Talent Show looks to become a Beaver tradition

EMILY BELOWICH '11

On Thursday, November 15th, the Beaver student body packed into Bradley Hall to come to Beaver’s first annual Talent Show. Organized by members of student council, this talent show was admittedly an attempt to increase Beaver’s insufficient school spirit. Initially, the organizers for the show were concerned about the level of success the show would bring, primarily because not many people signed up. However, after the performances, freshman class treasurer Kirsten Gute said, “It went really well; it was really enjoyable to watch. We did an awesome job organizing this!” Beaver’s spirit was definitely raised as they watched peers, classmates, friends, and even a teacher, participate in a variety of different talents.

While the whole school attended, only upper school students partook in the show. Such talents varied from Nat Harrington ’10 chanting twelve lines from the Iliad, Aeneid, and the Odyssey, to Raina Jacques ’09, singing a beautiful version of I Know Who Holds Tomorrow. Theo Norton ’08 impressed the crowd with some neat yo-yo tricks, while Ben Jacobson ’09, Ben Patten ’09, and math teacher Kevin Bau rocked out on the bass and drums to The Beatles. During the show Bau comically stated that, although it was a student talent show, he felt like a “student of life.” Emcee Sam Packard ’08 got the crowd laughing with some jokes while students ran into technical difficulties.

In the end, however, Jeff Higgins ’08 walked away with a $100 Visa gift card for his outstanding piano composition entitled "Exceptional Life," dedicated to the memory of Alex Cohn ’07, who passed away last year. He also dedicated the song to other students from his old school, who died in the past few years. This talent show was a great success, and student council is looking forward to planning another one next year to start a Beaver tradition.

Image & video credit: Michael Firer '09
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Mixed-grade advisories increasingly a relic of the past

MADDY KIEFER ‘08

Most seniors remember the mixed grade advisories that were mostly disbanded in September 2005. Incoming freshmen used to be put in advisories with upperclassmen, which, although daunting at first, was eventually an experience that many of them appreciated. Today, this system is almost entirely phased out. For more information, read the editorial, "The Fall of the Mixed-Grade Advisory."
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Spotlight: The Water Fountain Roundup

TOPH TUCKER '08

Not all Beaver water fountains are created equal. In fact, they used to be downright erratic. Many of you must remember that before this year, the water fountain in the library was incredibly overpowered and super-sensitive. The fountain by the preschool used to be dismal. Ah, but remember the old one by Sawtell Gym? (I reckon very few of you do.) I was always a fan of that one, although I seem to remember a bit of controversy about that.

Since then, the fountains have become markedly more consistent. Here's my roundup. Frankly, there's not a lot to say. The water quality generally seems identical. But I include the peak stream height (measured from the point it leaves the faucet), accessibility information (according to the Americans with Disabilities Act), and some other interesting information. Most of you will know all this by now, but it's critically important information for newer students.

Miscellaneous Trivia

All fountains are manufactured by Halsey Taylor, "Satisfying thirsts since 1912"--a mere 8 years before Beaver was founded!

These are all technically water coolers, not water fountains, because they do refrigerate the water. They are all intended to provide water at 50° F.

The brand name of the water fountain/cooler by the cafeteria is "Voyager." Ironically, a painting entitled "The Voyager" hangs over the library fountain.

1st Floor, Arts Building [double set]:

OVL-II-SER-Q; meets legal accessibility requirements

Peak stream height: 8 cm (tall one) / 10 cm (short one); somewhat disappointing water; note that they cannot both run simultaneously, but instead are reduced to a slow trickle.

1st Floor, by the "cafeteria-style dining hall":

HTV8Q 1; meets legal accessibility requirements

Peak stream height: 8 cm; nice and cold and quite satisfying, but the whole unit is awfully low; buttons are easiest to press, but also easy to accidentally bump into.

1st Floor, by the preschool [double set]:

HAC8FSCBL0; meets legal accessibility requirements

Peak stream height: 10 cm; pretty good water; unlike the OVL series, both can function simultaneously without interruption.

