The Collegian
Baltimore City College
3220 The Alameda
Baltimore, MD 21218
410.396.6557
bcc.collegian@gmail.com
Volume LXXIX Issue No. 4 Serving the Baltimore City College High School Community Since 1929 Spring 2008
Algebra Project Protests
Educational Injustice
Sakiera Malone
I believe more then ever that I can accomplish anything. With all that’s provided
to this generation you would think there’s nothing to worry about, but a few kids seemed to
think otherwise. On February 6, the Baltimore Algebra Project, a student advocacy group,
led a march in Annapolis to the Governor’s Mansion and the Maryland State House. The
march was held to protest continued inadequate funding for the school system.
I attended the protest and honestly had no idea what I was even doing there, but
as the day progressed I began to understand what these kids were fighting so hard for:
their future. The Baltimore Algebra Project fights for proper funding for the Baltimore
City school system. Governor O’Malley’s recent budget readjustments have taken an
estimated $45 million from Baltimore city schools for the next two years. This is in
addition to underfunding of the schools from the start.
We began the day with a seminar put together by our peers. There were
presentations, videos, and some students even got up to sing. Still, you really couldn’t
feel the spirit of the event until the protest. I was amazed to see what appeared to be
hundreds of students coming together, excited, passionately yelling out the slogan, “No
education; No life!”
As we protested all the way to the Governor’s Mansion, onlookers peered at
us, and some people even followed. When the police arrived, it only heightened the
excietement. When we reach the square students got up to speak. You could sense the
enthusiasm in the air. They told their stories; they caught the attention of many; they
inspired. As the protest continued, several students rushed the steps as the crowd cheered
them on. Even I felt the energy of the crowd as we moved closer to the steps.
The cheers grew louder as the police started to take students in handcuffs from
Henry Waldron ‘09 and his father attended rally at the 1st Mariner Arena.
the top of the stairs. It seemed that this sight threw everyone into frenzy, including myself.
Source: Andre Chung at the Baltimore Sun When all was said and done, 25 people were arrested, and as quickly as this whole thing
Obamamania Sweeps
began, it was over. The amazing feeling of achievement swayed onlookers and the sense
of pride was palpable, as it always is when youth unite to accomplish an important goal.
Later, I asked Charles Waters ’09, a participant who was detained, if he would do
it again. He replied, “I’m waiting to take action. I would do it over ten times, a hundred
Baltimore
times!” I agree. We are a generation that has many opportunities, influence and the ability
to take action. More then ever I believe this is our year of change.
Sherella Cupid, Maia Gottlieb, John David Merrill Additional Reporting by Maia Gottlieb
He backed up I-83, he gave entered the arena, India Arie’s “There’s
students real cause to skip school, and Hope” played as people found their seats.
he caused hour-long lines outside of Some people patiently waited for the
Baltimore’s 1st Mariner Arena. One might main attraction to arrive, some people
have thought that Hannah Montana was sang along to inspirational songs, such as
in town. However, City College students “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” As
knew that it wasn’t Hannah Montana or time passed and the songs repeated several
Miley Cyrus they were screaming for, it was times, the crowd began to do ‘the wave.’
Presidential Candidate Barack Obama. Each section rose and fell as their time
Students swarmed the bus stops came. Finally, the momentum fell off and
with hopes of getting a chance to hear the ‘human wave’ disintegrated. People
Obama’s stirring, emotional speeches. began to look at their watches and to the
Joshua Russakis ’09, said, “I waited in line entrance guarded by security.
outside for at least 45 minutes,” before he A Baltimore City College High
was seated in the very back of the 15,000 School graduate, Nicole Price, warmed
seat arena. This was no small commitment, up the crowd, asking them, “Are you
as the temperature high was 29 degrees. ready to win?” In a recent article by the
Luckily, Henry Waldron ’09 and his father Baltimore Sun, Price said “This campaign
found their way to the standing room only has been the most incredible experience
section just feet from Obama himself. of my lifetime.” Mayor Sheila Dixon
Waldron said the whole experience was and Representative Elijah Cummings
“exhilarating.” Charles Waters ‘09 protests at the Annapolis State House
As frozen toes and red hands See “Obama” Page 4 Source: Glenn Fawcett at the Baltimore Sun
Inside: Funding Increase; Bureaucracy Cut
Marshall Troutner
Earlier this year, Governor, and workplace conditions. Working without a offs at North Avenue. The total operating
All-American History?.pg 2 former Baltimore City Mayor, Martin contract leaves employees working under a budget for Baltimore City College this year
O’Malley successfully passed a bill in previous contract. is 4.75 million, including staff salaries, and
the Maryland Legislature to raise sales But it seems Dr. Alonso is getting Mr. Dawson says that number is down by
Security Cameras.........pg 3 tax. With all the money your parents pay more comfortable in the BCPSS. After more than a quarter of a million dollars since
in property taxes, and all the extra money beginning to settle teacher contract issues, last year. He blames a bloated bureacracy
you have to fork over for sales tax, where he now has a plan to give more money at North Avenue, and says Dr. Alonso’s
Mock Election..............pg 4 does it all go? And does it affect you? The to schools. For years student/teacher plan should assist City and other public
biggest and most direct impact taxes have rights organizations, like the Baltimore schools greatly, although this reporter
on the students is how much goes into their Algebra Project have criticized North doubts it will assist Polytechnic Institute
Photo Essay..................pg 5 school. Avenue for having excessive bureaucracy, in winning football games. In addition
Earlier in the year, many teachers consequently wasting state funds before to having more money for field trips and
criticized the new Baltimore City School they reach the schools. Dr. Alonso has a books, Mr. Dawson says that there should
Interview with Joshua Board Executive, Dr. Andres Alonso, for plan to “cut fat,” as Head of School Dawson be enough money to hire more teachers. In
Weiner..........................pg 5 not doing enough to help teachers because put it in an interview two weeks ago. the meantime, Mr. Dawson says educators
he didn’t give them a contract. Social At the recent PTSA meeting, Dr. are doing their best with less, and will have
studies teacher Mr. Morrow asked, “Would Alonso plans to get more money into the to continue doing so until the new budget
Classrooms Fall Apart..pg 8 a baseball player work without a contract?” schools and to the students by eliminating kicks in.
Contracts dictate hours, pay rates, and most of the burdensome bureaucracy,
See “Funding” Page 3
planned years of service, and all other probably resulting in salary cuts and lay-
Fall 2007 The Collegian Page 2
All-America History? Letter from the Editors
Baltimore City College is largely an African-American school, and the majority
Sherella Cupid of students are female. Both of these factions are represented in the Democratic primary
Does it strike you as odd that United States History and African-American race. Therefore, this Democratic presidential campaign is especially meaningful to
studies are separate classes? Are African-Americans not a part of American history? us. It is interesting to note that in City’s Mock Presidential Election, Obama won in
And what about World History; how much world history did you learn? For me not a landslide. (See page 4). However, this may simply reflect local opinions, as Obama
much-it was European History. rallied Baltimore, and then swept the Potomac Primaries. (See the front page). Some may
The exclusion of African-American History from US History and the question why our coverage of Obama exceeds that of Clinton. The truth is that Obama is
Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Programs proves one thing: Black simply making more news, and our audience is more interested in what he has to say.
history is as important as Native American History. Native American History should be John McCain is the presumptive Republican candidate. Republicans are harder
heavily discussed in US history. But I only remember learning about the Trail of Tears to find at City than Clinton supporters. In addition, Ralph Nader has entered the race.
and small pox. Native Americans remain ignored just like the celebration of Native We feel that commenting on his entrance would be giving credence to a campaign that
American History month in November. Are Blacks and Native Americans not included deserves none. After all, Nader has proven a divisive candidate for the Democratic
in the United States? party.
