Maspeth Messenger May 2016 Edition

Maspeth
Messenger

 

Volume II Issue IV Maspeth High School June 2016

New Technology at maspeth
By Victoria Panata
The 2015-2016 school year at Other potential purposes include using the

Maspeth High School has brought about a TVs as a way to broadcast announcements,

significant shift towards technology both and possibly fundraise money to showcase

in and out of the classroom. Student gov- art – where pictures of students’ art would

ernment, broken up into different councils be placed on the TV – and announce upcom-

according to grade, is responsible for the ing games and events, weather, and other

technological shift at MHS, proposing MHS-related news.

things like televisions, chromebooks, tab- While the freshman council proposed

lets, and iPads. the TV’s, the sophomore council proposed

These proposals were first present- the chromebooks and tablets. Initially many

ed to the principal; after initially presented, students and teachers used the laptop carts

the proposal went to the Student Lead- and this left other students without the tech-

ership Team, SLT, where a meeting con- nology necessary to complete in-class work

sisting of the principal, parents, students, into the school after about two months. The and assignments. So, with the introduction of
the chromebooks, a lot more students have
and teachers discussed the proposal at access to laptops and are able to work more
hand. This process reflects how the televisions, reasoning behind the televisions, placed around efficiently.
chromebooks and tablets at MHS were able to the cafeteria, was centered on entertainment; The new technology will ultimately
go from ideas to tangible, useful tools in the students, while interacting with their peers, help both students and staff achieve greater
would be able to also find other sources of academic success at Maspeth High School.
classroom.
In February, by the freshman council, entertainment – the possible uses for the televi-
the televisions were ordered and then brought sions don’t end there.
Maspeth Travels East
By Diana Beninati

After an almost day-long flight two of Maspeth’s brightest and Maspeth students have a fondness for basketball, there are some
teachers touched down in China ready for a learning experience that differences between our school environments.
they would never forget. Our very own Ms. Bitis and Ms. Quimi visit- “There are a lot of similarities, especially in terms of the values we
ed Hangzhou Foreign Language School in Hangzhou, China this past hold,” Ms. Quimi said. “It’s very rigorous. It differs greatly though
April to continue the teacher exchange program that has been estab- because it is a boarding school. Students really do spend the major-
lished between the schools. Both Ms. Bitis and Ms. Quimi stayed in ity of their day studying in an actual classroom setting. Students are
Hangzhou and were able to observe classes, teach classes, and mingle expected to go through class from 8 to 4:30… and then from 6-8, they
with students and staff at the school. have to go into a classroom and do their homework.”
“The first week we had to
observe English language class- Maspeth students do not
rooms,” said Ms. Quimi. “And have to worry about that sort of
then the next two weeks were schedule appearing here any-
full of planning lessons.” time soon, but Ms. Bitis and Ms.
The school, which houses Quimi did bring some knowledge
students in grades 7-12, spe- back with them.
cializes in teaching the English “I think I learned that stu-
language, much like Maspeth dents, regardless of where they
specializes in teaching Mandarin come from, always have a desire
and Latin. to learn,” Ms. Quimi reflected.
“It was a lot of teaching, a “You just need to find what it is
lot of observing… and interact- that they want to learn and make
ing with the students a lot,” Ms. it happen for them.”
Quimi continued. Concerning what she
The Hangzhou Foreign Language school is a boarding school, brought back to Maspeth with
and so Ms. Bitis and Ms. Quimi always had an opportunity to interact her, Ms. Quimi said, “Something that I took away was every culture
with students outside of classes. has something so important that can be relayed into the classroom,
“Ms. Bitis was actually a little bit of a celebrity there because and it’s really important to respect every culture.”
they love to play basketball, and they would want to find her a lot and This trip proved to be educational to both Maspeth teachers
play basketball!” Ms. Quimi reflected. and Hangzhou students. Hopefully our exchange program continues
The Hangzhou students made our teachers feel right at home next year, and even more of our staff gets the chance to visit Hang-
while they were 7,000 miles away. While it’s true that both Hangzhou zhou Foreign Language School in years to come.

