Lemont High School 800 Porter Street Lemont Il, 60439

Issue 23 March 17, 2011

IN THIS ISSUE p. 2 FBLA Makes it to by Brittany Baldwin News writer State Each day, hundreds of Lemont citizens pass the Lemont Express p.3 A Great Feat for Carwash as they travel to and from destinations. Although some regard this LHS Mathletes establishment as a landmark, the Lemont Express Carwash serves a much greater purpose to the Lemont community. p.4 Bring on the Bub- Since its establishment in 1999, Lemont Express Carwash owner, Bill Klump, has worked diligently to give back to the Lemont Community, ble Wrap as well as the environment. Growing up in a “give-back family,” Klump p.5 Beneath the Skins learned the importance of charity at an early age. Klump supports LHS functions such as Project Graduation by providing p.8 The Diary of a each student with a free carwash pass. Klump stated, “Supporting [Project Newly Converted Veg- Graduation] seemed like the right thing to do… [Project Graduation] seems like a lot of fun for the kids, and I just wanted to do what I could to make it etarian: Part 2 better.” Ever-mindful of the importance of being environmentally aware, Klump p.10 Spring Into a purchased an elaborate “triple basin sewer system” for each of his five Change of Season carwash locations to lessen environmental impact. Although this sewer system is a great expense, Klump feels it is his duty p.11 It’s the End of the to the earth and marine life to depose of this dirty water properly. Klump World... or is it? added, “[The Lemont Express Carwash] uses one tenth less water than is used washing a car at home, plus we have the correct means of disposal of p.13 Doomsday Theo- the effluent water that is poison to mother earth.” ries Over the Years To ensure that much of the Lemont Express Carwash’s profits are dedicated to furthering the Lemont community, Klump patronages various p.14 Got Senioritis local businesses such as Cardinal Fitness, Kohl’s and Target. Despite all of his noteworthy efforts to giveback to the Lemont p.15 Playing it Old community, Klump takes greatest pride in seeing clean cars on the streets of School: It’s on Like Lemont. Klump stated, “It makes me feel very good to see clean, shiny, dry cars as I drive around town because I know that I did that.” Donkey Kong! Klump encourages students visit one of his five Express Carwash locations p.17 Best-Selling Video in Brookfield, Lemont, Romeoville, Hickory Hills and Plainfield to wash their cars in time for prom. Games The Lemont Express Carwash is located at 1174 State Street. For more information on this establishment, please call (630) 257- 9393. TOM-TOM 2 WYSE STAFF by Morgan McPartland Makes it to News writer Sectionals News: This year’s chapter of the academic club FBLA (Future Business Editorials: Leaders of America) will compete at the state competition on March 25- by Morgan McPartland Design Editor: News writer Dylan Blaha Kelly Lyons 26 in Decatur. Students compete in over 60 areas through an individual Rachel Hunter test or a group presentation. For the past 10 years, students in the Brittany Baldwin Annie Lillwitz FBLA Co-Sponsor John Aspel explained that this chapter placed “very academic club WYSE have put in a lot of Caroline Celis well at the regional competition” and it was broken up into a new area time and effort into making LHS proud. Maribeth Van Hecke this year. Each school’s official voters recently chose junior Nick Cottrell However, one might ask “What does WYSE Morgan McPartland for president of the new region and junior Naem Mufarreh for vice even stand for?” Editorials Editor: president. Worldwide Youth in Science and Erin O’Connor Kelly Lyons Cottrell didn’t originally run for president, but the position came to him Engineering is a group in which high school Design Assistants: by chance. When the original candidates stepped down, he reluctantly students compete through taking various Elizabeth Bernabe chose to run. “I cannot wait until my first day in office, and the chance to tests in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Mary McKevitt leave my footprint here in LHS,” said Cottrell. Physics, Computer Science and Math. The Alexis Caspers Journalism Advisor: Along with succeeding in this year’s competitions, the FBLA chapter club is open to any LHS student, but it donated a lot of time, money and materials to local charities. It held a requires a lot of hard work and preparation. Haley Haase Sean Clark clothing drive first semester that resulted in over 2000 pieces of clothing Recently, this year’s WYSE team placed 3rd Features: being donated to battered women shelters. in the regional competition and advanced to Andrea Earnest “[FBLA] is also working on opening the school store,” said Aspel. sectionals. The sectional competition will be Features Editor: The chapter plans to open the store on Friday, March 18 at 7 am. The held on Thursday, March 17 at North Central Rene Tovar Head Editor: cheerleading squad will be present, along with a DJ and FBLA members. College. Andrea Earnest New designs are available on sweatpants, new class shirts and class “I think as far as we make it depends on Lindsay Simonetta Dylan Blaha lanyards. how much time the competitors put into According to Aspel, the shirts and lanyards are a “limited edition preparing,” stated WYSE Head Sponsor Tim Maddy George product” and will be distributed on a “first come, first serve” basis. Leffler. Sports Editor: “As far as overall goals, I think we’ve exceeded them this year,” Michael Gaytan Sports: Leffler has been involved with WYSE Gregg Husa concluded Aspel. since it began at LHS and many other Bridget Carr Gregg Husa teachers help the students in their specific Kyle Griffin areas when preparing for the tests. “[Being a Katelyn Bitke News Editor: member of WYSE] is helpful both in school Ryan Peraino and outside of school,” said Hunt. Mallory Christine Dylan Blaha LHS is in the unlimited division of Ian Stratta competitions, which is composed of any school with over 1500 students. While it’s extremely hard to place at sectionals due to the large number of competitors, Hunt hopes to succeed and advance to the state competition. Members of FBLA photos by Brittany Glowa and courtesy of Google 3 4 A Great Feat for

