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theGrifter

R o y a l S t . G e o r g e’ s C o l l e g e
Year II Issue II Winter 2010
theGrifter
Editorial Board Photo Credits

Nick Medline Managing Editor


cover: RSGC GALLERY-Mr. Stevens, Adapted by
Michael Lemanski page 1 (all): RSGC GALLERY-Mr.
Stevens page 4: NEW YORK TIMES-Doug Mills (top),
GETTY IMAGES (bottom) page 6: RSGC GALLERY-

Michael Lemanski Layout and Design Mr. Stevens page 10 (all): RSGC GALLERY-Mr.
Stevens, Adapted by Michael Lemanski page 12 :
WIKIPEDIA page 15 : TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS back
cover: RSGC GALLERY, Adapted by Michael
Lemanski
Jack Gettings IT and Logistics

Staff Supervisor

Ms. Somerville

Contributors Official Royal St. George’s College Publication

Colton Creber
Daniel Gold-Bersani
To contact theGrifter please email :
Mark Kryshtalskyj
Michael Lemanski Nick Medline - Managing Editor
nmedline@rsgc.on.ca
Evan Luke
Anthony Mariano Ms. Somerville - Staff Supervisor
jsomerville@rsgc.on.ca
Nick Medline
David Perl
Andrew Savory If you have an opinion on anything in
Noah Stanton the Grifter, or have a new idea, we
encourage you to submit an article or
letter to the editor.
Page 2 theGrifter

G
Table of Contents

Featured Columns
Everybody’s Best Buddy!! 3 Fiction
Colton Creber & Evan Luke
Tattoo" " " " " 13
What Are They Thinking?"" 4 David Perl
Michael Lemanski
Sports
The Arts
Shake Up in Leaf Land" " 14
Grifter Movie Review" " 6 Andrew Savory
Nick Medline
Commissioner‘s Corner! ! 15
Grifter Music Review" " 8 Mark Kryshtalskyj
Evan Luke
Olympic Memories" " " 17
School Play Review"" " 9 Daniel Gold-Bersani
Colton Creber
Politics
Age of Boy Bands Continues" 11
Anthony Mariano Defending the Left..." " 18
Noah Stanton
Page 3 theGrifter
Everybody’s
Will you be returning to RSGC and if so, when?

I!m not sure, I have to wait and see what the doctor

Best Buddy...
says because I start doing exercises on Wednesday
and am not sure how long I!ll be doing that before I
can return. I!m going to come in and run on those
machines in the FTC, and you!d better be around to

An Interview cheer me on.

How do you feel about what happened? And

with Dale Hume


what process of recovery are you in?

Well, you know, it just happens so I!m just taking it

" Colton Creber


one day at a time. They told me to do my exercises,
and when the weather gets better they said biking
would be a good source of exercise. So I!m just
" Evan Luke doing what I!m supposed to and eating lots of fruit
and green vegetables. I!m doing my best to take
What would we do without our routines? care of myself. I guess it!s about time, eh?

One way or another, we are all slaves to the routines How many bypasses did you have?
that give our days balance and keep us sane as we
trudge through the winter months. It!s amazing how It was a double. Thankfully it wasn!t a triple, or I!d
significant the smallest link in our chain of routines have been out for even longer.
can be, and how breaking that link can have a How long have you worked at RSGC and what
rippling effect on our entire lives. It could be would you consider to be your fondest
something as small as forgetting your keys, experience?
forgetting where you parked, or missing out on the
uplifting “Hey Buddy!” that you!re used to hearing As of this January I!ve been at RSGC for 20 years.
every morning. For fondest experience, I don!t know, there are
millions of them. Being there with everybody, getting
As you all know, on December 21st RSGC!s beloved to know people, in the lunchroom, and sitting on the
Dale Hume was admitted to the Cardiac Intensive stage are some of them. I!m just a frustrated actor,
Care Unit at Toronto General Hospital where he buddy, that!s all I am.
received cardiac by-pass surgery.
What are you doing these days during your time
away from the school?
On February 8th, The Grifter visited with Dale to Not much really, when I get tired I rest. I also go for
check in and ask him some questions walks, and I watch TV once in a while. I!m doing my
best to take it easy and rest up for my big return.

So, how are you doing? Is there anybody specifically you!d like to come
and visit you?
I!m really good, getting better everyday. I!m feeling
much more healthy and obviously can!t wait to get Whoever wants to come! It!s an open invitation to all
my buddies. It gets boring sitting here unless I have
back to the school. It gets boring sitting around here
every day, and I miss all my buddies! people with me.
Page 4 theGrifter
What Are They
What has the hardest part of the experience
been for you?

Thinking?
Not being able to go to work, and that!s the truth.

Well, we all miss you a lot, is there anything


you!d like to say in closing?

Say hello to everybody. I miss everybody and I can!t " Michael Lemanski
!
wait to come back. Maybe I!ll wait until the snow is
gone, or just make you all do the shoveling. “We need to vote for
Featured Columns

Do you have any words of advice for your either new ideologies, or
substitute?

Just be good to the kids. Take care of my little


ones that have worked in the
buddies and do the job like I would.
past, not new parties, or the
Special thank you to Ms. Wagar who contributed
to our questions.
ones that we replaced last
time at the polls”
UPDATE: Recently, Dale has returned to work,
The greatest threat to our civilization is the
and is looking forward to enjoying the rest of the
incompetence in our political establishment. Although
year in the place he loves.
trust in governments worldwide is very low, and there
are movements that promote "outsider! candidates in
election campaigns, as a society we have not yet
changed. Our elected representatives continue to
use generalizations to demonize opponents and
push flawed legislation through legislative bodies
with a determination and arrogance that defies
reason.

