Middletown High School’s Student Newspaper

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The Wave

December 2010

We Are The Champions! Shannon H. Staff Writer As the old saying goes, third time’s the charm! In an amazing game against long-time rival Moses Brown, the Middletown Islanders Varsity football team won the Division III Super Bowl, 21-0. This was the Islanders’ third time in as many years going to the Super Bowl, but this year was different. This year the Islanders had moved up a division from Division III to Division IV. Though they went into the season as the underdogs of the Division, the Middletown Varsity team had constant faith in themselves and in their teammates. After a few games, it became clear to everyone watching them that the Middletown Islanders Football team had the talent and determination to handle anything that their competition could bring to the field. Led by Head Coach Andrew Leys, the team made it to the Super Bowl. They were followed to the Cranston Stadium on that faithful Saturday by bus loads of fans, cheerleaders, and members of the band, all ready to witness an epic game. Well, the Middletown Islanders did not disappoint their blue and white-clad fans in the stands! Thanks to touchdowns made in the first and fourth quarter by Rico M., the Islanders crushed Moses Brown 21-0. As awesome as Rico’s runs were, it

The varsity football team celebrates after their big win.

was far from a one-man show. Everyone on the team contributed to the Islanders victory, with other standout players being No. 75 Fred S., No.84 Dylan A., No. 70 Frank W., and No. 50 Matt G. Although it is hard to imagine the Middletown Varsity Football team going any farther than they did this year, they are sure to be even more successful next year when they come back to defend their title: Division III Super Bowl Champions!

Holiday Carols: The Winter Chorus Concert Gunnar R. Managing Editor On Thursday, December 9 the Middletown High School Chorus performed their annual holiday concert, this year entitled “Believe.” The concert took place at the Cavalry United Methodist Church, located near the Guadet middle school. Always well attended, the choral concerts are met with much anticipation from students, parents, administrators, teachers and members of the community. Lily M., a sophomore member of the chorus commented, “The concerts give us a chance to get together as a chorus and have a fun night of excitement, laughter, professionalism, and warmth. You'd be surprised how focused and happy some of the kids get.” The master of ceremonies, Principal Steven Ruscito, addressed the audience just before

the start of the performance. He stressed the important role music plays in bringing together a community, and commended the efforts of the MHS chorus as well as choral director and music teacher, Jennifer Vaillancourt. Ryan L. and D.J C., co-student directors of the chorus, each spoke as well. Cont. on page 3

Inside this issue: MHS Clubs

2

In Defense of Grinding

4

Are you asking for too much this Christmas?

6

Holiday Television List

8

Advice column -Dear Kit 9 and Kat

Photo Courtesy of Ms. Carmela Geer

Call of Duty: Black Ops

11

“Our Mister Brooks”

12

PAGE 2

The Wave Staff Editor-in-Chief Eve H.

NEWS

December 2010 MHS Clubs

Managing Editor Gunnar R. Writers Covell A. Gunnar R. Jordan G. Jay H. Eve H. Becky C. Sage S. Mary Kate M. Casey C. Shannon H.

The Middletown Chapter of the National Honor Society has their hands full with holiday activities! For the holidays the NHS has adopted several families from the community and pledged to make their holiday seasons’ merry. It was a gift galore at the NHS’s meeting Thursday the ninth, as members hauled in bag upon bag of gifts. Clothing and other essentials were popular, but there were toys too. The NHS is also operating food and coat drives for the cold winter ahead. Before break, NHS is planning on having a party. .

While preparing for the “Save your Bottle, Save the World” campaign, president of Class of 2013, 2013 Zoe S., said that the holiday cookie dough fundraiser was great. Amidst the frantic making of signs and collection bins in advisory someone said “be green with class 2013!” Zoe also mentioned that Pashmina scarves are being sold for ten dollars during all lunches. Junior Class President Baley R., said that the 2012 class council had been very busy making holiday wreaths to distribute before homecoming weekend. “It was tough to make all the wreaths, but it paid off in the end – the fundraiser was worth it!”

Page Designers Eve H. Gunnar R.

Advisor Ms. Lisa Clark Middletown High School 130 Valley Road Middletown, RI 02842

Check out

The Wave online by going to the school’s website.

President Emily H. of Best Buddies says “before the break, we plan on having a big party with gingerbread house making.” “The party is a great way for everyone to see each other before the long vacation.”

Advisor to the Gay Straight Alliance, ance Nurse Bryon, said that the club plans to meet before vacation for a small celebration. .

“For the holidays, Student Government is trying to set up a luncheon/ holiday party for the disabled people at the Maher Center” said Secretary Kaite B.

The Middletown LEO Club has a lot planned for the holidays too. From December 13th until vacation the LEO Club will be selling Candy Canes for 25 cents during all lunches! During Thanksgiving the LEO Club ran a can drive for Lucy’s Hearth.

Compiled by Covell A.