by Erin O’Connor News writer LHSLHS MathletesMathletes by Maribeth Van Hecke Editorials writer As the clock ticks away, and the time left in the competition dwindles, competitors vigorously You receive a huge box. You pull off the extreme amount of tape and find bubble wrap, packing work to correctly answer every question posed. peanuts and another box. Inside of that you find your shipment wrapped in cellophane, plastic and Calculator buttons are being tapped and pencil finally tied down with little detested twisty-ties. Well, that was fun. marks made, but finally, time is up. The work Many companies today use huge amounts of packaging for their itty-bitty products. Electronics each student has put into the competition is all on and toys packaging consist of layers of useless material that are going to waste (except for maybe the the line as the answers are checked. bubble wrap). Producers should be looking at what is necessary for packaging, rather than smothering The Lemont High School Mathletes proved it in plastic. once again to be successful at the regional One can understand packaging products to assure safe shipment or the car ride home. If you are competition. On Saturday, Feb 26, the LHS wrapping a more fragile item it is understandable to make sure that it doesn’t break while it’s being Mathletes took first place scoring a 502 – transported. However, a set of tools do not need to be imprisoned in plastic that scissors can barely winning by 42 points. cut through and little dolls don’t need a separate twisty tie for each accessory. Leading the way for Lemont, Senior Vijay The size of the unneeded packaging is just as crucial as the amount. Although a giant empty box Rajendran took home four first place medals can be an exciting adventure, was it really needed to ship a little DVD player? from the competition. He went solo in the pre- If the companies were clever enough to make the packaging recyclable, then they’ve already made one step in the right direction. But even so, many people do not take the time to recycle the recyclable calculus competition and was teamed with fellow packaging. Some of the problem could be blamed on the consumer. senior Arthur Laciak to win the Junior/Senior As a consumer, one has complete control on what he or she buys. Consumers are able to minimize two-person Team category. the amount of baggage they get with their product, like the decision of choosing the egg carton with Rajendran and also competed as part of Styrofoam or paper packaging (Styrofoam will be hanging out in the landfill for thousands of years the winning pre-calculus written team, along Luke Krisciunas, Margaret Rogers, Katy Klein, Emma Houran, Jarrod Han- more than paper). This might not work for things that are already packaged, but the smaller ones son, Auris Jackunas with seniors Nick Hunt, Jimmy Myers, Clare people don’t pay attention to. Rogers and Jim Shupryt. Finally, Rajendran also There are many simple ways to limit unnecessary baggage. If you’re running to the store to grab competed on the junior/senior eight person team - with Hunt, Rogers, and juniors a few things, don’t use a bag if you don’t have to. If you think you might, bring one along. If you’re Ankit Amlani, Rebecca Rachan, Tom Raymond and Amber Trick. at the mall and already have a bag, assure the cashier that you don’t need another one (unless you’re Senior Clare Rogers was very excited about the win, “It was really exciting to win into collecting bags, then don’t let me stop you). regionals! We did really well in every competition!” Like any competitive team, Whether you’re into collecting bags or popping bubble wrap and giggling uncontrollably, there is competition brings a stressful environment. way too much packaging in today’s products. Until packaging companies get the picture, we can try In order for the entire mathletes team to advance state, they first had to be the overall to limit as much waste as we can, or just try to have fun with the leftovers. We’ll just have to think winner at the regional competiton, a feat they accomplished. like the customer on unnecessarypackaging.com who praised, “Now I can make a killer box fort- As the team continues to practice in preparation for the state competition, the team is Thanks Target!” anxious for another state success. Images courtesy of Google Photos courtesy by Google 5 6

