Posse Scholarship Winners, Lane Treasure Hunters, Ultimate Frisbee, Pg. 23 In Th e He a r t Pg. 3 Pg. 6 Chris Brown’s f h e “F.A.M.E.” O T review, Pg. 19 Wa r r i o r

April 2011 Lane Technical College Prep High School Volume 43/Issue 4/Page 1 LTAC means younger Lane students

excellence, it is impossible to avoid the sees it hitting a growth spurt by the fall don't take APs until junior and senior one in the south, and one in the center. By Airis Cervantes typical issues of high school life: par- of 2013 when the LTAC's first class be- year, but if they're taking high school Why not north?” & Ben Palmer ties, drugs, alcohol, and peer pressure comes 9th graders. classes in seventh/eighth grade they'll Williams sees the academic benefits, in general. Some students worry that “I had 50 students join during [Al- likely take APs sooner.” but still worries about the social aspect A wide-eyed 12 year old boy hur- the younger batch of students will be pha's] first year. This year we have 250. The official suggested curriculum of a middle school at Lane. riedly stumbles across Lane’s wide hall- exposed to these influences much ear- It's huge.” said Dignam. “Every year for LTAC students, now posted on the “The whole idea that you went from ways hoping the upperclassmen won’t lier in life. it's gone up.” Center's website, calls for junior and being top dog in 8th grade, to start- spot him before he gets to class. Afraid LoBosco and counselor Lori Dulberg, Student athletes who are not offi- senior years to be all APs, except for a ing off at a new place at the bottom of but excited, the 7th grader is anxious to who is responsible for Lane's STARS cially in high school may not compete “Junior/Senior Seminar.” the food chain...I think it's just part of start middle school at the largest high against those who are, so junior sports This intense course load has some the high school experience,” said Wil- school in Chicago. teams would likely be installed along- students worrying about the stability liams. With the addition of the Lane Tech side current teams. One hope is that by of future Academic Center students, LoBosco, however, seems confident Academic Center (LTAC) in the fall of receiving Lane-quality training from but it is designed ultimately to improve that the Lane spirit will make up for 2011, approximately 90 seventh grad- 7th grade on, athletes eventually will Lane's overall test scores. any potential problems. ers will begin middle school at Lane. be even better prepared to compete at “[The administration is] getting them “I know we all have huge hearts at They will take classes on the typically the high school level. started. We’re [going to] get better stu- Lane,” said LoBosco, “and we'll open less crowded 4th floor and be split At a community meeting held on dents,” said Mayra Trujillo, Div. 280. our arms to the new students.” into two divisions. Mar. 17 at Lane, many parents of “It's time,” said LoBosco. “There's The goal of the Center is to prospective students questioned if make Lane more competitive, the LTAC would have the usual especially against longtime middle school events. rival Whitney Young. “Yes,” said LoBosco. “Grad- “I think this might put uation, 8th grade luncheon, us at the top," said Dr. [and] class trips...will all Senior button LoBosco. "We will be available to [LTAC] definitely surpass students.” Taft, and we will At the same meet- causes definitely rival ing, a parent asked if Whitney.” students would have LoBosco said the same privileges that the Aca- as high school stu- stir demic Cen- dents. ter has been “I was asked By Kelly Sineni long needed, if Academic as Whitney Center students After months of anticipation, the surpassed Lane would have off senior buttons were finally released in academically when it gained campus lunch,” LoBosco late March, and to the dismay of many “It had nothing to do with gangs. various competitive edges in the said, “and I just said 'no way!' Some seniors, it was not what they were ex- I know her [Sonia Kosmala, the de- '60s. This included the abil- privileges have to be earned.” pecting. Soon after seniors received signer of the button],” said Diamond ity to hand-pick the teaching As far as a lunchroom for the their buttons people started talking Pugh, Div. 164. staff, and eventually create an new students goes, the current and rumors spread that the button fea- Some seniors had a hard time figur- academic center. Mentor Program, have discussed the teacher lunchroom will be converted tured a gang sign and gang affiliated ing out what was in the bottom center “If we want to stay competitive, we need for a “big brother/big sister” pro- into the Academic Center lunchroom. symbols. This was most noticeable (of the button). need to offer the same programs [as gram for the LTAC students. Outside the lunchroom and in the in the way in which the hands were “I didn't think it was a gang sign. Whitney],” said LoBosco. “If Whitney It is clear, however, that the big classroom, students will be taking high drawn. I was just trying to figure out what it has done it for 30 years, we can do it. brother/big sister program will not be school courses in 7th grade. While reg- “I initially saw gang signs in the was. I didn't know it was the school And we can do it better.” the only LTAC program to help the ular freshman take biology, these 7th hands of the Native American figure,” until someone pointed it out,” said Jas- LoBosco went on to say that she could younger students adjust to life at Lane. graders will be taking it as well, in their said Jessica Amarillo, Div. 162. mine Melchor, Div. 176. easily see Lane becoming “the school of The entire program could allow- stu own classrooms. “The hands look like they are throw- “I thought the Indian was holding a choice on the north side.” dents to ease into high school. Within the coming months, teach- ing up a gang sign,” said Alexander Ar- jar,” said an anonomyous senior. Despite LoBosco's insistence that “It would help the transition [to high ers will be chosen to teach these classes. chibald, Div. 168. “It’s just kind of weird. I don't know "in terms of everything, we're going to school]. They would learn the ropes Lobosco says that Lane will likely not For this reason many students, (unlike what the object is and [the Indian] be more competitive," not all students faster. In middle school you’re chang- have to hire any more teachers, mean- the seniors before them), are choosing kind of looks like a zombie,” said an- like the idea. ing from this little kid to a young adult ing some teachers could have both not to wear the buttons either due to other anonymous senior. “They’re trying to separate them from and you can’t figure out where you be- LTAC and regular Lane classes. safety or personal reasons. Sonia Kosmala, Div. 175, came up us, but [the 7th graders will still be] long,” Zepeda said. While their classes will be mostly “I can't wear my senior button. with the design, which won by a land- here. If they had their own building I’d If students enter Lane at a younger separate from those of the high school Wearing these in certain neighbor- slide in an election between six other be okay with it,” said Gladys Martinez, age, they may not be as overwhelmed students, if a student wants to take a hoods can get you in a lot of trouble,” designs. Ms. House, the head of stu- Div. 266. come freshmen year; they will have ad- language, they may be placed in a high said Archibald. dent activities, estimates that Kosma- Complaints like this have been heard justed to navigating the building, aca- school class. LoBosco also said that “I do not wear my senior button. I'm la's design won with around 97% of throughout the halls as more and more demics, extracurricular activities, and some 8th graders will be placed in high not proud to wear something like that the senior vote. information about the Academic Cen- their social lives. school classes if they choose. to represent Lane,” said Amarillo. “I don't care if people don't like ter is released. In terms of extracurricular activities, Lobosco said that teachers of classes Some seniors like Samuel Quinones, it. They voted on it. They could have “We have balance here and [the 7th Lobosco said the LTAC students will containing both freshmen and seniors Div. 165, have worn it, but added their done something and come up with graders] would ruin our balance,” said have access to as many “junior” activi- never report that this age difference own twist. their own design. The votes for mine Zytlaly Zepeda, Div. 271. ties as possible. These “junior” activi- disrupts the classroom environment. “I have worn it a few times, but up- were in the double digits for each “I don’t want little kids running ties would be ones for Academic Cen- “They just blend in when they get a side down on purpose. Some seniors class,” Kosmala said. around,” said Erik Dohner, Div. 270. ter students only. chance to grow physically,” added Lo- are wearing them on an angle or up- “She won hands down. On every LoBosco was candid in her response These may include “junior” Academic bosco. side down,” Quinones said. sheet she had a high number of votes,” to such complaints. Decathlon, “junior” Debate, a “junior” All of this preparation allows students Although many people were talking House said. “I'd say [students] need to break their Science Olympiad, and maybe even a to start taking more APs and electives about the cryptic buttons, not every- In spite of the controversy, Kosmala attitudes of territoriality," Lobosco said. “junior” Alpha program. starting freshman year. Dignam says body saw the supposed signs. claims to have had good intentions for "They're still Lane kids. Just younger." Alpha coordinator Dr. Dignam said this will be one of the most noticeable “People were saying that they saw the design. It is possible, however, for these “Lane that the current Alpha program will effects of the LTAC. gang signs, but I didn't see it,” said kids” to be too much like “Lane kids.” not be made more competitive by the “The greatest change will be in AP,” See “Buttons” Bethany Fischer, Div. 167. While Lane maintains a tradition of LTAC. He does say, however, that he Dignam said. “Normally, students (continued on Page 2) April 2011 News Page 2 Lane students attend Key Club Convention "Basically, every year in April, Key Many Key Club officers have gone members the chance to bring back By Aleksandra Bursac Club members from all over Illinois multiple times to Convention but some plaques, certificates, and trophies of gather for three days at a hotel. We of the new members of the club the club's accomplishments. Rain is hitting the windows of the bus. have formal balls, conferences, award could not wait to attend There are even scholarships The wet air is making clothes stick to ceremonies, and we celebrate all of the for the first time. awarded to members if the skin and the leather seats smell. But club's accomplishments. Also, elections "I am super excited. they qualify. Magdalena Masztalerza's mood cannot are held for the district board gover- After doing all of "It is a great honor be swayed by the crummy weather. She nor," said Masztalerza. Div. 283. this community to win a scholar- and 31 other Lane students are on their "Convention is a great leadership ex- service from Key ship. It means that way to the 61st annual Illinois and perience, with a few officers in charge Club, I am ecstatic the panel of judges Eastern Iowa Key Club District Con- of the members. It is set up like the to go and see how has gone through vention. The Lane Tech Key Club at- government. Even sororities are run this really makes hundreds of appli- tends this prestigious celebration every like this. It provides the kids with valu- a difference and cations and chosen year and this year people were excited able experience especially if they want have some fun with you," said Wendorf. early about the trip, which took place to go into politics," said Mr. Wendorf, my best friends," said “There is one major from April 8th-10th. Key Club sponsor. Ania Pukala Div. 264. rule at the convention. No Pukala is also working on Purpleing. Purpleing is defined the official Key Club 2010-2011 scrap- as any sort of cavorting between boys book and finds this to be a prime op- and girls. The dances are not super- Buttons portunity for memorable photos. She is vised, but that rule still stands. Anyone (continued from Page 1) hopeful that Lane's Key Club will win who breaks the rule is sent home before the award for best scrapbook this year. the end of the weekend," said Masztal- “We are the Indians. It’s like the Indian is overlooking the school. When I Since the majority of the people who erza. set out to design it, I thought of what Lane Tech means to me, and what it attend are from all over Illinois and The dress code is also very formal. encompasses,” Kosmala said. “It was not meant to be cryptic.” Eastern Iowa, the convention is a great Most of Lane's dress code applies. Fischer compared the situation to the many claims of images of the Virgin way to meet students from different Skirts must be fingertip length and Mary or Jesus appearing in food, which are often later sold on ebay. backgrounds. girls must not wear tank tops. But both “We talked about this type of thing in Psychology. People say ‘Oh my god. "All of the kids who attend are from boys and girls are expected to dress This potato chip looks like the Virgin Mary. I’m special!’ People just look for the suburbs or really rural areas. They business casual for the meetings and these things,” Fischer said. all basically grew up in corn fields. So formal for all of the dances and din- “It is what it is,” Kosmala said. “People will always have their opinions. You when they see us city kids they always ners. Casual clothing such as sweat just can’t let it get to you.” have some offensive comments," said pants and t-shirts are acceptable only The buttons this year were actually smaller than they were in past years. This Masztalerza. at the Spastic Paralysis (SP) Research year, instead of sending out to have the buttons made by a company, the deci- "They always ask if we have -back Foundation Walk which took place on sion was made to have the buttons made at Lane. With the help of the Lane yards, and are surprised to hear that Saturday morning. Alumni Association, the special education department received a grant to buy I have a pool in mine. They seem to The SP Walk takes place at every con- the materials to go with the new button machines they bought. Two students think that Chicago is a dirty, ghetto vention and is a meaningful fundraiser named Steven and William made all of the more than 1,000 senior buttons. city. They are really funny to watch that donates its profits to spastic paral- “They love it. They would do it all the time if they could, and they take a when they dance. But it's okay since ysis research. Anyone interested in do- lot of pride in their work,” said Special Ed teacher Mrs. Schaefer. we beat them at almost all the award nating could have pledged money to a At one time the buttons used to be made in the school, and this revives that sessions." said Masztalerza. Lane Key Club member participating. old Lane tradition. The festivities started on April 8 "Truly, I can’t wait. I really want to The department has also made buttons for the Alumni Association and when the students and Mr. Wendorf, see all the different Key Club members Cross Country team. They do charge a small fee of 25 cents for small buttons, the club's supervisor, along with a few from Illinois. I know that Lane Tech 50 cents for medium, and 75 for large. chaperones, arrived at the Indian Lakes will bring a ton of city flair to the event “Most of it goes for the actual cost of the materials. Whatever is left goes Hilton in Bloomingdale, IL. The stu- and I'm hoping that we win lots of towards a pizza party, or to take the students to McDonalds,” Schaefer said. dent delegates and their supervisors at- awards," said Pukala. Schaefer hopes to get more students involved after seeing the success of the tended an informational meeting and "This is going to be a great weekend. button makers this year. were assigned to their rooms. Many The people who go to convention for “Hopefully with more practice, more students will be able to do it. It’s hard meetings and award assemblies will the first time always find it inspiring. because you have to really line things up exactly.” take place. There were also two dances It makes them want to work ten times Although this year the buttons were seemingly cryptic and very controver- for students only, as well as a talent harder when they get home because of sial, they were really just something innocent and simple that was taken out show. all of the things they see and learn,"said of proportion. The Convention offers Key Club Masztalerza. Nat Geo speaker inspires with nature Divers also have to swim through a 30 foot layer of more people get hurt because of fireworks or alcohol By Alexandra Alexandru poisonous hydrogen sulfide before they reach their accidents than cave diving, but it is familiar to us so destination. They must swim quickly through this we do not think much of it. He twisted and turned his body skillfully to fit layer because it is especially dangerous and can cause “We need to think about how we perceive risks through the cave entrance. Once halfway in, he numbed lips and twitching. based on our instinct versus what actually happens,” pushed his air tank in ahead of him and swam However, Broad believes the dangers are worth the said Broad. “We often worry about big catastrophic against the blinding silt. As he entered the cave, a magnificent views of unexplored blue holes. events but it is often the day-to-day events that get massive open space filled with crystal clear water, “You feel like they’re imprinted on your brain, like us that are statistically more dangerous.” stalagmites, stalactites, prehistoric organisms, and you’re the first person who saw these,” he said. Broad hopes that his exploration of blue holes in- undiscovered fossils opened up before him. Broad began cave diving at 18 and has experienced fluences the scientific community and raises aware- This is the world of diver and environmental an- over 4,000 dives. He had his own share of dangerous ness about pollution. Broad has dived through nu- thropologist, Dr. Kenny Broad. Broad visited Lane situations and a few close-calls. merous polluted blue holes. He has even found old on Apr. 6, as part of the National Geographic pro- When Broad first began diving in blue holes, he swing sets and diapers underwater. gram. Broad talked about the unexplored underwa- once got caught in a massive whirlpool and could “The pollution on land makes its way underwater ter caves (blue holes) of the Bahamas. He and his not swim his way out. and in our drinking water, either through toxins or team made various expeditions to these blue holes “I took off my equipment because I thought there directly,” he said. and made discoveries crucial to various scientific would be less drag,” Broad said. He ended up rock Other than working with scientists to discover fields. climbing his way out of the hole while holding his prehistoric fossils and advocating for freshwater “[Blue holes] are one of the least understood eco- breath. conservation, Broad has also worked as a stunt dou- systems on the planet because they are one of the According to Broad, his most extreme near-death ble for a few movies such as The Cave and Into the least explored,” said Broad. “What we learned here experience happened 20 years ago in Mexico while Blue. While playing a monster for a movie role, he can tell us about life somewhere else.” exploring a cave. An expedition to the bottom of started bleeding from his ears due to ear problems Broad and his team dive into blue holes in order the cave required the team to live underground for he acquired from diving in deep waters. to collect animal fossils for study. They have discov- a couple of months until they could reach the bot- “It does come with some consequences. I can’t re- ered prehistoric animals and even 3,000-year-old tom. One night it was pitch black and Broad tried ally chew; it hurts to close my jaw. It’s mostly sinus crocodile skulls. The animals they encounter while to get back into his hammock to sleep after getting and ear problems,” he said. exploring blue holes are also unusual because most up to use the bathroom. However, he fell and hit his No matter the consequences, it is clear that Broad’s of them do not have pigmentation or eyes, which are head on a nearby rock. After this, he passed out and exploration of blue holes has an impact on not only useless in the pitch-black caves. fell 12-15 feet down to the water below. Luckily, his the scientific community, but the student body as However, the expeditions to the Bahamas’ blue arm and chest fell on a rope that supported him so well. Broad’s life continues to spark curiosity for ad- holes can be dangerous as well as informative. Div- he did not drown. venture in today’s students. ers must first squeeze to fit through the cave open- “My close call was going to the bathroom,” he “After seeing this [presentation], I would love to ing, pass their lifeline down a hole, avoid sharks, now jokes. go down at least once to see a blue hole,” said Cla- and swim through dirty water to reach the beautiful Nevertheless, Broad still believes that cave diving rice Bernett, Div. 378. insides of the cave. is not as dangerous as it seems. He says that it is all “If I could do cave diving, I would. I was capti- “You always see the glorious stuff in magazines, about “how you experience risks as feelings.” He is vated by all the footage,” said Kiri Youngquist, Div. but it’s a lot of getting bit by bugs and drudgery a strong advocate for Paul Slovic’s research in 1987 474. before you get to the crystal clear water,” said Broad. about different types of risks. According to Slovic, “I really appreciate what cave divers do to track “There’s low visibility, stuff falling on you, and the familiar gives us a sense of lower risk and what down the history of the earth and its unknown won- many times you have to push your tank ahead to is unknown to us gives us a sense of greater risk, ders,” said Dennis Hehn, Div. 365. fit through.” although this may not always be true. For example, April 2011 News Page 3 Posse grants three seniors free tuition at top schools next year piad, the Green Stars mentoring program, and stu- By Aleks Pavlovic dent council. The Posse experience includes going through three Anthony Harb’s face was streaked with tears. His interviews referred to as the Dynamic Assessment father had just grabbed the mic at the Posse awards Process- DAP 1, DAP 2, and DAP 3. The first is ceremony and praised his son for his hard work and a group interview where around 150 nominated academic success. Yes, his son was just accepted CPS students participate in team building activi- into Carleton College. And yes, his son had just ties and interact with other each while Posse staff won the Posse scholarship - a leadership scholar- observes and takes notes. DAP 2 is a more intimate ship which pays for all four years of the chosen stu- one-on-one interview with Posse staff in which the dent’s tuition at one of the most highly recognized student discusses their extracurriculars, their tran- schools in the nation. script, and why they chose their particular college. The Posse Foundation strives to find students who DAP 3 is similar to DAP 1, except it includes ad- might have been overlooked by the nation’s institu- ministrators as well as Posse staff and the number tions to give them the college experience that they of students is decreased to approximately 25. deserve. They take the entire life of the student into “Going through these interviews was a long, consideration, paying attention to extracurriculars stressful, spread out process,” said Harb, Div 174. and special circumstances the student might be fac- “I just felt major anxiety throughout the whole ing rather than making decisions strictly based off process. I knew I had to have backup schools, but of grades or test scores. in the back of my mind I couldn’t help but hope Kevin Dao, Div. 170, and Victoria Sanchez, Div. for Posse.” 174, were the other two lucky scholars picked from Harb has also been involved in activities both Lane. Dao was chosen for Denison University in inside and outside of school. He was an officer for Granville, Ohio and Sanchez was also chosen for NHS, and similar to Dao, has played volleyball for Carleton. all four years of high school and works part-time “I wasn’t expecting to go to the next round, but at Old Navy. the letters kept coming,” said Dao. “When I heard At the awards ceremony, ten students are cho- The three Posse Scholarship winners of Lane - Harb, Dao, and Sanchez - the news I blasted music in my car. I was so amazed, sen for each partner school. These schools include wear hoodies representing the schools they will attend for free next year. so surprised. I was happy beyond words.” Carleton College, Connecticut College, Denison Dao plays an active role at the Multi-Cultural University, Depauw University, Oberlin College, Youth Project, mainly participating in ‘spoken Pomona College, Trinity College, and the Univer- town location once a week to participate in writ- nounce it; they call it ‘Poh-say.’ We must motivate word,’ dealing with poetry and forms of musical sity of Wisconsin at Madison. Students become ing and career workshops, workshops that will help future generations to go to college, to want to go entertainment. He visited D.C. for the compre- united with their “Posse” who will follow them to them prepare for the future. They also discuss cur- to college.” hensive Immigration Reform March, is active in their selected college and receive articles of school rent events and spend time getting acquainted with If prospective scholars make it to the final round a basketball league outside of school, and partici- pride as gifts. one another. but do not win the scholarship, they still have pates at the Korean Resource and Cultural Center. “Everyone in Posse has such great goals,” said “My parents didn’t go to college so they don’t more opportunities ahead. Posse also has locations He has played volleyball at Lane since his freshman Dao. “I have a friend who wants to be a doctor and know how to help me,” said Harb. “Posse does.” in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, and year and has been a member of Korean Club, Viet- a friend who wants to be an actress and I see this all “What people need to know about Posse is that Washington D.C., and each city is partnered with namese Club, and Japanese Club. Dao also main- happening. Posse watches over us. They constantly it is not a minority scholarship,” said Dao. “This different schools around the nation. Posse-Access tains a part-time job at Old Navy. call and check up on us. Career coaches hook us opportunity to go to college and study out of state sends the student’s information to each participat- “I didn’t think I was going to make it to the first up with internships. We have resume coaches and is available to everyone and anyone.” ing Posse school. interview at all,” said Sanchez. “My sister’s babysit- writing coaches to help us get these internships. Dao hopes for Posse to gain recognition so that These lucky scholars will not only enter college ter couldn’t make it and I ended up coming late. It’s More people need to know about this so that more others can reap the same benefits that he did. with the comforting thought of a paid tuition, but funny how that worked out.” money could be given out to people who want to “Lane doesn’t put the word out there. If we can they will enter with a strong support system and Throughout her high school career, Sanchez has pursue their dreams.” have Max Schneider Day, we can recognize Posse group of friends. They will enter with their Posse. been involved with Key Club, the science olym- Each scholar must attend a meeting at the down- winners. Some people don’t even know how to pro- Fire ravages student home; possessions charred, covered in debris “She couldn’t talk for a day and coughed up black [bile],” Causevic about two weeks. Each move was made without personal belongings, By Bill Felton said. “For a week she had to go to a hospital to get shots and medica- which remained at his original home with extensive smoke damage. tion,” he continued. “When we first moved to the hotel I [only] had two pairs of pants The roof was torn down, broken wiring and pipes were left hanging, Damage was seen throughout the four floors. However, the base- and two shirts,” he said. the windows were broken, and debris covered everything inside. This ment where the fire started was unrecognizable. Black rubble and ash Along with moving to other homes, Causevic lost the luxury of was the bedroom of Suad Causevic, Div. 151, after his fourth floor filled the floor, the ceiling fell to the floor exposing the insulation of having a personal home. apartment caught fire. the floor above, and the dry wall that once separated each room was “In my house I could call things my own... Now there is no free- Causevic, went to his uncle’s house the day before first semester ex- gone. dom,” he said. ams. News that his house caught fire hours earlier had recently come “On the first floor everything was gone,” Causevic said. “You Causevic lived on the top floor of the apartment and his belongings to his attention. The damage was estimated to be at least $250,000 [couldn’t] even see the walls or floors. They’re burned off.” were not burned, but were covered in debris from the roof and dam- and the rebuilding was estimated to take up to nine months. Extensive damage was also seen on the top floor. Fearing that the aged with smoke. The building was over 100 years old, and the smoke The fire started in the basement of the four floor apartment when a fire would reach the roof and move to other apartments, the fire -de contained deadly toxins and chemicals. All of his personal belongings renting tenant used an extension cord to plug in a space heater next to partment tore down the roof and broke the windows in the process of had to be thoroughly cleaned. his bed. The mattress of the bed caught on fire and the tenant threw stopping the fire and letting out smoke. “I still haven’t gotten some things back,” Causevic said. a bucket of water on the flames, accidentally sparking an even larger “When I walked in I had no roof,” Causevic said. Through this experience, Causevic feels he has learned a valuable electrical fire. Along with the visible damages to the apartment and piles of debris, lesson. Residents were standing outside and smoke filled the windows the smell of smoke permeated everything. “Don’t take a house for granted,” he said. “You never know how you when Causevic’s mother came home from running an errand. How- “The smell was horrible. I stepped in and it hit me,” he said. will feel without one,” he said. ever, fearing for others who may have been inside she ran into the Insurance is covering the entire cost of the damages and the costs He is expected to move back into his original home some time dur- smoke-filled apartment and soon passed out from smoke inhalation. of the family’s temporary townhouse home. Causevic moved from his ing July or August of this year. She later awoke in the hospital. home, to his uncle’s home, to a hotel, and finally a townhouse within Letterman Club suffers low attendance, dismisses members up their tickets to the mandatory Chicago Wolves “I was disappointed. I know a lot of seniors were up,” said former member, Bailey Bryan, Div. 265. By Jasmine O’Donnell game. Many students were not at school or did not looking forward to [the dance], even ones not in Other students agree with the strict policies. pick up their tickets, resulting in a very low turn- the club,” said Stephanie Werner, Div. 162. “You have to go to certain games. I understand Strengthening fan bases and supporting fellow out. “To be honest I’m kind of glad they canceled it, it. It’s the point [of the club]: to support the other athletes, Letterman Club aims to create a strong “I believe that it wasn’t that anyone didn’t want because I didn’t feel like selling the [dance] tick- teams,” said Ellen Bialek, Div. 154. community among Varsity athletics participants. to go or made up excuses, but that not everyone ets…I guess we could get kicked out of the club [if “Honestly, I think kids just don’t want be at This has not been the case recently. The commit- was aware of what was going on because of the we did not sell tickets],” said club member, Jackie school at seven [to attend the club meetings], but I ment to the Letterman Club has decreased, noted blizzard and school closings,” said club member Bynes Div. 378. don’t really mind [being there that early],” Werner in its membership's low attendance at recent meet- Vianey Hernandez, Div. 277. “[We] weren’t sure if Besides missing Lane sports games and other said. ings and mandatory events. the event was happening.” events, weekly meeting attendance was also a prob- In response to these matters, the club has changed “The club was on the verge of closing and I per- Letterman hoped to bring back the spaghetti din- lem. Members are only able to miss two meetings its rules to make attending events easier for mem- sonally was in favor of canceling it,” said Club ner/dance, an annual event to support athletics that or else they are kicked out of the club. Many mem- bers. Athletes who are currently in season are only President, Jackson Perri, Div. 185. “There was no was held several years ago. As a result of the Wolves bers surpassed their limit, causing the number of expected to attend three out of the five mandatory dedication. The only reason people joined the club game turnout, the dinner/dance was canceled. active members to decrease significantly. sporting events per semester. This change in rules was for the Turkey Bowl and Cubs games. And that “[Basically] no one showed up to the Wolves “It isn’t a club like any other. If there weren’t should allow students to fulfill their requirements made me, as a president, mad… I lost the heart. It game…We spent so much money on the [Wolves] rules, they [would] just show up for the dough- easier. made no sense to keep something going that is al- tickets that we could not fund the dance,” said nuts,” Logalbo said. Letterman continues to rebuild the club and ready dead. The athletes here at Lane have changed Perri. Officers have a difficult time enforcing the rules, strengthen athlete dedication. The club hopes to and have lost their competitive nature and tradi- “The officers, [club sponsor] Mr. Logalbo, and because there are far fewer officers than there are end the school year on a good note with good tion.” I thought it was better not to do [the dinner] this members. The club does intend on becoming more attendence at their long-awaited Cubs game and The club did not close, but several Letterman year and to focus on other things," said club co- forceful with these rules during the second semes- Bowling Banquet events. events were canceled. sponsor, Ms. Lorenz. ter. The Friday after the February snow days, mem- The dinner/dance was going to be a lively fund- “It should be a chill thing. I get that we [are bers of the Letterman Club were instructed to pick raiser for the whole school to attend. supposed to] ‘rep Lane Tech,’ but come on, lighten April 2011 News & Features Page 4 Students unite to raise money for Japan disaster relief

