March 2009 Blue & Gold Malden High

Spring Sports Preview

The Great Paper Shortage, page 7

Visit the Blue and Gold website for exclusive slideshows.

pages 17 - 19

The Blue and Gold http://my.highschooljournalism.org/ma/malden/mhs/

Malden High School Volume 94 Edition 6

Our 94th Year March 2009

Senior Fashion Show

69th Annual Junior Varieties, full spread on pages 10-11

Mhs to be stimulated Shannon Howe Reporter

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The senior girls line up for a group shot before the show. Tzivia Halperin Head Copy Editor Nidale Zouhir Copy Editor

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ENIOR SWAGGER was evident during the annual fashion show at Anthony’s of Malden on Thursday, March 12, 2009. Even before the show began, Anthony’s was awash with excitement; the models were quickly putting on their outfits while the crew

WORLD NEWS Page 5 LOCAL NEWS Page 7 ENTERTAINMENT Page 10 STYLE Page 15 SPORTS Page 17 TRAVEL Page 20

Parker’sWorld

Page 4

was organizing and assembling the stage area or waiting for people by the door. The crew itself was quite an animated group and when asked why she opted to work as a crew member rather than modeling on stage, Brittany Klingerman noted that she liked the idea of “helping things come together.” And together they came, after the immense preparations -about three weeks of rehearsal meetings and fittings- everyone appeared optimistic about the night ahead.

Photo by E. Chiavelli

Senior class treasurer, Stephanie Tran, commented prior to the show that “seniors get to strut their stuff and have a blast doing it…everyone has a good time,” while co-class advisor Paul Famiglietti (along with Maureen Vona) provided the group with words of encouragement just prior to the show, commenting that they have “been a great group, very cooperative.” By 6:00 p.m., doors were opened continued pg 15

Gold Key winner

Senior Justin Patterson, Full Story on page 9. Photo by E. Chiavelli

O LONGER WILL THERE be complaints about the school being too hot or too cold, because as of June 2009, Malden High School will be undergoing major renovations. The renovations are being made over a time period of three years. Students and faculty will be looking forward to “fresh paint everywhere, new heating, lighting, plumbing, air conditioning, new technology, new alarm systems, security systems, a state of the art auditorium, and much more,” according to MHS Principal Dana Brown. The ventilation system will circulate cleaner air that will be much better to breathe, as well as being a lot cleaner too. One of the major projects will be adding an elevator into the Jenkins/ Brunelli building. On the note of renovations, Ward One City Councilor Gary Christenson explained that “we are hoping to modernize the facility and provide faculty and students with a first-rate facility to learn.” As this will be costly in this time of economic troubles, the school was lucky to receive a grant of $77 million. Additionally, the city is being reimbursed 90 percent of the cost by the state. “Jenkins House and Brunelli House needs work, it’s a good idea. However, I don’t want to see teachers laid off while they are spending money on the renovations,” stated social studies teacher Richard Tivnan. If MHS did not accept this opportunity and grant money from the state, then another school would have had an opportunity like this. “The city will have to come up continued pg 7

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Editorials

The Blue and Gold March 2009

http://my.highschooljournalism.org/ma/malden/mhs/

Malden High School

The Blue and Gold 77 Salem St. Malden, MA 02148

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Nicole Dhruv Malisa Saksua MANAGING EDITOR Cynthia Rodriguez HEAD NEWS WRITER David Riemer HEAD ENTERTAINMENT/ OPINION Ashley Ngo HEAD SPORTS WRITER Paul Collins ASSISTANT SPORTS WRITER Alfonse Femino HEAD COPY EDITORS Tzivia Halperin Ayoub Kourikchi COPY EDITORS An Holmqvist Brittany Foley Nidale Zouhir HEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Emily Chiavelli ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHER Lynn Tran HEAD OF BUSINESS Kimberly Lombard BUSINESS TEAM Brandon Knight Cera Nolan ONLINE EDITORS Kimberly Lombard Brandon Knight REPORTERS Haley DeFilippis Michael DiGregorio Jacquelyn Dillon Alexander Gennigiorgis Dan Holmqvist Shannon Howe Barbara Jerome-Athis Omar Khoshafa Erica Marangos Alexandra Mathieu Patti McClenthen Brittany McFeeley Paul McWhinnie Joan Morabito Linda Nguyen Paula Suarez Salamanca ADVISOR Ryan Gallagher Established in 1915 Check out our online edition: http://my.highschooljournalism.org/ma/malden/mhs/

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eople consider me a rather patient person; I raise my hand and wait to be called on, rather than waving it about. I wait in line like most of the students, rather than taking advantage of my senior status or cutting in front of a friend who’s closer to the front of the line. I’m even still waiting to take my picture for my license, despite the fact that I really should have done it right after I passed the test a week or two ago. So after stating all of this, understand the seriousness of the statement that if I have to wait any longer this month to hear from colleges, I will go insane. March is the primary month where colleges send out their acceptance and rejection letters and based on the fact that college is stressed as something that could make or break your future, the wait understandably causes much stress to fall upon many a senior’s head. One friend even jokingly commented that I must have been stressed out, considering they managed to find a gray hair or two sticking out from my scalp. The stress may be considered unnecessary to some; many seniors have already been accepted into schools: some by scholarship programs such as POSSE or Colby-Sawyer, some by early acceptance decisions, and some have already received their regular decision letters. For the rest of Malden High’s senior population however, there’s the infamous college list. Each student has their list of their top schools, and they have their set of backup choices. And when you’ve been accepted into your backup, but haven’t heard from your top choices yet? It’s kind of nerve wracking. Long gone are the days where a the thin or thick envelopes reveals a college’s decision. These days, colleges are going to new lengths to deliver the news, be it good or bad. Whether it’s sending the letter along with a tube full of confetti to early accepted MIT students or Northeastern’s blatantly obvious envelope emblazoned with the message, “Congratulations on your acceptance,” colleges are going all out in efforts to make students choose their school. Many colleges and universities have even moved the process online now; the University

Editorial Policy

The Blue and Gold is an open forum for student expression. It is produced by students for the school and the community. The views presented in this paper are not necessarily those of the advisor or the school administration. The views presented in the editorials are those of the editors-in-chief or guests. The goal of The Blue and Gold is to inform and entertain students as well as the community regarding issues that we feel are important. We strongly encourage readers to respond to material printed in the form of signed letters to the editors. No libelous, malicious, defamatory, obscene, or unsigned material will be printed. The Blue and Gold reserves the right to edit the letters. Names may be withheld upon request. Not all letters will be printed. Although The Blue and Gold appreciates the support of advertisers, we may refuse any advertisement that violates the above policy or that promotes products questionable to student use. Any correspondence concerning this publication should be directed to Mr. Ryan Gallagher’s room in C333 or to his mailbox in the main office.

The Blue and Gold c/o Malden High School 77 Salem Street Malden, MA 02148

of Georgia sends each student a congratulatory email with a link to a video of fireworks going off, while Bryn Mawr now sends out video acceptances. However, with the increase in flashy acceptance procedures, also comes a changing time for rejection letters as well. Quite a few colleges these days are sending out emails or even texts to students relaying them the details of their status. While some are gentle enough to let down the student easily, by offering to send an actual rejection letter in order to lessen the sting, other schools are less kind. It must be a blow to a student’s ego when they open up their email, only to see “Admissions decision: Deny” in the subject header. The effort that a student undergoes to personalize their essays to the point where they feel as if they’re revealing the most vulnerable part of themselves, exposing their weakness and amplifying their strengths, is enormous; to have all of that hard work and vulnerability tossed aside with an impersonal, electronic, one paragraph statement? It’s crushing, at the very least. Not only that, but the timing of these texts and emails are questionable at best. Ranging from early morning to late night email and text alerts, students could get good or bad news in the middle of a school day, drawing out cheers or tears in the middle of the classroom. The fact of the matter is, no matter how happy we are for the friends around us, we can’t help but wonder about ourselves as well. Seeing friends break down in tears after being rejected from their top choice is frightening; one can’t help but wonder, “If they wouldn’t take [insert name here], then what are the chances that [college name] will take me?” It’s during this time that we have to remember that a rejection from a college isn’t the end of the world. Granted, in the heat of the moment I doubt I’ll be following that advice if I’m rejected from my top choice, but it’s the honest to goodness truth. You accept the colleges that have accepted you, and move on with your life. Who knows, maybe it’s all for the best.

Malisa Saksua Corrections Please send any notes on corrections to [email protected] Justin Patterson’s sculpture named “Electric Guitar” was mistakenly omitted from the list for the ‘Gold Key’ winners in the “Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards” article on page 7. On page 16 Chareza Coleman was wrongly captioned as Christina Peters near the “Tsang Makes States, Others Hope to Follow” article. Andy Pettitt was incorrectly captioned in the “Red Sox & Yankees Active in Off-Season” article on page 19. He is a New York Yankees veteran, not on the Boston Red Sox. In the “Gymnastics ‘Fulling’ Their Way to MIT” article on page 20, it was written that Molly Brickman didn’t compete during the 2008-9 season; however, she did compete.

The Blue and Gold March 2009

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Opinion http://my.highschooljournalism.org/ma/malden/mhs/

safe sex or no sex in florida Alexandra Mathieu Reporter Nidale Zouhir Copy Editor

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CCORDING TO FLORIDA Planned Parenthood, 70% of the local sexually transmitted disease cases in the Tampa Bay area are found in teenagers ages 15 to 19. Florida schools recently started an abstinence-only sexual education program. Meanwhile, Malden High School’s sex-ed program is so small that many students are not even aware of its existence. Despite Massachusetts’s reputation for being one of the most liberal states in the nation, the General Laws of Massachusetts barely mention sex-ed, except for a small section in Chapter 71, Section 32A, which states that, “every city, town, regional school district or vocational school district implementing or maintaining curriculum which primarily involves human sexual education or human sexuality issues shall adopt a policy ensuring parental/guardian notification. Such policy shall afford parents or guardians the flexibility to exempt their children from any portion of said curriculum.” In other words, even if schools in Massachusetts do have comprehensive sex-ed programs, they will be subject to parental discretion. Parents throughout the country believe they should be teaching their children about sex, rather than health teachers. MHS health teacher Arlene Ceppetelli, however, thinks otherwise. “I agree that the fam-

“Ideally, if we had the resources to run a full-year course... we could spend a lot more time on all the issues that are so important to adolescents” ily should be the primary source of values and information,” she stated. “But I also think schools and families can work together to make sure kids get updated and [are given the] correct information so that they can make informed decisions.” Karen Reynolds, the Nursing Supervisor for the Malden Public continued pg 4

nationalizing the banks An Holmqvist Copy Editor

crazy? or Is It just common sense?

