Page 18 Page 16 Chess Team begins their Orchestra’s season Performance

eat World of Possibilities

Bringing the world together through music by Melissa Jordan ist; Goran Ivanovic, the On December 12, stu- classical guitar virtuoso B dents gathered in the gym from the eastern European for the opening ceremony band Eastern Blok, as well of "World of Possibilities," as performers from Mexico an all-school colloquium and as far away as India. designed to bring together After the opening musicians from all over ceremony, students broke the world as ambassadors into groups by advisory to of their culture and raise observe a more personal money for Chicago Public performance. Morikeba Schools music programs. Kouyate, who is known as Rana Marks, Adv. 810, Chicago's Griot or story- The sung the National Anthem teller, after having been to kick off the commence- raised in a family of Griots, oof ment which was followed played the kora, a musi- by a short presentation cal instrument from West from Tsukasa Taiko, a Africa ( www.traditional-

Vol. 9 No. 5 Northside College Preparatory High School January 2008 Vol. group established in 1996 crossroads.com ). which quickly rose to the Yang Wei, who has fore of taiko drumming performed with other groups of the Chicago area. musicians such as Yo Yo Taiko, a style of Japanese Ma (www.pipasensation.

H drumming that is highly com), played a traditional choreographed, often re- Chinese instrument called sembles a dance. Taiko was the pipa. The pipa, oc- used to instruct soldiers, to casionally referred to as the accompany operas, or to Chinese lute, is a wooden, mimic everyday activities pear-shaped, stringed ( www.tsukasataiko.com). instrument that originated Guest musicians make music using all sorts of ethnic goodies. The group performed the in the Middle East and was Photo by Ursula Moreno-VanderLaan song Miyake, which mim- introduced to China around ics the motions of fisher- 265 A.D. (www.melodyof- about the Rhythmunity En- performed traditional per- 809, said. "I liked hearing men. china.com). semble. The Rhythmunity cussion with musical roots the music from the different Other performers "I never realized percus- Ensemble, composed of from all over the world. cultures." included Fareed Haque, a sion was so complicated," master percussionists from "It was awesome," Continued as “Music jazz and classical guitar- Ani Zotti, Adv. 902, said diverse musical cultures, Gabrielle Guelldge, Adv. Colloquium” on page 4 Poetry legend visits Success in the Marc Smith Enlightens struggle Northside’s Literati Northside Latin continues its by Zosia Holden his stream of loosened, loaded, When a person renowned as powerful words at the elitist barri- season on a strong foot an elder in his or her craft is wel- ers. He continued on to perform by Natalia Emanuel 280 points and Loyola Academy’s 190 comed by a group of enthused In Latin, “certamen” means to points. News pages 1-6 at Green Mills, around Chicago, listeners, it would be only natural and eventually all over the na- struggle. In this day and age the word At the Novice (Latin One) Divi- • Ms. Mulligan’s Drive Award for them to expect a formal greet- tion. Moreover, he has helped refers to a Latin-centered competi- sion, Northside won with 585 points. • Battle of the Bands ing of reverence. Any pretense of develop a following for a style tion in which teams buzz in to answer Loyola Academy and Carmel High formality was shattered, however, that has marked Chicago as a questions about Latin vocabulary, School came in second and third with Diversions page 7 when, upon the entrance of poet capitol for beat writing. grammar, Roman history, geography, 530 points and 150 points, respectively. • Northside: Ending the Marc Smith into Mrs. Porri’s Smith related his personal classical life, and mythology. “It seems like the freshmen match Semester Judging by the scores of the lat- was a little closer than is usually the • Invasive Species Creative Writing classroom, stu- history with slam, his opinions dents responded to his introduc- and his advice. On the topic of est round, it would seem as though case,” John Mussman, Adv. 806, one tion with a raucous “So what?” the name is a misnomer: Northside of Latin Club’s Consuls, said. “But on Feature page 8-9 writing, he based his advice on a Far from being offended, Smith central focus. swept the Certamen meet it hosted on the whole, I think we did well and will • Senioritis Plagues laughed at his customary greeting “You have-,” he said, picking December 12, winning at the Novice, continue to improve.” Northside that, to him, draws in a base of up a girl’s occupied chair and Lower and Upper Levels. The Certa- Others did not see this as cause to • Cocoa Comparison involvement with crowds. To the scooting it across the room, “-to men meet was hosted for the Northern worry. Centerfold pages 10-11 students, it brought to their level move people.” Section which includes schools that “I feel as though with every incom- are traditionally good at Latin such as • Politics for High Schoolers the demigod, who visited North- He addressed all art as need- ing class, there is always a little bit of side on December 10, 2007. ing to be a form of meaningful Loyola Academy and New Trier. shakiness,” Jane Bialek said. “But we Editorials pages 12-13 Smith is considered to be the entertainment, with styles that always pull through, and we always • Steve Solomon’s Piano founding father of Slam Poetry. must vary and grab the viewer’s have such great kids. Sometimes I • Please Don’t Pose A construction worker for over a focus. He then included the don’t know how we do it.” decade, he is noted as the first to group of students present in exer- These results were notable because regularly perform his poetry as cises on the techniques of tempo several key players graduated last year. •Student Band Concert opposed to simply reading it. and fluctuating volume, demon- Among them were Kavinda Wewe- •“Accross the Universe” gama and Andrew Foertsch-Jans. Both Reviewed “At that time, if you tried strating how these basic perfor- to communicate effectively, you mance aspects can dramatically of the graduates were instrumental in Sports page 18-20 were criticized,” Smith told the impact the perceived meaning of setting up the current Latin program, • Northside Wrestles Shurz group of collected students. a piece. Not only did he prove supporting the Latin One students • Men’s Basketball wins “The poets of the time would his point, but he also made the and organizing practice. The two had against Bronzeville say ‘You are supposed to let the group burst into peals of laughter both been recognized for their Latin words communicate; don’t try – repeatedly. Several members of the certamen achievements on a national level and to perform it at all.’ Well I think In the area of self-expres- team practice for the upcoming had played Certamen for many years. because I was a construction sion, Smith related a much more tournament. “Of course, those superstars are, in Photo by Elizabeth Jose worker, outside of that world of personal intent on his part. He their own right, irreplaceable, and they poetry, I knew how ridiculous advised that poetry, specifically, At the Upper (Latin Three, Four have left very big shoes for everyone to that was. I mean, you’re stand- and art in general, should be a and Five) Division, Northside took 1st fill, but nonetheless we will continue to ing on a stage, you’re trying to way to make a common bond Place with 620 points. Loyola Acad- develop our players and after a rebuild- communicate your writing, and between people, therefore basing emy took second with 445 points, fol- ing phase we have proved to be as you’re not supposed to try to do itself on the grounds of exposure. lowed by New Trier High School who strong as ever,” Consul John Mussman that with performance?” “Artists have looked into had 164 points. said. “And we may even surpass our This began at the Get-Me- themselves and found the most “I didn’t doubt that they would past achievements.” High Lounge, when he first read vulnerable, true thing they can win for a second,” Jane Bialek, Adv. Much of their legacy has given in a way meant to be a response present,” said Smith. 808, previous Latin Club Aedile and Northside a leg-up anyway. As Bialek to what he saw as an elitist peck- According to him, this is now Illinois Junior Classical League put it: “Talent only takes you so far. ing-order in poetry. In his eyes, the reason that people often get First Vice President, said. “But we are It is our practice that really makes us the poetic society lacked both the themselves into such trouble with ever so proud of how well we always shine.” passion and the humility needed their art, by presenting some continue to do.” Given that various members of the to connect with common people. At the Lower (Latin Two) Divi- Latin team meet two to three times Because of this, Smith aimed Continued as “Marc Smith” on sion, Northside had 665 points, com- a week, that may bode well for the page 3 pared with New Trier High School’s upcoming season. Page  News The Hoof Beat “I went to school and survived” Northside College Northside Prep receives a threat Prep High School by Abir Usman started to realize what was Rumors around the After keeping matters Filing into school past po- going on.” school have been spreading under wraps, Northside’s lice squad cars, each subjected On the afternoon of Tues- like wildfire—stories of guns administration received notice 5501 N. Kedzie to the usually random body day, December 11th, graffiti found in lockers at Lane from Chicago Public Schools searches, Northside students found in a girls’ washroom Tech, the threat being a po- (CPS) stating that these were greeted on Wednesday, at Lane Tech College Prep tential senior prank, and the potential threats were being Chicago, IL 60625 December 12th by nervous included threats of violence mention of the horrid events taken seriously. And on the faculty and staff. against Northside, Lane from Virginia Tech have all 13th of December, Northside Tel: (773) 534-3954 “I don’t think they are Tech, as well as Schurz High been mentioned. The cover- principal Mr. Barry Rodgers overreacting. If anything, I School according to CBS age of the threat by local and and the assistant principal am glad they are doing this to Chicago reporters. As a result national news has also added Dr. Peggy Murphy released Fax: (773) 534-3964 protect us,” said Cole Fran- of the threat, the amounts of fuel to the fire. CBS Chicago a statement to the student kel, Adv. 808. security on all three campuses accurately named the schools body explaining the situation. “I thought that many were increased in the follow- involved as did FOX Chicago, A letter went home address- Principal: Mr. Barry Rodgers students thought that the ing days. At Northside in par- WBBM Radio, and The ing the situation. It also added security was for the ticular, students were asked Chicago Tribune. ABC 7 Chi- stated that the 14th would be Assistant Principal: World Music colloquium to show identification cards cago and MSNBC covered considered a day of excused Dr. Margaret Murphy event where musicians such when entering the building. the issue but did not name absence for those parents who prefer the safety of their Advisor: Mr. Chester Tylinski homes instead of that of the school’s. “We have to try to glean Editors-In-Chief: Natalia something positive from this situation. The world can be Emanuel, Patricia Radkowski dangerous and we have to look out for one another,” Mr. Web Editor: Abir Usman Rodgers said. “The admin- News Editor: Elizabeth Jose istration’s job is to maintain order and safety to get back Features Editor: Andrea Ljevar on track to the real job at hand which is of learning. Centerfold Editor: Zlatana We have to remember that the Alibegovic environment of Northside is one where students and staff Editorial Editor: Muhammad feel comfortable. However in order to do that, we must feel Akthar secure and everyone has to Arts and Entertainment Editor: pitch in achieving so.” At the end of the day on Molly McAndrew the 14th, the 46 percent of Northside students that were Sports Editor: Mohammad in attendance boasted having Khaleelullah survived being at school. Northside’s Officer Billingsley Photo/Art Editor: Ursula Moreno- from District 7 also had some views on the recent incidents. VanderLaan, Vasiliki Mitrakos, Leo “Violence is almost The line oustide the main entrance stretched as far back as the gymansium as nonexistent here. In compari- Lee, Alejandro Vadivieso students waited to be checked by secutirty. son to other schools, North- Photo by Abir Usman side is a very safe place, and as Yang Wie and Fareed In addition to identity checks, Northside and, in MSNBC’s we would like to keep it that Second Draft Editor: John Haque were arranged to during the World Music case, claimed the graffiti “also way. We do so by taking every Mussman, Robin Tholin come,” Nimrah Haque, Adv. celebration, personal student threatened students at Schurz threat seriously as we did in 806, said. ”It wasn’t until the lockers were checked as to and Near-North career high this situation,” Billingsley Managing Editor: Zainab Bilfaqi said. end of the day where students ensure safety. schools.” Copy Editor: Zahra Lalani

Bollywood enters Northside’s doors Reporters: Olutoye Adegboro, Subhan Ali, Shoaib Ali, Lyanne Desi club features “Dilwale Alfaro, Mariam Bawany, Derika Dulhaniya Lejayenge” at movie Benton, Brittany Brown, Sonya Dekhytar, Melissa Espana, Zosia night Holden, Kent Fremon, Matt by Mariam Bawany choice for movie night,” Sadia Sozzer, Pakistani and Indian food was served. Glodz, Sarish Hassan, Alice The Indian movie, “Dilwale Dulhania Adv. 905, said. “It takes all the compo- Desi Club served Biryani, or rice and Le Jayenge,” gave its audience a taste of nents of Bollywood and combines it into meat, Aloo Palak, or spinach and pota- Henry, Tyler Johnson, Melissa Bollywood with its classic lines, elaborate one amazing film.” toes, and bread. Students could be seen Jordan, Sarah Jose, Sony Kassam, outfits, and dramatic scenes. Desi Club This movie takes its viewers into the conversing with each other about the showed the movie on November 20, 2007 life of a girl, Simran Singh, whose father movie as well as about the food. Farrukh Mukhtar, Bhumi Patel, at the club’s first movie night. has arranged her marriage with someone “I am glad that I chose to come,” The movie, directed by Aditya Cho- whom she has never met. Though disap- Jennifer Mensah, Adv. 901, said. “I was Evan Rogers, Riaz Shaikh, Dilraj pra, was released in 1995 and has been pointed at first, she asks for a month of familiar with the IndoPak culture from Shekhon, Sarah Schoonhoven, running in movie theaters since. It has freedom to tour Europe with her friends. my old school but this was a new experi- won many awards, including the Filmfare She meets Raj Malhotra, and somewhere ence.” Elizabeth Sobenes, Caitlin Swieca, Best Movie Award. Additionally, India- between the constant bickering and Members of the club wore ethnic times Movies ranks it among the Top 25 fussing, he manages to sweep her off her outfits of many colors and styles. This Thuy Tran, Sika Yeboah-Sampong, Must See Bollywood Films. feet and they fall in love. However, good was intended to attract more people as Yonas Zewdie. “I love ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jay- things only last for so long, as her father was the enormous poster that could be enge.’ It’s a classic and I was glad when proves by forbidding her to ever meet Raj found in the center stairwell. I found out Desi Club picked it as the again. “I can’t imagine reading subtitles for Contributors: Rachel Hautzinger, “We chose to play this up to three hours,” said Shehnila Tai, a movie because it is a classic. I student from Niles West who attended Saif Rahman. think that it was greatly enjoyed Northside’s Movie Night. “I am glad that by the people who came to people of many cultures came to this movie night,” Alicia Gresla, event despite this obstacle. I think that it co-president of Desi Club, Adv. had an impact on those that did.” 907, said. Not everyone agrees. Although there was not a “It was really fun but there weren’t a large turn out, the club antici- lot of people,” Faiza Ahmed, Adv. 906, The Hoof Beat is a monthly publication pates that a larger portion of the said. produced by the Northside Prep Journalism student body will come next “So I don’t think it had much of an time. impact.” Class. As a student-run newspaper, your “I feel that our club is still in The club has high hopes for future opinions are important to us. If you have its young age,” Jasmine Lukose, events. The members hope to spread their vice president of Desi Club, culture throughout the school. any comments, corrections, critiques, or Adv. 804, said. “In the past few “I was disappointed about the turnout questions, please e-mail Mr. Chester Tylinski years, our club was not very ac- for movie night,” Elizabeth Jose, co- tive. However, I think things will president of Desi Club, Adv. 806, said. at [email protected] or the editors Jasmine Lukose, Adv. 804, and Alicia Gresla, change from this year on.” “Nevertheless, I am eager to begin work Adv. 807, introduce the movie. in chief at [email protected]. Photo by Tyler Johnson During the intermission, for our next event.” December 2007 News Page  Dumbledore Lives! The Resurrection of Dumbledore with the Harry Potter Colloquium by Alice Henry many students have been consider- "This spring, you can join ing the new colloquium. “We will fellow wizards and witches to only be accepting 15 students from experience a semester of all things each class,” said the e-mail. “The Hogwarts!" says the description House Heads ask...you submit (in of the new colloquium, "Platform an interesting fashion) your reasons 9 ¾, King's Cross Station". This why you should be considered for description is all that has been admission to Northside Hogwarts.” revealed about the “Harry Potter”- Andrea Buiser, Adv. 900, said based colloquium. that the necessity for a creative On November 18, 2007, the submission to apply for the col- Northside student body received an loquium takes away the chance for e-mail from none other than Albus those students who would want to Dumbledore. Although in the sixth join “Platform 9 ¾, King’s Cross book of the widespread series the Station” out of curiosity. character was murdered by Snape “My colleagues and I are and poisoned by He-Who-Must- looking for creativity, knowledge Not-Be-Named, the former head- of the Wizarding World, and a master of Hogwarts seems to have passion for all things Hogwarts,” taken up residence at Northside. said Dumbledore. “This can be The actual identity of Dumb- conveyed simply with a few words, ledore is unknown. or more extravagantly, depending The idea for the colloquium on student personality; in the end, started when “a group of Science, their true wizardry will be apparent Math, and Social Science teachers to us.” approached me about offering a The e-mail was discouraging to class that would discover wiz- some who are questioning whether Dumbledore, as featured in the film version of Harry Potter, is visitng Northside ards and witches hidden within their knowledge of the whole Photo Courtesy of Amazon.com. their (very impressive, no doubt, “Harry Potter” series is enough to yet still) Muggle school,” said fulfill the pre-requisite for the col- Dumbledore is not certain of activities are planned. “We’ll be tournament.” Albus Dumbledore, the director loquium. students’ interest in the colloqui- participating in Scavenger Hunts, As to how Dumbledore is, he of the colloquium, in email cor- “I don’t think I know nearly um. “We’re unsure of student inter- which will lead us to conquer said, “All things are well in the respondence. “Since the struggle enough about Harry Potter to get est as of yet. There are definitely obstacles from the HP book series,” afterlife…. It’s been thrilling to con- between Lord Voldemort and the into this colloquium,” Alejandro signs of Wizarding talent in your says Dumbledore. Students will tinue building the bridge between Order of the Phoenix has ended, Valdivieso, Adv. 010, who wants to school, but students are unsure of also be participating in House pride the Wizard and Muggle worlds. it’s been difficult for Hogwarts staff join the colloquium for its scav- their abilities, and I think, there- activities, the analysis of Wizard- Thank you for your interest.” to find Muggle-born Witches and enger hunts, said. “Dumbledore fore, cautious of contacting me ing World publications, and service If you did not apply by De- Wizards. The staff at your school would be displeased.” He thinks about this opportunity.” learning projects. “We’ll also play cember 5, 2007, however, you were is helping us in this campaign.” it would be cool to be part of the For those who do participate a few rounds of Muggle Quid- warned. Now you will always be a Since the e-mail was sent out, colloquium however. in the colloquium, games and ditch and compete in a Tri-Wizard Muggle. “Marc Smith” Mr. Belcaster in a Hanfu Continued from page 1 present any challenge or lasting impact. He also felt that television’s presentation themselves into such trouble with of art and poetry has shipped out only Microeconomics on another continent their art, by presenting some thing that the smallest focuses while ignoring the 810, said. differs so strongly from their surround- by Riaz Shaikh complete image and its true intent. “How does one say elasticity in Chinese?” is a When the idea was first proposed, about a ings that others are reluctant to con- As for the way modern poetry is question students may or may not ask. Either way, dozen or Mr. Belcaster’s students, past and pres- nect to it. However, he also remarked going, Smith was disappointed to see what better way to answer it than in the midst of a ent, signed up for the trip. strongly that these presentations could how so much of it had become greed- Chinese bazaar? “I thought the trip was an excellent idea,” cross over from being simple statements based with its immense televising, losing Towards the end of the first semester Mr. John Gerald J. Wang, Adv. 901 said. “China is a big im- of themselves to a need to shock people. the real depth it was meant to carry to Belcaster, Northside’s sole AP Microeconomics merging player in the global market, and it would The easiest way to catch attention is people. What we need, he said, is not teacher, announced his hopes of exploring the be great to learn about its economics.” with fury and distain, which leads, ac- celebrities, but local people that we can economics of China - with his class, of course. Even former students of the course showed The exploration he proposed would be such in the considerable interest in the proposal. older version of the word: a trip to the land itself. “I thought was a good idea, what he’s plan- Mr. Belcaster emphasized that the trip would be ning on doing,” former student Kaitlin Renkosiak, an ideal opportunity for students to examine mi- Adv. 801, said. “It would be interesting to see, not croeconomics through a new lens. The idea would only another culture but also the world’s