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St. Patrick’s Day Issue Watertown High School March 19, 2010
Flooding Damages
Classrooms
By: Aaron Parseghian
Starting on Saturday March I’ve been here, and I’ve been here a
13, 2010, the northeast was victim to a long time,” said Housemaster Michael
ton of rainfall. Over a span of three days McDermott. The flooding seemed to
some metro-Boston areas accumulated reach all crevices after close to four
upwards of eight inches of rain. All the inches of water was found on the fitness
while houses were flooding, schools center, and some escaped into the tiles.
were closing, and people were being
affected everywhere. Even the high Also receiving damage were
school had trouble escaping it. both Mrs. Calleja’s and Mr. Dressler’s
art rooms. Mr. Dressler’s room received
“I don’t remember any flooding the most damage, as the entire floor
to this degree in the high school, since was covered in water and mud, the
ceiling was cracking and leaking, and
the dripping water damaged computers.
The updated fitness equipment in the WHS Fitness Center. “The exact amount of damage is unsure,
Photo by: Zohra Yaqhubi and the school will be notified when we
know [the extent],” said McDermott
There have been great changes as heart monitors. Along with a group
in the school system of Watertown. We effort with a writing firm, Ms. Ruseckas As a result Headmaster
have been awarded over $600,00 from was able to collect and write the goals, Nofstker closed school promptly at 2:30
a federal grant, known as the Carol budget, and strategic plan containing and cancelled all afternoon activities
White Physical Education Grant (PEP), information and data that members of at the high school (which included the
in order to improve physical education the department were able to contribute. start of spring sports), so the janitorial
programs and to help our district meet By collecting the data of fitness testing Trash bags were used to salvage staff could continue on cleaning up the
the national recommendation for scores and the results of teacher surveys some of Mr. Dressler’s computers. mess.
minutes of vigorous physical activity based on our current PE program, the Photo by: Aaron Parseghian
per week within its PE classes. department was able to gather enough
information in order to award Watertown
Thanks to the help and with a fresh and healthier PE program
dedication of Ms. Donna Ruseckas, the for all of it’s students. Congratulations to Timm Moan, the
coordinator of the Physical Education
Department, the district of Watertown The Carol White Physical MIAA’s Student-Athlete for March 2010!
was able to be awarded this grant. Ms. Education Grant (PEP) is a Federal Grant.
Ruseckas met with the Department Staff The purpose that it serves is to improve
to put together a strategic plan to help physical education programs in order
bring the current Physical Education to help guide school systems towards
curriculum to a more advanced version
that better suits our 21st century by
meeting the national recommendation
for minutes of vigorous physical activity
The next Raider Times will be our
adding more advanced technology such for an average of 150 minutes per week. Spring Issue.....look for it in May.
Continued on page 2
Zeikel Wins iPod Track Teams’ Success
Continued from Page One
By: Harrison Ford
McElroy and junior, James Holland Moan agrees adding, “I’m
In December 2009, just weeks
finished second-place with a time of really proud and excited for the both of
before everybody’s favorite holiday
1:35.79 and will also be attending the us.” Both athletes are eager to continue
break, a school-wide raffle was set up
All-States. pursuing new goals in track and field
by Mr. Philip Henry in which the prize
throughout college.
was a brand-new 32G iPod Touch. The
The girl’s track team also
raffle was established “to help defray Sadly, the boys’ team also
deserves recognition for outstanding
the cost of the trip,” says Henry. The suffered a couple of misfortunes as the
performances by 2 dedicated track stars,
trip he is referring to is of course the 50-yard shuttle relay team of Moan,
junior Rachel Thomas and sophomore
upcoming week-long field trip to Spain Wilson-Braun, Holland and senior
Talia Flores, for a second place finish
in April, where students will be visiting Kevin O’Laughlin was disqualified for
in the high jump (with a jump of 5ft 2)
such historic cities as Barcelona and a false start after seemingly breaking the
and a fifth place finish in the long jump
Madrid. Class D state record with a time of 4.55.
(with a distance of 16 ft), respectively.
Because of their top 5 finishes, Thomas Unfortunately, the streak of bad luck
The iTouch was “acquired in
and Flores will be joining the boys at continued as the same relay team was
exchange for frequent flyer points in the
Ms. Zeikel proudly displays her new the All-States meet. unable to compete at the National level
‘American Advantage Miles’ program,”
because of failure to adhere to academic
says Henry. Though the amount of iTouch.