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UST DAYS AFTER government officials finalized the $85 billion bailout package for American International Group (AIG), then Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson scoffed at the idea of a nationalized American economy; “Government owning a stake in any private U.S. company is objectionable to most Americans — me included,”(October 7, 2008). But as details of the financial outlook began rolling in week by week, lawmakers began to realize all the more that they may well be forced to intervene for the sake of the American people and their washed-out economy. According to The Wall Street Journal last October, the treasury reportedly purchased $25 billion in preferred stock in Bank of America (including Merrill Lynch), JPMorgan, Chase and Citigroup on top of stock worth between $20 billion and $25 billion in Wells Fargo and $10 billion in Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. They also purchased $3 billion of stock in Bank of New York Mellon and close to $2 billion in State Street, becoming the largest investment holder among the banks, and leaving little to private investors who – after this crisis – have almost no capital to offer the nearly destitute financial system. Only the government holds enough money and authority to be able to assist the ailing markets through these difficult times while private sector investments remain too low to sustain themselves. Taxpayer dollars have been going in to save the day for many of America’s corporations not in the least including the $85 billion bailout package targeted at the investment insurance company American International Group (AIG), which recently received a pounding for its failure to make economically sound decisions. This later unfolded into multiple bailouts totaling

Charts show the amount of money the largest banks receiving bank bailout money invested in derivative investments compared to the amount of capital they had in reserve. MCT 2009 With ECONOMY-BANKS, McClatchy Washington Bureau by Greg Gordon

continued on pg 5

green is the new black Kimberly Lombard

The Top 10 List: Favorite TV Shows of the ‘90s

Head of Business

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ISIONS OF POLAR BEARS drowning in the ocean and warnings about the hazards of hairspray have been sprung on us in the past decade, courtesy of Al Gore and others in the global warming brigade. After the movie An Inconvenient Truth was launched, Americans were blown away by the realities of global warming and the necessity to save our planet and its resources. Despite this, the United States government has seemingly been one of the last in the world to jump on the “going green” bandwagon. Luckily, people are no longer only looking to the government in hopes of reform, and some unlikely leaders have erupted in efforts to save the world one eco-friendly product at a time. High fashion designers have started the newest trend: going green. Organic tote bags, cotton tees, jeans, and beauty products have been the most recent staple continued on pg 15

Remember when television used to be entertaining? Well, The Blue and Gold remembers those glorious cartoons of the ‘90s. So, to show our respect, we have compiled a list of the greatest cartoons of the ‘90s. 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.

Johnny Bravo The Wild Thornberrys Dexter’s Laboratory CatDog Ren and Stimpy Rocko’s Modern Life The Angry Beavers Doug Rugrats Hey Arnold

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Opinion

The Blue and Gold March 2009

http://my.highschooljournalism.org/ma/malden/mhs/

ghandi for sale Tzivia Halperin Head Copy Editor

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ghandi (pictured below) renounced personal property; now they’re selling his belongings. In these times of economic hardship, what’s the next item to be sold?

OR A MAN who renounced personal property, the auctioning of Mohandas Ghandi’s personal effects is a deplorable twist of irony, one that has spurred outcry in India and abroad. Ghandi became the figure of nonviolence and civil disobedience in India throughout the early 20th century, advocating for an expansion of social and civil rights, while also seeking to end British influence in India. In utter disaccord with his personal ideals and ethic codes, Ghandi’s items, including his spectacles, sandals, bowl, plate, and pocket watch, were auctioned off by James Otis, a film-maker in a New York City auction on March 5, 2009. Otis asserted that he intended to “raise awareness” about Ghandi, according to The Chicago Tribune. Otis’ hope to raise awareness is either naive or simply untrue; rather, it is motivated by economic incentive. And incentive it was, Otis sold the effects to a liquor and airline tycoon, Vijay Mallya, for a staggering $1.8 million. Otis concluded later that the items should be considered national relics and attempted to stop the auction, although his efforts were in vain. At that point, Mallya had already placed the winning bid of $1.8 million, making the auction impossible to stop.

Mallya, with the support of Ghandi’s great-grandson Tushar Ghandi, later opted to donate the items to the Indian government.

This proved a fortunate turn of events, which allowed the items to be returned to a public venue rather than being hoarded for a personal collection. As Tushar Ghandi commented in a phone interview with the Chicago Tribune, “These are symbols of an icon, they are meant to be on public display, so a larger number of people could get inspired by them. They belong to the people

of India.” His items, that should represent the ideals of an altruistic and mystic man, were reduced to the status of memorabilia; items that should reflect a national and cultural figure became comparable to baseball cards. In our capitalist society, selling the personal effects of Ghandi is not surprising but it does seem unscrupulous, given his own personal belief system. This situation is comparable to the selling of the Berlin Wall, which occurred after its fall in 1989. Capitalist merchants swarmed to the wall and sold pieces of it on New York’s Fifth Avenue, hawking “newly available pieces of the Berlin Wall,” according to the Washington Post. The parallels between the two situations are especially prevalent given the historical breadth of the falling of the Berlin Wall and the efforts of Ghandi, which coincidentally were both sold in New York City, New York. Although capitalism has been an effective economic system in America, more stringent boundaries are required to prevent profiting from national and cultural relics. Otherwise, do not be surprised to hear that the Declaration of Independence was sold on eBay.

parker’s world

Parker Stallworth

abstinence only sex-ed continued from page 3 School system, agrees with Ceppetelli. She also believes that sex education should be taught in all public schools in addition to having parents teach their children at home. “Sex education,” she said, “is not just sex education; it is health, it is a tiny piece of the bigger picture.“ Despite the views of Reynolds and Ceppetelli, most MHS students never get sex-ed at school. This is mainly due to the lack of time that health teachers are given, according to Ceppetelli. “Ideally, if we had the resources to run a full-year course and a second level for the older students, we could spend a lot more time on all the issues that

“Real life studies and the media have shown that abstinence-only sexual education does not work; Alaska Governor Sarah Palin recently received criticism for her endorsement of abstinence-only sexed, especially after her teenage daughter became pregnant.” are so important to adolescents,” she explained. However, Florida, unlike Massachusetts, does have a comprehensive sex-ed program. Why then, do so many of their students have STDs? The answer lies in the small part of sex-ed that Florida is teaching its students. Instead of educating them about safe sex and birth control, students in Florida are subjected to abstinence-only sexed. Real life studies and the media have shown that abstinence-only sexual education does not work; Alaska Governor Sarah Palin recently received criticism for her endorsement of abstinence-only sex-ed, especially after her teenage daughter, Bristol Palin, became pregnant. Perhaps it is time for schools to realize that “abstinence-only” is not the way to go. Safe sex methods must be taught in order for students to have the knowledge they need in order to make responsible decisions. The fact of the matter is that 46% of high school students will have had sex by the time they graduate according to the Alan Guttmacher Institute of New York, and deserve to be properly prepared.

The Blue and Gold March 2009

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World news http://my.highschooljournalism.org/ma/malden/mhs/

banks continued from Page 3 from anything between $700 billion to a possible $1 trillion in the near future. Indeed, the American people have reason to be agitated about the way their money is being used. However, the money has already averted almost certain ruin for the global economy since last year. There have already been many painful crash landings for American investment banks and corporations including those of Bear Stearns, Washington Mutual, Wells Fargo, and Wachovia, yet the Federal Reserve does not intend to let more of them go under. In a rare interview for CBS’s Sixty Minutes, current chairman Ben Bernanke stated that one of the major errs of the Great Depression was that “they let the banks fail. They didn’t make any strong effort to prevent the failure of thousands of banks.” One oft-mentioned example of this ghastly situation occurred in Sweden during the early 1990s wherein the economy experienced a blow similar to the subprime mortgage crisis in the U.S. just a year ago. The Swedish government had thereafter swiftly seized control of the country’s five largest banks for a few years, after which they were promptly reprivatized. There are two ways of looking at this.

Sometimes, the government seriously needs to take the violently unpredictable behavior of the markets into their own hands. There is a growing distrust that the capitalist market can always recover from its own shortcomings. On the other side, people have long feared nationalization for the scary possibilities of government take-over. One could argue that, should this protectionist behavior continue, the world is “doomed” to economic standstill and that would mean the death of innovation and independent investments. However, politicians from both sides of the spectrum seem to have warmed a bit to the idea of temporary nationalization, initially mentioned as an alternative economic recovery method by former chairman of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan. It may only be a matter of time before the government already owns the majority stock in many of the country’s major banks while we tread through this crisis. For now, we all can comfort ourselves with the notion that nationalization is not necessary quite yet – as claimed by the Obama administration - but do not be too swayed by irrational fears if government intervention is absolutely necessary.

Graphic of multiple banks being bailed out.

Charts showing AIG’s stock price since January 2008 and quarterly losses in 2008; with chrono of major events in the giant insurer’s downfall. Chicago Tribune 2009

Chart showing bonus amounts distributed to A.I.G. employees. MCT 2009

News Briefs. . . Some things of interest Cera Nolan

young woman killed by 11 year-old stepson

Business Team

Joan Morabito

HE NEW CRAZE among teenagers has shifted from iPods and cell phones to what media has coined as “sexting,” picture messaging nude pictures via cell phone. Seemingly like an almost-harmless thing to do, sexting can lead to serious trouble. Teenagers involved in these sexting scandals are liable to be charged for child pornography and will possibly face expulsion from school. A nationwide survey by CBS. com stated that roughly 20% of teenagers admit to have participated in sexting. In the past few months, sev-

Reporter

From texting to “sexting”

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eral cases of leaked nude pictures via cell phone have become a common topic in the media.

ORDAN BROWN, 11, shot and killed Kenzie Marie Houk, a pregnant woman of 26 who was engaged to Jordan Brown’s father, Christopher Brown. She was pregnant with Christopher Brown’s baby, and Jordan, Chris, Kenzie along with her two daughters, all lived together in a farmhouse in Pennsylvania. One of Houk’s daughters said she saw Jordan Brown cover the youth shotgun that he got for a Christmas present from his father, with a blue blanket, which is evidence that the murder was premeditated. He was charged with homicide, and the death of an unborn child, being tried as an adult. At the adult lockup, they did

not have the appropriate facilities for an 11 year old. MHS Psychology teacher Dana Marie Brown, has the following reaction to this story: “At the age of 11 a child does not have the ability to reason completely and is no way near mature enough to own, possess, or use a gun.” Jealousy could be a factor in this case “…in the sense that somebody who is at that age has a hard time grasping that he won’t be the center of attention.” “Truthfully, the scary part is the only person who knows why is the person committing the crime. They are the only one who knows the motive is the person committing the crime,” Brown claimed closing statement.

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The Blue and Gold March 2009

World news http://my.highschooljournalism.org/ma/malden/mhs/

Noam Chomsky visits malden; answers questions regarding war Omar Khoshafa

Dan Holmqvist

Reporter

Reporter

Brandon Knight Business Team

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N MARCH 5 2009, Malden residents had the opportunity to ask worldrenowned MIT professor Noam Chomsky questions pertaining to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This was part of a week-long program at the Universalist Unitarian church on Elm Street, which was intended to help churchgoers understand the "deeper historical, political, and religious issues that are the root of the conflict." Chomsky, who developed the theory of generative grammar and is considered the father of modern linguistics, has been one of the major critics of United States foreign policy in the past four decades. His criticism of the Vietnam War during the 1960s garnered controversy along with international attention and since then, he has written numerous books about US intervention in global affairs. This was the subject of his latest lecture, where he discussed the role America is playing in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. During his lecture, he claimed that US intervention is detrimental to the peace process. He even went as far as citing certain United Nations resolutions critical of Israel where the United States voted against the majority of the world. After Chomsky was done speaking, attendees had the opportunity to ask ques-

Chomsky greeting Malden residents after his lecture. Photo by D. Holmqvist

tions to the controversial speaker. One person inquired if "the United States should take a unilateral stance when approaching global issues." Chomsky said that they should not, staying true to the message of his lecture. Chomsky, responding to another question regarding high school education, said that teenagers need to be educated through institutions like "schools and churches" and also mentioned that youth groups were an effective way to help raise awareness of global conflicts at the high school level. Reverend David Horst stated in the Malden Observer that this meeting was "a tremendous opportunity to come together to listen, learn, and discuss this seemingly intractable conflict that destabilizes the entire Middle East."

Satellite Falls Back to Earth Minutes After Take Off

Space shuttle Discovery, STS-119, blasts off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Sunday, March 15, 2009. (Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

Brittany McFeeley Reporter

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Salmonella strikes again

NEW CARBON DIOXIDE tracking satellite that intended to find the main source of global warming crashed in the ocean near Antarctica on Feb. 24, 2009, minutes after it launched. Known as The Orbiting Carbon Observatory, the satellite planned to explain how Earth’s capture of carbon dioxide may potentially contribute to global warming; essentially answering one of the world’s most frequently asked questions: what causes global warming?

The failed launch poses a challenge to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) weak network that observes Earth’s environmental factors. In 2007, NASA spent more money on observing other planets than on observing Earth, and has quickly fallen behind Europe in environmental satellites. Japan is another country that has successfully launched its own carbon dioxide tracking satellite in Jan. of this year. NASA scientists say the satellite crashed because the protective cover on the satellite did not release; ultimately weighing the satellite down so it was unable to reach orbit. The expedition cost a total of $280 million, and to fix the damages it will cost them an additional $80 million of the $400 million from President Barack Obama’s stimulus package grant. NASA had said that the $400 million was exclusively going to Earth sciences, and they must now get the $80 million stimulus package that has been set aside for NASA. When interviewed by Fox 25 News, Columbia University professor Ruth DeFries, stated, “ It’s very unfortunate that it happened just as this time when we try go get Earth observations back on track.”

SUALLY KNOWN to be related to turtles and reptiles, salmonella has been entering many people’s bodies through food. Salmonella is bacterium that causes one of the most common intestinal infections in the United States, known as Salmonellosis. Salmonellosis is the second most common bacterial food borne illness reported, and can cause very high fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, and flu like symptoms. In some cases, it may eventually lead to death. Recently many people have been developing this illness. A New Hampshire mother, whose son had been infected by this food poisoning, said that her child had a very high fever and had all the symptoms of Salmonella poisoning. She believed that her son got this illness after eating Peter Pan peanut butter. When she contacted the ConAgra Foods Inc., they denied that her son’s sickness could have been caused by their product, and gave her no sympathy. While the bacteria could allegedly be found in this peanut butter, it can also be found in other foods as well. A fairly high proportion of chickens and eggs are contaminated with salmonella. When these foods are cooked, the Salmonella is killed by the heat, which does not make this a problem. Salmonella can also be found in certain types of raw red tomatoes. The rule of heat still applies to tomatoes, but the fact that many eat tomatoes raw still makes it a risk. Many of the contaminated tomatoes are being purchased by McDonald’s at $0.09 per pound. These tomatoes are being cooked and used in their new line of “Euthanasia” sandwiches. Malden High School sophomore, Alex Mazarakis, feels that this is not a good idea. Mazarakis stated, “I think McDonalds is making a mistake. Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s right.” This Salmonella food poisoning can enter the bodys’ system in other ways than just food. An eight year old Everett boy, Jake Willcox, recently got this Salmonella virus which put him in two different hospitals, in six nights. His family was unsure of how he actually developed this sickness, and believed that it was possibly transferred to him through contact with other Salmonella carriers. The symptoms of the poisoning begin to assert themselves within 12-72 hours after being in contact with the Salmonella bacteria. This made it much more difficult for the family to track the actual cause of how he became ill. Willcox was unable to eat for six days, and needed the use of an intravenous drip to give him fluids. In his case, Willcox did not need antibiotics, because he had a strong immune system. In order to clean out his system, Willcox had to constantly use the bathroom. During the week of his sickness, Willcox lost 13 pounds. When Willcox was brought to both hospitals, his mother Kelly Willcox was asked the same three questions, by almost ten different doctors. Did he eat peanut butter? Was he around a lizard or turtle? Did he recently leave the country? In this case, the answers to all three questions were no. Luckily, Willcox is now in much better condition. His mother feels that if he had not gotten the proper fluids from the hospital, that her son’s condition could have been much worse. Willcox stated, “I never realized how serious [salmonella poisoning] was.” When asked how other people could prevent from getting this sickness, Willcox responded, “Always wash your hands!”

The Blue and Gold March 2009

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Local news http://my.highschooljournalism.org/ma/malden/mhs/

stimulus for School continued from page 1 with the remaining 10 percent on its own. So we will take the 10 percent cost which is around $7 million and bond it out over 20 years thus preventing us of having to come up with the $7 million all at once,” explained Christenson. “Through bonding, we can take the $7 million and spread the payments out over 20 years thus making it easier for us to finance. We could never come up with $7 million in one year. Again, the city will be responsible for making room in our budget to make these payments over the 20 years,” he then added. The first house that will be undergoing constructions will be Brunelli house; when the project starts students and faculty will be moving to accommodate the renovations that will be going on around them. Everyone will move at least once during the construction and be relocated to other rooms. There will be construction going on around and the added dust and noise may cause some inconveniences. The renovations are going to be done in stages. MHS is working with engineers for the construction and planning of the project. The prime consultant is the design team Flansburgh Associates with a range of sub consultants who also plan to help with the project. There are several companies involved with this project, consisting of structural engineers from Engineers Design Group Inc., the mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer TMP Consulting Engineers, landscape Architect and Civil engineers Stantec, equipment consultant Tavares Design Associates, technology consultant Advance Technology Design, and the cost estimator Costpro Inc. From the design group there are about 20 people working on the project from all the numerous consultants. The trailers outside the school are offices for the construction workers. The construction team owns the trailers and they will be outside of the school for approximately three to four years until the project is entirely done. Currently, MHS is not up to standards and there are some major safety hazards, but all the maintenance that is going to be done within the next few years will get the school modernized with the proper safety conditions. Faculty and students have a lot to look forward to.

shortage of Paper takes over mhs David Riemer Head News Writer

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Blueprints for the Jenkins auditorium renovations.

Image provided by EDG Inc.

Outside the Jenkins/Brunelli building.

Photo by E. Chiavelli

Outside the temporary office situated outside MHS.

Photo by E. Chiavelli

A Commentary

ISIONS OF PLAGUE, destruction, and chaos have danced across the screens of millions of televisions, touting the inevitability of cataclysmic natural disasters, rampant anarchy, and gargantuan shortages of food and water. Some may feel as though they have yet to see the effects of such fruitless prophecies, but the tiniest beginning stages are all around us, even right in Malden High School. Has anyone noticed the sudden influx of hand-written notes? The greater amount of book work for homework? The stark disappearance of worksheets and photocopies? MHS is experiencing a paper shortage on a nearly unprecedented scale. “It’s just so annoying,” stated junior Herman Tse. “Not only is it a huge inconvenience for the teachers, but the students too.” Indeed, the lack of paper has been mirrored by a decrease in printed, teacher-produced materials, an effect which some are only beginning to realize. Perhaps the schism behind the deficit’s cause is more provocative. Has anyone noticed the new “house” that materialized so quickly on the Holden St. side of the school? It is the managing headquarters for the active string of renovations coming to the school. While the improvements to MHS are certainly welcome, is it this expenditure which is casting an umbra on the paper budget? This situation coalesces into an argument of priority: short term goals such as supplying paper, and long term ones such as structural integrity. The fact that the school would even have to consider a choice between the two is representative of the plight being caused by a tumultuous economic atmosphere. States are hard-pushed to sort out their budgets, where the educational institutions continue to draw the short stick again and again. The question begging to be asked is not that of “So what?” but rather “What does this mean?” To most, the lack of paper may not even register; to others it may seem a nuisance; to only a few does the void emit an omen. It may indeed be a seemingly inconsequential, but what is more important than the paper itself is the situation. Are we beginning to see the effects of a failing economy? More importantly, what is going to be next? The outcome of these circumstances lies in the future shrouded in uncertainty. Surely at this time when one can finally begin to see the tangible effects of the economic crisis, a new public knock for action and assistance will be rapped feverishly on the White House door. Don’t worry yourselves too much though, it could be far worse – some schools have chosen their printing paper over toilet paper.

