August/September 2011 “Audemus jura nostra defendere”THE OBSERVER

Jewish Community High School of the Bay

copyright the observer 2011. volume 3, issue 1.

index

Editorials...............................2Horoscope.............................6

Crossword.............................6

Sports.....................................3

Arts.........................................4

Yearbook to be All-Color for First TimeBy SOFI HECHT

This year, for the first time ever, the JCHS year-book will be in full color.

Yearbooks at JCHS used to be completely black and white, and for the last couple of years they’ve had only a few se-lect pages of color (for ex-ample, the color war page).

Having the book in all color, although exciting, has also made the yearbook team think much more about the design process.

The ability to have a full color book this year comes from Yearbook Advisor Maura Fein-gold with the support of the yearbook printing company, Herff Jones.

Feingold reflected on the transition to a full color book.

“Two years ago, we moved our yearbook pro-gram online to ‘e-design’ [a Herff Jones site for de-signing yearbooks], which streamlined the whole pro-cess. Herff Jones as a com-

pany has been working for the past few years to allow smaller schools to produce more quality books and a digital design. The digital design reduces the cost of printing and therefore al-lows smaller schools to produce full color books for an accessible price.”

Maura also is seeing “significant forward move-ment with the design process, as the yearbook staff experiments with new colors and designs.”

Yearbook editors Shai Tabb (’13) and Jenny Klonoff (’12) echo Fe-ingold’s excitement.

Shai is “really grateful to the school for giving us this opportunity because we get to experiment with all the different types of formats and layouts and the pictures are much more prominent.”

“Having an all color book is a huge step for the JCHS yearbook,” Jenny added. “The use of color allows us much more creative freedom.”

summer adventures

RIGHT HERE Seniors Micah Fenner and Sophie Navarro consult a map onboard MUNI during Journey to the End of the Night, a nighttime combination race and game of tag through San Francisco.

photos by arno rosenfeld/the observer

Tech InitiativeContinuesEvolutionBy ALEX PRENETA

The technology initia-tive that began at the start of last year aimed to in-tegrate technology into the classroom. As the program evolves, some changes are occurring.

As part of the initia-tive students have been required to bring laptops to class every day. The laptops are loaned by the school for $100, on top of the additional $100 tech-nology fee paid by all students. $200 per year.

According to Tony Gru-en, Technology Direc-tor, approximately 68% of students use laptops provided by the school.

This year the laptops provided to freshmen were a different model than last year. This is because the model purchased last year was not in stock, said Gru-en. He added that there are only two actual differ-ences between the different models of laptop: the newer model includes a camera and has a different outer-case than the older model.

Teachers had their com-puters upgraded this year as

well, receiving the same lap-top model as the freshmen.

Also new this year are the iPads provided to some fac-ulty. The school has been experimenting with various uses of the iPad for teach-ing, said Mallory Rome, Assistant Head of School

But when it comes to dictating how teachers use technology in their classrooms, Rome says mandates aren’t likely to come directly from her.

Each academic depart-ment and teacher indi-vidually looks at how technology can best as-sist them, Rome says.

Because of this, while one class may ask students to use a laptop for taking notes, a different class may ask stu-dents to take notes by hand.

While some grumbling among students about slow internet speeds, a common refrain last year, persist, the overall attitude toward the technology in the class-room seems to be positive.

Senior Ben Heyman says taking notes on his laptop faster and more ef-ficient than longhand, and he appreciates being able Ready, set, Go!

As these words were yelled into a mega-phone, 1,300 people standing in Justin Herman

plaza scattered in all directions. Some were wearing costumes, others were in their best running shoes and shorts, but nothing was going to stop them from crossing the finish line. Nothing, that is, aside from the “chasers” spread throughout San Francisco trying to tag them. No,

this was not a scene from The Amazing Race, as one utterly confused tourist asked, this was the fifth occurrence of The Journey to the End of the Night.

Five years ago, this event was created with the hope of “reclaiming” the city and encouraging people to explore the city in which they live and work in a new way. Since then, it has become a worldwide phenomenon with similar events occurring in Oakland, Chicago, Berlin, and London. It is an event that encourages camaraderie, exploration, and curiosity. The way the game works is that each person receives a map with a list of checkpoints in addition to a blue and a red ribbon. At the beginning of the game, all but a few selected to wear the red ribbon and be “chasers,” must don their blue ribbon and go from checkpoint to check-point, solely by walking or taking public transportation, until they reach the finish line without being tagged. If they get tagged by a chaser, they must give up their blue ribbon and become a chaser themselves. Then, their goal becomes tagging everyone else who is not yet tagged.

