Chronicle September 2008

runswick ChronicleThe

The Brunswick Students News Source September 2008

Whats InsideHeadlinesChina’s Coming-Out PartyBy Michael Marx ‘10New Brunswick FacultyBy Scott Matthews ‘09Construction CompleteBy Gus Ruchman ‘10

Movie ReviewRun Lola RunBy Pat Doyle ‘09

Beijing 2008 SpecialBeijing: A Personnal Ac-countBy Dan Cassidy ‘09

AroundBrunswickA Student Gov PreviewBy Brent Yarnell ‘09Madrigals Tour GreeceBy Katie Bishop ‘09 & Julia Marcus ‘09Brunswick Alums In Olym-picsBy Turner Smith ‘09Power Of One ReviewBy Jake Matthews ‘12

SportsBrunswick Football PreviewBy Charlie Gerdts ’09Brunswick Cross CountryBy Joe Hull ‘10Dueling Columns: Jets v. Gi-antsBy Charlie Gerdts ‘09 & Conor Kenny ‘09All Star Game: The Long Good-ByeBy Alex Jonokuchi ‘10

StudentEditorialsMedia In the ‘08 ElectionBy Tom Cassidy ‘09The Georgia-Russia Confl ictBy Oliver Sall ‘10Too Many Flip FlopsBy David Blumenthal ‘10Hollywood’s Falling StandardsBy Pat Doyle ‘09Drug WarBy Chris Baldock ‘10Biden: The Bomb or Bust?By Scott Matthews ‘09

See “China” on Page 4 See “Teachers” on Page 10

See “Construction” on Page 14

Brunswick Welcomes

New Faculty

At the end of last school year, Brunswick bid farewell to several beloved teachers,

including Mrs. Pendergast, Mr. Randolph, Mr. Mulvoy. While they will all be missed, the Brunswick Chronicle is happy to welcome new teachers to our community. In this issue of the Chronicle, we are pleased to introduce two of our new faculty members. They are Mr. Mike Hannigan and Mrs. Aliana Hoyos. The rest of our new faculty will be introduced in the next Chronicle issue.

Mr. Hannigan (History): Mr. Hannigan is a native of Greenwich, CT and is a Brunswick allum having graduated in

China’s Coming Out Party

Construction Complete, Arts Soar

By Michael Marx - Staff Writer

By Scott MatthewsCo-Editor-In-Chief

By Gus RuchmanStaff Writer

��On August 8th, the world was witness to one of the most spectacular Olympic

opening ceremonies in the Games’ 112-year history. That same dramatic opening to the XXIX Olympics was China’s ‘coming out party’ to the world. Despite the additions of CGI fireworks and background 10-year old singers, the grandeur of China’s

first Olympic games expressed a strong message: China has arrived as a modern nation to me reckoned with.

Since 2002, when China opened its markets to the World Trade Organization (WTO), foreign manufacturers have flooded into the country, taking advantage of

What do jackhammers, rock concerts, and Edison, New Jersey, have in common? They are all tied to the arts initiative at Brunswick School. It takes little more than a walk towards the old gym to know that something is up. No basketballs can be heard bouncing. No students can be seen at play. Instead, the sounds of construction vehicles fill the air. New at Brunswick this year, along with other major structural improvements to the building complex, is an exquisite wing that comprises a state-of-the-art theater, a black box, fine-arts and ceramics studios and galleries, a music lab, a choral and band room, and scenery and costume shops. The space is sure to transform the lives of students and faculty members who are involved in the arts program, and the buzz already sounds more like a roar. Director of Upper School Music Paul Raaen commented, “This

new facility is a statement of the Brunswick community’s support of the arts. It puts us in line with some of the best arts facilities in the country and it will take the arts at our school to a new level of excellence.” The arts wing has been long in the

making. According to Headmaster Thomas Philip, it was included in a large-scale facility plan five years ago and has been in formal stages of development for two and a half years. The original estimated cost of the project was 23 million dollars. Do you hear that tune? As explained by music teacher and

renowned instrumentalist Shane Kirsch, “We’ve got a very ‘music conservatory’ thing happening here.” The choral and band room is characterized by a high ceiling and sound-absorbing curtains, as well as a sound system that would make

any musician weak in the knees. Equipment in the MIDI lab will include a Digidesign 003 console, a Roland V-Drum digital drum kit, and a “beautiful re-issue of the famous Prophet-5 analog synthesizer,” stated Mr. Kirsch. The music department will not be the only one benefiting from the changes; the renovation has provided for entirely new art studios and galleries. The gallery space will exhibit both student shows and

the work of two other artists this year. Arts Chair Mr. Andrew Hall, who put tremendous effort into overseeing the construction process during the summer, emphasized that “having all the arts in one building allows for a lot more crossover….

Conor KennyTaggie MartinMichael MarxJake Matthews

Kyle RadlerGus Ruchman

Chris BaldockDavid Blumenthal

Spencer DahlPat DoyleJoe Hull

Alex Jonokuchi

The Brunswick Chronicle

Editors-in-ChiefScott Matthews

Will Seaton

Staff Writers

Faculty AdvisorDr. Brian Freeman

TherunswickChronicle

The Brunswick Student’s News Source

Movie Review

Daniel CassidyManaging Editor

Arts EditorTurner Smith

Political Editor Sports EditorThomas Cassidy Charlie Gerdts

Photography EditorPreston Han

Movie Review:Run Lola Run

By Pat DoyleStaff Writer

You know, I could dial it in QUITE easily. If I wanted to, I could simply write a

review of The Dark Knight. It would be ridiculously simple. Everyone’s already SEEN the movie, so I could make plenty of witty references throughout the article (Hey, everyone seems so sad that summers over. Why so serious? Ba-dump-sh). But that wouldn’t be a review. It would end up with me, the writer, and you, the reader, exchanging one-liners from the movie. (Wanna know how I got these scars? By refusing to write a review of The Dark Knight. BA-DUMP-SH!)So no, reader, you and I are NOT going to do that. Instead of focusing on the record-breaking-something-mill ion-or-maybe-billion-dollar-film, we’re going to shove that little bad boy under the metaphorical carpet for now and instead focus on an extremely similar film: Run Lola Run.Wait, you haven’t heard of it? But… But it’s got Lola! And she [spoiler alert!] is running! [End spoilers.] Oh? The Dark Knight features Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart, and Morgan

Freeman? Yeah, I GUESS that’s an okay cast. But step back, because you’re about to be wowed. Not only does this movie star Franka Potente, it also stars just maybe, the most renowned actor of his generation: Mortiz Bleibtu…Bleibburut... Bleibtreu! That’s it, Bleibtreu. Eat your heart out Mr. Freeman, Run Lola Run has got Bleibtreu. You don’t want none of this, so start stepping. (Just to put an image in your head, Franka Potente was that girl from The Bourne Identity. And Bleibtreu starred in Das Experiment. Haven’t heard of it? What about Elementarteilchen? No? Fine, he was one of the guys in Munich.)All jokes aside, Run Lola Run is quite the film. The film does indeed focus around Lola, and though she does a healthy bit of running, the film entails more than that. Essentially, Mr. Bleibtreu (I love saying that name…) playing the role of Manni, gets into a little bit of trouble. See, Manni, in an attempt to gain brownie points with the head honcho of a local gang, volunteers for a money-transporting job. However, Manni gets spooked and, while fleeing from authorities, leaves the wads-o’-cash underneath a

subway seat, where a pleasantly surprised homeless man finds it. Manni calls up his darling Lola, and tells her what has happened. Lola promises to get the cash, and Manni reminds her, that if she doesn’t have it to him by noontime, the gang leader will surely kill him. So… No pressure or anything.

The film only gets more surreal from there. Lola begins, and then finishes her story once. However, the movie seems to begin again subsequently, but this time there are seemingly minute differences, which end up radically changing focal points in the plot of the film. And just as this alternative reality settles, the audience is then again subjected to yet another alternate reality, with different differences, this time engineering new rails on which the plot runs. The audience is never told which reality is correct, instead being left to choose on their own. It’s kind of like the alternate endings feature that comes with most DVD’s, only there is no default ending in this case.What may seem like a gimmick is actually masterfully done. The differences are small enough so they do not seem unreasonable

(Lola tripping on a stick, instead of jumping over it), yet all end up twisting the viewer’s previous vision. Lola’s actions also reveal other character’s true stories, so much so that one of the more pitiful characters in the film ends up seeming to be the only truly evil one. All three endings seem relatively plausible (though certain events in the film are obviously supernatural, including Lola’s glass-shattering streak). Perhaps most commendable, however, is the that even on the third time through, neither characters nor events seem tired or played out. Each version lacks certainty just leaving the viewer hanging. As later seen in Frank Miller’s Sin City, the color red is given special significance in the film. Lola’s hair is blazing red, making it stand out from the often monotonous urban surroundings. However, we (the viewer) never figure out the significace of the radical h hair color (and other red items). An explanation is never truly given, yet there does appear to be a trend among certain-colored-items holding special significance in each run through of Lola’s mad

Oliver Sall

See “Movie” on Page 5

September 2008

Website DirectorConnor Fitzpatrick


Beijing 2008

September 2008

The Beijing Olympics:A Personal Account

By Dan CassidyManaging Editor

On August 8, 2008, at 8:08 pm, the city of Beijing opened its doors and

invited the world in to take a closer look at a nation few westerners knew well. Athletes from two hundred and five nations gathered together as representatives of their countries and put aside all of their differences, beliefs, and politics to join one another in friendly competition. The focus was on athletic compeititon and national pride, not politically charged issues such as human rights or Tibetan politics. Over 10,000 athletes competed against one another in 302 medal events. Sixteen days of games showcased the greatest athletes in the world in 34 medal sports. Athletes of all ages, size, and genders competed side by side in hopes of bringing home the gold for their countries.

