PROFILE: Oliver Stone–Director of History

a profile by Jesse M

Oliver Stone isn’t like any other film artist.  Any movie he has a part in making always touches on some sort of controversial piece.  Stone was born on September 15, 1946 in New York City.  He attended The University of Yale and New York University Film School.  He has changed the movie world as we know it by putting out incredible movies like Any Given Sunday (1999), JFK (1991), The Doors (1991), Platoon (1986) and Midnight Express (1978).

Any Given Sunday is about a pro football team that is struggling to make the playoffs.  This movie touches on many different problems that professional athletes and people in professional sports are faced with.  JFK examines the controversial murder of former president John F. Kennedy.  It talks more about the conspiracy theory rather than what was said to have really happened.  The Doors is about the famous rock band from the late 60’s and early 70’s, The Doors.  It shows how Jim Morrison rose to the top of the world and fell just as quickly due to alcohol abuse and drug use.  It is based on the novel No One Here Gets out Alive, written by Jerry Hopkins.  Platoon is movie about the Vietnam War.  It is filmed through the eyes of a soldier, showing the gruesome sites of the war.  It also shows the war not against the enemy soldiers, but against each other.  Midnight Express is a prison movie based on the true story about a young American college student, Billy Hayes, who is caught trying to smuggle hashish from Turkey to the United States.  He is put in a Turkish Prison and the movie shows how hard life was for him living in prison.

Possibly Oliver Stone’s best film, Platoon, presents his own views of the war.  The character of Charlie Sheen is based on Oliver Stone.  Each actor was hand-chosen by Stone to represent a different member of his actual platoon.  Forest Whitaker, an actor in the film, said “Every character in the movie became like the person they were.”  Willem Defoe, who had played the role of Sergeant Elias, also said, “Okay so you’re playing army and all that, but there’s enough real danger and enough peer pressure, that the stakes are very, very high.”  The movie was filmed in the Philippines and when the cast arrived, they were forced to live in trenches like the soldiers and learn tactics that actual soldiers are taught.  “I thought he was a madman, one of those guys who rides that fine line between brilliance and explosion of the mind,” says Johnny Depp, who also starred in Platoon, “He’d push you, man, he’s like a sledge hammer in the middle of your forehead.  You hate him in the moment.  You hate him, but that would take you to the next level.”   Willem Defoe had this to say about the way Stone directed the movie:  “He made this like a life or death thing, there’s talent in that.”

Oliver Stone is definitely one of my favourite directors of all-time.  He has made some of the most memorable movies that I have seen.  What I like most about his movies is that they almost always reflect important events in the world.  Stone has a knack for putting out movies that touch on important historical events as well.  Some of his newer films he has just put out are World Trade Center, about the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and W. about now former president George W. Bush.  Oliver Stone is one of the most talented people of our time and his movies are definitely some of the best and that should be seen by any movie buff.

SPORTS: Nobles Curling

a news report by Katherine K.

Curling is a sport consisting of four players: the skip, the vice, the second and the lead. Each player throws two rocks down the ice in hopes to get their rocks on the button in the center of the house. The two players who are not throwing the rock will go with the rock down the ice and sweep in front of it to make it go faster and potentially stop the rock from curling or make it curl in a certain direction. The skip is in the house directing where they want the rock to go and when the skip is throwing the vice will then take this position.

 Our boys’ curling team had quite the successful season; unfortunately, they were not able to get enough points to make the playoffs. The team consisted of Joel Squire (skip), Jason Finley (vice), Spencer Snelgrove (second), and Alex Zappio (lead). The guys were each asked what their favorite memory was, as well as their favorite opposing team. Finley, Snelgrove and Zappio all agreed that Kingsville was the best team to face, while Squire chose Holy Names. As for favorite memories, Finley chose “the end of the year when we came back to beat Kingsville.” Snelgrove said, “…when I fell and dodged the rock.” Zappio chose the time, “we beat Amherst with last sharp rock.” Squire’s quick reply was when they faced Holy Names “because we almost won.” Overall the guys did their best and had a blast while playing this season. Hopefully next year they will be able to take the title!

