taking a different direction or turning at a different point than you had originally planned.

This slight difference can cause a major automotive accidents, leaving drivers fearful and paranoid to take on the road.

It’s important to remember, however, that we’re in a technological age; an age defined by the speed and efficiency at which activities can be performed. Cars are part of this process, and with increased environmental protection creating more functional automobile usage, they have become a necessity.

Learning the ways of the road is the first step in a successful driving career, and observation courses can provide this. MHS offers a Driver’s Education Program three times a year: fall, spring, and summer. The community has driving schools including Hanna Defensive Driving School and AAA, (All County Driving School) that can aid an individual in initiating safe driving skills.

In order to participate in these programs, a learner’s permit must be obtained from the DMV, located in Massapequa, Garden City, Bethpage, Huntington, and Hauppauge.

According to the school website, MHS “is one of five New York State high schools that participated in a pilot program in June 2006 with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allowing students age 16 or older to take their learners permit test online at the school.” Due to the program’s success, these testing days are offered regularly in room 217, in which students may participate if they bring student identification and a five dollar fee.

Throughout Driver’s Education, students “discuss hypothetical and actual situations that occur on roadways,” said Mr. Shapiro, Drivers Education teacher at MHS. These situations stress the interactivity of driving as one of the primary causes of accidents; many do not realize that just because a person has the right of way does not mean that he is going to be given it according to the University of Kentucky Police Department. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that “in attention causes 68 percent of rear-end crashes.” It is for this reason that a driver must remain alert and attentive at all

times while driving, for even a minor mistake can cause a massive mishap.

These minor mistakes are often caused by simple distractions—an attraction on the side of the road, a friend in the passenger seat, music that is played too loudly.

In recent years, texting has become a prominent distraction as text messaging plans are upgraded to unlimited and cell phone possession has transitioned from a symbol of status to a necessity. Texting while driving increases the chance of an accident 23 times according to Ezine Articles.

It is for this reason that in August of this year Governor David A. Paterson of New York signed a law banning the use of text or picture messaging on a handheld device. If violated, individuals may face fines up to 150 dollar.

Driving while under the influence is even more perilous: 40 percent of deaths under the age of 24 are caused by alcohol-related crashes according to the Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Reports. The current BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) limit is .08, a value that seems often to be ignored based on the high percentage of related deaths.

This problem has caused New York State to crack down on driving while under the influence laws.

The STOP-DWI law has increased police enforcement of security and allowed for more impaired drivers to be found, as reported by the NYS DMV. If stopped by an officer while impaired as an adult, consequences may include a “fine, mandatory surcharge, license revocation, higher insurance premiums, and a possible jail sentence.” As students of MHS, however, we cannot legally consume alcohol; if found under the influence while driving, an individual’s license will be confiscated for a year (plus the consequences of underage drinking must be faced) according to the DMV. Steps have been taken in the community to decrease the constancy of unsafe driving – just last May, MHS participated in the Act Out Loud: Raising Voices for Safe Teen Driving Contest and won second place for its video in the countrywide competition.

The competition was sponsored by the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) and funded

by The Allstate Foundation according to The Massapequa Observer.

It is through sponsorship such as this that students are able to understand the true impact of the necessity of driving safety. Programs that help to encourage learning the ways of the road will ultimately help the entire driving community.

It is vital to take these distractions into consideration, for driving is a process that takes time and energy to perfect. Its interactivity causes a need for practice and awareness that can only be achieved through preparation and experience – as Mr. Shapiro said, “Expect other drivers and pedestrians to do the unexpected.”

DON DON CRA CRA

MHS SPEAKS! “Texting probably while I’m driving, but I don’t normally do it. But I do tend to be more safe than your average teen.”

-Beth Minowitz “Speeding in 25mph-zone.”

-Peter Peranzo “I don’t do bad things while I’m driving; it’s the only thing I take serious in life.”

- Ray Torre

“Texting whil - Jana Jarell

APRIL 2010

THE CHIEF 9

N’T N’T ASH ASH

source: caraccidents.com

What are the most dangerous actions MHS students have done while driving?

le driving.”

“Blasting my music too loud while singing as I’m driving and totally not realize there’s a stop sign.”

- Jenna Derasmo “Once I made a really fast right turn from the left lane.”

- Maria Cafiero

Mr. Shapiro sheds light on driving

BY AGATHA LA FATA STAFF WRITER

Mr. Shapiro, the head instructor of Drivers Education at MHS, informed students of what is involved in the learning process and how to be a safe driver.

Q: How does Drivers Ed help student become more aware on the road?

A: We discuss hypothetical and actual situations that occur on roadways. We use class notes and quizzes in addition to problem solving techniques to determine the best methods we can apply id we find ourselves in these predicaments.

Q: What is the topic most spoken about to reach out towards the students?

A: Expect other drivers and pedestrians to do the unexpected.

Q: What is the main focus of Drivers Ed other than to keep students more aware and safe?

A: Legal responsibilities and being prepared for unusual road conditions especially changing weather.

Q: Can you explain the grading system used to pass Drivers Ed?

A: Students must have24 hours of lecture and 24 hours of driving to meet the NYS requirements. A project and [assign a midterm and final exam are also required.

Q: Do you think students are bringing their knowledge that they have learned in class on the road?

A: I have had students come back and tell me how they knew the proper way to handle driving situation based on what they learned in class. I also have heard of some students who have ignored all the proper rules of the road and have gotten in to accidents I would like to believe that most students have learned enough in class to be “better than average” drivers when they get their licenses.

Q: Do you have any quick suggestions for safe driving?

you.

A: - Give yourself a “space cushion.”

- Keep at least a 3 second following distance from the car in front of

- Eliminate as many distractions in your car as possible when you drive so you can concentrate on the road.

- Become a courteous motorist.

DontBY AGATHA make ur nxt txt ur last tooth. “Banning texting makes people LA FATA STAFF WRITER

Tempted to text or open a message while you’re driving? Well, it is officially one of the most dangerous distractions facing teen drivers today. New York’s ban on texting while driving has b e e n i n e ff e c t since November 1, 2009 and you can be sure that law enforcement officers all over the state will be enforcing the law to let drivers know they are taking it seriously.

Now drivers can be slapped with a ticket that rivals their cell phone bills due to the law banning texting, e-mailing, instant messaging or browsing the Internet while driving.