Page 1

MHS In Review


  Choir Sheds Light on MHS
by Anda Stafa
Classic Cabaret

by Zabia Choudhury

It’s the dawn of the to pounce on the audience, With bright vocal performances by Maspeth High School’s chorus students,
1930’s. The Nazi party is surprising everyone. MHS’s choral department presented its 2nd Annual Spring Concert, directed by cho-
growing stronger, and Mas- When asked if it was rus teacher Mr. Wichman, on May 13 at 7 p.m. The choral concert, Into the Light,
peth High School depicts this hard for her to get into char- featured performances from MHS’s A Capella group, the ArgoNotes, the 9th grade
era on its theater stage with a acter, she replied with, “Sur- choir, and the 10th-11th grade choir. The ArgoNotes set the hopeful and cheer-
versatile cast, in its production prisingly, no. I adored the ful tone of the concert by singing Evanescence’s “Bring Me to Life”, The Beat-
of Cabaret, performed at the show when I watched it last les’“Here Comes the Sun”, Matisyahu’s “One Day”, and the Newsies song “Seize
end of March and early April. year on Broadway, and Alan the Day,” written by Alan Menken. Afterwards, the 9th grade choir – accompanied
Cabaret brings us to The Kit Cummings’ performance by pianist Greg Matteson – performed “The Sun and the Stars Are Mine”, “Ave
Kat Klub - a seedy caba- stuck with me. Knowing how Maria”, “Closer to the Flame”, “Somewhere” from West Side Story, and “Yonder
ret,and a place of decadent he did it was, undoubtedly, a Come Day.” Those sweet vocal performances, along with an untimely, yet quite
celebration. The Klub’s host, big help when it came to my funny, accidental emergency alarm set-off, were then followed by the 10th-12th
or Emcee, and the cabaret’s own preparation for the role. grade choir’s performances of “Christe Qui Lux Es Et Dies”, “Sweet Day”, “Out of
girls and waiters, warm up the Even though getting a hang the Morning”, and “Amazing Grace.” The final song of the concert, “True Light”,
audience as a young American of the German accent was the was performed by both combined choirs and soloist Olivia Zurobski, and ended the
author, Cliff Bradshaw, arrives most difficult part of prepar- annual event on an incredibly upbeat note.
in Berlin. He’s offered a room ing, I caught on pretty quick
in a boarding house, he’s in- and it truly allowed me to get Maspeth Seniors Orchestrate Final Performance
troduced to the Kit Kat Club, into character. It felt easier
he finds love, and he unveils to become someone like the by Zabia Choudhury
the true horror of the growing Emcee when I had an accent
Nazi party. to lead me through all of the On Thursday, May 19, Maspeth High School held its annual Spring Concert.
The cast, through the strangeness of the extremely Mr. DiMeglio, through his hard work and perseverance, gathered up the freshmen,
performances of “Don’t Tell fun role.” sophomores, juniors, and seniors to create a phenomenal performance. With songs
Mama”, “Money,” and “Mein The live music, provid- from Disney classics to classical music, the orchestra of MHS reached its greatest
Herr”, portrays the love story ed by a professional band, also potential.
of Clifford - Raymond Lostrit- helped set the tone of the play. But there was something extraordinary and different about this performance.
to - and Sally - Gabriela Melo They didn’t play too loudly to Mr. DiMeglio was saying goodbye to his graduating seniors, the ones who have been
- as they struggle through the point where the audience with him for four years, and he made a tear-jerking speech, stirring the emotions of
the hate of the Nazi party couldn’t hear the Kit Kat Girls all the audience members. He created special bonds with each of his students, and
and each other. The Emcee, when they had to sing a bal- letting the seniors go has proved to be difficult for him.
a flamboyant gender neutral lad. The Kit Kat girls were in The seniors were sad to let go too. They didn’t want to leave the place that
gal, - Anda Stafa - was the sync. Overall, the show was taught them how to perform, and how to play a classical instrument. They didn’t
host of the play, narrating the amazing. want to leave their favorite conductor and music teacher. When asked how their per-
scenes with witty and gaudy formance was overall, Raphin Shapon of the senior class answered, “I think that as
comments. The Emcee was seniors we went out with a bang. It was a very heartfelt moment when Mr. DiMeglio
leering, eccentric, and ready told the seniors that he’d miss them and he cherished every moment with them. He
gave me a reason to come back next year.”
The orchestra performance was incredible. It made everyone realize that mu-
sic is not just for the ears but for the heart and soul.