I’m tired of learning about Christopher Columbus discovering America and The Collegian itself is undergoing newsworthy changes. We now have an online
the other European settlers giving small pox to the Apaches. I want to learn more about home at http://my.highschooljournalism.org/md/baltimore/city/, and it will be updated
the Sioux, Black Foot, and all the other Native American nations which the European regularly.
colonialists destroyed. When was the last time we were taught about the true founding In this eight page issue, our writers address local protests, funding changes,
fathers of America? The only time I learned about Native American History was in the security cameras, new movies, extracurricular activities, fashion, fiction, and more.
8th grade. Have you ever learned about just them, not their interaction with European
Comments, concerns, or random musings? Email us at bcc.collegian@gmail.com.
settlers?
Taking African-American History has made me realize that the writers of Maia Gottlieb and Marshall Troutner
the textbooks and the school board must still think that we are in the 1600’s—Native
Americans in America, Africans in Africa, and Europeans in Europe. It is 2008.
African-American Studies must be made a mandatory high-school course.
Why should I have to go to college to learn about myself? I can tell you about WWII,
Anne Frank, and “Freedom Writers.” But how much can I tell you about the Black The Collegian
Holocaust? And how many seniors would be able to tell you that they have heard of the Editors in Chief
book, “They Came Before Columbus”? The saying is true—if you don’t know your past Maia Gottlieb, Marshall Troutner
how can you know your future? The void of history must be filled; society continues Section Editors
to repeat the mistakes of the past because we don’t know our history. I am not saying News: Zoe Rammelkamp
throw picket signs in the air and hold boycotts, but much needs to be done. It’s apparent Opinion: Andrew DiMauro
that much more needs to be done today than was done yesterday. Arts and Entertainment: Joshua Beckett, Kaitlin Meissinger
I’m tired of checking the box “African-American” but not knowing the Sports: Henry Waldron
connection. I’ve learned and I am learning about Africa and America but how much
am I learning about African America? The history is here and it is known—for Staff Writers: Debra Brown, Sherella Cupid, Jade Davis, Eliana Fabiyi, Natiya Grady,
example, the Reginald F. Lewis museum. The question is, why don’t Americans to Nia Hampton, Corey Lacey, Sakiera Malone, Jasmine Moody, Brian McKnight, Sa-
learn about African-American history? mantha McNeil, Jasmine Nance, Diamond Newman, Chastity Pryor, Courtney Steele,
Just as Tupac rapped, “It’s time that we heal each other,” we shouldn’t need a Miguel Subosa, Victoria Williams
tragedy to unite and to admit that we have regressed in the effort towards justice, peace,
and equality. Copy Editor: Zachary Weiner
The sad part is that too many of us don’t recognize that America has a broken Photographers: Angel Brathwaite, Andrew Nagl
leg and not just a scratch. The worst part is that, in terms of African-American history,
we only know about Egypt, Timbuktu, slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Publisher: T Dawson
Black Panthers. Education is not just five days a week from 8am to 3pm. The problem Advisor: V Valcik
is that too many of us think that the government will cure all of our problems. The
government can not be the only solution.
We need a new phrase for these times because “by any means necessary” and Editorial Policy
“I have a dream” have been accomplished. What phrase do you suggest? I simply say The Collegian, Baltimore City College’s student newspaper, provides for communication
let’s try “honesty.” Historical honesty is understanding everyone’s history. It’s long among all citizens of the Baltimore City College community. The Collegian exists as an
overdue. Every American, especially African-Americans, needs to know their history. open forum to reflect student opinions, report student issues, and entertain.
The visible solution is to make African-American History a mandatory class until there Students write all articles and editorials. On occasion The Collegian prints
is a true American History class. individual writing as signed articles on the editorial page. The byline shows that the
opinions are those of the writers. The staff examines articles for fairness and accuracy;
the advisor assists with mechanics, structure, and legal issues.
The Absent Nurse
A decision by The Collegian Editorial Board, composed of the Editors-in-Chief,
the business managers, and other section editors, determines the content of all unsigned
editorials. Unsigned editorials are allowed at the discretion of The Collegian Editorial
Andrew DiMauro Board, as are anonymous sources.
Nurses get no respect. The Collegian reserves the right to edit letters that it considers libelous, obscene,
Too often I have heard the complaints that our school’s nurses were unable or too lengthy. Only signed letters are accepted, however, names may be withheld upon
to provide a “simple service like giving a student Tylenol”, or “the nurses don’t do the request of the writer.
anything”, without any real basis behind it. It makes me wonder if those who make The First Amendment to the Constitution grants the student press rights and
such statement are really considering what the nursing department really is allowed privileges as long as the reporter or the paper does not abuse the guaranteed rights of
to do. I suppose on the outside, Tylenol seems like a trivial thing to withhold from any citizen. Abuse may be in the form of libel, obscenity, invasion of privacy, or material
a student. However, there are plenty of perhaps unconsidered ethical and even legal interference and physical disruption of the educational process. The Collegian will not
reasons as to what services a school nurse can give. intentionally commit any of the above abuses, and if accidental abuse occurs, will rectify
You might be thinking, “But … Tylenol? That’s a harmless over the counter it immediately.
medication. Why can’t we have that?”. However, the school nurses are not legally able The Collegian will do its utmost to retain an independent point of view and be
to give medication just by request. Their nursing license and the Baltimore City Public free of any biases. According to the law, the principal, as publisher of the paper, may
School system prohibits it. Nurse Norwood, one of Baltimore City College’s nurses, censor the paper if necessary.
stated, “What if a student has an allergy to the medication we give?” Imagine if you The Collegian is the newspaper of the Baltimore City College community. If
had no idea that an over the counter medication you asked for could result in an allergic any member of the community sees errors, it is that person’s duty to inform the staff.
reaction. Suddenly, that headache you were trying to get rid of is dwarfed by a response The Collegian welcomes letters from all readers. To send us letters, or to access
that rushes you to the hospital. Not only could it be potentially dangerous to the student, our Editorial Policy, simply email us at bcccollegian@gmail.com.
but it could easily give way for a lawsuit if a student had an allergic reaction. After all,
who would be liable for supplying the medication without being sure it’s safe? The
nurses, and the school. It seems like a fair enough reason, then, that medication can’t be The Collegian
given out freely. staff. From top
However, the health suite can give you medication that you provide row left: Maia
beforehand, if you have an authorization form properly filled out. You can access the Gottlieb ‘09,
form by going to the following web address on your computer:
http://www.baltimorehealth.org/info/medication%20form%204-04.pdf
Andrew Di-
That being said, I don’t think students really appreciate our nurses as much Mauro ‘08, Zach
as they should. We actually have a fully staffed and prepared department; according Weiner ‘08,
to Nurse Norwood, “We’re fully qualified nurses. We’re trained to do any job that you Marshall Trout-
would find of a nurse in a hospital.” Of course, we also have to remember that when ner ‘08, Natiya
we step into the nurses office, we aren’t going into an emergency room. The nurse’s
office is not meant to be a full capacity care center. Small issues are common, so small
Grady ‘08,
treatment is usually what’s needed. Joshua Beckett
While the health suite might not seem as glamorous as you’d imagine another ‘09, and Zoe
health center to be, it’s certainly well equipped and well staffed with people who are Rammelkamp
looking after your health when you need it. And, if it’s just a matter of whether or not ‘09.
you get your Tums, you might find that with a little research and effort that you can
make the nursing office accommodate your needs.