Skins: Continued from page 5 That’s it? No trouble? All I’m saying is if this happened to me a year ago, I’d still be grounded. Not to mention how hard and long I would have to work to pay for all that damage. Situations like these are unrealistic and give teens the wrong idea about what they can and can’t get away with. Beneath the “I don’t think [television] shows like [Skins] show any consequences at all,” said freshman Carli Serpe. However, Serpe later went on to say, “The shows wouldn’t be interesting if, at the end of every episode, the main characters by Annie Lillwitz got in trouble.” Touché. Editorials writer But if shows like Skins are nothing more than an innocent form of entertainment, why drag the teenage popula- tion down with the show. Where there are negatives, there are positives, and Skins has its fair share of positive messages. Although the Everything changes with time, including television, but lately, it’s been showing a little too much skin. show lacks in the consequence department, the negative side effects of drugs, drinking, pill-popping, sex, etc. are Skins, the new MTV series based on the British series, portrays the “real lives of American teenagers” all at least semi-exhibited. but doing a less than accurate job. To generalize the teenage population like that simply isn’t fair. The holes these teens dig themselves into don’t look particularly fun to try to climb out of. The drugs and From sex, to drugs, to underage drinking, Skins covers it all… or uncovers it all. alcohol they abuse tend to affect their good judgment, or lack thereof, leaving them in difficult, sometimes even The show revolves around a group of eight teenage friends trying to overcome their personal problems harmful, situations. with far from effective methods. Although the drugs, pills and drinking work for a little while, they eventu- Sophomore Sam Drafke said, “I believe that [television] shows showing sex, drugs and drinking are both a posi- ally sober up and feel worse than they did in the first place. tive and negative influence. They show what all of those things can do to ruin your life. It shows how they affect At the source of most their problems: their parents. Whether these teens have been abandoned or neglect- you physically and affect your relationships with family and friends.” ed, it seems that it usually leads back to family. Unfortunately, the negatives easily outweigh the positives. The good messages presented are often masked by This is another unfair representation. Everyone gets in tiffs with their parents but not all teens handle it the way they’re presented. the same way. Sure, some may turn to drugs, or even drinking, to help them momentarily feel better, but Sure they smoked weed and made some bad decisions, but did you see how much fun they looked like they many others work it out in other ways, like talking about it, or turning to their friends for support. had? Although support appears to be an important value to the teens in the show, the reality is not so. While This is often the problem. Drugs, drinking and such are made to look as if they’re enjoyable, which they are if some of them are sincere in their offer of support, others are more of the back-stabbing type. As it turns you like throwing up and overdosing. Turning negative actions into positive ones is what really makes the show out, having sex with your best friend’s boyfriend is probably not a good idea and will lead to fighting. What inappropriate and unrealistic. a support system. Senior Becky Evankoe believes Skins is a very negative influence because “[Skins] shows [teens] having a good These pill-popping teens find all sorts of ways to cause havoc without any repercussions. time,” participating in illegal and irrational acts. Put yourself in this position: You’re driving a stolen car because you have to take your friend, who has over-dosed on an unknown drug, to the hospital. Remember, you have two-hundred dollars worth of mari- juana in the car. Now, since you forgot to put the parking brake on, the car has rolled backward into a lake with all of you in it. Don’t worry, you’re all fine… except the car that is. You’re now free to walk away and basically forget about everything that just happened.

“Everything changes with time, in- cluding television, but lately, it’s been showing a little too much skin.”

