Page 4 Page 15 News: Sports: Helping vitims Danny Priemer, of natural athletic icon disaster eat Clean-up time John Mussman Northside participates in the is recognized B “State of the Planet” Colloquium as Presidential by Sonya Dekhtyar On May 16, the CASE colloquium, which strives to Scholar make the school a greener and more environmen- by Subhan Ali tally-friendly place, and the The United States Presidential Scholars Program, Global Initiative colloquium, founded in 1964, has been designed to recognize hosted the “State of the outstanding graduating seniors; this year, John P. Planet” all-school collo- Mussman, Adv. 806, was granted admission into quium. The event, coordi- the program. The program chooses from students nated by Mr. Mike Coy, Mr. who rank among the top twenty test scorers in their Andrew Stroup, and Mr. respective states. Generally, these students have SAT oof Robert Blease, brought scores of 2400 and ACT scores of 36. Among these together speakers, teachers, top students a male and a female student is selected and students to open the yearly. Rarely are more than two selected per state as Presidential Scholars. The student’s involvement in Vol. 9 No. 10 Northside College Preparatory High School June 2008 Vol. eyes of Northside students to extracurricular activities and other talents the student the pressing environmental Students were captivated by a presentation on the issues of the world. may have set them apart from others who have the preservation of species. perfect test scores. Fifteen years after the Presidential As preparation for the Photo by Natlia Emanuel event, Mr. Coy and Ms. Scholars Program was created, it was extended to re- ward those who displayed talent in the creative, visual, H Susan Spillane, Director of Mr. Blease and Global Initia- key-note speaker, Joseph Special Programs, worked tives participants helped with Clair, the managing engineer and performing arts. This year, 121 students were cho- independently to get in touch setting up the schedule for of Chicago Public Schools. sen to participate in the program, and John Mussman and invite the multiple speak- the action items at the end “I really liked how is now the first Chicago Public School student to ever ers present that day. Among of the day, while the CASE [Clair] used the story about receive this recognition as Illinois’ male United States the speakers were Tiffany colloquium members helped the NASA rockets to il- Presidential Scholar. Some may see this as a surprise, Simons, a Northwestern with “leg work,” as Mr. Coy lustrate how decisions we particularly since CPS is the third largest school district University PhD student who called it. make today can effect people in the nation. Nevertheless, Mussman had his own spoke about environmental To begin the day, centuries from now,” Erik comments about winning the award. activism, David Ulrich, the students went to the gym to Gould, Adv. 808, said. “I was surprised and humbled,” Mussman said. Executive Director of the listen to Principal Barry Rod- Following this speech, “It was a very competitive program.” Great Lakes Initiative, Col- gers’ introductory speech, students went back to their Faye G. Cheng, a senior at Hinsdale Central Town- leen Duke, and many more. followed by a speech by the advisories, where individual ship High School, is this year’s female Presidential Scholar from Illinois. Continued on page 3 as “‘State of the Planet’ colloquium” Mussman will be honored for his accomplishments this summer during National Recognition Week, in Washington D.C. MAAD about music When it comes to gratitude, Mussman believes that the entire Northside community has had such an intel- lectual vitality. Mussman accepted the award, thanking Students celebrate a year of his peers, teachers, and everybody at Northside for their verve. performing arts “I especially would like to thank Mr. (Chester) class and level. Tylinski,” Mussman said, “for his constant enthusiasm The Most Improved and 24/365 dedication to his students.” Award went to the Mussman selected Mr. Tylinksi, World Languages students whose musical and English Department, to accompany him to Wash- News pages 1-5 style has been enhanced ington D.C. Each student was given the opportunity to • Megafest-music, food and by the students through- choose one teacher who has been most inspirational to fundraising out the year. The Spirit them through their high school career. • Elephants with Riders Award went to the stu- “He has been a mentor and role model for me in dents who are not neces- my time at Northside,” Mussman said. Features pages 6-7 sarily the best, but who Mussman is looking forward to meeting the other • Profile on Harold Jaffe show dedication and 120 students who won the award in Washington. He • Losing weight with effort in their class. The will also be visiting prominent universities while at- Northside teachers Musicianship Award tending seminars during the week-long activities. Centerfold pages 8-9 went to the students who “There will be seminars at Georgetown University displayed the qualities of and some recognition events in the D.C. area,” he said. • Advice from the seniors a good musician. Finally, For Mussman it was a tremendous accomplish- the Best of Class Awards ment. For Northside, CPS, and the Chicago intellectu- Diversions page 10 went to the students al community, Mussman’s award marked an important • From Field Day to Whole whose achievement and milestone. Foods--featuring summer ability holds superior to In the fall, Mussman will be attending Harvard activities that of the others. University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Editorials page 11 Students and their relatives gathered in the gymnasium The students invited • How Northside can improve as teachers from the Music Departement each selected 6 to this event were those in the coming years students to present awards to. who are enrolled in the Photo by Alejandro Valdivieso intermediate or advanced pages 12-14 level of their courses. For Arts & Entertainment by Sarah Schoonhoven • Summer concerts Since its opening in 1999, Northside many, this was the first time at the MAAD •Artist of the month: College Prep has had an esteemed music dinner, but some have made appearances at TingTings program, offering multiple class levels of all three. One of the people who had a strong Sports pages 15-16 Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Chorus. On May 27, students from these classes and hand in the planning of MAAD was Mr. • Women’s JV Soccer Team Bob Solomon, a Northside parent. He is wins city champs their families gathered for the third an- nual Music Advocacy and Awards Dinner in charge of the MAAD committee for the • How to stay active this last time this year, because his son, Steve summer (MAAD). The attendees had a night of food, music, and awards that were sponsored Solomon, Adv. 810, was a Northside senior, by the Northside Parent Network to honor and now graduate. He has been on the com- the work of music students at Northside. mittee since its first year. The music teachers The evening started off with an Italian- honored him this year with an award to inspired meal, accompanied by jazz music. thank him for all he has done. A new parent After this, students received participation team will host next years dinner. trophies from their respective teachers. Then Many of the Northsiders who received came the awards ceremony. Each teacher awards were students well-known by the gave out six awards to deserving students: Northside populous, such as Solomon, who the Outstanding Freshman Award, the Out- won the best in class award for Jazz. Fresh- standing Senior Award, the Most Improved men Fay Pauly, Adv. 106, and Justin Mark, Award, the Spirit Award, the Musicianship Adv. 103, won the Outstanding Freshman Award, and the Best of Class Award. Award for Orchestra and Concert Band, According to Mr. Mike Lill, Music respectively. Department, the Outstanding Freshman and Overall, students were happy to spend time with their friends and fellow musicians. John Mussman, Adv. 806, is the first student in Senior Awards went to the students that the a Chicago Public School to earn the Presidential teachers saw as the best of the best in their “It was nice to see everyone outside of Scholars Award. school,” Konrad Kubicki, Adv. 106, said. Photo courtesy of John Mussman Page  News The Hoof Beat A Mega-Tastical Event Northside College A festival of musical performances Prep High School by Farrukh Mukhtar On May 18, Northsiders and their families took part 5501 N. Kedzie in the first annual Megafest. It was a celebration that fea- Chicago, IL 60625 tured musical performances, food, a silent auction, and interactive games. Among Tel: (773) 534-3954 the performances were Talent Show showcases, along with Jordan Stacey’s band “The Fax: (773) 534-3964 Days.” ”It was mega-tastic,” Kevin Hom, returning alum- Principal: Mr. Barry Rodgers nus, said. “I enjoyed all the musical acts and the food was Assistant Principal: pretty good as well.” Dr. Margaret Murphy In addition to the perfor- mances, the Art Department Advisor: Mr. Chester Tylinski hosted a number of activities for members of the communi- ty, including free face painting Editors-In-Chief: Natalia for visitors, and a variety of student-designed games. The Emanuel, Patricia Radkowski Art Department raised money selling renditions of famous Web Editor: Abir Usman works that were touched News Editor: Elizabeth Jose up with paint splashing and charcoal-coating. Features Editor: Andrea Ljevar Items in the silent auction included sports memorabilia Centerfold Editor: Zlatana and teacher experiences, like Alibegovic a trip with Mr. Milbert to a Japanese restaurant. Editorial Editor: Muhammad “I bid on a teacher experi- ence with Ms. Ortiz,” Katie Akthar Johnson, Adv. 803, said. “The Arts and Entertainment Editor: silent auction seemed like a great way for the school to Molly McAndrew raise money.” Parents and students who Sports Editor: Zahra Lalani filled the entire first floor Photo/Art Editor: Vasiliki Mitra- of Northside could enjoy a gourmet style meal in the kos, Leo Lee, Alejandro Vadivieso lunchroom or the musical performances in either the Ms. Lindsey Caplice, Art Department, was in charge of the painting machine which auditorium or the gymna- was used to create new interpretations of the 20 most expensive paintings ever sold. Managing Editor: Zainab Bilfaqi sium. Performances in the Photo courtesy of Ms. Caplice auditorium included local Copy Editor: Zahra Lalani high school bands and other baskets, golf lessons, and “I enjoyed the food a lot,” Adv. 902, said. “I enjoyed this various artists. Along with something that can appeal Irfan Hussain, Adv. 806, said. Megafest a lot and hope that the activities, a raffle was held to almost everyone. Those “There was a lot of variety the next one will be better.” Reporters: Olutoye Adegboro, for prizes such as a thousand who were thirsty and hungry and reasonable prices. I also Indeed, MegaFest dollars in cash and 4 tickets to from a long day of activities enjoyed the satisfaction I authorities have many plans Subhan Ali, Lyanne Alfaro, a Chicago Bear’s pre-season were in for a treat. The Parent received knowing that my for next year’s event. There game. Network offered a traditional money is going towards the will be more popular musical Mariam Bawany, Derika Benton, “I bid on the items and barbecue along with cook- school.” performances and interactive Brittany Brown, Sonya Dekhytar, even though I did not win,” ies, brownies, cakes and With the first Megafest in games, along with new items Kelly Varney, Adv. 810, said. other homemade confections. the books, students have high up for bid. Melissa Espana, Zosia Holden, “I liked that the money went There was also a wide range expectations for next years’ “I’ll definitely be back towards a noble cause - help- of beverages to choose from, event. for next year’s Megafest,” Kent Fremon, Matt Glodz, Sarish ing our school.” from Lipton Brisk iced tea “I hope this becomes Hussain said. “Hopefully this Hassan, Alice Henry, Tyler Among the items up for to Goose Island handcrafted an annual staple event at time I will win something in bid were coupons, goodie sodas. Northside,” Shaheed Ghoga, the silent auction.” Johnson, Melissa Jordan, Sarah Jose, Sony Kassam, Farrukh Let’s kiss…a senior Mukhtar, Bhumi Patel, Evan Rogers, Riaz Shaikh, Dilraj National Honor Society sponsors Kiss a Senior Shekhon, Sarah Schoonhoven, Goodbye. Elizabeth Sobenes, Caitlin Swieca, by Dilraj Sekhon message to the recipient. The cards were lasting impression. Thuy Tran, Sika Yeboah-Sampong, National Honor Society (NHS) held then be delivered to the senior advisories “Originally Ms. Searcy and Ms. Ortiz Yonas Zewdie. its annual “Kiss a Senior Goodbye” in the following weeks. felt like there was not enough done for event during the week of May 12 through “Kiss a Senior Goodbye” was started the seniors,” Karpouzian said. “Other the 17, during all lunch periods outside by NHS and has been a tradition for 2 schools do so much more, so this was a of the Northside cafeteria. Several Stu- years now. nice gesture for underclassmen to give dents sat at a table designated for NHS “It was started by Ms. Searcy and to the seniors as a way to send them off students during each lunch period and Ms. Ortiz [club moderators] last year, with a lasting impression of Northside.” sold cards with several Hershey choco- and it was intended for the juniors to NHS students hand made the cards late kisses attached to them designated do something special for the seniors,” several days prior to the actual sale. The for seniors. Each card cost one dollar and Tatiana Karpouzian, Adv. 801, said. following week during lunch on Monday, allows the sender to personalize a special This event was a random idea Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday anyone brought up by the was able to purchase one with the option moderators during a of writing a personalized message on the club meeting. inside. “We were think- Generally NHS sells all of the ing of something to “kisses” in four days, but this year it only do at the end of the took two. “We didn’t have a strategy,” year that the juniors Karpouzian said. “We just sat outside of could do specially for the cafeteria, although I harassed juniors The Hoof Beat is a monthly publication the seniors and send constantly by suggesting it to them.” them off in a cute The money that NHS makes goes produced by the Northside Prep Journalism way,” Karpouzian to Kiva.org, a non-profit micro-loan Class. As a student-run newspaper, your said. “It was also a organization that lends money to small method intended to business entrepreneurs in impoverished opinions are important to us. If you have boost school spirit.” countries to jumpstart their own busi- any comments, corrections, critiques, or As the school nesses. year comes to an “If I was a senior and someone sent questions, please e-mail Mr. Chester Tylinski end, and seniors me a card, I would feel so special,” Ben- at [email protected] or the editors begin to anticipate jamin Garcia, Adv. 909 said. “It would in chief at [email protected]. Hershey chocolate kisses were attached to heart- graduation, NHS felt just leave a lasting impression of how shaped cards and given to seniors during advisory. the need to leave a good this school was to me.” Photo by Alejandro Valdivieso June 2008 News Page  “State of the Planet Colloquium” Continued from page 1 speakers from a range of intended to help clean up the area up,” Lena Tran, Adv. 012, said. programs spoke about current surrounding Northside and to raise “It was incredible to see so many environmental issues, including awareness of environmental prob- members of the Northside com- pollution, recycling, energy waste, lems and needs. munity come together in an effort and water use. “One of the groups went to the to help save the planet, and it felt “The caliber of the speaker we North Park Nature Center to learn good to know that we made at least were able to get was amazing,” about and remove invasive species a little bit of difference that day.” Ms. Spillane said. “The speak- from the preserve,” Forrest Cortes, Yet opinions on the day varied. ers were very generous in sharing a CASE colloquium member, Adv. While some students, like Tran, felt their knowledge and expertise with 010, said. “Another group cleaned like they had benefited from the our students, so our young people up the river behind the school, with day very much, others felt like there can be more knowledgeable and Mr. [Steve] Arnam leading several was room for improvement. inspired to act.” advisories in the search for garbage “I would have liked to see a Advisories were then assigned that didn’t belong in or around the more engaging, mentally or physi- to participate in various activities river. I think one group found a cally active approach to broadcast- fishing pole in ing the colloquium’s message,” the water.” Honghe Li, Adv. 106, said. Students Nonetheless, the wide scope enjoyed the of activities and the presence of day and so many speakers seemed to affect learned much Northsiders positively. The hawk, a visitor at Northside, captivated student’s attention from this “The colloquium influenced with its injured wing. experience. the way I think about the environ- Photo by Zlatana Alibegovic “My fa- ment,” Gould said. “I felt moved to vorite part of work harder to protect it.” colloquium every year. “I thought the event went re- the day would “Every chance we have to get “Many of the activities we ally well and I believe that a lot of have to be the students working with professionals did were very detailed and are not people benefited from this experi- second half of – especially in the science field – is bound to change