Fall 2007 The Collegian Page 3
Funding Increase Lateness Policy Crackdown
Continued from Front Page Marhsall Troutner
However, Dawson also said that the superintendent feels that there are programs, Recently, City’s administration appropriate consequences for their actions.
positions, and offices that can be cut to put money back into the schools. For instance, has been stepping up its fight against He also said teachers complained they did
the BCPSS plans to give money to students who can pass High School Assesment (HSA) lateness. Many students complain that not have time to hand out detentions during
tests after failing them the first time. Dawson believes that this is a, “desperate attempt to this is a violation of the handbook that class time. This is the reasoning behind the
raise HSA test scores in Baltimore.” Baltimore County has established a similar concept they signed. However, many of the new computer programs that automatically
and gives shoes to those who can pass the HSA on their second try. Dawson says, in his consequences for lateness have been in the assign detentions and keep and notify
experience, students will be able to take advantage of the system, resulting in lowering handbook for some years; the rules have administrators of students’ attendance
original test scores. Dawson believes athat students should want to pass the tests because merely not been enforced. Mr. Dawson records. Many of the consequences are
of their desire to learn and not for monetary gain. has been becoming concerned about the outlined in the same hand book we have
Hopefully, City will soon see an increase in funding and environmental quality. lateness issue because he feels there are too all been using since freshman year, with
90 Security Cameras to be
many students roaming the halls after late the only additions being the harsher
bells. consequence of suspensions.
During an interview with Dawson, Journalism teacher Mr. Valcik
Installed at City
he said that investigated why some students reports that as a result of this crackdown,
are chronically late. He came to the “Students have been coming to my class on
conclusion that the majority of tardy students time more often than in the past.”
came late because they were not receiving
Overcrowding Solutions
Zoe Rammelkamp
cameras will have is the zone system.
The Baltimore Sun recently Each has a “zone,” and until a person steps
reported that Collin Mazyck, 24, was into that “zone,” that camera will remain
fatally shot multiple times in an alley off of in sleep mode, creating the most efficient Marhsall Troutner that teach one class of very few, would
Tivoly Avenue. This murder is especially system possible. Some students and teachers have teach that class more times a day with
distressing because Tivoly Avenue, a street Inevitably, there are some who noticed that the student-teacher ratio in many more students. Spreading students
that housing officials have called “one of oppose the installation of security cameras. some classes, especially English and CP throughout different science, mathematics,
the most troubled in Baltimore,” is located And they bring up valid arguments. Ashley classes, can be over 30-1. This has caused and other electives could cut down on the
within less than a mile of Baltimore City Mooring ‘08 says, “We need new windows. some teachers distress and could be a student-teacher ratio significantly, says
College High School. Fortunately, City is The pipes just burst. The money could go critical factor in how much a child can Dawson. However, the current plans are
taking steps to improve campus security. toward renovating.” Then there are others learn in one class period. The Baltimore only to meet district standards.
On February 22nd, contractors who simply feel disconcerted by the fact City Public School System (BCPSS) Despite the admittance that CP
will begin installing 90 security cameras that they will be watched. Charles Henly recommends that all classrooms meet the classes get hit hardest by overcrowding,
in hallways, stairwells, parking lots, and ‘08 says, “I don’t feel too good about it. I district required student-teacher ratio of Mr. Dawson seems to want to focus more
at entrances. They will not, however, be like my privacy.” However, both Mooring 32-1, and Dawson said, in an interview with higher-level classes, especially since
installed in locker rooms, bathrooms, or and Henly support installing cameras in that there are currently two plans to reduce the current ninth grade is all MYP. He said
classrooms. In addition, they will run the student parking lot, the site of previous the student-teacher ratio. One plan is to that more money should be coming from
twenty-four hours, seven days a week, theft. hire more teachers. Another plan is to North Avenue for better training of teachers
during winter and spring breaks and Installing security cameras encourage more students to take usually so that they are better qualified. The money
summer vacations. However, “If you ask has been among Principal Dawson’s less populated classes, thereby “maxing will also be used for new, qualified teachers
me if they will be monitored 24/7, I’ll tell top priorities ever since he first became out singletons”. In other words, teachers and instructional materials.
you right now the answer is no,” Principal principal of City. Two other schools where
Dawson explains. Instead, the footage from he was principal also acquired security
these cameras will be on a desktop, and if cameras, so he has experienced the positive
a crime occurs, someone will be able to results. The other two schools were twice
ascertain the time and date of the incident, as large, and installation took four months.
and pull the footage from the computer. Therefore, Dawson expects the installation
The money for these security process to take about eight weeks, twelve
cameras comes from a grant that was at the most.
awarded to many high schools in Baltimore Hopefully, these high-tech
City, including Forest Park, Mergenthaler cameras will secure the campus and
Vocational (Mervo), Douglass, and Lake protect the students. This is something
Clifton, many of which are located in that Principal Dawson feels confident
the same area as City. Principal Dawson will happen. “The point of the security
estimates that the total cost for the 90 cameras is to keep honest people honest,
security cameras is over $1 million. and to make dishonest people honest,” Andres Alonso speaks at a PTSA meeting
Although $1 million is a says Principal Dawson. He refers to an
significant amount of money, it is not incident at Mervo, where students were something that the students, faculty, and to give the students an education to bring
wasted; the 90 cameras that will soon be setting fires in the school, but were never administration has discussed since Dawson out their potential. Dr, Alonso also said
installed throughout City are high-tech and caught. However, after the contractors revealed his plans to install cameras last that he was concerned about the number
durable. In fact, these cameras are similar installed security cameras, the effects were year. Alonso updated the body, noting that of students that City asks North Avenue to
to a human iris, able to adjust to darkness instantaneous: the fires stopped. the contract to install cameras had been be reassigned. He sees this as a potential
and bright light. Another feature that these approved, and that 60 cameras should be problem for the school, and is disheartened
in place at City by the middle of February. that City cannot engage students that show
Andres Alonso
Alumnus Nicholas Brady, ’07, also noted promise and keep them out of trouble.
the lack of proper lighting in the student A big theme of the night was
parking lot, which has resulted in robberies Alonso’s new plan for flexibility and
Zack Wiener and car thefts. Alonso answered, “as to accountability. He believes that the schools
On Wednesday, January 16th, of Zachariah Hallback, a Patterson Park facilities matters, if it can be done, it gets know best how to allocate resources
City’s Parent Teacher Student Association student who was murdered at the 33rd and done.” for their students’ benefit, and that they
invited Dr. Andrés Alonso to speak to City Alameda bus stop at 8 P.M on January 9th. In Next to ask Dr. Alonso a question should have flexibility to apply funds as
students, teachers, parents, and faculty response to Celia’s question about growing was theatre and creative writing teacher necessary for the wellbeing of students.