The girls’ curling team was very different this year! All four girls started to curl this year and had no idea how to play before the season. With the help of their coach, Mrs. Longay, they were able to pick up their act and begin to look like decent curlers. The girls had a rough start to their season, finding it hard to win a game. After a bit more practice and concentration on what they were doing wrong, they began to defeat their opponents: Kennedy, Riverside and St. Joe’s. The team consisted of Rebekah Senko (skip), Sarah Morris (vice), Kaitlyn Nadalin (second), and Katherine Koutsonicolas (lead). The girls were told that in their last game, they had to defeat Kingsville, the undefeated team, in order to advance to the playoffs. It was a tough match but the girls were able to take an early lead of 6-2 in the 5^thend. The final Kingsville rock would determine a win or a tie. The rock was thrown and managed to knock out the one rock that kept the Nobles in the game, the score ended up being 6-6. Luckily the tie gave them enough points to enter them into the playoffs in 4^thplace. The four teams in the playoffs (in order of position) were: Kingsville, St. Anne’s, General Amherst and Belle River. In the girls’ first playoff game against Kingsville, they worked very hard, but unfortunately the ice was not on their side. They ended up losing the game 7-2. The girls’ next game against General Amherst decided whether or not they would continue on to SWOSSA. They went out on the ice with positive attitudes and played to the best of their ability; unfortunately, they were not able to win the game. Amherst was a tough team who played the ice well. If the Nobles got a rock in the house, they came right back and knocked it out. The final score was 10-3.

All the girls were asked what their favourite team they played against and what their favourite memory was. Senko, Morris, Nadalin, and Koutsonicolas all said that their favourite teams to play against Kingsville and Senko also liked St. Joe’s and Koutsonicolas like General Amherst. As for their favourite memories Senko chose, “When we came very close to beating Kingsville.” Morris said, “The best moment was making it to playoffs.” Nadalin laughed, “My favourite moment was when Sarah fell on the middle of the ice.” Koutsonicolas grinned and said, “The best moment would definitely have to be being told that we made it to playoffs and making a lot of new friends.” Overall, the girls had an amazing season; they all had a lot of fun and will never forget the experience.

POEM: A Little Piece of Heaven

a poem by Erica C

A life can be taken by surprise,

and bring out emotions hard to disguise.

 

A boy, so young, this happened to.

His innocent friend taken out of the blue.

 

Filled with anger and hurt, the tears came flowing.

His best friend, his pal, left without knowing.

 

The boy’s parents explained, yet he couldn’t understand;

claiming his friend was no longer on land.

 

“This can’t be true. I was with him all day;

my friend is still here, he has just gone away.”

 

“Things happen for a reason” is what the boy was told.

But then again, he thought, we’re all supposed to grow old.

 

The boy searched for reasons but nothing came.

Hurt and upset, he needed someone to blame.

 

Running place to place to find the friend forever lost,

determined to get back his family – no matter the cost.

 

After crushing heartache and relieving the guilt

the boy slowly moved on with his conclusion built.

 

Willing to accept what happened in the end

a little piece of heaven is what became of his friend. 

FITNESS NEWS: PUNCH Kettlebell Gym – the Art of Strength Training Centre

a fitness article by Jordan G.

PUNCH Kettlebell Gym is Canada’s only Art of Strength Training Centre. It offers the most aggressive fitness program anywhere. Luckily, this gym is not far from where most of us live. It’s located at 303 West Pike Creek Road in Tecumseh and is run by Rob Santarossa. I personally have been to this gym, and I found it to be an excellent workout. Not only do the sessions never get boring, but this thirty-minute workout works every muscle in your body. Thirty minutes is all you need to train cardio, strength and flexibility. No additional training is needed. It’s a physically challenging workout, and it’s mentally challenging to stay committed, but results are undeniably clear and amazing.

 The Evolution of Fitness

PUNCH Kettlebell Gym may be the only movement-based fitness club in the area. What does this mean to you? It means the programs are designed based on your current fitness level and your ultimate fitness goals. It means someone teaches you how to move properly – like when you were a kid. Traditional weight-lifting machines are not used at this gym. Instead, they use kettlebells, ropes, rocks, sandbags, dumbbells, medicine balls, tires, and logs to get you fit and keep the sessions interesting. Scared? Don’t be. They show you how to do everything. No prior gym experience is necessary. No one is asked or expected to do anything they don’t want to. What truly sets this gym apart from the rest is that they allow you to experience their way of training before you make any kind of commitment. Show up, meet Rob, and evaluate the training. If it’s not for you then just don’t join. It’s that simple.

 Why Train with Kettlebells?

            Unlike machines and traditional weight training, kettlebells teach you how to use momentum to your advantage. The better prepared you are to control and direct momentum, the less risk of injury and greater ease with which you execute any movement. Train with kettlebells and within weeks, you will not only experience significant improvement in real world ability, you will also have the strong, lean, agile physique to match.