Images courtesy of Google Images courtesy of Google 8 9

Skins: Continued from page 6

Two Different Skins

Skins, MTV’s racy new series, wasn’t just thought up over night. Overseas in the UK, man named Bryan Elsley and his son, Jamie Brittain originally Health Benefits of Vegetarianism coined the idea. Whether or not you agree with vegetari- P With a slightly different plot than seen in the MTV anism in terms of animals and the environ- series, the UK show has continued into its fifth sea- ment, there’s no denying there is a vast a son with far less controversy than seen in the US. majority of health benefits linked with Elsley blogged on the huffingtonpost.com, in Janu- being a vegetarian. Whether someone fol- r ary 2011, about his view of the show he co-created. lows a vegetarian diet for personal beliefs The assumption I had made, before reading it, or for heath, I think everyone should ex- 2 t was that Elsley was going for something out there, perience the lifestyle at least temporarily. by Kelly Lyons “I think [television] shows should show more of something different and shocking (judging by all Still not convinced? Here is only some of Editorials Editor the consequences [teens] would actually face today. the substance abuse, sex, eating disorders, etc.). I the health statistics found on fitness-equip- If my parents caught me doing some of the things couldn’t have been more wrong. ment-health.com linked to vegetarianism. As I began my second week of vegetarianism, I quickly real- that [the Skins characters] do, I would not be alive “Skins is a very simple and in fact rather old fash- • 24.3 percent lower cholesterol ized what exactly this lifestyle entails. In other words, I was right now. It wouldn’t simply get overlooked,” ioned television series,” Elsley starts, “It’s about the within a year already running into obstacles. However, these difficulties also Evankoe continued. lives and loves of teenagers, how they get through • Lower risk for certain heart dis- opened my eyes to the positive aspects of what I had commit- Improvement in reality is vital for Skins, espe- high school, how they deal with their friends, and ease, high blood pressure and ted to. cially if they wish to continue the show. The show also how they circumnavigate some of the complica- diabetes Even before I swore off meat, I always tried to be somewhat is rumored to be going off the air after only the first tions of sex, relationships, educations, parents, drugs • An average of 25-50 percent less conscious of what I ate. I’ve never exactly been a health nut, season. Although these rumors are false the show and alcohol.” chance of getting cancer than those but in order to stay healthy while eating vegetarian it almost will have to attempt to get its ratings up, hopefully, seems necessary to be a little obsessive. Well when you put it that way it doesn’t sound so who eat meat by taking a slightly more conservative route. Unfortunately, vegetarians have fewer options when it comes bad. In fact, it sounds rather interesting and educa- • Lower risk of breast, cervical, pan- Evankoe sugguested, “If the TV shows showed to food. It’s easy to eat a mountain of carbs and call it a day, tional. creatic, colon, bladder, stomach, consequences to actions they would be more posi- mouth, larynx, esophagus and lung but I’m not exactly looking to outgrow all of my clothing. But tive. I also think that maybe [the producers/writers] So where does all the controversy come from? on the other hand, according to daystarbotanicals.com, “vege- A second blog on the huffingtonpost.com suggests cancers could focus on things that we, as teenagers, actually • Lower body mass index and gener- tarians are much more susceptible to malnourishment and other face on a daily basis. I’ve never been faced with a that Skins may actually break child pornography nutritional problems than meat-eaters are.” laws, which are defined as “any visual depiction of ally a lower weight if diet remains drug situation and I honestly don’t care to watch healthy After an intense session of googling the pros and cons of go- a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct” or “a someone in such a situation on TV.” • Rare chance of obesity and an aver- ing vegetarian, I was at a loss. I wanted more than anything to picture of a naked child may constitute illegal child With attitudes like this, Skins looks to be headed age of ten percent leaner commit to this new lifestyle. However, the lazy part of me was pornography if it is sufficiently sexually suggestive.” down the wrong path fast. To compare a scripted • Vegetarians are on average ten per- dreading the changes… and that part of me happens to account television series, especially one involving so much This issue is brought up particularly in the third cent leaner than those who eat meat for most of my persona. risky business, to the general life of teenagers is episode of the first (US) season, where a main char- So even if you’re not passionate about ani- But in the end, the pros outweighed the cons. In my search- outrageous. acter, Chris, walks down the street completely naked mals, the environment or other principles, ing, I came across opposingviews.com, which spelled out all of The lack of reality is leaving the series hanging by and into his teacher’s classroom. you can always try vegetarianism to stay the high points for me. Aside from a dramatic decrease in heart the skin of its teeth. With some of the cast as young as 15 years old, healthy. attacks, strokes, diabetes, and certain kinds of cancer, vegetari- Skins is going to have to cover up. anism “on average are at least ten percent leaner, and live six to ten years longer, than meat-eaters.” Sign me up. Images courtesy of Google 10 11