when she was seven years old and how they had to “At first I started with classes, offer- By Jessica Barajas learn how to manage their home and new lives. Sala- ing extra credit to anyone who knew zar was thrilled about winning the trip and counted how to make cranes. Then more stu- On March 11 catastrophe struck Japan. A massive the days until she left. dents wanted to become involved in 8.9 earthquake struck Japan’s east coast, resulting in a “The trip to Japan included visiting the Governor of helping Japan, so we printed step by devastating tsunami that swept away buildings, boats, Hiroshima, Tokyo police department, and even rid- step directions on how to make cranes cars, and people miles inland. In response Lane stu- ing on the famous Bullet Train,” Salazar said. and offered them to anyone who was dents along with many famous artists have partnered Salazar was scheduled to leave for Japan on Saturday, interested,” Moore said. with various organizations such as the Red Cross and March 12 along with 20 other contest winners from Within only a couple of days Moore Students Rebuild to help Japan in any way possible. Mexico. Salazar’s trip has been rescheduled for March received thousands of cranes from The Great Eastern Japanese Earthquake, as named or April of next year. She is eager to visit and help the students. She was overwhelmed by by the Japanese government, took the lives of more Japanese citizens in any way she can. the number of students that wanted than 12,000 people and left more than 15,000 miss- Japan’s tragic earthquake not only had great impact to help. Students such as Jesselyn ing. It also caused extensive and severe structural on students, but teachers as well. Ceramics teacher Magana, Div. 173, made more than damage in Japan, including heavy damages to roads Mrs. Moore lived in New Orleans during Hurricane 30 cranes in one day. and railways, fires in many areas, and a dam collapse. Katrina. For Moore, seeing what was occurring in Ja- “I felt bad for everything that hap- Students folded origami cranes at the bottom Many electrical generators were taken down and three pan was like reliving Katrina all over again. pened in Japan and I thought this was of stairwell Z during lunch periods. nuclear reactors suffered explosions due to hydrogen “It has a special impact on me to watch other people a great way I could help them. While gas that had built up after a cooling system failure. have to go through that,” Moore said. I made cranes in school, I would en- for a friend.” The explosion forced thousands of Japanese residents Moore could also relate to the fear that Japanese courage other student to make some. Making cranes “When I heard that Lady Gaga created a bracelet to evacuate their homes. citizens have due to the nuclear reactor explosions. became my hobby for those couple days,” Magana to help Japan I had to get it,” said Liceth Robles, Div. Prime Minister Naoto Kan asked Japanese citizens “I grew up in the 80s, so we were always worried said. 160. “It’s a really unique way to help, and it causes to unite in overcoming what he says is the country’s about nuclear threats. It brings back that fear of the “When I saw dozens of students making paper awareness every time someone sees it.” worst crisis since the second World War. past we always had. It’s a tragedy what is occurring cranes outside the lunchroom I hurried to grab direc- After just two days of the bracelets going on sale When students first heard of the tragedy that oc- in Japan and I feel bad for everyone living through tions so I could contribute to the cause,” said Troy Lady Gaga tweeted: “Monsters: in just 48 hrs you’ve curred in Japan many were in disbelief. Weeks before it,” she said. Daquioag, Div. 161. raised a quarter of a million dollars for Japan Relief. the earthquake occurred Alexandra Salazar, Div. 168, Besides donating money to Red Cross, Moore con- Lane students not only donated money to the Red It’s important we help.” had entered a contest at Morton East High School ducted a fundraiser at Lane through an organization Cross or made paper cranes, but also found fashion- Lady Gaga is not the only person in the fashion called “Carta para mis Padres” in which she won a called “Do Something,” which is working to help able ways to help raise money for Japan. Lady Gaga industry who is lending Japan a helping hand during free trip to Japan. rebuild communities in Japan. Money was raised by designed a simple bracelet that said “We pray for Ja- this crisis. Designers and artists such as Kenneth Cole, “The night before I [should have left for] Japan I re- getting students to make paper cranes as an origami pan” in English and Japanese. The bracelets cost $5 Vera Wang, Chris Brown, and Katy Perry tweeted a ceived a call from one of the sponsors of the trip telling project. For each crane received, the Bezos Family each and all proceeds were donated to tsunami relief. link to the International Red Cross’s disaster relief me that my flight was canceled due to an earthquake Foundation donated two dollars to the Architecture Many of Lady Gaga’s loyal fans quickly purchased page, asking their followers to donate. Rock band, that occurred in Japan that day,” Salazar said. “At the for Humanity’s reconstruction efforts in Japan. one. Lincoln Park, created $25 shirts that read, “not alone” moment I didn’t know whether to feel fortunate that I According to Japanese culture, cranes are sacred “I love Lady Gaga,” said Kevin Pozos, Div. 176. “I with all proceeds being donated to Music for Relief to wasn’t in Japan yet, or unlucky that from all the places creatures and anyone who folds a thousands paper love the fact that one of my idols, someone I look help survivors of the earthquake. in the world, an earthquake had struck where I had so cranes will be granted a wish by a crane. The goal up to with incredible talent, is behind such a great Whether it be through the Red Cross, paper cranes, eagerly been waiting to go.” of the organization was to collect 100,000 origami cause that already has helped so much. It’s a horrible or Lady Gaga bracelets, Lane students and teachers Salazar won the contest by writing a letter to her dad cranes from young students to represent 100 wishes travesty what happened in Japan, and her support is have joined forces in helping Japan during these hard in which she talked about the death of her mother of support and healing to Japan. remarkable... I bought two: one for myself and one times. Tensions flare in Middle East Course Selection Day has ourselves. By Kelly Sineni Obama’s primary goal was regime change without sending in the military, students running for classes When the situation in Libya heated up which was criticized by Senator John recently, the United States with several McCain. Politicians of both parties have worse. When students hear that all of a big issue,” Sachs said. “They should do other countries joined the fight to enforce criticized Obama. Some for waiting too their classes are full, they usually don’t something to change that.” a no fly zone put into place by NATO over long to get involved, and some for getting By Nathalia Mercado panic too much because most people Many, however, find the GPA order to the country. NATO is the North Atlantic involved at all. have back-ups. But what do you do when be very unfair. Some students mess up Treaty Organization, an allied military Since being involved in the conflict A hot, sticky auditorium full of Lane even your back-ups are full? while adjusting to high school, and their organization of 28 countries from Europe NATO has been responsible for at least students was the beginning location of “At the beginning I was so eager to get mistakes stick with them through their and North America. 14 rebel deaths. The country watches as Course Selection Day. Plenty of students all my classes for next year,” said Daniela four years at Lane, in their GPA. Like many other countries in North Af- Gaddafi refuses to step down and the U.S. get anxious on this day worrying about Rodriguez, Div. 278. “I don’t think it’s fair because people rica and the Middle East, protests broke becomes more and more involved. whether or not they will get the classes Rodriguez planned to sign up for Psy- feel discouraged to go last,” said Desiree out in Libya in February. What started they want. For weeks in advance, it slips chology and Anatomy last year, but didn’t Diaz, Div. 255 out as 200 protestors taking to the streets Tunisia into conversations throughout the hall- make it. So she was very upset when she Armando Rivera, Div. 358, got the in Benghazi (a city on the coast of Libya) Tunisia was the first country to begin ways; friends try to match their schedules heard they were both full again this year, classes he wanted, even though he was has become a NATO military mission. protesting in the region. Protests started and cross their fingers in hopes of getting especially since next year is her last year at in one of the last groups called, but he Protests built up as Colonel Moammar in the middle of December with a fruit classes together. Many students look for- Lane, and she won’t get another chance still doesn’t like the fact that students are Gadhafi, the leader of Libya since 1969, vendor who, after he was beaten by an in- ward to Course Selection Day and hope to take them. ranked. was called to step down. Police began fir- spector, lit himself on fire. He later died they get lucky. “In the end I was running around sign- “We have to wait so long and most ing on rebel protesters. Many Libyans fled due to his burns. Tunisian President Zine “I was so surprised when I was the last ing up for random classes because I liter- people don’t even get their classes,” said the country to neighboring Tunisia, but el-Abidine Ben Ali was overthrown and person to sign up for photography,” said ally had to change my schedule like three Rivera. “It seems like a waste of time.” the ones that stayed have been left to face fled to Saudi Arabia. Power turned over Danny Gomez, Div. 285. times,” Rodriguez said. “I thought it was “I don’t like it because I couldn’t get the an estimated 10,000 death toll according to the prime minister, Mohammed Ghan- Gomez went to the photography room going to be a great day, but I walked out to the New Republic. noushi, who later resigned. With democ- three times before he finally got his course classes I wanted,” said Melissa Echeverria, so sad and frustrated.” When Gadhafi ordered air strikes on the racy possibly coming to Tunisia, the up- card signed. Photography is known as Div. 363. As if the chaos of hundreds of students rioters, NATO stepped in and imposed rising inspired citizens of other countries one of the classes that fills up fast, and Echeverria says she works hard and her frantically running around isn’t enough, the no fly zone over Libya. When this was in the Middle East and North Africa to art majors have first priority over other GPA doesn’t seem to be rising. some students also have to deal with the ignored and the strikes continued, NATO revolt. The U.S. pledged $20 million to students to take this class. This makes it Crystal Saldana, Div. 278, isn’t quite embarrassment of their brightly colored began a mission led by the US to enforce help build democracy in Tunisia. even harder to get into. sure how she feels about the situation, cards, indicating their level of GPA, be- the no fly zone. “She kept telling me to come back be- but she does have in mind a couple sug- ing seen from across the auditorium. The move was controversial because the Egypt cause she wasn’t sure if she had room, but gestions for improvements. Many students, however, think that sign- U.S. is currently still fighting two wars The protests in Egypt were brought on I’m glad I got it because it sounds like “Maybe if we go in either bigger or ing up for classes in order of GPA is the (Afghanistan and Iraq). On March 28 by the resignation of the dictator of Tu- fun,” said Gomez. smaller groups it could go faster, and we most fair way to do it. President Obama addressed the nation’s nisia. In late January people began com- “I couldn’t get Guitar, but I understand won’t be stuck in there so long,” said Sal- “It’s fair because if you work hard to concerns on the nation’s involvement. ing out to Tahrir Square (later nicknamed it fills up really quick,” said Willa Sachs, dana. keep your GPA up, then you deserve to “To brush aside America’s responsibil- Liberation Square) in Cairo to protest cor- Div. 278. Students aren’t the only ones feeling the get the classes you want,” said Marlon ity as a leader, and -- more profoundly -- ruption in the government led for 30 years Dave del Rosario, Div. 280, felt very pressure of Course Selection Day. Elec- Castellanos. our responsibilities to our fellow human by President Mubarak. lucky when he was the second to last per- tives are very competitive not only for Castellanos is proud to admit that he’s beings under such circumstances, would The protests were peaceful until Pro- son to sign up for Percussion. students but also for teachers. kept his GPA high enough to get into have been a betrayal of who we are,” Mubarak protesters arrived in the Square. “I needed a music class and I really “Physics II is going to be a lot of fun,” both AP Psychology and Photography, Obama said before assuring that the U.S. Unbelievably, they arrived on horses and wanted Percussion,” del Rosario said. said Mr. Green. “It didn’t get enough peo- which are two of the most sought-after would only be playing a supporting role camels, and were later rumored to be paid “I jogged to the lunchroom when they ple at first because it didn’t get an honors classes at Lane. He had to take a quick jog after the initial air strikes. by the Mubarak regime. Bombings and called my card and that was the first place title, so the audience it was intended for I went.” from the auditorium to the lunchroom Obama also said that no U.S. ground- shootings on Anti Mubarak protestors weren’t really interested.” Right after del Rosario, came Jorge to get these classes, but he thinks it was troops would be used in Libya, and that ensued. Even journalists were targeted. After Course Selection Day, Physics II Manriquez, Div. 252. definitely worth it. the lead role in the air strikes would be Around 140 journalists reported being was still open to students. It didn’t attract “I wanted Guitar, but it was full so I ran “I don’t think it’s unfair, and I don’t re- passed off to other NATO forces within attacked including Anderson Cooper of many people because not too many peo- to Percussion and was the last one to sign ally think there would be another way to a matter of days. CNN, Christiane Amanpour of ABC, ple are interested in taking more classes up,” Manriquez said. do it,” said Emma Hodzic, Div. 357. Two days later on March 30 the ad- and Katie Couric of CBS. that involve math. For some students though, this cha- “I think if you’re striving to do good ministration announced that although After 18 days of revolution, Mubarak “It involves a lot of field trips and it otic day didn’t go so well. Manriquez did in school then you deserve to have first no armed forces had been deployed, CIA stepped down leaving the military in con- won’t be as bad as people think,” said manage to get one class he wanted, but choice on your classes,” said Sachs. operatives were on the ground in Libya trol. On March 30, their current military Green. every honors class he was hoping for was Although Sachs believes this arrange- trying to find information on the rebels. government announced a presidential Although students differ in opinion full. ment is fair, she also believes there is a One fear of U.S. involvement is that we election will be held in November. On on how Course Selection Day is run, “I got stuck with all regulars, so I wasn’t more organized way to do it without so don’t know who exactly the rebels are. April 8, however, protestors returned to all agree that it is one of the most hectic very happy about that,” Manriquez said. much chaos. By supporting them and possibly giving Tahrir Square and shots rang out for the days that take place at Lane throughout For others, it just goes from bad to “Everyone running to the lunchroom is them weapons we could be endangering first time since Mubarak stepped down. the year. April 2011 Features Page 5 Standout of the Issue: Safet Susterac Students anticipate prom; “When they said our song was so aspiring rapper recalls his father walking By Sofi Kerpan good {that} they’d offer us the deal and two hours every morning to get to work promotion, my eyes got a little watery,” because he didn’t have a car. Work- some plan years in advance Scandinavia was the last thing on Safet he said. ing as a janitor, Susterac’s father often best dress, the limo, and the matching Susterac’s mind when he was watching But they were happy tears. Susterac earned only 20 dollars a day. Today, his By Jocely Pacheco corsage. The Fighter at a friend’s father owns his own Jessica Ramos, Div. 123, dreamed of house Friday, Mar. 18. contracting man- She sat in 6th period, staring at the her perfect dress ever since she was a lit- Minutes later, a Dan- agement business, clock waiting for time to pass. It was tle girl. She knew the color, the style, and ish frenzy ensued when embodying the Valentines Day, and she had never been even what she dreamed her date would Susterac, Div. 184, American dream. so nervous. look like. received a phone call Now, Susterac has Seventeen year old Kiara Colone, Div. “I always thought he would be tall, from his little brother: some of his own 156, decided to do what most high dark, and handsome, like the princes in Susterac was offered “hustling” to do. He school girls would never try to do. She the fairy tales. My prom date is far from a record deal in Den- is currently working asked out her crush, who already had a what I thought he would be, but he’s mark! on the promo song girlfriend, to prom. better then I expected,” said Ramos. “I Susterac, or “Sa-Yo,” to be released in “At first, I was a little bit nervous about found my dress in a magazine when I as he refers to himself Europe. He hopes asking,” said Colone. “But I’ve never was eight years old, and I’ve kept it ever when rapping, pro- to visit Denmark been the type to plan anything ahead since. Now that prom is coming around, duces his own original this summer to of time, even something as important as I couldn’t be more excited.” songs in which he sings work on his dream, prom.” However, not everyone thinks of prom and raps. He often pro- but admits that he As Colone rushed down the stairs to in the same way. duces the beats himself, cannot commit to meet her crush, she was very nervous. “I was never one of those girls that like but has collaborated on moving to Europe Knees trembling, teeth chattering, and to plan everything years before it hap- beats created by other permanently. Con- with her heart beating fast, she managed pens,” said Carmen Derr, Div. 134. “I producers as well. sequently, he is still to march up to him and gave him a Val- am taking my boyfriend to prom, and Susterac got the re- trying to make a entine’s card. On the back it read, “Will I am very excited about it. We’ve been cord deal by enter- name for himself you go to prom with me?” dating a few months so it will be fun. I ing a competition for here in the U.S. She was disappointed when her re- haven’t even gotten my dress yet, but I’ll the “Best New Song” “I sent out eight sponse was less then ideal. wait till it gets closer.” through a company demos to record “I don’t know, I have a girlfriend and Others are more spontaneous. They called Slikhaar TV, the companies all I don’t know if she would be okay with would rather wait until the last minute, biggest talent company over the country. that,” her crush told her. go with their friends, or even alone. To in northern Europe. I’ve gotten emails However, that weekend he broke up some Lane seniors, prom is not a big “They scout hairstyl- back from some with his girlfriend and accepted Colone’s deal. ists, DJs, artists, mod- Safet Susterac, Div. 184, recently won a record deal in Europe. of them,” Susterac invitation to prom. What started as a “I don’t have a prom date yet, and I’m els, and web develop- said. disaster turned into a happy ending for perfectly fine with it. If anything, I can ers,” Susterac said. has been making mixtapes since the 8th Next year, Susterac also plans to fur- Colone. just go alone. It’s not a big deal,” said Having submitted a song featuring grade, when he wrote his first rap, dedi- ther his music education by studying Like Colone, Lane seniors start to wor- Eduardo Bustamante, Div. 124. himself and his 16-year-old brother rap- cated to his girlfriend at the time. He music and business at Depaul Univer- ry as one of the most important events Prom is an important event to many, ping, the news of the record deal came has been “hustling to stay fresh” in his sity. He hopes to combine these disci- of their high school career approaches. but it does not have to be commercial- as quite a surprise. The deal entails Sus- raps ever since. plines in order to make music for the Prom is a coming of age event, a celebra- ized so that it turns into something more terac recording a demo song that the “I draw inspiration from my pops. rest of his life. tion that high school is over, and the materialistic than sentimental. company will promote in Europe. He We’re immigrants. When we came here Susterac is certain of his rap aspira- marking of new chapter of their lives. “I really thought that I would go to says he will never let anyone write any- [from Serbia] we were dirt poor, but he tions, and works toward recognition Some girls plan months, even years in prom alone, and it honestly didn’t both- thing for him, so it will be an original hustled hard to make it so that we hard- unceasingly. A major theme in his songs advance to have the perfect day. They er me,” said Colone. “But, now that I’m song. If the song receives buzz, negotia- ly noticed our poverty,” Susterac said. is “trying to make it,” which is exactly dream of having the perfect date, the not, I’m actually really happy about it.” tions of a full-length album will begin. Having come to America in 1995, the what he does. Of All the Fallen gain recognition; perform gigs around Chicago

was intact. Once OATF had a set list it was time By Maximilian Albekier for their first show. “The first show was one of the most embarrass- The guitars let out a steady drone and then the ing situations in my life,” Porcz said. “None of us drums kick in,“du-du-du-du du dudududu-dudu had ever played before to an audience outside of dudududu-dudu.” A hyped up group of teens school and we messed up a lot. Everyone made chanting, “I CHOOSE THE BROAD SWORD,” fun of us.” follows. The energy explodes and the fists and feet “The performance started okay and got progres- of fans swing wildly to the breakdowns of the sively worse,” Chaplin said. “Due to delays, we band Of All The Fallen, also known by their ac- were setting up during the time we should have ronym, OATF. been playing and overall [the performance] be- OATF was formed when guitarist Tom “Senior” came fairly sloppy as the show progressed.” Chaplin, Div.185, vocalist Dan Porcz, Div.175, “The opening band needs three things,” Chaplin bassist Alex Barrera, senior at Gordon Tech, and said. “Energy to start the show off; good, balanced drummer Tim Puczkowski, freshman at Elmhurst live sounds to impress the crowd and prove them college, started a conversation about how their fa- wrong with their [doubt] in you; and finally, cha- vorite band, Between The Buried & Me, was the risma and looks for the ladies. We possessed none most talented group of musicians that ever put of these qualities.” together a band. From that moment in 2008- As OATF became more of a stable group, they 2009, the foundation for what was to be the fu- tweaked and altered the line up and sound to get ture for OATF was set. Since then the band has what they were looking for. gone through many transitions and matured both “Some people play sports, I play metal.” Chap- in their personal lives and musically. lin said. “It’s just what I’m good at and I have a Of All the Fallen pose in a recent promo photoshoot. “We started off as a funky Blink-182 cover band great time doing what I do. I definitely feel like because at first we had no idea what we wanted we’ve improved as a band, musically, and as band members. relli, bass, Drew Stevens, drums. This is the cur- to play,” Chaplin said. “After deciding that we mates. I know over the years I’ve picked up a few “One time we played with this band [called] rent line-up of OATF, three years in the making,” wanted to play metal and heavier music we could things that have helped me learn to play better Decayal and they had an ‘interesting’ front man,” Chaplin said. “I have absolutely no hard feelings not think of a name.” and how to write better material.” Porcz said. “He was actually pulling out some of with any ex-members or anything, and I believe “The band was thinking too hard about a name “At times it can be very stressful,” Porcz said. his hair and throwing it into the crowd as he was it’s the same way for them.” and rushed to propositions,” Porcz said. “Names “Dealing with band drama, getting practice togeth- performing. As he did that I was trying to catch With a strong line-up in place and ever growing like Isla Sorna, Skeletons of Society, Kildare, Es- er, getting [merchandise] and a recording set up, all the hair before it hit the ground.” popularity, OATF plays regularly in the Chica- caton, and a few more ridiculous combinations of but the experiences I’ve had with the band are in- OATF booked a show in May to play at the goland area and suburbs. This past summer they words [were considered].” credible and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.” Congress theatre. This was Curtis’s, current gui- released a three song E.P. that showcased their ma- Puczkowski proposed the name “The Fallen In Jan. 2010 OATF was to release their demo tarist at the time, last show. It was advertised turity as a band since their freshman/sophomore Martyrs,” for the band. After playing around album. With so much going on between former through posters, Facebook, and word of mouth. years of high school and this year plan on spread- with the combination of the words, “Of All The drummer Dylan Bean and Porcz, tensions grew. At the final show, Tom “Junior” Conway, current ing their music. Fallen” was proposed and agreed on by the rest of “Challenges come up all the time,” Porcz said. guitarist, came out to see the band he was going to “If all goes according to plan we will be touring the band. “I think the most stressful time for me was the audition for. He liked what he heard from OATF this summer,” Porcz said. “The key to finding a good band name is to not month before we released our demo CD in Janu- and contacted Chaplin right away. “I remember when we were opening for local look for it to hard, let it come to you,” Chap- ary 2010. At this point we had Dylan as a drum- “[Conway] is a great kid. He is funny, easy to shows and everyone stood around hearing, but lin said. “Don’t be thirsty and you will not die mer, who was a jerk to everyone, and John was get along with, and he can shred. He fit right in,” not listening to our music,” Chaplin said. Now, of thirst.” also becoming more of a [jerk]. I almost quit be- Chaplin said. “The reason we call him Junior and I’m amazed by how many people are at our shows After a few practices, OATF swapped out Bar- cause of it. There is always a challenge to face and me Senior is because I can grow a beard and he “throwin’ down,” moshing, and mouthing our rera for their former bassist John O’Callaghan, you never know when [it] will appear.” can’t.” words. People started coming to shows not only sophomore at Northeastern, and added former As the band slowly grew in popularity they were “Tom “Senior” Chaplin, guitar, Tom “Junior” because they were our friends, but because they guitarist Matt Curtis, Div. 186, and a full line up able to meet new fans, bands, and potential future Conway, guitar, Dan Porcz, vocals, Anthony Mo- wanted to.” April 2011 Features Page 6 Lane ho is Albert G. ? Exam just to see what would happen. Lane passed the test. W This completely changed his life, launching him into the field By Diana Barragan of education. At the age of 17, he became the principal of the Franklin School. Just because someone goes to Lane does not mean they know Guitar teacher Mr. Sweet said, “I think he was a principal at like every fact about the school’s namesake, or anything at all for that age 17?” Sweet is right. Lane had not finished high school when matter. he became principal of the Franklin School. Regardless of whether they are freshmen, sophmores, juniors, “I heard that he wasn’t the principal of Lane Tech, but he was seniors, or even teachers, there are still misconceptions about who the head of the school department,” said Mark Lewandowski, Div. Albert G. Lane actually was. 350. Lewandowski is almost correct. “I think he wanted to represent the Native Americans, so he He was actually elected Cook County Superintendent of Schools, founded the school and the Indian of Lane represents the Native which is close to being head of a school department, and was mar- American warriors,” said a student who preferred not to be named. ried to Francis Smallwood. She was a teacher at Central High Another student, who also wants to remain anonymous said, School and they had two daughters. Not “seven children” like “I’m pretty sure he was in the Revolutionary War.” Phibin Philip, Div. 275, thought. Jennifer Idrovo, Div. 281, guessed that his middle initial was In fact, one of Lane’s dreams was to incorporate manual training “Gordon.” in high schools. Using his influence as Superintendent of Schools, “I don’t even know what is his middle initial and I have been Lane was able to achieve his dream and have manual training in working at Lane for the past five years,” said Mrs. Isaacson, a Crane High School. French teacher. After his death on August 22, 1906, he was honored by having Lane Tech was dedicated to Albert G. Lane in 1909. Mrs. Hanly, an English teacher, admits to that same confession. a school named after him. It was originally called Albert Gran- Another student, Alan Chavez, Div. 280, thought that Lane was nis Lane Manual Training High School and located on Division a “senator.” and Sedgwick. It was founded in 1908, but dedicated to Lane in tion. The new school was opened on September 17, 1934. This Albert Grannis, not “Gordon”, Lane was born on March 15, February 1909. school also went through a name change to Albert Grannis Lane 1841 in Galewood, IL. He began working at the age of seven in Since the school’s population in the 1930’s had grown to a huge Technical High School and finally College Prep was added to the order to help his family. Ten years later, he took the City Teacher’s number (over 7,000) they relocated the school to its current loca- name in 2004. Hidden treasures discovered in Lane classrooms chaos for practicing. of tools crowd a bench in the By Sophia Swenson “It was a disaster,” said Mr. O’Brien, back, while ramps, a slide ruler, “I wasn’t going to take the job. It was and even a mini blue telephone Mr. O’Brien wearily cleans out one just like, I didn’t know if they were booth (a la Doctor Who) line of his orchestra cabinets, which is trying to hire a cleaning person, or the walls, and hang from the filled to the brim with old garbage left if they really wanted to change the ceiling. by the last teacher. He gets to the bot- whole orchestra program.” “Pack rats with good inten- tom of the heap and stops for a mo- By the time Mr. O’Brien had fin- tions” is what Mr. Vessalo fondly ment, spotting the corner of a $20 bill ished cleaning his room, he had un- calls the previous owners of the sitting under the huge pile of trash. covered three desks, a piano, and over room, and with good reason. Hesitantly, he grabs hold of it, think- 200 McDonalds coffee cups. Among Even after almost 50 trash bags ing this must be a joke. But what Mr. other things were the $1,600, which full of junk have been hauled O’Brien does not realize is that he has were accumulated and easily forgot- out of the area throughout the just stumbled across $1,600 in $20 ten by the previous teacher under all year, he is not nearly done with bills, lying under an old pile of junk. the trash. But that was just the be- sorting his room’s trash from Lane Tech is built around collective ginning. There were also cardboard treasure. piles of trash… or treasure, depending boxes full of ticket stubs, bags of old Mr. Vessalo pulls up a chalk- on who you ask. Stuffed inside cup- clothes, soda bottles the past teacher board to reveal even more ran- boards or even hidden behind walls, had hoarded, and not to mention a dom objects ranging from mag- nifying lenses to rows and rows Tanks of a mystery liquid are found in the hidden cave of the ceramics room. of identical heavy pieces of met- al, each about the size of a soft- (WPA)/ Federal Art Project around been called home by what seem to ball, and completely coated in dust. the 1930’s were found. be hundreds of props and costumes This is only one of the cabinets that he Even an homage that consisted of a since Mrs. Hanson moved in from has not looked through yet, and as he picture of a previous art teacher, with her second floor room. The balcony sifts through the arid collection, some the years he taught was found and kept of the current classroom is lined with of the odds and ends are still in their by Ms. McMeans, Lane’s photography old Lane lockers, while on the ground original package. teacher, who decided to keep it in the sits a telephone booth along with a “Most of this stuff is at least 70 or 80 storage place for a “good omen”. Like working fake fire place, which has a years old. I’ve found things that have many other teachers, she’s kept some light bulb that lights up its fake logs; had dates of the 1920’s or 1930’s,” said of the broken materials she has found both odd props that Mrs. Hanson has Mr. Vessalo. “I’m still finding stuff.” for educational purposes. found useful over the years. He is not the only one. “I’ve put up a sort-of museum of Lane’s teachers are still coming Through the ceramics classroom, all the pieces that I’ve excavated from across and using old items in their into a pottery-filled back room, and that area,” said Ms. McMeans, who classrooms, whether they are from in a pitch-black makeshift storage sports a top shelf full of old broken previous teachers, or provided by the space, Ms. Moore, Lane’s ceramics cameras, and even an old projector. school itself. And whether these small teacher, leads the way to multiple tubs After the art storage room was fin- glimpses of the past are accidental, or of a mystery liquid. These three huge ished, a table was put out that held if treasure hunting is on the agenda, containers, each about three feet high old, dusty odds and ends that were there is a good chance one might and one foot across, were put into the free for anyone’s taking. stumble across something pretty in- dark, cluttered room after a previous Lane’s current drama nest, an- teresting. Mr. Vessalo has found old, metal objects used for labs in Room 241. teacher knocked a hole in the wall to other previous machine shop, has make some extra space. The entrance Lane’s past has been swept under the huge bank safe that was taken down to the room is pretty big, enough for carpet in the process of making room by hired movers. Needless to say, the a person to climb through and the for new possibilities. But little by orchestra room’s current condition is a cramped passage that leads to the ob- little, Lane’s teachers are stumbling nice change from what it was 10 years scure hiding spot adds to an ominous upon these memories as they use their ago. feel. classrooms. In Lane’s lower floors, although not “It’s just a lot of toxic chemicals Mr. O’Brien, the current band di- many messes can claim to be as intense from the past machine shop,” said Ms. rector, came to Lane in 2001, taking as Mr. O’Brien’s, many art and science Moore. a job as the new orchestra director. classrooms still hold large collections Lane’s ceramics classroom used to What Mr. O’Brien did not know was of trinkets and toys from their pasts. serve as one of Lane’s previous ma- that along with taking a position as a Mr. Vessalo, one of Lanes physics chine shops, like many of the first teacher, he would also be taking the teachers, just moved into his class- floor classrooms. position as the orchestra room’s maid. room this year and has been trying Ms. Moore was one of the teach- Literally piles of garbage crept up the to clean it ever since. It does not take ers who helped clean out Lane’s art walls and smothered the room. In fact, too much to guess that Room 241 storage room about 10 years ago, Lane’s orchestra students only had has been a physics niche since Lane where old prints made by artists from a small clearing in the middle of the moved to its current location. Heaps the Works Progress Administration Random objects hang on display from the ceiling in Room 241. April 2011 Features Page 7 Lane girls make effort to impress in spite of painful heels tra effort that girls make when they wear heels. “I think that heels add to a woman’s femininity. I honestly don’t By Bria Perry “It looks nice and it’s pretty gutsy,” she said. care what people think,” Moenkyi said. Garcia, who is much more into flat boots, laughs when she pic- Jessica Cleary, Div. 273, shares Moenkyi’s “don’t care” at- Oh you’re fancy, huh? Nails done, hair done, everything done... tures herself wearing high-heeled shoes. titude, and enjoys wearing high heels and looking like a model do not forget about the sore-feet part too! For some students at “I’m pretty sure if I wear anything above three inches I’d be flat while doing it. Lane, wearing heels to school is a regular style choice and every- on my face,” Garcia said. “I think they make me look better. I love walking in them thing else, good or bad, comes with the territory, including the She is much more comfortable as an onlooker, and enjoys seeing and strutting like I’m on the runway with them in the hallways,” occasional sore foot. people who take time to get fancy while in school. Cleary said. “I feel more powerful with them.” Carla Martinez, Div. 252, has been consistently wearing heels to “I think it’s very admirable to see people who dress nice every This “power” often gives girls who wear heels a bad rep as snooty, school since the fall of her junior year. day with the heels,” said Garcia. bossy, or as the mean girls of the school, something that Cleary “I have recently started to model dresses, so I’m trying to get as Both points of views about wearing heels have been discussed in finds completely untrue. much experience as possible,” Martinez said. various blogs and magazines. “Heels don’t make me a bad person. I just like to express myself,” Because she is new at wearing heels, Martinez’s mother has sug- According to an article on Rollasole.com, research has shown Cleary said. “I know I’m not stuck up. Girls want to feel beautiful gested that she start off small, but that does not completely keep that heels elongate the leg, straighten the posture, push out the without being called that.” the pain away of walking in the shoes. chest, and lift the “bum.” These factors help to increase a woman’s Molly Winter, Div. 277, does not get called stuck up because “My feet do hurt when I wear heels. By 7th period my feet are self-confidence. The article also notes that women are dressing of her heels and she does not have to worry about the pain in her killing me,” Martinez said. to standout, and now, heels have become a unique fashion state- feet either. If they are not killing her feet, then her heels are probably mak- ment. “I actually think that [heels] are more comfortable,” Winter ing it very awkward for her to walk into class. Many students like making this “statement.” Martinez claims said. “I get annoyed by the noise my heels make. I hate walking in the she gets regularly complimented on her heels, which is the reason Winter is most comfortable in a pair with a heel no smaller middle of class during a test and having my heels cause a distrac- she wears them in the first place. than three inches, and she can wear them in all types of weather, tion,” Martinez said. “I wear heels in order for me to get more confidence and poise,” although, she has to be more careful during the winter months. Martinez’s problems with her shoes being uncomfortable or too Martinez said. “They help me have control on the way I walk, and “On rare occasions I’ll bring boots in and I’ll switch them during loud are not new to women who wear heels, and has caused many I think that is very important. I also wear them because they’re school,” said Winter. to question why women wear them at all. cute.” For the most part, her heels bring her happiness, but sometimes “I can’t imagine those heels being comfortable,” said Damian Tenzin Moenkyi, Div. 466, also thinks that heels are cute, and they have brought embarrassment. Taraszka, Div. 262. “So why wear something that’s uncomfort- has been wearing them for a while. “[One time] my shoes broke in school. The wedge part of the able?” “I started wearing heels at 10. [The heels] varied from one inch shoe popped off,” said Winter. “It looked like my shoes were talk- Taraszka has also noticed to three and a half inches,” Moenkyi said. “It was ing. I even tried to tape it. It was pretty bad.” some girls who seem to have something I liked.” Besides her “talking shoes,” there is not much that can bother a difficult time just walking Although she enjoys wearing heels, Moenkyi Winter about her heels, not even the loud noise they make. in them. does not think it is necessary to wear them ev- In fact, the loud “tap tap” from a four inch pump worn by a lady “At least two to three times ery day to school. Instead, the freshman likes with a sophisticated button-down and a crisp pencil skirt might a week I see a girl in the halls to wear them for special occasions. not be a staff mamber at all, but Winter, who thrives on the her wearing heels and it looks “[I’ll wear heels] if it’s my birthday or if I’m more mature look and sound. like her ankles are about to going somewhere after school and I don’t feel “Most people think that I’m a teacher so they’ll stop whatever break,” said Taraszka. like changing,” Moenkyi said. they’re doing,” said Winter. Although he does not hate There actually is not much to wearing heels for Winter loves the respect she gets from students in the halls who heels, Taraszka believes many Moenkyi. For her, they are just another fashion confuse her for an adult. girls only wear them because they expression. Sometimes though, the extra height can Whether they are wearing them to practice modeling, using want to be noticed and that is why bring attention. the hallways as runways, being confused for a teacher, or simply they are willing to deal with the “I’m already pretty tall for a girl, so I feel like I’m watching from afar, Lane girls are wearing heels to school and discomfort. taller than everybody,” Moenkyi said. nothing seems to slow them down…. except, of course, the oc- On the other hand, Ale Gar- Still, this does not keep this Steve Madden fan from casional sore foot! cia, Div. 279, appreciates the ex- feeling like a true lady while wearing her shoes. Short people find overcoming height challenge a tall order

because I easily pass through them,” said 4-foot- way of her hobby. By Kelly Mrofcza 11-inch Kristian Sanchez, Div. 381. “Being short really affects my modeling. I have Angela Jose, Div. 178, who is also 4-foot-11, to wear five inch heels. I have to try really hard In the 1988 film Big, starring Tom Hanks, a says that being short helps her do great in hide- and prove that I can be just as good as the tall preteen boy faces disadvantages due to his short and-go-seek. She is the ultimate hider. Because models, because, of course, the tall models are height. One night, he and his family go to an she was always short, as a kid she was able fit chosen before me,” said Chitavia Murph, Div. amusement park. He decides to break away and into all the small hiding spots, like kitchen cup- 271. go on one of the scariest rides at the park with boards. Often, she would still be hiding, think- Witnessed only by a few people, Dimagiba is a one of the prettiest girls in his class. He waits ing the game was still on, when really the seekers hero and it’s all thanks to his short height. anxiously in line to find out he is too short to had just given up. “Once when I went to Lincoln Park Zoo with ride it. Embarrassed, he leaves and stumbles For one student, being short also helps him my little brother, there was this little kid stuck across a machine with a genie that offers to grant save money. in the play area in the children’s petting zoo. His one wish for the small price of a quarter. “When I go to the movies, I can often get by mom couldn’t go in and get him since the place “I wish to be big,” he said. for paying child’s price. I think that is awesome,” was full of toddlers. So, I climbed into this high- Little did he know the machine paid close at- said 5-foot-1-inch Sean Dimagiba, Div. 271. up maze thing and had to get through a bunch tention to his wish. When he awoke the next Life is not perfect for these small Lane stu- of kids to get to him. I carried him out and the morning, he had magically transformed into an dents. They also face many obstacles. mom thanked me for it,” said Dimagiba. adult. Patricia Sporschill, Div. 471, is four feet and Of course, being short also brings in the Adolescents are often heard wishing they were seven inches tall. She says that riding the CTA is nicknames. From “shorty” and “shrimp” to “lit- older. One thing that humans have no control an obstacle. When there is nowhere to sit on the tle person,” Jose gets a lot of additional names to over is height. Though faced with many obsta- bus, she has trouble reaching the handles to hold the one she was born with. cles and jokes, if most Lane students fell across a onto. When she does sit down, her feet cannot Funny gestures just cannot be avoided when it magic genie, they would not wish to be big. reach the floor. comes to height. “I love who I am. I have been the same height Being short can also interfere with after-school “I cannot go a day without someone remind- short,” said Benjamin Vega, Div. 380. since sixth grade and I have grown accustomed to jobs. ing me how small I am. Not one day! I was con- There are petite people, wide people, short and being short. I cannot imagine myself being tall,” “When I work [at Muvico] I always dread vinced I can get handicapped parking for being tall. There are so many different physical appear- said 5-foot-1-inch Karolina Krol, Div. 272. when people ask for a large drink. I have to hold a legal midget,” said Sanchez. ances in the world. Though dreams of being an Being short has all sorts of advantages. One the cup with both hands as I fill it up! It’s the Her only wish is to reach five feet. NBA hoops star are slightly delusional, short for example, is being able to weave in and out of only way I can do it to avoid spilling pop all “Some of my teachers always make little jokes people still have many advantages due to their people in the hallways. over!” said Krol. about me being short. But the jokes do not petite stature. “I don’t have to wait for people on the stairs For one student, her height even gets in the bother me. I don’t go home and cry because I’m

Comic by Edwin Cho April 2011 Features Page 8

Lane staff member gets Hot Doug’s tattoo; will eat free for life

and owner of Hot Doug’s: The Sausage Superstore advantage of the free food. And By Katarzyna Barnak and Encased Meat Emporium, says that the whole Sohn clarified that free food for tattoo phenomenon was actually started about 10 life means not just that of the Special Education staff member Mr. Liam years ago by a hotdog-loving Lane student. customer, but of his as well. O’Donnell has several tattoos: a lemon and a heart “He got the tattoo and I said ‘Well, I can’t charge “You get to eat here for the on the inside of his knees, a family shield and you for that.’ Someone must have overheard,” rest of your life...or for the rest an anchor on his arms, an etching on his bicep, Sohn said. of my life,” said Doug. “A tattoo a quote on his elbow, a line from a poem on his Since then 21 people, 12 men and nine women, is permanent, but I’m not.” chest, and now - Hot diggity dog! – his eighth have had a Hot Doug’s tattoo inked onto them. O’Donnell isn’t worried that piece of body art. The tattoo trend took off even more about four one day the free food might O’Donnell’s most recent tattoo is a hot dog in months ago after an article about Hot Doug’s tat- end. He would have gotten the a leather jacket. But this is no ordinary tattoo; it too deal was published in the Chicago Tribune. tattoo even if the free meals comes with a perk. The tattoo will allow him to eat More people are now taking an interest in getting were not involved. free food from Hot Doug’s restaurant (3324 North the tattoo. Sohn says the size of the tattoo and its “It’s just skin and when I get California) for the rest of his life. location on the body do not matter as long as the older one day its going to “[The tattoo] is a combination of the logo for person is able to show it. get wrinkly and saggy and Hot Doug’s and a T-shirt for this band called Mi- The Hot Doug’s logo resembles Sohn because of I probably won’t be able to nor Threat,” said O’Donnell. the thick-rimmed glasses worn by both the hotdog see it. But I’ll have a patch The tattoo is located on his right shin - one of the and Sohn. of black ink reminding me most painful spots to get a tattoo since it is right “It’s incredibly flattering and creepy at the same of this time in my life,” over a bone. time,” Sohn said. O’Donnell said. “I wanted to feel like I earned my free food,” There are limits to how much free food a tattooed On that note, O’Donnell O’Donnell said. customer can order. Only they are entitled to eat is already planning O’Donnell is not the first person to have the for free. They can’t come with a group of friends a ninth tattoo that logo inked on his skin. Doug Sohn, the creator and order food for all of them. But there is no limit would be photogra- The Hot Doug’s logo wears glasses causing as to how many hot dogs phy themed as a re- it to resemble the owner Doug Sohn. the tattoo holder can eat. minder of his first “I’m a big believer in self- kodachrome cam- policing,” Sohn said. “But era. if someone came in and or- “I think I’ll be do- dered 20 hot dogs, I would ing this for a while,” make them sit down and O’Donnell said. watch them eat all twenty.” Hot Doug’s is located on the corner of O’Donnell is not plan- California and Roscoe. The restaurant is ning on abusing his new known for its celebrity sausages, its duck privilege and has only been fat fries, and loooong lines. Doug works going once a week since the register and personally takes the orders getting the tattoo. He says of his customers. he never orders more than “On my first visit, I didn’t know hot dogs three hot dogs and some could be that good,” O’Donnell said. “It fries. was really fun and unlike any other dining One thing the tattoo is not experience I’d had before.” useful for is cutting the long O’Donnell has been a devoted customer lines that routinely stretch since that first visit six years ago. His fa- outside the restaurant’s en- vorite hot dogs are the Marty Allen (thu- trance, around the corner, ringer) and Salma Hayek (spicy andouille and past the dumpsters in sausage). the back alley. Waiting by “He [Doug] really knows how to put the the alley is considered “the flavors together,” O’Donnell said. two-hour wait.” Sometimes Sohn gets his ideas for the unique “en- lines stretch down the en- cased meats” from traveling, cook books, tire block. shows, etc. “There is nothing you can “Nothing’s on [the menu] that I don’t do to cut in line and I’m like,” Sohn said. The line to get into Hot Doug’s typically extends not planning on opening Sohn never planned on opening a res- well out of the entrance and down the block that can of worms,” Sohn taurant, especially one that specialized in all the way into the back alley. said. gourmet hot dogs. It was sort of a spur of Nevertheless, O’Donnell the moment decision. Mr. Liam O’Donnell’s shin tattoo of Hot Doug in a Sex Pistols is not disheartened by the “A friend of mine had a bad hot dog once and high-quality hot dogs, O’Donnell will be a regular t-shirt gurantees him free food for life from the restaurant. long waits that he’ll still that’s how it happened,” Sohn said. visitor displaying his tattoo and enjoying several have to go through to take As Doug continues to provide Chicago with free meals. Class clowns try turning school into circus

needs a class clown.” [not] care less,” said Vasquez. “People like me aren’t social influences, contribute to the behavior of By Cherrell Anderson “It’s fun making everyone laugh. Class is boring thirsty for attention. We just have outgoing per- some boys. if there isn’t someone funny in class,” said Abdul sonalities and love to be the life of the classroom.” “What’s happening in society today is that be- Julian Vasquez, Div. 263, writes an inappropri- Kulam, Div. 263, who is considered obnoxious by Vasquez and Kulam agreed that it is mostly males ing academic is known as a ‘female thing’ and that ate note and finds a sneaky way to stick it on his some of his peers with his class jokes. who behave more disruptively than females. Ac- ‘real men’ don’t study. In the last 20 years, boys are teacher’s back. He sits down at his desk with a While students like Vazquez and Kulam say their cording to Vasquez, “most women aren’t that fun- being taught to be loud, violent, and obnoxious,” mischievous grin as he waits for his classmates to behavior is entertaining, some students think oth- ny,” and Kulam said that “girls are usually much Parsons said. acknowledge his prank. Everyone starts laughing as erwise. more mature [than boys].” The cause of disruptive behavior in males is some- they see the note on their clueless teacher’s back. It “[The behavior] is annoying, but everyone else The reason for more disruptive behavior in males thing Parsons is very interested in. His class watched is a long time before the teacher realizes that the in class knows it’s just for the attention, so no one than females may go deeper than just trying to get Raising Cain, a documentary of how MTV and joke is on her, which makes the prankster laugh really cares that much,” said Gabriella Quinones, a laugh out of their classmates. It may be due to the corporations in general sell to young boys an image even more. Div. 156. “It gets obnoxious [after a while.] You development of their brain as well as their socializa- of what they should be. A term for males that was Students like Vasquez are labeled as the “funny can only say ‘Your mom’ so many times before I tion. AP Psychology teacher, Mr. Parsons, says the used in the film is a “mook,” which is a teenage boy guy.” Not only do the funny guys pull pranks in want to punch you in the face.” numbers support the theory. who is loud, crude, messy, obnoxious, and wears class, they do things such as make random noises, “Those funny guys are usually the ones who I end “In general, girls are more academically success- his hair and clothes in a sloppy manner. blurt out inappropriate comments, and pick on up not liking because they’re a distraction. It is very ful right now throughout the United States,” said “Kids imitate what they see on TV. Movies like their classmates. Their behavior entertains some, annoying rather than entertaining and they think Parsons. “Eighty percent of people in the world Jackass and [TV show] Jersey Shore have guys that but annoys others. There may be a reason why that they’re funny, but in actuality, they’re not,” who are diagnosed with ADHD (Attention-Deficit act like mooks,” Parsons said. these “class clowns” are almost always male. said Delano Meredith, Div. 359. Hyperactivity Disorder) are American boys.” The funny guy in the classroom could be suffer- According to some male students who are con- Meredith described an experience he had with a ADHD is a condition of the brain that results in ing from a case of ADHD, or his obnoxious behav- sidered “funny guys,” their main purpose for their “funny guy” in his class. The student was cracking excessive activity, impulsivity, and difficulties with ior may just be a part of his personality. He could behavior is to entertain. jokes “every five seconds,” which made his teacher focusing attention. ADHD often makes it difficult be trying to be “The Situation” of the classroom, “I behave this way because it makes my day to constantly stop the lesson. It bothered Meredith for children to control their behavior in school and or just grew up thinking that obnoxious behavior hear a person laugh because of me,” said Vasquez. because he had to sit and listen to his teacher con- social settings. Some characteristics of ADHD are is the way to go. Whatever the reason for the ob- “If [being a class clown] is such a bad thing, why tinuously scold the student, which he felt was a excessive running, talking, restlessness, manipula- noxious behavior, it certainly seems to be a “guy are there so many people who enjoy having me in a waste of time. tion of objects, and aggressive behavior. thing.” class? It’s just the point blank truth that every class “Honestly, I know I am obnoxious, but I could Parsons also believes that media, as well as other April 2011 Features Page 9 ANGTIONARY L By Sofia Kerpan Much slang is the productS of adolescent subculture, making Lane a breeding ground for linguistic invention. I think it should be embraced. I don’t mean that we should disregard the English language entirely, but just have fun with it. Shakespeare made up words in his day, just like we do. Here is a guide to today’s most popular slang words, for those who want to stay informed.

Based - adj. to go about one’s own busi- ness with confidence. Also Synonymous with “swag”. Beyoncé is so based, she takes fashion risks all the time. Ethan Vanlear, Div. 368, Eli Boyd, Div. 261, and Ro West, Div. 257, Bougie - adj. (pronounced Boo-zhee) Stuck claim to have coined the term “loud.” up and obsessed with wealth and status. Derived from French word bourgeoisie. He’s so bougie, he got the same car that Beyonce drives. Huff - adj. sulking anger, usually WHAT DID unwarranted and unnecessary hostiliy. Cake - noun./adj. used to describe endear- Don’t get huff just because I resemble ing actions or behavior, often cheesy or Beyoncé. romantic in nature. Can also refer to PDA YOU in the hallways, or other public romantic Larry - noun. a person that doesn’t behavior. deserve respect, someone who is naive or It was so cake when he held her hand and mistaken in some way. JUST SAY?! told her she was prettier than Beyoncé. You’re a Larry if don’t respect Beyoncé as an artist. Clutch - adj. awesome, cool, pleasant. Slang: Beyonce went so hawrd I want a clutch leotard like the one Lml - acronym. for “love my life” with that hitting new single. Real Beyoncé wears in the “Single Ladies” music optimism in abbreviation. video. I JUST MET BEYONCÉ. LML. talk, Jay-Z was obvi on the grind

Dece - adj. shortened form of the word Loud - adj. bold, audacious. when he put a ring on it. And it “decent”. Meaning is the same. Kanye was so loud when he stole the mic doesn’t hurt that she always looks Every Beyoncé song is more dece than the from Taylor Swift to say, “Beyoncé had the last. best video of all time. OF ALL TIME.” mad flame. He is no larry. But even meanmugging Jay gets all cake Going ham - verb expression. to put forth Lowkey - adj. simple translation of “on effort and dedication in executing some- the downlow.” Often used in shame, as in sometimes. He hit the lick when he thing. Also synonymous with “go hawrd” as something that one would prefer not to ad- bought that clutch private island for in to perform well. mit. I went so ham last night, I made a Beyoncé Lowkey, I am Beyoncé’s number one fan. her birthday last year. So loud. What shrine. a goon move. But she is hella worth Mad - 1. very 2. a lot of Going Hawrd (alternate spelling: going i. Beyoncé is mad bootylicious. it. They’re a power couple going hoard) - verb expression. alternate spell- ii. Beyoncé has mad fans. ing of the word “hard”. Used to express or ham on everyone. It’s all gravy if commend exceptional performance. Meanmug - noun. a mean glance or stare you don’t agree, but don’t be all huff THAT BEYONCÉ CONCERT WENT SO HAWWWWRD! that typically prompts the question “Why you meanmuggin?!” about it. Goon - noun. respectable being, usually a She was meanmuggin when i did the Single man. A term of endearment or esteem. Ladies dance at that party. She’s just Beyoncé married that goon Jay-Z. jealous. Translation: Beyonce’s new single is fantastic. No doubt, Jay-Z Gravy - noun. good, alright. Usually used Obvi - adverb. shortened form of in a consolatory manner. obviously. Often used alone, as it’s own was smart for marrying her. She is -You don’t like Beyoncé? sentence. -No. -Did you watch Beyoncé’s True Hollywood a beautiful woman. He isn’t dumb. -It’s all gravy, we just can’t be friends Story Last night? But even the stoic Jay-Z gets a little anymore. :) -Obvi. romantic. He splurged on a wonder- Flame - adj. awesome, pleasant. Real talk - noun expression. expression of ful private island for her birthday Destiny’s Child was flame. Mostly because acknowledgment of a widespread truth. Also of Beyoncé. a way of announcing agreement with anoth- last year. Very bold. I respect him er. for that. Beyonce is worth it, though. -Beyoncé is a beautiful woman. Hella - adj. 1. very, profoundly 2. A lot -Real talk. They are a power couple that domi- of i. You are hella crazy if you don’t like On the grind - engaging in productive, nates the music in- Beyoncé. beneficial endeavors. dustry. It’s okay ii. There were hella pregnancy rumors I was on the grind today. I joined the Be- about Beyoncé last week. yoncé fan club. if you disagree with my analy- Hitting - adj. awesome, pleasant Salty - adj. uncalled for, extremely rude If I woke up next to Beyoncé, that would It was salty of you to steal my Beyoncé sis. This is be so hitting. CD. merely an Hitting the lick - verb expression. steal- Smh - acronym for “shaking my head”. opinion, so ing, shoplifting and/or acquiring wealth Disapproval, disappointment, etc. or You don’t like Beyoncé? Smh... don’t get material possesions swiftly and deftly. touchy. I hit the lick when I got my paycheck, so Swag - noun. short for “swagger.” I bought Beyoncé’s new perfume! That certain something that sets a person apart from others. Can refer to personal Hitting the line - verb expression to call style, gusto, or general demeanor. or text on the phone. Beyoncé is replete with swag when she per- Hit my line if you want to know some forms. Beyoncé trivia. April 2011 Features Page 10 Superstitious beliefs leave students on edge Black cats, ladders, broken mirrors some common fears is considered an act of the devil. Walk- rises lack a 13th floor, many airports there. Her grandma had ten children, By Nicole Jacobs ing through the ladder is considered skip the 13th gate, some airplanes and out of the ten, three of them died & Claudia Maj to be tempting one’s fate. Instinctive- have no 13th aisle, Italians omit the after someone had visited them after ly, we avoid walking under a ladder for number 13 from their national lottery, a funeral. As the mirror falls to the floor the fear of it actually collapsing. and several more. The believability of On the other hand, Chemistry and the loud crack of shattered glass As for opening an umbrella in- the unlucky number 13 even created teacher Mr. Reid can quickly tell you shocks Kellye Williams, Div. 151, she doors, Brooks’ research explains that a phobia called triskaidekaphobia. that he does not believe in supersti- immediately begins to freak out. She an umbrella is a protector against However, numerous individuals do tions. stands there, motionless as she stares the storms of life. If not believe in Friday the 13th. "I'm not superstitious, but I know down at the remains of the mirror. one is opened in- Sometimes students take advantage athletes are," Mr. Reid said. Her nervousness is apparent by the side, household of their friend’s belief in supersti- Girl's Track team runner Carina sweatiness of her hands. In shock, she guardian spir- tions. Coss Div. 375 only washes her uni- rambles on to her friend about how its might feel “I have a lot of friends that are form, with no other clothes in the she ruined her life. their protection not believers and [they] always washer before a meet, and on her left "It was a small mirror that my friend was insufficient. want to do dumb things like, foot, she wears a green sock, and on had and when I bumped into it, it fell Thus, everyone in ‘talk to the dead’ just for the her right, a polka dot one. and I stepped on it,” said Williams. the house would be fun of it,” Kimberly Sil- And Girl's Track coach, Coach “I think that [stepping on a mirror] cursed without protec- va, Div. 269, said. Kevin, always eats the same breakfast gives you bad luck, but I hope that it tion. “My friends do laugh before a run: a bagel with peanut but- doesn't last seven whole years.” “When I [opened and say they find it ter. The human brain takes any occur- an umbrella inside] on accident, I w e i r d ,” Gomez said. “I don’t hide Some superstitions gradually form rence and turns it into a "cause," and freaked out a little and thought some- [my superstitions] because they make over the course of time, if something any consequence that comes along thing would happen,” said Alyssa Mu- me who I am.” weird happens on a reoccurring ba- with it into an "effect." If you break a riel, Div. 156. “The minute I did it, I “Besides the ladder [superstition] I sis. mirror, it is said that you will receive gasped, closed it back up, and looked think the rest don’t make sense,” said “If my eye twitches from the bot- seven years of bad luck, a supersti- around as if I was in trouble.” Monica Juarez Div. 275. “Honestly, I tom, something good is going to tion that came from the Victorian The history behind “knocking on find them dumb and nonfactual.” happen. If it twitches from the times in England. Mirrors used to wood” twice is to keep from jinxing “A lot of superstitions are outdated top, I’m going to cry. Most of be very expensive to produce and to a good fortune. It was thought that and [are not] to a practicality,” said the time it actually comes true,” buy, therefore when a staff member trees are the home of gods and that Amir Allam, Div. 263. “Whatever Anani Tilapa Div. 281 said. or house cleaner broke one, it would by knocking once, you are mention- happens, happens.” Though science cannot prove take them about seven years to pay it ing your wish to the tree. By knocking Nicole Liwanag, Div. 153, is not (or has already disproven) these back, with the little money that they a second time, you are showing your superstitious herself, but she follows superstitions, a little caution were receiving. Another explanation, appreciation by saying thank you. some of her family’s superstitions. For or hope for good luck never according to Richard Webster, inter- “If I have a bad thought in my mind, example, on New Year’s Eve her mom hurt anyone. It has been said national author from New Zealand, is I would [immediately] knock on wood hangs grapes above doors and throws that a bird in the house is a that the origin of ‘breaking a mirror’ to not jinx myself,” said Evalydi Ro- coins in the air for good luck. sign of death, and an acorn can be traced back to the Romans, driguez, Div. 471. “I think of it as a tradition we’ve in the window will keep who were the first to create glass mir- Some students have invented their been doing since I was little. It’s more lightning out. Salty soup rors. Along with the Romans, Greek, own personal superstitions that have encouraging because I don’t mind is a sign that the cook is Chinese, African and Indian cultures become a routine or a ritual. having a little bit of luck.” in love, and cover your once believed that one's refection in a "Everyday I put both hands on my Certain teachers and coaches at Lane mouth when you sneeze mirror represented their soul. If some- locker to avoid getting shocked by the also follow superstitions, while some so your soul will not one happened to break the reflection, metal," said Camilla Misiaszek, Div. just admit they don't believe them. escape. According to it is similar to breaking one's soul. 453. Chemistry teacher Mrs. Abbas fol- Corsinet Trivia, where Whether you believe in superstitions "Every morning I bless my clothing lows her grandma’s old superstition hundreds of supersti- or not, their presence still lingers in because I feel it will bring me good that you should never let a person who tions are listed, get ready the back of your head. luck," said Shadynna Redmond, Div. has just come from a funeral into your for some bad luck the next "I'm half and half with superstitions, 163. "It's just something that I came house if you have a newborn baby time you kill a ladybug. I don't believe in them but I'm cau- up with when I was younger as a good tious of it," said Justin Joseph, Div. luck kind of thing and it stuck." 352. “Once I was walking and there Haris Latic, Div. 180, never listens was a ladder, and I knowingly went to the Black Eyed Peas song “I Got a around the ladder." Feeling” because he thinks it will bring Joseph was just spared a days worth him bad luck for the day. He considers of bad luck. it a jinx. "I catch myself not stepping on "As soon as I hear the song, I change Students experience cracks, and I get paranoid when I spill it. If not, I will be thinking about the salt," said Alejandro Serrano, Div. song all day," said Latic. “It’s a jinx, 269. "I waste time grabbing more salt like when you’re outside on a sunny and tossing it behind my back." day and someone says the weather’s In Webster’s book, The Encyclope- great and then it starts to rain." haunted side of Chicago dia of Superstitions, the superstition of Some students have specific proce- spilling salt is traced back to the Mid- dures that they follow when they pass at her old house in Berwyn. At times the doors would dle Ages. During that period of his- a cemetery. By Harina Dzebic slam shut by themselves. tory, salt was considered to be a very "Everytime I pass a cemetery, I “It was like ‘how did this happen!?’ Even the hamster valuable and expensive condiment cross myself and I tell the people who Chicago, a city known for its pizza and corruption, is would be creeped out. He would stop moving and just and wasting it would bring bad luck. passed away that I miss them," said known for something else as well: ghosts. The legend of stare at the doors as they closed,” said Brownlow. To avoid receiving bad luck, throwing Ciamarah Gomez, Div. 174. "I give the "Resurrection Mary" can be heard throughout the Niki Giani, Div.161, shared a similar experience when a pinch of salt over your left shoulder respect to those who passed." country, but few know that it originates right here in she lived in an apartment building where a woman com- would suffice. This remedy has Chris- "I would hold my breath every time Chicago. In addition to the infamous lady, Graceland mitted suicide. In addition to this, the apartment was tian origins and deals with the devil, I pass a graveyard and won't stop un- cemetery attracts numerous visitors a year. It is known also a cat refuge and many cats died there as well. which is why salt is thrown over the til I pass it," Adam Rebora, Div. 372, for the robed man statue that supposedly shows a person “Sometimes you think you hear or see something. You left shoulder. said. their death if they look into his eyes. might or it might just be your imagination,” said Giani. Natalie Santiago, Div. 480, experi- A fear of the number 13 is one of Multiple haunted tours exist for those that seek out a Sometimes it is not buildings that are haunted, but enced a near death situation that dealt the most common superstitions today. new experience or to simply learn more about Chicago's entire areas. Some students believe a forest preserve by with a common superstition that According to Encyclopedia Britan- history. After going on a “Haunted Chicago Tour,” Karl Harlem Irving Plaza may be haunted. At one point it was many individuals believe in. nica, the combination of Friday Gustafson may not be going back. an old Indian burial ground. “I walked under a ladder by this and the 13th were deemed as “In Bachelor's Grove [a stop on the tour] I felt like "I saw a tree just randomly fall on the ground and a tattoo shop and I was about to the unluckiest day on the cal- [dead] people were around me. The rain and fog didn't skinned animal hanging from another tree. That place cross the street when a car came endar. This superstition comes help either,” said Gustafson, Div. 171. was eerie, like about-to-be-mugged eerie," said Battle out of nowhere,” Santiago said. directly from Christianity. It Emily Ayers, on the other hand, experienced no such Moran, Div. 162. “I was about an inch away from was on a Friday that Adam thing. Although she wished she did. According to folklore, ghosts are the spirits of people the car.” and Eve were banished from “Nothing happened. It was even sunny one time I went who have unfinished business on Earth, while science History can explain why some the Garden of Eden, the day and that was definitely not scary. I'm still determined to claims ghosts are just a figment of our imaginations. superstitions are believable. that Christ died, and the day see something,” said Ayers, Div. 185. Ghosts can also be explained as infrasound causing According to research done Noah’s great flood began. Justin Smith, Div. 180, did not experience anything smeared vision in humans and mind tricks. by David Brooks, fiction Thirteen people were in either. Evolution also plays a role in ghost sightings as well. writer of suspense/thriller attendance at The Last "There was nothing scary about it. It was kinda peace- This is due to the human brain evolving to be overly cau- novels and short stories, Supper; Judas being ful," said Smith. tious creating “false positives” like the rustling of leaves. the triangle represented a the 13th guest. For some people, looking for a part of haunted Chi- Nothing may actually be there, but our minds can con- symbol of So how has this fear cago may mean going no further than the backyard. Cas- fabulate the existence of our worst fears, especially when life. Dis- of the number 13 influ- sandra Brownlow, Div. 173, experienced strange things you live in Chicago. turbing enced us today? More the form than 80 percent of high- April 2011 Features Page 11 College Career Center Students value senior new lunch hotspot class rings differently Other than the sentimental pur- By Agnieszka Chrzanowska pose, she thinks that class rings are the CCC, spends most of his time in the CCC interact- a great way to remember the high By Vanessa Pena ing with students. All Lane counselors rotate daily so She looks at her hand where her school experience. that one other besides Vacek is there. class ring used to be and laughs. On the other hand, Emmanuel Recently, the number of students going to the He- “The CCC got me where I am at right now with a “Memories of high school cannot Odiase, Div. 251, does not think he witt College and Career Center (CCC) has increased, scholarship that is almost a full ride, thanks to Mr. Va- be stored in a piece of [metal],” Mrs. needs to remember high school. Odiase making the center a very popular place. Lunch period cek encouraging me,” Martinez said. Langford, a psychology teacher, said. is not completely against class rings, but after another brings regular attendees to the CCC who “The staff and advisors provide a very college-like at- “When I think about high school, I for him a high school class ring does not scatter about looking for a place to open up their lunch mosphere to make school work enjoyable,” said Chole don’t think of the day when I got my have much importance. He will buy a bag, or even a book. Hish-Genve, Div. 256. class ring.” ring one day, but it will be for a different With the weather being icky the last several months, Vacek noticed the increase in Lane students attending Langford is part of the handful of stepping stone in his life. Lane students have found the CCC to be a place they the CCC during their lunch periods around the first people at Lane who think it is point- “I’d rather have a class ring for col- can socialize, study, and eat lunch. It has created a study semester. less to purchase a high school class lege,” he said. hall atmosphere, reviving the days before study hall was “At first I think it was due to colleges, but now there’s ring. Whether it is the cost, the style, He does not want to ask his parents removed from Lane in 1993. definitely regulars. Fifth period lunch is the busiest, or the lack of interest, many students for something that he knows he will The CCC opened fourth busy, and choose to throw away their order not care much about. in 2009 for Lane sixth getting busier” form. Mylan Siscar, Div. 157, has not students with the he said. Every year Jostens, the class ring bought a ring just yet. She plans on intentions of pro- Vacek said there provider for Lane, offers a unique purchasing one from a jewelry store viding easy access had been some is- ring to the junior class. The ring has sometime this year. to information on sues with students an Indian with a bow and arrow on One of her reasons for not buy- college and schol- leaving a mess be- one side as well as a green gem on top ing the ring junior year is because she arships, but now hind, but after the of the ring. The other side can either did not know what she enjoyed do- students come in rules were rein- be the clock tower or a design cho- ing yet. She had trouble choosing a for other reasons as forced the problems sen from a style book. Designs range design for the ring at the time. well. disappeared. from track to duck hunting, allowing Siscar also chose to purchase the “I started com- Vacek and Dr. students a wide variety from which ring at an outside jewelry store be- ing here because LoBosco confirmed to choose. cause the prices are more reason- it's a warm place that students are al- Even though there are many op- able. Jostens rings range from $195 and I can bring lowed to eat in the tions, the ring does not appeal to to $650 while a ring from a different my food here and CCC, but if any- Kristie Magafas, Div. 175. jewelry store will be get work done. Be- thing is spilled stu- “I thought that it would “I’m getting more affordable. sides, colleges have Students lounge in the CCC during lunch. dents must clean up be an ugly reminder of an ovarian Milos Zaric, Div. many rooms where after themselves. high school. I don’t think 177, was one of the people can just sit “I love it,” Lo- the rings are exactly my cancer ring in handful of students down and eat, so why can‘t high schools have this?” Bosco said. “The social part is good and lunch is added. style. They’re too chunky,” who looked past the said Hannah Otto, Div. 179. [The] Hewitt people are impressed and want to share she said. memory of my price and bought a The CCC has grown to become a very valuable place practices with one in Atlanta.” Magafas believes that grandma,” class ring. Although for students such as Jennifer Guillen, Div. 253, who Proper behavior in the CCC during lunch periods most students do not wear it was pricey, he does comes in during lunch to sit on the couch and chat has been good, but a few students would prefer it to their rings once they leave - Stephanie not regret it. with her friends while watching the fish tank. be quieter. high school. The rings “Being in high “It is just so comfortable here,” said Guillen. “I con- “When people get too loud and start yelling and become a memory of the Harnett, school, people would sider myself lucky [for] having this center. You have all causing attention it just annoys me,” said Kathy Grolle, past. Div. 274 rather spend the the resources you need, so I come here everyday.” Div. 271. “School work can’t possibly be so exciting to Although Langford has a money on a car or The CCC has become an extension of the library with being yelling and screaming about it! So some people strong opinion about class something. Some the added bonus of being able to eat in the CCC. Some need to keep it down at times.” rings, she does have one kids just like to toss students find the CCC to be a more relaxing vibe, even Few other College and Career Centers have been built exception. it off as ‘uncool,’ but I figure we with the chatter in the background. other than the one at Lane. According to Vacek, how- “It’s okay to buy something to spend so much time at [Lane] that we “I started coming here about a month ago because ever, nothing he has seen compares to the atmosphere celebrate, but the money would be should be proud getting out alive,” the library is too quiet and I feel more relaxed instead found in Lane's. better invested in a timeless piece Zaric said. of feeling the pressure of school,” said Mingas Matkus, “I visited a center in a northern suburb and it seemed of jewelry like a band, earrings, or a He believes that not a lot of schools Div. 451. “It’s nice to come here and feel no pressure.” dead,” Vacek said. birthstone,” she said. have the opportunity to purchase a “In order to study I have to feel like I am at ease, like A noticeable difference in the northern suburb cen- Langford did not wear her ring in ring like Jostens offers the students. a home atmosphere, and in the CCC I feel it,” said ter is that it had little counselor presence such as that college but an antique emerald ring “They are a great company with Melissa Molina, Div. 375. found in Lane’s CCC where counselors regularly move her mother passed onto her when she great coverage,” Zaric said. “[Jostens The library is still very busy during lunch periods and in and out throughout the day. graduated. has] been a part of Lane tradition for has not been affected by the increasing number of stu- With growing numbers of students in the CCC, Va- Stephanie Harnett, Div. 274, is in years and they should always be a dents filling the CCC. The library also still maintains cek has had the opportunity to communicate more with favor of buying a ring, except it will Lane Tech student’s first choice when its peaceful environment and its 'no eating’ policy. students on a higher level and noticed that the number have a deeper meaning. The design it comes to class rings.” “This is a place for peaceful people who don’t want of transcripts being sent out has increased. she chose commemorates someone in Class rings are a love it or leave it mice running over their toes. That’s why there is no eat- “This year 53,000 transcripts have been sent out, while her family who passed away. deal. Now, it is up to the juniors to ing,” said Lane librarian Mrs. Kane. last year 36,000 transcripts were sent,” Vacek said. “I’m getting an ovarian cancer ring fill out their order form or throw it Molina actually finds the peaceful environment the The new popularity of the CCC is benefiting students in memory of my grandma,” she in the trash. library provides more stressful. in ways it was intended when originally built. said. “[The CCC is] not as disruptive as the library with all “I think word is spreading about being able to talk the shushing,” she said. and not getting shushed,” Vacek said. Mr. Vacek, a Lane counselor whose office is located in Advertise in

Contact us at [email protected] April 2011 International Days 2011 Page 12 April 2011 Features Page 14

Students talk about experiences Missteps, mishaps mark with foreign exchange students International Days Tankard said she By Agnieszka Chrznowska will definitely keep with only five on Saturday. contact with her By Alexandria Martinez Jeet Patel, Div. 251, attended In- sister” when she ternational Nights on Saturday and“ ,ةيبرعلاب ,Français, Español Italiano, Deutsche... goes back to her Bohdana Bahriy, Div. 275, laid noticed the lack of dance couples. Learning about differ- home country. her head on the desk in front of “I saw Italian perform on I-Days, ent cultures is not the only Egle Sideikyte, her slowly. Only a few minutes had so I knew something was a little off part of hosting a foreign ex- Div. 177, also en- passed since one of her Ukrainian when there were less people Satur- change student. Sometimes joyed time with her club members informed her that he day night. They still did a good job the experience of gaining a exchange student. would not be able to dance for Inter- though,” Patel said. new family member stands They talked via Fa- national Days. He had recently suf- Italian Club also had some cos- out the most. cebook before she fered a knee injury, and his mother tume troubles during their dress re- This year, some families came to Chicago. did not think it was a good idea for hearsals. of Lane students have pre- That way, they were him to participate. She argued with “When we spun around in our pared and opened up their comfortable with him angrily until she decided to give dresses, our stomachs were visible, so homes to foreign exchange each other before up and try to fix the mess that was we all ended up having to wear tank students. They clean, cook, they met. about to unravel in front of her. As tops underneath,” said Bryan. “In the entertain, and adjust their “She got along president, she had to find a solu- end though, everything looked great own lifestyles to show the best well with my par- tion to fill the now empty spot, and and I’m proud of our club.” of American life. ents,” Sideikyte said. “She fast. Like many other ethnic clubs Like Italian Club, O.L.A.S. also Mrs. Paganelli, creator of fell right into the swing of who perform on International Days, had some costume trouble. the Italian Exchange Student Program at Lane things in our house.” Ukrainian Club had some drama “We had some trouble with our and an Italian teacher, said that students get to Sideikyte took her visitor about to break loose. dresses. We did not like the first one know the “real culture” rather than the stereotype associ- to the Hard Rock Cafe, Water Tower Place, and on frequent “Ukrainian Club all worked really we ordered, but we’re happy with the ated with it after participating in the program. visits to Starbucks. Sideikyte’s favorite memory was when hard this year final one,” said Nicki Searl, Div. 161, was one of the students to expe- she took her to the Statesville Haunted Prison, a haunted and had a per- Whitney Bel- rience this “real culture.” She had two exchange students house. fect routine,” lido, Div. 173. from Germany who shared their traditions in her home. “She was terrified. She kept grabbing on to the guy in said Bahriy. The O.L.A.S. “The students cooked German dishes for [my family],” Searl front of her who was there with his girlfriend. It was hilari- “Then all of girls received said. “They wrote the recipes in a journal and gave it to me.” ous!” a sudden we their final Searl’s exchange students also gave her German gifts be- Although many of the students were a pleasure to host, lost a dancer dresses only fore they returned to their country. She was given a photo some were a hassle. and I broke two weeks be- book about Hamburg, an apron with a picture of Hamburg An anonymous student, Div. 367, said her guest was add- down. I knew fore the Inter- on it, and marzipan, which is a traditional German candy ing all of her friends on Facebook. it was not his national Day’s usually made out of sugar and almond meal. She said her guest had “never even met [them] fault, but all dress rehearsal. Elizabeth Winters, Div. 264, said that before,” and eventually deleted her student as a I could think “Besides the her mother and exchange student friend on the website. about was how hard it would be to problems with our dresses, everyone would talk to each other in Ger- The anonymous student fix this. Soon enough I realized that worked so hard, and showed up to man. also noticed her guest I had to deal with the situation and practice. Now we’re like family,” said “Having a German exchange displaying odd habits find my vice president a partner.” Bellido. student really reminded my mom during her stay. Her ex- Bahriy decided to have one of Middle Eastern Club had to dance of her culture and she was able to change student would the gentlemen in her group dance in the dark for Saturdays Interna- actually relate to someone in the take random pictures of with two ladies while everyone else tional Night. house,” she said. herself at Lane and Jewel. danced with partners, so nobody was “When the lights on the stage Although not all cases were this “They weren’t just nor- left out. went out, it felt like my heart fell cross-culturally smooth, they were mal pictures either, they “I feel I made the best decision for to the floor,” said Middle Eastern still a pleasant experience for the were the kissy face ones,” my club, and I am completely happy Club member, Brandi Lee, Div. 261. hosts. she said. about how everything turned out,” “Thank God we were wearing white, Georgia Tankard, Div. 354, has a The exchange student said Bahriy. because even with the lights out, it Malaysian student living with her. would wait for doors to be Italian club also experienced several was possible to see us. We all just Although Tankard was younger opened for her everywhere issues this year. kept dancing and it turned out fine. than her international guest by four years, she went and expected to be “Our booth was a mess, and half of They even gave us a redo! Lights on they got along very well. treated like a princess. our dancers were missing on Satur- this time.” “We bake together,” Tankard said. “She has a great sense “I know she was an only child,” day night because they had a Dance Through the work, sweat, and of humor and a hearty laugh.” said the anonymous student, “so I think that can be the Team competition. We had to redo some tears, International Days was a When Tankard was having a bad day her exchange student reason she acted so differently.” all of our formations,” said Italian success for most of the ethnic clubs would comfort her. Despite the good and bad experiences, students who took Club member, Bailey Bryan, Div. involved - even if a few headaches, “We would go on the roof of my house and have heart to advantage of the opportunity of hosting an exchange student 265. injured knees, and a shortage of heart conversations,” Tankard said. “She also came to my were left with lasting memories. They were able to meet new Instead of the 11 dance couples dancers had to be overcome to get room once and told me to not worry. Then she gave me a people, make friends, and experience different personalities. Italian originally had, they danced there. hug. She has such a vibrant aura.” Except this time, they did it with a cultural twist. Aspira gives spirited performance at Chicago Salsa Congress Raul Navarrete, Div. 457, already looks forward to being part of the privilege. By Dirce Toca hype all over again. “When I’m on stage performing, it is just the best feeling you can “I want to stay with Aspira for the next three years. Because once an get,” Burns said. Drum-heavy music, energetic rhythm, complete with spins - all Aspirante, always an Aspirante,” Navarrete said. Aspira performs to get the crowd going. Hearing the audience get part of their routine. Flashes of pink and white, casual smiles, and Navarrete’s dance partner, Noele Contreras, Div. 251, has been louder and louder as they respond with cheers motivates Aspirantes salsa styling. This is Aspira on stage performing at the Chicago Salsa performing at Congress since 2009. Two years ago, she performed to perform even better. Congress. with another of Lane’s clubs, ABC, and has started to enjoy the per- “When I first start, I give it my all,” Navarrete said. “And if I hear At the yearly event, Chicago celebrates the rich formances more and more. that the audience likes it, I give them more. At the end of the show, I cultural traditions of Latin and Afro-Caribbe- “Different groups, same ex- feel lucky and blessed to have a family like Aspira by my side.” an music and dance. It adds up to a total citement, different experi- Aspira, now in their eighth year performing at Congress, continue of four nights and three days of non-stop ence. I still feel the same to excel in delivering outstanding performances and look forward to excitement and dance productions for As- rush minutes before performing again next year. pira members. I’m about to perform,” “Performing in front of a crowd full of Contreras said. professionals and experienced dancers both The same excitement tri- makes me nervous and excited,” said Aspira ples for Aspira’s seniors. Three president Giovanny Ospina, Div. 172. years an Aspirante, Aracelis Perez, Aspira began practicing in late October, two Div. 179, is sad to have completed times a week for two to four hours a practice. her last Congress performance. Their choreographer, Chris Rios, a Lane alum, created their routine. “Dancing is my passion. I can express myself through dance. And Rios was an Aspira member himself during his four years of high it didn’t hit me that I was a senior until my last performance in both school. And this year, he wanted to present the crowd with Bomba Congress and International Days,” she said. and Salsa, the two main cultural dances of Puerto Rico. Another of Aspira’s seniors, Francesca Burns, Div. 184, performed Aspira’s routine was chosen as the best when they performed in her first and last routine at Congress. the Amateur Show, and as a result they earned the opportunity to “I definitely wish I could’ve been in Aspira earlier because it really perform again opening the night show. was one of the most fun things I’ve done and Congress was amazing,” “It’s not a competition really but a showcase,” said vice-president Burns said. Micaela Sabbi, Div. 258. Dancing is not just practicing and memorizing a four minute rou- For many of the dancers in Aspira, Congress was a first experience. tine. For some of these dancers, it is their passion. Performing is a Members of Aspira pose before dancing at Congress. April 2011 Features Page 15 Coming of age traditions still embraced cake with her favorite colors and cartoon character, pants with a matching purple tie. By Jasmine Grullon Tinker Bell, on top. After eating and socializing, The celebrant and her court danced a waltz where guests and the birthday girl danced until the end each female of the court presented her with a single After her mother announced her name, Mosadi of the party. candle and each male with a rose then they each Goodman, Div. 267, entered her party with the Christine Javonillo, Div. 155, celebrated her 18th dance with her for a short while. After the waltz was smooth beat of “She Got birthday the traditional Filipi- the Father-Daughter dance. It Made” by Plies playing no way by having a Debutante Faviola Loza, Div. 354, celebrated her Sweet 16 in the background. She Ball, also known as a Debut. with a twist on tradition. grinned at all her party Javonillo discussed with her Instead of having a Quinceanera on her 15th guests, who were wearing parents whether they should birthday, she celebrated it on her 16th. pink and purple clothing spend their money on just one Like a Filipino Debut, a Quinceneara also rep- and glow-in-the-dark ac- night, because Javonillo had her resents the beginning of womanhood but for His- cessories that matched the own plans to spend that money panic girls. decor of the venue. The on a car. As the year went on, Loza had a poofy dress with turquoise and purple sound of the music and the she believed that the debut was ruffles while her five Damas, a group of girls in her applause from the guests not going to happen. court of honor, had purple colored dresses. Her was a moment she will nev- “It wasn’t until my friend’s five Chambelanes, a group of guys in her court of er forget. It was a night all debut that really inspired me honor, wore white tuxedoes with turquoise ties that about her. It was her Sweet to finalize my decision,” said matched her dress. 16. Javonillo. “That was the night Damas and Chambelanes act in the Quniceanera’s These girls put a bang in I had asked a close friend of court as if they were a bride’s bridesmaids or grooms- their birthdays, going far mine to be my escort—and so men. They all took photos with the Quinceanera. beyond party hats, balloons it began.” Before taking pictures, a Quinceanera tradition- and pin the tail on the don- For a traditional Filipino De- ally begins at a church to receive the blessing from key. Coming of a certain but, the 18 year-old girl wears the priest. Christine Javonillo, Div. 155, poses in her age is a big deal for some a beautiful ball gown to her After her blessing, Loza continued on with her dress for her Debutante Ball, a traditional cultures, whether it be 15, party. The debutant also has a celebration with a grand party at a banquet hall. Filipino birthday celebration. 16, 18, or maybe even 21. court of 18 members, nine girls Traditionally, the young girl has La Ultima Mu- Having a banquet hall filled Faviola Loza, Div. 354, celebrated her and nine guys. In addition, she ñeca, The Last Doll, that tells everyone that she is “[The Quinceanera is] a really nice experience,” with your closest friends Quinceneara on her 16th birthday. has her own escort as her dance no longer in need of that toy. Another tradition is El said Loza. “I wish I could re-do it just for the feel- and family members to partner. Cambio del Zapato, Shoe change, where the young ing of that day being all about you. It’s a once in a help celebrate your special day is one popular way Javonillo wore a purple gown with little silver girl switches her flat shoe, that she wore entering the lifetime experience.” to celebrate your birthday. crystals detailing her dress. She also wore a silver party, with high heeled shoes. “We wanted to experience something symboliz- Goodman celebrated her 16th birthday with rhinestone tiara and a white corsage with purple Loza enjoyed these traditions at her Quinceanera, ing my entrance to womanhood,” said Javonillo. “I friends and family. Along with colorful decorations, flowers. Her female court each wore a purple one- along with a waltz with her court and a surprise hip- have no regrets. I’m glad I had the party.” Goodman had a photo booth set up and a massive shoulder dress and the males wore a black shirt and hop dance with her Damas. Spring brings relief from long winter; Lane outdoor life springs to life nothing to do,” she said. “When it’s warm, O’Connell, Div. 182. “Sand everywhere, By Cody Lee everything is so much better. Everyone is and people everywhere. Nothing’s better out and about. It just makes you feel so than that.” Ahh, spring time... hang your coats up, happy!” The arrival of spring also makes Lane a and throw your boots in the back of the As the weather gets warmer after the snowy popular after-school hangout. You could closet. Bust out the booty shorts, tank tops winter, more activities become available. catch people playing football in the front and flip flops, and replace your frostbite “I’m going to take up skateboarding this of the school, soccer balls getting kicked with sunburn. The spring offers a cornuco- spring. I’ve been wanting to for a while, but around in the parking lot, and couples lying pia of options not possible in the winter. I obviously couldn’t in the winter,” Daniel together out on the grass. The campus is so Want to skateboard, or ride a bike around? Gomez, Div. 285 said. “I really like being vast, it leaves room for anyone and everyone Feel free, the snow is no longer falling. downtown when it’s nice out, so I’d love be- to relax and enjoy the weather. Want to go down to the beach and swim? ing downtown...on a skateboard.” Who really cares about sledding and snow- Go ahead! The layer of ice over the lake has If skateboarding downtown does not tick- ball fights when we could finally come to finally melted. le your fancy, maybe the beach is the place school in shorts and sandals? The winter is Abbey Schuster, Div. 379, welcomes the to be. played out, it is time for the spring breeze warmth of spring with open arms. “The best thing to do, hands down, is chill to come into effect, and that it is. Condola- “I’ve waited so long for [spring], I’m so at the beach. Me and my buddies can do nces to the freshman who cannot go out for done with snow, freezing weather, and that for hours when it’s warm,” said Patrick lunch. A student enjoys the weather throwing a frisbee on the lawn. Lane students stuck between ethnic cultures when I was little,” said Lovric. used to it, but her nostalgia has not worn off. that Leung met her family’s relatives for the first By Julia Kulon As a little girl, Lovric’s biggest dream was to move “I miss the freedom of the countryside, the abil- time. Having never met them, Leung was nervous back to Croatia and live there. The feeling now is ity to breathe fresh air,” said Borek. “I miss the si- but discovered that they were the most generous Her eyes are elsewhere. Everything else about her not exactly the same. Lovric considers Chicago to lence.” people she had ever met. is right there in the classroom. She holds a mas- be her home and while she can appreciate going Borek definitely wants to return to Poland after “I felt like I knew them all my life,” said Leung. cara rod in one hand and a mirror in the other, back to Croatia, she gets bored there easily. The vil- she finishes her studies. She goes back every sum- Leung’s biggest shock was the quick pace of the her keys lay on the desk, and her book bag sits at lage where her family lives back in Croatia can get mer for two months, but feels that isn’t enough. country and of the people. It took her most of her her knees. a bit claustrophobic and life is subject to routine. “Poland is my home,” said Borek. trip to get used to being pushed in the streets - an “I feel like I’m stuck in between two worlds,” she The whole village knows everyone there, and bus Zorgie Sanchez, Div. 284, was born in Chicago aspect of everyday life. At the end of her travels in says softly. “It’s difficult.” drivers have the most solid jobs. but feels an incredible connection to her parents’ China, she had come to realize that she had devel- She blinks, and her eyes come back, finding their “We go back every two years homeland, Venezuela. San- oped the same pace. place somewhere beside her keys and that back- during the summer,” said chez’s parents came to the “At the airport when they announced that they pack. Lovric. “When we’re there, it’s “I feel like I’m United States for a vacation, were now accepting boarding passes, everyone [on Yousra Jouglaf, Div. 269, is talking about her rela- like we’ve never left.” and upon becoming situated, the flight] immediately got up, and ran to the ter- tionship between two countries: Morocco and the Lovric considers herself be ended up extending their minal,” said Leung. “It was crazy.” United States. Divided by the large North Atlantic “Americanized” for the most stuck in stay indefinitely. She and her Sanchez also feels a difference between the US Ocean, the two are a whopping 4,273 miles apart. part. family make way to Puerto and Venezuela. Jouglaf, born in Kenitra, Morocco, emigrated to But Edyta Borek, Div. 257, between two Ordaz, Venezuela, every two “I feel like the teenagers [in Venezuela] are more the United States at the age of four. Having attend- longs for Poland more than years for three to four weeks. polite,” said Sanchez. “The communities are much ed an international school in Kenitra, Jouglaf knew anything. Unlike Lake Michigan, the smaller, and people have a habit of just coming in English but still found the transition to the U.S. to Borek moved to the United worlds,” said water is a clear blue and the for dinner.” be incredibly rough in the beginning. States when she was ten years mountains reflect on the There are some perks of living in another world “I had a really hard time adjusting. My parents [a old. She stayed with her grand- shoreline. for a little while. diplomat and professor] were never around, and I parents for the first year and Yousra Jouglaf, “I always look forward to “Waking up in the morning, eating breakfast, and found myself not being really able to associate with then her parents found jobs. seeing my whole family,” said then going to the beach and sitting at local cafes is anyone,” said Jouglaf. She remembers her first day Div. 269. Sanchez. “I don’t get to see just heaven,” said Jouglaf. Her parents moved to the United States for more of school in America. Her them every day. It’s special.” “My grandmother cooks the best food,” said opportunities for their two daughters. The educa- teacher did not realize that Christina Leung, Div. 270, Lovric. “She always makes my favorite food, which tional system in Morocco was mediocre and the Borek could not understand half of the story that feels a tremendous tie to her homeland, China, is a flaky pastry made out of dough.” future was predictable. she was told to read. even though she was born in Chicago. Leung’s “I loved eating left over rice for breakfast,” said Ana Lovric, Div. 267, has parents who also “I remember when I came into the classroom, parents made sure that she was raised in a tradi- Leung. “Crab rangoon, egg rolls, and orange chick- moved to the United States for a better life. Her and the people were reading a book. I was told to tional Chinese environment and Leung is grateful en are not real Chinese food.” parents made the move because of the Bosnia and follow along as they were reading but I wasn’t able for that. Even in a bustling metropolis of diversity like Herzegovina War that happened between 1992 to,” said Borek. “It’s nice to have that cultural identity,” said Le- Chicago, some things in life are still missing for im- and 1995. Her father came first to America shortly Borek, a native of the small village Greboszow, ung. migrant students - things that can only be reached after Lovric’s birth and sent for her and her mother had to adjust to Chicago. She couldn’t sleep in the Leung has only been to China twice in her life: with a lengthy plane flight and a heavy case of jet- after establishing a home for them. beginning because she lived by a busy street and once in seventh grade and the second time the sum- lag afterwards. “I remember learning English by watching TV everything seemed too loud. Eventually she did get mer before her junior year. It was her second time April 2011 Features Page 16 ACT prep classes: wise investment or waste of money? me to go out of state to college, I need took her ACT prep classes junior year happy. Some students take ACT prep classes By Mary Presley to score in the high 20s,” said Micou. at Hunting Learning Center in Park Junior, Natalie Frazier, Div. 281, re- outside of Lane free of charge. Kevin Even though Micou feels pressure, she Ridge. It cost about $3000, and she cently started a Princeton ACT review Palacios, Div. 265 has just started taking From school to Irish Club to swim- knows the ACT prep classes will help went once a week. She started them last program. It cost $449 and she has to the Gear Up ACT prep classes on Mon- ming practice, straight to ACT prep her in the long run. summer, and finished in March. go Saturdays and Sundays from 2-5pm. days and Wednesdays 5-6pm. These classes, Hannah Viti, Div. 252, was “Taking the class is definitely worth “My mom and I thought it would be Frazier knows she is not good at test classes are only free for the students that exhausted, but determined. Mondays, it, because when you are trying to get the best program because it was one on taking, which is why she decided to are a part of the program. Wednesdays and Saturdays for five into a good college, you have to succeed one tutoring, and I would have gotten seek extra help. Frazier knows what she “The instructors are really patient and weeks from 5-9pm, Viti was studying the ACT part, and I do not want to be a all the attention I needed,” said Ma- wants, and knows how to get it. they even went over my wrong answers persistently at Kaplan’s ACT prep class failure,” said Micou. lone. “All universities require high ACT from the PSAT test that I took at Lane,” program. Viti is serious about her fu- Micou is thinking about going to But Malone feels the program did not scores, and with a high score, I can get Palacios said. ture, and will do anything it takes to get Duke or Georgetown; she certainly has benefit her much, and if she could do scholarships and grants. I want to get Palacios found Lane’s ACT prep class- into top universities, Tulane and Tufts, her eye on her goals. it again, she would not take the course into a big university; I’m even aiming es a problem in his schedule. even if it means paying around $600 for “I want to be in the top 10th percen- at all. for Ivy League schools, so it is a personal “I was doing track and it was difficult the Kaplan sessions, and $350 for four tile at Lane, and I want to be a psycholo- “I personally do not think I learned goal for me,” Frazier said. going after school or in the morning. weeks of tutoring sessions on Sundays gist,” said Micou. anything, because I got a pretty low Frazier confesses that the ACT prep The gear up program is really conve- for two hours. Micou admits that the ACT practice score. I think my mom should have classes keep her really busy, and make nient for me,” he said. Most juniors have started to prepare for at UIC is more than just preparation for spent her money somewhere else, or I her work really hard. Whether students are taking ACT the ACT test, but it is the high achievers the test. should have tried a little harder. Every- “ACT classes take a lot of work and prep classes at Lane or somewhere else, at Lane that are giving other students a “I think it is good preparation because thing was a waste of money,” said Ma- determination, especially on week- most agree that what really makes a dif- run for their ACT scores. it is helping me out with my classes this lone. ends. My whole Saturdays and Sundays ference in their scores is how hard they “I have goals and I have been ready year, besides the ACT. It is also prepar- In spite of her negative feelings about are gone, and then they give so much choose to work. to go to college since freshman year. I’m ing me for my junior classes next year, the Kaplan classes, Malone’s hard work homework,” she said. just ready to go,” said Viti. so everything will not be a complete still landed her an acceptance letter to Frazier is confident, however, that she In order to take control of her fu- shocker,” said Micou. Illinois State, making her mom really will get a lot out of the work. ture, Viti had to take the first step by Senior Andrea Castellanos, Div. 157, investing a lot of money in the Kaplan is another student taking extra steps to program. But through it all, the money reach her goals. Like Viti, Castellanos proved to be a good investment. took ACT prep classes with the Kaplan “I took the ACT test sophomore year program, which cost her $1000. At the and I received a 25 or 26. When I took same time she also took the ACT prep the practice test this year, I thought it classes at Lane. The Kaplan program was hard and long, but with Kaplan, I lasted five months, and she went twice learned how to time it and it made me a week. more comfortable. We took four prac- “The Kaplan program was longer than tice tests, and I just got more used to it, Lane’s. It was more classes, so it was so when I took the test at the end of the more dedication. They go step by step Kaplan session I got a 28,” Viti said. with problem solving, and it is more Not settling for a 28, Viti really wants one on one,” said Castellanos. a 30 when she takes the ACT test in Castellanos knows the demands of April at Lane. Even if she does not get a high expectations. 30, she will still be happy with her score “There was a lot of pressure from my of 28. parents, because they know with a low Viti is not the only Lane student that is ACT score, I would not have been able trying to reach his or her full potential. to get into a good college, but with a Other Lane students are also devoted to good score I would have had lots of op- extra ACT prep classes outside of Lane portunities. Besides that, the Kaplan to guarantee them a high score. program gives you a homework session Milan Micou, Div. 381, is only a that they expect you to do and it is over sophomore and is a step ahead of her whelming. Then I have my homework peers because she is already preparing from school and trying to keep my for the ACT test for next year. She is grades up, it is all very stressful,” said attending classes at the University of Il- Castellanos. linois at Chicago, every Saturday from The Kaplan program also helped Cas- 9am-1pm. Both of Micou’s parents are tellanos with her math classes she was college graduates, so they decided her taking at the time, and she has learned taking the ACT prep class a year in ad- things she still remembers. vance will give her good preparation for Castellanos did overcome the stress and next year. came through the experience alive, with “It is a goal to succeed in my family, no wrinkles, and a good ACT score. Comic by Edwin Cho and it is a lot of pressure. In order for Senior Christine Malone, Div.182, Students report on adventures in babysitting LANE JACKETS and crying so I turned it WOOL BODY LEATHER SLEEVES QUILT LINED By Estefania Rodriguez off really fast. He even- Complete with all lettering and emblems tually calmed down, Oluwamide Agun- but he was still a little Made the way you want! loye, Div. 285, ran into scared,” she said. CHOICE OF SLEEVE COLOR the kitchen not knowing Daniela Zermeno, Div. SPORT NAMES ADDED L YOUR LETTERS AND PATCHES SEWN ON what to expect when he 268, entered the house EMBLEMS AND ADDITIONS SEWN ON JACKETS heard his mom yelling. she was getting ready to VARSITY JACKET CLEANING He looked at his baby babysit in and was tack- sister, whom he was led by 5 children. They CHICAGO KNITTING MILLS babysitting at the time, were the excited kids 3344 W. MONTROSE, CHICAGO (773)463-1464 and she looked fine. As she was getting ready to he got to the kitchen he quickly noticed the problem. There babysit. They were full of energy and ready to have fun. were ants everywhere. For most teens, babysitting is a fast “It was overwhelming but it all turned out all right,” she way to make money, but for others it’s a disaster waiting to said. happen. Most Lane students agree that the hardest part of babysit- For Agunloye, it was the latter. ting is putting the kids to sleep. “One time when I was babysitting my little sister, she went “One time the little girl I was babysitting decided to put into the fridge, got out the salsa and spread it all over the on her bathing suit and glittery shoes right before bed,” said floors. I didn’t notice until my mom came home screaming Rachel Brustein, Div. 251. because she saw ants everywhere. We sprayed bug spray all Babysitters everywhere can rejoice in the fact that most over the place and eventually had to call an exterminator. babysitting stories are pretty normal and have a good end- That was one of the last times I babysat,” Agunloye said. ing. Whenever Agunloye’s mom asks him to babysit he just has “I babysit my sister and neighborhood kids and the worst to bring up the “salsa incident” for her to change her mind. thing that’s happened is me burning the popcorn,” said Madalina Bic, Div. 259, also had a bad babysitting experi- Charles Bania, Div. 253. ence when babysitting her cousin. While babysitting can sometimes prove to be “difficult and “He was staring at the vacuum, and I figured he was curious a little crazy,” most Lane students agree that it is worth it in to see how it worked so I turned it on. He started screaming the end. April 2011 Features Page 17 Recession hits Lane students hard

mother’s wallet. money is not something they do for fun, but for that special night By Luis Rios “Last time I went grocery shopping with my mom, we purchased that would mark the end of their high school career: prom. over $100 worth of groceries, but we only ended up paying about “We are really looking forward for prom, but we have estimated Tighten up your wallets, cut out your coupons, wait for the sales. $60 after we used some coupons. Since then, just as soon as the all the costs to be around $500. I personally have given up my water Saving time is about to start. Some Lane students continue to suffer newspaper arrives, I clip out the coupons for future shopping,” said bottle habit and began saving that money instead. In the long run, the effects of the current economic recession on their wallet. Gutierrez. seven dollars I save a week can really add up,” said Nguyen. As the economic crisis continues its toll, many students at Lane find Some Lane students prefer to save as much possible and forget Nguyen advises all the girls who are looking for a prom dress to buy it necessary to do everything they can to save up as much money as where they placed their money. That is the case for Grisel Medina, a dress that can be worn for future occasions. possible. Christine Javonillo, Div. 155, saves up the green in Div. 472. “I am looking to buy a inexpensive dress that is not very extrava- her wallet and the green in the environment. “I used to get more allowance money from my dad, but he gant. Therefore I can reuse the dress for another event and use up the “I just recently began to carpool with my friend. recently got his hours cut off. My allowance money has be- value of the dress,” said Nguyen. At the end of the week, I save up some money and come extremely valuable to the point that I hide my mon- Other Lane students have been forced to become “bargain hunters” I protect the environment,” said Javoni- ey in a book and place the book in a box under my bed. and voraciously search for clothing deals. llo. I try not to remember about the money until it is Friday Jennifer Alvarez, Div. 162, believes that it does not take much While some students save night and I am out with my friends,” said Medina. money to stay fashionable. their transportation money, For other students at Lane, saving money is not some- “I have started to shop only when sales are going on. I often look others are having to change thing they do by themselves, but with the person he or in the store’s clearance section. You just have to search where to look their eating habits. she most love. Couple, Wanda Nguyen, Div. 182, and for deals without sacrificing the style,” said Alvarez. “I used to eat out every- Paul Yalda, Div. 162, have taken an oath Nguyen advises students to be smart and realistic when they buy day. Now I am restricted to to challenge the recession together. their clothes. stay inside the cafeteria,” “We do not do anything expensive “When I enter a store, my eyes fly straight at the sales and clear- said Huyen Vo Div. 227. on a date. Sometimes we just stay ance section. Sometimes you can find the exact same thing you are Other Lane students have home and spend the afternoon looking for or even better, at a much lower price. The key is to not been encouraged to take out playing board games. We have to overspend on trends because they come and go very fast,” said their scissors and commence a been together for such a long time Nguyen. “coupon clipping frenzy.” that I do not look for those mate- As the recession persists, prom couple, Nguyen and Yalda, and Madeline Gutierrez, Div. rial aspects anymore. His presence is other students at Lane, become more money wise and conscious, 364, has experienced the posi- what makes me happy,” said Nguyen. without disregarding the power of the penny. tive effects coupons have on her But for Nguyen and Yalda, saving Navigating ins, outs of Lane tough for students not ‘in the know’

knowledge of Lane’s hallways seemed to be lacking, Unlike Shafqat, a junior who still has trouble get- “I thought you would walk down the halls and By Mady Savoie she did have other helpful tips to give. ting around, Hannah Paral, Div. 474, discovered get lost but every way you walk you know some- “Joining clubs matters a lot,” said Shafqat. “It a way to get ahead of the game when it came to one,” she said. Some people say there is no worse feeling than looks good on your transcript and service points getting around Lane’s hallways this year. Her advice to all students is to know that there is looking back on a situation and thinking, “If only get you into NHS…which looks even better on “Do a fall sport because then you get an extra a place for everyone, whether in a club, a sport, or I had known that then…” Looking back on their your transcript!” month to get to know the building before anyone a group of people. months, or years, at Lane, students have these For dealing with those teachers, Shafqat, along else,” she said. “We are legit one family,” she said. thoughts all the time as the with Stephen Yoshida, As for money saving tips, Tall had a helpful hint Whether seniors or freshmen, every Lane stu- secrets about making life Div. 250, advises to as well; a Jewel preferred card is not necessary to dent learns their own tips for getting around and at Lane easier are exposed talk to them and not be get back those crucial savings. Key in the code four, most students do not mind sharing what they have a little too late. It is high afraid to ask for help. plus any ten random numbers and your, “card,” learned. Anything to help a fellow student make time these tips and tricks “They’re sweeter once will be accepted. these four short years of high school as easy as pos- are shared before it is too you get the chance to “Had I known that freshmen year, I could have sible. late for them to be help- know them,” Shafqat saved at least 80 bucks by now,” Tall said. ful. said. Then, there are always those who stick to the usu- One of the usual pieces Yoshida advises stu- al tips of surviving the immensity of Lane. Dana of advice given to all fresh- dents to remember that Torres, Div. 460, says to heed these men for getting around teachers are people too. warnings. Lane consists of something He says it is important “Do not fall behind right along the lines of, “Only to remember that they away. It’s so easy to get lost in take staircases H, Z, and want to help whenever Lane’s massive size. Stay on O when absolutely neces- they can. top of school work!” he said. sary.” Although this advice “Every time I’ve asked On the other hand, with is often assumed to be well for any sort of help I’ve almost four years of Lane known by all freshmen, it gotten it,” said Yoshida. behind her, Jordan Shaugh- never got around to junior, “So instead of crying nessy, Div. 178, wished she Amna Shafqat, Div. 251, about not understand- had come into Lane knowing until this year. ing anything, you how small of a place it really Although Shafqat’s should ask a teacher.” is. Texting more than habit; becoming addiction texting, while others use as minumum as needed per month. More than seeing people text all day, some are more annoyed when By Ivelisse Negron “I send about 200 texts a month. I’m really not a big texter. I text someone texts because they do not have the confidence to speak to the most when I need help on homework or just bored,” said Clara them in person. There is a thin line between the need to text and the addiction to Mata, Div. 328. “I have no problem with texting. I like it, but don’t text me all day it. Texting has become a part of teens’ daily lives. It’s more than just Teens have different opinions as to when they believe someone is ad- long and then not say ‘hi’ in person. I don’t get when people do that,” something they do. It’s something they need. From dicted to texting and although some admit said Savannah Crespo, Div. the second they wake up to the minute they lay their they do it more than others, they do agree 281. head down to sleep, many teenagers are glued to “I feel like I’m that it is something they do. “I am a firm believer their cell phones. “You’re addicted when you take it with in person to person in- Night or day, teens seem to find themselves hav- not a part of you everywhere and are constantly check- teraction,” said Moses ing to reply to every text they receive: work, before ing it, even when you’re in the shower...or Castro, Div. 192. school, during school, after school, even at two in when you think you feel it vibrate when Many say that’s its not the morning. Even with the bright light blinding the world when it really hasn’t,” said Diana Guzman, Div. good to be so dependent their eyes from the keyboard, teens do what needs to 281. on your phone. Some say be done to stay connected. my phone dies,” “You’re an addict when you get your it’s so much more then “I feel like I’m not a part of the world when my phone taken away and you beg to use your just texting, it’s Facebook , phone dies,” said Christiano Aranez, Div. 278. said Christiano friend’s,” said Erik Perez, Div. 282. Twitter, BBM, music, etc. Although some use their phones to keep in contact “You’re addicted when you wake up in Something is always call- with their parents and for emergencies, most text Aranez, the morning and you look at your phone ing teens back to their cell socially. and you’re not trying to see what time it is. phones. Some find themselves to be empty without it. Oth- Div. 278. You’re looking for a text. I admit I some- Although many believe ers feel that its unhealthy to text so much. times do that,” said Christaino Aranez, they’re not addicted, they “Texting becomes an addiction when you have Div. 278. agree that they don’t realize your phone in your hand 24/7. My cousin has it in her hand all day, Some find it easier and less awkward to text than call or talk in how dependent they are on everyday and doesn’t even speak when she has it. It’s like she’s in her person, while some strongly disagree. their phones until they no own little world,” said Amanda Sturgill, Div. 271. “Its kind of takes you away from your face-to-face social skills,” said longer have it. Many don’t know what they would do without their unlimited Amanda Sturgill, Div. 271. April 2011 Features Page 18 Security starting to crack down on beverages brought into building lunchroom or classrooms they are al- about causing hallway hazards. schools mainly because it is a safety do so,” Mr. Jarka said. By Emina Cirkic lowed to eat in. When the weather “I stained my entire white jacket one issue. Compared to other CPS schools, gets cold outside, students want the morning trying to sneak in coffee. I “I don’t the view the rule as unfair. Lane’s security issues are not as se- It’s early Monday morning and Door privilege of bringing hot drinks to smelled like coffee and perfume all I’ve heard of past experiences where vere. A is bustling with students squirm- school to stay warm. The drinks many day. It was horrible,” said Joselyn Ba- students brought alcohol in the build- “Lane students are good people who ing to get in. Tracy Conoboy, Div. students buy have caffeine in them, dillo, Div. 260. ing [in coffee cups]. It’s a safety con- have been brought up right by their 251, walks through the door with a which helps students concentrate dur- “This one time, in my class, my cern,” O’Neil said. parents. If our major concern is peo- medium sized coffee from Dunkin ing school. friend Francisco Moreno tried to Security cannot ensure that there is ple sneaking coffee into the building, Donuts, eager to start her day. As she “My teacher saw me drinking Dunkin steal my coffee and spilled it all over coffee or hot chocolate in the cup and then we are having a great year,” Mr. walks past the Donuts in the my hoodie. We didn’t clean it up. I not alcohol. The rule is mainly sup- Jarka said. security guards, morning and said I just took off my hoodie,” said Philip posed to protect the students’ safety. Mr. Jarka is keen on enforcing the Ms. O’Neil, a “What’s the should keep drink- Troung, Div. 280. Lane Tech security has nothing to do rules and making sure all of Lane’s teacher at Lane, ing it because I pay “I have seen students try to sneak with the rule; they just enforce the students are safe. His suggestion to stops Conoboy difference if attention more in the coffee cups in their side pockets,” rules given to them by the Board Of the coffee dilemma: Lane should open and tells her his class and stay said Ms. O’Neil. “The hot drink is a Education. a Starbucks in the lunchroom, but the to throw away awake during his safety issue. If the coffee cup breaks, “If students can’t handle the respon- coffee should only be consumed in the the coffee or it’s in a cup lectures,” Conoboy the drink can burn the student’s leg.” sibility [of bringing outside drinks to lunch room, of course! finish it out- said. “The rule is CPS enforced this rule in all public school] they won’t get the privilege to side. Frustrated or thermos? so unfair because that she can- if I pour my cof- not drink the What harm fee from Dunkin hot beverage in Donuts into a ther- a few minutes, does mos, I could bring Conoboy is it in the building. forced to throw a cup of What’s the differ- the drink away. ence if it’s in a cup A $1.69 thrown or thermos? What in the trash. coffee pose to harm does a cup of She’ll know bet- coffee pose to the ter next time. the school?” school?” A rule re- “If it was up to cently enforced - Tracy me, I wouldn’t al- at Lane has low thermoses is raised contro- Conoboy, in the building versy among either,” said Mr. many students. Jarka, Dean of Stu- According to Div. 251. dents. “[The ther- the Lane Stu- mos] is considered dent Handbook, “If you buy food/or private property so we cannot make drinks at an outside facility, you are students throw it away.” not to bring it into the lunchroom. This year, there have been mul- Eat and drink where you made your tiple accidents in the hallways where purchase.” However, many students students spill coffee or drinks. Some disagree with the rule because they students walk away from the mess and think it is unfair to be limited to what the wet floor becomes a hazard to oth- they eat or drink at school. er students’ safety. A spill requires se- “If we are allowed to go out and buy curity or Mr. Jarka to stand over it in food and drinks, we should be allowed the halls, preventing slips until it can to finish it in the school,” said Aishe be cleaned up. This also creates extra Beqoue, Div. 162. work for the maintenance staff. Students want the freedom to go Some students, however, worry more out and buy food and finish it in the about personal messes than they do Comic by Edwin Cho Popularity of energy drinks skyrockets; Students deal with unhealthy effects

outcomes are heart palpitations, strokes, and Velocity regard- By Nicole Jacobs even sudden death. less of the nutri- With the increasing popularity of energy drinks tional facts, but It occurred on a Monday afternoon during sky-rocketing, a great number of people rely on only if it’s on sale lunch last year. Raul Saucedo, Div. 192, start- these drinks instead of a regular cup of coffee in or if I’m really ed to feel a heavy sensation in his chest and it the morning. Popular energy drinks among teens tired,” said Betancourt. quickly grew difficult for him to breathe. At that and adults include Monster, Rockstar, Nos, Red Energy drinks include a number of unregu- ergy drinks she consumes, she no longer has as moment, he thought he was Bull, and more. lated herbal stimulants and natural blends like much trouble breathing. going to have a heart attack According to Roland Grif- taurine, guarana, ginseng and B vitamins. Ac- Troy D. Tuttle, an exercise physiologist at right in the cafeteria. fiths, Ph.D. of John Hopkins cording to the New York Times, the combina- Houston University says that the caffeine in “I tried to be as calm as pos- University of Medicine and tion of chemicals does more harm than good. some energy drinks is known to improve muscle sible and after a few minutes co-author of an article pub- Certain people can risk dangerous, possibly life- action and performance, especially in endurance it just sort of went away,” lished in Drug and Alcohol threatening effects on blood pressure, heart rate, activities, which is why some energy drinks are Saucedo said. Dependence, the caffeine and brain function. banned from many sport competitions. What Saucedo endured was content of energy drinks var- Alexandria Melton, According to Kevin A. a heart palpitation, which are ies over a 10-fold range. Some Div. 163, used to drink Clauson, doctor of phar- sensations that feel like your energy drinks contain the energy drinks every macy at Nova Southeast- heart is pounding or racing. equivalent of 14 cans of coca- day, but started to have ern University in West They can be felt in your chest, cola. some health issues and Palm Beach, Florida, the throat, or neck. After the incident Saucedo drinks just one limited her intake to be- average healthy person Earlier that day, Saucedo consumed one Nos Monster, Nos, or Rockstar a day; occasionally tween three to five times who consumes one serv- energy drink and drank another can during the three cans a day. However, he tries to be more a week. ing of an energy drink first 10 minutes of his lunch period. He usually cautious in choosing which energy drink to con- “The summer before is unlikely to encounter consumed two to three Nos energy drinks each sume. my sophomore year I problems. The at risk in- day until the incident during lunch occurred. “I actually pay attention to the labels. I usually used to drink Rock- dividuals are teens that Now, he limits his intake and is more cautious of drink the ones that are sugar free/ really low in star everyday. At Cross over indulge and people how many cans he drinks. sugar,” Saucedo said. Country practice I started to have a lot of trou- with heart conditions. According to a recent study by the University Elena Betancourt, Div. 155, drinks coffee more ble breathing, (more than normal) chest pains, Although energy drinks claim to provide people of Miami, side effects to consuming numerous than energy drinks, but still drinks them once my heart rate increased, and I would get panic with energy that keep them active and alert, they energy drinks include elevated heart rates, anxi- in a while. attacks during my races,” said Melton. may not always energize you, but leave you with ety, hypertension, and headaches. More serious “I just buy the low calorie Monster and Max Now that Melton reduces the amount of en- a crash or can cause serious health problems. April 2011 Features Page 19 Lane students inspired by words of wisdom Max Guerra, Div. 251, is also smart when it comes to following the through hardships too. By Anexy Diaz right advice. Economics teacher Mr. DeRoss served in the military and found “My mom always told me to not go on a date without money,” the words that stuck with him the most were those of Chief Master Standing at an open mic show, he stared off into the distance listen- said Sergeant Dylan who said that, “The only people that never screw up ing vaguely. That is until the poet Anis Mojgani stepped up to read Guerra. is them people that never done noth- his poem, “Here I am.” As the poet opened his mouth, Jesus Cisneros, Freshman year, Guerra went on a date only ing.” Div.180, was touched by the things Mojgani had said. to find, when he looked in his wallet, only “Don’t tell me to DeRoss says he uses that mantra The words that motivate, affect and influence someone can say a $2 there. daily and thinks that you need to try lot about them and their mentality when it comes to life, love and “The girl wasn’t mad, but it was awkward things in order to grow as a person. relationships. While some Lane students relate to things they hear in and embarrassing. I learned my lesson,” he reach for the stars Since the age of 13, he has worked the media on shows like Jersey Shore, others use the words, phrases, said. countless jobs. He has worked in the and advice that have meaning to them as a guide through not only Like Guerra, Laura Harris, Div. 475, has meat packing industry, as a pizza man, high school, but life. received advice from her mom, which she ap- when there are in the military, selling insurance and “[The poem] left me in awe and it truly had a profound impact plies to her life. cars, and at one point even ran for al- on me. I was just astounded at the delivery and how beautiful it all “She’s always told me to try my hardest,” footprints on the derman. sounded. I thought the beauty of the piece laid in its simple truth,” Harris said. He tried many things until choos- said Cisneros. Harris is currently on the cheerleading ing his current profession as a teacher. After Cisneros left the open mic performance, he did not forgot team and in Greek club. moon,” Along the way, he has picked up plenty the words that Mojgani spoke. Cisneros plans on getting a tattoo “When things get hard, or on a test or of experience and knowledge. before graduation with an excerpt from homework, I always re- Similarly, Sonya Boykins, Div. 276, that piece. play my mom’s advice in said Sonya is inspired by the quote, “Don’t tell me “I love the fact that it’s permanent. It my head, and try not be- to reach for the stars when there are makes me think about it not once or twice “My new motto ing down about things,” Boykins, Div. 276. footprints on the moon.” but leaves me debating it for a while. affirms Harris. She plans on running for class presi- Knowing that it’s permanent forces me to in life is; when Harris credits her dent and uses this quote to inspire her be contemplative,” Cisneros said. mom’s advice for her acdemic success and posi- when she doubts herself. When substitute teacher Mr.Yost was in tive outlook on life. Like Boykins, when Alejandra Escobar, Div. 256, doubts herself she high school he picked his yearbook quote in doubt, shut Zamar Iqbal, Div. 363, has also made use of looks to words that help remind her that she can achieve great things. to be, “I’m right. You’re wrong. Shut up.” encouraging expressions to help him when it Escobar is in the Colombian Club at Lane and applies a saying she After entering a serious relationship, he comes to school. Last year, Iqbal went through heard in grammar school. In sixth grade her teacher talked about El- now chooses wiser advice to follow. up,” a rough experience and was forced to take some eanor Roosevelt and her words that one cannot make you feel inferior “My new motto in life is; when in time off. When he returned, his ROTC mentor, without your consent. doubt, shut up,” Yost said. said Mr. Yost Elias Acevedo, helped him readjust. “I see a lot of people that dance better than me and sometimes I’m This motto was proven to be effective “I was just depressed and I asked him what like, ‘...I can’t dance like that,’ but when I think about that quote it when he accidently left the back door of should I do and he told me not to worry about encourages me to try harder and to understand that everyone learns his house open and his girlfriend thought someone had broken in. it and that it would make me a more mature, better person in the at a different pace, and that doesn’t make them better than me,” Es- Instead of telling her what really happened, he went along with her future,” Iqbal said. cobar said. idea of what had occurred. Eventually the incident died down. She At the time, Iqbal was not very sure this would prove to be the Sure, some people spend their time watching and quoting countless never found out the truth, he did not get in trouble, and a fight was case, but now, a year later, the advice rings true. The incident has shows and songs, but there are also those that use the words that have avoided. died down and now he passes on this advice to those that are going more meaning to them as a little push in the right direction. Student use of profanity becoming more common

Ms. Jennings a yearbook and British literature By Monica Hernandez teacher has not had any serious situations with stu- dents swearing in her class. In the crowded hallways of Lane, students hang “The general environment and everyday conversa- out by their lockers with friends waiting for the bell tions in class are built on respect,” said Jennings. “I to ring. “*$@#! I forgot my homework,” says a pan- offer respect to my students and tell them upfront icking student. He just remembered that he forgot that I believe in treating them as adults, until or to grab his homework assignment from the printer unless they prove me otherwise.” at home before he left in a rush to catch the bus. She believes her students are mature enough to Profanity in our schools today has reached epic respect one another with their language and be able proportions. Thanks primarily to music and televi- to have a civilized conversation with each other. sion, teenagers are openly exposed today, more than “I think that teenagers often experiment with ever, to language that can be considered inappropri- swearing in an attempt to prove their independence ate. and maturity,” said Jennings, “but if I hear a stu- It may seem there are no serious consequences for dent swear in class I tell them that it is inappropri- profanity in schools, as it is no longer considered to ate and unappreciated.” be a serious offense. This does not mean that teach- She also reminds them that as their English teach- ers and faculty will accept free use of profanity in er, she knows for a fact that they have a vocabulary their classrooms, but the hallways and lunchrooms that would enable to use words that are not pro- are quite a different story. fane. Mrs. Langford, an AP Psychology teacher, admits Ja’lessa Hardwick, Div. 158, has never personally to hearing students using curse words all the time been in trouble for swearing in class or around a at Lane, especially in the hallways or even just walk- teacher. ing to Jewel. “I have seen many cases were a kid will swear in “I should say something, but I don’t,” said Lang- class during a presentation and the teacher would ford. just laugh it off without any major consequences Langford does not believe swearing is an easily- except maybe a warning,” said Hardwick. punishable offense. She explained that if a teacher She believes that swearing has become a second sent a student to the dis- nature toand it helps people cipline office for swearing, to be able to relate to each it would not be taken as other, especially towards seriously because there are teens. Hardwick thinks bigger issues to deal with. the households definitely Still, she believes students play a role in the language should be held account- that kids use. She has seen able for the language they kids as young as three years use. old swearing and thinks it “I always try to call out is just plain inappropriate. a student and say, ‘Hey! Swearing in public is very Watch your mouth!’” disrespectful to her and she Langford said. would never even think of Langford also said if she heard profanity in the using profanity around a teacher or elder. classroom, she would not laugh it off, but she would “Everybody does it and I guess it’s considered a not be likely to take time away from teaching her way for teens to relate,” said Hardwick. ”I use pro- class to have a long discussion about it. fanity, but I also have other words to replace them Langford also believes that when students swear, with. Sadly, some teens don’t.” Schools, parents they do not always seem to be serious about it. It and the media all have a responsibility to curtail this gets more serious if the tone is threatening. growing epidemic. April 2011 Arts & Entertainment Page 20 Source Code something all will enjoy deciphering a Word document, it is pasted into the Source Code, where it can be a government agent references the By Ben Palmer explored by Stevens until he discovers the bomber's identity. source code as "finally, a weapon When Gyllenhaal questions this technology, as he and the audience against The War On Terror." Couldn't have drawn a better parallel my- Source Code is a do almost simultaneously, the reasoning behind its function is given as, self. The War on Terror: check. modern cognitive "It's all quantum mechanics and such. You wouldn't understand." The critical and box office success of Inception clearly was the loco- thriller, the type of And he didn't! Neither motive tugging at this plot-heavy mammoth of a film. Like The Hang- film Alfred Hitchcock did most of the audience. over did for "bromantic" comedies, Inception spurred a new genre of might have made had he However, the repeatedly "it's all in your head thanks to this cool technological thing-y!" films. been given an iPhone. fleeting yet genuine ro- Inception (and, in turn, Leo DiCap): check. Upon hearing the plot, I mance between Gyllen- That leaves Bill Murray. He starred in Groundhog Day (1993) a film screwed up my face thinking, haal and Monaghan (an about a man having to relive the same day over and over again until "Oh man, they can fit all that unaware passenger on the he did something right. Of course, he wasn't identifying terrorists or into an hour and a half? And have it make sense?" Clearly I underesti- train) and the gentle guid- utilizing an advanced government machine, but he had some ambigu- mated the talent of leading man Jake Gyllenhaal, and supporting cast ance of government agent ous mission in his day-again cycle, just like Gyllenhaal. Bill Murray: Michelle Monaghan (Eagle Eye) and Vera Farmiga (Up in the Air). Goodwin (Farmiga) allow check. A disoriented Captain Colter Stevens (Gyllenhaal) is used to identify the plot holes to go almost Although I had to spend a great deal of time contemplating parallel the bomber of a commuter train headed for Chicago. Sounds like any unnoticed, filled in by the realities (because obviously "it's all quantum mechanics and such. You Die Hard-esque thriller, right? emotional grounding. wouldn't understand,") I found the film quite enjoyable. It raises ques- Wrong. The catch is, the train has already blown up. A government Source Code is, in many tions of how we live our day-to-day lives, and it even asks us if our day- agency is using a technology known as the Source Code, which cap- ways, the product of many to-day lives are real or part of a giant government experiment. tures the last eight minutes of a person's life and records it as computer influences, including mod- Oh my god, I just found another distant cousin to this movie: THE data. Stevens must relive the last minutes of a passenger's life and stop ern technology, The War MATRIX. Duh! the bomber from detonating a larger device in downtown Chicago. On Terror, Leonardo Di- This film fivesome was glorious in its cinematic presentation. It was Stop me if I've lost you. Because I was lost too. Caprio, and Bill Murray. complexly filmed, complimenting the complexity of the plot. Modern I herald this warning to any and all who plan to see Source Code: Stop me if I've lost you. thrillers these days often do not connect on the proper levels, but this IT IS NOT EASY TO UNDERSTAND! Anyone who proudly wears Actually, I'll assume you're lost, so allow me to explain. definitely did. It uses events, ideas, technologies, and actors that most an "I understood Inception" shirt shouldn't have a problem with this The bomb is cell-phone detonated, instant messages and emails are high schoolers are familiar with. It's PG-13 rating means even fresh- movie. Those of you who don't own one may want to bring a geeky providers of plot, and Gyllenhaal's hunt for a phone takes up a good men can enjoy its mind-bending offerings! friend with you to the theater, as it's a mentally bumpy ride. one-third of the film. Not to mention the stretch of imagination re- I would recommend the film to anyone, whether it be for a date The almost complete lack of technological back plot drove me insane. quired to believe in the Source Code device. Modern Technology: (there's a fair amount of kissing) a group of friends (it's loaded with It is possible, theorizes the Source Code's creator (played by Jeffrey check. excitement and at least a dozen explosions) or just a hungry mind (the Wright), to copy and paste the short-term-memory data saved by the The fact that the film is about the prevention of a metropolitan ter- amount of cinematic and scientific food for thought is like a huge bowl brain's circuitry after the body has almost died. Instead of pasting into rorist attack is an obvious sign of the times. As if this weren't enough, of candy). Sandler, Aniston romance... No adjustment needed unlikely, but Just Go With It for Adjustment Bureau on point and their characters seem to match and comple- fects are incredible and seamless. By Alexandra Alexandru ment each other perfectly. Sandler once again masters the By Bill Fenton The Adjustment Bureau is a movie that role of adult goofball who has almost given up on love and does not hold back on special effects. One Just Go With It, starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston plays her role perfectly as the smart, funny, and The Adjustment Bureau is a good com- of many special effects is when the bureau Aniston, may seem like a sappy, dry-humored romantic intriguing assistant that may be able to change Sandler’s bination of science fiction, action, mystery teleports around the world. The special ef- comedy, but it is surprisingly amusing and sweet. opinions about love. Characters such as Eddie, who poses and romance that many Lane students fects for these teleportations are incredible. Just Go With It begins with Danny (Sandler), a guy not as a German sheep shipper (yes, he sells and ships sheep to would find captivating. Special effects and Anyone who has read (or is reading) too smooth with the ladies, breaking off his wedding at people on eBay and knows all about sheep fights), also add great acting add to this movie, but the story George Orwell’s dystopia, 1984, will find the last minute. to the movie and make it even more hilarious. However, is undermined by an out of place religious plenty of similarities between the book and Just after he calls off his wedding and while still wearing Delvin Adams (Kidman) did not did not meet my expec- tone. this movie. There is his wedding ring, Danny meets a beautiful woman who tations or significantly contribute to the movie because she The Adjustment a striking similar- is willing to talk to him because of said ring. It seems that played a very limited and small role. Bureau is the story ity between 1984’s women find the ring seductive and cannot resist talking to Another flaw in the movie is how Danny can supposedly of the up and com- “thought police” a man who is apparently “off the market.” Flash forward get any woman he wants just by pretending he is married. ing politician David and the members ten or so years later and Danny is still using the old wed- In the real world, most women would not consider dating Norris (played by of the Adjustment ding ring trick to pick up women. During this time Danny a man because he says his wife is horrible to him and wants Matt Damon) who Bureau, who will becomes a successful plastic surgeon and works with Kath- to find compassion elsewhere. I honestly don’t know what accidentally discov- read, change, and erine (Aniston), a funny and sweet single-mom of two. the writer of the script was thinking, but I highly doubt ers that human ac- completely erase Later on Danny meets a young schoolteacher (Brooklyn this works. I also do not understand how Danny worked tions are determined one's thoughts. Decker) at a party and he falls for her, thinking she might with Katherine as her assistant for years but never noticed by an outside group, The Adjustment be “The One.” However, there is a catch. She refuses to how sweet and beautiful she is because she had her hair up the Adjustment Bu- Bureau is a movie date Danny because she finds his wedding ring and thinks and wore glasses. It took a vacation to Hawaii and a couple reau. The members that also will make Danny is married. Instead of telling her the truth, Danny bikini shots before he could finally realize they share more of the bureau are one think about tells her he plans on getting a divorce and convinces his in common than just office space. omniscient angels human free will. assistant Katherine The filming who claim that hu- Anyone who has to pretend to be style of this mov- mans are not capable taken psychology his soon to be ex- ie is simple and of having free will. has learned about wife. The plot gets consists mostly According to the the debate between much crazier and of eye-level shots angels, each person's free will and de- they all end up and establishing life must be adjusted terminism, and taking a vacation shots, which set to fit their predes- most branches in together to Ha- up a scene's set- tined path. When people move away from psychology claim that people do not have waii, with Kather- ting and actors. their determined path, the bureau does free will. This movie further challenges that ine pretending to There are also anything possible to keep them on course, concept of free will, claiming that an out- be Danny’s wife cuts that occur including stopping time and changing the side group of people determines our fates and Katherine’s every few seconds way people think. and daily actions. children pretend- in order to keep Unfortunately for Norris, his predestined While the film is both interesting and ing to be Danny’s viewers from be- path does not include falling in love with thought provoking, its blatant religious children as well. coming bored. ballet dancer Elise Sellas (played by Em- undertone takes away from the suspense of Danny’s crazy but The only time the ily Blunt). Norris meets Sellas by chance the film. The Bureau is an angelic organiza- hilarious cousin Eddie (Nick Swardson) also decides to tag shots change and become close-ups are during love scenes and quickly falls in love with her, creating tion, however, they are fumbling and dis- along and pretends to be Katherine’s German boyfriend when only the actors' faces were in the frame to give the a case of forbidden love. The Adjustment organized, giving the film unintentionally who she left Danny for. As if this plot was not bizarre viewer a sense of intimacy. There are no special lighting Bureau intervenes, determined to halt any funny moments. enough, they all run into Nicole Kidman playing the cli- effects throughout the movie, with the exception of the interaction between the two. However, The Adjustment Bureau is an interest- ché role of the popular girl that was mean to geeky Kather- scenes set in Hawaii which used extra bright lighting to Norris fights his fate and pursues his love, ing, exciting, and captivating film. The film ine in high school - a whole other story. Despite the almost make it seem like paradise. challenging the bureau and fighting for not is especially interesting with the acting of absurd events in the movie, it is full of hilarious scenes and Overall, this movie is definitely worth a watch. The plot only love, but free will. Matt Damon and Emily Blunt and the lines that only Sandler could pull off. There is also a sweet, may be overwhelming, but it is interesting and will keep Matt Damon and Emily Blunt are both use of special effects. A religious tone takes almost cheesy side to the story that will make even the big- you guessing at what hilarious change in the plot can pos- phenomenal in this movie and combine to away from the plot of the movie, but most gest cynics go “awwww.” sibly come next. The ending is similar to most romantic create a love that is both quirky and believ- everyone seeing this movie will find some- Perhaps the best part of Just Go With It is the chemistry comedies, but the road that leads there is filled with funny, able. Along with the acting, the special ef- thing about it they enjoy. between Aniston and Sandler. Both of their acting is right heart-felt moments that everyone can enjoy. April 2011 Arts & Entertainment Page 21 Chris Brown scores number one album with F.A.M.E. Love” is a party song where he is trying to convince where Brown expresses how he foolishly let go of a Jackson and SWV, Chris Brown definitely gives By Brianna Toney the girl to give him a chance to make her fall in love great girlfriend and now misses it, singing “I didn’t us an all around great album. It has reached num- with him. Cute right? Who doesn’t like parties and know what I had until I lost you. Now I want it all, ber one on the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/ Chris Brown is back at it. No, he’s not dat- love? And “Beautiful People” is another pop/dance now I want it all back.” Hip-Hop Albums charts, which gives him his first ing Rihanna again, or throwing more chairs out track that inspires listeners to let go and enjoy the He also samples the late Michael Jackson’s “Hu- album to top the Billboard Top 200. After every- of windows. He’s back proving why he’s one of great things in life. This song clearly shows the pro- man Nature” in “She Ain’t You,” which is one of thing Brown has done, gone through, and learned the best R&B artists out today. His new album gression of CB from his last the best songs on the album. Brown from, I think the number one spot is well deserved. F.A.M.E ,which stand for Forgiving All My Enemies album which included the shows a lot of talent and dedica- He gives his fans great music and shows his growth and Fans Are My Everything, was released March pop song “Forever.” tion in F.A.M.E. With this album, as both a person and an artist. F.A.M.E is a great 22, 2011. With this album, Brown is coming back But Pop isn’t the only we see a more mature Brown. He is attempt by Chris to win back the heart of his fans. harder than ever. Giving fans what he failed to give genre Brown has decided different from when he first entered I think it definitely deserves to be heard. them in his last album, Graffiti, he delivers hit after to explore. In songs such the industry in 2005, and different hit. There are many potential number one songs, as "Look at Me Now," we from the Chris Brown that we read such as “Beautiful People” and collaborations with see the rapper side of Chris and heard so much about 2 years Justin Beiber in “Next to You” and Wiz Khalifa in Brown… (Who even knew ago because of his altercation with “Bomb.” Brown has two number one hits with this that was there? ) It wasn’t then girlfriend Rihanna. With this album already, “Deuces” which seemed to be the a total fail. His verse was album, we see more confidence summer time break up anthem, and “Look At Me pretty catchy to me, but from Brown. We also hear a more Now,” a collaboration with rappers Lil Wayne and I think he needs to stick evolved Chris Brown. He shows Busta Rhymes that seems to be 2011 ‘new year, with singing. Then finally, that he still has the talent and pas- new me’ anthem. we get to the R&B side of CB that we know and sion to be a lasting figure in the music industry. In this album, Brown gives a great variety of mu- love. He displays a more soft and subtle side with He shows his creativity and versatility as an artist sic, successfully. Not many artist can do that. With songs such as “Up To You,” a ballad where he sings by using different sounds and genres in F.A.M.E. songs such as “Bomb” and “Look at me now“ and “I don't have a clue what to do when it comes to He’s being daring and trying different things. He “Yeah 3x,” playing Brown’s CD will definitely get you. Baby, you're so beautiful every time I see you raps, sings, and creates definite party songs. Brown the party started. He has delivered feel good mu- girl, it throw me off. It's so unusual,” letting the shows that he’s not just a singer, but an artist. sic. There are songs that you cant help but dance girl know she’s beautiful, he’s in love, and he doesn’t With collaborations with artist like Lil Wayne, to. With the different acoustics and techno sound- want to lose her . (AWWW!) There even seems to Justin Beiber, Tyga, Wiz Khalifa, Busta Rhymes, ing beats, his songs create a dance mood. “Oh My be a song dedicated to Rihanna with “All Back” and Big Sean, and samples from greats like Michael Lupe Fiasco takes on world, himself with LASERS more rewarding journey then the actual prize itself. when it comes to living life. He accepts where he all the silence is worse than all the violence, fear is By Nicole Jacobs Its upbeat, catchy melody instantly draws fans in comes from and does not let that hinder where he such a weak emotion that's why I despise it," raps due to his inspiring lyrics and same energetic flow wants to go in the future. Everything is understood Fiasco. Many of his fans, including myself, respect "We are not losers...we are LASERS!" In Lupe we have seen in his previous songs. However, many as whatever happens in life happens and he just that he is a different type of rapper. According to Fiasco's highly anticipated third album LASERS, argue with the truthfulness in this song. Yes, "The takes things how they come. In the song he uses the LA Times, "These are among the moments that which stands for "Love Always Shines Everytime: Show Goes On" is sampled from Modest Mouse's, Muhammad Ali as an example that there are some illustrate Fiasco has something far more important Remember to Smile," he combines his frustrations "Float On," but he did it with respect and appre- things in life that you win and you lose, but the than a No. 1 hit: an opinion." with the media, politics, and his rough, yet memo- ciation. I believe that Fiasco sampled his song as important thing is to not stress or linger over it. Another one of my favorites on LASERS, is the rable, childhood growing up on the West Side of a tribute to "Float On" not to try and steal/copy "And yeah I got flaws, I know I'm not perfect, but song "Never Forget You," featuring John Legend. Chicago and creates awe inspiring, catchy melodies it. Despite the concerns of a few fans, this song all the ups and downs, will soon be worth it when I In this wonderfully created melody, Fiasco remi- that address all audiences. His contribution to the has the perfect melody and incorporates the use of get there." "Till I get there" and several other songs nisces about his unforgettable memories whether music world has been phenomenal since the release great instruments. It conveys the message of never on Lupe's album are inspiring and reminds fans to they were good or bad. Lupe lost his father to type of his first two albums, Food & Liquor (2006) and throwing in the towel and not letting where you keep their heads up. II diabetes and this song is a tribute to all the cher- The Cool (2007). Now Fiasco is back after his four live or what you have been through affect your My favorite song on this album, hands down, ished memories he felt and shared with his father. I year absence and it is safe to say that his third al- capabilities in the world; simply stated; to achieve has got to be "Words I never said," featuring Skylar definitely can relate to this song by Fiasco. Losing bum is his best yet. He released his latest album, you must believe. Grey. It incorporates a loved one is always tough, but remembering the LASERS, on March, 8, 2011. LASERS begins with the a bit of everything. It times spent together can help one persevere and get Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, better known as Lupe single entitled, "Letting has beautifully formed through each day. John Legend's beautiful, soulful Fiasco, is of West African descent and was raised Go" featuring Sarah Green. verses that address voice makes this song even more likable due to its as a Muslim in Chicago. Despite living in a neigh- Anyone who knows what politics, violence, and sweet rhythm and hopeful vibe. borhood filled with drug dealers, prostitutes, and it is like to have someone Fiasco's opinion about Other songs in this album that I enjoy are, "All gangbangers on every corner, Lupe was exposed hold them back from ac- society in general. I Black Everything," "Beautiful Lasers," featuring to the world outside of his neighborhood through complishing a dream can love Fiasco's honesty MDMA, and "Out of My Head," featuring Trey family. His mother supplied him with numerous relate to this song. Fiasco and how he takes a Songz. All the songs in LASERS are upbeat and issues of the National Geographic and his father raps about being weighed risk by including con- easy to relate to which adds to its popularity. Lupe taught him karate and enriched his ears with fa- down by another's negativ- troversial topics in Fiasco has come a long way in the music industry mous artists from the music world. He also joined ity and how 'letting go' or this remarkably well and keeps getting better. the Chess Club and Academic Decathlon while in leaving them behind is the composed album. This Overall, LASERS is certainly Lupe Fiasco's best high school. best option; especially if it song did spark a bit of album yet. It incorporates just about everything Thanks to Jay Z, Fiasco is signed with Atlantic means pursuing dreams. He raps, "Things are get- controversy due to some of the lyrics added. Fiasco and demonstrates how talented Fiasco is as an art- Records. Before his first hit single, "Kick Push," ting out of control, feels like I'm running out of raps, "Linbaugh is a racist, Glenn Beck is a rac- ist. After waiting four long years for the release of was released and nominated for two 2007 Gram- soul, you're getting heavy to hold, think I'll be let- ist, Gaza Strip was getting bombed, Obama didn't this album, it is finally here and celebrated. Fiasco my Awards, Fiasco worked alongside some other ting you go." He raps how he is not only struggling say s****, that's why I ain't vote for him, the next did not disappoint his fans and I do not think he famous artists such as Kanye West, Jay Z, and with the world, but also with himself. "Lost inside one either, I'm a part of the problem, my problem ever will. Despite the minor controversies that Nas. Inspiration from these artists and many more my recent fights, burdens on my shoulders now, is I'm peaceful, and I believe in the people." This came along with the release of this album, in its helped Fiasco develop into the innovative rapper burning all my motives down, inspiration drying marks Fiasco's second public verbal jab at Obama, entirety, it is truly a beautiful third album. It is he is today. up, motivation slowing down," raps Fiasco. Sarah the first back in 2008 when he refused to support nothing short of brilliance. I embrace the fact that In his first single off of LASERS, "The Show Green's added vocals to this song completes the Obama's candidacy during the elections. I honestly Fiasco will always be my favorite artist, rapper, and Goes On" Fiasco stresses the importance of per- overall message Lupe is sending to his audiences. respect Lupe's actions because unlike many other musician to come alive in this musical world. severing when times get rough and seem hopeless. "Till I get there" is a song that explains how Fiasco artists, he is not afraid to speak his mind concern- The struggles and difficulties of reaching goals is a stays chill and calm and lets things take their course ing issues that he feels strongly about. "I think that Hop right into basket of corny jokes, songs, situations part of the problem. Carlos, the chick who is E.B.’s and bunnies preparing chocolates were somewhat hackneyed “I Want Candy.” I was hoping E.B. By Katarzyna Barnak father’s right hand, is scheming a revolt against the obscene scenes in this PG rated movie. First of all, would at least sing something about persever- bunnies and trying to become the bearer of Easter when E.B. is looking for a place to stay, he goes to ance and fulfilling his goal. Or it could have been One night. One giant egg-shaped sled. Millions baskets. what he thinks is the most obvious place - Play- a catchy song about loving his hobby, the drums. of eager children awaiting their baskets of goodies. This movie is like a mish-mash of rock n’ roll, boy Mansion. This, and the fact that he poops Otherwise, it’s like a subliminal message for kids Sounds familiar? Well it should since the unorigi- America’s Got Talent, Charlie’s Angels, and jelly beans, (which by the way adds nothing to go and eat candy, especially after seeing cascades nal story of Hop should be dubbed “Flop” due to Christmas, which ends up being a deflated to the story) are some of the inappropriate of jelly beans, marshmallows, chocolate, lollipops, its rip-off of children’s favorite Christmastime story souffle of too many flavors. It’s as though and pointless content. E.B. also tries etc. in the Easter Island factory. of Santa Claus. the writers just threw in whatever hap- hitting on Fred’s human sister Sam. Overall, this movie was not what I expected. I’m Hop is the story of a young, rebellious bunny, pened to be playing on the Sunday flashback The movie also includes a ridiculous happy that I didn’t have to pay $10 to see it, since I E.B. (Russell Brand) who, rather than replace his movie channel because they were incapable performance from David Hasselhoff as went on a weekday. It was a semi-entertaining spin- father (Hugh Laurie) as the official Easter Bunny, of coming up with something truly original. the judge of “Hoff Knows Talent,” which off of other movies. I don’t think it sent out any wants to pursue his dream of being a famous drum- Just because this is one of the first Easter mov- E.B. auditions for. valuable message to the audience. The only -per mer. He escapes to Hollywood where he meets ies does not mean that their job was done. Another aspect of the movie that could son benefiting from this is Russell Brand who will Fred O’Hare (James Marsden), a human who has The script is full of cheesy remarks and cliche have been better was the music. This movie get to brag to his children one day that he played a hard time finding what his true passions are. As phrases. For example, when E.B. is cheering up provided a great opportunity for an original the Easter Bunny. Meanwhile, Brand’s wife, Katy Fred helps E.B. pursue his dream, the Easter Is- Fred about not getting a job he was interviewing song, especially since E.B. wants to be a musician. Perry, has been off voicing Smurfette in the upcom- land world issues three Charlie’s Angelesque female for, he says “Every cloud has a silver lining,” rather Yes, Russell Brand and James Marsden do sing a ing movie, Smurfs. Hopefully that movie will be bunnies (aka the Pink Berets) to track down E.B in than something more inspiring and motivating. duet in this movie, but it is only when they crash more genuine and be something she can truly brag time for his coronation and Easter. But this is only Among the cute and cuddly scenes of the chicks Fred’s little sister’s play. The song, however, is the about. April 2011 Opinion Page 22 Burning of Qur’an leads to Anti-American protests

was found guilty after it was put on trial. Back in September Terry Jones was very are involved with terrorism, who do have been many videos of some Afghans They gave the Qur’an a legitimate trial public about his plans to Burn a Qur’an, torture people not of Islamic faith, who burning American flags, isn’t it pretty with jurors, witnesses, etc. before find- and was warned about the consequences do support the suppressing of women. much the same idea as Terry Jones' con- ing it guilty of the following charges: by the government. The massive riots But they are EXTREMISTS: A minor- gregation burning the Qur'an? It hurts "1. The Koran is charged with the train- which lead to endangerment of Ameri- ity group that sometimes overshadows just the same to see something you care ing and promoting of terrorist activities can troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and the overwhelming majority of Muslims deeply about being disrespected. around the world. To that charge the the reactions of Islamic countries is what who are not like that. There are Chris- On both sides (Afghan rioters and the By Kelly Sineni Koran has been found guilty. 2. The the government was worried about. tian extremists who are guilty of the congregation of Terry Jones) I think it Koran is charged with the death, rape, First off, I think burning the Qur’an same things. His own congregation is takes a distinction between the major- Late last month Terry Jones (also the and torture of people worldwide whose was absolutely immoral. This organiza- guilty of supporting prejudices against ity of a population and the few radicals. planner of Burn a Qur‘an day which was only crime is ‘not being of Islamic faith.’ tion is known to make many Anti Islam non Christians. Obviously not all Americans are Anti- supposed to happen 9/11 of last year, To this charge the Koran has been statements, and are known for being a Although it was extremely wrong Islam, Qur’an burning bigots, and not but was talked out of it by the federal found guilty. 3. The Koran is charged radical (but small) organization. They for Jones to oversee the burning of the all Muslims are Anti-American, flag government), a pastor at a small church with crimes against women, against put on a completely ridiculous trial and Qur’an and to say all that he has about burning terrorists. Every group of peo- in Florida, kicked off his controversial minorities, against Christians, and with then burned the Qur'an. I think Terry Islam, the reaction of the rioters were ple, be it religious groups, political par- “International Judge a Qur’an Day”. the promoting of prejudice and racism Jones and his bigot followers who put uncalled for as well. Of course it is un- ties, or racial groups is bound to have a This eventually lead to burning a copy against anyone who is not a Moslem. To on this trial have a few screws loose. derstandable to be upset. I know myself, few intolerant people, but fighting back of the Qur’an after finding it was guilty this charge, the Koran has been found Aside from being just flat out wrong I get angry when I see images of the with violence doesn't solve anything as of crimes against humanity. guilty,” said the Dove World Outreach and sickening, the burning of it put so American flag being burned in other we have seen with the deaths of more Yes, the Qur’an was found guilty Center on their blog after the event. many people in danger. places on the news. We have definitely than 20 people. You can't fight extrem- of crimes against humanity (because After news of the burning hit Af- It’s a ridiculous thought that the Qur’an seen this enough on the news in the past ism with more extremism. Tolerance that’s not weird at all…). According to ghanistan, the country erupted in Anti- itself is the sole cause of terrorism, rape, few years. But is rioting, attacking a UN is important, and in this case realizing the Dove World Outreach Center, the American protests. In a three day span torture, and racism. Clearly, Terry Jones building, and ranting Anti American that extremists are not the majority is Qur’an itself, the sacred text of Islam, of April 1-3, 24 people have been killed has lived under a rock his whole life. slogans the necessary way to take care of the only way to help these issues. in the riots, including 7 UN workers. Yes, there are Muslim extremists who this? Especially since in recent years there My first Bulls game: taking baby steps into love of game the MVP’s shots are smooth enough to be on an “I contest in which numbered trucks drove around a Bulls were going to win, and they did with a score By Aleks Pavlovic can’t believe it’s not butter” commercial. track on the jumbotron; the winner was the truck of 85-77, but I needed that sound to complete the Generally, I hate nachos. labeled '2' and I had the game. Even though I missed it, I was still an excited Convincing my friend to splurge on his Bulls ticket The ones from 7-11 are the lucky number. That doesn’t mess when I exited the United Center. was quite a mission. Somehow coming up with $50 most soggy, unappetizing come close to a round-trip, When I came home I did a bit of research on all on my own was another. Parking was a bit compli- things I have ever seen. I can’t but it definitely counts for of the players, and a few things stuck out to me. cated, but stepping into the United Center to watch say that the $10.00 nachos I something. Omer Asik has a surprisingly strong Turkish accent the Bulls play the New Orleans Hornets was the bought that night were bet- The lights and the chant- and Kyle Korver’s favorite meal consists of meat jalapeno on top of my senior year's Nachos Grande. ter than Rose, but they could ing and the overweight and potatoes. (His unoriginality takes away from The last time I visited the United Center was with definitely compare. Complete topless dancing guys did it his Ashton Kutcher look-alike swag.) I would pay my father when I was seven or eight. I’m pretty with salsa-seasoned ground all for me. I loved that the $100 for nachos if I could stroke Joakim Noah's sure it was there that I saw Arthur live or The Big beef, creamy cheese, onion, action didn't stop during gorgeous, bushy head, and although I’m not the Comfy Couch. Coming back just hurtled me back tomato, and jalapeno, these time-outs. While people at biggest fan, Carlos Boozer believes in “Jay-Z. All into the past. nachos had sass. Only at a home dawdled during com- day.” I wasn't fond of Brian Scalabrine’s redheaded The game itself was mind-blowing. Television Bulls game would this price mercials, everybody at the self at first, but after searching a bit deeper I dis- cannot provide the viewer with a fraction of the be totally and completely game continued to be en- covered that he trains rigorously in the off-season incredible live experience. It’s hard to figure out worth it. tertained by all of the crazy by jumping off of cliffs and swimming in rivers. I which part I enjoyed the most - Derrick Rose or Aside from Rose and nachos, games and contests going on respect that. the Nachos Grande. I was amused at the fact that at the stadium. I loved that I keep bugging my friend about the next game I don’t know everything there is to know about the game itself was only about shirts were flying out of the we will go to to because I’m eventually going to get basketball, but with each perfect shot I fell deeper 40% of the entire experience. ceiling, and I loved that the sick of constantly replaying this game in my head. and deeper in love with Derrick Rose. I noticed One guy won a trip to a country of his choice in little boy sitting next to me knew more about what I would suggest a Bulls game to anybody, regardless my mouth opening slightly and my eyes widen- Latin America or Europe after Benny the Bull hit was going on than I did. I have to mention that of whether or not they’re a sports fan. But after a ing as I watched him score 24 points and dish out a half-court shot backwards. I ended up winning a my only disappointment was waiting patiently for Bulls game, it’s hard not to be. Especially after a nine assists. I was speechless when I decided that free cup of coffee from Dunkin Donuts during a the final buzzer but then not hearing it. I knew the bite of those nachos. Or a bite of D. Rose. Five reasons the Bulls are playoff team to watch 1) Derrick Rose 3) The Supporting Cast known as a league where defense no longer exists, By Johnny Stacewicz Watching Rose play is like watching poetry in The Bulls are one of the few teams in the league and how can there be when teams constantly put motion. I saw him play at the United Center in that actually play like a team. Luol Deng is finally up over 100 points and Kobe can drop 81? In a I was born and raised in Chicago, so I know better 2007, except in the blue and yellow of Simeon Ca- playing up to the potential that he has hovered league where zone defense is illegal, the rules make than to predict a basketball championship coming reer Academy. He had the same hesitation dribble around for his first six years in the league. Joakim it easy for stars to get one-on-one match-ups so back to the city. So this will be a bold statement: that puts defenders to sleep and the fastest first step Noah plays every game with everything he has in they can score spectacurlary, which brings in the not only do I think the Bulls finally have a team ca- to match: the same steps that now freeze the best him, which is contagious. His passion rubs off on fans. Many believe this is why the NBA is more like pable of making a championship run, I think they defenders in the NBA. Rose has been putting up everyone around him. In the off-season the Bulls entertainment than PURE BASKETBALL. are front runners. Think about it: Derrick Rose is career numbers during his MVP season. His 24.9 acquired center Carlos Boozer. Boozer brings a big Thibodeau came in saying his main focus is de- playing out of his mind, and the team has beaten points, 7.9 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game are physical presence in the paint that the Bulls have fense. And so far, he has kept his word. The Bulls practically every other title contender in the league, all up from last season. His 3 point field goal per- never really had. rank second in the league allowing 91.9 pts/game, so I have to agree with Michael Jordan when he told centage is up this year to 33%, finally making him Other than the all-star and the other four start- which is also down from last year's 99.1 average. the crowd at the United Cen- a consistent threat, either to dribble and drive or ers, the Bulls are a team made up of role players. Everyone gets in a stance, everyone boxes out, ter, “…You are in store pull up and shoot. This has been the first season Everyone has a job on the court, and seeing from everyone commits to every play, and this is what for a lot more champion- Rose has demonstrated a real killer instinct. To be their conference-leading record, everyone is doing separates the good teams from the great ones. ships. Don’t be surprised a title contender in the NBA teams need a go-to that job. if you have six more player. Rose is that player, and the Bulls are a title Take Omer Asik for example. It seems as though 5) The United Center [championships] contender. he has never seen a basketball in his life, yet he man- You can only know what I am talking about if coming.” ages to always come up with a handful of rebounds you have been to a Bulls game. It is an experience Even if you 2) Tom Thibodeau and a basket or two. Kyle Korver is becoming one you will never forget There are no bad seats, there doubt the Rose isn’t the only one in Chicago up for an award of the deadliest 3-point shooters in the league; he are no empty seats, and by the end of the game greatest bas- this season. First year coach Tom Thibodeau, who just needs to play some defense. Kurt Thomas can there are no “seat-filled” seats, because the entire ketball player came over from Boston, has been mentioned in the barely make it up and down the court after 15 years crowd is on its feet. to ever live, running for Coach of the Year and has the Bulls in in the NBA. And for some reason, everyone loves The Bulls will be entering the playoffs with home here are five first place for the first time since the Jordan era. Brian Scalabrine. court advantage, a place where they have been reasons the He doesn’t stand for the showboating The point is that the Bulls are not the best team dominant. Their 35-5 record at home this season Bulls will that now consumes most of the on paper (statistically), but the fact that they actu- (at press time) is among the best in the league. Chi- be playing NBA and he constantly preaches ally play as five players makes them a real threat, cago takes its basketball very seriously. The United into late defense. Thibodeau has kept the and now, a championship contender. Center gets loud, emotion takes over, and luckily June. Bulls humble and has managed neither can the other team. substitutions to keep his players rested. 4) The Defense As the Bulls make their run for a championship, Phil Jackson won the coach of the year It might be that I used to play basketball, but their fan base will be just as crucial as the bench. So award in 1996, the same year the Bulls won the there is something inside me that gets so worked scrape some money together, and get to a game. first of their second three-peats. Thibodeau could up when I see a team play good defense. I see that You won’t regret it. You might just catch a glimpse start a similar pattern. every night in Bulls games. The NBA has been of history. April 2011 Sports Page 23 Swim, bike, run...teach? World record Iron Man student teaches at Lane that are bought by competitors. So if Stringer was re- himself through. By Johnny Stacewicz ally going to break this record he was going to have to Stringer has loved traveling since he was a child. pay in advance for every competition. He did, out of “When I was younger I set a goal that I wanted to visit In 2005, Sean Stringer could not swim a full lap in his own pocket. a different country every year,” Stringer said. a pool; in 2009 he set the world record for most Iron "Usually people have sponsors and in 2007 I was The Iron Man competitions took Stringer all over Man competitions completed in a calendar year. sponsored by Land Rover. But by the time 2009 came the world. Some events took place stateside in places He is better known in the hallways as Mr. Stringer, a around the economy had tanked, so no more spon- like Wisconsin and Louisville while others took him to student teacher working with Ms. Malstrom and Ms. sor. I had to reach into savings and pay for it myself," different corners of the world. He traveled to Mexico, Sebestyen. Stringer said. Brazil, China, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland Other than the fact that he is built Deciding to go for the world record and Spain to name a few. Australia and New Zealand like a solid oak tree, Mr. Stringer has after only completing one competi- were among his favorite countries. the same nervous curiosity that all tion is a bold decision. In addition to “My first and last [competitions] were in Australia, student teachers have; no one would planning the races and working on so that made it kind of a special place. The people guess he was a world-class athlete. financing them, Stringer spent the there were also by far the nicest I had been around,” For those who are not aware of year training. Stringer knew that he Stringer said. “After the race [in New Zealand] I rented what the Iron Man competition is, would also need to have his body in a camper and drove around the north and south islands here is a short lesson. The Iron Man pristine condition if he was going to for three weeks.” is considered by many to be the accomplish his goal. Stringer, who is, Stringer has the record for completing 20 races in most physically grueling and intense for the most part, a vegetarian, but a year, although he originally signed up for 22. There competition an athlete can endure. eats fish for protein, maintained a were two races that Stringer was unable to finish. The The race consists of swimming, bik- steady diet. first one came in his fourth race, held in China. The ing and running portions. Just like "I said no fried food, and haven't temperature was hovering around 115 degrees with a triathlon right? Wrong! The Iron eaten chicken or red meat since 80% humidity, which made it feel like 130. The wa- Man kicks off with a 2.4 mile swim, 1997. I don't drink. And I try to eat ter current in which the competitors were swimming in either fresh or salt water. Swim- Stringer is looking to master lots of fish, especially salmon, for the was flowing at 1.5 mph, meaning it felt as if they were Stringer finishes the swim and moves onto mers sprint out of the water to their yet another field: teaching. protein. And lots and lots of banan- swimming an extra half-mile per mile. On top of that, bikes, swapping wetsuits for helmets as," Stringer said. his bike broke down. Bananas (his favorite) and water the bike during the Lake Placid Iron Man. and taking off on their 112 mile bike ride. And then of Stringer trained six days a week during the year lead- ran out so he was running on empty, and with eight course the marathon run (26.2 miles) is the cherry on ing up to his world record. He rested on Mondays and miles to go in the marathon his body gave out. His “It’s the most exhilarating feeling in the world just top of the entire race. The previous world record was put his body through hell during the rest of the week. other incompletion came in Nice, France. A bad batch to finish a race. You can’t put the seemingly impos- 14 completed competitions; Stringer completed 20 in “Tuesday and Thursdays would be a 30 mile bike of sports drink made him sick. sible into words. Once you accomplish something that just over nine months. ride and an 8 mile run. Wednesday would be a long “I was throwing up during the entire bike ride and seems impossible it leads to that unique feeling of… After completing his first Iron Man in 2007 Stringer swim, about two miles. Friday I would swim a mile most of the marathon. Half-way through the marathon uh…um,” says Stringer as he tries to find the right set a goal. and then go on a 10 mile run. Saturday I would go on I had to stop,” Stringer said. words. "Just after one Iron Man I wanted the record. I spent a long bike ride, between 80-100 miles and then a 3-5 Both of those races came in the first half of his year. He Years from now, those words may still evade him since the entire next year planning," Stringer said. mile run. Sunday would be a 15 mile run and a mile finished his last 14 races and now holds the world record. the greatest accomplishments simply cannot be put into One cannot simply show up at an Iron Man and swim. And then all over again the next week,” laughed Forget Land Rover, Stringer needs an Adidas sponsor- words. participate. There are a number of slots in every race Stringer, seemingly surprised at just how much he put ship; he personifies the slogan “Impossible is Nothing.” Practice not perfect Ultimate Frisbee now official sport 7th grade. makes the team and tough conditioning is a way to By Nicole Jacobs "I'm actually kind of proud that Ultimate is an of- By Katarzyna Barnak weed out the weaklings. ficial club at Lane because I love this sport so much," "They make you run around Horner Park three It is a brisk Sunday afternoon with clear skies and Truong said. Practice makes perfect...but some teams aren't re- times, while Varsity has to run to the lake and back. cool temperatures. Fans and fellow teammates excit- Mary Geyer, Div. 251, first started playing her fresh- ally practicing. It's all timed and they push you to run faster. Once edly cheer and chant loudly while standing on the men year when she noticed a flyer in the hallway. She February and March are conditioning and tryout the season starts it's more relaxed. You run around sidelines, awaiting the game to begin. As the disc believes more students should join the club. time for spring sports. It is during this time that go- Clark Park for 40 minutes at your own pace." glides high in the air, the players rush the field in a co- "A vast majority of the Lane student body does not ing to one’s locker after school is difficult, unless one Other students think that there is not enough time hesive formation hyped on energy and nervousness. know we, the Ultimate team, exist," said Geyer. "I is okay with being trampled by a crowd of athletes. for conditioning in certain areas like running. In La- It might not be as popular of a sport as soccer and find this quite silly because Ultimate is pretty much The object of conditioning is to get athletes into crosse, the girls JV hopefuls are expected to run a football, but when you combine the athletic endur- the best game ever invented." shape and ready for the season. For Omar Orellana, mile in under 10 minutes. For first timers, this was ance of soccer with the passing skills of football, you For those who have never experienced an Ulti- Div. 182, conditioning was hell. a challenge. get the sport of Ultimate Frisbee. mate frisbee game before, the competition between The first day back from vacation I threw up," said “The mile was pretty hard because we didn’t have According to Mr. McAdam, math teacher and cur- teams can become pretty heated. Although there is Orellana. " I just shook it off and kept going." enough time to get into shape. I don’t think three rent sponsor of the club, Ultimate frisbee was first no physical contact, it takes endurance to run back Orellana tried out for soccer and made the team. weeks was enough,” said Mari Ramirez, Div. 284. introduced by Ms. Gesky, former Physical Educa- and forth on the field and great hand-eye coordina- Conditioning started in early August and was held Others agree that conditioning does not always tion teacher at Lane. After paperwork put in by Mr. tion to complete passes. twice a day. focus on things necessary for tryouts. McAdam and Steven Ngyuen, Div. 161, this school "It definitely takes a certain type of person to play "Pretty much the routine was: practice, go home, “I only had three days to learn how to throw and year is the first year that marks Ultimate as an offi- ultimate frisbee. You need a bit of athleticism, a great eat, sleep til like 6, do something, go to bed early, catch ground balls and learn new skills,” said Claire cial sponsored club. The Ultimate frisbee team plays attitude, and sportsmanship," said Geyer. and repeat for a month until school started. If you Hoy, Div. 377, who tried out for Lacrosse. in a recreational league, not a CPS sponsored league "You're constantly running up and down the field didn't get rest [the workout] the next day was nearly According to Girls Lacrosse Co-captain Jenna Was- which is why they were considered an unofficial club and honestly everyone wants to win, so it can get impossible," said Orellana. serman, Div. 153, the reason teams focus on getting in the past. rough at times," said Truong. However, some would say that after teams are fit is because of the rules from IHSA (Illinois High "Now, teams must pay a collective fee to play and For some students in the club, it is their very first picked, athletes do not push themselves as much School Association). The IHSA makes all the regu- due to this, we felt the need to become an official time playing Ultimate frisbee. during practice. lations for Illinois High School athletics. There is a club so that we could participate in fundraising," said "I really like that you don't have to have experience “I saw this repeatedly last year; the best effort was certain date and season provided for every sport to Mr. McAdam. when it comes to the game," Frances Diaz, Div. 177, shown during tryouts. The rest of the season I saw begin. Until that date, teams cannot practice with Mr. McAdam played Ultimate for three years while said. "You catch on quick and it's a lot of fun." mostly slacking in some of the players,” said track equipment to ensure teams start at the same level. in college and considers it one of his favorite sports to "I have never really played on a team before, but runner, Gabriel Mendoza Div. 273. “Every team has to follow that rule,” said Wasser- watch and play. He has endured several injuries from I really got into the sport two summers ago," Lily Mendoza also played soccer in previous years and man. playing Ultimate. Ochs, Div. 367, said. "I like the idea that the two believes that during tryouts and conditioning the This may be the reason why coaches force their "I've twisted ankles, bruised ribs, and broken my presidents/captains are really open to everyone join- students want to impress their coaches and beat out teams to work-out more and get into shape before nose three times playing Ultimate Frisbee," Mr. Mc- ing and they send the vibe that the team isn't all their friends for the spot on the team, but once in a the seasons start. Adam said. "While technically a non-contact sport, about winning, but about having fun." while, “some individuals tend to slack." “Practice is nothing compared to try-outs. I defi- due to the constant movement and congestion on the The season for Ultimate consists of several games Orellana believes that once the season starts, there nitely don’t sweat as much,” said a Lacrosse player field, collision often occurs." against multiple schools within the city and suburbs. is not much time for intense practices. who wishes to remain anonymous. Ultimate is a self-funded club that raises money Some of the schools in their league are Northside "We had games every other day and sometimes Ms. Malstrom, Lacrosse coach, agrees that con- to participate in games that occur over a six week College Prep, York High School, St. Ignatius College back to back. Coaches wanted us to be ready for ditioning may have been more “grueling” at times, period. Prep, Neuqua Valley, and many more. Neuqua Valley games so we did more tactical stuff," said Orellana. but since Lacrosse is an unfamiliar sport to most new According to Ngyuen, one of the captains/presi- is Lane's biggest rival and last year, they ranked 3rd A member of the swim team reported that after players, once the team is picked, they focus on devel- dents of Ultimate Frisbee, practices are usually held in the yearly league tournament. Ngyuen is ambitious conditioning at school at 6:00am, practice is “a joke.” oping the skills needed for playing the game. at Paul Revere Park three times a week and games about this season because of the hard work, dedica- The student was not willing to go on record with this “Once you’re in season working out in the weight are played every Sunday, mainly at St. Paul Woods tion, and bond the team has created during practices. information in the fear that if coaches found out, room won’t tremendously show in the game, while or Bunker Hill. Ultimate frisbee is a co-ed team that "I'm confident that we'll get first this year. Ultimate practices would become more demanding. drills and field placement is essential,” said- Mal consists of 23 members. Lane currently has 19 mem- creates bonds beyond school. It's not just a teammate For Girls Soccer conditioning, Coach Wasielews- strom. bers, seven of which are the starting players. out there, but a friend or a brother," Ngyuen said. ki requires his team to do “sixties.” It is an intense She also believes that after the girls get to know Similar to football, in Ultimate, each team must Although it took three years for Ultimate frisbee workout where the girls have to sprint eight 60-yard each other, practice becomes enjoyable and might score and defend in the end zones. The only differ- to become an official club at Lane, the members are laps. This adds up to 480 yards in less than 1min appear easier. ences are that there is absolutely no physical contact proud to finally have it recognized as an official club and 30sec. “Once you’re comfortable with your teammates, and when a player is in possession of the frisbee, they and they enjoy participating in the games. “The kids hate these with a passion, but I think it players seem to have more fun and the hard work is can move, but only with a pivot foot like in basketball. "It's starting to become more of a team and everyone makes a huge difference in our playing ability,” said less noticeable [to them],” said Malstrom. There is also no downtime in Ultimate, no referees involved became a family real quick," said Wenzel. Wasielewski. “We want it to be serious, but we want the girls to are present during games, and the game does not stop "I love that this sport/club is unique in a way that Wasielewski believes his team works equally hard have fun,” said Leonor Borja, Div. 153, Co-Captain until one of the teams scores. The goal of the game is it's about the 'spirit of the game'," Truong said. before and during the season. of Lacrosse. to catch the frisbee in the end zone to score points. "I feel a sense of responsibility for each one of “They have to compete with their teammates to Even though it might seem that the teams are One of the presidents of the club, James Wenzel, them. If something were to happen [to any of them], get playing time. They know they can’t slack during slacking, they are really just focusing on being a team Div. 267, has played Ultimate since fifth grade. I would be the first one to defend them," Ngyuen season or someone will take their spot on the field,” rather than individual players. It is those intense con- "I was playing with some friends and time passed so said. he said. ditioning months, when we cannot go to our lock- we started playing regularly and became more com- They hope more Lane students can become- in A former cross-country runner in Div. 365, who ers, that we see them work on themselves individu- petitive," Wenzel said. "Eventually, we started what is volved in the Ultimate Frisbee club in the future be- wishes to remain anonymous, said that coaches are ally and attempt to avoid bumping in to those of us now a club at Lane." cause it is not only about winning, but it is for the much harder on new runners since it is a no-cut who are marveling at their perseverance. Steven Truong, Div. 261 has played Ultimate since love of the game. sport. This means everyone who stays committed April 2011 Sports Page 24 Senior athletes left with no “next year”

Athlete of the Issue By Brianna Toney After his last game as a Lane student, senior Armando Rodriguez and his soccer Liceth Robles teammates stood over the field, gazing and soaking up as much as they could, trying to remember every aspect of their final game. Sometimes, ending a season can be Div. 176 the hardest thing for an athlete. So much of their time is spent preparing for the sport, or actually competing, that it can be hard to return to normal life. “It’s hard to adjust because you don’t re- Coach LoGalbo hugs senior basketball player Eric Butler on Senior Night. alize how much time you put into it till senior night. There was ten seconds left more than any feeling ever. More than los- it’s done,” said basketball player Anthony and all I could think was ‘this is my last ing a girl, more than getting grounded for Torres, Div. 158. time in a Lane uniform with my seniors in grades. [It was] the worst feeling I’ve ever In most sports, athletes dedicate a lot of front of this crowd.’ It was crazy.” felt,” said senior football player Olivo. time to practice. “Our last [football] game against Dun- Many athletes know from previous “I practice 1-3 hours every day after bar, we still had a chance to win at the end seasons how empty it can feel when the school,” said Tony Abreu, Div. 378, who and we needed to win to get to the play- season ends. plays basketball, football, and runs track. offs. As I realized time was running out, “The transition is hard. I always end up “Since I play three sports I never have a so many ideas ran through my head of missing the team a lot. I’m going to miss Robles, a center midfielder, has helped Girls’ Varsity Soccer get off to a 7-3-1 break, except in the summer, and that’s different ways to win,” said football player my team and the close knit family feeling start this season. Her four goals this season are among the most on the team. only for like 2 weeks. ” Miguel Olivo, Div. 170. “Most of them you get,” said Cross Country and Track This is Robles’ fourth and final year on the Varsity team and she will be playing “Practice takes up about 15 hours of my were unrealistic ways. Then, I remember runner Eleni Tianis, Div. 151. “When next year at St. Francis University (Indiana) on a scholarship. time [each] school week. When my season looking at one of my best friends on the you’re a sophomore or junior you know is over I honestly don’t know what to do,” team, Kyle Mitchell, and we kind of gave there’s another season to look forward to Favorites said Dominique Peatry, Div. 162, a mem- each other that look like, ‘it’s over bud.’” and to better yourself as an athlete. As a se- Food: Fries and chicken wings ber of Lane’s track team. “You feel lost for “It’s the weirdest feeling to have (on your nior, everything is like, ‘this is the last time Movie: Superbad a while.” Senior Night) that this is the last game I’ll I’ll be at this meet.’ It’s going to be tough Store: Target, I can find everything “We have practice Monday through ever play on this court,” said volleyball play- when the season ends.” Celeb Crush: David Beckham Friday and most meets on Saturdays, so a er, Tara Gillen, Div. 151. “Sure the water “When the season is over, we don’t know Class: Ceramics social life is practically out of the window wells were going, but we know we would what to do. We’re so used to barely hav- Teacher: Ms. Paganelli during the season,” said track member Si- always have that bond with these players.” ing free time during the season. When Color: Pink erra Evans, Div. 157. Those last moments can also become that free time comes it’s like, ‘okay, what is After dedicating so much time to prac- very emotional for senior athletes. there for me to do?’” Peatry said. tice and competing, the last few moments Warrior: Why do you think the team is sibility. I was chosen captain for a reason “After we lost our last game, I couldn’t “Everyone gets that feeling of ‘what’s of that final game can be bittersweet. Be- doing so well this year? and it’s my job. Also being a senior, it sleep that night,” said senior soccer player next’ because you’ve been committed for cause most varsity payers are seniors, for Robles: We’re monsters. It helps that feels great because we have worked hard Manny Guzman, Div. 181. at least 4 months to a sport. But it feels some, it is the last game they will ever most of us have been playing together our 3 past years and this is our last, so “When that last buzzer went off, I felt good to have free time,” Gillen said. play. For others, it is the last they will be for a while. Also, everyone is very skilled. we should strive to make it our best. like someone I loved with all my heart Sometimes the bond between the team involved in an athletic team for a couple When everyone brings their part to the died,” Olivo said. “I was looking down members also fades away once the season months. Before the game ends, so many field, we perform really well. W: How do you expect this season to at the grass crying. I cried on the car ride is over. different thoughts and feelings go through finish up? Are you motivated any more home, I stopped, got in the shower, and “You don’t spend as much time with all each player’s mind. W: Has there been a single game in your than you have been in the past because then, I cried some more.” the (guys) on the team. Everyone usually “Senior year is all about going hard or Lane career that stands out to you? it is your last season? When their season actually ends, most does their own thing and goes their sepa- going home,” said senior Girls’ Basketball LR: It was last year when we played LR: I’m pretty pumped for the rest of athletes have to find something to do to rate ways,” Torres said. player Gianni Serrano, Div.162. “So, after Evanston Township HS for the regional this season because we are all confident pass the time. No longer attending prac- Although the season’s end can be hard to my last game, driving home it hit me re- title. I scored both goals that led us to we’re going to win city and get pretty far tice takes time to set in. handle, the athletes appreciate the season ally hard because despite our crazy season, a double overtime win. It was really in- in the state playoffs. We perform really “The first day [of not having practice] and the time they’ve had with one anoth- it was my last and I realized it wasn’t going tense. well against suburban teams and that is right after school, I asked one of my er. Most of them are given awards, gifts, to continue next year. I feel like I’ve been getting us more recognition, which just friends what time was practice and he just and banquets to celebrate the end of their doing it forever. Knowing you might not W: What is it like finally being the old- motivates us even more. Being that it’s laughed, saying we don’t have it anymore,” season. Although senior athletes don’t all be able to play for a team ever again... it’s est on the varsity team? How are you my last year playing for Lane, of course said Torres. “I felt like I didn’t have any- play the same sports, most have one thing pretty depressing.” handling the responsibility? that pushes me to play harder. Seniors where to go or anything to do. It was an in common: at the end of the season they “It sucks knowing my senior year is over,” LR: It’s definitely a lot of weight on your always want to be remembered for what empty feeling.” are left with an empty feeling that only said basketball player Eric Butler, Div. shoulders but I like having that respon- they accomplish. “Knowing the season is over, it sucks their sport can fill. 170. “I remember my last home game for Spending time on bench helps mature, motivate athletes stay involved mentally. They are coming for Homecoming, he was informed by other words, the team that can stay men- fast. People looked at me like I was on By Johnny Stacewicz off the bench for a reason, but for the coaches that he would be moving to out- tally involved and ready usually come out the Varsity Basketball Team, not a sopho- most part, spectators overlook these play- side linebacker and a junior would take on top. The same idea can be applied to more,” said Grahic. For an athlete, it’s more grueling than 6 ers. The starters bring out the fans, but over the starting role. players coming off the bench versus those There are those with god-given talents; am practices, tougher than back-to-back benches win games. “I felt snaked [because] it was Home- who start. Omar Orellana, Div. 182, all they need to do is show up. Then there suicides, and more heartbreaking than a “Teams that win championships have coming my senior year. I didn’t deserve spent practically the entire soccer season is the rest: those who may not be the fast- season ending loss; sitting on the bench the best benches. Benches are critical that,” said Oshita. on the bench his junior year. Senior year est or strongest. If they want to move can be the loneliest place in the world. during a game because when starters are It can be hard to keep cool when this was a different story. After winning a spot up to the next level, they have to put in In many ways, players who come off tired, your bench is expected to pick up happens and it can be even harder to as a starter, he realized just how much the the work. This past summer Villanueva the bench are asked to do more than right where that starter left off,” said Vil- bounce back. Instead of dwelling on the mental approach changes. dedicated himself to earning a spot in the starters. They are asked to come into the lanueva. decision, Oshita tried to make the best of “When you start you know you have starting rotation. games and immediately be ready. There is It is often assumed that a player’s age the situation. time to adjust and get into the flow of the “I lifted weights four out of seven days no warm-up for them. Players have to sit factors into the amount of game time “I knew I wasn’t going to get my spot game, when coming off the bench you in the week and spent the other three and watch, but are expected to be ready they get. The seniors get priority while back, but I was still a captain and had to feel like you have to make an impact as getting 100-200 different jump-shots in at any moment. the younger athletes come off the bench. lead the team. I had to do the best I pos- soon as you get in,” said Orellana. “You per day. I took my training a lot more “Staying ready was a big challenge be- Chemistry is an incredibly important sibly could at whatever position they put don’t know when you will get another seriously once I realized that I had the cause when you finally get your chance factor when building a successful team, me at,” said Oshita. chance to perform so there is a lot more potential of representing my school as a to get in the game, you get shocked by Although some seniors may not have The greatest athletes are not necessarily pressure on you to not make mistakes.” starter.” the level of competition you are being the talent of the best underclassmen, the ones with the most skill, but those Sadzid Grahic, better known in the Lane is also not the easiest school to exposed to,” said Matt Villanueva, Div. they have been playing together over the with the best mental approach. Whether hallways of Lane as "Big Z," Div. 285, earn a spot on a team. The Freshmen 168, a member of the Varsity Basketball course of four years. Molly Dunbar, Div. it is shooting clutch free throws or con- came into high school hovering around Boys’ Basketball try-outs usually see over Team. 153, a member of the Varsity Soccer team vincing oneself to push past physical 6’5. He made the Varsity Basketball 100 students try out for about 15 spots. Players coming off the bench have to be since her sophomore year claims age is boundaries, mental toughness is crucial. Team but spent his first season coming “Going from playing every sport in ready to play any position, at any time, not a factor in the decision of coaches. Armando Rodriguez, Div. 151, went off the bench. The speed of the varsity grammar school to riding bench in under any circumstances. “On the soccer team age is just a num- from playing frosh/soph soccer his fresh- game can be overwhelming especially for high school was a hard pill to swallow,” “After playing literally a minute in ber, skill is the only thing that matters. men and sophomore year to starting on a freshman. Grahic credits coming off O’Connell said. “The hardest thing my first game, I knew it was up to me Every girl on the team is given a fair Varsity in his final two years. He actually the bench his first year with helping him would have to be proving myself ready to to work my way up. I had to stay ready chance to earn a spot,” said Dunbar. “All credits coming off the bench with moti- learn the game. the coaching staff.” and be willing to play any position at five seniors on the team this year have vating him to get to the next level. “[Being on the bench] helps you un- Athletes are made in the gym. The best any time when called upon,” said Patrick been playing together since 6th grade, “[Coming off the bench] didn’t faze derstand plays. You can see when people of the best are not born that way, they are O’Connell, Div. 181, a member of the that has helped a lot.” me at all. If anything, it motivated me make mistakes and learn how to correct not superior beings, and they are the best Varsity Lacrosse Team. Earning a spot in the starting rotation to give 110% and get better. Dedication, them. I really studied how the older guys because they train harder and longer than Bench players also have to come to can do wonders for an athlete’s confi- commitment and hard work were prob- played,” said Grahic. everyone else. It’s hard to love a game terms with the fact that in their coach’s dence. At the same time, losing a spot ably the keys aspects of me moving to the Grahic moved into a starting role his when it doesn’t always love back. That is opinion, another player can do a better can kill it. Preston Oshita, Div. 178, next level,” said Rodriguez. sophomore year and all of a sudden he something all athletes know, from the all- job. When so much of sports depends was the starting varsity quarterback for It doesn’t matter if they are taking the was the one players were looking up to. stars to the last ones off the bench. on players’ confidence and momentum, the first four games of the season. The court or the field; the team with players “After becoming a starter I felt more it is a coach’s job to make sure all players week before taking on Whitney Young who can keep their heads wins games. In responsible. I felt like I had to grow up