econom- be to take what his students had learned from ics in somewhere other than the classroom. And textbooks and see the principles in action there was the added benefit for those of us who “It’s an amazing chance to stretch our learning have studied Chinese, that we would be able to from the classroom to the wider world by explor- utilize what we had learned in that class as well.” ing the economics of other nations,” Mr. Belcaster Unfortunately, due to the immense amount of said. organizing and paperwork necessary to make the China, according to many, is the best place to trip the possible and due, also, to quickly decreas- study economics. This is the case ing amount of time left in the school year, Mr. because of the intense economic Belcaster decided that growth that is occurring right it would not be reason- now – the only growth even able to make the trip vaguely comparable to that of this school year. China right now is that which “Even if the trip was experienced during the In- was made during dustrial Revolution. Mr. Belcast- Spring Break, many er’s intentions were to conduct students wouldn’t be an analytical study that would able to go because of examine the different aspects this other priorities,” Mr. new “Industrial Age” of China. Belcaster said, rattling “China’s prosperity lies off a few, “ACT/SAT mostly in the fact that it is under- exams, AP exams, col- going its own ‘Industrial Age’,” lege admissions.” Mr. Belcaster said. “This would This decision had be a prime example to learn of a number of people economic concepts.” who had been plan- Poetry Slam Team members get their father of slam to sign their poetry Through the trip, students ning on going quite notebooks. would study the Three Gorges disappointed. Photo by Ursula Moreno-VanderLaan Dam, markets in Shanghai and “I was really Shenzhen, manufacturing com- excited and I find it re- cording to him, to unnecessary obscen- meet out on the corner and follow in ally sad that this year’s ity in too much modern art. While one our own lives, away from the selfish- panies, and many other inner-city areas with the help of the Hope seniors won’t be able can easily employ these techniques to ness that so often gets entangled in the to experience it,” Jones amuse people, it does not actually take path of art. He advised to look for art Education Foundation (HEF). The HEF is a non-profit organi- Student’s Climb The Great Wall Of said. them on any journey, which he says, outside the machine in what is directly China during one of the trips to China. However, there is is what art is about. In response to the in the here and now, and that if artists zation, established by American and Chinese entrepreneurs, or- Photo by Melissa Jordan still some light at the messages of some of the more volatile ask humble things of life, they can do end of this negative contemporary music, he asks, “Who are all right. Constantly throughout his ganizers and professionals, who coordinate interaction programs between groups externality. Early in January, Mr. Belcaster an- you trying to shock?” speech, Smith above all advocated a life nounced that the trip would still be made. Only Apart from comments on poetic pre- of humility, right down to the modest of students in the two nations. Heavily supported by multiple Chinese government departments it would happen next year, over Spring Break, sentation, Smith also talked extensively message of his own famous phrase, giving him sufficient time to make the appropriate about his opinions on the state of the “So what?” On what Smith might truly in addition to the private support it receives, the organization provides exclusive opportunities for arrangements. modern world. On the topic of modern mean by it, poetry slam member Adam “Mr. Belcaster is an awesome teacher and so television, he is adamantly dissatisfied. Gottlieb remarked, “Spoken word can’t students to study in the education and arts fields. A majority, if not all, of the trip will be led by a is his course,” Irfan Hussain, Adv. 806, said. “If I While the likes of television might oc- be credited to one person, so it’s his way couldn’t go as a student next year, I would try to cupy one’s mind temporarily, it doesn’t of being humble.” tour from HEF. “I think it’s amazing,” Rhianna C. Jones, Adv. see if I could help him as a chaperone, next year.” Page  News The Hoof Beat Pure Blood? Northside’s Annual Blood Drive

by Zainab Bilfaqi recently, were anemic, or had other rental consent. Students older than with out asking permission, and Colon, Adv. 800, said. “The techni- Students, faculty members, circumstances that could possibly sixteen were able to donate without this way the teachers knew where cian then explained to me what and parents on December 6, 2007 lead to infected blood. parental consent. the students were. Also when was going to happen. When they donated a total of 86 units of blood In order to donate blood, Although the requirements to students asked to leave class they put the needle in it did not really to Life Source. students had to weigh at least donate for LifeSource, the donation should know it is their responsibil- hurt, but there was a point where According to Mr. John 110 pounds, have a valid source organization, remained the same, ity to make up whatever material the needle was vibrating in my arm. Belcaster, the sponsor of Student of identification such as driver’s student council implemented a new was missed, so that they did not The technician fixed that problem. Council, who organized the event, license, state ID or school ID, and rule in the school requirements. If think they could just donate blood It also felt a bit chilly when the an additional 22 people wanted to be at least sixteen years of age. students wished to donate blood and not complete their work.” plasma went back into my arm.” donate blood but were not able to Students that were sixteen years during a period that was not their Another recent addition to the Although the vision of Life- because they had left the country old could only participate with pa- lunch, they had to get permission blood donation process is the blood Source may seem to be to obtain slips signed by centrifuge machine called “ALYX.” pure useable blood, it is actually the teachers “When you donate the blood “To provide all Chicagoans with whose classes with the ALYX machine the blood a safe and adequate blood supply they would is divided, separating the red blood by joyfully linking those who need be missing. cells and the plasma platelets,” with those who give,” Ms. Basile According to Tammy Basile, of the Life Source said. Mr. Belcaster, organization, said. The plasma Recently, Northside received this was due platelets are put back into the do- a $1,500 reward for collecting 200 to some con- nor, while we are essentially getting units of blood within the two drives cern last year double the amount of red blood held this past year. However, in that students cells.” order to receive the reward two were missing In essence, the procedure with blood drives need to be held within important les- the ALYX machine provides more the academic school year. Mr. sons without of the importantly needed blood Belcaster is optimistic about receiv- asking permis- types, and some patients prefer ing the reward again this year, but sion to leave. it because the needle is smaller. is considering researching other “I think Also donors receive credit for two organizations to see what type of having the donations, but as a health precau- rewards they offer. students ask tion they are not allowed to donate “I think that the blood drive their teacher’s for four months after the initial was a success. Anytime you have permission to procedure (http://www.bloodnj. 108 people willing to donate their donate blood org/10490AlyxSheets.pdf). For time, effort, and blood we know was a great safety reasons, the requirements something is going right,” Mr. idea,” Bianca to donate blood with the ALYX Belcaster said. “I think everything Cuyun, Adv. machine are a little more specific, ran smoothly with the new teacher 804, said. In requiring that donors have higher permission slip and the reward of any case, it is levels of iron and higher height and the pizza lunch. Maybe we can do disrespectful weight requirements. even better by investigating other to the teacher “When I told the technician organizations to see what type of The nurses were kept busy during the Blood Drive preparing stations and keeping to leave their my height and weight she said that rewards they offer and see if they things neat. class for a long I would be a great candidate for are better then the Life Source Photo by Zainab Bilfaqi period of time the ALYX machine,” Christopher rewards.” Putting the verve in Gobbling wattles, toys, and Verve2 Guatemala by Evan Rogers “I thought it would be fun to have There is going to be a new outlet comics, an advice column, a request by Riaz Shaikh G. Jones, Adv. 102, during Winter Break. for Northside students to express box, and things of the week. Maybe a What does football, toys, and a trip to Guate- Each year the Bobadilla family traveled to Gua- their creativity: Verve2. The upcom- Where’s Waldo-type of thing as well,” mala have in common? It’s the Turkey Bowl, of temala and donated toys to rural villages. The idea ing online magazine is in the devel- Fernandez said. “I don’t want it to course. This school year’s Turkey Bowl was full of of delivering the toys to Guatemala was completely opmental stages as it awaits student be article after article that people just all types of new stuffing. From the postponed date, voluntary and motivated by the students’ families. submissions. Verve2 will comprise of don’t care about.” relay races, and toy drive, all the way to a trip to “They were greatly overwhelmed by the sheer any original material submitted to the The success of Verve2 is entirely Guatemala, the Bowl was unlike any before. amount of toys collected,” Ms. Martha Mulligan magazine including writings, musical dependant on the Northside student Due to poor weather conditions and four-day said. compositions, drawings, movies, and body. In order for the online maga- weeks in October, student council was compelled to Even after all of this, the compassion and gen- photographs. zine to succeed, Northside students reschedule the date to after Thanksgiving. In order erosity is ongoing. For the upcoming Spring Break, Verve2 will not replace Verve, must participate. Through sending in to attain the most appropriate date, the event was the colloquium will travel to Guatemala to help Northside’s print literary magazine, their original works, students can help held the week after Thanksgiving break on the but rather compliment it. Verve is Verve2 to get off the ground and give 28th of November. The winning team, Ikram released annually whereas Verve2, Northside students a distinct outlet for Khan, Kevin S. Menczynski, Saif Rahman, which will be much easier to update expression. Obina Osuiji, and Dan Preimer, were awarded and publish, by virtue of the fact that “People can write, draw, or do homecoming tickets, while the runner-ups it is online, is likely to be a monthly whatever it is that really interests them were presented delightful, home-baked brown- publication. While Verve was a col- about anything that interests them,” ies. However, this was only one of the many lection of a full year’s work, Verve2 Fernandez said. Original work can be reforms made to the school’s beloved festivity. will feature more currently updated submitted to verve2@googlegroups. In consideration of the scarcity of time, material. This school year, the best org. student council created a new twist to over- of Verve2 will be chosen for a spot in Not only is the magazine staff time. In place of an additional two minutes Verve. in need of submissions, but it is also of playing football, the ball was taken, the So far, the submissions to Verve2 in need of people to work on the penny-shirts were stripped, and the relay races have not been coming in as fast as the magazine to make it possible such as began. editors of the magazine had hoped. web designers and editors. Interest in Desperate for change, student council also “We really need people to start becoming a part of Verve2 should be indulged into the toy-making business. On the waking up and knowing that it is going directed to its sponsor, Ms. Ebikepreye day of the Bowl a mounting pile of treasured on,” said Verve2 Chief Editor Nohemi Porri of the English Department. The donations gave birth to what was to become Fernandez, Adv. 016. “Verve2 is real.” staff’s commitment to the magazine the “toy-drive booty that put Mrs. Clause Verve2 will be publishing almost will be based on desire and interest, to shame.” Unlike preceding years, student any type of school appropriate submis- not attendance. council replaced the previous tradition of can sions. Any Northside student can send The staff is aiming to make Verve2 drives in order to adopt, what they believed to original work in and it will be consid- a fun and creative collaboration be, an excellent alternative. ered for the online magazine. between Northside students by open- “Since the holidays are all about giv- Fernandez envisions the online ing new school-wide possibilities for ing and helping others, we [student council] magazine as a place that will be self-expression. thought that the toy drive would be a great unique, creative, and fun to visit. way to exhibit the holiday cheer,” Ashley U. Rivera, Adv. 811, said. Some may ask why neglect the needy in our own community. The needy that would otherwise receive something to eat through the can drive. “Two clubs had already held food drives prior to the Turkey Bowl,” Jennifer Ceisel, Spencer Rosenfeld, Adv. 809, faces off against Craig Adv. 800, said. “We didn’t think it sensible Melhuse, Adv. 908, during one of the football games to repeat the food drives, so we looked for during the Turkey Ball. something new.” Photo by Riaz Shaikh. Joining efforts, student council partnered build houses in developing villages with Habitat for with the Serve and Learn in Guatemala Colloqui- Humanity. The trip will commence a total of 10 um, led by Ms. Martha Mulligan and Dr. Margaret days, three of which shall be spent in the Antigua Murphy. The colloquium helped collect toys for area. the drive, which would later be donated to impov- “I’m really excited and I think it’s great because erished families in a Guatemalan village. The toys I can actually physically help someone and their were delivered by two Northside students and their family,” Sophie De’Oliviera, Adv. 017, said. families: Katie S. Bobadilla, Adv. 102, and Daniel December 2007 News Page  Northside’s debate league strikes again “World of Tournament 3: Mid-season debate at DePaul Music” by Lyanne Alfaro championship, Northside’s par- cause so many teams had a 6-0 re- 806, and Jordy Garcia, Adv. 800, At the DePaul, Mid-season ticipating varsity team, Zlatana cord, who ended up winning was fifth; Andrea Ljevar, Adv. 904, Continued from page 1 Debate Tournament, Northside’s Alibegovic, Adv. 909, and Natalia determined by how their judges and Sam Ocampo, Adv. 909, sev- JV teams won seven of the top Emanuel, Adv. 808, went against had evaluated the quality of the enth; Cole Frankel, Adv. 808, and The day concluded with a closing eight spots while the sole Varsity the team that had recently for- presentation of their speaking. Matt Castro, Adv. 806, eighth. ceremony that included performances by team took first place. Since tour- feited in the last tournament. Alma Aguila, Adv. 808, and “It felt really good, winning Lamajamal and Eastern Blok. Lamaja- nament number one, Northside’s Additionally, Robin Tholin, Adv. 801, won first first,” Tholin said. “It was very mal, a Chicago-based group, creates mu- exciting and even more so given sic using rhythms and instruments from that so many Northisde teams a wide variety of countries. They have went 6-0.” been influenced by the art and music of She said the win was a Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North “validation of our hard work and and West Africa as well as the Americas practice that we all put in.” (www.lamajamal.com). Additionally, at debate Eastern Blok combines classical and tournaments the best speakers are jazz sounds with the traditional melodies recognized. Emanuel was ranked of Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Serbia. 8th best speaker at the varsity level. Eastern Block has headlined at the World At the JV level, nine of the top Music Festival and their drummer, Mi- ten speakers were Northsiders, chael Caskey, has won the Detroit Music though 1st place went to Lincoln Award five times (www.easternblok.net). Park High School. The closing ceremony ended with a Currently, there are two jam session featuring all the performers. classes of Speech and Debate. As the ceremony occured after dismissal, While the classes are composed when Mr. Rodgers announced that stu- predominantly of juniors and dents were welcome, but not obligated to seniors, Mr. Berry is hoping to stay, many students did not catch it. allow freshmen to sign up for it as "I feel sorry for the people who left long as they enter with one year’s before the musicians' jam session because worth of English credit. it was really thrilling to see such talented “My biggest regret on the musicians in their element," Magdalena debate team was that I couldn’t Cassel, Adv. 801 said. join as a freshman,” Alibegovic An added plus was that Mr. Rodgers said. “That lost year means that drummed with the musicians. I am behind many other talented "It was incredible. It was wonderful," debaters with whom I should be Adam Gottlieb, Adv.807, said of the clos- able to compete.” ing ceremony. "I haven't talked to a single Many members of the team person who didn't love it." feel that allowing freshman to join "I was disappointed because there Kevin Steele, Adv. 018, and Joseph Watt, Adv. 904, review their notes and cases in will ensure more success in the wasn't a wider variety of European or preparation for the upcoming Chicago Debate League Tournament. future. Latin American music," said Carlos Al- Photo by Alejandro Valdevieso Four days after the mid-sea- meida, Adv. 900. "But I thought it was a debate team has repeatedly swept “I don’t think anyone can place. Danielle Fiumefreddo, Adv. son tournament, the varsity team good idea to have such an event at North- the debate court. remember the last time that 807, and Kaitlin Renkosiak, Adv. presented Mr. Rodgers with their side, especially because, through music, This time, Northside planned seven of the eight teams from one 806, took second place; Betty Li, silver trophy. The trophy read: people can enter a different culture and to do the same and succeeded. school went to the tournament,” Adv. 904, and Rory Coursey, Adv. “CPS: DePaul University: Mid- heritage. It also allows us to experience, The mid-season tournament Mr. Berry, director of Northside’s 902, third; Jacob Gruber, Adv. season Debate Classic: Varsity in a different way, the diversity of our took place on December 7th and debate team and teacher of the 908, and Jerry Wang, Adv. 901, Champion ‘A.’” world." 8th at DePaul University. In this Speech/Debate class, said. Be- fourth; Charlie Benandi, Adv. Page  News The Hoof Beat “One giant colloquium” Northside alumni tell all about college at Alumni Speak

by Matt Glodz smell of pizza and the chatter of (RISD) to Brown University; “Find out “Think of college as one giant Northside students, teachers, and Kevin Moss, Class of 2005, who what things make colloquium,” Northside Alumnus, alumni in the lobby of the Cedric attends Oberlin College; Kavinda you happy, what Danny Del Campo, Class of 2005, Hampton Auditorium. During this Wewegama, Class of 2007, who things make you said. The University of Chicago time, the Northsiders were given attends Stanford University; Matt sad, and use student told Northsiders that they an opportunity to network with Cohen, Class of 2007, who attends that time wisely should always follow whatever they alumni who attend colleges they Harvard University; Justin Rivera, because it will like during their college years. Oth- are interested in. The alumni were Class of 2005, who attends the slip away,” Moss erwise, “like a wasted colloquium, also able to catch up with former University of Illinois at Cham- said. it’s kind of like a wasted semester,” classmates and provided Northsid- paign-Urbana (U of I); and Danny The panel he said. ers with advice and first-hand ac- Del Campo. Eve Ewing, Class of also emphasized This was just one piece of counts of their college experiences, 2004, who attends the University of visiting college advice that was given to the juniors which conveyed portraits of the Chicago, acted as the moderator for campuses to and seniors present at the Fourth college experience that cannot be the evening. ensure that the Annual Alumni Speak forum on gleaned from a view book alone. Several topics regarding the “home” for the December 19. The forum, which Among the panelists at the college admissions process and the next four years was hosted by the Northside Alum- forum were: Alice Costas, Class college experience in general were will be a feel ni Association and Northside par- of 2005, who transferred from the discussed. comfortable fit. ent network, was preceded by the Rhode Island School of Design “I like college because there are “U of I wasn’t a lot more opportunities,” Jackie the prestigious Lewandowski, Class of 2005, school that I Wellesley University, said. “You thought I wanted really get to learn the ‘it’s not what to go to,” Rivera you know, it’s who you know’ said. “But after thing. I was in Pompeii this sum- visiting places mer going on a dig, but the only I got into such Derick Ruiz, Adv. 907, asks alumni about the reason that I did that was because I as Notre Dame homework in college and how they manage it. Photo by Tyler Johnson met a professor at school.” and Duke, [they] Her former classmate, Rivera, turned out not to be what I wanted. Mr. Tim Devine, both said that many Northside students, For me, U of I was perfect.” a Social Sciences teacher and the including himself, have been Questions that were Alumni Director, hopes to expand through similar experiences due to brought up by audience members the organization so as to keep the the relationships they build up with regarding issues such as financial alumni connected with their alma teachers at the school. aid were addressed as well. mater. He has plans in store for “Northside prepares everyone “I learned a lot and it was the future of the growing network professionally,” he said. “Talking nice to get feedback from actual that would instill an even greater to teachers and TA’s is much easier students who attended Northside,” relationship between the alumni when you’re not as intimidated.” Travis Boewadt, Adv. 906, said. “It and the Northside community. A main point of advice that gave me an idea of what I’m look- “We have this thing called was brought up by many panelists ing forward to.” the internet,” Devine said. “We was to enjoy college and get what “I think [Alumni Speak] need to be using this for web casts you want out of it. is really helpful because