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mhs celebrated national history day

Juniors Herman Tse, Mathew Maggio, David Riemer, and Malik Blue pose.

Photo by L. Tran

Lynn Tran Assistant Photographer

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ATIONAL HISTORY DAY veterans David Riemer, Malik Blue, newcomers Herman Tse, and Mathew Maggio competed in NHD on Saturday, March 7, 2009. For this year’s theme on “The Individual in History: Actions and Legacies,” the team produced a documentary on Erwin Rommel, who had a reputation of being humane and chivalrous in contrast to other Nazi army figures. NHD is a competition that takes place on a regional level, which later moves on to states, then nationals. Students perform research that can be submitted in the format of a documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, or website. It gives students the opportunity to analyze historical documents and primary source materials. This project encourages students to learn and participate with history beyond the classrooms environment. Their advisor is Malden High School history teacher Greg Hurley, who the team met with once a week during school. Hurley reviewed their work for accuracy, took care of the registration, and even helped with the brainstorming. However, they also met on their own every Saturday. For the past two years these juniors have received third place in the competition. To their disappointment, they received another third place this year. The research for this project began in the middle of the summer, but according to Blue the, “concrete

The Blue and Gold March 2009

research started in December.” Toward the end of the project, “it was a bit hectic” Tse adds, because there were some nights where they would work until midnight. They did not finish until the first week after February vacation. Blue states that it was “a group effort on everything.” He was the middle man that gave the videos and data to Riemer and kept track of the information as it was put into the documentary. Tse and Maggio were responsible for the bibliography, while Blue edited, and Reimer was responsible for the actual compiling of the video. Compared to last year, “from a technical standpoint the documentary was definitely better,” claims Blue. The disappointment did not only hurt veterans Blue and Riemer, but Tse and Maggio who were just as devastated for their honorable mention, and third place, seeing as third place does not move on to nationals. All members of the team hope to do this project again, despite the lack of

sleep, and long nights. Tse thought that there were “memorable moments” that came out of the project and Tse hopes that next year they can “start a bit earlier and do some thorough research before actually deciding on our topic.”

upcoming events March 25 @ 6:30 PM – Required workshops for all sports coaches and teams. March 26 – Maryann Seager’s Zonta Dinner @ Anthony’s, tickets $45 March 28 – AP Math Prep Session March 31 to April 2 – ELA MCAS April 3 – 3rd Quarter Ends, Senior One-Act Plays April 4 – ACTs at MHS April 7 – Senior Internships Begin April 10 – Good Friday, No School April 13 – Late Entry April 15 – Blue and Gold Art Gallery April 17 – Last Day for Seniors on Internship April 18 to April 26 – Senior Internship Vacation April 20 to April 24 – April Vacation May 1 – Annual Faculty Follies May 2- SATs at MHS May 4 – AP Exams Begin May 7 – Malden Special Olympic Day Games May 8 – Rain Date for Special Olympics May 11 – Late Entry May 12 – Laps for Leslie May 13 - NHS Ceremony, Rotary Book Awards May 14 – MHS Retirement Party May 15 – AP Exams End May 18 – Ask the Principal May 19-20 – Math MCAS May 21 – Drama Production May 22 – Senior Internship Exhibition, Drama Production May 25 –Memorial Day, No School May 28 – Senior Assembly May 29 – Senior Prom @ Park Plaza

Newly elected freshman class president Nina Ho pictured below. Photo by E. Chiavelli

Freshmen Elections

The Blue and Gold March 2009

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justin patterson’s guitar of awesomeness Ayoub Kourikchi Head Copy Editor

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ELF-PORTRAITS, photography portfolios, and murals were only some of the artwork exhibited at the annual 2009 Massachusetts Scholastic Art Awards. However, Malden High School senior Justin Patterson, a first time participant, constructed an original, fully functioning, electric guitar that received a gold key. “At first there were 5200 kids, and then 500 of them got a gold key,” stated Patterson. In addition to Patterson, seniors Emily Chiavelli and Long Ma also won a gold key for their respective portfolios. A member of woodworking level four, as well as an avid guitarist, Patterson took woodshop teacher Jeff Murphy’s suggestion to create an electric guitar as his individual project. “At first I wasn’t really sure how to start, but I ended up getting a book about how to piece together a guitar, and its body,” explained Patterson.

Following his extensive research, he purchased a fret board, commonly known as a fingerboard. Subsequently, he performed numerous calculations in order to find initial distance from the first fret to the bridge, the bottom of the guitar. This continued, repeating all along the fret board length until all the fret placements are calculated. “There was a lot of math that went into scaling and drawing up plans for the frets which I finished at home, but I got a lot of the actual constructing done in the shop,” he continued. Following graduation, he

aspires to become a part of the union for Carpenters, where he desires to manufacture instruments. Patterson received positive feedback from all of his peers as faculty regarding his original construction. “My classmates were pretty surprised. A lot of them were making chairs and tables and I was reading a manual and piecing together a real guitar,” exclaimed Patterson. When Patterson is not found

adding finishing touches to his esteemed guitar, he and his classmates can be found remodeling tables and chairs around the school. “Some times teachers ask us to fix up their tables and chairs, because it is less costly then going out and buying an entire new set,” expressed Patterson. Moreover, his woodshop class has helped build sets for Junior Varieties, as well as Fear Fest. Currently, he is working on refurbishing old workbenches from the ’70s and ’80s in the workshop. “If you look at them, a lot of the edges are cut up and ridged, so I am trying to fix them up and eventually stain them,” he said. Patterson with guitar. Photos by E. Chiavelli

In Memoriam: Patricia Morabito

Joanie Morabito Reporter I lost my mother on the night of January 24, 2009. She had been battling an open wound on her left leg for 22 years and had a very weak heart for which she recently had a triple bypass open-heart surgery. She had been in pain for the last 22 years of her life. My mother, Patricia Morabito, who was known as “Patti,” was well loved by her family and friends. Many MHS students loved her like a mother and in return, my Mom loved them like her own children. Besides my father, Paul Morabito, who I am so grateful for always being there, my mother was the closest person in my life. She was my best friend. You will never be forgotten and will always be missed. I love and miss you Mom; you’ll always be in my heart as well as many others.

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JUNIOR WHO WENT TO ALL

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Clockwise from top: Rapper Yemin Thu, 5th Lunch Superheroes Patrick Keough, Martin Doan, Rita Coté, Carla Castillo, and Chantele Sanford, Carla Castillo and Barhar Baharloo, and guitarist Anthony Alvarez.

LL FOUR LUNCHES were abuzz after the exceptional performances of the 69th annual Malden High School’s Junior Varieties. After weeks of hard work and planning, JVs cast members were anticipating a whopping turnout March 6 and 7, 2009. Sophomore Patrick Keough who participated not only in JVs, but in several Play Production performances stated, “Being in ‘5th Lunch Superheroes’ wasn’t nearly as stressful as being in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’” The show kicked off with a commemoration for Fred Feldman who has served as MHS’ B-House principal. Then, junior Kellie Leonce is introduced as ‘Little Red’ who is

Senior Taylor Lombard performs a dance.

Junior Martin Doan, senior Andrew Infante, junior Yves Francois, and seniors Hintsa Hagos and Jose Aguirre prepare for fellow drummer Kethia Mathieu (not shown) to run across their buckets.

desperately trying to get on Principal Dana Brown’s good side by figuring out who had skipped class to go to all four lunches. The plotline put an urban twist on classic fairy tale characters. The audience cheered on Nathan Freni as he expressed his feelings as an overly sensitive Cinderella to a deceiving step-sister, played by junior Xavier Leo. Both male cast members donned formfitting sequined dresses accompanied with disheveled wigs donated by Play Production and various cast members. Leo confessed, “I got used to it [the costume]. I might even consider it for future use.” Highlight performances included “Old Dirty Buckets,” starring seniors Danny Pimentel, Hintsa Hagos, Kethia Mathieu, Jose Aguirre, Andrew Infante, and juniors Martin Doan and Yves Francois. Feldman made a surprise appearance on the first night of JVs; at first he admonished them for their mess, but

then encouraged them to try out for next year’s show. However, after the group performed their original act, Feldman returned to try his hand at bucket drumming accompanied by the thunderous chorus of the others’ drums. As a going away present, JV members presented Feldman with his own honorary bucket signed by cast and crew. Surprisingly, the ensemble had no prior experience. “We picked up the idea after beating on some drums during Spirit Day and everything just worked itself out,” according to Infante. “Dysfunctional Drum Line,” was another group that consisted of loud beats and jazzy rhythms during JVs, featuring seniors Sergio Castillo, Matt Jerome and junior Francois. Living up to its name, JVs had a diverse collection of dance acts that ranged from hip-hop to lyrical. “All the dance acts were really competitive, but it helped bring out the best in us,” sophomore Long Lu

Little Red (played by junior Kellie Leonce) getting carried off by Cinderella (played by junior Nathan Freni).

The Blue and Gold March 2009

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VARIETIES FOUR LUNCHES?

Check out an exclusive slideshow as well as the full cast and act listing for more pictures online.

Ayoub Kourikchi Head Copy Editor Ashley Ngo Head Entertainment/Opinion Writer said. Lu’s group, ‘Anomaly,’ a Project B-Boy collaboration of seniors Jason Hu, Huy Nguyen, junior Alan Kwan and sophomore Tuan Phan displayed hard-hitting beats and intense break-dancing. Each member had their own solo that displayed their individual strengths. Their group name was dedicated to senior Jason Chen for his leadership and commitment to Project B-Boy. “If it weren’t for him [Chen], we wouldn’t have been a legit team and helped put on such a great show,” Lu expressed. After many thought that the show could not get any better, senior Carla Castillo, juniors Chantele Sanford, Doan and sophomores Rita Coté and Keough jumped on stage with a unique interpretation of Cascada’s song “Everytime We Touch.” The group presented original choreography and on-point synchronization that left the crowd awe-struck. In addition to JVs, the cast and

Behind the scenes as both the crew and cast rehearse for the big show.

crew members were also anticipating a surprise birthday party for junior Malik Blue, who played “the Prince.” Meanwhile, as the show progressed, cast members entertained themselves backstage with video games and celebrated the product of their hard work. “When we first started to have practice, it seemed like we had all the time in the world. Then dress rehearsals came out of nowhere and those rehearsals were very hectic and stressful, but it was worth it,” said junior Jillann Ceplinskas, who portrayed

Right: Senior Stephanie Grossi singing to Paramore’s song “Born For This,” with sophomore Rita Coté (not shown). Left: Senior Analu Da Silva singing with Bahar Baharloo and Carla Castillo (not shown).

“the Witch.” Ultimately, the class of 2010 put on their own successful Junior Varieties. “Putting together JVs was stressful. There was a lot of drama, but because of JVs we came together as a class,” reflected class of 2010 secretary David Riemer.

Senior singer Danny Pimentel and junior dancers Judith Jean-Baptiste and Joanne Caidor.

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The Mariner’s Revenge Lynn Tran Assistant Photographer

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HE SOUND OF SILENCE, the dark lighting, and the floating white faces developed an eerie mood for Play Production’s original show, “The Mariner’s Revenge,” which the class performed at the annual Drama Festival competition. Their play was based off “The Mariner’s Revenge,” a song by the Decembrists, with parts of the song integrated throughout the play. The Massachusetts High School Drama Guild hosts the High School Drama Festival every March. Any school may enter and about eight schools are placed in 14 host sites, known as the Preliminary Round. From each host site, three schools are chosen to move onto the semi-finals. There are seven semi-final host sites, where two winners are again chosen to move into the state finals. The 14 are then narrowed down to one school, which represents Massachusetts

To see more pictures, as well as hear an audio excerpt of the play, go to The Blue and Gold website (listed at the top of each page).

Top picture, clockwise, starting from the left: Candido, Doan, and ensemble. Candido hovering sinisterly behind Warton. Warton kneeling over Newman.

at the New England Drama Festival. One vital qualification is that each play must not exceed forty minutes. This festival continues to grow, and as of 2008, 120 schools attended. Malden traveled to Hamilton Wenham Regional High School, where they competed against schools that included Andover, Rockport, Danvers, Stoneham, Hamilton Wenham Regional, Gloucester, and North Shore Technical High Schools. Writing the play was a group effort but the “physical pen to paper work” was done by juniors Keith Newman and Sam Warton. Although the improvising and writing began in December, the class never

stopped rendering, and continued to change “lines up until the morning of Drama Fest,” Newman stated. The play originally was “played very close to the song,” Newman, who plays “The Man,” added. “The Man” in the song was originally a drunkard who went to whorehouses, but was changed by the cast into someone more manipulative, and “satanically inspired.” It not only made the mood a lot darker, it changed their whole presentation and created a different role from the one Newman was used to playing. The cast also played around with new props and techniques; one technique involved casting a large shadow as an actor moved, creating

the effect that the shadow was actually following the actor. The cast also wore unitards to act as props and set pieces. The members were pleased with the reactions they received as a result of the play; because with the setting and the unitards, the crowd suspected it to be a comedy, but as the play progressed, everybody knew that it was serious. According to junior Martin Doan, their performance was so memorable that audience members found themselves humming to the tune of the song following the performance. Although they did not advance, Doan, who played the main boy at age five, thought he and his classmates “had a great perfor-

mance.” Senior Tainara Candido, the mother, and junior Sam Warton, the main boy as an adult, also received an All Star Cast Award for their excellence. To the surprise of the cast, MHS also received the Stage Manager Award “for being the most efficient and organized school at the tech rehearsal,” according to Doan, as well as an award for excellence in ensemble acting. Some ensemble actors included junior Thanh Nguyen as the sinner, and seniors Taf Khan as the whaler, and David Barrows as the priest, who were aided by senior and accordion player Paul Yao.

The Blue and Gold March 2009

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the pogues perform in annual st. Patrick’s day tour Emily Chiavelli

Tzivia Halperin

Head Photographer

Head Copy Editor

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ACK FOR THEIR FOURTH annual St. Patrick’s Day reunion tour, The Pogues pleasantly surprised fans in New York City’s Roseland Ballroom where lead singer Shane Macgowan remained sober enough to sing at least the majority of the band’s set list on the March 13, 2009 performance. An Irish folk-punk band formed in London in the mid-1980s, The Pogues had been inactive for almost a decade; the original lineup was disbanded in 1991 when Macgowan’s severe alcoholism and unreliability led to his ejection from the band. However, by 2005, the band chose to put petty differences aside and reunite for what would become an annual reunion tour. Despite the band’s decision to readmit Macgowan, his drinking often interferes with his ability to perform; Macgowan frequently has to leave stage to recuperate, if he attends the show at all. As a result of his absence, tin flute player Peter “Spider” Stacy is forced to take on a more prominent role in leading the band. March 13 was no exception. However, this did not in any way diminish the fervor of the crowd. As people began piling in to the venue, the fans’ impatience for the band’s arrival mounted. Screams of “Where’s Shane?” and “Shaaane-O” echoed throughout the Roseland Ballroom. The opening band, Major General, though delivering a decent performance, was ill-received by boisterous fans; lead singer Franz Nicolay was even pelted by projectile ice cubes. Following their performance, the stage was readied for The Pogues and fans had to wait another 45 minutes, growing ever more impatient, before The Pogues took the stage to the animated eruptions of the audience. As tradition dictates, The Clash’s “Straight to Hell” blared through the speakers to mark the beginning of the performance and as the band members entered the stage, they began playing their customary opening piece, “Streams of Whiskey.” The band played for an hour and half, performing popular songs such as “The Sickbed of Cuchulainn” and “Waxie’s Dargle.” As the concert progressed, fans became rowdier, which led to increased amounts of crowd-surfing and moshing. Fans that attempted to traverse the barrier between the band and the audience were physically escorted from the premises. One diehard fan managed to jump onto the stage and pat the band members before being ripped off by a security guard. The Pogues played two encores, ending the show with their brass infused “Fiesta.” Banjo player Jem Finer joined the brass section during this piece, marking the only time throughout the concert he seemed comfortable on stage. As anticipated, The Pogues delivered a fast-paced, roaring performance. It is easy to see why Pogues fans often become fanatical. An uncle-nephew pair (both named Joey) attend the tour every year, and this year traveled from Philadelphia to catch them. Already Uncle Joey has “seen them a million times,” and not far behind, Nephew Joey has seen the band “half a million times.”

Interested in Graphic Design, Market Research, Web Design, Photography, Political Cartoons and Writing? Joining The Blue and Gold is a great way to experience ‘real world’ application of these skills, build your resume, and be a part of a great team. The Blue and Gold is looking for some new members next year. Looking for motivated, enthusiastic students to be a part of a diversely talented group.

The Maldonian Yearbook! Did you order yours? See Mr. Valente in C337 to place a down payment on one today

If you are interested, please submit a formal letter to Mr. Gallagher’s Jenkins House (C) Mailbox by Friday, April 3rd, 2009. (Ask one of your teachers, staff, or principals for help in crafting a ‘formal letter of interest’ if you do not know how.) Include the following in the letter: Your full name, homeroom & house, year of graduation, current English teacher, why you would like to join the staff, and what you can offer. All letters must be typed. Letters that do not address all of the above may not be considered. Come by and talk to Mr. Gallagher in room C333 or your guidance counselor if you have any questions.

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Ask about our assorted platters made to your taste or to fit your occasion. “A Taste of Heaven in Every Bite” Contact: Jardine @781-588-6527

phone 781.321.8883 / 3 Pleasant St. Malden, MA 02148-5106 www.invisionboston.com [email protected]

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despite box office reviews, fans still caught the “lovebug” Brittany Foley Copy Editor

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LASS-SHATTERING screams, outbursts of shrieks, and random dancing follow the popular boy band Jonas Brothers around like a black cloud of obsessive fandom. However, when their new 3-D film premiered on Feb. 27, 2009, this intense hysteria shifted from sold out venues to movie theaters across the country. Hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow Disney Idol Miley Cyrus and her 3-D concert flick, the brothers put much effort into promoting their film. Nonstop MySpace and Facebook updates, the launching of FanFamilyExperience.com (their new, exclusive fan community site), music videos produced especially for the film, and 3-D posters were only a few of the ways they advertised the film. However, it is likely that all of these promotional steps do not even compare to the leap in popularity caused by the announcement of their Theater Invasion Tour. After the band of brothers announced that they would be making secret appearances in theaters across the country during the premiere weekend, ticket presales skyrocketed. The question began buzzing around, who was this tour for? The brothers’ love for the fans, or for love at the box office? 17-year-old Selenne Tamayo of Los Angeles, California and Kelsey Jones of Yukon, Oklahoma do not doubt the boys. “The Jonas Brothers had the Theater Invasion as a way to get closer to the fans,” Jones stated. “They did it to thank their fans for all their support,” Tamayo reassured, “because they know us fans deserve it!” However, not all Jonas fans were so easily convinced. “I do believe that they did the Theatre Invasion to get ticket sales up, because there are obviously a lot

Brothers Nick, Kevin, and Joe Jonas performing during one of their concerts. of non-JB fans, so the fans that were not going to go were more motivated if they thought [the Jonas Brothers] would show up,” expressed 15-year-old Robin Benson of San Diego, California. Even if it was purely a publicity stunt or a way to rake in more cash, it is doubtful many fans would take notice. Although many critics are not fond of the film, the fans are not disappointed. “I was very satisfied,” said 15-year-old Chloe Travis, a Jonas fan from Tennessee. Fans’ praise for the film is flooding the boys’ official pages non-stop. Movie-goers are dressing up, throwing parties, and even getting up to sing and dance in the theaters. Being a concert show and a documentary, the movie allows viewers to get in on the action and take a peek behind the scenes all in one sitting. The movie starts with the boys

beloved bodyguard, known as “Big Rob,” waking the boys at 4:30 a.m. in a New York hotel room. Viewers then join the three at breakfast. Right away, it is made obvious that big brother Kevin, 21, is all about business as he explains the day’s hectic schedule. Meanwhile, the audience can watch in amusement as jokester and band front-man, Joe, 19, causes as much distraction as possible. Spokesman, peacekeeper, and the youngest brother at age 16, Nick watches on, just as entertained as the audience. After a fan-based introduction, the “concert experience” begins, and viewers are thrust into a flashy, deafening Jonas Brothers concert. “It felt like an actual concert!” expressed Manning. Throughout the movie, scenes switch from concert pieces to glimpses of their surreal lives. Movie-goers get a blend of music, as

country music star Taylor Swift and up-and-coming Disney starlet Demi Lovato both guest-star in the flick, as well as perform. A new song, “Love is On Its Way,” is also a pleasant surprise in store for fans, complete with a music video. “It was more than I expected when it came to the actual footage of concerts, but less when it came to backstage stuff,” Travis explained. “But overall, it was totally amazing.” Heartfelt moments shared by the boys, and a “better than the front row” performance are likely to please viewers, and the 3-D is simply an added bonus. “I was not satisfied because I wanted more,” Tamayo shared. “But… with what there was, I was so satisfied. I loved it!” It may not have pleased the press, but the film most definitely was a hit amongst Jonas fans.

zombies take over mhs Alexander Gennigiorgis Reporter Brittany McFeeley Reporter

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HE VERY FIRST ZOMBIE TAG tournament was played in Malden High School on Friday, March 20, 2009. The event was organized by freshman class advisors Paul Marques and Maryann Seager, and took place in all the first floors (excluding Brunelli house). Over 100 students participated and the event was ultimately very successful. Zombie Tag was a time to remember for the participants, who seemed to enjoy playing. Although

the participants formed little groups to try and avoid the zombies, the zombies were still able to overcome the flying socks and tag them, increasing the zombie population and the excitement of the event. Many participants stated that the event was “awesome.” While Marques and Seager were stating the rules to everyone, one of the participants, Devin Colon, stated that he “could not wait to begin the event.” “I felt excited that we were allowed to throw socks at others…I would rather have used Nerf Guns instead,” which is what is originally used in Zombie Tag games through-

out college campuses. Another participant, Patrick DeCicco, stated that he “felt full of adrenaline when the event began…I was able to overcome all of the obstacles involved, which really made it exciting.”

Devin Colon showing off his number. Photo by A. Gennigiorgis

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seniors strike a pose at the senior fashion show Go on our website to view an exclusive slideshow for more photos and a complete list of cast and crew: www.myhighschooljournalism. org/ma/malden/mhs continued from page 1 and people began streaming into Anthony’s. Senior Dario Sava commented with a chuckle that he came “to check out the girls.” Unfortunately for Sava, the show did not begin right away, commencing after a buffet-style meal. The show officially began at 7:30 p.m. with introductions by the masters of ceremonies, Justine Hunt and Kelly Bourgea. The senior class looked quite glamorous in their formal wear, “modeling the hottest trends for the prom by today’s top designers,” according to the program. Some of the highlights from the evening included Ginny Do modeling a purple, pleated dress with an empire waist with partner Son Le in an all-white suit with blue accents. The couple, beyond looking sharp, seemed to possess a good rapport and had a good vibe. Alyssa Poon, who wore a long peach dress with beaded accents, made a significant impact by matching her palette with partner Lukins Joseph whose under-vest was also peach, especially true as many couples’ outfits were not cohesive. Other notables include Rebecca Douarin and Hintsa Hagos, who both exuded style, she in a sage green dress with a back tie and he in a predominantly black tuxedo. Kasey Motherway and Daniel Bitew also got the crowd in an uproar when they stopped halfway down the runway, pulled out a camera, and took a MySpace-style photo. The audience was especially responsive to the couples that appeared comfortable themselves, and it was clear which of the couples

were both comfortable on the stage and comfortable with their partners. For many, the formal wear aspect of the evening concluded their part of the show. When asked why he chose to participate, Eddie Liao noted that he wanted to “go big for senior year” and of course, “I look good in a tux.” In addition to the formal wear, students showed off the traditional clothing of their cultures. There was an overabundance of Vietnamese dresses, but other cultures- such as Colombian, Chinese, Brazilian, and Filipino- were also showcased, thus emphasizing MHS's trademark diversity. Jennifer Tieu was the first to model a Vietnamese dress, but was soon followed by Mindy Dinh, My Tran, Lillyan Nguyen, and Mary Nguyen; the five showed off a variety of colors ranging from yellow and black to white and blue. Chinese formal wear was showcased by Jessica Ngo. The show also featured Brazilian model Tainara Candido, who modeled an orange and white wedding dress. Colombian clothing, modeled by Joshua Acevedo and Steven Cuartas-Cano, was accented by Colombian dance music, bringing a South American vibe to the otherwise very Asian show. Traditional Filipino clothing, modeled by Andrew Infante and Stephanie Aguinaldo, ended the segment on a unique note. After the traditional clothing, students modeled clothing that fit to certain themes. This fell under the

Counterclockwise, from top to bottom: Ginny Do and Son Le, Kristen White and Mary Nguyen, Jennifer Tieu and Stephanie Aguinaldo, Kristen MeloMoore, Annie Wilcox, and Stephanie Rossi, Jennifer Delacey and Caitlin Abber, Jessica Sickler and Jose Aguirre, Kimberly Lombard, a group photo of the senior girls, Le and Do, Hintsa Haggos and Nancy Oltavaro, Taylor Lombard.

"Lights, Camera, Action" segment of the show, and was threaded with fun mainstream music and cheering audience members. Do and Le began the show, dressed in grey casually-dressy dinner date wear. They were followed by Samantha Jean-Charles and Andrea Joseph, who modeled "chillwear," which seemed to be plaid, overly trendy clothing. Rachel Coppla and Andrea Kelly walked the runway next, modeling "80s clothing." Their walk was offset with memorable Cindy Lauper song, "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." Anthony Alvarez, dressed in a Staples uniform, and Steven Cuartas-Cano, dressed in a Best Buy uniform, were next, fitting the theme of work uniforms. They were followed by Nancy Otalvaro and Poon, who wore professional work wear that managed to look both trendy and office-ready. Motherway, dressed as a party Barbie; Christa Consoletti, dressed as a prom Barbie; and Stephanie Grossi, dressed as a punk rock Barbie, followed. They attracted earsplitting cheers from the audience. Kim and Taylor Lombard twirled down the runway in dance apparel, followed by Ngo and Dinh in "clubwear" that looked almost school-appropriate. Caitlin Abber and Jennifer Delacey followed, dressed as "golden goddesses"- in other words, short, gold dresses. Ending the show were Annie Willcox, Stephanie Rossi, Kristen Melo, and Ariana Dellagatta, dressed in beachwear- knit dresses over bathing suits, sunglasses, and leis. After the show, models, audience-members, and continued pg 16

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Forever21.com

Going green continued from page 3

Forever21.com Heart Pendant

One Less Plastic Bag Tote Bag: earth day: CafePress.com Zooey Organic White Earth Has the Fever Tee

Retro Oversized Sunglases - Teen Clothing londonsole.com

Sass & Bide Jeans, Frayed Misfits Jean

Julie Sandlau Black Onyx Pendant necklace

Juicy Couture California Go Green Tote

Green Converse

Outfits arranged by Ashley Ngo. Created on Polyvore.com

of high fashion, leaving customers both stylish and environmentally friendly. Celebrities and Hollywood icons are leading the pack with stylish, environmentally-friendly wardrobes, and everyone from Ashley Tisdale to Brad Pitt has been investing their millions in organic accessories, clothing, and eco-friendly homes. Although the sincerity of the movement is often questioned, many are finding that it is another way to save resources and the more people who get involved, the better. People are also getting involved by recycling their clothing through a consignment process. Kathleen Kankel, an employee at the local consignment store Raspberry Beret, thinks that fashion is going green for good. “I think people are more conscious of their decisions when buying clothes now, and it makes people feel good that they are recycling their clothes,” stated Kankel. She added that the consignment industry is certainly not one that is struggling in this economy and she believes that “recycling” clothes will be popular for a long time coming. However, those who are saving the world with green consumerism are not modest about it. One of the most popular organic items to come around is the trendy “I’m not a plastic bag” tote by Anya Hindmarch, which hundreds of people lined the streets of New York City to get

on the day of its release. The tote is from the “We Are What We Do” movement, which according to their website (http://www.wearewhatwedo.org/) has a simple message: “small actions x lots of people = big change.” After A-listers such as Jessica Biel hopped on the green train, it became clear that the days of organic clothing being considered a fashion faux pas were officially over. Recently, high end department stores have supported the cause with their own lines, such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Barney’s New York’s “Go Green Go.” In addition, Eileen Fischer’s new line consists of 25% organic clothing, and H&M recently began to convert to organic cotton tees and shorts as well. Not only has organic clothing become popular, but beauty products have become more natural, as well. Products such as the popular Burt’s Bees lip balms, lotions, and shampoos keep both your body and the planet fresh. All of the previously mentioned stores, in addition to other unmentioned brands, have made it possible for almost anyone to make a contribution to the “going green“ brigade without the expensive solar panels and organic foods. However, if you’re feeling especially ambitious, try riding a bike with those organic-cotton clothes on.

Fashion Show continued from page 15

Seniors Grant Klein and Alexandra Perry.

Photo by E. Chiavelli

raffle-ticket-sellers were excited. "It's been a great experience working behind the scenes… [The seniors] did a great job," Klingerman exclaimed. Jessica Ngo agreed, stating "the fashion show was a great experience. There was so much cooperation on behalf of the senior class, which made it so much more fun!" "This is one of the nicest affairs the senior class has,” stated CHouse principal Diane Klibansky. The models' family members were also impressed. "I liked it, and I would definitely want to do the show as a senior," freshman Kimberly Cochran expressed. Sophomore Gabby Melo-Moore also enjoyed the show, stating, "The dresses were nice, and the show was really fun." Andrea Kelly's aunt Mary-Lou felt similarly, "I'm very impressed, and all the students did a fantastic job; they all looked wonderful."

Sports

The Blue and Gold March 2009

ramsey places fifth in states

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boys’ tennis team prepares to slice their competition

Ashley Ngo Head Entertainment/Opinion Writer

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TARTING AT THE TENDER age of 12, senior Craig Ramsey entered the world of wrestling not knowing how it would affect him and to what degree. Ramsey brought Malden High School’s name into wrestling recognition when he achieved 2009 GBL All-Star, ‘09 Sectional Champ Runner-Up, ‘09 4th in State Tournament and ‘09 All-State Qualifier. Although it may seem like the confidence he had was natural, it took hard work, determination and discipline for Ramsey to get this far, but with the help of his family Ramsey was able to push himself and exceed his expectations. “My family has definitely been a great support,” Ramsey declared. “My father has always taught me to wrestle hard and not to take ‘no’ for an answer.” Ramsey’s relationship with MHS physical education teacher John Lopresti and coach Jeremiah Smith also had a large influence on his achievements in wrestling. Ramsey’s difficulty in impressing Lopresti with his achievements has taught him a valuable lesson. Through Lopresti, Ramsey learned that despite what awards he has gained, there will always be a greater goal that he should strive for. Ramsey’s relationship with Smith, on the other hand was not always an agreeable one, but it had the right balance of tough love and unification that helped Ramsey throughout the seasons. “I attribute most of my success to Coach Smith,” Ramsey said. “I may not always have agreed with him, at times I didn’t even like him, but once we got on the mat together... we really worked as one cohesive unit. An athlete is only as good as the people who train him,” Ramsey added Ramsey’s success in wrestling was not all fun and games. He faced many challenges in his athletic experience, including the difficult task of overcoming his nerves. He felt it as his responsibility to set an example for younger wrestlers, since it was his last year. “Craig was a really great captain,” fellow wrestler and sophomore Andy Chao said. “He is dependable, trustworthy and more importantly he is a great wrestler.” Ramsey felt that leadership was not about winning, but the ability to change the momentum in a meet, even if the outcome was not looking good for the team. “I overcame it every time right before I got on the mat and coach told me, ‘Hey, let’s go get ‘em.’ After that I didn’t feel fear.” Although Ramsey’s stocky build and intense appearance seems to fit right into the sport’s environment, he expresses an interest in a field different from athletics. “I hope to be an anchorman believe it or not. I have always had a passion for the news and hope one day to fulfill it,” he stated. MHS’ star wrestler Ramsey never strayed from his practice, setting aside 20 to 30 hours a week for wrestling. “I gave the sport my heart and it gave me victory,” Ramsey stated.

Sophomore Jeff Duong working on his backhand during practice. Haley Defilippis Reporter

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ITH A STRONG lineup of experienced tennis players, head coach Joshua Titcomb and the team plan to achieve big things; their number one rival has always been Medford, and with this year's team, Titcomb plans to see encouraging results. With a disappointing record from the 2008 season, the boys’ tennis team plans on reaching for higher goals, such as making it all the way to the State Tournament. With Cam-

bridge being the toughest competitor, the Malden boys want to battle out their chance. Six talented freshmen should be making the team this season, in addition to the returning group of upperclassmen. Sophomores Andrew Delacey and Jackie Tran, juniors David Riemer and Dellon Moy, and seniors Jason Hu and Gary Tang are key to this team’s success. Approximately four years ago, anyone who tried out would make the team due to the lack of players. This year, a whopping 30 people tried out. This year Titcomb plans to build

Photo by E. Chiavelli on skills rather than trying to fill up the team. In his third year as coach, Titcomb is passionate of coaching his players, “I enjoy teaching the tennis team along with the honor, integrity, and sportsmanship of the game.” He said. Techniques are to be used during practices, such as special footwork and basic tennis strokes, Titcomb emphasizes. The first boys’ tennis match will be held home on Monday, April 6, 2009, against North Reading at Amerige Park.

mhs girls tennis team serves up a new season Omar Khoshafa Reporter

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HIS YEAR GIRLS’ TENNIS TEAM is patiently awaiting this season and any challenges that come their way. The team is coached by English teacher Maggie Pettit, making this the third year in her coaching experience. Though the team has not had much success in previous seasons, with the mixture of both young talent and returning players, as well as determination and perseverance, the team looks forward to playing hard this season. Success will not be an easy achievement for the team with tough matches against Boston Latin Academy, as well as newcomer North Reading. From last year, the team has only lost two players. According to Pettit, “the team is looking good and strong,” and with lots of practice and time “for fun,” the team looks forward to an exciting season. Seniors Jennifer Delacey, Jessica Ma, Tayla Damon, Lilly Nguyen, as well as other upperclassmen will act as role models for the underclassmen. They will also help some younger athletes adjust to the varsity level. The team practices at Amerige Park everyday, working on technique, as well as conditioning to build stamina. All of the team’s hard work and determination shows that they are willing to do what it takes to be successful this season.

boys Tennis schedule Mon Wed Fri Mon Wed Fri Mon Wed Mon Wed Fri Wed Thur Mon Mon Fri

4/6 4/8 4/10 4/13 4/15 4/17 4/20 4/22 4/27 4/29 5/1 5/6 5/7 5/11 5/18 5/22

North Reading O’Bryant Everett Boston Latin Academy Revere Medford Somerville Cambridge O’Bryant Everett Boston Latin Academy Medford Somerville Cambridge North Reading Revere

Home Home Home Home Home Home Home Away Away Home Away Away Away Home Away Home

3:30 4:00 3:45 4:00 4:15 3:45 10 a.m. 10 a.m. 4:00 3:45 4:00 3:45 3:45 3:45 3:30 4:15

girls tennis schedule Mon Wed Fri Mon Wed Fri Mon Wed Mon Wed Fri Wed Thur Mon Mon Fri

4/6 4/8 4/10 4/13 4/15 4/17 4/20 4/22 4/27 4/29 5/1 5/6 5/7 5/11 5/18 5/22

North Reading O’Bryant Everett BLA Revere Medford Somerville Cambridge O’Bryant Everett BLA Medford Somerville Cambridge North Reading Revere

Home Home Home Home Home Home Home Away Away Home Away Away Away Home Away Home

3:30 4:00 3:45 4:00 4:15 3:45 10 a.m. 10 a.m. 4:00 3:45 4:00 3:45 3:45 3:45 3:30 4:15

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The Blue and Gold March 2009

Sports http://my.highschooljournalism.org/ma/malden/mhs/

crew team recruits

Spring Sports Preview

Paul Collins Head Sports Writer

R Boys Lacrosse changes from club to sport An Holmqvist Copy Editor

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PRING IS IN THE AIR, and the Malden High School boys’ lacrosse team has begun to get in gear for their first season as a varsity sport. Led by coach and teacher David DePlacido, the team has finally made the great stride from club recreation to genuine sport and hopes to continue carrying that title through the season. As with most specialty sports, lacrosse was and will always be difficult to teach to first-time players. This year, MHS lacrosse’s first-timers had a rocky start, but they have yet to show their true potential for spring 2009 season. The team of roughly 35 players has yet to elect captains, but recognizes varsity players Eddie Liao, Grant Klein, and Nicky Hoyt as their strongest contributors. Springtime has welcomed the school’s sports with warm weather as the MHS boys’ lacrosse team braces itself for a tough but exciting season.

MHS track runners.

Photo by L. Tran

Nidale Zouhir Copy Editor Malden High School’s outdoor track team is hoping for a successful season despite their lack of upperclassmen. They hope to build on the talent of their underclassmen using the skills of coaches Rebecca Johnson, Dave Londino, Greg Hurley, Mitch Abbatessa, and Stephen Ruben. The team has yet to choose captains for their outdoor season.

Boys Lacrosse Tuesday March 31 Wednesday April 1 Thursday April 2 Thursday April 9 Monday April 20 Wednesday April 22 Saturday April 25

away game vs. Reading away game vs. Saugus home game vs. Wakefield home game vs. Medford away game vs. St. Mary away game vs. Lynnfield away game vs. Fenwick

Girls Lacrosse Tuesday March 31 Thursday April 2 Friday April 3 Tuesday April 7 Wednesday April 8 Wednesday April 15 Friday April 17 Tuesday April 21 Wednesday April 22 Thursday April 23 Thursday April 30

home game vs. Reading away game vs. Cambridge away game vs. Central Catholic home game vs. Dracut away game vs. Medford home game vs. Lynnfield home game vs. Medford away game vs. Burlington away game vs. Lynnfield away game vs. Cambridge away game vs. Shawsheen

girls lax plans for the season ahead Barbara Jerome-Athis Reporter

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ESPITE THEIR RECORD of 2-9 from last season, the Malden High School girls’ lacrosse team still keeps a positive attitude. Head Coach Julie Briggs learned from her mistakes each season and says that she, personally, has plenty of room for improvement as well as for the team. With the help of senior cocaptains Caitlin Abber, Stephanie Tran, and assistant coach Susan Famiglietti, Briggs plans on having a fun season and showing off the great players that MHS has. Briggs believes that spring season is the hardest time to coach because it is the end of the school year, but she hopes that “people

the team prepares to say goodbye to their senior players who sign up for the team will show commitment by arriving everyday and doing their best on the field.” Due to the fact that the team primarily consists of seniors this season, she will be losing most of her players next season. Briggs repeatedly stated, in a sad tone, “that’s going to kill me. They are bright, articulate; they are the queens of the school,” she explained. Two years ago, she took over mid–way through the season to recover for the previous coach. She has learned about this sport as she coached the team and is learning more each season. She united the team, therefore, making it harder for her as well as

for the team to separate. There are many new athletes on the team this season and there will be no cuts, but Briggs says, “We are a new team and it is going to be hard because lacrosse, unlike basketball is not a sport that people will start playing in the park, for example. Many of these girls come and have never played or even held a stick before.” She is still looking forward to the season and does not care as much about wins or losses because, “It is all about them being respectful to the other teams and getting out in the spring and having fun.”

OWING THEIR WAY to another successful season, the Malden High School crew team has been working diligently to have a spring season, with a victorious ending. Led by coaches and MHS science teacher Shauna Campbell, MHS math teacher Sarah Jones, and MHS English teacher Natalia Santiago, along with senior co-captains Kristen Tran, and David Barrows, the team strives to work their hardest, so they can be eligible to participate in the competitions that occur in the late spring. Practices are held five days a week, and consist of rowing, and running to keep in shape. Returning crew member Samantha Powers stated upon questioning about their fall season, that the “fall season doesn’t really affect the spring season, now the difference is that we row with two other cities in the fall.” “This year, our goals include medaling in States, and raising a great novice team to take the place of our leaving seniors,” Powers commented on the subject of team goals for the spring 2009 season. The team is short players, so anybody that would like to sign up for the crew team (no experience necessary), should go to Jones’ room at C224.

softball hopes to have another successful season Paul Collins Head Sports Writer

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ALDEN HIGH School’s softball team is striving to have a successful season, led this 2009 spring season by Coach Richard Cullen and co-captains Annie Abber and Jennifer Tamindzija. Last year the team qualified for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association state tournament and their hopes and aspirations are pointing them in that direction, along with placing in Greater Boston League Competition (GBL). Last year’s season was an impressive one and with tryouts being held from March 16-20, a week earlier, the team has more time to practice for the exhilarating season ahead of them.

The Blue and Gold March 2009

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Sports http://my.highschooljournalism.org/ma/malden/mhs/

rodriguez strikes out between steroid discovery and surgery, rodriguez is already struggling through the preseason.

Alfonse Femino Assistant Sports Writer

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EW YORK YANKEES baseball player Alex Rodriguez underwent surgery on March 9, 2009, in Vail, Colorado, to repair part of the damage in his right hip. He will miss approximately six to nine weeks of playing time, according to his doctor and fellow Yankee ballplayers. “The surgery underwent to fix a torn labrum and some of the underlying bone irregularity in the hip,” Dr. Marc Philippon stated in a conference call with the New York Times reporter Joe Laiponte. Rodriguez is expected to be back on the field with the Yankees by early May and will miss about a month of the six-month season. He is going to stay in the hospital in Vail for rehabilitation. Philippon stated that Rodriguez will hopefully play most of the 2009 season without any further problems. “We are trying to return him rapidly to his high-level function,” according to Philippon during the conference. “I firmly believe this approach will be successful.” Rodriguez is considered one of Major League Baseball's best players. Yet he has been through many conflicts this past year, such as, admitting to using steroids during his 2001 to 2003 seasons with the Texas Rangers. Rodriguez was expected to play for the Dominican Republic in the current World Baseball Classic but had to leave the training camp last week to be examined due to hip discomfort and did not participate. Dr. Philippon said he was “almost 100 percent sure” that Rodriguez will need another surgery after the season. Until then, supporters hope for the best for Rodriguez and that he gets back on the field soon.

Baseball Schedule Saturday March 21 Tuesday March 24 Thursday March 26 Saturday March 28 Monday March 30 Friday April 3 Wednesday April 8 Thursday April 9 Monday April 13 Wednesday April 15 Saturday April 18 Sunday April 19 Monday April 20 Thursday April 23 Monday April 27 Wednesday April 29

(scrimmage) home game vs. Fenwick (scrimmage) home game vs. Peabody (scrimmage) home game vs. Peabody (scrimmage) home game vs. Methuen (scrimmage) home game vs. Wakefield (scrimmage) away game vs. Malden Catholic away game vs. Lawrence away game vs. Revere away game vs. Dracut away game vs. Everett away game (Tournament) vs. East Boston away game (Tournament) vs. East Boston away game vs. Somerville away game vs. Lawrence away game vs. Cambridge away game vs. Everett

Softball Schedule Wed Fri Mon Thurs Fri Thur Sat Mon Tues Mon Wed Fri Mon Wed Mon Thurs Fri Mon Fri

4/1 4/3 4/6 4/9 4/10 4/16 4/18 4/20 4/21 4/27 4/29 5/1 5/4 5/6 5/11 5/14 5/15 5/18 5/22

Latin Academy Melrose Latin Academy Burlington Melrose Everett East Boston Somerville Medford Cambridge Everett Burlington Somerville Medford Cambridge Everett Somerville Medford Cambridge

Home Home AWAY Home Away Home Home AWAY Home AWAY AWAY AWAY Home AWAY Home Home AWAY Home AWAY

JV/V JV/V JV/V JV/V JV/V JV/V JV/V JV/V JV/V JV/V JV/V JV/V JV/V JV/V JV/V JV/V JV/V JV/V JV/V

3:45 3:45 4:00 3:45 10 a.m. 3:45 9:30 a.m. 10 a.m. 10 a.m. 3:45 3:45 3:45 3:45 3:45 3:45 3:45 3:45 3:45 3:45

Rodriguez swings

spring baseball season looks to be a grand slam success Alexander Gennigiogis Reporter

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HE MALDEN HIGH School baseball season begins on April 8, 2009 when both the junior varsity and varsity teams will be playing in Lawrence. Coach Kevin Carpenito expects his team to do the same as they did if not better than last year, in which the team had a 15-5 record, and made it to the Greater Boston League tournament but lost to Haverhill in the second round. Carpenito is looking forward to making it to the tournament which means that the team needs to win at least eleven games to qualify and this year he wants the team to try and go all the way. Carpenito stated that he will prepare his team by "practicing the fundamentals of the game: fielding, throwing, and hitting." He also stated that he will have a group of veteran ballplayers "help some new players to adapt to the varsity level." Carpenito has led his varsity team for nine years, making this season his tenth. He is aware of the challenges that will affect the team most this year and will try to work on

them with the correct training and practice. This year, Carpenito chose Rob DisSerio, Alex Teal, and Jared Rogers as captains of the varsity team. He believes they have what it takes to lead all of the players in the right path. Teal stated that the captains were doing exactly this by helping the coach keep the players focused and help the team understand the drills. He also stated that even though at times the players were a little confused, overall they showed a lot of talent, especially the underclassmen. Teal quoted, "I feel honored to be a captain and believe that the team has talent and if we (the players) stay focused and on task we can have a very successful season." He also said, "As a GBL All Star I feel as though being confident, competitive and collected led to my own personal success" and that if the other players feel the same way he does, they will too gain this personal success which will lead to victory on the field.

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Travel

The Blue and Gold March 2009

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budapest...a trip to another world Emily Chiavelli Head Photographer

Go online on our website to view an exclusive slideshow for more photos: www.myhighschooljournalism.org/ma/ malden/mhs

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UST SOUTH of Budapest, someone has gathered up dozens of old communist statues and plunked them down in a field called Memento Park. It costs 2000 Forints (Ft) to get in and in the gift shop you can buy a Zippo engraved with Joseph The Hungarian Parliament across the Danube River. Photo by E. Chiavelli Stalin's portrait or a Vladimir Lenin coffee mug. It is, as far as I can tell, the ing for anything seem daunting. The at the movie theater in Revere on Hungarian equivalent of the world's exchange rate is roughly 247.34 ft to Saturday, where the best things each American dollar, so you end up you can expect to find are pocket largest twine ball in Minnesota. It may have been a bad idea, paying 10,000 ft for a pair of jeans. watches that no longer tick, old all things considered, to make the I see no need for using a system in jewelry with broken clasps, trek to Memento Park in ballet flats. which you can’t total your coffee bill and books that were probably bought by middle aged women Hungary is bitterly, painfully, can’t- in your head or on your fingers. I spent the one day wandering in drug stores years ago. But in feel-your-fingers cold in February; temperatures drop as low as -20 around Old Buda. If you’ve ever seen Budapest, the flea market is also degrees Fahrenheit in winter, and a movie set in a picturesque Euro- flooded with violins with broken although the snow doesn’t stick like pean town, it was probably based on strings and missing bows. There are approximately it does in Boston, it seems to snow Old Buda. Prague and Budapest are 1,300 thermal springs scattered almost every day. Plus, I had to said to be the most beautiful cities take a commuter train, two subway in Europe, and I could immediately across Hungary. In Budapest, 118 trains, a trolley and a bus ride to get see why; the buildings are stony of these fuel the thermal baths and intricate, the roads are cobbled, in the courtyards of spas that there. The public transportation sys- and churches and castles litter the have been built around them. tem, although easily accessible and narrow streets. It was refreshing to Basically huge Jacuzzis, the located conveniently throughout be able to walk five blocks without first were built by the Romans the city, seems ruthlessly ineffective. passing a strip mall or a chain store; centuries ago, and were more Commuter train tickets are never all of the restaurants and coffee recently converted to spas in the People walking down an old buildchecked, nor are trolleys or buses; shops are independent- even Star- 19th century. They are glorious, ing. Photo by E. Chiavelli in the subway, there are employees bucks just opened its first store in at least until you’re done soakstanding around the escalators and Hungary in December. (Which, on ing and have to walk across the stop passengers infrequently and second thought, may not be such a courtyard in the below-freezing seemingly at random to check their bad thing-the “ersatz coffee” they air sopping wet. Despite the fact that the tickets. Essentially, getting around serve in Hungary is so foul it’s hard could be free-I imagine it’s great for to even get past the smell for long language is hard to grasp-there enough to take a sip. As a result, I are virtually no cognates-everythe local teenagers. The night I arrived in Buda- fell asleep nearly everywhere I sat one is friendly and most people pest, I went directly to check-in to down-a library, restaurants, a mall- under 30 speak at least some my hotel room, which appeared to and was subsequently rousted by English. On the way home, my be someone’s attic with four cots in security guards who seemed to be flight got rerouted to Amsterit. There was barely enough room to trying to determine whether or not dam, and for the inconvenience the Hungarian airline paid not navigate around the beds, and the I was still breathing.) only for all my meals, cab rides, Apparently, Budapest is also toilet seat cover was plastered with a photograph of three smiling dol- home to “the largest flea market and the hotel in Amsterdam, but phins. Not a Hungarian tradition, I in Central Europe,” (Who knew? handed me 600 euros, in cash, First of all, I had always thought of for my trouble. (Although it was assume, but you never know. I’ve always hated basketball, Hungary as Eastern Europe- in my really no trouble at all; they exnot only because it’s incredibly mind Germany was in the center, tended my vacation for free, and boring, but because the scores are but I won’t argue) which sounds I got to see Amsterdam.) needlessly high numbers. So I im- just about as impressive as it turned mediately resented Hungary’s cur- out to be. Essentially, the largest flea A statue at sunset. rency system. Things are priced in market was a bigger version of Rud Photo by E. Chiavevlli thousands of Ft, and it makes pay- erman’s or the flea market that opens