The 29th Olympic games were an event unlike any other. Some called it Beijing’s “coming out party,” but almost all agreed that the Beijing games were “exceptional” in terms of athletic talent, operational efficiency, and marvelous venues. The thousands of blue-shirted volunteers with friendly smiles made visitors feel genuinely welcomed to this city. Thirty-five world records and eighty -ive Olympic records were shattered during the games. Heroes emerged, such as American swimmer Michael Phelps (8 gold medals, 7 Olympic records), Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt ( 3 gold medals, 3 Olympic records), as well as many others who were able to represent their respective countries to the best of their abilities. The U.S., having perhaps one of the most age diverse teams with athletes ranging from sixteen (gymnast Shawn Johnson), to forty-one year old swimmer Dara Torres, led the medal count with a tally of 110 medals, including 36 gold medals. China was a close second in the medal race, but led all countries in gold medals won with a total of 51.

Some of the most memorable events included:

U.S.A vs. Spain Men’s B a s k e t b a l l Final (118-107): After crushing Spain in pool play by more than thirty points, one might have thought that the gold medal game would be another blowout. However, it couldn’t have been a more e x h i l a r a t i n g game. The d e t e r m i n e d S p a n i a r d s drove hard to the net and played a tough game. Seventeen year old Ricky Rubio, although the youngest member of the team, played an important role by keeping it close. The U.S team led by as many as 16 points in the first half. However, it didn’t last. Spain fought back, getting as close as 2 points away from the U.S. with less than ten minutes left. But just when it looked as if Spain would take the lead, Kobe Bryant crushed Spain’s momentum with a outside three pointer and

a finger to his mouth quieting Spain’s fans. Kobe finished with 21 points and Dwayne Wade finished with 27 points. Team U.S.A held its head high as it won the gold and avenged their poor

showing in Athens four year ago. U.S.A vs. Brazil Women’s

Soccer final (1-0). In Athens four years ago, The U.S. women’s

soccer team beat Brazil in overtime to take home the gold. Four years later, The U.S. women’s soccer team found t h e m s e l v e s defending their medal against the same team. Brazil came out flying, determined to win the gold that they had been dreaming about since

Athens. The U.S goalie, Hope Solo, made some huge saves to keep the score knotted up at 0-0. With both team’s tanks near empty, the game went into overtime. At the tail end of the first 15 minute OT, midfielder Carli Lloyd blasted a shot past the Brazilian goaltender to take the lead that the US team never relinquished. During the final minute of the game, it was extremely hard to hear. The sell-out crowd was in a frenzy chanting “U.S.A” and the

subs began to raise their arms in triumph. Given the excitement of the crowd and the number of local Chinese in attendance, one might have thought that it was the Chinese women’s team that

was about to win the gold medal. There was really nothing else like watching fellow Americans run around the field wearing their gold medals and waving the American flag. The chill that ran down my spine as the U.S. flag was raised to our National Anthem was one of the most amazing feelings I have ever experienced.

Mens 10 Meter Diving Final: This was perhaps one of the most surprising events that I saw at the Olympics. The Chinese diver Huo Liang led the group by significant numbers going into the sixth and final round. He was the favorite and it was for a good reason. His maneuvers were amazing, almost perfect every time. As far as anybody at the Cube was concerned, the gold medalist was already crowned. However, in the last round, Huo Liang’s less then perfect dive resulted in a score of only a 75.5, almost 16 less than his average for the first five rounds. This left a little opening, not much, but a perfect dive might have overtaken the leader. Australian diver Matthew Mitcham, did just that. He performed one of the hardest dives with a difficulty of 3.8 out of 4.0 flawlessly. It was one of the most amazing things that I have ever seen. The judges elected to give him a score of

112.4 and the gold medal. Mitcham defeated Liang by just three points to take home the medal for Australia. However, the most magnificent thing was not the dive, it was the response of the largely Chinese crowd. They didn’t go quiet or boo the diver that just stole China’s chance at a gold medal sweep in diving. Instead, the Chinese fans cheered louder than ever giving the Australian diver the standing ovation that he greatly deserved.

Mens 100M Butterfly: Michael Phelps set out to do the impossible in this year’s Olympic games. His goal was to do what nobody

had ever done before and take home eight gold medals (previous record was seven). In his second

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See “Games” on Page 4


Continued from Front Page“China”Continued

Beijing 2008

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China’s enormous consumer market and access to cheap labor. With a

steady GDP growth rate exceeding 9% every year, China has quickly ensured its victory over Germany as the third largest economy in the world, right behind Japan and the U.S. Known throughout the 20th century as a third world, communist state, China has abruptly altered its economic course, embarking upon the western capitalist route towards a “New China.”

The Games’ closing ceremonies, yet another flashy multi-million dollar production, took place on August 23rd China tallied 28 bronze, 21 silver, and a whopping 51 gold medals. It was the first time since the 1936 Nazi Olympics that a country other than the United States or Russia has led the gold medal list. Although the U.S. won the overall medal count, China’s unexpected success at the Games and robust competition with the current superpowers

show the great strides the Chinese people have made in various arenas since the turn of the century.

Although still plagued with constant reminders of failed piracy laws, faulty human rights, intractable pollution problems,

McDonalds, KFC, and Starbucks, China’s populace is beginning to bask in the beauty of capitalist living. One cannot walk down Nanjing

Donglu, the main street in Shanghai, without being bombarded by neon signs extolling the virtues of the newest western styles and fashions.

One market has surpassed

skyrocketed, China’s demand for cars seems insatiable. In Beijing alone, over 1000 cars are sold each day. Since 2004, when car

demand soared by 75%, China has been on a near steady 10-20% increase in car sales every year.

The International Olympic Committee, which selected China for the 2008 Games back in 2001, expressed great anxiety concerning the location during the years leading up to the opening ceremony. As the Games came to a close, though, they asserted that their choice had not only been well-advised, but positively “golden.” In the past, people might have looked upon their Nokia phone, Apple computer, or Krups coffee maker and notice it reads “Made in China” -- but this year’s Olympics were not only made in China, they were made by China. China’s multiple successes at the games, coupled with their near-faultless hosting, render them a true superpower, and a country not to be taken lightly.

all others in the enormous consumer frenzy of China’s large cities: automobiles. Whereas in many countries car sales have decreased markedly as gas prices have

and questionable suppression of citizens, China’s economic success has greatly improved daily life for many Chinese citizens. With the introduction of various western superstores, such as Wal-Mart,

“Games”ContinuedContinued from page 3

to last race, he was swimming for his seventh gold medal. He had already participated in six races and broken six Olympic records. However, none of that mattered to Phelps that day. All he thought about was his next race, his next medal for America. In this relatively short race, Phelps would have to be at his best throughout. Millions tuned in to watch, and millions were shocked to see Phelps coming into the last ten meters of the race in second place. Then he turned on the jets and caught up to Milorad Cavic, buthe couldn’t pass. In a last effort he took one extra stroke to touch the wall, a stroke he believed cost him the gold. However, it turned out to be the reason that he won. It is truly a finish that you have to see to believe. It was perhaps

the closest finish in the history of swimming. He won his seventh gold that day by the narrowest of margins (.01), and shortly after he and his teammates won the medley

relay giving Phelps his eighth gold and breaking Mark Spitz’s record.

There were so many other exciting moments, such as Kerri

Walsh and Misty May-Treanor’s gold in Beach Volleyball over a determined Chinese pair who kept the games close; the unanticipated win for the U.S. in Men’s Volleyball over the reigning

champs from Brazil; and the tears shed by Roger Federer as he took the stand for his medal in Tennis Doubles, garnering the one thing

he didn’t have prior to these games – a gold medal. What was amazing about these Olympic games was their truly global appeal. NBC Sports reported that a record 85% of all homes in America, tuned in to watch some portion of the games on TV. The International Broadcast Center on the Olympic Green had over 21,600 accredited media from all over the world. NBC broadcast over 3600 hours of coverage (2900 hours broadcast live). The internet played a big role in the games as well with streaming video available to fans who wanted to catch up to see whether their favorite teams were winning. As the closing ceremony concluded, thousands sang their goodbyes to Beijing and the Olympic flag was passed to London as the world watched and I could not help but wonder how any games could ever surpass the excitement and appeal of the XXIX Olympic games in Beijing.

September 2008


Around Brunswick

As President I intend not merely to direct student government activities but

rather to lead the student body which is a distinct political entity comprised of all Brunswick Students possessing unique interests and capabilities. At the start of the year, I you students to ponder hard what exactly your interests and capabilities are. When, after meditation, you draw some conclusions on this topic, please share them with me immediately.

I divide the student body interest into three categories: obligations, needs, and desires. Obligations are services that we, the students, owe to our school and community. They include community service as well as cleaning up after ourselves in the dining hall, library, and student center. Obligations are important because it is in our interest to see that our obligations are fulfilled. Needs are opportunities for the student government to improve the welfare of Brunswick students. These include both actions to improve day-to-day living at Brunswick as well as long-term issues that affect our community, such as integration of the underclassmen with the upperclassmen. Desires are things that we want simply because they are enjoyable; examples are dances and tasty treats. These three are equal foundations of the student interest.

Desires are no less important than obligations and needs, because by serving student’s desires the student government generates the solidarity and good-will of the

students which translates into political support and willingness to serve the school. Student participation is necessary for the student government to fulfill its obligations and needs.

The Student Government is a natural position of leadership within the student body, but it is not the only one. Student-run clubs and organizations are essential points

must be capable of communicating and directing itself independent of the faculty or other aspects of the administration that runs the school.

This is in no way hostile to the faculty or school administration. Their interests (generally) do not compete with ours; they are our partners. However, they are not students, and therefore cannot seriously be expected

The faculty is able to operate as an independent unit because they have a system of communication. They have faculty meetings every week, as well as a system of organization within the Dean-Grade advisor system. To operate as an independent unit, the students must develop an effective communication system, so we may make our own decisions and direct our own action.

As the year progresses, we will develop our communication system by trial and error, but the foundation of the system must be communication between students and their senators. At this stage, the most important contribution the average student can make is to voice his ideas, desires, and needs to his grade senator.