Vegetarian: Continued from page 8 Into a Change of Season Spring by Bridget Carr Features writer Though going vegetarian has been a relatively difficult With the approach of spring, the rain is beginning to wash away process for me, I’m beginning to realize all this is worth bitter winter attitudes. A rare few have appreciated the snow and it. Not only am I doing a favor for all the animals of the chilly weather, while most have been grumbling about the need to world, but I’m also doing a favor for myself. I’m not layer up and deal with icy roads. going to be this young and healthy forever, so I might as Summer lovers are desperately craving flip flops, tank tops and well take some steps to becoming as healthy as possible. the ever-popular beach tan, but let’s not forget the transitional The more difficult my new lifestyle choice is, the more period of the spring season that offers plenty of enjoyment as well. proud I am of myself. Forgoing meat may be tough, but What’s not to love about spring break? I know it’s not as much it’s definitely worth it. Look for my third and last in- of a big ordeal as it is for college students, but it’s still a chance to stallment in next week’s issue too see if I’m still going kick back and not worry about school. strong. Many take advantage of spring break as an opportunity to After an intense session of googling the pros and cons travel somewhere that is more reliably warm than temperamental of going vegetarian, I was at a loss. I wanted more than Chicago weather. From what I’ve seen, common spring break anything to commit to this new lifestyle. However, the vacations are in tropical, laid back locations. lazy part of me was dreading the changes… and that part However, if you’re staying back in good old Lemont, there are of me happens to account for most of my persona. endless ways to occupy your time in a way that embodies the But in the end, the pros outweighed the cons. In my feeling of “spring fever.” searching, I came across opposingviews.com, which Spring cleaning does not sound tempting at all, I know, but spelled out all of the high points for me. Aside from a it doesn’t always have to be boring and tedious. For those dramatic decrease in heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and anticipating either the upcoming summer, or those soon-to-be- certain kinds of cancer, vegetarianism “on average are at graduates stressing over college decisions, use this time to get least ten percent leaner, and live six to ten years longer, organized. than meat-eaters.” Sign me up. Plan summer getaways or activities, or figure out all the complex Though going vegetarian has been a relatively difficult details that go into whatever your plan for next year may be. Why process for me, I’m beginning to realize all this is worth not go into summer all prepared and worry-free? it. Not only am I doing a favor for all the animals of the Let’s not forget about recreational or relaxing activities that are world, but I’m also doing a favor for myself. I’m not ideal for the spring season. Even in Lemont, there are plenty of going to be this young and healthy forever, so I might as options available to you. well take some steps to becoming as healthy as possible. If you’re looking to be active, spend your days in the budding The more difficult my new lifestyle choice is, the more forest preserves biking, hiking or playing around in a park. Even proud I am of myself. Forgoing meat may be tough, but on a rainy day, you could still storm watch, play in the puddles or it’s definitely worth it. even go mud sliding! For those who prefer to lay back, it may sound corny, but gardening is a great way to relieve stress and appreciate the Look for my third and last installment in next week’s environment. Otherwise you could always read outside, or get into nature photography and capture the changing seasons on film. issue too see if I’m still going strong... Whether you’re ready to find your enjoyment on a far-away

beach, venturing in a nearby nature preserve or relaxing in your Images courtesy of Google own backyard, spring is in the air! Images courtesy of Google 12 13