you get to where you guys [the alumni] are “[RISD] was intense and I hear about their experiences, their teaching our students. We have loved it, but it wasn’t working,” mistakes, as well as what they did students in Tanzania working with Costas said. “If Northside taught right, and that helps you to improve wild animals. Let’s link them up Tatiana Karpouzian, Adv. 801, and Kristine Pol, Adv. 804, discuss me anything, it’s to get what you your decisions,” Martyna Micha- with our biology classes. This is go- their plans for college. need out of your education.” lak, Adv. 805, said. ing to become a very vibrant, active Photo by Tyler Johnson alumni network.” December 2007 Diversions Page  Try your hand at What about us? Sudoku! Events around Northside: end of semester by Vasiliki Mitrakos person, or 15 per couple and formal dress in expected. January 7- 11 – Worlds without Borders Fund- Students will vote on the homecoming king and queen raiser. Students will be raising money during all lunch of every class during the dance. Homecoming is a great periods to buy bed nets and reduce malaria in needy event to catch up with friends after the break and enjoy countries. the weekend. January 7-11 – Spirit Week. A week before the January 16 – Semester Colloquium Celebration. homecoming game of the basketball team, students This is the last colloquium before the new semester and show off their school spirit dressing up for the week’s it is a celebration of what students have learned during various themes. Monday is decade day, Tuesday is colloquium. Formal presentations and performances beach day, Wednesday is super hero day, and Thurs- will take place in the gym and the auditorium, while day is twin day. Friday is class colors day and students students will be allowed to view the work of various are encouraged to wear the class t-shirts and as much colloquiums and participate in their activities. of their class color as possible. Classes will also be January 21 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day. No shortened on Friday to accompany the Pep Rally School timing. January 22 – Finals Testing. Students will be test- January 11 – Open Mic. Begins at 5:30 pm in ing in their block one, two, and three classes. the auditorium and admission is free. Students will January 23 – Finals Testing. Students will be test- perform original work ranging from poetry to short ing in their block four, five, and six classes. stories. All students are welcome to join or perform at January 24 – Finals Testing. Students will be test- any time without having to sign up. For more infor- ing in their block seven and eight classes. mation contact Ms. Porri. January 25 – Professional development day. January 11– Pep Rally. Begins at 2:15 pm in the End of semester and no school for students. gym. Classes will be shortened for the day, and the January 28 – Korean exchange students visiting. presentation in the gym will include performances Students from Korea will be visiting Northside through from cheerleading and poms teams in addition to vari- the Korea Science Academy for a few weeks. ous other performances. January 31 – Twenty Hour Art Show. Begins after January 11 – Pack the Gym Night. Following the school in the art wing on the first floor. Students from pep rally the boys’ basketball game will begin at 7:30 all advanced art classes will display their artwork pm, and everyone is welcome to stay and cheer on ranging from photography to sculpture. The event is Northside’s team. The idea is to pack the bleachers as designed to display what the students have worked on much as possible and show off Mustang pride. for over twenty hours in addition to using the tech- January 12 – Homecoming Dance. Begins at 7:00 niques learned in class. Admission is free and everyone pm and ends at 10:00 pm. Tickets are 10 dollars per is welcome. Around Town: intellectual fun for finals season by Sonya Dekhtyar Although at first glance this may seem as 19, and 26, featuring a guest speaker. The first Happy New Year, everybody! I hope you a strange exhibit to go to for those not closely lecture is about cartography, literature, and all enjoyed your break, even if some of your familiar with the Jewish religion, history, empire in early modern Spain; the second teachers assumed that breaks exist only for and culture, it is important that we all see the – about the “mapping” of “paradise” and slow, lazy, spoiled kids, and therefore assigned current view on this race. Much like we learn theology; and the third shows a cordiform, much homework, which, a priori, our school about the Civil Rights’ Movement, learning a heart-shaped projection of the globe devel- can’t possibly have. about the Jewish culture should also be a part oped in the sixteenth century, created out of Now, I have two bits of news for you: of our knowledge base. In the building, you various pieces of art.The exhibit at the Field So, one bad piece and an even worse piece. The can find gallery, classroom, and library space; Museum is $19 and the Library lectures are I hope bad news is that our vacation is over. The a 400-seat theater for readings, films, and free. If you have any questions, call (312) 922- that, from worse news is that finals are speedily ap- performances; a kosher café; and a fabulous 9410 or (312) 255-3506. time to time, you will proaching. I feel a bit confused, as someone gift shop. The exhibit is free with general ad- be lifting your heads from who is supposed to inform you about the mission or $5-$7, depending on age; 10 a.m. INVASIVE SPECIES, Shedd Aquarium your textbooks and going best entertainment in town. Wouldn’t I feel –noon Tuesdays and 3 – 7 p.m. Thursdays, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive out to these exciting exhibits, guilty if I offered the usual assortment of it’s free. General admission is free as well, so January 10 – January 31 and, after all your hard work fun, interesting, and tempting amusements, feel free to stop by the building any time. For On a more entertaining, but just as – and fun – will pass all your while surreptitiously studying for my exams? more information, call (312) 322-1700. important, note, this exhibit brings us back to exams superbly! Wouldn’t I feel a bit guilty distracting you the days of grade school, when we took field from studying for you exams? So I found a Maps: Finding Our Place in trips to look at “all those pretty fishies.” But VOTE 4ME!: Inside a Presidential Elec compromise: entertaining education. No, the World this newly-installed permanent exhibit makes tion Freedom Museum hang on. Educational entertainment… well… The Field Museum and the Newberry us realize the threat that is jeopardizing our 445 North Michigan Avenue something smart, fun, and stimulating. Oh, Library 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. and 60 Great Lakes. Not only do we rely on the January 10 – November 9 yes, and taking place inside: don’t forget that W. Walton St. January 10 – January 27 Lakes for the water we drink, but we enjoy We all know that politics are dominating it’s still the middle of winter! So, this month, We all know that nowadays we can their coolness in the summer, their beautiful this year – especially this month. The Iowa lets take a trip to some fascinating museums “Google-map” something, any place any- frozen surfaces in the winter, and their natural Caucus and the New Hampshire Primaries and exhibits. where in the world. But the people in past – and what used to be relatively safe – provi- occurred within the first two weeks of this centuries didn’t have access to the internet – sions for fishes’ habitats. This exhibit displays month, and elections are coming up soon. The New Authentics: most often they were stuck with a ship, some the creatures – sea lampreys, zebra and With all the chaotic “Who are you going to Artists of the Post-Jewish Generation astronomical instruments, and paper and ink. quagga mussels, Asian carps, round gobies, vote for?” and “Can’t wait for ------to become Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies How did they go about finding their way in and spiny water fleas – that have invaded the President!” going around, it’s important to 610 S. Michigan Avenue the world? That is what this exhibit (housed Great Lakes, primarily through ships that de- learn and know exactly how the system of January 11 – January 31 in the Field Museum) seeks to show. The posit ballast water containing small and large campaigns, candidates, and elections works. This exhibit reflects the emotions, cul- most recent map is dated in the second half sea animals, and are now “biologically pol- This exhibit gives an exclusive view on cam- tures, affiliations, and intellects of 21st-cen- of the 20th century, but the other maps – over luting the water”. As the number of these fish paign platforms, important elections states, tury American Jews. Housed in the newly- a hundred of them – portray seas and moun- expands, the cost of controlling them goes and the economics of campaigns. Not only built building of the Spertus Institute, the tains, worlds imagined and falsely pictured, up and the safety of the water drops sharply. are you given a chance to experience being a display explores modern-day concepts of the land and skies. In this rare collection of This problem affects all of us, so it might be a president, working your way to the top, but, Jewish identity through the work of 16 Amer- clay tablets, charts, and sketches, the past of good idea to learn more about this issue now through fantastic displays and a ‘campaign ican Jewish artists: David Altmejd, Cheselyn this planet comes alive. Through high-tech everybody can help in some way. staff’, you get to know better all the candi- Amato, Johanna Bresnick, Shoshana Dentz, interactive displays, you can view the original This exhibit is year-long, so feel free to dates, their statistical stands in the race, and Lilah Freedland, Matthew Girson, Karl works of Leonardo da Vinci, Ptolemy, J.R.R. go whenever you can. Hours are as follows: their winning and losing states. Not all of Haendel, Laura Kina, Fawn Krieger, Jin Mey- Tolkien, and many others. Mondays: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesdays: 9 a.m. you, obviously, are eighteen yet, but in a few erson, Collier Schorr, Mindy Rose Schwartz, The Newberry Library has in its col- – 5 p.m., Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., years, the decided vote may lie with your pick. Ludwig Schwarz, Joel Tauber, Shoshanna lection rare books, manuscripts, and over Thursdays: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Fridays: 9 a.m. So, it’s important to know how our political Weinberger and Jennifer Zackin. Their work 500,000 historic maps that give us an even – 5 p.m., Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sundays: machine runs. Besides, there’s no excuse of reveals how today, associations with the more in-depth picture of the world in the old- 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission is free with general not wanting to spend money at the beginning Jewish culture combine with known issues of en centuries. Moreover, the Library provides admission or $6-$8, depending on age. Call of a new year: this exhibit is free for everyone. gender, ethnicity, class, history, and more. a free lecture on this exhibit on January 12, (312) 939-2438 for more information. To find out more, call (312) 222-4860. Page  Features The Hoof Beat The cocoa comparison Senioritis plagues Who makes the best hot chocolate Northside around Northside? by Muhammad Akhtar and Ahmed Imtiaz Teachers, having seen this trend by Caitlin Swieca a meal with their steaming beverage. “Whateva, whateva, I’ll do what I emerge year after year in the student body, As the winter months roll around, North- Also in Lincoln Village is Borders Books at want,” Irfan Hussain, Adv. 806, said in are not surprised. Mr. John Bel- siders will be looking for ways to keep warm. 6103 N. Lincoln, which is home to a Seattle’s a Cartman-esque way as he walked his caster, Social Science Depart- Every year around this time, students seek out Best Coffee shop. The Cocoa Trio is made of pseudo-girlfriend to class. Being tardy ment, finds it to be frighten- one of winter’s classic drinks: hot chocolate. fresh dairy and three types of chocolate, ac- for the fourth time that ingly rational behavior. Although the neighborhood around North- cording to employees. The small size goes for week, Hussain suffers “Early decision and early side is not packed with restaurants, there are $2.60 and is generously topped with whipped from chronic senioritis. action programs are truly plenty of places that can fulfill students’ hot cream and chocolate syrup. Although the drink Although second frightening for teach- chocolate needs. One of the closest is McDon- is pricey here, one can enjoy it while browsing a semester is still ers,” Belcaster said. ald’s, located at 3154 W. Foster, the corner of good book or warming up with friends. some “Students find out Foster and Kedzie. About a three-block walk Those in a hurry might want to get their time about what college from school, Northsiders can order a small hot hot cocoa from the 7-Eleven convenience store away, they will be attend- chocolate for around a dollar. The McDonald’s at 5610 N. Kimball, at the intersection on Bryn many ing in December, version of hot cocoa consists of the beverage Mawr. This option is especially well-located for students one month away in its traditional rich chocolate form. Although those taking the 82 Kimball bus route to school. are already from finals and drinkers should probably wait a few minutes 7-Eleven offers two kinds of hot chocolate: exhibit- six months away before starting to sip this steaming drink, its Hershey’s chocolate or Three Musketeers Mint. ing the from the end of warmness pays off by the time they’ve drained Each drinker can create his or her own unique classic the semester. the last drops. It’s cup of hot cocoa because 7-Eleven signs They thus hard to beat allows customers to add of se- have ev- the price of syrups that include cara- this cup, mel and hazelnut as and the well as toppings such location as cinnamon and is ideal mini-marshmallows. for Considering the ery incentive students unique options, to let down their guard in terms of using the 92 the price is niori- class-time investment.” Foster bus. reasonable tis. Decreased Understanding the full complex- If at $1.29, attendance, ity of the issue, Belcaster has designed students are and this persistent tardi- his AP Microeconomics curriculum with willing to conve- ness, declining homework quality, and an senioritis in mind. go a little nience overall feeling of being done with high “Our innovation incubator activi- farther store is school are common symptoms. With their ties kick in at the end of the year, where and pay ideal for college applications in and their minds set we apply the economic concepts we a little anyone on graduation, many seniors take this time have learned,” Belcaster said. “With the more, who to relax. substance of the course behind us, we can they wants “I think it’s kind of expected,” Harold finally divert attention to such things.” can get a quick Jaffe, Adv. 802, said. “People tend not to Senioritis is a big problem for Ad- their snack be as concerned.” vance Placement course instructors in hot with It is true: the concern is largely over. particular, for their jobs depend on the AP chocolate their The purpose of high school is to prepare scores their students receive. Having little at one of two local Starbucks: 3232 W. drink. students for college and, with their college incentive to perform well on these tests, Kedzie and 6075 N. Lincoln. At either location, For those looking for a more local flavor, applications submitted, students are taking senioritis can sometimes make or break a customers can get a slightly more decorated Java and Mug Café at 3247 W. Bryn Mawr some time for themselves. teacher’s term as an AP instructor. version. Starbucks’ baristas will adorn the drink might be the best place. During the winter, “I like to stick around school,” Amir However, what the underclassmen are with foamy whipped cream and chocolate students can gather here for warm drinks. Java Yousuf, Adv. 808, said. “I usually just seeing now are just the preliminary stages syrup, and drinkers can add other spices. This offers several coffees and teas in addition to its hang out with people and chill with of the disease. Come second semester, hot chocolate is more flavorful than McDon- hot chocolate. If customers are hungry, Java friends.” Northsiders will witness senioritis in full alds’ and departs from the traditional taste. also offers sandwiches and unique desserts. A Other seniors are taking a similar force, when even the most arduous of Starbucks also offers a range of other drinks, regular size cup of hot cocoa runs for $2.95, approach to school, considering it more seniors decide it’s time to finally take a both cold and warm, as well as an assortment but students get a nine percent discount, and of a social playground than an academic break. of pastries. The price for a “tall,” a small por- frequent visitors can obtain a card to earn a free institution. “I’ve pretty much worked hard tion, seems steep at $2.50, but for those who drink after buying seven. Although expensive, “School is such a fun experience now through the majority of my high school crave the unique flavor and atmosphere that Java is accommodating to loyal Northside that I don’t really worry about schoolwork career, but I am thinking of rolling up my Starbucks offers, the money will be well spent. students. so much,” Sedall Asante, Adv. 807, said. sleeves and relaxing a bit for this upcom- Another option for those seeking hot As winter days grow colder, more and “My life is like ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ ing semester,” Obinna Osuji, Adv. 810, chocolate is Panera Bread, located at 6059 N. more Northside students will be craving hot but with a black protagonist.” said. Lincoln. Hot chocolate here is also topped with chocolate to warm them up. The neighborhood Some seniors are conscious that they However, when all is said and done, whipped cream and chocolate syrup. Although offers options for those in a rush as well as suffer from the condition; so much so that the cycle will repeat itself once again next Panera is farther than McDonalds and Star- those looking to stay a while, affordable choices it plays a role in their decision-making. year and another pair of “The Hoof Beat” bucks, the menu has more choices than either and expensive choices, simple cups and fancier “Slacking off during second semester writers, markedly less attractive than the of the others. Customers can buy a number of variations. The best hot chocolate is really on is only natural,” April Nwatah, Adv. 803, authors of this piece, will be writing about breads, bagels, soups, and sandwiches to com- the tongue of the drinker, but the many choices said. “That’s why I’m graduating early. I how their senior class suffers from this plement their drink. The variety would make in the neighborhood should leave no thirsty feel I would be wasting my time at school highly contagious, virtually unavoidable this option the best choice for those looking for student cocoa-less. if I wasn’t.” disease. Shop it like it’s hot Did Northsiders shop this holiday season? by Sarah Schoonhoven a “consumer party.” However, consumer parties are not the no, Adv. 802, said, as he, too, does not go holiday shopping. At stores across America, Black Friday, the day after only restrictions to Northside shopping. A few people, such as Calvin Lam, Adv. 906, were some- Thanksgiving, is the start of the busiest season of the year. “I don’t go holiday shopping because I don’t support what disappointed by this year’s Black Friday. Lam said that It is not uncommon to see shoppers fighting for the last of a America’s economy,” Avery Schleichkorn, Adv. 106, said. the prices were not as low as last year’s and those of popular item, or waiting several hours in line to check-out. “Santa brings me all of my presents,” Santino Meri- the year before. This price escalation, he said, Many Northsiders shop for gifts for their friends and curtailed his inclination to pursue Black Friday family; but some do not, for personal or political sales. reasons. Many Northsiders, however, are die-hard “I don’t normally shop for the holi- holiday shoppers. This is the case for Madi day season,” Elisha Miles, Adv. 110, Holland, Adv. 908, and Jordan Jackson, Adv. said. “My parents do.” 107. Other students agree. “It shows how much I care for those “I just give my Mom money, and around me,” Jackson said. she goes shopping for me,” Ezra Lamp- Many students found the holiday dis- son, Adv. 106, said. counts to be the best part. Black Friday is too much for some “I love holiday shopping, especially people, though. when you get awesome holiday deals,” “I did not go on Black Friday, Miles Austrevich, Adv. 100, said. because I did not want to get up that Northsiders found all sorts of items, early,” Jenny Phan, Adv. 106, said. such as blue jeans, cameras, and televi- Still others avoid holiday shopping sions, with the bulk of purchases being at all costs. To them, there is a definite electronics at stores like Circuit City, reason to stay away from the holiday although some less common purchases were gift rush. made as well. “The only way I would go holiday “I went with my family to a tree farm,” shopping is if I had a gift I wanted to Gannon Brzoska, Adv. 107, said. buy for someone,” Piotr Lato, Adv. 012, Many shoppers enjoy the rush of fight- said. “I don’t believe in going to the store ing the crowds for holiday deals. Others and scavenging for gifts - I don’t think it merely want to save money on gifts for friends should be like that.” and family. But those who avoid shopping do not Griffin Cox, Adv. 105, says that he does not always have a political or moral reason. It can be as holiday shop because the holidays have become simple as not feeling like going shopping. December 2007 Features Page  Prom queen meets varsity basketball star Rhianna Rey knows how to balance sports with academics by Melissa L. España of the National Honor Society, which is “My favorite memories of Northside an organization that was established to are probably going to be with my basketball recognize outstanding students. team, because we work out all year long, This year, she applied for and re- because it’s not just a team. We’re like a ceived the Posse scholarship. family. If I had anyone to turn to, it’ll be my “It’s a scholarship based on leader- basketball team.” ship and you as an all-around person, These are the words of Rhianna Rey, and being socially aware,” she said. Adv. 809, as she reflects back on her experi- During the last three months, Rey ence on and off the basketball court. has been going to college interviews. Rey, now a senior, describes herself as She’s been on this “path”, as she put it, someone who gets along with everyone. to win it. Next year, she’ll be attend- While being a member of Northside’s Var- ing Oberlin College in Ohio, thanks to sity Basketball Team for the past four years, Posse. she has also participated in Student Council “Their [motto] is ‘fearless.’ I thought for three years, and other sports including that was so cool, because I want to be volleyball and softball. fearless too; I don’t want anything to Rey went to St. Tarcissus Elementary hold me back,” she said. School prior to attending Northside. In fact, Even though the stress of college she had no idea she would be attending applications, interviews, and acceptance Northside until the last minute. It had al- letters are now behind her, Rey is not ready been decided that she would be going done with senior year. She still has bas- to Loyola Academy. It wasn’t until she ap- ketball to think about. Rey has decided plied, and made it in, that her mom decided that when it comes to playing basketball to send her here instead. in college, she will only play if she can “I was kind of scared at first, because handle the academics. none of my friends were going. I was the Basketball is one of the most only person from my neighborhood going,” important things in Rhianna’s life. Ever Rey said. since her freshman year, she has played During her freshman year, Rey set a goal on the varsity team at Northside. She for herself: she wanted to be friends with and her teammates are very close to everyone. one another. However, she also played “I think that I’ve actually gotten to know volleyball up until sophomore year, and almost my entire senior class.” still plays softball today. The summer before her junior year, Rey Basketball hasn’t been the only thing participated in a program called Amigos de that played a large role in her life. In Las Americas. It is a volunteer program for fact, Rey had to make many sacrifices to high school students, in which they get to even have time to practice for it. live with a host family in a Latin American Back in elementary school, Rey was country. While doing so, they work to im- involved in tap and ballet for eight years. prove a community. Rey lived with her host She was really into it, but eventually family in a small community in Honduras had to stop attending classes to make called La Criba. room for basketball and other sports. In “This was definitely a life changing expe- her sophomore year, she performed a rience. My view of the world grew because tap dance for the annual talent show. I was able to meet different types of people, “It was thrilling for everyone watch- and I learned the importance of appreciating ing,” she said. every moment and opportunity I have.” There was just one last thing that Her junior year itself brought a few Rey thought people should know about changes to Rey’s life. It was the year that she her. met Angel Simonetti, her current boyfriend She said, “If you had to ask me one of a year. At last year’s junior prom, she thing that I don’t think people know was crowned prom queen while Angel was about myself would be that every Sun- crowned as the king. day my mom and I make dinner and I “It was really nice, because it was some- eat it with my brother and my boyfriend thing that my whole grade voted for me to Angel. That’s my favorite part of the have.” week; that hour eating dinner with my Rihanna Rey and her boyfriend, Angel Simonetti, Adv. 802, stand outside Junior Prom 2007, as Prom King and Queen. That same year, she became a member family and Angel.” Photo courtesy of Lizelle Marcial ‘Tis the season to be jolly – and to stay warm by Sonya Dekhtyar Of course, the old-fashioned method of melting choco- these are obstacles and challenges that we might have to face The winter may have started off pleasantly, with mild late in a pot of boiling water and adding cream and sugar every day during these cold months. Surely, the way one temperatures and little rain- and snow-fall, but the still passes the test. But nowadays, a more dresses may allow one to bear the freezing temperatures. The past few weeks have gotten efficient way of getting some warm seasonal days of Capri’s, caps, sunglasses, mini-skirts, and tee-shirts steadily colder. Weather cheer is pouring out a packet of pre-prepared are long past; now is the time for layering thick coats on forecasts predict a cocoa mix into a large mug or pot, adding sweaters, sweaters on long-sleeved shirts, warm pants on leg- steady decrease in mini marshmallows, cream, and sugar, gings, and boots on two pairs of socks. This year, the fashion temperature, and and plopping down on the soft couch trend seems to be leaning towards chunky-knit sweaters and with the upcom- in front of the TV to watch an amaz- army- and navy-style coats, shades of brown, green, and ing cold it might ing episode of “Grey’s Anatomy.” blue; slim boots and skinny jeans; and stylish sling-over bags. be useful to get Another option would be enjoying So dressing warmly isn’t just a necessity, but it’s fun, too. acquainted with a nice cup of steaming coffee “The winter is my favorite time to get dressed up,” Razan some exciting in the mornings before school, Abuhasish, Adv. 012, said. “There are all these holidays and cheery both to wake up the mind around this time that give me a great excuse to wear all my ideas for before spending a hundred most glittery! I love dressing up in warm turtlenecks, cute staying minutes in the least scarfs, and wearing those comfortable and yet still adorable- warm. favorite class of the looking boots.” day and to warm But even dressing warmly isn’t enough for some people. up the body “To stay warm during the winter I wear a lot of layers before stepping and drink a lot of hot chocolate,” Erik Gould, Adv. 808, said. outside into the “But my dogs also do a nice job of keeping me warm.” cold on the way For those who don’t have dogs, a heater might do. to the nearest bus “I keep warm by using this electric heater thing I have or train station. near my desk so that the cold doesn’t distract me from home- Evening post-din- work,” Esther Lee, Adv. 013, said. ner tea can also And then there are those who take a completely novel prove enjoyable: approach to staying warm. not only is it “I keep warm by dancing madly in ‘The Nutcracker Bal- easy and quick let’, and drinking lots of Starbuck’s peppermint hot-choco- to prepare, but it late,” Lucia Elledge, Adv. 013, said. leaves a person On the opposite side of the spectrum are people who love feeling relaxed and the cold. warm before going “I drink warm coffee every morning, partly to wake my- to sleep. self up, and I wear warm clothes,” Dalia Fuleihan, Adv. 012, But surviv- said. “But what I really look forward to in the winter months ing on hot drinks is going skiing. I love being around the snow and ice!” alone through this Most importantly, make sure to keep your insides warm frigid season is – not just physically, but mentally as well. Sure, running next to impossible. up the house heating bill, wearing warm fuzzy socks, and Snow, sleet, hail, huddling under the bed covers at night are typical when the ice, freezing wind, temperatures drop outside. But what’s most important this bad heating, lack season is not letting the cold get to the mind and heart as the of hot water – all new year – and its first frigid months – unfolds. Page 10 Centerfold The Hoof Beat PRIMARIES 2008, WHAT DOES YOUR VOTE MEAN? Northside’s Mikva organization heads to the New Hampshire Primaries by Farrukh Mukhtar were selected and club.” year, but had been Obama and Mike This month, were given a chance This system, moved back numerous Huckabee the winners students who are part to meet with the developed by Mr. times in order to make of the Iowa Caucus, of the Mikva Club, candidates to work on Belcaster, took into it the second primary other presidential led by president Sonya their campaign. They consideration the election, right behind candidates are adjust- Dekhtyar, Adv. 012, also had a chance amount of service the Iowa Caucus ing to the defeat by and co-sponsored by to attend campaign hours each member which took place on deploying new ad Mr. John Belcaster, strategy workshops had and involvement January 3. campaigns in order to Social Science Depart- in Anselm College in with other aspects of From the 4 to 7 gain momentum for ment, made a trip to Manchester. the club, for instance, of January, students the primary. Despite the New Hampshire This year, participation in the campaigned and the win in Iowa, for the presidential five members of voter registration drive encouraged others to however, recent polls primary. The Mikva Northside’s Mikva this school year. vote, which involved show Hilary Clinton Club, in association Club were invited The Mikva Chal- going door to door tied with Obama, with The Mikva Chal- to New Hampshire. lenge organization in order to raise while Huckabee, with lenge organization, Dekhtyar; Clare paid for the hotel and awareness for their 11 percent of the vote, helps students get in Sigelko, Adv. 015; transportation. Stu- candidate. The New is far behind the front- touch with politics Monika Wnuk, Adv. dents from Northside Hampshire Primary runner John McCain by getting students 811; Lena Tran, Adv. were part of a group was held on January who has 33 percent involved in campaign- 012; and Samantha of 60 Chicago area 8, and Mikva students of the vote. ing and other political Wickramasekra, Adv high school students had front-row seats for “It still seems events. The New .012 , made a four-day from 12 different the action. like a close race in Hampshire Primary trip to the primaries to schools. Each student “I am really New Hampshire,” is a statewide primary support their respec- had a choice of which excited for this trip,” election, in which tive candidates. candidate to support said Wnuk. “It will Irfan Hussain, Adv. each political party “It was tough and had an opportu- give me a chance to 806, said. “We’ll nominates a candidate deciding who would nity to work on their get close to the ac- just have to wait for the general presi- go on the trip,” Wnuk campaign. tion, since the New and see who wins, dential election. said. “In the end The New Hamp- Hampshire Primary is and Mikva During the 2004 though, we worked shire Primary is held the first step in choos- students New Hampshire out a system based on every four years, and ing candidates up for can tell Primary, 58 students level of involvement was originally held in election.” us what from the Chicago area of each member in the March of the election With Barack they learned.” A black male or a white female? Groundbreaking diversity among the democratic candidates for presidency by Thuy Tran adults said Winfrey’s presence in the campaign trail made Many years ago, it was easy to determine who the them more likely to support Obama, while 10 percent said Democratic candidate would be before the primaries. it would make them less likely to support him in the elec- However, the numerous polls held to predict the Demo- tion. Due to this new addition in the Obama campaign, a cratic candidate for the 2008 presidential election tell a recent poll from the “Des Moines Register’s” reports that different story because the race is very close. Obama is in the lead with 28 percent while Clinton’s has Although many states are moving their caucuses and 25 percent of the vote of likely Democratic caucus-goers primaries to earlier dates, the caucuses of Iowa are going and Edwards has 23 percent. to be held on January 3, 2008, soon followed by those of This election season, the two front-runners are Will Northside vote in the next election? New Hampshire. Illinois will hold its primary election Obama, a black male, and Clinton, a white female. by Elizabeth Sobenes ism at Northwestern University, said. “The people in office influence my vote,” DiMuzio said. “Even if on February 5, 2008. Among the Democratic candidates The candidates have similar campaigns. For example, “Let each citizen remember at said (www.govspot.com/features/ everybody’s lives, and it is impor- it’s just one vote, I still want to be are Joseph Biden, Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd, John they both believe that a withdrawal of troops from Iraq the moment he is offering his vote youngvoterapathy.htm). tant to pick a person who can be involved.” Edwards, Mike Gravel, Dennis Kucinich, Barack Obama, is necessary, but should not be carried out too hastily. that he is not making a present or There are other young voters trusted.” “Our elected leaders are not and Bill Richardson. However, according to “USA Today Both candidates want to roll back the president’s recent a compliment to please an indi- who feel that it is not as imperative At Northside, it is easy for those mindful to the concerns of younger News” poll results the leading Democratic candidates as tax cuts for the wealthy. Because their campaigns are so vidual—or at least that he ought not to vote in the primaries as it is in who are already 18 to register to constituents and the issues pres- of December 10, 2007, are Clinton, Obama, and Ed- similar, many Democratic voters have ceased to quibble so to do; but that he is executing one the general election. However, it is vote. From December 3 to 7 Junior ent are not of concern to them,” wards. over ideals, merely seeking a candidate that can defeat the of the most solemn trusts in human within the primaries that the candi- Statesmen of America (JSA) pro- Mr. John Belcaster, Social Science The primary election is the first step in the presi- Republicans in the 2008 election according to “News- society,” Samuel Adams once said dates from each party are elected. vided the registration forms during Department, said. “The 18-year-olds dential election process, where each party nominates a week”. The rivalry over petty distinctions have escalated (www.ushistory.org/declaration/ “I’m not going to vote in the all lunch periods to give the students among us who will be given the candidate. Indicative of the importance of early primaries to the point where both Obama and Clinton have orally signers/adams_s.htm). Next month, primaries because I feel that it’s not an accessible way to register. opportunity to vote for the first time and caucuses, the Edwards campaign has traveled 9,547 attacked each other. Clinton has claimed that Obama is citizens all over the nation will be as important as the actual presiden- “Voting gives you the right to must foster good habits from this miles and the Clinton campaign of 5,826 miles – all to too inexperienced – someone who talks the talk, but has exercising this same trust in human tial elections,” Isabel Yanes, Adv. complain,” Monika Wnuk, Adv. first instance.” Iowa stated in a recent “Newsweek” issue. During the never walked the walk. During a Clinton Press Release society during the primaries. 804, said. 811, president of JSA, said. “If you “I think that young adults take early stages of the Iowa Caucus there were tremendous on December 2, 2007, Clinton’s spokesperson, Phil Singer As the primaries approach, some Despite the many who do not don’t vote, you are not doing your the voting privilege for granted,” efforts of the Democratic candidates to get the Iowa state said, “Sen. Obama Rewrites History, Claims He Hasn’t of Northside’s seniors who have al- consider voting a priority, there are part to initiate the changes that you Cuyun said. “They are oblivious of into his/her campaign. The results inof the caucus proved Been Planning White House Run...Senator Obama’s ready turned 18 will have the oppor- many who consider it an imperative want.” the present issues and of the posi- the tremendous effort on behalf of Obama (D) and comment today is fundamentally at odds with what his tunity to vote. Despite the increase to vote. Margot DiMuzio, Adv. 807, tions of different candidates and Huckabee (R) to be worthwhile, as they were pronounced teachers, family, classmates and staff have said about his in voter turnout of people between “It’s important for young people took advantage of the forms avail- what they offer the nation.” the winners. plans to run for President.” the ages of 18 to 29 in recent elec- to vote because they are exercising able to her during her lunch period. Part of what keeps young A new icon has entered the race, Although the polls show that Obama and Clinton are tions, the percent of them who vote a right not had by previous genera- “It’s not that hard to register and America away from the voting the second most admired neck-and-neck in the Democratic primaries, it is still very has yet to reach 50 percent. tions,” Bianca Cuyun, Adv. 804, I want the opportunity to contribute sites is their lack of interest in the woman in the United States, likely that Obama will come back in the race. Choos- This large proportion of candidates and the issues Oprah Winfrey, has ing a prominent black female to lure voters away from young people who do not they present. Many believe joined Obama in Clinton’s campaign is sly, yet it has tremendously helped exercise their right to vote is that the issues involved do his campaign. his campaign. due to the fact that many young If you were eligable to vote in the primaries not directly affect their age According “Living in the state of Illinois, I’ve been exposed, people believe that it is not in February, would you vote? group enough to encourage to a “USA on a daily basis, to the disapproval, by citizens of Il- important to vote. They feel them to vote, for instance Today” poll linois, of the current President and of the actions of that single votes do not count. healthcare. However, others conducted the entire Administration. I believe that America is However, it is the single votes are attempting to make in Octo- not only ready for a change, as often happens dur- added together that ultimately young Americans aware that ber, 8% of ing election time, but that America is ready for make a difference in elections. voting is one of the many unprecedented change and that race, gender, “I don’t think it’s that privileges and responsibili- ethnicity, creed, ... all those small differences important to vote,” Michelle ties of living in a democratic between candidates won’t make a difference. Perez, Adv. 806, said. “Just one society, either through dis- It’ll come down to who’s willing to offer the vote doesn’t make a difference.” cussion and demonstration. most change in the quickest amount of time with “The chief reason that “It is important for all of the least amount of lives lost and the most money young voters give for not vot- us to recognize that one of saved. I honestly don’t know who’ll win the nomination, ing is that they think nobody our duties in a democracy is but I know that it won’t be someone with little support, a is listening to them,” Jack to participate in the electoral passive stance on the issues, or someone with little experi- Doppelt, author of “Nonvot- process however we may ence. The upcoming elections will be known for drastic ers: America’s No-Shows” and choose to,” Mr. Belcaster change and unpredictable results,” Monika Wnuk, Adv. associate professor of journal- said. 811, president of the JSA club at Northside, said. December 2007 Centerfold Page 11 PRIMARIES 2008, WHAT DOES YOUR VOTE MEAN? Hucka-who? Huckabee, of course How Mike Huckabee might be the next president of the United States of America

by Andrea Ljevar year, Huckabee led the Iowa winning the polls, he is also pandemic, according to the The beginning of the Caucus on the republican the subject of attacks from Associated Press, “In which presidential primary season ticket by receiving 34 percent fellow Republicans. Mitt this deadly disease for which starting with this month’s of the vote. Trailing behind Romney, former governor there is no cure is being many caucuses, shows that with 24 percent was Mitt of Massachusetts, who was treated as a civil rights issue a surprising front runner has Romney. thought to be the front-run- instead of the true health emerged on the Republican “I think the Iowa Caucus ner in the Iowa Caucus, crisis it represents.” ticket—Mike Huckabee. is a good predictor of just was pushed to second place Many were outraged Huckabee served as the gov- who has what it takes to be by Huckabee. Much of at Huckabee’s insensitivity ernor of Arkansas from 1996 president,” Samuel Cacique, Romney’s status in the polls and willingness to speak so to 2007 until declaring his Adv. 902 said. “It makes me is believed to be because of impulsively. presidential bid in January look at the front-runners and his religious faith, Mormon- “I don’t know how he of 2007 on the Republican think ‘Hmm, maybe I should ism, which is not as promi- could say something like ticket. He has also won the vote for them.’” nent a sect of Christianity that,” Tiffany Moran, Adv. Republican vote in the Iowa With little money com- as Protestantism or Catholi- 901, said. “It sounds like he Caucus. pared to other nominees, cism. Romney has attacked wants to lock up people who The Iowa Caucus is the Huckabee has been doing Huckabee on supporting are infected with AIDS and first step in determining who well and has received the en- in-state tuition benefits and treat them like animals.” will run on the democratic dorsement of Jerry Falwell, scholarships which were Huckabee stands by his and republican ticket for the Jr., son of the founder of the paid for by tax payers for statement but has said the 2008 presidential election evangelical Liberty Univer- illegal immigrants. idea was not to “quarantine” in November. The Iowa sity. Huckabee has been run- Huckabee’s history has AIDS sufferers. Caucus generally serves as ning on a Christian platform been intensely scrutinized, Regardless of the at- a good indicator of who and Falwell’s endorsement and he has received criticism tacks, however, Huckabee’s will win the nomination. In may help increase his rating from things he said as far win in Iowa proves he is 2004, John Kerry, previ- in the polls. As said in the back as 15 years ago. a candidate who needs to ously deemed an underdog New York Times, Huckabee “It is the first time in be watched. With further compared to other presiden- relied on a win in Iowa to the history of civilization in primary elections currently tial nominees, won the Iowa receive more money and which the carriers of a genu- taking place, only time will Caucus and eventually went publicity for coming prima- ine plague have not been tell if Huckabee has what it on to win the democratic ries, like the five days later isolated from the general takes to be the 44 president ticket for the elections in New Hampshire primary. population,” Huckabee said, of the United States of November of that year. This While Huckabee may be in 1992 about the AIDS America. A pastor, a senator, or a mayor? Who will the next Republican candidate be