We are blessed that each grade elected a pair of outstanding senators, most of whom have records of previous service to the council. The seniors elected Mike Byrnes and Sam Haig, the juniors elected Alex Ghaffari and Chris Baldock, and the sophomores elected James Yacobucci and David Jaramillo. The school elected Vice President Peter Kiernan and Director of Community Service Jon Duennebier. All these individuals are extremely well qualified for service. None are silly fools. It is to be hoped that the freshmen will be wise and elect senators who are equaly competient.

For various reasons, some of you may have expected this address to contain humor. I wish to stamp out such expectations immediately. The student interest is not humorous, it is serious. There is no time for jokes. Success is imperative.

A Student Government PreviewBy Brent YarnellPresident of the BrunswickStudent Government

of leadership. Clubs serve certain aspects of the student interest that the government cannot or should not. Effective communication and coordination between the clubs, the government, and the student body is necessary for our success. I strongly urge all clubs to consider areas in which the student government may be of assistance, and I personally will maintain communication throughout the year with club presidents.

To successfully serve the student interest, the student body

to fully understand the students’ unique interests, and should not be expected to fully serve the students’ interest. For example, the faculty should not be expected to fulfill the students’ desire for a steady stream of tasty treats. A student body that operates independently and fulfills our obligations, needs, and desires on its own will free the faculty from certain responsibilities that they should not have now, and enable them to help assist us in other ways. Both students and faculty will benefit from this.

“Movie” Continueddash. The film is chock-full of little patterns like this, which makes each subsequent viewing of the film just that much more fun.And fun the film is. Potente gives an absolutely amazing performance evoking entirely different categories of emotion from the viewer, both good and bad. Extremely praiseworthy is the fact that Potente delivers a different style of acting each time throughout, one time seeming to be Daddy’s little princess, the next a seeming sociopathic gambler, all while retaining a certain spirit about her present in all three realities. Secondary and even tertiary characters all deliver multifaceted roles, accomplishing different goals each and every time. The soundtrack too deserves special mention: a thumping techno beat imparts much to

at best, yet here it’s sublime.The movie is extremely enjoyable, though I can’t help but wonder what the experience would be like if I had been able to understand what the characters were actually saying without referring to subtitles. Though subtitles do lend certain clarity to the words, it occasionally became difficult to understand inflections given to words behind the characters’ heavy German accents. Run Lola Run is a fantastic film, although not one that would be likely to arrive in American Theatres. Extremely abstract and incredibly artsy, it seems more like an indy film than a major feature film. Viewers expecting a multi-million dollar budget action packed film need not apply. Those looking for a very thought provoking piece? Run viewer, run, to your nearest rental service.

the movie in its haste. The loud beat is reminiscent of a clock, constantly serving as a

reminder that Lola only has so long to get to Manni. In most situations, it would be annoying

September 2008


Around Brunswick

GA Madrigals Tour GreeceBy Katie Bishop and Julia MarcusSpecial Contributors

By June 8th, many GA and Brunswick students were already on vacation or

enjoying their time off at home, but for the GA Madrigal singers, summer vacation hadn’t even started. They were traveling to Greece, and it was clear that everyone was extremely excited to spend two weeks in such an amazing and breathtaking place. After traveling to several different areas in Greece, including Athens, Delphi, Nauplion, Patras, and the islands of Mykonos and Santorini, the result was even greater than expected. “Greece was nothing short of amazing,” Tessa Demmerle remarked. Rebekah Lowin shared her thoughts, “Tour was incredible and I had an amazing time in Greece!”

With a concert every other night and much sight seeing to do, there was never a dull moment. Each day was a new and exciting experience, whether it was visiting the Acropolis in Athens, the theater in Epidaurus, or just having fun shopping, eating, and enjoying the view. However, our days usually ended with many of us venturing

into town at night for some gelato or just to have fun. “The best part of our trip was that we got to eat a lot of ice cream” said Rebekah.

With so much to do, how did the Madrigals manage to survive traveling throughout Greece? With the help of our Greek courier, Tassos Strikos, finding our way around was easy, although nothing short

heard throughout the bus, an obvious sign that no one was ready to wake up, Tassos usually continued with, “Great! Let me tell you a joke!” Besides having to listen to the many sound effects he happily made into the microphone, Tassos’ cell phone ring quickly became the worst of them all. Ask any Madrigal, and I’m positive she will tell you that

it’s probably safe to say that our favorites were our number-one fans in Olympia. These two stray dogs that followed us from the restaurant to our concert venue not only got the best seats in the house (lying on our feet), but they also tried to steal the spotlight when they started fighting in the middle of “Amazing Grace.” This definitely made it hard to end the song as uncontrollable laughter rose from the audience and us. At least it was the Madrigals who got an encore, and not the dogs!

When the tour eventually came to an end and it came time to say goodbye to our five seniors, nothing could have been better than spending our last two days on Santorini. The rooftop reception and private celebration at a restaurant hosted by the Samourkas family really allowed the Madrigals to take advantage of our last night in Greece. By the end of the night, it was clear that everyone was ready to go home, but no one was really ready to leave the place that brought the Madrigals closer together than ever. “I’ve never had so much fun with this group of girls” said Tessa. The Madrigals will never be able to forget such an experience.

of, well, interesting. Tassos made reservations, gave us directions, helped us communicate with the locals, and educated us on Greek History, but he also ended up being our comedian. “Pth, Pth, Pth, is anyone awake?” was usually the first thing we heard from Tassos (tapping on the mic) on an early morning bus ride. As moans were

we all wished to throw his phone out the window of the moving bus. Even though we got into a few disagreements with Tassos, the trip would have been nothing without him. His knowledge of Greece was intense and with his guidance, we quickly fell in love with the country.

Out of all the Greek friends the Madrigals made during the trip,

‘Wick Alums Row In Beijing

This summer, two Brunswick graduates represented the United States at the 2008

Beijing Olympics, becoming the first alumni from our school to compete in the Games. Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, Class of 2000, have a long history in rowing. The first captains of the Brunswick crew team, they participated on the Junior National Team while in high school and competed for Harvard University in college.

In the Olympics, the Winklevoss brothers raced in a two-man boat called a pair, in which each rower has one oar (as opposed to a double, in which each rower has two oars). In an event that requires perfect synchronization between the two members of the boat, the Winklevosses have the perfect weapon: being identical twins.Both brothers are 6 feet 5 inches and weigh around 210 pounds, giving them considerable leverage and strength on the water.

Having rowed together for many years and sharing the exact same genetic construction, the twins indeed possess a significant advantage in a particular event

By Turner SmithArts Editor that demands two athletes

who must work together with even power and have flawless timing during the rowing stroke.

The twins have achieved great accomplishments in the sport,

national championship in 2004. At the Beijing Olympics

this summer, the Winklevosses performed very well, finishing in sixth place overall. In their semifinal contest, the duo powered through

the grand final of their event on the highest international level possible is an extremely impressive feat.

The Winklevoss twins are also known for being the founders of the social networking site ConnectU, and their legal battle with Facebook founder and Harvard classmate Mark Zuckerberg has gained them national attention. The brothers have claimed that Zuckerberg stole their ideas and computer programming code while he was employed at their company when they were all students at Harvard and that he ultimately cut ties with ConnectU and founded his own site, which now has become the enormously popular and lucrative Facebook. With the brothers having sued Zuckerberg, the legal conflict continues to this day.Regardless of their legal battle, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss have achieved an admirable and remarkable athletic accomplishment. Apart from representing the United States at the Beijing Olympic Games, the brothers have set an inspiring example for all Brunswick athletes who wish to one day participate in the best competition on the greatest international stage in the world.

seeing success on the high school, collegiate, and national/international levels. Being the first captains of the Brunswick crew team during 1998-1999 and 1999-2000, the brothers helped to found the rowing program at our school and also were selected to the Junior National Team in 1999. While at Harvard, the twins powered an eight-man boat that won multiple Eastern Sprints championships as well as an IRA

two other crews in the last 400 meters of the 2,000-meter race to finish in second place behind the Australian pair of Drew Ginn and Duncan Free, thus advancing to the grand final. In the grand final on August 16, the Winklevosses rowed to a last sixth-place finish, with the Australian pair taking the gold medal.

Despite what may seem to be a disappointing finish, the brothers’ achievement of making

September 2008


Around Brunswick

Book Review: The Power of OneBy Jake MatthewsStaff Writer

The Power of One is a thrilling tale of triumph and defeat, hope and despair, power and

impotence. Bryce Courtenay transports the reader to South Africa between the 1930s and the 1950s to accompany Peekay, the protagonist, through the many obstacles that he faces as he matures into a man. Courtenay skillfully illustrates Peekay’s agony as he is tormented by the “Judge” and vividly describes Peekay’s sorrow as he watches his best friends and mentors die. Simultaneously, Courtenay expresses Peekay’s unwavering determination as he strives to achieve his goal to be the Welterweight Boxing Champion of the World. Chairman of the Brunswick English Department Brendan Gilsenan acknowledges that, “Courtenay did a great job creating details that forced the reader to become emotionally involved.” From the sidelines the reader witnesses a defenseless five year old boy slowly grow into a man, a man that truly symbolizes the power of one, “the power to believe in yourself”(42). Mr. Gilsenan and the English department chose The Power of One because, “the book told a story most people would be interested in reading-- one of profound struggle, endurance, and ultimate redemption.”

While I agree with Mr. Gilsenan that the The Power of One is hugely likable and did tell a great tale of struggle and endurance, I do not think that Peekay’s beating up the “Judge” should be considered “redemption”. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines redemption as, “ the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil,” whereas Peekay acted in revenge, or, “ the action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands.” Bryce Courtenay also openly tells the reader that Peekay struck the “Judge” in revenge when he has Peekay yell, “You killed Granpa Chook!” (512) Ever since he was five, Peekay had kept his cruel childhood in the dark behind him, always letting it drive him forward, but never sharing it with his peers. However, when Peekay finally has the “Judge” at his mercy he cannot help himself. Peekay acknowledges, “My head exploded. The roar in my head became white light. It was time for the heart.” (512) Thinking back to The New Oxford American Dictionary, Peekay definitely “inflicts harm” onto the “Judge” for a “wrong suffered at Peekay’s hands.”