Wilson-Braun and Moan performance requirements.
money made by sales of the one- Photo by: Chloe Anderson had outstanding performances at the
dollar-tickets has not been determined, Even so, this year ends on a
All-States meet where they pushed
Spanish students are certainly benefiting hard working students and their exciting positive note for the track athletes who
Watertown High School Track and
from their fundraising. “The raffle was field trip. have had outstanding performances
Field to a new standard. In the 55-meter
handled by the students themselves. The throughout. The bar of expectations
Staff and students alike shelled hurdle, Moan finished 6th place with a
amount of money each student received has certainly been heightened for
out the Washingtons with the hope of time of 7.82 seconds and Wilson-Braun
was determined by the amount that he or next year’s track team. Meanwhile,
winning the precious iTouch. Some took 3rd with a time of 7.62 seconds.
she sold,” Henry adds jokingly. “Some Watertown High is reaping in the
were better salesmen than others.” The greatly helped the cause by buying
“I think we both performed to rewards of having such dedicated and
end result was stunning, as the iTouch way more than one ticket, like Mr.
the best of our abilities and placed the clearly talented members of the team
was raffled off at three times its original McDermott. As for the lucky winner,
highest we’ve ever placed in the All- and looking forward to encouraging
value (approximately eight-hundred it was none other than statistics teacher
States league,” says Wilson-Braun. even more accomplishments to come in
dollars). Ms. Jill Zeikel, who had a mathematical
the outdoor track season.
approach when buying her tickets.
The raffle was an undeniable “If you know how many were sold in
success. When ‘Senor’ Henry was
asked if he agreed he replied, “I believe
it was. But you might ask one or two
total, you can figure out the probability
of winning it. Don’t think it was very
high.” When asked how she felt about
Physics Classes Test Yo-Yos
students who participated in the raffle winning, Zeikel stated simply, “Psyched.
how it measured up to the car washes Very happy.” It was indeed a selfless
last summer or the activities at Faire on win, as she have the iTouch to her ten
the Square last fall”. Overall, the raffle year old niece for Christmas.
was a well-deserved triumph for the
When students were given they splinter into pieces, called quarks. Do you know how many eggs was great when students can partake in
the opportunity to attend a physics The details of each collision are a South African Penguin lays? Can great activities like NSSL.
presentation by Brandeis professor analyzed by the surrounding equipment. you identify one type of a rock from
Jim Bensinger on January 14th, many The quarks they are interested in another? The flagship activity known
expected another boring slideshow that studying are useful in mapping out simply as “the marble drop” was the
These are some of the hardest and most competitive of all the
would simply excuse them from class. the history of subatomic particles.
challenges faced by students in the events. Using everyday objects, students
To their surprise, the reaction to the According to Bensinger, the type of recent North Shore Science League had to make a ramp that dropped a
presentation was enthusiastic among collision that his team is concerned with meet held at Watertown High School. marble off of a table and onto a target.
most present. occurs in roughing 1 out of every 1000 Many students from towns ranging from
“I thought it was going to be collisions. Other types of collisions can Amesbury to Swampscott competed in Teams can recieve up to 50
a stupid presentation about things I be important for other teams. three different events; rocks, aquatic points for each event and both our
didn’t understand,” says senior Matt The teachers were impressed trivia, and a project that involved getting freshman and upperclassman teams
Tardiff. “As it turned out, it was about too. Charlie Duggan, a physics teacher, a marble to land on a target. The rock did very well. The freshman scored
interesting things that were explained in said “Even though I thought I already challege was a test in the participants’ 34.5, 30.5, and 48 points in the
a way that made sense to me.” knew a lot about the LHC, Bensinger ability to identify different types of rocks, aquarium, and marble events
Many other students echoed was able to provide valuable insight and rocks. Groups had to go to 26 different respectively. Our upperclassman team
stations and identify the type of rock scored 44.5, 44, and 39 points. Overall,
Tardiff’s view. Even those who are knowledge because he has personally
with the help of a rock book. our school came in 5th in the rock event,
not “science people” thought that done so much work on the project.” 6th in aquarium event and tied for 3rd
Bensinger’s work sounded both Bensinger came to the school Students in the aquatic triva in the marble drop. Mr.Duggan, who
fascinating and relevant. Bensinger knowing that explaining complicated challenge had to answer questions on used to be the head of the NSSL, said
helps conduct and analyze experiments theories of physics would be a difficult everything aquatic, from facts about that the events were a “great success”,
at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) task, but he hoped that it would inspire the coral reef to knowing the life and he looks forward to the next meet.
near Geneva, Switzerland. The LHC interest in subatomic physics. This was expectancy of certain sea creatures. Watertown needs more students to join
consists of roughly 27 kilometers of Bensinger’s first high school lecture. Mr.Noftsker was simply amazed by the team, so if you’re interested, see
piping. Within the piping, atoms are The presentation went so well that he some of the questiosns and said that it Mr. Duggan.
expelled at high speeds and forced to hopes to give similar ones at surrounding
collide inside a special chamber, where high schools.