The New York texting while driving law carries no points, but a fine of up to 150 dollars can be imposed on first time violators. A recent study found that drivers who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident than a driver who is not texting.

If you must return a text, pull over to do so, or you can do what people did before texting became prevalent; call the person you want to talk to. Just make sure you use a hands-free device like a blue

feel good and makes it look like you’re doing something, but you’re not tackling the more difficult problem” David Strayer, a professor at the University of Utah said. “It misses the larger point.”

Studies done on young drivers aged 17 to 24 show that writing or reading text messages reduced reaction time by 35 percent according to www.potsdam.edu.

In comparison, reaction time dropped 21 percent for those under the influence of marijuana and 12 percent for those who were legally intoxicated by alcohol.

In other words, texting while driving is more dangerous than driving drunk or intoxicated. According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2002 more than 950 deaths and 240,000 accidents were related to cell phone use.

Anytime you are behind the wheel of a car, your first and only priority should be to drive safely. Also, it’s important not to look at your phone because you’re not going to be focusing on the road, but instead texting or browsing.

“You could be slapped with a ticket that rivals your cell phone bill”

THE CHIEF 10

APRIL 2010

Toyota moves foward a little too much

BY JENNA FRATELLO STAFF WRITER

The Toyota slogan “Moving forward,” may have become be a bit too literal.

One of the largest conglomerates in the world, it has recently encountered an even larger dilemma. Beginning in September 2009, the dealership issued a recall list of roughly 3.8 million vehicles in its Lexus brand due to troubled floor mats that were believed to be coming untangled with the accelerator pedal after a San Diego car crash. The crash initiated when the floor mat snagged the gas pedal and sent it up to about 120 miles per hour and resulted in a crash into a nearby SUV. At the time, the mats were given the blame for the accident and the recall was predicted to be one of the largest in automotive history, according to associatedcontent.com. The predictions proved to be right, although the floor mats soon proved to be the wrong scapegoat.

In January 2010, a remedy for its slippery cars was yet to be found. The company’s reputation for durability and quality hit its breaking point when it announced the recall of some 2.3 million cars.

The list, which encompasses some 8.5 million cars, has caused a skyrocketing rise in costs according to CBS News – $5.9 billion is the expected price for Toyota as reported by associates at JP Morgan.

A Toyota Prius crash occurred in Harrison, New York on March 10. The driver claimed that the vehicle voluntarily accelerated and drove into a stone wall after it sped across a driveway, according to the New York Times. The 2005 Prius was then taken into a police parking lot, where it was observed that

Celebrity influence on drunk driving

BY MORGAN MAXWELL STAFF WRITER

Most Americans have been educated on the harmful effects of drinking and driving, people still engage in these harmful situations, and most of the time the result is tragic. One third of all traffic fatalities are caused by driving while intoxicated according to RandomHistory. com. Are celebrities to blame for this new epidemic?

People copy celebrities constantly, from the clothes they wear to the things they like, and above all, to the actions they take. “You always see celebrities being arrested for DUI’s and DWI’s and it’s really sad because so many kids look up to these people, and they should realize that they do have young children and teens looking up to them,” Taylor Milano, a student at MHS, said. So,

source:ecarsavenue.com-prius

its front end was severely pushed in, with a broken front bumper and headlight. However, later reports stated that the driver never appllied the brakes.

MHS junior Jason Celaru, who drives a Toyota Avalon, encountered some problems when he brought his car to be inspected after seeing it on the recall list. “The recall people were terrible, they actually left a huge wrench in the hood of the car, between these two metal rods, and they said it was safe to drive.

They left the car on the street unlocked and with the keys in it. With regards to

when a child sees his or her idol getting promoted awareness against drinking arrested for driving while intoxicated, and driving, and less celebrities received this suddenly becomes an ok course of DUI, maybe we would have less people action. drinking and driving.

Celebrities such as, Lindsey LoNow, although many celebrities han, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Heath- have gained fame from their DWI and er Locklear, Joba Chamberlain, Mat- DUI arrests, one would be remiss if one thew McCoy, did not and Kh l o e acknowlKardashian “They are corrupting the naïve minds edge the have all been of the youth of America” positive charged with s t e p s a DUI. The many ceproblem with this is not only that these lebrities are taking to stop drunk drivpeople drive while intoxicated and put ing in its tracks. Organizations like their lives and lives of others at risk, but M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk young children and teenagers look up to Driving) have set up celebrity boards. them. If teens and kids look up to these According to the M.A.D.D. website, celebrities and see them driving while these celebrity boards, established in intoxicated, they might think it’s cool 2003, include big names like Maya to drink and drive. If more celebrities Angelou, Vanessa Carlton, Naomi Judd,

the actual recall, the car seems to be fine, and the pedal doesn’t seem so hard to push,” he said.

A survey was released this month by the Automotive Lease Guide that showed that Toyota has received a fallen score of 67.6 in terms of its quality, according to the Wall Street Journal.

A loss of potential and present customers has been a risk that the dealership has to prepare itself for.

However, the Automotive Lease Guide also released a survey showing the reactions of its users. They found that 70 percent of consumers with intentions of purchasing a Toyota prior to the recall still plan to buy one in the future, with only a mere 13 percent saying that they would not purchase one of the vehicles and a remainder of people saying that they would only purchase one if the issue was completely resolved.

The fate of the once durable and trustable business of vehicles may need to take a few more drives around the bend until a proper solution is found.

Interested in buying a new car? A Toyota may not be that horrible of a choice if you’re a risk taker. Just don’t “move forward” too much.

and Serena Williams. Other organizations, like R.A.D.D. (Recording Artists, Actors, and Athletes Against Drunk Driving, an Australian organization, boasts of the hundreds of celebrities who are taking up the fight to stop drunk driving. The list includes actors Jamie Lee Curtis and Eric Bana, musicians Black Eyed Peas and Gwen Stefani, and athlete Shaquille O’Neil.

However, despite how many celebrities join the crusade against drunk driving, as long as there are those who continue to drive while intoxicated, children and teenagers will follow in their misguiding footsteps. They are corrupting the naïve minds of the youth of America.

This article was contributed by Jenna Fratello and Lauren Reisig.

Celebrity DUI Cases

source: dailyblabber.ivillage.com

She was reported as saying that her DUI arrest was “just nothing.”