The novel opens with Peekay being sent to a Boer dominated boarding school at age five (Boers are Afrikaners who hate the British for invading their land). At the boarding school, the boy is mercilessly bullied and abused by “The Judge” for no other reason than he is English, a rooinek. Peekay personally experiences the sad effects of ethnocentrism and strives to camouflage himself from “The Judge” by hiding his incredible intelligence and satisfying

his every request. When the boarding school year ends, the boy is put on a train to go to his grandfather’s house. On the train, the boy, now officially Peekay, meets Hoppie Groenewald, a conductor on the train who introduces Peekay to boxing and inspires Peekay to become the Welterweight Champion of the World. When Peekay finally gets to his grandfather’s house, he meets Professor Karl von Vollensteen, or Doc, a professor of music with a great love of cactus who teaches Peekay never to hide his intellect and never to hide

who he really is. Doc begins taking Peekay all over the countryside to search for interesting cacti and the two become close friends. However, when WWII starts Doc is arrested for being German and put into Barberton Prison.

When Peekay visits Doc he quickly learns that Lieutenant Smit, the Lieutenant at the prison, coaches a boxing team. Peekay quickly joins Smit’s training group to pursue his dream of becoming the Welterweight Champion of the World. At the prison, Peekay meets Geel Piet, a black inmate who coaches Peekay to become an astounding boxer for his age. As Peekay begins to box competitively, he never loses a match. Also, at the prison, Peekay starts an underground market of selling tobacco with Geel Piet, thus beginning the legend of the Tadpole Angel. As Peekay gets older, he receives a scholarship to The Prince of Wales School, a fancy English private school in South Africa.

At The Prince of Wales School, Peekay meets Morrie Levy, a Jew and Peekay’s first proper friend. Morrie is obsessed with making money, and he

and Peekay work within the system of The Prince of Wales School to earn regular pocket money, mainly by gambling on either rugby or Peekay’s boxing matches. Peekay is able to earn enough money through these gambling scams to pay for a new boxing coach, Solly Goldman (Geel Piet was murdered by a racist prison guard). Over their next couple of years at The Prince of Wales School, Peekay and Morrie also start a school for blacks which is quickly shut down by the authorities due to the South African government’s

racism. Therefore, Peekay and Morrie create a Correspondence School and send their students the course in textbook form. After The Prince of Wales School, Peekay and Morrie set their sights on Oxford. They both get in, but Peekay cannot pay the tuition fee and refuses Morrie’s money. Thus, Peekay is forced to apply for a special scholarship and comes extremely close, but does not win the scholarship. So, during his off-year, Peekay decides to become a grizzly man at the mines, a high risk, yet high-paying job.

Peekay intends to work at the mines to get into excellent shape for boxing while making enough money to pay his own way through Oxford. While working in the mines one day, Peekay becomes buried under an avalanche of rock. Upon hearing the news, a close friend of Peekay’s, Rasputin, rushes to the scene and uncovers Peekay. Yet while saving Peekay’s life, he sacrifices his own. Thus, Peekay, overcome with grief, plans to go to the bar near the mines one final time before he leaves for Oxford. (He has earned enough money by being a grizzly man.) At the bar,

Peekay gets into a fight with a maddened drunk man. As the man wildly attacks Peekay, Peekay sees a swastika on the man’s arm and recognizes the man as the Judge of Peekay’s childhood. Peekay beats the Judge unconscious, carves a Union Jack and the letters, “PK” over the Judge’s swastika before leaving.

What makes The Power of One truly incredible is how human and believable its characters are. Courtenay carefully depicts Peekay, for example, as a person who is exemplary but not superhuman. Peekay acknowledges when he attends the Prince of Wales School that his peers see him as a model student, a natural leader, and a champion boxer. Yet, for all of his outward greatness, none of Peekay’s peers understand his harsh childhood. Peekay was sent to boarding school two years early due to his mother’s nervous breakdown, brutally bullied with no escape, and completely ignorant as to why the people around him in the boarding school who treat him so cruelly. Courtenay skillfully combines his characters’ past experiences with their present to explain why they act the way they do. Only the reader, for example, understands that Peekay first starts boxing only to fight off bullies. Peekay even says, “It’s [boxing] got to do with something that happened when I was very young. I can’t explain it, it’s just got to be that way,” when explaining to Morrie why he would rather become the Welterweight Champion of the World than take a degree at Oxford (463). Courtenay’s characters also act flawlessly within the context of mid 20th century South Africa. Courtenay cleverly uses the prison guards, Hoppie, and other various characters to define the social status of blacks and whites and the disgusting system of apartheid. Bryce Courtenay ingeniously brings his characters to life.

When asked if there any major themes in The Power of One that you particularly liked or disliked, Mr. Gilsenan replied: “I particularly liked the themes of hope and perseverance within the novel. There are so many novels out there that expose the hopeless struggles of the human condition-- novels that show characters enduring but never truly prevailing. Of course, these novels reveal dark, complex realities of the world that are important for us to understand, and The Power of One certainly has its share of realistic darkness. But this novel also shows the possibility for a human being to overcome great odds through determination and focus. The book also touches on the ideas of humility, self-respect, and coming to terms with one’s fears, which I found significantly profound.”

The Power of One is a terrific book that follows the remarkable transformation of a helpless, sad boy into a confident, successful man brimming with the power of one.

September 2008


Brunswick Football PreviewBrunswick Sports

By Charlie GerdtsSports Editor

A new season means new faces, new plays, and new expectations. This

Brunswick football season is no different. New players and coaches have joined the team and look to make contributions to the squad. With a tough schedule ahead, the team seeks to win the New England Championship. With a perfect FAA record this is a definite possibility.

The team has a tough schedule ahead of them starting with a scrimmage with Greenwich High School and ending with an away game with Trinity Pawling. The schedule consists of three home games and six away games. Key away matches within a reasonable distance are against King Low Heywood Thomas

and St. Luke’s. Another great match up will be a home game versus Hopkins under the lights. Brunswick will seek to avenge a loss last year to Hopkins as they

look to go perfect in the FAA. One more change in the schedule is the date of homecoming. As some might have noticed, homecoming is earlier this year and Brunswick will face off against Kingswood-

Oxford. Another exciting note about the schedule is the promise by Coach Sean Brennan that if the team is perfect for the season he will shave his head.

Last year’s team was led by strong senior captains. This team is no different with captains Kevin Royal, Billy Chapman, Will Holmes, and Milo Ceci looking to lead by example on

both offense and defense. Many junior and seniors are expected to step-up and fill key roles at wide receiver, linebacker, and offensive line. The coaching staff has a

few changes as well. Coach Mike Hannigan will be leading the offensive line. Head Coach Sean Brennan, of course, leads the coaching staff. Coach Garnett and Coach Chioffi will also return to the staff. Last but not least, trainers Marc Strileckis and Dan Sanzo will be aiding the squad in all its health needs. The team looks to be on a strong path to another

successful season. The captains will seek to lead the program in continuing the strong Brunswick football tradition. This fall looks to be another interesting and eventful season.

Brunswick Cross Country PreviewBy Joe HullStaff Writer

It’s never too late to start running, but you should’ve started already!” says Coach Polikoff,

head of Brunswick’s Cross Country program. The team is looking forward to a great season this year, led by new captains Tim O’Leary, Will Seaton, and Brian DeAngelo, and has been actively training in anticipation for this fall’s meets. Some runners have trained intensively in Michigan and others have run at least two hundred miles on their own over the summer. Last year the team had a strong start and a star lineup. The class of 2008 had been one of the best running classes this school has seen with Ryan Hopkins, Chris Antonacci, Chris Baylis, and Alex Jamar leading the way for others on the team. The team ended up ranking third in the FAA championships. It was, however, a difficult season, with many injuries affecting their overall performance. With two out of the three captains out for the majority of the season, as well as others at different times, the team found it difficult to truly reach their full potential.

This year, Brian DeAngelo becomes one of the first students to be named captain as a junior. He and sophomore teammate Ryan Hagerbrant are two of the fastest

runners in the group, and are expected to bring great success to the team. In addition, the team looks to strong performances from seniors Michael Pucci, Kyle Radler, and Ian Johnson, juniors Gus Ruchman, Will Biondi, and Charlie Southwick, and sophomore Andrew Grasso.

So what are the major goals of the season this year? Captain Will Seaton aims for the team to “stay healthy!” The better condition the team stays in, the more suited they will be to compete in every game. “You can never do well if you’re stuck at the starting line,” says Seaton. In addition to the team staying healthy, Coach Polikoff would like to “improve upon last year, run our

best on the biggest stage.” DeAngelo adds “to win FAA’s and have a memorable finish at New England, top three, would be outstanding.” These major wins are the long-term goals the team will work towards as well as working on achieving their own individual personal goals.

The season will kick off with a scrimmage at the Wilton Invitational. In the following week, the top runners will go to race at the Canterbury Invitational. At the time of this printing, the cross-country schedule is awaiting revisions but will be finalized shortly. The team is still planning to participate in the end of season FAA and New England championships. Although they placed sixth last year

in New Englands, three years ago they received second place. Despite last year’s results, the New Englands is still in sight for this years line up.

As far as big rivalries, Hopkins is usually a big contender. DeAngelo states, “Those races are when the team really goes to the next level and is at its best.” GFA is another school on par with Hopkins as a good competitor. Whichever team will be scheduled as the Homecoming opponent will likely challenge and energize the team as a whole. At last year’s Homecoming, the team pulled through with a successful win, despite the difficulty of the match. They faced off against the powerful Division I school Trinity Pawling and pushed through to victory. This year should not disappoint as the rivalries and challenges still hold strong.

For anyone who is interested in cross-country or eager to try a new sport, players are encouraged to come out and join. Captain Will Seaton states, “no matter how fast or slow you are, we’ve got people you can run with, it’s easy to meet people in all four grades.” Will’s best advice is to “Try it…because you may fall in love with the sport.” Brunswick’s Cross Country Team is ready to have an excellent season and is looking for your support—come out and cheer them on.