about his plans for the future of City and crime incidents at City, Alonso said that he Mr. McBee. Mr. McBee cited three main In turn for more flexibility in funding
the BCPSS. Alonso, who is the new Chief has daily meetings with the BCPSS Police concerns: City’s large class sizes, the allocation, however, Dr. Alonso feels that
Educational Officer of the Baltimore about crime incidents in the schools. He growth of the IB program, and the specific the schools should be more accountable
City Public School System, hails from worries specifically about the “receiver” repair needs of the historic Castle on the for their students’ performance. In order
New York City, and left a job as Deputy schools—campuses that have received Hill. Dr. Alonso responded by saying that to facilitate this relationship between
Chancellor of the school system there to other schools due to facilities changes last City receives the most money in the system flexibility and accountability, Alonso has
become the new head of Baltimore City year. With the finalization of the facilities (other than the Baltimore School for the been slowly eliminating the role of Area
schools. After emigrating from Cuba at changes last summer, he preempted Arts), and receives some of the highest- Academic Officers (Dr. Deborah Wortham,
the age of 12, Alonso went on to attend predictions of gang violence and fighting potential students the city has to offer. As City’s AAO, resigned late last year). In lieu
Columbia College, Harvard Law, and by staggering different school’s starting such, Alonso thinks that City cannot be of the low-performing bureaucracy that
Harvard Graduate School of Education. At times so that there would be less contact judged on how it manages to bring out has plagued North Avenue in years past,
the opening of the meeting, he said that he between rival groups. Alonso said that the potential in students. Adam Stokes, ’08, Alonso has plans to rearrange positions
was honored to be at City for the second reality of working in the BCPSS is that followed up by asking how North Avenue and restructure North Avenue in order to
time, and that his inbox is constantly sometimes safety and facilities concerns can help make sure that City attracts the better administer and provide for schools
filled with e-mails from City teachers and take precedence over education—a problem right students and reassigns students that around the City.
parents. specific to inner-city school systems. do not perform to the City standard. In the All in all, the tone of the meeting
The meeting was focused around Responding specifically about realm of admissions, Alonso replied by between the PTSA and Dr. Alonso was
three central themes: safety, funding, and City’s safety, Alonso cited the hiring of referencing the 600 qualified eigth graders recognition of recurring problems in the
governance, yet due to time constraints, two more hall monitors, and an extension that wanted to attend City, but could Baltimore City Public School System,
only the former two were discussed. of City’s School Police surveillance until not due to student capacities. He wants and of a new spirit of change that will
Beginning the forum was SGA President 8 P.M. to better protect students leaving to expand City to make room for more hopefully spread through North Avenue,
Celia Neustadt, ’08, who specifically school after extracurricular activities. He qualified students. With more students, the the Baltimore City schools, and Baltimore
gave City’s condolences to the family also brought up the issue of cameras at City, school would also receive more money City College as well.
Fall 2007 The Collegian Page 4
Obamamania sweeps
Baltimore Obama’s speech emphasized
Continued from Front Page change, the ubiquitous theme of his
were also on hand to lend their support. campaign.
Congressman Cummings exclaimed that, “It is time for Americans to make
“This is not just a presidential campaign. change. Americans must no longer need
This is history and we are all making to look at each other as black, white,
history. This presidential campaign has rich, poor, gay, but as Americans. If we
grown from two participants to over 6,000 Americans can become just Americans
volunteers, just in Maryland.” Finally, then we can make change.” He believes
Congressman Cummings introduced the that Americans must not complain for
man of the hour. change, but challenge our government to
The Illinois Senator received a make progressive and effective change. Signs along the Social Studies hallway encouraged students to vote
rock star ovation when he finally entered
the building just after 5:30 on February
Obama spoke on education:
“I must fix the education system. But Obama Crushes Clinton in City
11th. The audience chanted “O—ba—ma.” the first thing parents need to do is turn
Barack Obama had arrived. Obama slowly
made his way to the stage, shaking hands
off the TV and video games,” and the
audience applauded. Then, he said that
Mock Election politician we need,” says Benajamin Boult
and allowing women to pull him into hugs. in the beginning of 2009 he would bring Eliana Fabiyi
’10. Simone Davis ’09 adds, “I think a vote
By the time his feet touched the stage the the troops home. Many eyes watered as On February 11, 2008, the for Barack Obama is a vote against the
entire arena was standing and jumping. Obama said that this campaign is personal first ever Baltimore City College mock Bush administration.” These feelings jibe
Obama received a similar ovation hours because of numerous fallen soldiers. He presidential election was held. Conceived with youth around the country, who have
earlier when he roused crowds in College expounded on college funding and health and organized by the Social Studies turned out en masse to Obama’s rallies.
Park at the University of Maryland. care, but mostly, change. department, and headed by Ms. Kriewald, Ms. Kriewald believes that this
After the audience quieted down, A feeling of success was left in it turned out to be a resounding success. type of mock election is essential. “It’s
Obama said that that he was not only the air on Tuesday when Obama swept the It couldn’t have been possible without history,” she says, “You guys have to know
disappointed in President Bush but in “Potomac Primaries”, giving him eleven everybody else’s enthusiasm. The banners what’s going on… [The mock election]
Vice President Cheney. He smiled and straight victories against Hillary Clinton. and posters that you see in the social studies is showing the seniors that they should
added, “Don’t you know when you take In Maryland, Obama won by 60% of the hallway were made by several classes, and vote— it’s making them think.”
those genealogy tests you expect to find vote, with Clinton receiving only 37%. A the project was endorsed by the PTSA and The election was created in an
somebody cool in your family. But I found similar story unfolded in Washington D.C. administration. attempt to make us look more deeply into
Dick Cheney. Man that was disappointing.” and Virginia,where Obama gained 75% The chosen leader of students, this political race than we otherwise would
Recent genealogical investigations found and 64% of the vote respectively. Obama’s faculty and staff was Barack Obama with have—to put these historic, current events
that Obama and Cheney were distantly wide lead indicates a shift in the Democratic a landslide with 636 votes. Hilary Clinton into perspective. Seniors—this is a wake
related. Party mindset. Obama’s victories put him in came in second with, surprisingly, only 96 up call. The real presidential race is on a
In his speech, Obama said that the lead for the first time in the race to the votes. John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Ron much bigger scale, but that hardly matters:
Clinton believes that Obama, “isn’t tough White House. At press time, Obama totaled Paul, and Dennis Kucinich followed with if you are eligible, go out and vote! It is
enough to handle McCain’s blows.” 1253 delegates compared to Clinton’s 5, 3, 7, and 5 votes respectively. easy to feel like part of some statistic. This
Obama threw up his fists and jabbed the 1211. Winning Ohio and Texas on March Obama supporters held fast to their simulation shows that every vote affects
air, stating that “I might be skinny and slim 4th has become increasingly important for convictions. “I think Barack Obama should the result, and therefore, history.
but I’m tough.” The audience laughed. the Clinton campaign. be president because of his outstanding
charm and honesty. He’s just the kind of
Chess Club Revived
Marshall Troutner his job as a chess instructor at Chinquapin
Outside the library, different Middle School. Hopkins praises staff and
trophies and other objects of honorary student competition. Hopkins says, “Mr.
distinction reside. Many of these symbols Glover is the only person in the school
reflect City College’s accomplishments better than me,” and “Malik, who is on
in chess competitions. In recent years, City’s basketball team, is very good and a
however, there has been no chess team, or worthy opponent.”
even club, at City. Mr. Birenbaum is considering
A new math teacher, Mr. setting up “mini-tournaments” and “chess
Birenbaum, has decided to revive this lost puzzles” for future meetings, and is open to
tradition. After only three meetings, the the possibiltiy of a competitive chess team.
