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Navy Fear at Sew into it Navy Pier

eat Latin students excel at NJCL 2006 by Zainab Bilfaqi

From July 31, 2006 to August first, second, third and 5, 2006, thirty-four of Northside’s fourth principle parts well-prepared Latin students recon- and selects the conjuga-

B nected the bond between ancient tion of the verb. The and modern times. Latin students site then tells the user from Northside traveled to the if they were right or University of Indiana for the annual wrong. If wrong, the National Junior Classical League site will return the cor- Convention and Tournament to rect principle parts. compete with students from some “The principle parts of the best schools in the nation tester probably gave the when it comes to the Classics. site an advantage in the Students asserted their knowledge competition,” Wewe- of Greek and Latin through many gama said. categories including the creative Natalia Emanuel, The arts, Ludi (physical activities), Cer- Adv. 808, and Weweg-

oof tamen (question and answer), and ma also won third place reading comprehension that tested in the Local Chapter their knowledge of the Classic Website contest which Languages. proved itself to be a Northside’s Latin students im- Vol. 8 No. 2 Northside College Preparatory High School October 2006 Vol. tremendous work- proved this year, winning even more load because the pair awards across the board than in the revamped the entire past years. Kavinda Wewegama, website. Adv. 707, is a perfect example of The Local Chap- H this improvement. Wewegama won ter Website contest first place in the individual website contained more criteria contest. than the individual “Kavinda has advanced website contest, includ- incredibly since freshman year and ing coverage in chapter his influence on other students at activities and the fresh- Northside has been incredible,” Kavinda Wewegama, Adv. 707, and Natalia Emanuel, Adv. 808, work hard to ness of the information build the Latin website. Chester Tylinski, Northside’s Latin included in the site. The Photo by Zenobia Gonzalves teacher, said. “He has organized pair won third place and motivated the other Latin stu- among some of the best we’re used to in that it was much said. “I put my time into it and dents, and he increased the number schools in the nation. These schools more competitive.” went to Certamen practices. Mr. of Latin practices. He is also the include Boston Latin School, Every member of the Upper and Tylinski encouraged us a lot and best Certamen player Northside has Woodbridge, and other schools in Novice teams was a student from he gave us the materials to actually ever had.” Texas, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee, Northside. Many states support learn. He checked up to make sure The individual website contest Massachusetts, and Ohio. their Certamen teams more than we were studying, so that helped as involves the creation of a website Other notable victories include does Illinois. Illinois’ success with- well.” about the Latin language and its Adam Swiatlowski, Adv.809, who out this support is quite remarkable, Despite the rigorous schedule, grammar. Judges look for aesthetics, received the first place award for Tylinski said. Northside students the students who went to NJCL validity of the code, and the users the Reading Comprehension Two, received 16 first place awards this were still able to make time for fun desire to revisit the website. with the highest score in the nation. year, the most in the school’s his- late at night when they went to the “Our websites are among, if Harold Jaffe, Adv.802 , placed first tory. Northside also received 29 dances and between competitions not, the best in the country,” Mr. in the in the tenth grade Boys Essay more top five awards than last year. when they were able to socialize at Tylinski said. competition, and John Mussman’s, Aisha Ahmad, Adv. 904, placed the pool. Wewegama had been working Adv. 806, first place victory in Latin in five of the academic tests—more “You get to meet a lot of new on this website since his sophomore Oratory, level two contest. than any other Northside student. people and try different styles of News pages 1-3 year and has slowly added to the For the first time in the contest’s Although Ahmad just began tak- dancing, which was fun,” Jaffe said. • New course options website. He submitted the code in history, all three of Illinois’ teams ing Latin this year, she competed “There were many informal games • Solving schedule crises the spring 2006 and received the advanced to the semi–finals in the against many Latin 1 students who such as ultimate frisbee, basketball, award in June 2006. Certamen Competition. had been taking Latin in grammar and soccer and that was probably A key factor in Wewegama’s Features pages 4-5 “The Latin team is really school. the most fun part for me.” site was the principle parts tester. strong, and we worked really hard “I learned English grammar Mr. Tylinski, the administra- • Guten Tag Germany The principle parts tester allows in the summer to prepare,” Jennifer back in elementary school, so when tion, and their peers applaud • Projecting success: senior the user to test themselves with Friedmann, Adv. 904, said. “It was I learned Latin grammar it was their achievements of Northside’s projects Latin verbs. The user types in the very different from the competition practically the same thing,” Ahmed Latin Team at the national level. Editorial pages 6-7 • Teach us the write way • Goodbye Harvard Parents go back to school Centerfold pages 8-9 by Sanja Bajgoric Northside hosted its annual Back to “I think Back to School Night is a good • Capitalizing Punishment School Night on September 12, 2006, pro- opportunity for my parents to meet the teach- • Death row in the movies viding parents with the opportunity to walk ers,” Alexandra Brown, Adv. 014, said. “But in their children’s shoes. Parents rushed more importantly, I’m glad that they will A & E pages 10-13 through the door at 7 p.m. to pick up their get to see what we go through and how hard • Kiss it Goodbye: “The Last child’s schedule and headed off to advisory. some of our classes actually are.” Kiss” movie review Parents were not expected to sit through a Some students did not see the advantage hundred minutes of class, however; instead, of Back to School Night. Sports pages 14-16 each period lasted ten minutes. This gave “I don’t really care about Back to School the parents just enough time to gather nec- Night,” Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss, Adv. • Foreplay: Golf City essary information and ask questions. 014, said. “But it seems to satisfy my parents Championships “We give an overview of the course and when they come.” an introduction to the syllabus,” Dianne Parents of freshmen enjoyed the block Malueg, English Department, said. “I schedule. Many questions were aimed at the think, as a parent, I would find it healthy in-class activities and the amount of home- to meet the teachers and get a feel for what work that the students receive. the class is about—along with the grading Teachers find this experience valuable as system and flexibility.” well. Most parents also enjoyed attending “At times I have had experiences where Back to School Night because they were meeting the parents had become a very posi- able to build a relationship with the teach- tive experience because I was able to find ers. Kathy and Chuck Killman, parents of out about certain personal situations that a Wade Killman, Adv. 702, have attended student might be going through that might Back to School Night for the past four affect his performance,” Ms. Rachel Nielsen, years. English Department, said. “Even if I don’t “It’s nice to be able to ask questions,” get the opportunity to meet all the parents, Kathy said. “If we ever need to follow up it’s nice to see familiar faces later on of the with the teachers, it’s a much more com- ones that I have met.” fortable situation, considering we have met The parents took a break for lunch during them already.” which cookies and beverages were served in There were a few students who roamed the cafeteria. Principal Dr. James Lalley and Excited parents fly down the center stairwell as they the Northside hallways along with their Vice Principal Lisa Moreno were present dur- rush to their next class. parents and some agreed that the experi- ing the lunch periods to socialize with parents Photo by Sanja Bajgoric ence was beneficial. and answer any questions. Page 2 News The Hoof Beat It’s a matter of course Northside College Northside’s new academic course options Prep High School by Michelle Zacarias Choosing one’s schedule for the fol- Berry said. “It’s an interesting class: right now lowing year is usually a routine task for Speech and Debate challenges we’re testing the river by Northside. I Northside students. This year Northside students by requiring outside time for like how studying the water can give a students were caught off-guard when debate competitions. Currently, students whole new twist to our school,” said 5501 N. Kedzie new courses where offered as part of the are learning about the different sections Vanessa Gutierrez, Adv. 704. 2006-2007 curriculum. From new and of an argument and how to create a Many students like Vanessa were improved English Chicago, IL 60625 courses to additional Science courses, Northside students Tel: (773) 534-3954 had something new to look forward to this year. Fax: (773) 534-3964 The English De- partment now offers two new courses: Shakespeare and Principal: Dr. James Lalley Contemporary Fic- tion and Speech and Assistant Principal: Debate. The Shake- Ms. Lisa Moreno speare course was introduced last year Advisor: Mr. Chester Tylinski and was originally taught by Mr. Randy Snow, who thought that the course Editors-In-Chief: Damon Beres, would be of interest Aliy Markowski to students. How- ever, the responsibil- Copy Editors: Damon Beres, Mua- ity of teaching the class this year was mera Hadzic, Aliy Markowski, Kana given to Ms. Dianne Yoo Malueg, who chose to cover one of Managing Editor: Kana Yoo Shakespeare’s four Northside students enjoy new math experiences available only through Northside’s new course list. Assistant Managing Editor: Rachel types of plays (trag- Photo by Michelle Zacarias edy, comedy, history, Hautzinger and romance) each solid rebuttal during an actual debate. drawn to the class because they wanted quarter. The course has attracted more students to discover new things about Ocean life Chief Layout Editor: Geethi Abra- “I’ve only read two of Shakespeare’s than it did when it was just offered as and bodies of water. In fact, to further plays,” said Jasmine Queshi, Adv. 710. a colloquium. Trevor Woodland, Adv. interest students, Mr. Arnam has taken a ham “But I’m still looking forward to reading 706, chose to attend a Speech and hands-on approach to teaching the class contemporary fiction, and maybe even Debate camp during the summer to by having students work at the actual more Shakespeare.” help prepare for competitions during the river. News Editor: Ashraf Abbas Another new English course of- school year. No matter what interests a student fered this year is Speech and Debate. In Not only is the English Department might have, the Northside staff works Features Editor: Elizabeth Jose previous years this class was offered as adding new courses, but the Science hard to satisfy the student body. Though Centerfold Editor: Abir Usman a colloquium. However, the Northside Department has recently established the some may think the new classes are a staff thought it would be better if it was new Aquatic Science course. The class waste of time and money, others have Editorial Editor: Muamera Hadzic made a class instead. deals with the study of underwater crea- found them enjoyable. Nevertheless, the “We decided to make it a class tures and their environment. The course courses are here and it is now up to the Satire: Damon Beres, Liz Born so that students could become more is taught by Mr. Steve Arnam, who is Northside population to decide what Arts and Entertainment Editor: competitive with it and get credit,” Mr. also an active scuba diver. stays and what must go. Patricia Radkowski Sports Editor: Geethi Abraham Northside’s German visitors Photo Editors: Neha Alam, Zenobia Gonsalves by Sarah Jose This fall 16 students from Germany boarded a plane. Their The German exchange students find Chicago to be a drasti- Art Editor: Vasiliki Mitrakos destination: Northside College Prep. The German exchange cally different from cities in Germany, Berger said. Polling Managers: Shoaib Ali, Mo- program has been in existance for six years. It allows German “Hamburg is scenic with many trees, and quite the oppo- students the opportunity to visit the United States, and Ameri- site of Chicago with its tall skyscrapers,” Berger said. hammad Kahleelullah can students the chance to visit Germany. The German students notice the difference in the educa- Mrs. Virginia Apel, Northside’s German teacher, watches tional system in America as well. over the program. She once lived in Germany herself and “I like Chicago and Northside,” Berger said. ”But here we Reporters: Shoaib Ali, Zainab came to Chicago with her family as a young child. have more work and a longer school day than in Germany.” “The visit is a couple of weeks or so, but living is a very Many of the German exchange students return home in Bilfaqi, Sejla Dizdarevc, Puja Gopal, big adjustment,” Apel said. “For parents it’s harder to move, the beginning of October, but Berger, who is participating in but kids get integrated faster.” an extended exchange program, will attend Northside until Mohammad Khaleelulah, Karolina Apel lived in a town near Breman, the place where February. Maslanka, Martyna Michalak, April several of the exchange students came from. She knows the hardships of settling down somewhere new. It’s harder for the Nwatah, Patricia Radkowski, Nadir elderly, Apel said. “They’ve Rashid, Elizabeth Sobenes, Michelle lived in one coun- Zacarias try their whole lives,” Apel said. “A change, such as moving to the Junior Reporters: Adaora Achufusi, other side of the Zlatana Alibegovic, Rhiannon Koe- world, can be quite difficult. It’s hler, Andrea Ljevar, Mohammad especially difficult when moving to Rahman, Riaz Shaikh a large city like Chicago, which is very much the The Hoof Beat is a monthly publication opposite of small places such as produced by the Northside Prep Journal- Bremen.” ism Class. As a student-run newspaper, your Jette Berger, from Hamburg, opinions are important to us. If you have any Germany, is a comments, corrections, critiques, or questions, student in the German Ex- please e-mail Mr. Chester Tylinski at ctylin- change Program. [email protected]. Berger will live in Chicago for six months. “I’m from a big town, the sec- ond or third larg- German Exchange students and their Northside hosts enjoy a beautiful day in downtown est in Germany,” Chicago as tourists. Berger said. Photo courtesy of Mrs. Virginia Apel Page 2 News The Hoof Beat October 2006 News Page 3 First day blues: Scheduling myths and facts explained