September 2008


Brunswick Sports

DUELING COLUMNS:Giants vs. Jets

By Charlie GerdtsSports Editor

By Conor KennyStaff Writer

With the start of school there comes some other positive news, the start

to a brand new NFL season. The New York Giants will look to repeat as Super Bowl champions but with many players leaving in the off-season they certainly have their work cut out for them. With division rivals Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins making many headlining off-season moves the goal of repeating will not be easily achieved. Following the Super Bowl hype many players looked to cash in on their success. Players such as Gibril Wilson and Kawika Mitchell are both on different NFL rosters after testing the free agent market. The defensive leader, Michael Strahan, has retired and starting tight end Jeremy Shockey was traded to the New Orleans Saints. Shockey was injured before the Giants strung together wins that would lead to a Super Bowl victory. The Giants will look for Kevin Boss to fill the void left by Shockey, something he started following Shockey’s injury. As for Strahan’s job, the Giants will most likely fill the defensive end spot with Justin Tuck. Tuck has already made many appearances for the Giants as well as a strong performance in the Super Bowl. One way the Giants look to improve their roster is through the draft. The Giants answered many questions marks in the secondary with their first two picks going to defensive backs, Kenny Phillips and Terrell Thomas. With the addition of two linebackers and one defensive end, the Giants looked to add to the defensive side of

On April 21st, 1991, the Atlanta Falcons selected quarterback Brett Favre with the 33rd pick

in the NFL draft. Seventeen years later, Brett Favre joins the Jets in what hopes to be one of his best seasons ever for his new team. After a depressing 4-12 season, the Jets and their fans are expecting a turnaround season. On the offensive end, not only did the Jets acquire Favre this offseason, but they also signed multiple big name free agents. Veterans Alan Faneca and Damien Woody, both offensive linemen, join the young Jets line to reduce the pressure on both Brett Favre and running back Thomas Jones. They also drafted tight end Dustin Keller from Purdue University, who should add a receiving spark to the offense. With veteran wide receivers Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, the newly furbished offense should have the spark they’ve always needed. Jet fans expect Brett Favre to connect with Keller, Coles, and Cotchery in what looks to be an exciting new offense. Defensively, the Jets lost a key Linebacker, Jonathan Vilma, after he was traded to the New Orleans Saints. They filled this void in the defense by adding linebacker Calvin Pace of the Arizona Cardinals. Coming off a hot season, he will join David Harris, Eric Barton, Bryan Thomas, and newly drafted Vernon Gholston in a deep linebacker core that should bring a lot of excitement to the Jets’ defense. After four decades of failure, Jet fans are craving for the day they can call their team Superbowl champions again. It kills me to admit it but, realistically, this is not the year the Jets will end their Superbowl drought. A realistic goal is a playoff berth, with only three of their opponents making

the ball. The Giants also drafted receiver Mario Manningham out of Michigan and quarterback Andre’ Woodson out of Kentucky. With a new season means new starts and new Super Bowl campaigns. Most teams seem to keep a dominant position in their respective divisions although watch out for teams on the rise. I expect close races in the NFC East and South as well as the AFC North and West. Of teams with first five picks in the 2008 NFL Draft I expect the New York Jets to have the best record. With that here are my predictions for this season:

AFC North Winner: Pittsburgh SteelersAFC South Winner: Indianapolis ColtsAFC East Winner: New England PatriotsAFC West Winner: Denver BroncosWild Card Winners: San Diego Chargers, Cleveland BrownsNFC North Winner: Green Bay PackersNFC South Winner: Tampa Bay BucsNFC East Winner: Dallas CowboysNFC West Winner: Seattle SeahawksWild Card Winners: New York Giants, New Orleans SaintsAFC Winner: New England PatriotsNFC Winner: Seattle Seahawks

2009 Super Bowl Champs: New England Patriots

the playoffs this past season, making for a manageable schedule. My prediction for the Jets this season is a nine or ten win season, and a wild card birth. With Chad Pennington gone and Brett Favre at the helm, they now have the strength of a quarterback that can be a downfield threat. I also predict Thomas Jones will have a strong season at running back with the new offensive line that should give him more time and bigger holes to get downfield more easily. As for the rest of the league, the Patriots again look like a heavy favorite to win the Superbowl, but the Colts, Chargers, Cowboys, and Superbowl champion Giants could challenge for the title.

Here are my predictions for the 2009 NFL season:AFC North Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

AFC South Winner: Indianapolis ColtsAFC East Winner: New England PatriotsAFC West Winner: San Diego ChargersWild Card Winners: New York Jets, Cleveland BrownsNFC North Winner: Minnesota VikingsNFC South Winner: New Orleans SaintsNFC East Winner: Dallas CowboysNFC West Winner: Seattle Seahawks Wild Card Winners: New York Giants, Detroit LionsAFC Winner: New England PatriotsNFC Winner: Dallas Cowboys

2009 Superbowl Champs: Dallas Cowboys

September 2008


Brunswick Sports

All Star Game Starts the Long Goodbye to Yankee Stadium

By Alex JonokuchiStaff Writer

On a historic midsummer night in the 86th and final year of Yankee Stadium

(1923-2008), baseball fans flocked to the Bronx to bid farewell to the third longest-standing Major League ballpark currently in use. “The House That Ruth Built” has witnessed countless classic moments over the decades, ascending to its current status as a bona fide baseball monument. From Yogi Berra jubilantly leaping into the arms of pitcher Don Larsen after his 1956 World Series perfect game to Reggie Jackson dramatically belting three homers on three pitches in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series, from Derek Jeter’s 2001 walk-off homer in Game 4 during the first November at-bat in World Series history to Aaron Boone’s dramatic home run against Tim Wakefield and the Red Sox in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, Yankee Stadium has hard-earned its reputation for a consistently postseason-like atmosphere and an almost mystical aura surrounding every highlight-reel catch and record-setting swing. How better to honor The Cathedral than to have a pregame ceremony that saw the 2008 All-Stars take the field alongside the so-called greatest collection of baseball legends in history, which included 49 Hall of Famers. Not to be overshadowed, the game itself certainly rose to the occasion.

In a thrilling 15-inning battle, the 79th MLB All-Star Game added a new chapter to Yankee Stadium lore, setting a record for longest in the history of the midsummer classic at nearly five hours. The marathon of a game featured a 5-4 final in favor of the American League, extending its winning streak over the National League to twelve straight. The AL and NL combined for 34 strikeouts and seven stolen bases, both also setting new All-Star Game records. For the AL, JD Drew won the All-Star Game MVP award, going two for four with a walk and a critical two-run homerun. Michael Young capped off the game with a walk-off sacrifice fly in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

Seemingly weeks earlier, the NL’s Matt Holliday began the

scoring on Tuesday evening with a fifth inning opposite field home run off of Ervin Santana. Lance Berkman followed with a sacrifice fly to score Hanley Ramirez the following inning, to give the NL a two run advantage. However, in the seventh JD Drew walloped an Edinson Volquez delivery into the short porch in right to knot the game at two. An always faithful but never restrained hometown crowd cheered as Drew rounded first base, but confusion ensued as they realized they were rooting for a Beantown archrival. The newly rejuvenated

crowd quickly added in a smattering of boos as Drew trotted around the bases. More reminder of where the contest was being held could be heard as the Red Sox’s Jonathan Papelbon entered the game in the eighth inning. His highly publicized assertion that he should get the ball in the ninth over Yankees closer Mariano Rivera drew the ire of Yankees fans, who would not let him get away with such baseball heresy. Apparently, neither would the Baseball Gods, as Papelbon would give up the go-ahead run when Miguel Tejada singled, stole second, advanced to third on a throwing error and was plated by Adrian Gonzalez on a sacrifice fly. But fans from across town knew better than to start packing up their things when Billy Wagner came in during the bottom half of the frame. In typical Mets’ bullpen fashion, the only thing Wagner could save was Papelbon’s face, as he allowed a single, a stolen base and a game-tying ground rule double to

rookie third baseman Evan Longoria.How ironic that the All-Star

Game would treat the Yankees fans lucky enough to get tickets to the same offensive futility with runners in scoring position that had frustrated stadium-goers all season long. In extra innings and throughout the game, the combined 28 men left on base proved to be an unfortunately familiar sight to baseball fans in the Bronx. And as if the New Yorkers in attendance needed more reminder of how their teams’ seasons had been going, they were forced to watch helplessly as Alex

Rodriguez popped out with two outs and a runner on second, Derek Jeter grounded into a double play, and Billy Wagner gave up a game-tying double.

As the game dragged on, offenses sputtered and pitchers narrowly escaped jams, one spectator in particular became more and more restless. Bud Selig, the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, could not help but look concerned as the unforgiving cameras focused in on him during the late innings. Unwilling to let the game end in a tie, lest there be difficulty in determining home field advantage for the World Series, Selig appeared uncharacteristically awake for so deep into a contest. The bullpens were empty as every pitcher on either side had been used, and had the game gone any longer, baseball fans (or at least the ones still in their seats… and conscious) might have had the opportunity to watch David Wright, JD Drew or Evan Longoria toe the rubber. In the case that they were not up to the task, Mr. Selig

looked as if he were getting ready to run down onto the field to take the hill himself. Luckily the fans were spared; Michael Young’s 15th inning walk-off sac fly scored Justin Morneau for the fourth and final run for the A.L. at 1:37 a.m., sending a relieved Bud Selig and the remaining diehards home happy. But not everyone went home happy, for among the highlights there were lowlights.

If Dan Uggla shared every other kid’s dream of having the opportunity to play at Yankee Stadium, his selection as All-Star reserve meant

that his dream was close to becoming a reality. Uggla, at one point picked by the Florida Marlins in the Rule 5 Draft (essentially baseball’s scrap heap), certainly deserved his selection as the National League’s backup second baseman to Chase Utley. He hit 23 home runs and tallied 59 RBIs before the All Star Break, ranking second among all major leaguers at his position. However, just as Josh Hamilton’s amazing bid to win the Homerun Derby ended unspectacularly the night before, a fairy tale ending to an inspirational story proved as elusive to Uggla as the two groundballs he was unable to corral

in consecutive plays during yhe bottom half of the tenth inning. The second baseman’s dream became nightmarish as he also struck out three times and grounded into a double play. Dan Uggla did end his night with an All-Star individual record, albeit a miserable one, committing three errors in the field to complete a simply awful performance on baseball’s grandest stage. Despite his dismal performance, the two-time All-Star was very positive after the game, telling the media that he enjoyed his experience and he wouldn’t let it affect his performance moving forward.

