Footlighters hope to raise awareness with historic MHS staging of West Side Story

By Michelle Turnbach

This year’s musical promises to be entertaining while providing a powerful message for the future. West Side Story centers on the forbidden love of two members of two opposing gangs in New York City.

Instead of celebrating the love that the two central characters find, gang violence fueled by prejudice and bigotry erupts. The play demonstrates prejudice and its consequences; it is hoped that this will generate a moral catharsis for the audience.

Mrs. Ryan, the director, wants to stress that this play is from the 1950s. She feels that the play has the potential to teach all of us something about bigotry—its causes, consequences and problems.

Mrs. Ryan feels that the play will be dynamic. She is supported by a very talented senior class, Mr. Morrison, the orchestra, Jim Sabo, the vocal director, Laurie Zuccarelli, the choreographer, Ms. Kirtman, costumes, John Ryan, set, and of course, the rest of the actors from Metuchen High School.

This is an interesting play to perform because most of the actors already know the songs.  Mrs. Ryan promises that this play will not be a remake of the movie. Yet it will be interesting to see how the set and the costumes turn out, not to mention the monstrous feat of singing and dancing that accompany the play.

West Side Story can be seen on March 29, 30 and 31 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets will be $6.00 if paid in advance and $8.00 if paid at the door.

Cast List (as of late February 2001)

Chorus (Prologue, Dance at Gym), Ending)

Lindsay Jordan, Risa Chalfin, Karen Scarfuto, Meredith Graban, Liz Randolph, Ellen Mertz, Kaylan Franchak, Noreen Lynch, Jamie Zweibel, Megan Dellalio, Sarah Templeton, Danielle Klimashowski, and Aurora Schneider.

Jet Chorus

(+ “Jet Song”)

Stephanie Franko, Eileen Behnke, Jackie Kim, Lisa Grossman, Erinn Black, Jillian Breda, and Sarah Poandl.

Jet Girls (+ “Cool”)

Amanda Crowe, Kerian Adamo, Krystle D’Alessio, Megan Jones, Cathleen Stevens, Annie Muldowney, and Christine Scarfuto.

Shark Chorus

(+ “America”)

Valerie Vitale, Megan Campbell, Ann Li, Sarah Pereira, Emily Surratt, Latoya Medley, Gayle Abrams, and Sara Butler.

Shark Girls (+ “Pretty)

Joan Puchalski, Megan Powell, Melissa Picone, Jenna Stein, and Jessica McClarty.

Jets

Riff: Matt Sabo, Action: Michael Gold, Diesel: Sam Hetzel, Baby John: T.J. McNeill, A-Rab: John Randolph, Big Deal: Corey Jordan, Snowboy: Jeremy Caputi, Gee-Tar: Ben Zipf, Mouthpiece: Brian England, and Tiger: Dakota Hendon.

Jet Girls

Graziella: Amy Kocur, Velma: Erica Santo Pietro, Minnie: Sarah Goldfarb, Clarice: Teri Gudorp, Pauline: Alison Trapp, Anybodys: Amy Greco, Dot: Jessica McClarty, Glad Hand: Christine Scarfuto, Tony: Michael Sneddon, Krupke: Matt Brevet, and Schrank: Wesley Diana.

Sharks

Bernardo: Dave Scott, Chino: Aaron Cohen, Indio: John Franchak, Anxious: Joan Puchalski, Juano: Andrew Fiebert, Toro: Ray Perez, and Moose: Anthony Christopher.

Shark Girls

Anita: Katie DeNicola, Maria: Erika Faletti, Rosalia: Katie Turick, Consuela: Rosemary Abdelshahid, Francisca: Kaleena Caro, Teresita: Sarah Bartos, Estella: Kristina Kravit, and Margarita: Connie Romano.

Meet Ms. Cheung, MHS Substance Awareness Coordinator

By Karen Fu

Addiction of any kind can be a disturbing destruction cycle. Whether a person has a compulsive need for a substance or  condition, much support is needed to make a difference.