by Muamera Hadzic and Kana Yoo First days back in school sue: who deserves a schedule into the database enabling can be loaded with a variety change? It is little known, students to only see courses of emotions. For some, there however, that schedules for which they are approved. are the well-crafted outfits, work on a ‘seniority prin- Once students have new hair-dos, and stylish ciple’ as well, although not indicated their first and shoes. For others, the new to an extreme extent. second choices and teachers school supply smell is a thrill “When I program indicate their preference for unto itself. For most every- the schedules, I start with which periods and which one there is the catching up seniors and work down classes they want to teach, factor: seeing some distant through the junior, sopho- Mr. Lim enters the data into friends and bragging about more, and freshman classes,” a spread sheet. He must keep summer trips. The peak of Mr. Leon Lim, the school in mind class size limits, this excitement, however, programmer said. which generally fall around comes at orientation after For others, this com- a maximum of 28 students, the distribution of schedules. mon misconception is not a graduation requirements, It then either plummets into problem at all but rather a teacher and room restric- an “I need to see Mr. Lim” comfort. tions, and even distribution groan or squeals of excite- “I can’t say I’m too throughout the periods. This ment. happy with my schedule, but must then pass the approval There are various that’s fine, I’ll just wait until of Dr. Lalley and the Board reasons why a schedule can senior year for a good one,” of Education. After this, Mr. ber of classes that are held in Students should discuss students who have changed be disappointing. One of Chris Burgielski, Adv. 907, Lim writes a program and these shorter periods such as their schedule conflict with their mind about a class the most common issues said. enters information from the music, physical education, their advisory teacher, who and have a good reason as students find upsetting is With over a thousand Student Information System. art, and AP Statistics. Some then follows up and makes a to why they would like a the 2A lunch, or breakfast, students enrolled at North- Starting with first choices, students unknowingly sign request with the counselor. change. These reasons do period. side and eight blocks to fill students’ course selections up for only full block classes The counselor then approves not include students’ social “I have tried really hard a day, Mr. Leon Lim faces are loaded into the program. and must reselect their and forwards the request to lives. to avoid the 2A lunch period the challenging responsibil- As scheduling conflicts are classes. Mr. Lim and the request is Although “perfect” my entire time at Northside, ity of placing each student reported, Mr. Lim finds Mr. Lim would ideally either accommodated for or, schedules for everyone but it has found its way in his or her desired course patterns and moves classes want no schedule changes if it isn’t feasible, it is denied. would be ideal, the school into my schedule,” Patricia selection. around. To then solve indi- after counselor approval, but “Most students skip the programmer recommends Mazur, Adv. 702, said. “And “I hope students and vidual problems, Mr. Lim since he understands that advisory teacher and go for students to settle for worst of all – it’s senior everybody else will look at has to go back over each students make mistakes, he straight to the counselor,” “good.” A couple of year.” the whole picture and not student’s program. About enforces no official deadline. said Mr. Lim, “but it would quirks or minute problems Others find the lack of just their own program,” Mr. 20% of students have a con- At the same time, the school be best and is supposed to go shouldn’t cause a great friends in their classes, as Lim said. flict initially. expects students will have through the advisory teacher disturbance. Mr. Lim well as not getting their first The process begins with “I am open for sugges- settled schedule issues by the first.” receives up to a hundred choices, annoying. the department chair decid- tions or input on how to second week of school. The scheduling conflicts schedule change requests “I did not get three of ing on which courses to improve the program!” Mr. “According to school that constitute a change are per year, and between sixty my first choices,” Jai Garg, offer and setting criteria for Lim said. policy, the student has two reason specific and not as and seventy this year so far. Adv. 703, said, “and that is advanced classes. Students Conflicts often arise due weeks to request a change,” easy to accommodate for Scheduling creates anxiety just a bit annoying because can then register online in to classes that are only of- Mr. Lim said, “and I usually as is commonly believed. and apprehension amongst that’s a lot, but also I was the winter of the prior year fered during one block, like get the most the first week of Students who are missing students as well as staff, and hoping for an amazing at their own convenience. By Dramatic Literature or Pho- school.” classes, have wrong classes, the laborious process behind schedule senior year.” registering online, the school tography. Half block classes Typically, the process or classes they have already a schedule change includes Both concerns tend to saves paper and also allows also cause problems because that should be followed in- taken always have prior- more than just a trip to Mr. bring up another looming is- teachers to enter students there are only a limited num- volves the advisory teacher. ity. After these come the Lim’s office. Page 4 Features The Hoof Beat 4 Northside experiences abroad The Amigos Program by Rachel Ramir Northside students are annually presented sending students into Latin American “but my family and with opportunities to study abroad. Trips countries since 1965. The organization’s I usually had a good have included those to China, Japan, France, presentation can be intimidating to stu- laugh afterwards. I Spain, and Germany, where Northsiders dents who have no experience traveling think my Spanish was enjoyed out-of-the-ordinary cultural and lan- into third world countries. Placements last pretty good, but I asked guage experiences in unfamiliar settings. This five to eight weeks in the most unexplored lots of questions all the summer, eight Northside students includ- parts of Latin America, where Spanish is time and I learned so ing Helen Hapner, Adv. 703, and Amanda the only spoken language and much of the many new words and Kaiser, Adv. 706, took a six-week trip with population lives in poverty. phrases as a result.” the Amigos de Las Americas Program into some “The exciting and simultaneously terri- After six weeks of the most unexplored areas of Central fying thing about Amigos is that you don’t of learning to live in America. Hapner was in a farming commu- really know what to expect as you get off a completely different nity of 50 families in Michoacan, Mexico; the plane,” Kaiser said. “You’re stepping location, the return Kaiser was in the Southwest region of Costa so far out of your comfort zone and into to the United States Rica. a whole new way of life, a way of life that turned out to be one “I had never been to another country you might not necessarily be prepared for of the most difficult before,” Hapner said. “I thought it would be or comfortable with.” experiences. cool not only to be immersed in a different Giving up the comfort of their homes, “It was quite a language but also in a different culture. It as well as all communication with friends culture shock,” Kaiser and family, said. “It was hard to was not the Helen Hapner (third from front left) is transported through a town return abruptly to in the Mexican state of Michoacan. easiest transi- Photo Courtesy of Helen Hapner the life I left behind tion. Both stu- because Amigos really dents accepted This was sometimes awkward for Hapner, puts things in perspec- any difficulties who is a vegetarian, but Kaiser enjoyed it. tive and lets you see things in a whole new with language “The food was amazing!” Kaiser said. light. You get used to this simplified, relaxed and facilities “One thing I love about Costa Rican food way of life during the Amigos program, and as part of the is that everything is natural - they have a then you get back to the United States and it’s experience, with plethora of natural resources, so you could like this ‘go, go, go!’” the advice from literally just pick your snack off the nearest Both Hapner and Kaiser find it difficult more seasoned tree. I hate processed food, and none of it in to share the experiences they had with their travelers of “be- Costa Rica was.” friends and family, though nearly all are posi- ing open and ac- A typical meal would be beans and rice tive and vivid in their minds. cepting” in mind. or ‘pinto’ as the Costa Ricans call it, ‘fresco’ “People always ask, but I don’t think Hapner used a made with fruit and milk and ice in a blender, they truly understand the magnitude of it toilet outside of and some sort of side dish like yucca plant or and how it really impacted my life,” Kaiser her home for the chicken, Kaiser said. said. “I can always say, ‘I built a ramp and duration of the Hapner and Kaiser both participated in taught English,’ but that seems like trivializ- trip. community-improvement projects in their ing my experience in a way. I can’t get across “It was con- areas, which is one of the main aspects of the strong relationships I built during my nected to the Amigos. Hapner worked to teach the adults time in Costa Rica with all of the community house,” Hapner of her community sustainable farming, and members, as well as the way it opened my said. “It was a the children lessons on nutrition and health. eyes up to a whole new way of life.” toilet but there Kaiser helped to build a wooden wheelchair “It’s just something I don’t talk about,” Helen Hapner (left) and her project partner sit in front of their wasn’t any plumbing ramp for a local school, taught English to Hapner said. “I mean, I can talk with other community vegetable garden with a local girl. or anything – you children and teens, and organized a soccer Amigos people, but it’s just not an experience Photo Courtesy of Helen Hapner had to empty a team. All of this had to be done in Spanish, you can talk about with everybody because bucket of water into which was one of the greatest challenges and they just don’t understand. They couldn’t it. And the last three learning experiences for both girls. even imagine.” seemed like a challenge and it was just some- weeks it rained really hard so if you had to go “The Spanish is probably the hardest part As for the rest of the Northside student thing I wanted to do, and it feels really good to the bathroom at night you’d get soaked.” initially,” Hapner said. “A lot of who you are body, Hapner says that everyone should have to know that I’ve accomplished it.” Not all of the experience was sacrifice, is expressed in your words.” the experience. The Amigos de Las Americas (Friends of however. Hapner and Kaiser both got a taste “There were definitely a few awkward “Go do !” Hapner said. “You’ll the Americas) program has been active in Amigos of real Latin American home-style cooking. moments with [the language],” Kaiser said, love it.” Yet another year of fun Colloquium at Northside by Ashraf Abbas In its eighth successful colloquiums standing right alongside new inspira- year of existence, tions, including Knit Wit, Write Your Pants Off, NCPHS Northside contin- Latin Jazz Ensemble, CASE, and Solin & the Art of Motor- ues its tradition cycle Maintenance. of non-academic Traditionally, seniors are allowed first pick of the many enrichment through Colloquiums, followed by the junior, sophomore, and fresh- colloquium. man classes. This inevitably leads to some freshmen receiving Already a friendly what many believe as the “worst” colloquiums, and others to reality for many, end up with no colloquium for whatever reason. The solution colloquium is for a long while has been to randomly assign these few to any held—for the ma- of the remaining colloquiums. jority of the year— “I guess it’s a fine system, at least this way everyone has every Wednesday a colloquium, which is better than nothing,” Amir Omeragic, of every full week. Adv. 808, said. Students are en- Each passing year proves colloquium to be a wonder- gaged in activities ful program. It not only allows students this non-academic that challenge and experience, but also acts as a break, providing an entire day for influence their students to relax, catch up on homework and pursue personal everyday thoughts, endeavors, among other things. opinions, and de- “I love how colloquium breaks up our hectic school week, velopment (whether but we still learn important things,” Andrew Mark, Adv. 710, social, political, said. “I think that’s what makes it popular.” or cultural) in the With this same feeling resonating throughout the student world today. body, colloquium looks like it will have a very bright and pros- “Colloquium perous future according to students and faculty alike. offers a different fla- vor for learning and living” Dr. James Lalley, Northside’s principal, said in his introduction to colloquium (found (From left to right) Liliana Figueroa, Adv. 704, Bridget Tello, Adv. 707, and Jessica Morales, in the colloquium Adv. 704 enjoy their time in the Knit Wit colloquium. booklet). “Its power Photo by Zenobia Gonsalves comes from the a theme chosen by Liz Wiener, former Director of Fine Arts desire of engaged learners exploring an area of common inter- and Humanities at Northside. est,” Some of these colloquiums include Global Initiative, In the past, colloquium sessions have entertained a vast Future Peace Makers/ Model UN, World Cinema, Good array of themes. This semester (Fall 2006), Northsiders get Morning Vietnam, Electronic Video & Sound Assembly, and the chance to connect their learning experiences with bigger many more. Of course, this does not mean that all colloquium ideas and responsibilities through “Exploring Your Rights,” options fit right under this theme. There are past favorites and Page 4 Features The Hoof Beat 4 October 2006 Features Page 5 Being Deutsch for a month Northside students visit Germany

