News Northside’s fall play takes center stage

The

HoofDecember 2009 | thehoofbeat.com | Northside College Preparatory High BeatSchool | [email protected] | Vol. 11 No. 4 Sabor a Café, Sabor a Café, Sabor a CaCollege reps visit Northside 3 | The pitfalls of awards shows 11 The parking lot gets a little bit emptier the school originally opened, the Student funding it had received was consid- erably higher than what it would get parking lot fees in subsequent years. “For the first five years, we re- see steadily ceived this extra funding because we were a brand new startup high increasing prices school,” Mr. Timothy Devine, LSC secretary, said. “And so [Chicago by Olutoye Adegboro Public Schools (CPS)] knew there Students who stare directly would be lots of additional costs across from the main entrance of and we could supplement with these the school will notice that the stu- extra funds.” dent parking lot contains a fewer Though the school does raise number of cars than the number of money through the Friends of parking spaces. Though a low num- Northside, the school’s “parent vol- ber of cars in the student parking unteer fundraising organization,” lot has usually been the case in the according to www.friendsofnorth- past, many have attributed the lack side.org, to supplement the funding of parking lot usage to the recent provided by CPS, Northside needs hike in the parking spot registra- additional funding to support vari- tion fee, which currently stands at ous school programs and activities. $150, that was passed by the Local This funding is obtained through School Council (LSC) last spring the fees issued to students at the and implemented with the start of beginning of the year, one of which the 2009-2010 school year. includes a parking spot registration Since its establishment in 1999, fee for students interested in attain- Northside has always had a parking ing a spot on the school’s student lot available for student use. The parking lot. student parking lot has generally Parking registration fees also as- maintained a steady usage amongst sist with the maintenance costs of Price increases in the cost of a parking lot permit has led to a decline in the number of students using the the student body in recent years. operating the school. school lot. Photo by Sarah Schoonhoven. In years past, parking lot regis- “Anybody who sees our school tration fees have increased, as the on a daily basis is blown away by dent population was increasing, our in part because it has attempted to the wishes of their constituents.” original price for a parking spot was how clean it is kept,” Mr. Devine funding was decreasing.” raise prices periodically, keeping Despite the steady increases in $50 in 1999, though it rose to $100 said. “It costs a lot of money to With a greater student popula- prices below many other schools. parking registration fees, many stu- afterwards, and is currently $150. keep a building like this clean.” tion, the amount of supplies and “In my 11 years as an LSC dents feel the parking registration The current price was voted upon Increased parking registration textbooks needed for any course member, not one student has ever price is still too expensive when by last year’s LSC. fees can also be attributed to the ris- must increase as well, which means brought the issue up as a concern,” faced with certain alternatives. “The Local School Council actu- ing student population. more funding must be obtained to Mr. Devine said. “There is always “I find that the student parking ally sets all of our fees and costs,” “The first year of this school, provide the materials necessary for a student representative on the lot is too expensive in comparison Dr. Peggy Murphy, Northside’s As- we had about 450 students,” Mr. every student. LSC and their view is always taken to the parking lot I can find right sistant Principal, said. Devine said. “Second year, [we had] Despite the increases in parking very seriously and they get to vote next to it,” Mimi Guiracocha, One of the reasons parking regis- up to about 700. Then we hovered registration fees, the LSC has not on these fee increases or decreases, Adv. 015, said. “I usually get here tration fees have increased over time around 800 to 850 for a number of received any complaints regarding and each time the student has voted at around seven in the morning or is the decrease in the amount of years, [and] now we are at about the price of parking in the student in favor of the fee increases. So we so and there’s always parking right funding the school receives. When 1100. So at a time when our stu- parking lot from the student body, take that as them trying to represent next to it… and it’s $200 I save.” Keep you friends close, but keep your brothers closer by Matthew Brennan, Adv. 010. were too similar to last year’s play, small group of people, all of whom find items appropriate to the period Fall play “The It followed their journey towards Arsenic and Old Lace. were genuinely interested in the for a reasonable price. I visited more finding their true loves and finding “I read a lot of plays and choose a whole thing,” David Jaffe, Adv. 204, than 15 thrift stores looking for the Importance of out that they are actually brothers. text that I think students can perform said. “When I did plays in elemen- right props and furniture for this On the play’s opening night, the successfully and be challenged by,” tary school, there were always a lot show, which became incredibly time Being Ernest” cast was met with a standing ovation said Ms. Sitz in a email interview. of people, and the director would in- consuming.” at the end of the entertaining play. “When choosing a play, I consider variably address us as a group. With Lead by Mr. Mike Lill, fine arts debuts at After the end of the play, the cast cast size, appropriateness of the so few people in the cast, Ms. Sitz department, Northside’s stage crew entertained spectators in front of material for a high school cast, and was able to give us advice individu- put in long hours constructing and Northside the auditorium and received many general quality of the material. I want ally as well as collectively, so I feel painting the various sets for the play. congratulations. to choose a show that will engage I learned something about perform- The stage crew is one of the various by Jeffrey Joseph “Overall, I was quite pleased with the cast and me, as well as provide ing - besides which, it was all a lot avenues through which students can Every year Broadway comes to how the play went,” said Ms. Sitz. entertainment for audiences.” of fun.” become involved in the Northside Northside in the form of Northside’s “Performing Oscar Wilde so that The auditions for the play, which Playgoers get to see the finished theater. annual fall play. This year’s play was contemporary audiences understand brought out Northside aspiring product of all of the work that the “I always need help searching the Importance of Being Ernest the humor can be challenging, but thespians, were held right at the start cast and crew of the play put in but for props, designing the poster and by Oscar Wilde. The show ran for all of the actors put a tremendous of the year from September 14-15, a lot goes on unnoticed behind the program, and styling hair and make- three nights, starting on November amount of effort into bringing life to this left the crew of the play with scenes. up for performances, all of which 20, and was directed by Ms. Kyra Wilde’s language.” ample time to work on perfecting “One of the difficult aspects won’t take up too much time,” said Sitz, English department. The Im- The route to the November show Wilde’s play. The auditions were of putting on a play that probably Ms. Sitz. “Stage Crew is also a great portance of Being Ernest is a Brit- date started with picking the play attended by about sixty students wouldn’t occur to most people way to participate in Northside ish comedy of manners set in Lon- which was to be performed. The in total and consisted primarily of is finding appropriate props for productions.” don during the 1890’s. The action other main contenders for this year’s students reading lines from the play. the production,” Ms. Sitz said. Currently, Ms. Sitz does not of the play revolved around the play were Harvey and The Curious After final cuts were made, only nine “Particularly with a show like “The know what next years play will be, so friends John Worthing, played by Savage, two comedic plays set during actors remained. Importance of Being Earnest” those who are interested will have to Benjamin Sullivan-Knoff, Adv. 108, the 1950’s. However these plays did “The thing I liked best about which takes place over one hundred wait until next year when Broadway and Algernon Moncieff, played not make the final cut because they working on the play was that it was a years ago, it can be challenging to comes back to Northside.

News | pages 1 - 3 Features | page 5 Diversions | page 8 Editorials | page 11 page 2 •Bill Ayers pays Northside a visit •Northside teachers get in the • The history of Chicago’s liraries • The horrors of four-day weeks •Annual NHS food drive helps feed gift-giving spirit •Dancing lessons help you get • No need for panic: FML takes on Freshman the hungry during the holidays • Mr. Coy’s rebellious youth your groove on around Chicago 2012 rumors Tiana Chan joins Student Connections | page 4 Centerfold | pages 6-7 A&E | pages 9-10 Sports | page 12 Council • Selective Enrollment process •The significance of the hand- • Intuit highlights tattoo art • Northside volleyball hosts a changed for future Northsiders shake in today’s world • “New Moon” makes its debut marathon to fight brain cancer • National Health care bill passed • I wanna hold your hand along with Taylor Lautner • Chess team starts its season  News The Hoof Beat

Northside College Prep H.S. 5501 N. Kedzie What if you met a so called “terrorist”? Chicago, IL 60625 to that is no. The war of Vietnam dents to real people who have lived while thousands of people died ev- Tel: (773) 534-3954 Alledged terrorist was one where 6,000 innocent peo- through historical events. This en- ery week. ple were being murdered a week. deavor’s purpose was to take learn- “I really liked when he was talk- Principal Bill Ayers visits 6,000. How do you end that? How ing out of the textbook and actu- ing about choosing to either see Mr. Barry Rodgers do you stop that?” ally meet and learn about important or be blind to a problem,” Maeve Northside Ayers is a professor of education people and their views on what has Zolkowski, Adv. 204, said, “like, he Assistant Principal at the University of Illinois at Chi- happened in the past. was basically saying you should con- Dr. Margaret Murphy by Zobia Chunara cago, and he spends his time writing, Mr. Ayers was very involved in front it or just completely ignore it, Envision meeting someone who speaking, and teaching. In the last civil rights and antiwar movements and obviously it would be better to Advisor is known to have helped plan and year he has given about 52 key note through leading the Students for confront it. Overall, I liked it a lot.” Mr. Chester Tylinski bomb the New York City Police speeches, seven scholarly presenta- Democratic society, a large antiwar The previous two events of the Headquarters in 1970, the Capitol tions, and visited a dozen schools. students group in 1960s. He has of the US History Speaker Series Editor-In-Chief building in 1971, and the Pentagon Mr. Michael Myers, social science caused damage to property, though that got Northside students out and Caitlin Swieca in 1972. Surfing the internet, some department, invited him to NCP and he has never killed anyone. into the city included an a discus- of the first things that come up about he gladly accepted the invitation. “Weather Underground was the sion about American Indian History Web Editors-in-Chief him include the controversy over When the event began at 7:00 thing that got famous in the recent at the Sulzer Regional Library and Matt Glodz connections with Obama, his work p.m., he started off by saying that he Obama campaign because we were, an interview of Howard Zinn at the Olutoye Adegboro “underground”, and articles claim- wanted students to ask questions to you know-illegal. And that’s why University of Chicago. ing him as a terrorist. Ayers grew up guide the discussion, but only six stu- they made a big deal out of it.” These events allowed students to Broadcast Editors-in-Chief in a Chicago suburb and co-founded dents were allowed to ask questions Ayers has been and activist since open up their mind to seeing differ- Evan Rogers the Weather Underground Organi- at once, and they would be addressed 18 and even now, at 65 he still is one. ent perspectives and opinions from Sarah Schoonhoven zation, and the Weatherman group one by one. After that, another six On December 2, he came from a those who have lived through and has a vital part in recent history as students were called and many ran demonstration at the Federal Build- have studied historical events. Managing Editors a communist revolutionary group. up to the microphone with enthusi- ing against the current war. “For the US History Speaker Se- Evan Rogers, Design Most importantly, Mr. Ayers was asm. In fact, about twenty students “Bill Ayers is able to go past re- ries, I’m aiming high,” Ms. Searcy Alice Henry, Content willing to come and share his opin- had to sit back down because of the strictions and boundaries,” Eliza- said. “I’ve sent out queries to all ions and experiences. length of the line and the limit on beth Schwartz, Adv. 202, said, “and kinds of people that know anything Business Manager On Wednesday, December 2, the time. After the discussion ended at he doesn’t allow people oppress him about US History- both famous and Matt Glodz Northside College Prep (NCP) au- 9:00 p.m., students were allowed to or his views or opinions, and he ad- infamous. We’ll see who writes ditorium was buzzing with students stick around and ask Mr. Ayers fur- vocates people to go past the limits me back. Sadly, Thomas A. Bailey News Editor who had index cards with questions ther questions in groups. that people set for themselves. He passed away in 1983, otherwise, he Evan Rogers on them, waiting to ask them of “I thought the Bill Ayers presen- reaches for the highest goal he can, would have been my first contact.” Bill Ayers, the so called “terrorist”. tation was stellar,” Ms. Anna Searcy, and he is a man of action and he Possible future events of the Connections Editor Students from different social sci- social science department, said. “Re- says, you know, don’t say you can do Speakers series include a local pro- Timothy Suh ence classes filled the seats – some gardless of anyone’s political and something if you can do it, so just fessor at the University of Illinois of whom came because they were personal opinions about the man, I do it.” at Chicago, a specialist on Bayard Features Editor already a big fan of Mr. Ayers. Mr. can truly appreciate his willingness The point that Bill Ayers was Rustin in the black and gay civil Melissa España Ayers walked into the school about to talk to students and explain his trying to make was that individuals rights movements. Additionally, Ms. ten minutes before the speaker event position in history and his hopes for should keep fighting for their beliefs Searcy and Ms. Myers are hoping Centerfold Editor started and happily accepted an in- the future. I was especially pleased and link hands with those who share to invite WomanLore to Northside Alice Henry terview before going on stage. that he wanted to guide the discus- the same opinion and soon it will College Prep, a program that “offers “Do I regret opposing the war in sion based on student questions.” create a movement. He mentioned one-woman performances adapted Diversions Editor Vietnam with every ounce of my en- The US History Speaker Series at one point in his presentation that directly from journals, autobiogra- Sonya Dekhtyar ergy?” Mr. Ayers said. “Do I regret all started last year at Cubby Walk there was an antiwar crisis period phies, and personal writings,” (wom- breaking the law in order to oppose when Ms. Searcy and Mr. Myers because people did not know what anlore.com). Entertainment Editor the war of Vietnam, and the answer talked about exposing Northside stu- else they could do to stop the war Sarah Schoonhoven