by Bhumi Patel lican candadiate that is an exception ting more familiar with Huckabee As the year 2008 draws even is Ron Paul. Although Ron Paul is after his win in Iowa. Huckabee is closer, it is time for citizens to start not a prominent candidate, his stance a Baptist minister from Arkansas, thinking about the presidential elec- against the war has made him more who is very favorable to the social tions and potential candidates for appealing to some Americans. conservatives. Although he has been each party. The Republican Party has According to “USA Today,” John told that it is impossible for a pastor several leading contenders that are McCain is currently a U.S. Senator, to become a President, this has not likely to win the primary elections. and was a republican candidate for held him back. Many of his cam- The figures point to Rudy Giuliani the 2000 election, which gives him paign posters and advertisements to become the Republican candidate, experience in presidential campaigns. present him as a “Christian leader.” while Fred Mike Huckabee trails Similarly to Giuliani, McCain He strongly believes in using his faith quickly behind him, having won the believes it is necessary to keep the and his occupation as a pastor to Will Northside vote in the next election? Iowa Caucus. troops in Iraq and supporting Bush’s further his possibility to become the by Elizabeth Sobenes ism at Northwestern University, said. “The people in office influence my vote,” DiMuzio said. “Even if “USA Today’s,” national polls veto to withdraw troops (“News- next candidate. Huckabee’s “honest “Let each citizen remember at said (www.govspot.com/features/ everybody’s lives, and it is impor- it’s just one vote, I still want to be show that Rudy Giuliani has a 34 week”). He was one of the first man” image has pulled him closer to the moment he is offering his vote youngvoterapathy.htm). tant to pick a person who can be involved.” percent chance of becoming the Republican candidates to support an the lead, ultimately giving him a lead that he is not making a present or There are other young voters trusted.” “Our elected leaders are not republican candidate. Trailing behind additional influx of troops for the early in primaries season. He was the a compliment to please an indi- who feel that it is not as imperative At Northside, it is easy for those mindful to the concerns of younger him is John McCain, with an 18 war. According to “CNN”, McCain governor of Arkansas from 1996 to vidual—or at least that he ought not to vote in the primaries as it is in who are already 18 to register to constituents and the issues pres- percent chance. The other candidates strongly opposes abortion 2007, and previously worked so to do; but that he is executing one the general election. However, it is vote. From December 3 to 7 Junior ent are not of concern to them,” have the following chances of becom- rights unless the baby as lieutenant governor of the most solemn trusts in human within the primaries that the candi- Statesmen of America (JSA) pro- Mr. John Belcaster, Social Science ing the next Republican nominee: is a danger to and appointed society,” Samuel Adams once said dates from each party are elected. vided the registration forms during Department, said. “The 18-year-olds Huckabee with 17 percent, Fred the mother’s governor. (www.ushistory.org/declaration/ “I’m not going to vote in the all lunch periods to give the students among us who will be given the Thompson with 15 percent, Mitt health or Hucka- signers/adams_s.htm). Next month, primaries because I feel that it’s not an accessible way to register. opportunity to vote for the first time Romney with 14 percent, Ron Paul if the bee has citizens all over the nation will be as important as the actual presiden- “Voting gives you the right to must foster good habits from this with 1 percent, and Duncan Hunter pregnan- been exercising this same trust in human tial elections,” Isabel Yanes, Adv. complain,” Monika Wnuk, Adv. first instance.” with 1 percent. cy was a criticized society during the primaries. 804, said. 811, president of JSA, said. “If you “I think that young adults take Rudy Giuliani has had much result of for his As the primaries approach, some Despite the many who do not don’t vote, you are not doing your the voting privilege for granted,” political experience, ranging from rape. He leader- of Northside’s seniors who have al- consider voting a priority, there are part to initiate the changes that you Cuyun said. “They are oblivious of his duties as mayor of New York also is ship as ready turned 18 will have the oppor- many who consider it an imperative want.” the present issues and of the posi- City from 1994 to 2001 to being the charier governor tunity to vote. Despite the increase to vote. Margot DiMuzio, Adv. 807, tions of different candidates and United States attorney from 1981 to of giv- of Arkan- in voter turnout of people between “It’s important for young people took advantage of the forms avail- what they offer the nation.” 1989. Giuliani helped to lower the ing citi- sas where the ages of 18 to 29 in recent elec- to vote because they are exercising able to her during her lunch period. Part of what keeps young crime rate in New York City while zenship tions, the percent of them who vote a right not had by previous genera- “It’s not that hard to register and America away from the voting he was mayor. Giuliani is pro-choice, to illegal has yet to reach 50 percent. tions,” Bianca Cuyun, Adv. 804, I want the opportunity to contribute sites is their lack of interest in the supporting abortion, which has immi- This large proportion of candidates and the issues helped him gain favor with female grants and young people who do not they present. Many believe voters. According to “CNN online”, supports exercise their right to vote is that the issues involved do Giuliani wants to find a way to help new due to the fact that many young If you were eligable to vote in the primaries not directly affect their age illegal immigrants become citizens, security people believe that it is not group enough to encourage so long as legal immigrants get a in February, would you vote? measures important to vote. They feel them to vote, for instance priority receiving citizenship. He sup- for the that single votes do not count. 80% healthcare. However, others ports the plan to build a fence along U.S.- However, it is the single votes “Yes.” are attempting to make the border between the United States Mexican border. According to added together that ultimately young Americans aware that and Mexico to help curb the amount he atempted to solve the crowding “Newsweek,” he started out by make a difference in elections. voting is one of the many of immigrants coming into the U.S. of prisons by giving weekend passes 20% voting against the tax cuts that Bush “I don’t think it’s that privileges and responsibili- illegally. to prisoners who exhibited good be- “No.” planned to implement, but then later important to vote,” Michelle Like other Republican candi- havior. One of the prisoners, Wayne ties of living in a democratic on chose to vote in favor of future tax Perez, Adv. 806, said. “Just one dates, Giuliani strongly sup ports the Dumond, was convicted for the rape society, either through dis- cuts. This hurts his campaign because vote doesn’t make a difference.” war and even wants to send more and murders of a Missouri woman cussion and demonstration. many people fear he will not cut “The chief reason that troops into Iraq. Giuliani says it is shortly following his release. “It is important for all of taxes if he becomes the President. young voters give for not vot- necessary to win the Iraq war to Although there is time for the us to recognize that one of Another contender, Fred Hucka- ing is that they think nobody our duties in a democracy is prevent future conflicts that may arise figures to change, Rudy Giuliani is in (“USA Today”). Many of Giuliani’s bee, has gained more momentum the lead based on both national poll is listening to them,” Jack to participate in the electoral and popularity among the popula- Doppelt, author of “Nonvot- process however we may opponents have a similar stance on and statewide polls. In the early pri- the war as George W. Bush. They be- tion. According to “Newsweek,” he maries, it is still possible for anyone ers: America’s No-Shows” and choose to,” Mr. Belcaster is very close to becoming second in associate professor of journal- said. lieve they need to expand the military to become the republican candidate, and achieve victory. The only Repub- the national polls. Voters are get- despite Iowa. Page 12 Editorials The Hoof Beat A note from the editor: An OpEd represents the opinion of the individual contributor. The Hoof Beat includes an OpEd each month so as to allow members of the Northside community a forum for expressing their opinions. Op-Ed Global warming by Irfan Hussian call it life.” Excuse me…I think I just threw up a little in my what we’re going to miss out on becomes painfully clear. An- So what exactly is this global warming thing anyway? mouth. Such misleading advertisements and “public service other consequence: vectors like mosquitoes will have a wider And why should anyone care about it? Don’t high school kids announcements” by (who’da thunk it?) Big Oil and Friends geographic range and a longer duration with which to spread have enough problems to deal with? This article is written prey upon and encourage uncertainty among the American diseases like malaria, West Nile, and other goodies. to answer all these questions – except, perhaps, the last one. public. And they’re getting what they want –public opinion But hey! Forget about all of that. It’s all about the Everyone is different, and so I discuss my clients' personal polls show that although most of America believes in global Benjamins, right? Critics make economic arguments all the problems on a case-by-case basis. Free consultation this warming, people are divided over the seriousness of the issue, time to rationalize their apathy for global warming. “It’s too month only...what? a recent Stanford Report claims. This is mostly because the expensive to do anything, it’s cost-prohibitive,” they say. Well, Simply put, global warming is the idea that aggregate majority also believes that scientists themselves are in the aptly-named “Stern Review” doesn’t think so. The “Stern worldwide temperatures are on a clear upward trend, unlike doubt about it. I declare that “this is one of the greatest Review,” a 700-page report written by economist Nicholas anything we’ve experienced before. Implicit in this definition hoaxes ever perpetrated on the American people,” in the Stern, claims that 1% of global GDP (a measure of economic is the fact that this upward trend is unnatural and thus most out-of-context words of scientist Bill Gray and Sen. James output) per year should be invested to avoid a potential 20% likely is caused by something humans are doing. Inhofe (R-Okla), vocal doubters of global warming. GDP shortfall in the future due to global warming. 20% of the So what are we doing? And how does that affect the en- Numerous studies and scientific analyses, global GDP is a lot of output to lose. Just a note for all you vironment? Scientists have found out: temperatures are rising including ones from the Intergovern- rational actors out there. step-by-step with the concentration of greenhouse gases in the mental Panel on Climate Change, The good news is that you can save the world – and the atmosphere. According to the Energy Information Admin- all agree; there is no doubt about best part is you don’t have to save a cheerleader to do it. istration, greenhouse gases include a variety of naturally-oc- global warming or its cause among Probably the easiest thing to do is to join the Community for curring and manmade compounds. However, carbon dioxide the mainstream worldwide scientific Alternative Sources of Energy (CASE), a student-run organi- stands out from the pack because of its high radiative forcing community. Scientists like Gray zation here at Northside. CASE was founded by Northsiders effect. who trivialize the gravity of the like William T. Hagen and Joseph Terdik, class of ’06, who Carbon dioxide concentrations in the environment have situation are scarce. They wanted to do their part for the environment as high-school been increasing steadily in the environment ever since the intend to deceive by citing students. CASE conducts research on new alternative energy Industrial Revolution, and this increase is only accelerating as small anomalies in years’ sources, talks to businesses and schools in the community, we burn more hydrocarbons (a.k.a. fossil fuels) and contribute worth of data to try to keeps in touch with CPS administrators, writes grants, and to our amazing deforestation track record. The Keeling curve discredit the consensus that tries not only to implement alternative energy technologies has confirmed this increase through extensive measurements has been reached, according here at Northside, but also to inspire others to follow their of atmospheric CO2 concentration and temperature from to a recent report by the Wash- lead. As students – mere students – they designed a plan to the late 50’s through today. Not extensive enough, you say? ington Post. These “skeptics” install solar thermal panels on the roof to help heat the water Scientists have also analyzed ice cores from Vostok Station in are few, but they scream loud for our natatorium. Wow. If you’d like to be a part of this Antarctica and other locales, which have revealed tempera- enough and often enough to get great initiative, talk to Mr. Michael Coy, Science Department, ture and carbon dioxide measurements from hundreds of their dissent heard by an impres- or Mr. Andrew Stroup, Mathematics Department, and ask thousands of years ago to the present. Everything confirms a sionable American public searching what you can do to get involved. nearly perfect positive correlation between atmospheric CO2 for answers. Shame on them. But even if you’re not interested in CASE, you can still levels and temperature (all my Psych and Stats people stand And don’t forget that the help save the world. You might not be calling the shots (yet). up) and a large increase in both in recent years. problem is just getting worse while Nevertheless, you still have the power to change things. All The evidence is clear; global warming is as real a phenom- people are twaddling, I mean twid- you have to do is start a conversation. Talk to your friends, enon as Farrukh Mukhtar, Adv. 801. You might be asking dling, their thumbs over the issue. parents, community leaders – anyone who will listen. Inform yourself: “What’s stopping us from doing something about The consequences of inaction are and convince people of the reality and gravity of global this?” Great question. The answer is just as there are dire. Sure, nothing might happen warming. Clear up confusion and let the truth out. Write haters everywhere we go; there are doubters every- in the immediate future, but as a letters to your representatives. Stand up for what you know where we go. These people, often in bed with or work- Northside student, you know that to be right. It all starts with changing attitudes and beliefs. ing for major global companies or their powerful special-in- procrastination can and will While part of that can be accomplished with words, a more terest lobbies, work tirelessly to try to minimize or outright go on for as long as people let effective way to do it is to lead by example. Switch out your stifle awareness and concern for this serious issue. The major it. If we don’t take action incandescent light bulbs for brighter, longer-lasting, and more companies stand to lose profits from policy change (e.g. Big while we can, we’ll just end energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights – they fit right Oil), and since they already have so much money, they can up dumping the problem on future generations. Global into your existing fixtures. Skip the car and take your bike afford to hire influential lobbyists who can magically make warming has the potential to do terrible things to our planet, to school. Or, if you do need the car, make sure you drive politicians forget all about that pesky thing called global and shockingly, some of the following are already happening slowly and maintain it well. Look into gas-electric hybrids if warming. That’s one of the main reasons our government as you read this. Glaciers and sea ice will melt and not only you’re looking to buy a car in the future. And definitely watch censors its own scientists’ reports on global warming, accord- will super-cute polar bears drown; sea levels will also rise and “An Inconvenient Truth” if you haven’t already; it can really ing to a revealing report by the New York Times. make heavily-populated land uninhabitable. As temperatures change your outlook on life. You can find these tips and more And the government’s not the only victim here – we are. rise, natural disasters like hurricanes will only get stronger at fightglobalwarming.com You must have seen that ad by the “Competitive Enterprise and more destructive. Species of fauna and flora will become Institute” featuring kids blowing on dandelions, and a smooth extinct, and dude, that’s really bad. If you talk to any AP voice proclaiming, “Carbon dioxide: they call it pollution. We Biology or APES student about the benefits of biodiversity,

“Bang Bang Bang the bigger the better” The United States, in most respects, <3 guns by Abir Usman ing eight people. The shooter left a suicide inflicting death, but also to know Attorneys’ offices. Firearms, boys and girls. After contemplating the recent hap- note claiming, “Now I’ll be famous.” All are that more children die every year They have to share the funds for firearms penings at my quaint school at 5501 North chilling words from young adults from gun violence than cancer, with the United States Attorneys. That’s all Kedzie, I came to think about violence. with the ability to end lives. pneumonia, influenza, asthma, I gotta say. Australia, known for its effective When I think of violence, I think of guns. It seems as though events such and HIV/AIDS national gun laws just as much as their kan- And when I think of guns, I think of Halo as those that have occurred at Col- combined according garoos, have used strict screening processes 3. However, video games aside, the threats umbine High and Virginia Tech have to the Children’s before allowing their Aussies to own guns. of violence against our school were serious become all too common. Shooting Defense Fund. The law requires a certain age of adulthood, and shouldn’t be taken lightly. I decided that sprees appear to be the new cool thing According to the a clean criminal record, undergoing safety some research needed to be done to prove to do to be remembered as exempli- International Action training, and an authentic reason for need- my point that the United States, in most fied by Dylan Klebold, one part of the Network on Small ing to own a gun. respects, hearted guns. duo from the infamous Columbine Arms (IANSA), in The question now lies in what should Similar threats were also found on shootings, boasted on video their 2006 debriefing today’s youth, let alone today’s politicians, a bathroom wall of Northern Illinois about making Columbine on the current gun do to prevent such horrendous crimes from University (NIU) on December 10; these known for inflicting violence situation happening? The Office of Juvenile Justice included racial slurs, geared towards African “the most deaths with small arms, it and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) has Americans, and references to the Virginia in U.S. History.” was reported that the made “Promising Strategies to Reducing Tech shootings. According to several news It is discourag- United States is the Gun Violence” available to the masses with reports, this hasn’t been the first racial threat ing not only biggest exporter of guns key tips that can aid in gun control. The at NIU, as these types of threats have oc- to know that with a mind-boggling $533 main idea is for the community itself to ac- curred before, months ago, with the same people, million in value of exports. India knowledge gun problems. If the community general message against African-American especially and Pakistan, both known for is aware that rival gangs are merely blocks students. youth, their nuclear capabilities, and in apart, then I assure you, there will be some Only days before the happenings at suffer recent days considered to be some shrapnel in the morning. By simply ignoring NIU, semi-teenage gunman Matthew Mur- from the of the most dangerous places on the issues at hand, our society will stay in ray took the lives of four people on Decem- deranged Earth, haven’t even made the top this stagnant state of oblivion and more ber 9 at two mega-churches claiming that ideas of 20 list. In the 2008 budget set people will die. Morbid idea, isn’t it? Well, “Christian America, this is your Colum- forth by the Office of Manage- it’s happening and we aren’t doing anything bine” on a newsgroup website that was fre- ment and Budget, $12 million to stop it. So what should we be doing? By quently visited by Murray. On De- will be used to fund anti-gang informing local officials, including school cember 5, 20 year old Robert efforts in the Bureau of Alco- administration, about potential threats or A. Hawkins opened fire hol, Tobacco, Firearms and danger, teenagers today possess the power in an Omaha mall kill- Explosives, and the United States of saving lives. December 2007 Editorials Page 13 Radtrocity Please don’t pose by Patricia Radkowski The Genius. This type of person is differ- words left and right. The seemingly thought- way that you can meet this weekend for the Teens are posers. ent from an intellectual in that an intellectual ful way you look out the window while mum- group project in Creative Writing. You have At the most insecure time of our lives, is quick-witted and just wants others to recog- bling to yourself could almost pass you off two parties, a concert, and a family dinner to we are searching for who we are, attempt- nize their mental capabilities. A genius, on for the next Einstein. Only one thing gives fit into an already tight schedule. On top of ing to define our character and purpose. The the other hand, is probably book-smart, but you away: the way you look around now that, your college “friends” are coming in this bridge between childhood and adulthood is wants to create the impression that she or he and then to make sure that other people are weekend and you simply have to make some like walking through hell and living to tell is brilliant and doesn’t study at all. For exam- taking note of your behavior. Your life isn’t room for them. Please. That is an impossible the tale; but this is the only bridge that, once ple, when someone inquires as to the amount mathematics; it’s dramatics. schedule. You know, and we know, too, that crossed, can be burned without hesitation. of time you spent studying for the AP The Little Miss/Mister Thing. North- you made up half of it. In dealing with this turbulence, most if Biology exam, you reply, “What? We have a side has its fair share of attractive people. But The Sophisticated. Sipping from your not all teens (yeah, yeah: YOU are the excep- test today?” With eyes huge (too huge, mind not all of them, or even half of them, are as glass bottle of S. Pellegrino, you loudly dis- tion) become posers. We pick some type of you) you run around school screaming that attractive as they think they are. Ask your cuss your trip to the Spain last weekend. The model to follow that is close to our natural it totally slipped your mind and that you’re friends to honestly tell you if you are attrac- music on your iPod includes