by Mohammad Rahman Nineteen Northside students mom would give me a beer every the Zugspitze,” Kivel said. “This The participants praised the fun trying to figure out Germany visited Germany in two sessions night with dinner. Another thing was really neat, because there was trip, from the host-families to the with a great group of people. I during summer 2006. The first that was alien to me that you don’t a landing at the top. Some of the outdoor excursions and renowned would definitely recommend it to group of three students traveled to find in the United States is mezzo group climbed it barefoot onto the attractions. anyone considering going.” Hamburg, Germany’s second larg- mix, which is a combination of actual rock and got to the highest “It was the most amazing expe- est city, from June 16th through July Fanta and Coke.” point.” rience ever,” McGrath said. “It was 7th. The second session of 16 visited Northside students Bremen, a port city situated along did make it to a number the river Weser, from July 1st to July of famous German sights. 15th. Ms. Apel, Northside’s German The two different sessions language teacher, chaperoned the visited different attractions. trips. The Hamburg group visited “I went to Germany because the Hamburg City Hall and I had never been to Europe before many local museums such and I thought it would be one of as the Neungamme con- the best places to see,” Redmond centration camp. They also McGrath, Adv. 906, said. “It turned visited Berlin where they out to be a great idea. The sights saw numerous government were beautiful and my host families buildings. were really hospitable.” The Bremen group Unlike the average tourist, these visited Bremen City Hall students lived with German families and traveled to Munich and and were immersed in the German the Alps where they saw culture and lifestyle instead of just countless castles. Some visiting tourist attractions. Students students toured Beck’s visited small neighborhood parks, brewery and beer gardens, interacted with local German kids, open air taverns that serve and ate the local cuisines. alcoholic beverages. The “We ate a lot of amazing students also looked beyond breads, rolls, and sausage,” Eliza- man-made attractions to beth Kivel, Adv. 706, said. “Though explore the natural beauties the food is plain, it was pretty of the German countryside. delicious. We had a lot of ice cream The Bremen group walked because it was cheap in Germany.” across the ocean floor to The German host families Wattwanderung, an island treated the Northsiders like their that can be reached by foot own children, introducing them to during low tide, and they many cultural customs and German climbed the highest of specialties. Germany’s mountains. “The one thing that was weird- “We went on top of est to adjust to was the drinking age a mountain that was the of sixteen,” Kivel said. “My host highest point in Germany, Paul Koukouvanis, a Northside alumnus, reads the newspaper while waiting for his flight to Germany. Picture courtesy of Redmond McGrath Seniors project success This year’s senior projects connect personal interests with academics by Riaz Shaikh To many Northside seniors, the senior with the execution of this particular project. project has always been a valued opportu- As their role was much smaller, they did nity to pave the road for future careers. This not receive credit that counted towards their year 12 seniors are involved in a project: grade. The concert was held in the Northside Damon Beres, Adv.706; Liz Born, Adv. 710; Auditorium during the 2005-2006 school year. Jane Fidman, Adv. 705; Elizabeth Graham, It was open to Northside students as well as Adv.704; Abijith Kowligy, Adv. 710: Annie anyone else who would enjoy listening to Lesser, Adv. 709: Claire Rabkin, Adv. 705; their music. Rachel Ramir, Adv. 701; Elizabeth Rosario, Elizabeth Graham is one of the seniors Adv. 709; Samantha Schmidt, Adv. 708; involved with a project of her own. Her Eliza Thorn, Adv. 705; and Anjalee Verma, project is fully dedicated towards advanced Adv. 701. musical understanding of the violin and viola. Few seniors are able to do a senior proj- Instead of having classes during 5th and 6th ect each year. It is a voluntary commitment period, Graham spends these hours research- ttaken to get credit while pursuing a personal ing different musicians, historical eras, and goal or interest that has academic merit. musical composition. After school and during During their junior year, students are given colloquium she spends her time practicing dif- the opportunity to propose a senior project ferent techniques; scales, etudes, and her own of their own. If they choose to work on a se- concerto with both musical instruments. She nior project, then they must draft a proposal receives lessons at home once a week with and send it in to the senior project board her private teacher, who helps her review and of committee members before the winter tests her new skills. Every two months Gra- holidays. After much deliberation, the board ham receives an assessment from her sponsor, decides. If a student is given permission to Mr. Leo Park, and the music board. proceed with a project, then he must find a Once a semester she will present her proj- sponsor (usually a teacher). From there on ect to the board. The assessment will include Elizabeth Graham, Adv. 704, plays her violin for her senior project after school. seniors are expected to work in solitude, oc- a musical piece of her choice, several research by Riaz Shaikh casionally receiving help from their sponsor papers, and a small presentation. Graham and assessments from the board. hopes that her senior project will help her into On a weekly basis he devotes approximately Mr. Jorge Lucero. At home she is inspired “[The senior project] is like a pin- either Wheaton Conservatory or Northwest- 12-13 hours to studying, 10 in school and 2-3 by her father who is a professional painter nacle, of the learning experience,” Ms. Lisa ern University School of Music. outside school to his project. With the help of and graphic designer. Moreno, Assistant Principal, said. “I think that a senior project helps develop Mr. Dan Caldwell, his sponsor and constant “Throughout my childhood I always Doing a senior project is considered an the base of a career that you would like to support from home, Kowligy says that he is enjoyed science; the only magazines in my asset to the student’s college application. pursue further on in life,” Graham said. confident in his project and goal. house were the Times and National Geograph- Stuents are required to devote a few blocks Abijith Kowligy is another student who “Mr. Caldwell is really awesome and ic,” Anjalee Verma said. from their daily schedule to construct their has chosen a senior project this year. Abijth’s cool,” Kowligy said. Academic merit comes into the picture project. project deals with quantum cryptography, In the future, Kowligy hopes to become as Anjalee hopes to major in biology and Each senior project is unique and dis- which is a practical application of quantum an Aerospace Engineer and Particle Physicist. minor in art at University of Illinois at tinctive in its presentation and process. In mechanics. The latest cryptographic algo- Another participating senior is Anjalee Champaign. Although she has not decided the past, Northside students have produced rithm used is called RSA. His ultimate goal Verma. Her project is a mixture of both what she wants to become, she would like a variety of projects, including a musical is to create his own schematic for a local anatomy and art. She decided to blend two of to receive her undergraduate degree from concert planned and coordinated by three network and write a unit for an A.P. Phys- her passions into one for her senior project. the University of Illinois at Champaign. former Northside seniors, Paul Balik, Kevin ics class at Northside. His research includes Anjalee spends her Thursdays downtown at Other long-term goals include achieving her Kilgallon, and Nick Florence. They filled working with Northwestern University and the University of Chicago’s (UIC) Medical masters degree from somewhere in the Chi- the concert with musical compositions with Professor Artur Ekert, the inventor District. She attends anatomy classes led by cagoland area and traveling internationally. they created. Other interested seniors also of quantum cryptography at the National Dr. Norman G. Lieska and sketches cadavers These and many other Northside participated in this project. Fellow students University of Singapore. Along with that, of donated bodies. On Mondays she creates seniors say that senior projects have always Simon Swartzman, who opened the show Kowligy has read numerous books and papers artwork inspired by her cadaver sketches. She been a valued opportunity to pave the road and played the guitar, and Adrian Marshall, on the issue, including pre-print papers writ- states that she receives support and inspira- for future careers. who sang and played the keyboard, helped ten by university professors internationally. tion from her family, friends, and her sponsor, OctoberPage 6 2006 Editorial Editorial Page The 7 Hoof Beat Beresoufflé The Hoof Is Northside kidz lern gud englash? Beat Student by Damon Beres I’ve noticed over the years that Northside students improvement with their writing or analytical skills, but I don’t like to write. Personal bias aside (I have five English don’t see how that could be considered a bad thing by any Newspaper credits this year alone if you count my senior project), I stretch. can’t quite fathom why that’s the case. Our school offers The most obvious counterpoint to this argument is twelve different English classes, and every student is free quite simply the assumption that Northside students learn PA on mute: to join the newspaper, literary magazine, or yearbook the important fundamentals in their Survey of Literature staff. Beyond that, we have a fantastic facility known as classes. However, the fact of the matter is that its lessons E-mail annoucements the Writing Center that allows for peer conferences on are uneven: teachers rotate in and out of teaching Survey For the first time this year, daily intercom announcements no written assignments for any class. Why is it, then, that so Lit with startling frequency, and so different longer greet Northside students at the beginning of advisory. Instead, many students at Northside seem to encounter such dif- patches of students receive varying the administration now blasts nightly e-mails with a list of announce- ficulties with written articulation? Why do seniors dread styles of education. Ms. X might ments for the following day in an effort to “make sure that everyone writing the personal statements for college applications, shove proper grammar usage is aware of important announcements and that students check their and why is there a uniform shudder in AP English classes down her students’ throats, email,” according to Assistant Principal Lisa Moreno in a recent e- when an essay is assigned? while Mr. Y might spend mail to the student body. Yet since September 5, Northside has been Ironically, the fact that so many classes are offered at the whole year talking about the at a loss without the morning spoken announcements. The nightly Northside might lead to troubled writers. When students metaphorical signifi- cance e-mails are ineffective replacements for the strong previous system are allowed to pick and choose from a bevy of elective of Odysseus hiding under a that had defined the mornings of Northside students since the school’s classes, it’s not surprising that a fundamental skill or two sheep’s wool to avoid the Cyclops. inception. might be left out; Dramatic Literature is certainly not Half of the students receive a lesson in Reading a long list of announcements the night before does not going to cover anywhere near the same sort of ground as writing that will undoubtedly serve them well have the same effect as hearing the announcements in the morning. an AP Literature and Composition course, nor should it in their later years of high school, while the A list of long announcements is intimidating and time-consuming to have to. others can analyze until the cows (or sheep) come read, and furthermore students are less likely to remember important While four years of English are required, outside of home, but are unable to distinguish between a gerund information if they read it the night before than if they hear the an- English II: American Literature, the choice of class selec- and a preposition. It’s a mess, in other words. nouncement orally the morning when it applies. The announcement tion is up to the student. Students could, in Thankfully this is an exaggerated example, e-mail becomes buried in the many e-mails from the administration, theory, take British Literature and and our English Department at Northside is the counseling department, teachers, and students that already fill Speech/Debate their Grade-A meat as far as I’m concerned, but the al- student inboxes. In this swarm of e-mails, which is particularly heavy junior year followed legation of unevenness stands. It seems wrongfully this year because of the push to move to a paperless system, the mere by Creative Writing totalitarian and constricting to suggest that every volume of messages deters students from checking their e-mail at their senior year, and English teacher use a more rigid, standard lesson plan all. Even if students do look through their inboxes, they are likely while these classes for Survey of Literature classes, but I’d say that’s just to miss the daily announcements, which sit as just another e-mail in have un what we need. Northside has twelve English classes the pack. Therefore, not only will students be less likely to remember anyway -- would it be so wrong to make absolutely sure the announcements when reading them instead of hearing them, but that every student learns the fundamentals in the same many Northsiders may never see the information at all if the e-mail is manner? If freshmen get the admittedly dry though ab- overlooked among the huge number of school e-mails sent everyday. solutely crucial mechanics of writing down, it follows The deadline for the announcements further limits the effective- that when they are able to opt into classes like Creative ness of the e-mail notifications. The e-mail system requires students Writing, they’ll get far more out of them. Beyond that, to send announcements to the administration by 2:00 pm the previous our school publications would also see dramatic improve- day. This time demand actually forces students to determine necessary ment, which would give Northside even more to be announcements two days prior, since students in classes are unlikely proud of. to have time to send the e-mail during the school day before 2:00 in Of course, students who struggle with deniable the afternoon. So far in advance, students may not yet know exactly writing have the prerogative to improve merit, they’re what the announcement should be, and they also may not already be themselves through the Writing Center, also unarguably of thinking about making an announcement. The time constraint also a viable resource that has been strangely specific disregards any announcements that happen to come up after the 2:00 untapped in the past. When I volun- cut-off. This includes sports victories and many last minute changes teered there, I probably saw about five to club meetings and practices. Many of these later announcements people seek help in that many months, cannot reach students with the new e-mail system, and therefore stu- not counting the hordes that would come dents are actually less aware of important events without the morning when their grades depended on it. It is focus. In my Creative Writing class, we learned a intercom alerts. true that the school’s curriculum needs great deal about how to craft Beyond the ineffective logistics of the e-mail announcements, to be the first to build English fundamentals in exquisite poetry and juicy prose, but without the morning intercom announcements something is missing students, but those that need help must make use imagery was stressed far more staunchly in both cases at Northside. Students walk into advisory expecting the announce- of this fantastic, unique opportunity that avails itself than grammar, structure, or even spelling. Of course, that ments to tell them that the school day has begun, yet instead they hear to them. Of course, even the most English-savvy students is what’s most fun about creative writing, but a student silence. The announcements jump-started every day with Mr. Mather’s need help at times, and the Writing Center should not be who opts to take that class over a more well-rounded AP enthusiasm in years past. But even without Mr. Mather, Northside viewed as a “remedial English service” by any means. English class, particularly a student who is doing so for an should still be able to continue the tradition. The morning announce- It’s open in the mornings, during lunch periods, and after “easy A,” is going to be missing out. ments built a sense of community, as all Northsiders across the school school, and the staff is dedicated and eager. To solve such problems, it would make sense to listened to the same announcements for ten minutes every morning Northside offers great English opportunities and an instate a system in which students would have to apply to and began the day together on the same page. If the administration even greater staff, but proper balance needs to be stressed be enrolled in elective classes, much like students in AP does not restore the intercom tradition, Northside can expect scattered in order to make sure that every student learns the courses must do. This would ensure that only those who students in the morning, unaware of the announcements and unready fundamentals. It is not enough to merely offer attractive have the necessary skills would be allowed to take classes to start the day without the routine introduction. options to students, because such opportunities may be like Creative Writing, and in the end, everyone would easy to ignore or miss out on. With such great resources benefit. Of course, this would require a fourth honors at Northside’s disposal, it’s a wonder that such necessary English class to be instated for those who need further changes haven’t been made already. A senior’s advice to freshmen by Kana Yoo system. Also, the librarians would mood, your health, and your As I write this in the first few like to go home too. Try to be out general outlook on life depend weeks of my last year in high of there by 5:00 p.m. on sleep. Your brain needs sleep school, I try to think of what 3. Take advantage of what to retain information, so instead words of wisdom I may offer the is offered. I know I’ve already of pulling an all-nighter do some freshmen. My first instinct is to warned against becoming too quick reviewing and then let those give warn about what NOT to involved but that doesn’t mean you Zs turn into As. do. I would like to advise against can’t seize a couple of great oppor- 8. Study for standardized tests. procrastination, except that we all tunities along the way. I have done By doing well on the PSATS, you know that any number of warn- things at Northside that wouldn’t can qualify for the National Merit ings would not make a difference. be possible at other schools, espe- Scholarships, which can give you So here goes a list of tips that cially with the theatre. money towards college. Doing should ease your high school 4. Be good to your teachers. well on the ACT and SAT can ease experience: Not only is it nice to have a close your mind for at least one part of 1. Don’t become overcommit- relationship with some really cool the application. Some colleges ask ted. Extracurricular activities look people, but one day you will need for SAT II scores. If you take AP good on your college applications, them to write college recommen- classes in your sophomore year but this doesn’t mean you have dations for you. So, pay attention take the SAT IIs the same year to join every club. For one, that to them and be respectful. while the knowledge is still fresh in would be impossible. Second, what 5. Lunchtime is meant for eat- your mind. I have learned is that colleges look ing. Everyone does homework dur- 9. Take classes that you love, for devotion to two or three key. So ing lunch at one point or another not ones that you think look good find a couple of clubs you really but don’t starve yourself. or that your parents pressure you like, that you feel passionate about, 6. Have a social life. This to take. You are the one who has and stick with them. Then, in later doesn’t mean you have to get voted to spend 40 weeks taking them; years, you can rise up to a leader- “life of the party” for yearbook’s you might as well enjoy them. ship position. senior notables, but spend some 10. Be happy. Our school 2. Go home. I am going to time around other people. Go to a may be a college preparatory high let you in on two facts: the lights school dance, watch a sport’s game school but don’t let your high The previous article is an editorial written by a member of in the building turn off automati- or go to a play. school experience be dominated the Hoof Beat staff. Letters to the editor are welcome. Please cally at 6:00 p.m. and if it gets past 7. SLEEP! If I were rank- with thoughts of getting into col- e-mail questions or comments to Ctylinski@northsideprep. 11:00 p.m., the security will kick ing by importance, this would lege. Enjoy high school for itself. org. you out and put on the alarm be number one on the list. Your October Page 6 2006 Editorial Editorial Page The 7 Hoof Beat October 2006 Editorial Page 7 Mark My Words Harvard made the right move