Overall, the night was a fitting farewell to “The House That Ruth Built,” where countless dreams were born and legends were made of ordinary players. Only a four hour, 50 minute contest such as this would be proper for the final All-Star Game at the ballpark that has proven anything can happen in baseball. Perhaps Yankee Stadium didn’t really want to say goodbye.

Game 6 of the 1977 World

Game 4 during the first November at-bat in World

run against Tim Wakefield

atmosphere and an almost

pregame ceremony that

becoming a reality. Uggla,

baseball’s scrap heap),

baseman to Chase Utley. He

just as Josh Hamilton’s

before, a fairy tale ending

proved as elusive to Uggla

September 2008


Student Editorials

The Georgia Russia ConflictBy Oliver SallStaff Writer

The latest in a long line of tense relations between Georgia and the Russian Federation,

whose oft-heated interactions have been ongoing since before the collapse of the Soviet Union, have resurfaced with an unstable fervor this calendar year. Coincidentally, the crisis that began this March between the two Eurasian nations was over the same issues that had plagued their relations since early 1992. The provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia have pushed for independent recognition as nations from Georgia since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and both areas subsequent de facto secession was aided by crucial Russian support in the early 1990’s.

The newest conflicts also center around the provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and can be said to have officially begun on March 6th, 2008, when Russia announced it would no longer participate in the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) economic sanctions that had been imposed on Abkhazia since 1996. These economic sanctions stated that, after a unanimous vote by the 12 presidents of the member countries in the CIS, all member countries were to ban trade, transportation, communications, and other ties with Abkhazia at the state level. Georgia, a burgeoning democracy in the Caucasus, is closely allied with many Western states and many suspect Russia of trying to punish the small state for its bid to join NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) by removing the economic sanctions.

On March 13th, Russia’s Duma called for a session to discuss the issue of recognition in respect to the unrecognized republics in the former Soviet Union against the wishes of the European Union, which stated its “growing preoccupation and anxiety that Russia may be paving the way for recognition of Abkhazia,” and supported Georgia’s territorial integrity. In mid-April, former president, Vladimir Putin, announced Russia was going to recognize various documents issued by the separatist authorities and cooperate with them on trade and a plethora of other issues. NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer stated his deep concern

regarding the issue and affirmed that, “the Russian steps undermine that [Georgian] sovereignty. I urge the Russian Federation to reverse these measures, and call on the Georgian authorities to continue to show restraint.” The crisis intensified on April 20th, 2008, when an unmanned unarmed aerial vehicle (UAV) was shot down over the conflict zone in Abkhazia. Initially, the separatist administration of Abkhazia stated it had shot down the UAV, but later documented video footage distinctly showed a Russian fighter jet shooting down the unarmed Georgian drone.

Public opinion of Russia’s actions hit a major low point on

April 24th, when the U.S., the United Kingdom, France, and Germany all issued a joint statement condemning Russia’s recent moves and calling for Moscow to reverse its decision to legalize ties with both Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This is where things begin to get sticky. After the UAV incident, Russia accused Georgia of trying to exploit its NATO support to solve the Abkhazia problem by force (a troop buildup which UN monitors stated did not take place) and soon announced it would increase its own military in the region and threatened to retaliate militarily to Georgia’s supposed efforts. Russia increased its peacekeepers to 2,542, and Georgian Prime Minister Lado Gurgenidze said Georgia would treat all additional troops as aggressors.

The actions of both countries presented a major problem in apportioning blame, for often times an outbreak of violence would occur with one nation pointing

fingers and the other flatly denying any wrongdoing. For example, on May 18th, 2008, Georgian officials detained five Russian peacekeepers on charges that their armored personnel carrier collided with a Georgian woman’s car, an accusation denied by Russia, which instead stated that Georgians provoked the peacekeepers in an attempt to discredit the Russian presence. This kind of back-and-forth accusation and subsequent denials have made it difficult for many to decipher the apparently opaque happenings.

In South Ossetia on May 20th, the president of the Russian republic of North Ossetia asked

foreign ambassadors for their support in uniting the province with South Ossetia, a request that Georgia stated contravened international law. On May 31st, 2008, Russia sent its railway troops, unarmed allegedly, to repair a railway line in Abkhazia; Georgia condemned the move as an act of aggression and the US Department of State, agreed that it was consternated by the deployment. Of course, trouble would soon arise as Russian military officials claimed to have found an anti-tank mine on June 13th and claimed it was an attempt at carrying out a “subversive-terrorist act” against Russia’s railway forces. June 15th, 2008, saw media reports circulate saying Russia had set up a military base in an Abkhazian village, news met with uproarious protest from Georgia.

The month of July saw serious developments in the conflict as beginning on July 3rd as a South Ossetian police official

was killed in a bomb attack. Later that week, on July 6th, a bomb in Gali, Abkhazia killed four people and injured six. The impact was a spectacular setback in terms of diplomatic relations as Abkhazia called it part of Georgia’s campaign of “state terrorism” and in response cut off all contact with Georgia. Georgia, in an act emblematic of the entire conflict, in turn blamed the bombing on Russia, claiming the attacks were being done in the interest of a prolonged presence of Russian peacekeepers. Eight days later, on July 14, Georgia declared its plans to expand its military by more than fifteen percent to

37,000 soldiers following these events in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The end of July saw South Ossetia’s confirmation that they had indeed been setting up military fortifications in the conflict zone and acknowledged that this violated previous agreements. The conflict finally boiled over into what many are calling the 2008 South Ossetia War on August 7th, with a military attack by Georgia into South Ossetia. The aim of this article is not to delve into the war itself but merely explain the origins of the crisis and how it escalated from a skirmish to a war in only a handful of months. Russia has still ardently defended its position

as just throughout the conflict but, I, among with many Western nations, would beg to differ. What I see is a serious problem. Russia’s backing of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, in particular, is nothing more than its idea of a punishment for Georgia, for a number of reasons. Concretely, Russia is upset with Georgia’s yearning to join NATO, but ideologically, Russia is intrinsically opposed to Georgia’s developing democracy. Russia sees this as a threat, a common threat that may be appealing to other Eastern European nations in situations comparable to Georgia’s. Russia is simply flexing its muscle in a region they feel they should dominate, and they see this as a perfect opportunity to display their Eastern European supremacy. Hopefully the developing ‘war’ doesn’t turn out to be anything more than a brief battle of pride for Russia and its increasingly disturbing policies.

September 2008


Student Editorials

Media’s Impact on the ‘08 ElectionBy Tom CassidyPolitical Editor

For many years, news stations have taken a specific political spin

in their portrayal of political candidates, often attempting to link the legitimacy of their political policies to their personal and moral characteristics. Unfortunately, this trend has grown exponentially over the past few decades and has been playing an unprecedented role during the course of the current political race. Frankly, the coverage has, as a whole, been extremely one sided. However, people must not confuse the term one sided with biased, which, understandably, has been the media’s tone over the course of George Bush’s presidency. People who complain about the negative bias over he media’s coverage of George Bush’s political dealings fail to understand the simple marketing objectives over most news corporations. As the current Administration’s approval rating has fallen, so has the tone taken by many news organizations grown increasingly negative. With that being said, the only remaining question is: was the fall in approval ratings due to the declining popularity

over George Bush’s policies, or because of the media’s negative tone. One can’t help but suspect it has to do with the latter, since people are generally more prone to watching their favorite news station on television, and listening to what they say, rather than viewing the government’s proceedings first hand on CSPAN.

It is more than likely that Barack Obama’s presidential run has received more positive

coverage from news agencies than any other presidential campaign in history. His apparent overwhelming support can mainly be derived for from two main circumstances. Firstly, a high approval rating of a President after he has completed his second term is extremely rare. This has been especially true with the past two Presidents. Although George Bush did not directly lie to the American public about an extra marital affair as Bill Clinton did, which eventually brought temporary disgrace to himself and his political party, Bush, like his predecessor will leave office with a low approval

rating, and with a fair amount of controversy attached to his name. Like Barack Obama, George Bush offered relief in that his original campaign was based on the grounds of attempting to unite the two major political parties. Unfortunately, it seems as if Bush, with his unprecedented number of vetoes and his stance on many of the modern political issues has widened the gap between Democrats and Republicans.

Simply because Barack Obama is of a different political party than his predecessor gives him a distinct advantage, especially since George Bush, according to many Democrats, seems to be spending large amounts of the taxpayers money on the wrong things. What many of the Obama fans fail to realize, however, that based on his political standing, and his constant preaching of “change,” he will probably raise taxes for the upper class, and dramatically increase the spending bill.

The other likely reason for Obama’s extensive support on behalf of the American public is the positive media coverage. The

most clear instance to which one can point of the bias on behalf of the media’s coverage of the presidential race can be found within the New York Times. In mid July of 2008, Obama submitted an OpEd piece titled “My Plan for Iraq” which included criticism of McCain’ position. However, when McCain submitted his OpEd on Iraq, the New York Times rejected it. In my opinion this demonstrates clear media

bias on the part of the New York Times. With that being said, the media’s o v e r w h e l m i n g l y positive coverage in favor of Obama certainly accounts

for a hefty percentage of his support, and it was not until quite recently that McCain, who has actually been quietly climbing in the polls, has received notably less coverage. Hopefully Americans will soon begin to realize the utter ridiculousness of the media’s portrayal of the candidates in the upcoming election, and won’t base their opinions on what they see on CNN, or read in the New York Times. Hopefully people will focus on the issues and the attributes of the candidates since those are what matter. Instead of the race, age, or gender of the candidates.due to the declining popularity leave office with a low approval the positive media coverage. The

“Teachers” Continued2001. After Wick he went on to Middlebury College and then to Manhattanville for graduate school. He has taught at the Brunswick Middle School for the past two years and is going into his third year teaching. When asked about the difference between our Middle and Upper Schools, he said, “The Middle School focuses more on skill development and teaching students how to do the things that they will need to do in order to be successful students. In the Upper School I feel that students are starting to put those skills to use.” He has been casually following the 2008 elections and is looking forward to having a new president in January. He told me that his younger brother’s favorite bumper sticker reads, “Somebody else for President.” In keeping with that mindset, he plans on writing in his vote for either Jed Bartlett (Fictional President in the TV Series The West Wing) or Lee Jackson.