Alan November
In 1804 Haiti had the first successful distribute water, food, and medical care.
slave rebellion, was the first black- The USS Comfort, a naval hospital ship,
led republic of the world, and became is anchored off Haiti, and doctors and
the first independent nation in Latin nurses are treating amputees, crushed
Lectures WHS America. Yet a history of violent organs, and broken bones. Aftershocks
political takeovers has kept the nation have caused even more damage and the
poverty-stricken. In 1957 the CIA helped situation is turning out to be worse than
François “Papa Doc” Duvalier become people had predicted.
By: Zohra Yaqhubi president. Duvalier soon announced
Last December, Watertown school designer brought with him a himself President for Life and proved to I believe it is our moral
High School invited guest speaker Alan creative and motivating view of things be a vicious dictator whose regime was obligation, as citizens of the planet, to
November to come and conduct a lecture on that December afternoon. Students marked by autocracy, severe corruption, help those who are suffering in Haiti.
to a small group of students. Starting and faculty members in the audience and terrorism by his personal militia, the If you don’t want to donate to the Red
off with nothing more than a projection learned how application of technology Tonton Macoutes. An estimated 30,000 Cross then please consider donating
of the Google results page for the search in the right ways could be highly were killed and thousands more exiled to other organizations, like Doctors
“November”, Alan drew all listeners in beneficial while sloppy searching could because of his tendency to use murder Without Borders, Partners in Health, or
on one common topic, technology. also lead the person searching into the and expulsion to suppress his opponents the U.N.
hands of very biased sources.
“It’s not the technology itself
that is important; it’s the way we use November even went to
it,” says novemberlearning.com, Alan the forbidden land that most in High
November’s main website. November Schools never even do so much as
led his audience through a journey of mention, not using Google. Proving
learning, teaching the importance of his point through many projected live
technology application in schools. He search experiments, November taught
used commonalities, like Facebook, to his audience how Google was not the
teach students how important it is to use only accurate method of searching to be
technology the right way. used, and certainly not the best in some
fields.
“Nothing ever disappears,” he
claimed after cautioning all to be careful After leading his listeners
what they post on the internet. Short through a few tips and tricks as to how
demos proved this when November to determine a reputable source and
brought up an archival site in which he webpage, November concluded his
was able to retrieve web pages that have message in as laid back a fashion as he
long disappeared from the web from started; drawing all pack to the center
past years. topic of application of technology
in schools. Drawing to points of
His audience, consisting of technology collaboration and and his
Watertown High students participating ideas of technology assessment left his
in Virtual High School classes and audience rethinking their approach to
Rosetta Stone language curriculums, education in new terms.
was continuously captivated with his
remarks on how it was easy for anybody Starting with friendly jokes Sophomore Parisa Zarringhalam works a fundrais-
to publish anything onto the web. and Q&A sessions about how to get ing table in the cafeteria.
his website top on the Google results
November, who has past page for “November”, Alan and his
experience in fields such as teaching, new engaging ideas about technology Photo by: Zohra Yaqhubi
as a technology coordinator, alternative brought a fresh view and insight through
school director, city planner, and new Watertown High School’s doors.
Stories of Romance
a box of chocolates or a dozen roses. his dinner guest a mystery. “Hopefully
Others, however, dread the romantic not a repeat of last year” laughed senior
season and can’t wait for it to be over. Kelsey Prendergast. “At a Mexican
restaurant with Chloe.” Was her By: Chloe Anderson
No matter what your stance, the response to what her plans were. The
holiday of love comes and goes each and search continued and when Sophomore
every year. Back in Elementary School, Victoria Quirk was asked she claimed For the 2009 prom, senior
Valentine’s Day meant decorating a tissue “nothing yet.” When Rimas was asked Connor Grimes shaved the word
box and waiting for your classmates to what his plans for valentines day were “prom?” on the side of his head to ask
place their valentines and candy inside he simply replied, “nothing” and then 2009 graduate Annie Tarverna to the
of it. But, that is not the case anymore. laughed, “watching Billy Madison.” prom.
Plans for Valentine’s Day range all over.
Mr. Mastro’s most romantic
Valentine’s Interview
experience was taking his wife out to
lunch on a picnic. His wife had also
never been to Providence so he took her
By: Vanessa Souza Mr. Rimas holding his favorite Ro- there to go sightseeing.
mantic movie, “Billy Madison”, with
All students meet different Roger: I would buy something that Senior Steven Jewers claims in
students Ryan Donnanvan, Connor
levels of maturity for certain things. signifies our relationship 7th grade he went to the house of the
Everyone has different opinions, and Grimes and Shah Fisel
Photo by: Zohra Yaqhubi girl he loved and threw a pebble at her
feelings. Valentine’s day is a special day Best Valentines Day? bedroom window until she came to it,
for those who want to fire things up a Valentine’s Day is one of the and then whipped out his guitar and
bit. But asking students from WHS it Cindy: I always had good ones most romantic times of the year. All the played a song that he wrote her.