within the next ence,” Cortes said. colloquium, worth-while and time well-spent,” several years,” Coy said. “Plus, I “The most successful part was when my ad- Mr. Coy said. think it would be more reasonable the cooperative and community visory got to Although it would be great to to do this type of event every three effort,” Ms. Spillane said. “Such go outside and have such chances every year, Mr. or four years, so we can get new all-school colloquia engender a This stick insect taught Northside students about participate in Coy doesn’t feel like it would be kids to do it every time.” positive environment for students camouflage. the river clean- necessary to do such an all-school Still, the event proved to be a to learn.” Photo by Zlatana Alibegovic success. Do you know your MechanicalSculptures heritage? come to life Northside’s team makes it to the Art student’s last thrill at Elephant semifinals with Riders by Bhumi Patel along. by Brittany Brown Even though the competition was getting “The book was very interesting and On Saturday, May tough, Northside’s Know Your Heritage Team informative,” Ms. Torres said. “It covered the 10, Northside’s Art was able to take fourth place out of the 32 entire history of how ethnic groups arrived Department held its teams that competed and advanced all the to Chicago, their struggles and accomplish- annual Elephant with way to the semifinals. The team consists of ments.” Riders event. It was coach, Ms. Janet Torres, team captain, Alan The team decided to split up the work a day of free work- Lazzar, Adv. 901, Jennifer Oseitutu, Adv. 800, amongst themselves so that it would be easier shops, performances, Carlos Almeida, Adv. 900, Jasmine Harb, to memorize the information and make their and open galler- Adv. 801, Margaret Jodlowski, Adv. 800, and chance of winning greater. ies geared towards Zowie Molokwu, Adv. 800. The competition “We have a solid and united team,” children and their took place at the Harold Washington Cultural Harb said. “One of the biggest factors to our parents. Student and Center throughout the school year, starting in success is that each member of the team has teacher volunteers ran October 2007 and ending in March 2008. dedicated his time over the past three years to daytime workshops The Know Your Heritage competition this competition.” including ceramics, is a game show where high schools around The team also practiced by using buzz- “photograms,” or Chicago compete based on their knowledge of ers to be more prepared when they went to photos made with different cultures in the world. The purpose is the real competition. The buzzers were a big photo paper and light, to help the students appreciate the various cul- issue for the team when they were compet- and games developed tures that surround them. Ms. Lisa Moreno, ing because the team was not buzzing in fast by Art I students. past vice principal, and Ms. Torres created the enough. For the past six team at Northside four years ago and became “When we lost, it really was not because years, Elephants with the co-sponsors. After Ms. Moreno left, Ms. we did not know the material,” Jodlowski Riders has been a Torres continued to encourage the team to said. “It was mostly a problem buzzing in. If community outreach Sagung Kertayuda, Adv. 904, and Michelle Lopez, Adv. 906, take part in the game show. there was a written test we all would have had program for North- had a blast playing this improved upon game of twister. “I love the competition because [the team perfect scores.” side’s art program to Photo by Tyler Johnson celebrate accomplish- members] created friendships and were a great The grand prize for the game show was a mances. Knightmare proved to be a crowd ments and raise the school’s profile. In past support to one another,” Ms. Torres said. $1000 scholarship towards college and a trip favorite by winning “most menacing,” “best years, the event has presented music en- “They are an awesome group. I admire them to Disneyland for all the team members. Even costume,” and “crowd favorite.” sembles concerts and art students’ openings. for being so loyal to the team and studying so though the team did not get first place, each “The interactive games made me forget Recently, it began to function as an event for hard.” team member received a $250 scholarship for I was at an art show, that’s how amazing it solely visual arts. The team usually practiced together after college. was” Rosalinda Recendez, Adv. 902, said. “We found people came for the music school every other day with Ms. Torres. They The team has been together for the last Recendez’s art group created a mix of and not the openings, so we decided to were provided with a book to study entitled three years, but four of the members will be two games – Twister, a game of physical break off on our own and Elephants with “Ethnic Chicago-A Multicultural Portrait.” graduating this year, and Ms. Torres will be skill which requires a floor mat and spinner, Riders was created,” Ms. Joanne Minyo, the The team needed to memorize information leaving next year. and Limbo, a game requiring flexibility Art Department, said. about different ethnic groups that came to “Good luck to the seniors that are gradu- - to make “Timbo.” The game featured The highlight of this year’s Chicago and the cultures that they brought ating and good luck to Mrs. Twister’s mat with different patterns and Elephant with Riders show was the Kinetic Torres,” Lazzar said. “We will layout, Limbo’s stick, and a set of combina- Sculpture Race, featuring sculptures that miss them all dearly.” tions that, if passed, allowed access to the were created from school materials and This does not mean that next level while the combinations became donated bicycles. There were eight teams the team spirit is gone because more difficult. in the race this year: the Poodlez, Geriat- all of the members will re- “At first it looked easy but when you ric Robots, Amun-Ra, Interchange, Team member their time together. had to do a certain pattern while going un- Santa, Road Kill, Peanut’s Mobile, and “I want to thank every- der the stick, the third level was impossible,” Knightmare. The participating teams raced one for trying their best and Sadia Sozzer, Adv. 905, said. their sculptures, constructed from bicycles, making the past three years a The low attendance rate has caused the around the school twice, each time stopping blast,” Lazzar said. “Person- Art Department to reconsider Elephant at stations, where their sculptures had to ally, I am really going to miss with Riders’ dates and move them up to perform a task. Tasks included the “Stop, what we did, along with the March or April. By allowing more time drop, & roll” station, where students had to times we spent together.” between the 20 Hour Show and Elephants jump off their sculptures and roll for a dis- The team is trying to with Riders, they hope their will be a greater tance in the grass before returning to their recruit new members for the turnout of non-Northside communities and craft. The cake-making station provided next school year and is looking it may elevate the longevity of the show. another such task in which participants had for a new sponsor. The mem- “It would be a shame if they didn’t do to decorate a cake with icing that would bers want to keep Northside Elephants with Riders next year,” Joe Wat, later be distributed to the volunteers and This will be the last year that Alan Lazzar, Adv. 901, involved in the competition Adv. 904, said. “I really enjoy it every year. Jennifer Oseitutu, Adv. 800, Margaret Jodlowski, Adv. crowd members. and plan to win the grand prize It’s very interactive, and probably the best 800, and Zowie Molokwu, Adv. 800 will be able to After the activities came to a close, next year. display of what Northside artists produce. compete together. students were given awards for their perfor- Photo by Bhumi Patel Everything is really whacky.” Page  News The Hoof Beat Muy Bien Ganadores Incoming Northsiders win prizes at National Spanish Exam freshman Castro all received a rating of “excellent’ and received $50 each. Other students from NCPHS earned a total of 15 gold, 14 silver meet their and 11 bronze placements along with 19 honorable mentions. “I am proud that my work paid off,” high school Jamez Gomez, Gold medal winner, Adv. 903 said. “It felt rewarding after studying for by Zosia Holden so long.” Apart from the lengthy process of orienta- The test is composed of six parts, which tions and acceptance tests, this year Northside include vocabulary, grammar, achievement, decided to welcome the class of 2012 in a proficiency, reading and listening compre- different way. In the hour before Megafest, hension. The students are divided according the new freshmen were given a chance to to their exposure to the language and the question their future peers about their take on categories include regular, outside experi- high school during the first annual Freshmen ence, and bilingual. In addition to this, Investigation Session. there are six different levels, level one being “I think it’s awesome,” Leonardo Reina, the most basic and level six being the most incoming freshman, said. “It’s a good opportu- advanced. nity for freshmen and our academic career.” “In terms of the difficulty level of the Although organized by Marina Medina, test, there weren’t any grammatical skills Director of Special Projects, the session was that we were required to use that we had not largely run by the student body. Santino Me- learned before,” Amina Jamborharlan, Gold rino, Adv. 802, led in the session with praise medal winner, Adv. 902, said. “However, of the school’s quirky atmosphere. He then on the multiple choice there were a few vo- introduced a panel made up of two or three cabulary words that I had not come across students from each class, who, after provid- before. I simply used process of elimination ing a few of the more colorful aspects of their for those. The listening comprehension sec- school life, began taking questions. tion was actually quite amusing. I remember The question and answer session began being really interested in the content of the slowly; however, they picked up speed as conversations. Sometimes they would throw Northside’s new freshman class started to feel in a really large picture which I found a little more comfortable around their future peers. strange, but I guess it helped in the long The panel answered concerns regarding the run.” difficulty and workload of Northside classes, The road to this exam was one filled extracurricular activities, and social life. with both studying outside of the classroom “You know that this is a really good as well as inside. Many feel that the benefits school, and you’re going to be freaking out Amaris Marshall, Adv. 902, studies for the National Spanish Exam during her outweigh the extra work. that everybody’s going to be super smart. lunch block. Don’t worry. Everybody’s just like you. You Photo by Tyler Johnson “The experience as a whole was really interesting, and I would definitely recom- got in here for a reason. You’re smart too,” Merino said. by Mariam Bawany ishexam.org. The purpose of this test is to mend that others take this exam. It’s pretty On March 31st and April 1st 2008, determine proficiency and achievement of fun.” Among the most common questions were Spanish speakers nationwide put their skills students who have studied Spanish. The teachers are very proud of their those regarding time management. The panel to the test by taking the National Spanish Northside had 4 students who earned students. worked to put the freshmen’s minds at ease. Exam. After many grueling study sessions, monetary awards and most were bilingual “All the teachers of Spanish are so They promoted tutoring for anyone who need- the few who received prizes were proud to and represented different levels of Spanish. proud of all our students, Robert Blease, ed help, and noted the first year at Northside have gained recognition. Jesica Suarez came in first place in her level Spanish teacher, said. “This is the first time as being a crucial period for adapting. They The National Spanish Exam has been (2) and category in the city of Chicago and Northside has presented the opportunity for explained the vast amounts of time students administered since 1957. It is an online surrounding suburbs, and she won $100. Ju- these students and they had overwhelming are given for work, particularly on weeks with test that is given voluntarily by nearly 3000 lio Monarrez, Julissa Chavez, and Fernando success.” colloquium, where teachers and students teachers, according to www.nationalspan- alike can take a break to work on activities that interest them. The panel also stressed the importance of making room in one’s schedule for clubs. Making a difference While the newcomers may have seemed awkward in the face of their new school, those who spoke up at the session conveyed great Northside students help victims of China’s expectations for their future here. “It’s going to be really fun here, and the earthquake people seem nice,” said Emily Aman, incom- ing freshman, said. by Olutoye Adegboro Barry Rodgers, North- While the students may have differed on Northside students side principal, said, “no why they chose the school, be it for an older gathered in the third matter how small it sibling who went or to get involved in the club floor atrium on May seems, really affects the scene, many agreed on the comfort its environ- 29, 2008 to attend a world.” ment offered them. Reina, for instance, left presentation aimed at One of the primary this event feeling confident about the workload raising awareness about goals of the presenta- and felt that he could manage as easily as he the earthquake that tion was to get people to had in elementary school. recently hit China and understand the effects Although this first Freshmen Investigation helping with the relief of the earthquake and Session was something of an experiment, Ms. effort. how its devastating Medina felt that it was carried out quite well, The presentation effects are having an attracting a nice crowd of families and being was given by several impact on the victims. neatly managed by the student body. Follow- volunteer clubs, their With more awareness ing the questions and a brief raffle of Saddle sponsor Dr. Fu, World about the recent natural Shop merchandise, the freshmen were invited Language Department, disaster, help can get to a pep rally leading into Megafest. Here, Ms. Ms. Susan Spillane, to the victims sooner, Medina attempted to give them a view of the Special Director of Pro- saving more lives in the school’s active society. grams, and Dr. Marga- process. Apart from an introduction to what North- ret Murphy, Northside’s “It’s really impor- side is, Medina aimed to bring the freshmen Vice Principal. The pre- tant for us to spread the comfortably over an often rough and unwel- sentation, held in the word,” Yuan said. coming road. third floor atrium, was Northside students’ “We just want to make sure that the fresh- an after-school func- efforts to help with aid men start off the new year knowing exactly tion open to anyone to the region have been what is expected of them, that they come in who wanted to come. Emily Yuan, Adv. 909, was one of several presenters who spoke about the earthquake. recognized by many as confident, that they are supported in every The presentation’s aim Photo by Evan Rodgers an effort to affect the way, academically as well as socially,” Ms. was to raise awareness world in a positive way. Medina said. about the 7.9 magnitude caused by the earthquake. “When you see another “It’s really powerful earthquake that struck China’s Afterwards, a PowerPoint human suffering,” Calandra when you see people making a Sichuan Province on May 12, was shown and a donation box McGee, Adv. 109, said, “you [positive] difference,” Principal claiming some 68,000 lives and was set up. shouldn’t ignore it.” Rodgers said. leaving hundreds of thousands Dozens attended the pre- Many who share McGee’s Many who attended the pre- displaced, injured, and missing, sentation and contributed to the attitude were also propelled by sentation found the urge to help as reported by CNN news. relief effort through monetary the tragic accounts of the earth- other people in need a convinc- donations. quake’s after-effects reported on Corrections The presentation began ing reason to attend Thursday’s with an introduction from Ms. “I think it went really well,” the news and from others. informational meeting. Spillane and a statement made Yuan said. “There was a huge “There were some stories “We are human beings and In the last issue we incorrectly by Emily Yuan, Adv. 909, letting turnout.” I wanted to share,” Xiao Luo, we all need to care for each identified Zainab Bilfaqi as the the audience know more about The number of people pres- Adv. 803, said. other,” Yujia Hu, Adv. 013, said. photographer of the Cubby what is happening in China. ent at the presentation could be Such stories became the in- Fundraising for the victims The presentation continued attributed to the fact that many spiration for many to contribute of the earthquake in China Walk photo on page 4. The with a compelling slideshow of felt a need to help those who to the relief effort and come to continued on May 30th, outside actual photographer was Lizelle still pictures that depicted the are being deeply affected by this the presentation. the school cafeteria. The event Marcial. We regret this error. tragedy in the Sichuan province tragic event. “Every act of kindness,” Mr. raised 1,571 dollars. Medical research shows spending time with animals lowers blood pressure and anxiety. That’s why our patients can receive visits from a crew of specially trained dogs during their stay. Nice doggie.