Mr. Hannigan says that the school has changed “quite a bit” since his time here as a student. Describing the changes, he said, “First of all, the access to technology that students and faculty have is tremendous. In terms of the physical buildings, there are more of them, and they are nicer. I was lucky enough to be able to play my senior year of hockey in Hartong Rink, but the turf field, Burke Fieldhouse, and the new weightroom have taken the facilities on King St. to a new level, one which was almost unimaginable when I was a student. I can only imagine that the renovations on Maher will be similarly successful.”

Mrs. Hoyos (Languages): Mrs. Hoyos is a native of Havana, Cuba and moved to Greenwich at the age of 1. After graduating from high school, Mrs. Hoyos continued her education at Georgetown University in Washington DC. When asked about her past occupations, Mrs.

Hoyos replied, “I have done many different things professionally over the years. I began with a career in finance where I worked for Manufacturers Hanover Trust which became Chemical Bank...which became Chase...which is now JP Morgan Chase... I then moved overseas to Argentina where I lived for 6 years and was on the board of the Special Olympics. I then moved to Venezuela for 4 years and then back here. Most recently, for the past 6 years, at the Stanwich School here in Greenwich I taught and developed the Spanish curriculum for 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th grades and ran the Modern Language dept. I have also been here at Brunswick for the past 4 years in the Lower School developing and teaching the Spanish curriculum for 3rd and 4th grades.” Mrs. Hoyos also is a former Brunswick parent. Her youngest son, Tommy Hoyos, graduated this past May. When

asked if being a Brunswick parent gives her a different perspective on teaching she said, “Being a former parent definitely gives me a unique perspective on teaching at Wick. As a parent, seeing the school from “the outside,” I always felt that Brunswick was a great place. My kids had such a great time, they were really happy, got a great education and made some solid friendships. When you see the school from the inside, you realize it’s even better in so many subtle ways. You see how great the students’ relationships are with faculty, administration and staff. It’s really a huge privilege to be a part of that, especially knowing how much my kids benefited from the experience they enjoyed. From my perspective, it’s important to make that positive experience happen for my students.”

Thank you to our two new faculty who graciously shared their thoughts and we hope that they enjoy their new roles in our Brunswick community.

Continued from Front Page

September 2008


Student Editorials

Presidential Elections:A Flip-Flop Too Many

By David BlumenthalStaff Writer

As the summer winds down, the Democratic nominee Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and

the Republican nominee John McCain (R-AZ) are locked in a tight battle for the presidency that has raged on since the early months of 2007. This year’s race is expected to be even nastier than in past years. But a critical element is missing from this campaign that was clearly present in the 2004 election – One that pitted Sen. John F. Kerry against President George W. Bush: the “flip flop.” These allegations (or lack thereof) took place continuously throughout the 2004 campaign. The memorable “Windsurfing” ad showing Kerry switching sides on his trusty windsurfer at remarkable speed, sought to highlight the candidate’s indecisiveness and his inability to be commander-in-chief.

Bush’s supporters seized upon this misstep and never looked back. Soon, the entire nation was caught up in the craze. “Flip flops” were clearly the footwear of choice for Republican supporters that year. The Republican National Convention famously featured thousands of the faithful energetically screaming, “Flip-Flop, Flip-Flop,” while waving the sandals that were meant to metaphorically represent Kerry’s various positions. Kerry attempted to remove the label, but the Superglue of media attention kept it firmly in place – at least until Election Day. Meanwhile, as ardent Democrats and Republicans approach Election 2008, they find themselves faced with not just one, but two candidates who have flip-flopped on issues. One focus of Senator McCain’s campaign (and of Congressional Republicans as well) so far has been the issue of offshore drilling. The Senator believes it is time for us to harness some good ol’ American energy, theoretically lowering the price of gas and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. The only problem is that’s the opposite of the position that he once held during the 2000 election while squaring off with then-Texas-Governor George

W. Bush in the Republican primaries. One would think that McCain would be charged with windsurfing his way to political infamy. Ironically, that is exactly the opposite of the present situation. McCain is hailed as an “evolving” candidate, and the position

change seems to further accentuate his status as a maverick. Conveniently, according to Rasmussen Reports, 61% of those polled said they approved of using offshore drilling as a means of stemming our present energy crisis. Other attempts by McCain to give a boost to his previously flagging numbers have been labeled as flip-flops, as well. While guiding the “Straight Talk Express” during the 2008 primaries Sen. John McCain turned his position on the Bush tax cuts inside out. After

voting against returning $3 trillion to the pocket of a number of America’s wealthiest citizens, McCain now says he would make such measures permanent. After Columbine, he called for more gun control. After Virginia Tech, he doubted whether gun control was necessary. After cosponsoring a bill that would make it easier for illegal aliens to become permanent citizens of the United States, he now says he would have voted against the

same bill that he, himself, proposed! The Straight Talk Express is

not the only one that could use a little navigation assistance. Sen. Barack Obama has inspired thousands of formerly politically apathetic voters to come to the polls this November,

but his rallying cry of “Change” could also stand for his positions. Obama decided in mid-June not to accept public financing after clearly stating that he would do so early in the campaign. At Senator Obama’s “flip-flop,” Republicans around the nation cried “foul,” cursing the vices that lead a candidate to return $84 million of taxpayers’ money to the US Treasury in such a manner. Senator Obama has also drawn the ire of many liberal voters in his appeals to independents. After the

US Supreme Court’s ruling on the DC handgun law that declared such a law unconstitutional, Obama spoke at a press conference and intermittently praised the ruling. However, his record speaks differently. He has received an “F” rating from the NRA and has consistently voted in favor of gun control laws. And after staunchly opposing the measure for the vast majority of the presidential campaign and compiling an impressive pro-

environment record in the United States Senate, Sen. Obama now says he could support “limited” offshore drilling. So, what is the point of holding positions in the first place? As both candidates attempt to appeal to the basees of their parties, independent

voters, and public mood all at once, they manage to confuse the voters, the press, and themselves. Interestingly, though, the specific strategy of waffling on the issues has been quite effective this election year. After announcing his support for “limited” offshore drilling on Aug. 1, Obama managed to open up a 2 point lead on Sen. McCain in a national Presidential Tracking Poll, according to Rasmussen Reports. However, this pales when compared to the loss of the 8 point lead that Obama

had held in early June, before Arizona Senator turned his own position on offshore drilling upside down. McCain’s flip-flop actually allowed him to bring more attention to the issue than any consistent position would have done. This “newly evolved” position has made the race closer and more competitive in what was supposed to be a runaway year for Democrats.

For a political purist, consistent inconsistencies can make the whole election process slightly nauseating.

Politics is intended to be a showcase of a candidates convictions and those of the American people. When candidates “flip-flop” or alter their ethics for political gain, they lose prestige and respect. In addition, they lose credibility and accountability. The presumption that American voters should have to keep pace with such adjustments is laughable. A candidate

should have the judgment to make a decision on an issue and stick with it, unless the situation alters so drastically that his or her original position is no longer realistic. This exception does not include a change in the wind or a change in the polls. Abraham Lincoln once said, “Important principles may, and must be, inflexible.” Our current candidates would be well advised to “re-evolve” into this position.

September 2008


Student Editorials

The Slipping Standards of HollywoodBy Pat DoyleStaff Writer

Chances are, if you’ve recently seen any movie within the past few years,

you’ve happened to pass by one of the more ever common “spoof movies.” Stuff like “Date Movie,” “Epic Movie,” or “Meet the Spartans.” And if you have way too much money and time on your hands, chances are, you’ve actually gone into one of these movies. And if you did go and see one of these films, there is a very good chance that you probably felt like you had been cheated out of ten dollars. And finally, if you went and saw another one, you probably experienced a very strong feeling of déjà vu. That’s because the same pair of guys, Aaron Seltzer, and Jason Friedberg direct every one of these movies. Yet more important than the fact that the movies share three very common traits. They use the actual jokes from the movies that they do spoof, they all make fun of the same pop icons, and they are not funny.

I’m actually extremely curious as to how these movies get produced and why people go see them. Out of the few movies from these directors that I’ve seen, most

have no fewer than two or three Michael Jackson jokes. More importantly than that, it’s been the same Michael Jackson joke each time! “Oh haha! Michael Jackson has a funny nose! Look at him dance! Oops, a questionable relationship with young children, that is HILARIOUS.” An extremely similar case is that of Paris Hilton. Every single one of these movies has a long series of Paris Hilton jokes. I just checked Wikipedia. The Paris Hilton sex scandal occurred in 2004. Now, a full four years later, only two people are still making jokes about it: Aaron Seltzer and Jason Friedberg. Yet more pressing than their using outdated pop humor is the way that they use it. It’s completely non-sequitur humor, on which they merely show some famous icon’s face to make it seem funny. But it still really ISN’T. Nearly all of the films have extremely low rating from all around the country, and Meet the Spartans has a two percent approval rating on Rottentomatoes.com, a website which gathers reviews from all around the country. But even though these movies have been globally bashed, they are

still made on an annual basis, and people still go see them.

The somewhat impressive amount of money that these viewers bring in tells a lot about the intelligence of the average movie connoisseur, and the fact that they keep getting made tells a lot as to what the directors think of the average movie goer. As if Seltzer and Friedberg were not enough, rumor has it that one of the most famous directors of all time is jumping on the stupid movie bandwagon. Steven Spielberg, of Jaws, ET, and Jurassic Park fame, is apparently working on a sequel to the somewhat floundering Jurassic Park franchise. Rumor has it that the plot is as follows.