“World” continued from page 12 It’s the End of the World David Stuart, director of the Mesoamerica Center at the Doomsday Theories Over the Years University of Texas at Austin by Kelly Lyons Editorials Editor discounts the theory, saying, “There’s There have always been theories on how the world might end, going to be a whole generation of Were you one of those who stocked up on canned goods and locked from Y2K to different strains of diseases or even speculations by Andrea Earnest yourself in your basement before Y2K? Are you too embarrassed to admit Features Editor people who, when they think of about giant comets or asteroids. People around the globe have the Mayans, think of 2012, and to you’re secretly dreading the rumored apocalypse of 2012? Or maybe different guesses and speculations. 2012 is no different than me that’s just criminal. I just think you’re just a skeptic who loves to hear about people losing their minds any other conspiracy theory, it’s just newer. it’s sad, it really just frustrates me. over seemingly nothing. Either way, people have been predicting the Half of the world is in a frenzy over this new theory, and the People are really misunderstanding world’s demise for thousands of years. And whether you buy into these other half just don’t care. Senior Megan Flanagan even says, this really cool culture by focusing predications or not, don’t lie; you know you’ve at least googled these “Maybe it’s just a good excuse to get people to enjoy their lives on this 2012 thing. [The 2012 catastrophes every now and then. But to save you the trouble, here’s a list and do something fun before it’s too late.” phenomenon] means more about us of some past doomsday prophecies explored on smithsonianmag.com… 2012, in simple terms, is a prediction. Most people believe than it does about the Mayans.” which, of course, never came true. the world will end, or at least transformed. Some theories even Any doomsday theory would Pope Innocent III’s Concerns: During the time of the Crusades, Pope predict that the change could be positive. However, the media be nothing without the media and Innocent III was a noted man in theology and philosophy. In 1213 he and entertainment industry like to put a negative spin on things entertainment industry. 2012 is no wrote that a “false prophet” of Islamic descent would lead the world to to keep the public interested. exception to this. The general public disaster. He also claimed that “according to the Revelation of Saint John, NASA recently released a Q and A session about 2012, will believe rumors or stories they [the world] will end in 666 years, of which already 600 have passed.” and deals with the claims that a mysterious planet or comet hear on television or the Internet. Although Islam leader Sultan Khalil conquered part of Israel in the year

will crash into Earth. Regarding questions about any meteors Images courtesy of Google Often times, there are no facts behind the Pope predicted the world’s demise, it was only the crusaders who or asteroids hitting the planet, NASA replies, “The Earth any of these stories; hear-say will be suffered. Although, I wouldn’t give the Pope too much credibility; its has always been subject to impacts by comets and asteroids, enough for most audiences. widely believed that he only predicted such catastrophes to rally his although big hits are very rare. The last big impact was A lot of media hype was created people to fight in the Crusades. 65 million years ago, and that led to the extinction of the around 2012 because of the movie Halley’s Comet: When this comet was first spotted in 1910, writers had a dinosaurs…We have already determined that there are field day. Some British and Irish people wrote that the gargantuan comet Mayan calender 2012. Directed by Roland Emmerich, no threatening asteroids as large as the one that killed the the film used viral advertisement was going to be the beginning of an invasion led by Germany. Others dinosaurs.” to draw in viewers. Commercials believed that it was filled with poisonous gas, which would destroy our 2012 is centered around Dec. 21, 2012. The date comes from the ancient Mayan calendar. The Mayan civilization that made the movie seem real planet if the comet ever collided. However, when Haley’s Comet passed existed from 250-900 A.D. in parts of Southern Mexico and Latin America. appealed to audiences. Impressive earth and nothing happened, the rumors died down… but will we still be One of the Mayan civilization’s greater accomplishments was a calendar. It’s not exactly what we use today, but the movie effects and mediocre acting here the next time it passes? modern calendar does take bits and pieces from the Mayan version. don’t make a doomsday theory true, Large Hadron Collider… or Black Hole?: The Large Hadron Collider While some calendars were shorter, showing a month or a year, there are some called the “Long Count” calendars. though. 2012 is simply another (or LHC) is the world’s biggest particle accelerator. It is housed 570 feet Many Mayan scholars agree that the calendar will “run out” after 5,126 years. Since the Mayans tracked the calendar disaster movie, made purely for under the Alps on the Swiss-French border. This powerful machine can back to 3114 B.C., the end date would be 2012 A.D.. Further examinations narrowed it down to Dec. 21, the winter entertainment purposes. accelerate proton beams to as much as 99.99% of the speed of light and solstice. If you do buy into 2012, you’ve imitate the energy of the Big Bang. After it was turned on in 2008, people However, just as our normal calendars run out on Dec. 31 of each year, it does not mean the world will end. Another got a couple of options. Hole up in were frantic. Could this kind of science be so advanced it might create Long Count calendar will begin, and a new year will start, as usual. Junior Matt Bonfitto agrees saying, “The Mayan your room all day and prepare for the a black hole? However, after just nine days in action the LHC was shut calendar was made so long ago, it can’t possibly affect us today.” apocalypse or go out and party like down. Was there really anything to worry about? Well, it began running Many believers think it’s different because of the history of the Mayan culture. The Mayan civilization is seen as a it’s the end of the world! again in late 2009 so we may find out. great one. They contributed much to the modern world and their culture and society was very advanced for their time. Still believe in a future apocalypse? Whether you do or not, I sincerely Most scientists put no stock in the doomsday theory. Even experts in the Mayan culture have put the 2012 prediction wish you the best of luck in years to come. But no worries, nothing down to doomsayers and people looking to create a stir. catastrophic has happened… yet. “World” continued on page 13 Images courtesy of Google 14 15