The Maspeth Messenger
The Official Student Newspaper of Maspeth High School

54-40 74th Street
Maspeth, NY 11373

(718) 803 - 7100
[email protected]

EDITORIAL BOARD

 

Editors: Staff Writers: Advisor:
Ethan Cardona
News: Victoria Panata Diana Beninati Matthew Coleman
Sports & Entertainment: Anda Stafa The Salty Gamer
Features: Zabia Choudhury Kristen Dougherty
Iasonas Kalogeropoulos

Page 2

Opinion/News


 

Racism: A Modern Perspective
By Anonymous

If one was asked to define racism he/she would most likely stories in the news about black or Hispanic individuals who have

give an answer that mostly describes a type of violent racism that been unfairly persecuted by police officers. Many of these situations

existed in the United States prior to the Civil Rights Movement in could have been prevented if not for misconceptions about race and

the mid-20th century. However, racism has taken on different mean- ethnicity. No matter what skin color one is or what ethnicity one

ings over the last several decades, and it is this wide-ranging defi- is, we should all be treated fairly. We should look at each other as

nition that provides much confusion when one thinks about the true equals.

definition of a diverse term. However, there are plenty of situations in our society that

Today, in a largely metropolitan, diverse society, racism is might be viewed as fitting under the umbrella of racism, but are, in

not fully evident on a day-to-day basis. That said, one would be all reality, not driven by racism. There was a huge boycott during

hard-pressed to find evidence that suggests that all of the evils that this past Oscar Awards that the nominees for every award were all

have latched on to racism have been cured, even in a community white and how this was racist. Some movies are better than other

like that of Maspeth where we are lucky to live among a large array movies, and some actors play better roles than other actors, and

of people. The definition of racism and all that is encompassed by racism shouldn’t be used as an excuse for this reality. For example,

this ever-broad definition is transforming and this article will pro- let’s look at the Rotten Tomatoes’ rating for two movies that were

vide a modern perspective on the change of the term. brought up as racial discrimination: Concussion with Will Smith, a

Currently, people have a hard time differentiating between race and black actor, and The Revenant with Leonardo DiCaprio, a white ac-

ethnicity. For some reason, people think that one has to be a certain tor. According to RottenTomatoes.com, Concussion had a rating of

color to be that race. People often incorrectly believe that one’s skin 62% and The Revenant had a rating of 82%. I watched both movies

color must match one’s ethnicity. Just because one is white or black and made a completely un-prejudicial decision that DiCaprio was

does not determine if he/she is European, Hispanic, or African. better in his movie than Will Smith was in his movie. I didn’t even

That’s not necessarily the case. One can be white and Hispanic, or think about race until it was brought up as part of the Oscars boy-

be black and Italian. There are so many different possibilities; why cott. Sometimes, story lines just play out better than others. It’s not

should people be stereotyped. According to Dalton Con from PBS. a racial issue, it’s a writing issue. Though I do believe that Smith

org, “You can only have one race, while you can claim multiple could have received some kind of nomination, I don’t believe that

ethnic affiliations,” meaning that race doesn’t define specifically racism was the reason why he did not receive a nomination.

what ethnicity one is. Race is the color of one’s skin, while ethnicity Racism today is a multifaceted term and although it is still

is one’s cultural background. They are entirely two different things an important issue it requires more careful attention and less reck-

but since they have such a close tie with each other, it’s understand- less disregard. While the definition will almost certainly continue to

able why society creates a racial stereotype. Racism today isn’t transform over time, it is up to people to address racism and educate

always blatant hate; it can just be a habitual misunderstanding. This ourselves about what constitutes as racism and not jump to unfair

misunderstanding, though, is not always innocuous like the situa- conclusions.

tion above; in some cases, although certainly controversial, these

judgements can lead to violence. There have been more and more

MHS Thespians Cross the Pond
By Kristen Dougherty

During Spring Break while most of us caught up on sleep or ticipate in a workshop “where they became oompa loompas.” Be-
completed our Spring break assignments, Mr. Young and Mr. Houg- sides Charlie and the Chocolate factory, students also saw the shows
land took a group of Maspeth students on a theatrical-based journey “Doctor Faustus” and “Wicked.”
to London, England. The study of the culture, history, and thespian art of London
One of the goals of the trip was to study where Shakespeare helped the students and teachers to vastly expand their knowledge
lived and wrote. Thespians participat-
ed in workshops at the Globe Theatre, of theater, and gain a heightened and
which is a recreation of Shakespeare’s well-rounded understanding of the
Globe Theater, and visited Stratford origins of British theater. Those in
upon Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace. attendance made beautiful memories
In addition to the plentiful theatrical for a lifetime and formed bonds that
sites, the group also visited the classic will not be broken.
sites of London such as the London If you missed this trip, don’t wor-
Eye, House of Parliament, Big Ben, ry. Looking into the future, there are
and others. talks of an Arts Department trip in
When asked what the funniest 2017 and a Theater trip to Russia in
moment of the trip was, Mr. Young, 2018. Keep your ears and eyes open.
the trip director, explained that the If you are interested in hearing more
students were going to a “production about the trip, feel free to talk to
of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which is a musical that’s going either of our Theater teachers or any
to be on Broadway next year” and they had the opportunity to par- of your fellow students that went on the trip.