News

Page 3

Naval War College Lecture Series at MHS focuses on Globalization; Civic Awareness By Eve H. Editor-in-Chief Note: this article was published as a column in the Middletown Message.

When Admiral James “Phil” Wisecup was in grade school, he decided to read Moby-Dick. The librarian told him he was too young to check it out, so the voracious young reader enlisted a parent to vouch for him. Despite the initial doubts of the librarian, Wisecup read the intimidating classic cover to cover. Years later, he relayed this anecdote to an audience of student and staff at Middletown High School. The lesson? You’re never too young to challenge yourself intellectually. A former Director of the Situation Room in the Bush administration and now president of the U.S. Naval War College, Wisecup knows something about taking on challenges. Over the course of an illuminating lecture attended by over one hundred Middletown students, he shared his views on the military, TSA regulations, partisanship in the armed forces, globalization, “don’t ask don’t tell”, and even

magazines (his choice: The Economist). Wisecup stressed the importance of reading and learning a foreign language, which he sees as a necessity in an increasingly globalized world. Admiral Wisecup’s visit kicks off the “Global Speakers” lecture series at MHS, a partnership between the U.S. Naval War College and the Middletown High School. Organized by Ann Sullivan, a history and current events teacher, the idea of such a series had been discussed for some time but only crystallized this year in negotiations with the College. Over the next several months, MHS will host lectures by several other Naval War College speakers, many of them international officers. The goal, according to Sullivan, is “to promote among students an understanding and appreciation of the various cultures we have in the world, and how they impact our lives.” Although Middletown High School is a diverse community with an international student presence, many young people find it difficult to envision or contemplate a vast world outside of Aquidneck Island. “I see our students as citizens of the world,” says Sullivan, adding, “You

need to know who you’re competing with.” The lecture series will feature a variety of speakers from myriad different locations. December 17 will see speakers from Senegal and India; February 14 will feature officers from Kazakhstan and Germany. The following months will also see Norway, Denmark, France, Chile, and the U.K. represented. Each lecture includes a 15minute presentation, and then a period for student questions. Hopefully, the perspectives of several international speakers will promote a greater understanding of contemporary world issues among students. According to Sullivan and Admiral Wisecup, encouraging awareness and appreciation of diversity among young people is an important step towards solving today’s major global conflicts. As the Admiral said, “[at the Naval War College] we don’t just study war; we study the prevention of war as well.” It’s small in the greater scheme of things, but this lecture series might just be a start.

“Chorus Concert” cont. The chorus sang eight songs, primarily holiday carols. They were: Tidings of Comfort and Joy, Some Children See Him, I Will Follow, Celtic Gloria, Baby, It’s Cold Outside, Believe and Hallelujah. Most notable was Nutcracker Jingles, an inventive compilation of holiday themed lyrics (including Jingle Bells) and Nutcracker melodies. Originally featured in the movie the Polar Express, what made Believe particularly touching was the inclusion of fourth graders in the performance. Soloists appeared throughout the program. Stepahnie T., Stephanie J., and Collete R. in Some Children See Him; Ryan L., Alex G., Lily M., and Kelly D. in Baby It’s Cold Outside; Julia C. and Ryan L. in Believe, respectively. The MHS choral ensemble, a group of fourteen auditioned female vocalists, sang four songs in addition to the eight of the chorus.

These four songs were I Saw Three Ships, Ave Maria, Wel-

come Winter Winds, and a unique arrangement of two famous Simon and Garfunkel ballads: Scarborough Fair and The Sound of Silence. Looking back on the performance, co-student director Ryan L. observed, “The chorus concert went amazing this year, from a senior's point of view I couldn't have wished for a better final winter concert. The selected pieces were great along with the accompaniment and, of course, the wonderful conducting of Mrs. Valliancourt.” A few words borrowed from sophomore Lily M. really speak to the heart of the choir’s holiday concert. When asked how she would describe the holiday performances, Lilly replied, “Everyone's at their best. It's a great time.”

opinion

December 2010

In Defense of “Grinding” By Eve H. Editor-in-Chief I can think of few other teenage issues more polarizing than the debate over “grinding”; a sexually explicit style of dancing that has scandalized parents and administrators alike and turned high schools across the nation into a moral battleground. It is controversial because it reaches beyond a simple conflict over dancing and has political, social, and sexual undercurrents. Adults do have some reason to be concerned about this dancing. Yet I argue in favor of it for two central reasons. History shows that progress in most forms cannot be impeded, and outrage over “grinding” is really about a fundamental discomfort with teenage sexuality among adults that needs to be discussed and subjected to more analysis before any final decisions are made. There is a long and wellestablished historical precedent for people having a problem with the way the younger generation dances. It was seen in the widespread hysteria over "rock 'n' roll" music and dancing in the 1950s and 60s, and in the moral outrage when the Charleston burst on to the scene in the 1920s. In the 16th century, the Spanish "la