chess club has twenty members signed Despite these ambitions, Mr. Birenbaum
up. Every Tuesday, about ten to twelve would like to keep things “very informal”
students participate in chess club after and welcomes anyone who shows up.
school, according to Mr. Birenbaum. Mr. So perhaps, if you enjoy chess and
Birenbaum also noted that students are consider yourself above average, challenge
welcome to come after school to play Hopkins or any other members of the chess
whenever he is there. club. With enough enthusiasm, the chess
Barack Obama works the crowd at the rally One regular at chess club is Keith club may become the chess team, and
Source: Angelique Brathwaite, City community member Hopkins, ’08. Hopkins attends chess club reclaim its former glory.
to assist fellow students before he goes to
GAC Bicycle Raffle
Maia Gottlieb, Marshall Troutner families where each family member works
This spring, watch for the Global long hours, the long haul to gather water is
Action Committee (GAC) selling two a tragic waste of time. Indeed, this journey
dollar raffle tickets for a new mountain can even be dangerous. Women and girls
bike. The bicycle has been donated by often undertake this task, and in war torn
Light Street Cycles, a local bike shop near countries, such as Sudan, they are easily
the Inner Harbor. attacked.
The raffle proceeds go towards The PlayPump is a merry-go-
the non-profit organization PlayPump, round which pumps clean water from
which aims at building water pumps for underground. The water goes to a 2,500
poor, rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. liter tank that stands seven meters above
These water pumps are both the ground. Adults and children can easily
innovative and essential. In many draw water through a simple tap. The
developing countries, clean water is tank supports itself, since it provides
a necessary component of a sucessful an advertising opportunity for local
life. However, over one billion people commerce.
throughout the world have no access to GAC is hoping to raise at least
clean water. $1500. Participating in this raffle can help
Dirty water can cause water the lives of thousands of people suffering
related diseases. Such diseases are the in Africa.
leading cause of death, responsible for For more information on the Keith Hopkins ‘08 plays chess while Adam Stokes ‘08 looks on.
80% of worldwide sickness. Among poor PlayPump, visit playpump.org
Fall 2007 The Collegian Page 5
The Castle on the Hill
Andrew Nagl, our Photo Editor, trained his camera
on our beloved castle for this photo essay. From top left: the
front steps; the third floor hallway, and the arches of City.
Nagl contribued to the Baltimore City Department
of Planning Middle Branch and Cherry Hill Master Plans.
He placed third in a 2007 Congressional Art Competition
with Elijah Cummings, and won the Curator’s Choice award
from the Baltimore Museum of Art. In addition, he has shot
numerous photographs for The Urbanite.
This photo essay will be continued in upcoming is-
sues of The Collegian.
Interview with Joshua Weiner, of “From the Book of Giants”
Jasmine Moody ride public transit into Princeton in order to go to the Firestone Library there, which at
In anticipation of the April 28, “ONE CITY; ONE BOOK” event, I bought a copy of Josh the time had an “open stack” policy for local residents--you couldn’t take books out, but
Weiner’s “From the Book of Giants.” I was so taken by some of the poems I found in you could take them off the shelves. I had good friends, but I spent a lot of time alone. I
his collection that I wanted to learn more about Mr. Weiner and his writing. I’m grateful also competed on the debate club, for which I was a captain, and model congress in
to Ms. Sampson who facilitated an email interview and Josh Weiner who was gracious New Jersey, which was great fun. I passed a bill to make water a national resource, in
enough to take the time to answer my questions. order to place control of its purity under federal regulation. As you can tell, I was rather
liberal. I supported Ted Kennedy in his run for President, and actually wore a Kennedy
JM: I was wondering where you went to high school and what you were interested in bumper sticker on the back of my jacket. I also supported Jon Anderson, who ran as an
when you were seventeen. What classes interested you? What did you do for fun? What independent. I played football but quit before I finished a full season; I found it vulgar,
did you hope to become when you grew up? in the end, and also I couldn’t remember the plays very well.
I was, and remain, a huge Springsteen fan.
JW: I was the editor of my own high school newspaper for two years, and I know how
much effort and commitment is required to put out a good paper. I was proud of two
JM: Are there any particular poets or poetry movements or schools of poetry that have
things, particularly, that I did as editor. One was to change the kind of paper we used,
influenced your work? Is there one poet whom you greatly admire? Why do you admire
from a heavy, glossy paper to newsprint, which was cheaper and also felt like a real
him or her?
newspaper; the other thing I did was effectively block the U.S. Army from establishing
a Junior ROTC program in my high school, which I accomplished through editorials. JW: Your question about poets and movements and schools is complicated, because I’ve
I went to Lawrence High School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, a small (at the been influenced by so many different kinds of poets, from different historical periods,
time), very rural suburb between Princeton and Trenton (it has since seen its farms sold from the oldest poetry we have (Sumerian) to the newest. I love the poetry of the English
to developers and turned into an ex-urb of New York and Philadelphia). My high school Renaissance--John Donne, George Herbert, Shakespeare, Edmund Spenser, Philip Sidney,
is “famous” now for being Jon Stewart’s (Jonathan Leibowitz) alma mater. In fact, he Ben Jonson, Thomas Wyatt. And I love many poets of the English and American 19th
was a year or two ahead of me; we were in a U.S. history class together. He is exactly the Century--Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman, and William Wordsworth, John Keats,
same. John Clare, Coleridge, William Blake. I also love many poets of the 20th Century, such
History was one of my two favorite subjects, English being the other. I thought as Thomas Hardy, and W.B. Yeats, Mina Loy, Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Frost, William
I would major in history in college, and then go on to become a political journalist. In Carlos Williams, Basil Bunting, Philip Larkin, there are scores of them. Two living poets
college, though, I realized that I liked reading novels, stories, essays, plays, poems, and that I like very much are Robert Pinsky, who is rather famous now, and Anne Winters,
thinking about them more than I liked doing historical research; and I discovered that I who is not.
liked writing poems more than I liked writing for a newspaper (I went to Northwestern, In the book, there are several poets about whom I express keen interest. There
which has a crack journalism school and a good daily student paper; but the paper was are two poems addressed to an Anglo-American poet named Thom Gunn, who died just
competitive beyond my desire to compete--it’s a quasi-professional paper). a few years ago, who was a teacher and later a friend of mine. I came to know him
What did I do for fun? This was a pretty sleepy place. I read constantly, a real
worm. Most of the books I read were not assigned to me, I just found them. I used to See “Weiner” Page 7
Fall 2007 The Collegian Page 6
“Charlie Wilson’s War” - Easy to “Cloverfield” - Misleading Hype
Katlin Meissinger
Watch, Difficult to Understand One of the most “captivating” moments in the movie Cloverfield is when the
Statue of Liberty’s head crashes into a New York street, rolls over, and comes to a total
Zoe Rammelkamp
and unsettling stop, stone eyes staring into the distance. Yet even this scene, in all its
Charlie Wilson’s War is one of those movies that makes me wish that I knew vigor, was not original. The scene, and the idea of the whole movie, was inspired from
more about the Middle East than I do. Yet despite my ignorance, I could still recognize a poster from 1981 for the movie Escape from New York, which depicts the Statue of
that this film was not bad at all. Liberty’s head resting solemnly between two buildings. Much of the hype that came with
The film is based on the true story of a Texan Congressman named Charles the movie was based off the fact that J.J Abrams, one of the creators of the popular show
Wilson (Tom Hanks), and his success in removing the Communists from Afghanistan. Lost, produced Cloverfield. With the suspicions that the movie would be a spin off of
Wilson has the luxury of representing a district that neither wants nor needs anything. Lost, Cloverfield received more attention than it should have.