At this point, I do not intend to enter into an anti-


government rant. I do, however, believe that it is
important to be aware of the bad ideas, and
blundering actions that can permanently scar our
future. After all, we do live in a world that is
interconnected politically, economically and culturally.

First, President Obama!s administration appears to


be inconsistent at best. The healthcare legislation
that the President championed includes accounting
Dale Hume sitting in Ketchum Hall after lunch provision for companies that, as one Wall Street
Journal opinion columnist observed, appear to have
a lot in common with those of Enron immediately
before its bankruptcy and the subsequent legal
proceedings. The "Obamacare! law stipulates that
Page 5 theGrifter
employers enter into their books speculative future against non-nuclear states, instead opting for a
"savings! from federal subsidies and the transfer of conventional response. The document does,
retired employees from company insurance to however, state that all options will be considered
government programs. When companies began to whenever the Unites States is attacked. Although the
comply with the new requirements, the new wording is likely to have little impact on the
administration!s Commerce Secretary criticized the practical implementation of the nuclear policy, it,
move not realizing that it was demanded by the law along with recent nuclear stockpile reduction
the administration supported. agreements with Russia, is not good politics. This is
neither the time nor the manner in which to try to
Aside from the apparent ineptitude to project a achieve the ultimate goal of a nuclear-free world.
unified message, there is another troubling aspect to Although this goal is noble, it is not practical for the
this case. The policy change in question is itself a foreseeable future. There are too many liabilities
cause for concern. The "Obamacare! law requires associated with being "soft! on the use of nuclear
that employers move privately insured retirees from force in a time when countries like Iran attempt to
the company!s plan for former employees—a system develop their own atom bomb.
planed, and even partially subsidized to reduce
Medicare costs—to Medicare and other government The United States also has trouble in Afghanistan.
paid programs. Contrary to the Democrats! claims Afghani President Hamid Karzai has also become a
that "Obamacare! will reduce costs, this significant liability lately. He is posing a risk for both his own
policy change will very likely raise them. nation and the international military task force that is
trying to stabilize it. After having his legitimacy
The administration fares no better in foreign policy. questioned by the international community following
Unless President Obama is trying his hand at questionable elections, President Karzai has most
reverse psychology, his actions surrounding Israel likely decided to put on the "macho-man! persona in
are also counter intuitive. His recent shunning of order to gain the support of his population; however,
Israel!s government following a high-profile his motives remain unclear. He has accused the
announcement about the expansion of settlements is people that helped him gain power and establish a
a perfect example of how to play hardball with the government of meddling in the affairs of Afghanistan.
wrong people. Although the Israeli government!s Furthermore, he suggested in an off camera
actions were a horrible miscalculation on any interview that he may consider joining the Taliban.
account, the condescending American response was These troubling statements will make the job of
unwarranted. Instead of trying to smooth out any international troops in the country even harder and
disputes that could have arisen as a result of Israel!s may strain the resolve of many world leaders to face
actions, the Obama administration wanted to send a the challenges in Afghanistan.
firm message. All this head butting was, of course,
followed by several high profile speeches about The Before I end, I would have liked to say something
United States! commitment to Israel. It is unfortunate about the political situation of our own country.
that these words of support no longer mean as much Unfortunately, nothing significant has happened on
as they once did. The damage had been done by the Canadian political scene. The Harper
both sides, and President Obama did little to bridge government continues to stand, albeit with its hands
the gap. tied by indecisive and hostile opposition parties.
These parties continue to threaten the current
The President!s new policy on the use of American minority government with an election; however, these
nuclear weapons is also a step in the wrong threats have been empty so far. The opposition has
direction. The newly introduced guidelines limit the decided that since it does not have the support or
number of situations that the use of nuclear force political capital to come up with any bold ideas of its
Page 6 theGrifter
own, to instead complain about insignificant

Grifter Movie
technicalities of government plans that it voted for.
Recently all the habitual yelling on Parliament Hill
has been about a mere six hundred troops that the

Review
Conservatives want to keep in Afghanistan to train
local police after the official withdrawal date in 2011.
Our MP!s throats may have become sore from yelling
in vain, considering Hamid Karzai!s recent
comments.
" Nick Medline
All this apparent incompetence begs the question: ! “the 82nd Academy
Featured Columns

“What are they thinking?” The answer is simple—


they are thinking exactly what we voted for. In order Awards...failed to adequately
to change what our politicians think, we must change
the way we think. We need to vote for either new portray an excellent and
ideologies, or ones that have worked in the past, not
new parties, or the ones that we replaced last time at record-breaking year in
the polls.
cinema”
On March 7th, forty million viewers witnessed the
monumental disappointment of the 82nd Academy
Awards, which failed to adequately portray an
excellent and record-breaking year in cinema. While
Avatar (the highest-grossing film of all time) and The
Hurt Locker (a critically acclaimed and highly
ambitious treat) battled for top prizes at awards
ceremonies, film connoisseurs enjoyed many sleeper
hits and science-fiction tales, but endured unlikely
misses. Here are some of the highlights and
lowlights of 2010 in film:

HITS

An Education: Danish filmmaker Lone Scherfig!s


striking portrait of an innocent yet restless teenager
achieves success not only from flawless acting and
an intelligent screenplay (by Nick Hornby), but also
from the highly provocative questions it raises.
Ambitious 16-year old Jenny Mellor (Carey Mulligan)
is wooed by David Goldman (well-cast Peter
Sarsgaard), a gentleman nearly twice her senior,
who exposes her to cultural experiences beyond her
wildest dreams. However, the pleasures Jenny
Top : President Barack Obama signs the
encounters have a dubious origin, and she begins to
Democrats’ recently passed healthcare bill into law consider the several warnings issued by her
Bottom : Russian soldiers guard an intercontinental protective parents (surprisingly hilarious Alfred
ballistic missile delivery vehicle
Page 7 theGrifter
Molina and Cara Seymour). Ultimately, Jenny comes considered one of the best crime films ever made),
to the realization that though her endeavours have a Broken Embraces was a thrill to witness, and one
seemingly negative effect on her life, the education can barely notice the distinct English subtitles lacing
she draws from them are priceless. While the the bottom of the screen. In last year!s Grifter, I
newcomer Mulligan has taken her share of credit voiced my outrage at the Academy for nominating
(along with an Academy Award nomination), the Penelope Cruz for yet another Oscar. However, in
supporting cast is equally impressive in embracing her primary language, it appears difficult to find a
their pithy roles. Nick Hornby!s inspired script better actress, and throughout this film, Cruz
perfectly captures teen angst through an unlikely masterfully filters her emotions. Almodovar uses his
victim, and this culminates in a polished masterpiece. signature complex plot, but manages to add
excitement at every turn. Broken Embraces
A Single Man: Under the firm direction of acclaimed overcomes its extreme and occasionally
fashion designer Tom Ford, it is no surprise that A
overdramatic nature and earns a spot as one of the
Single Man feels more like a museum than a movie. top films of 2009.
Lush visuals and spellbinding performances from
Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, and Nicholas Hoult MISSES
counterbalance the film!s inherently plodding nature
(500) Days of Summer: Screenwriter Scott
to provide a hypnotic experience. English professor
Neustadter credits the inspiration for this low-budget
George Falconer (Firth) has decided to construct a
film to a trying relationship he endured as a student.
clean suicide due to his inability to escape the grief
Taking this into account, it is no wonder that the
of losing his longtime lover Jim (Matthew Goode) in a
movie carries a delusional sense of self-importance
car accident. Over the course of one day, Falconer
through ninety-five painfully overrated minutes mired
lectures his class, converses with intrigued student
in a confusing, non-linear format. The "rom-com"
Kenny Potter (Hoult), withdraws valuables from his
genre has survived for decades due to partially
safety deposit box, and struggles through a
likeable characters and reasonable doses of
depressing meal with his friend Charley (Moore).
creativity (see Some Like it Hot and When Harry Met
Firth embodies the role to the point where the viewer
Sally). However, (500) Days of Summer contains
completely forgets about dear Bridget Jones while
many cringe-worthy moments, and is unsatisfactory
witnessing his career-marking performance. Despite
as a whole. Tom Hansen, a greeting card writer
Jeff Bridges! best attempts at portraying a broken
(played by the incessantly enthusiastic Joseph
down country singer, his poor-man!s Mickey Rourke
Gordon-Levitt) falls in love with Summer Finn, a new
fails to match Firth!s poise and impact, and it is clear
assistant in his office (Zooey Deschanel, who has
that Firth should have been awarded the Oscar. A
regressed since her star turn in Almost Famous).
Single Man has justifiably earned praise for its
While Tom actively pursues romance, Summer is
mature approach to the relevant theme of
cynical regarding the concept of love, which creates
homosexuality, and its versatility and refined nature
obstacles in their relationship. They manage to
make for a superb theatrical experience.
overcome their differences, but eventually grow
Broken Embraces: After the success of Talk to Her apart, as she is unable to return his zealous
and Volver, expectations for Pedro Almodovar!s affection. The lone memorable scene has Tom
latest film were stratospheric. Though critical dancing along the streets of Los Angeles to "You
consensus indicates that it fell short of the mark, the Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates while onlookers
movie succeeds as pure entertainment. In a strong unrealistically join him. It feels cute and familiar, yet
year of foreign language films (The White Ribbon, a the optimism is soon smothered by the contrived
stellar German installment and A Prophet, performances, as Levitt and Deschanel are limited to
Page 8 theGrifter
playing a pathetic couple under the heavy-handed
supervision of music video director Marc Webb.
According to the film's promotional poster, (500)
Days of Summer is a story about love. Unfortunately,
Grifter Music
it was nearly impossible to have any critical love for
one of the weaker films of 2009. Review
Up in the Air: Canadian Jason Reitman is widely
considered to have been the most successful
" Evan Luke
"
screenwriter/director of the decade, yet his first two
films, Juno and Thank You for Smoking, felt shallow A review of the self-titled
behind their intriguing facades. In his third effort, the
cast is beautiful as usual, and George Clooney!s album by Them Crooked
Vultures
teeth deserve a round of applause. However, despite
its relevance to the decade!s rough economic
climate, Reitman fails to control the flight of Up in the
In music, the word "supergroup! makes me cringe.
The Arts