–Paris Hilton

source: blogs.villagevoice.com

source: alt.coxnewsweb.com

“I grew up in New York, the land of people who don’t have to drive. It’s always been the toughest thing about living in L.A. for me...

I usually try not to get behind the wheel.” –Mischa Barton

“I don’t think Mr. Trump made the right decision. I’m trying to fix something I did wrong. It just sucks that I had to go out this way. I don’t want people to remember this way. But it is what it is…” –Khloe Kardashian

source: justjared.buzznet.com

“After drinking alcohol on Thursday night I did a number of things that were very wrong, and for which I am ashamed. I drove a car when I shouldn’t have…” –Mel Gibson

ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL 2010

THE CHIEF 11

Return. Revenge. Redemption.

BY TOM STRONG-GRINSELL ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Outwit. Outplay. Outlast. That’s what the Survivor mantra has been for the past ten years and nineteen seasons, but for its twentieth season Survivor has done something completely different than ever before; they pitted ten of the most heroic players and ten of the most notorious villains to ever play the game against each other.

For the special twentieth season, the shows mantra has changed to “Return, Revenge, Redemption.” For the twenty returning castaways, it is guaranteed to be an intense season for them due to the extenuating conditions and the competition. It’s also going to be one interesting mess to watch, and this season is guaranteed to get ugly quick.

The twenty castaways range from all-time favorites such as Rupert Boneham (originally from Survivor Pearl Islands) to Russell Hantz, the notorious villain from Survivor Samoa who is the only member of the cast who no one has seen in action before. Additionally, the well-liked Tom Westerman, from Sayville, who won Survivor Palau, will be part of the cast. There are also three other winners, returning, villains San-

dra Diaz-Twine (Pearl Islands), Parvati Shallow (Micronesia), and hero J.T. (Tocantins).

This cast has some of the strongest players ever to play survivor such as James, Colby and Rupert; the notorious villains Jerri, Sandra, Russell and Boston Rob, those likeable and sometimes flirtatious castaways like Amanda, Cirie,

The new Jim Carrey

BY KYLE MAHONEY STAFF WRITER

Every generation has a few actors that capture the true spirit of that generation, and Michael Cera is that actor for our time. From humble beginnings as George Michael Bluth on the comedy Arrested Development for 3 seasons, voicing Brother Bear on The Berenstain Bears and Josh Spitz on Braceface; Cera has grown to be one of the most popular comedic actors.

His first film for which he became very popular was Judd Apatow’s Superbad, in which he, as Evan, teamed up with Seth and Fogell “McLovin” as this movie became a quotable legend.

Later on, he starred in Juno alongside Ellen Page as Paulie Bleeker, and with Kat Dennings in a somewhat similar pair as Nick in Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist.

Additionally, Cera was in a “Hybrid Documentary” (blending fiction

and nonfiction content) with his rumored sweetheart Charlyne Yi called Paper Heart, which discussed the topic of Love. In his next film, he appeared as the gatherer Oh alongside Jack Black in the humorous comedy Year One which gave a comical look at biblical events.

In his most recent movie he played Nick Twisp and Twisp’s alter ego François Dillinger in Youth in Revolt.

Many people accuse Michael Cera of playing the same character in every movie. I agree with this statement, however, I offer this as a rebuttal: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Cera’s acting has earned him 4 awards and 5 nominations (he was nominated twice for the same award for his work in Juno and Superbad.) So, Cera’s critics should wait until they get 4 awards and 5 nominations before they badmouth him. On a scale of 1 to 10, Michael Cera is a solid 8 … and that’s inching up on Jim Carrey status.

source:cinemalend.com

Danielle, Parvati, Courtney, Sugar and Candace; and then there is the comic relief who would be Randy, Tyson and

have to see how it plays out to see if the end game keeps the ratings increasing. The only hints I can say about this game is that two hidden immunity idols will be played in the same tribal council and there will be no tribe switch up or Exile Island.

The only castaways that could prove to be a legitimate threat come the merge are Russell, who will more likely than not make it to the end, as well as Parvati who forms an alliance with him early on.

Also, if Parvati joins back up with Amanda, James and Cirie from Micronesia they could source:weblog.baltimoresun.com run this game to the possibly the most idiotic player to ever end.

In the end it’s all going to come be on the show, Coach.

While the cast is an impressive down to tribal council and Jeff’s final bunch, most of these players are back word; “The tribe has spoken, it’s time for a third time; and while this is almost for you to go.” a perfect cast for many fans, we will

Alice returns to Wonderland

BY LYNN HOROWITZ BUISNESS MANAGER

Tim Burton struck again on March 5, in his new version of Alice In Wonderland, in 3D. It’s not your average Disney movie. Tim Burton, using his strange movie style, has twisted Lewis Carroll’s fairy tale into a fantasy, action packed movie.

Alice (Mia Wasikowska), a nineteen year old woman who is bored by Victorian England, attends a garden party with her mother and sister following the death of her beloved father. It has also been doubled as her engagement party, as the dull Hamish Ascot proposes to her that same day. At the same time, she sees a white rabbit and chases it to its hole.

Alice returns to Wonderland, but has no memory of the place or its residents. She must take on the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter), who is using her army to take over Wonderland, and reinstate the White Queen (Anne Hathaway) to her rightful place.

Of course there are the usual suspects. Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Cheshire Cat, Absolem the Caterpillar, and the White Rabbit are just a few, but Tim Burton has breathed new life into the movie with new scenery and monsters to back up the evil Red Queen’s army.

“We’re trying to put you right in the middle of this strange world and take you on this journey,” said Ken Ralston, senior visual effects supervisor according to Hollywood.com.

Star actor Johnny Depp continues his streak of strange roles as the Mad Hatter. From Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean to Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd to Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Depp seems to always play the strangest character in his movies.

The Mad Hatter, with orange hair and a huge top hat, has an extraordinarily large range of emotions, but Depp doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, he enjoys

source:mattsmoviereviews.net

it. “You see instantly what he’s feeling, like a mood ring,” Depp said. “His emotions are very close to the surface. He’s a fascinating character. Being able to play the Mad Hatter and breathe life into that was a dream come true.”