Editorial Editor Dylan Nugent Student Council gains freshman class Sports Editor Sony Kassam representation in EduDev and StAff first time in four years as Mr. John Copy Editors Sufyan Menk, Belcaster, social science department, Jeffrey Joseph departed due to what he dubbed Andriana Mitrakos Tiana Chan “term limits” and left the reins to Mr. Matt Isenberg, social science depart- Photo Editor emerge ment. Their agenda has included the Zobia Chunara “We the Living” concert, two school victorious dances, several grant proposals, Chief Photographer campaign rule legislation, the State Alejandro Valdivieso in freshman of the School address, freshman elections, debate over constitutional Art Editor elections modifications, and a club leadership Samantha Prestigiacomo town hall meeting. by Will Riley “We have been very productive Staff Reporters As the school year churns along, this year and are trying to reflect the Diana Obracaj, John Gon- the Northside Student Council finds student body as well as possible,” zalez, Lyanne Alfaro, Alida itself juggling more tasks than it Lara said. Pecanin, Ed Heffernan, David has in recent memory – and coun- Student Council treasurer Hersh Chang, Bjanka Mujicic, San cil members love it. After just two Perlmutter, Adv. 110, also believes Prestigiacomo, Jamilah months of classes, the council has al- the Council is doing well. Alsharif, Nelson Ogbuagu, ready accumulated so much business “I feel like we’ve made progress Krystn Collins, Zobia Chu- that its members have been forced to this year,” Perlmutter said. “We held nara, Jeffrey Joseph, John add a second meeting date to their a good ‘We the Living’ concert, and I Mederich, Tess Thompson, schedule every week. think the back-to-school dance went Pooja Agarwal, Andriana The council welcomed two new well. “We have a lot of good stuff Mitrakos, Will Riley, Sarah freshman members in September. planned for the rest of the year.” Capungan, Eghe Obaseki, Student Council candidate speech- Some of those future events ten- Adira Levine, Faique Moqeet, es for the class of 2013 took place tatively include Northside’s Ameri- Daniel Washelesky during colloquium on Wednesday, can Idol, scheduled in April, Fac- September 23, 2009. Candidates for ulty Appreciation weeks in May, a Art Work both the Educational Development Valentine’s Telegram charity event Tiana Chan, Adv. 305, was elected the new Education Development Unless otherwise noted, all Board (EduDev) and the Student Af- in February, and five more dances. freshman representation senator by her peers. Photo by Zobia Chunara. artwork in this issue was fairs Board (StAff) gave five-minute Student Council will also bring back drawn by Sam Prestigiacomo. addresses in an attempt to win over my best,” Imran Senlik, Adv. 300, a advisory, in which all his peers pro- such Northside favorites as the Tur- their fellow 263 classmates. StAff candidate, said. “Maybe soph- vide some sort of proposal at the end key Bowl, Junior-Senior connec- Submissions Voting took place on Moodle omore year.” of the week of something the coun- tions, and the Cubby Walk pep rally. The Hoof Beat welcomes opin- on September 24 and 25. Winners No matter how the candidates cil could work on. One of the most highly anticipated ion editorials from its readers. were announced via FirstClass over fared, the administration was behind “So far, [the suggestions have events among student council mem- Letters to the Editor and Op- the following weekend, with Sufyan all of them. been] get rid of AllSport and bring bers is the International Food Fair, ed submissions may be sent Menk, Adv. 303, Freshman StAff “I loved all their speeches,” Mr. back Gatorade. That’s the first scheduled for May 19. to hoofbeat.editorials@gmail. Senator, and Tiana Chan, Adv. 305, Rodgers, Northside principal, said. thing,” Menk said. “[International Food Fair] is com. Submissions should not Freshman EduDev Senator, emerg- “This confirmed my belief that The rest of the Council has re- going to be in collaboration with I- exceed two pages. ing victorious. this is going to be a great freshman ciprocated the new Senators’ im- Day,” Una Lim, Adv. 013, Student Many freshmen found it difficult class.” pressions and embraced Chan and Council President, said. “It is right Contact to choose which candidate to vote Chan and Menk got right down Menk. after colloquium, so it’s a perfect The Hoof Beat is a monthly pub- for. to business after the results were an- “I thought the freshmen that ran time for lunch.” lication produced by the North- “All the candidates prepared re- nounced, attending their first Stu- for their positions were very enthusi- The Northside student council side Prep Journalism Class. ally great speeches, so it was a close dent Council meeting on Monday, astic, and there’s a very positive out- has gotten off to a fast start and is As a student-run newspaper, race and it was hard to determine the September 28. look for the freshmen class,” Fabian more than happy to welcome its your opinions are important to best candidate,” Alita Carbone, Adv. “It was more relaxed than I Lara, Adv. 206, Sophomore EduDev newest members aboard. Although us. If you have any comments, 303, said. thought it would be,” Chan said. Senator, said. there is much to be done, the fresh- corrections, critiques, or ques- Candidates who did not win “Everyone gave input; it was cool.” The freshmen senators enter into men and the rest of the council are tions, please e-mail Mr. Ches- found it difficult to accept the re- Chan says she ran because she a Council consumed with tasks. up to the task at hand. ter Tylinski at ctylinski@gmail. sults. wanted to make a difference in the For veterans of Student Council, “I have a lot of faith in our coun- com or the Editors in Chief at “I was most naturally disap- school and be the voice of the fresh- this year has proven to be one of cil this year,” Maria Jolly, Adv. 012, [email protected]. pointed when I saw the election re- men. Menk has started Student the busiest on record. The Council EduDev Chair, said. “I believe we sults, and I realized I hadn’t done Council Suggestion Fridays in his started with a new moderator for the will keep up the good work.” Month 2009 News  Supporting women’s rights NOW venue for like-minded individuals in Raising women’s the Northside community that want- ed to contribute their time and effort rights awareness towards the betterment of the female population in America, as well as in by Pooja Agarwal foreign countries. The average Northside student “[The NOW Club] will benefit can be labeled as smart, athletic, ar- Northside by offering an interesting tistic, or even globally aware. North- perspective,” Feiger said. “Women siders are always embarking on are still earning 77 cents, compared projects that are advantageous to the to a man’s dollar. We are letting student body, Northside community, Northside students know that this city of Chicago, and beyond. This unfairness is still going on.” fall, Northside welcomes NOW: the The NOW Club will be initiating National Organization for Women, projects to promote women’s em- a feminist organization that strives powerment, and it will also work to- to preserve and promote. NOW has wards different female benefits. On been brought to Northside by the October 18, about 20 club members dedication of Leah Feiger, Adv. 014, participated in a Breast Cancer Walk, Jennifer Sher, Adv. 018, and Deirdre which will help foster better research College representatives that visit Northside to share information about their universities can typically be found Lee, Adv. 012. This is the first time and treatment of breast cancer. in the hallway directly outside the cafeteria during most lunch blocks. Photo by Faique Moqeet. NOW is being introduced to North- “It’s a fun and educational op- side students and faculty, and the portunity, and we’re fighting for a three co-presidents hope that it will good cause,” said Feiger during a Attention all prospective provide an interesting insight into is- club meeting held on October 15. sues that women are currently facing The NOW Club was also offered all over the world.. to attend the Accenture Event on students: colleges will be visiting According to the official website April 10, an elite event that promotes tions. The representatives agree that “I’m a sophomore and I talked to of NOW, the organization was origi- leadership skills among younger Northside: Northside is a diverse environment the college representatives last year nally founded in 1966. Throughout female students. The club is also and a good high school to advocate and this year too,” Pedro Juarez, the latter years of the 20th century, working on establishing a Speaker’s a hotspot their schools because of diverse in- Adv. 201, said. “One of them actual- as the civil rights movement intensi- Forum, which will allow women of terests and backgrounds. At the same ly remembered me. I think everyone fied, feminists were inspired to enter power and high stature to speak to for college time they find Northside students to should talk to some of the colleges the world of politics and endeavored Northside students, share informa- be very dedicated. before junior and senior year. Then, to make their voices heard. They pri- tion about their past experiences and representatives “The students at Northside are if you have a school you find inter- marily lobbied against “sex discrimi- their occupation, and tell stories. academically motivated; they are esting, you can research them and nation in employment.” Women They are planning to bring Lisa Ma- by Faique Moqeet well rounded individuals and are have a better picture of your future involved in NOW are also active in digan, Illinois Attorney General, to The tables outside the cafete- very mannered,” a representative college.” Commission on the Status of Wom- Northside. ria have recently been occupied by from West Point Military Academy Some underclassmen disagree, en (CSW), a branch of the United The NOW Club is sponsored by representatives from colleges and said. “Also, the counseling depart- saying that they refuse to think about Nations, devoted to “gender equal- Mr. John Belcaster, social science de- universities. They intend to create ment here is excellent.” colleges and stress themselves. They ity and advancement of women,” partment, and currently has over 20 interest among students to attend The counseling office organizes argue that college is too far away to according to the United Nations members, who meet once a week. their colleges. Representatives often the college representatives coming be given much consideration. website. “The NOW Club plugged into visit during lunch periods outside to the school. Patrick Tassoni, coun- “I just started coming to North- Feiger has been keenly interested the NOW Organization, which is a the cafeteria. The counseling office seling department, is in charge of side less than a few months ago, and and devoted to the issues that sur- well-known organization,” Belcaster organizes these visits. the whole process. Often the repre- I’m supposed to be looking at colleg- round gender and equality, including said. “This was an effective way to Even before college deadlines sentatives leave before the last lunch es?” Umair Hamid, Adv. 304 said. the importance of educating women. start a club and harness the resourc- start approaching, Northside has period, giving these students a slight “I don’t want to leave yet, I’ll think The club was formed to provide a es that already existed.” begun to invite college representa- disadvantage yet most representa- about colleges when I have less than tives. The visits are an asset to both tive’s stay until the last lunch period a few months before graduating.” colleges and students. The colleges is over. There is a policy where stu- Due to the differences among the are able to publicize themselves to a dents can get passes to leave class to colleges invited, students often flock Mustangs put to test large student population, while stu- visit these colleges, yet is it widely to one table while other representa- ings. This year, a four day week was dents, on the other hand, receiveex- unknown. tives are deserted. Students often Sophomores followed by the PSAT’s. posure to the multitude of colleges “I have 7A lunch, and a lot of crowd more popular or prestigious Furthermore, sophomores and ju- within the halls of their own high times on FirstClass, it mentions that universities. and juniors take niors were greeted by a rainy morn- school. some college is coming but they will “I feel bad for some of the col- ing to get to their PSAT’s. Traffic was “It is very helpful and gives you leave before 7A lunch. It’s really stu- lege reps because most of the time, PSAT’s heavy and as a result some students insight into a lot of the colleges,” pid,” Lina Ibrahim, Adv. 209 said. there is one good university where arrived late to the test. While some Ruchi Mahadeshwar, Adv. 103, “It annoys me and doesn’t make any everyone just talks to the rep,” Rosa by Lyanne Alfaro students were ambitious to take the said. “Plus, you get brownie points sense.” Pacheco, Adv. 107, said. “The others The annual PSATs (Prelimi- test and get it over with, others wor- with the colleges for filling out their Logically, the representatives are just left empty.” nary SAT) once again put students’ ried over lack of calculators or for- info cards or shaking hands with the tend to interact more with upper- The range of college representa- knowledge to the test on Saturday, gotten slips to the test. rep.” classmen, but often freshmen and tives visiting Northside is useful for October 17, while also giving them “This year’s PSAT’s should have The visiting colleges are diverse sophomores are seen talking to the both the colleges and Northside stu- the opportunity to qualify for the been on a weekday,” Benjamin Sulli- in many respects. The counseling of- representatives too. Some students dents. The representatives will con- very purpose of the test: a scholar- van-Knoff, Adv.105, said. “Saturday fice invites liberal arts colleges, top believe that it is never too early to tinue to come throughout the year ship. Every year, the NMSC (Na- mornings are prime sleeping times.” tier universities, and local institu- think about colleges. until the application period is over. tional Merit Scholarship Corpora- As some students were dis- tion) awards high schoolers across gruntled by the fact that the PSAT’s the nation with qualifying scores to were on a Saturday morning, others receive their scholarship. Approxi- believed that even though they had Helping the world, can by can mately 1.5 million students take to wake up early to get to the test coming and the NHS car wash were Adv. 206, said. “I hope that more the test each year, but only a small on time, the actual test was not too National Honor also prizes that could be won for schools host events like this so we portion of that number proceed to difficult. While some students may donating the most cans to the NHS can continue to help our commu- the next level with the NMSC. The think that a challenge is always ap- Society hosts cause. nity.” PSAT measures critical reading preciated, others felt thankful that A decorated box was placed in The Northside community cer- skills, math problem solving skills, the test was at, if not a little below, annual food drive each advisory for the convenience of tainly contributed to a good cause and writing skills. their knowledge level. After all, this students. through the NHS food drive based This year, the NHRP (National test could qualify any student to get by John Mederich “It was really cool to see the col- on student responses. Hispanic Recognition Program) a scholarship that could cover most Decoration boxes flooded advi- orful donation box in my advisory “It was a really good cause and is also available to students. The if not all college expenses. So much sory rooms the week before Thanks- every day,” Victoria Inojoosa, Adv. they did a great job,” Alice Senda- NHRP, like the NMSC, rewards a did the PSAT’s appear to be easy to giving as the National Honor Soci- 201, said. rak, Adv. 106, said. number of students with scholar- some Northsiders, that it came to be ety (NHS) launched its annual food This year, 1,876 cans were col- This Thanksgiving the less fortu- ships that can ease the process of ap- a laughing matter compared to the drive. The collection boxes were dec- lected as part of the NHS food drive. nate were provided with meals made plying for and buying an education ACT’s. orated by the members of NHS. Christopher Santiago’s, art depart- from the canned goods donated by in college. More 200,000 Hispanic “This year’s PSAT’s were pretty The NHS food drive lasted three ment, Adv. 014 donated the most Northside students and staff. students take the test every year and easy in comparison to at least mock days, and on Thursday November 19 cans with a total of 989. “People don’t really think about of those only 5,000 are identified as the ACT’s we took,” Ada Diep, Adv. the cans were packaged into boxes Although the NHS food drive food that they eat until they don’t outstanding students based on their 106, said. “It should have been on a and sent to the North Park Friend- only lasted for three days, it had have it,” Carolyn Jeon, Adv. 200, PSAT scores and GPA (Grade Point weekday, though.” ship Center. The teachers who co- great results from the student per- said. “It’s good that Northside was Average) average. Students must Now, some Northsiders also be- ordinated the NHS food drive are spective. able to help bring food to people that have a minimal 3.0 GPA to qualify lieve that the Saturday timing may Ms. Ortiz and Ms. Searcy. This was “During this time of giving, by need it this Thanksgiving.” for the scholarship before taking the have affected their ability to do well Anna Searcy’s, social science depart- giving cans it is our way of reach- Although there was positive feed- test as well as check themselves in as on the test. For some it was truly a ment, first year in charge of the food ing out to our community,” Jialing back from the food drive, it also re- Hispanic in the test. Students that chore to wake up for and get on time drive. Jing, Adv. 209, said. “Although to us ceived negative views from the stu- receive this scholarship may go be- to the PSAT’s. The annual food drive aims to col- they are just cans, in reality they are dent perspective. yond the boundaries of the United “The PSAT’s were pretty easy so lect cans to provide food for needy worth so much more. It’s the little “There wasn’t enough notifica- States and spread out to Puerto Rico, there were only slight challenges on people for the holidays. Using an ice things that make people happy.” tion,” Tasha Viets-VanLear, Adv. Guam and Mariana Islands. the test.” Aerial Henderson, Adv. cream campaign with the prize of an Other students felt that the North- 101, said. “By the time they told us, As Northsiders approach senior 109, said. “The PSAT means the de- ice cream party, the National Honor side community put forth much ef- it [the food drive] was over. I didn’t year, part of their transition is taking termining of whether I will do good Society (NHS) aimed to attract peo- fort to help those in need. realize it had started.” the PSAT twice in their high school or not on the actual exam.” ple to donate non-perishable canned “I think it’s amazing how simply, The Northside community took career. Although most CPS (Chica- The PSAT exams were shipped food items for this year’s event. The through an effort by a single school, action by hosting this year’s food go Public Schools) high schools take out to the NMSC on Wednesday, advisory that donated the most cans we can collect about 1900 cans of drive and showing thanks through its the PSAT’s on a weekday and during October 21. Students expect test and won an ice cream party for their re- food to drastically change the holi- donation to the North Park Friend- their normal class time, Northside scholarship results by mid-Decem- spective advisory. Tickets for home- days for those in need,” Qing Hoo, ship Center. takes the PSAT’s on Saturday morn- ber.  