                Enter Ms. Judith Cheung, the Substance Awareness Coordinator of MHS. She is here to provide support for students living with addictions related to chemical use, alcohol, and tobacco. She also wants to help students who are dealing with family problems such as divorce and alcoholism.

                Ms. Cheung previously worked at the Turning Point rehabilitation center and the Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital. She completed her graduate and undergraduate studies at Montclair State University.

                Her Smoke Enders program has been in effect since September and will be started again in the spring. It is a support group where students can talk about many issues related to addiction and family problems.

                For more information, one can go to Ms. Cheung, who is available Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays all day at MHS. She is here for a half day on Thursdays. Her phone number is 321-8752. (All information provided to her is confidential).

Spanish IV and V students in for educational treat

By Risa Chalfin

On March 5, 2001, Teresa Anderson, teacher, poet, and renowned Spanish to English translator, will be at MHS to share her insights with Spanish IV and V students.

            Ms. Anderson’s previous visit to MHS proved to be a wonderful learning experience, since she helped students write poetry in Spanish.

            After writing their poems, students expressed them through reading and dance. Part of the goal was to combine poetic expression with another art form.

            Señora Kamin is confident that Ms. Anderson’s upcoming visit will be as rewarding and educational as her first.

NJ teen driver program puts safety first  

Ann Marie Seidel

New Jersey started off the New Year by putting a “graduated driver license program” into effect.  It consists of three steps, and to start, the future driver must be at least 16 years of age. 

            The state wanted to allow teenagers to gain experience and maturity behind the wheel and as a result placed further restrictions on first time drivers. 

            As if practicing with a state-licensed driver over 21 wasn’t enough, 16-year-olds are expected to be off the roads by 11:00 p.m.  The second step consists of a provisional license, but only after the driver has had six months of practice, including vision, written and road tests. A driver must be at least 17 years old to earn a provisional license. 

            Finally, to earn a basic license at age 18, drivers cannot have more than two driving points or any driving violation convictions. 

            While many future drivers are angered by the unfairness and distrust cast on teens, this program has helped decrease the number of serious injuries caused by inexperienced drivers.  

            Florida, another state with a similar program, has reported 454 fewer 15 to 16-year-old drivers killed or seriously injured in the past year. 

Poetry

The Bark always welcomes submissions. This issue features a sonnet and a free-style work.

Sonnet

Karen Fu

Those seasons that with harsh winds fall endlessly,

That thereby inflict the evils of desire,

Are reasons for such vehement cruelty

Within the powerful grips that conspire.

Devil’s hands give birth to a killing creature.

Oh, free thy grasp! Weaken ghastly torture—

Time is blame to Satan, a prospering teacher

Of thy hapless love once more again.

Shield the mind of disdain, show the viewest,

Despite shameful dwellings and vengeance,

Uncover the cherubic face renewest.

Show much fondness, ‘til the tomb it has no repentance.

But if those seasons are not the culprit,

Mine love to thine soul shall be buried – kill it!

MY HEART’S UNDESIRED FREEDOM

Desiree Kinney

I felt no tender words could be spoken,

And this was because my heart was broken.

It shattered on that very floor,

Which I no longer step foot on anymore.

I soon became bent and unable to walk out my pain.

So inside my sun went down and all I saw was rain.

It washed me away, along with my mind

And all there was left was a silent soul to find.

I tried to set free and open love’s doors

But my torn feelings wouldn’t sail away at the shore.

It drip-dropped my life slowly, piece by piece

So now my heart’s desires are far out of reach.

TIDE OF LIFELESS ETERNITY

Desiree Kinney

Broken soul mend your pieces back together.

I want it to guide me now and forever

Make my heart something worth keeping.

Stop these tears from coming,

Stop me from weeping.

Make me want to smile just once more,

Wash my sorrows, away at the shore.