Page 3

Features/News


 
MHS Book
A Piece of BALI
by Anda Stafa Drive
On April 22, MHS Senior, Leonela Q: You've been accepted to a wonderful
By Victoria Panata
Tutasig, helped plan a B-Day during where she college. Congratulations! How would you say
Maspeth High School’s National Honor
and representatives from an organization she has BALI has helped in achieving that specific Society, NHS, began the school year with high
hopes and determination; their efforts were
participated greatly with in the past led pow- success and may help while you're at Cornell? placed towards a book drive that would raise
funds to build a library in Ghana.
erful presentations on what feminism truly is. A: Without the Bella Abzug Leadership Insti- According to advisor Ms. Polson, NHS,
as a community service organization, wanted
The organization, the Bella Abzug Leadership tute, I don’t think I would be attending Cornell to create a “big service project” and felt that,
“we have important goals of community ser-
Insitute (BALI), serves young women that are in this fall. Although I always wanted to attend a vice, academic rigor, and dedication to educa-
tion and leadership. So, with the book drive we
high school and college, focusing on spreading prestigious college, I would not have been able encompassed all of these ideas.”
NHS was aware of how national book
awareness of gender inequalities and serving to do so without putting myself out there in high drives weren’t as successful as international
ones, so the club contacted the African Library
to empower young women to become leaders school - and that required time management and Project and got in touch with Laura Hill - the
director of the Ghana facility - and signed up.
who pursue their dreams. Leonela’s passion for confidence. BALI gave me the confidence that I The group encompassed all of their core val-
ues and began planning for the project in early
advocating for gender equality and women’s needed to join and run for student government, October.
The goal was to collect 1,000 books and
empowerment is admirable, so I decided to ask as well as introducing the club Best Buddies to $500 in shipping expenses. With 35 students in
NHS, the club strategically organized its mem-
Leonela all about BALI - not mistaken with the MHS. BALI gave me time management skills I bers in order to effectively begin the fundrais-
ing towards this service project; a committee
Indonesian island. needed to balance the academics and extracurric- in each grade was created to delegate people to
raise money through bake sales and donations;
ular activities that I believe impressed Cornell. other students participated in gift wrapping
books at Barnes and Nobles for donations for
Q: As most MHS students know, you recently Although Cornell is more intensive in academ- the book drive, and a GoFundMe account was
created.
organized a B-Day to allow BALI advocates ics, I believe time management and confidence The club’s determination and efforts
turned heads in the Maspeth community, and
a chance to speak to everyone in the school will help me adapt to changes, and, through the club began to hear back from news report-
ers from the Ridgewood Times and New York
about the organization and what it stands for. practice, I will be able to find a balance between One. The publicity only served to strengthen
the club’s efforts, resulting in the broadcast-
In your own words, what is the organization academics and extracurriculars. ing of MHS students, Anda Stafa and Melissa
Alonso, to discuss the club’s outreach project
and its main purpose? and shed light on the conditions of people
around the globe, particularly in Ghana.
A: The organization focuses on empowering Q: Do you see yourself continuing to be an In only its third year of establishment,
NHS has managed to accomplish extraordi-
young women in order to help them face the advocate for feminism, either through BALI nary achievements; so, what’s next for the
club? Ms. Polson says they plan to “continue
status quo. In a world where there is gender or in other ways? to do other book drives and create libraries in
other countries, but in the future, we’d like to
inequality and lack of security for women, the A: I definitely see myself continuing to advocate start a service program. We would send books
and then go to the schools to help, which re-
organization tells young women that they are for feminism through a partnership with BALI quires a lot of fundraising.”

worth more than their pretty dresses and shoes. as well as organizations in Cornell.

BALI helps young women grow as leaders and

individuals. Q: So, what does feminism personally mean

to you?

Q: How have you been involved with BALI in A: Feminism, to me, is a necessity. Feminism

the past? tells the world that both man and woman are of

A: In the summer of 2013, I was an alumna of equal value. You hear the critical issues women

the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, and, in face all over the world such as sex trafficking,

the summer of 2015, I returned to BALI as an domestic violence, rape, unequal pay, and lack

intern. of education. And, all this, is due to inequality.

Once you tell a

man or wom-

an that one is

less valuable

than the other,

you are putting

them at risk of

disrespect that

may lead to

issues we see

today. What I

want everyone

to know is that

feminism is not

only for wom-

en, men need feminism too.