As a first time participant, I was not entirely sure what to expect from this event. But, when I arrived at the sign up point and saw a line hundreds of people long, I knew that I was in for a unique experience. When the race started, everyone was moving together, but as it contin-ued on deeper into the city, it turned into a journey of discovery.

Together with my friends, I moved through places I had never been, stopping at checkpoints along the way. Sometimes, we could go for several minutes without seeing a chaser, only to feel a rush of adrenaline after

spotting one and sprinting to the shadows where we would be safe.

I was unsure of how the honor system behind getting tagged would work. There are bound to be cheaters in any game, yet somehow, the cheaters were not

the winners that night. The people who get something out of this experience are the ones who are participat-ing to learn something about themselves or the city, not the ones who just want to win. When my friends and I were tagged about two hours into the game, we decided to make our way to the finish line, just to see how many people had made it so far. Once we got there about an hour later, we were surprised to find that only three run-ners had arrived so far. Not only that, but only 20 or so other chasers had made it to the end at that point as. The fact that no one had cheated and just skipped to the end or driven around to all of the checkpoints served as a testament to the integrity of the people participating.

This kind of event could really only start in San Fran-cisco. Just as our city carries a spirit of discovery and independence, the Journey to the End of the Night fos-ters that spirit and encourages its growth. It is important that we never forget everything that San Francisco has to offer and all of the incredible places and people that exist here.

I strongly encourage everyone to participate in the Journey next year and also to explore the city even without an event going on because San Francisco has a lot to offer.

By MICAH FENNER

Ninjas, Buses and Chasers: A Race Through SF

EditorialThe Keystone process has

been reformed, for the better. We owe the school our thanks.

[p. 2]

Coach CarterHe’s not coaching this year, but teacher Lee Carter dedicated

eight years to building the soccer program at JCHS. [p. 3]

The WeekndNo, not a typo. “The Weeknd” is

Abel Tesfaye’s R&B music project. Ari Golberg-Safir says it’s

changing the genre. [p. 3]

THEOBSERVEREstablished April 2010

Thanks for the Keystone Changes

Another YearThe first Observer came about in late 2010.

Printed at a Kinkos on Market street, the first four-page issue was produced by just three people. The journalism was unremarkable, but the distribution of an independent news-paper at JCHS caused a small stir.

Since that inaugural issue The Observer has blossomed into a formidable JCHS in-stitution, with well over 10% of the student body having contributed to it. The paper has written over 100 articles, chronicling things at the school that would otherwise be lost to the vague memories of teachers and former students.

We’ve worked to give voice to the students, to trumpet our achievements, and air our concerns. We’ve worked to entertain with arts coverage, to provoke thought with our opinion writing. We’ve had a lot of success, and we have a long way to go.

As we start the third year of The Observer we hope it will grow stronger than ever before. With new members of the staff and a core of returning editors, we’re poised to take the paper places it hasn’t yet gone.

Hope you enjoy!- Arno Rosenfeld on behalf of The Observer

Keystone, the culminating project for JCHS students that takes place during senior year, has long been described as a mixed experi-ence.

Nearly everyone speaks of how the project changed their lives in a positive way. But the other message was how much the stress of the project detracted from their senior year.

With college applications, classes, athlet-ics, and a social life all competing in a packed senior year, Keystone limited students.

The Keystone faculty has clearly heard this feedback and delivered some changes this year.

One big change is that rather than being an ominous project with three large com-ponents, seniors will be able to focus on the area of study or work that most fits their topic.

The change is both prudent and consider-ate on the part of the faculty and the admin-istration.

It should be that the culminating project of our “JCHS careers” should not be a stressful struggle but rather a challenge that we come away from as better students, and people, than when we started.

The changes allow seniors to delve into topics without overextending themselves.

The administration and faculty behind this decision deserve and enormous thank you on behalf of the entire senior grade, and all future seniors at the school.

- Micah Fenner on behalf of The Observer

Editor’s Note The Observer is student run and not a

product of any formal academic instruction.The paper undergoes prior review by

the Administration of JCHS and content may have been altered in order to allow publication.

The Observer is an open forum for read-er opinion and will publish reader letters.