Blend my heart with compassion and sympathy,

Make it play a breath – taking symphony.

Don’t let your feelings drown in this tide

Put them in the open, let them abide.

Because eternity for all is very near,

And life’s gentle words have guided you here.

EDITORIALS

A student reflects on Civil Rights struggles

By Jessica Farris

  Incident

  By Countee Cullen

Once riding in old Baltimore,

Heart-filled, head-filled with glee,

I saw a Baltimorean

Keep looking straight at me.

Now I was eight and very small,

And he was no whit bigger,

And so I smiled, but he poked out

His tongue, and called me, “Nigger.”

I saw the whole of Baltimore

From May until December;

Of all the things that happened there—

That’s all that I remember.

                The world we live in today is a lot different from the one our grandparents lived through, or one would think. Although prejudice and discrimination does not exist as openly as it did in the fifties and sixties, there is no doubt in my mind that it is still alive and well.

                The whites and the blacks will always be separated, no matter how hard anyone will try to change it. Everywhere I go, I am constantly reminded of the separation of the two races.

                One particular place is school. MHS is not what I would call ethnically diverse. There are different types of people who go there, but they are mainly different types of white people.

     Sitting in a classroom where the majority of the students in attendance are white and learning about the Civil Rights movement is a little difficult. They do not seem to fully grasp the concept of racism and segregation as a black student would. But I am in no way saying that I don’t like whites, nor am I stating anything discriminating.

                The events that occurred during the Civil Rights movement make me upset. To see those kinds of things happen and to wonder why is so far beyond my comprehension. How can one human being act in such a hateful manner towards another human being, especially because of his or her skin color? It just doesn’t make sense.

                Even worse is the thought that my existence would not have been accepted back then. It is not fully accepted now. During that time period, my parents could have been arrested for dating each other, let alone having a child.

                What kind of world was this that had one race thinking they were superior to another? I feel shame for my white ancestors who acted in such an unthinkable manner and hurt for the blacks that had to endure it. I thank God that I did not have to live through all of that nonsense.

     Going to school every day is somewhat of a struggle. There is always someone who says or does something inappropriate without knowing what he or she has done. No matter how much we may think we have progressed into the year 2000, there is still much more to be done. I don’t think the fight will truly be over. But I do wish to thank the great leaders of the past who never gave up fighting their struggles. I would not be here without them.

In Response to “What’s the Fuss?”

John Franchak

“What’s the fuss?” Intriguing question – that was one of the author’s many wonderfully “deep” and unanswered questions that led me to believe that our “esteemed” Yearbook Editor doesn’t really have the answers.

            She has successfully brought up a number of points that are easily refuted. “How could a person be nominated ‘did most for MHS?’”  Well, the fact that over a hundred of her fellow classmates petitioned her to be nominated would be a rather appropriate answer. Especially foolish was the author’s casting of the process of petitioning as “undemocratic,” since the petition is one of the greatest tools that our society has in any democratic process.

            She asked what we should think about the Homecoming Queen’s character. The senior class voted her to be Homecoming Queen because she has done the most for MHS. There are others that have done a lot for our school, but at this moment, only two stand out: our student council president and our yearbook editor.

            I will remember our president as someone who only strived to help the student body, as someone who initially refused to be petitioned as a nominee, and as the person who graciously accepted the decision of this senior class.

            I will no longer remember our yearbook editor for anything else than her rash and negative attack on an innocent fellow classmate who was trapped in the turmoil of controversy. Everything good she may have done is now overshadowed by the ill-supported and childish rambling that she has forced us to listen to.

            I personally commend the senior class for being the first in years to vote for a Homecoming Queen who actually did help her class, as opposed to the shallow popularity contests that our yearbook editor appears to miss. “What does it mean when such an age-old tradition is broken?” It means that this senior class has acted maturely and fairly by choosing their candidate for Homecoming Queen.