Air, grounding the latter half of the film. Ryan


Remember Chickenfoot back in 2008? It was
Bingham (Clooney), a middle-aged man whose
comprised of Sammy Hagar (Van Halen, Montrose),
profession is to fire workers on behalf of their
Joe Satriani (Deep Purple), Michael Anthony (Deep
bosses, is seemingly content with avoiding personal
Purple), and of course Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili
relationships while pursuing his childlike dream of
Peppers). All were extremely talented musicians, and
compiling ten million frequent flyer miles. Suddenly,
they came up with one heck of an album, but it failed
the energetic and appropriately named Natalie
to live up to what Cream, the first band to be
Keener (Anna Kendrick) proposes to cut the
awarded the title "supergroup,! delivered in the 60s.
company!s travel costs by laying off various
We all seem to jump to the conclusion that when
employees online instead of in person. Keener is
several notable musicians come together, they will
assigned to accompany Bingham in order to gain
produce something that lives up to the works of Eric
experience in the field, which results in an eye-
Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce.
opening experience for both of them. Bingham is
also forced to deal with the fascinating Alex Goran The new self-titled album by Them Crooked Vultures
(Vera Farmiga), who gradually impacts his outlook on has received an incredible amount of attention. The
life. Though the screenplay has garnered rave UK leg of their tour is rumoured to have sold out in
reviews, the script digresses to the point where under twelve minutes, even without a single song
Clooney abandons his acting range and becomes having been released at the time. Of course, with a
sentimental leading to up to an ironic plot twist. line up like Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age,
Additionally, the film struggles to maintain audience Kyuss), Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana), John
interest without Kendrick on screen, and does not Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), and Alain Johannes
earn the must-see status granted by numerous (Eleven) how could we possibly stay away from that
critics. familiar word, "supergroup?!

Are these four men worthy of the moniker? Each


musician shows off his incredible talent in every song
of the record. If you were to catch them making a
mistake live, you may as well go out and buy a
lottery ticket. It!s not just that they!re good, it!s that
Page 9 theGrifter
School Play
they all bring something to the band individually that
develops an interesting sound.

In Homme, we hear the familiar desert influenced


psychedelic tone, though it!s been molded into
something different. It!s clear he is the driving force
behind the band, but at the same time, all the
Review
members have a say. His Elvis-like, hip swaying, on- " Colton Creber
stage persona has been rivaled by the presence of
other musicians, yet they still have fun.
January 26th marked the beginning of a three day
In Grohl, that thundering Nirvana sound can be run that celebrated the tireless collective effort of
heard, while he shows shades of Bonham. He plays many RSGC students. The Senior School
hard and with a lot of passion. The first few times I production, Romeo and Juliet left many of us
listened to the album, I almost thought he was wondering:
ignoring beats one and three, being as fancy as
“How did we do?”
possible in his compositions. After a while, his
drumming started to fit into place. It takes some In The Grifter!s continual search for new and
getting used to, but Grohl has really put something interesting topics to report on, some public thoughts
special together. on the play have been gathered and conclusions
have been formed based on these opinions.
In Jones, well, we see Jones, the multi-instrumental,
modest man who was in the most notable rock band A final, sincere “thank you” must go to Dr. Newton,
ever to play. He brings a wide variety of sounds to who stayed at school until six-thirty at night every
the equation. Switching effortlessly between day, and spent his time at home responding to all of
keyboards, four and six string basses, and even a our e-mailed concerns. He brought in personal items
keytar, he proves why he is quite possibly one of the for us to plunder and his dedication was admirable.
most talented musicians to walk the earth. Rumor We saw Dr. Newton and asked for his thoughts and
has it, he even plays a mean Mandolin. reflections following the play!s conclusion, and he
had this to share:
Then there!s Alain Johannes, who is a live member
of the band. His name is unrecognizable, but he!s “I was very satisfied with the final production. I think
worked with a massive list of musicians. Look his a lot of the reward from the short run of the show
name up on Google, and I!ll bet you he!s worked on was how insanely cursed the rehearsal process had
or played with at least two bands you!ve listened to. been. I felt at times like I was in a dark comedy about
In Them Crooked Vultures he shows why he!s a show where everything collapses with utmost
worked with so many people, sporting an incredible effect. But all the adversity made those left standing
voice and some amazing guitar work. so much more surprised and thrilled when the final
work got in front of an audience. The cliché of it all
If you get a chance, go and pick up a copy of Them
coming together in the end proved a truism this
Crooked Vultures, and you won!t be disappointed.
time.”
This lone album likely won!t live up to what Cream
accomplished, but it!s still a gem. Rumor has it, the The cast and general student body were then asked
boys are already planning to go back into the studio two simple questions that attempted to identify the
for another album this summer. It!s looking like the strengths of the production.
Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age won!t be
getting their frontmen back for quite a while.
The Arts
Page 10 theGrifter
Page 11 theGrifter
The Age of
1. Who was your favorite character in the play
(besides yourself if you were in it)? Why?

“I'd have to say Friar Lawrence, who despite his best

Boy Bands
intentions, ultimately caused trouble in the classic
romance.”

Continues
“I really liked Paris because he exuded an aura of
sleaziness which was perfect for his character.”