by Andrea Earnest Imagine yourself in America in the 1980s: The decade produced new breeds by Rene Tovar Got Senioritis? Features Editor Features writer of billionaires such as Donald Trump and Ivan Boesky, hospital costs rose, the minimum wage was a mere $3.10 and E.T did indeed phone home. acceptance here or deferral there, and High schoolers are always told Thousands of Americans didn’t care about these things though; they were it doesn’t help you to make your own how easy senior year is, and how gearing up for the most popular video game releases of the decade! decision. Seeing your friends post about senioritis keeps you from doing The 1980’s is famously known as a decade that produced amazing video their decisions makes you more worried anything. Well, half of that is true. games and many multi-million dollar industries. about yours! So turn off the laptops, I do have some major senioritis: I “[Games from the 80s had] classic game play,” said Social Studies teacher and think about your choices without spend half of my time sitting on the Mr. Weidler. “[They had] very simple graphics and themes compared to today’s any outside pressure. couch watching reality TV shows technology.” 2. Find a hobby. Alright, I know. when I should probably be filling Let’s take a look at past video games that changed many lives by starting You’d probably prefer to just on the out scholarship applications or with a game (that is) known to many: Donkey Kong. couch all night, procrastinating as reading Frankenstein. However, I can Released in 1981, Donkey Kong quickly became popular. It was fun, unique usual. But if you find something to take definitely say that senior year isn’t a and had good graphics for the time period. your mind off housing applications blow off. In this game, Donkey Kong made his debut as a kidnapper [and the player as and scholarship forms, you’ll be able If you haven’t been keeping a Mario], whose job was to save the girl. Basically, it was about jumping over a to breathe easier. There are plenty of countdown like I have, there are bunch of barrels to get to the top. extra-curriculars always available at the about 2 months left until Graduation “Donkey Kong Jr. is the greatest video game of all time,” said Math teacher Day. It’s crunch time for the seniors, high school. There might be only a few Images by Rene Tovar and that means it’s time to make months left of high school, but there’s Mr. Suslek. “If my wife lets me, I plan on buying a stand-up arcade of it to put in my basement. EBay, here I come!” some decisions. always time to get involved. Following Donkey Kong, Mario Brothers was created, using the character Mario from Donkey Kong. Mario There are choices to be made about 3. Exercise. This is the one suggestion Brothers, released in 1983, was a turning point for the gaming industry then and now. housing applications, acceptance that I’m totally behind. Exercising When introduced, Mario Brothers gained much popularity that continues to rise. The game was entertaining, letters, scholarship forms and even releases chemicals in your body that addicting and challenging to many. finding a roommate. However, are proven to make you happier. After Because of its popularity, Mario Brothers was followed by many sequels: Super Mario Brothers, Super Mario focusing so much on the future just exercising you’re able to make clear, Brothers 2, Super Mario Brothers 3 and Super Mario World, which appeared in the early 90’s. causes anxiety and unhappiness. So smart decisions. So hit up the Core The Mario Brothers still hold a special place in the heart of ever gamer, and Mario is still a prominent leader in the I have some suggestions to help you or Cardinal Fitness and get on the video game industry. make the least biased, easiest and treadmill. When you’ve run five miles While the 80’s were great in the role-play-game industry, or RPG’s, they were also known to produce games such hopefully best decisions you can and decided which friend to choose for as Centipede and Pac man. A game that was raised above all others in this category was Tetris, which appeared in possibly make. your roommate and you can fit in the 1985. 1. Cut your time you spend next size down for your prom dress, In Tetris, the goal of the player is to clear the playing area. This is done by manipulating the objects and fitting them on Facebook. I’m a hypocrite for you’ll thank me. together like a puzzle. even saying this, but it’s time to Make the most of the last few months Sophomore Amanda Dziallo seems to appreciate Tetris. Dziallo said, “Tetris is my favorite video game! It is so get off the computer! Around this of high school, LHS. Whether you’re retro and so simple that anyone can do it. There are so many versions of Tetris [even 3D], but it will always remain a time, everyone is posting statuses going to COD or University of Illinois, Nintendo classic.” about their college of choice, their this list will hopefully make your Tetris was followed by many puzzle games because people found it cool and easy. One game that followed was decisions a little less strenuous. called Hatris, which wasn’t as popular. Images courtesy of Google “Old School” continued on page 16 16 17