That makes it easy for him to start drinking at 10 am and still get re-elected six times. Overall, the movie seems a mesh of others – The Blair Witch Project, Godzilla,
It also makes it easy for him to devote his attention to the “covert war” against the and War of the Worlds – and the lack of originality destroys any interest I might have had
Communists. in the beginning. A classical “horror” movie – some creature invades a highly populated
When Joanne Herring (Julia Roberts), the sixth richest female in Texas, calls city (usually New York) and several characters attempt to escape said city. Along the
Wilson one night congratulating him on raising the inadequate $5 million budget for way, romance, violence, and special effects permeate the film. Much is the same for
Afghanistan to a just as inadequate $10 million, she asks him to fly to Texas from Cloverfield.
Washington with the hopes of raising it even more. Wilson flies to visit Joanne, and by The movie begins with a claim that the video is property of the United States
the end of his visit, he has promised the beautiful patrician that he will fly to Pakistan to Federal Government, confiscated from a place previously called “Central Park.” We then
meet with President Zia (Om Puri). find out that the video is a home movie recording the going-away party of a character,
That was where I got a little lost. I had no idea what Pakistan’s problem was, Rob, who’s friends surprise him with the party the night an alien-like monster attacks.
or whether Pakistan was supporting Afghanistan or the Communists. Next thing I know, After the monster attacks New York, Rob and several of his friends try to escape, coming
Wilson is driving through a refugee camp in Pakistan along with his assistant, Bonnie across obstacles of smaller vicious creatures, the military, and a wounded friend. The
Bach (Amy Adams), and witnessing the terrible condition these Afghan refugees must ending of the film was not provocative, and was predictable from the very beginning, but
endure. I would not say that this scene was particularly moving for me, but it definitely I won’t reveal the details. What I will say is that it wasn’t worth the money, time, and
helped me understand the historical aspects of this film a bit better. headaches. The shaky camerawork, as a result of the “home movie” effect, left me with
There were more negotiations and meetings with Middle Eastern countries, a migraine. There was nothing particularly “powerful” about the movie, so the reason
which I did not fully understand either, but soon the film picked up and the action really for using a hand-held camera totally escaped me. The plot, a poor attempt at originality,
started. Once this occurred, my confusion left me, and I really started enjoying this film. bored me. The dialogue, which seemed to be a forced attempt at “natural” lacked any kind
Charlie Wilson’s War is well acted, funny, and quite informative. I would of significance. In fact, I barely remember anything said between the characters. The only
recommend, however, that you be somewhat knowledgeable of the Cold War and the thing positive that I can say is that the monster, which you don’t really see until the end,
situation in Afghanistan before you see the film. was intense, just like the explosions and other special effects. Still, Cloverfield, did not
live up to my expectations of an intense and powerful movie.
Springtime Probably See “Definitely Maybe”
Maia Gottlieb
Holidays
As with most romantic comedies, “Definitely, Maybe” has a hokey premise.
William Hayes (Ryan Reynolds) gets his divorce papers on the same day that his daughter,
Maya (Abigail Breslin) has her first sex education class in school. The class leads to
hysterical children and flabbergasted parents. Will Hayes is one of those parents. Maya
proceeds to question her dad about sex, and the conversation turns to his love life.
Joshua Beckett, Maia Gottlieb Now, Hayes gives in too easily, and says too much, but the story of how he
met Maya’s mother is charming and adorable. Set in the early ‘90s, Hayes begins as
Spring is coming, and with it comes a barrage of celebrations. Even though
an idealistic college graduate working for Bill Clinton. His three serious girlfriends,
February isn’t technically part of spring, we included some February holidays with
played by Elizabeth Banks, Rachel Weisz and Isla Fisher, all fill in their roles nicely but
interesting histories. For those nonconformists out there, check out our list of bizaare
without any unique skill. Indeed, Banks and Weisz look far too old to be cast as twenty-
national holidays for every occasion.
somethings, and Reynolds barely pulls off the clean shaven look.
Meanwhile, Hayes’s early romantic luck falters, and he descends into the depths
of an unpleasant job, constant takeout dinners, and booze. This montage lasts for all
of five minutes, never threatening the cloudless atmosphere that dominates the movie.
Suddenly, he meets one of the old girlfriends again, and the mother is revealed.
The movie has a nice structure, but at times the scenes drag on, becoming
repetitive and tedious. The New York setting is it’s own character, setting the tone for
each scene.
“Definitely, Maybe” was a romantic comedy, and the cutesy ending confirms
this. However, with a male lead and a fresh script, it avoids cliché.
Presidents Day - February 18
Presidents Day is the unofficial name for the federal holiday, officially named
“Washington’s Birthday.” This holiday became official in 1880 in Washington, D.C., and
expanded to the nation in 1885.
The greeting card industry is essential to the celebration of Valentine’s Day Despite its official designation, the general public refers to this day as “Presidents
Day”, which includes Abraham Lincoln, along with George Washington.
This day is often heard in reference to the numerous stores that hold sales on
Valentine’s Day - February 14 Presidents Day.
Valentines Day is the nationally recognized day of love. Whether it is in the
form of familial love, or love for a special somebody, it is a day of celebration. Parties are
thrown and dances are held. Girls and boys get gifts and give gifts. Despite its Christian St. Patrick’s Day - March 17
roots, it has developed into a secular holiday. St. Patrick’s Day may be an excuse to wear green and celebrate, but it is actually
According to legend, Valentines Day grew from a story centuries old. Around the national holiday of Ireland. It is, unsurprisingly, held in honor of St. Patrick, the
270 A.D., in what’s considered the romance center of the world, France, there lived a patron saint of Ireland, who is thought to have died on March 17th.
priest named Valentine. The king at that time, Emperor Claudius II, was ready to build Some modern celebrations eclipse the origins, with 500,000 people attending
an army, but he needed soldiers. Someone told him that single men are superior soldiers the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin, Ireland in 2006. The parade in New York City,
to married men, so he passed a law making it illegal for any man to take a bride. This which began in 1762, now attracts over two million spectators. However, the first St.
outraged Valentine. He thought this was unfair, even more unfair considering that much Patrick’s Day parade was held in 1737, in Boston, thanks to the Charitable Irish Society.
of his income came from performing marriages. If you want to hold your own St. Patrick’s Day Party, consider including some
So, Valentine defied the king’s orders, and continued to marry couples in an traditional foods, such as corned beef and cabbage. Or just eat some lime Jell-O.
underground chapel. Eventually, Claudius found out and imprisoned Valentine, sentencing
him to death. Despite his imprisonment, Valentine didn’t give up on love. According to
the myth, he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter while he was in prison. In fact, it was in Bizarre Holidays
jail that the first “Valentine” was written. Before Valentine’s death, he supposedly wrote
her letter signed, “From Your Valentine.” Does that sound familiar? February 19 - Chocolate Mint Day
The remains of the great priest were later given to a church in Dublin, Ireland by February 28 - National Chili Day
Pope Gregory XVI, and they can still be viewed each Valentine’s Day. March 1 - Be Positive - Do Something Day
Others believe that Valentine’s Day originated with an ancient Roman feast March 4 - Benjiman Harrison Day
that occurred on the Ides of February, the Lupercalia festival. The popular celebration March 15 - Maple Syrup Day
of Valentine’s Day began in Britain, in the seventeenth century, and has evolved into a March 22 - International Goof-off Day
universal tradition.