Stores have already jumped on the Alice in Wonderland bandwagon. Hot Topic stores even have a full section dedicated to the movie’s merchandise, previously occupied by Twilight merchandise and, prior to that, Harry Potter merchandise. The chain even hosted an “Alice Listening Party” on February 26, to listen to the movie’s soundtrack.

The movie opened March 5—hopefully you werent late for this very important date!

ENTERTAINMENT

APRIL 2010

Jersey Shore craze

1.375 million viewers, the finale tripled that, bringing in a whopping 4.8 million.

The Real World – we’re start- To compare this to another MTV reality ing to see a little too much of it even show, The Hills finished its last season though it’s signed on for another few with around 1.5 million viewers. seasons. The Hills – well, you might as Considering this difference, one well bury the cast under one since it’s would think that the cast of Jersey Shore going to be ending after the next season is getting paid thousands more than the or two. Jersey Shore – like “The Situ- main cast of The Hills; however, it’s the ation” said about himself, “Everyone exact opposite. loves me – you know, babies, dogs, hot With the announcement of a girls, cougars.” Little did he know that second season the cast also announced that they wanted a raise. The New York Post reported that the cast wants $10,000 per episode since the cast of The Hills gets paid around a whopping $100,000 per episode.

A source close to the crew said that they’re not returning without the raise in an interview with the New York Post, and guess what – they got their raise. As reported on DJ Pauly D’s Facebook fan page on source:mtv.com January 30, the whole cast will be he would also be talking returning for a second season back about the entirety of the show. at the shore... the Miami shore.

Jersey Shore premiered DecemWithin fifteen minutes of this ber 3 with a back-to-back episode open- Facebook post it was “liked” by well er that sparked controversy right from over 2,000 people, which just goes to the get-go. Numerous Italian societies show the epidemic that has evolved jumped on MTV’s back for a false por- around this show. trayal of the Italian lifestyle and MTV’s But these Guidos and Guidettes use of the words “Guido and Guidettes” do not solely command a high price in their promos for the show. Outraged for another season – DJ Pauly D, Mike viewers even went as far as threatening “The Situation” and Snooki have been people that worked for the production reported to get around $7,000 to make of the show, and extra security had to appearances at clubs and other events, be hired in front of the MTV building while Vinny can go for a much cheaper to keep the hostilities at bay. $3,500.

Even with all of the controversy The cast may have been spoof’d, and negative publicity that the show and ridiculed, but they are enjoying a received, ratings for Jersey Shore went huge success. At the end of the day... through the roof. While the back-to-back “GTL. Gym. Tanning. Laundry. That’s season opener brought in approximately how you make the guidos.”

BY TOM STRONG-GRINSELL ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

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‘Shore’ insulting to Italians?

BY BRIDGID BERGIN STAFF WRITER

It was a Thursday night on MTV when everyone was introduced to a new world of Guidos and Guidettes—the Jersey Shore. We were propelled through a reality of fist pumps, hair gel, hair “poofs,” and the everyday GTL (gym, tan, laundry) of the typical Guido in order to stay “fresh” for the ladies when hitting up the clubs in Seaside Heights with “The Situation,” J-WOWW, Pauly D, Ronnie, Vinny, Sammi Sweetheart, Snooki, and Angelina, the “Kim Kardashian of Staten Island.”

However, with this new reality comes controversy and unrest among the Italian-Americans claiming that the Jersey Shore is offensive, especially because it promotes the “Guido.” But is it really that offensive?

Okay, so here’s “the situation”— with the exploiting actions of the hit reality show’s cast, many Italians feel that the cast is bringing shame to their heritage. Yet this stereotype of a “Guido”—gelled up blowout, perfect tan, built up, a “juicehead” as J-WOWW and Snooki have referenced—has been part of American culture for awhile.

Remember the YouTube parody “My New Hair Cut” It was a clear example of poking fun at the Italian stereotype, so why is there such uproar now?

Maybe it is because this stereotype has now surfaced to national television every Thursday night; however, there have been other TV shows that pretty much debase parts of American culture.

These shows include some popular shows such as Laguna Beach in which spoiled, snobby rich kids (present in any average teenager that attends high school) are exploited. When they’re all

grown up many of them move on to shows such as The Hills or The City.

What about the stereotyping of blondes as promiscuous in everyday life on The Girls Next Door? Oh, and let us not forget about our typical dating shows that make women seem desperate for love and very provocative (if you catch my drift). The list goes on.

But there is one common thread that keeps all these shows connected: they are there to provide pure entertainment for the audience. I’m sure one of you must have run into a Guido-esque individual once in your life (or maybe you are one?) and couldn’t help but laugh at the typical stereotype, even if you are Italian!

If you watch Jersey Shore you’ve probably laughed at one action or “situation.” The cast is hilarious! While it may seem that some of the events are orchestrated and their personalities can be a bit over the top, there are many people that actually act like that in everyday life.

Mike, Jenni, Nicole, Sammy, Vinny, Ronnie, Pauly, and Angelina (yes, their real names) aren’t there to represent the mass of Italians within America; they are just representing themselves.

They’re having a good time fist pumping all night long, enjoying the summer, and becoming virtually famous because of their personalities and actions. Ultimately, the show is meant for entertainment and not to ravage the Italian heritage.

Who doesn’t want to watch people making fools of themselves, fighting, and causing drama? All of these things are why reality television is popular anyway, right?

The Hurt Locker: The best movie you’ve never seen

BY NICK BARBIERI COPY EDITOR

It has tied Avatar for the most Academy Award nominations this year (nine, to be exact). It has been awarded the honor of “Best Picture of the Year” by 20 different organizations, guilds and critic associations. It has beat Avatar in five different Oscar categories, including Best Picture. Only one movie this year has these achievements, and that is The Hurt Locker.

Possibly the most eye-opening and awe-inspiring film that I have ever seen, The Hurt Locker is undoubtedly the best film of 2009. What is most surprising to me about this is how shocked I was when The Hurt Locker began to win all of its awards. First of all, I had never heard of this movie, and second of all, I wondered how it could be beating Avatar and Up in the Air. The film is about a bomb squad team in Iraq, known as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal. Doesn’t sound too amazing, right? That’s what I thought, until I watched the movie. Never have I seen a movie that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time as this did, and never have I been able to connect with a character so easily; all of this combines to make a spellbinding film.