THE OBSERVER

Executive EditorArno Rosenfeld (’12)

Arts EditorShai Tabb (’13)Sports EditorSophie Navarro (’12)Opinion EditorMicah Fenner (’12)Copy EditorSofi Hecht (’13)

Faculty AdviserKarie RubinPrintingMaura Feingold

Solutions to the Los Angeles Times Crossword puzzle found on the back page.

Rights to puzzle provided by Tribune Media Services via MCT Campus

Universal BriefingTHE JCHS

Briefing

From the Archive

Crazy News

THE OBSERVER PAGE TWO AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 2

...the girls had a commanding presence on the field... injuring sev-eral of Leadership’s players as well as sustaining several injuries.

The Wolves were able to hold off charges by Leadership in the second half and secure the first victory, in the first game ever, for a girl’s soccer team at JCHS.

They silenced many who had been

“Girls Defy Skeptics, Win Game” published 4/19/10

Check It Out

The Observer

remembers all those who lost

9Ten Yea

their lives in the

attacks ten years

ago.

- A New York Woman was just named the “Woman with the longest fingernails.” Chris Walton hasn’t cut her nails for 18 years and they measure 10-feet-2-inches on her left hand and 9-feet-7-inches on her right hand.

- A Malaysian orangutan who became well-known for his habit of smoking cigarettes has kicked the habit. “Shirley” was taken into fed-eral government custody two weeks ago, after it was decided that the zoo she was staying in was mistreating her and other animals.

- A man in San Diego dressed up as Gumby, the claymation character, and tried to rob a San Diego 7-11 last week.

To Jew or Not to Jew...

Apple has removed an app from the French app store called “Jew or Not Jew?”

The app’s purpose was to let users find out whether or not a particular celebrity was Jewish.

The removal took place after an anti-racism group in France ob-jected.

Apple says the app violated local French law, which prohibits compil-ing people’s personal information, including religion.

The French laws were put in place following the Holocaust which saw the death of 73,000 French Jews.

[Source: Associated Press]

11rs Later

- The Republican field for presiden-tial nominees has ostensibly been narrowed down to Texas Governor Rick Perry and former Massachu-setts Governor Mitt Romney, while Tea Party favorite Michelle Bach-mann has been sidelined.

- Syracuse University and University of Pittsburgh have left the Big East athletic conference for the ACC. The move may be the beginning of con-ference consolidation in the NCAA that may end with four or five “super conferences”, allowing more televi-sion revenue for major schools.

- An earthquake shook India and Nepal last Sunday, killing at least 16 people. The magnitude 6.9 quake hit in a remote part of eastern Nepal.

(From left) Yael Cohn (’13), Zoe Ryan* (’13), Jenny Klonoff (’12), Perri Davis (’13), Ellie Burler* (’13) and Roza Trileyeskya watch the first game for a girls soccer team at JCHS.*no longer attends JCHS

skeptical, including some who had taken bets against them.

The number of girls who joined the Girl’s Soccer Club has raised the notion of forming a girl’s Varsity soccer team in the fall. This would result in the current co-ed Varsity team losing important contributor Sophie Navarro, though at this point it seems more likely that an influx of girl’s to the current team will occur, not a new team for girls.

The Observer will be digging through our archives each issue to give an interesting or relevant sample of an article from an old issue. This article covered the first-ever JCHS girls soccer game.

letters‘Take our word’ on Senior Stunts

Senior Stunts are not synonymous with hazing or any sort of bullying that may occur at other schools.

The stunts are an opportunity for all students to get together and laugh, and for our class to grow that much closer.

I have heard no argument or case against Senior Stunts, other than those from some adults in the com-munity.

This may just be one of those things only kids can fully under-stand.

If that is the case, try to take our word: we like the stunts, we want them to happen, and the entire com-munity suffers without them.

- Danny Robinow (’12)

Note: The Observer respects the opinions of all JCHS students but wishes to make clear that it in no way condones disobeying decisions made by the school, even when dis-sent is presented in its pages.

editorials

A Catalyst for JCHS Soccer, Carter’s Coaching Will Be Missed

As Coach Lee Carter takes a hiatus from coaching, it’s time to take a look back at all he has done for athletics at JCHS.

Carter has dedicated eight years of his time at JCHS leading and supporting first the boys’, and more recently the girls’, varsity soccer teams—in addition to a few years of coaching tennis.

But coaching is not all that he has done. Carter’s passion and re-gard for soccer and the teams he has coached has led him to push students to fulfill their athletic, academic and personal potential.