Volta" scandalized the older generation with its leaps and twirls, which would sometimes allow a glimpse of the lady's ankles. So is "grinding" the new "la Volta?" While the idea that moral outrage could be produced over a glimpse of an ankle provokes amusement or derision today, it is important to note that it really was that big of a deal to the 16th century moralists. They were genuinely convinced that such a scandalous dance would herald the demise of society as they knew it. But of course, it didn't. Ideas about sexuality evolve over time; in most of the western world it is now perfectly acceptable to show one's ankles while dancing. But they couldn't have known that. Of course, "grinding" involves much more than revealing an occasional ankle. The situations surrounding the "la Volta" and grinding" are different. But I would argue that the principle is the same. The fact remains that the people who wrote diatribes against exposed ankles now look ridiculous. Future generations may very well look back on the uproar over “grinding” with the same sentiment we now express when discussing the dancing controversies of years past: they really thought it was

The “La Volta,” a scandalous 16th century dance.

“There is a long and wellestablished historical precedent for people having a problem with the way the younger generation dances.” that big of a deal? It is impossible to predict the course of history, but perhaps we should attempt to draw lessons from the past. Continued on pg. 5

The Answers to Last Issue’s Puzzle By Jay H. Staff Writer In the yellow house the Norwegian drinks water, smokes Dunghills, and keeps cats. In the blue house the Dane drinks tea, smokes Blends, and keeps horses. In the red house the Englishman drinks milk, smokes PallMalls, and keeps birds. In the green house the German drinks coffee, smokes, and keeps fish. In the white house the Swede drinks beer, smokes BlueMasters, and keeps dogs.

In short, it’s the German who keeps the fish.

OPINION

“Grinding”

Page 5

continued from page 4

School dances are a school sponsored event. The chaperones are teachers and parents. Therefore, sexual dancing at school dances is synonymous with bringing sex into a school environment, which supposedly impedes the learning process. This is a valid point. For students, school is the closest thing they have to a workplace, and people don't bring sex into the workplace. If they do, they have a serious problem with the Human Resources department. But there is a flaw in this logic; it's designed for the adult world. And high school is not the adult world. Adults have other venues and appropriate places to channel their sexuality; teenagers do not. The school is not only a place of learning, but a meeting place, and a community center. It is where they will likely meet their boyfriends and girlfriends. A school dance is a large social event, and for some perhaps one of their only opportunities to socialize with people they are attracted to. Is it any wonder then, that they express themselves sexually in this situation? Let's be honest regarding what this is really about: teenage sexuality, and what role, if any, it has in the educational environment. This debate reaches far beyond the conflict over dancing and into dress code polices, rules dealing with public displays of affection, and much more. Teenage sexuality is endlessly discussed, used for entertainment value, and legislated. But for all its prevalence, no one can ever seem to have a real, open dialogue about it with students. Beneath every comment about "grinding" is an underlying--and probably negative-sentiment about teenage sexuality, always unvoiced. The result is a culture of shame and distrust that manifests itself in resentment on both sides and general confusion on the part of the students. The only reasoning they are ever given for the hostility to their style of dancing is the ambivalently worded charge that grinding is “inappropriate.” And why is it inappropriate? Because it reflects badly on the school? Or because, quite simply, adults don't want to see children being sexual? Such discomfort, while understandable, is not neces-

“Let’s be honest regarding what this is really about: teenage sexuality, and what role, if any, it has in the educational environ‐ ment.” sarily grounds for stifling a form of sexual and artistic expression. Throughout most of history and in many parts of the world today, a high-school aged person would be considered an adult; ready to have a job, support a family, and yes, engage in sexual activities and behave in sexual ways. Teenagers are sexual beings, and the uniquely modern and first world concept of an extended childhood, or “adolescence,” leads to a significant amount of conflict between educators, parents and students. Do American teenagers agree with the social construct that they are children and not sexually functioning adults? This philosophical conflict is not going to go away anytime soon. But it starts with an open conversation between students, teachers, and administrators. It's a conversation that is awkward and inherently uncomfortable on both sides, but I think it needs to be done. Until the underlying issues regarding grinding are brought out into the open, not only on the local but on the national level, we will not come to a consensus on this issue.

A Christmas Poll Jay H. Staff Writer In the two polls in this section, we collected 131 surveys that reflected students’ favorite part of the holidays and the holiday, if any, they celebrate. Each student was allowed to vote on more than one item. As a result, the percentages do not total 100%. The results reflect a combination of student’s multiple re‐ sponses. We actually considered a pie chart, but learned the bar graph was the best way to go.