Suspense is something that is generally associated with horror movies and

thrillers. However, The Hurt Locker is neither of these. It is just an explosive war drama. Nevertheless, the suspense that the writer, Mark Boal, and director, Kathryn Bigelow, provide creates one of the best cinematic experiences ever.

The viewer is truly placed into the

soldier’s life is always on the line when in Iraq – at any moment the characters could die. That in and of itself provides suspense, and combining this with the fact that the movie primarily deals with explosives creates an all-time high tension level.

source: screenrant.com

shoes of a soldier. It is not the average, mediocre war movie, where events are predictable and partly unrealistic, combining to make a so-so movie. This film just feels real. It is as if this film is a documentary, and Bigelow gets tons of respect from me for doing that.

When watching, you see that the

It is clear that a soldier’s life can flash before his eyes at any given moment, for at any moment he could be taken from the world, away from family and loved ones. On paper, this may sound just slightly moving, but watching the movie is completely different. Words can’t describe the connection felt when

watching The Hurt Locker.

Getting into the mind of a soldier is something that no film has ever been able to successfully accomplish, but now due to this film it feels possible.

To see how a soldier’s mind operates and to see his or her raw emotions is something provided here, and the fear and tension that lies within is absolutely breathtaking.

The film was honored with six awards at the Academy Awards on March 7. Of these six awards, five were up against the major competitor of the night, Avatar. Each of its wins were well-deserved, and Kathryn Bigelow is now the first female in history to have won the Oscar for Best Director, and this achievement could not have gone to a more worthy woman. Its Best Picture win symbolized how a movie does not have to make over $700 million domestically to be considered an excellent film, but it truly is quality that counts.

Overall, The Hurt Locker provides excellent insight into the War on Terror that is currently taking place in Iraq, and I promise that you will have a newfound respect for soldiers after seeing this masterpiece. See this movie to experience a tour in Iraq, see this movie to feel what a soldier feels, or see this movie to see the best picture of the year, but most importantly, just see this movie.

APRIL 2010

FEATURES

Avatar: A lesson in politics

BY NICK BARBIERI COPY EDITOR

Forget about the fact that Avatar is one of the best films of the year. Forget about the fact that Avatar is the highest grossing film in history, topping director James Cameron’s previous film, Titanic. All that matters right now is that Avatar provides the biggest antiwar sentiment that I have ever seen hit theaters to date.

Since 2001, the prospect of the war on terror has taken its toll on people of the world, and the majority of people in America. Furthermore, due to George W. Bush’s presidency, the militaristic desires of our country have increased exponentially. Nine years later, we are still in this war and our country has had to face something that is difficult for anyone to face: we were wrong.

Surprisingly enough, Avatar illustrates this idea perfectly. Going into this movie, I just expected an epic action film, not a movie that would have a strong under-lying political message. I could not have been more wrong. Exiting the theater, I immediately thought

about how this movie was amazing (to me, at least) primarily due to its stance against the war in Iraq.

If you didn’t make this connection upon seeing the movie, just think about it. The movie involves Earth military getting involved with another planet, Pandora, in attempt to extract its desired resources. In simplest terms, that is the plot of Avatar. Throughout the movie, it is evident that the head colonel of the military will stop at absolutely noth-

THE CHIEF 13

ing to get what he wants, and what he thinks will be the best for his planet.

Ultimately, (*spoiler alert*) this leads to his destruction, and his goal isn’t achieved.

Now let’s take a look at Iraq. What does Iraq have that the United States is dying to get their hands on? Oil … tons and tons of oil. So the US military went into Iraq and Afghanistan to find weapons of mass destruction, but they weren’t there—and now they’re assist-

ing in a civil war that has nothing to do with the United States. However, when the US sets their mind on something, they don’t stop, which is a great flaw.

As seen with the colonel in Avatar, this level of determination is truly detrimental, as it is necessary to know when to stop, otherwise defeat and selfdestruction is eminent.

What is Avatar saying about Iraq?

Her’s what I think. Avatar takes place in 2154, insinuating that this would be our future if we continue to do what we’re doing. Not only would we be destined for this destruction, but take that movie into present day, and suddenly it is saying that the war on terror has set the United States up for destruction. Our country must learn when enough is enough, when we have made a mistake, and when we need to stop, otherwise total destruction and annihilation is imminent. Thanks to Avatar and its success, hopefully this message has become clearer, and maybe Barack Obama can take a lesson from James Cameron.

source:bloggerspoint.com

Whatever happened to the “old school” dance?

BY TYLER NOVET FEATURES EDITOR

“And I knew if I had my chance that I could make those people dance, and maybe they’d be happy for a while.”

The wise words of Don McLean come to mean something more when it is considered what the students of MHS have lost since Berner: school dances.

Now many of the students have found themselves as dancers or people who want to have fun in large social settings. MHS has not had a single regularly scheduled dance besides Junior and Senior Prom and of course the extreme success of the “Shindig in the Barn.”

We haven’t had a homecoming dance in so long that it has actually become a school norm. Why? Despite the absence of dances at school, many students dance as an extracurricular activity. Aside from our cheerleaders and Chiefettes, many girls take dance classes outside of school

such as tap, ballet, jazz, etc. Tons of people love to dance, but we don’t do it here.

A recent attempt was made by

student support. It was strange that a student-run rarity would be knocked down so easily.

So why don’t the students support

One of the last remaining dance traditions at MHS

Photo provided by Ms. Zimmer

the Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Society to redo last year’s successful Snow Ball, but it was cancelled due to a lack of

this? Sophomore Samantha Mussorfiti, who loved the dances when she was in middle school, said it’s reasonable that

The students at the Carman Road School range from the ages of 5 to 21.

The students have moderate to severe disabilities that require aids to lead them through their day. Their disabilities include educational, emotional, behavioral or developmental and physical, visionary, or auditory.

However, our art students found that these disabilities don’t stop them at all. Each volunteer saw that the people they worked with each had a unique personality.

The fourteen volunteers were split up into five JohnDoria//TheChief different activity

groups. In each activity the volunteers were either the leaders or they helped the students to explore their creative sides.

After working with the students, the Nassau BOCES staff surprised the volunteers with a thank-you cake. The art students would like to thank the Nassau BOCES Carman Road School staff JohnDoria//TheChief for their kindness and Alexandra LaRosa interacts with one of the students.