How would you fill in the blank? Tell us at whatmakesyoufeelbetter.com Page  Features The Hoof Beat Print audit runs low by Andrea Ljevar Walking into Northside’s library, it is not uncommon to see a crowd of students printing out essays, portfolios, and various other projects for their next period class. Realizing the need for printing papers, the administration imple- mented a system of print audit for the students a few years ago. Under this system, $15.00 is automatically included in every student account for printer use each semester. The money not used in the first semes- ter is added onto the second se- mester $15.00 allowance. Students pay $0.10 per copy for the regular printers and $1.00 per copy for the color printers. Once the print audit dwindles, the money may be re- stored at the student’s expense. Yet, as the year winds down students feel that the $15.00 audit is not enough. With the large amount of paperwork students have to print, it becomes difficult not to waste the entire account. “The print audit is just too low,” Kristine Ciruelas, Adv. 904, said. “I have so much stuff to print that I wasted my print audit all the way back in February. I’ve had to ask my friends if I can use their print audit, but even they are run- ning low. I don’t think its fair how technically I have to pay to turn my homework in.” Samuel Cacique, Adv. 902, has had fellow classmates use his print Atul Kapur, Adv. 011, is among many students who waits a long time for the school computers to print. audit. Photo by Alejandro Valdivieso “I give my print audit to a lot of people,” Cacique said. “I don’t “The last two months before times the printers do not have ink, lars- that’s 150 pages,” Kustra said. With only a few weeks left be- really use it here at school since students leave to go on summer so you get half your paper printed, “That should be plenty. It is just fore the school year lets out, some I print most of my stuff at home. break, you seem a large number but the other half is gone.” that some people do not know how students are trying to make due So I give most of my print audit to of them adding money to their ac- In a situation like this Ms. Mur- to use it. I have been here for four with the limited print audit they my friends since they really seem count,” Murray said. ray says that students always get years and I have not had to add have left on their account. to need it. I wish there was a way Ciruelas adds that there are reimbursed. money at all.” “I am just trying to preserve the for me to transfer my unused print more problems to the print audit While some minor problems Yet Kustra notes there are some little money I have,” Karla Ortiz, audit to them.” apart from not having enough seem to exist with the printers and discrepancies with the print audit Adv. 904, said. “I am trying to Ms. Janet Murray, head of the money. audit system, some Northside stu- system. watch how much I print so that I library department, notes a signifi- “You think it is bad having dents, like Rick Kustra, Adv. 800, “I don’t like that you have to do not have to add money. It just cant increase in students putting 10 cents on your account, but it feel that there are limited issues test each page out before you print sucks that sometimes I print 10 money on their print audit. is worse when your paper gets with the print audit system. it so you don’t waste money,” pages for a class and the teacher jammed,” Ciruelas said. “Some- “They give you fifteen dol- Kustra said. does not even collect it.” Harold Jaffe: all in one by Sarish Hassan due to the resources, facilities, fac- As a senior at Northside College Prep, ulty, staff, and most of all students at Harold Jaffe, Adv. 802, is one of the few Northside, these aspects do not number people who manages to take time out of his many.” schedule for the things he loves. In Jaffe’s As far as Jaffe’s experience at case, that may include eating carrot cake with Northside goes, he describes it as fun, cream cheese frosting. exhausting, and exhilarating. From arguing to sports, Jaffe enjoys a “There are so many opportunities at wide variety of activities. To balance his Northside that for one reason or another school work, he participates in an array of I never took advantage of,” Jaffe said. extracurricular activities. He is part of Latin “On the other hand, I feel I have come Club, Math Team, Poetry Slam, COPALA, up with some pretty good questions to Beatles Club, Key Club, Local School Coun- Mary Oliver’s eternal question, ‘Tell me, cil, Jewish Student Union, and the Econom- what is it you plan to do with your one ics Team. wild and precious life?’” While taking on heavy load of activi- He is also a loving and caring ties, Jaffe has been recognized for many of brother to his younger sister Gracie his accomplishments. For instance, during Jaffe, Adv. 010, and his younger brother, his sophomore year, he wrote a poem titled who will be a freshman at Northside in “Dreamscape boogies Nos. 1, 2, & 3” that the fall. was selected for the Verve award. Aside from “Harold is caring and kind to a his Verve award Jaffe is part of Northside’s fault. A literal fault,” G. Jaffe, Adv. Cross Country Team and sees staying on the 010, said. “We once went to a college team as a significant accomplishment. tour and we were walking out of the “What I still see as my most significant auditorium and Harold held the door accomplishment,” Jaffe said, “is overcoming while hundreds of people filed out of one of my greatest fears earlier this year.” the auditorium.” He has really enjoyed his experience at While doing so much in school, Northside. His favorite part about Northside Jaffe also enjoys many activities outside is its culture and the way that students are of school that include reading, writing, treated in the school. playing games, and hanging out with “My favorite aspect of Northside - its friends. ethos, its very facilities - would have to be the “In my humble opinion having fun trust with which we students are treated and is an excellent way to spend one’s time,” the responsibility with which we handle that Jaffe said. “When the opportunity trust,” Jaffe said.” This unspoken trust and arises, I always enjoy a trip to the theater understanding between the administration for a film, play or improve.” and student body is a testament to the general In the fall Jaffe will be attending respect each group has for the other.” Franklin W. Olin College of Engineer- One of Jaffe’s favorite things about living ing this fall where he will pursue his in America is public education. dream career. He also has other exciting “I think it would really be wonderful if plans for his future ahead of him. all children and teenagers in CPS and around “After college I plan to volunteer the world could have access to free public for a few years with AmeriCorps, Peace education at the level of quality Northside Corps, Teach for America or something provides,” Jaffe said. “That said, there are of that sort,” Jaffe said. “After that - no and perhaps there always will be aspects of idea. Sometime in my life I would like Harold Jaffe, Adv. 802, loves to Monopoly in his spare time. the school that could use improvement—but to see Jerusalem.” Photo by Alejandro Valdivieso June 2008 Features Page  Seeing the invisible Invisible Children visits Northside

by Sonya Dekhtyar what’s happening in the world,” accord- ing it difficult for civilians to travel to their tion in comparison to his youth. On April 23, Northside students had the ing to the foundation’s website. Through work in the fields, their schools, or even to Both boys know English pretty well, so unique opportunity to see a documentary documentaries, rallies, demonstrations, and opposite ends of the camp. It is not surpris- it is easier for them to communicate their about a serious global problem. Titled “Black research, Invisible Children has raised over ing, then, that most of the adults travel in thoughts about their current situations. is for Sunday” and portraying the terrors seven million dollars and much awareness groups to the fields and many children attend While Ocan despairs that he “can never of internal displacement camps (IDPs) in to “address the need for quality education, school in packs. This mass communal of the reach America”, Sunday attempts to convey Uganda, the film followed a team of five mentor-ships, the redevelopment of schools, displaced, especially of the children, was one his inner thoughts to viewers. “[Americans] people from the Invisible Children organiza- resettlement from the camps, and financial of the main focuses of the documentary. should know about our suffering so they can tion as they traveled to one of these camps in stability.” “Black is for Sunday”, the movie “[The kids] want to be visible, but they’re contribute to help solve this problem,” he exploration of the problem and a search for that screened at Northside, documents Bailey still kind of invisible,” Bailey said. says. its possible solution. and four friends as they spent ten days in the As Sunday’s story unfolds, the viewers To some extent, his wish has come true. In 2003, when the Invisible Children Atonga IDP camp, cooking over campfires, are drawn into the difficult life he leads. Not Since returning to the United States, Bailey organization was created, its founders Bobby sleeping in huts, and working in the fields only does he have to cope with living alone, and the Invisible Children have traveled Bailey, Jason Russell and Laren nationally and internationally, Poole decided to take a trip to screening their film and leading Sudan to document the civil rallies to raise awareness and war. While filming, the three money. They write letters and ended up past the borders of ask supporters to send messages southern Sudan into northern to their state representatives. Uganda. There they discovered They even got as far as influenc- something they had not known ing Congress enough to pressure existed. President Bush to act on the The problem is clear matter (Bush requested $329 enough. It consists of a fight million for Uganda in 2008). between the Ugandan govern- They form campaigns and fund- ment and the Lord’s Resistance raisers; their latest such project, Army (LRA). The LRA is a called the “Bracelet Campaign,” self-declared Christian guerrilla sells the hand-made bracelets of army that is engaged in armed displaced men and women in rebellion against the Ugandan “story packages” – the bracelet government since the late comes with a DVD about a 1980s. Led by Joseph Kony, the displaced civilian’s story. LRA is charged with extensive When Invisible Children human-rights violations, rang- brought “Black is for Sunday” ing from mutilation to rape and to Northside, they also brought to the abduction of children for a load of merchandise, includ- the purpose of making them ing the bracelet packages and into child soldiers. What Bailey, T-shirts, as well as a pile of Russell, and Poole found in letters, which students were Uganda was that the govern- encouraged to fill out after the ment, along with the national screening, addressing Illinois army, the Ugandan People’s state Senators Barack Obama Defense Force (UPDF), was or Dick Durbin and expressing relocating civilians commonly personal opinions on the issue. known as IDPs. More than 1.7 The Invisible Children organization volunteers sold items for charity outside the Cedric L. Hampton The auditorium was almost full Auditorium after the movie screening. million northern Ugandans Photo by Sonya Dekhtyar during the screening, which have been displaced by this seemed to encourage the at- conflict, and the numbers aren’t like the other resident civilians. but he also becomes distraught over his tending representatives of the decreasing. Nearly 1000 people die in IDPs “Being in the camp is like being in inability to go to school, due to a lack of fi- Invisible Children organization. per week. Children were found walking up prison,” an anonymous speaker in the movie nances. Because he wants to fulfill his dream “People can definitely make a difference to ten miles every night to sleep at bus sta- says. The documentary portrays the squalid of becoming a doctor, Sunday continues to in this situation,” Kristin Lorey, a volunteer tions or these camps to escape abduction by living setting of the displaced, the harsh bike to school every day, only to be turned for the organization, said. the LRA; this night commuting, however, effects of the camp’s conditions, and the pov- home when he doesn’t have a uniform. Un- The movie really did inspire many stu- is slowly decreasing. Instead, children and erty that surrounds those living there (most like other children, Sunday had a chance dents who watched it to take action. adults are displaced together to IDPs, on of the displaced survive on less than 60 cents, to attend classes for some time; most of the “I thought the film portrayed the serious- the basis that this displacement is militarily per week). To help viewers understand how displaced children can’t even afford to go ness of the issue really well,” Merita Bushi, necessary in order to repel the LRA and to civilians survive, Bailey and his team closely school, especially high school. Adv. 012, said. “In general, it was really fun help differentiate between the army’s fighters followed the life of Okello Sunday, a 15-year- Along with Sunday, Bailey becomes and interesting to watch. It made me want and other civilians. In some places, up to old whose dream is to become a doctor. acquainted with a friend of Sunday’s, Daniel to do something to help solve this problem.” 