by Aliy Markowski costs for students of using an early cedures, deadlines, and admission in April when the regular decision Competitive colleges and univer- Harvard University changed admission procedure. Harvard cited benefits of applying early. Students choices are made. The question sities, the Ivy League included, the nature of college admissions the inherent socioeconomic imbal- without this college counseling then becomes why students apply recruit athletes who are granted this September by announcing the ance in early admissions procedures support both in school and at home early if they are not absolutely admission based on lower academic elimination of early admission as the main reason for eliminating are frequently unaware of the early certain that a school is their number standards than are applied to the beginning next year. In taking this the practice. Schools employing admission advantages and miss the one choice. Well, for highly com- rest of the applicant pool. Much leap of faith, Harvard became the binding early decision procedures opportunity as a result. petitive schools and highly ambi- of this recruiting occurs in the fall first university in the country to discriminate against tious students of the applicants’ senior year, and make this positive move. Princeton students in the nation’s early admission athletes are then encouraged to and the University of Virginia fol- lower economic strata becomes a apply early decision when they are lowed suit within a week. because if accepted early, strategic game. sent “likely” letters in September For high school seniors across students do have not The majority of and October informing them that the country, college applications the opportunity to shop students fall on they will most likely be granted loom ominously overhead from day around for financial aid the borderline admission in December. Athletes one. Northside’s senior advisory offers. This turns many for acceptance have a huge and arguably unfair teachers began making announce- students away from the to their choice advantage in the admissions process ments and distributing college early admissions option, schools. This at schools across the country. preparation hand-outs on the first forcing them to miss out encourages stu- Highly competitive schools send a day of school. Daily emails from on the opportunity to dents to choose mixed message by claiming to focus the counseling department on have a greater chance one school and on high academic standards while upcoming deadlines have filled of admittance to highly apply early, allowing students who often fall student inboxes since then as well. competitive schools. even if they are drastically short of these qualifica- At Northside, where almost 100 The category of still hanging tions to be admitted because a spot percent of students are college- students at a financial between a few on the basketball team is open. bound, the pressure of the college disadvantage because top schools. Early admission is too often used as application process is great. This is of early decision is not The allure of a a recruiting tool to further benefit especially true for students applying limited the nation’s poor- higher accep- these athletes who are already for early admission who must de- est families. The need to tance rate is given an unfair advantage in college cide on a school and complete their find the best financial aid rather appealing admissions. The removal of early counseling department transcript package applies to the when compared admission may hopefully weaken and recommendation request forms nation’s middle classes as to the possibility this process of athletic recruiting less than a month into the school well. Over 50 percent of of not apply- and return admissions focus back year. Completed applications and students enrolled at Har- ing early and where it belongs, on the academic teacher recommendations are due vard receive some finan- getting rejected merit of applicants. to schools just one month after that. cial aid, and the numbers from all of The decision of Harvard, Princ- Early admission has its ben- are even higher at other their top picks. eton, and the University of Virginia efits for students. Students who institutions. This means College admis- to eliminate early admission is a are certain they wish to attend a only the most affluent sion should step in the right direction. Rely- certain school may enhance their students can make the decision to Yet another problem of early not be a game. The decision on ing on regular decision alone will chances of getting in by showing apply for binding early decision at admission is the pressure it places where to spend four of the most level the playing field for applicants the school it is their top choice no risk to their families. on students to rush into choosing important years of a young person’s across the board. To fully see these through applying early. Seniors Although the effect is less where they want to go to school as life should not be made based on results and end the costs to students may also know if they are accepted direct, colleges that employ the early as September of their senior strategy. Colleges and universities, of applying for early admission, to their first-choice school as early non-binding early action procedure year. A great deal can change in like Harvard, should remove the other colleges and universities as mid-December, providing them favor wealthy students as well the year between the beginning of incentive to turn the college ap- across the country must take note with psychological relief during because it is predominantly affluent senior high school and freshman plication process into nothing more and follow their example. the stressful college admissions students who apply for early admis- year of college. Yet unfortunately, than a game. process while their peers must wait sion. These students more often students may be bound to their Another positive side of until spring to hear their fates. Yet have the support and resources September choice even if they find Harvard’s removal of early action these benefits do not outweigh the readily available to know the pro- themselves wary of the decision has been given less attention. Justice through Families seek closure, executions victims are forgotten, and Let families bear witness America pays the price by Damon Beres by Liz Born America’s justice system allows for every possible freedom; the ban of smoking in On June 11, 2001, people watched Timo- that we choose to remember the criminal before choice, and it is when the government re- public, for instance, is logical because of pol- thy McVeigh, the infamous Oklahoma City those who were made to suffer? Americans can moves that choice that the system crumbles lution and the dangers of second hand smoke. bomber, die by mean of lethal injection. Ac- name all kinds of terrorists, serial killers, and and the citizens suffer. Believe it or not, the Watching an execution, however, is harmful cording to CNN reports following McVeigh’s child predators, but we tend not to remember, or prerogative for families of victims to wit- to no one, save perhaps the criminal who has death, over 240 survivors and victims’ family even care about the names of their victims. ness the execution of an individual that has mere seconds of life left regardless, and is members watched the execution, 232 of them At a time when the United States is trying wronged them is one of such choices. While certainly of no detriment to society. through a closed circuit television broadcast to democratize nations in the Middle East, why seemingly barbaric in nature, this option can Besides, those who find it so wrong and in Oklahoma City. For many, this spectacle do we immortalize our villains for the whole bring untold amounts of peace to those who revolting are free to pass on witnessing an delivered the closure that they sought, but world to see by executing them? Almost every were emotionally ravaged by a criminal, not execution should they ever find themselves viewing this death also guaranteed that June other democratic country on the planet has to mention an unparalleled sense of security. in such an unfortunate situation. Therein 11th would be a day not easily forgotten. eliminated the death penalty. According to Am- To remove the ability to bear witness to ex- rests the beauty of personal choice. But if Because of those who watched the execu- nesty International, 2,148 people were executed ecutions robs people of the aforementioned we were to allow such people to instate a ban tion, and because of the media circus that in 2005 worldwide. Executions in China, Saudi peace of mind, and perhaps most signifi- and remove said choice, everyone would lose. accompanied it, Timothy McVeigh’s name Arabia, Iran, and the United States accounted cantly, it disallows American people the right If teenagers can be permitted to terminate a was plastered all over the headlines once for 94% of these deaths. Our president speaks to choose. wee little baby fetus after irresponsible sexual again, 6 years after his crime. Those who lost of bringing peace, justice, and democracy to Imagine for a moment that your entire relations, then it would be absolutely prepos- family and friends in Oklahoma City now live Afghanistan and Iraq, and then he goes home family was kidnapped by a homicidal terous to think that anyone might consider with one more death. Whether they believed to a state that has executed 21 people since the maniac and fed limb for limb into a wood witnessing an execution wrong. the death penalty was right or wrong is beside beginning of this year. chipper. Clearly, your family is quite thor- the point. In gaining closure, they chose never The death penalty in itself is bad enough, oughly dead, and you are now a miserable to forget the man whose actions took their but giving it an audience, families of the victims orphan who floats from foster home loved ones away. or otherwise, is cruelty. We send a message to to foster home until the day you turn Instead of living out our allies, most of whom have abolished capital eighteen and begin living the rest of his days in a prison, punishment, that it is acceptable to make a your ruined life trying to find a place McVeigh died a star, spectacle of a human’s death, as long as it will to live, paying rent only with the his memory living make people feel better. As long as those family meager sum of money that you earn on indefinitely due members gain closure, it’s okay that we have at your fast food job. By this time, in part to the un- immortalized a criminal forever, obstructed Mr. Homicidal Maniac is proven usual circumstances the memory of the victims with his death, and guilty and slated to make an ap- of his early death. given the world another reason to call us barbar- pearance on the electric chair. You Timothy McVeigh ians. are at long lost able to witness the was made a martyr. When a life is taken, innocent or guilty, termination of this evil man, and of This is not to society as whole takes a blow. When criminals course you take the opportunity. say that it would be are executed, it reflects our society’s thirst for But what if you couldn’t? What better if we could vengeance, not forgiveness. Ultimately, the if the government had deemed the all forget what hap- closure sought by the families of victims is not ability to view executions inappro- pened in Oklahoma a thing of justice. In a time when it is essential priate and reviling, thus robbing you City. McVeigh aided that the American public maintain some shred of personal choice and the tranquil- in killing 168 inno- of hope, we instead seek to punish those who ity of knowing that such a demonic cent men, women, have punished us, projecting an image of brutal- horror of a man was wiped away and children in a ity upon the world that can only cause more forever? It would be unjust, which heinous act of vio- violence and less understanding. is obviously quite unlike our lauded lence. So why is it justice system. Perhaps it makes sense that citizens are not allowed Page 8 Centerfold The Hoof Beat capitalizing Punishment A flawed system? More and more inmates freed from death row by Aliy Markowski Verneal Jimerson was sentenced to it’d be impossible to make a mistake in a death penalty and all of its inherent flaws.” exonerations across the death in 1985 for double homicide and rape. death row case,” Ter Molen said. “The con- Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. country. Ten years after his imprisonment, the chief sequences of a mistake were so severe that launched the Center on Wrongful Convic- “Pro bono programs across the country witness against him recanted her testimony, prosecutors and judges did not want to accept tions and the Medill Innocence Project in have helped by providing eager andtalented saying police had forced her to lie. Jimerson’s the possibility. But now, with the supposed 1999. Medill journalism students investigate lawyers who have dug into the musty files and trial council confessed to committing mal- infallibility of DNA testing and the number death row cases to determine whether there taken on the incredible challenge that these practice by not preparing the defense. New of inmates who have been proven innocent, is evidence of innocence while attorneys and cases provide,” said Ter Molen of Mayer, DNA tests established further evidence of his they have no choice but to accept it.” law students from the Center on Wrong- Brown, Rowe & Maw. innocence. Based on this evidence, Jimerson The development of DNA technology ful Convictions represent the prisoners in Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw’s Chicago was released from prison in 1996 after sitting has improved the court’s their appeals, said Yuri Gottesman, Medill office has represented six defendants on death on death row for 11 years. ability to Innocence Project Program Assistant. Since row at no charge since 1999. All six have been “It was an unbelievable miscarriage of 1999, the Center on Wrongful Convictions removed from death row, said Mark Kadish, justice,” said Mark R. Ter Molen, an at- has been instrumental in exonerating nine Director of Pro Bono Activities. The firm’s torney at Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw who innocent men on Illinois’s death row while headquarters in Houston and Washington represented Jimerson pro bono. “I took the the Medill Innocence Project has freed five D.C. have also represented and helped to case because I could recognize a result-ori- innocent inmates from execution. exonerate wrongly convicted inmates through ented appeal when I saw one and I could not “It’s a collaboration of the efforts by our pro bono work. believe that Jimerson had been sentenced to students and the law students that leads to “There has always been a percentage of death for the crimes that he allegedly com- the exonerations,” Gottesman said. “Free- lawyers who believe in doing death penalty mitted. He appeared to be at best a tangential ing innocent people is a means of working work throughout the country,” Kadish said. player who was not alleged to have any role against the death penalty.” “It’s not just us. It’s big firms, law school clin- in the killings.” In 2000, former Governor George H. ics, and special interest groups across the coun- Jimerson is one of 123 people across the Ryan imposed an unprecedented morato- try who volunteer their services to represent United States who have been released from rium on executions, commuting the death these inmates looking for justice.” death row since capital punishment was sentences of all 167 inmates who then stood Although Illinois and New Jersey are still reinstated in 1973. In the first 25 years after on death row. the only states with moratoriums on execu- the death penalty was restored, an average “After investigating tions, many other states including New York, of 2.96 death row inmates were exonerated Illinois’s death penalty system, it New Mexico, and Maryland have proposed each year. From 1999 to 2005, that average was clear that it bills and committees to halt executions or has more than doubled to 6.57 exonerations eliminate the death penalty all together. Gov- annually, according to the Death Penalty ernor Ryan created a committee to evaluate Information Center. Illinois’s use of the death penalty when he This trend in the increasing number of declared the moratorium in 2000. Nine other death row conviction reversals is the result of states have followed Illinois in undergoing a nationwide movement to rectify the mis- state-sponsored reviews of their capital takes of the criminal justice system. Public punishment system, the Death Penalty awareness of the death penalty has increased consider Information Center reported. exponentially over the past decade, said Ra- DNA The number of convicted felons proven chel Lawler, Amnesty International’s State evidence. innocent has reduced the number of ex- Death Penalty Abolition Coordinator. “In ecutions in the United States. “Whereas it was just generally accepted the past DNA has As of 2005, the Death Penalty to be an okay punishment a few years ago, been a double-edged Information Center reported U.S. death it is now being questioned by many people,” sword,” White said. sentences had decreased by 54 percent Lawler said. “A lot of times people and executions were 40 percent lower The reason for this questioning is due to said there was DNA evi- than in 1999. Courts and juries are the issue of innocence, Lawler said. dence, but their methodology really didn’t increasingly reluctant to issue death “It is now an undeniable fact that in- meet any reasonable standards because the sentences since the flaws of the nocent people have been executed,” Lawler court really didn’t have any.” criminal justice system have been said. “Even those people who believe in the Advanced DNA testing now prevents in- exposed through the high numbers of death penalty don’t believe that innocent accurate DNA tests from being considered as exonerations, Warden said. people should be executed.” evidence. The technology has also improved “No one wants to see an in- The advancement of forensic DNA the court’s ability to trace crime scene rem- nocent person sentenced to death,” technology sparked this movement of ques- nants to the real perpetrators. Warden said. “Prosecutors have tioning capital punishment convictions, said Florida leads the nation in the number of been less likely to seek the death Professor Robert Warden, Executive Director exonerations, with 22 death row conviction penalty and appellate courts have of Northwestern University’s Center on reversals since 1973. Following the nation- been less likely to let cases go for- Wrongful Convictions. wide trend, DNA has been the key factor in ward. Juries have no doubt been “It’s not a new issue,” Warden said. “But the high number of Florida exonerations, less likely to impose the death after forensic applications of DNA technol- White said. penalty.” ogy came along in 1989, it was suddenly “Florida is largely made up of small rural Despite the increasing possible to prove actual innocence with communities that do not have sophisticated number of exonerations and the incontrovertible evidence. DNA for the first law enforcement,” White said. “DNA has growing number of investiga- time left no question.” just changed the equation. There were people tions into wrongful convic- In 1993, Kirk Bloodsworth became the on death row based on notoriously unreli- tions, experts agree that the first death row inmate to be exonerated based able eyewitness identification, but in the past death penalty will not soon be on postconviction DNA evidence. 15 years DNA has transformed the way our eliminated. Bloodsworth was convicted of mur- justice system works.” “With the make-up of the der, sexual assault, and rape based on an Florida Governor Jet Bush recently lifted Supreme Court right now, it’s anonymous phone call and an identification Florida’s statute of limitations on DNA evi- unlikely that real reform will made by a witness from a police sketch. He dence. The statute had placed a two-year time happen,” Gottesman said. was incarcerated for nine years before DNA limit on inmates’ requests for DNA testing. “We might see cases testing revealed the DNA from a semen stain After that time had expired, DNA could no on narrow issues such as longer be used as evidence. Other states with on the victim’s underwear did not match was too broken to be fixed,” Lawler said. the means by which death is similar statutes will soon lift the limitations, Bloodsworth’s DNA. Since Bloodsworth’s At the time, 13 wrongly convicted administered and perhaps whether particular White said. release in 1993, 15 death row inmates have inmates on death row had been exonerated classes of individuals should be subject to the “They’re going to have to do something been exonerated based on postconviction since the death penalty had been restored, a death penalty like we’ve already seen with the about it,” White said. “There are so many DNA evidence. number greater than the 12 who had actually mentally retarded and minors,” Ter Molen people on death row now that were convicted “DNA is compelling evidence,” said been executed. In issuing the executive order, said. “But we aren’t going to see any sweeping before DNA could have been used, and if Elizabeth White, a Florida attorney who has Ryan credited the work of the Northwestern reforms to take the death penalty away.” DNA could factor into the trial, the courts are specialized in criminal defense work for 25 innocence centers. White says the trend of exonerations is go- going to have to let them use that evidence.” years. “More compelling in most of these A nationwide press for moratoriums and ing to continue. A growing number of inmates Illinois is second in the country with 18 cases than eyewitness identifications, which study commissions followed Ryan’s morato- will join Jimerson and Bloodsworth among the exonerations since 1973. These conviction we know to be notoriously unreliable, even rium declaration in 2000. The most recent 123 exonerated inmates, while even more will reversals have been in part the result of in- though too many people are still sitting on state to enact a commission to investigate continue to sit wrongly incarcerated on death nocence programs working to investigate the death row based on that evidence alone.” the application of the death penalty is New row, White said. validity of Illinois death row cases. The mistakes in the criminal justice Jersey, which became the first state to legis- “We’re going to see more and more “These commissions are people who are system revealed through DNA technology latively enact a moratorium this year. The exonerations showing just how repressive willing to speak their minds and act from opened many American minds to the possi- state’s first death penalty hearing since the the United States criminal justice system is their hearts on behalf of an issue that they bility of judicial errors in capital punishment moratorium was held July 19. and just how many people are locked up and truly believe in because they know it to be convictions, Ter Molen said. The pro bono work of major law firms sentenced to death without enough evidence,” an injustice,” Lawler said. “Their work leads “The mindset for many years was that has also led to the increasing number of White said. “But still, the death penalty is not many other people to read more about the going away.” Page 8 Centerfold The Hoof Beat MonthOctober Year 2006 Centerfold Category Page 9 Page  Over two decades of legal killings: should they continue? Northside’s social science teachers share their Punishment thoughts