Dinosaurs begin to attack the United States of America. To stop the prehistoric threat, scientists genetically engineer a set of Raptors to fight back. Led by an ex soldier, they single-handedly aspire to destroy the dinosaur threat. But here’s the twist: these dinosaurs have guns.

As if the razor-toothed monster that is a raptor is not scary enough, they plan on giving him an M-16. Oh, fantastic. That is single-handedly the most stupid thing I

have ever heard. Dinosaurs are already really scary, Mr. Spielberg. Giving them guns is like giving King-Kong a rocket launcher. It feels somewhat unnecessary. This is coming from the mind of the same man who brought us completely magical, immersive movies. Now he’s showing us a raptor with a rifle. Faaaan-tastic. I’m curious, what’s the twist at the end of the movie? Do the raptors kill all the other dinosaurs, and then turn on their master, revealing that they have eight nuclear bombs pointed at America? Perhaps.. the dinosaurs are… terrorists?!

The fact that movies like this are made is truly an attack on the wonderful medium of film. Instead of creating thought provoking pieces which stimulate scintillating conversation, directors have decided to churn out used Paris Hilton jokes and dinosaurs with guns. I would say that Hollywood is on a downward slope, but to be honest, I can’t really see it getting much worse than that. So I beg of you all, please, whatever you do, do NOT go see these spoof movies, and if Jurassic Park IV really is released, stay away. I know that dinosaurs packing heat may seem awesome, but please stay away.awesome, but please stay away.

“Construction” ContinuedContinued from Front PageBecause it is all in the same building, it will just feed off itself.” The gleaming Baker Theater is incontrovertibly the gem and beloved baby of the arts department and will be for decades to come. Mr. Raaen enthusiastically remarked, “The first time I saw it in its completion, the word that came to mind was breathtaking.” The 410-seat auditorium features a space-age lighting system, a sliding glass door that opens to an outdoor courtyard, and a very extensive costume collection. Drama teacher and theatrical director Seth Potter noted that the theater will allow for “student productions, playwriting, film, improv clubs, wild puppetry, readers’ theater, mask making, small musicals, huge productions, [and] visiting acting troupes” to be enjoyed by the Brunswick community. The original seed of the costume collection was acquired from Act II, a thrift shop at Second Congregational Church in Greenwich, while the bulk of the collection was purchased from the Paper Mill Theater in

Edison, New Jersey, which recently liquidated its costume warehouse. Mr. Alexander Constantine, musical director of theatrical productions and choral conductor, said, “We managed to accumulate an extraordinary

inventory that includes vintage costumes, military outfits, hats, an enormous collection of shoes, period pieces, formal wear and on and on.” Mrs. Abby Redmond will supervise the costume shop. The tech booth can only be described as sensational. Mr.

Kirsch elaborated: “Imagine what it might feel like to be ‘inside’ a video arcade machine. You are completely surrounded by these tiny LED lights that can change color and create patterns via computer control. I felt

like Pac Man when the lights came on and wanted to climb the walls to eat all the pellets.” In fact, this fall Brunswick is offering its first-ever course in theater tech, which will be taught by Mr. Matthew Kirby-Smith. During the next few months, Brunswick audiences can look

forward to an innovative event devoted to “The History of Rock and Roll,” as well as alumni performances on Homecoming weekend highlighted by violinist Michael Szeto ’06 and a reunion of Mahertian a cappella singers. So what’s the catch? There is none. With the opening of this academic year, Brunswick students will have full-time access to their very own exceptional arts facilities, termed by Mr. Constantine “a dream come true.” But apparently that is not all that matters. Mr. Potter observed, “The students are always the most exciting thing in any space at this school.” With a note of properly placed pride, Mr. Hall added, “Facilities are facilities. We’ve got great programming already. We’ve got great students already signed up. We’ve got great faculty already in place!”

It seems that nobody can contain the joy now that the long-anticipated arts center has finally arrived. In Mr. Hall’s words, “Wait until you see inside. It’s going to blow you away!”

September 2008


Student Editorials

The Drug War Continues In BoliviaBy Chris BaldockStaff Writer

With the eye of the American public turned towards the Iraq War,

the economy, and the upcoming presidential election, the drug war in Latin America has received very little press. However, it is a topic that deserves attention as yet another issue facing America. One of the countries in which America has cracked down is the landlocked nation of Bolivia. This Andean nation is one of the leading growers of coca, the raw material for cocaine production. As a result, it has been the target of American narcotics eradication efforts. Despite millions of dollars in funding, the American drug war in Bolivia has largely been a failure. Between 2003 and 2006, coca production in Bolivia actually increased from 23,600 hectares to 27,500 hectares. This change does not account for the fact that thousands of hectares of coca crop were eradicated, leaving many cocaleros (coca farmers) without a way of making a living. The U.S. has a program called USAID to provide alternatives for these cocaleros, and with USAID’s assistance many Bolivians have new crops that provide enough money to make a living. However, USAID has not kept up with the eradication efforts, leaving families in poverty. It is difficult to praise

American drug eradication efforts in Bolivia; the negatives associated with our intervention in Bolivia far outweigh the positives. It is not in our interest to have a presence in Bolivia. That’s not to say that drug eradication isn’t a worthy cause, but the fact is that America’s

efforts are not making a noticeable difference in drug production. Even if cocaine production has decreased slightly in Bolivia, the growth of cocaine in neighboring countries such as Peru and Brazil has more than filled the gap. It is bad enough that our eradication efforts are fairly ineffective, but even worse that America’s image suffers because of the drug eradication efforts in Bolivia. Most Bolivians do not

agree with the coca eradication. Besides being an important source of money for many in this poor country, coca is widely used for traditional purposes. It is the important part of traditional ceremonies and is commonly chewed as a remedy for exhaustion,

hunger, and altitude sickness. One of the opponents of American coca eradication is President Evo Morales, himself an ex-cocalero. His policy is one of “zero cocaine, but not zero coca.” He supports coca growth for traditional purposes and has even pushed for the industrialization of coca. The situation in Bolivia is difficult because many Bolivians, including Morales, resent America’s involvement in Bolivian

affairs. They want to control their country and consider America’s drug war to be imperialistic, but they cannot do anything because much needed American aid to Bolivia comes with the stipulation that coca eradication be continued. As the Bolivians have grown more resentful of the Americans they have grown closer to their neighbors, including Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez. Venezuela has provided large amounts of financial aid and has proved itself an ally to Bolivia. Given the current state of relations with Chavez, the friendship between Bolivia and Venezuela is troubling to the U.S. The fact is that the U.S. is to blame for the situation. America sought to expand its influence in Bolivia and used its economic advantages to force the Bolivians into supporting America’s agenda. It is a textbook example of American imperialism gone wrong again. The drug war in Bolivia has been a failure; cocaine production in the Andean region has not been reduced, and as a result of America’s imperialist insistence on coca eradication, there has grown a closer tie between Bolivia’s fragile democracy and American-critic Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. It is time to take notice of events in Latin America and the troubles this country much closer to home could pose for America.

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September 2008


By Scott MatthewsCo-Editor-In-Chief

All too often we settle for less when we should be calling for more. I find myself confused after I read the breaking news

this morning that Democratic Presidential Candidate Senator Barrack Obama has picked Senator Joe Biden of Delaware to be his running mate. I still consider myself a Republican yet I will cross party lines this November to vote for the Senator from Illinois but I’m so disappointed in his selection for Vice President.

First, I don’t understand

why Obama would choose a senator from Delaware. True, Senator Biden has been a legislator for about 100 years and serves as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, but he seems to be more of the old brand of politics that Obama vowed

to transcend. One of the major reasons that he attracts young voters is because he promises a new brand of bi-partisan politics. He represents the next generation, the youth of America. (By the way

since he declared his candidacy, over 4 million youth voters have registered to vote, and the number is steadily rising.) This is one of the major reasons why he was able to knock off Senator Hillary Clinton in the primaries. She and her Ex-President husband Bill embodied the old political establishment. But that’s not the point. Moreover, Delaware

has a whooping 3 electoral votes while he rejected Vice Presiential candidates from Indiana and Virginia who could bring along 11 and 13 electoral votes respectively.

Next, I want to defend Virginia Governor Tim Kaine and Indiana Senator Evan Bayh. Kaine

would represent more of Obama’s promise of change and new blood in Washington DC. Kaine recently turned 50 and has worked his way through Virginia’s political landscape. Kaine, who started as a Richmond City Councilman, then becoming the Mayor of Richmond, then was elected to be the 38th Lieutennant Governor, is now the

70th Governor of Virginia. Virginia of course is a major battle ground state that Senator Obama hopes to steal from the Republicans. Kaine has guided the State of Virginia through a great period of growth and is extremely popular there. A Kaine VP choice would put Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain in a tight spot because he would have to campaign hard in a battle ground state traditionally held by the Republicans.

Senator Evan Bayh is not the third youngest Senator like

Obama is but is still towards the bottom at 53. He was the Secretary of State of Indiana when he began his political career in 1987. Two years later he became the 46th Governor of Indiana and then in 1999 he became the state’s Junior Senator. He, like

Kaine and Obama, is young and able. He represents the bridge between elected officials of the next generation and the officials from the previous generation.

More and more often, political decisions are made depending on the amount of risk, and unfortunately by how the public and media would perceive

the decision. In this case, Obama sold out the youth constituency by selecting a running mate who was practically born in a committee hearing. Just as the youth of America are getting ready to make a real impact on the election and vote as a huge block for Obama, the selection of Senator Biden will turn many away. Biden is too old, too seasoned in professional politics, and most importantly represents the old partisan political system of the past decades. True, Biden covers Obama’s weakness

in foreign policy but that is what hiring a good Secretary of State is all about. I was ready to embrace the idea of two young dynamic politicians who SHARE a vision for America, to lead this country for the next four to eight years. I guess I will have to wait.

Biden: The Bomb or Bust?

September 2008

Student Editorials

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