is hard to figure out what people truly couples and spouses try to do something
think and want. A sophomore’s opinion Roger: Went out to dinner, and then I special for one another and it’s the one Prime candidate for this
is definitely different than a freshman. asked her out. time of the year when being corny and question suggested by the senior boys
They may have something in common cheesy is actually okay. Whether it’s was senior Scott Stafford. Scott could
but agreeing is definitely out of their Worst Valentines Day? spending money and buying something not pick just one romantic thing so he
leagues. Interviewing sophomore nice or spending no money at all, shared two. The first was. “I walked
Cindy Delacruz, and new student, and Cindy: Never had one couples all around try and do something through a snow storm to go to Dunkins
sophomore Roger dos Santos [who romantic. WHS may not be the most and then bring coffee to Maria cause she
aren’t a couple] proves this. Roger: I had a girl’s boyfriend chase me
romantic atmosphere, but students and wasn’t feeling well and I didn’t have a
down
faculty alike have stories of romantic car.” And secondly, “I pretended I didn’t
What is Valentines Day for you? experiences of their own, which arises remember Maria and my anniversary I
At what age are you planning on
getting married? the question, what’s the most romantic surprised her with homemade chocolate
Cindy: A day to spend with a loved one thing you have ever done? covered strawberries that she loves”
Roger: Well, I guess a romantic Cindy: I would say about 22
The most romantic thing Sophomore Victoria Quirk
holiday? Mr.Rimas has ever done was propose recalls having a boy bring her flowers in
Roger: Between 22- 28 sounds just
right to his wife while watching “Billy the middle of a snowstorm as her most
How do you show love for an Madison” at his house. “Nothing says romantic experience, “I haven’t really
individual one? I love you like ‘Billy Madison’,” says
Do you believe on arranged done anything for anyone else,” she
marriages? Rimas with a smile. laughs.
Cindy: Buying them things such as
flowers
Cindy: No because I believe that it’s our
Roger: Saying that you love them choice, and being married forcefully
isn’t right Some Good Romantic Movies
What does the word LOVE mean to
you? Roger: I can’t say anything about it, Titanic
because that isn’t my plan
The Notebook
Cindy: Love means you care about
someone a lot, and you could even love Do you thing it’s better to be single A Walk to Rememberr
him or her, they could be special if you or dating?
want to
P.S. I Love You
Cindy: Sometimes is better to be single, She’s All That
Roger: An unexplainable feeling because you would have no problems,
but then a person who is single gets Pearl Harbor
What might you give someone on lonely, and needs someone to comfort Sleepless in Seattle
Valentines Day? them and make it feel comfortable,
You’ve Got Mail
Roger: It could go both ways, depending
Cindy: I think I could give flowers to
who I’m and who that person is.
When Harry Met Sally
my mom, and boyfriend I really don’t
know
By: Chloe Anderson
Your Mr. WHS Contestants
A fairly recent tradition at Wa- ing, practicing, and doing whatever they a talent component. The competition
tertown High School, Mr. WHS will take
place on March 18th. The contestants
need to give their best performance in
order to be crowned Mr. WHS. The rig-
will be fierce but along the way, there
will be plenty of laughs. Catching up
Tickets: $10.
have been nominated and over the past orous competition includes casual wear, with the contestants, they were asked a
few weeks, they have been brainstorm- swim wear, and formal wear, as well as series of questions.
What’s in Style
gave a few tips on how awareness can With that said, we should spread
be raised in our community and among the message to our community, because
students, “Present the arguments, let’s face it we have nowhere else to go
have them watch “Inconvenient and should do whatever we can to stop
Feature Class:
Legal Issues
By: Harrison Ford
Senior year brings on a wide points out, “Most students are eager to
range of opportunities that are not learn about the criminal side of law, but
available to underclassmen. One perk once we start to talk about civil law, these
of being a twelfth-grader is the access to students are introduced to areas of law
courses that are specifically for seniors. that are more practical and relevant to Ms. Hoffman addressing a Legal Issues class.
For grade twelve social studies, students their lives, such as consumer protection,
are able to pick from psychology, landlord/tenant rights, family law, and Photo By: Chloe Anderson
civics, and law. All are worth-while contract law”.
and beneficial, but law is unique in its
own way. As young adults preparing to Those who take law are also subject
go forth and prosper in the “real world”, to class activities such as a prison field
seniors have a lot to learn about the trip. This trip usually takes place in
Help WHS
American Legal System (which is the November and is designed to give
actual title for law class). students an inside look at the life of a
hardened criminal and the concrete
Sandra Hoffman, who has been effects of crime and punishment. But
teaching Law at WHS for seven years, not all is serious when it comes to law,
“GO GREEN”
believes that students have a lot to learn as Mrs. Hoffman manages to maintain
regarding the laws of our country and a fun class atmosphere. When senior
how they vary depending on the state, Jamie Almasian was asked her favorite
“Students are usually surprised to learn part about law, she stated “Hoffman,
about the history of juvenile justice because she calls Mr. Buck a genj”.
and how some juvenile offenders are
handled and treated in states outside So juniors, when signing your
Massachussetts”. This topic is of special course-selection sheets in the spring,
interest to Hoffman, who comments, “I take Mrs. Hoffman’s wise words into
Don’t forget to
am fascinated by all areas of the law consideration, “Juniors should consider
and how law reflects a society’s moral taking the American Legal System as
and social values, but I think I enjoy one of their senior electives because
teaching about the history of juvenile
law and justice”.
hopefully they will gain a better
understanding of the law and everything
we do as members of a society”.
recycle this paper!