by Subhan Ali “I don’t favor the death pen- penalty to avoid influencing innocent death, there is no way The modern debate concern- alty because I don’t believe that the opinion of his students, he to go back in time to change that ing capital punishment began in it deters crime,” John Belcaster, says the Illinois moratorium is mistake. 1972 when the Supreme Court Social Science Department, not the solution to the problem “If society is concerned voided all death penalty laws in said. “Capital punishment barely of wrongful convictions in the about letting criminals back into the United States due to careless- discouraged criminals.” administration of capital punish- society,” Hetler said. “People ness and racial discriminations “There are also racial dis- ment. should receive life in prison in- within the policy. In 1977, the parities in the system,” Belcaster “The death penalty morato- stead of capital punishment.” revised Illinois death penalty law said. rium in Illinois has been going Students in Illinois should went into effect, supported by “If you take a look at the on for way too long,” Devine know more about the issues Kankakee Representative George death penalty ratios, African said. “It’s been essentially three surrounding capital punishment, H. Ryan. 23 years later, in Americans are disproportionately years since Governor Ryan made Hetler said. January 2000 (a year after Pope subjected to the death penalty his last decision. It is time for the “I think the most important John Paul II called an end to the compared to Caucasians who’ve current government and general thing is for students to be aware death penalty), Governor George committed similar crimes,” Bel- assembly to make an executive of their rights, political leaders, Ryan declared a moratorium on caster said. decision once and for all as to and issues that will impact them capital punishment, halting all Belcaster represents the large whether the state is going to have later,” she said. executions in Illinois. Ryan cited proportion of Illinois citizens the death penalty or not.” The government should focus the large number of wrongly in opposition to capital punish- Veronica Hetler, Social on solving the problems that led convicted death-row inmates ment. He says the system does Science Department, morally to the implementation of the exonerated in the past decade. not create a greater punishment opposes the death penalty. death penalty in the first place, The Governor claimed that the for convicted felons. “I definitely don’t agree with Hetler said. suspension would hold until he “Would you rather stay in the death penalty,” she said. “Why do we have so much was confident that no innocent prison for eighty years or just “Two wrongs don’t make a right. crime?” she said. “What are the person would be executed in take the death penalty?” he said. I understand that there are some problems? Is it poverty? Lack of Illinois. In 2003, Ryan pardoned “It’s an easy way out.” criminals that can’t be let back opportunity? We need to address the 167 death row inmates. Although Tim Devine, into society, but they should be these issues instead of worrying Northside’s Social Science Chairman of the Social Sciences imprisoned for life.” about how to maintain a system Department teachers have varied Department, declined to share Ms. Hetler said that if a mis- that is killing innocent people.” views pertaining to the issue his personal opinion on the death take in the legal system causes an

the current problem with capital punishment penalty for the murder of four people during in America. The rising number of death row two robberies. Tookie’s attorneys argued for Lights, exonerations each year gives indication to clemency and tried to reduce his sentence to flaws of the criminal justice system. life in prison without parole instead of death. Another film that Despite his at- Camera, received a great deal of torneys’ defense, media attention upon however, Stanley its release in 2003 was “Tookie” Wil- Death “Monster.” The film is a liams was ex- true story depicting the ecuted through Cinema and life of Aileen Wuornos lethal injection who was one of Amer- on December ica’s first female serial 13, 2005. The its take on the killers. On October 9, injection was 2002, Wuornos was administered at death penalty executed by lethal injec- 12:01 am and 34 tion, another victim of minutes later, he by Abir Usman the death penalty. passed away at Cinema is one of the widest-reaching Charlize Theron, the San Quentin branches of the media. Crowds file to see who plays Aileen State Prison near new films every Friday, many of which Wuornos in the film, San Francisco. depict American culture. But some argue told reporters at the It is still in that important aspects of the American Berlin Film Festival, speculation why experience, including the death penalty, “I’m not for the death the Governor are left out of American cinema. penalty and working on Schwarzenegger “The death penalty really isn’t includ- this film didn’t really did nothing to ed in movies very often,” Piotr Maniak, change anything for save Tookie, but Adv. 701, said. “It’s a very real part of the me, if anything it made some say that American experience, but it’s rare that you me more aware of how it was because see it.” ineffective it is.” Tookie never truly apologized or had remorse Movies including the topic of capital Recently in December of 2005, there for his crimes; instead, Tookie claimed in- punishment have received much attention. was a lot of media coverage about ex-gang nocence. “The Green Mile,” released in 1999, fo- leader, Stanley “Tookie” Williams, and his With the increasing interest in the death cuses on death row and is now considered clemency plea to the governor of California, penalty among Americans, it is expected that an American classic. The story is about an Arnold Schwarzenegger. Tookie was the the issue will now appear more frequently, if inmate wrongly accused for the murder of co-founder of the Los Angeles Crips street not at school, then in the films or television two children. The film directly relates to gang and in 1981 was sentenced to the death shows.

Why Northsiders should care A note from the editors Damon Beres & Aliy Markowski The Northside that it is in part our students included. The nationwide political community seeks to responsibility to provide state has long been at and moral debate. be well-informed and this information. We the forefront of the Questions arise ranging knowledgeable about hope you appreciate movement to abolish from the methods of issues both within the our efforts to cover the death penalty and execution, to the ac- school community and more expansive issues set great precedent in curacy of the criminal throughout the rest in this and upcoming 2000 when Governor justice system, to the ef- of the world. As the editions of The Hoof George Ryan declared a fectiveness of the death media source within the Beat and we challenge moratorium halting ex- penalty in deterring school, The Hoof Beat you to think critically ecutions statewide. This crime. As future lead- dedicates itself this year about the problems that action resulted in part ers, Northside students to representing North- we as world leaders will from the work of in- should be informed side’s intellectual curi- soon be left responsible nocence projects across and ready to participate osity by covering issues to solve. the country exonerat- in this discussion. We beyond Northside’s The ongoing capital ing death row inmates. welcome letters to the walls. We believe stu- punishment debate Chicago has been the editor expressing stu- dents should be aware hits especially close to hub for such projects dent views on this and of local, national, and home for all Illinois in the last decade. The other topics. global perspectives and citizens, Northside city and state lead this Page 10 Arts & Entertainment The Hoof Beat Fall line-up falls short in laughs by Helen Liutongco

With each new television season it is an average show that may cause a few last fifteen minutes or so that the plan finally electricity as a result. Ultimately, “Men in comes the potential for greatness. Perhaps chuckles, but will not offer much else. went underway. In spite of this, Smith does Trees” is drama with a dash of comedy and ABC’s next big drama will rival “Desperate Though the comedies suffer from a lack well in all other areas, and is definitely a pinch of romance; though it is not much Housewives” in popularity, or maybe NBC’s of true entertainment value, the dramas worth checking out. more than standard fare for drama/com- newest sitcom will become the next Friends. have much more potential. CBS’s crime For those who prefer a little romance, edies, it is still an entertaining, charming Unfortunately, each new season also comes drama Smith, for instance, follows a group ABC’s new Friday night drama “Men show. with its fair share of mediocre program- of professional thieves as they plan and in Trees” might be the one for you. The NBC’s “Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip” ming. Though the fall 2006 line-up seems to conduct heists all across the country. The show follows Marin Frist (Anne Heche), a goes behind the scenes of a fictitious variety have been plagued by the latter, comedy program, there are still a few treasures to and explores the be found. dilemmas that come First up to bat is Fox’s up once Matt Albie “‘Til Death,” which stars Brad (Matthew Perry of Garrett (of “Everybody Loves Friends fame) and Raymond” fame) and Joely Danny Trip (Bradley Fisher as the Stamms, a couple Whitford) become who has lost the excitement in the new head writer their marriage. The Stamms’ and director of the partnership remains in a rut program. As is the of routine comedic bickering standard for dramas, that many a sitcom pair find the show also themselves in. That is, until a explores both the pair of young, happy newly- romantic and pla- weds (Eddie Kaye Thomas and tonic relationships Kat Foster) move in next door, between cast and which causes the Stamms to crewmembers of the call into question the happiness program. “Studio of their own marriage. Hilarity 60” is a surprisingly ensues, or at least it tries to. insightful look into “‘Til Death” is not the next the entertainment “Everybody Loves Raymond” business; the first nor does it have the wit or the few minutes of unique crack-and-a-half char- the show consist acters needed to be the next of a rant from the great comedy. However, if you jaded producer of ever have the urge to watch a the program on decent comedy or are a fan of the downfall of Brad Garrett, then the series integrity in showbiz. can easily fulfill your needs. It boasts a talented The review compilation ensemble cast, such website Metacritic’s (http:// as Amanda Peet, www.metacritic.com/) official “Men in Trees” and the aforementioned Bradley Whitford description of the new Fox Image courtesy of www.abc.com and Matthew Perry, and colorful characters comedy “Happy Hour” reads, ranging from the intelligent and daring “A small-town guy moves to the big city. action scenes are thrilling and well executed, relationship advice coach and author, on female president of NBS, the fictional sta- Hello, originality!” This is perhaps one of but the true draw of the show lies in its her business trip to Alaska. Admittedly, the tion the variety program airs on, to the witty, the few instances in which the synopsis is fascinating characters. The thieves are all show’s premise has many parallels to the but weary Matt Albie. “Studio 60” is clever, funnier than the show itself. “Happy Hour” decidedly abnormal people, and the show early 90’s CBS show Northern Exposure; engaging, and could easily be the best thing comes off as an Americanized version of goes the extra mile in contrasting how these both place established city dwellers in the this season. the British comedy “Coupling,” with its people function in everyday life to how they comparably queer Alaskan environment, Despite the comedy’s generally unim- frequent use of flashbacks and the charac- act when they are together. and both characters eventually adapt and pressive performance thus far, there is still ters’ constant drinking. But what separates Smith has a few faults, however. Like learn more about themselves in the pro- hope. There are many more promising “Happy Hour” from memorable comedies many other action shows nowadays, it cess. Not to say that the show is all drama. shows, such as NBC’s new “Heroes,” as well such as Coupling is the lack of interesting sometimes suffers from a lack of action; Half the fun of it is simply watching Marin as returning hits such as Lost. Keep your dialogue or hilariously wacky situations in the pilot episode, more than half of the fumble in her frigid, alien surroundings. In eyes peeled. the characters get themselves into. Overall, show’s hour-long runtime was spent simply one instance, she uses a hair dryer for five planning the heist, and it was not until the seconds and wipes out the entire town’s The young boy does it again Chris Brown rocks Chicago by Ahmed Imtiaz