Carter has instilled in his players the skill, knowledge and confidence that good ath-letes have, as well as the re-spect, integrity and accountabil-ity that all great athletes have.

Though this year Carter has decided to take a break from coaching, he will continue to play an important role in the JCHS community in his posi-tion as a history teacher. Yet the change accumulated over the years, thanks to Carter, will not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Carter reflected on his past years of coaching: “I enjoy coach-ing because it is an opportunity to teach a completely different set of skills and habits than you do in the classroom. There are mo-ments in athletics when you can teach lessons about how one lives their lives that can benefit all of the players. Coaching has offered the chance for me to know play-

ers in a broader sense than one gets in the classroom and I have had the chance to share my love of the game with all of them. I would just like to thank every-one for the hard work they put in and hopefully they will real-ize the growth they have made as players and as individuals.”

The athletes Carter has coached attest to that. As Senior Danielle Cohen says, “Coach Carter always knew how to push us to do our best. He helped us gain confidence in areas that we were not com-fortable in beforehand. I could re-ally tell he cared about the team, both teams, the boys’ and girls’.”

Athletes were not the only ones Carter impacted. Athletic Director, Coach Tim Kjar, said, “I’m very appreciative of Coach Carter’s efforts and dedication in starting the boys’ varsity soccer program… then he helped start up the girls’ soccer program that just turned varsity last year. I’m just very thankful for all he’s done.”

Gretchen Kiesel, who coached the girls’ soccer team with Cart-er, reflected on her time coach-ing with him: “We had a great

time out on the pitch with the girls – [Carter’s] crazy laugh kept us all in stitches. Mr. Carter showed me what it looks like for a coach to be fully commit-ted to his team – both on and off the pitch. It was so satisfying to work together, coaches and play-ers, to reach our goal of creating a varsity girls soccer program.”

Aaron Pollock, boys’ soccer co-coach this year, who had previ-ously coached with Carter, added, “I have sincerely appreciated [Carter’s] passion for teaching in general and for the game of soc-cer in particular. This passion has been an inspiration to me as well as many dozens of JCHS students and athletes for nearly a decade.”

The absence of Carter’s unique skills and warm personality will not be forgotten. His presence in the Athletics Department will be missed tremendously. His contributions have enriched JCHS sports immeasurably, and for that we, coaches, students and athletes alike, say thank you Coach Carter, for everything.

SportsSeptember 2011 Page Three

DEDICATED Coach Lee Carter does push-ups along with the girls’ soccer team during their inaugural practice as a varsity team last Spring. Carter was central in elevating the team from club status to a varsity team.

photos by daniella kesel/the observer

“Why do you play this dumb game? The players aren’t even real, they’re just on the dang screen!” Critics will say.

It’s lines like this that get to me. People just don’t understand. Yes, on the outside, the world of fantasy football looks like a gigantic waste of time. People spend hours clicking away at screens bargaining for profes-sional football players with whom they will never share a word. On many occasions they will have money riding on the outcomes of games they aren’t even watching.

I’ll admit it, to the everyday outsider this appears to be a ridiculous use of one’s time, but for some it’s not.

There are a select few who truly understand what the sport means, and to us, it is an ir-replaceable stronghold of our sports fanhood.

“It gets me through the week,” says Matthew Levin – one of the most committed fantasy team managers within the walls of our school. “Without it I’d just be left lying sideways on my kitchen counter wallowing over the recent tragedies of the Giants baseball season.”

Matthew is one of the few in our school who truly under-stands the finer points of the fantasy football world.

Also falling into this elite group is mathematics and fantasy football fusion specialist, Mr. John Hagen Jr., a JCHS math teacher.

If you seek them out they will defend their ‘hobby’ without hes-itation. Spiderman’s uncle once said, “Our actions in the [sports] world define our character, and the moment anyone tries to belittle what we devote ourselves to, it is time to speak out.”

This is me taking that respon-sibility and speaking out against the ignorant hatred of the es-sence of fantasy football. If you hate, it simply means you don’t understand, and I speak for all the faithful when I say that we’d be happy to explain our stories to you.

- Danny Robinow

sports essayFantasy Football is Simply TragicallyMisunderstood

Well folks, football is finally back, and it started with a bang!

A Thursday night game be-tween the past two Super Bowl champions seemed to prove that the preseason lockout’s influence on training wasn’t too negative.

Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to a victory over New Orleans and joked in his postgame inter-view that his exceptional playing was due to all the preseason offensive training, poking fun at the lockout and lack of training time.