P e r c e n t a g e

What Is Your Favorite Part of the Holidays? 80% 60% 40% 20% 0%

Out of 131

Food

Presents Relaxing No School Favorite Part

Family Time

Other

Opinion

Page 6

So this is Christmas… In these tough economic times, are students asking for too much? and perhaps – in this 'age of austerity' – we should be learning from their attitudes and remembering that Christmas is As the holiday season kicks into full throttle, many of us about more than gifts.” kids can’t help but bear the often eggnog-inspired, always preachy, long-passed Christmas-time remembrances of those In the review adults in our lives (generally, over the age of forty). “Christmas also, Ros Altmann, diwas never like this…[here come the famous words]…when I was rector general of the Saa kid.” I’ve noticed that a point exists at which those who grew ga Group, went on to say, “The research we up listening to Frank Sinatra’s classic renditions of holiday carols, taking long road trips to grandma’s house and getting “their conducted shows that more than 90% of the eye shout out” become absolutely fed up with the commercially over 50s believe that driven, spend-fest that we now call Christmas. The rebuttal of many sons or daughters in this situation is obvious: “You don’t more money is spent on children's presents in this like Christmas because you’re the one buying the gifts now!” day and age than when And although this may be true, there are genuine reasons for our they were a child. They feel that Christmas is becoming too comparents’ Scrooge-like tendencies each December. A new study mercialized; has lost the 'family time' they used to have when released just last month shows that there is a grain of truth in they were children.” what our parents are saying. Rebecca Smithers, columnist of this particular Guardian A recent review from The Guardian, one Britain’s article, (and one of those “over 50s”) describes the Christmas leading newspapers, showed that each successive generation of season’s transformation from the “happy family affairs” of the parents spends more and more on Christmas presents for their children. 61 percent of the parents born in the 1930s (our grand- 1960s to the “crudely commercialized” holiday it is today. In parents) say they spent less than 65 US dollars in total on holiday these stringent economic times, should we kids consider scrutinizing and pruning our ever-augmenting Christmas lists? Is it gifts. Presently, over 20 percent of the younger generation of right to revert back to “the true Christmas spirit,” of goodwill, parents, born in the 1990s, admitted to spending more than 265 simplicity, spirituality and intangible giving? Or has superfluous US dollars, fulfilling their children’s Christmas list. Two separate British-based parenting companies compiled these compel- gift giving been permanently engrained in the modern holiday season? This holiday, please don’t complain or whine as you ling results, released November 23, 2010 by the names of Saga and Netmums, respectively. listen to the annual Christmas reminiscing of those adults in your According to Siobhan Freegard of Netmums (as quoted life, but contemplate the morals of our own position: are children in this review) stated, “Previous generations of parents didn't today asking too much from mom and dad? seem to go to such great lengths to fill their children's stockings By Gunnar R. Managing Editor

P e r 100% c 80% e 60% 40% n 20% t 0% a g e

What Winter Holidays Do You Celebrate?

Out of 131 Votes

Holidays

SPORTS

Issue DecemberIssue V IV 2010 April 2006 March 2005

If you are reading this page, we need you! The Wave is looking for students who have time to capture MHS sports in reports, features, photos, and page design. See Ms. Clark in Room 227, or send an email to [email protected].

.

Varsity Girl’s Soccer Shannon H. Staff Writer In September, the Girls Varsity Soccer Team had a goal to make it to the playoffs. Who would have guessed that they would not only achieve their goal, but go all the way to the state championships! From a season that started in the heat of July to frigid November, the girls put training session after training session to improve their game. The Islanders were led by senior captains Emily D, Kirsten P, and keeper Taylor O. All of the parents who faithfully came to every game can tell you that these practices paid off. Although the season was almost three months long, it seemed to go incredibly quickly, with the girls winning all but a few of their matches. Some of their toughest rivals were the teams from Moses Brown and Narraganset High School,

1...2...3….Dodge Ball Covell A. Staff Writer

“Dodge ball was a great community event where students, teachers, and parents came together to have a great deal of fun while raising money for those in need,” said Dean of Students and faculty advisor to the Middletown Chapter of the National Honors Society Mrs. Colleen Larson. “The National Honors Society is thankful for all who participated and attended the event.” President of the National Honors Society Grace E said that the money raised will be donated to a charity chosen by society members.

but the Girls Varsity still managed to make it to the playoffs, their original goal. During the quarter-final and semi-final games held at Gaudet Midle School, the girls faced Shea High School and St. Rays and won both games. At the end of the semifinal game, the team was greeted on the field by a mob of their friends, families, and other supporters. These awesome fans would follow them all the way to RIC where the Girls Varsity played Narraganset in a great, competitive game. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t the Middletown Girls Varsity Soccer Team’s night, and they lost by one goal. Don’t worry, though. They’re determined to bring home the trophy next year!

Composed of Rico M, Dylan G, Cory L, Josh F, and Zack B, Incognito won this year’s winter tournament of 18 teams. Considering the large outcome for the spring’s tournament of 26 teams, E said, “Fewer teams mean fewer crowds, so the spring tournament will be bigger and better.” Mrs. Larson concluded with a vengeful remark. “See you all for a rematch in the spring!”