Chris Brown may have come to Chicago hop beats and lyrical bliss led to some of ence. The Birdman’s experience paid off as soothe the entire crowd. Ne-Yo had the looking for a girlfriend. “I’m single, ladies,” the best performances of the night. In his he was flawless and didn’t miss a beat. whole crowd on their feet while singing the he announced. Instead he left with the “Like Father, Like Son,” a guest appearance Concert headliner Ne-Yo made a daz- chart topper song “So Sick.” Ne-Yo had hearts of hundreds. The Chris Brown con- by none other than the Birdman himself zling entrance. Ne-Yo was at the top of energized the audience with his R&B lyrics cert at Charter One Pavilion on September resulted in a deafening cheer from the audi- his game, spitting smooth vocals as if to and slow instrumental beats which appeal 17th provided a night full of great music to just about any fan of hip hop or R&B. and entertainment, if one was willing to sit Ne-Yo proved that he was a force on stage through rain and Windy City weather. as well as in the studio. His performance The concert opened with Cherish culminated with him singing a love song to performing her single “Do It to It” with her a lucky lady picked from the audience. squad. Her backup dancers provided the Chris Brown appeared, clad in a crowd with visual flair, complementing her white suit. His maturity was present in his strong vocals. dress and in his persona. Strutting around Juelz Santana was next and he lit up the stage like a veteran performer, he was the crowd with hits form his album. The confident and poised. From the way he crowd became wild with energy when he conducted himself, he seemed to have sang his platinum song “There it Go (The flown by his teenage years, although he still Whistle Song).” His performance of “Oh had room for flirting. “I’m looking for a Yes” was one of the biggest crowd pleasers girlfriend,” he proclaimed before breaking at this concert, and he continued to win into his hit song “Yo (Excuse Me Miss).” the crowd with his other beat-filled songs Chris Brown did not disappoint his waiting such as “Clockwork.” Santana went back to audience, between back flips and throwing some old school hits, performed alongside sweat-covered towels into the audience, he members of his Dipset crew, providing the was immersed in his singing and showed crowd with an all-around view of his lyrical true passion. skill. Chris Brown started off with a bang and Dem Franchize Boyz got the crowd never looked back, from the sensuous lyrics going with their loud club bangers and ener- of “Your Man Ain’t Me,” to the banging getic vocals. After throwing their shirts into chorus of “Run It,” Chris Brown was in the crowd, they performed “White Tee” – in the music all the way. He gave the audience white tees. “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It” got what they needed on a rainy night in Chi- everyone on their feet and dancing. DFB Town: a good concert. incorporated beguiling beats in most of their songs which appealed to listeners of all genres. Lil’ Wayne a.k.a. Birdman Jr. was a fan favorite. His combination of attractive hip Page 10 Arts & Entertainment The Hoof Beat October 2006 Arts & Entertainment Page 11 Chick flicks make a dark friend in The Last Kiss Radtrocity Music, movies, and video by Damon Beres If movies like “The Wedding Date” are are so realistic, if a bit convenient and hyper- games: What would your the pretty cheerleaders of “chick flicks,” bolic, “The Last Kiss” becomes an important then “The Last Kiss” is the estranged movie that warns against the dangerous follies angst-ridden friend that stays in on Sat- that are distressingly common in romantic grandmother say? urday nights to write dark poetry instead relationships. by Patricia Radkowski of going out to party. It’s true that “The Also to the movie’s credit are its frequent Last Kiss” will likely appeal more to the bouts of humor via Zach Braff, which are Since the 1920s, adults have been point- path along with our entertainment industry. stereotypical female moviegoer much like subtle enough to allow “The Last Kiss” to ing to music, movies, and video games as Some may argue that teens are drawn to its kin, but it is overtly a depressive tale keep its darker tone but also do wonders to the roots of all evil in today’s world. Rebel- corrupt entertainment by nature not nurture. that is certainly not the standard. The grim, keep the film from being bogged down in it. lious teenagers shrug off these comments Even if a person is genetically predisposed pessimistic tone that tints most of the story On that note, the acting ensemble as a whole as a sign that their elders are just that: old. to enjoying violence, sex, and profanity, is actually a welcome breath in the midst of does a good job, though the characters aren’t But how much truth is there to what the the entertainment medium should not be saccharine, phony romantic comedies that particularly complex or nuanced. Some of adults of America are saying about today’s helping teens develop those interests. The engorge modern movie theaters. the actors for the more minor characters suffer entertainment? medium should also grow a moral spine and Despite from being a bit stiff and Quite a lot, I’m afraid. Music, movies, stop capitalizing on that target audience. its unique reminiscent of daytime and video games have caused mainstream Music, movies, and video games may qualities, soaps, but this could just popular culture to leak all over America, not be the best investment of your time, but however, “The as well be a function of spreading ideas that steadily gnaw away life without them would not be the same. A Last Kiss” still the occasionally medio- at the already fragile morals of American great portion of our lives is spent looking succumbs to cre scripting. society. Although acting as an equalizer for ways to entertain ourselves. And is it not many typical Speaking of mediocre between different people, these three forms an exhilarating feeling to know that as you flaws of the scripting and humor, of entertainment have done a fair share in listen to some song, someone, somewhere chick flick, the film does have a few corrupting the youth of America. on this great blue planet might be enjoying romantic issues with consistency. I like rock and rap as much as the next the very same lyrics at the very same time? “dramedy” One of the aforemen- girl - but exactly what messages are being You and a perfect stranger are experiencing genre and is tioned pairs is played pummeled into our heads as we sing the similar emotions even though you are miles wholly less off entirely for comic latest songs? Let’s face it: the most popular apart. Songs, movies, and games make the unique and relief, mostly by way of songs are about sex. And not that sweet continents seem a little closer together. meaningful over-the-top, humorously and passionate sex with your spouse but the So it must be said that entertainment than it wants rambunctious sex, but explicit casual sex that would make Puritans is not evil. And even if it was, the teens of to be. The these sequences clash a roll over in their graves. today have grown immune to these crazy entirety of the bit too harshly with the Aside from the thrilling messages that themes of sex, profanity, and violence. film is filled rest of the movie and are promote promiscuity and premarital sex, Disillusionment only faces those that are with cornball decidedly less grace- profanity is not in short supply in the songs unable to see how reality relates to these dialogue, ex- ful and enjoyable than of our generation. Few rappers can go ideas. Those that fall prey to the Hollywood aggerated and the little quips made by through an album without dousing their lyr- Monster and do not see a world beyond implausible Zach Braff’s character. ics with swear words. These two elements, their headphones, screen, or joystick are in situations, On the topic of humor, sex and profanity, are almost a necessity for serious trouble. Darwin’s natural selection and a few some moments in the a hit single. has no scruples and will eliminate those un- stereotypical movie are so incredibly Movies are an even hotter topic, as they able to handle the crap-attack we face each characters that dramatic and forced mix sights with sounds. American cinema day. It is up to parents to make sure that are abused to that they end up being can be just as profane and sexual as the their kids have a solid foundation to shield their fullest in unintentionally come- music industry, and also mix in violence. them from the bombardment of negative order to fulfill dic, which never sits While music leaves things to the imagina- messages that is now a fundamental part of the film’s particularly well with an tion, movies take words one step further. our entertainment. sullen agenda. audience. One segment Every drop of blood has been taken care Furthermore, that stands out involves of, every breast has been inflated almost to the director Tony Goldwyn tries to employ Blythe Danner, an actress who is 63-years- its bursting point, and every possible swear a few overly artistic camera angles through- old, having a complete mental breakdown on word has been added to the script. Thanks out the movie, but they generally fail to be a treadmill after leaving her husband. She Hollywood! significant and only serve to pull audiences stands atop the unit pushing buttons like a Video games are no better. Via charac- out of the moment. confused ape for what feels like several min- ters, people dwell in the muck that Hol- Regardless, “The Last Kiss” succeeds utes before finally dropping to the ground and lywood has provided us with, with one more often than it fails, and its typical sobbing. Such bouts of unrestrained drama exception: they can “participate.” Now you falters aren’t too glaring when contrasted are somewhat commonplace in the movie, can slash people’s throats, have sex with with the film as a whole. It’s probably a though they certainly aren’t welcome. your “homies,” and swear when you find stretch to describe the plotline as nihilistic, Again, the missteps don’t outweigh what’s out that your enemy miraculously recovered but it is certainly not craven in denounc- otherwise a quality and important story, and from the six shots you fired into their head. ing love and highlighting the destructive they’re entirely forgivable in an audience What would your grandmother say? missteps people make in the pursuit of that expects a chick flick with a more serious By being exposed to these images, it, often neglecting to realize that they’re agenda instead of an intellectual piece of art. American teens grow accustomed to them looking for what they already have. Several Perhaps its opinion of itself is a bit lofty, but and take no note of them after a while. couples ranging from their late 20s to 50s “The Last Kiss” is a decent movie that at the Making out with someone you just met comprise the film’s focus, and each one is very least moves beyond what’s expected of at a party is not a big deal. Our standards somehow dysfunctional and destructively the genre. See it with your mom on a rainy and principles are slipping down the dark temperamental. In displaying stories that day. Dahlia: dead on arrival by Liz Born

The brutal killing of Elizabeth Short, the woman later backseat, despite the fact that she has literally been cut in half. with Josh Hartnett, but the way she toys awkwardly with her dubbed “Black Dahlia,” has stumped the LAPD for over Our only window into the life of Elizabeth Short is a series cigarette holder the entire time makes it impossible to focus fifty years, making it one of the most infamous murders of black and white audition tapes, in which she flirts shame- on what she’s saying. One of her most memorable moments ever committed. Similarly, director Brain de Palma’s lessly with the cameraman. The film fails to instill any kind of comes later, at a dinner party, when while making a toast, she most recent work, a film-noir adaptation of this story, has humanness in her, and the audience remains uninterested. proclaims chirpily, “To my supercops!” Those who missed stumped critics and movie-goers alike, making it one of the The detectives’ love interests, Kay Lake (Scarlett Johans- this need not worry, however, for she will make this same most obscure and disjointed films ever projected on-screen. son) and Madeleine Linscott (Hilary Swank) are about as exact toast again before the film is finished. Swank’s perfor- Murder mystery moviegoers trust filmmakers to tie emotive as the dead Dahlia. The performances of both actress- mance can at best be described as shaky: her character’s accent together unrelated plotlines at the end in one neat package, es fall incredibly flat, due to ridiculous dialogue and bad cast- changes almost as many times as her hair color, neither of that much sought-after “Aha!” moment that leaves the view- ing. Johansson first appears during a round of clever banter which seemed to be intentional. er satisfied upon exiting the theater. The cinematography is the film’s greatest achievement, Instead, “The Black Dahlia” sports and it does a lot to keep the cornball dialogue and disparate a dozen or so separate plotlines, an plot lines bearable. The use of color is especially striking at army of vaguely relevant characters, times, and there are frames that will stick in the viewer’s mind all of whom prove impossible to at least as long as the oppressive script. It becomes clear as the keep track of, and several overly-dra- movie progresses that every shot was arranged meticulously. matic moments that cannot help but The costumes and sets are all spectacular, and if one thing prompt bouts of nervous laughter. is conveyed well, it is the grandeur and decadence of 1940s The most problematic aspect Hollywood. The film is so beautiful at times, that one forgets of the film is perhaps the lack of Brian de Palma was even involved. The master who brought respect given to its namesake, the us “Scarface” seems to have gone a little soft in this one, using Black Dahlia herself. While the blood and gore only when it seems absolutely necessary. murder of Elizabeth Short (Mia Ultimately, “The Black Dahlia” requires the viewer to sit Kirshner) is addressed, the bulk of through so much muddled mess that by the end, when things the film centers on a pair of LAPD are tied together through strange and arbitrary associations, detectives, Dwight "Bucky" Bleichert the film has rendered the viewer incapable of caring. The plot (Josh Hartnett), and Leland "Lee" is like something an overeager eighth-grader would write, Blanchard (Aaron Eckhart), who making it up as he goes along, and trying to include every idea tend to cry a lot and hit each other. he has ever had. If you must watch it, put it on mute, for your The Dahlia, it seems, is used simply own sake. Better yet, just rent “Scarface”. as a tool to better expose the pain of these men. Her pain takes the Page 12 Arts & Entertainment The Hoof Beat “Demons of the Deep” full of screams Navy Fear at Navy Pier