“I'd have to say Tybalt. Burt fit the character perfectly


and had a voice that matched his persona.” " Anthony Mariano
!
2. What in your opinion was the biggest strength
about the play? “People may believe
“The choreography was very well done, especially that the boy band era is
during the party scene. It was a lot of fun to be up on
stage watching the dances.” over...but it was ‘never gone’”
“Even with all the delays, set backs, and conflicts, we People may believe the boy band era is over, but
were able to put to together an excellent show filled from the days of the Jackson 5 to the more recent
with humor, drama and great acting (not to mention Backstreet Boys and NSYNC, it was “never gone.”
superb music from ManTuna).”
It began in the 1960s and 1970s when the Jackson 5
“The biggest strength was that we didn't take and Osmonds were famous. They sold millions of
ourselves too seriously, and had fun with interpreting records and pioneered the boy band era. Just as
Shakespeare's work to suit our own means.” Michael Jackson and Donny Osmond were pursuing
solo careers, local Boston producer Maurice Starr
Our final stop was to acquire the opinions of our
created New Edition. After the group parted with
terrific Etobicoke School of the Arts talent to find out
Starr, he sought revenge by forming the New Kids on
how they felt about working with RSGC students for
the Block, who chopped two #1 albums and three #1
such a long period of time.
singles.
“Honestly, the RSGC guys did freak us out a little bit
In 1990, Nigel Martin-Smith from Manchester,
in the beginning. They all seemed prepared for us to
England, saw how popular the New Kids were and
stop showing up, which didn!t instill much confidence
created Take That, a band which became the most
in the production. However, this feeling quickly
successful British act since the Beatles.
disappeared and we all got along amazingly well. All
the boys were funny and easy to work with during A year prior to the New Kids! split, Orlando
practices. We had so much fun acting with such businessman Lou Pearlman, head of
welcoming people and won!t forget the experience.” Transcontinental Airlines, made the group airplanes.
Pearlman realized the large sum of money he could
A special thank you goes to David Perl, Rudro
make by forming a band and founded The Backstreet
Chakrabarti, Nick Medline, Evan Luke, and Dr.
Boys in 1993. After two years of fame in Europe,
Newton for submitting their thoughts.
The Backstreet Boys returned home and released
their debut album in 1997. They have since released
two #1 albums, fourteen Top-40 hits and have
Page 12 theGrifter
earned five Grammy nominations. Two years later, 6) NSYNC (1998)- This debut album put the group
Pearlman used the same formula to create NSYNC, on the US market and remained on the billboard
which would launch the career of Justin Timberlake. charts for more than a year.

Meanwhile back in Europe, Irish manager Louis 5) Step By Step (1990)- The New Kids! third album
Walsh was inspired by Take That in concert and and title track both went straight to number one on
formed Boyzone, which has compiled three #1 the charts, and has proved to be one of the group!s
albums and six #1 singles. Take That split in 1996 finest efforts.
after Robbie Williams departed for a solo career, but
4) 98º and Rising (1998)- The second album by 98º
reunited in 2005, and have since released two #1
turned the R&B group into a world wide pop
albums and three #1 singles.
phenomenon and featured solo star Nick Lachey and
The Backstreet Boys took a hiatus in 2002, but his brother Drew.
reunited three years later to release “Never Gone”
3) Black and Blue (2000)- The third album from
and continue to sell out shows around the world. In
Backstreet marked a step of maturity, as the band
2008, New Kids on the Block reunited to release
members co-wrote most of the songs on the album.
The Arts

“The Block” and went on the road once again.


2) No Strings Attached (2000)- NSYNC!s second
The boy band era is definitely not over. These boys
effort sold two million copies worldwide, notched
turned into men have a lot of music left in them and
Grammy nominations and said “Bye Bye Bye” to
continue to change the face and world of music
manager Lou Pearlman.
forever.
1) Millennium (1999)- Backstreet!s second album
Top 10 Albums:
was marked by their signature hit “I Want It That
10) Where We Belong (1997)- Boyzone!s final Way.” It sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide,
album, which featured two #1 singles: “No Matter garnered five Grammy nominations, and was the #1
What” and “All That I Need.” album for ten weeks on the Billboard chart.

9) Backstreet Boys (1997)- The Backstreet Boys!


debut album in the US consisted of the two albums
released in Europe, and put the band on the US
market.

8) Hangin! Tough (1988)- The New Kids! second


album gave them national and international fame. It
produced five Top-10 hits, two of which would go to
#1. This was a step up from their debut album, as
Donnie Wahlberg, Jordan Knight and Danny Wood
were executive producers along with Starr.

7) Nobody Else (1995)- Take That!s third album,


which was written by front man Gary Barlow,
produced 3 #1 singles and was the last to feature
Robbie Williams before his departure.
Page 13 theGrifter
Tattoo and the initials "NP! inside. Beside the symbol was
the letter P followed by the number 105 347. Ever
since day one of lock up, he had the number
" David Perl memorized and would mumble it under his breath
before falling asleep on the thin, hard mattress.

! “Samuel hated the Underneath the number was the letter C followed by
another number: twenty-four-A, his cellblock.

branding that reminded him Samuel hated the branding that reminded him of his
past crimes and the sins he could never hide from.
of his past crimes and the On some days he would find himself sitting on his

sins he could never hide mattress, staring dumbly at the barcode for hours on
end, as if in a trance. The first thing he was going to