Mrs. Mims and Mrs. The volunteers included Whitney Domingo for a great learning experience. Artwork by stu- Smith, Michael Morgan, Lindsay Ward, dents from Mrs. Domingo’s and Mrs. Alison Schmadtke, Wendy Gil, Jerilyn Thornton’s classes was on display for Beilman, Valerie Lipari, Felicia Itri, the students and staff to enjoy through- Alison Clemente, Mercedes Montero, Bobbi Finkelstein, Marissa DeVictoria, out the day.

Alexandra LaRosa, and John Doria.

MHS art students spread their talent

BY JOHN DORIA STAFF WRITER

Fourteen MHS artists applied their talents by volunteering at Nassau BOCES Carman Road School for Special Education on March 9.

Mrs. Domingo’s AP Art Class with the BOCES students

students wouldn’t support a high school dance. “It’s different in the high school than Berner and I don’t think a lot of people would go.”

It’s likely that the school dances can’t match up to the competition of clubs like the Crazy Donkey and Shy Lounge and peer-run parties like Sweet Sixteens. Most students would rather have fun and run free with their friends with close to no supervision than do the same thing with chaperones in the upper gym.

It’s disappointing that we can’t get a school dance to run successfully or to even run at all for that matter, but would it really work? How much fun would it be? Most likely the students of MHS all figured out that there are other ways to have fun. Maybe Don McLean was wrong, and we’ll just never give those people a chance.

APRIL 2010

FEATURES

THE CHIEF 14

25 for Haiti

Tim Burton at the MOMA

BY JENNA FRATELLO OPINIONS EDITOR

home to the works of some of the most daring artists in the world – does Andy Warhol, the acclaimed American pop artist, and filmmaker of the century ring a bell? – has never housed such an exhibition as the one that Burton has brought. Bringing an air of mystery to the museum and its contemporary atmosphere, the exhibition, properly titled The Tim Burton Exhibit, opened its doors on November 22 and runs until April 26.

A bit of a beautiful disaster at its

Everyone has his or her own personal Burton favorite; maybe it’s a robotic boy with scissors for hands, a beautifully dead bride-to-be, or a haircutter that is rather fond of his utensils. Living in a dark wonderland called Hollywood, the visual innovator and bittersweet mastermind, Tim Burton, has brought the unusual dexterity of his life to the big apple.

Located in midtown Manhattan on Fifty-Third Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenue, the Museum of “...a beautiful disaster at its finest” Modern Art is home to modernist works of raw architecture, finest, the exhibition possesses over 700 sculpture, painting, photography, works, all of which belong to Burton print, design, and electronic media. and his films. Composing cinematic Commonly, the museum is believed ephemera, the man behind the critically to be one of the most influential in acclaimed films such as Beetle Juice the world according to the book, The (1988), Edward Sisscorhands (1990), Development of Modernist Art: Early Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Twentieth Century, written by authors, Corpse Bride (2005), and Sweeny Todd: Helen Gardner, Fred S. Kleiner, and The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Christian J. Mamiya.

(2007) has compiled works with a

T h e a r c h i t e c t u r a l l y - certain demon-esque aura around them contemporary building that has been that only Burton can achieve.

BY MIKE SAVIDGE STAFF WRITER

source: latimes.com

The exhibition is located on the third floor of the museum and it opens with an almost psychedelically-warped entryway of Burton’s moving-image, works of slide-shows and digital film features, leading its viewers into a gallery covered inch by inch with drawings, paintings, storyboards, letters, costumes, life-size puppets, and even high school English homework of his are boasted. If you want to see Edward Sisscorhands up close, this is your once in a lifetime chance.

For the film buffs of the generation, Burton’s exhibition is accompanied by three film exhibitions: Tim Burton, Tim Burton and the Lurid Beauty of Monsters, and Tim Burton Sidebar: Waking Sleeping Beauty and Forbidden Zone, located in Theater Gallery 1 and 2 of the museum.

Whatever your personal Burton favorite may be, Tim Burton’s exhibition will certainly satisfy anyone with a taste for the unusual.

source: starpulse.com

The many faces of Facebook

BY TYLER NOVET FEATURES EDITOR

“Oh my God, I do that!” *become a fan* “Ha ha, that’s so funny!” *become a fan* “John, Chris, and Jess are a fan of ‘Laughing ‘til You Cry’ and 21 other profiles”…What has made this trend of Facebook so popular?

Everyone becoming a fan of every little thing that they love to do or hate to occur in his life has consumed the homepage.

There are the pages made by infatuated 13 year olds about how cute their crush is. There are those that complain about the next generation. There are pages created by video game obsessedteenagers who want to publicize how much they love Call of Duty and how much they hate it when someone steals their care package. To top it off, there are even the ones that are created by girls who feel ignored by the boys playing video games. What has made this trend, and all of the others that were born from Facebook so popular?

Mark Zuckerberg first created Facebook in 2004 as a website designed

to connect students at Harvard, but it became so much more when it was released to the world.

Eventually Facebook overcame Digg, Friendster, and even MySpace.

Currently, its main competition is only whatever is left of MySpace and recently-popular Twitter, both of which have very different purposes.

Facebook has become known as a website for distractions, relationships, and stalkers. It has games, applications, instant messaging, a form of e-mail, multi-media communications, and more. Naturally, Facebook has become one of the most-used websites on the internet.

Just like all rapidly developing media or technology, Facebook continues to improve, and its users adapt. For example, the current trend is “Becoming a Fan.” There are surpluses of fan pages every day that detail what people love, hate, or want.

This trend has been even more overplayed due to the new layout and security settings that allow people to see anything that their friends do on

their home page from Becoming a Fan to adding photos to accepting a friend request.

I’ve heard people comment on how annoying they feel this has become and that they aren’t really intrested in what so-and-so has become a fan or some variant. But in all honesty, this isn’t the first time something like this has happened.

Before “Become a Fan,” other Facebook applications just like it were popularized. After the success of Farmville, other applications exploded that used similar programming with the alterations of a family or aquarium instead of a farm.

Living Social became an extremely popular application in which people could pick five choices out of selected categories like athletes, songs, or random objects that are near you at the time. The “How Well Do You Know Me?” quiz allowed people to make a questionnaire about themselves and invite their friends to take it.

The “Choice of the Day” phase was one of the more recent ones during

Twenty-five years ago, forty of the greatest musical artists came together at the A&M recording studios in Hollywood, California to record one of the most distinguished benefit songs in the world: “We are the World.” This anthem to stop famine in Africa accumulated over sixty million dollars for Africa, won four Grammys, was a commercial success around the globe, and proved that music could be more than entertainment. The torch was recently passed to a new generation of musicians to raise money and awareness for the terrible earthquake in Haiti. The video for the new cover premiered on opening night of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

One thing about the cover of the song is that no matter how good you try to make it, the original stands out in comparison. Many critics thought the cause was admirable, but they did not give the song a lot of praise. “Nobody can argue with its worthy cause – the song’s latest proceeds will go to earthquake relief in Haiti – but the recording’s original thrill was due to the panoply of voices gracefully working together: a reedy Willie Nelson, a roaring Bruce Springsteen, an angelic Michael Jackson,” Chris Richards of the Washington Post said.

In other words, most of the artists who sang this new rendition are popular artists, instead of those from other musical backgrounds. The song’s heavy use of Autotune, a voice correction program, also brought up some controversy. Yet, many forget that the classic song also got mixed reviews when it first came out because of the chosen artists. This is a whole new generation of musicians coming together for a new cause, and it is important to focus on the fact that record sales can prove more than critics’ reviews. It is not only a song, but a charity anthem to raise awareness in a time of lost hope.

source: facebook.com which tons of applications emerged, each choosing at random what your future will be, or how good tomorrow will be, or who your lover should be, or what your spouse’s name starts with.

These phases occur sporadically and unpredictably to the common user.

Maybe they just flow with the inevitable shift in pop culture. Maybe a person creates an application that is seen by people who know how to recreate it. Maybe it’s all just a Facebook conspiracy created

by Zuckerberg to keep us all entertained and interested. I guess the most important question really is… what will the next phase of Facebook be?

SPORTS

APRIL 2010

A tale of two seasons

BY ANTHONY CASSERO MANAGING EDITOR

The boys’ basketball team’s season has been “a tale of two seasons.”

In the beginning of the season, the team was extremely successful and had a record of 6-2 over the first eight games but they struggled down the stretch of the season with a record of 3-4 over the last seven games.

Despite their struggles down the stretch, the season culminated with the Chiefs making it to the playoffs, and much like the rest of their season, the Chiefs’ postseason was marred by inconsistency.

The team played well in its first game against Carey and in the first half of its second game against Farmingdale.

However, the team’s offense fell apart in the second half of its game against Farmingdale.

Massapequa led Farmingdale at the half 15-13, but only scored six points in the second half, which resulted in the 36-21 loss. “When you hold a team to 36 points you expect to win,” Coach Voight said.

This difficulty scoring was seen throughout the team’s last seven games of the season. Coach Voight attributed the team’s struggles to this inability.

One of the reasons Massapequa had success this season was its point guard Kevin Flecker, the defensive leader of the team. “On most nights he guarded our opponent’s best player,” Coach Voight said.

The biggest weapon for Massapequa all year was guard Patrick Mehan. He was the leading scorer on the team and was amongst the top

rebounders on the team. “Patrick is a big man with a small man’s skill set.He provides a lot of match-up problems for our opponents,” Coach Voight said about his star player.

While this season is over, many of the team’s fans are excited for next year already. Coach Voight expects Matt Young, Matt Smocovich, and Ryan Vanburen to be the keys to next year’s team’s success.

STAFF WRITER

The Massapequa Wrestling team set new records and broke some losing streaks this year. On January 30, Massapequa won the Nassau County Dual Meet Championship against MacArthur, winning by a score of 34-15. MacArthur had won the Dual Meet Championship for 8 out of the past 9 years before losing to Massapequa this year. The last time that the Massapequa squad had won was in 1999. A little more than a week later, Massapequa won the Section 8 (Nassau County) Qualifying Tournament with the team totaling 496.5 points. The Chiefs had 21 wrestlers qualify. The Qualifier marked James Ondris’ one hundredth career win, at home.

Massapequa’s squad finished in fifth place with seven wrestlers going All-County on February 14. James Ondris, a senior, won the Nassau County Championship and qualified to compete in the New York State Championships. Later that month, Ondris finished fourth in the NYSPHSAA State Championships.

Weighing in at 152 pounds and finishing fourth in the state, Ondris also was the county champion.

Boys track a winning season

BY JOHN DORIA STAFF WRITER

The boys’ winter track and field team had a tough season this year. First, practicing in cold weather isn’t that easy.

You have to wear lots of layers just to stay warm. You name it, the team’s got it – Under Armour, gloves, pants, shirts, spandex, socks and sweatshirts!

All the snow we experienced this winter cancelled a lot of practices for the

team. But this didn’t stop the perseverance of Massapequa’s finest athletes!

Our Track and Field team was determined to get a county title for its school and make it to states. Their hard work paid off and they reached a new peak for Massapequa Track and Field.

In the county meet the team placed third and had two All-County and County Champion winners: Andrew Valenski in the 1600, 3200 meter and Joe Caraciolo in the triple and long jump. Andrew took second place in both, and Joe took first and second in his events.

After going to counties, a selected few were brought to the state qualifiers where MHS had four athletes qualify for states, including Andrew Valenski, Nick Deluna, Joe Caraciolo, and Michael Dioguardi.

Those athletes and a few more were brought to Nike Indoor Nationals as three different relay teams. The distance medley relay team of Andrew Valenski (3:10 in the 1200m), Joe Caraciolo (51 seconds in the 400m), Nick Deluna (1:58 in the 800m), and Mike Dioguardi (4:41 in the 1600m) destroyed the original school record setting a new precedent in Track and Field at MHS. Congratulations to all county place winners and the rest of the boys’ winter track and field team for doing a great job.

source:Facebook.com

From left to right Mike Dioguardi, Joe Carraciolo, Jake McAvoy, Nick Deluna, and Andrew Valenski at the Nike in door national championship

Wrestlers pin down records

BY ROB DUFFY

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“States was a lot of fun and a crazy experience. It took a lot, but [it was] definitely worth everything,” he said, “Our team had a sick year winning a dual meet county title and placing seven guys in the counties. We worked real hard and we’re only going to do better next year.”

None of the wrestlers on the team had reached counties before this year.