Remember, St. Valentine died in honor of love, so do him a favor and respect his
wishes.
Fall 2007 The Collegian Page 7
Weiner Interview Civil Rights Activist Snowden Visits City
Marshall Troutner
short for some students when Annice Brown
From Page 5 On February 20th, in the library, ‘08 asked, “What is your opinion about
first through his poems, and what I loved about them and still do is how intense they a modern civil rights activist presented affirmative action?” Snowden avoided the
are. That’s a vague word, but intensity is very important in poetry, intensity of language, his and Malcolm X’s stories to invited question by responding, “It’s better to be
of poetic form, of imagination; and his poems display a vigorous vivid style capable of students. Carl Snowden, now a psychology prepared without an opportunity than to be
conveying complicated thoughts and perceptions and physical experiences. He was also professor (the psychology of racism) and unprepared with an opportunity.”
a wonderful man, kind, candid, tough, generous, and I learned a lot about teaching just Director of the Civil Rights Office of the in After the symposium, Snowden
from watching him and listening to him. I miss him. Maryland, was introduced by Raymond V. spent several hours discussing civil rights
Haysbert, one of the few surviving Tuscany with a smaller group of students. When
JM: How would you recommend a 17 year old African-American woman approach Airmen. However, the symposium began asked what we, as teenagers, should do
your poems in Giants? In reading your work, it feels as though there are a lot of literary with opening remarks from the governor about injustices now, Snowden said that
references I don’t recognize—the title, for example. There are several poems which have of the Baltimore City College Alumni individual action is the most powerful tool,
titles that aren’t in English. The first time I leafed through your book, I have to admit I Association, Maurice Bowden. Bowden “You have to create a fair environment
was worried your work wouldn’t be very accessible to me. If you had to write a book declared his pride in the history of the for yourself and raise your children well.”
entitled “Joshua Weiner’s Poetry for Dummies,” what are a few things you would say? school, and the students who currently Snowden added that Americans should be
attend. He also stressed the importance more concerned about their morals than
JW: I don’t have any special recommendations for you about how to approach my poems of learning about “living history”; people their money. This would perpetuate a more
as a 17 year old African-American woman; that is, my recommendations would be the who have made incredible contributions just mindset throughout society.
same as if you were a 73 year old Jewish-Hungarian man. I don’t believe my poems are to society and continue to teach as many As a solution to individual racism,
difficult to understand, generally, although some don’t make sense the way the evening people as possible, such as Mr. Snowden Snowden said that the government should
news makes sense. Any literary reference in the poetry is not difficult to learn, if you and Mr. Haysbert. print fifty or one-hundred dollar bills with
have enough of an interest, which is also true of any historical reference. Ultimately, one Snowden has an agenda that he an African-American face rather than a
either cares enough to look it up, if one doesn’t know, or one doesn’t. And whether you carries out without hesitation and one- white face. He said that because society
do or don’t is simply a measure of how much or how little you care about the poems. Life hundred percent enthusiasm. focuses on money so much, it will be easier
is very full of amazing things to pay attention to, and poems are just some of them. So, Snowden began his presentation for conservative whites to accept African-
I would say, just listen to them. Some of the poems in the book tell stories, some of them with an anecdote about the importance of American opinions if a black face is forever
don’t, they’re more like songs. Some of the language sounds like the Bible, some of it parents and the importance of civil rights. in such an authoritative state.
sounds like the street, some of it sounds totally weird. My hope is that it all sounds good A friend’s parent was struck down by The symposium did not discuss
and makes you want to listen again. The notes in the back of the book should tell you racial injustice. According to Snowden, the many current events, and was more focused
about the Italian titles, and things like that--who’s Weegee, etc. Otherwise, I give away parent did not experience “humiliation or on Malcolm X and his achievements.
the meaning in the poem itself, such as Vita Nuova, which means the New Life in Italian, embarrassment, but his dignity and pride However, Snowden was a beacon of
and which I borrow from Dante. Having said that, there might still be things that seem had been stripped.” inspiration for students and a country with
strange to you, for which I don’t have a note or explain in a poem. But nothing, I don’t Snowden then began speaking a blotched past of divisions and racism. He
about the life of Malcolm X. He stressed mentioned not only the accomplishments of
think, is too obscure.
how The Autobiography of Malcolm X himself and his colleagues, but also strides
You use the word “accessible” in your question--you were worried that the inspired and fueled his own pursuit of racial made by the homosexual rights movement.
poems wouldn’t be accessible to you--and I find that a curious interest. I often read and social justice. Snowden described Snowden gave students a bleak past, but
poems for a long time, for years even, before I understand them, or most of what’s in several of Malcolm X’s adventures; he also a brighter future. Snowden truly
them. But they have a music and a mystery that continues to call to me. I think people thought they represented his “genius and believes that a good education and good
who love poetry don’t worry too much about accessibility. They just don’t want to be skill,” which he embraced and wanted to morals will turn America towards a bright
bored, and they share that desire with people who don’t really care about poetry at all. pass on to the audience. future.
I couldn’t write a book about how to read my poems (which is the suggestion However, the symposium fell
behind the “Dummies” question). It’s impossible to write good criticism about one’s Carl Snowden speaks
own work, though one can explain some things, about intention or method and things like to City students
that. about the civil rights
movement and Mal-
colm X. He remained
JM: Could you describe your ideal reader? late just to discuss
specific questions.
JW: Jasmine, you’re my ideal reader. Someone who has never heard of me who’s going
to take a shot reading my book.
JM: The cover art used on “From the Book of Giants” is the same cover art as that on
my edition of “Frankenstein” that we read in English III. Who is your favorite character
in Frankenstein? Why?
See “Weiner,” last page
The Ultimate Addiction Confessions of a Thrift Store Junkie
Diamond Newman
I can not kick this addiction. It is of those art students to take your funky spree, why didn’t she go to the mall?!” I and buy “junk” to make their treasure.
something I just can not do, and something purple and gold pearl earrings). I look into laughed in my head and continued to put My fellow thrifters: those mall
I am not willing to do. It’s in my blood the glass case and what do I see? Pearls! my amazing jewelry, my adorable dresses, and department junkies are the people
and constantly in my mind. I think about Gold! Rhinestones! Earrings! Necklaces! my worn out boots, my tiny blazers, my with the real problem. They pay for shirts
it all the time; in school, in the car, in the Broaches! All probably worn by colorful scarves and my overworked that cost over $60 and jeans that cost over
bus, and at the mall (especially at the mall). someone’s great-grandmother! It can’t get t-shirts on the counter. I had a cart full of $100. And we are considered “crazy?”