Not all issues brought up in law class
are about felonies, as Mrs. Hoffman
Arts & Entertainment
WHS’ Spring Musical, Best Entertainment of
Grease, Rocks WHS the Decade 2000-2009
By: Jaqueline Tresca By: Zohra Yaqhubi, Harrison Ford, Brett McManus
“Summer lovin’ happened roles included those of seniors Charlotte Sure this past decade has been the “Late Greats” -as “Entertainment
so fast…..” when Grease lightening Fitts-Sprague as Patty Simcock, Erin dubbed the “Decade From Hell” by Weekly” put it- from 2009 alone.
swept WHS from Thursday, February Macri as Ms. Lynch, and Harrison some in the newswriting business, Time George Harrison, “The Quiet Beatle”,
26 through Saturday, February 28 when Ford as the guardian angel, as well as Magazine claiming that the ‘00s were lost his battle with cancer in 2001 and
the school production of Grease the those of sophomores Ben Wetherbee as the some of the worst years to date, but Katherine Hepburn, four-time Oscar
musical hit the stage. Directed and Eugene and Jenna Caski as Cha- Cha. entertainment-wise, this decade was full winner died in 2003. Many notable
choreographed by Ms. Abigail Cordell, To really get the crowd going, of actors, writers, and artists that set the deaths occurred throughout the decade
(middle school music, chorus, and Bartley and Hayes started the musical bar extremely high for the next decade. and although lives have been lost, their
drama teacher) the school version stayed with a powerful version of “Summer legends live on in entertainment history.
true to the original musical, including Lovin.” Followed by many great solos Many exceptional stars
well-known songs such as “We Go and whole-ensemble pieces, the musical stepped into the limelight during this Movies, movies, movies!
Together” and “Grease Lightening.” talent of this year’s cast proved to be decade, some more exceptional than 2000 through 2009 held explosions in
The cast of this year’s very high. This talent was demonstrated others. According to “Entertainment box offices. Records were smashed
spring musical included some annual throughout songs such as “Freddie My Weekly’s” December 11th 2009 issue, and actors emerged in movies such as
performers as well as some new faces Love,” (Yalcin’s solo), “Sandra D.” the Entertainers of the Decade were “The Lord of The Rings”, “Gladiator”,
on the stage. Lead roles were filled by (Taylor’s solo), and “Mooning Over narrowed down to some of the following “The Dark Knight”, “The 40 Year-Old
many new comers to the high school You,” (O’Laughlin and Gallant’s duet). people, Johnny Depp who critics Virgin” and more. It was the decade of
drama program, including students Tyler Paired with these popular songs, the appointed, “one of the finest actors of movie-goers and movie lovers and saw
Bartley, junior, as Danny Zuko, Katie dancing and acting of the cast proved to his generation”. Depp stood out in his movies like “Slumdog Millionaire”,
Hayes, senior, as Sandra D., Jen Taylor, truly entertain the audience. most “unlikely” roles such as Captain “Million Dollar Baby”, and “Crash”
senior, as Rizzo, and Majed Abbas, Through Jack Sparrow in the “Pirates” trilogy. take home the Best Picture award at the
senior, as Kenickie. As part of their their hard work and talent, the cast of Academy Awards. And when it wasn’t
Pink Lady and Thunderbird possies, Grease put on a great performance that J.K. Rowling, who exploded movies, American’s nationwide were
junior students Grace Gallant, Isilay pulled in one of the largest crowds that onto the scene with the emergence of glued to their seats for television series.
Yalcin, and Natalie Ras-Singer filled any WHS school production has ever everybody’s favorite wizard, Harry
the roles of Jan, Marty, and Frenchie, seen. Backed by a large ensemble, Potter, had 12 million copies of Harry Television was huge in the past
while seniors Kevin O’Laughlin and band, and tech crew, the musical proved Potter and the Deathly Hallows go to decade. ABC set the viewing record in
Evan Hect, and sophomore Justin to be a great success. The halls of WHS print in the U.S.,selling 8.3 million 2009, estimating a total of 1.4 million
Depamphilis, took on the parts of will be bouncing with the sound of copies here in the first 24 hours alone. viewers for a single prime time show.