2nd Floor, Arts Building [double set]:

OVL-II-SER-Q; meets legal accessibility requirements

Peak stream height: 7 cm (both); essentially identical to set on 1st floor, except for stream height; again, they can't run simultaneously.

2nd Floor, Middle School Wing:

S500-5D-1* (*best guess); does not meet legal accessibility requirements

Peak stream height: 7 cm; all around, pretty average; an old favorite of mine from my middle school days; thumb-push button is not as easy as, say, the HTV Series; height can be an advantage for some and a disadvantage to others.

2nd Floor, Upper School Wing:

S500-5D-1; does not meet legal accessibility requirements

Peak stream height: 7-8 cm; all around average; sister fountain to the Middle School Wing one. It lacks the small stool that the Middle School fountain features.

Library ("The Voyager")

WM8AQ_1Q* (*best guess); does not meet legal accessibility requirements

Peak stream height: 9-10 cm, impressive but still a serious downgrade from last year; aside from height, the water is downright delicious; likely the best water fountain in the whole school; height of the unit is especially nice; button action is superb.

Outside the Library

WM8AQ_1Q; does not meet legal accessibility requirements

Peak stream height: 7 cm; sister fountain to The Voyager, but not nearly as good; still, a major improvement over past years, when getting more than a trickle out of it was nearly impossible

Language Wing / S5 [double set]

HACBL-A L/R; meets legal accessibility requirements

Peak stream height: 10 cm (both); can run simultaneously; sister fountains to the preschool pair

Conclusions

"The Voyager," in the library, is the one clear standout in the crowd. Others are satisfying; some are disappointing.

Average quality has improved dramatically over the past few years. Of course, accessibility remains an issue, and quality could easily lapse again. I hereby call for a survey of the school's water fountains every four years, in order to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same consistent water supply that we do today.

Personally? I recommend we get a few of Halsey Taylor's Explosion Proof Coolers. You know, just in case.

P.S. I realize that I am missing the water fountains in the gyms. This is just for the main building, but don't worry, that's coming soon!

Update 6/Dec/07: corrected a couple things pointed out by Nick and Mr. Manning. (Unfortunately, the "cafeteria" language in the poll is already set in stone.)

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Senior's niece featured in Gap contest; vote now!

Senior Kelly Kretschmar's niece Marley has been chosen out of 860,000 submissions to be one of five finalists for the next babyGap model! Help her out--vote every day until December 15 at the follow site:

http://www.gap.com/castingcall
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Alumni Watch: Matt Selman, Simpsons writer & producer, has a few choice words for Rockstar

TOPH TUCKER

Those of you who were at Beaver during the last Red Sox World Series victory may remember Matt Selman. A writer for The Simpsons, he remains one of the most legendary speakers in recent memory.

With the videogame The Simpsons Game nearing release, certain parties have enthusiastically objected to some of the game’s satirical content. Specifically, Rockstar, the makers of Grand Theft Auto, asked the creators to remove a parody called “Grand Theft Scratchy: Blood Island.” Or, as Mr. Selman puts it, “they spazzed out like little babies.”

Further reading:
Simpsons Producer and Writer Matt Selman ’89 Visits BCDS
Joystiq: Simpsons writers say Rockstar ‘spazzed’ over GTA spoof [with video]
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The Scoop from Coop: Laundry

ALI COOPER

Welcome to the first article of The Scoop from Coop! The purpose of this column is to try and keep us private school kids a little more in-the-know. Even the experienced, perceptive (cough, cough…) students like us sometimes need a little reinforcement understanding how to do daily tasks such as opening a bank account, picking out a present for your girlfriend or boyfriend, or doing our own laundry. This brings us to the (FIRST EVER!!) article. Presenting, article numero uno of The Scoop from Coop!!

How to do your own laundry!

Step 1: Identify Amount of Laundry
You find yourself at home alone with no one to help with your laundry. Either that or your parents have pulled one of those “Honey, you’ve got to figure it out eventually, you aren’t going to live with us forever,” speeches. “Oh dear,” you think to yourself, overwhelmed. Whether your parents are out at a cocktail party, your dad is on some important business call, or you are way too humiliated to tell whoever is home that you need help with the laundry, you are unable to receive aid with your stain-filled, odorous job. Even if you have spilled Spaghetti-O’s all over yourself right before a hot date, don’t worry! All you have to do is take this process step by step. First, identify the location and volume of the dirty clothing. Your laundry could be neatly tossed into a laundry basket, or overflowing from the laundry basket onto the floor of your room, or strewn about on the floor, or, if you’re a real slob, strewn about on the floors of all the rooms in your house.

Step 2: Organize
Now that you’ve identified the location and magnitude of the laundry, it’s time to take control before your target does. Your best bet is to grab a laundry basket, but if one isn’t available, a trash bag is a pretty good alternative. Just make sure your dirty clothes aren’t mistaken for last night’s tuna casserole. Carry your basket/bag with you while you travel throughout the wreckage. Here’s where it gets a little tricky. You need to separate the lights from the darks. I know it sounds scary and this is all extremely new and unfamiliar, just break it down, kids. All whites go in the light pile. (Who would’a thunk it?) Whites with silkscreened designs are usually okay. All blue or black denim goes in the dark pile. If you are unsure about the pile placement of your clothing and a resident laundry expert is available, show them your article of clothing and ask which pile it goes into. Most of the time, they will actually be impressed that (1) you are doing your own laundry, and (2) you know enough to understand that whites and darks have to be separated.

Just so you know… Whites and darks have to be separated because most dark colors run in the wash, meaning some of their dye transfers onto other lighter items. Dark items of clothing don’t show the change in color much at all, but because whites are so light, the change in color will be obvious. This is why if you’ve ever seen or experienced someone washing a red article of clothing with a load of whites, everything turns pink. You don’t want to go running around looking like Valentine’s Day exploded all over you, so avoid washing reds and whites together!

Step 3: Using the Washing Machine
Once you’ve separated the lights and darks, make your way to the washing machine. This step may be a little intimidating at first, but have no fear! The washing machine will not attack. Go up to the washing machine and study the knobs, buttons, and compartments. Look inside the laundry basket/trash bag (while simultaneously avoiding the stench) and try to figure out if you need to do more than one load of laundry. If you have a fairly large washing machine, you should be able to fit about three pairs of jeans, four shirts, miscellaneous socks and underwear and maybe even some gym shorts into one load.

Some things to keep in mind: Some pieces of clothing have special washing instructions that should be located on the inside of the clothing on a tag. Keep an eye out for these. Another thing- don’t be tempted to wash your bath towels with your clothing. The fuzz from the towels transfer and stick onto your clothing, and your nice black t-shirt will look like it has been taken over by dust bunnies.

Step 4: Detergent
Find your laundry detergent. If you have liquid detergent, there is usually a cup or method of measuring out how much detergent to use. There should be a few lines on the cup: the lowest for a small load of laundry, the middle for a medium amount of laundry, and the highest for a large amount of laundry. Pick your amount of detergent according to how full your washing machine is. If you feel that there aren’t really that many pieces of clothing, the bottom line is probably the way to go. If you have a medium-large load of laundry, the middle or top line will be sufficient. Don’t put in too much detergent, otherwise you will turn your house into a bubbly abyss. Check for any special detergent instructions on your washing machine. Usually detergent is okay to pour right on top of the clothes in the machine, and if you’re using a plastic cup, you can throw that right in so that all of the detergent from the cup will be used. If you are using bleach, fabric softener, or detergent in powder form, look for instructions on your washing machine and on the containers of the substances.

Next, look at the settings on the washing machine. What are the knobs set to? Some washing machines have different settings for darks or lights and the amount of laundry. These should be set to correspond with what you have in the machine.

Step 5: Wait
This step is a favorite because it usually doesn’t require much work. You now have to wait for the washing machine to finish its cycles. This is a good time to get some homework done, read a book, play with your dog or cat, listen to music, eat a donut, you get the picture. However, if there is finished laundry in the dryer, skip to step number 6, then return to step number 4. Once your laundry is done in the washing machine, continue to step 6.

WARNING: Do not leave wet clothing in the washing machine for a long time. It gets mildew-y and smelly, and then you just have to wash it again. Not fun!

Step 6: The Dryer
Take out the wet/damp laundry from the washing machine and put the whole load into the dryer. Now is another time to check the tags of clothing to make sure they can be machine dried, if not, sometimes they need to be hung up to dry. At this time, you could again ask the resident laundry expert about any specific articles of clothing. If something needs to be hung up, ask your laundry expert where to hang it. The same way you did with the washing machine, adjust the knobs and buttons according to what you’ve put inside the dryer. Before you start the cycle, if there are dryer sheets, for example a Bounce dryer sheet, put it in now. This will help alleviate static and the scented ones will make your clothes smell nice. Before starting the machine, locate the lint collection compartment. Take the cover off and peel away or scoop out the lint. If left inside the dryer, the lint can catch fire. Once the lint is disposed of, put the lint collection compartment cover (say that five times fast) on, and start the machine.

Step 6.5: The Dryer Part Two / the Second Load
Collect the rest of your dirty clothes and put them into the washing machine, repeating steps 3, 4 and 5. Then once the first dryer cycle is done, continue throughout the steps normally. When the first dryer cycle is done, collect the lint that has accumulated in the lint collection compartment and throw it away.

Step 7: Folding
Take the clean laundry and put it in your hamper or a fresh trash bag. Go turn on the TV and fold the laundry in front of it. It eases the boredom. Fold your laundry in piles that are easy to put away.

Step 8: Putting Away
This step, as well as number 6, will make your parents/the laundry expert exuberant. Carry your recently cleaned and folded clothing to your room, and put everything away in the proper locations.

Congrats!
You made your mama proud!

Thanks for checkin out the Scoop From Coop…see you next edition!
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Faculty Spotlight: Mr. Lieser

JEHANE SAMAHA '09

This is the first installment of the “Faculty Spotlight” column. The main idea behind this column is to highlight teachers and other faculty members whom you may not know too much about, beginning with a lot of the new faculty. Along with some insight into their lives, you might get some fun facts to tease your teachers about, too.

Michael Lieser is a new upper school English teacher at Beaver, and the advisor for this newspaper. Because of this, he was a prime target for our first interview. I sat down to talk with Mr. Lieser on the blue couch of the English Office, and here’s what I learned:

Mr. Lieser just moved to Boston from the San Francisco Bay area in California. He had lived there for five years, but now he has relocated to Jamaica Plain. As he says, “It was a lot of fun to be out there, but I feel like New England is more home than anywhere else.” He particularly enjoys the atmosphere in JP; “It’s a lot friendlier and more diverse than I thought Boston would be.”

As a child, he moved around a lot, living in the south, the Midwest, and then attending high school and college in Maine. “When people ask me where home is, that’s a pretty complicated question,” says Mr. Lieser. In Maine, he went to John Bapst Memorial High School and Bowdoin College. In college, Mr. Lieser was acquainted with Beaver History teacher Ms. Melvoin, who played Rugby there.

When I asked him how he would describe his former high-school self, he depicted himself as a good, responsible student, but one who suffered from “a big head” late in his senior year. He says, “When I look back on it now, it was sort of the big fish in a small pond syndrome. But then, when I got to college, and I was around a lot of people who were much smarter than I was… I was kind of cut back down to size.”



(At left: Mr. Lieser's high school photo.)

In high school, he didn’t enjoy calculus; however, his goal was to become a doctor. In fact, he missed so many calculus classes his senior year that his teacher threatened to keep him from graduating. He made it through a lot of college pre-med requirements, but then realized that what he really enjoyed were “the humanities and English.”