There were many standout performances opening week, including Cam Newton’s rookie debut with over 400 passing yards. Unfortunately those num-bers couldn’t lead his Carolina Panthers to a victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

Ted Ginn Jr. helped the 49ers find their first victory of the sea-son by scoring two back to back touchdowns, one from a punt and one from a kickoff!

More notable performances occurred on the first Monday Night Football of the season, when two games were played.

First the New England Patriots beat the Miami Dolphins 38-24, a game largely influenced by Tom Brady’s 500-plus yards thrown. For him, that’s just another day at the office. Then the Raiders beat the Broncos by just three points (23-20), these extra points were brought to you by Sebastian Janikowski’s 63-yard field goal. He became only the third person to ever accomplish such a feat.

It was a particularly difficult offseason this year largely due to the lack of action from the lockout, but this weekend was so exciting that this football fan thinks it was worth the wait—al-most.

Like to talk Sports?

Agree? Disagree? Have your

own opinion?

Send letters to observerjchs@

gmail.com

It all starts off with a perfect pass. The setter sends the ball to her hitter, who does an approach, hitting it just right. No player on the opposing team is able to re-turn her hit; kill! The team comes together in a cheer, excited by the previous play.

Volleyball is a game of dedica-tion, a game of agility, a game of sportsmanship. It’s a game like a house of cards: if one player were missing, the whole team would fall apart.

I’ve always been told volleyball is the hardest sport to play.

“You cannot hide someone in the corner of the court,” my coach always says. “The plays are quick. You’re expected to focus on every-thing all at once. If you’re not here to give your best at any given mo-ment, then you shouldn’t be here at all.” It’s all about being there in the moment.

This year, the Wolves are havinga great season. Support and encouragement from our new coaches, Amy and Sarah, have helped us overcome our struggles.

- Paige Lerman

volleyballbrief

ReneeMacDonald...On the NFL

By SOPHIE NAVARRO

Observer Sports: Your source for

everything Wolves!

Observer Arts:Entertainment coverage,

entertaining columns

JCHS Journal:Keep up with all things

social at the school

Page Two:Editorials, Universal Briefing and Letters

The Observer Sports

is online @

jchsofthebay.org/Sports

ArtsSeptember 2011 Page Four

R&B is making a comeback and it is all thanks to The Weeknd.

Artist Abel Tesfaye’s contem-porary R&B project, The Weeknd

became active in late 2010.With the help of music blogs and magazines,

an uncanny amount of hype has built around the Weeknd. And the hype is well deserved.

Tesfaye’s music is a breath of fresh air for the R&B genre.

The Weeknd’s first album, House of Bal-loons, was released last March. When I first heard it, I was stunned by Tesfaye’s smooth, but sinister croons. His singing is reminiscent of R&B contemporaries like The Dream and Frank Ocean.

Tesfaye, who sings mostly about long crazy nights out on the town, and then of regrets about his escapades, walks the line between euphoria and all out creepiness.

Over the dark and slow tempo of “What You

Need,” Tesfaye convinces an unnamed girl of his superi-ority in bed, compared to her current boyfriend.

In his music, the production of the beats matches, if not surpasses, Tesfaye’s voice, thanks to the produc-tion wizardry of long-time Canadian beat makers Doc McKinney & Illangelo.

On House of Balloons, the producers manipulate samples of songs by Beach House, Aaliyah, and Cocteau Twins into seductive and ominous-sounding beats.

Most astounding is Tesfaye age: 21.Tesfaye is currently touring North America to pro-

mote his second album, Thursday, which was released August 18.

Thursday is a great sophomore effort, building on the themes in House of Balloons.

You can tell Tesfaye is well aware of the attention The Weeknd has received, because Thursday has a much slicker production.

The album also features the song “The Zone,” with established fellow Canadian rapper Drake—a testament to the hype The Weeknd has gotten.

Tesfaye digs deeper into his emotions on his second album, contemplating how fame will change him in the

song “Rolling Stone.” But there are still ener-getic, upbeat songs like “Life of the Party.”

Thursday succeeds in providing the listener with emotional diversity.

The Weeknd has started a new wave of contemporary R&B, defined by sampled beats and eccentric lyrics. Other new R&B artists beginning to ride this wave with The Weeknd include: How to Dress Well, Active Child and Frank Ocean.

It is exciting to see how the genre has changed and to contemplate where it may go next.