Q: What do you think is the most important

thing you learned throughout your associa- Q: I remember seeing you eagerly give out

tion with the organization? contact information at the end of the presen-

A: The most important thing that I learned from tations you organized. You're very passionate

BALI was individual growth. It meant growing about this! What would you like to say to

to love yourself and to believe in yourself, as any MHS students that may be interested in

cliche as it sounds. Honestly, after seeing many becoming a part of BALI and sharing your

entrepreneurs and successful women who came experience?

to speak at the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, A: I recommend checking out BALI’s website

I realized that they would not have been able to for more information whether they want to be

achieve their goals if they did not love them- alumni or interns. The website is www.abzugin-

selves or believed in themselves to pursue such stitute.org.

journeys.

Page 4

Features/Entertainment


 

The Fantastic Mr.Fox
by Zabia Choudhury

Mr. Fox, the A: When I was in high school, I needed an outlet. Sports weren’t my thing
energetic, cooky, - they still aren’t - but music was and always has been.
and enthusias-
tic new math Q: If the opportunity presented itself, would you pursue a career in
teacher has music and leave teaching?
entered Maspeth
High School. A: I’ve done well for myself in the music industry and that was the closest
He’s the advisor thing to an identity, next to teaching. I will never give this up but it’s not
of Band Club, something I want to take any further.
starts singing
out of the blue Q: So, where did the Great Mr. Fox grow up?
during class, and
has had many A: Valley Stream, Long Island.
adventures in
his life. It was a Q: How did you wind up here?
pleasure getting
to know him A: I studied at Queens College, however, I did my undergraduate in Vil-
through an inter- lanova. I also studied in Melbourne, Australia and took classes in Stony
view. Brook and City College, but I did the majority of my math classes in
Queens College.
Q: Now that you’ve been here for nine months, how’s your experience
at MHS been? Q: So, people have told me you used to work on Wall Street, but you
left. Why did you not like Wall Street?
A: It’s been great! I’ve been having a lot of fun and I think one of my stu-
dents quoted me saying “Mr. Fox, you have so much fun while teaching”. A: It wasn’t for me. I worked in a large investment bank and not to sound
It’s been emotionally and physically draining, but I love it. boring but it wasn’t a good fit for my personality at all. It was extremely,
entirely boring.
Q: What do you love about MHS?
Q: If I were to go to a friend of yours, how would they describe Ryan
A: The sense of community - the teachers, and administrators are incredi- Fox?
bly supportive, and everybody has been patient, empathetic, and helpful.
A: Caring, empathetic, kind-hearted, nice. I don’t know; I’m a little bit
Q: Because you’ve been here for almost a year, you’ve gotten to know crazy and I hope I’m funny.
the students of MHS. What are your thoughts on the student environ-
ment here at MHS? Q: If you had one superpower, what would it be? And why?

A: The best part is the clubs. Students never go home; they probably live A: Time travel because I want to come up with a better answer for this
here. Honestly, the students are pretty amazing. question *laughs*.

Q: As I’ve heard, teaching wasn’t your first career option. What made Q: What experience should your future students expect?
you want to be a teacher?
A: They’ll know IF they get here.
A: It turns out, teaching doesn’t feel like a job; it feels like an identity.
Jobs interrupt my life, but this is a part of me and it’s nice that I found Q: For the seniors who are leaving, what would you tell them?
teaching. Teaching is my identity.
A: The thought of you guys leaving makes me sad, but I’d tell them to al-
Q: You’re the club advisor of Band Club and play the guitar really ways have good intentions. Find something you love doing and find a way
well. What inspired you to become a musician? to make money out of it. Learn to have deep friendships. Take care of your
teeth and always buy a car at the end of the month.