95 percent of the population is internally “I’ve seen so many people suffer from Ocan. An orphan, his last name meaning The organization urges supporters to displaced. all sorts of diseases,” Sunday said. “I want “poor boy”, Ocan tries to fight his way out help solve this lasting problem and bring What the Invisible Children organiza- many doctors in Uganda.” of his poverty. He lives with eight other boys the 22-year war in Uganda to an end. Or, as tion seeks to do is to “create an opportunity The main problem with the IDPs is the in a hut, and Bailey exposes Ocan’s emotions Sunday would say, share this message with for people to become part of a grassroots lack of security. Most of the roads leading in, about his past – his distress over his parents’ Ugandans: “Atye, larema” – “I’m here, my movement that intelligently responds to out, and through the camp are not safe, mak- deaths and his anger over his current situa- friend.” Now that it is all over Spring shape up Northsiders’ thoughts on AP testing Teachers participate in by Sika Yeboah-Sampong Preparation seemed to play a yourself before taking the test from Northside has long had a huge role in Northsiders’ feelings all the pre-conceived notions you reputation for academic excel- about their AP tests. While some build up,” Grace Allawirdi, Adv. their own “Biggest Loser” lence and with its offering of 24 students felt that they completed 803, said. “An AP test isn't hard at by Alice Henry competition is set to end around Advanced Placement (AP) classes. the proper preparation during the all if you're prepared. You divide up The final weigh-in is nearing the same time as the school year. Most students graduate Northside AP course at school, others felt your studying well, and you get a as the school year comes to a close Mr. Michael Heavey and Ms. having taken at least one AP class. that they had to rely more on test good deal of sleep the night before, for thirty-two teachers at North- Adrienne Cirrincione, of the Beginning the week of May 5, 2008, preparation books and outside you will do great.” side. Four teams, each consisting physical education department, Northsiders took part in 2 weeks of preparation. Students’ reasons for taking of eight teachers, are competing to will be running the last weigh-ins. AP testing with the majority of AP “I think I was prepared well for AP tests ranged from those who see which team can lose the largest "The final prize is a big dinner testing taking part during the second all my tests,” Heta Panchal, Adv. just wanted to test their knowledge percentage of weight, a la the real- we will all go to," said Andrews. week of testing. With tests cover- 906, said. “I studied really hard over about certain subjects to those who ity TV show "The Biggest Loser." "The losers will pay for the meal.” ing various subjects, from foreign the weekend.” took the tests in order to get college Teachers are walking, running, language to mathematics, some Other students felt that they credits. spinning and biking their way to "Speaking of competition, Northsiders had to take more than had done all they could after having “AP’s prepare you for a college the finish. my team, Team D, is smoking one AP test. spent an entire school year studying workload,” Molokwu said. “Make “My main reason for par- the competition," said Solin. "B “I took AP Japanese, AP Psych the subject. sure you take at least one while ticipating," said Jeff Solin, a actually smoking the other teams and AP Environmental Science,” “I thought personally I was you're at Northside, just to chal- computer science teacher, said, "is would be very unhealthy and Zowyi Molokwu, Adv. 800, said. prepared for them as much as I lenge yourself a bit more.” that the competition is a great way harsh on the lungs." “The schedule was okay. The first could've been,” Elizabeth Lawal, Many Northsiders are feeling to have fun and get healthy at the As of May 21, all the teams week I only had AP Japanese.” Adv. 800, said. “AP testing is always the pressure in terms of college same time." had lost about two percent of As far as Northsiders were con- hard, but I think you're kind of applications and what weight their The "Spring Shape Up," as their initial team weight, and each cerned, AP tests varied in difficulty. guaranteed to have a decent grade if courses will add to these applica- teachers are calling it, actually member was losing about one to Opinions were also based off how you know the material and if you've tions and ultimately college accep- has little to do with "The Biggest two pounds per week. Andrews prepared individual students felt prepared enough for it." tance decisions; however, a number Loser" except for the concept. Ms. said teachers were already talking they were for each test. Stressing over testing was also of Northsiders are strong supporters Andrews said she has not even to her about doing something “Language tests are very gruel- prevalent for many Northside of academic balance. This kind of seen much of the show save for a similar next year. ing, so it is best that when you take students who bought multiple prep pressure to make college applica- few episodes. "It has been fun," Andrews a language test it is the only test books for a single AP course. There tions stand out from the crowd The competition has four said. "I like to see people doing you take that day,” Molokwu said. were also those who approached was key for many Northsiders who teams: A, B, C, and D. Team A is better for themselves, and to see “The next week I had two tests on testing with a much more laid-back chose to take AP classes and tests. competing against Team B, while teachers who do not normally talk, the same day. If you take more than attitude. “AP’s do matter, and it's always Team C is competing against whether it is because of sepa- two APs, having two tests on the “What makes the AP experience good to know that you did well on a Team D. The teams are focused rate departments or not, getting same day is at times unavoidable.” so stressful is the fear that you put in college level test,” Molokwu said. on exercising and eating right. The together to go for a walk." Page  Centerfold The Hoof Beat Northside’s Class of 2008 leaves behind valuable advice... “Make the most out of your experience Sho- ma- aib Ali, Co- dilok, at Northside and nor Camp, An- Arlene thony Casado, Kevin Santos, Kerstin remember that Castelo, Jennifer Ceisel, Shearer, Angel Simo- Robin Colon, Alexandra netti, Christine Swisher, Custer, Andrea Dacka, Kreesthu Tharakaturi, everything happens Jordan Garcia, Kris- Sadia Warisi, Andrew tie Hack, Margaret Wrobel, Ryan Zotti, for a reason.” Jasmine Jodlowski, Hiroyuki Patricia Radkowsi, Joho, Ikramullah Marie Akerman, Ga- Lukose, Adv.804. Khan, Richard briel Aliaga, Grace Kustra, Elizabeth Allawirdi, Gerardo Lawal, Peter Lee, Diaz, Karen Duran, Zowyi Molokwu, Michal Garbacz, “Put deodorant Sara Nasser, Micha- Gena Grospe, Joseph el Orosa, Jennifer Johnson, Kathryn Oseitutu, Nadir Johnson, Mcmillen on.” Janice Ng, Rashid, Raisa San- Kakacek, Winona tiago, Emily Sher, Lozada, Marco Luna, Adv. 807. Omandra Zamo- Xiao Luo, Walid ra, Victor Zhagui, Mohammad, Danaya Cindy Au, Magda- Panya, Elmor Pine- lena Cassel, Kristine da, Syed Rahman, “You’ll be thankful Chan, Tara Conway, Sandra Rodriguez, Arnold Evia Jr, Elia Sanchez,Kerri if you apply for Layan Fuleihan, Sheehy, Karianne Pilar Garcia, Joshua Szlufik, Michael college early Garties, Jasmine Tran, Sara Wrobel, Harb, Tatiana Kar- Janet Yarboi, Alyssa action, and all the pouzian, Courtney Anderson, Valentina Konow, Robert Krau- Angelova, Alexander scholarships you se, Victoria Levin, Aparicio, Zainab Bil- Jessica Mamola, faqi, Marilyn Botero, possibly can,” Amanda Mantilla, Jose Choto, Bianca John Moore, Yanely Cuyun, Julian Dale, Moreno, Farrukh Debra Franco, Felix Liliana Leon, Adv. Mukhtar, Victor Or- Jolly, Debra Kelly, tiz, Amanda M Pe- Mohammad Khalee- 804. rez, Carlos Jr Rivas, lullah, Rhiannon Ko- Stephanie Sanders, ehler, Liliana Leon, Robin Tholin, Jerry Jasmine Lukose “Hey, calm down,” Tran, Raymond Bonnie Mark, Tran, Khin Wu, Karolina Maslanka, Eric Ahn, Jasmine Kristine Pol, Ale- Erin Andriamahefa, Anza, Elza Casas, xander Poniecki, Salena Crosby, Ma- Elizabeth Sobenes, Adv. 806. ria Delrosario, Sejla Andrew Sullivank- Dizdarevic, Rosa- noff, Stephen Welty, lind Dumlao, Kyle Isabel Yanes, Cindy Gonzales, Elizabeth Zhao, Neda Abid, “Just chill the heck Hausheer, Harold Barbara Battaglia, Jaffe, Jeffrey Kowar, Natalia Borrero, Rebecca Lai, Nong- Mumtaj Chand, Pablo out sometimes. tipa Limson, Kamaria Chavez, George Costas, Massey, Santino Meri- Mariana Guerra, Ra- It won’t kill you.” no, Tanya Nagatani, chel Hautzinger, La- Vinh Nguyen, wrence Houser, Caitlin Brecklin, Adv. Peter Para- Michael Jao, 810. “Monster “It’s only going to be four + Wikipedia = “Make copies of your report years, okay, maybe five for a Graduation” card so you can get free couple of you, so suck it up.” Michael Orosa, movies at Crown,” Clifton Rebecca Lai, Adv. 802. Adv. 800. Raffel, Adv. 810. June 2008 Centerfold Page  Northside’s Class of 2008 leaves behind valuable advice... “Get to know your Lizette Usman, Sho- ma- Leon, Stepha- Mari Yama- teachers, be friends aib Ali, Co- dilok, nie Levine, Martyna giwa, Amir Yousuf, nor Camp, An- Arlene Michalak, Stephen Mo- Jacob Andrews, Preston with them. They are thony Casado, Kevin Santos, Kerstin rioka, Cong Nguyen, April Buehrer, Angelina Escobar, Castelo, Jennifer Ceisel, Shearer, Angel Simo- Nwatah, Gwendolyn Paris, Joseph Fuentes, Puja Gopal, not all that bad,” Robin Colon, Alexandra netti, Christine Swisher, Christiana Prucnal, Monser- Gabrielle Gulledge, Irene Custer, Andrea Dacka, Kreesthu Tharakaturi, ratt Sanchez, Eric Ser- Haller, Sarah Hanif, Jordan Garcia, Kris- Sadia Warisi, Andrew rano, Thomas Skawski, Karen Huynh, Ah- Barbara Battaglia, tie Hack, Margaret Wrobel, Ryan Zotti, Alyssa Sockol, Anna med Imtiaz, Joseph Jodlowski, Hiroyuki Patricia Radkowsi, Winchell, Muhammad Kennedy, Namu Adv. 805. Joho, Ikramullah Marie Akerman, Ga- Akhtar, Erin Andria- Klessig, Ivana Lash, Khan, Richard briel Aliaga, Grace mahefa, Charles Benan- Sabah Memon, Kustra, Elizabeth Allawirdi, Gerardo di, Demonicka Burton, Timothy Ng, Carla Lawal, Peter Lee, Diaz, Karen Duran, Matthew Castro, Jillian Padvoiskis, Brandon “Stairs are for Zowyi Molokwu, Michal Garbacz, Cavanaugh, Anne Ce- Quach, Rhianna Rey, Sara Nasser, Micha- Gena Grospe, Joseph lestino, Sahar Chavoshi, Richard Shen, Philip moving,” Ryan el Orosa, Jennifer Johnson, Kathryn Brennan Depriest, Kyle Smith, Jolanda Steier, Oseitutu, Nadir Johnson, Mcmillen Diep, Anthony Eben, Adam Swiatlowski, O’Connor, Adv. 810 Rashid, Raisa San- Kakacek, Winona Erik Flores, Elexei Gar- Eric Ullrich, Sally tiago, Emily Sher, Lozada, Marco Luna, cia, Megan Grant, Ni- Vinanzaca, Arteshia Omandra Zamo- Xiao Luo, Walid mrah Haque, Irfan Hussain, Walker, Caitlin Brecklin, ra, Victor Zhagui, Mohammad, Danaya Elizabeth Jose, Kristina Robinsue Bunyi, Edward Cindy Au, Magda- Panya, Elmor Pine- Mascarenas, John Chiem, Hannah lena Cassel, Kristine da, Syed Rahman, Mussman, Furlong, Ar- “The math and Chan, Tara Conway, Sandra Rodriguez, Arnold Evia Jr, Elia Sanchez,Kerri art department Layan Fuleihan, Sheehy, Karianne Pilar Garcia, Joshua Szlufik, Michael Karl Ner- cangelina bathrooms are the Garties, Jasmine Tran, Sara Wrobel, ger, Michelle Pe- Guerriero, Rhian- Harb, Tatiana Kar- Janet Yarboi, Alyssa rez, Amanda Radcliffe, na Jones, Faraz Khan, least frequented. pouzian, Courtney Anderson, Valentina Kaitlin Renkosiak, Sedall Rachel Kittaka, Rana Ma- Konow, Robert Krau- Angelova, Alexander Asante, Minhal Baig, Kalina rks, Kevin Menczynski, Ryan Use those for se, Victoria Levin, Aparicio, Zainab Bil- Borkiewicz, Wing Chan, Mateusz O’Connor, Obinna Osuji, Charlie Jessica Mamola, faqi, Marilyn Botero, Danieluk, Jacyara Deoliveira, Mar- Price, Rafal Ptasznik, Clifton Raffel, important stuff.” Amanda Mantilla, Jose Choto, Bianca got Dimuzio, Ivy Dumagpi, Kaitlin Jonathan Rios, Kelly Roberts, Marilyn John Moore, Yanely Cuyun, Julian Dale, Egan, Danielle Fiumefreddo, Rosales, Julia Shimada, Steven Conor Camp, Moreno, Farrukh Debra Franco, Felix Adam Gottlieb, Sylvia Iri- Solomon, Annie Tran, Ja- Mukhtar, Victor Or- Jolly, Debra Kelly, zarry, Joseph Kanikunnel, mes Trieu, Kelly Varney, Adv. 800. tiz, Amanda M Pe- Mohammad Khalee- Alexandra Kriston, Sean Joseph Welch, Christian rez, Carlos Jr Rivas, lullah, Rhiannon Ko- Kung, Lizelle Marcial, Yeung, Jenna Adler, Stephanie Sanders, ehler, Liliana Leon, Janice Ng, Maggie Natalia Arana, Ray- Robin Tholin, Jerry Jasmine Lukose O’Connell, Christian mond Berkman, Lau- Tran, Raymond Bonnie Mark, Okoye, Daniel Priemer- ren Callaghan, James “Do your Tran, Khin Wu, Karolina Maslanka, morales, Mackenzie Ri- Caspershipp, Harry Eric Ahn, Jasmine Kristine Pol, Ale- vers, Pinal Sheth, Alma Gabriel, Rabia Halim, homework!” Erik Anza, Elza Casas, xander Poniecki, Aguila, Jane Bialek, Cristina Herren, Eli- Salena Crosby, Ma- Elizabeth Sobenes, Katherine Bober, Na- zabeth Honda, Salman Gould, Adv. 808. ria Delrosario, Sejla Andrew Sullivank- talia Emanuel, Heather Karim, Kelsey Kirkley, Dizdarevic, Rosa- noff, Stephen Welty, Esguerra, Teresa Flo- Natalie Klontz, Van Le, lind Dumlao, Kyle Isabel Yanes, Cindy res, Fiona Forde, Cole Daniel Lozano, Alyssa Gonzales, Elizabeth Zhao, Neda Abid, Frankel, Dennis Frausto, McGregory, Cullen Omo- Hausheer, Harold Barbara Battaglia, Erik Gould, Celene Hernan- ri, Adrianna Quan, Ashley “Be good to your Jaffe, Jeffrey Kowar, Natalia Borrero, dez, Hannah Lantz, Da Lee, He- Rivera, Amy Rus, Alex Rutter, Rebecca Lai, Nong- Mumtaj Chand, Pablo len Liutongco, Mimi Nguyen, Me- Jorge Saldarriaga, Larry Trice, Ona seniors and they will tipa Limson, Kamaria Chavez, George Costas, ghan O’Malley, Amir Omeragic, Wang, Monika Wnuk, Carmelo Massey, Santino Meri- Mariana Guerra, Ra- Lucas Reczek, Joel Rodriguez, Borges, Jazmean Foy, Daniel- be good to you,” Tipa no, Tanya Nagatani, chel Hautzinger, La- Juan Rodriguez, Erik Ro- le Hall, Richard Lendaba- Vinh Nguyen, wrence Houser, lon, Meghan Schmit, rker, Robert McElroy, Limson, Adv. 802. Peter Para- Michael Jao, Marit Tweet, Nahn, Emma- Abir nuel

“School and life “It’s only going to be four “Break as many are different things, years, okay, maybe five for a useless rules as you don’t get them couple of you, so suck it up.” can.” Mackenzie mixed up.” Jesse Rebecca Lai, Adv. 802. Rivers, Adv. 807. Welch, Adv. 810. Page 10 Diversions The Hoof Beat What about us? Events around Northside: the final days Try your hand at Sudoku!

