EDITORIAL SENIOR EXEMPTIONS p3
AN IN DEPTH LOOK AT TODAY’S TECHNOLOGY p4-5
ENTERTAINMENT “NEW GIRL” p7 SPORTS: BOYS VOLLEYBALL 12-0 p8
OCTOBER 28, 2011
www.thechiefonline.com
Vol. LX - ISSUE 2
mhsthechief@gmail.com
Places to get scared: Can you handle them? BY ASHLEY ADLER LAYOUT EDITOR
Halloween isn’t complete without a couple of screams, laughs, and even some heart palpitations. October is supreme for fright fests, spook-walks, and exploring the haunted horrors of our very own neighborhood. So, if you’re looking for some fun this autumn or maybe you’re just
playing scary mini-golf.” There are other activities for our little brothers and sisters who’d much rather spend their time on a pumpkin bounce than with ghouls. The Bayville haunted firehouse has been providing residents with scares and community service for the past twenty years - the firehouse has taught fire safety and prevention to the locals. The walk-through changes from
a bit too old to go door-to-door trickor-treating, spend this season at some of the best haunted houses that Long Island has to offer. Long Island’s top-rated and most famous haunted house expedition is located in Bayville. For family fun, the Bayville Scream Park has several attractions that will accommodate those of you who can fair the scariest. “Everything was really creepy, but I screamed the most in the clown room,” junior Ashley Magaddino said. “There was an eerie looking rope room in the haunted houses too, but I liked
Source: lihauntedhouses.com
The haunting begins as those brave enough enter Schmitt’s Farm’s haunted house
year to year, and its innovativeness is what makes the house so successful. From bits of gore to utter darkness, the volunteer ghosts always deliver. Whether it’s hearing noises in the dark or slight brushes against your clothing, the haunted house is not meant for the jumpy. And if you’re looking for some spooks close to home this year, Massapequa is hosting one of its very own houses of horror, and many MHS students are already familiar with the location. Darkness Rising, located at a warehouse on 10 Brooklyn Avenue in
Massapequa Park, not only gets scares, but gives them, too. “It was the best haunted house I’ve been to in the past three years,” former MHS student Jessica Teresco said. This haunted house is one of the most well-known exhibits that raise funds for charity for the YES Community Counseling Center. “It was cheaper and all the pro-
A scare can be seen from the window of the HV Asylum’s haunted hause ceeds were donated to charity. Once I found this out I had to go through it,” she said. For a more moderate audience, the HV Asylum may fit your level of ghoul. With ghost tours, spook-walks, trails, and haunted houses, the HV Asylum has thirteen acres of activity for you and your friends. “It had the feel of one of those scary psych center haunts, but there were plenty of other places to just hang out if I got too scared,” former student Alex Bochetto said. The tour takes place entirely out-
There’s something worse than being alone BY STEPHANIE ROLLENS STAFF WRITER
Are you afraid of the dark? If not, stepping into Nyctophobia’s haunted house will most certainly change your mind. Void of any blood, guts, or other cheap scares commonly found in walkthrough haunted houses, what lies behind the doors of this unique attraction remains fairly unknown. After opening for a three-day, invitation-only experimental period last October, this uniquely terrifying attraction puts an entirely new spin on the conventional idea of a haunted house. “The main differences between Nyctophobia and other haunted houses on Long Island are that you must enter Nyctophobia alone, we can and will touch you, and it's very interactive,” creator Eric Striffler said, “and we don't have any animatronics or chainsaws; those are getting old.”
Ruling out typical gimmicks like chainsaws and animatronics might make one wonder where the shock value of this attraction actually stems from. With rules such as, “You are entering at your own risk,” and, “You will be required to walk, sit, and crawl multiple times,” it becomes clear that this is no ordinary walk-through. While the experimental period in October of 2010 required guests to enter completely by themselves, the rules were modified this year to allow no more than two guests at a time. What does the creator himself recommend? Go in alone. “The only reason we're allowing people to enter with a friend is because out on eastern Long Island, I don't expect there to be enough people that would go in alone,” he said. So much is left up to the imagination, and Striffler has made brilliant efforts at getting into people’s heads.
side which adds to the chill of the season, and lasts for about 20-25 minutes with the help of “wacko” tour guides. Every corner seems to have a new creep popping out, and different themes for e a c h section. On a scale of “mild to very scary,” another haunt that falls into the moderate category is Long Island’s Fear Fest CARNEVIL themed park that explores the horrors of Old Bethpage with
Nyctophobia even has its own marketing campaign, complete with an ominous radio broadcast explicitly advising people that if they don’t think they can handle it, they should not come. This was one of his favorite aspects of the attraction, Striffler said, because he was able to treat the marketing campaign as more like that of a movie, and less like an advertisement for a haunted house. With such a different approach to something so often overdone and worn out, Nyctophobia surely triumphs the rest in its ability to toy with guests on a psychological level before they even enter the haunted house. So when you’re craving the ultimate scare, look no further than Nyctophobia in Jamesport, NY. After all, the only thing worse than being alone is finding out that you're not.
haunted houses and hay rides. Mad Man Slim Chance and his freaks are sure to collect your screams not only in the haunted houses, but throughout the entire carnival. So make this Halloween a fun, and safe one, but most importantly a horror-ble one. And if you’re looking for any other top rated haunted adventures, visit LIHauntedHouses.com for more information. Make sure to get scared this Halloween, and scare some others along the way.