from”
do when he was free was remove the damned thing
from his arm. He was willing to carve it out of his skin
with a sharp object if necessary.
How long he had been running for, even Samuel was
unsure. His throat was dry and sore and every time Samuel was surprised when he found himself still
he swallowed what little saliva his mouth could barreling down the dimly lit maintenance corridor,
generate it stung his esophagus. He was light which now seemed to close in on him. It got narrower
headed now, his vision was blurring and he could and narrower as he made his way to where he
barely see. He!d been running for longer than he!d presumed an exit would be. Faded blue, crusty paint
ever remembered, with the possible exception of chips peeled from the cinderblock wall as his
when he first tried to outrun the law, nearly twenty- shoulders scraped against it, resulting in a Hansel
five years ago. He felt his body grow tired and and Gretel breadcrumb path he left behind. His forty-
weightless, his fingers numbing, first at their tips, four year old body was reaching its limit, and his
then down to the centre of his palms. His thighs heart felt as though it would explode through his
burned and demanded he stop and prop himself chest. He began to lean into the wall as he ran,
against the scarred, concrete wall. He knew a rest, creating the irritating sound of hundreds of paint
even for a moment, was completely out of the chips being ripped from their place and sent
question as the sound of a screaming alarm called flickering to the ground. Only moments later his bare
out for his name somewhere far behind him and shoulder and upper arm were raw. At least now the
motivated him to push his heavy legs beyond their barcode was hidden. He heard shouts behind him
breaking point. and then the prison!s announcement system spoke
As he ran, he gazed down at the prison identification out in a calm, robotic voice, that said in fragments,
tattoo, laser etched in dark blue on his upper arm. He “Attention, code: pressure, sword, neutralize in
effect. Nova Prospekt units dispatch to maintenance
remembered the pain that ran through the nerves of
his arm and the smell of burnt flesh and singed hair and storage sublevels. Intercept and prosecute
perimeter violator and report containment status.”
as the machine moved at light speed and branded
his bicep. The mark of a murderer. It consisted of a Samuel made it to the end of the corridor just as he
barcode nearly an inch long, made up of bars thought the walls would swallow him up. A grin
ranging in width from pencil point thin, to magic inched its way across his narrow face, as only
marker thick. Above the barcode was the prison!s seconds earlier he thought he was going to cough up
name, Nova Prospect. Below it was the prison!s a lung. At the end of the dilapidated corridor an exit
symbol; a triangle with a circle placed in its centre sign flickered and only a few feet away was a
Page 14 theGrifter
Shake Up in
dented, red fire escape door with a silver window
running down the centre. Samuel forced himself to
an abrupt stop and wobbled up to the door on jelly

Leaf Land
legs. He took a moment to peek through the window
and make a guess as to where his escape would
take him next. He pushed hard on the door!s stiff
push plate and cringed as he imagined an alarm
alerting even more guards of his location. None " Andrew Savory
!
sounded, and now Samuel found himself outside on
an expansive asphalt tarmac that stretched out in a “Just sit back, relax, put
sea of black until it hit a ten-foot high, heavy, chain
linked fence crested with barbed wire that ran around your feet up and go jump on
the prison!s perimeter.
the bandwagon for another
The sky was unpromising and sinister looking grey
clouds, swollen with rain blocked out the sun. A light team because it’s going to
mist sprinkled down on the tarmac, making his skin
Fiction

shine and causing the blue paint to dissolve, be a long time until we get to
revealing his tattoo once more. He glared at it
momentarily before tearing a loose section from the
witness the glory days”
leg of his faded jumpsuit and wrapping it around his
So, the big Irishman, Brian Burke, has finally made a
arm. Beyond the fence was a wasteland. Barren
notable and perhaps worthwhile transaction. Of
plains with little to no vegetation, dry ground with
course, the ever-anxious “Leaf Faithful” jumps right
deep fissures running through the topsoil and stunted
on a trade such as this and immediately begins to
skeletal trees that reached to the heavens with
prophesize success and assume that the players we
twisted, gnarled branches surrounded him and
have obtained are hockey deities. Unfortunately, to
continued to the horizon. No matter how dismal and
the disappointment of countless fans, this trade is not
appalling the outside world looked, he still had to get
the blockbuster deal that we have been made to
over the fence and out of the confines of Nova
believe it is. Although it is a seemingly beneficial deal
Prospekt.
from a technical aspect, it is not as beneficial in
“Attention malignant, you are convicted of multi- relation to what the Leafs need in reality.
anticivil violations. Failure to cooperate with Nova
In the recent deals, the Toronto Maple Leafs
Prospekt units will result in permanent relocation or
acquired Dion Phaneuf (along with his massive $ 6.5
termination,” the robotic voice stated over the sound
million contract) Fredrik Sjöström, Keith Aulie (all 6!6”
of more screaming alarms. Samuel noticed a parade
of him) and J.S Giguere in exchange for Matt Stajan,
of guards scramble across the raised, metal catwalks
Niklas Hagman, Jason Blake, Ian White, Vesa
of the prison, and the clanging of their boots shook
Toskala and Jamal Mayers. This deal can be broken
his eardrums. He was surrounded. It was now or
into two perspectives.
never.
The primary element was obtaining a hard hitting,
strong defenseman in Dion Phaneuf. Unfortunately,
his large contract is going to hit the Leafs! salary cap,
and will ultimately prevent them from pursuing a high
quality playmaker that they desperately need.
Page 15 theGrifter
Furthermore, Toronto had to give up a very Burke as the future, has performed short of
inexpensive and underrated defenseman in Ian expectations. In addition, when Brian Burke!s tenure
White. Moreover, Ian White can practically do began, he preached patience to the Leafs Nation,
everything Dion can do (four more points this saying that this rebuilding process would take time
season), for $5.65 million less. Would it have been and that the desired results would come. Judging
more favorable if the Leafs kept Ian White for the from what!s been done, there has been absolutely no
remainder of the season, instead of dealing him for rebuilding. During a rebuild, a team isn!t supposed to
an over-priced and currently under-achieving try and sign immobile defenseman such as Mike
defenseman? In theory, if Ian White had remained a Komisarek and Garnet Exelby. They aren!t supposed
Leaf, Stajan and Hagman could have been moved to trade away potential top five-lottery draft picks in
for an efficient playmaker to get the puck to Kessel, return for a “sniper” (Phil Kessel) whose stats have
who has been skating around the neutral zone been inflated due to him having one of the best
aimlessly, leading to several turnovers. playmakers in the game (Marc Savard) by his side.
To add fuel to the fire, who is Jeff Finger anyway?
The second part of the equation is dumping salaries.
You aren!t supposed to sign a practically unknown
Jason Blake!s contract was giving him an average of
defenseman out of Cloud St. University who is
$20 million dollars over five seasons, while Vesa
known merely as a “shutdown defenseman” for $14
Toskala!s exorbitant contract of $8 million over two
million. What you are expected to do is stockpile
years proved to be unreasonable. Therefore, by
draft picks by trading off all your assets that aren!t
taking on J.S Giguere!s six million dollar contract in
registered as building blocks to enable your franchise
return, combined with Dion Phaneuf!s contract for a
to build from the bottom up. Can anyone say
flurry of Leaf!s players, the Leafs cleared up roughly
Washington Capitals?
2 million dollars in cap space for the upcoming free
agency season. So Leaf fans, due to some errors and lack of proper
judgment from Burke Management and Co. we are
Regrettably, another problem still remains even after
going to have to be a lot more “patient” with the
completion of the trade. The Leafs are still without
Leafs than what was once originally thought.
first round draft picks for the next two years. This
Therefore, just sit back, relax, put your feet up and
situation can be attributed to the incredibly steep
go jump on the bandwagon for another team
price that General Manager Brian Burke paid for the
because it!s going to be a long time until we get to
services of Phil Kessel. What!s even more
witness the glory days similar to those witnessed in
unfortunate is that the next two NHL entry drafts are
1967.
deemed to be deep with talent. It is evident that
Burke and the Leafs upper management will have to
put their heads together once again to try and gain a
first round draft pick. To add insult to injury, on a
team with valuable assets (aside from Tomas
Toronto Maple Leafs
Kaberle, who can!t be moved because of his no trade
clause, thank you John Ferguson), a task of the General Manager
utmost importance will be virtually impossible. Brian Burke during a
So, with all the facts being presented, the future is press conference
not bright. As a matter of fact, it is quite dreary, with
the slightest shed of sunlight on the horizon. The so-
called American trio of Viktor Stalberg, Tyler Bozak
and Christian Hanson that was once regarded by
Page 16 theGrifter
Commissioner's
leadership guiding the team over the next four years,
this reporter isn!t concerned one bit.

Corner
#4 – Rylie!s Cookin!

You know a guy is good when he!s been out three


weeks with a concussion and still ranks sixth in
" Mark Kryshtalskyj scoring. What!s been so amazing about Rylie is the
journey he!s taken to stardom. In his grade nine

! “I remember entering preseason, he was competing for a goalie job. In


grade ten, he made the shift to forward and

grade nine thinking that my accumulated ten points. This year, he has thirty-
seven, and is making his Sean Avery-like presence
ball hockey career would be felt by all opposing goalies. He has emerged as a
great leader, and has helped the Steamers soar to
long, but time flew.” first place. Look for him to be a big factor the
playoffs.
Sports

While thirty-four grueling games out in the bitter cold


of winter can seem like an eternity to many people, #3 – Injuries
as a grad I am stunned that I am playing my second Never in my life have I seen this many people hit the
last game on Monday. I remember entering grade disabled list in one season. So far this year, injuries
nine thinking that my ball hockey career would be to Rylie Cook (concussion, 1 month), Bradley Walker
long, but time flew. It is fitting to reflect on some of (broken thumb, 1 month), Will Guest (broken wrist, 1
the greatest surprises and memories of the previous month), and Adrian Steen (ankle, 1 week) have had
year. So here we go! a great impact on the standings.
#5 – Hitmen go to Alex Cleveland #2 – Savory Saves the Day
On many occasions, some of the best players in the In Choice!s 8-3 loss to the Roughnecks in last year!s
RSGCBHL come into the draft as “sleepers.” While Love Cup, one big story was the goalie battle
you get the first round studs such as Snucins, (Andrew Savory vs. Jimmy Boyle). Earlier in the year,
Ammendolia, Rifle Reble and Ukie Wall, there are the Roughnecks found themselves without a goalie,
also sleepers like Adrian Steen (!07-!08 third round), and Choice kindly gave them Boyle, a tall grade 12
Michael Dawson (!06-!07 third round), and Matt veteran. Ever since the departure of legendary Mike
Darcy (!07-!08 fourth round). Alex Cleveland was “Stinger” Hastings, Choice cycled through a variety
drafted by the Hitmen in the fourth round this year of goalies, but had not found a solid replacement.
and has been an impact player. This season, he was Boyle!s dominance in last year!s playoffs left many
one of only three grade nines to be selected as an fans wondering if Captain Dawson had traded away
All-Star. He has collected 27 points (11G, 16A) in 14 the right player. This year, Choice drafted goalie
games. This total leads all grade nines, and if this prospect Patrick Quaggin-Smith first overall. After
trend continues, Alex will find himself hoisting the giving PQS a break for one game, Savory has
Stevens Trophy for Rookie of the Year. He!s also had shined, posting a 5.86 GAA in 7 games, while
two incredible shootout goals, which you can see on leading his team to a 4-2-1 record in that span. While
our website. Many are worried that the Hitmen are it is certain that Quaggin-Smith is the goalie of the
losing big pieces after this year, but with Alex!s future for Choice, this is Savory!s time. His
Page 17 theGrifter
Olympic
leadership has rejuvenated the spirit of a Choice
team with a history of losing, and has served as an
inspiration to many other players and fans. Could this

Memories
guy bring Choice its first Love Cup? Is he destined to
be the league!s next Commissioner? We!ll have to
see in the coming weeks.