            I encourage the seniors to continue to support the decisions that they have made and to avoid the influence of a remarkably loud-mouthed minority.

            Anyone who disagrees should closely reexamine his or her morals. We, the senior class, voted for the Homecoming Queen. If we didn’t want the Homecoming Queen we have now, she would not have won. So, “what’s the fuss?” I suppose the “fuss” was just one person’s attempt to cause unnecessary controversy and discredit a blameless classmate. 

More participation needed by seniors

 Cindy Chin

The graduating class of 2001, our senior class of over 140 students, is lethargic. Where has the excitement gone?

            Flyers advertising the senior T-shirt sale have been posted all around school since mid-January. Daily announcements have been ignored. The deadline was supposed to be for the first week of February. By that first Friday, we had only three orders? How pathetic is that? About 2% of our class handed in their money on time.

            Then the deadline was extended; we are now at about 25% of the class. It is an improvement, but what I don’t understand is why handing in $17 dollars is so hard. Approaching one of the friendly senior class officers is not such a big deal either.

            Currently, T-shirt orders are still being accepted and extras are being ordered so when they come in, those who haven’t bought theirs may still have the option of purchasing one. Some of us have to thank the officers for extending this opportunity.

      For the yearbook video, flyers and announcements were made, but the results were less appealing than the T-shirt orders. We have five pictures coming from two seniors. Brian Bordieri, one of the three seniors in charge of this original idea, said (about the video), “It does not look promising.” If they do not start coming in, the video idea will be abolished.

     I  hope everyone sees this article as an important reminder to participate.  

ENTERTAINMENT

2001 Grammys: a musical travesty

By Jason Goldberg

On Wednesday, February 21, 2001, the 43^rd annual Grammy Awards will be celebrated in Los Angeles at the Staples Center.  This prestigious award symbolizes an artist’s talent and success. 

            Just to be nominated for an award in any category is a victory for any artist, but to win may prove to be the pinnacle of a career. 

            Artists ranging from Paul Simon to solo rapper, Mystikal, are just two among many in various categories battling for the awards.  While the talent fluctuates year to year, the reputation of the award show has declined.

            Despite winning two awards for “Best Rap Album” and “Outstanding Rap Solo Performance” at last year’s ceremony, Eminem, the controversial lyricist, was a no-show. 

            While the Detroit rapper may have missed last year’s event, he will be nominated for two of the same awards as last year, in addition to “Album of the Year” for The Marshall Mathers LP.  Eminem may be a talented rapper, but the content of his music isn’t worth an award. 

            He raps about murdering his wife, raping his own mother, drug abuse, homophobia, and feuds with Vanilla Ice and The Insane Clown Posse.  For writing obscene lyrics that are drowned by catchy samples and mixes, Eminem has become an acclaimed artist. 

            There are plenty of artists that should have been nominated over Eminem for “Album of the Year.” Eminem is against Beck (Midnight Vultures), Radiohead (Kid A), Paul Simon (You’re the One), and Steely Dan (Two Against Nature) . 

            I know the question you may be asking yourself is, “Who will be taking home a Grammy for ‘The Best Metal Performance’?”  What kind of category is this?  There is now an award for giving the public migraines. 

            Slipknot, Marilyn Manson, Pantera, Iron Maiden, and Deftones are the nominations for this category.  If Slipknot wins this award, I hope the band will be dressed in proper attire, including the masks they wear for their stage shows.  It’s amazing that a band such as Slipknot would be nominated for a Grammy, especially when they are on an independent label (Roadrunner Records), unlike many other nominations.

            The Grammy Awards used to be a ceremony celebrating gifted artists, such as Celine Deon and Garth Brooks. In 2001, however, it seems that explicit content will be rewarded. 

            When watching the Grammy Awards on the 21^st of February, I want you to keep an eye out for one thing. When the program begins, look at the top left corner of the screen on your television for the rating of the program (age-based/content). 

