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Class Rank (2017)
If we renew our contract,
we will get a 14% discount. As the board's foreign language committee rep, I recommend that we renew the Oui! Contract because of the excellence of the textbooks but also because we will save the taxpayers valuable money. Thank you, Mr. Del Tufo. I now open the issue to the public before we vote. Yes, Bernard. Thank you, Ms. Parikh. Unless the goals of this board are for us students to become expatriates in Paris, Montpellier, or some Franco African nation, it's plainly irresponsible to indoctrinate us with the French language. As I stressed in 2014, Chinese is the language of the future. I implore the board to fulfill its elected civil duty and do what's in the best interest of the students stop teaching French and begin teaching Chinese! Let's put it to a vote then. All those in favor of us renewing our contract with Oui! Say 'ay.' All those opposed say ' nay'. Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay. The "ays" have it. If my role is to be town crier, so be it. I will inform my fellow citizens of this deprivation of duty in an op-ed. Our next order of business is the awarding of our future leaders of Livingston. This is what happens when you teach French! C'est la vie. You're coming down ten. C'mon ten. Good evening, Grandpa. How was the meeting? As usual, it was an insult to reason. You should accompany me sometime and lecture these amateurs officiants untrue public service. No thank you. I couldn't stand the indigestion I get from watching those nincompoops who replace your grandmother Well, I just lost. You want to play the winner? Do wish I had a moment to spare but I must reside to my room to draft a fulminating letter in regards to the board's continuously sinister appropriations. Well, find a little time to do your homework. Priorities, Grandpa. To all concerned citizens of The Township of Livingston The time to be apathetic has ceased. Rise up and join me in fighting the policies of the Board of Education. Rise up. Good morning. Morning, sweetie. How'd you sleep? I slept fine, and you? Glad one of us slept. Oh, did you see the skirt I brought home from the set? Yeah, I did. Thank you. The show's stylist says it is very popular with teenagers. I thought maybe you'd like to wear it to school today. I like it a lot, but I think I'm gonna stick with jeans. They're are a little bit more comfortable to study in. Alright, maybe on the weekend. Yeah or maybe for my next recital or something. No, I'm not going to call him back. You tell him the role is the rapist and if he doesn't want to play it. There's a thousand actors in New York who would love to have 'Law and Order SVU' on their credits. What's next? That's it for your to-do list. Anything else? What's the call time tonight? 8:15 We got to move Mariska's callback by 30 minutes. She's gotta another Joyful Heart Fundraiser. What's next? Weekend! No, I'm not going to L.A. We weren't even nominated. I only do awards shows, I'm going to win. Morning, Bernard. I have an op-ed that cannot be ignored. We have a lot of submissions this week. I can't guarantee it can get into the publication. I implore you to do your best. Save the diatribes about the farmers market and spaying local pets for a time when the future of this town isn't in jeopardy. Well, I see what I can do. I may have to cut it a little for space. If edits are mandatory, I leave it to your journalistic wisdom to harness the true spirit of the piece. Thank you Bernard. I bid you good day. Bye, bye. Hello, junior class. I'd like to remind everyone that the student council meets after school every other Tuesday. During the first two marking periods we had pretty low attendance, so hopefully we can pick it up for the rest of the year. And if you have any suggestions for myself or any other elected officer please fill out an suggestion sheet and put it the box in the library. Thank you, everyone and good luck today. Thank you, Veronica. As you all know, today you will be receiving your class ranking from 1 to 382. Based on your freshman and sophomore year G.P.A.'s as well as your G.P.A. from the first two marking periods of this year. If your last name begins with "A" through "G" please see Mrs. Greenberg at the front of the auditorium. H through Q see me in the back and R through Z, see Mr. Purdy up here on stage. Good luck everybody. Neil Keller Anne Kimberg Klein Veronica Krauss. Drew Kunin John LaRue Number 2? Emma Lazareth I don't know what to tell you, Veronica. You and the #1 ranked student have identical transcripts, except for the fact that he or she got an A in gym in the second marking period of your sophomore year and you got an A-minus. That marking period I had tendinitis in my hand from writing thousands of thank you letters on behalf of the Special Olympics. It hindered my ability to climb the rope in gym. Furthermore, I was under the impression that volunteering for the Special Olympics was extra credit. But it wasn't. But it was implied that it was. Why else would I have volunteered? I would hope because you like to help the less fortunate. The year is not over what if? What if #1 was to get caught cheating? The ranks are final. Or to die? What if they were to die? Veronica, we're not going to wish harm to another student. There is absolutely nothing we can do to change this. Principal Greely, I not sure if you're aware this, I'm sorry Veronica. 72% of white females accepted to Yale University graduate #1 in their class. And we grade on a curve. By being #2, I have a 72% chance of not getting into Yale. I need to be #1. It's not up to me. It's the system. Well the system sucks. I suck. # 2 sucks. Your total is $51.76. Would you like help out to your car today, honey? No. Paper or plastic? Neither. I use canvas. Total is $16.14. That is correct. I did the tabulation in my head and it concurs with your register. Alright, thank you for shopping at ShopRite. Thank you. However, I could not help but notice you did not offer me assistance out to my vehicle. Is it because I am younger then and more abled body than the previous customer? You're a new ShopRite employee, aren't you? That's right. Is this your car? Yes. It's a bicycle. I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you've never taken physics. Because by placing all the weight of the groceries on my my left handlebar, you are disturbing the equilibrium of my bicycle. By following proper riding laws, as I always do. I will surely veer to the left, potentially causing harm to myself or to others. Dude, what's your deal? I was merely trying to give you a lesson in Newton's law. Good day. Next customer please. Salutations, Postal Worker Wesley. "B", man I told you, just call me Wesley. May I have my mail, please? I misplaced my key. Sure. No problem. Something just came in today, I think. Thank you. Booya! The China express has arrived. That's not anything like the language. I mean I just guessed. Next customer please. What mysteries have you to say for yourself today, Tai-Yu, my peaceful rain? E-wo, hello, Bernard. I hope you nice. I am now, Tai-Yu. I am now. What am I supposed to do, Mom? Sweetie, on 'Law & Order', we take real stories from actual headlines, if that has taught me anything, it has taught me that sometimes laws are wrong and they are gonna stay wrong until someone brave enough comes along to change them. If Middle East turbulence continues as most Washington think-tanks predict, will save taxpayers an exuberant amount of money. Thank you for your input. So, we'll look into green bus companies. Furthermore, I'd like to propose integrating a "Bikes and Books program" in which students are loaned bicycles by the school district for their educational commute. I thank you for your time. Any other new business? - Yes. - Please come forward young lady. Your name please. Hi, my name is Veronica Krauss, LHS Junior Class President. I would like to propose the immediate abolishment of high school class ranking. Less than 35% of high schools in the country currently use a ranking system. That's down 22% over the last decade. And Livingston is in the shrinking minority of schools left in the nation who rank students. And I believe This crime wave is an epidemic. Before you continue, Mrs. Krauss, I should point out that we debated this topic last year and the board voted 3 to 2 in favor of keeping class rank. The board was comprised of the same 5 members, so I'm afraid it's a lost cause, unless someone has changed their minds. Has anyone changed their minds? I'm sorry, Ms. Krauss. It seems as if like class rank is hereto stay. Is there any other new business? Ah, we need to consider setting a date, this spring, for the board of education election. What we need to consider, are bids on the refinishing of the of the boardroom door, if Bernard is gonna keep banging his bicycle into it. How was your meeting? It was okay. Okay with a question mark? Okay with a question mark. - Honey, what? - Signal please. Ok. slow down. Hi, Bernard. I was at the school board meeting and I saw what happened to your bike. Do you want a ride home? I appreciate the offer. However, I must decline as I've vowed to keep my carbon footprint to a minimum. This is a hybrid. Bernard this is my mom. Mom this is Bernard Flannigan. Nice to meet you. The feeling is mutual. You've raised an excellent class president. Thank you. I'm very proud of her. Where do you live, Bernard? On Long Acre Drive. The street behind Pepperidge Farms. Blinkers before we merge into traffic. There you go. Is it that you're a junior and already have a driver's license? Were you held back a grade? No, I only have my learners permit. That is the type of information one should reveal before offering a ride. Don't worry, I'm a good driver. Slow down. Do you go to a lot of board of Ed. Meetings? I have not missed one since 2007. What? You must have been a child. I started attending board meetings when I was 8 years old. My grandmother instilled in me the importance of education. My house is up here on the left. When was the last time you cut your grass? Allowing nature to take it's course as a practice is the world needs to embrace. A thousand thank you's for the ride. Of course. What an interesting person. Is he smart? I'm not sure what he is? How come I always gotta ride in the back? I'm sorry, Grandpa, but your days of piloting the Yellow Submarine have passed. If proper bike lanes existed I don't have bike lanes, you gotta have bike lanes. I'm currently working on that agenda. Good afternoon Bernard. I have brought you a letter urging all Livingstonites to take the streets in support of our Guatemalan cousins' commuting program. Well I'll see if can find space for it on the op-ed page. Would your Grandfather like something to drink? Grandpa, would you like a refreshment? I believe the Editor-In-Chief is concerned you may suffer a stroke. No thank you ma'am. No thank you. What's he reading? What are you reading? 'Rome Before the Ruins' Han Amara I love Rome. Should've seen it before it was ruined. Haha. Are there any more questions lean assist you with? No. I don't think so. Then I bid you a good day. Good day Bernard. Bernard door bell. Bernard. We don't want girl scout cookies. Um. Actually, it's a cake and it's free. Free? Why? What's in it? Chocolate chip swirl with walnuts. Walnuts? My wife was a wonderful baker. She used to make a cake just like that. She always used butter cream frosting. Needs more walnuts. Got it. Chi-Na New Year arr-ive. Year of the red fire monkey. Bernard... the baker. Says she knows you. Hi. Sorry to just drop by like this. Please come in and remove your footwear. May I offer you a glass lactose-free milk? I'm ok. This actually is not a social visit. I'm hereto propose an idea to you. May I... take a seat? I'd like you to run for the Livingston board of education. Excuse me? Both Ms. Parikh and Mr. Del Tufo are running unopposed for the re-election this May. And I'm sure you know their policies are well adrift from center but you could be springboard for new ideas. I mean wouldn't you like to see change? I'm not sure if you're aware, Veronica, but I'm only sixteen years of age. No, that's ok. There's no age minimum to be a board member. I checked the bylaws. May I ask why you don't run yourself? You're the president of our class therefore clearly an adept politician. The board of education is a four year commitment and if I won, I couldn't go away to college. I see. So if I won, I couldn't go away to college either? You were planning on going away to college? The thought had crossed my mind, yes. Of course it had. What if you... um took a year off? Studies show that students who take a gap year between high school and college do even better when they return to school if I was required to stay in New Jersey, I could not only pursue higher education atone of the Garden State's fine schools but also continue to look after my grandfather. Exactly. Plus you'd make your grandma proud. I mean you did say she instilled in you the importance of education... right? What did the girl want? She asks me to run for the board of education. Haha... and? And... I'm going to heed the call You're sure? No. Good. That's the correct answer. Hello sir. How are you today? O.k. first order of business. We need to submit a petition with over a 200 signatures to city council. My circle of acquaintances is slightly under that threshold. Well, that's why you have a campaign manager. Excuse me, ShopRite shopper, may I ask if you are of voting age? Haha... you're sweet. I thank you for the compliment. May I trouble you to sign my petition to campaign for the Livingston Board of Education? Ah, yeah., of course. Interested in being informed of several policies I plan to champion? I'm sorry but I can't now. I've got ice cream in my cart. Surely the melting of your dairy products is not more important than the future education of your child. We understand you're very busy so thank you so much for your signature. Have a good day. No.. we don't. Why did you cut me off just then? I was going to give her a quick ten-minute summary of our campaign policies. Because she didn't seem interested in our policies. Well I admit I am a neophyte in the field of campaigning but do we really want the support of the apathetic? Yes, that is how elections are won. Very well then. Let's proceed. Excuse me, ShopRite shopper, would you like to be the change you want to see in the world? I have no change. I was quoting Mahatma Gandhi, not asking for nickels. What are you guys doing here? I'm collecting signatures to campaign for the board of education. I hope to be a breath of fresh air to the Livingston educational regime. Sweet. It's like the Arab Spring right here in Livingston. Let me give you my 'JOHN DOE'. Good luck with the campaign bro. Thank you. How often do you come here? Whenever my grandfather needs ingredients for a recipe. He's quite an accomplished chef but he detests supermarkets. Let us continue. I have shoes older than you. Hey are you sure you don't want anything? I'm sure on multiple levels. To name 4, I don't wish to begin a caffeine addiction. 2. I'm on a very strict budget. 3. I don't see a sign guaranteeing this premium coffee has not been labored at slave wages. And fourthly, I do not support the globalization of mega conglomerates. But Starbucks is the only coffee shop in town. So what is the focal point of this meeting? Okay there's a few things. Item one, finances. In order to run a proper campaign, we're going to need money. How much are you willing to spend on advertising? I presently survive on an allowance that is, let us say, meager rather than generous. Ok I guess I can charge the photocopying and art supplies to my credit card. You have a credit card? Ok item two? Your name? What's wrong with my name? It's too formal. From now on we're gonna call you Bernie. - Bernie?! - Yeah Bernie. That sounds like a Sesame Street character. Yeah, and those characters are very likeable. Item 3. Your appearance. - Pardon me. - We need to fix your hair and... you're gonna need to lose the braces, Bernie. I will do no such thing. And don't call me Bernie! Congratulations to the LHS boys soccer team, who beat Randolph 3-0 last night thanks to two goals by Robbie McLoud and one by David Bender. The Bears, who are ranked 7th in the Star-Ledger, are off to a blazing start this season. Back to you, Zev. Thanks, Julia. This morning we have a special announcement from Junior class president Veronica Krauss. Good morning, Bears. I'd like to ask you to come to the cafeteria today and meet Bernie Flannigan, our fellow Bear who is running for the Livingston Board of Education. Hello fellow students. Bernie is finished asking Look at Barf-nard's haircut. Gross. So please come to the cafeteria today to meet our future representative on the Board of Education. - Thank you. - Thank you. Thanks Veronica. Um so what's next? You can get us some new uniforms? Actually, I don't think there will be room in the budget for athletic fashion upgrades. What Bernie means is that it isn't one of his main campaign issues. However he'll definitely look into getting new uniforms. Why would you make such a claim about wasting valuable funds on modern day barbarianism? We are gonna need every vote we can get. I didn't make any promises to the football player. I just said we'd look into it. That's what politicians always say. Plus, the only issues the football players really care about are football related issues. Hey, can we get cigarette vending machines? I'll look into it. I'm holding you to that. Make sure you tell your parents to vote. I hate my parents. Bernie, do you know the Bollywood crowd? I'm familiar with the work of Sonam Kapoor. She was marvelous in Aisha. I'm talking about the Bollywood kids in our grade. The ones sitting over there, staring at us. Yes, I know them. They're in my AP chemistry class. Haha... You are too funny. I can't... That was not meant to be funny. I was... Seriously stop, your... You're too much. Ok let's go. If you don't mind me asking, why were you acting like an unstable person? Bernie, you're a politician. You need to seem more... human. - Human? - People want to vote for someone they'd like to have a beer with. But I would never drink beer. Alcohol kills brain cells and legally I can't drink for 5 more years. All I'm saying is that it can't hurt to make people think you can make girls laugh. Of course I can make girls laugh. The Cornish hen is divine Grandpa. How've your grades been the marking quarter? Grades are so trivial. These days I'm focused on my campaign for the Board of Education. Question is why are you doing this? 2 years you'll be going off to college. If I'm elected, I promise to attend the finest university within a commutable distance from Livingston. Many of the top universities in the nation are in the nation are in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. Who's gonna vote for you? According to my campaign manager as many people as I can get. We had differing opinions on this matter but I bowed to her wisdom. Does she have a Ph.D. in political science? Did she teach atone of New Jersey's finest institutions of higher learning? Did she work as a consultant for Michael Dukakis in 1988? No, but she has a credit card. Haha... right. That's what politics are today... money. I hope I have not hurt your feelings. Lean get over it if you play shuffleboard with me tomorrow. You have a deal. Have a nice day. Hey, you think like six of my friends and I can share a room, so we pay less? Unfortunately not. We signed a contract with the lodge to abide by all their rules and regulations. - That blows. - Yeah Make sure you sign the waiver form on the back page. What kind of skis do you have? 'Dynastar Speed Cross'. The vertical sidewalls on those give the skis excellent edge grip and balance. However, for an all-mountain ski I find the bindings to be sub-par compared to the 'Atomic Blackeye Ti's'. The 'Atomics' are pretty dope. Catch you later, Bernie. - You ski? - Of course. I was an East Coast Junior Olympian in kindergarten. My parents coached the team until they were killed by an avalanche. Your parents were killed by an avalanche? Yes, unfortunately avalanche balloons weren't commonplace in 2006. Do you ski? Um. No, but my dad's been saying for years that he's gonna take me to Tahoe. There's plenty of great mountains on the East Coast as well. Yeah, but he lives in California. Veronica, if you don't ski, why are you organizing the ski trip? Because it'll look good on my transcript to Yale. I organize activities all the time that I have no interest in. So Yale is your top choice? Yeah. They have by far the most renowned history program in the country. I didn't realize you were such a history buff. Actually, I find history to be pretty boring. It's just that history is the best major to have when applying to law school. So you want to be a lawyer? No. I want to be a Supreme Court Justice. That's a very impressive career goal. I personally believe the Supreme Court is the most influential branch of our democracy. Did you know that every member on the current Supreme Court bench graduated from either Harvard or Yale? If I go to both, I'll be on a great path towards the Supreme Court. I thought Justice Ginsburg graduated from Columbia? She did but she actually started law school at Harvard and then transferred to Columbia. She was the first woman ever to be on the Harvard Law Review and the Columbia Law Review. I have no doubt you'll be successful in your venture. However, a word of advice for when you are on the Supreme Court. Never accept a Coke from Clarence Thomas. Haha... You're gross, Bernie. Do you think Barf-nard and Virgin-ica are actually dating? I just ate lunch. Good afternoon Bernard. I have a list of grievances not unlike Martin Luther's 95 Theses. This is very heavy. I estimate it will take up roughly 6 pages of newsprint. I only have 10 pages of newsprint. In your hand, you possess my official declaration of candidacy the Livingston Board of Education. Your running for the Board of Education? What does your grandfather feel about your candidacy? Well, local politics is not his forte. He much prefers shuffleboard. I'd like to try shuffleboard someday. Salutations, Post Worker Wesley. First class international mail please. Here's my customs form. Alright. 'B', we go through this every time, man. You should use a padded envelope to protect your tape. Out of principle I refuse to pay extra money for air wrapped in non recyclable plastic. Okay, but I can hook you up with some bubble wrap. Something your special lady will enjoy just popping. Let me get you another one. Yeah. There you go. I'm really glad you're not just emailing your lady. There's something special about receiving that letter in the mail. It's like the first time you see a baby deer born. He shoots right out of his mom and all that little stuff falls out and gets messy everywhere. Can't buy that feeling. And email just doesn't cut it. Agreed. Also, I don't wish to share the contents of our relationship with the NSA. Yeah, you shouldn't cause they're watching. They're watching right now. Put the fluff down Bernard. Start stretching. Jehovahs. Actually, I believe that maybe, guest, I invited over. We have a game bud. Hello, Bernard. I hope I'm not too early. Please come in. Thank you. Grandpa, this is the Editor-In-Chief of 'The Livingston Weekly'. Editor-Ln-Chief, this is my grandfather, Oswald. Madam. Very pleased to me you. What's in the bag? Ice cream. You churn it yourself? No, my friends Ben & Jerry. What kind of ice cream? Chocolate chip cookie dough. That's my grandfather's third favorite kind. Fourth. Pay him no heed. He thinks vanilla and vanilla-bean should be categorized separately. - They should be. - They should be. Shall I put it in the freezer? Yes please, right through here. Thanks. What's going on? Every woman comes here, wants to bring us, sweets. It is the year of the monkey, Grandpa. It appears my grandson brought a hustler to our yard. You must be on the shuffleboard circuit. I swear this is my first time. So you're a natural? In some ways. I was gonna take it easy on you. What a sap. Hello. - Your grandchild - Does Bernard play? Huh? Does Bernard play? I would say barely to that question. He's usually too busy with his extracurriculars. I'm finished. Wow. I had no idea that you were an artist. Hardly. Painting is merely my preferred mandatory school elective. Which is yours? I like orchestra. I play the violin. Just like former Supreme Court Justice Abe Fortas. Yeah. So, what is our next campaign maneuver? Kay, we need to get the posters around town and get your name out there. What are the five most highly trafficked spots in Livingston? I would venture to guess... the mall. ShopRite, drugstore, post office, and the hospital. Maybe we skip the hospital. I don't want people to associate Bernie Flannigan with emergency rooms. That seems prudent. Bernard. Jehovahs. You know, your yard could use some T-L-C. Ma'am? Tender loving care. Hey, who's that? That's Tai-Yu. My Aurora Borealis. You have a girlfriend? Yes, I am in a committed, long distance, loving, monogamous relationship. Oh. How'd you guys meet? We have been pen-pals since the fourth grade. It was a social studies assignment. Yeah, in Mr. Dubrow's class? Exactly. Your pen-pal was from Finland. I believe her name was Evilina. - Avalina. - Avalina. You were in that class? I sat directly behind you. Your side ponytail was a constant hindrance to seeing the black board. You remember my side ponytail? Cool. Hey honey. Did you two have fun? Yeah, I think so. It was kinda hard to tell with Bernie. Mom, what do you think about long distance relationships? Let me put it like this. Everyone I know who's moved from New York to L.A. for their career, has wound up ending it with their significant other. So they usually never ever work out? Didn't for me and your dad. Whoa, I like this portrait. It's like Singer Sargent meets Edward Hopper. You're familiar with the 20th century American realism movement? Yeah, I studied it in college. C'mon sweetie. That's my mom. I've got to go. I have a violin lesson. Bye you guys. Bye. How was your day? Dude, your girlfriend is pretty chill. She's actually my campaign manager. My girlfriend lives in China. China? Out of site, out of mind, bro. Condoms on aisle six, if you know what I mean. Bernie, bro, you were so right about the 'Dynastar' bindings. I hope you heal quickly. Thanks, man. I'm definitely taking your advice next year. How much are the candy-grams? One is two dollars. Two are three dollars. Three are four dollars. The more you buy, the more you save. I'll take two. There you go. Thank you. By the way, Bernie, I told my parents to vote for you bro. Thank you. You got it. Would you like to buy a candy gram? Unfortunately, I don't have two dollars to spare today. Well, this one is on me. Feel free to give it to whoever you want. This Friday night the drama club is putting on a musical adaptation of... Stanley Kubrick's seminal film 'Full Metal Jacket'. Tickets are five dollars at the door and I hope to see you guys all there. Thanks. Thank you, Jared. Emily you're up next. Mr. Ruble cellphones away Please you know better than that. Hey, I heard you're having a party after the play. It's sort of just for the cast of the show but I guess anyone can come. Great. Can I come? Sure. You look cute. Bye mom. Have fun. - Hello. - Hi. Organizing a Town Hall meeting was a great idea. Thank you. You can take your helmet off now. Welcome to 'Nam'. Thanks. I brought pretzels. Whoa! What's up? So you guys want some Merlot? But alas, I shall pass as I rode my bike here as a politician, cannot risk getting a 'BUl'. Right. You want some, Veronica? Oh no I can't. I made all student council members sign a sobriety pact. - So. - Alright, well you 2 have fun? - We will thanks - Whoa! This isn't a town hall meeting, is it? Technically it's a party. So that's why you're looking so stylish? Well yeah, I just thought it could be a good chance to get your face out there. I understand. So, who should I put my face in front of first? So my plan would be to close the auxiliary gym and convert it into a meditation garden slash greenhouse. Whoah, that sounds awesome. I believe it could be a great escape between class periods. A place for students to perform Tai Chi and have a safe haven for inner reflection. And we could grow some stuff in there. Exactly, yes. I'm totally gonna tell my old man to vote for you. Thanks bro. Good luck, bro. Are you in high school? I used to be. It just uncured to me that is our first Friday night out together. It's almost like a date. Yes. Yes, I guess it almost is. Is it getting a little hot in hereto you? The warmth is probably due to the blatant fire law violation in this clearly over capacity room. Maybe we should get some fresh air. Actually, if you'll excuse me, I need to use the facilities. Dorie... Dorie. It's Veronica - Veronica. - Yeah. Did you bring Bernie here? Ah... yeah. Is he like your boyfriend? Not like officially or anything. Is it true that he was test tube baby? I heard he was a narc. As if he was arrested in like 6th grade for hacking in to the F.B.I.'s website or something You guys are student council reps. You're not supposed to be drinking. Chill out, Veronica. We're just having some fun. Maybe you're the narc. Did you check out her chopsticks? What the hell is going here? Busted. Where's my son? I'm here mom. What in God's name are you wearing? It's from a play that I was in. Jesus Christ. I thought we talked about his whole theater thing. Sorry. Excuse me, are you the homeowners? Perfect. May I suggest you place a small plastic bag weighted with pebbles into your toilet tank. Displacing water in this manner allows you to save 5 to 10 gallons a day. It's good for the environment and fiscally responsible. Who the hell are you? My name's Bernard Flannigan. I'm running for the Board of Education. There's no need to worry I sanitized. Bye Veronica. Bye Bernie. I believe that went moderately well. Is it true you once hacked into the FBI's website? Of course not. It was the EPA. Alright break it up kids. Goodnight. Goodnight. Mom, what's the best way for me to make a friend into more than a friend? Well, do you remember when Haden got together with Benson? Yes. Of course. Of course, Haden thought Benson was beautiful and charming, but he also found her to be mysterious. She hadn't had a serious love interest for 13 seasons. Don't ask me why. Anyway, Haden knew that it would take a lot of work to get Benson to see him in a romantic light He's willing to put in that effort even if it meant stretching the boundaries of their working relationship. Like when he met her at her favorite donut shop and wooed her on her own home turf. Does that make sense? Yeah. Yeah, I think so. What are you doing? Cutting your grass. I can see that! But why? Because it'll help you fit into the community better. It's another part of your political self-transformation, You know, like changing your name or restyling your hair. I appreciate the thought but annihilating an ecosystem for political appearances is not my modus operandi. Relax, look at the yard. Needs a little TLC. That's what she's doing. TLC? Yeah. Bernard think of it as a controlled burn. You know what controlled burn is? - Yes. - Okay. It's when you put fire to the forest I know what a controlled burn is. So the vegetation, well that's good. Yes okay so. Oh by the way. I found this in your grass. Thank you. Of course. Thank you ma'am. Oh boy. That's enough of that. Why is it that we're always meeting at this franchise I so disdain? Cause you need to show the community that you're one of them, Very well. Let's proceed. So, what is our first order of business for today? Who do you think is the prettiest girl in our class? I don't see how that relates to the campaign. The meeting hasn't started yet. So who's the prettiest? Beauty... in itself is such an abstract concept. Well, you clearly like Asians, right? One could say I am a connoisseur of more ethnic women. Yes. However, my palette isn't always preferential to the Asian continent. Well what about me? Do you think I'm pretty? Yes, Veronica. I think you have a beautiful mind and a beautiful body. So can we get back to the campaign now Yes of course. Item one. Winning the support of 'The Livingston Weekly'. The paper will be endorsing two candidates. It is imperative they back you. I believe I may have inadvertently started towards that goal, already. Good. Now take it up a notch. Grandpa, what is on your schedule this fine Saturday? Saturday? Breakfast, lunch, maybe a nap, shuffleboard and dinner. Could you squeeze a voyage to the cinema somewhere into your hectic itinerary? Can you promise me it won't be 3-D? I hope you don't think that low of me. I go to the cinema for the stories. If I wanted to feel as if a bird or a ball were flying at my face I'd simply go to the park. Save myself 16 dollars. I'm in. Wonderful. Would you mind if invited a friend? Oh boy. If you excuse me, I have a sudden craving for 'Smarties'. Have you ever been to Paris? My wife and I always talked about it. We never found the time. My husband took me for our twenty-fifth anniversary. Is it really the most romantic city in the world? Well, I haven't been everywhere so I couldn't say. If you could do the writing? Where do you see yourself going next? I've heard that Lithuania is lovely in the spring. Lithuania wow. Along walk from her to Lithuania. Oswald? Would like you to come to dinner on Monday? Mondays not good for Bernard. I thought maybe it could just be the two of us. I think we're old enough not to need a chaperone. Did I miss anything? Why are we doing this? It's months away from anyone's birthday. You shouldn't need a special occasion to see people that you love. Hello Grandmother. Hello Mother. Hello Father. Hi ya'll. I brought you some sunflowers today. And to borrow from the Jewish tradition, I have brought rocks to place on your graves to signify my enduring love and memory of you. I come bearing some exciting news I'm now an official candidate for the Livingston Board of Education. You know what he also has? He also has a girl. Who comes by the house. And they go to his bedroom. Her name is Veronica Krauss. She's my campaign manager. Grandpa also has new friend. I got a new pair of shoes last... Ah... What was it? 98 when you bought me that pair of shoes look kinda of like this. Well, these are new. They don't fit as good as your's darling but they're I like them. Why didn't you tell everybody about the Editor-Ln-Chief? There's nothing to tell. Everything is on pace for the Jr. Prom. We put a down payment for the caterer and DJ has agreed to... I'm sure everything will be perfect, Veronica. My only question is, who's gonna be your luck date? Hello Jr. Class. I'd like to thank Principal Greely for allowing us to hold this pep rally today. For the first time in my three years at LHS we're gathered here not to cheer on a sport or an athlete but rather to show our support for a selfless member of our student body. Yeah. Please put your hands together for the next member of the Livingston Board of Education. Bernie Flannigan. Thank you, Livingston High School. Next month I will be representing us, the students, in the board of education elections. I ask that all of you who can, not only vote but also encourage your parents or guardians to do the same. Next week I will be engaging in a political debate with the other candidates at the Spring PTA meeting. I hope that you come and show your support. If your parents see your fervor for your education we can only hope it will inspire them to cast a ballot for change. Since I declared my candidacy, I have heard from so many of you. Your ideas and concerns resonate with me. For example, there is David Shankles, a freshman, who would like for all students to have iPads or Kindles or some form of a PDF reader. David is tired of carrying around his books as I'm sure most of you are. This is 2016 and we have an opportunity to save our backs but also thousands of trees. Then there's Sally Stephenson, a sophomore. Who ask me to look into more field trips. Livingston is throwing distance from New York City. And some of the best museums in the world. Yet how many of you have ever been to 'The Natural History Museum'? Please, raise your hand if you have. Please lower your hands if you went with your family. As I suspected. I, for one, think the township should be ashamed. Finally, there's Russel Wachtler, a senior, who suggested to me that in the nurse's office there should be a basket of free condoms. Students are mature enough to vote and to fight in wars, so surely they should be mature enough to have protected sex. Am I right? So please go home and tell your parents to vote for me. Bernie Flannigan to be your to be your voice on the Livingston Board of Education. Shall we begin the debate prep? Yes. What's your opinion on school vouchers? I think they're a good thing in a free market economy. Public education could use the competition especially in lower-income areas. Name three things you would cut from the school budget. French, all processed foods from the cafeteria, the gifted and talented program in elementary school. You would cut gifted and talented? Yeah I was in gifted and talented. As was I. However, I'm confident telling 90% of elementary school children that they do not qualify for G& is not a very good thing for childhood development. That's great. Can we stop for one second? One second. I gotta catch my breath. Why did we have to prep while jogging? Studies show that the brain is at its sharpest while physically active. Are you ready for some sit-ups? Are you serious? Urgh! Can I tell you something? Of course. I got an A-in gym last year. There's nothing wrong with an A-. Yes there is. That A-screwed up my GPA and because of it I'm # 2 in our class. It's okay to not to be #1. Not if you want to go to Yale. Ok. Oh no. You owe 4 sets of 20. PDA, anyone? They need to get a room. When is your turn? After your 4 sets of 20. Hello, you've reached the Flannigans be brief. Hello Oswald. It's Barbara. I was wondering if you'd like to come over later for dinner. I'm making fajitas. Also next week there's a lecture at the library on Russian Oligarchs. I thought you might be interested. I thought you might be interested. In any case, give it. Give me a call. One way or the other. Well okay, bye. What's your stance on teacher tenure? I don't like it. I respect teachers and think they should be paid a better wage. However, I also think they should be judged on their annual performance. Just like ever other profession. I love that dress. It's quite lovely. Hypothetically speaking, if you were to take anyone to Junior Prom, who would you take? Of course, I would take Tai-Yu. Right. I meant someone local. Well, hypothetically speaking if I didn't have a girlfriend who lives ten thousand miles away, I would probably take... you. And who would you take to the prom? Hypothetically speaking. I guess I would take you too. We should probably get going. I have a number of errands to run before the debate. Yeah. No me too. You shouldn't smoke marijuana, Mike. Next. Hi, Wesley. I have some letters to mail. What are all these? Just some campaign literature about Bernie. I'm sending fliers to every registered independent in Livingston. Oh man, Bernie is lucky to have you on his side. Thank you. How's he holding up? He hasn't been here in a while and his P.O. box is over flowing. Oh yeah. That reminds me. Here. He gave me his key and a signed authorization to pick it up. He's been super busy lately. Is that okay? Should be fine. This checks out. Let me go grab it for you. I'll be right back. Great thank you. Hey Evelyne, you want lunch? Hell yeah. Catfish, Tuna fish... all kinds of fish. Alright here we go. Thank you so much. Good luck. Have a good one. See you. E-wo, hello Ber-yard. Lope you nice. Tis is har to say but I tink we ould see otter pee-pol. She's breaking up with him. Be far away har. Very har. An now you no Stu-Dy a-broa-d. Our love drift like Ian-tern - at the moon fes-ti-val. - She's breaking up with him. Ian-tern fly in air like big fire-fly. Very beau-ti-ful. Then dis-a-ppear and burn. Good evening. We could all take our seats, please and settle in. Thank you very much. First off, I want to welcome everyone here tonight. As well as the viewers at home who are watching on Public Access. Tonight's format will be very simple. If you have a question for candidates, raise your hand and I'll call on you. Who wants to lead us off tonight with the first question? Yes, in the back. Yes, Ms. Parikh, I would like to know what would your major goals be if you are re-elected? My major goal would be to ensure that every school in the district meets the Blue Ribbon of Excellence standard. If we can accomplish this feat it means we will have done a lot of little things right. I'd like my one minute rebuttal that is in accordance with Lincoln-Douglas style debate. - Greely, what is this? - Wait a second. This not a debate. Marshal is sick. I gonna have to rearrange the whole schedule honey I'm so sorry. You know what, just give me a half hour. We'll have everyone have a chance for a rebuttal As long as you keep it to one minute, understood. Yes, thank you. One minute. To touch upon Ms. Parikh's goal. The current board of education has been in place for five years and in that time only one new school within our district is qualified for the blue ribbon of excellence. However governmental awards are not what we should be striving for. Our only concern should be in improvement. Livingston's scholastic test scores though above the national average have plateaued for three years straight. And it's good to be good, but it is better to be the best. Wow, father can I run for the Board of Education. The choice is clear, Livingston. You can stick with the old regime and continue with the oppression of our student or you can rise up and demand to be heard. Let the Board of Education know that this town needs new ideas. Out with the old, in with the new. Very inspiring. Haha. Bernard you were great in there. I hope it was enough to gain the Livingston Weekly's endorsement. Well there are a lot of factors to figure in so we'll see but regardless I'm so impressed on how hard you've worked on this campaign. Thank you. How's your grandfather? I haven't heard from him in a few weeks. Well he's been quite busy reading Robert Cam's tetralogy on President Johnson. Oh I see. I see how that might take up a lot of time. You were amazing. The clear cut winner. Do you mind if I steal Bernie a minute? I just need to talk to him in private. No not all, go ahead. Thank you. Come on. I need you to listen to something. E-wo, hello, Ber-yard. I ope you nice. Tis is har to say but I tink we ould see otter pee-pow. I'm so sorry. Where did you get that tape? You opened my mail? Just that letter. That is a federal offense, Veronica. - I know I know - You could be fined ten to twenty-five thousand dollars and be faced with up to three years in prison. - Ok ok I'm sorry - for what you did. - I know I shouldn't have - You could literally - done that. I couldn't - never become a supreme - help myself. - Court justice - I know it was - because of what you did. Crime of passion, Bernie. No, do not call me Bernie. My name is Bernard. Don't you know what this means? It means you're even more self-centered than I originally thought. No, no... it means that we can be together. Be together? I could never be with you. The only person you care about is yourself. Everything you do is about you. I do things for other people all the time. Only because you think it'll help you. You organize fund-raisers and ski trips not because you care about what other people want, but because it'll look good on your college transcript. And let's be honest, the only reason that you even befriended me in the first place is because you wanted me to get rid of class rank so that Yale wouldn't know you weren't number one. - That's not true. - Yes it is. Want to know how I know that you only care about yourself? You never even asked me what I was ranked. So let me tell you. I'm number one. You're number one? Why didn't you say anything? I was trying to help you. No, no... you are a hypocrite. You are just as selfish as me. Everything you do is about you. You only want the school to teach Chinese, so you can talk to your girlfriend. The only reason you only want bike lanes in town because you are the only one ride a stupid bicycle. You didn't try helping me. Ok. You used me, just like I used you. You betrayed me. I know I shouldn't have opened that letter but at least I was honest with you about it. I couldn't have pretended like I had no idea which is exactly what you did to me. So fuck you. Dammit! Hey Bernie, my older sisters having a party this weekend you should swing by. Yeah, it'll be a great opportunity to meet some new voters. Thank you but I'm no longer actively campaigning. So sad. Your lost. I think Barf-nard dumped Virgin-ica. No, I think Virgin-ica dumped Barf-nard. Hey, very nice shot. How did you know that you loved grandma? About a thousand different ways. First of all, she was my best friend. Secondly, we met when we're about 12. Didn't start dating until we were 17 and we were inseparable. She not only completed me... but she pushed me in ways that I would never ever push myself. I was just like a motionless disc and she was my cue. I feel like a motionless disc these days. You know I have a PhD in political science but despite that I think that I... I might I know a thing or two about love. When you find somebody who makes you feel that you want to be a 10. Hang on to her. Put your arms around her keep her next to you for as long as you live. Cherish her. It's as simple as that and you know what? You'll know. The minute it happens to you and she'll know unless she's a jerk. Now everybody looks good in a little black dress. I like it a lot but I don't know if I love it. Well forget it then I only want you to wear a dress you love. Come on let's keep looking. I think it will look perfect on you. That's your mother. Did you have to say that? Oh, that is stunning. That would be perfect on you. Mom I messed up. Sweetie, no, everybody messes up. No not you. Are you kidding? Baby... I mess up all the time. - You do? - Yes. Yes. Okay- I'm gonna tell you a story I've never told you. Okay- Back in high was in love with a boy named Kevin Cooper. Oh, he was handsome, kind talented. He had the lead in the high school musical every year and he was the captain of the cross country team. All I wanted was for him to be my boyfriend. So for the next 3 years I began to flirt with him. Yet, he only looked at me as a friend. So my senior year I decided the best way to get Kevin to see me in a romantic light was to flirt with his best friend Craig. Now I know it was wrong to use Craig to get to Kevin. I didn't care. I really liked Kevin. One night at a party, our flirting went a little to far and we ended up making out. Did Kevin like you after that? No, what he hated me. Turns out he was gay as a French horn and Craig was his boyfriend. Craig broke up with him because he cheated with me. My point is I hated myself for what I did. Not only did I not Kevin as my boyfriend. I lost him as my friend. Did you guys make up after that? Yeah, we did. Summer after graduation. What did you do? Said I was sorry. Hey man. Salutations. Saw you on T.V. You rocked it. Thank you. Hey are you feeling alright? Your observational skills are acute. You want to talk about it? Like psychotherapy? I was thinking more like friends. Can I show you something in the back? Attention shoppers, planning a special event? We'll be sure to visit our catering department. These are all originals? Yeah, it's a little bit of everything. Check this out. You've captured my essence. Where did you learn to paint like this? Yale. You went to Yale? Summa Cum Laude, bro. I need a favor. Why are you wearing oven mitts? Cause the quiche is still hot. Will you buy that? Come on in. That was a lot more fun than shuffleboard. Yes it was. Yes it was. And a good morning to you sir. Did you mix up your medications, Grandpa? You have a certain glow to you this morning. Haha... I'm thrilled to be alive. What's the matter? The Editor-Ln-Chief has assassinated my political aspirations. Let me see this. What's the matter with this? There has never been a candidate like Bernard K. Flannigan. He would be an influential member of the Board of Education. Flattery will get me nowhere. Although we cannot in good conscious endorse him for this position. We have no doubt we will be hearing his name for years to come. In fact, we think that it would do Bernard a great disservice to shackle him with a four year Board of Education commitment instead of allowing him to spread his wings at an out-of-state university. Now what the hell is the matter with that? Grandpa, studies show those who vote are the most inclined to read the newspaper. I believe you taught that in your Political Science 401 class. Okay, so you're out you lose. That's it. Go ahead and quit. Walk away. Quit. Been granted permission by the principal to miss classes today. Would you like to accompany me as I campaign? I'll be right back. What am I supposed to do, huh? Big day. 'B'. Indeed it is. Did I receive any mail? - No. - Okay. You think you still got it chance even though the paper didn't endorse you. Nobody thought Truman would win in 1948. But alas he beat Dewey despite a three-way split in his own party. Got my fingers crossed for you, 'B'. Excuse me ma'am. Hi, I'm Zev August from LHS LIVE! Today, we're conducting an exit poll to get some insight into today's election. Would you mind sharing with us who you voted for? Um, I voted for the two adults. You heard it here first. The exit polls are trending towards the incumbents. However, the polls will be open for another five hours so there's still a chance for Bernie Flannigan, the hope of the high school. Veronica I have consulted various medical journals and have discovered that it is physically impossible to choke to death from swallowing your own pride so with that let me say Cu... Is everything ok, sweetie? Yeah, everything is good. Good. I need your opinion though. Okay. What top with this skirt? Good evening, good evening everyone. I remember standing next to Michael Dukakis in 1988. The anticipation felt just like this. As the mayor, it is my duty and my honor to read the election results. With six thousand, four hundred and fifty-eight votes, the first open seat on the Livingston School Board goes to Mr. Ernest Del Tufo. Thank you so much. Congratulations. So welcome sir. So welcome sir. And we have one more coming. With six thousand and seventy-one votes, the second open seat on the Livingston School Board goes to... Thank goodness. Ms. Bindu Parikh. The people have spoken. I know it hurts. It's a bump in the road. Abraham Lincoln lost just about every election he was ever in until he ran for president. I'm well aware of the legendary losers who have once been in my position. But that's not the point. The point is those were great men. They went out into the world and learned how to better themselves. And then, one day when the opportunity came they simply changed the world. So there is no excuse now for you not to go and get in the finest university you can find and then one day when your time comes you sir, will change the world. Thank you. Bernard, I'm sorry you didn't win but there will always be a next time. Yes. Yes, you are absolutely right Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. You are a remarkable young man. Thank you. Now, would you mind giving my grandfather a ride I'd like to take a solo ride to clear my head. It would be my pleasure. Hold your head up high. Thank you for not endorsing him. You have nothing to thank me for, you wrote the op-ed. Now he's got no excuse to stay at home after high school. And you've got no excuse to stay home and not go traveling with me. You sneaky little person. You want me to go to Lithuania? Yes! Oh, God. I can't even spell it. Hi Bernard. Hi. I'm sorry that you lost. It's ok. We gave it our best effort. And I'm sorry I read your mail and for everything I said. You didn't deserve that. No, you were right. If you didn't knock on my door that day I'd still be living in a fantasy world. You made me a much happier person. That's why I'm going to do this. Honestly, I thought she was a lesbian. I wish that were me. Do you think maybe you could give me a ride home? Yes... haha. Excuse me Mr. Bernard. Yes, young citizen. Can I get your autograph? You want my autograph? He's a big fan. He wants to run for the Board of Education next year. Thank you. Thank you. - Goodnight. - Goodnight. Shall we go? Do you want the first seat or the second? Second is great. - You're ready? - Ready. Veronica will you go to the prom with me? Definitely. I have the perfect dress. |
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