One of Mr. Lieser’s hobbies is skiing. Currently, he only skis recreationally, but in high school he did Sugarloaf and the New England race circuit, and then skied in college. He says, “It’s always something I’ve been passionate about… there’s been some talk about organizing some ski trips this year at Beaver. We’ll see if we can put together some student groups and head up on a weekend, maybe get some good snow.”

He has just finished his Master’s Degree at Middlebury College’s Breadloaf School of English. He describes this program as “A Master’s program that’s kind of like a summer camp for English teachers.” For his thesis, one major source that he analyzed was the movie “The Big Lebowski.” He says, “People often think, ‘oh, that’s just a silly stoner movie’ but what they don’t recognize is all the intricacies that it has.”

He has no pets, and he isn’t married. However, his parents, who live in Maine, have a yellow lab. Mr. Lieser has no tattoos (or so he claims). The fun fact that he shares with his students on the first day of class is that he really likes York Peppermint Patties, and his favorite part is the sound that they make when they are broken open. He says the sound is “soft and subtle.” He just turned 29 this past September, but don’t wish him a happy birthday next year; he wants that milestone to slip by unnoticed.
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Student Council Update: Harvest Homecoming, Talent Show, etc.

LIZ COBB

This week, Student Council continued planning for the fast approaching Harvest Homecoming. Unlike Harvest Fest in years past, Harvest Homecoming will have a greater emphasis on the games; however, the most drastic change will be the absence of grade fundraising. This year the administration has made large alterations to the fundraising process at Beaver. As of this year, classes and groups cannot fundraise without a specific purpose in hopes of bringing more money to the school. This change means some former fundraising events, such as Harvest Fest, must be reformed. However, financial help will still be granted to classes and groups that need it.

In student council, we also tried to work out some of the logistics of the talent show in November. Currently, we have set up a drop box on First Class so anyone can sign-up quickly and easily. To sign up, type in “Talent” and write your talent as the subject. The prizes, though still in discussion, are guaranteed to be coveted and valuable. This year we have a strong desire to make changes and organize events that the student body wants. We started thinking of ways to reconstruct Winter Carnival because the poll results showed a great interest in expanding it. One of the most discussed topics for the event was what Beaver apparel would be good to sell to raise money for future events. At the meeting, each grade gave an overview of any future plans for the grade and progress they had made during the past week. Other topics of discussion were future fundraisers as well as the possibility of painting murals in the cubbies.

As always, Student Council would love to hear your ideas. Please tell a member of Student Council if you have any suggestions or grievances, or come to our meetings at 8:00 on Tuesday mornings.
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Clubs Kick off With a Bang

TOPH TUCKER

The 2007-2008 school clubs have begun to meet, with Block A clubs (including such perennial favorites as Yearbook, Ping Pong, and Dodgeball) meeting last September 28 and Block B clubs (like the Science Club and the Young Republicans Club) meeting this past Friday, October 5.

In the case of the Science Club, the year literally kicked off with a bang--or rather, nine or so of them. Dry ice was used to blow up soda bottles, and Mr. Clippinger brought back the long-retired potato gun.


Video: BSEC: First Meeting (Third Year)
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New playground a step in the wrong direction?

TOPH TUCKER

Late last year, as horrified Spanish students looked on, the long-standing Beaver playground was viciously demolished. Now, returning students have been surprised by a brand-new playgrond. Anonymous sources say it wasn't free, yet some students question whether it's a step in the right direction.

"I think it's sort of terrible," says Toph Tucker. "It's as colorful as the Arts Building, Athletic Center and now the Middle School Wing, but that doesn't make it better. It's too small, for one thing. And also, it's dangerous. I think Dan Woo nearly blacked out on that weird spinning bowl-seat the other day. And that circular treadmill of doom? That's a skull fracture waiting to happen."

Worst of all, Toph regrets the way in which the old playground's life unceremoniously ended. "No announcement, no warning, no nothing. No epitaph! Is nothing holy?"



Top image: aerial view of old playground, from Virtual Earth
Bottom image: panorama of new playground by Toph Tucker
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