April 2010

If Hollywood was to hold an Olympics for acting, its most difficult event would undeniably be comedy, as there is nothing rarer among actors than perfect comedic timing. But for the few masters of this skill, there would be an ultimate competition called ?Drawing hilarity from a categorically unfunny script.? And Tina Fey and Steve Carell would be its champions. Amidst clich? conflicts and overly hyperbolized metaphors, Fey?s and Carell?s unique senses of humor made Date Night, a film which would have flopped under any other two actors, likeable and entertaining.

On Friday, members of the Gay-Straight Alliance participated in the National Day of Silence, which, according to sophomore Anna Chuslo, aims to raise awareness of hate crimes against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

"The event is designed to show support for people who can?t speak out on their own," Chuslo said.

In addition to the Day of Silence, silhouettes were taped in the lobby to represent real victims of hate crimes.

"I hope to see people understand the difficulty LGBT students face," Doan said.

Beginning on Friday, the theatre department will showcase their newest production, Musical Comedy Murders of 1940. Based on the play written by John Bishop, the play will show will begin on April 23 and conclude its showings on May 1.

Unlike previous productions, the cast is composed of only 10 cast members and four understudies; in comparison, Peter Pan had almost 40 cast members. This sizeable difference "makes rehearsals a lot easier and there?s more time to do individual scene work," senior Meara O?Malley said.

Despite the widespread budget cuts the county is experiencing, several new classes will be available for students to take next year, including International Baccalaureate (IB) Film Study and guitar class.

The first day back from spring break, students in English teacher Bobby Forst?s classes were greeted by a surprising new face. Matthew Horne, the new long-term substitute, was also pleasantly surprised, although it remains to be seen if he will become a teacher here.

"I love Marshall," Horne said. "The kids are really enthusiastic; I was expecting it to be a little tougher, but so far kids have been really involved."

New on DVD, Pirate Radio, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt, Capote), Rhys Ifans (Elizabeth: The Golden Age, Hannibal: Rising) and Tom Sturridge (Being Julia, Vanity Fair), propels viewers into the world of 1960?s music, fashion and culture.

In the late 1960?s, the British Broadcasting Corporation stops airing rock music on their channels, leading a group of music lovers, played by Hoffman, Bill Nighy, Ifans and Rhys Darby, to set up a broadcasting tower on a boat just outside English boundary waters.

The track and field team recently attended the Northern Virginia Inivitational, held at Thomas Edison High School on April 9 and 10, and achieved some good results.

Seniors Brittany Johnson and Meara Goss each won one of the events they participated in. Goss earned first place in the girls? discus, while Johnson placed first in the girls? long jump. Both athletes also qualified for district competition in these events. Additionally, Johnson qualified in the triple jump and Goss earned qualification in the shotput.

Among the numerous banners hanging in the gym, the softball team?s district banner bears a single date ? 1976.

"The last time we won a district championship was in 1976 and we hope 2010 will be the next," freshman Mina Don said.

According to senior Christine Grilliot, the team uses an old softball jersey believed to be from 1976 as a source of inspiration before games.

We spend four years of our lives trying to juggle the stresses of school, a social life, extracurricular activities and jobs, and it?s not always easy to stay motivated to do those necessary things. But would creating your own curriculum or getting paid to go to school keep you motivated throughout the year?