Roger, Doody, and Sonny. Other key “Grease Lightening” for years to come! Of course the Harry Potter craze doesn’t “The Sopranos”, “Lost”, “Gilmore
end there as the movies have made $5.4 Girls”, “The Daily Show”, “American
billion more than any other franchise. Idol”, “Arrested Development” and
“The Comeback” were shows that
Tina Fey, whether it’s ranked in the top 10 in Entertainment
her writing, creation, acting or Weekly’s Best of the Decade Issue.
comedy, America has seemed to David Chase, creator of “The Sopranos”,
fall in love with her incredibly dubbed the best television show of
awkward yet addictive comedy style. the decade “took a baseball bat to the
knees of the term ‘family drama’ and
Oprah Winfrey, who created this landmark Mafioso show,”
“Entertainment Weekly” writer Tim says “Entertainment Weekly.” Chase
Stack says “has created a veritable himself called his hit cast “a family…
Oprah-verse through her taste and [with] true affection and respect.”
branding” has had a 25 year run Although TV is still going strong,
of her daytime talk show –which many find themselves on the internet
she plans to end in 2011- and has on sites like hulu.com, watching their
become a household name in the past favorite shows. Junior James Dunoyer
decade with her work in television, praises it saying, “it has all kinds of
politics, movies, radio, and education. TV entertainment all in one place.”
John Lasseter is Pixar’s Although movies and
founding creative force. Although his television held an enormous audience,
name is not the most recognizable, his the following of readers behind authors
Senior Majed Abbas in full charac- seven feature films have been nominated and books was not lost. Ranking
ter as his starring role as Kenicky. for 25 Oscars in the past decade, to in EW’s top 10 were The Road, On
give you a snippet of his resume. Beauty, Say You’re One Of Them, The
Corrections, Snow and the Harry Potter
Senior, Majed Abbas dancing to “Grease- Meryl Streep, who has been series, among others. J.K. Rowling,
lightning”. dubbed the actress who “can do not only was honored as an Entertainer
anything” really did do everything in of The Year, but also held the position
the past decade. Whether it was being of Bestselling Author of the Decade,
a Devil wearing Prada, or a legendary selling 29,084,999 volumes worldwide
Senior best friends Charlotte chef, Streep gave viewers a meaningful according to The Telegraph in the UK.
Fits-Sprague and Erin Macri performance of everyone she has played.
belting out Rydell’s High Allma The past decade has
Steve Jobs “steered Apple accumulated much speculation and
Mater. through a veritable media revolution.” criticism for many occurrences, but in
says Adam B. Vary, of “Entertainment entertainment’s view, it’s been one of the
Weekly.” From the first ipod in 2001, best. Dunoyer says that he would best
which junior James Dunoyer calls the describe this past decade in entertainment
best year of the decade for him because as “a breakthrough in inappropriate
this was when “the ipod craze came humor”. In entertainment, “we’re in
about”, the industry of music has forever the business of silver linings” says EW
been changed by Steve Jobs and Apple. magazine. Whether it was movies,
tv shows, albums, books, characters,
In the past decade, along with episodes, or trends, the last decade did
The Pink Ladies all together on the many emergences of new entertainers
stage for theit big performance. not failed to entertain. And now, with
of all sorts, we also lost many stars. the new decade upon us, all we can wish
People like Michael Jackson, Farrah for is more of what the last has brought
Fawcett, Patrick Swayze, Bea Arthur, us, entertainment that hits the bullseye.
Natasha Richardson, Dom Deluise, and
Brittany Murphy were among some of
Precious is Worthy of
love, survival etc. The movie is about in English (subtitles). The locations
two young friends, Hassan, played by and characters in the movie are very
Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada, and Amir, similar to the details of the novel. In the
played by Zekiria Ebrahimi. Hassan is Chicago Sun-Times, Roger Ebert says,
Awards
a servant and works in Amir`s house. “How long has it been since you saw a
movie that succeeds as pure story?” and
Even though Hassan is a good friend, responds by giving this movie an A. The
By: Harrison Ford
Amir betrays him when he doesn’t actors have done exceptionally well,
stand up for him. Amir frames Hassan especially Ahmed Khan, who plays On March 7th, 2010, millions
which results in he and his father`s young Hassan. The fans of the book watched as veteran actress and
removal from the house. After the will not be disappointed and will enjoy comedienne Mo’Nique won the Best
Soviet invasion Amir and his father this movie a lot. It covers the book very Supporting Actress Oscar for her
played by Homayoun Ershadi, move to well with only small parts of the book riveting performance in Precious: Based
California. Amir then played in the film missing. The movie will provide a good On The Novel Push By Sapphire. The
by the Scottish-born Khalid Abdalla [ a way for people to learn more about Oscar was well deserved, as Mo’Nique
38 year old novelist who has a great life Afghan history and culture. helped to make Precious one of the most
with his wife]. However, he still cannot provocative and talked about movies of
2009.
Alice in Wonderland:
viewers into a different world beyond “Inglourious Basterds,” “A Serious
human imagination. It tells the story of Man,” “Up,” and “Up in the Air” which
a hero embarking on an adventure to were also nominees in the “best picture”
save the alien world. Directed by James category. This was an unusual year in the
The Movie
Cameron, the Oscar-winning director sense that there were 10 nominations in
of “Titanic,” this movie was expected this category vs. the standard 5.
to take home most of the major titles
of the evening. Rivaling alongside Other outstanding moments
“Avatar” was “Precious: Based on included performer Neil Patrick Harris’ By: Ashley Caira
the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” which opening act and constant hilarious Trapped under pressure of throughout the whole movie. She runs
introduced new faces to the industry jokes by co-hosts Steve Martin and marrying Hamish (Leo Bill), Alice (Mia into the Mad Hatter who is played by
and told the poignant tale of 16 year old Alec Baldwin. However, the best Oscar Wasikowska) flees the garden they are Johnny Depp. Going through the movie
Claireece “Precious” Jones who sought moment hands-down goes to Ben Stiller in, and hopes to follow the rabbit that you view flashbacks of the old one and
a chance to suppress the sexual and who got on stage in full avatar-esque once took her away to “Wonderland”, even face new characters like the White
physical abuse she endured in her past makeup and costume. A combination which is later made known that in fact, Queen (Anne Hathaway) and the Red
and instead push for a better future. The of new faces, unexpected wins and the location was truly “Underland.” Queen (Helena Bonham Carter).
most popular movie of the night went extraordinary performances made this Tim Burton directed the sequel
to “The Hurt Locker,” which earned the years Academy Awards a landmark to the well known, Alice in Wonderland I would recommend this movie
most recognition including the title of moment in cinematic history. book, by Lewis Carrol in 1865 and also giving it, eight stars out of ten. Although,
“best picture” and “best directing.” the original movie created by Disney. be prepared for differences from the
Alice chases the rabbit and climbs down original Disney movie. Also, the 3-D
a rabbit hole in order to continue the effects could have been a little better.
chase. When she reaches Underland she All in all, Tim Burton has successfully
is faced with people asking if she is the created another movie that fans filled
“real Alice” and is faced this question seats to view.
Drinking Age
money and spend it on dinner, movies, Valentine’s Day is about enjoying
and a bouquet of flowers. It just does each other’s company not their wallet.
not make sense to me. Be grateful you
have each other! Why spend so much?
Olympics Recap
class, and sustain a healthy diet and to sweat without doing anything and
exercise program that includes intense only dehydrates the wrestler, which
cardio exercises to keep up conditioning, is unhealthy for the body. Some times
and control weight. Maintaining weight when a sauna is not available, a wrestler
will improvise by using the shower, by By: Brett McManus
is a hard part of wrestling. In order
to cope with this, wrestlers try to find turning the shower on as hot as you can This past February in winning 14 gold medals. The record
quick ways to shed a pound or two withstand and going in for a long period Vancouver, Canada countries from was previously held by Norway in 2002.
of time and running in place. This can act around the world sent their best athletes
When cutting weight a as a sauna and causes you to sweat and to compete in the 2010 winter Olympics. Tragically a men’s luger
wrestler will think to himself, “what is not good for you. All of these methods This year was a rather eventful one with from the Republic of Georgia was
is the quickest way I can lose the most that promote dehydration, which is the U.S. bringing home 37 medals, killed during a training round.
weight?” This question will most likely detrimental to your long-term health, the most medals any country has ever The luger was only 21 years old.
yield the answer of running with layers. Mr. DiBenedetti tells, “dehydration can brought back for the winter Olympics.
Whether it is on a treadmill, track, or cause kidney damage and electro light The Olympics lasted for sixteen days A total of fifteen sporting
the heated stairs across from Mr. Di imbalances causing problems with the with much triumph, upsets and tragedy. events were held during this year’s
Benedetti’s room on the first floor, muscles.” And for this reason these games with eighty-two nations
running with layers of clothes will make weight-cutting methods are illegalized The U.S. men’s hockey team competing. The total cost of the 2010
you sweat. When a wrestler sweats they by the MIAA. pulled off an unexpected 5-3 win against Olympics was estimated to have been
not only drain their body of as much team Canada to put them as the first somewhere around 6 billion dollars.
liquid as they can but they also won’t Cutting and maintaining seed. Unfortunately they lost in a close The next winter Olympics is scheduled
allow themselves enough water for weight is one of the greatest challenges game during overtime in the gold medal to take place in Sochi, Russia in 2014.
proper re-hydration. The worst of the in the sport of wrestling which is one of round. The Canadians also set the record
intentional dehydration is usually done the most challenging sports, and when for the most gold medals ever won by
the night of a match when the wrestler done in a proper way it should benefit
will have to make weight the following your health over all but when done the
morning. Even though the bulk of the wrong way it will not only hurt your
dehydration is done over one night it body but also your ability to wrestle.