Connections The Hoof Beat Health care bill heading to the House all bankruptcies are attributed to in- satisfied with their coverage. If they offered for those that cannot afford bill includes insurance for 31 mil- Health care creasing medical expenses. Accord- become sick, the insurance compa- health insurance. lion Americans that are currently ing to recent Commonwealth Fund nies will not be able to cancel the The insurance exchange will take uninsured and a requirement that passes in the poll, nearly 82 percent of Americans health insurance when they need effect in 2014. Immediately, those all Americans purchase health insur- believe the U.S. health care system the coverage the most. The current Americans without health insurance ance with subsidies for the lower- Senate after needs to be changed to improve the health insurance plans will no longer and with preexisting medical condi- income Americans. The bill needed quality of health care, including ex- have maximum yearly benefits or tions will be offered low-cost health sixty votes to pass in the Senate. On lengthy debate panding insurance coverage to the maximum lifetime benefits. Routine insurance so that they are not faced a rare Sunday session of the Senate Americans that are uninsured. While check ups or preventative care, such with financial devastation if they po- on December 6, President Obama by Evan Rogers support for some form of health care as a mammogram or a colonoscopy, tentially become ill. All individuals spoke during a closed-door session, After 25 straight days of debate reform is virtually universal, the spe- will be covered at no extra charge. will be required to carry basic health offering 45 minutes of encourage- on the floor, the Senate voted to pass cific attributes and costs of the pro- For Americans currently without insurance. Businesses will have to of- ment and inspiration to approve the health care reform on Christmas Eve posed reform bill have been met with health insurance, the insurance com- fer health insurance to their workers current bill, calling it an “historic op- in 60-to-39 vote. President Barack continued controversy. panies will not be able to deny an or supplement the expense of health portunity” (chicagotribune.com). Obama has made reforming health On September 9, the president individual health insurance because insurance for their employees. The bill was passed down party care in the United States a top pri- outlined his health care bill to a Joint of a pre-existing condition. There Bill naysayers argue that it is lines, with all Democrats voting for ority throughout the majority of his Session of Congress (The White will be a new insurance exchange too expensive and that it puts the it and all Republicans voting against first year in office, with much of his House Office of the Press Secre- allowing Americans without health government in the health insurance it. potential legacy riding on the success tary). The proposed health care re- insurance to get the insurance they business competition with private in- The public still needs to be per- of the bill. In the most basic sense, form came with an estimated cost of need. The insurance exchange will surers (reuters.com). There are many suaded that the current health care the proposed health care reform bill $900 billion over the next ten years, allow businesses and individuals a lawmakers from both parties that do reform bill will improve the cost, suggests that all American citizens including coverage for citizens cur- place to turn to for health insurance not want to include abortion cover- accessibility and quality of medical have a right to health care coverage rently lacking health insurance. at prices that are competitive. As a age in a government-run, “public op- care. Although 82% of Americans and that the federal government will For those that already have large group the insurance customers tion” health program except in cases agree that health care needs to be subsidize health insurance premiums health insurance, the bill proposed will be in a better position to bargain of rape, incest or where the abortion reformed, only 44% support the cur- for those lower-income individuals more security of coverage from job with the insurance companies for is necessary to protect the health of rent care according to recent polls. who are uninsured. loss or employment changes and sta- better prices. The insurance compa- the mother (Kansascity.com). Although the bill has passed in both Many Americans have faced fi- bility in medical costs. Health care nies will then have a larger customer The debate within the Senate the House and the Senate, it will face nancial devastation due to the price reform plan will not change the cur- pool to compete for. Tax credits, regarding the health care overhaul its hardest audience, the American of health care. Nearly 62 percent of rent coverage of Americans who are which will be based on need, will be began on November 30. The Senate people, in the 2010 elections. Chicago Public School melting pot about to boil over ognize the importance of promoting pattern in segregation levels (www. CPS schools diverse learning communities for ev- chicagotribune.com/news). ery student and remain committed After a 2007 case involving Se- to lift racial to the development of a fair admis- attle and Louisville school districts, sions process to achieve that goal the U.S. Supreme Court decided integration even further.” that a district cannot use race in its Critics have cited that in cities admissions decisions if not under quotas where mandated integration was federal order to integrate students repealed, segregation increased in of different races. The two districts by Alice Henry schools. Some cities, such as San had voluntarily attempted to in- There no longer is a color to Chi- Francisco, have created an admis- tegrate students (www.wgnradio. cago Public Schools (CPS) magnet sions process that is based on socio- com/news). and selective enrollment factions. economic factors and does not de- Previously, CPS selective en- On September 25, 2009, U.S. Dis- pend on forced racial integration. rollment or magnet schools had trict Judge Charles P. Kocoras ter- "This means that Chicago's little to have a minimum 65% minority minated and vacated the Second modicum of desegregated magnet enrollment. As it stands now, only Amended Consent Decree, the court schools will be threatened," Gary 8% of the CPS student population decision that mandated racial inte- Orfield, an education professor at is of white background, but up to gration in the CPS system (www. the University of California, Los 35% of the selective enrollment and cps.edu/news). What CPS will do in Angeles who has studied Chicago magnet schools’ student enrollment response to the decision has not yet schools and the decree, said (www. is reserved for whites (www.chica- know exactly what the rules are,” redefining of the admissions pro- been decided as its 75 magnet and chicagotribune.com/news). "Unless gotribune.com/news). The man- Principal Barry Rodgers said. “…I cess. With only a couple of weeks selective enrollment schools must the district makes a real commit- dated racial integration started 29 think in general [the use of socio- left until admission applications are hash out new admissions processes. ment to keep them, [they] will be years ago when CPS was accused of economic factors in the application sent out, this gives little time for a “The court has held that Chi- lost in this sea of segregation." not integrating the Black and His- process] is a good idea … it seems new process to be created, but CPS cago Public Schools are in compli- Orfield also said that San Francis- panic populations into schools well like a nice ideal to follow through, officials are working on it. ance with the Constitution and the co saw segregation increase, despite enough. CPS is still looking to main- but I think that there [are] many dif- “This is a difficult challenge laws of the United States in the creating an admissions process to re- tain diversity in other ways. ficulties that might come along with made more difficult by a lack of District’s efforts to achieve unitary place the racial integration selection. “In all fairness to everyone in- doing that.” time,” Patrick Rocks, district general status,” CPS CEO Ron Huberman Districts in Denver and Charlotte, volved, I would like to see a process For selective enrollment and counsel, said (www.chicagotribune. said (www.cps.edu/news). “We rec- North Carolina, also saw a similar that’s very transparent so people magnet schools, this means a total com/news). Terror blankets Fort Hood reports that the gunman is said to had cleaned out his apartment and 43 causalities be paralyzed from the waist down had given his apartment keys to as a result of gunshot wounds and the manager, Patricia Villa, on the after rampage may never be able to walk again. He morning of the shooting. According was discharged from the Intensive to the New York Times, he told her at Army base in Care Unit on Wednesday, Decem- he “was shipping out to Afghanistan ber 16, and is “rehabilitating from on Friday.” Texas [his] wounds.” According to the The Chicago Tribune writes that New York Times, John Galligan, Hassam often spoke to his uncle by Pooja Agarwal Hassan’s attorney, stated that Has- about receiving “ethnic taunts by Major Nidal Malik Hassan, a san will be hospitalized for at least Army Colleagues,” which deeply 39 year old U.S Army psychiatrist, two more months while he “learns affected him and may have contrib- opened fire in Fort Hood, Texas, on to care for himself.” uted to his breakdown. Thursday, November 5, after shout- According to the Wall Street “Maybe it built up together -- ing “Allahu Akbar,” which trans- Journal, among the fatalities was the harassment, too many patients, lates to “God is Great.” Soldiers a 19-year old teenager, Aaron the workload, the tragedies his pa- and civilians attempted to flee from Nemelka, who joined the army af- tients brought to him," Rafik Ismail the Soldier Readiness Center, the ter graduating from high school; a Hamad, the gunman’s uncle, said. U.S.’s largest Army post, located in newly married soldier, Jason Hunt; "Whatever it was, it must have been Fort Hood as they heard deafening and Francheska Velez, who was two big pressure, something terrible gunshots pierce the setting. Accord- months pregnant. Of the thirteen fa- he couldn't handle.” (Chicago Tri- ing to the Wall Street Journal, the talities, two were from Illinois: Mi- bune). rampage occurred shortly after 1:20 chael S. Pearson from Bolingbrook, Army officials planned to have p.m. 13 people were killed and 30 IL, and Velez from Chicago. The Hassan’s mental state at the time of others were wounded before Hassan thirteen caskets were transported to the shooting evaluated. This evalu- was taken to the ground in a shoot Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. ation will also determine whether out with police officers Sgt. Kim- According to the Chicago Tribune, Hassan’s mental condition is stable berly Munley and Sgt. Mark Todd. Hassan has been charged with “13 enough for his military trial. Ac- After speaking to many witnesses, counts of premeditated murder” and cording to the Chicago Tribune, the officials determined that Hassan “32 counts of attempted premeditat- results of the mental test could in- was the only suspect involved in the ed murder,” taking the 13 fatalities fluence the decision stating whether shooting. The gunman was armed and over two dozen injured soldiers Hassan would be tried for death row. with two handguns, but he only and civilians into account. However, the definite plans for the used his “5.7-caliber semiautomatic While searching Hassan’s apart- evaluation are still not determined. pistol” (KLTV.com). ment after the rampage, investiga- Hassan has been banned from Sources had originally believed tors found business cards, which viewing any media. His contacts Hassan to be dead; however, he excluded his rank as an Army have been limited to his attorney and was confirmed to be alive on No- Psychiatrist, but rather he labeled family members, with all conversa- vember 6 and remained in the in- himself as “SoA,” which officials tions supervised. The New York tensive care unit, according to the believe could possibly stand for Times reports that Hassan is being New York Times, after coming out “Servant of Allah” or “Solider of closely supervised for the remainder of a coma. The New York Times Allah” (New York Times). Hassan of this stay at the hospital. December 2009 Features  Meet Mr. Mike Coy, the high schooler “I was terrible at [football],” Mr. ally enjoy the dances” because it Mr. Coy = one Coy said. “I was very small and I often seemed that the girls and boys didn’t have the discipline to practice would stand separately on either “crazy rebel” really hard.” sides of walls. His decision to not by Sony Kassam Mr. Coy did not consider him- attend either of his proms was also self to be given the general label of influenced by a rather embarrassing Voted second most attractive the “smart one”, but since he took story he shared regarding a previous with a senior girlfriend during his college prep classes unlike his close prom experience. sophomore year, Mike Coy, science friends, he was considered the smart “When I was a sophomore, my department, was once a young “cra- one in his group. However, outside girlfriend was a senior and she took zy rebel” in high school. His mother, of his circle of friends, Mr. Coy was me to senior prom,” Mr. Coy said, a blue grass player, inspired him to thought of as a rebel. “and I wore a white tuxedo with become interested in guitar playing “All my buddies were going to tails, and I didn’t understand that at the age of 14. After graduating in shop class, and none of them had you should probably wear white 1986 from Meridian Senior High, any chance to go to college,” Mr. socks with that. I had black socks located in Stanford, Michigan “in Coy said. “They’re the friends I on with a white tuxedo, which is not the middle of a cornfield,” he went would hang out with after school very cool. It was a local university, on to attend Central Michigan Uni- or on weekends. But I was taking and as I ran across the road from the versity. Later on, little Mike Coy be- all the college prep classes with all parking lot to the banquet hall, this came Mr. Richard “Mike” Coy, who the nerds [who] thought that I was college girl says, “Don’t you know currently teaches Physics, AP Phys- the crazy rebel guy hanging out you shouldn’t wear black socks with ics B, and Chemistry. with my crazy rebel friends, [while a white tux, dummy?” That was re- Back in the day, just like any my friends] thought I was the book- ally embarrassing, so we sat in the other high school student–or North- smart nerd guy.” lobby, and I had my girlfriend sit on sider—Mr. Coy considered himself During their spare time, Mr. Coy my lap, and she used her huge dress a procrastinator. He would ask for and his friends would hang out in to hide my socks, and I never got extended deadlines and he consid- the woods on logging trails. They up.” ered himself less responsible than he would gather their cars around a bon Mr. Coy’s high school also held is now. fire and put speakers on the roofs of voting for senior notables, similar “You know how most teenagers their cars and listen to heavy metal. to Northsider’s senior notable pro- are like, I was like [most teenagers Mr. Coy remembered some other gram. He was voted second most at- today],” Mr. Coy said. “I would wait memorable moments he had with tractive and was also voted the most till the last minute to do things and his friends. talented. if not, I would ask for extensions. I “We would always be doing “You know, second’s pretty good, don’t do those things anymore. I’m something stupid,” Mr. Coy said. and it was a very small school,” Mr. anteed ticket to college. thinking, ‘Please help me with this. not the one to push things back and “In the lake we did water skiing or Coy said. “I got voted the most tal- “I didn’t even think I would go to I only see equations.’ Schools are wait till the last minute to do things. we spent an entire day filming a sled ented because I played guitar. I was college. I didn’t know anything about definitely much more serious now, I tend to take care of my responsi- run down the hill by my house down horrible, but people just liked the it,” Mr. Coy said. “And then [at especially high schools.” bilities as they come up now.” to the water. People used to say, ‘give idea of a guy playing rock guitar bet- Northside], every single person goes Overall, Mr. Coy certainly looks Mr. Coy was also involved in these guys some pencils, a piece of ter than the guy who played piano to college. It’s completely different. back at his high school days with extracurricular activities, including string and some lighters, and they [because] there were so many other The students are much more serious joy. working with his high school pa- can keep themselves busy for hours.’ people that were really talented, but about school, [and] the teachers are “I love my life now,” Mr. Coy per. He was also involved in Junior We could entertain ourselves with nobody cared at that school about more serious now than the teach- said. “Everything that I’m doing Achievement with his friends, which anything.” piano, they liked the rock guitar.” ers I had. My teachers didn’t care now, I’m happy on the daily basis. they thought was going to encom- Aside from partaking in extracur- Mr. Coy compared his high about their job. I remember sitting But, you know, I loved it then too. If pass glass blowing, but instead they ricular activities and hanging out school experience in the 80s with the in chemistry class hating chemistry I could do it again, I would. I don’t crafted and sold pot holders. He also with friends, prom is another aspect high school experience now, stating because I wasn’t getting anything know if I would do it [differently], partook in track his freshmen year of high school life. Mr. Coy, howev- that high school has become serious and there was my teacher just gab- but there are a lot of things that I did and football his freshmen and soph- er, neither attended his junior prom and ensures that students receive the bing with the cheerleaders [or jocks] that were a blast, [and] that I would omore years. nor his senior prom. He “didn’t re- best possible education with a guar- about the football game, and I was love to do again.” Hold the apples: what gifts teachers really want single best gift a student has ever giv- Gifts that teachers receive show though the student is not in his class interested in. Teachers reveal en me has been a 20 dollar bill.” students’ appreciation of the time anymore. “One of the things I have found,” Ms. Irving, Social Science De- and effort that goes into teaching a Mr. Tim Devine, Social Science Mr. Devine said, “is that Northside their favorite partment, agrees that a gift of three class. Teachers are always there to Department, enjoys seeing his stu- students are just eminently thought- dollars cash is better than three dollar help students and expect to be ap- dents learn, and that gift is enough ful and have some genuine appre- holiday gifts chocolate. According to these teach- proached if a student is having a for him. He tends to get many gifts; ciation for the amount of work that ers, gift cards are all right, but not hard time in class. Mr. Robert Blease, around late April, early May seniors teachers do.” by Zobia Chunara great. Gift cards constrain the user Language Department, thinks that it often give him gifts since they are He thinks that students know On the last day of school last to a particular thing; it is important is sweet that students give him gifts, about to graduate. that, even if they do not get into their year, Mr. John Belcaster, social sci- that they like that certain restaurant but they know that he is there to help In school, Mr. Devine remem- dream schools, the teachers have put ence department, walked into his or shop for them to use it. them, so a gift could never affect a bers giving his AP Statistics teacher in a lot of time to help them, and classroom, and on his desk there An argument can be made that student’s grade. 