Captain America Civil War: A Revolutionary Film

By Iasonas Kalogeropoulos

Marvel continues their Phase 3 not to sign the laws. At the signing of the is actually good and funny. Tom Holland main villain who orchestrates the entire
of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with
Captain America: Civil War. Unlike the Accords, the building is bombed, killing portrays the character well, albeit being a film’s events depends on a string of high-
boring, poorly paced Avengers: Age of
Ultron, I genuinely enjoyed Civil War. T’Chaka, the king of the fictional nation bit too young to play Peter Parker. Other ly unlikely events that just happened to
The movie was a lot of fun and knew
when to take itself seriously. Here are my of Wakanda. His son, T’Challa becomes noteworthy performances are Patrick play out perfectly. Other than that, there
thoughts.
The movie’s premise is in lieu the Black Panther to avenge his father’s Boseman, who brings the catlike fighting are only minor flaws. The opening fight
of the widespread destruction in Age of
Ultron, The Winter Soldier, and, The death. Bucky, Captain America’s friend, style of Black Panther to life, and Paul scene in Nigeria is far too shaky. And my
Avengers. People believe the heroes need
to be under regulation, and it spurs the is blamed for the destruction. The whole Bettany, who excellently portrays the personal favorite character, The Vision,
UN to publish the Sokovia Accords, ie.
a set of rules the Avengers must adhere “Civil war” is started on whether to stoic and intimidating Vision. The final did NOTHING! He only got a short
to. This creates a divide on whether or
arrest or trust Bucky, who says he wasn’t 1v2 fight scene between Iron Man and fight scene with Hawkeye and didn’t do

responsible. Bucky with Cap was my favorite scene. much at all in the airport other than push

The best part of the movie is There’s a few “wow” moments, and the Ant-Man (Who was also really cool) and

the part everyone came to see it for: The entire fight is as emotional as it could knock down a tower.

airport scene. This fight was phenomenal. have been. With each blow, you can feel All in a, Civil War maybe the

Without saying too much, this fight is their friendship shattering. best movie so far released in 2016. I

big. Especially impressive is Spider-Man. This movie isn’t perfect, though. advise you see this.

Unlike the past few Spider-Men, this one The most glaring flaw is that the movie’s 9.5/10

Page 5

To Our Departing Seniors

This issue marks the last for founding editors, Victoria Panata, Anda Stafa, and
Zabia Choudhury, as well as Salty Gamer - Michael Roach and contributors
Jainam Mehta, Julio Almonte, and Raphin Shapon.
There is no Maspeth newspaper without these seniors. They have helped lay the
foundation for the publication and set a high standard for what Maspeth
Messenger stands for.
A special thank you to Victoria, Anda, and Zabia, our founding big three, who
built the paper from the ground up. Please excuse this personal note, reader.
Victoria, Anda, and Zabia, it goes without saying, but we will miss your zany
enthusiasm for the publication. Not experiencing the weekly shows that were our
club meetings will be upsetting, but we know your unique styles and ideas will
persist in the paper.
Victoria, as the club’s founding president and editor-in-chief, you were the
Messenger’s heart and soul. Your tireless dedication will be tough to match.
Thank you everyone for all your hard work! Good luck and continued success in
your future.
Sincerely,
Mr. Coleman and your Maspeth Messenger Family

Page 6

  Entertainment

A Look Into The Jungle Book: CGI Wonderland
By Anda Stafa

I don’t know about you, but I grew up in this box-office hit, and his job was a well-done, Although the film is a CGI wonderland, its
watching Disney’s The Jungle Book. I grew up ad- yet unusual one. The adaptation was built com- message isn’t lost amongst the replication of reali-
miring Mowgli’s daring spunk, adventurous spirit, pletely upon CGI’s and was filmed in an LA ware- ty occurring on screen. The fantasy drama makes
and adorable determination. I grew up humming house, in front of green screens rather than an up for what it lacks in real images through real
along to “The Bare Necessities” and “I Wanna Be actual Indian jungle landscape. Neel Sethi didn’t character connections. Though Neel Sethi was
Like You”, so – yes – I did tear up a bit when these even get to meet most of the cast while filming most likely speaking to a puppet on set, Mowgli is
old-time favorites began playing in the live action for the movie. Rather than speaking to an actual developing a close friendship with Baloo, accept-
reimagining of the Disney film I adored so im- panther or wolf cubs, he had the help of the crew, ing the protection provided by Bagheera, and
mensely as a young child. who used puppets to make the experience as real standing up to Shere Khan on screen. It all builds
There’s no need to mention my impatient as possible for him. Let’s just say the film was built and intensifies until the moment that Mowgli
anticipation for the movie to hit local theaters; on green and presented as green – nature’s green must inevitably face Shere Khan and fight for the
that’s surely a given. The film’s first released trailer as opposed to the green screen for technological freedom of the family he left behind to protect.
didn’t fail to give me chills; the computer gener- purposes. This remake is surely more hearty, adventurous,
ated images within those mere two minutes of and touching than the animated film it was based
sneak peaks alone were setting up the live action off of – deeming it a job well done.
remake of the Disney classic for great success. Maybe it was my long-lasting love for
Surely enough, The Jungle Book impressed the animated film, or the magnificent quality of
the whole world, earning over $830 million in the wondrous, hyperreal images on the massive
global box-office sales. After all, it’s difficult to movie theater screen that really made me adore
resist watching such a brilliant reimagining with this film. Yet, most will agree that the 2016 live
a star-studded voice over cast – which includes (though there’s not much that’s actually alive in it)
Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray, Christopher action version of the animated children’s film is
Walker, and Lupita Nyong’o. Despite the fame of absolutely magical, amusing, and visually mes-
the voice-over actors, the only human character merizing.
in the film captured audiences’ attention. Neel
Sethi, who played Mowgli, made his acting debut