Johann Bach inclinations and then become this type of going to fail. The following week, the results tive and if you should have the privilege of and Andrea Bocelli – a fact you feel everyone person, inside and out. We talk like “them,” are in and – zomg! – you received the highest flaunting your stuff – unless, of course, all of should know. Only dress shirts will do for walk like “them,” and see like “them.” We score in the class. “That’s your friends are sweetie-pies, at which point l’école. You take your AP French textbook to conform. funny, I you can come every class and pointedly open it. Oh my, très Northsiders are at least creative enough ask me. You sophistiqué. to have several variations of posers and each know that I’ll The Sweetie-Pies. With a smile pasted student is a combination of these common be honest with on your face even when you sleep, the rest of types. This alphabetical list is not all-inclusive you – brutally us wonder if your cheeks ever hurt. You’re and many of these are exaggerated for enter- honest, as al- concerned about the welfare of others all the tainment purposes. (And no, I am not talking didn’t ways. time, showering passersby with “good morn- about THAT kid, so don’t ask me.) study at The ing!” and “how are you?” even if you don’t All of these personas have in common all!” Yes, Non- know them. Everyone always looks “beauti- a desire to call attention to your person. It some of chalant. ful” to you and you “love” everyone on the is perfectly alright to be any of these types us are Free planet. Free hugs are a way of life. You never of people. What stimulates disgust is our just born cook- say anything bad about anyone – unless, of incessant quest to impress our peers – a pesky with ies don’t course, that person is not around. teenage obsession – and the totality of our knowl- excite you. When you realize that your pretensions conformity. edge of You never do not reflect your true self, you have taken The Artistically Misunderstood. My ATP hy- smile. Failing the first step down the road to maturity. hair is green for a reason, and my tongue is pierced drolysis. your math Figure out which poser type you are hiding because humanity and I are not friends right now The test doesn’t behind (or ask someone else: everyone sees so I’m not speaking to it. You don’t understand the Inseparable frighten you everybody else’s poser aspects but not their pain within my soul. And you don’t understand Lovebirds. and that hot own), ditch it, and let your true color shine that originality dies when it is duplicated by Hand in girl next to through. Enjoy life the way you really are. every “alternative” band on the planet. Take hand, you you doesn’t that thing out of your mouth and stop knit- and your significant-other stroll down make you There is, of course, the idea then that per- ting your own clothes. the Northside hallway, holding up traffic. A sweat. Hell, your haps it is in your true character to be a poser. The Athlete. You ostentatiously parade great idea comes to you. Let’s make out in the hair could be on fire and you wouldn’t give Maybe your natural inclinations dictate that about with your humongous sports bag, middle of the second floor atrium. So you do, a damn. Your face always has the same cool you be a poser and remain one. The possibil- groan about practice at six in the morning, making all the rest of us listen to the slurps expression. We all want to hang out with you ity that you are the only non-poser of a group and stretch at every chance you get. Yes, of your kissing. You do cute little things for now. of posers is also feasible. you work hard, but so do most Northsiders, each other with flowers and all things pink The One with the Other Life. You’re A poser, though, deep down inside knows though not all of them physically. – all shallow and only performed in front of part of a band and your music plays on the that she or he is a poser. The person is just The Bad-A / Sex Bomb. You tell any- an audience of peers. radio in the UK. You’ve been doing bal- going through the motions, as if watching body who will listen all about your drunken The Intellectual. Fondly holding a let since age five and next summer you’ll himself from a distance act like somebody he weekend parties and sexual escapades. When Calculus textbook, you spend your lunch in a be dancing in Russia. You’re a model for is not. They fear letting go and being greeted there is no one there to listen, you put it up chair on the first floor of the library ponder- Victoria’s Secret and you fly all the way to by the unfamiliar and the original – by their on your blog. Either way, someone, anyone, ing functions – for pleasure. Asked a simple headquarters on the weekends. Yup – we all real selves. When you peer into the mirror, has to know your story. Perhaps you should question, you snap into a verbose monologue believe in that and Santa Clause. can you look yourself in the eye and say with look into getting your own reality TV show. about quantum mechanics, slipping SAT The Social Butterfly. There is just no conviction that you are true to yourself? The Akhtarian Way Vote in ‘08 by Muhammad Akhtar After all, shouldn’t mass media increase voter turnout, with com. To combat this, the government implemented the Motor Just a few days ago, I heard the good news: it’s a boy! its infinite potential to inform and educate? The media boom Voter Act of 1993, allowing citizens to register when they Later that day, I discovered that Barack Obama, the candi- of the 20th century blessed the world with inventions such received their licenses; this did little to amend the situation. date who I had been rooting for since his senatorial debut, as the television, Internet and radio; things that could easily It is undoubtedly true that citizens are the backbone of won the Iowa primary. Although this does not necessarily enlighten and thus mobilize the electorate. Then why has the American democracy. Thus, it is imperative that measures mean he will land on the presidential ballot, it certainly is an turnout plummeted instead of soaring at what some predicted be taken to ensure active voter participation in the politi- indication of the strong public support that may very well to be exponential rates? cal process. In addition, some of these measures need to be take him there. On the other end of the political spectrum, The reason, not surprisingly, is profit maximization. targeted for two very specific demographics: young adults Mike Huckabee, the Republican candidate whom I dislike The media, specifically television, revolves around one main and the lower to lower-middle class. Research from www. least, also emerged victorious. Being somewhat of a politi- objective: ratings. Ratings arise from a public interest in pro- infoplease.com suggests that those aged between 18-21 years cal junky, this was a big deal for me. Unfortunately, most of gramming. Thus, major news corporations, such as CNN and old are least likely to vote out of any other age group; the my peers were not nearly as excited. It is here I was forced to CBS, adopted a philosophy of “giving the people what they same is true for the lower/lower-middle class in socio-eco- once again think of the declining trend in voter turnout and want.” Naturally, Americans prefer scandalous and some- nomic groups. its implications on democracy. You see, democracy functions times insignificant reports over positive coverage of anything, This is where you come in. Identified as the least moti- on the fundamental principle of voter participation. However, including electoral candidates; this leads to biased and over- vated group of voters, it is students like us who have failed with the current trend in political disinterest, it seems our whelming downbeat reporting. Negative coverage, however, is to exercise our infinite capacity to “fight the forces that be.” democracy is under attack by the very thing it values most: its nothing new. In fact, its roots date to the years when political Aside from the media, there are a number of other forces in citizens. participation first began to decline. play that have convinced us to not even consider voting. The You may be thinking I am blowing the problem way out Media corporations began the era of such coverage in most prominent of these is not the fact that voting is “un- of proportion. the early 1970’s, almost immediately following the Watergate cool” (as Diddy, the artist formerly known as P. Diddy, may “Mr. Akhtar,” you may say, “haven’t there been periodic scandal. It intensified over the years and transformed into the tell you) or that we are just lazy (it’s just a tick in a box). The crests and troughs in the sine function that is American monster it is today. Every news program seems to be driven problem lies deeper, sticking like a plaque in the aorta of our democracy? Why you trippin’?” Well, although this trend has by partisan hackery or a political agenda, be it liberal or culture; it is indifference. been observed historically, never have we seen such tremen- conservative. The majority of air time regarding candidates is Many students simply don’t care about the world of dous and steady declines in political participation as we have devoted to mudslinging in lieu of intelligent discussion about politics. Every politician is just another crook in a world of in the past forty years. Allow me to illustrate, à la stats. In political stances. For example, 63% of the media coverage for liars and deceivers. And if there is a decent politician, what 1960, about 63% of the eligible voting population actually George W. Bush was negative in 2000, according to NPR. difference does your one vote mean in the end anyways? voted, according to www.infoplease.com. The per- The rates were even worse for Al Gore. Such a significant The truth is, regardless of what the media may say, most centage had declined to less than 50% in 1996. amount of negative news leaves the public feeling unsure politicians are decent, industrious individuals. Making it so The numbers for local and gubernatorial elec- of the political system; it persuades them to keep their far in the political realm is undoubtedly a testament to their tions are even bleaker. “But señor,” you may distance from the corrupt and unfair world of politics. hard work and work ethic. Of course, there are a few bad now be thinking, “wasn’t there a substantial Many Americans have simply lost faith in the system, apples here and there. However, this should give you more rise in turnout last election?” Unfortunately, leading to another phenomenon of political inefficacy. reason to vote, making sure these people don’t get elected. this occurrence is considered an anomaly by That is, many people choose not to vote because they But above all, the most important reason why you should many analysts, brought about by a num- feel isolated and insignificant. vote is to preserve the American way of life. Aristotle once ber of issues, including September Complex voting registration programs also stated, “If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are 11th and the War in Iraq. contribute to a decrease in turnout. In numer- chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained Although many explana- ous cases, eligible voters forego voting be- when all persons alike share in the government to the ut- tions can be given, the media cause they are not registered. For instance, most.” If we fail to show interest in “sharing in the govern- is the prime culprit behind 41.9% of 18-20 year olds, 40.5% of 21- ment,” our very system of beliefs may reach the brink of the negative turnout trend. 24 year olds and 33.9% of 25-29 year destruction. Democracy needs you to keep her alive. Go out The reasoning seems to be olds were not registered to vote in and vote. counter-intuitive for many. 1997, according to www.infoplease. Page 14 Arts and Entertainment The Hoof Beat The Almost’s “Southern Weather” doesn’t even come close by Zosia Holden early days, but of our entire lives. album, the first work which he has done he plays an acoustic guitar and a tambourine In this day and age, rock music has found So, when coming across a band like “The solo from his band “Underoath”, are based to create a gently retiring mood, but the feel- some of its greatest stars in the relentless, Almost”, which technologically repeats the around a blatant distain for society, mixed ing of dragging hopelessness is interrupted angsty world of dissatisfied youth. From the musical contributions of soloist Aaron Gil- with an intention to prove his independence by the same echoing drumbeat he uses in all first greasy rebels who scribbled a few un- lespie, one might expect this album to be his from all that is supposedly false. But while of his music, (not to mention the same whin- developed lyrics out on paper and rattled on heartfelt proclamation of modern life. The this might in some cases make for a work of ing voice) overly forceful strumming, and like there was no tomorrow, music has been initial image displayed through ironic song passion bound to capture the heart of a rebel- rather disjointed lyrics. Furthermore, a long the very blood of the ordinary people. It’s titles and cover art of a man running across lious teenager, it seems that Gillespie barely tangent of drifting instrumentals, which are been the unparalleled spirit and self-fascina- a stormy beach display little to the contrary, feels anything he is singing about. Although possibly meant to add some sort of progres- tion that has possessed American culture and after all. If nothing else, listeners might at he does belt all his songs out as loudly as sive tone to the song, only loses listeners’ made rock music a symbol not only of our least expect some raw, generic rock that has possible, his energy seems to be coming interest. influenced Gil- from a base of disinterest and little else. As a From the inside notes on this album, it lespie. In the result, most of what he means to have taken seems that Gillespie has taken it upon him- case of “South- seriously comes off as merely shallow, naïve self to play all the instruments on his album ern Weather”, frustration, such as might be brought on by − that is, except for the occasional help of however, hormones or the loss of a favorite one-time some recurring friends − and although this Gillespie has girlfriend. And although he tries to dress up makes for a well-mastered feat in song-mix- disappointed his voice with as many honeyed effects as he ing, it may not have been a wise choice in prospective can, the fact remains that he only seems to musicianship. As he is initially a drummer, fans holding bumble around the notes with a listlessness the percussion on this album can hold a fair any hopes of that no amount of honey can cure. enough beat to indicate that he is not too possible musi- This technique of stretching a minimal bad in his own field. However, the guitar he cal brilliance. talent over a lot of tracks is persistent in the supplies on “Drive There Now” comes off in Hailing style of many of the songs on “Southern a shallow grind that is often difficult to listen from Seattle, Weather.” “Everyone Here Smells Like a to, which is repeated in the song “Southern Washington, Rat”, with Gillespie’s attitude of wretch- Weather”, among others. As for his lyrics, Gillespie is an edness pressed against the hammering of they are mostly comprised of bland interjec- example of the drums, the constantly grating guitar, and tions and clichéd phrases that often seem to new style that many mismatched clichés of lyricism, seems have missed something in their diction. has been de- to have thrown all possible vices of over-the- All in all, even as The Almost might sing veloping there top emotion into one place. Likewise, “Call about its break from conformity and its indi- lately, and he Back When I’m Honest” quickly doles out vidual feel for the trials of life, the sound as a joins the ranks an array of obscure sound-mixing effects, whole comes off as somewhat contradictory of the white mostly backed by shouting, that come to- to this image. From the singer’s streamlined alternative gether to create nothing but a dry dissidence. sweet vocals to the weak hard-rock attempts “Indie” rockers Clearly, many other songwriters have proved found in its whining guitar solos, this musi- who make the value of dissonance when used correctly, cal project is undeniably just another face in up much of but “The Almost’s” excessiveness is little the manufacturing line of modern rock. As today’s musical more than a turn-off. for “Southern Weather,” Aaron Gillespie culture. Like At other times, it seems that Gillespie has tried somewhat to create an individual most alterna- has tried to grab his listener’s artistic interests statement of disgust and righteous anger, but tive rock, near- while playing out the popular lonesome per- has delivered something nearer to a chaotic CD cover for “The Almost: Southern Weather” ly all the songs spective, but has come off as rather hard to collision of sound, in the midst of which the Photo Courtesy of Amazon.com on his newest believe. In the case of “Dirty and Left Out”, real art of his craft has been lost for good. December 2007 Arts and Entertainment Page 15 Dickens goes on 30 Unexplored era in Cuban 30 years at the Goodman history: “The Cook” by Zahra Lalani “Wow, that’s a neat way to look at it.” by Zahra Lalani taking away As we all know, Jacob Marley is dead. The play, instead of focusing on the his- Playwright, Edwardo Machado, spins a great from the His banking partner, Ebenezer Scrooge, torical events of the time period, focused tale of loyalty to one’s family and obligation to essence of is alive and thriving, while his neighbors on the timeless themes of generosity and one’s master in his five-actor play “The Cook.” his mes- are in financial distress. Scrooge works happy spirits. Like several of Machado’s other plays, “The sage. In the the entirety of Christmas Eve, the time Throughout the play, the actors Cook” centers on Cuban history and culture. first scene, when others are preparing for the festivi- maintained composure and executed the Machado’s childhood in Cuba, his journey to wealthy ties of the following day. There could not play from beginning to end, from detail the United States, and his career as a playwright Adria is have been an unhappier person this time to detail, precisely. The set and props are are a major influence on the play. As usual, wearing of year than Scrooge. Seven years have flawless in their composition and con- Machado is attentive to detail and splendidly a very passed since the death of his partner, yet tribute to the overall effect of a season of portrays the Cuban culture. modern, he continues his work diligently, regard- sharing and happiness. The play is great Machado shows Fidel Castro’s rise to power knee-length less of the season, or even the Christmas for a big family outing or for first-timers to in 1958 and his communistic rule in Cuba gown, holiday. the story. The message is obvious and the through the lives of a wealthy couple and their which is an On this particular night, he is con- plot is predictable. Despite the unexcit- mulatto workers. In addition to emphasizing the odd choice fronted by Marley’s ghost, who warns him ment of the play, the acting of Larry economic strains that Cuba faced during this because of of the three Ghosts of Christmas that will Yando (Scrooge) and the rest of the cast time, Machado also hints at the racial discrimi- its resem- visit him soon. Scrooge will end up like is impeccable. Each scene was delivered nation prevalent in Cuba, a reflection of events blance to Marley if he sticks to his path of greed. with precision in voice and character to occurring in the United States. contempo- No sooner does Marley’s ghost depart character interaction. The play seemed In the story Adria (Maricel Ochoa) and her rary Ameri- Gladys struggles with than does the Ghost of Christmas Past well rehearsed and the actors were confi- husband, first class citizens of Cuba and masters can culture. remaining loyal. sail through the air to take Scrooge back dent without seeming stiff. of mulatto workers, are proponents of Fulgencio It does not Photo courtesy of the Goodman to his childhood. The Ghost of Christmas While there is no new twist to the Batista’s dictatorial rule. Yet an many workers reflect the Theatre Past sets the stage for the Ghost of Christ- plot and the adaptation of the tale is not are against his regime, like Carlos (Edward T. Cuban or mas Present and Yet to Come, by making so accurate, it sure is a delightful way to Torres), husband of Gladys (Karen Aldridge) even American culture of the 60s. Her costume Scrooge realize what he has forgone in appreciate winter festivities. the house cook, who is in love with Castro’s idea is more suitable for a young girl going to prom search of wealth, and what he could loose of “becoming equal.” Gladys on the other hand today, almost fifty years later. While the argu- if he doesn’t come to his senses. feels that their best interest is in supporting their ment can be made that costumes tell part of a The age-old plot of “A Christmas masters, Adria and her husband. story, in this case, they were just a distraction. Carol” by Charles Dickens is brought The story begins on New Years Eve in 1958, The Goodman Theatre’s extensive use of to life again – only this time for its 30th when Adria leaves Gladys the responsibility of props brings the play to life, making it seem less anniversary at the Goodman Theatre. guarding her mansion while she flees Castro’s rehearsed and more like following a family’s tri- Although the play is more magical than Revolution; this is a necessary move because als and tribulations on a reality show. Through- ever, is it the same play? Castro’s Revolution despises the wealthy class. out, Gladys prepares various traditional Cuban William Brown’s direction of the In the forty years following, Gladys keeps close recipes, using the appliances on the set: the play deviates greatly from the intentions guard over the mansion, despite the many hard- fridge, the oven, and the sink. The director in- of Dickens as a socialist and as a writer. ships she faces: her husband cheats on her, her teracts with the audience by using the aromatic Dickens’s purpose for writing, as stated by cousin Julio (Phillip James Brannon) is killed in smells of food to create a mood, which lingers “A Christmas Carol,” as stated by http:// one of Castro’s camps, and she receives constant in the audience, providing no escape from the www.victorianvanities.com/Dickens/ threats from Castro’s government for supporting unusual smells. The characters can be found Christmas_Carol.html, was to educate his her aristocratic friend. munching on her food; the reality of the food readers on the mishaps overlooked by the The actors evolve into their characters as the brings the audience closer to sensing the reality English government during the Industrial play progresses - however the delivery and adap- of the struggles faced by Gladys and her family. Revolution. His primary goal was to draw tation of Machado’s play remains comparatively Machado’s intricate and thought provoking attention to the many children suffering static. The storyline includes many references play is performed in an engaging manner that under the weight of manufacturers. While Scrooge wakes up a transformed to Cuban history and it is evident that his aim accurately conveys his themes of loyalty and the play was indeed “more magical than man in the Goodman’s rendition of “A is to reveal the sequence of events that led up to the need for change. More attention to cultural ever,” it was like seeing a movie without Chrismas Carol” the Revolution through the eyes of the people. details on the director’s part would have made direction. There was no new message, Photo courtesy of the Goodman Theatre. At times props and the set overwhelm the stage, the play amazing. nothing that made the audience say, “Face Down” with dissatisfaction The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus fails to impress