“Old School” continued from page 15 Hatris ran on the same principles as Tetris, but instead of dropping shapes Best-Selling Video Games into place, the player had to drop hats onto people. Though it’s similar to by Rene Tovar Tetris, it still holds originality. Features writer By the later 1980’s, more RPG’s and Side scrollers, where the game play action is viewed from one camera angle, were created. Although Zelda holds one of the highest Many people thought that after Mario Brothers appeared, nothing could sales records to date, it still had some compare. This all changed when The Legend of Zelda appeared in 1986. competition. Thus, the Zelda craze began. Pokémon Red, Blue and Green, The Legend of Zelda is one of Nintendo’s core franchises and has sold commissioned for the game boy, sold over over 47 million copies as of 2007(see sidebar). 20.8 million copies when first introduced. In The Legend of Zelda, Link, the main character, is sometimes depicted Super Mario Bros 3 didn’t fall far behind as a human. In others, he is depicted as a Hylian boy from the land of selling 18 million copies for the NES. Hyrule. The Sims for the PC sold 16 million The point of the games is for Link, the protagonist, to travel through the copies when hitting shelves, though the many lands of Hyrule, where he defeats many wicked forces and the series second only took 13 million. Images by Rene Tovar primary antagonist, Ganon, all while attempting to save Princess Zelda and The second generation of Pokémon, her kingdom. Gold and Silver, sold 14.1 million copies. Every Zelda storyline normally has a different incarnation of Link. Whenever a new threat opposes Hyrule, a new hero Grand Theft Auto: Vice city for the Play must arise. station 2 sold 13 million copies. Though not as amazing as 1986, 1987 also produced some games that many enjoyed. Many other games such as Pokémon Games such as Metroid, Mega Man and Contra appeared on the market and were all unique and gained much attention. Fire Red and Leaf green, New Super Metroid is a cool game that combines action and adventure with shooting. Though the graphics weren’t the best, they Mario Bros, Grand Turismo and Pokémon were bearable. The storyline was different, and the music put you in that ‘1980’s’ game mode. Diamond and Pearl almost tied selling The end of the game sent many in a downward spiral of gender confusion, yelling “I’ve been playing as a girl this whole around 10.5 million copies each. time?!” With new installations of games such as Mega Man, another popular game similar to Metroid, is a platform game. The goal is to destroy all of the evil robots, the Halo Franchise and games like Call of and to defeat the evil Dr. Wily, who wishes to dominate the world. Duty that might not reach many audiences Contra is a shooter platform game. You must defeat enemies by shooting them on land and water. Contra is known for as games before it, it’s hard to say how the being difficult and by how fast the game flies by. popularity of gaming will continue in the Some other notable games are Pong, Frogger, Duck hunt, Conan and many more. Boy, did the 80’s spawn some amazing future. games! “I appreciate the simplicity,” said English teacher Mr. Lazzari. “I’m just looking for entertainment for a few minutes. A lot of these new games take months to beat.” There you have it! In a nutshell, these are some incredible games from the 80’s. So what did we learn? Well, for one, Mario Brothers is a leading game, alongside The Legend of Zelda. Oh! Metroid’s graphics are bad, but it’s a fun game with a twist in the ending! We can’t forget about the giant monkey who throws barrels either. Oh, and if you play Contra, be prepared to control a half-naked man through a terrain filled with tanks, ships, helicopters and assassins. Now, it’s about time that you pull out your Nintendo 64, your SEGA, and you’re SNES, your Gameboy, your DS, your PS3 and your 360. Images by Rene Tovar As English teacher Mr. DeGuzman said, “I’ve always enjoyed the game systems-I grew up with the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo! Longest gaming rivalry in the history of video games!” “Old School” continued on page 17