15 pages of cartoons he drew about they appreciate it. Some of the un- was a piece of artwork sitting on his every time a teacher uses a gift card, “There is kind of like that under- him. In them, he made fun of his usual gifts he remembers getting are deak. On the chalkboard, there was he or she remembers the student. lying sense,” Mr. Blease said, “like, teacher for living in his parent’s a John McCain punching bag and an arrow pointing to it, and it said However with cash, they just take it maybe the students getting a C or a house at age 40. That teacher still a paper mache art work that repre- “nuclear core heart.” Mr. Belcaster and put it in their pocket and it can D, but all the students know my pol- has it and showed it to Mr. Devine sented a Supreme Court case. thinks that the student was trying to be spent right away. For Mr. Belcast- icy that personal is separated from last year at his reunion. The notes that he gets from stu- suggest his appreciation by saying er, this was not the case. One of his business, and my impression is that Teachers do not only receive gifts dents are the most meaningful, and that he has a “nuclear core heart”. students told him he could never use they understand that.” from students, but from their col- he keeps a box of all the notes of ap- Birthdays, Christmas, and the the cash present she would give him. Mr. Blease enjoys getting gift leagues as well. Mr. Steve Arnam, preciation and emails too. end of the school year are times So, that enterprising student gave cards to Panera or “Lettuce Enter- Science Department, gave Ms. Lind- “In our profession you don’t see when some teacher’s desks have gifts him a $20 bill that had writing on it. tain You” from students, because it sey Caplice, Fine Arts Department, the tangible rewards of your profes- atop them. They come in boxes, gift- “She out-smarted me,” Mr. Bel- allows him to go out and have dinner a huge stuffed fish that she put on sion very often,” Mr. Devine said, “so wrapping, envelopes, or as an art caster said. “She wrote on it in big with his family or get coffee. Once her art wall. He also gave Mr. Devine sometimes when I need some tangi- piece. Mr. Belcaster believes that the sharpies ‘Thank you very much’ and he got an ornament of a teacher some old editions of “Life” maga- ble reminders that my late hours of best gift ever from a student is cash. then on the back ‘for last night,’ and and he really liked it so he hung it zine from when John. F Kennedy work are meaningful, I’ll dig into the “By far, without question, un- you could never hand that over to on his Christmas tree. Another gift was assassinated. Old things can box and I’ll grab a couple of notes, equivocally, without hesitation or anybody for payment as anything, he remembers is the $50 gift card a also be very thoughtful, especially if and they will refresh me about what reservation,” Mr. Belcaster said, “the since it is so suggestive.” student gives him every year, even they are linked to what a person is I do and how it is meaningful.” Northsiders stay home for the holidays Christmas, I’m going to Ohio to visit Brianna Cirrincione, Adv. 302, cations for the break. said. Winter break my grandma and my relatives.” said. “I wish I could go on vacation “I wish I could go somewhere ex- No matter the destination, Some people’s holiday plans may somewhere, but I have basketball otic and warm,” Graden said. though, the overall themes of break plans gravitate be kept simple this year due to fear every day so I cannot really go any- For some people, however, it isn’t remain the same. of a large homework load. where.” just a dream. “It is about catching up on sleep towards staying “I am really concerned about Other sports that have practice “I am going to Jordan,” Annesti and catching up on rest,” Mr. Blease the homework over break,” Nick over break include men’s swimming Elmasri, Adv. 306, said. “My sister said. “Everyone needs this time to close to home White, Adv. 306, said inan email in- and diving, poms, and cheerleading. is getting engaged, so she is going to regroup.” terview. “I have many traditions that For some, however, winter break get her papers done, and I am going Winter break is also an important by Tess Thompson I've been waiting to do, but some of is always spent close to home. to see my family.” time of the year to be with family. As the holidays start approach- them may have to be cancelled if too “We usually don’t go anywhere,” Jazmine Hernandez, Adv. 209, “My favorite part [of break] is ing, thoughts of winter break begin much homework is assigned.” Cygan said. “We stay home and also has long-distance travel plans having the chance to catch up with to leak into everyone’s minds. Sleep- Others are not too concerned have dinner at a family member’s over break. my brother and my cousins since we ing in, relaxing, gift giving, and about their workload. house.” “This year for winter break I’m don’t get to hang out that much dur- special food are some of the visions “I think teachers will be nice Teachers are also keeping their going to be with my best friend and ing the school year,” Cygan said. dancing in Northsiders’ heads; but enough not to give any homework,” plans simple this year. we are planning to go skiing for the This is an aspect of break that for many, travel is not. It seems that Angelica Cygan, Adv. 011, said. “It’s “We usually take a short vaca- first week at her family’s lodge,” everyone’s plans acknowledge. For this year, most Northsiders’ holiday not fair; if they’re not doing work, tion, but none of that this year,” Hernandez said. “The second week, all religions and cultures, this is a plans involve staying in the states, we shouldn’t have to do work.” Mr. Robert Blease, world language we’re going to spend in Mexico with time of year to spend time with fam- and even more specifically, in the People on sports teams may also department, said. “We’re basically my dad’s part of the family.” ily and friends. Midwest. have to adjust plans to allow for going to stay at home and visit our Exciting vacations do, however, “A good winter break has noth- “For Christmas, I’m staying practices. family.” have their drawbacks. ing to do with where you go, but home with my family,” Kather- “I have basketball pretty much Even if their plans are already “I’ll probably have to do my rather whom you share it with,” ine Graden, Adv. 200, said. “After every day [during winter break],” set, some people still have dream va- homework on the plane,” Elmasri White said in an email interview.  Centerfold The Hoof Beat A social system built on shaking hands

The Daily Mind and how-to sites like the mix — group identity. This can often most identical to handshakes oration. Handshakes do much more How a simple eHow deliver details ranging from the range from benign purposes such as used by gangs to identify members than say hello — from identifying obvious, such as an instruction to ex- simply sharing a stronger bond with — while the handshake of a simple group-mates to congratulating some- social greeting tend out the right hand, to the minute someone to more severe situations social group may seem less threaten- one, a handshake has far-reaching and details, including how firm to make where identifying one's self as a mem- ing, both clique and gang handshakes various possible interpretations. One has become so the handshake, how long to hold it for, ber of a secret society or fraternity seek to identify those who belong in thing is clear, however — people will and even the exact distance to move or sorority might increase his or her the group. judge you from your handshake. So essential the hand when pumping it down. chances of receiving a job or promo- Whether it is a secret handshake make sure to wash your hands. Details on cultural differences can tion. shared only between those in a specific by Dylan Nugent be found as well, with some cultures For high school students, the hand- group, or the more general handshake "More history is made by secret considering a firm handshake as a sign shake might not yet hold all of the shared as a cul- handshakes than by battles, bills, and of disrespect, and others considering gravity it does in the business world, tural greeting proclamations," John Barth, an Amer- a weak handshake as a sign of disre- except maybe in college interviews, across half ican author, said. spect. In fact, the entire sequence of but it remains an important social the globe, Whether it is the secret handshake the handshake may differ from culture sign. Teenage secret handshakes do shaking of some society; a made up special to culture; for example, in Columbia it not generally identify which fraternity hands has greeting between friends; or just a is considered appropriate for women or sorority one attended, or whether or become a regular handshake, one hand clasped to hold forearms instead of shaking not they are a Freemason, but rather, ubiquitous against the other; the handshake has hands, and in Egypt, a light touch on serve as a way to seal a group together. symbol associated always had an important place in so- the elbow is considered appropriate Different cliques or groups of friends with com- cial interactions. The origin of the following a handshake. might have different handshakes, and munication handshake itself is unknown, though However, a common trait among when one person does not know the and according to historian Donald Sand- all cultures which use the handshake proper handshake, he or she is often la- col- ers in an article for "The Bulletin of is the disrespect shown by refusing a beled as an outcast. Most of the time, lab- the American Schools of Oriental handshake — often this is considered these secret handshakes are much Research," it has been depicted in a refusal to associate or interact with more drawn out and obvious then the drawings and texts dating back to 200 the person offering the handshake, secret handshakes of adults. While BCE. and can be seen as rude or insulting. adults intend their secret handshake Regardless of when handshakes The importance of a handshake to be a subtle variation of a regular originated, they remain a common can be noticed most directly by look- handshake designed to be un- societal ritual to this day. Used for ing at public figures. Presidents, for ex- noticeable to others observ- everything from a simple greeting to ample, often are noted, at least in part, ing the handshake, teenagers a congratulatory gesture, how people for their handshakes — in addition to use them as an overt gesture shake hands can determine how they some people claiming to have voted of their loyalties. The secret are perceived by others. Often hand- for President John F. Kennedy based handshake of a clique, club, shakes open up first meetings, espe- solely on his handshake, according to or gang intends to deliver a cially in business and formal settings, the Guinness Book of World Records, message to the outsiders — a and as such, how two people shake President Theodore Roosevelt held message taunting them hands may help each of them develop the world record for most handshakes for not being on the in- first impressions about the other. in a single day from 1907 until 1977. side. In fact, the teenage It might not be any surprise that The secret handshake is a similar clique typing "how to shake hands" into a matter, but with an added twist. While search engine brings up a plethora of the regular handshake can be used to results on methods and techniques for develop first impressions, show con- giving a handshake, since handshakes gratulations, concede victory, and have become such a universal cultural make agreements, the secret hand- hand- sign. Websites including blogs like shake adds an additional element to shake is Deal me a hand

The history of card games spans has proven Students take well over one thousand years, accord- that people ing to the United States Playing Card who spend a break to play Company, the manufacturer of Bicy- several hours a cle Cards. Playing cards emerged for day involved in cards the first time in the tenth century in mental stimula- China. Cards as we know them, with tion through by Adira Levine the spade, club, heart, and diamond activities such Northside life can be hectic, as suits, were first seen in the fifteenth as card games students strive to balance homework, century. At the time, the images of the reduce their risk of de- sports teams, clubs, and online farms. kings and queens seen on the faces of mentia and prolong lu- Despite their copious responsibilities, the cards were based on real people cidity. According to the many Northside students eek out time and mythological characters, such as New York Times, the to play card games, such as Egyptian Julius Caesar, King David, and Pallas study examined senior rat screw, poker, and solitaire. Within Athena. citizens and found that the school, it is easy to find students Although the very earliest card many elderly people who playing cards before school and dur- games were devised as a leisure activ- had no trace of memory ing lunch. For many Northsiders, ity, card games today can also improve loss frequently engaged cards can be a passion. Some students academic performance. their minds in card games, par- even report carrying two decks of “Cards helped me learn math ticularly bridge. cards on their person at all times. Out- when I was little, so they can be a Some students view the ben- side of school, Northsiders frequently useful study tool,” Sydney Pacione, efits of card games as play card games at home with family Adv. 202, said. “Card games definite- deeper than just family rat members. ly make you think and heighten the time or mental stimula- screw “My family always plays Skip-Bo,” mind if you play a lot.” tion. For some, card games can or be- June Murphy, Adv. 204, said. “It’s a Games involving strategy can also provide a positive method of releasing ing among family tradition because we play it at improve cognitive abilities. emotion. the first to grab reunions or when someone is sick. It “I like thinking and strategy games “Card games can be a good way a spoon at the end of a brings the family together.” much more than games where you to get out your anger,” Reed said. “In game of spoons. Slow reflexes Students see card games as valu- win by chance,” Tiffany Monreal, my opinion, a card game is better than or a player wearing a ring or hav- able opportunities for bonding with Adv. 015, said. “Card games with an anger management course, because ing long fingernails can lead to injury. family and friends. strategy help with thinking skills and it’s a healthy way to get back at people “One time my family was play- men- on the Billboard chart, on February 1 “My favorite card game is rook thinking ahead.” without physically harming them.” ing spoons and someone had to go to tal 1964, according to about.com. This because it is a good way to bring to- Not only can cards educate and Perhaps due to anger release, card the emergency room to get stitches,” stimulation, song was a turning point in the Bea- gether family members for good fun, help develop strategic thinking skills, games with family can also be more Murphy said. “Violence during card or family bond- tles’ history. bonding time, good conversation, and but they can help prevent the onset of violent than some would normally ex- games definitely makes things more ing and emotional ca- However the phrase “I want to a very enjoyable experience,” Justice memory loss. Emerging evidence in pect. Some card games contain a phys- interesting.” tharsis, they never cease to hold your hand” is not simply a Reed, Adv. 206, said. “I try to play research by the University of South- ical component, such as quickly slap- Whether cards are played for com- provide a source of entertainment Beatles song but also is strongly re- whenever possible.” for the solitary or group player. James said on his radio show before ern California called the 90+ Study ping the pile of cards during Egyptian petition and strategy, education and playing the song. “Well, I said there latable to real life. The song demon- was nothing WWDC wouldn’t do for strates the reasons why you would its listeners, so we prevailed on BOAC, hold someone’s hand, as an example now know as the British Airways, to from the song demonstrates: “You’ll Oh! I wanna hold your hand, I wanna hold your hand fly us over a copy of the Beatles’ new let me hold your hand I want to hold record.” This quote is cataloged in the your hand and when I touch you I feel especially for those who weren’t alive hard to ignore, given the fact that they reach both American audiences and To Hold Your Hand.” James soon happy inside.” The Beatles’ hit or old enough to see the Beatles on are categorized in the same group as German audiences. This song is the got a copy of the song sent to the US “The Fab 40,” a website dedicated th Holding hands isn’t for couples, but stage. Despite 40 years and half of Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones first Beatles song to be sung in another from Britain. Once he put the song on to celebrating the then 40 year an- niversary of the Beatles’ breakout in it is also a sign of security and trust. A and craving love the band dying, “Beatlemania” is still as classics for the ages, according to language, German, since it was be- the rotation, he got calls from people father may hold his daughter’s hand going strong. This is evident in the fact Rolling Stone, a magazine covering lieved that German audiences would wanting to listen to it some more, America by John Gonzalez When the song was released for- when their child is scared. The Beatles that the Beatles tribute band referred rock music. The history and the sig- better respond to the Beatles singing in and he increased the rotation of the rise on the “Ed Sullivan Show” came On December 11 2009, in the Harro to previously have a tour schedule. nificance of the song “I Want to Hold German, according to Songfacts.com, song. Before this the Beatles attempt mally in the US, it broke records from East Ballroom, Rochester, New York, the start, at one point selling 10,000 two months after President Kennedy’s The rise of Beatles related media, Your Hand” is very large for both the a trivia website. While this was one of to reach the American audience had assassination, according to Time. the four Beatles John Lennon; Ringo Rock Band, and classic rock stations band and the fans. It was the song that the reasons for their success, another failed, the successes of this song led records in an hour in New York. The Starr, Paul McCarthy, and George number of singles sold reached such This is the Beatles charm that holds all show the Beatles lasting popular- was said to start the “British Invasion” was a caller and a Washington D.C them down the road to United States before and now, the ability for people Harrison are playing to a full crowd, ity. The Beatles are as popular now as in the US, according to the Encyclope- Disc Jockey. 15-year-old Marsha Al- superstardom. a number that Capital Records had the Beatles live on. While these aren’t to send out pressings of the single to to relate to their music and just have they were 40 years ago. dia Britannica. bert mailed a request to Carroll James, “[Albert] wrote me and asked, ‘why a good time, according to an escapist the original members, this concert The popularity of the Beatles is This song was a direct attempt to WWDC disc jockey, to play “I Want can’t we have this music in America?’” just keep up with the demand. Soon demonstrates the love of the Beatles, this song reached the number one spot forum. December 2009 Centerfold  Don’t bite the hand that feeds you family visit to the store and teenagers survey sponsored by Children Now, themselves.” ez, but for different reasons. Children lose re- rolling their eyes at their parents and two-thirds of young children said that Nickelodeon, another channel “It [disrespect] is probably human teachers. Kid’s disrespect toward au- shows such as “The Simpsons” and made specifically for kids, also en- nature,” Darion Gurroia, Adv. 309, spect for authority thority figures like parents and teach- “Married With Children” encourage courages children to rebel against said. “Every kid goes through an age ers isn’t anything new. youthful viewers to disrespect par- their parents. when he doesn’t respect anybody.” figures “There seems to be a lack of respect ents. “The show [iCarly] promotes dis- According to abrokenlife.com, from a good number of students,” Shows like these are targeted to- respect in the form of anti-social dia- teenagers’ disrespect towards their by Alida Pecanin Richard Wallman, principal of John wards an older audience. However, logue and actions to kids who are still parents is the result of puberty. They There are scenes in Marshall High School in New York, some people believe that channels quite impressionable,” Carey Bryson, claim that disrespect towards parents which most people are all said in the New York Times. “Kids and shows that are made specifically About.com’s guide to kid’s movies is okay for kids because it is just a too familiar with: come into the high schools not as pre- for kids encourage insolence towards and TV, said in her online blog. phase and they are trying to get over children throw- pared as they should be, and they get parents. Kids’ lack of respect towards their it. The website claims that parents ing temper tan- turned off very easily. I think a lot of “Now more kids don’t [respect their parents does not stop with rude words should adjust their behavior to accom- trums dur- it is frustration.” parents] because of Disney Channel,” or the rolling of eyes. Some kids go modate the growing child’s attitude. ing a According to Jim Puz- Caryssa Perez, Adv. 101, said. “[The as far as to try to physically hurt their “Their bodies and ideas are often zanghera from the L.A. Disney Channel actors] whine and get parents in order to display their con- equally awkward and unfinished but Times, television is a major what they want and get their parents tempt. their struggle to master both is fasci- cause of disrespect be- for material gain. They date when “Almost 1,200 calls were made to nating,” abrokenlife.com said. “Nego- cause it en- they’re four.” the Parentline Plus charity in the past tiating their transition from childhood courages Perez was not the only person to year by parents suffering abuse from to adulthood means that we are all teenagers believe that Disney Channel causes their children,” the UK Guardian, a making adjustments.” to engage kids to lose respect for their parents. British newspaper, said. “Most of the Kid’s disrespect towards their par- in ag- “All parents on the Disney Chan- violence was perpetrated by children ents is nothing new. People have tried gressive nel are depicted as idiots stumbling aged 13-15. Daughters were more to find explanations and solutions behav- around confused and kids receive use- likely to be aggressors than sons. Di- for decades. The real answer is yet to ior. less, vague advice from them,” Ariel vorce was the prevalent cause in 20% come. In Basora, Adv. 104, said. “They [the of the cases.” a kids] solve situations mainly by Most Northsiders agreed with Per- Hands and how we use them Idle hands are the devil’s tools I like having my youth group to go to me get my homework done, I find my- Teens with too every week because it focuses my time self getting distracted,” Brendali Rios, on certain things I need to accomplish Adv. 306, said. “I usually have so much time on other than school work.” many things to get done that I am able Having less homework sounds like stay focused and avoid chatting with their hands can it would be nice, but the extra free my friends or surfing the web.” time can lead to trouble. Creating an Sports are a good way to stay in mean devilish organized schedule to keep oneself touch with friends, but one of the busy and involved in healthy activities main reasons sports are available to trouble is one way to stay out of trouble. An park districts, churches and many article on Kimatv.com states that “the other community organizations is by Jamilah Alsharif single most important thing [one] can to keep young people out of trouble. on the Billboard chart, on February 1 Many people find it hard to say do to protect teens from making bad IrishHealth.com tells of a study show- 1964, according to about.com. This why teenagers find trouble. It may choices is by getting them involved in ing that “teenagers who are physically song was a turning point in the Bea- be because of their urge to break the organized activities.” active are not only healthier than their tles’ history. rules. There is a proverb with many Another thing that contributes inactive peers, they are also less likely However the phrase “I want to variations, dating as far back as the th to creating a schedule with structure to get into trouble.” hold your hand” is not simply a 14 century that links idleness with is jobs. Besides keeping a person oc- The U.S. Department of Health mischief: “Idle hands are the devil’s James said on his radio show before Beatles song but also is strongly re- cupied, jobs can increase self-esteem. and Human Services found that tools.” The proverb first appeared playing the song. “Well, I said there latable to real life. The song demon- A study conducted by the University among tenth graders, those who spent in the Tale of Melibee and has been was nothing WWDC wouldn’t do for strates the reasons why you would of Iowa found that jobs help prevent no time in extracurricular activities stated in many different ways includ- its listeners, so we prevailed on BOAC, hold someone’s hand, as an example teens from committing suicide. Unfor- compared to those that spent one to ing “idle hands are the devil’s play- now know as the British Airways, to from the song demonstrates: “You’ll tunately, Forbes Magazine found that four hours in activities were 57 per- ground” or “idle hands are the devil’s fly us over a copy of the Beatles’ new let me hold your hand I want to hold 8.8 million teens in July 1999 found cent more likely to have dropped out workshop.” However they all contain record.” This quote is cataloged in the your hand and when I touch you I feel jobs but that there were only 5.6 mil- by the time they would have been se- especially for those who weren’t alive hard to ignore, given the fact that they reach both American audiences and To Hold Your Hand.” James soon the same meaning: that those who “The Fab 40,” a website dedicated happy inside.” lion teens who found jobs in June niors, 49 percent more likely to have The Beatles’ hit or old enough to see the Beatles on are categorized in the same group as German audiences. This song is the got a copy of the song sent to the US are unoccupied are the ones that find to celebrating the then 40th year an- Holding hands isn’t for couples, but 2009. The lack of available jobs may used drugs, 37 percent more likely to stage. Despite 40 years and half of Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones first Beatles song to be sung in another from Britain. Once he put the song on trouble. niversary of the Beatles’ breakout in it is also a sign of security and trust. A contribute to the scaling mischief by have become teen parents, 35 percent and craving love the band dying, “Beatlemania” is still as classics for the ages, according to language, German, since it was be- the rotation, he got calls from people According to The Partnership for a America father may hold his daughter’s hand teens. more likely to have smoked cigarettes, going strong. This is evident in the fact Rolling Stone, a magazine covering lieved that German audiences would wanting to listen to it some more, Drug-Free America, one of the main by John Gonzalez When the song was released for- when their child is scared. The Beatles Besides doing drugs, many teens and 27 percent more likely to have that the Beatles tribute band referred rock music. The history and the sig- better respond to the Beatles singing in and he increased the rotation of the reasons teens do drugs is because it On December 11 2009, in the Harro mally in the US, it broke records from rise on the “Ed Sullivan Show” came turn to computers when they cannot been arrested. to previously have a tour schedule. nificance of the song “I Want to Hold German, according to Songfacts.com, song. Before this the Beatles attempt gives them something to do when they East Ballroom, Rochester, New York, the start, at one point selling 10,000 two months after President Kennedy’s find anything productive to do with Choosing the right people to hang The rise of Beatles related media, Your Hand” is very large for both the a trivia website. While this was one of to reach the American audience had are bored. the four Beatles John Lennon; Ringo records in an hour in New York. The assassination, according to Time. their time. Searching the web can around is important for staying out of Rock Band, and classic rock stations band and the fans. It was the song that the reasons for their success, another failed, the successes of this song led “I have friends who try to get at- Starr, Paul McCarthy, and George number of singles sold reached such This is the Beatles charm that holds be one of the most devilish things a trouble, but it is also recommended to all show the Beatles lasting popular- was said to start the “British Invasion” was a caller and a Washington D.C them down the road to United States tention outside of school by doing bad Harrison are playing to a full crowd, a number that Capital Records had before and now, the ability for people young person can do when there is a be involved in school and community ity. The Beatles are as popular now as in the US, according to the Encyclope- Disc Jockey. 15-year-old Marsha Al- superstardom. things,” Jovita Bahamundi, Adv. 206, the Beatles live on. While these aren’t to send out pressings of the single to to relate to their music and just have lot of idle non-productive time and events since it helps keep the mind oc- they were 40 years ago. dia Britannica. bert mailed a request to Carroll James, “[Albert] wrote me and asked, ‘why said. “They don’t get themselves in- the original members, this concert just keep up with the demand. Soon a good time, according to an escapist not enough supervision. cupied on something positive, instead The popularity of the Beatles is This song was a direct attempt to WWDC disc jockey, to play “I Want can’t we have this music in America?’” volved in any school events or sports. demonstrates the love of the Beatles, this song reached the number one spot forum. “Even though the internet helps the devil’s work.  Diversions The Hoof Beat Around Town: dance to the beat of the city ers, usually within the comfort and in to pick up a form or download it land – many of them former profes- the Aragon has earned a fantastic Dancing under protection of personal homes. Some from the school’s website! For more sional principal dancers with some reputation as one of the best concert groups chose to rent out spaces in information about schedules, schol- of the country’s most renowned and dance halls in the city. Located the stars saloons and clubs (the first public arships, and performances, please dance companies – these classes are conveniently by the Lawrence Red dance halls), where purchasing a call (773) 728-6000 or visit www.old- worth attending! Line stop, the Aragon is fairly cheap by Sonya Dekhtyar ticket could get the visitor a night townschool.org. Class rates are as follows: a single – but make sure to order tickets far A friend of mine recently con- of dancing – and, of course, his fair class costs $15, a seven-class card is beforehand for popular shows! To fessed to me that she was afraid of share of alcohol and prostitutes. DANCE CENTER CHICAGO $98, a weekly unlimited-class card is learn more, go to www.aragon.com. a new year dawning so soon. When This close link to corruption and sin 3868 N. Lincoln Avenue $112, and a monthly unlimited-class I asked her why, she replied that prevented dance halls from gaining With the firm belief that danc- card is $220. However, the Dance BALLROOM CHICAGO she was worried of not being able immediate widespread fame, but as ing is good for relieving stress, Center’s Stimulus Program offers a Various locations to start it with new confidence and the 20th century dawned, factory staying in shape, and meeting new 25% discount off all prices to those I came across this source acci- a sense of free-spirited fun. She pro- workers seeking relief from long people, DCC offers group and pri- children of families with unem- dentally while researching dance posed a task for me: to find an ac- hours of monotonous labor flooded vate classes in Latin and ballroom ployed parent(s) or parents in tran- halls. Maintained by Bob and Penny tivity that would allow her to begin these dance halls, popularizing and dances of all kinds. From the Mam- sition between jobs. For more infor- Urbon, the organization’s website, and go through 2010 with a sense improving them. Alcohol consump- bo to swing, you can come here to mation on class schedules, rates, and www.ballroomchicago.com, collects of purpose and accomplishment, tion was minimized, dance styles learn a new dance form, make new performances, please call (773) 293- and lists all venues hosting certain interest and experience, novelty and were regulated, and gender and class friends, and become accustomed 0900 or visit www.joelhall.org. music and dance concerts on a par- fun. No easy feat to begin with, I boundaries were collapsed. Segre- to a social ballroom setting. Prices was also burdened with a financial gation in the early 20th century led are relatively cheap, and the most perspective – in the given time, she to the rise of both white and black economical packages are group dis- said, of course she couldn’t afford dance halls in different areas of the counts for multiple classes. Check to spend lots and lots of money on city; as whites spread out into the out the DCC’s schedule, dance de- something. I went through a lot of city’s suburbs post-WWII, the then- scriptions, and useful information things in my head: going to more segregated halls closed rather than at www.dancecenterchicago.com or cheap performances, reading more integrate, thus leading to the general call (773) 880-5044. books, taking up a needy hobby like decline of dance halls as commonly cooking, volunteering for some or- known. But they left behind a lega- UNIVERSITY of CHICAGO ganization or other. But while all of cy of numerous clubs, centers, and BALLROOM and LATIN these seemed to fit her criteria, they schools for the continuous education DANCE ASSOCIATION didn’t really seem exciting enough and popularity of social, ballroom, Ida Noyes Hall for a New Year’s resolution. classical, and traditional dancing 1212 E. 59th Street One of my gifts for this holiday (Dance Halls, “Encyclopedia of Chi- As a new member of the Univer- was a CD of hits of the Gypsy Kings, cago”). Here are some of Chicago’s sity of Chicago Class of 2014, I am a Spanish guitar band that plays fast- best… super excited about this particular paced, exciting rhythms. And as I club. In an effort to promote aware- was improvising a flamenco dance ness of ballroom and Latin dances to a tune, it hit me. I knew then ex- OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF on campus and throughout Chicago, actly what I should recommend my FOLK MUSIC BLDA provides classes for students friend to undertake – dancing. And 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue and encourages participation in yes, I meant the real kind of danc- This school’s name, most com- various city- and state-wide compe- ing, not the school-party kind where monly abbreviated simply to Old titions. With separate performance she would stand by the wall bobbing Town, is rather misleading – for 52 groups, ballroom teams, social-ball- her head from side to side. When years, it has been bringing not just room and salsa dancing clubs, and I proposed this idea to my friend, music, but also dance, to the Chi- an outreach program, BLDA is a she flatly rejected it, saying that cago community. Open seven days a cheap way to get comfortable danc- she didn’t know how to coordinate week for 48 weeks a year, the school ing all styles of dance that may one movements, how to keep a beat, and offers dozens of dance classes ev- day come in handy. For $16, you can how to be brave enough to perform ery week, with styles ranging from get four weeks’ worth of classes with in front of an audience of more than something as commonly-known some of the world’s most talented one person (generally, she said, her as flamenco or tap to something as professionals and trainers. Everyone mother). But when I told her about exotic as psychedelic go-go or West is welcome, so try out a first class for the very many possibilities of cheap African dance. For those of you who only $5! And don’t worry about the classes and dance halls throughout prefer something more traditional comfort concern – you’ll be among Visit the Aragon Ballroom for a night of music, dancing, and fun! Chicago, she loosened up and agreed – a dance that might actually come college kids who were once high Photo by Sonya Dekhtyar to commit herself to a dance class in handy at a party or concert – Old school students like you and me, for at least two months as a holiday Town also has partner classes for Ar- so you are bound to get along well ARAGON BALLROOM and ticular day. From more old-fash- gift to me. gentinean tango, Latin dance, ball- together and have a blast learning ENTERTAINMENT CENTER ioned clubs to youth halls, various There are truly an incredible room dances (technically known as a new snazzy salsa or tender tango. 1106 W. Lawrence Avenue locations are available to viewers. amount of opportunities offered to “Ballroom for Barrooms,” this class Visit www.ballroom.uchicago.edu For my entire life, I’ve lived in a Descriptions and contact informa- everyday people who may have nev- will probably come closest to heart for more information. building literally three blocks away tion for each event is given, so if er had any prior dance experience. for those who want to learn the “real from the Aragon, but only recently you’re up for a fun night of dancing From south-side salsa to midtown deal” of club and dance-hall danc- JOEL HALL DANCE CEN- did I get the courage – and time and partying, visit the website or call modern, practically all the world’s ing), and swing. On the other end TER – to venture inside. What I saw took (847) 579 9361 for more information dance forms are available to kids and of the dancing spectrum are the nu- 5965 N. Clark Street my breath away, just as it is bound about specific events. adults of all ages in various schools merous performances Old Town of- Founded in 1974, the Joel Hall to steal yours. Intricate designs on and clubs. Now, before I spin my fers. Regular shows of international Dance Company has strived to bring the ceilings, beautifully-decorated way into a detailed discussion of dancers, most often accompanied by all kinds of dance to the public. The counters, a fairly huge stage – all As evident, there is absolutely no specific venues, I’d like to introduce professional musicians from all over company generally combines ballet, of this seems boundless at the Ara- excuse for not starting off a fantas- the intrigued reader to a brief history the world, take place in the school’s jazz, modern, and “street” dance gon. Built in 1926 in a Spanish-villa tic new year with an awesome class of the first dance halls in Chicago auditorium; all of them are worth techniques in their performances, style, the Aragon was the city’s first or smashing dance-jam session at a – the very sites that set off the explo- attending, but you are bound to which are always a joy to see. But ballroom, and continues to attract club. With so many cheap opportu- sive growth of dance organizations, find something to fit your particular if you want to get involved yourself, thousands of guests each of the six nities open all across the city, all you clubs, schools, and centers through tastes. this is the place to come to. Offering nights a week it is open. Although have to do is get there and enjoy! By the city. Perhaps the most fantastic fea- dozens of weekly classes to people it has become less of a dance hall the way, this website (courtesy of ture of Old Town is its generous of all ages, Joel Hall accommodates and more of a concert venue over Aria Nosratinia) has a fairly com- Beginning in the early 19th cen- need-based financial aid. In this day all levels of experience and interest the past few decades, it continues to plete list of all the awesome places tury, Chicago taverns opened their and age, when every penny counts, with a wide range of dance styles. encourage audiences to dance their to head out to learn or party (please doors to people of all classes and people prefer to complain about From Egyptian belly dancing to hearts out to the various bands and keep in mind that some of the loca- races, from Native Americans to how seemingly-expensive things are Horton, the Dance Center hosts a ensembles that play there. Continu- tions have over-21 policies, so don’t wealthy whites. Over time, however, instead of filling out a brief schol- great variety of dance genres you’ve ously bringing such popular names blame me later for sending you to the ideology of status distinction led arship application. Don’t wait too probably never thought of taking up as the Smashing Pumpkins, Kings a bar…): www.utdallas.edu/~aria/ the middle and upper classes to form long, though – aid is given on a before. Brought to you by some of of Leon, Weezer, Nine Inch Nails, dance/chicago_dance.html. Go have more tightly-knit groups of danc- first-come, first-serve basis, so hurry the best teachers in all of Chicago- and Franz Ferdinand to audiences, fun and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Chicago then and now Chicago is home to the well-orga- There are various annual programs language, and visual and performing collections: the John and Mary Jane Chicago Public nized network of the Chicago Public that take place throughout the year, arts, among others. A unique aspect Hoellen Chicago History Collec- Libraries (CPL). This network con- as well as educational lectures that of this library is the Special Collec- tion, the North Side Neighborhood Libraries offer sists of 79 branches across the vast are held at various branches. CPL tions, located on the ninth floor. It History, the Investor Collection, and city. CPL has been named one of the offers various programs, book dis- contains materials dating back to or the Retrospective bound magazine an array of largest library systems in the entire cussions, and educational lectures relating to the American Civil War, periodical collection, as well as local United States. CPL is comprised of a on vast range of topics. Chicago’s history, manuscripts, pub- government documents. opportunities central library, Harold Washington Harold Washington lished works of Chicagoans, archives Woodson Regional Library Library (400 S. State Street); two Central Library of CPL, and much more. The Woodson Library, named regional libraries: one in Northern The Harold Washington Library, Sulzer Regional Library after Dr. Carter G. Woodson, “the by Pooja Agarwal Chicago, Sulzer Regional Library located in Downtown Chicago, This regional branch of CPL father of African American histori- Libraries are such a wonderful (4455 N. Lincoln Avenue), and opened on October 7, 1991. This li- is located in Lincoln Square, be- ography,” was opened on December place. They cater to the needs of tod- one in Southern Chicago, Woodson brary has appeared in the Guinness tween the WellsPark District), the 9, 1975. Initially, the library housed dlers, children, teenagers, adults, and Regional Library (9525 S. Halsted Book of Records for being the larg- Old Town School of Folk Music, mainly African-American-authored even the elderly. Anyone can find al- Street; Chicago, IL 60628); and est library building in the world. It and dozens of cozy restaurants and works and informational texts about most anything, from cookbooks to 76 smaller branches across the city. was designed by Hammond Beeby cafes. The library, named after “a the history of African-Americans. research for a school report to study These branches can be found in one Rupert Ainge, Inc., and won com- pioneer settler of Ravenswood,” However, it was expanded in 1998, tools for AP classes to gripping de- of Chicago’s three disctricts: the petitions in 1987. Being one of the Conrad Sulzer, was opened in 1985. and new sections, including the tective novels. Libraries are one of North District, the South District, largest libraries, its ten floors con- Sulzer is home to several historical Children’s Library, Social Sciences, the most important educational fa- and the Central District. tain countless divisions and depart- pieces of artwork: “Petrouchka,” by Humanities, Science & Technology cilities in our society, and we never CPL, in its entirety, contains over ments, including business, science Nicholas, “Africano,” by Sandra Jor- departments, among others, were stop to consider how life would be 10 million volumes, and has served and technology, government, social gensen, and “The Aeneid,” by Irene added within an additional 11,000 without this institution. over 2.8 million people since 1873. science and history, literature and Siegel. Sulzer features the following square feet of space. December 2009 ANE  “New Moon” makes an A glimpse into tattoo history ing exhibits for public viewing. and wavy history, as well as the cur- awkward landing “Freaks and The “Freaks and Flash” show rent opinion. Questions about the Flash” exhibit at presents an expansive body of work, definition of art and the purpose of out their roles in the movie, which was containing art from many histori- tattoos in the first place are explored Lautner is a hit, a disappointment Chicago’s Intuit cal tattoo icons, as well as beautiful as each viewer is invited to take in the As for the music selection, it was posters depicting tattooed ladies and show. People are left to think about the actual movie, a mediocre combination. Unlike in Gallery other artful attractions. It focuses on how much of the purpose of art is not so much “Twilight,” where music was cleverly the Western side of tattoo history, but dedicated to communication and how used in some intimate Edward (Rob- includes small glimpses of worldwide much is for personal understanding. ert Pattinson) and Bella scenes, in this tattooing, which is an ancient practice. Tattoos are certainly met with mixed movie, songs were just spewed on- by Sam Presto The featured flash pieces range from reactions into this modern day, but the by Lyanne Alfaro screen and scenes that were inappro- “ Freaks and Flash” offers a fas- majestic tigers to pinups and all sorts arguments exist from both ends of the Perhaps a full house of shriek- priate scenes for any music at all. Take, cinating and whimsical view into the of fantastical and simple designs in spectrum. ing Twilight Saga fans ready to sink for instance, a scene in which Edward tattoo culture of the western world. between. Many pieces were the works The line between using the body their teeth into “New Moon” would and Bella are headed to see the Voltu- Set up at the Intuit Gallery, located of sailors, who had a unique tattooing as a canvas for artwork or mindless promote excitement and high expecta- ri, the vampire government. They just west of the loop, the exhibit culture and brand of symbolism. self-mutilation is thinly drawn as the tions for the movie among the audi- stepped into an elevator, an uncreative showcases a collection of beautiful The inclusion of the circus posters gorgeous flash work and circus ad- ence. However, the second installment form of transportation, to put in the but whacky vintage circus banners de- brings another dimension to the gal- vertisements clash together and mold of the Twilight Saga was anything but home of the ominous Volturi. To add picting body tattoos and original flash lery, and to the history. Although tat- into one complete show. The experi- expected, in every way possible. The to the irony, the elevator chimed mel- from the same period, which are the tooing is still slightly controversial in ence itself is enriching and interest- directing style, characters and music low orchestra music, an inappropriate drawn tattoo designs. American society, it has come a long ing, fun and deep. Whether a light were entirely different from the first music choice for the scene. The only The location itself is a humble way as both an art form and a social and free intake of images or a deep installment. This time, the movie had song on the soundtrack that sounded building. Intuit focuses on what is institution. The posters bring back the understanding of tattooing is the goal, a darker tone and a heavily depressing modern was Lykke Li’s “Possibility,” referred to as “outsider art.” This in- idea that tattooed people were once the exhibit offers an easy way to fill an mood. the only song the audience might rec- cludes anything considered art that considered such oddities that they afternoon. In comparison to “Twilight,” ognize. was not created with that intent, or were grouped with bearded ladies and The exhibit opened on September “New Moon” went under an extreme For a movie focusing on a girl works by people who do not consider fire-eaters to entertain and alarm the 11 and will be open until January 9, makeover treatment, from the director that has an obsession with adrenaline themselves artists, including work pro- “normal” public. 2010. The Intuit Gallery is located on to the actors to the accompaniment rush, most scenes did not keep view- duced by the mentally disabled. Be- The gallery reminds people who 756 N Milwaukee. music. The arrival of Chris Weitz as ers on the edge of their seats. On the sides the permanent works, the gallery accept tattoos because of the now the new director made drastic chang- contrary, the filming style seemed to frequently houses unique and alarm- commonplace exposure of this odd es in the Twilight Saga movies. He be stationary, especially at the begin- stopped previous director’s, Catherine ning of the film. It took forever to pick Hardwicke’s, directing style dead in its up the pace and get to the werewolves, An all-star lineup of stellar artists tracks. the Volturi, and Bella’s turbulent cliff For instance, the new movie had diving experience. “Drop It Low,” is currently taking However, there is no doubt that the a subtle and at times unfitting sense The star of the movie that was the The life of NBA radio by storm and has become a fa- album is a must-have for fans of hip- of humor. Some scenes that were center of much Twilight Saga gos- vorite among partygoers. World-re- hop and R&B. This album has a good not even meant to be funny became sip, however, both before and after superstar LeBron nowned rapper Jay-Z also stands out mix of proven popular artists, but also a laughing matter. Bella’s (Kristen “New Moon,” was probably the one in the album for “History,” a song he has contributions from newer artists Stewart) scene where she wakes up character that did not disappoint. Ja- James in a single released as a promotional single for like Jared Evan and Hayes. With all screaming from a nightmare not only cob Black (Taylor Lautner), Bella’s his new album “The Blueprint 3” last of these hip-hop celebrities, it was a happened repeatedly throughout the werewolf friend, leaped into the fore- soundtrack November. bit surprising how Interscope Records movie, but seemed to drag on forever. ground of “New Moon,” this time A few songs, such as “I’m Bal- landed all these big names. At first, the dysfunctional screaming with a bigger role, a bigger monster lin” by Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em, are just Overall, buy this album if you’re was rather funny, but at some point, and bigger abs. Lautner was perhaps painful for the ears because they con- looking for some new music to enter- perhaps around the third time it hap- one of the cast members with the by David Chang tradict the message of the film. The tain you for a few months. This is not pened, those screams turned disturb- most work to do in preparation for Music inspired by the film “More film is about teamwork and selfless- an album you will listen to for years ing. Meanwhile, the truest comedic “New Moon” as he had to gain 30 Than a Game” brings an all-star ness, but a few singles are all about the to come, but there are multiple songs scenes in the film probably involved pounds of muscle before filming, ac- lineup of sensational artists to music individual’s glory and success rather that you will want in your collection Mike (Michael Welch), Bella’s all-time cording to usweekly.com. Lautner’s lovers. The documentary film “More than that of the team. Some songs if you are a fan of hip-hop and R&B. high school crusher, and his stomach work paid off, as Jacob’s growth from Than a Game,” chronicles the rise like “King On Set” by T.I. and Young If you want the life of “King” James flu at the theater. “Twilight” to “New Moon” not only of National Basketball Association Dro are just musically shabby with no in a single soundtrack, this album is a Furthermore, even makeup and impressed Bella but also seemed to (NBA) superstar LeBron James and sense of flow and no interest factor. must-have. animation seemed to become a prob- impress screaming viewers in the back four other talented basketball players lem in the film in some areas. Ed- row. As for Lautner’s acting, Jacob’s from Akron, Ohio. This group known ward’s makeup in the beginning of the pain and emotional problems regis- as the “Fab 5” stars in the remarkable film was ridiculously baby powdered. tered well with the audience. He was story about brotherhood and adher- In “Twilight,” he might have looked able to attain sympathy from viewers ence in the face of great adversity. The pale enough to be a vampire. In “New when Bella left him for Edward, yet team, formed in a Salvation Army in- Moon,” the amount of powder on his still portrayed a strong figure in the ner-city gym, finds itself at the door- face was enough to make him look movie. step of a national high school cham- like the Pillsbury Doughboy. Although “New Moon” was not pionship, led by LeBron James and a The animation for the werewolves the better of the two installments of player’s father, who is still an inexpe- itself was impressive. The pack of the Twilight Saga, it did portray a dif- rienced coach. On the road to glory, brothers was realistic. However, no ferent tone with a different director, the close-knit team is repeatedly tested one really knows what happened in which is the point of Stephenie Mey- by pressures within and James’ world- the animation room when it came er’s second novel. The movie did lose wide fame, which ultimately threatens to the eye coloration of the Cullens. several points due to lack of appropri- to destroy everything they’ve set out to Their eyes were a highly concentrated ate music and some directing issues, achieve together. shade of fiery orange. The vampires’ but Lautner’s performance was simply The brand new single from the eye colors were distracting and took awing, and for that “New Moon” does album, “Forever,” features Eminem, away from the actors’ efforts to play deserve some credit. Drake, Lil Wayne, and Kanye West. This cool collaboration of hip-hop stars has become a hit all over the radio. According to www.billboard. com, on the week of September 24, the song debuted at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and it also topped the U.S. Billboard Rap Songs chart. The lyrics in this song charac- terize the swagger of LeBron James and his teammates, teleporting the listener to the warm-ups of the 2003 national championship game. The simple verses and catchy beats make you want to rap-along with the artists and pump you up. Eminem has writ- ten one of his fastest and best pieces, and the flow in his lines are simply amazing. The album features Mary J. Blige’s new single, “Stronger,” and “If You Dream,” a huge R&B collaboration featuring Tank, Faith Evans, Toni Braxton, and Jordin Sparks. These two songs embody the ideas of friend- ship, perseverance, and brotherhood, which are exemplified throughout the course of the film. The powerful and heart-wrenching words of both songs cause listeners to cry and stir their hearts with emotion. The album also boasts the de- but single from one of today’s most sought-after songwriters, Ester Dean, who has written songs for Mary J. Blige, the Pussycat Dolls, and Keri “More Than A Game,” a film documenting Lebron James’ high school career Many “New Moon” fans support Jacob’s (Taylor Lautner) romance with Bella. Hilson. According to www.billboard. and his rise to fame, boasts a stellar soundtrack full of hip-hop stars. Image Image courtesy of amazon.com com, Dean and Chris Brown’s single, courtesy of Amazon.com 10 ANE The Hoof Beat “Lovesick Electric” is nearly epic, but falls a little short status, most fizzle out after a few lese has managed to find that fine siderably well with only basic bass in ice water,” or “I Like to Dance,” Hot Chelle Rae weeks or months and are forgotten line between passionate singing and riffs. But HCR has gone above and in which Follese sings, “Click clack by all but the sincerest of fans. Nash- screaming, and he prances along beyond that idea and has incredible shimmer and shine/ Everybody’s shines as a band ville band Hot Chelle Rae (HCR) that line quite easily through each bass riffs, played by Ian Keaggy, such in a line now/ Dressed up to the certainly hopes to remain memo- song. Follese and his band mates as in the song “I Like to Dance,” 9’s now baby/ Silver shiny sexy it’s to beat rable, and they are on their way to have managed to create that unique which has an upbeat, dance party love.” In these places, among oth- doing so with their well rehearsed, group voice that keeps a band popu- sound. As a whole, the actual musi- ers, the band sounds inexperienced, high-quality sound. Nevertheless, lar for a long time. cal qualities of HCR are immensely much like a forgettable high school there are a few things they need to A band’s instrumentation can de- strong. The band’s drummer, Jamie garage band. by Sarah Schoonhoven do before becoming rock legends. termine their fates well. While vocals Follese, uses a large variety of fills The final, and possibly most im- Over the past few years, there One of the most noticeable traits matter, they can only take a group and drumbeats, giving each song a portant, part of becoming a success- have been multitudes of bands label- of a band is its vocals. Because this so far. The rest is left to the instru- slightly different feel. ful band is presentation. There are ing themselves “rock” or “punk.” is the first thing that many fans look ments. Once again, HCR shines in One of the most important things two main points here: presentation Some of them, like Blink-182 or the for, and the most obvious part of a this area. Rather than being devoted for a band to have is variety. Once of the album and presentation of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, have left a song, a band can make or break it- only to guitar or synthesized sounds, again, HCR has this down pat. Their band itself. While the album is pieced lasting impression on fans and on self depending on the quality of the HCR depends much on the bass gui- songs range from somber ballads together quite well, with each song the genre itself. Many others, how- members’ voices. The lead singer of tar. The bass is often considered to such as “Bleed” and “The Distance,” flowing effortlessly into the next, the ever, have not been so lucky. While HCR, R. K. Follese, definitely has be less important than other instru- to head-bouncing numbers such as band falls behind. Each member has every band wants to achieve Blink the pipes to be a rock singer. Fol- ments; indeed, a band can do con- “Queen of the Scene” and “Nothing a drastically different look, which in Left to Hide,” to get-up–and-dance this case is not a benefit. Originality songs like “Say (Half Past Nine)” is usually a good thing, but HCR just and “I Like to Dance.” Unlike many looks like a band that can’t make up of today’s bands, each song by HCR its mind on what to wear. And the sounds different; it is easy to tell hair — oh goodness. These poor which song is which without look- boys need a barber, and fast. ing at the track listing. Perhaps the best thing that Hot The best of bands remember an- Chelle Rae has going for it is the other key to stardom: lyrics. Unfor- fact that it is still a new band full of tunately for HCR, this is where the young members. As time goes on, band falls short. While some of the they can mature, and so can their songs fall together nicely, most on looks and their vocabularies. Un- the album come off as very amateur, til then, they should be able to get such as “Bleed,” which opens up with enough publicity off their talent and Hot Chelle Rae has some work to do before becoming a major success. Image courtesy of amazon.com the lyrics, “I feel like I’m drowning likeability alone. A little place with big, satisfying meals and latin flare beans, egg, steak, sausage, chichar- soft drink leaves taste buds thirsty for The steakhouse rón, avocado, yellow plantain, and more. arepa. This meal is prepared and de- Besides the sodas, many of the that makes you livered to your table as quickly as the desserts contain fruit. The list of rice pudding. Arepa is a small thick desserts includes banana split, sweet feel at home tortilla made of white flour. banana with cheese, and the more Another typical plate, called Pic- traditional Colombian snack of figs ada, consists of sausage, chicharrón, with a caramel spread. There is also pork, arepa, and yucca. Each ingre- the very popular rice pudding that by Jamilah Alsharif dient is cut up into little pieces and is served in a cup, and placed on a Sabor a Café, located at 2435 then combined on a huge plate. To plate adorned with chocolate syrup W. Peterson, is decorated to portray give a classy look, wooden skewers spilled elegantly on the side. The rice the small villages existing in many are adorned on the food, at the top pudding combines a milky taste with South and Central American coun- of the pile. There are two sizes for rice to create a strangely delightful tries, built in a Spanish style with this plate; the small provides a por- dessert. balconies and flowers hanging from tion for two people and the large The waitresses are very friendly them. The atmosphere that this place feeds four. and alert. They check up on custom- provides is one of relaxation, enjoy- Almost all of the meals on the ers a reasonable number of times ment, and hospitality. The food adds menu consist of some meat, includ- without being annoying. The tables to the homey feeling. ing chicken, steak, sausage, pork, are placed close together to add One thing people need to keep in and the famous churrasco, which is to the restaurant’s theme of a little mind is that in this restaurant one more common among Colombian village but allow enough room for should not expect the traditional dishes. Churrasco is a huge piece of movement. If one wants to take left- tortilla chips or slices of bread be- steak served on a wooden bandeja over foods home, the waitresses are fore the meal. However, there is a with yellow plaintain, potato, sau- polite enough to provide fresh serv- long list of appetizers such as the sage, and sauce. Although most of ings of certain foods on the plate at popular empanada, which is meat the meals contain meat, seafood is your request. The freshness of the pie, or tostones, which are flat green another option on the menu. Shrimp, food is a big factor that increases the plaintains. Another thing people can as well as the fried red snapper, is plates’ deliciousness. enjoy is chicharrón, which is fried served with rice, plantains, salad, Along with the wonderful plates pork ribs and skin with lime. The and sauce. offered in this little restaurant, mu- lime gives the chicharrón a taste that Along with these meals people sical groups are also part of the at- makes one hungry for more. can order the soft drinks such as traction. The groups play different Upholding its nation’s well known Pepsi or 7-up, but the tropical juices Latin melodies and interact with the cuisine, the restaurant offers many and Colombian sodas on the menu customers to make them feel more typical Colombian plates at reason- sound a lot more appropriate for the welcomed. The combination of the able prices. A much sought price atmosphere. One soda made up of beats from those melodies and the range helps make people’s menu se- mainly fruit extracts is called Man- meals being enjoyed make the time lections more attractive. One typical zana, which is Spanish for “apple.” spent at Sabor a Café an unforget- The dishes served at the restaurant are as beautiful as they are deli- plate, bandeja paisa consists of rice, The bubbly gusto of this hard-to-find table one. cious. Photos by Jamilah Alsharif

Oh Henry! R-E-S-P-E-C-T the music...not the music awards My favorite music artists have believe I got this; it’s such a good such diversity in the movie awards. Grammys. Music is more than glitz has been trans- never won awards. This is not find” bands, rocking headphones Independent films recognized by and glam, and it can stay true to its lated from the a comment on their talent, but from coast to coast. There should Sundance and other similar festi- grassroots even in award show per- silver screen rather a comment on the narrow be shows recognizing these musi- vals gain recognition and momen- formances. Splitting up the music into duly spectrum that music award shows cians, instead of forcing them to tum to make it into the spotlight. awards would afford opportunities earned awards. focus on. With all the amounts of don expensive outfits for a night And if the film community can for bands that will not trample on Music need music produced every year, it is a they finish umpteenth in. So often succeed at recognizing all sorts of their traditional gigs. not be lost in mystery how awards can be given the same people rack up the awards talent in their industry, so can the Music has become a complex translation. to so few people in a single show. at these kinds of shows, many of music industry. industry during the Internet age. Let opera halls Music award shows need to split them for multiple years. It is time to Creating music shows that ad- Due to innovations in recording ring with mu- up by genre to provide a chance for give more people the opportunity dress each genre of music can also technology available on one’s home sic of different all musicians of talent to be recog- to glean an award. introduce good music to people computer, musicians can record out tastes. Let people be able to con- nized. Just because an artist’s mu- As we head into Oscar season, who otherwise would not know that of their bedroom and post music on nect to the lofty stars on TV as fans, sic does not air on the radio does focus is placed on movies of every it existed. Since there are so many the web. There are more musicians not as culture clinger-ons. Award not mean they are putting together type: foreign, indie, major actors, bands out there, it is often hard to than ever releasing their tunes on- talented musicians with a prize: the any less stellar compilations than and new-to-the-silver screen ac- find good ones. With a show focus- line, and single music award shows opportunity to show their love for those who receive airplay. Throw tors. This award show does a mag- ing on their type of music, though, would be pressed to recognize all the music, the fans, and the perfor- the Grammy out; give me the Indie, nificent job of recognizing movies more bands can gain press, and of the best. Already generic genre mance on air reaching millions in- the Rocky, the R&B-y, the Jazzy, from all branches of the industry. more people can hear their music. titles are evolving sub-genres; that stead of passing them up for radio the Bluesy, and everything more. Their spectrum of awards is large, Also, certain bands gain a follow- is the point in time when a change wave stars. Living room recordings No true music fan can say that and many times underdogs have ing by their performance of stunts needs to be made to recognize the deserve a golden, gleaming statue, he or she only likes the music on pulled away with the desired gold- and tricks, a quality not as often best of the best of those genres. too. Music brings people together the radio. There are always the en man. The Sundance Film Festi- recognized in the detailed chore- Music is a phenomenon: it is a under a common passion. Recog- discovery bands, those “I can’t val is a huge contributing factor to ography of award shows like the worldwide love. Love for movies nize it. Broadcast it. Award it. December 2009 Editorials 11 United States’s childish paranoia is blinding be allowed to possess the essential Somalia on an issue concerning both believe that so small a thing has the made to kill in cold blood, and are United States qualities of life that will allow them children and the rights they should potential to remove their responsibil- even killed themselves due to a lack to develop into well-adjusted adults. possess. ity for their own child onto the gov- of basic rights. should consent The United States is among the With a bit of research, one comes ernment. The above situation could The fact that the American peo- two countries that have as of yet across arguments against signing the have been simply solved through first ple are protesting a treaty that would to children’s failed to sign the treaty, the second treaty, all with a similar focus. There consulting children on their feelings ensure such atrocities would be pre- being Somalia. are people in America that fear that and taking in all the factors before vented to the best of governmental rights bill This is surprising when one con- the Convention on the Rights of removing or not removing children ability not only in those third world siders the importance that Ameri- the Child will take control of their from public school, and it fails to nations that no one cares about, but by Krystn Collins cans have historically placed upon children away from them and place become apparent how ignoring such in the country where they and their Children deserve to be protected. children, but especially so when it solely in the hands of the govern- a straightforward step in the process children reside is appalling. The Convention on the Rights of the combined with the view of the sort ment. of making a decision could lead to “It is embarrassing to find our- Child is a United Nations treaty re- of country Somalia is. A brief check Such a fear is not only para- governmental bodies usurping their selves in the company of Somalia, garding the basic rights that ought to to the Nations Online website, which noid, it borders on ridiculous. These rights as parents. a lawless land,” President Barack be allowed to children younger than defines it as a country with one of people are concerned that they will In less developed countries such Obama said regarding the treaty. “I 18 years of age worldwide. It advo- the worst records in regards to politi- no longer be able to decide what is as Africa and Cambodia, many will review [the Convention on the cates that rights that are supposedly cal rights and civil liberties as well as best for their child, citing a case in children endure miserable and hor- Rights of the Child].” a staple in American life for all per- a third world country, gives one an the United Kingdom in which it was rifying lives. Cambodia and Africa In such a thing, one can find hope sons, such as freedom, protection idea of the type of company Ameri- determined that parents can violate show statistically lower rates of for the future of children’s rights. If from harmful substances, abuse, ex- ca is in on this issue. the rights of their child by remov- school enrollment and attendance the president of the United States is ploitation, and something as basic as It brings up the question of how ing them from public schooling pro- and higher rates of child prostitu- at the very least willing to consider the right to life. All but two countries America, a developed country that grams without first considering their tion and soldiering. Young children, the ratification of such a treaty, a have assented to this treaty, signify- supposedly values civil liberties, wishes. It is upsetting that American often not yet adolescents, are sold, step, albeit a baby-step, towards ing their belief that children should could agree with such a country as people can be stubborn enough to raped, forcefully addicted to drugs, progress has been made. Bad things come in four, good things come in five (days) lessly at your calendar, counting the fun, stress-free weeks of my life,” to minutes of back-to-back classes with are often unavoidable, as we are al- The horror and days until either graduation or sum- put it nicely. the exception of lunch. ways guaranteed to have a day off mer vacation arrives, I am aware One of the biggest and most obvi- Not to mention, four-day weeks from school every so often, prompt- beauty of four- that the first week of December was ous reasons students despise four-day usually mean something else too: ing the necessity of four-day weeks a four-day week itself, but a major- weeks is the absence of colloquium. homework at 2 a.m. It is no secret to maintain balance between block day and five- ity of the three weeks that make up As the school year begins and stu- that students at Northside do not schedule classes. However this December in the school calendar are dents flock to register for their favor- often get the hours of sleep recom- doesn’t take away from the fact that day weeks, not four-day weeks, and the fact that ite colloquium choices, students of- mended. From experience, I can say four-day weeks can seem restrictive the month ends with a two week va- ten forget how precious colloquium that there have been plenty of school and busy and can ultimately make respectively cation is almost enough to make up is until that fateful day – Columbus nights where working on a paper or one feel a bit disorganized, even for any four-day week it possesses. Day – arrives, taking away a beloved homework assignment for class that when five-day weeks resume. by Olutoye Adegboro Nonetheless, a four-day week does colloquium from them. Though stu- was due the next day has taken me Luckily, January is also a month I love December. I love the holi- exist in December; an annoying, dents may not realize it at first, col- into the wee hours of the night. And almost devoid of four-day weeks , a day season, the impending holiday intervening, and disruptive four-day loquium is something that we often when four-day weeks arrive, I no- month with limited stress, a month celebrations, and, of course, the week. take for granted. Colloquium serves tice that the number of those almost that means going to bed on time, and two-week vacation that marks the For those who may not share the as a break in the middle of a week of- sleepless nights increases dramati- a month where precious colloquium transition of one year into the next. negative opinion some have of four- ten filled with tests, essays, and proj- cally. While I can’t speak for every returns. So as I enjoy the holiday I love December because it is the last day weeks, know that I am not rant- ects, giving students the chance to single Northside student, I can defi- season and the five day weeks, I can month of the year, a time when you ing about how hopeless and dismal catch up on the week’s assignments nitely say that four day weeks mean look forward to what lies ahead, even reflect on what this year has brought four-day weeks are, but rather exam- and stop procrastinating. However, extremely caffeinated coffee in the if it means another four day week is you and what next year has in store. ining the general student consensus when four-day weeks arrive, that morning and an extremely bold cof- approaching. Until then, I am going But I love December for another rea- on four-day weeks. And from what break that gives students the chance fee during lunch from the Sidewalk to enjoy this five day week and relish son as well: It is the end of nonstop I have heard, that general consensus to get organized and relaxed is tak- Café to keep me awake and well-en- at the arrival of that two-week, stress four day weeks for a lengthy and usually goes something like “four- en, and they are thrown into back- ergized for the rest of the day. free period otherwise known as win- well-loved amount of time. day weeks aren’t exactly the most to-back-to-back-to-back days of 400 I understand that four day weeks ter break. Now for those of you staring end- Faique: My Life: The Apocalypse in 2012 The Haab calendar was pro- in the fifth. This means that when [31] is followed, not by the End to Christmas.” Dear Santa: longed into a cycle calendar which 13.0.0.0.0 comes to pass, the world of the World, but by January [1]. I also cannot wait to go shop- consisted of 52 cycles of the calen- will be destroyed, and then what? So 13.0.0.0.0 in the Mayan calen- ping. Even though I don’t physically This year for dar to make a time-keeping system The Mayans never argued that the dar will be followed by 0.0.0.0.1 celebrate Christmas, those Christ- of a total of 52 years. This was use- world would be created, destroyed – or good-ole’ December [22] 2012, mas deals are just great—hopefully Christmas, all I ful, but they needed a method to or anything beyond this day. with only a few shopping days left the world will still exist. record history which lasted more Moment of truth: it was not want is for the than 52 years, and thus the Long the Mayans but people of other Count calendar was created con- cultures who made the silly conclu- world not to end sisting of 5126 years. This is the sion that the end of the world will one that allegedly predicts the end occur when the calendar finishes. in 2012 of the world in 2012. People love to jump to the most ex- The Long Count calendar starts treme, worst-case scenario possible. as 0.0.0.0.0, which in our calen- It should not be too surprising that by Faique Moqeet dar is August 11, 3114 BC. So the this silly rumor has gained so much The world is first day according to the Mayans publicity and popularity. And with going to end in was 0.0.0.0.1, and you add one for movies such as 2012, the rumors 2012. No, really, each day to the last right-most sec- are only bound to get worse. The it will. The Ma- tion till it becomes 0.0.0.0.19 when whole idea has become popular by yans said so. It it turns becomes 0.0.0.1.0. Then preying on people’s fears of the end will be the end for each day one would be added of the world. of the world to the right-most section making Yet, the question of what really as we know it. it 0.0.0.1.1. The calendar followed will happen in 2012 remains to be Have as much fun as you can for this pattern till the left-most section answered. People have all sorts of the rest of your short life, because became 13.0.0.0.0, which is when crazy ideas about what will happen doomsday is just around the corner, the calendar ends. The Mayans during that fateful year, only three three years away. were fond of the two numbers, 20 years away. One common belief is “The world is going to end in and 13, which they constantly used that a planet called Niburu will col- 2012” is a misinformed statement in their calendars. So the question lide with the earth causing lethal- that has sadly taken on a life of its arises, what will happen at the end to-human-life havoc. Luckily, the own. To fully debunk this myth, an of this calendar, on 13.0.0.0.0, or National Aeronautical and Space understanding of how the Mayan December 21, 2012, also known as Agency has assured people that this calendar works is crucial. the end of the world. is not true. Similarly, no planets are The Mayan calendar was made Therefore, according to 2012 fa- expected to align in the next few de- by the Maya people, an advanced natics who claim that the world will cades, and no significant meteorite civilization located in the Ameri- end, I only have 1114 days, 7 hours, impact is predicted, both common cas. Advances meaning, they had 4 minutes, and 0 seconds until Fri- theories of the course of 2012. blood-drinking kings and human- day, December 21, 2012 at precisely Am I just a disbeliever in all sacrifices along with burying infant 11:11:11 a.m. to live from right now things extraterrestrial? No. If I had children alive. One of their more at4:55 p.m. on December 2, 2009. to succinctly describe my view on civilized practices included keeping Thank whatever Supreme Being the situation, I would reference a strict calculations of time. They in- you believe in, because luckily, this man named Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki, vented multiple calendars, such as is not true. a well known Australian scientist. the Tzolk'in calendar, which lasted While the Mayans calendar did In his book, “Great Moments in 260 days. They invented the Haab’ not produce a new morning after the Science,” he presents, the “2012 is calendar, which like our calendar, famed December 21, 2012, doesn’t the end of the world” theory in the lasted 365 days, and countless other mean that reality won’t. This myth manner it should be: as a joke. He calendars. All of these calendars comes from a misinterpretation of says, “…when a calendar comes to dictated different aspects of society the Mayan belief that the world ex- the end of a cycle, it just rolls over like political, social and economic Many movies, such as 2012, starring John Cusack, have been created ists in five cycles of the Long Count into the next cycle. In our West- to profit on the 2012 phenomenon. Image courtesy of Amazon.com events, according to the Institute for calendar, and that we are currently ern society, every year December Mayan Studies. 12 Sports The Hoof Beat Bumping The Cait’s Meow for a All I want for Christmas by Caitlin Swieca There are, however, teams that field. They need a viable option at in fact, While counting my blessings still have something to play for, and closer, or at least for Carlos Marmol that would cause around Thanksgiving, I realized the Blackhawks are just getting into to learn the strike zone. They need be helpful how lucky we all are to live in such the bulk of their schedule. Their some anger management classes to the en- Annual volleyball a fantastic sports town. Chicago’s lineup, however, is pretty sound, for Carlos Zambrano and a revival tire city. sports teams may not always be so there is not much to wish for for Geovany Soto. They need the Fans marathon helps successful, but at least we get to be on the ice aside from the continu- return of Mark DeRosa to Cubby of the Fire cancer research a part of some of America’s most ing health of Marian Hossa. After Blue. If that doesn’t work out, they need some loyal and passionate fan bases. That locking down Jonathan Toews, Pat- need some sort of reliable second media attention and some way to by Bjanka Mujicic being said, each local franchise has rick Kane, and Duncan Keith with baseman, utility player, or true make it past the Semifinal round Three years ago, 17-year-old a few things that it has certainly put long-term deals, their gift may have leadoff hitter to fill the voids left of the playoffs. DePaul University Casey Patton was diagnosed with a on its wish list this holiday season. come early this year. The Hawks in their roster. They need a pleth- fans need their basketball team to brain tumor. During her junior and With the holiday break coming up, just have to ask for that extra push ora of Get-Out-Of-Contract-Free win a conference game this year, senior years of high school, instead I took a few moments in between that will get them the Stanley Cup Cards so that they can get rid of just for pride points. Illini football of playing varsity volleyball and hav- dreams of a White Christmas to that has eluded them since the Alfonso Soriano, Milton Bradley, fans need a new coach, or at least a ing a typical high school experience imagine what fans of sports teams 1960’s. and Kosuke Fukudome and restart talented underclassman to step up at Downers Grove South, Casey un- might ask Santa for. The Bulls are also in the midst their outfield. They need Lou Pini- at the quarterback position. Notre derwent intense chemotherapy ses- The Bears are generally the of their season, although their pros- ella to show a little of his old fire Dame fans need a new coach too sions. However, she also sold t-shirts, nearest and dearest to Chicago’s pects are not quite as good as those this year, and they need to see the – and it would not hurt if Jimmy raised thousands of dollars for pedi- heart at this time of year – after all, of their hockey counterparts. After return of #23 to the dugout once Clausen stuck around for his senior atric cancer research, and founded it is always sad to see the end of an- last season’s intense playoff series he retires. They need to see Ron season. And the rest of the world the Be The Cure Foundation. other season without a playoff run. against the Celtics, the Bulls might Santo’s plaque in the Hall of Fame. wants Notre Dame University’s On Saturday, November 7, the Since Da Bears are now stuck with just want to wish for some luck in Oh, and a World Series champion- fans to stop acting like the Fighting Northside Women’s Varsity, Junior Jay Cutler as quarterback, they the clutch. If they end up making ship might be nice. Irish are the official football team Varsity, and Freshman/Sophomore should ask Santa for some glasses the playoffs, the city will not want The South Siders may not have of Jesus. Volleyball Teams played a 12-hour so Cutler can tell the difference to sit through another series like as long a championship drought, but Sure, some of these wishes seem volleyball marathon in an effort between his receivers in navy blue that. they are still quite needy. They need a little far-fetched, but what bet- to raise money and awareness for jerseys and his opponents. Cutler is Although beautiful summer a real ballpark in a lively neighbor- ter time to dream than during the Patton’s Be The Cure Foundation, not the only weak spot on the team; days are far from our minds as the hood, but that is probably at least a holiday season? Come July, those which helps fund the Falk Brain a stronger offensive line might give temperature falls, it is never too decade off. For the short term, they dreams of the Cubs playing far into Tumor Research Center. Through a him some time to make better early to start thinking baseball. need relief pitching. Badly. They October could be long gone. partnership with the Children’s Me- passes. The Bears might also want Cubs fans got part of their Christ- need pickup Alex Rios to live up to Chicago sports fans, enjoy the morial Hospitals, Falk Brain Tumor a coach showing a bit of emotion mas wish when the Ricketts fam- his contract and remember how to holiday season and have a happy Research Center and the Be The that can fire up the team, mercy ily bought the team from the Tri- hit. They need Carlos Quentin to and healthy 2010. Perhaps this year Cure Foundation, the team helped from Brett Favre, and a restoration bune Company (also known as the stay healthy and live up to his po- will finally bring peace in Chicago raise thousands of dollars for brain of the old-school Soldier Field – or Scrooges of the North Side), but tential. And most of all, they need and good will towards Packers tumor research. The girls played at least lower ticket prices. they have a long way to go on the a cure for their inferiority complex; fans. volleyball from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., an event that they were participating in for the third straight year. “We raised money for tumor re- A great start for Northside’s chess team search,” Michelle Tran, Adv.309, came out and that we started with a But even those who are newer are coach. said. “Not a lot of money goes to New players victory,” Mr. Daniel Caldwell, coach by no means new to chess. “We are training systematically them. We tried to get pledges. Our of the chess team, said. “We have some really good play- now, which had not been done be- goal was to double up [the proceeds] make all the The second event the Chess team ers,” Chengliang Luo, Adv. 301, fore as a team,” Mr. Caldwell said from last year.” participated in was the Chicago said. “It motivates the other guys in an email interview. “In the past, During time-outs from the right moves to Prep Bowl at Whitney Young High below to try harder.” players had developed on their own game, the volleyball players encour- School. It involved schools from all Another difference between last or in small groups of friends, and aged pledges for donations and sold capture a good over the city, both public and pri- year’s team and the current team is then they came to competitions as simple black t-shirts promoting the vate. Although Northside’s Chess parent commitment. they were.” cause. The proceeds received were season team lost against Whitney Young, “Our strong players have parents The team is now preparing for given directly to the foundation. the team was able to tie for second who are very involved, who in turn the city championships held on Jan- “The volleyball team members by Tess Thompson place along with St. Ignatius High have brought cohesion and a focus uary 23 and the state championships are still turning in their donations When the topic of sports comes School. to the team,” Mr. Caldwell said. held on February 3. and pledges, but as of today [Novem- up, chess is not usually the first thing “There were a lot of strong “We can really improve the strength “To compete head-to-head with ber 23] we have raised $5,500 and I that comes to mind. Viewers of other plays in the Northside team,” Mr. of the team a lot more instead of Whitney Young at the city cham- expect that to be well over $6,000 sports can be captivated by either the Caldwell said. “It looks like we have just relying on guys who like to play pionship this year is currently the once all donations are received,” physical action or strategy used in a very good chance of improving on chess getting as good as they can on prime competitive focus,” Mr. Ms. Nicole Flores, Northside Wom- games. Though chess can be equally that performance against the ones their own.” Caldwell said in an email interview. en’s Volleyball Team’s Coach, said. entertaining, it requires a higher ap- [teams] that everybody’s shooting After their recent successes, the They also have to be prepared to The marathon was grueling and they preciation and understanding of the for.” team has high hopes for the rest of play against teams they have not en- played diligently for 12 hours. more subtle action and complicated Since most of the team last year the year. countered before. “It was really tiring,” Lizzie strategy at play. Northside’s chess was made up of seniors, many mem- “In the future, we might have a “When it comes to State, there Tran, Adv.303, said. “A lot of girls team has used these elements of the bers of the team this year are new. shot at taking first at city and maybe are literally dozens of suburban and knocked [passed] out…. It was game successfully so far and is con- “We are a completely freshman placing in the top ten at state,” Luo downstate teams we haven’t met worth it though.” tinuing to practice them for upcom- and sophomore team,” team captain said. “We might be able to play na- whose placings last year were com- A lot of the other players agree ing events. Jayce Feiger, Adv. 204, said. “So tionals at some time, but that de- parable to the top teams in the city,” that the cause was worthwhile and The first event that this year’s while other schools’ teams [will be] pends on the team’s strength.” Mr. Caldwell said. that although it was tiring, they chess team participated in was a broken up and change over the next To help improve their chances Even with these challenges ahead would do it again. practice game at Von Stuben High few years, we know we have a solid for the rest of the year, the team is of them, based on their recent per- “I’d love to do it [be a part of the School, in which they were victori- team for at least three more years, meeting for more practice sessions, formances, the team is optimistic charity event] again,” Brianna Cir- ous. with any freshman who come along including two-hour seminars on about the outcome of their season. rincione, Adv.302, said. “It was a great cause.” Only 3 percent of government funds for cancer research go to re- searching and finding a cure for pediatric cancer. The Be The Cure Campaign attempts to make up for that discrepancy. Patton’s story has inspired the team, and Casey has greatly recov- ered. She even attended the mara- thon and played with the varsity team. The fact that Patton, after her struggle with cancer, can play volley- ball with Northside’s team is a testa- ment to her strength and courage. “She played with varsity,” Cirrin- cione said. “She’s gone through so much and inspired us so much.” The marathon was the North- side Women’s Volleyball Team’s last event of the season. Players thought it was a nice way to cap off their 2009 volleyball season. Casey is currently a sophomore at Illinois State University and has made a tremendous recovery. The Be The Cure Campaign is still up and running with many high schools in Illinois contributing to its founda- tion. “We ... will continue to support pediatric cancer research in the fu- ture,” Flores said. “I am very pas- sionate about this cause and what my teams are doing.” “I was very happy that everybody as well.” Saturdays with a professional chess