#1 – Imagine " Daniel Gold-Bersani


Last season, the Hitmen were snuffed out of their
I begin my walk down Avenue Road and groan as I
first five draft picks. While the priority was to fill
look at my watch. The time: 5:30am. However, my
Choice and Roughnecks with players, the Hitmen
exhaustion and grogginess is countered by the
had not been informed of the draft order. Their first
anticipation of what is about to happen. The massive
round pick would have been AJ Buchanan, who was
figure of Queen!s Park looms in the pre-dawn
taken in the third round by Choice. This year, AJ
darkness as I approach. There is already a small
leads the league in points with 54 (37G, 17A) in
group of people gathered around the front steps of
sixteen games, and the Hitmen are allergic to
the building who share my excitement. It is about to
scoring, with an average of only 5.86 goals per
begin. The haunting chant of an Ojibwa prayer soars
game. We will never know what the Hitmen would
high above the crowd and into the darkness that is
have looked like with AJ in their lineup, but we can
the city. Then it arrives. It has already traveled 40
always wonder…
000km and is nearing the end of its trip.

Two guides are dressed in Ninja uniforms. They


What!s truly amazing about this league is the stories unlock the lantern and transfer it. Finally, the torch is
its participants write. You may not realize it now, but ignited. The Olympic Flame suddenly fills the area
every game out there, you!re writing the story of your with an impossible brightness. The man carrying it
life. A couple of years down the road, you!ll be talking looks as old as the Olympic games. He does not run,
about your shootout goals at university interviews, but instead strolls casually down the street as the
putting your captaincy roles on job applications, and crowd follows. The flashes of cameras brighten the
will look back at some of the greatest times of your sky every few seconds.
life, all spent with your friends. This is what ball
He reaches the point where he must surrender the
hockey at RSGC is all about.
flame to the next person in line. The crowd cheers as
the next torch bursts into flames. For a moment there
are two torches burning as bright as the smiles on
Do you agree with our top five surprises? Send your the runners! faces. As the next torch-bearer starts to
feedback to mkryshtalskyj@rsgc.on.ca to have your run, I think “Why am I running at 6:00 in the
say! morning?” The small crowd is also running and
snapping photos. Three more transfers take place as
the torch moves down University Avenue.

Sweating in my down parka and exhausted from the


early hour I decide that my journey should end here.
The flame continues down University until it hits
Front Street where it turns right and continues on.
Page 18 theGrifter
Defending the
Obama is enforcing socialist policies on Americans,
when actually many of his policies are quite centrist.

Left...
Glenn Beck is one of Fox!s main culprits in creating
false fear. His statements could even be seen as
harmful to the president!s safety. Glenn Beck has
made extreme statements, saying “Obama has a
" Noah Stanton deep seeded hatred against the white culture.” Along
with these claims, Beck has a plethora of edgy
! “Small movements graphics going on in a compilation. Though many
can see through his silly and ignorant statements,
known as Tea Party there are millions who seem to share his extreme
beliefs.
groups...don’t represent the The media has created false fears for Obama!s
interests of many Americans” administration. Some legitimately believed that death
panels were in the House!s healthcare, and blamed
Politics

The present day American political scene is not what the inclusion of this amendment in the bill on Obama.
many citizens were hoping for. There is now a This was all caused by the Fox News Corporation!s
congress that refuses to allow bills to be passed into work with the GOP and their efforts in convincing the
law. This is far from the campaign that President American populace that Obama!s policies might kill
Obama was promising. The Obama Administration your grandmother. These myths were seen as a real
had been weak when handling certain criticism, but reason why “Obamacare” could not come into law, as
when he came out to talk to the GOP recently, he many other news organizations addressed this issue
was on the offense. He confronted media rumors, with great specificity. Obama said that the
which had convinced many Americans that the amendment that was under fire was actually put in by
Obama Administration is very far left on the political a Republican, and had to do with providing pre-death
spectrum. Small movements known as Tea Party services information to comatose patient!s families.
groups have become important in the political world, Because of the political chaos it caused, the senate
but these don!t represent the interests of many removed it from their bill. This is an indirect intrusion
Americans, although they still allow the Republicans into the political-legal world by FNC. They used their
in the Senate to block the normal political processes. accessibility to preach to the masses.

There has been one media power, which has led this These intrusions into the political process are
so-called “Grassroots” movement, and it is the FOX constitutionally valid, but slow down the legal side of
News Corporation. They have funded conventions things. This makes new laws very hard to pass
and publicized events for the group. The Tea Party because of the strong partisanship in Congress,
groups deny that the FNC is helping them because which I believe can also be partially blamed on FNC.
they are Republican and that the GOP motivates Obama planned to pass healthcare in August 2009,
their ideals, but this has been proven wrong many but by March 2010, the failure to do so shouldn!t be
times. Now that the media has blown up the blamed on the president. I believe that it should be
importance of these far right groups, American voters blamed on the FNC and other news organizations
are confused. The change has not been made, who only blurt out quick headlines, but don!t look into
partisanship has grown, and FNC fear tactics have the whole story.
also affected Obama!s popularity. Fox says that
grift·er /!gr"f t#r/ noun - a swindler, dishonest gambler,
or the like...

theGrifter
YEAR II ISSUE II

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