By ARI GOLDBERG-SAFIR

I’ve spent the past few after-noons singing my heart out, speak-ing with a New Jersey accent, watch-ing old films of Fred Astaire, and

flopping around like a penguin, trying to tap dance. Welcome to rehearsal for JCHS’s fall musical, “Anything Goes.”

I’ve always loved to sing. When I was in kindergarten I would find myself singing the songs from “The Sound of Music” on the playground and announc-ing that I was Marta Von Trapp. When I was in third grade, a teacher of mine sug-gested that I audition for the school play, coincidentally “The Sound of Music.”

I was cast as a nun, and I was hooked. Since then, I have performed in 12 mu-sicals and several non-musical plays.

When I saw JCHS perform “The Sound of Music,” a show that is

Freshman Finds JCHS Theater Welcoming

By ILANA GOLDBERG

Extremely Good & Incredibly Relevant

In Jonathan Safran Foer’s second book, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, he introduces a new gripping col-lection of characters and circumstances.

Our protagonist, Oskar Schell, is an ex-traordinarily pensive, haunted, and fran-

By JENNA ZIMMERMAN

book review

Please Turn to Page 5 Please Turn to Page 5

The Weeknd’s Top Tracks - High For This - Loft Music - The Knowing - The Zone - Birds Part 1

All of the Weeknd’s songs can be found on Youtube.com

Time for

The Weeknd.

Abel Tesfaye’s music project istransforming R&B

We don’t all look like penguins—and I’m sure that even I will nail that

step eventually

very near to my heart, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the the-ater program at JCHS. I was amazed at the talented and close-knit cast.

In the spring I found out about au-ditions for this year’s musical, and was very eager to audition. At the au-dition I barely knew anybody, and I was nervous. Everybody was so encouraging, and by the end I had forgotten that it was an audition.

From the get-go, our rehearsal pro-cess has been fun, funny, and fantastic. We do much more than recite our lines. We warm up our voices with ridiculous tongue-twisters (“I am the thistle sift-er”), play improv games and research unfamiliar terms in our script (for ex-ample, “the nose on the great Durante”), we make up backstories about our char-acters to understand their personalities.

I couldn’t have asked for a more wel-coming cast. Since a lot of them had been in shows before, I was one of the “new kids.” I was worried that it would be hard to make friends, but at the first

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer2005, 326 pp., $13.95

tic nine-year-old boy living in Manhat-tan. His father was killed in the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks, which Oskar refers to only as the “worst day.” Oskar finds himself going through the city, knocking on stranger’s doors in search of the lock matching a mysterious key he found in his father’s closet. Prior to his death, Oskar and his father had made a game of these quests and completing this final one be-came his obsession. Oskar deals with a self-absorbed mother, and has a quick, constantly overburdened mind and un-

yielding grief for the loss of his father. I was immediately captivated by

Oskar’s narrating. His thoughts were beautiful, innocently manic, ador-ably misunderstanding and honest in a way only a child can be. A signature Oskar trait is his reference to having “heavy boots,” which is his way of ar-

THE OBSERVER ARTS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2011 5

For JCHS Troupe, ‘Fringe’ in Scotland Busy and Marvelous

first person

Walking along Ed-inburgh’s Royal Mile on an after-

noon in mid-August, you really can’t expect to get anywhere too quickly. Besides the fact that a mix of locals, oddly dressed performers, and tourists from every part of the globe surround

you on all sides, you will most likely find your hands stuffed full of advertisement postcards Throw them in the nearest trash bin? Not so fast! These cards are hardly the typical city-street pizza ads we’re used to in the U.S. Handed out in staggering numbers each day, they’re ac-tually the most effective form of performance advertisement in the entire city of Edinburgh. And picking them up is as simple as taking a step onto the Royal Mile, where they’re thrust upon you by the dozen before you can even say “Already seeing a show tonight!” Later that day, sifting through the postcards that fill your pockets, stuff your bag, and decorate your floor, you proba-bly won’t remember how or why

you gained possession of them. What you will know is that you’re definitely seeing “Evil: the Musical,” that the gripping drama “What it Feels Like” sounds too good to miss and that the night’s activities are likely to include a trip to at least one sketch comedy show and maybe a drop-in at “Pink Noise By Fork: Scandinavian Rock A Capella.” And as for your own advertisement postcards? They occupy a special jacket pocket of their own, ready to jump out at even the mildest expres-sion of interest from passers-by.