by Vasiliki Mitrakos ing for the song. This track makes of any other struggling group. And Hands” was used in the Playsta- within the group, and hopefully The first full album released the rest of the CD sound like even it is a shame. The band has tried tion 3 game Madden NFL 07 will over time their music will improve by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, more of a waste of time. On the various ways of self promotion, not save them from the protruding to reach a certain level of quality “Don’t You Fake It” receives a dis- other hand “Cat and Mouse” can but even the fact that the band mediocrity of their music. The similar to that of their lyrics. Until dainful review for the bands futile be described as a mellow song was featured on an episode of the only advantage they have is their then, their music wastes a listener’s attempt at creating a unique style with a light-rock type of tone, and Hills and that the track “In Faith’s age, averaging about 21 years old time. in the vastly diverse music industry. none of the screaming techniques, Their album is relatively similar making it unique and enjoyable. to existing groups and is almost as Some of the other songs are shy mixed up as the bands origins. The of even the slightest catchy tune. Red Jumpsuit Apparatus was origi- The screamed lyrics, present in nally formed in 2003 in Middle- most of the tracks, are an overused burg, Florida by the lead vocalist, technique and become annoying, Ronnie Winter. He originally grating on the listener’s ears, after a had little intention of creating a short while. professional band, but as people The songs generally focus on began to show interest, they faced love-hate relationships and the a challenge of finding the right various burdens of life. “Seven- group members. After many of the teen Ain’t So Sweet” portrays a original members were replaced or woman with talent but without quit, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus the look trying to make it in the became a quintet including Ron- music industry. “Face Down” pays nie Winter as lead vocals, Duke tribute to domestic violence and Kitchens as guitar and vocals, and the struggles of a young woman Jon Wilkes as drums and vocals. in this situation. While the lyrics Group members Elias Reidy and grapple with large issues in a Joey Westwood had also played potentially-thoughtful manner, in their own band titled In Faith’s the fact that they are unintelligibly Hands, which is now the title of screamed, renders them mere noise one of the CD’s tracks. instead of potentially powerful But their music, like the lyrics. But even if their music does group’s members, seems to have not succeed in this respect, actions been recycled a few too many do speak louder than words. In times. A couple of the songs sound 2007 The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus so similar to the others that they teamed up with Virgin Records are simply not distinguishable. and the National Coalition Against Of the twelve tracks, only four Domestic Violence. They spon- are worth listening to, including sored efforts against teen suicide “Waiting,” “False Pretense,” “Face and animal cruelty. Down,” and “Cat and Mouse.” It is still regrettable that these These are the only songs that do lyrics are wasted on terrible music. not simply cut and paste ideas and The vast majority of the tracks are techniques from other artists and simply boring. Repetitive, and lack- actually have a catchy tune. The ing much quality, the musical noise CD’s hit single, “Face Down,” is a simply blends into itself. By mixing blend of fast and slow paced lyrics various genres like punk rock, with a steady background beat and “screamo” and metal, they have “Red JumpSuit Aparatus” disappointed potential fans with an unoriginal blend of music and lyrics just the right amount of scream- relegated themselves to the sound Photo Courtesy of Amazon.com Page 16 Arts and Entertainment The Hoof Beat Freddy vs. Nicholas Toe-Tapping Fun Can Vince Vaughn pull a Northside Orchestra performs Will Ferrell? in their first concert of the year

by Evan Rogers The audience entered by Subhan Ali conflict. It also added a comical flare Almost every year around this time, that made for a unique yet rather dull the performance hall shortly a Christmas movie enters theaters and plot. Giving the North Pole a mere three before the curtain’s open- usually attracts some attention due solely strikes before the entire “operation is ing, awaiting the flock of to the holiday season. And this year kids shut down,” Santa becomes worried as instruments to light up the across the globe had the opportunity to Fred makes silly mistakes such as ral- stage. Northside’s Begin- place another Christmas comedy under lying the elves to dance while they are ning Orchestra filed onto their belt: “Fred Claus.” Crafting a story already in the middle of a time-crunch to the stage promptly at 7:30 revolving around the less-known brother manufacture all presents before Christ- p.m. on December 7, mak- of Santa Claus, David Dobkin directs mas Eve. ing their debut as orchestra an excellent comedy of a legend never Overall, the movie is intended for members in Northside’s explicitly publicized before. Fred Claus children under the age of eight, as the first orchestra concert (Vince Vaughn) and Santa Claus (Paul only young adult humor lies in the begin- of the school year. The Giamatti) act to perfection, which almost ning of the movie, where Fred is not at performance was entitled makes up for the unrealistic plot that is the North Pole and lives in Chicago. “Orchestras in Concert” both vexing and, unfortunately, charac- While in Chicago, Fred’s girlfriend and was directed by Mr. teristic of most Christmas movies. Wanda (played by Rachel Weisz) dumps Leo Park of the Fine Arts The film begins with the childhood him for a still unclear reason. When Department. The musicians of both Clauses, emphasizing the goodli- Fred returns, however, he moves in began their performance ness of Santa and the alleged wickedness with Wanda and the previous problems with a Richard Stephan of Fred. Accustomed to being put down disappear in order to make the ending of composition, “Dance in D,” by his mother for not living up to the the movie “work.” The fact that forced and continued on to John saint-like behavior or his brother, Fred events and dialogue made up a majority Caponegro’s epic, “Canyon grows to be an angry child, deprived of of the film caused the humor to dissipate Sunset.” They completed the attention and love children deserve. at the beginning of the movie. their line-up of songs with another Richard Stephan Students performing in Northside’s orchestra concert When Fred needs a large sum of Nevertheless, Giamatti and Vaughn’s Picture taken by Leo Lee money, he turns to his successful brother acting made up for this stupidity, making piece, “Roundelay in D,” members that graduated last trombonists, and percussion- who, in turn, decides to only give Fred the movie average. Better than “Elf,” displaying all they had year, but, all factors consid- ists of Northside’s Concert the money if he helps out at the busy a Christmas comedy released in 2003 learned since the start of the ered, I think we did really Band also accompanied the North Pole. Being paid thousands of dol- starring Will Ferrell, the humor in “Fred school year. well.” Symphony Orchestra for lars to stamp every child’s files as either Claus” is still laughable, if you try hard The concert continued as The Concert Orches- the finale. Once the guests “Naughty” or “Nice,” Fred decides that enough. the Chamber Strings, lead by tra followed the Chamber had joined the orchestra on no child is naughty: every child deserves As a result, if you plan on watching the concert mistress, Carmen Strings with their perfor- the stage, the Symphony a present for Christmas. “Fred Claus,” walking out after the first Abelson, Adv. 900, per- mance of “Symphony No. Orchestra and its guest This interesting concept changes forty-five minutes would not be a bad formed the “Suite for String 15 in G Major ~ Finale” by performers began Ludwig the entire idea of Christmas in the film. idea. The beginning of the movie com- Orchestra,” featuring the Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Van Beethoven’s “Overture Since the North Pole cannot afford to prised the best of the entire film, with songs “Sarabande,” “Giga,” after which they continued to Egmont”. Afterwards, the give every child the presents that each an interesting background on how Santa and “Badinerie” by Arcan- with “The Dance of the audience was encouraged to wants, it is ridiculously decided that Claus came to be as well as great comedy gelo Corelli. After they com- Iscariot” by Kirt N. Mosier. sing along to the night’s fina- each boy receives a certain toy and each from Vince Vaughn. One memorable pleted the suite, they began They then completed their le, “A Christmas Festival,” by girl receives a certain toy, and they are piece of humor centers around Vaughn’s their second arrangement, arrangement with Elliot Del Leroy Anderson, a medley of supposed to be happy with it. Santa attempt to dress up as Santa Claus and Samuel Adler’s “Concertino Borgo’s well-titled “Ancient various Christmas songs. being able to look into a snow globe to collect more money than those legally for String Orchestra,” with Ritual,” setting the amazing “I really liked the con- observe the naughty actions of children dressed up to collect donations for the the fast-paced and dramatic mood and primeval feel of cert,” Jameel Ahmed, Adv. and a file for every child’s behavior Salvation Army. When asked for his “Allegro Molto,” followed the song. 103, said. “It had a variety merely reiterates the old concept of being permit, he says something along the lines by the slow and emotional At the finale of the per- of sounds and had a winter- nice for sake of receiving presents from of: “Permit? This is the twenty-first cen- “Andante.” They closed formance, all performers, as like feel. It even closed with a Santa. The problems that arise spon- tury…we’re on the web.” If you decide the arrangement and their well as several guest perform- Christmas song!” taneously distract the toy factory from to stay after the forty-five minute mark, section of the concert with ers, joined together to form Once the last note had making progress. An efficiency inspector however, enjoy hearing the five-year-olds “Allegro Con Brio,” which the Symphony Orchestra. been played, refreshments (played by Kevin Spacey) was given the in the audience laughing their mouths contrasted with their other Teachers Ebikepreye Porri were served outside of outlandish name of Clyde Northcut; his off at Santa and his bitter older brother songs because of its quick of the English Department the performing hall to the role is responsible for the film’s primary Fred having a snowball fight. pace and joyful mood. “Personally, I think we and Lisa Volesky of the performers and the audi- did very well,” Abelson Science Department joined ence, which included both said. “Mr. Park had made us the Symphony Orchestra proud parents and supportive rehearse so much so that we as flutists along with the students. were all pretty stressed. A lot Math Department’s Robert The strings of the greatly of people said that this year’s Albritton performing on the applauded orchestra can orchestra would really hurt trombone. Various flutists, once again be heard in their from losing all the orchestra clarinetists, trumpeters, February concert. Drums, bass, percussion Northside’s student band concert by Derika Benton The beginning band performed seven “This is my last band concert, since I am musical selections. These included “Frere graduating early. I am really really excited. I Jacques,” a piece that was not picked by Mr. hope we do well because we have practiced a Lill, but requested by the musicians, “Sawmill lot,” April Nwatah, Adv. 805, said. Creek,” a song that was written so that all the April is a drum player in the intermediate different instruments will be playing the same band class. She is referring to the band con- notes at the same time, a first in Northside’s cert, which took place on Thursday, December bands history, and “G-Force Five,” a last 13. A concert in which all the band classes, minute piece that the students actually learned Beginning (first year musicians), Intermediate in one day. (second year musicians), and Concert (third The concert band ended the show with a and fourth year musicians) perform together. piece entitled “Majestia,” a song that started There are only two performances where all off slow and contemporary, and slowly pro- three classes perform together; one close to gressed into a powerful, faster, louder song, Christmas break, and the other one towards and went back in forth between the two feels the end of the school year. throughout the song. According to the level There were mixed emotions from the of applause as well as to what many audience musicians before the concert. Some were ner- members said, “Majestia” was a great selec- vous, some were excited, and others were both tion to end the concert with. excited and nervous. “That song was awesome; they definitely “I’m a bit nervous right now, because my ended with a bang. I was really impressed,” boyfriend will be watching; but at the same Jennifer Mensah, Adv. 901, said. time I am very excited: we have practiced a lot Before the concert Elizabeth Lawal, Adv. and I am definitely ready,” Christine Rus, Adv. 809, an obo player expressed confidence. 902, a beginning band triangle player. “We are more prepared. We sound better Other players echoed the sentiment. this year, and hopefully the audience is going “I’m not scared, no fear baby,” Joey Fuen- to love us,” she said. tes, Adv. 809, a beginning band player, said. And they did. After the show, Gennes Mr. Mike Lill, the band teacher, was Curescu, an audience member, called the highly confident in his students as well. concert “excellent.” “It is going to be fantastic!” Mr. Lill said “I loved it,” he said. “Compared to other beforehand. “Students are ready. I am very band concerts I have been to, this one is defi- “Fred Clause,” the token Christmas film this year, showed off the acting excited. It is going to be a good time.” talents of Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti. nitely up there.” Photo Courtesy of Amazon.com December 2007 Arts and Entertainment Page 17 Strawberry fields and Welcome to cellophane flowers Mollywood “Across the Universe” Soundtrack What happens by Alice Henry but to a fellow cheerleader. From with a more youthful and inexpe- Skies with diamonds, sun- this new viewpoint, the song takes rienced tone you cannot help but when the shine, and a universe that could on a slower, more dramatic feel of love. One of his stand out perfor- not be more beautiful: the “Across longing and desire. mances is in "All My Loving," the Universe soundtrack’ mixed Later on, Bono, one of the star where Sturgess sings acapella to his children kill God every description provided by The cameos in the movie, sings two absent lover. by Molly McAndrew Beatles and put it to new, groovy songs that are both encouraged by In “Happiness Is A Warm What does it take to be a good Christian? Christian groups are instrumentals that bring the era of acid, and are preaching the drug’s Gun,” Joe Anderson’s gruff voice, saying that the way to show your faith is by boycotting the new the 60’s into your home. With a wonders. In "I Am the Walrus," a a sweeter version of Kurt Cobain’s, film “The Golden Compass.” At first, one would seemed shocked modern twist and different voices, dizzying guitar is added by Secret expresses all the pain of a soldier that of all the filth in theatres these days, a child’s movie filled with the soundtrack takes revolutionary Machines, planting rainbow swirls back from Vietnam. To the tune of fantasy and talking animals is the type to raise serious controversy. sounds and revitalizes them for a into the listener's head. Paired a soulful guitar and an eerie percus- The movie, itself, has been made comparable to “The Chronicles of new generation. with the fantastical lyrics "koo- sion and bass line, Anderson begs Narnia,” which, indirectly, told the religious story of Easter. So then, Since the release of the movie kookoochoo," and excerpts from for a “warm gun” to make him what’s the problem? “Across the Universe” on Septem- recordings that sound like cries for forget about his pain. Accompa- The author of the screenplay, Philip Pullman, is a self-proclaimed ber 14, everyone, everywhere, has "Power to the People!" This song nied by Selma Hayek as a veteran’s atheist. Parents are afraid of the attraction to atheism the movie may begun readopting Beatles songs. takes the listener on a journey hospital nurse, the song takes on a have on children. According to abcnews.com, however, Pullman had Their music has resurfaced in car through the trips and protests pitifully hopeful tune. no intention of atheist conversions. He just wanted to tell a story. radios and city parks, spurred by which featured so prominently in In the song “Let It Be,” one is The problem’s source is from the trilogy rather than the movie. the movie’s popularity. the era. introduced to the talented Timothy The third book eventually becomes a plot to kill a religious diety. In The soundtrack tells stories Although there are some con- T. Mitchum, who sings the song as the third book of the “Golden Compass” set, originally entitled “His that transcend personal struggles, troversial songs on the soundtrack, a solo. Listening to this song, and Dark Materials,” the two main child characters kill the Roman Catho- delving into the issues that faced the base of "Across the Universe" his unmarred, defenseless voice, lic God. This action is only a consequence of the story’s “religious the entire generation of 60s youth. are all the love ballads in every you can feel the pain and hope for official’s goal,” to take away free will. There is even a resonance with cur- imaginable genre. From quiet gui- the peace that he sings about dur- Of course with the world being as politically correct as it is, the rent events. tar and passionate voices singing ing the riots in Detroit. script used by “New Line” productions was given severe edits, cut- Another change in the “Across raw emotion in songs like "Some- The one misfortune of this ting out the more heretical themes and situations. However, religious the Universe” soundtrack is the thing," to the upbeat country-like soundtrack is that it does not groups are complaining that that is nowhere near enough. In the redefinition of emotions portrayed song of a first encounter in "I've contain all of the songs from movie, the men of the church are depicted as child torturers and in the original Beatle songs. The Just Seen A Face," to a battle the movie. The “Deluxe CD” of have daemons associated with vile creatures.“Daemons” in the film vocalists are not just singing these between the Janis Joplin-like voice Across the Universe has 31 songs, are animals that are used as a representation of a person’s spiritual songs, but are acting them out as of Dana Fuchs and the Jimi Hen- while the regular CD only has 16 characteristic. Most common of the religious daemons are a hiss- well. The dramatic quality of the drix-style Martin Luther McCoy in songs. The regular CD is abridged, ing snake, which in comparison to the story of “Adam and Eve” is music provides a burst of emo- "Oh! Darling," the songs are fueled while the Deluxe version keeps all vaguely ironic. tion and duality to each song. The by the power of the human spirit. the details in. This whole controversy reeks of cliché. Can anyone say “Harry listener can more clearly feel the The new artists Jim Sturgess, This CD has Jude making Potter?” People worried that the series would start a rush of Satanists lyrics' meaning, and can even find Evan Rachel Wood, and Joe those sad songs better, has one and witchcraft. This was, after all, a series about a boy fighting for the reinterpretation to them with the Anderson bring a new edge to the skipping across strawberry fields, greater good. This may be a seemingly different story, due to the out actors' emotional additions. songs. In the song "Blackbird," wandering under cellophane flow- spoken nature of the author, but at the same time, people do have to However, based on one's Wood sings sweetly and slowly, ers, loving, and wondering whether realize that these are fantasy stories. Fantasy stories are labeled just stance, the film could seem almost with a string-based instrumental. one is an egg man or a walrus. that because the stories are not real and in many cases, neither are the heretical. In the second track, The song also takes on a new Although in the song “Across the tasks the heroes must face. T.V. Carpio sings a new take on "I meaning when it is directed at Universe” Jim Sturgess sings that I understand that when one feels something very personal is being Want To Hold Your Hand." Her Wood's love interest in the movie, “nothing is going to change [his] attacked that person becomes defensive. To some, nothing is more character in the movie, a lesbian Jude, played by Jim Sturgess. Stur- world,” this soundtrack is guaran- personal than religion. However, it is not like a banner is being waved cheerleader, is not singing to the gess' voice throughout is a double teed to change the musical world at the beginning of the movie which reads: “Religion is bad, become quarterback of the football team, of the singers of The Beatles but for the better. atheist.” The studio probably should have thought twice before turn- ing the book into a movie, but the movie is out whether one likes it or not. One also has to remember that the movie is a child’s film. Kids are not going to be watching the film looking for religious insults; they are going to be watching the talking polar bears and minks. The world is too worried about being politically correct these days. The film, when released did not do that well in the box office, nor did it create this huge religious riot. Everything was fine, and people were mildly entertained by the film. People have to stop con- stantly scrutinizing everything they see on television and in film for the slightest potential of a lawsuit. This is a classic case of “don’t fix what isn’t exactly broken.”