by Vasiliki Mitrakos 11:50 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The last final of the day is June 4 – All-school colloquium. Extended from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Block 9 final (for advisory and locker clean-up is from 7:55 a.m. to journalism members only) is from 11:50 p.m. to 1:30 8:55 a.m. No returned books will be accepted at p.m on June 9. Students are not allowed to leave the the library during this time. Following extended campus for lunch. The library will be open during all advisory, students should report to their individual lunch periods for quiet studying. If a student has 3A colloquiums, each of which will be given country or 6A lunch, he or she may leave the school for the flags to make in theme with the “Olympics Col- day; if a student has 7A lunch, he or she may report loquium”. Colloquiums will be assigned to an directly to their Block 8 exam at 10:20 a.m. Students “Olympic” activity until 10:45, and will then report are allowed to leave the campus during the lunch to the gymnasium for final speeches by Mr. Rodgers period if Block 8 was their final exam. Students are and the “Olympic Committee”. to bring their textbooks to their finals and place them June 4 – Senior Award Luncheon. Held at on the book carts outside the classrooms. Porretta’s Elegant Banquet Hall (3718 N. Central June 10 – Make-up exams for non-seniors. Avenue), with street and valet parking available, the Blocks include 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 10:20 a.m. to luncheon will begin at 12:45. Tickets are $22 per 11:50 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lunch is from person and formal attire is required. 11:50 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. June 5 – Graduation practice for seniors at 9:00 June 10 – Graduation for seniors at 7:00 p.m. a.m. in the gymnasium. All debts and fees must in the gymnasium. Seniors will be photographed be paid by seniors at this time in order to receive a individually as they accept their diplomas. For pho- graduation cap, gown, and tickets. Senior Prom is at tograph information, visit the Northside main page the Harold Washington Library (400 S. State Street). and follow the link “graduation photograph informa- Refer to Ms. Runkel or Mrs. Cirrincione for addi- tion” under the “Class of 2008” area. tional information. June 11 and 12 – No School for students. June 5-6, 9 – Finals for non-seniors. Students June 13 – Field Day. On the last day of school should report directly to their first exam of the day, students are dismissed early and can participate which begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 10:00 a.m. in the the various activities outside. Food will be Courtesy of www.dailysudoku.com. This image is From 10:20 a.m. to 11:50 a.m., the second exam provided for the students and the activities include copyrighted by Daily Sudoku Ltd, 2006 of the day takes place. Lunch for everyone is from outdoor games and a moonwalk. Around town The summer issue: part 2

by Sonya Dekhtyar amazing parts of town As the school year reaches its end, it is time to indulge in Chicago Folk and Roots Festival – check out the complete the wonderful festivities of summer – and then, perhaps all Welles Park schedule (available in June), full too soon, it is time to get ready to start the next school year! 4440 N. Lincoln Avenue (between Montrose and Sun- ticket information, and band bios at nyside Avenues) www.lollapalooza.com. ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT… July 12-13 FOOD… Dearborn Garden Walk and Heritage Festival Form noon to 9:30 p.m. on both days of this event, the Between Dearborn and Goethe Streets Old Town School of Folk Music presents this event, full of Taste of Lincoln Avenue July 20 live music from a wide range of international guest artists, arts Lincoln Avenue between and crafts activities, dance lessons, food and drink vendors, Fullerton and Wrightwood Although this event might seem a bit expensive – $30 in and much, much more. Music ranges from Slavic traditional Avenues July 26- advance, $35 at the door – the money would be well worth it. songs to Welsh choir singing to a women’s rock band and 27 The residents of Chicago’s Gold Coast-area open their garden much more. So don’t miss out on this opportunity to listen to gates to the public in the oldest garden walk in the country. some amazing music from around the world, dance tradition- Beginning in 1984 as a fundraising effort for Anyone and everyone is welcome to pass through, observe the al and folk dances, eat, drink, and interact with others. the Wrightwood Neighbors Association, which aims to plants and trees, read explanatory garden guides, and talk to provide financial support to local schools and organizations, the owners; all the gardens have won awards. The event also Great Performers of Illinois the Taste of Lincoln Avenue has evolved into a two-day annu- includes an architectural tour of the area’s buildings, as well Millenium Park al event that draws crowds of over 50,000 people. Celebrating as an exhibition and sale of artwork. Michigan Avenues between Monroe and Randolph its 25th year this year, the event offers food and craft vendors, Streets fun activities, and five entertainment stages. With food rang- Chicago Air and Water Show July 18-20 ing from Buffalo wings to pizza to Irish food, the restaurants North Avenue Beach (main point) and cafes of Lincoln Avenue come together to offer you a 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive This free celebration presents more than 200 of the fin- variety of tastes and sounds. August 15-17 est performers from all over Illinois, brought together into a stunning schedule of over 50 performances that feature a Whole Foods Flavor Fest No doubt you’ve seen at least one of these before. After wide array of music including folk, traditional and alternative Jonquil Park all, it is the oldest and largest shows of its kind in the country. country, indie rock and blues – the list goes on. Also featured Wrightwood Avenue at Sheffield Avenue As one of the biggest events of the summer, spanning along are traditional dances, such as square dancing, and traditional August 23-24 much of the Lake Michigan shore, with sailboats and buzzing musical customs, such as drumming circles. And look out for planes galore, this annual show is a must-see. Every year, noted impersonators of Abe Lincoln and Jean Baptiste Du We’ve probably all walked in to Whole Foods stores be- crowds of over 2 million people gather on the beaches and Sable, a yodeling, trick roping cowboy, and much more. fore solely to wander around, trying the free samples of fruit, in lake-front houses to view the flying and floating spectacle. cheese, and chocolates. If not, you’re in luck – at this fest, This August, the show will feature the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Lollapalooza you’ll get to try any samples you wish, for only a five-dollar the Aero Shell Aerobatic Team, the F-22 Raptor Demo Team, Grant Park donation. Not only that, but you can also enjoy cooking dem- the Lima Lima Flight Team, Sean Tucker & Team Oracle, Jackson Boulevard at Columbus Drive onstrations, live music, and plenty of other fun activities. So and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, and August 1-3 stop wandering through store aisles in search of bites of food much more, as well as wave riders in the Shell Extreme Water – come out and enjoy the real deal. Show. Don’t miss out – if the weather is nice and bright, take This festival, first created 18 years ago, has grown into one friends or family, a picnic basket and blanket, and sunglasses, of the most popular festivals in America. This year, over a Okay, my little entertainment saga for this year is com- and head out to grab a spot at the beach early in the day in or- hundred national, international, and local bands and soloists ing to an end. I hope I have been a good guide of Chicago’s der to better enjoy the show. Here’s a tip, by the way: if you’re will perform at the fest. These artists and bands include: Ra- marvelous sites and events this year, and I look forward to going with others, try to limit the amount of cars you take, or, diohead, Kanye West, Nine Inch Nails, Broken Social Scene continuing doing so next year. I will do even better if you send better yet, take public transportation -- there are plenty of bus (a band from Toronto), The National, Brand New, Amadou me your comments and suggestions at hoofbeat.dekhtyar@ routes and “L” train routes that lead to the beaches; this will and Mariam (a West African rock-reggae-pop duo), Brazil- gmail.com. As for now, do not limit yourself to what I have save you money and the nerve-wrecking necessity of finding ian Girls (neither Brazilian nor all girls), The Ting Tings, given you here in the summer guide; there are many, many parking spots. DeVotchKa, and plenty more. Though tickets are expensive, more interesting events that you can find in regular publica- three-day passes are available. So don’t miss out on this great tion of “The Reader” or “TimeOut Chicago”. Have a great MUSIC… opportunity to enjoy some amazing music in one of the most summer! June 2008 Editorials Page 11 Radtrocity Editorial: Thank you kindly Community Consultation is the next step in

by Patricia Radkowski It was a genuine pleasure and an exceptional honor to be a the “Revolution of 2008” student of Northside College Preparatory High School. “News- Call it the “Revolution of 2008.” fortable with the Athletic Contract. mended Course Selection List for the week” may think that we’re 14 in the nation; “US News” may After all, it was the “Revolution Mr. Rodgers asked Student Council to time being, proponents of the change even put us in 23rd place; but the way I see it, we are number of 1800” when Jefferson, a Demo- draw up a new version with input from understand why. And if Computer Sci- one—in our uniqueness. Two things make Northside a phenom- cratic-Republican, peacefully took the students, coaches, the Athletic Direc- ence is moved to the Requisite Course enon: the teachers and the students. presidency from the founding party, tor and other community members. Selection List, current and potential Northside teachers give more of themselves than their job the Federalists. This wise move on Mr. Rodger’s part students understand the rationale, feel descriptions warrant; they care. Almost every week, and this So too with the succession of allowed the community to be involved, as though they have been involved past year practically every day, I’ve had conversations with my Mr. Barry Rodgers as Northside’s kept students supporting the school’s in the switch instead of as though teachers outside of class sometimes about things somewhat re- second principal. It is no small feat to policies, and made people more aware they’re living in a totalitarian state lated to the coursework, but more often about things completely take over from Dr. James Lalley, the of the goings-on of the school. where changes are made arbitrarily removed from biology, government, microeconomics, psychol- founder of Northside who left such a Such initiative ought to be and without explanation. Additionally, ogy, or any other class I may have taken. Teachers here make deep impression on each student that extended to every other aspect of that way, alumni get the assurances themselves available not only as instructors in a discipline but as when he returned to honor students at Northside as there are that their alma mater knowledgeable human beings willing to advise you, help you, the Junior Book Awards Ceremony, many opportunities still cares about them and give you a tissue when something goes wrong. he is given wild applause. Mr. Rodgers that exist where such and their opinion and Compassion, mercy, and the benefit of the doubt are the is our Jefferson, and he has done an proactive dialogue the community is guiding principles of Northside teachers. In no other high admirable job taking the reins. can continue. For aware of changes and school can you find such a collection of understanding and One of the reasons Mr. Rodgers’ instance, we have potential changes. tolerant administrators and educators who trust their students administration has been so success- had a recent change Were adminis- and are willing to give them freedom and respect. Given such an ful in taking over is that they realized of policy regarding trators considering environment, it’s no wonder that Northside shines. that in order to maintain Northside’s tardiness. Prior to enforcing a stricter Of course, the teachers also teach—but not in the standard status as one of the premier schools in changing the policy, cheating code, ask- pencil-paper-book way. Many Northside courses, especially the city, state, and nation, they had to community mem- ing teachers whether AP’s, are interactive, application-based examinations of topics maintain its vibrant authenticity; they bers ought to have they currently report that keep your mind stimulated. Often this hands-on approach had to listen to the pulse of the com- considered hosting a everyone they find works—and then there is IMP. munity. And they put this into practice: forum for some of the cheating, asking Even the so-called “okay” teachers are a vital component of the administration is open to ideas, most chronically tardy students – anony- this institution. It’s a tribute to our quick wits; how would we suggestions, questions, and feedback. students to try to find mously – how recognize our genius if information were always served to us on They listen. answers to some of regularly, how, and a silver platter? Part of what makes this possible is the pressing ques- why they cheat, Northside students are that people can waltz into Dr. Mur- tions. Why are you asking parents both hard and easy to lead; phy’s office and strike up a conversa- consistently late? Do and alumni about easy because we are smart tion with the vice principal. For those you intend to show a their perspective on but hard because we must people who are uncomfortable doing degree of disrespect the situation would constantly be engaged and so, some more outreach would help. It for your education or is all lead to stron- challenged. We also ask is not sufficient to rely only on a few the bus just late? What ger, more effective complicated and detailed vocal types and activists for communi- can we do to help you be on time to policies. questions. Teachers here ty input as this self-selecting group is a school? What is the appropriate pun- Or if it came to the administra- have to be ready or they biased, unrepresentative sample. More ishment for such tardiness? With such tion’s attention that students really will be torn down. importantly, only direct involvement by questions and answers in mind, then valued a particular program, class, or This brings me to the everyone keeps the entire community the administration can then begin to teacher, asking Why? would be a criti- most important compo- involved and passionate about school build policy as the students in question cal step in improving the school on a nent of Northside, a mo- policies and activities. Northside’s feel heard, become more self-aware in wider scale. And it is one small step to saic of talent and intellect administration and student body alike their behavior, and become invested in take to make the “Revolution of 2008” created with all the colors will need to keep on reaching out, the policies they have perhaps en- even more impressive. in the crayon box—the showing that both sides want to know dorsed or even influenced. Though community consultation students. what the other is thinking, perceiving, Similarly, if, hypothetically, the might slow down certain policy-mak- Our double diver- feeling. It takes two to dialogue even administration were to consider ing processes and require more energy sity, multiethnic rather than in a collective. Each member of the moving Computer Science from the and communication, this is a minor simply multiracial, brings community must keep up the North- Recommended Course Selection List cost when weighed against having extra benefits down to the side habit of not only listening when to the Requisite Course Selection strong community engagement and high school level. Our many approached but going further and List, for example, it would be ideal support for Northside and its policies. cultures allow us to explore soliciting opinions and feedback. to consult teachers, current students, Fostering involvement takes a lot but it other lifestyles, to learn the The administration showed this potential students, as well as alumni on yields returns in incalculable multiples. best from each other, and to kind of outreach when it asked for the matter. That way, even if Com- As successful as Jefferson was in 1800, be inspired by the similarities input from students who felt uncom- puter Science remains on the Recom- so too will Mr. Rodgers be in 2008. and differences of our back- grounds. The Greek “aidos” means “mutual respect as the The infection is spreading fundamental norm of behavior” and we have that too. Now we have the cure In our community, by Yonas Zewdie simplest solution is proper planning. it does not matter It is perhaps the worst kept secret that second semester For some seniors, the problem seems to be the fact where you come seniors suffer from a condition known as senioritis. For that the courses they chose are not challenging enough, or from, it matters more what those who are unfamiliar with the term, it is the symptoms perhaps, for those who overload on AP’s, that they are too you take with you from there and how that defines all of us of lethargy, laziness, and unrelenting boredom from school challenging. The former induces senioritis because when when we’re together. that consumes those who have already been accepted into a student is enrolled in “blow off ” classes, all the material Many Northsiders come from immigrant families and colleges. In short, senioritis is the murky feeling people get eventually begins to seem like busy work, leaving this motivates us to be the best we can be. We work intensely from having to stay in school when there is seemingly students without an incentive to try hard, because we know it is our responsibility to get ourselves some- no longer a point. especially since they know that they can where. We have no connections, little money, and only this one Now though many people joke about having get away with turning in mediocre work life, this one chance to make something of ourselves and realize senioritis, it seems to be considerably more se- and