We need student sports reporters and photographers! See Ms. Clark in 227, or send an email of interest to [email protected]

Issue Issue December Issue VIVIV April 2006 February 2007 2010 March 2005

Life & Style A Holiday Television List By Gunnar R. Managing Editor

December 23

ABCFAM

Dec 23, 11:30AM

ABCFAM ABCFAM ABCFAM ABCFAM

Dec 23, 1:30PM Dec 23, 4:00PM Dec 23, 6:30PM Dec 23, 8:30PM

The Little Drummer Boy Tenth Avenue Angel Holiday Affair Pinocchio's Christmas 'Twas the Night Before Christmas” Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July

ABCFAM TCM TCM ABCFAM ABCFAM ABCFAM

Dec 24, 8:00AM Dec 24, 9:15AM Dec 24, 10:30AM Dec 24, 12:00PM Dec 24, 1:00PM Dec 24, 1:30PM

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & Island of Misfits Toys

ABCFAM

Dec 24, 3:30PM

Mickey's Christmas Special Jack Frost Scrooge (1970) Frosty's Winter Wonderland 'Twas the Night Before Christmas It's a Wonderful Life A Christmas Story Marathon begins Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town The Year Without a Santa Claus Rudolph's Shiny New Year

ABCFAM ABCFAM TCM ABCFAM ABCFAM NBC TBS ABCFAM ABCFAM ABCFAM

Dec 24, 5:00PM Dec 24, 6:00PM Dec 24, 6:00PM Dec 24, 7:00PM Dec 24, 7:30PM Dec 24, 8:00pm Dec 24, 8:00pm Dec 24, 8:00PM Dec 24, 9:00PM Dec 24, 10:00PM

A Flintstone Christmas The Shop Around The Corner Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town The Year Without a Santa Claus Miracle on 34th Street A Christmas Carol (1938) The Santa Clause Home Alone 2: Lost in New York King of Kings Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas Surviving Christmas

ABCFAM TCM ABCFAM ABCFAM ABCFAM TCM ABCFAM ABCFAM TCM ABCFAM ABCFAM TBS

Dec 25, 7:00AM Dec 25, 8:00AM Dec 25, 8:00AM Dec 25, 9:00AM Dec 25, 10:00AM Dec 25, 11:45AM Dec 25, 2:30PM Dec 25, 4:30PM Dec 25, 5:00PM Dec 25, 7:00PM Dec 25, 9:30PM Dec 25, 10:15PM

Ernest Saves Christmas

ABCFAM

Dec 25, 12:00AM

Ice Age Happy Feet The Polar Express The Santa Clause Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

STYLE

page 9

Dear Kit and Kat An advice column for freshmen Dear Kit and Kat, Dear Kit and Kat,

this world come to? I learned in kindergarten that all people were created equal. That’s right people, kindergarten. Now all you have to do is get a t-shirt and fabric markers. Then you must write on your t-shirt ‘I AM NOT A FRESHMAN’. Then if you wear it to school everyone will know that you are not a freshman and they will leave you alone. I am so smart.

Why are freshmen discriminated against? People are always like, “Ewww. Freshmen are in this class.” Or, “Stupid freshman” or, “Wow. You are good for a freshman.” Why are people like this? They think we can’t do anything, they think we are clueless and immature. I think it isn’t fair. Why, I ask, why? Kat: Kit that is not going to Kat —Frustrated Freshman work! People will definitely call you freshman then. I suggest Dear Frustrated Freshman, that you ignore it. People are not Kit: Kit People these days! What has going to stop. The reason they

do this is because when they were freshmen they were made fun of too. They now want to feel superior so they do it. Remember how you feel when people call you a freshman because next year when you are a sophomore there will be new freshmen. You can remember this and stop the cycling of making fun of freshmen.

Poet’s Corner By Brittney B. Junior I’ve got a confession You’re my latest obsession I’m not sure about this writing’s direction This more than a cry for attention It’s more of an expression Admitting to affection The words I never open up and say But cross my mind every day Love is a dangerous game For every player it’s never the same I am young and a fool For getting involved in something so cruel I had no clue what to do I wanted to chose But there’s that lingering question… What do I gain and what do I lose? You came to me Removed my shame from me Built me up after breaking down

Now I’m standing tall Ready to conquer all My words are legit Please stay and sit I’m coming to my point It may seem like I’m stalling but simply I’m recalling Everything I wanted to let out I know this is long but the feeling is strong I’m not gonna lie These are feelings I can’t deny This next line may be cheesy But it’ll make my life easy I’ll take a risk, put it like this It doesn’t sum it all up But it’ll be good enough Roses are red, violets are blue This feeling that seems so new Turned out to be something I already knew I’ll no longer conceal it, I’ve fallen for you

STYLE

page 1o

A New Interpretation of an Old Classic: “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens By Gunnar R. Managing Editor Once or twice this holiday season, almost all of you will jeer as you call someone a “scrooge,” aware of the negative connotations the title carries during the Christmas season, but sadly unenlightened as to the name’s origin. The tale of Scrooge is so famous that the word has entered the vernacular as any miserly person who does not enter into the spirit of the season. Although today we recognize a scrooge as any mean, miserly or greedy person, Ebenezer Scrooge of Charles Dickens’s classic tale A Christmas Carol seems to be a curmudgeon of the most extreme and malevolent kind. As a reader, one cannot help but despise the old, tight-fisted, cold-hearted, Christmas-abhorring man (creature, being a more appropriate term). Dickens describes him as thus: “...a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner…The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, made his eyes red, his thin lips blue, and he spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice...” Scrooge himself is an unremarkable character that lacks, as many of Dickens’ characters do, a sense of reality; he seems very contrived and unnaturally one-dimensional. Scrooge’s transformation is what makes him an extraordinary character, and his subsequent ghost-inspired realizations directly speak to the very real human emotions of love, loss, joy and hope. We Rhode Islanders are reminded particularly well by Trinity Rep’s annual (and much publicized) stage performance. This is one of Charles Dickens’s most enduring stories. Scrooge, who is assumed to be a banker living in early nineteenth century London, England, is the sole owner and cofounder of a counting house aptly named “Scrooge and Marley’s.” At the very beginning of the novel, Dickens spends (what seems to be) pages upon pages affirming that Marley, Scrooge’s deceased partner and only true friend in life, is undeniably, irrevocably dead. “There is no doubt that Marley was dead. This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come out of the story I am going to relate. If we were not perfectly convinced that Hamlet’s father died before the play began, there would be nothing more remarkable in his taking a

stroll at night… than there would be there would be in any other middle-aged gentleman rashly turning out after dark…” On Christmas Eve, Marley appears to Scrooge in the form of a spirit burdened by the weight of many fathoms of supernatural chains, claiming that Scrooge is doomed to the same fate. “‘Or would you know,’ pursued the Ghost, “the weight and length of the strong coil you bear yourself? It was full as heavy and as long as this, seven Christmas Eves ago. You have labored on it, since. It is a ponderous chain!’” But Scrooge has a chance at redemption: three ghosts will visit him that night, taking him on a guided tour of Christmases past, present and yet to come. The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Scrooge to his bleak childhood, when he was less jaded and hard. The jolly Ghost of Christmas Present takes him to people's homes on the very next morning, specifically those of his nephew and Scrooge’s poor employee Bob Cratchit. And finally a mysterious, cloaked spirit gives him a glimpse of Christmas years in the future... a terrible future, unless he changes his ways. Dickens' writing is utterly brilliant here. Most of the book is bleak, dreary and painted in shadows with Dickens only rarely holding back from showing the dark situation of nineteenth century England's poor. Great examples are the symbolic children Want and Ignorance ("a stale and shriveled hand, like that of age, had pinched, and twisted them, and pulled them into shreds"). As for the Grim-Reaper-like third ghost, it's the stuff of nightmares. But all isn't dark here. Occasionally Dickens splashes it with moments of crystalline brilliance ("It held a branch of fresh green holly in its hand; and… its dress trimmed with summer flowers"). And as dark as the book is, Dickens offers hope for the future. Scrooge’s journeys with the three ghosts reestablish that Christmas is a time for redemption and forgiveness. At its heart, "A Christmas Carol" is the most powerful when appreciated for its story alone -- a story about an avaricious, miserable man who redeems himself by learning to love.

Excerpt: “We choose this time [Christmas], because it is a time, of all others when Want is keenly felt and Abundance rejoices.” ______________________ “‘But you were always a good man of business, Jacob,’ faltered Scrooge, who now began to apply this to himself. ‘Business!’ cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. ‘Mankind was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!’”

STYLE

Page 11

“Call of Duty: Black Ops” By Casey C. Staff Writer As I opened the box of Treyarch’s newest addition to the Call of Duty series, I had mixed feelings. On one hand, there was the highly revered online multiplayer that the series is famous for, but on the other hand, I was expecting a less than spectacular single player campaign. I was surprised with what I found. The campaign had a dramatically engaging plot with lots of exciting twists and turns. The campaign takes place during the 1960’s, and you play as a man named Alex Mason. You start out in an interrogation room, and a mysterious man questions you about secret missions that you took part in. In the campaign, you relive the experience in flashbacks in order to find hints to the whereabouts of a USSR secret bio weapon. The action takes place in a colorful variety of locations including Vietnam, Russia and Cuba. I for one found the campaign

Screenshots:

very entertaining, with a high replay value. That’s not to say there weren’t some problems. Sometimes, I would throw down my controller in frustration at the difficulty of some levels (including two in Khe Sanh, Vietnam and Kowloon, Russia). Other times, my AI “teammates” would be no help at all. At one point, I would see an enemy troop charge past my allies, who would ignore them, to take a shot at me. Then there was the multiplayer--the forte of the Call of Duty franchise. There were no disappointments there (except how cheap people could be). Treyarch did a great job in creating this masterpiece. They thought of everything from exploding crossbows to modes where you can gamble hardearned CoD Currency on your skill. Treyarch seemed to have learned from the mistakes of its predecessors, and tried to become as fair as possible (including getting rid of perks like Danger

Close, Commando, One Man Army, and Stopping Power). The one thing I did find odd about the multiplayer was that, even with these changes, players were still required to download a mandatory patch a day after the game‘s release… weird. Overall, Call of Duty: Black Ops was a great game with just a few minor upsets. I enjoyed it, and my final verdict is an 8.75/10.

Life & Style

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A Modern Cinderella Story By Becky C. Staff Writer Britain’s Prince William is officially engaged to Kate Middleton after eight years of dating. Prince William proposed on their trip to Kenya in October with his mother’s wedding ring. The sapphire ring surrounded by 14 diamonds was given to Princess Diana from Prince Charles in 1981 and is worth around 30,000 pounds or about 47,600 US dollars. Prince William and Kate Middleton met

while at college in Scotland. At first their relationship was controversial because royals are expected to marry aristocrats, but Kate soon won the hearts and minds of the public. Britons were thrilled about the news of the engagement; within 25 minutes of the announcement’s post on the royal Facebook page 1,400 people “liked” it. The royal wedding is expected to take place in the spring or summer of next year in London.

Prince William and his fiancee.

Our Mister Brooks: A Review By Sage S. and Becky C. Staff Writers “Mr. Brooks! Mr. Brooks! Hey, Mister Brooks!” Mr. Brooks, played by ninth grader John C., has a problem, aside from the fact that no one will let him take a vacation, he has to run a play, deal with spoiled drama queens, and somehow get the basketball coach, played by tenth grader Ella M., to fall in love with him. Simultaneously the invisible girl of the group, Jane Drew, played by tenth grader Jane S., suffers the same problem of trying to impress the jock, the basketball star, Ted Wilder, played by twelfth grader Ryan L. Our Mister Brooks can only be considered a unique play because it’s a play within a play. This play is wildly entertaining and hilarious in its plethora of problems. The characters are witty and believable, the sets realistic. The actors were understandable and kept the audience laughing in their seats. Overall, this play deserves five stars and we’re happy to give them. Great job MHS drama club. Keep the hits coming!

Coach Helga, played by Ella M., discusses her common problems with Ted, played by Ryan L.

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A Hispanic Christmas Dinner By Jay H. Staff Writer Santa’s Helper Cider Ingredients: Warm apple cider ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground nutmeg 1 dollop Chantilly Cream Directions: Add cider together cold in a sauce pan Remove from heat when mixture starts to boil Let sit for 5minutes, serve in a glass mug and finish with Chantilly cream for garnish Arroz Con Gandules Ingredients: 4 big pieces of garlic, diced 1 onion (regular), diced. 3 spoons of Sofrito. 8 spoons of olive oil. 1 spoon of dry Basil leaves. 1 packet of Sazon Accent (orginal). 1 packet or cube of chicken broth. 1/4 a spoon of black pepper. 1/2 spoon of Adobo or to taste. 1/4 a cup of white cooking wine. 1 can of pigeon peas, without the water from the can. 2 cups of rice (med.). 2 cups of water. Directions: Take all the ingredients (except for the pigeon peas, the rice and water) and put them in a large pot and cook them at a med. flame, stirring with a large cooking spoon often until the ingredients are almost dry. Lower the heat. Put in the 2 cups of rice and stir it in with the ingredients for 1/2 a minute. Put in the 2 cups of water and the pigeon peas and stir well, cook at a med. flame, stirring often, cook the ingredients until the rice is almost dry. Lower the flame to low, stir well and put the top of the pot on and cook at a low flame for 20 minutes.

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows The beginning of the end... By Eve H. Editor-in-Chief In the first twenty minutes of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, a girl erases herself from her parents ’memories, several beloved characters die, a woman is tortured and eaten by a snake, and a genocidal maniac is shown to be in control of the government and press, while the only opposition is demoralized, hunted, and led by a teenage boy. All right, so we’re not in Kansas (or at least Hogwarts) anymore. The seventh film in the Harry Potter franchise is dark, grim, and bleak. The wizarding world is being terrorized by a group of evil wizards obsessed with magical “blood purity,” meaning they don’t want wizards to mingle or breed with Muggles—non-wizards, for the uninitiated. Harry Potter and his best friends Ron and Hermione are on the run from everyone’s favorite sadistic megalomaniac with daddy issues, Lord Voldemort. Their only hope in defeating him lies in destroying the Horcruxes, magical objects in which Voldemort has hidden pieces of his soul in a bid to achieve immortality. Capiche? The seventh tome in J.K. Rowling's megasuccessful young adult series is not an easy book to adapt. It builds on six books worth of mythology, the specifics of which must be somewhat baffling to an outsider. The pacing is uneven, characterized by long scenes of the claustrophobia, disillusionment, and bitterness that evolve between the three best friends as they hide from Voldemort. The movie adaption avoids some of the pitfalls of the book by incorporating clever visual tricks and action, while embracing its psychological focus. The director and writers seemed to have decided to trust their three main actors, and that was a good choice. The movie rests on the shoulders of the actors embodying Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and they do not disappoint. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson do an admirable job of

portraying a group of teens whose friendships are strained to the very limit by excruciating circumstances. Watson is particularly good as the brilliant, unflappable Hermione; one of her best scenes is shown in one of the promotional photos, in which she holds up her shaking hands covered with a friend’s blood. The heart of the Harry Potter series has always been the boy himself--a neglected orphan who discovered that not only was he a wizard, but that he was famous for defeating the greatest dark wizard of all time when only an infant; a boy of no special talents, but decent and brave and capable of inspiring intense loyalty in others. And the emotional core of the movie remains there, with Harry and his friends. Is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows flawed? Sure. But that doesn’t really matter. For the Harry Potter generation, this movie begins the end of a chapter that has spanned almost their entire childhoods. Harry Potter has meant so many things to so many different people; it has given hope to millions of children expecting their letter from Hogwarts, inspired a huge volume of fan appreciation, and added a little enchantment into the lives of people of all ages. Hermione taught this first grader that it was all right for girls to be smart. And that’s magical.

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A Holiday Word Search If you can, find all of these holiday words!

By Jay H. Staff Writer

D i h m w j m l Like the addition v of a crossword? z Prefer Sudoku? f l u k v p c u g t o m n z g h h e n z Contact Ms. Clark, Gunnar R. for Eve H. for anything you’d like to see in the paper!

n a e t a m q h y r h v t y f g m o d f m w h y k q p c f j

r e e r b c g d e u r y c o x j d r o j e a j h b n y e t z

b m v r i y e t k h u t q r g t k g i k r y e b g v b n e d

u r i y b l w k r i d a w o y n a g o o i f s a t v k i u i

Candycane Cookies Eggnog Elves Frosty Ginger bread Ham Hanakkuh Kwanzaa

t y s s s r a k u u o s h o d v z z n l l e o b u g x e h j

i w k t t n e w t y l x l u m x y e e c v p s j d c o r d f

g n l k a l t g j t p o t f m r m x l i j m k q i k c h l y

b x i h g i e x n p h a a s r e k c a r c t u n w t f o x n

s n o w m a n t h i y q g z l k e j k b k n s a z j a y j c

q o h n s n k j o j g l m f d m e b l q i n n a g e u k a i

milk mistletoe nutcracker presents reindeer Rudolph santa sled snow

s f o a m n i m a e d f f g b e o o i x o z n g w g w i p e

i z n m f r s h h k k l f u k d y j m w a m g s y c n z f n

h t m h k r i y o d p q j o h l p t f a u z n j s c k o j e

a g o n g g e p l h y a g m i l t l s u h x i u l t w d o l

s n o w r g s d p x z t x o u h a r k o x t v h h k c n s v

l e a p h d k h r e q c h s s k j o e y r p i w a e a n u e

p y a x r l w h g t x w r k e f h w t e q f g l v o n u d s

snowman stocking thanksgiving tofurkey tree

m v y p s e c y v w d y w s g j f l s i t m s l f l d z x l

n z t h h o e f g c k r n f y j x k s d m f k e y d y o a w

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c d o f h x e h n g y x t u j y h e c p o p a c c p a w y l

f t z b v d l c y i q t b u n e m d l t h q h p o y n q c i

v h z w a p z i o r e k b i l k i a m s g h t j t d e k v i

a c q h z y q t u x j r u v i r l j h h z a l q q j h h x j

o d p s m g o t g d v b c y u u e w m i d a i l i i q q y p

f t u w i b a p x k t u p c c f m q j g v w k u g v a s l o

z f z v p j e l l u w e b o p o z h r s z o a n q p i f v t

f o n p r e s e n t s j a z o t r o b j z u x a l z v x c a

g n i k c o t s f h t v u h c n q n c e t h l v a r j c c i

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In Memoriam: Michael Paranzino By Mr. David Pritchard MHS Teacher

Army Sergeant Michael Paranzino, 22, was killed in Kandahar, Afghanistan on Nov. 5th while serving his country. He was a 2006 graduate of MHS. Like many students, Mike had difficulties in high school, but found the clarity of purpose in his career in the military. He was well-liked and authentic, and went out of his way to befriend those who were marginalized. While a senior, and the year thereafter, Mike joined the group N.E.V.O.S.H. on medical missions to Nicaragua. He won the affection and respect of those he worked with and for, displaying a great work ethic and compassion. He was instrumental in helping to run the mobility (wheelchair) group, assembling and fitting chairs to a wide range of patients. He also was a real hit with the local children, something that occurred again during his time in Afghanistan.

Mike was conscientious in his role of soldier, as evidenced by his many decorations and promotion in rank. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He will be greatly missed and always remembered.

Photo Courtesy of Mr. Pritchard

Reagan Construction Corp. 121 Green Lane (401)849-9240 Middletown, RI 02842 Want to advertise with The Wave? Email [email protected] or [email protected].