“His Dark Materials” is the Pullman novel which has caused many religious groups to protest his new film “The Golden Compass.” Movie Poster for “Across The Universe” Photo courtesy of Amazon.com Courtesy of Amazon.com Page 18 Sports The Hoof Beat Northside stuns Steinmetz with comeback Men’s Varsity Basketball comes back from 18 down to beat Streaks by Mohammad Khaleelullah Men’s Varsity basketball team geared up to took us a while to recover.” third quarter, Northside started to chip away Northside kicked off its 7th annual play the Steinmetz Streaks on December 22, The Mustangs started the game out fairly at the lead going on a 20 to 7 run in the first basketball tournament on December 8, 2007. 2007. The game would end up being one to well, nearly matching the Streaks basket five minutes to cut the lead to two. But the The field contained 12 teams that will vie for remember. for basket in the first quarter, entering the Streaks wouldn’t give in so easy quickly scor- the championship. After defeating Hancock “We came out there and played second only down four points. But it went ing seven points in the next minute ending High School in the first game, the Northside shocked,” Conor Camp, Adv. 800, said. “It downhill from there. Steinmetz started the the third quarter beating Northside with a second quarter score of 52 to 59. The fourth quarter was with a 13 – 0 when both teams came out to play. run going up “We really pulled together as a team,” 18 to 35 with Camp said. “There was a moment where just over four everything just clicked. It was beautiful. I minutes left was beautiful, Danny Priemer [Adv. 807] to play in the was beautiful, Rob was beautiful, and Wemi half. It took was good too. We regained composure we the Mustangs regained control of the game” more than five With the team down a point with 5:11 minutes to to go in the fourth quarter, Northside took score their first its first lead since the first quarter on back basket in the to back threes by guards Kennedy and John second quarter, Kinsler, Adv. 907. which came on Kinsler turned up his play in the fourth a runner from quarter, making sure Northside kept the lead guard Robert they worked so hard to get. Kennedy, Adv. “We rallied to victory thanks to the 903. Northside superb play of John, Mackenzie [Adv. 807], would go into Rob and the others, “Obi” Osuji, said. the half down “Coming back from that far down is always 15 points, with exciting.” a score of 29 Kinsler and Kennedy sealed the deal hit- to 44. ting key free throws down the stretch. North- “[At the side completed the comeback wining 81 to half] coach told 78. A last second three point shot attempt by us we were still the Streaks was unsuccesful. in the game,” “This victory just shows all of our oppo- Obinna “Obi” nents out that that we have a real team here”, Osuji, Adv. Saif Rahman, Adv. 803, said. “We proved 810, said. “ He that we are never out of the game as well as told us to play that we can overcome early game challenges with the heart and adjust to our opponents. This was really of a mustang, a great win for us as we hope to compete for and that we our conference title this year. I think we have were getting a great shot.” blown out The Mustangs showed that playing with on our home a mustang heart could lead to great things. court. That sent With many of the team’s players being se- a message to niors, the players want to leave the program us.” in good shape for next year. A mes- “About half the squad is going to be sage that the graduating this year,” Rahman said. ‘So it Northside players, Conor Camp (33), Adv. 800, Danny Priemer (2), Adv. 807, and Mackenzie Rivers (23), Adv. players clearly would be awsome to bring a conference title 807, defend an inbounds pass against the Steinmetz Streaks. responded to. home as seniors, so we can leave on a high Photo by Mohammad Khaleelullah Down 15 points note in our high school careers. I cant think to begin the of a better ending.” Checkmate Chess team begins the season thinking positive by Bhumi Patel “These tournaments allowed me to meet chess players from other schools, test my skills With only two weeks of practice, Northside’s chess team went into battle against other against them, and learn some new techniques from them as well,” Gomez said. high schools in their first tournament at Evanston Township High School, on November 10. Although the matches can be stressful, the key is to not fall prey to the pressure, the team The team played against the following four high schools: Riverside-Brookfield, Northridge says. The team members help each other by explaining how to improve their tactics or how Prep, Lane Tech, and Glenbrook South. Eight members of the team took part in the tourna- to avoid any mistakes. ment. Each player played at a certain board and each board is ranked at a different level, “It can be intimidating, but it is not impossible to beat them. Games can be lots of fun which is worth a different amount of points. but very hard and stressful,” Ramir said. “As long as you stay focused and take your time, “Your opponent will often play mind games with you,” Matt Ramir, Adv. 900, said. you will be fine.” “They will act dumb so you don't play as tough or they will move really fast which makes you want to move fast leading to a mistake.” Each of the four tournament rounds lasted two hours. Ac- cording to the team, these can be a very stressful two hours as it is often difficult to predict who will win a given match. “You can’t really tell if a chess match is going to be close until almost everyone is done playing because each person gets points based on what board they are on - first board gets 12 points, second board gets 11 points and so on,” Magdalena Casper-Shipp, the chess team’s coach, said. Northside came in 20th place out of 24 in the tournament. Many of the players felt that they tried their best and that they did pretty well with such a small amount of practices. In the second round the team did the best compared to the other rounds, with 38 wins and only 15 loses. Faraz Khan, Adv. 810, placed seventh out of all his matches in the sixth board level in the tournament and comparatively did the best out of the other Northsiders. “Unfortunately the chess team here doesn’t get a lot of rec- ognition, Ikram Khan, Adv. 800, said. “I know they’ve got some talent and carry a lot of seniors. I hope they do well this year.” One of the biggest problems is the lack of funds to pro- vide the team with better experience and skills, team members reported. “We usually don’t do well at tournaments because a lot of the suburbanite schools have grandmasters teaching them,” Ramir said. “Unfortunately our team has very low funds and worn down equipment.” “With a little more practice we could do better in the next tournament,” James Gomez, Adv. 903, said after the tourna- ment. The team also participated in two games aside from the tournament, one at Lincoln Park High School on November 20 and one at Von Steuben High School on November 28. The team proved Gomez’s point in both of these matches. The final score at Von Steuben was 68 to 0 and all the team members won their matches. The match at Lincoln Park was more difficult Matthew Ramir, Adv. 900, places his next move against opponent Johnathan Rios, Adv. 810, during a team because there were only five members participating compared to practice. the usual eight. Still, the team won this match as well. Photo by Bhumi Patel December 2007 Sports Page 19 They came, they saw, they conquered Northside’s Wrestling Team wins all 6 of their matches against Schurz By Tyler Johnson 016, was up first, and after being match ended with Tenzin as the A newcomer to the team, Seth some cotton up your nose and go It is nothing like the World’s checked by the referee to make sure winner. The score was 28 – 17. Brecklin, Adv. 101, received a back out there.” Wrestling Federation (WWF). he had clipped nails, no beard, tied Up next was Cole Frankel, bloody nose just seconds after he Despite the initial setback, Seth There are no masks, no scantly shoelaces, and hair above the ears, Adv. 808. He, along with Brennan began his match, and was given 2 managed to defeat his opponent clad women, no special effects, he began his match. Depriest, Adv. 806, and Juan, are minutes to stop the bleeding or else with an ending score of 5 to 1. and no illusions. The blood Brennan continued and sweat are real, and his winning streak for the conditions Northside’s this season. His coach wrestling team must endure believes based on per- are much worse than any- formances such as these thing that can be seen on that Brennan will make television: a small class- it to city championships room converted into a gym, along with Cole. a score board that occasion- “These guys are ally works, and a wrestling doing great,” Assistant mat that’s likely to be Coach Nate said. “The questioned for cleanliness. rest of the city better This scene awaited the team watch out because we on December 11, 2007, as have at least two city- they entered Schurz High champions this year.” School for their 7th match of Jesse Welch, Adv. the season. However, these 810, also defeated his poor conditions did not opponent. Both of his dampen the performance of parents were there, the wrestlers, who left the cheering him on. school victorious, with a “I thought I would final score of 42 to 21. be nervous because of “When we step onto all the fake stuff that’s that mat we focus only on TV,” Debbi Welch, on our opponent and the Jesse’s mom, said, “but advice being given to us it is a very safe environ- by our teammates and ment that is very con- coaches,” Juan Rodriguez, trolled. The coaches do Adv. 808, said. “Nothing a terrific job of making else matters.” sure that the students Before a tournament are conditioned well, begins, the wrestlers all and prepared for their undergo a weigh-in so that match.” they can be placed in the Juan also won his correct weight class. It is match, making North- after the weigh-in that each side the winner of all 6 wrestler discovers whether of their matches. The or not he will compete. If coaches believe this is there is a member of the just the start of what opposite team in the same will be a promising and weight class, the wrestler Cole Frankel, Adv. 808, pins his opponent, locking a victory for the Mustangs. winning season. will compete, but if there is Photo by Tyler Johnson. “This year we have not, the other team forfeits some very hard work- It did not take long for him the captains of the team. Both Cole he would have to forfeit the match. that match. For this reason, North- ing, dedicated students,” Coach to perform two take-downs - a and Brennan have been undefeated It is a situation that occurs quite side’s team began the tournament Chris Dupont said. “If they con- move that involves off-balancing this season. Cole defeated his op- often, according to the team. 6 points behind Schurz. This differ- tinue at the rate they’re going, we an opponent and bringing them to ponent by 7 points, with an ending “Bloody noses happen all the ence in score did not last long. will have a grand season.” Tenzin Wangdhen, Adv. the ground - and soon enough, the score of 12 to 5. time,” Seth said. “You just shove Mustangs stomp over Bronzeville Mustangs enter conference with solid performances by Ros Dumlao most of the Mustang’s turnovers occurred Starting out the season strong is just Adv. 810, said. With a whole new season, a whole new near the half court line. The only way they what the Mustangs wanted. Although the Mustangs have high team, and a whole new game, it’s difficult seemed to break the press was driving down “This is a good way to get our confidence hopes for the season, they still have a lot to to disagree that this new Mustang team has the middle for a lay-up or forced shot. But up so that we’ll play well,” Kinsler said. overcome. The ultimate goal of the team this started from scratch. After coming off of a what helped them put the game away was Though their 5-2 record consists of year is win the Blue Division, that is to place disappointing ’06-’07 season with scores that their bench. non-conference games, they played their first first in their conference. With wins like this spoke for themselves, the ’07-’08 Mustangs Crisp ball movement, looking for the conference against Roosevelt. they have a shot. left their Northside fans with nothing more open man, and execution were all key to “If we keep playing like this, hopefully “Our biggest competition is most likely but a fifth and promising win on Thursday’s breaking Bronzeville’s press. And that is just we’ll win conference,” Kevin Menczynski, Schurz,” said Wemi Oritseweyinmi. game against Bronzeville. what the bench Since the game was in the middle of De- did to help pick cember, a time when many college students up the Mustang’s start winter break, several Northside alumni offensive and de- sat in the Northside bleachers. fensive mishaps. “It was a good first game back from Rivers ac- school,” Munir Ahmed, graduate of the counted for three class of ’07 and former varsity basketball steals and one player, said. “I look forward to more games block with less during my break. They’re the same team, but than two minutes better.” at the end of the After building a 14 point lead at the third quarter, end of the first quarter, the Mustangs never while Danny looked back. The key to their lead was Premier, Adv. defense, but their offensive mishaps nearly 807, contributed cost them. with two straight “We didn’t play as good [sic] as we three-pointers to wanted to,” Wemi Oritseweyinmi, Adv. 903, start the fourth said. “We had too many turnovers.” quarter. The Mustang’s defense shut out The Mus- Bronzeville’s offense. Bronzeville didn’t tangs outscored score in the last four minutes of the first half. Bronzeville in the And although given many attempts to put third quarter 17-6. back missed shots, they could not execute, Though they had as the Mustangs out-rebounded them on the another comfort- defensive glass. able lead going Among those who contributed on re- into the fourth bounds were Jack Moore, Adv. 801, Mack- quarter, the Mus- enzie Rivers, Adv. 807, and Oritseweyinmi, tangs’ offensive who all had eight in the first half. momentum did John Kinsler, Adv. 907, added to the not die down as Mustang’s defense with three steals in less they executed than two minutes left in the second quarter, more ball move- which resulted in a six point run and allowed ment, found the the Mustangs to enter the second half with a open man in 36-20 lead. the middle, and Bronzville came out with a half-court ended the game Forward/Center Wemi Oritseweyinmi, Adv. 803, prepares to shoot a free throw while teammates Conor Camp, press and made it difficult for the Mustangs with a 74-39 vic- Adv. 800, and Mackenzie Rivers, Adv. 807, watch. to set up their offense, which may be why tory. Photo by Mohammad Khaleelullah. Page 20 Sports The Hoof Beat Mo’ Lady mustangs dominate Please Northside Women’s Varsity Basketball beat Full of pep Northtown Academy 56 to 15 by Sika Yeboah-Sampong the game really well. Because of by Mohammad Khaleelullah Salaam. Ever notice the lack of pep rallies On an icy December this we were excited and looking around Northside. Well actually there is one for a afternoon, Northside’s forward to play on Saturday.” team that’s not a Northside team: the Cubby Walk Women’s Varsity Basketball “I was pleased with their pep rally. Now I love the Cubs and am a fan forever Team took on Northtown performance, overall,” Mr. Heavey and ever, etc., and bleed Cubby blue. But imagine Academy’s Basketball Team. said, “but definitely not satisfied someone saying they bleed Mustang maroon. Ok, Northtown’s Women’s Bas- because there’s a lot of room sounds a little odd, but why can’t we be entrenched ketball Team trudged off the for improvement. As a team we in Mustang nation, for at least a day maybe? This bus as they prepared to face want to make sure we’re play- is why we need pep rallies. their competition. ing the best basketball that we For one, lets think of all the unity that could be Northside’s starting can through out the season and established in a pep rally. Students of all cliques, lineup featured Rhianna Rey, to improve in performance both natural jocks or the complete opposite, can come Adv. 809, Aral Johnson, Adv. individually and as a team.” together and find that one thing that we’re sure of 904, Lizette Leon, Adv. 805, As the game drew to a close, that we all have in common, being Northside Mus- Liliana Leon, Adv. 804, and Northside iced the game with two tangs. By unifying in our school color of maroon, Ashley Rivera, Adv. 811. more points off free throws. Mal- shouting our beloved, though currently unknown, Northside started the game lory Kirkley, Adv. 016, the only school song, and having that ability to yell at the scoring the first 7 points. sophomore on the team, made top of our lungs with Mustang pride will undoubt- With 9 minutes left in the four points in the last half of the edly create some of the best communal memories first quarter, Northside was game as did Alyssa Anderson, that we will retain in our high school lives. For up 7 to 0. Within another Adv. 804, and Rey. The rest of those who love taking pictures, e.g. Lizelle, it’ll minute and another basket by Northside’s points were scored by be a field day to fill up those scrapbooks or those guard Rey, Northside held a team members Mikell, Rivera, and facebook albums to the maximum. Imagine you 9 point lead and never looked Valdez. Although Northtown’s arrive a little late. You enter the gym. See a sea of back. players started to have more maroon; hear the bass thumping and the school “They did a very good success on the offense, it was not song in the background with a thousand students job in that first half,” Coach enough to change the tide of the more excited then they have ever been to be Mus- Mike Heavey said. game which had constantly been tangs. I guarantee you can’t help but be pumped up Northside’s team mem- in Northside’s favor. At the end and excited yourself. The liveliness of this image is bers dribbled up and down of the second half, Northside had undeniably powerful. the court making basket after successfully trounced Northtown What is better than cheering for your own basket with the encourage- with a final score of 56 to 15. school? Getting to cheer for your school with your ment of the Mustang “As a whole our team had re- friends and well the rest of the student body all at spectators who outnumbered ally good chemistry on the court,” the same time. The worry about attendance at the Northtown’s Puma specta- Michelle Lopez, Adv. 906, said, rally wouldn’t even need to be a concern. Hold the tors. “which made our success pos- rally during school hours, likely in the form of an Northside finished the Alyssa Anderson, Adv. 804, goes for the rebound after sible.” Based on this performance, all school colloquium. This would give students a first with 32 points on the teammate Rhianna Rey, Adv. 809, takes a shot. it would seem that Coach Heavey’s break for one thing and ensure a full house. Want scoreboard. They continued Photo by Sika Yeboah-Sampong advice to his players is having a to rack up points while North- to get students even more pumped? Consider points in the second half of the game. positive effect. town missed shot after shot scoring only putting it at maybe the end of a Friday, on a short Northside led throughout the game com- “[My advice],” Mr. Heavey said, “[ is] one basket the first half. bell schedule type day. You can’t get students more fortably. However, Northtown made a to always work to improve some aspect “Their [Northside’s] performance had pumped up than that. And for those worried about comeback in the second half of the game every time we step on the court as well as a high intensity level in the first half,” the time this would take away from our education, as Northside’s players seemed to tire out. [for] a practice or a game.” Coach Heavey said, “but it dropped in the think of it as a team building activity. “We had just come from a hard full With a victory behind them, North- second half.” There can also be large financial benefits to a week of practices that startedout really side’s Women’s Varsity Basketball Team The drop in intensity was evident pep rally. The school can set up food booths serv- bad,” Bianca Valdez, Adv. 908, said. “But seems prepared to work even harder and as Northtown Academy scored thirteen ing items that anyone wouldn’t mind nibbling on. we closed out our last two practices before play “high intensity”- the entire game. With a thousand students and a good number of faculty too, the financial outcomes could be great obviously. The funds raised could go to support Avoiding the gutter the athletic department, which could really use a boost. Athletes are asked all the time to raise funds Northside falls to No. 1 Taft High School on their own for their individual sports. This way some pressure could be taken off of those athletes, by Dilraj Sekhon could have helped us win that game.” and the department could provide other things for As you watch the monitor highlight your name, you stand up Despite the fact the Mustangs do not get to practice, the play- the coaches. This could increase coaching funds to and glance at your coach. He has full faith in you for he has seen ers still work on strategies to help them win. attract perhaps more competition for coaching jobs you play before and is confident you have what it takes to take “Now I’m trying to improve this hook I just started doing and transportation funds for all of the sports such down your opponent. As you walk towards the line, you stress all because when you hook, you can get much more pin explosion as providing a bus for men’s basketball. procedures of your strategy, making the slightest adjustment so when you hit the pocket (between the front pin and one of the I know I am always mouthing off about school you are able to achieve your maximum effort. You pick up your pins closest to it),” Gonsalez said. spirit and how there is so much more potential shiny ball and take one last glance at your opponent, who you Although the Mustangs did not beat the Eagles, the Mustangs within our Mustang pride. The reason I do this is know is ranked number one in your league. As you begin to move tend to enjoy their games. because I truly do believe pep rallies are necessary towards the line, your palms become sweaty and your knees be- “Yea it’s fun. We help each other out and give advice when for spirit development. Something we need in order come frail. You release the ball as your adrenaline begins to rush, we play, but at the same time we joke around too,” said Gonsalez. to take Northside even further. As Saif Rahman, and suddenly everything moves in slow-motion. As you watch the The Mustangs have currently won 3 series and have lost 2 series. Adv. 803, said, we’re number one all around ball make its way down the lane, there is nothing on your mind, With the season still going, the players are thinking of differ- with our numerous. With more spirit come more except the sheer fact of winning. The ball knocks down eight out ent methods, skill drills, and training techniqees to obtain more achievements. And as my former colleague Shoaib of the ten pins, and that is still not enough to win the game. strikes and ultimately more points, which they believe will lead to Ali said,happier students mean more produc- On the week of November 26, 2007 Northside’s bowling team more wins. tion. Unfortunately during my high school years had a season game against Taft High School. The Mustangs tried “I love to bowl. I’m glad to see improvements,” Gonsalez said. I haven’t been able to experience this yet. After I to bowl their way to a victory but were unsuccess- heard the inclusion of a pep rally for this year’s ful in doing so. Unfortunately for the Mustangs, spirit week, I was ecstatic. We can cap off our daily Taft’s bowling team is ranked number one in the themes that allow us to portray our individual Chicago Public School (CPS) bowling league, which personalities, such as our outfits for beach and twin imposed a worthy image coming in to the game. days, by joining others as a student body support- “I don’t know if we could have done anything ing our school while promoting a team effort on against Taft. They probably bowl on average about the playing field. In this case it would be a basket- three to four times a week, where as we only bowl ball game. So let’s applaud the administration for about once every week,” Andrew Wrobel, Adv. 802, working one in this year, especially for us seniors. said. “I feel like I could have done better. Every- It will allow us to come together and celebrate our thing I was throwing didn’t feel right. It was as if I mustang pride. You know how you always think were missing my target.” how did that something start. This was our start “I’m generally a consistent bowler, with the of something. Students of the future, be sure to occasional bad game, but my bad games are usually continue this tradition and of course be proud to be accompanied with an equally good one,” Bobby Northside Mustangs. Wasalaam. Gonzales, Adv. 016, said. Although there is a bowling program at North- side, some of the players believe that it should be better funded. “I believe the program could use some more funding. I mean we only play once a week. We don’t usually get practice time as a whole team, and if you do practice, it’s usually by ourselves,” Wrobel said. “I believe that the lack of practice time may have a direct affect on how we play,” Gonzales said. The Mustangs bowl an average of six hundred points per game but that was simply not enough to match the caliber of Taft’s eight hundred point average. “Generally bowling a lot would be really beneifi- Charles Benandi, Adv. 806, bowls a frame aiming to raise the team’s cal to us as a team,” Wrobel said. “We would be score. better at picking up more spares and stirkes, which Photo by Dilraj Sekhon