by Patricia Radkowski “Demons of the Deep,” the haunted compound at Navy Pier, supposedly has a nautical theme. Whether it stays true to its title or not, few people will be able to say. Visitors may find it hard to remember the ex- act details of the compound because of their excruciating anxiety. The “Deep” seems endless, though it takes only six or seven minutes to walk through the entire haunted compound. The duration of the trip adds to the fear. As the seconds pass by, one grows more and more uneasy with the strange noises and… well, let’s not spoil it. One may even develop a technique for dealing with the fear: scream- ing while entering a room without even being aware of what is inside, for instance. Looking back at the “Deep,” only a few aspects warrant complaints. One could sue for the abuse of the element of surprise. It takes advantage of the human reaction of fear to the most basic form of stimuli. The haunted compound rests mostly on surprise, disorientation, distant eerie noises, plain nasty aspects, and wild lighting and smoke effects. There is one room in the “Deep” that is filled with stage smoke. Navy Pier should have a warning about this room as it is doubt- ful that a person with asthma would not be affected. The demons inside the “Deep” have absolutely no scruples about scaring visitors senseless. Ghouls lurk around most corners Photo by Kana Yoo of the haunted compound. Their presence Navy Fear haunts the boardwalks of Navy Pier accounts for most of the “Deep’s” success as the ghosts keep the visitors on their toes. The “Deep” fails in variety and in its proposed ant? For those who feel the need to quicken haunted train; a pumpkin patch; face paint- demons are very convincing in their psychotic theme. Despite the average person’s inability their pulse, “Demons of the Deep” will ers; fortune tellers; live creatures, like snakes manner; their makeup and dress is artistry. to focus on the details (screaming may domi- certainly provide a thrill. For younger folk, and spiders; and inflatable attractions and The raw state of the compound produces an nate the trip), no cohesive theme seemed to or folk who cannot handle fear nor can see games, like a moon bounce. Whether you aura of instability and chaos. “Demons of exist. Details would be spoilers, so let’s leave the pleasure in it, the “Ghostly Garden” is a go to “Demons of the Deep” or “Ghostly the Deep” earns an A+ in effort. it at that. friendly alternative to getting in the mood for Gardens,” Navy Fear will put you in the Hal- But grades are never 100% effort; success- The joy of fear has always been elusive. Halloween. Recommended for children under loween spirit. Happy screaming! ful attempts weigh more than futile ones. The Precisely what aspect of screaming is pleas- the age of eight, the activity area includes a Touchdown! “Gridiron Gang”

by Michelle Zacarias

From the typi- the team finally man- man attitude, there are cal racial conflict to ages to work together still other actors who the hardcore football and win a game; the could have played the coach, “Gridiron movie follows the basic role in a more realistic Gang” checked all of stereotype of a sports manner. Nevertheless, the expected require- victory story. the Rock did not com- ments for a cliché By the middle of pletely spoil the movie. sports movie. However, the movie, the storyline He was out-preformed thanks to the director’s starts to pick up again by young, blooming guidance and a cap- and characters gain actor Jade Yorker, who tivating and realistic personality and show portrayed a teen gang storyline, the movie growth. The film sur- banger who discovers managed to success- prises viewers by catch- himself through foot- fully grab an audience. ing them off guard ball. His performance The movie starts with realistic twists of was outstanding and off with a typical be- fate, such as the repeat- convincing, and by far ginning, but the viewer ed involvement of gang one of the movies few is caught off guard banger friends in the salvations. when there is a twist lives of the prisoners. Since the film is of fate and the main Though some of the based on true events, it character winds up not acting, especially from evokes more sympa- being the primary char- “The Rock,” is awful, thy from spectators. acter after all. This is the characters develop “Gridiron Gang” is an what makes the movie personalities about inspiring movie on the catchy and proves to which the viewers care whole; it does not let its the viewer that by the end of the film. audience down despite “Gridiron Gang” is Throughout the film, its flaws. It also leaves more than meets the the audience finds room for realism which eye. Though the movie themselves increas- is something that most starts off well enough, ingly worried about the Hollywood productions there is a period which outcome of each and lack nowadays. Though seems so have com- every member of that the acting was me- bined bits of “Coach football team, and in diocre and the movie Carter” and “Remem- that sense the movie lacked originality, the ber the Titans.” The successfully carries out story was heartfelt. story deals with con- its purpose. The movie managed flict between gangs that The downfall of to inspire viewers and extends to prison life. the film had to be allowed them to leave Dwayne “The Rock” “The Rock.” Though with a taste of modern Johnson plays the head he is not a terrible gang rivalry issues. coach and prison moni- actor, he was unable This is one film that tor who hopes to start to fit the part well and came close to failure, a prison football team made even the most but fortunately “Grid- as part of a plan to serious speeches seem iron Gang” was able to improve the juveniles’ humorous. Although it pull off a touchdown. self esteem and faith is obvious that he was in themselves. After chosen for his huge hardships and losses physique and macho- Page 12 Arts & Entertainment The Hoof Beat Page 14 Sports The Hoof Beat Early Swinging Men’s softball team yearns for championship by Mohammad Khaleelullah Hammad Farooq Adv. 905, said. “Also the fact that Northside’s Men’s Softball team starts the fall we have the experience from last season will help us looking to taste championship by season’s end. Last throughout this year.” year’s disheartening loss in the city playoffs to Han- “This season is going to be spectacular,” Wrobel cock High School, who eventually lost to Lane Tech- said. “Expect us to go all the way, and if not, at least nical High School in the finals, left the team hungrier go out with a huge bang.” than ever for victory. The team enjoyed great success The team expects to return to the city playoffs but ultimately fell two games short of bringing a city and make another run at the championship, but this championship banner to Northside’s gymnasium. time with a different result: beating their main rival, The new year also brings changes to the team. Lane Tech, and being titled champs. Northside will be boasting two teams; maroon and “I am not going to set expectations too high,” gray. The maroon team will be playing the regular Trevor Woodland, Adv. 706, said. “But I would be schedule. The team will be headed by coaches Herby extremely disappointed if we didn't make it into the Kusch and Tom Horn championship game.” “Coach Kusch really knows softball and his play- Although the team is excited about the upcoming ers’ abilities,” Andrew Wrobel, Adv. 802, said. “Part season, they have not forgotten about last year’s loss. of the reason we won so many games last year was “It was a bummer the team lost that game,” said the substitutions he made at critical points during the Woodland, who joined the team this year after watch- games. Coach Horn also worked with us and honed ing last year’s loss. “They had control for most of the our skills to make us better players both hitting and game until a few errors changed the momentum.” fielding wise.” Some fans, however, use last year’s disappoint- The team itself is close to making another run ing loss as extra motivation to cheer the team to the at winning city. Only two senior team leaders, championship. Ryan Powers and Sergio Mendoza, have left from “After what happened last year for these guys, I last year’s gang. The team and fans believe in their know for sure the team is fired up,” Rosalind Dum- chances this year and pride in their chemistry. lao, Adv. 802, said. “I just hope they can win it this "Because of our roster, which is full of experi- time.” enced seniors, our team fully expects to compete this “I heard about their fall at the end of last year,” year for the city championship,” Elliot Rembert, Adv. said Ikram Khan, Adv. 800. “I know they have it 704, said. “A great balance of hitting, defense and in them this year with all this new fan support and desire has put us in the lead for our conference title, everything. Go Mustangs!” and we hope to be at UIC in October." The team is scheduled to play at Winnemac Park “I think our chances are really good considering Wednesdays beginning September 20th and continu- we only lost a couple seniors from last year's team,” ing throughout October.

Photo by Mohammed Khaleelullah Elliot Rembert, Adv. 704, instructs players with hitting drills at Legion Park. Mustang ladies at it again Tennis season springs in fall by Sejla Dizdarevic on the courts and began because we don't have to start fresh from the The girls are enjoying themselves, Ongoing preparations and practices, their matches with beginning. We can just keep coaching the yet working hard because tennis is something which started during summer break, are great spirit. girls and building up on what they already they all love to play. being put to use by the Northside Women's Most of the know; we can expect greater things from our "This season," said Rana Marks, Tennis Team. With a new coach, the varsity girls won their varsity team." Adv. 810, "I am really looking forward to girls are ready for a new season. They matches against New team members are excited team unity, senior day, and sleepovers." have high hopes and expectations for the Walter Payton about their first season playing tennis at The girls got a new head coach this upcoming matches this season. High School; there- Northside. season who has been getting to know them Northside’s Varsity Girl’s Tennis fore, Northside College "The varsity team is getting stronger and seeing what they are capable of doing. Team’s first match this season was against Prep took home the win as we move along," said Una Lim, Adv. "Our single line-up is strong and our Northtown High School, whom they making this their first conference win 013. "If we put forth all our efforts, we doubles actually want to play together," said successfully defeated. The first conference of the season. will definitely go a long way. The Coach Amanda Boyle, head varsity coach. match they played was against Walter Payton "This season we basically have leaders are very supportive. I am "This means that I can expect a lot from them High School at Northeastern University. all the same people we had last year," said really excited to play in high school because they are willing to cooperate and Conference games are the games that count Coach Erin Megan, who is a Northside especially because this is my first year. work together. Erin and I get along just great when determining the schools that will be in alumnus tennis player. "We have just one Varsity is fun, and everyone is hard working. which is always a good sign." the finals. Non-conference games can help an new freshman and one sophomore. The rest We have our good and bad days, but we have overall record, but they don’t count towards of the girls are juniors and seniors and have a lot of team effort and always cheer each finals ranking. The girls cheered each other been around for a while. This is a good thing other on." Running to state Northside’s Cross Country Team has a promising season

by Zlatana Alibegovic September 12. O’Connor was one of the different opinion, however, citing at- While many students regained lost numerous runners to make the injured tendance at 90 percent for a team roster sleep this summer, Northside’s Cross list this season for knee problems. He of 114. The coaches are planning to Country Team began practicing week- was still ready to practice, however, and award the Carl Ripken Award to the days in August from 3:45 to 5:45 every even ran with the team. O’Connor, who runner with perfect attendance for the afternoon. The cross country team has is leaving the team this year, is not wor- season, and as of now there are many had a winning season. The girls have ried about its future. contenders. walked away with a total of four medals, “There’s no limitation to how good “Motivation is half the battle,” including three for first place. A win you are,” O’Connor said. “When I Coach Nebrida said. “If you don’t come, against Loyola Academy has the whole started I was the bottom of the bottom, what can we do for you?” Team bonding team hopeful of going as far as state this and now I’m one of the better runners is a big part of this team, even though year, Coach Jose Nebrida said. in the city.” Many new team members they compete against one another. “The girls beating Loyola is like the look to older runners for inspiration. “I always have someone on the Chicago Bears beating the Green Bay “Rachel Kittaka is amazing, some- team that I would try to beat, but I’m Packers,” Coach Nebrida said.The men’s thing I aspire to be,” Deirdre Lee, Adv. always afraid they’re going to beat me,” team has had a successful season as well, 012, said. Many students made the O’Connor said. While they challenge although many runners felt the women injured list this season. Monica Lay- each other, they also provide a lot of overshadowed them. tham, Adv. 901, who stands among the support for one another. There is no de- “If you compare the girls varsity students on the list, cannot wait to run nying that Northside is the loudest team to boys varsity, the girls outstrip us by a again. Despite being unable to run, she at the competitions. lot,” Team Captain Patrick O’Connor, attends all team practices and meets. “Sometimes we even cheer for the Adv. 708, said.Although the men’s team “Even though I have a painful [hip] other team,” Laytham said.The team faced tough competition at the Gordon injury, I am very anxious to return to shows a lot of potential, determination, Tech Invitational on September 9, they practice and help my team make it drive, and talent, Coach Nebrida said. still succeeded in taking fifth place. all the way to state,” Laytham said. The coaches hope that this will take Freshman Cuitlahuac Pineda Youniss, O’Connor, like his coaches, is aware of them all the way to state. Adv. 014, won the tiebreaker against the team’s great potential, but feels that “They are all winners because of Fenwick High School securing the posi- team attendance at practice must go up their enthusiasm,” said Coach Nebrida tion.Team captains Patrick O’Connor for the team to utilize this potential. The who believes these Northsiders are Photo by Zlatana Alibergovic and Rachel Kittaka, Adv. 810, have led freshman turnout was great, but their winners already. “It’s the unselfishness (From left to right) Ryne Tobin, Adv. 704, Tuan Le, Adv. 701, and Manraj Bains, Adv. 702, warm up for their the team to numerous victories, includ- work ethic proved to be less impressive, of these Mustangs that brought them so cross country practice. ing the Mather Invitational on Tuesday, O’Connor said.Coach Nebrida has a far.” Page 14 Sports The Hoof Beat October 2006 Sports Page 15 Can they do it again? Northside’s Women’s Golf Team aims for city and beyond