This might sound really ex-citing, or it might sound down-right insane. The truth is that it’s both. Being at Edinburgh’s Fringe festival is an experi-ence unlike any other. It’s as though you’ve been dropped into the center of the world’s biggest, craziest, theatrical melting pot. Almost everybody there, from the shopkeepers to the tourists to the college students, is taking part in the unbelievable undertaking that means every open space is a performance venue and ev-ery restaurant meal is being eaten pre-show or post-show.

In addition, there are the regular delights of Scotland: huge stone castles, pure green hills, highland cows with in-

credible bangs, far too many plaid scarves to count, and the notable bagpiper-beat boxer duo strolling the streets of Ed-inburgh daily (bet you won’t find THAT anywhere else!)

Like a good piece of Scottish shortbread, this picturesque

By AVIVA HERR-WELBER

OVERSEAS The cast of Metamorphosis, in costume, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland, where the annual Fringe Festival took place.

photo by jchs via facebook

Continued from Page 4Continued from Page 4

BOOKS DRAMA

city and the festival that de-scends upon it in August are to be sought out and savored. And just like eating short-bread, after you try it once there’s no doubt that as soon as possible you’ll be back, beg-ging on your knees for more.

This all might sound really exciting — or downright insane.

Truth is, it was both.

ticulating almost any negative emotion. Another distinct Oskar trait is the

way he describes his relentlessly over-thinking mind. Whenever he needs to

“An unplifting myth born of the sorrows of 9/11” - Boston Sunday

Globe

occupy his mind he begins to “invent things.” This is him self-diagnosing his idiosyncratic and infantile imagination.

The book is complicated further by a subplot of revealing letters written by Os-kar’s grandparents to his father and to him.

The letters divulge the depress-ing, unconventional and otherworldly characters and lifestyle of his grand-parents. Both are deeply troubled. Whether you buy into Foer’s trauma-tized characters is, as always, something readers must decide for themselves.

Though I enjoyed intricate and pained descriptions in these letters, I had trou-ble with some of the complexities of Os-kar’s grandparents. Oskar’s grandfather does not speak. Instead he carries a book with him at all times, writing anything he needs to communicate. Both grand-parents are so emotionally damaged that

they create “Nothing spaces” in their apartment. The “Nothing spaces” are where the two go to be invisible to each other and the world. The nothing spaces are just one example of the pair’s quirks.

The two plots come together at the conclusion, providing titillating reunions and answers to chapters of questions.

I was completely captivated by Ex-tremely Loud & Incredibly Close, its unique voices and mesmerizing detail. Humanities teacher, Ms. Frandina, when asked her opinion on the book said:

“Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is equal parts heartbreaking and hilari-ous. Oskar is one of the most complex, loveable and surprising child narrators I’ve come across in literature, and his journey to solve the mystery of an anony-mous key, mirrors his journey to heal from the sudden loss of his father. Foer’s second novel is an important contribu-tion to post-9/11 literature that explores our collective and personal experiences in the aftermath of this horrific event.”

Sharing in mine and Ms. Fran-dina’s love for this book is Junior Sofia Hecht, who says she’d sure-ly recommend the novel to anyone.

Foer Book Highly Recommended by JCHS Teachers, Students

Observer Sports: Your source for

everything Wolves!

rehearsal, everyone introduced them-selves to me and was very enthusias-tic and supportive. They proved to me that although being a freshman at a new school is challenging, theater is a place where I will always feel at home.

We’ve been rehearsing for a little over two weeks and I can already tell that the show is going to be great. Even during the first read-through, we were cracking up at the comic lines. Our voices blend smoothly as a cho-

rus, and we have some stellar dancers (we don’t all look like penguins—and I’m sure that even I will nail that step eventually). Everyone is dedicated to making our show wildly entertaining.

The great thing about theater is that it is an art that gives back. The cast gets the wonderful experience of perform-ing, and the audience gets to watch an entertaining show. If you like musical theater, this show has it all. If you’re new to theater, it’s a great way to be intro-duced. In the words of Cole Porter, “It’s delightful, it’s delicious, it’s de-lovely!”

No Stranger to Plays, Newcomer Finds Home

with JCHS Drama

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Send submissions of Op-Ed pieces to Observer.JCHS@gmail.com.

Open to all students. Keep it under 500 words, shorter pieces have a higher. ,likelihood of being published.

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Blog

►► Get the picture?