OCTOBER 28, 2011
NEWS
THE CHIEF 2
Seniors exempt from senior exemptions BY NICK BARBIERI & LAUREN REISIG CHIEF COPY EDITOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Straight A’s equal no finals for seniors. That was the policy of Massapequa High School for many years. Recently, however, the building administration eliminated the system, which exempted qualified seniors from final exams. In the past, many seniors and teachers had favored the senior exemption system as a reward for seniors’ hard work in their last year, and a break for students after four long years. However, the current administration was concerned that the lack of finals may inhibit a senior’s admittance and success at various top-ranked universities across the country. They feel that the students are put at a disadvantage without finals. The revocation of senior exemptions feels like a punishment for many students. Some even feel that this is simply being done to pay for the actions of the seniors before them, specifically last year’s senior prank. Yet, the administration firmly denies any connection between senior pranks and the loss of the senior privilege. “Taking a final is not a punishment,” Executive Assistant Mr. Quigley said. Finals are simply an expected part of the course. Even though seniors will no longer be exempt from final exams, over recent years many teachers of senior classes
have elected to give final projects instead of written exams. This would, therefore, eliminate a final, and thereby no exemption would be necessary. “I know that the decision is not popular with seniors,” biology teacher Mrs. Frontino said, “but it keeps the focus at the end of the year, when focus can be difficult.” Yet, many seniors remain dismayed. Journalism students conducted an anonymous survey on October 19 in a sampling of twelfth grade social studies classes, totaling to 89 seniors, on senior exemptions being revoked. The results showed that a majority of the students felt as though this change will negatively affect them, and 92 percent of surveyed seniors disagreed Above: Results of a survey of 89 seniors conducted on October 19 in select social with the removal of senior exemptions, studies classes, by journalism students Dan DiBenedetto, Joanne Josephson and Lisa showing that students overwhelmingly Nicoletti. Below: Some comments from the surveys. disapprove of the change. Furthermore, most seniors agreed that keeping senior exemptions would “Of all problems with the educational system why focus on senior exemphave most likely made seniors work tions?” harder, set higher goals, and try harder “No senior exemptions will cause students not to do as well. If seniors knew in their classes to get out of their finals. they needed to maintain a certain grade they would work harder to achieve that Only six seniors felt that keeping senior grade.” exemptions would cause seniors to slack off, and only two felt that seniors “All [the administration is] doing is adding extra stress to the students’ lives wouldn’t take their classes seriously, during senior year when they are supposed to be enjoying themselves after four since they would have the possibility of years of hard work. When the exemptions are in place it forces people to work for an A.” getting exempt from their finals. Senior exemptions have officially “It’s unfair to revoke senior exemptions when we are in our senior year. This been revoked. All seniors will now take rule was already set when we were sophomores and juniors for those who were their finals or complete final projects at seniors, so we should have it too. I know for a fact that I’d try even harder if I the end of their courses. knew I wouldn’t have to take a final.”
Senior Exemptions’ effects on seniors
Student thoughts...
Steve Jobs: Icon of the technology industry dies BY TOM STRONG-GRINSELL MANAGING EDITOR
White ear-buds became the accessory of the decade when iPods became a necessity in everyone’s daily life, and without Steve Jobs, they never would have existed. A creator, innovator and revolutionary in the technological world, Steve Jobs was one of the most transformative leaders in the multimedia world in the last thirty years. On October 5, Jobs died of respiratory issues after a long, publicized battle with pancreatic cancer dating back to 2004. In August, Jobs stepped down as CEO of Apple Inc, citing that he could no longer adequately run the company Technologic visionary Steve Jobs speaking in Cuerpintino, CA and he vowed to keep the promise that he made to the company previously. At the time that Jobs stepped down as CEO, Tim Cook was appointed to his position, though Jobs remained as Board Chairman until his death. Jobs single-handedly revolutionized the technological world with his products; iPods, iPhones and iPads are sold by the millions quarterly. On October 10, the iPhone 4S broke Apple’s record for sales in a single day -surpassing the iPhone 4’s record--by selling one million units in a single day, five days prior to the phone’s physical release date. “The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come,” Micro- Chart showing weekly closing price for Apple stock since 2001, the year the iPod was introduced; with timeline showing when Apple soft CEO Bill Gates, said. “For those of released its innovative products, the iPod, iPhone and iPad up until the time of Jobs death
DAI SUGANO//SAN JOSE NEWS/MCT
us who were lucky enough to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.” In the past, Apple stock performance was directly reflected by Steve Jobs’ health. When Jobs took leave from the company for illness, stock prices periodically dropped. Similarly, when Jobs announced his resignation as CEO, Apple stock prices dropped five percent in afterhours trading. Though many question Apple’s ability to function without Jobs as CEO, Jobs had already planned all of Apple products’ releases through the next four years. This will undoubtedly be able to carry the company forward, even without his physical presence.
OCTOBER 28, 2011
EDITORIAL
THE CHIEF 3
EDITORIALS
Seniors baffled by new final exam policy
The practice of offering senior exemptions at Massapequa High School has been terminated. Senior exemptions have been around for a long time. So long, in fact, that teachers who have been working in the district for thirty years cannot remember a time when the policy was not in place. Now, the ancient policy has been terminated, and students were given no place in the decision-making process. Principal Dr. Williams said that it was a decision to be made by administration and faculty. “It’s my job to do what’s in the students’ best interest, and that may not be what they want,” she said. Dr. Williams assured that the removal of the policy is in no way a stab at students. On the contrary, its purpose is to provide a meaningful assessment for students at the end of senior year courses in order to put them in a good light for college admissions. Unfortunately, this is not how many students are construing the latest policy change. “The previous policy of a minimum A requirement in order to be exempt from a class final ensured that the students gained sufficient knowledge from the class such that a final exam was unnecessary,” said junior Adam Davi , “so there is no reason to change or abolish the process.” The vast majority of seniors do not view additional final examinations in classes in which they earn A’s as being meaningful or in their best interest. They view it as an unnecessary move to punish those who have worked hard for four years in MHS. It is surely true
that this is not what the administration intends by terminating senior exemptions, but it is the ramifications, not the intentions, which are important in any such policy reform. “It’s ridiculous because students who have worked hard all year should have some reward,” senior Christine Apicella said. “There is no meaning left in a final because, for the most part, it isn’t going to affect anything since college decisions have already been made,” Many teachers also see senior exemptions as a viable policy and would be disappointed to see their revocation. “Of course I have to follow school policy, so if senior exemptions are no longer permitted, I can’t offer them anymore,” math teacher Mrs. Evans said. “I felt the senior exemptions gave the students a reason to work hard in their senior year so they could get the A, and be exempt from their finals. Senior exemptions kept some students motivated who might otherwise slack off due to senioritis.” Students do not only take issue with the administration’s rationale behind the revocation of senior exemptions. The very process by which the policy was evaluated is what has much of the student body upset. It is clear from any communication with administrators that they have not only made little efforts to consult students regarding their opinions on senior exemptions, but also that they consider any such communications ultimately inconsequential. Concerning the disapproval of many students regarding the revocation of senior exemptions, Dr.
Williams said that she knows students may be unhappy with this change, but that she has a great deal of experience in administration and it is the job of the administration to make these decisions. The process has been exclusive of any of those it will impact—the students—and is based on rationale which is insensible to many people. However, what the students do know is that a revocation of senior exemptions will only create discontent among students, as well as separation between the goals of students and those who manage their academic lives. The minimum grade requirement to earn a senior exemption was already raised a few years ago by Dr. Grossane’s administration from a final average of 85 to 90. Since then, senior exemptions have only become more rare—not only because of the raised grade requirement, but because of the ever-increasing difficulty of senior year course-loads, as seniors seek to include more Advanced Placement (AP) and SCALE classes in their schedules. Though AP teachers may still give exemptions for seniors, teachers of SCALE courses may not, and this is another reason why the exemptions have become less common. So why change a system which rewards hard-working students, when it is rare enough to begin with? There are so many students in the high school that are not doing what they are supposed to do, but the students eligible for senior exemptions stand as a model of excellence for the academic community by maintaining A’s throughout senior year. It is illogical to change a policy that will burden the students who are already doing exemplary work.
MHS is on a mission for every person who has ever been a target. It’s a mission for every victim that has suffered. It’s a mission to stop those who prey. The mission is anti-bullying. Together, The Chief has teamed up with Chief’s Challenge and WMHS to promote kindness and tolerance for everyone, by everyone. It began with Jamey Rodemeyer, a 14 year-old boy from Williamsville, New York, who posted his famous “It Gets Better” video on YouTube last May. The “It Gets Better” campaign involves YouTube users posting videos to the “It Gets Better” account, showing
that life will improve. Unfortunately, this was not the case for Rodemeyer. He took his own life in September after suffering from bullying because of his homosexuality. In an interview with NBC, his parents, Tracy and Tim, claimed that their son struggled with bullying for years, but it intensified in middle school. “It took him away from our family way too early,” said his mother in a recent interview, “and we’re just convinced that he had a purpose on this planet and it was to touch as many people as he could.” MHS is one of the places that
Jamey’s memory has touched. Before committing suicide, he tweeted Lady Gaga, thanking his “Mother Monster,” declaring her slogan, “paws up forever.” Soon after, 150 of Gaga’s Little Monsters compiled a YouTube video for Jamey called the “Paws Up Forever” project to prevent bullying. Upon seeing the video, senior James Pieprzak knew that MHS needed to be aware of it. “I feel that this issue is in the news too much,” he said. “There are too many young kids killing themselves because of someone else’s ignorance. I mean, Jamey was fourteen.” He spoke to members of The Chief and WMHS about publicizing the issue to the student body. As Gaga’s song “Hair” aired on WMHS on September 28, in tribute to Jamey, Pieprzak knew he was beginning to make a difference. “That day in school, my chorus teacher spent the period talking about the effects of bullying, and I felt that it was a start. Jamey was bullied to death because of something he couldn’t control.” he said. “We need to stop this now before we lose someone else.” In fact, Gaga has expressed that bullying should be a hate crime. And in some cases, it almost is.
If you see something, say something
SARAH J. GLOVER//PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER/MCT
Six Pennsylvania high school students were arrested in January 2011 for bullying.
The Chief Editorial Staff EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jenna Fratello MANAGING EDITOR Tom Strong-Grinsell CHIEF COPY EDITOR Nick Barbieri COPY EDITOR Joe Zappa GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jessica Graff Lauren Reisig SPORTS EDITOR Jon Grant LAYOUT EDITORS Ashley Adler Karan Chhatpar BUSINESS MANAGER Spencer Nord ADVISER Elyn Coyle
The Chief Editorial Policy The Chief makes every effort to print news that is relevant to the student population in a fair and unbiased fashion. Letters to the editor may be sent to mhsthechief@gmail.com. We reserve the right to edit for grammatical errors. The Chief does not accept anonymous letters; however, names may be withheld upon request. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @TheChiefOnline. Visit us at www.thechiefonline.com for additional coverage.
In January, six students in Pennsylvania, ages thirteen to seventeen, were arrested for what township police Superintendent Michael Chitwood called a “heinous act of bullying” caught on camera, according to news reports. The anti-bullying campaign at MHS is taking strides to stop it. But we’re not the only ones. Anderson Cooper, host of CNN’s AC360, can be found tweeting and updating his Facebook page about his newly birthed special series, Stop Bullying: Speak Up. It began earlier this month with documentaries and raw footage into homes of targeted kids, including conversations with parents and cyberbullying clips. For one year, undercover reporters witnessed bullying in schools across the nation. What they found didn’t surprise them, according to Cooper’s broadcast on October 13. Recently, Chief’s Challenge began their annual “Act of Kindness,” campaign to recognize the small acts of kindness that do happen every day - but that’s just the beginning. Keep reading The Chief, and stay tuned in to WMHS for more details. Everyone knows that they must make the change that they want to see, and MHS students will do just that.
THE CHIEF 4
OCTOBER 28, 2011
I’m a Mac
BY LAUREN REISIG GRAPHIC DESIGNER
As the rivalry continues to heighten over Macs and PCs, I am proud to say, “I’m a Mac.” While I sit here and type my article on my MacBook, I look down at the dock sprawled along the bottom of the screen. There I see the bouncing Photoshop icon, next to the other Adobe creative suite programs. On a Mac, these art programs run amazingly smooth. The tools are set in user-friendly ways, and if perchance I lose track of the pen tool or how to adjust the curves in the photo, I can simply type it into the help box, which then pulls down the menu and points to the item with that wonderful blue arrow. As I continue to write, I also notice the iMovie, iDVD, iPhoto - a list of applications abounds. Yet, I never bought any of these apps, which instead are automatically loaded onto any Mac purchased. So now, instead of buying Windows Movie maker, I am already given a program, which makes film style documentaries or movies. Since Apple makes basically all the programs to be used on the computer, everything works in tandem. My music from iTunes can easily be imported into iMovie. My movie can easily be imported into iDVD, etc. Plus, in the five years I have had this MacBook, never have I had a virus. Never have I lost files. Never have I been truly disappointed. Granted, I will not ignore that, like any piece of technology, this MacBook has had a few glitches. Yet, when the corner cracked and my hard-drive was fried, the Apple geniuses replaced the cover, fixed the hard-drive, and retrieved all my files. But more than that, all this was done free of charge. From that moment on, I officially became a “Mac.”
Book v. Nook
BY JENNA FRATELLO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
There is no feeling like that of holding a book. There is, however, the feeling of plugging in the charger to your supposed “book,” and watching as the little battery symbol goes from red to green – now you can finally read the last page of that chapter. Books are not meant to be technological instruments, but the birth of the Kindle and the Nook altered the book’s course throughout history as a simple page-bound compilation of text to a screen. The Amazon Kindle, the original eReader, was released in 2007, but its popularity didn’t rise until its competition, the Barnes and Noble Nook, was released in 2009. Each device offers exceedingly similar features ranging from a 600x800 mega-pixel color touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and the ability to download – and read, of course – books, newspaper articles, magazines, and other text – making the two virtually impossible to compare with the exception of the price (the Kindle starts at $399, while the Nook starts at $139, and the Nook Color at $249). You can, however, compare each of these eReaders to a traditional book. While your coffee spills all over your screen, leaving it to begin to malfunction, the coffee you spilled on your copy of Catch-22 will leave your book virtually unaffected despite its messier appearance – you can still read the text without having to replace the object. As you enjoy a sunny day in your backyard and your technologically superior screen begins to become one big blur, your book will never fail you – nor will it fail you when its battery dies because books do not run on batteries. Furthermore, your eReader will need to be charged from time to time, creating some inopportune moments when you come to the very last sentence of that page and your screen powers down. And as you walk off of the subway and attempt to compile the mess of papers and textbooks in your hand, that thin and slippery eReader may happen to fall – and shatter. On the other hand, I’m almost positive that if you drop a book you will be able to pick it back up and resume where you left off. All of that money invested into your device could have been used on not only a cheaper book, but perhaps a free library book. Perhaps there’s one more thing: active reading. You can physically turn the pages of a book, and smell it – the older, the better. You can take notes on it, you can throw it across your room, and you can fold it whichever way you like. You get the incomparable satisfaction of closing the book as you finish the last page – you can get personal with a book. The winner in this battle is obvious. Read a book – a real one.