 Who Should Use Kettlebells?

Everyone! Kettlebell training will maximize performance in all movement-oriented activities including: running, golf, dance, martial arts, tennis, snowboarding/skiing, boxing, yoga and skating. Clients of the PUNCH Kettlebell Gym include women and men from ages fourteen to eighty-two, people with serious mobility issues and even a few clients who are already very fit.

 The Benefits of Kettlebell Training

• Improved core strength: All of the exercises focus on stabilizing the core, and almost all movements are done freestanding
• Improved overall strength: Kettlebell training develops strength in all planes of movement.
• Improved flexibility/mobility: Kettlebell training promotes increased range-of-motion in the joints and favours movements in extension, which counteracts the flexed position of sitting all day.
• Improved coordination: Kettlebell training teaches to connect your upper and lower body. This element provides athletes a superior edge in their training protocol due to greater body rhythm and awareness.
• Resistance to injury: Kettlebell training stresses the connective tissue, such as ligaments and tendons. Strengthening connective tissues helps to decrease the risk of injury.
• Improved aerobic power: Kettlebell training, especially the repetitive, ballistic exercises, will enhance cardiovascular training. The conditioning aspect will also help to develop without stressing the knees and hips.

 Top 10 Reasons Kettlebells Proven Most Effective Exercise Tool

1. Burns fat in less time.
2. Displaced center of gravity increases difficulty and benefit of many of the drills.
3. Thick handles increases grip strength and the difficulty of certain drills.
4. Variety of kettlebell drills is only limited by your imagination, providing unlimited protection from boredom.
5. Trains hip extension, which transfers to many athletic skills.
6. Trains deceleration, an important and difficult athletic skill.
7. Balance of tension and relaxation.
8. Trains will power.
9. Fun.
10. The kettlebell can be used anywhere, both indoors and out.

 Interested?

If the PUNCH Kettlebell Gym sounds like something you would like to try, then don’t be afraid to go ahead and try it. To learn more about kettlebell training, please visit www.punchgym.com, or www.artofstrength.com. If you are interested in joining the gym, or dropping by to try it out and evaluate the training, please call 519-979-3238, or email Rob at RobS@punchgym.com.

POEM: My Garden

a poem by John K.

I awake in the morning and look outside,

Staring across the horizon, far and wide.

Rain falls relentlessly from the heavens above,

Pouring my garden with the shower of love.

I watch it through my transparent window,

Always wondering what it will bestow.

I put on my boots and enter the kingdom -

The kingdom of nature, the garden of freedom.

Rain subsides and earthly scent is present.

Robins feast on worms until they are content.

Ferocious and irritating is the insect

Guarding the flowers it has sworn to protect.

I watch the flowers as they blossom

So gracious and beautiful that I can’t fathom.

Where is the sun to brighten our way

On this dark and miserable day?

 Temperature drops, sending shivers down my spine.

My dog warns of trouble with a slow and painful whine.

A layer of fog rolls in from the west.

All nature disappears, like an unwelcomed guest.

 

SHORT NARRATIVE: Are We Alone?

a story by Andrew K.

It had bee a long day and as I stared into the mirror brushing my teeth, my mind went over detail after detail: check, double check, all systems go.  The routine had become a part of me after four long years of gruelling training.  It is late and I am exhausted. The lights go out and tomorrow is a new day.

The alarm clock detonates like a bomb shuddering my mind from sleep like so many times before, only today is different.  My breakfast plate is filled with adrenaline.  The journey to the launch pad feels surreal.  Even the blue sky and morning sun look different today.  Is it the fear of lift-off or the adrenaline playing tricks on my mind?  Things are now moving faster and faster.  They seem a blur and I suddenly realize that there is no reflection of me brushing my teeth.  The countdown checklist is in my hands.  I am now answering a full command module, check, double check.  The countdown to lift off has finally started.  Each second of the countdown seems like an eternity as my heart starts pounding in my chest and I feel my body temperature rising.  The engine thrust slams my frame into the seat straining every fibre of muscle in my body.  The moment is violent and out of control like a viscous battle fighting to escape the gravity of Earth.  As soon as it started, tranquil peace and serenity adorn my body.  Just as I finish reviewing the mission goals, the computer notifies me it has locked onto the landing site upon Saturn.  I gaze out in wonder and notice the beautiful coloured layers on Saturn’s surface. 