Knesset organized a fun extended lunch in the courtyard to start off the school year and a good time was had all around. But, the festivities did not go off without any hitches: some raucous kids got a little carried away in the bouncy house, pulling it to one side and causing a temporary evacuation.

Overheard “Did you see that bouncy

house in the courtyard? What is this? Preschool?”

One freshman to another in the hall.

September 2011 Page Six

JCHSJournal

los angeles times crossword puzzle

the jchs horoscope By Jenny Klonoff

time to get out

Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 19) This month is the time for you to get organized. Not the most exciting activity, but doing it now will make the rest of the year run much more smoothly. Because it’s still early in the year and the homework load is light take advantage of your temporary freedom and participate in a hobby you love. Get involved with it now because before you know it, you wont have the time!

Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20) Be careful how you manage your time this month. Procrastination will arise as a potential issue for you, but you have the ability to overcome it! Though in the moment putting work off may seem like a good idea, in the long run you’ll regret it and wish you had completed your assignments with time to spare. Towards the end of the month you will reconnect with an old friend from whom you’ve drifted apart. Be open to re-welcoming people back into your life.

Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20) You are feeling extreme-ly ambitious this month! Take advantage of that boost of energy and do something productive. Get a head start on some of those long term projects that you would normally put off. At the end of the month you will see positive re-sults from your hard work. Make sure you still make time for your friends so they don’t feel randomly neglected.

Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 22) This is a stressful month for you, with what feels like an overwhelming amount of work to do. Make daily after school schedules for yourself, to make the workload feel much more manageable. Don’t forget to pencil in free time for yourself so you can ef-fectively do your work and avoid a mental breakdown. If you think school’s stressful now, just wait a month or two. Knowing how to manage your time effectively now will better prepare you for what’s to come.

Leo (Jul 23 - Aug 22) Your headstrong personality proves to be a challenge this month when you find your-self working together with someone who takes the control you seek. This is a good opportunity for you to step back and allow others to take charge; you might even find that sometimes it’s just as fun to follow as it is to lead. Take some time on the Shabbaton to get to know people better and be open to talking to people whom you normally wouldn’t. You never know who in the school might con-nect with if you get to know them better.

Virgo (Aug 23- Sep 22) Take some time this month to really listen to what others are saying. It sounds cheesy but often times you’re so solely focused on yourself, that you forget about other people’s needs and feelings. You have a special knack for making people feel good about

►► The Inside Scoop: Fall Musical to be ‘Anything Goes’Anything Goes is a musical about an ocean liner going from New York to London. It’s a “decade” piece because of the amount of dancing and jazz music involved. You will cer-tainly be blown away by the performance, and find yourself laughing throughout the show! The costumes are going to be outstanding and the characters are hilarious. The music is unbelievable, and the script is genius. - Sally Khomikh

themselves, so be sure to throw a few compliments out here and there. It always feels good to brighten up some-ones day.

Libra (Sep 23- Oct 22) Happy Birthday Libras! Li-bras make the world a more peaceful place. Libras abhor being alone and love spending time with the ones they love. Libras are very skilled at keeping balance in their lives. Because of their vibrant personalities and unique charm, Libras build relationships easily, something others struggle with. Their biggest weakness is being generous to the extreme and going too far to please others.

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 1) Now is the time to go outside your comfort zone and really express yourself. It will be scary at first, but ultimately very rewarding. You will find others coming to you for help in all aspects of life this month. It’ll be a tad annoying, but it’s also very empowering. You will be surprised how much you enjoy feeling needed.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Now is a great time for you goal oriented Sagittariuses to get into a new habit. Whether that be going to the gym weekly or going to bed earlier, getting into the routine of it now will make it easier to accomplish throughout the year. Speaking of habits, unfortunately you have developed one of not paying attention and disrupting others in class. Make a conscious decision to change and you will find that people will start taking you more seriously.

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19) Money has recently arisen as an issue for you. Your habit to spend exces-sively on unnecessary things has finally caught up with you. Start being more aware of where you’re spending your money. Doing that will allow you to make fewer and smarter purchases, something that will benefit you in the long run.

Aquarius (Jan 20 -Feb 18) You will be presented with opportunities this month to get to know your class-mates better. Whether that be having classes with people you don’t normally talk to, or bonding with people on the Shabbaton, you will find yourself relating to people you never thought you would. Be open to new friendships and the positive things they could add to your life.

Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Make sure you’re follow-ing through on your projects. Make sure plans are double-checked the rest of this week for accidental errors.

Answers to LA TimesCrossword Puzzle on

page two