by Farrukh Mukhtar They went, they saw, they conquered. “If there was a wider interest in our For two years in a row, Northside's Women’s program, we’d get more funding and have a Golf Team has won the City Tournament. wider number of girls to choose from,” Pet- Last year, the team went to Regionals for the tinato said. “We’d have a much more solid first time and placed tenth place of 14 teams. program.” Northside faced suburban schools, most of Since the four best scores contribute to a which had started their season earlier than team’s total at every match, larger teams have city teams. a competitive advantage. "We won City for the second year in a “We just played a suburban team with row last year," Tanya Nagatani, Adv. 802, something like 21 girls on the team,” Pet- said. "I won first place individual girl and tinato said. “It was a young team with Kristie Hack, Adv. 800, placed third.” developing players, but they have so much Northside will compete in the City more potential to do well because they have Tournament Friday, September 29. However, so many more players’ scores to choose from while the men’s team will tackle an 18-hole at each match.” course, Chicago’s women’s teams will only Northside’s current team consists of two play nine holes. seniors and three juniors. If the team cannot “I think it’s unfair that the boys get to recruit at least one new player when seniors play 18 holes in city competition while we are Pettinato and Kaytlin Hack, Adv. 703, gradu- limited to only playing nine,” Kate Pettinato, ate, Northside may not have a women’s golf Adv. 709, said. “Girls teams in the suburbs team, Pettinato said. play 18 holes when they compete. Since we “We don’t want Northside to lose a wom- don’t do that in the city, we’re left unprepared en’s golf team when we graduate," Nagatani when it’s time to face those teams at the said. “We’re looking for more underclassmen. regional level.” Any girl who wants to play will make the Despite the setback, Northside’s players team without tryouts." plan to have a stronger presence at Region- The team struggles in recruiting players als this year. The team aims for personal and because of the competition with other fall team improvements in the face of heightened sports. competition. “It’s hard to compete against volleyball "We really want to try to do better at especially,” Pettinato said. “So many girls Regionals," Nagatani said. “I think we're all who might otherwise try golf have already pretty consistent, so we score lower every committed their fall to volleyball.” time and we all work on our own outside of The team plans to make special efforts to the season to improve our game. We won’t recruit new players next year so the women’s be as nervous this time around and we will sport can remain at Northside. In the mean- hopefully advance because we know what it time, Northside’s Women’s Golf Team is is like now." scheduled to finish this season competing at The team of five, coached by Nick Demit- the CPS City Tournament at George Dunne ropoulos, is looking to expand to maintain Course on September 29, followed by the Northside’s women’s golf program in the IHSA Regionals at Glenview Park Golf Club future. on October 4.

Women’s Swimming and Diving Team

Photo by Patricia Radkowski Corey Kasten, Adv. 708, and Megan Grant, Adv. 806, improve their freestyle kick by swimming laps with kickboards. Continued from back page “Our main focus this year is teamwork,” Kasten said. Adv. 018, has already broken two Northside junior varsity As the Northside divers continue to practice their dives, “We have fun together, we work together.” swimming records, the 500-meter freestyle and the 100-meter their excitement, confidence, and hope increase with their With positive attitudes running high, the team is sure freestyle, during a freshmen/sophomore relay at Fenwick abilities. that they will make it to the state finals. Ceja also sees this High School on September 9th. She was three seconds away “I’m optimistic in terms of this season,” Herlihy said, as a promising season. Ten years of experience under his from breaking the 200-meter freestyle record. whose favorite dive is the inward 1 and ½, a complicate dive goggles make him highly qualified to judge what his team “Oh, really?” Pinkus said. “I didn’t know about the 100 that involves doing 1 and ½ summersaults before splashing is capable of, especially since he has coached at Northside one. That’s exciting.” into the water. “I’m hoping to make it to state this year and I since September 2000. Pinkus’s excitement seems to be shared by all of the think I have a good chance.” “What I like most about coaching is interacting with the Narwhals, swimmers and divers alike. The five Northside A lot of that optimism comes from the swim team’s per- swimmers,” Ceja said. divers, two of who joined September 13th, and Bohus are also formance at the September 19th meet. The Varsity Narwhals This year, Ceja’s influence will reach beyond Northside. pumped up for this season. beat the UC Lab High School swimmers 96 to 69, while the “IHSA [Illinois High School Association] let us do a new “We’re hoping to get first place at city for the third time NCP Junior Varsity team won 91 to 67. The Junior Varsity co-op [co-operation] with Sullivan High School this year,” in a row,” Bohus said. “We’re going to win city overall. Beat team beat two records, the 200 Yard Freestyle and the 200 says Ceja, “but we only got one swimmer.” Lane!” Yard Medley Relay. The Varsity team was seconds away That swimmer is Lissi LaSalle from Sullivan High To make sure that this happens, the divers practice five from breaking three records. Kasten was 4 seconds away School. After a two year break from swimming, LaSalle days, twelve hours a week. Bohus, who is coaching divers at from beating the 200 Yard IM Varsity record and 2 seconds is back in her swimming gear, but this time she will be in Northside for the third year in a row, is using TIVO, a cam- away from breaking the 100 Yard Breaststroke record. The maroon. era that plays back short clips with a set delay time, to help 100 Yard Butterfly record was 2 seconds short of being “I really like the Northside team,” says LaSalle, whose divers improve their dives. broken by LaSalle. specialty event is the 100-meter butterfly. “The other swim- “TIVO helped us a lot this year,” Bohus said. “We set it Despite such an early victory, the keyword in the Nar- mers are really nice and have a lot of energy. We have a lot on a 15 second delay and by the time the diver is out of the whals vocabulary is still “hope” and with it, the swimmers, of fun! We’ll be really good this year. We’ll definitely go to water, she can see her dive.” divers, and coaches are all expecting to get far. The Women’s state.” “I tried to count how many dives I did during practice Swimming and Diving team claims to be ready for the Another significant addition has been made to the one time,” Julie Herlihy, Adv. 700, said “but then I just competition. But is the competition ready for them? Only the Northside swim team. Freshman swimmer Monica Pinkus, stopped.” unfolding season can tell. Page 16 Sports The Hoof Beat Not just kickin’ it around anymore: No Mo’, Men’s soccer team hopes to improve as season gets Ali or under way es, especially how to communi- nothing cate with each other – the game is nothing without communica- tion,” John Konow, Adv. 900, said. Off the record Coach Keane is return- ing for another year of varsity by Mohammad Khaleelullah and Shoaib Ali coaching along with return- Mohammad Khaleelullah: Everybody knows ing assistant coach Andrew one of the greatest moments to take place in sports Mayer. Coach Robert Albritton is the breaking of a record. Whether the record is returning as head coach for has been standing for four decades or was just set junior varsity. The students the other day, the record carries an immortalizing are positive reflections of their aura which no athlete can deny. So why doesn’t coaching staff. Northside take more pride in school and individual “The coaches help the play- records? Yes, the swimming pool area has a large ers tremendously during prac- black board with the school’s swimming records. tice and during games,” said But how many of you non-swimming team mem- Diep. “They know when to bers knew of that? Who holds the record for most give advice or when to lay off homeruns in a season for men or women’s softball? and let us [learn] our mistakes Bet you don’t know that. This is exactly why we on our own.” need to take more pride in our school’s records and “All the players respect the acknowledge these figures. coaches without hesitation,” Northside has always been jeered for its student Konow said. body consisting of suspender-wearing geeks. This Soccer is a prevalent sport just might motivate the average Northsider to put at Northside, so there is usually in a little extra effort to take over that lasting school strong Mustang support at record. This in its own could boost our athletic away games. program significantly. “Much like everything Shoaib Ali: Right on. We should be more else at Northside, I liked the interested and supporting of our school records. It attitude of the coaches and boosts school spirit. But how can we keep track of players,” Chris Colon, Adv. so many records? The fall season offers eight sports 800, said. “On the Northside simultaneously for men and women. Our sports team though, there was more teams are relatively huge, as we max out on rosters. positive reinforcement. The With a game every week or so for each sport, how rival team had players yelling at redundant would it sound to hear about the statistics each other.” from each game about each player’s performance? The soccer team has started We would have to be breaking school records across the year off with an impressive, the city to be really concerned. There is no point 2-0 record. They attribute their in taking pride in a mere Northside record. It’s not success to the coaches and the student vs. student. We’re all on the same team, so productive practices. The team let’s break Lane or Mather’s record. While we’re at Photo by Kana Yoo hopes to develop their skills it, let’s break a state and national record. Martin Kucan, Adv. 700, fights for possession against a Kelvin Park player. and get far in the playoffs this This school is full of student athletes. Not year. The team’s defense is an integral part of their accom- athletic students. Northside was constructed to be conference; we hope to change “We practice whenever by Ahmed Imtiaz plishments this season. academically distinguishing. Are you saying forget Northside College Prep’s that this year.” there's not a game,” Kyle Diep, “I think overall, the team about our records for the Latin competitions, in mens’ soccer team was well The soccer team consists Adv. 806, said. “Since we have has gotten much better at which we actually set records? And these aren’t just under way in its practices since of two divisions, Junior Varsity about one to two games a limiting the number of goals so-called Northside records: we’ve set some records the last weeks of summer. Hop- and Varsity. The team is focus- week, we usually practice four scored,” Martin Kucan, Adv. down at state and at the national level. If we had the ing to recover from last year’s ing on growing together and days a week.” 700, said. “Hopefully we can best basketball team in the country then of course dismal record, the soccer team getting better through frequent The varsity team consists work out the problems we have the stats would be everywhere. But we’re not, so has renewed its efforts in build- practices. Every practice lasts of juniors and several returning left and get better as the season they’re not. There’s a reason why All-American ing the team and improving about two hours, and both seniors, including Tom Dyke, progresses.” football players apply to Notre Dame and 1st place communication. the varsity and junior varsity Adv. 705, John Holler, Adv. “A conference title or city National Science Fair winners apply to Cornell Uni- “We did pretty bad last practices consist of working on 705, and Jason Strohmayer, championships, either one versity. Pride on the strength, not on the mundane. year,” Eric Ullrich, Adv. 809, drills and then breaking off into Adv. 705. would be good,” Ullrich said, MK: I myself have been watching baseball real said. “We only had one win in scrimmage games. “We learn a lot at practic- closely these past three weeks. Yes, I have even seen “but we want to win it all.” a few Cubs games in that time, because the new youngsters will be leading us to victory next year (yeah right). But more so, I have been watching one Tarzan swinging on a rubber band, man, Ryan Howard (58 HRs as of 9/26) of the Phil- adelphia Phillies, who is legitimately chasing MLB’s single season homerun record (61-1961). Why is like a banana, indeed it legit this time? He is the first man near Roger Maris’s record of 61 without the tarnishing of the Women’s Swimming and Diving Team recharged “juice” following him. Between 1998-2001, Maris’s 37 year old record was not only broken but literally destroyed six times by three men, Bonds, McGwire, and ready to go to State Finals Sosa, all who are closely linked to steroids. One man chasing a record has single handedly sparked my interest in a baseball season in which both of the hometown teams had failing seasons. Having a pride in records and acknowledg- ing these numbers will not only boost our athletic performances at Northside but will also increase its appeal to the crowd. And then maybe our gym could actually consist of some real noise at every home basketball or volleyball game. So how about we get Northside to get these stats up there. SA: Ryan Howard looks like he’s using the tarnish juice. There, I tarnished him. Is he no longer making “legitimate” home runs from now on? A record is a record. The juice does not make that one at-bat a homer. It merely improves performance in an unethical manner. Is someone cheating by doing fifty more pushups in order to make his next hit a grand slam? It’s too circumstantial to go back and Photo by Patricia Radkowski specifically erase the home runs made by Bonds. Corey Kasten, Adv. 708, and Megan Grant, Adv. 806, improve their freestyle kick by swimming laps with kickboards. How can you say this home run was due to steroids while another was legally hit? You can’t, so all you by Patricia Radkowski year’s competitions. side. can do is deal with it, and break the existing record, What exactly do Tarzan and the “I’m really excited for the season,” “There are 17 freshmen on the team,” because no matter what, Bonds did hit his homers. Northside Women’s Swimming and Diving Cory Kasten, Adv. 708, said. “I hope we Ceja said, “and we have to get them up to He did do it. Others can only dream of hitting his Team have in common? A cheer. Before break some meet relay records. We’re really speed. Our veteran swimmers are trying to numbers. every meet, the girls tap into each other’s looking forward to the competition at city improve their times and get qualified for Pride has nothing to do with athletic perfor- energy and enthusiasm by singing “Tarzan, with Lane Tech.” state.” mances while athletic performances have everything swinging on a rubber band. He fell into a But getting into top shape to break The swimmers practice for about three to do with our records. Our Men’s JV basketball frying pan and now Tarzan is tan. I hope he those records is no easy task. Swimming or more hours a day, pushing themselves to team can have a 0-5 record no matter how full our doesn’t peel, like a banana.” With positive and diving practices, held at the Northside peak physical condition by increasing how bleachers are. Instead of documenting the game, attitudes from all forty-six swimmers and pool, started on August 14th and will con- many yards they swim daily. Their relent- just play the damn sport so we have some records to divers, Carlos Ceja, Northside’s Swimming tinue well into November. The team took less focus, dedication, and commitment to record. Coach, and Suzanne Bohus, Northside’s part in four stroke clinics led by Leaning becoming good swimmers have a pay-off: Diving Coach, have high hopes for the Tower YMCA’s co-coach, Ed Stranc, who they have bucket-fulls of chlorinated fun. Northside Narwhals’ performance in this is the volunteer assistant coach at North-