I never tried to find solutions because I any better. I quickly ask the middle-aged other handed down things that consisted I do not understand why a person would
want to live with the “problem.” It makes store associate to bring the five necklaces of pocket books, bow-ties, flats with bows spend so much money on invaluable
me feel good. It makes my wardrobe my which are in front of the case, the three on the front and vintage cardigans. I do things such as cotton and denim. I do not
wardrobe. Although it is not a “problem,” pairs of earrings, and the dead watch on not think she understood that I was a thrift understand why a person would spend so
that is how my friends and family labeled the bottom shelf. I see that I upset an art store junkie. I do not think she understood much money when everyone will have
my addiction. They look at me as if I was student who was obviously aiming for the that what she considered that what she the exact same outfit. I do not understand
an extra-terrestrial. They wonder why I do same watch. After the store associate gives considered just a stop at the second hand why a person would spend so much money
not have a Hollister hoodie, Polo shirt, or me my jewelry, I headed to the aisle full of store was an adventure at the thrift store when the clothes will be of no value in at
jeans from Abercrombie and Fitch. They dresses, then the aisle full of shoes, then for me. I do not think that she understood least twelve months. Many people often
say I should be normal and do what is the aisle piled with boys’ vests and blazers. that if I took the extra twenty dollars from mistake that we have never been to an
“acceptable.” My order of shopping always gives me my dresser, I would have held the line up outlet or mall and that is truly false. It is
As I walk into the warehouse-like time to get the good pieces that no one longer. She just did not understand. not, necessarily, that our whole wardrobe
setting, the smell of an elderly person’s has noticed and definitely underestimated No one can understand this is from a thrift store; it is just that we find
house hits me. I always look forward to in the aisle with the scarves and t-shirts. addiction unless they have this addiction. pleasure in the thrifting experience- finding
that smell because it lets me know when By the time I am finished arguing with No one will understand this addiction unless pieces that are unique and special. Yes, we
my shopping adventure is about to begin. that same art student who beat me to those they feel the need to get vintage jewelry for shop at large department stores and maybe
I inhale… then, I inhale some more. I funky purple and gold earrings the week $3.50 or less, and half that on Saturday. No the mall every blue moon, but we are and
am beginning to get my “high,” and it before, I realized that maybe I should have one will understand this addiction unless always will be “thrifters”. Our enjoyment
feels good. Looking up at the “half-off” gotten the orange ruffled shirt or that big, they have the urge to buy distressed Mr. comes from getting things for half price;
board, I get my memory set up to know brown distressed book bag. Martens for seven dollars or authentic, buying things which look like junk to the
what’s within my budget. I head straight I now stand in line and my fellow classic t-shirts (not the spanking new average mall rat, but, when strategized
to the jewelry case. Remember, always “thriftiers” and grunting and angry. Why “vintage” t-shirts from Hot Topic). No one into the daily outfit, get high compliments.
head straight to the jewelry case because the anger? I ask. You are “thrifting!” Be can comprehend this addiction unless they We do not have a problem or an issue, we
this is where all the most precious pieces happy! Be ecstatic! I overhear one of them love to walk around in a location that used just have an addiction to not looking like
are (trust me; you will regret allowing one say, “If she was going to go on a shopping to be a supermarket or community center Hollister, Abercrombie and Fitch, True
Religion wearing junkies.
Fall 2007 The Collegian Page 8
Winter Sports Round Up
Henry Waldron
Wrestling: The BCC wrestling team finished the regular season going undefeated. They
were an unbeatable force as they beat opponents by as much as 77 points.
Swimming: The co-ed swim team fared just as well, going undefeated in the regular
season. The boys won all but one race in the district championships as Poly finished a
distant second. The girl’s team placed third in the district championships behind Poly
and Western.
Boys Basketball:The boy’s basketball team proved to be dominant by edging out St.
Frances and Maryland basketball recruit Sean Mosley. They closed the season strong by
overcoming Archbishop Spalding 53-46.
Girls Basketball: The girl’s basketball team was flawless as they tore up the district,
leaving opponents in single digits.
Coach Green takes a swim after her team’s success
Source: digitalsports.com
BCC Classrooms Fall Apart
Marshall Troutner
I pride myself in the fact that I have the opportunity and privilege in attending
one of America’s first and best high schools. However much respect I offer this building,
institution, and occupants, sometimes I get the feeling others do not.
But “respect” is not the only issue concerning students, teachers, and
administrators. There have been some serious incidents recently concerning the integrity
of the school- not in the form of policy and attitude, but, rather, in the form of rusted pipes
and damaged ceilings.
On Valentine’s Day, people usually get closer to each other. However, this past
Valentine’s day, Ms. Tashjan’s classroom decided to get closer to Ms. Tashjan. During
eleventh period, a broken pipe between Ms. Tashjan’s and Mrs. Kellerman’s rooms bled
water onto the ceiling, forcing it to come crashing down.
“It almost hit me,” said a worried Ms. Tashjan after school. She and Mrs.
Kellerman were forced to have their classes in the library. Mrs. Kellerman’s room was
also severely flooded. The water in both rooms was very hot, smelly, and on top of
electrical outlets. No injuries have been reported.
Perhaps the lesson from this is that the building is not being respected like it
should. Mr. Tittle’s room had flooding from broken pipes as well, and he claims there is
“about six feet of rotten, rusted piping above,” his room. The current strategy from the
building manager, who had no comment on the situation, seems to be that pipes and other
issues will be fixed after they break. For seniors, this may not come as a concern, but if
the school is not put back together over summer break, current juniors and underclassmen
should remember to keep their heads up.
From left: a faulty pipe in Mrs. Kellerman’s room, over Ms. Tashjian’s room; and Ms. Tashjian protects herself from falling debris
Weiner Interview
“The Visit” Comes to City Continued from Page 7
Zoe Rammelkamp
Every year, Baltimore City College gathers its young actors and puts on a JW: I am shocked to hear that my cover is the same as your Frankenstein! There’s a
production. This year, City’s actors will present Friedrich Durrenmatt’s play, “The Visit.” note in the book or on it, that cites the image as by the great Spanish artist, Goya. The
This year has the largest cast yet. image is of a print he made, one of a series of images, printed or painted, of Colossi, or
“The Visit” opens with the town’s anticipation of the arrival of Clair Zachanassian giants. Some of them are very scary; one is depicted eating people (interpretations suggest
(played by Jasmine Thomas ’08), an elderly millionaire who is generously donating half a it’s an allegory for Napoleon). I like this one on my book because it is a contemplative,
million dollars to the town, and another half million if the people of the town’s citizens kill melancholy giant. As for Frankenstein, my favorite character is the creature--of
Alfred Ill (played by Zack Wiener ’08). Zachanassian holds a grudge against Ill because course! My favorite scene is when he is listening to Milton being read out loud, which
when she was young, Ill impregnated her, but then denied it, thus causing Zachanassian takes place at the very center of the book, if I remember it correctly. The creature is the
to flee the town from shame. This is Friedrich Durrenmatt’s most well known play in hero, isn’t he, striving to reconcile his place in the world, starving for love, for language,
English-speaking countries. for family, misunderstood, monstrously ugly, noble, stricken. A Romantic hero, but one
The two leads, Jasmine Thomas and Zack Wiener, have both acted in previous that few readers would envy or desire to emulate (unlike Byron, for instance).
City College productions; this is Thomas’ third year, and Wiener’s fourth. When asked
how she feels about this play, Thomas says, “I’m excited. [The play] will take a lot of JM: Thank you, Mr. Weiner! City College looks forward to your visit!
work, but when we get it together, I think we will pull it off.” JW: Thank you for your questions, Jasmine. Good luck with your work. I look
Tickets go on sale shortly for $5.00. The dates of the show are March 13th and
forward to meeting you.
14 th,