maintain passing grades. In the latter our American dream. Northside is the perfect place for that and vere than people assume. There have been many case, burnout appears to be the biggest most of us plan on doing something with the gifts, talents, intel- instances where teachers who have perpetrator of the senioritis epidemic. ligence, and diligence that have already carried us this far. predominantly seniors in their class Staying in school for several months, The majority of us are peculiar individuals who com- have lost their tempers with their especially after major tests are over and mand sharp minds. We are self-motivated and passionate. We students’ lack of participation and after college decisions are complete, can recognize and rejoice in our common, and often strange, nerd organization, especially, and quite be exhausting both mentally and emo- characteristics. That is the basis for our tolerance. coincidentally, this all happens tionally. It’s graduation time... finally. Although Northside was the in the second semester. Then for With this in mind, rising seniors best thing that happened to me in all my years of adolescence many of the Advanced Placement should do their best to keep a very (after all, I’m just 17, which technically means two more years courses, which are vastly made balanced schedule despite the of being a true teenager), I feel like many other seniors feel: up of seniors, the end of the year temptation to opt for an easy year or we’ve outgrown this school. Our ambitions, our dreams, and our projects and finals are gloomy in- conversely an AP overload year. In do- feisty characters (alright, maybe just mine) have made the walls deed for the senior’s counterparts, the ing so, students would save themselves close in around us. Being here has transformed me, opened my sophomores and juniors, who usually the anguish of a year filled with what eyes, let me wholly understand the extraordinary potential of end up paying the price in terms feels like nothing but trivialities. This being a thinking person, allowed me to clearly see the sur- in turn would prevent the attitude rounding reality, and kindled in me an indescribable ambition of the workload. Clearly, senioritis shouldn’t from spreading to the underclassmen, and curiosity in the world. Cliché and all: the time has come to thereby nipping the vicious cycle in move on to other institutions, like Northwestern’s Medill School be taken quite as lightly as it has been in the past, because, given the butt. of Journalism for this writer. However, prudence tells us that When you become rich and famous later on in life, please current trends, with each passing year, the we will never completely eradicate the think of Northside. Send some cash or a check (not all credit seniors in our school may become more effects of senioritis. No matter what, at cards are accepted), make a guest appearance, become a mentor, and more lackadaisical in their approach least to some degree, students will exhibit or offer some internship opportunities. Find a way to show that to their post-college acceptance days, adversely at least some of the symptoms even under the best of you value and appreciate what you learned here and the school affecting the entire learning atmosphere. itself, for impacting you the right way. Northside is a learning community committed to conditions. The bottom line, though, is that we must at least But that's later. For now, love and respect Northside. Re- academic excellence. To uphold this standard, it is apparent make an effort to curtail the rapid spread of this sense of member that being here is a privilege, not a right. You are lucky that our future seniors must take some preemptive measures completion that has people starry-eyed and mentally absent and should make the most of this experience. Show some pride. to ward off the bug that seems to have penetrated the im- from school, despite their physical presence. It may be mune systems of even the most dedicated of students. The spreading, but there is a cure, one that could help slow the spread. It just happens to be called balance. Page 12 Arts and Entertainment The Hoof Beat “A whirlwind of color dazzles the screen” Speed Racer is a true thriller for those who love stunt filled scenes

Alejandro Valdivieso moments, he is a hero to root for. The other characters are a A whirlwind of color dazzles the screen as a whirling bit more fun than Speed: There’s Pops (John Goodman) a gi- sound of a car zooms in the audiences’ ears as soon as the ant of a man who engineers the cars, Speed’s girlfriend Trixie film Speed Racer begins. It leaves people wondering whether (Christina Ricci) who watches out for cars in her pink outfit they’re still watching a movie, or passed out it in the theater. and matching pink helicopter, and Spritle (Paulie Litt), who This feeling doesn’t cease as the movie continues, and it eats everything in the house and practices martial arts along brings excitement and thrills similar to the cartoon, Speed with his monkey best friend. Every character is relatively sim- Racer, on which the movie is based. ple because of their one-note dialogue and straightforward The movie is an adaptation of the 1960’s cartoon Speed desires. There are no surprises from the characters: from Pops Racer, a television show about the Racer family, who lives strict policy of keeping his kids safe to Trixie’s upbeat nature to race. They take part in a futuristic driving league that has and support of Speed, each character’s simple nature makes danger at every turn with flips, jumps, and other obstacles. the movie enjoyable. The cars are well-equipped with all sorts of gadgets, like mis- If only their fun personalities were enough to get through siles, saw blades, and jumping jacks that make the car jump the dismal story and dialogue. The plot is convoluted and ri- high. The movie takes the cars and tracks into full detail, and diculous. Often times, it is hard to figure out where the movie happens to be the best part of the movie. The Wachowski is going, and the story leaves in the final act as the movie brothers, who directed, really took time to capture the racing jumps from a dangerous race in the desert to the Grand Prix. spirit of the cartoon and make it 10x better, and the races are Though the plot seems to go in the direction of taking down enthralling to watch, and make the audience feel like they are the evil corporation, this is only one part of the movie. The in the driver’s seat. dialogue ranges from funny to cheesy and annoying, some- While many will be satisfied by the vibrant and detailed times even triggering the gag reflex. Fans of the original TV special effects of the movie, most will not be as intellectu- show know that the plots and dialogue of episodes are often ally captivated. While the movie is amazingly fun to watch ridiculous and dumb, but while it made the cartoon campy through the races and kung-fu monkey action, it’s very bor- fun, they caused the movie to seem stupider than spoof mov- ing and nauseating to watch during the cheesy drama and ies like the Superhero Movie. dialogue that ensues. Instead of making Speed Racer a sure “He’s [Speed Racer’s] going to be very good, if they don’t finish, the plot leads Speed Racer to crash into a wall. destroy him first,” Racer X (Matthew Fox), said in the movie. The Racer family is full of unique and extremely enter- Anybody who doesn’t like cars, potentially nauseating taining characters that are delightful to watch and are one effects, awful dialogue that’s up to par with that of Star Wars of the main strong points of the movie. The main character, Episode 2, or a movie that’s all about the special effects, and Speed Racer (Emilie Hirsch), is a devotee to racing. Speed no valuable plot should stay far away from Speed Racer. For Racer considers racing as “More than a sport…it’s like a those, however, who want to unlock the inner kid inside who “Speed Racer” may lack a good plot, but it does religion”. The character is admittedly a little dramatic and remembers racing Hot Wheels cars in the side walk should not lack energy and excitement. annoying at some parts, but in his humorous and exciting see Speed Racer as soon as possible. Image courtesy of Amazon.com Singing with the dancing stars Professional dancer Julianne Hough takes SafetySuit plays a musical twist in her career it safe with another bland by Vasiliki Mitrakos the southern states where country music reigns. This upbeat As a two-time champion of the well-known “Dancing summer song captures the scope of flirting and demonstrates rock record with the Stars” competition, Julianne Hough has already how a simple song can evoke various joyful emotions. On made a prominent impression on her audience and the media the contrary, it seems that her decision to sing country music with her dance skills. However, this nineteen-year-old girl will not hinder her success among an audience not neces- by Matt Glodz from Utah has a remarkable talent that extends far beyond sarily prone to this style of music. Hough mixes rock guitar “We’re in a safe environment… and that makes us the dance floor. Although she has been a competitive dancer solos with her country accent and soulful voice to create a feel free to be who we are,” SafetySuit’s lead signer, Doug since her early unique song. Although Brown, said. “If we can inspire that moment or that feel- teens, Hough her song may not top ing in our fans, we’ve succeeded (www.gomoxie.org).” has recently the charts in Chicago, SafetySuit’s new album “Life Left to Go” was ventured away Hough has created a released on May 13. The band consists of Brown on from the popu- song suitable for the vocals, Dave Garofolo on guitar, Jeremy Henshaw on lar television hip-hop and R&B toned bass, and Tate Cunningham on drums. Together, they show and her ear that will appeal accomplished what they were aiming for: a safety suit love for dancing to city dwellers with that would ensure success. The band’s sneak preview of to pursue her little affinity to country the album proved to be a stereotypical rock record whose lifelong dream music. Mimicking songs all take on the same aura. of becoming a Carrie Underwood’s “Someone Like You,” the album’s first single, ques- country singer. success in captivating tions whether a girl can be strong enough for the singer Hough signed various genres of music, if he were to be with her. The catchy lyrics are accompa- a deal with Hough will most likely nied by an energetic instrumental that provides for the Universal Music have her listeners with opportunity to rock out. Still, “Someone Like You” is Group Nash- this song in their head nothing new. The style is comparable to that of Matchbox ville (UMGN) all day. Not only does Twenty, and even though it sounds good, it definitely that has allowed her music appeal to a lacks originality. her to focus wide stretch of listen- The energy is toned down a bit on “Stay.” In this more on her ers, but her vocals are song, Brown ponders over why a girl he loved left him music career. just as striking as her and what he could do to get her back. Apparently she “I have always songs. The music video lacked the strength he needed, but now he wants her in wanted to sing for “That Song in My his life- again. This song is another desperate and cheesy country music, Head” complements the romance that is made bearable by Brown’s soothing voice I have grown up song nicely, as it depicts and the chill beat. with it,” Hough a fun filled summer day The song “Annie” opens up with Brown singing, said, accord- in a carefree environ- “There was a girl named Annie, she had a very pretty ing to Mercury ment. face. And not the way you would think so/ let me see if Records. However, do not be I can try to explain it.” He actually goes on to explain it After years fooled by Hough’s first throughout the rest of the song. The lyrics are a bit tacky, of training, single which is seeming- yet they are catchy nonetheless. Brown is able to hit Hough left a ly carefree, as she gener- both the high and low notes, providing for a vocal that is promising dance ates songs that convey expressive and nice to listen to. The song starts out rather career in the “Dancing with the Stars” champion Julianne Hough takes a stab at a a deeper meaning and slow, but gains momentum as it goes on, leading to danc- United Kingdom music career. a positive influence for ing and head bobbing. for a chance to Image courtesy of Amazon.com younger generations The song “Life Left to Go” is just plain odd. The six return to the U.S. as well. Two songs in minute piece embodies a mysterious, depressing tone and and play her cards for an unknown outcome in a musical particular can be singled out for their moving lyrics. Hough’s Brown’s vocals echo as if he were performing in a cave. career. Hough questioned what she wanted more in life: a song “Help Me Help You” is about a friend struggling with Further, the vocals shift from being virtually indecipher- promising dance career or an open-ended music endeavor. alcoholism and in need of help. able to being crisp and clear throughout the different parts Her decision on which path to take proved quite difficult. “The song is a message song and it is pretty intense,” of the song. This is not an enjoyable song. It will defi- “Do I stay here and pursue a career that I know I am Hough said, according to Mercury Records. “It says what I nitely put its listeners to sleep, as judging by the slurred going to succeed at, or do I go back home and start from would say to a friend in trouble.” vocal, Brown apparently fell asleep himself recording it. scratch and pursue what I really want to do,” Hough debated, Hough also sings about other issues such as peer pressure Safety Suit played it safe on this preview. The bank according to Mercury Records. in “Jimmy Ray McGee” and encourages young women to lacks originality and needs something that would set Nevertheless, she did reach out to record companies and make their own choices in life. them apart from similar rock bands such as Nickelback, eventually began recording music in Nashville under UMGN. There is no doubt that once Hough releases more music, Daughtry, and Matchbox Twenty. Nonetheless, the songs Her debut demo includes her first single “That Song in My her talent will gain recognition. With a mixture of vocal are enjoyable and the record seems promising, but the Head,” which promises success for Hough as a singer. Listen- ranges in her music and a sweet accent, she can sing just as music is nothing new. ers will inevitably sing along to the song’s catchy tune and well as she can dance. She may be only nineteen, but her charming lyrics. Her music will most likely find popularity in talents will take her far as an entertainer. June 2008 Arts and Entertainment Page 13 The crystallized stupidity of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”

in a row and incessant aptation of “Holes,” easily becomes by Patricia Radkowski KGB fire. the heartthrob of “Crystal Skull,” In the same way the last two “Pirates of But that is nothing especially given that the American the Caribbean” movies ruined the trilogy as compared to the sci-fi culture that idealizes youth. His rug- a whole, the fourth installment of “Indiana bit that is incorporated ged-greaser look is appealing, but Jones” ends the series on a low and stupid later. Rather than going LaBeouf overplays his character. note by corrupting the sanctity of Indiana the traditional route of Although it is clever that his little “Indy” Jones (Harrison Ford) and all he mystical and magical black comb consistently makes an stands for. While brilliantly executed, “Indi- ancient civilization appearance, the fact that it does so ana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal artifacts, like the ark or in half the shots becomes annoying Skull” has a plot utterly void of any sense or the Holy Grail, “Crystal and forced; who does their hair right reality. Skull” goes the route of before a skirmish? There is a dif- Like in the previous Indiana Jones mov- ESP and aliens. ference between having a signature ies, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Indiana As always, Steven move that enhances your character Jones and the Last Crusade” (but unlike “In- Spielberg’s direction is and relying on a comb to define diana Jones and the Temple of Doom”), Indy awesome. Most scenes your character. battles against a non-democratic government. are artistically-pleas- Blanchett is also memorable and This time, though, it is not Nazi Germany ing, largely due to the does a splendid job with Irina. Her but rather the communist Soviet Union. The balance in composi- Russian accent is convincing and Cold War is hot and the Komityet Gosu- tion and the angles her steely blue eyes contrast well darstvennoy Bezopasnosti (KGB), the USSR Spielberg chooses. The with her short, dark hair. secret police, have penetrated Area 51, the most memorable shot “Crystal Skull” ruins the image secret USA army base in Nevada, in search is of Indy standing on of Indy with its rather silly and of an artifact they hope will be the key to a dune holding his hat utterly unbelievable plot as well as psychic warfare. Other than its general theme, with a mushroom cloud its sci-fi rather than ancient themes. it is hard to grasp the other semi-historical de- growing in the distance Indy is no longer the brilliant tails of “Crystal Skull” because the characters behind him. professor he used to be, but instead speed through explanations that are probably The screen is alive becomes an investigator of the flimsy anyway. with color for most of paranormal. Indy, along with his “buddy” the outdoor scenes, In general, the story is shoddy George“Mac” McHale (Ray Winstone), is especially the different but the adaptation is great, but captured by the KGB and forced by the scien- greens of the jungle. perhaps this is the natural Northside tist-of-sorts Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) to The action is fast- tendency to overthink speaking. help the Russians find the thirteenth crystal paced, the car chases Shallow audiences and their off- skull. are intense, and while it spring will find the movie agreeable Yes, movies are movies and not every as- remains a mystery why and entertaining; as such, “Crystal pect of the story has to reflect the real world, sword fights are featured Skull” will probably be a summer but when Indy survives a nuclear explosion in the film, even these hit. As long as the viewer comes by climbing into a refrigerator less than half duels are well-captured. in with the mindset that “anything an hour into the movie, there is a problem. However, “Crystal goes” and would like to see a fast- Not only is he not incinerated during the Skull” has a very unnat- paced action movie, “Indiana Jones blast, unlike the plastic village people and the ural color contrast when and the Kingdom of the Crystal KGB in a car, but the radioactivity also fails it comes to indoor and Skull” is simply a fantastic find for to get him after he climbs out of the fridge. night scenes: objects are this part. The writers (screenplay by David Koepp and either dark or light, with In the last scene, the wind story by George Lucas and Jeff Nathanson) very little in between. The new Indiana Jones film end the series on a low and stupid note. carries Indy’s hat to Mutt’s feet. obviously knew this would be a problem with This gives the movie an Image courtesy of Amazon.com If this is some indication that anyone vaguely aware of what an atomic unrealistic feeling and Paramount Pictures plans on mak- bomb is; that is why Spielberg zooms in on also bothers the eye. It is shots, look heavily-animated, much like the ing Mutt the new Indy, bad move the word “lead” as Indy closes the fridge hard to ignore something so evidently off. Sims computer game. Paramount. Indy should retire while he is still door. Sorry, boys. It is still a little hard to Spielberg’s crew also did little to cover LaBeouf, the former star of the Disney ahead without a successor (Indy, or rather believe. In fact, all of the protagonists survive up the tracks of their computer-generated Channel show “Even Stevens” whose career Mutt, versus the Taliban?) and put that lovely despite the odds, including three waterfalls imagery. Many scenes, especially the aerial was launched after his lead in the movie ad- hat of his in a box for good. Take a quick “Journey to the Center of the Earth”