“It was great being on this team this year,” Pat Miller said, “It was my first time reaching the counties and it was a great experience.”

Conor Wetzel, Junior, had another huge accomplishment for the team this year. He broke Massapequa’s original record of 22 pins in a season, and obliterated it by racking up 28 pins this season. Although Massapequa won the Section 8 Qualifying Tournament for the first time in over a decade, they are still hoping for another chance next year.

photo by Lors Studios

Spotlight on: Devon Esposito

BY ANTHONY CASSERO MANAGING EDITOR

The world was transfixed on the Olympics in Vancouver this February.

That is not the only Olympics this year though – the rifle Junior Olympics will be held in Colorado, and Massapequa’s Devon Esposito will be going.

This year, she has been the best shooter on Massapequa’s rifle team and one of the best shooters in the state, this was shown on February 9 when she shot a 285.

Due to her impressive résumé, she was invited to both the Junior Olympics in Colorado, and the State competition at West Point. This was the first time that she went to the States competition.

She was nervous about going to States. “You try and focus and hope you can do as well as everyone thinks you can,” Esposito said. “I’m excited but I’m going to try and keep a level head.” At States, she came in second in the small board competition, and the lone shooter who outplayed her at West Point ended up tying a state record.

While the success at States was a big accomplishment, it also was preparation for a far more prestigious tournament – The Junior Olympics. The targets upstate were different than the targets at Long Island meets, but they were similar to the ones Esposito will see in Colorado.

The targets are not the only differ-

Anthony Cassero// The Chief

ence between Long Island and Colorado. The prestige of the Junior Olympics will surely provide significantly more pressure than anything Esposito has dealt with before. “You try to not make a big deal out of it,” she said.

Although the Rifle team resurged during the last half decade and has had many extremely talented players receive many accolades, Esposito has significantly raised the bar. “Devon is one of, if not the best, athletes I have ever had,” Coach Norton said.

Coach Norton regards her as a special breed of athlete. There are many extremely talented athletes, but Esposito passes her talent on to her teammates. “Devon really takes the time out to help the younger members of the team,” Coach Norton said, “She is like an assistant coach.”

This is Esposito’s final year at MHS and the team will have to adjust to her absence next year. However, due to the knowledge that she has passed on to the younger members of the team, her influence will be felt in the future.

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APRIL 2010

Massapequa hockey club skates into the states

BY ANTHONY CASSERRO MANAGING EDITOR

After the ice hockey team’s loss in the Nassau County finals, nearly all of Massapequa was disappointed, especially the team itself. However, in the locker room after the loss, the team realized amongst its despair that it had an even bigger prize waiting to be claimed: the state tournament in Buffalo.

The team was not unfamiliar with preparing for a big tournament after a disappointing loss at counties. Last year, the team had to play in the Town of Oyster Bay tournament after losing at counties and was not focused during it according to the captain, Timmy Root.

But this year was different, for

Determined face off against Hutch tech lead by team captain and leading goal scorer Tim Root.

the team went to states with a focused mindset. This was partially due to lessons learned from last year’s failures, and partially because the tournament was located in Buffalo. The tournament’s location in Buffalo helped the team get away from the distractions of everyday life. “We didn’t have to worry about school, or jobs, or anything else,” Root said.

The team started the tournament off dominantly. They won all three of the preliminary games they played and scored a total of 14 goals in the process. This offensive onslaught was led by Root who scored at least once in every game and had a hat trick in the first game of the tournament.

The strong play of the team in the preliminary rounds got the Chiefs into the semi-finals, in which they played Canisius. “We were confident heading into it… we knew we could take [Canisius],” Root said. Massapequa had every right to be confident, especially since Mike Mottola, who only gave up one goal in his previous start, was between the pipes.

To the team’s surprise, it got off to a bad start as Mottola let up an early goal. And despite two goals by Chris Zito and one by Timmy Root, Massapequa was defeated 4-3.

Despite the disappointing end, and only one team in the tournament doesn’t have one of those, there is no way that this tournament run can be called a failure. It brought some much needed attention to the best team at MHS that isn’t actually considered a team.

Senior Steve Patafio’s bodycheck sets the tone for Massapequa’s win in game three of the tournament (above) Chris Zito, 12 and captain Tim Root, 92 cheer at one of the goals scored rival WantaghSeaford during game 1 on Friday March 5 (below)

Girls track and field: Running toward success

BY ALYSSA YURASITS STAFF WRITER

Hard work and dedication are two qualities that don’t come easily to many athletes. It takes skill and practice to acquire them. But, these qualities produce the same result: success.

The girls’ Track and Field team has enjoyed success the past few years, for it won its first ever spring county title last year, and went undefeated both last spring and this past fall in cross country and won its second consecutive conference title this past winter indoor season.

Emily Marchini at Nike Indoor National

Hockey photos provided by Andrew Maloney

“The girls’ team has not [had] such great success since the days of Kathy Franey and the Petersen twins back in the 1980s,” Coach Lisa said.

With the New York State Championship at Cornell University this March, senior Emily Marchini stepped up to compete in her 3000M run, senior Lauren Kappleman competed in the triple jump and finished seventeenth in the county. Junior Barbra Ward raced in the 1500M race-walk, and sophomore Heather Sweeney competed in the long jump.

KELLY E. BURKE// THE CHIEF

KELLY E. BURKE// THE CHIEF Caitlyn Krug at Nike Indoor National Championship at the Penn Relays, and now we The team’s largest successes were highlighted at the Nike Indoor National are one of them, so it will be exciting Championships where the Distance in a few weeks to watch them comMedley Relay (DMR) is held. Seniors pete,” Coach Lisa said. The girls had Emily Marchini and Kelly Burke, junior another qualifying time in the 4 X 800, Amanda Schmidt, and sophomore Shan- running a time of 9:35 at the Eastern non McBrien ran a time of 12:11.12, State Championships and shattering the and finished ninth in the county. Kelly school record.

With a full spring season ahead Burke, Heather Sweeney, Andrea Bourgal, and Courtney McMillan competed of them, Mr. Lisa is training the girls for Massapequa in the Sprint Medley for success. “I truly believe that better Relay (SMR), and finished twenty-third things are still to come,” Coach Lisa said. “As we finish out the school year, in the county.

“Only the top 15 teams in the I am looking forward to watching them county get chosen to race in the DMR do it.”