Dark Souls 3 Review
by The Salty Gamer

The end of the year has come and gone, and you know what; I’m finally Gameplay: 7/10
leaving this school, and I had fun, whether it was causing general havoc in The gameplay is not much to write home about; it’s the same kind
the psychology class, or just going to the lunchroom and sitting down to get of combat and weird cryptic item descriptions you’d always see in a Dark
some milk with some of the sophomores.My name is Michael Roach, and Souls game. You get more health and are able to summon other people
I’m going to review Dark Souls 3, the end of the Souls series, for the last through the consumption of embers, which can either be found through the
review under The Salty Gamer moniker. game or by pillaging and invading other players, which I would not recom-
mend anywhere outside of Irithyll. Why? Because apparently somewhere
Story:8/10 between Dark Souls 2 and this game people have lost the sense of honor,
In this game, you are awakened in the kingdom of Lothric. Ages and if you get them low enough they don’t have the decency to die. They
have passed since the lighting of the first flame by Gwyn, the first lord, and just chug away at their estus, a healing flask, like some desperate drunk try-
many lords have come and gone in his place. These four lords, the Abyss ing to pick a bar fight. It’s just a little irritating. And here is one more thing
Watchers, followers of the Knight Artoria;, Saint Aldrich, Devourer of Gods; I lament; It is how they just straight up gutted poise in the game. “What is
Yhorm, Giant King of the Profaned Capital; and Holy King Lothric and Lo- poise?” I hear you cry aloud from reading this publication. Poise in basic
rian, the twin princes of the kingdom, are your main foes in the game, whom terms is the stat that means if you’re a giant hunk of layered steel armor
you must kill to collect their ashes and bring them back to their thrones. You carrying a giant dragon tooth club and you try to go in for more than a single
are the Unkindled one, a namesake that we think could mean something, but cheeky hit, you better expect to receive a lizard’s canine to 90 percent of
hey none of the item descriptions ever tell you what the it means aside from your body. What is poise now? Well, honestly I have no clue, not even Nam-
some cryptic messages about how embers look for cinders, so I guess it’s co has answered the question, and it irritates me.
not very important. This game feels honestly a lot more like a sequel than
the actual sequel, with references to Dark Souls 1 and parallels to the other Graphics:8/10
installments shoved in your face. The graphics here are amazing. All Dark Souls games have a de-
pressing gothic architecture to them. But this game seems to have a strange
competition with Bloodborne about how many depressing looking churches
each can fit into their games. But i digress, everything looks great, and often
I found my breath taken by the scenic mountains and cities.

Overall:8/10
It’s a great game; I totally recommend it if you’re up for ripping
your hair out because some wheel skeleton just rolled you into oblivion or
you want something nice to read and postulate on for a little while, to which
you’ll probably give up and listen to some deep, brooding voice tell you
about it cause you don’t how deep this lore goes. The name is Mike Roach,
the Salty Gamer; I’ll see you people whenever I visit the teachers.

Page 7

Sports


 

MHS Spring Sports In Focus NBA Playoffs 2016: The Solo,
By Ethan Cardona the Call and the Blowout