Time is critical as I prepare for landing. Within moments, the soft thud signals it is time to walk where no human has ever walked before.  The brightly coloured sand marks each step I take.  An outcrop of rocks peaks my curiosity and guides my steps towards it.  A flat stone tablet appears as I approach closer.  What are those markings?  Are my eyes deceiving me?  I kneel down and barely visible on the stone tablet are inscribed the words Thou shall not kill.  My helmet camera has recorded the entire event.  My glove camera has taken pictures.  My onboard timer has notified me I have just enough oxygen to make it back to my command module.

The journey back home with such a discovery passes by as if in slow motion.  The command module notifies Earth approaching re-entry.  The routine check and double check to come home has my mind racing faster with the news I will be delivering.  I feel her pulling, gripping my body, accelerating it faster and faster towards Earth.  Gravity can be such a wicked monster.  I grab the flight controls as atmosphere starts to bounce me violently.  Something is wrong.  A burst of heat scorches my left glove.  I am spinning faster and faster out of control.  A loud explosion shudders my entire body.  My arm instinctively reaches out and suddenly it is all over.  I open my eyes and see the rising morning sun.  My left hand is stinging from a burn.  Are we alone or was it a dream?

POEM: The Shore

a poem by Jonathan Q

The sun rises on a crisp clean day,

The waves break on the seaside quay.

Birds frolic on the solid stones,

Trying to find some old fish bones.

Undisturbed, the shore lays calm,

Peaceful yet meaningful; like a Bible psalm.

 

Trouble is brewing, in the distance,

Fishermen are coming, it is their subsistence.

The fishermen assemble, awaiting their turn,

To start their boats, and cause the water to churn.

The boats start, the race is on,

The men break out into a fishing song.

They speed off to their fishing spots,

Remembering to tie their mooring knots.

 

When the boats have sped away,

The shore returns to a quiet way.

It has returned to it’s peaceful mood,

No longer burdened by the smelly crude.

The birds are slowly coming back,

The waves are giving the shore some slack.

Everything is returning back to normal,

Nature returns, far from formal.

And when the sun begins to set,

The shore will have peace, nothing to fret.

SPORTS: And Then There Were Four.

a news story by Wes L.

It’s that time of year again and March Madness is back and better than ever. . .

March Madness is known as one of the most exciting and unpredictable sporting tournaments in the world.  You know it’s March when you flip on the TV and all there is to see is Men’s Division One college basketball.  It’s the beginning of April and we’re now down to the semi finals, the final four.  The final four was held just across the river in Detroit, Michigan this year.  This year’s final four consisted of the Michigan State Spartans, the University of Connecticut Huskies, the Villanova Wild Cats and the North Carolina Tar Heels.

 To kick off the final four weekend in Detroit, the Michigan State Spartans took on the University of Connecticut Huskies in the first round of the semifinals.  It was a close game with UCONN being the favourite, but in the end the Spartans prevailed and came in first.

Yes, that’s right Michigan State has made the Men’s NCAA, Division 1 basketball finals.  Michigan State was the underdog in this year’s, NCAA March Madness tournament.  They prevailed and after knocking off the number one seed Louisville, they continued their reign of terror by knocking off the favourite UCONN. 

The second game of the final four weekend was the Villanova Wild Cats vs. the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.  The Tar Heels dominated this game and came out with a victory of 83-69.  North Carolina being the favourite in this game did not disappoint with a big win to move on and face Michigan in the National Championship game that takes place on Monday, April 6. The Tar Heel have being relentless throughout the tournament, beating everyone by a considerable margin.  UNC is said to be the favourite going into this game and is looking to come out with a big win. 

 As for my predictions about the game, I predicted that UNC would win it 87-73. 

As much as I would’ve loved for the Spartans to win, I had to be realistic.  The final outcome was 89-73, UNC.  Michigan State got off to a bad start and left them strugglingthroughout the game.  UNC dominated both offensively and defensively giving them a 20 point lead throughout the game, which was good enough to grab the NCAA Men’s Division One Basketball, National Championship.

POEM: Painting

a poem modeled after Pablo Neruda's poem "Poetry" by Jessica G

It came to me.
Pushed me out of my vacant body.
A strange sense fell over me,
One of knowing and previous knowledge.
It grabbed at my every thought,
Lurked around every corner of my brain.
It was not thunderous or aggressive,
Nor did it come as a vision or by speech.
It enticed me to pick up the brush,
Feel the canvas beneath it.
And that is when it came to me,
Seized hold of my entire being,
Brought me to life.
 