can still affect a wrestler, according
At around twelve o’clock on away from the crowd and whispers me Dawson, and defensemen Kyle Ross. to the general public. Access anywhere
January 30, 2010 I arrived at the main directions like its some mission for a is granted, free food, and views of the
entrance to the T.D. Banknorth Garden, C.I.A. operative. At halftime, I navigated game from new perspectives. It was
to attend a Boston Blazers professional my way to the press boxes on the also funny to see how little kids almost
lacrosse game, amongst the rest of the I make my way outside, up ninth floor, sitting with people with viewed me as a celebrity, asking if I can
general public, as if I was attending a ramp, and through security doors notebooks and laptops in hand, taking get them free merchandise.
any other game. Confused as to where to receive my media credentials, my notes of the game. I helped myself to
to go I followed the rest of the crowd ticket to most off limit areas. My first the complimentary refreshments, and The job of a sports journalist
to the main court/field entrance, and stop was the third floor, where I walked went through the television, radio, and is quite a fun one, watching and getting
proceeded to ask the security for help. through the player’s tunnel, saw the media control boxes. special treatment at sporting events, and
Bruins locker-room, and saw the Will then writing about either the game or
“Excuse me sir, how do I McDonough journalist room. When the game ended, with your experience. Furthermore, I could
get to the east security entrance.” The the Blazers winning 11-9 I exited where eventually see myself pursuing it as
man looks at me like I have a thousand When the game started I took the rest of the public would, through a major in college, or professionally later
heads. “Well who do you know?” he my seat, (which could be anywhere I door that camouflaged in with the rest in my life.
questions. I went on to tell him that wanted to sit) in the front row right next of the wall. As I was leaving a kid asked
I was working with a student reporter to the action, sitting next to professional me “Hey, can you get me a shirt?”
program, granting me access to areas photographers, and EMT’s for the game.
that would normally be off limits to I stayed in my seat to watch the action It’s really cool to see how
the general public. He then pulls me of players like reigning M.V.P. Dan much power the media gets compared
Sports
This Issue’s Feature Athletes
Connor Stockdale: Junior Basketball Captain
By: Chloe Anderson Junior, Connor Stockdale is admits Connor. is “stopping myself from yelling at the
this issue’s feature male athlete. Connor ref and getting a technical foul.”
is known for his skills on the basketball To prepare for a game Connor
court. The starting center is a big part says, “I’ll be the first one in the locker Connor already has one state
of the defending state champion WHS room and listen to my iPod by myself.” championship ring on his finger as a
basketball team. Connor has been Connor also says before every game junior. Who knows, maybe he can get
playing since second grade, starting off he listens to “Bring your whole crew” another one his senior year. The Raider
playing Biddy Basketball like most kids by DMX. Basketball comes with a Times would like to wish Connor and
at that age. Connor said that throughout lot of challenges and obstacles for the rest of the boys’ basketball team
the years “it (basketball) teaches me Connor. The hardest part of basketball good luck with their season and seasons
how to be a part of a team and work to come.
with others.” All basketball players can
agree that there is so much to love about Fun Facts on Conner
the game of basketball.
Every issue, The Raider Times carry on feats of seemingly impossible the gym wishing that some day I would
newspaper staff nominates several stunts and routines. “I love being on the be on their team”. And sure enough,
students, both girls and boys, to dub team…I enjoy going to the games and ten years later, Caroline now heads
the Feature Athlete of the Issue. In hanging out with the girls,” says Balley the Watertown Raiders Cheerleading
this issue, head cheerleader, Caroline about her views on being a part of the squad.
Balley was nominated and assumed the team.
position. Caroline is now more than
Caroline started gymnastics happy with her position saying that
Although she modestly states at age one and by age seven “[she] had she enjoys cheerleading “because it’s
that she doesn’t deem her activity gotten tired with it, disliking all of the an energetic, competitive sport that
“a sport” her long hours of physical events except floor. Because of this, I provides a lot of fun.” Not only is she
training have given her the strength to would watch the cheerleading team at happy with her position, but Caroline is
more than qualified as Cheer Captain
as a result of many years of gymnastics
Fun Facts on Caroline and cheerleading. “Overtime, I have
been able to practice and perfect the
Name: Caroline Balley skills that I have learned, as well as
continuing to learn more,” says Balley
Sports Played: Winter Cheering of her experience.
Caroline cheers on the
Age: 17 The basketball cheerleaders are
working hard and the effort is showing basketball team at a
Birthday: April 18, 1992 through. Caroline Balley’s excellent recent game.
skills in the field are the backbone of Photo by: Lifetouch
Greatest athletic achievement: Becoming cheer Watertown High School’s cheerleading
captain. community and will be dearly missed
when she graduates in June.