Baseball Boys Lacrosse By Ethan Cardona
Maspeth’s Boys Varsity Baseball Maspeth’s Boys Varsity Lacrosse
Team, led by coaches Mr. Singh and Mr. team ended its season 6-10, an impres-
Lacoff, finished with an undefeated regular sive record based on the amount of injuries The 2016 NBA playoffs have seen every-
season record. To finish the regular season, the team dealt with to its players through- thing from 20-point margins of victory, to indi-
the team scored at least ten runs in 11 of out the season. The team’s season ended vidual players excelling for their teams to lack of
those 15 games and did not concede more on May 16 when it lost to 1-seeded Curtis proper officiating, changing the overall outcome
than six runs to its opponents. The team is High School who went on to the PSAL of the game.
in the midst of a deep playoff run. championship game. THE SOLO: This year’s playoffs have
seen players such as LeBron James put the Cleve-
Badminton Girls Lacrosse land Cavaliers on his back and run away with the
In its 1st season, MHS’s Girls Var- Maspeth’s Girls Varsity Lacrosse game on numerous occasions. We’ve seen Ste-
sity Badminton Team, along with coaches team and coach Ms. McKennett finished phen Curry score 17 points in an overtime period
Mr. Powell and Mr. Balint, went 3-7 in the the season at 2-15 in its 1st season as an after being out for 15 days. Kyle Lowry put the
Brooklyn/Queens division where the team Active team in the PSAL. The team, which Six on his back and launched the Toronto Raptors
played against three of the top teams in the improved from its 1st year in the Develop- to its 1st ever Eastern Conference Finals along
PSAL and finished just under those teams mental division, continues to grow for the with his teammate Bismack Biyombo grabbing
in 4th place in the division. 2017 year. boards like they’re going out of style. And Russell
Westbrook… I mean the walking Triple-Double,
Cricket Softball and Kevin Durant bringing OKC to the Western
Maspeth’s Co-Ed Varsity Cricket Led by coaches Mr. Scales and Ms. Conference Finals (WCF) against the Warriors
Team finished the season 2-11. The team Papacostas, Maspeth’s Girls Varsity Soft- (sorry Spurs fans, I’ll get to you later).
achieved its first win on May 16 when it ball team ended its 3rd season with a 6-6 THE BLOWOUT: We’ve seen the Cavs
beat York Early College Academy in 9 record, barely missing the playoffs. The beat the Hawks by 15+ in two of the four games
overs and beat York again later in the sea- team made its presence felt in its first year of that series, the Warriors blowout Houston in
son. With the departure of multiple seniors in the Queens II division, where it played three of its five games against one another, and
on the team following this year, the team and beat Newtown High School, who went the Thunder doing the same to Dallas. The Spurs
encourages anyone interested to join next on to win the division. crushed Memphis in three of the four games
year. played. Currently, the Warriors and Thunder keep
Tennis exchanging blows. The Warriors win game two of
Fencing Led by coach Mr. Stansfield, Mas- the WCF by 27 only for the Thunder to come right
In its 1st year in the PSAL, Mas- peth’s Boys Varsity Tennis Team came out back and beat the Thunder by 28 in the very next
peth’s Girls Varsity Fencing Team went ready to win following last year’s loss in game.
2-6 but ended the season on a positive note the Championship game and ended its sea- THE CALL: The officials have played all
with a win over Queens High School of son at 9-1 earning a playoff spot. The team too much of a role in the outcome of these games
Teaching at home 80.00-79.00. The team, continued to win in the playoffs as it made (again sorry Spurs fans) and when the NBA comes
along with coaches Mr. Jedzinak and Ms. the Semifinals for the 2nd straight year; out the next day and says the officials were wrong
Park, has improved from the club it was in however, it lost to New Dorp High School. it only adds salt to the wound that is a playoff loss
the 2014-15 year and will continue to grow for a team. When the NBA comes out and says the
next year. Wrestling officials missed five calls in the final 20 seconds
In its 1st year as a team, Maspeth’s of a game between the Spurs and Thunder, it is
Flag Football Girls Varsity Wrestling team and coach something nearly unfathomable. That series saw
Along with coaches Mr. Pachter Mr. Mevs ended the season 1-5 with its 1st multiple no calls. Did Westbrook travel? No…
and Mr. Grunert, Maspeth’s Girls Varsity win coming on Apr. 14 when the team beat Oh. Wait. Yes he did. Oops, congrats Thunder,
Flag Football team has finished the regular Grover Cleveland High School 20-15 in its good luck against Golden State. Sorry Pop, maybe
season at 9-1, earning them the 15 seed in third match of the year. The team appears next year.
this year’s playoffs. The team has scored at ready to grow. The finals will come down to the Warriors
least 22 points in 7 of its 9 games and has vs. the Cavs in a rematch of last year’s finals. Will
broken 35 three times. Unfortunately, the the series be a fair one or will one team put a tally
team lost in the first round of the playoffs in the assist column for the NBA officials (yeah,
to Susan Wagner. I made a Manager reference. It’s what i do). Will
the Finals see numerous blowouts or will some-
Handball one decide he wants the Finals MVP and will let
Led by coaches Mrs. Bitis and Mr. nothing get in his way? We’ll just have to wait
Franchese, Maspeth’s Girls Varsity Hand- and see. That’s all for now. Until the next article,
ball team finished the season 8-0, finishing Adios Maspeth. Manager Out.
in 1st place in the developmental division
of PSAL; the team made a strong case for
Active status during the 2017 season.

Page 8