OCTOBER 28, 2011
I’m a PC
THE CHIEF 5
BY KARAN CHHATPAR COPY EDITOR
I’m a PC. I come in all different shapes and sizes, and I can fit anyone’s specific needs. Anti-virus software? I come with one builtin, and you can install others in just a few minutes. Cramped for space? I can be ordered by size, so you can fit me wherever I’m needed. I also come with a keyboard; want more choices? I come with a USB or wireless keyboard; it can be the rectangle we all know and love or the curved keyboard that displays more adaptability. And the mouse can never be forgotten; like the keyboard, it can be wired or wireless, and I always give the middle scroll that helps in navigating any page. Don’t like Internet Explorer? You can install Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome, instead of being limited to one browser - I try to be as accepting as possible to all different types of browsers (discrimination is never the answer). Getting things done quickly? I do that all the time, with an organized desktop and a toolbar containing only the things I’m actually using. I will never slow you down. I can entertain you, too. Games and movies are just some of my specialities. I can get the best types of graphics cards and support the widest market of video games, DVDs, and even Blu-Ray discs right in my CD drive. Impressive, huh? I know, I try. And if you want to change some things up, I can do that, too. Well, actually, you can do it. If the way I come doesn’t suit someone, he or she can simply change my parts to the way he or she wants them. It’s easy, I swear. Don’t want that extra number pad? Well, it can just be removed. Use a lot of media? My graphics card can be upgraded and make games or movies smooth sailing. Affordability? Thats the best part about me - and the most diverse. Since I come in all different makes and models, anyone is bound to find me at the price that they can afford. Going into any store that sells PCs will show anyone that there are many different ways to configure me. Even the simplest of PCs can give anyone what he or she needs, but for just a little more, we can be upgraded in whatever way is desired, such as graphics card, RAM, hard-drive memory, or processor. That’s me, the PC; ask something of me and I’ll always comply.
iPhone or BlackBerry?
BY SPENCER NORD BUSINESS MANAGER
As millions of Americans turn in their old-school flip-phones for high-tech smartphones with internet capability, the popular Facebook status seems to be never ending: BlackBerry or iPhone? Each phone has its perks, but which one is truly better? Physically speaking, the BlackBerry is much more ergonomic than the iPhone with their rounding edges and QWERTY keyboards. And don’t forget, iPhone users are no strangers to texts that read, “Swam into jars of coke,” instead of, “Ran into your friend Mike,” as a result of AutoCorrect. A lack of physical buttons to press can be a dealbreaker for many smartphone users when it comes to the iPhone. However, both phones have similar cameras, and internet capabilities, yet the iPhone’s battery lasts much longer than that of most BlackBerry phones. On average, the iPhone boasts up to fourteen hours of talking time while the average BlackBerry can only support up to 6.5 hours of talking time, according to geekaphone.com. Perhaps the most important thing to most smartphone users is the amount of capabilities the phone has aside from texting. The Blackberry App World is notoriously lacking in games and gadgets to enhance users’ experiences while the iTunes Store has hundreds of thousands of apps ranging from Angry Birds to Unit Converters. As a BlackBerry user, I know first-hand that the iPhone doesn’t come close in terms of communication. BBM is quicker, easier, and more advanced – including its email interface - than that of the iPhone. However, the technology and multi-touch screen that the iPhone brings to the table are just too much to handle for the BlackBerry. The winner: iPhone.
OCTOBER 28, 2011
FEATURE
THE CHIEF 6
OPINION
Government or party planning committee? BY JOE ZAPPA COPY EDITOR
Student government officials discussing upcoming events at a Class of 2012 meeting. mattered and that we were helping to make important decisions but we never felt like that was true,” former sophomore historian Joanna Urli said. “Even if the administration did agree with our ideas, we rarely saw any actions taken to help us accomplish our goals.” Current G.O. secretary Bertie Geng concurred, “As a part of student government, I can honestly say that we are trying to work to improve MHS, but we have really limited influence and power over the school.” Administrators agree that the
ASHLEY ADLER // THE CHIEF
There’s a problem with student government in Massapequa High School—it isn’t a government. A governmental system is supposed to make the grievances and desires of the student body heard through a group of several representatives. Unfortunately, that’s not what student government is in Massapequa. As a matter of fact, that’s not what those elected to student government even say they plan to do anymore. When students sit down to listen to the candidates for student government (most of whom run unopposed), they usually hear about how they’re going to make the next year “the best year ever” or what they plan to do regarding the coordination of school events. But rarely does a candidate explain what he will do to affect or change school policy, or more rarely still—how he will achieve his goals. This problem has been mentioned to students who have been in student government, and what they say is that even if someone did have a good idea, they were powerless to make it happen. “When I was a part of student government we were constantly informed by the administration that our opinions
system needs to be changed so that dialogue between administration and students will increase in the future. “When you are elected to student government you become responsible for the people in your class and a lot of the decisions made are minor,” Dr. William’s said. “I’d like to see more students get involved in their school. Dialogue between students and administrators is something that should be a part of student government and it needs to happen more often.” Perhaps what must be done to
bring about this change is to alter the way student government officials are chosen. Currently, the choice of who is admitted to student government is based on a general student election, and it is recognized as a popularity contest. The right to choose student government officials must remain with the students, lest the influence of students be reduced further. Instead of handing out ballots to everyone in homeroom, students should have to come to the general office and fill out a ballot. This would lead to a higher percentage of voters who care enough about the elections, hopefully resulting in a government of the best suited students. Once the process of election is reformed, officials should be allowed to hold monthly meetings, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard. At these forums, students can discuss methods of making the changes they wish to see come to fruition. Some students talk about student government as if it is a lost cause—a popularity contest which could never be productive. The path to change lies in the reformation process, and students must express their desire for a more productive and just system.
Sweet Sixteens: the time for etiquette will notice if you recycle one. place into the card, think of the followAnother important rule of etiquette ing: how long you have known this Sweet Sixteens are both exciting while picking out your dress: do not buy person, how good of friends you two and fun events for both the guests and a dress extremely similar, or the exact are, and what you can afford. the guest of honor. These parties can be successful whether it’s a small backyard party with an iPod playing, or at an extravagant hall, with a DJ and laser light show. However, the cost of attending the party has no relation to the cost of the party itself. If you are planning on having a Sweet Sixteen, there are numerous expenses you or your family have to account for. Most teenagers in Massapequa attend numerous Sweet Sixteens, with numerous themes; each calling for a different color dress, tie, or pair of shoes. Finding a dress is a hassle in itself. If the party calls for a certain color scheme or theme, it becomes even Seating cards for a Sweet 16. Bonus Host Tip: Seat friends together. harder to find a dress your style and size, A good rule of thumb is to start at and in your price range. These days, color as the hostess’ dress. This is just finding a dress under $50 is difficult, extremely rude and disrespectful; not to $30. If you’re just acquaintances, you especially for those who aren’t runway- mention, there’s really no need for such can stop right there. If you are somemodel-skinny. It’s usually easier to re- a problem. If the hostess does not reveal where between good and great friends cycle a dress from a past Sweet Sixteen, the color of her dress, the invitations with this person, maybe add on at least although, many girls fear that if they usually give a good clue; for example, $10, bringing you to $40. Now, if this wear the same dress to two Sweet Six- if the invitations are white and blue, her is all you can afford, it’s okay to stop. teens, they will be mocked. However, dress is most likely blue, and near the Otherwise, since it’s a Sweet Sixteen, shade of the invitation. add another $5-$10. You should be at almost no one notices, nor cares. Now that you’ve got your outfit $45-$50. If you can’t afford that much “I wore the same dress to five Bar Mitzvahs. Not everyone can afford picked out, you’re ready to party, right? money, try to make it personal. Find out what the guest of honor would rea new dress for every party they go to,” Nope, not yet. There is yet another large and un- ally like and give her what she would sophomore Rachel Rosen said. If you cannot afford or find a new avoidable expense to take care of: the appreciate. gift. Usually, it’s standard to give the By now, and with the help of the dress for a party, don’t sweat it. Same for the boys, if you cannot person a gift-card or money, unless of checklist, you should know basic Sweet find a tie in your price range, or simply course, they’re your best friend. When Sixteen etiquette and have a blast. don’t have the time, rest assured, no one determining the amount you should BY JESS GRAFF
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Dos and Don’ts
JESS GRAFF // THE CHIEF
Host: � Don’t have your party at a location over an hour away from the majority of those attending, unless you’re providing transportation accommodations for your guests. � Do provide directions to the venue. � Don’t make expec tation s about the gifts you’ll receive. � Do thank all of your guests personally for attending your party � Do enjoy yourself! Guests: � Don’t wear the same color dress as the host � Do thank the parents of the host at the end of the party � Do thank the host at the beginning and end of the party � Don’t pole dance… it’s a SWEET Sixteen, and there are family members there! � Don’t start fights � Don’t sit there the majority of the night, its disrespectful. � Don’t skip the event after you RSVP. � Do enjoy yourself!
ENTERTAINMENT
OCTOBER 28, 2011
THE CHIEF 7
There’s a New Girl on the block, and her name is Jess BY NICK BARBIERI CHIEF COPY EDITOR
Chief Copy Editor Nick Barbieri with Zooey Deschanel at the Beverly Hilton, CA irony in Jess dealing with her breakup better than her new roommate, Nick, who is also going through a breakup. Series creator Liz Meriwether addressed the goal of the series in Entertainment Weekly, saying that it’s not just about playing on gender roles, but, “to make every episode like a little John Hughes’ movie or something – just this idea of a band of outsiders.” The show
Chaz changes DWTS BY NICK BARBIERI CHIEF COPY EDITOR
As time goes by, it seems that certain reality shows get trashier while others begin to take a stand for social progress. Dancing with the Stars is definitely one of the latter. In its thirteenth season, DWTS is making history by having both an openly gay contestant, Carson Kressley,
LIONEL HAHN // MCT CAMPUS
Cher and her son Chaz Bono and its first-ever transgendered contestant, Chaz Bono. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) praised this achievement. “Chaz Bono joining the cast is a tremendous step forward for the public to recognize that transgender people are another wonderful part of the fabric of American culture,” senior director of programs, Herndon Graddick, said to Entertainment Weekly. However, while GLAAD recognizes this as a great pathway to progress, others are not so kind. EW reports that trans-phobic internet users have taken it upon themselves to post hateful messages across blogs and message boards about Bono. His mother, Cher, took to Twitter to defend her son, saying that “Mothers don’t stop getting angry with stupid
definitely succeeds in that respect, as the clever writing has a strangely Hugheslike quality, as if the roommates are characters from The Breakfast Club or Pretty in Pink in adulthood. Pop culture references also abound. Jess is a self-described nerd, and frequently makes comments related to
Photo Provided by Nick Barbieri
“Who’s that girl? (Who’s that girl!) Who’s that girl? (Who’s that girl!) It’s Jess!” Thus ends the opening theme of New Girl, a new sitcom on Fox starring Zooey Deschanel. New Girl is quirky, hysterical, and above all, relatable. The show centers around Deschanel’s character, Jess, as she moves in with three male roommates after she catches her boyfriend cheating on her. Her three roommates are played by Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, and Lamorne Morris. Deschanel is perhaps best known for her role in the indie-cult hit film (500) Days of Summer. Just as she charmed audiences in Summer through her sweet smile and innocent demeanor, she continues to charm audiences in New Girl. She has proved to be a truly talented actress, having come a long way from her days of playing Jovie in Elf. Deschanel described her confidence in the show’s success to Entertainment Weekly. “It’s rare that you read something this funny and well-written,” Deschanel said. “And if I had read this character in a movie script, I would’ve jumped on board immediately.”
She truly brings her own unique quirkiness to this character that no one else can, and it complements the clever writing perfectly. Her supporting cast members, notably her roommates, do a fine job as well. The show is clearly playing on gender stereotypes, and is depicting the
bigots.” Cher continues to encourage fans to rally behind her son and support his success. Chaz Bono is the only child of the famous duo, Sonny and Cher. He has been the subject of much controversy due to his transgender transformation in the public eye, even going so far as to be the subject of the Oprah Winfrey Network’s documentary, Becoming Chaz. Regardless, he doesn’t want his entire journey on the show to surround his transformation to becoming a man. “You treat it as I’m not going to be doing anything on the show other than dancing,” says Bono of what he hopes will happen as the new season of DWTS goes on. This illustrates the progress he hopes will be made. The show will not be about what sexual orientation a contestant, rather it will solely be about the contestant’s ability to dance. Concerning the negative comments he has been receiving, Bono simply said, “These people have an agenda. And I have one as well.” Thus, expect him to flourish on DWTS, as he will be seen to rise above the hate and take a stand for social progress. On the show, Bono hasn’t been a favorite of the judges – his dancing abilities appear to be lacking as he received the lowest score in the show’s second and third weeks – but has yet to be eliminated, showing that he’s clearly a viewer favorite. If his dancing improves, he may go far in the competition. Dancing with the Stars can be seen on ABC Monday nights at 8 PM for the performance show and Tuesday nights at 9 PM for the results show.
Lord of the Rings. Likewise, given that Jess is currently in a post-breakup funk of sorts, she deals with her emotions by watching Dirty Dancing, and goes so far as to break out singing “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” Critics are clearly fans of the show’s quirkiness, as Metacritic reports that the show has received “generally favorable reviews” from critics, with
an average score of 65/100. It stands as one of the best-reviewed new network sitcoms of the season. Furthermore, critics aren’t the only ones falling in love with New Girl. According to TV by the Numbers, its premiere was watched by 10.28 million total viewers and scored a 4.8/12 rating for viewers 18-49, making it the highestrated program across any network for the evening. Its viewer loss has been slim – it lost only 4% of viewers 18-49 from its second to third week – and this has led to New Girl topping the ratings charts for three weeks straight. In fact, New Girl is the first new sitcom on any network to win its night in viewers 18-49 for its first three weeks in twenty years, as reported by TV by the Numbers. This feat hasn’t been accomplished since Step by Step premiered on ABC in 1991. Thanks to these stellar ratings and positive reception overall, New Girl has been picked up for an additional eleven episodes. New Girl is a highly enjoyable half-hour of television for everyone. It’s cute, funny, relatable, and Zooey Deschanel is “simply adorkable,” as the show’s posters dictate. Watch New Girl Tuesdays at 9 PM on Fox.
50/50 gives 100 percent BY JENNA FRATELLO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Any (500) Days of Summer fan would agree that it is nearly impossible for Joseph Gordon-Levitt to top his role as the love-sick Tom Hansen in the indie-cult film that stole so many hearts back in 2009. And while (500) Days is certainly not to be forgotten, Levitt’s new dramedy, 50/50, comes close in comparison. The film, directed by Jonathan Levine and written by Will Reiser, can be described as an unconvententional comedy that follows the life of a newlyinformed cancer-positive twenty-four year-old, played by Levitt. The film is loosely based off of Reiser’s life and his triumph over spinal cancer. Levitt plays Adam, a Seattle radioproducer who has been diagnosed with a malignant spinal tumor. The character is so closed off emotionally throughout the film that it’s almost impossible for audiences not to empathize with him. The film is designed so that the audience cannot stop wanting to help the deranged and depressed young man escape his assumed death sentence. Comedic relief is undoubtedly provided by Pineapple Express star Seth Rogen, who plays Kyle, Adam’s best friend and confidant. Rogen’s familiar mix of affability, vulgarity, and innocence bring lightheartedness to the tear-jerking script. His character is the type of “good guy” best friend that any male would want to have, especially when that male’s girlfriend, played by Bryce Dallas Howard (The Help), is an unemotional abstract artist. It’s a good thing that Reiser script-
ed Anna Kendrick into the film. Kendrick was the breakout star of the 2009 dramedy Up in the Air, earning an Oscar nomination for “Best Supporting Actress.” The up-and-coming – and often underrated – actress plays Dr. Katherine “Katie” McCay, a newly employed therapist whose awkward charm makes Levitt’s character become defensive. Throughout the course of the film, their therapist-patient relationship seems to magically cure the grief-stricken young man. Kendrick’s character is portrayed as the only person to whom Adam can relate. Moreover, the theme of the film is a simple one: life is one big journey with many steps. For Adam, these steps have changed. There are now four of them: shock, denial, resistance, and acceptance. His relationships with his best friend, his therapist, and his family are his medicine. Levine’s directing captures each step of his journey with moody screenshots and cinematically-scripted silence of a man facing mortality – nixing the awkwardness of movie-silence that gets the best of some screenwriters. Alongside Reiser’s simple-minded and Juno-esque dialogue, the film is most certainly a charmer – yet it’s realistic enough to actually make its audience cry. 50/50 succeeds in showing the audience that when the steps of your life’s journey change, the only cure is how you, yourself, deal with it.