by Lyanne Alfaro keep the audience at the edge of their seats. in. This audience undergoes an emotional so much Brendan Fraser stars as Trevor in his lat- The film tries to encompass the fantasti- journey when the three voyagers find Max, of the est film based on Jules Verne’s book, “Jour- cal world at the center of the globe that has then experiences moments of excitement support ney to the Center of the Earth.” The director the beauty of an undisturbed nature and the when Trevor sprints off of a cliff to save crew,” hopes that this 3D adventure turns out to be a dangers of extinct creatures. The plot seems himself from a T-rex that is chasing him, and Frasier huge summer movie hit. too stretched out over time to be bale to cover finally blushes with Trevor who finds himself said in a The movie follows Trevor, a scientist who all of it in approximately two hours, yet, the accidentally flirting with Hannah. ques- is troubled by The storyline of the movie tion and his unsuccess- itself is rather brainless, but the answer ful experi- actors’ attempt to make fantasy session. ments and his seem like reality is successful “Being brother’s disap- because of 3D technology. The an actor, pearance years movie centers on Sean, Han- you really ago. When nah, and Trevor trying to es- feel like his nephew, cape the center of the earth be- you are Sean (Josh fore the temperature rises high part of Hutcherson), enough to kill them. Though the crew. comes over to the three main actors were just It‘s a team Trevor (Fraser) and Sean his house for a standing before a green screen effort.” (Hutcherson) explore the week, Trevor during filming, their acting was 3D center of the earth. and Sean are effective enough to make the technology Image courtesy of Amazon.com forced to find audience feel as if they were definitely some way to actually falling into a volcanic gave this film an advantage. The journey to get along in tube. the center of the earth went from being a flat, the midst of The film does not make an 2D adventure to a more realistic experience. their awkward attempt to bring up a mature or Throughout the movie, audience members relationship. great moral issue, but aims to reached for the neon birds and man-eat- However, provide the audience with a 3D ing plants that jumped off the screen. Most finding a way adventure and a laidback and viewers admitted that they had even taken off to bond was fun time. Half of the movie their 3D glasses for several seconds to see if not hard when was acting, while the other half they really “worked”. they discovered Brendan Fraser, Anita Briem, and Josh Hutcherson star in this summer’s 3D flick was digital additions, like the The plot is simple. The action is grip- the possibil- “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” computer-designed carnivorous ping. Just about anyone in the audience can ity of finding Image courtesy of Amazon.com fish and dinosaurs that were enjoy this movie, that is, unless they have an Max, Trevor’s screenwriters pulled off an organized plot. about to attack the three explor- immense phobia of volcanic tubes. Anyone brother and Sean’s dad, with the help of Although there was an anti-climatic scene ers. The audience clearly sees that the film looking for an uncommon adventure that Hannah (Anita Briem), a mountain climber. in the film after the explorers arrived at the could not have been the spellbinding produc- combines the undiscovered imaginary land Coincidentally, like Max, Hannah’s dad was center of the earth, the screenwriters made tion that it turned out to be without the crew in the center of the earth with mythical a believer in the center of the earth. Although a great effort to stay on task and included and the director, Eric Brevig. creatures and a large imagination can look this film is completely the works of Verne’s crucial scenes to keep the audience drawn “You never really feel like you are alone forward to “Journey to the Center of the imagination, 3D technology and suspense [on the set]. There are so many people there, Earth 3D.” Page 14 Arts and Entertainment The Hoof Beat Northside, are you ready to rock out this summer?! Chicago’s summer concert lineup

by Matt Glodz Taste of Chicago Summer is a time to chill out and relax before returning June 27-July 6 (Free) Rock the Bells to school or heading off to college. Frankly, there is no better The Taste of Chicago brings you not only ten days of First Midwest way to do this than to gather up a group of friends and head delicious food, but also ten days of free concerts. Music Bank out to a great show. Chicago offers a wide variety of concerts legends such as Stevie Wonder are set to perform alongside Amphitheatre for every taste and budget, so get off the couch and go have stars from Broadway in Chicago’s “Wicked,” “Jersey Boys,” July 19 ($40-75) some fun! Here are some shows that will be hitting the Chica- and “Legally Blonde.” Stars such as The Plain White T’s, Rock the Bells goland area in the coming months, and be sure to check back Josh Kelley, and Fantasia, among others, will showcase their is an international for reviews in the September issue of The Hoof Beat. music throughout the event. Visit www.cityofchicago.org for a hip-hop music fes- detailed lineup. tival that features acts like Nas, Mos Unity Tour 2008 with Snoop Dogg and 311 Def, and Method First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre Man and Redman. Nas headlines Rock the Bells Tour. July 8 ($27-50) Image courtesy of Amazon.com The Unity Tour unites Snoop Dogg’s hip-hop flava with Lollapalooza 311’s fusions of reggae, rap, and rock. Grant Park August 1-3 ($190-205) 3 Doors Down This famous three-day festival, though pricy, brings over First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre 100 bands to Grant Park for a memorable event under the July 13 ($19-69) magnificent Chicago skyline. Among the acts scheduled to 3 Doors Down, known for their hits such as “Kryptonite,” perform are Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine, Kanye “Here Without You,” and “Let Me Go,” will grace Tinley West, Nine Inch Nails, Gnarls Barkley, and maybe even one Park with their soothing rock sounds, along with special of Northside’s very own alums, Jordan Stacey. His band, The guests Staind and Hinder. Days, is competing in Lollapalooza’s Last Band Standing T-pain, along with several other artists, can be contest for a chance to play at the festival. For more informa- seen at the B96 Summerbash. tion and to vote visit www.lollapalooza.com. Image courtesy of Amazon.com Warped Tour B96 Summerbash First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre Toyota Park August 2 ($27)\ June 14 ($25-125) The Vans Warped Tour is like the B96 Summerbash of B96 and Pepsi present the “Biggest Party of Your Sum- the alternative genre. Dozens of acts including The Academy mer.” This affordable event brings today’s hottest mainstream Is…, All Time Low, Angels and Airwaves, Cobra Starship, artists including Danity Kane, T-Pain, Flo Rida, Cascada, Gym Class Heroes, Ludo, and Relient K, will perform at the Pitbull, Jesse McCartney and Natasha Bedingfield all to show. one stage. DJ Flipside and the B96 Mixmasters get the party started at the pre-show fest, which also provides the opportu- Counting Crows and Maroon 5 nity to snag some free goodies, making this bash the biggest First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre bang for your buck. David Archuleta is among the top ten American August 22 ($30-150) Idols that will perform at the Allstate Arena. Wrap up the summer with the Counting Crows, the guys Kenny Chesney and LeAnn Rimes Image courtesy of Amazon.com who sing “Accidentally In Love” from the Shrek soundtrack, Soldier Field and Maroon 5, the classy pop band whose hit list includes June 21 ($67-100) American Idol Live “This Love,” “Harder to Breathe,” and “Makes Me Wonder.” Kenny Chesney and LeAnn Rimes come to Soldier Field Allstate Arena Special guest Sara Bareilles will also be performing. with the Poets and Pirates tour. This is one of the few country July 19 ($43-69) music concerts Chicago will witness this summer, so it is a Come see your top ten American Idols, including winner Tickets to these and other summer shows are available at must see for Northside’s country music fans. David Cook and runner-up David Archuleta, as they perform Ticketmaster. live in Chicago without Simon’s commentary. Check It: Artist of the Month The “Death Note” The Ting Tings Two thumbs up by Alice Henry beat, with the result being a song that and Dolce & Gabanna for runway The Ting Tings, a two-member gets electricity, clarity, wittiness, pop music during the New York Fash- by Melissa L. España the story’s main characters, L, band, are picking up speed as they and attitude jiving in the audience. ion Week, The Ting Tings finally Fans of the popular Death played by Kenichi Matsuyama. round the corner to play in Chicago "We can create loads of different splashed onto the American music Note manga rejoiced when With his high intelligence and in August at Lollapalooza. Recogni- layers of music," De Martino said on scene. the live-action movie adapta- strong determination, L aids tion from Apple for this group is their website. "We make 'mistakes' At the end of April, "Great DJ" tion was finally brought to the authorities in catching the launching their electric dance beats all the time; if I hit the wrong pedal, was one of the free downloads avail- the United States from Japan. murderer. into iPods worldwide. Katie will look at me, change the able on iTunes. Apple’s new TV ad Unlike most movies featuring The ending of the movie Katie White and Jules De Mar- chords and we go into a jam. We for the iPod and iTunes also used plots from books, this one was kept viewers in suspense until tino, who formed The Ting Tings in change up our song order quite a lot. The Ting Ting’s song “Shut Up and actually worth seeing. the last second. The twist at the 2007, gained a following after fool- There's no right order, no time code, Let Me Go.” With the official release Death Note follows the end, which fans of the manga ing around and writing songs of their single “That’s story of Light Yagami, played probably expected, made the at Manchester's Islington Not My Name” in mid- by Tatsuya Fujiwara, one of the whole film worth watching. Mill, a textile mill converted May, the group topped top students in Japan. One day, The movie had a grim and into a hangout for artists to the UK charts, a feat he comes across a magical book eerie appearance to it, just as the inspire themselves and oth- that was “totally unex- called the “Death Note.” The directors intended. Although ers. The two had previously pected,” as they stated in book originally belonged to a not many special effects were been a part of Dear Eskiimo, a Myspace bulletin. Shinigami, which means “reap- used in the motion picture, the a three-person band that they With the release of er” in English. The book, more best effect that was used was the say "went wrong," accord- their first album “We commonly called “the note,” is creation of the Shinigami. The ing to their website, www. Started Nothing” in the magical in the sense that when creature was made to look just thetingtings.com. However, UK, the album became the name of a person is written like the one in the manga series. their bad experience as Dear number one on the into it, the person will die. Us- The main actors, Tatsuya Eskiimo led them to leave charts, and, as they said ing the note, Light decides that Fujiwara, and Kenichi Mat- the music industry. They via Myspace, they were he will use it for a good cause by suyama, captured their charac- went back to the basics in “hung over and over the writing down the names of all ters’ personalities perfectly. The music that they initially fell moon.” of Japan’s criminals in the book. best performance came from in love with in their teens; In America, The His first victim is a thug who Matsuyama. He portrayed L’s they stripped down their mu- Ting Tings’ album “We threatened him one night. Soon weirdness and uniqueness right sic to percussion and vocals, Started Nothing” was after he writes the thug’s name down to the way he oddly sat on and also worked with their released digitally and on in the book, the victim dies of the coaches. music and business how they vinyl on May 20, and the a heart attack. After witnessing Even one of the smaller wanted to. CD will be released on his death, Light feels a sense of characters in the manga series, "Doing our own record- June 3 through Colum- power. Throughout the film, the Misa, a bubblegum pop idol, ings and our own art work bia records. After their audience sees Light as a hero, was brought to life on the and having that interaction The Ting Tings’ new album “We Started Nothing” tour in Europe, The Ting but when he starts going after screen. The film tried to stay as wherever we are in the world comes out on June 3. Tings will be making an the people trying to catch him, true to the manga as possible; is something that keeps us Image courtesy of Amazon.com appearance in Chicago for he goes from being viewed as a and succeeded. human," said De Martino on the Lollapalooza festival friend to a foe. Death Note was an eye The Ting Tings' website. it's all completely live. It's a wonder- on August 2. Five minutes into the movie, pleasing masterpiece. There The sound of The Ting Tings is ful way to work." “We didn’t expect this to hap- we see Japan going into a crazed was not one point in the movie best described as a compilation of Their first album, which was pen,” said White on their website. “I state as hundreds of people that didn’t have you on the edge heavy beats with light percussion made by recycling old seven inch think that’s why it worked. Because are dropping dead one by one, of your seat. Those who loved that produces an electric pulse. The records, included the songs "That's we were carefree, we just made the thanks to Light and the Death this first installment of “Death music gets you dancing or stomping. Not My Name" and "Great DJ," but music for us, not for anybody else. Note. However, no one is aware Note” will be pleased to know White's voice has an edge that hovers it was only passed around. With the We just wrote songs that we loved. of it. The authorities imme- that it isn’t the last. The Japa- along the line between innocence launch of their Myspace page and It’s all going really well, and I don’t diately get on the case to try nese sequel can now be seen on and an attitude that does not spare through word of mouth, the group know what it all means. We’re just and catch this unknown killer, the internet at www.zomganime. you emotions. With their self-rigged soon grew to include a worldwide going to go blow the wind. We got whom they refer to as Kira. com. The original manga is keyboards and drum machines, the fan base. Recognized by NME, a this far without pre-planning or sit- The investigators on this case available at book stores such as group lays tune over tune, beat upon British music magazine, for "Great ting down with battle plans.” were assisted by another one of Borders and Barnes and Noble. DJ," and used by Betsey Johnson June 2008 Sports Page 15 Mustangs kick Payton out JV Women’s Soccer captures City Championship in intense matchup by Caitlin Swieca warm-ups despite a rainy forecast. In the Northside College Prep and Walter 35-minute first half, each team failed to score, Payton College Prep have a lot in common. and so they regrouped at halftime and took Both schools admit students based on a selec- the field again. In the second half, Payton tive enrollment process of Chicago Public scored first, taking a 1 – 0 advantage, but Schools (CPS). While Northside was ranked Maddy Huerta, Adv. 016, scored for the Mus- the 24th best school in the nation by US News tangs to even the game at 1 goal apiece. and World Report last November, Payton “I was really excited for them after Mad- was number 46 on the list. Northside opened dy scored the tying goal, because last year in 1999, while classes at Payton began in when we played them in the championship, 2000. Many Northside students have friends we weren’t able to make a comeback,” Katie at Payton, and both schools are usually Sonnefeldt, Adv. 010, a varsity soccer player among the most competitive amongst CPS who played for the JV team last year, said. athletic teams. Consequently, Payton is one For some Northside fans, the game of the Northside’s biggest rivals, especially seemed to dramatically drag on. in women’s soccer; the two schools compete “The second half seemed like it annually for the “Fire Extinguisher Trophy” was 40 times longer than the first half,” Josh at the varsity level. In last year’s junior varsity Nichols, Adv. 012, a spectator, said. “And af- soccer playoffs, Northside and Payton faced ter the Payton goal, which seemed like it was each other in the championship and North- towards the end, I thought, ‘He’s going to side lost by a score of 2-0. This year, when blow the whistle and it’s going to be a heart- the same two teams met again, Northside breaker.’ But it just kept going and eventually seized the opportunity to avenge their loss. Maddy scored.” On Wednesday, May 7, Northside’s Junior As regulation time wound down, neither Varsity Women’s Soccer Team won the city team scored again, so the game was sent into championship as they beat Payton in a shoot- Golden Goal overtime. This period would out with a final score of 4 – 3. last ten minutes and the first team to score Soccer team practices before City Championships After defeating Whitney Young in their would win the game, meaning that the other Photo courtesy of Women’s JV Soccer Team semifinal match up, Northside prepared for team would not have an opportunity to lina, Adv. 103, second to realize it actually went in.” its championship game against Payton. The respond. When neither Payton nor Northside scored to keep Northside in the game. In the Sher’s goal was the end to an intense teams are no strangers to each other, and scored, another ten-minute overtime period seventh overall shootout kick, neither team game for both the players and spectators. Northside was gearing up for a competitive was added, with the score still tied at the end scored, and the game entered an eighth kick “We were just freaking out because matchup. of this. at a 3 – 3 tie. The Payton kicker missed her we know Jenny and we were just praying that “I knew Payton was going to be really At that point, it began to drizzle, and the shot, and Sher was chosen to take Northside’s she’d make it in so that Payton would just confident because they beat us in conference two teams entered into a shootout in which kick. Although Sher was supposed to be lose for once,” Sonnefeldt said. “She went to play 2–1, so we wanted to work off of that,” each would choose five players to alternate a part of the original five kickers in the kick the ball and just placed it in the corner Jenny Sher, Adv. 018, said. “We knew if we shooting penalty kicks. Whichever team had shootout, she was not confident because she of the net out of the goalie’s reach. All of gave it 110 percent and Payton only gave 90 scored more at the end of five would win. had been missing a lot of her shots up to that the fans were just freaking out. I had my percent we could win it.” Out of Northside’s five kickers, Huerta was point. Northside was running out of players umbrella and when they won I just threw it On May 6, one day before the JV the only one to score; however, Hannah Basil, to kick, so she lined up to take her kick in a down and just went crazy with everyone else. Championship, Northside’s Women’s Varsity Adv. 907, was an effective goalkeeper for the downpour. The JV team went to hug Jenny and I was Soccer Team lost to Payton in their semifinal Mustangs and only let in one goal. “I ran out there and the ball was almost crying in the stands, I was so happy.” city matchup. The varsity team showed up to With the score still tied at 2 – 2, the two placed on the line. The whistle blew and the For Northside, the game was payback for support their counterparts on JV, hoping that teams began a Golden Goal shootout, mean- goalie came out of the box really fast and I two years’ worth of losses to Payton. the match would be some payback for their ing that whichever team scored first, while knew I had to shoot really fast,” Sher said. “I didn’t really think it was going rivals. the other team didn’t, would be crowned “All of the shots had been going over the to happen because I knew Payton was really The game started at 5 p.m. at Lane Tech’s champion. In the first shootout, Payton’s goal, so I wanted to go for low and in the good,” Sher said. “Our team just wanted it soccer field. The teams took the field after kicker scored, but Northside’s Heidi Mo- corner. The whole thing was a blur. It took a more.” A young boy with big dreams made bigger results Danny Priemer: an athletic icon at Northside

by Lyanne Alfaro shot for his dreams of becoming an NBA player some day by from winning,” Priemer said. Danny Priemer, Adv. 807, a senior at Northside, was joining YMCA basketball classes. After discovering his deep This athlete believes that his involvement in sports has fascinated by sports since he was five years old. He took a interest in the splendor of sports, he dedicated his spare time helped him develop his basic morals. Priemer learned that in to all sports offered by the YMCA. From then on, his dream order to be successful he had to be a good friend as well as a of becoming a well-known athletic image was a result of his good teammate. Through his experience in playing on a wide drive. Today, his local YMCA represents the memories of array of sports teams, he understood the importance of the the birth of an athletic icon in his community, and a future teammates that surrounded him and how they were essential Mustang. to the winning. Priemer also believes that sports brought a “I remember the first day of tryouts,” Priemer said. physical balance into his life, a factor important to his health. “No one thought I had any basketball skill because I wore Sports may be one of the major elements Priemer’s life some weird-looking glasses and some sweatpants that were revolves around, but he doesn’t think that his participation in probably too small for me. The next year, I played on the sports at Northside has affected what colleges he applied to sophomore basketball team and was starting point guard on this year. However, he did write a lot about sports and what a team that got second place in one of the toughest sopho- they mean to him in his college essays. Now, his focus is set more conferences in the city.” on pursuing kinesiology for his career. Once, he longed to Even while Priemer didn’t feel like he belonged in high become an NBA player, but as he grew up, he says he realized school sports, on his first day of tryouts at Northside his that those dreams weren’t the most realistic for him. Yet, this skills proved everyone wrong. Since his freshman year, he senior is not giving up his passion for athletics; instead, he has been involved in Northside sports. He still continues to decided that becoming a sports medicine expert was more go to his local YMCA for practices. He practices a spec- realistic for his purposes. He plans on attending the Univer- trum of sports, ranging from softball to volleyball to tennis. sity of Illinois after senior year, majoring in kinesiology, and Despite that, his favorite sports are basketball, football, and joining a sports team at the university. baseball. “The reason I indulge in sports is because of the great Priemer confesses that staying on track with so many feeling I get while playing them,” Priemer said. “Sports really sports on his agenda was quite a challenge. On the other test your body and helps you stay in shape. The feeling you hand, he says that sports made him focus more on time get from beating someone or another team is also great. I’m a management. He became a master at it as he planned out pretty competitive person.” time for his studies and time to practice for athletic competi- tions. As an active athlete, he continued to try out for more advanced teams and new sports during his senior year. This year, he played on the varsity baseball team for the first time. He also won the Mustang Award for the basketball team, awarded to a student athlete who is motivated in his or her passion for sports and has im- proved the most over the sea- son. Yet, even though Priemer rejoices in his athletic successes of the past, he recognizes his loses as well. He admits that loss hurt him but that he could take away experience from Danny Priemer knew he was going to be an athlete at a that. young age “Losing is worth it because Photo courtesy of Danny Priemer nothing beats the feeling you get Page 16 Sports The Hoof Beat A bonus The women’s lacrosse team wraps up with its season by Matt Glodz Yonas “We’ll be beasts next year,” Jeselle Obina, Adv. 014, said. Creatine: What Northside’s Varsity Women’s Lacrosse Team ended its 2008 you need to know season with a record of 2-6, but the players by Yonas Zewdie agreed that the season The lyrical rhymester is back once again to was fun nonetheless give you a bonus on the newest thing that will and they hope to do make Northsiders sing louder than the chorus: better next year. Creatine. Creatine is a rather new area of interest This was Coach at Northside, where some people are proponents Magdalena Casper- of the supplement and others are ardently against Shipp’s first year it, drawing parallels between it and steroids. I coaching lacrosse must say though as a quick disclaimer, that I am and she found out in no way advocating the use of Creatine, and that she would be all those who plan on using the said products are the coach just a few doing so of their own accord. These are merely my days before the actual opinions. Now that that’s out of the way, some of practices began, so you may be wondering what it actually is. the season, needless Creatine is a protein derivative in muscle tissue to say, started off a bit that is sometimes found in body-building supple- bumpy with a loss to ments, and also in everyday foods like meats and Lane Tech. fish, according to www.fullskills.com Since Cre- . “In the beginning atine is a protein, its advantages are apparent: it in- there was a learning creases muscle recovery, and consequently speeds curve for both me and up the strength building process, and also increases the players,” Casper- muscle mass. It does this at a faster rate than your Shipp said. “As the typical whey protein. So clearly, Creatine does new players learned have its benefits to the individual; however, it is a the basic skills, the very far cry from being a miracle drug. returning players The Women’s Lacrosse Team stops for a picture after their game. Creatine taken over a long period of time, figured out they Photo Courtesy of Camille Carteza could potentially be harmful with respect to the should tell me when effects on the body. More specifically, it can cause “The new players really impressed me ally used in the game, but it loosened up things weren’t working and I figured out liver and kidney damage, according to Doctor because they were enthusiastic and eager to the gloomy atmosphere. that lacrosse could not be learnt through Ray Sahelian, M.D. Long-term side effects of learn a new sport,” Katrina Capapas, Adv. “It lent some much needed laughter osmosis.” daily Creatine monohydrate ingestion, especially 905, said. “Many of them stepped up to and brevity to an otherwise long day,” Some players attributed the rough start in high dosages, are currently not known. There play at the varsity level in a short amount Coach Casper-Shipp said. to the fact that practices started later than is a possibility that excess Creatine can put stress of time.” The season culminated with the awards usual this year. on the kidneys and liver. Creatine converts into Still, some of the teams Northside banquet, at which players received various “I think we needed to start practic- creatinine which, in high doses, could act as a faced were considered to be significantly awards for their achievements. The Aca- ing and conditioning sooner and to have toxin. It is not currently know whether or not there better. demic/Athletic Achievement Award went a more serious and intense atmosphere,” is a potential for increasing the risk of cancer with “We never gave up whenever we played to Capapas, the team’s highest scorer. Lau- Dana Westley, Adv. 013, said. regular high dose use. [St. Ignatius], but they just seemed to know ren Gutierrez, Adv. 015, received the Mus- Coach Casper-Shipp agreed. She said “I discourage the regular, high dose use of where to hit us hard,” Obina said. tang Award, and Bridget Illing, Adv. 013, that she would do things differently next Creatine unless frequent breaks are taken,” Dr. Although the team lost to St. Ignatius, received the Outstanding Athletic Achieve- season, provided that circumstances allow Sahelian said. Coach Casper-Shipp said that the girls ment Award. This year’s team captains her to coach the team again. On the other hand, there are many fallacies learned from their mistakes and improved Hannah Shier, Adv. 900, and Elza Casas, “Practices next year will be much more and misconceptions about Creatine that cast a in the following game against the team. Adv. 802, received the Sportsmanship and rigorous and non-attendance will have dismal light over the product. Despite their losses, the girls were able Senior Leadership Awards, respectively. stronger repercussions than it did this year,” The most ardent opponents of Creatine equate to have some fun throughout the season. In Shier will return as team captain next Coach Casper-Shipp said. “Also, we will it to the use of steroids, and harp on the alleged a playoff game against Naperville North, year, along with Capapas and Katy Ceisel, get in shape sooner. With more lead time, negative effects of the “C-train,” however, a lot the team lost 22-1, but left the game happy Adv. 909. things will work better.” of them are just old wife’s tales or half-truths. For and even received a compliment from one “I’m confident that next year’s season New players also made up a large part example, one of the biggest rumors is that taking of the referees for their positive attitude. will be better than this year’s,” Capapas of the varsity team, as much of last year’s any amount of Creatine will cause severe liver or Seeing that there was no way to recover said. “We’ll have a lot more returning team was comprised of graduating seniors kidney damage. This is not the case, so long as from Naperville North’s lead, the girls players next year, so we can work on more and juniors who did not return for another the use of Creatine is not prolonged, the dosage planned a play called “timber” in which advanced levels of playing for tougher season. is not in excess of three grams, and exercise is everyone fell down. The play was not actu- teams.” maintained during the time of use. In the case of little or no exercise and continued large doses of the supplement are consumed over a long period A summer of running, swimming, of time, Creatine will certaintly have adverse side effects, proving the “too much of a good thing” saying. and putting The truth is that a lot of the negative talk about Creatine is revolves around whether or not its usage is equitable. There is no doubt that Summer sports conditioning creatine actually does help athletes build muscle by Thuy Tran for all current team members women with no experi- faster than they would without using it. The only Many students are con- and is open to incoming fresh- ence, the local YMCA’s question is whether consuming it is a bad thing. fused and puzzled as to what men. The Camp of Champions offers ample practice The argument about long-term hard work that Northside students should is over the span of five days, opportunities. Be ready yields gradual gains is a valid one: the healthiest do after school lets out, yet with workouts and lectures to for swim team tryouts way to get in shape is working out long hours at summer is fast approaching. further motivate all athletes’ on August 13. the gym. However, scientific evidence does not How about getting a head-start potential. Try-outs for cross- If that doesn’t sound suggest that you couldn’t also get substantial gains, on practicing for Northside’s country will begin August 11, appealing enough, without too much health risk, using Creatine ap- fall sports try-outs? Northside 2008. Be ready to buy a new perhaps a sport with a propriately. offers a number of fall sports: pair of comfortable running racket and a ball would. Dr. Sahelian doesn’t recommend that teenag- cross country, men’s golf, shoes in the upcoming weeks Take a stroll behind ers under that age of 18 use Creatine, unless, of women’s golf, men’s soccer, before cross country practice Northside; make a stop course, they have the proper medical supervision, women’s swimming and div- starts. by the tennis court to and are using it sparingly. If you choose to go ing, women’s tennis, women’s For those who don’t like to serve a couple balls to against medical advice present in this column, you volleyball, and men’s 16” soft- run, but prefer golfing, it, too, get practice in before the are doing so of your own accord and have to be ball. There are many choices is available to men and women women’s tennis tryouts aware of the repercussions to such actions. Most available, so get up from sitting as a fall sport. Not quite sure with a tentative date importantly, you have to be prepared to suffer the behind the tube watching how to condition for golf? All sometime in August. consequences. those reality TV shows and get it takes is a new or old golf Besides serving a active. putt and a few practice swings. tennis ball across the Love to run? Consider Grab a group of friends with tennis court, how does cross-country. There was a golf balls and putters and meet serving volleyballs mandatory meeting for team them on a golf course such across the court sound? members on May 27th, 2008. as the Indian Boundary Golf Grab some volleyballs outs for the Men’s 16” Softball However, for those “not-yet” Course, at 8600 West Forest and serve them in Northside’s Team will also be held in the team members, there is a 200 Preserve Drive, to practice. gymnasium with the Women’s upcoming August, so it’s not summer miles minimum to try Maybe land sports are not Volleyball Team. too late to start practicing and out for Cross Country. Does favorable for those Northside If not, then there’s always conditioning for the try-outs. 200 miles seem a lot? Don’t students who prefer to swim a bat to hit a softball across Many Northside students fret; there is a whole summer and dive. Women will be able the diamond field. Work will opt to start conditioning ahead for students. At the to participate in women’s on pitches and batting with early for fall sports. Opportuni- University of Wisconsin, there swimming and diving in the the softball. At Warren Park ties are available all summer will be a cross-country camp of fall if they are approved by behind Northside, there is a for students to be active and get champions in Madison, Wis- Carlos Ceja, the Aquatics diamond field where students a head start on the upcoming consin that is recommended Director/Coach. However, for can practice softball. The try- season.