            Maybe the television broadcast of the ceremony would be more appropriate if they warned the viewers with a “Parental Advisory: Explicit Content” caution, much like the ones seen on compact discs and cassettes.

Bark’s Choices as Best: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Thirteen Days By Karen Fu

Bark's Choices As Best: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Thirteen Days  by Karen Fu

F     I     L     M                R     E     V     I     E     W     S

            The Wachowski brother’s movie The Matrix seemed to surpass special effects in most films with gravity-defying martial arts and a fantasy style. Still, Ang Lee’s subtitled Chinese film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, possesses a rare combination of hardcore kung fu fighting and poignant love story.

            It is a far cry from the lackluster Hollywood movies viewed this year. The tale of intrigue, love, violence, and betrayal appeals to moviegoers of all kinds, from hip-hop fans and Hong Kong-style martial arts movie buffs to sensitive romantics. It is potentially the highest-grossing foreign language film ever and is quickly becoming an art house phenomenon.

            The movie opens with a placid setting of a king’s palace set in 19^th century China during the Ching dynasty. The first ten minutes is a glimpse of China’s beautiful scenery and spiritual atmosphere. Surprisingly, the epic story unravels quickly.

            In the velvety dark night, Yu Shu Lien (played by Michelle Yeoh) tracks down a beautiful, highly skilled warrior from Jen (played by Zhang Ziyi), who has stolen the legendary sword of the powerful warrior, Lee Mu Bai (played by Chow Yun Fat). The first fight scene between the graceful but powerful women consists of amazing kung fu moves where both women scale dynasty walls and literally “fly” over its rooftops. But this is kid stuff compared to the fight scenes that occur later.

            Yu Shu Lien continues to pursue the porcelain-like thief, Jen, who appears in dainty size, but with quick grace and fighting skills equal to Yu Shu Lien and her love interest, Lee Mu Bai. All the explosive fights were choreographed by the great fight master, Yuen Wo Ping, who outdoes himself in the film. (Same choreographer of The Matrix).

            Although the fights in Tiger are breathtaking, Ang Lee’s emotional romances and storytelling gives us psychological depth. The film also promotes feminism with a storyline of female equality and strength in a country that traditionally undervalues female honor.

            Its action is wholly based on inner emotions like fear and death. The romance between Shu Lien and Lee Mu Bai is in harmony with its dramatic setting. Ang Lee especially pays attention to life’s minor details and silent understandings. The music of cellist Yo-Yo Ma mesmerizes us with traditional Chinese music while reflecting the movie’s atmosphere 

            Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon cannot be missed. Its overall tone encompasses drama and action in a way that will leaves audiences with a new respect for Hong Kong-style films and the Chinese culture. It is definitely one of the best films of the year.

                The glorifying deep red crimson vents the sky and billowing clouds of smoke swallow all that is around it. The hydrogen bomb can annihilate millions of lives and destroy entire cities. The images create an eerie silence and capture the seriousness of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

                Thirteen Days, directed by Roger Donaldson, captures President Kennedy in the midst of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, a series of events that nearly led to a nuclear catastrophe between the United States and Russia. The focus is a suspenseful, though repetitive, game of Cold War chicken.

                Realistically, the Cuban Missile crisis was comprised of ‘talk.’ The urgency of the crisis was to prevent the United States from a nuclear war. The miracle of the situation was that we succeeded in doing so. One must not expect a movie filled with mind-numbing scenes of atomic bombs destroying singular countries. It is not a thrilling action movie, but a documentary.

                In October 1962, surveillance photos revealed that the Soviet Union had begun to install missiles in Cuba – enough to wipe out every major American city. The United States strategically predicted the moves the Soviet Union would make to beat the Soviet Union at its own game. President Kennedy acted with urgency to strategically beat the Soviet Union from its own game.

                Bruce Greenwood captures the President’s charismatic role in his finest hours. His brother Bobby, played by Stephen Culp, steals the scene as a ruthless presidential aid. However, Kevin Costner’s role as a “hero” of the administration is a major setback. His accent and the glorification of his character takes away the focus from the Kennedy's.

                The film is often riveting. It effectively integrates decisive events in the crisis. Black-and-white scenes added to climax of some events, especially the confrontation between United Nation Ambassador Adlai Stevenson and the Russia’s representative. Adlai proclaims after Russia refuses to answer, “I am prepared to wait until hell freezes over!”

                It also contains effective scenes that portray President Kennedy with humanity. His passion to serve the country well causes him to doubt catastrophic decisions. However, the focus on Kevin O’ Donnell, (played by Costner), is overrated. There are many scenes that unnecessarily focus on his children and family life. This makes the film lengthy and repetitive at times.

                Thirteen Days captures the intensity of Cold War tensions in the United States. It truthfully depicts America’s bluffing game with the Soviet Union play-by-play. Don’t expect to see a film of war battles, fighting enemy planes, or  nuclear missile launches. Be prepared to see a movie about the crisis that changed the course of American history.

Sports Concerns

By Jason Goldberg  

             Every now and then, there comes a time when a writer has to broaden his or her horizons.  I have contributed to the entertainment column for years; this included music-related editorials/reviews, movie previews, and concert critiques.

            The experience I have gained through writing for The Bulldog’s Bark is exemplified in my current entertainment commentaries.

            I would personally like to know if you, the readers of this school paper, actually read the sports column.  What would you like to see in this section of the newspaper (statistics, editorials, reviews of games, interviews, etc.)?  Remember, this is your high school newspaper, and it should display what you, the students of Metuchen High School, want to read.   

            For years, the sports page hasn’t reached its full potential. We are looking for writers who are avid readers of professional sports commentary. With a solid sense of style and a consistent interest in sports, I am certain that this section will develop properly and generate more interest.

            In the meantime, I will write for both the entertainment and sports pages. 

            The Bulldog’s Bark “Senior Edition” is the follow-up to this publication.  I would like to remind the senior class that if anyone has any memorable pictures that they would like to have in this edition, please give them to a member of the staff.  As of now, there isn’t an immense selection!

            In addition, if anyone is interested in writing a sports article that is senior-related, please contact Karen Fu. We want the senior edition to be something worth remembering.

WINTER SPORTS RESULTS

As of February 9, 2001 (Compiled by Cindy Chin)

Boys’ Track:                                  3-0

Girls’ Track:                                   3-0

Swimming:                                      7-1

Girls’ Varsity Basketball:             16-5

Boys’ Varsity Basketball:            3-17

Attention Seniors!

The final issue of the Bulldog’s Bark is the SENIOR EDITION.

We need YOUR help to make it a memorable issue.

As always, we will work with whatever we receive. We reserve the right to make any editions, of course.

Be prepared to:

·         Fill out a SENIOR POLL.

·         Provide accurate and appropriate information.

·         Donate any pictures for consideration (there are no guarantees).

·         Turn in all of your information ON TIME. Respect all announced deadlines. There will be no second chances.

The Bulldog’s Bark

Metuchen

High School

Student

Newspaper

Editor-in-chief

Karen Fu

News

Karen Fu

Ann Marie Seidel

Michelle Turnbach

Risa Chalfin

Editorials

Jessica Farris

Cindy Chin

John Franchak

Entertainment

Jason Goldberg

Karen Fu

Sports

Jason Goldberg

Cindy Chin

Photography

Jennifer Rosini

Adviser

Mr. Michael Mazza

Assistant Adviser

Mrs. Yamilette Henke

BUSINESS STAFF

Editors

Stacy Ellen

Cindy Chin

Amy Kallista

Adviser

Mrs. Nora Ruhno

The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Bulldog’s Bark staff, MHS faculty, or administration.

Copyright 2001

Page created by Charles C.