THE CHIEF 8
OCTOBER 28, 2011
Boys volleyball serves up yet another win
Girls soccer BY MATT HIRSCH
BY JON GRANT & SPENCER NORD
STAFF WRITER
SPORTS EDITOR & BUSINESS MANAGER
Chris Hussman spikes the ball against Port Washington in the October 19 match remaining undefeated team in Confer- by beating teams from as far away as ence 1. Baltimore and Pennsylvania. “The team executed the game plan “We have worked hard all season, to perfection by playing solid on both in games and practices alike. We also the offensive and defensive side of the pushed hard throughout this entire ball,” team captain an All-State selec- game, winning against a good team,” tion Christian Smith said. junior Taylor Brickmeier said. The team’s energy and sheer skill The team hopes to capture its third can overwhelm any opponent. Just consecutive county championship and last week, the team placed second at advance to the Long Island Championthe prestigious Penfield Invitational ship.
JON GRANT//THE CHIEF
The Boys Varsity Volleyball Team doesn’t need a block party to win. The Chiefs, ranked third in the state and first in the county, defeated the Vikings of Port Washington on October 19. It was a classic volleyball match between the two heavy weights of Nassau County. The boys won in only three sets, by more than five points in each set. Despite what the score may convey, beating Port Washington was a real feat. The scores of 25-16, 25-17, and 25-13 knocked Port Washington’s record to 10-2, with both losses against Massapequa. The gym was packed with people, even though it was just a regular season match which shows the sheer enthusiasm and will of Massapequa fans. The student section of the bleachers was packed with cheering fans, dressed in two colors: blue and gold. who stomped and cheered for every play and player. Some students got down to court level and fired up the crowd, especially one student, Mike Cantalupo, the star organizer of the “Block Party” fan club. Each chant really got the team fired up and ready to win. They are now the only
The Girls Varsity Soccer Team, capping off last years’ season with a State Championship victory, is in hopes for a similar outcomes as last year. As of October 21, the Chiefs have a record of six wins with big victories over teams such as South Side and Baldwin, three ties, and four tough losses to top teams in the county. However, their phenomenal 2010 season may be a thing of the past – that year, they went undefeated and beat Webster Thomas to become New York State champions. This year their season has had a rockier start, with a 2-0 loss to Farmingdale, and a 1-0 loss to MacArthur. “To try to get back to States this year, we're taking it one game at a time, and becoming closer as a team as the season goes on,” team captain Emmalee Meyer said. “Team chemistry is big with us, so we are able to work together on and off the field.” Yet the season is far from over, and the Chiefs are doing whatever they can to spark a comeback.
Dig Pink raises funds and awareness for breast cancer BY JON GRANT & JENNA FRATELLO SPORTS EDITOR & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
and the Cheerleading team entertained between matches. On Sunday, October 16, many of these teams joined the tens of thousands who walked the Jones Beach Boardwalk in the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. Other Massapequa groups were also in attendance, includ-
ing the Massapequa Federation of Teachers, and the Chinese Club. As always, a quality effort was given from all of the players. Alongside them, teachers coaches, parents, and students all came together to show their one true color: pink.
The Girls Volleyball team prep for their Dig Pink match against Syosset on October 12
JON GRANT//THE CHIEF ALLIE GIORDANO//THE CHIEF
MHS is pretty in pink once again. Last Wednesday, October 12 marked the annual Dig Pink volleyball match. The Girls Varsity Volleyball Team played against Syosset, crushing their opponent with scores of 25-13, 25-18, and 25-9. However, the score was nothing more than a bonus to the purpose of Dig Pink. The entire school, let alone the gymnasium, was decked out in pink for breast cancer awareness. Every corner of the gym lobby sported pink, as did almost every attendee. You could not turn the corner without catching a glimpse of the symbolic color. In the stands, pink batons and pom-poms were passed around, while pink-colored baked goods were sold in the gym lobby. As usual, the size of the crowd did not disappoint, and the energy was once again, incomparable. Throughout the match, tributes were made to those affected by breast cancer. In a touching show of support, everyone who knew someone affected wrote the name of that person on a poster that they received. Each person with a poster was asked to stand up, showing just how many people know someone who has gone through the disease. At the end of the night, every member of the Girls Varsity and Junior Varsity Volleyball Teams had a pink carnation. After the teams lined up on opposite ends of the court, the Massapequa team gave their flowers to Syosset, as another gesture of awareness and support. “We’re always looking to help a
worthy cause and every year the event gets bigger and better with more people supporting us and donating to the SideOut foundation,” sophomore and team member Katie Vedilago said. “This is really what pumps us up and helps us play well overall as a team.” The Side-Out foundation is a widespread organization focused on uniting volleyball players and coaches to help in the fight against breast cancer. In fact, the total amount collected is still unknown. “Contributions are still coming in, so there’s not an exact amount yet,” coach Habeeb said. “We might just reach $12,000; how exciting.” In addition to breast cancer research, the proceeds will also be put towards: St. Rose Food Drive and Adopt-a-Battalion. The Girls Volleyball Team were not the only ones working to stomp out breast cancer. The Boys Volleyball Team, Girls Tennis, Girls Field Hockey, Girls JV Soccer, JV Football were also involved. Each team dedicated a home game to the cause, while the Chiefettes
Girls Volleyball, Girls Tennis, JV Football, and Girls Field Hockey were among the teams involved in “Think Pink” Week activities