 
My eyes were overwhelmed with countless luminous shades,
My hands graceless as they held the brushes,
Fire burned in my soul to conceive.
Paint splattered but no elegant picture.
And suddenly,
I plunged the brush into the thick multihued palette.
The bristles glided effortlessly over canvas,
Colours blended beautifully.
Forming picture after dazzling picture.
The fumes increased my motivation.
As I carried on,
I painted myself into ecstasy.
 
 
The array of colours and images
Hoisted up my confidence,
My hands moved quicker than my mind.
Imagining, blending,
Sculpting, creating.
Soaring through my life in exquisite vibrancy,
Bringing my whole self together as one,
Uniting forever on a beautiful canvas.

MOVIE REVIEW: Mamma Mia!

 

 

a movie review by Maya

 Mamma Mia!  is a 2008 stage-to-film adaptation of the 1999 West End musical of the same name, based on the songs of successful pop group ABBA, with additional music composed by ABBA member Benny Andersson. It was produced by Universal Pictures and became the highest-grossing film musical of all time. The title originates from ABBA’s 1975 chart-topper “Mamma Mia.” Most of the filming was done on the small Greek island of Skopelos (during August/September 2007),and the seaside of Damouchari in the Pelion area of Greece. On Skopelos, Kastani beach on the south west coast was the film’s main location site. Other parts of the film were produced on the 007 stage at Pinewood Studios, where lighting and temperature could be controlled.

Brief Summary
On a fictional island in Greece, 20 year old bride-to-be Sophie Sheridan played by actress Amanda Seyfried sends out wedding invitations to three different men. Sophie has found her mother’s diary and has learned she has three possible dads: New York-based Irish architect Sam Carmicheal played by Pierce Brosnan, Swedish adventurer and writer Bill Andersson played by Stellan Skarsgard, and British banker Harry Bright played by Colin Firth. She invited these three men without telling Donna, her mother played by Meryl Streep, believing that after she spends time with them she will know who her father is. Donna finds the three men and is unable to handle the memories so she asks them to leave the island. Sophie convinces them to stay. To avoid tension between the three men, Sophie instead asks her mother to give her away at the wedding ceremony. Soon enough Sophie confesses to her fiance Sky played by Dominic Cooper that she invited all three potential fathers. Sky is unsure about what he wants to do about the wedding and decides he wants to wait and travel before they settle. During the wedding ceremony, her mother finally mentions the father issue and the secrets begin unravelling. One of the men proposes to her mother, revealing to her he still has those same feelings. They end up getting married right then and there so that the wedding party isn’t wasted.

Mamma Mia! is a great movie to watch with friends and family. This movie is appropriate for all ages. All the songs went perfect with the scenes they were played at and they all were catchy. Some of my favourite songs played in this movie were: “Honey, Honey”, “Money, Money, Money”, “Mamma Mia”, and “ Our Last Summer”. It has a sense of humour and definitely catches you in the moment making you want to get up and dance. I was surprised to find out that On December 15, 2008, it was announced that Mamma Mia! had become the highest-grossing film in the United Kingdom of all time. The previous record was held by Titanic, which was released in the UK in 1998. With a great success with this film I am looking forward to another sequel of what happens next.

Cast
Meryl Streep -as Donna Sheridan, Sophie’s mother, owner of the hotel Villa Donna. Wife of Sam at the end.
Amanda Seyfried -as Sophie Sheridan, Donna’s daughter and Sky’s fiancée.
Julie Walters- as Rosie Mulligan, one of Donna’s best friends, an unmarried fun-loving author. Christine Baranski- as Tanya, the other of Donna’s best friends, a rich, three-time divorcée.
Pierce Brosnan- as Sam Carmichael, Sophie’s possible father, husband to Donna, and an American architect.
Colin Firth- as Harry Bright, Sophie’s possible father and a British banker.
Stellan Skarsgård- as Bill Anderson, Sophie’s possible father, a Swedish sailor and travel writer. Dominic Cooper- as Sky, Sophie’s fiancé, designing a website for the hotel.
Philip Michael- as Pepper, Sky’s best man who likes Tanya.
Ashley Lilley -as Ali, a close friend of Sophie.
Rachel McDowall- as Lisa, a close friend of Sophie.
Benny Andersson- as Piano player during “Dancing Queen”
Bjorn Ulvaeus- as Greek god
Rita Wilson-  as Greek goddess

Here is the theatrical trailer for the movie: