Page 15 Page 7 Insight on Mens Cross Jerry Wang’s Country gets a Northside head start experience eat New year, new colloquia

This year’s colloquium theme

by Krystn Collins

B As a new year at Northside commences and students begin settling into their classes, so initiates another year of colloquium, one of the things that sets the school apart from many others. “Colloquium offers a wealth of experiences,” Mr. Barry Rodg- ers, Northside’s principal, said on Northside College Preparatory High School October 2008 the school’s website. “Through participation in colloquium we transcend apparent limitations and explore new areas of learning

oof that go beyond our own perceived limitations.” But what exactly does tran- scending limitations and exploring new areas of learning mean for the Vol. 10 No. 2 Vol. students of this year? Last year, the theme was a World of Possibilities, in which Northsiders were encouraged to H participate in various activities that culminated in the school-wide colloquia; these events emphasized global magnificence and world culture as aspects that bring people together instead of differences that force them apart. This year the theme is Ameri- can Tapestry: Sharing Our US Experience. “This year’s theme,” Ms. Lauren Krischer, Adv. 902, and Julia Reeves, Adv. 903, work hard as the learn the art of sewing, Susan Spillane, Director of Special knitting and embriodery in the colloquium “A Stich in Time Saves Nine.” Programs, said, “is a way to share Photo by Alejandro Valdivieso our own stories of living here in the United States. We will be weav- Calligraphy stand out, but unfa- be encouraged to share what they opportunities available to all as ing together experiences via music miliar ones, too, have made their personally have to offer in the way the American Tapestry is woven and storytelling to examine and debut, such as The Dragon Comes of living in the United States as skillfully together by students and contribute to our rich and colorful to America and Political Junkie. they all together help to weave the faculty alike, an experience that American Tapestry.” With such a wide range of American Tapestry with the cloth promises to bring fascinating guests, This year’s colloquium choices choices, the colloquia of 2008 have of our experiences and stories. informational presentations, and are diverse and numerous, and for the capacity to cater to just about What this collectively means is what guarantees to be an all-around some students, it may be difficult any student’s interests, whether they that students at Northside this year explosion of American culture to choose just one. On the list of enjoy music, physical activity, or are in for an in-depth exploration The American Tapestry themed courses seen available this year, even travel. of their rich culture and heritage colloquia promises to leave an im- familiar choices seen last year like Within the course of this as Americans dwelling in the U.S. pact on the 2008-2009 school year. News pages 1-3 the Knitting colloquium and Asian year’s colloquium, students will and the discovery of potential •Olympian Todd Williams visits Northside •New Student Council column Jammah Club Jams Lunchroom Global Connections page 4 th •The 2008 Democratic ticket Club hosts 9 annual dinner

Features pages 6-7 by Faique Moqeet and Bushra items were passed out to the guests. Right after Kabir opening their fasts, it was time for the fourth of • Remembering Hiro Joho As the balloon and stream- five daily prayers for Muslims. The prayer, which • Summer China trip er-filled cafeteria buzzed with is called “Maghrib,” was prayed in the third floor Centerfold pages 8-9 excitement and hungry stu- atrium and guests were invited to watch. dents and parents, the North- • Sexism “It was very spiritual to see the Muslims side Jammah Club’s Ramadan praying, everybody was in complete unison, the Diversions pages 10 Dinner began. On Friday person in the front was leading and everyone fol- • International Film Festival October 3, 2008, the ninth lowed, there were no mistakes; it seemed perfect • Argyle - small street, big annual dinner took place at like they had been practicing for years,” Khoa flavor about 6:00 p.m. in the school’s Nguyen, Adv.104, said. cafeteria. The Ramadan din- After returning from prayer, the guests had a Arts & Entertainment pages 12-13 ner, held during the Islamic chance to sample one of the dinner’s highlights: • House Bunny bounces in month of Ramadan, is held to the home cooked food. theaters help increase Islamic aware- The club arranged dinner for all their guests • TTYN Paris Hilton ness throughout the school of by serving a variety of delicious cultural courses. Editorials page 14 the meaning behind the holy The courses covered everything from appetizers month and how it affects those • McCain v.s Obama to desert. Members believed the courses were who observe it. Every year, prepared to represent the diversity Islam has Sports pages 15-16 the event has many returning within itself pertaining to its diverse followers. attendees who come back for Guests were urged to try some of the food • The rise of the Seastangs the atmosphere as well as new that was specially prepared in order for them to • Women’s Tennis Team comers who come and enjoy plays first match of the get a feel for the many ethnic backgrounds of the season the food and program. club members. After everyone chose a few food “The Ramadan dinner was items, the program continued. Club members about getting people to know spoke to the audience about the club, its history, our cause. It was for people and the veil that separated the sexes. to share a moment in which “In Islamic doctrine there are versus that we all interacted by sharing a state the purpose of displaying modesty through feast. It was hopefully quite clothing, speech and behavior,” Aisha Ahmad, enjoyable for everyone,” Mu- co-president, Adv. 904, said. “The veil was basi- hammad Hossain, Advisory cally to satisfy the command that Muslims must 110, said. behave modestly when interacting with people of The program began as, the opposite sex in order to prevent certain sins.” Mohammed Ahmed, Adv. As the dinner came to an end, the club 907, introduced the Islamic members were satisfied again with the turnout prayer, which Muslims use to and hoped at least one person left with some open their fast, followed by a knowledge of Islam. translation into English. The “I’m glad that everyone looked forward to Sadia Sozzer, Adv. 905, and a friend, discuss the Ramadan fast is opened at sunset with it. It seemed like everyone had fun there and the Dinner and how Jammah Club can improve it for next year. a date and some water. Both food was good,” Naim Uddin, Adv. 105, said. Photo by Alejandro Valdivieso Page  News The Hoof Beat The A.P. dilemma Northside College The question of “how much?” Prep High School by Yonas Zewdie One question nearly every Northsider will encounter 5501 N. Kedzie in their high school careers is whether or not to take an Chicago, IL 60625 A.P. class, followed by the question of how many to take Tel: (773) 534-3954 if any at all? There are many students that opt to take only Fax: (773) 534-3964 a few A.P. classes, while some choose to take on a far more Principal: Mr. Barry Rodgers rigorous course load and take as many as their academic Assistant Principal: schedule will allow. As with Dr. Margaret Murphy many “either – or” and “how many” questions, the answers Advisor: Mr. Chester Tylinski are very dependent upon the individual in question, thus making generalizations about Editors-In-Chief: Zlatana Alibegov- how many A.P. classes to take or to take any at all is futile. ic, Vasiliki Mitrakos To some, taking more A.P. classes provides them with Managing Editor: Andrea Ljevar the opportunity to challenge themselves by becoming ex- Web Editor: Molly McAndrew, posed to college level courses, Riaz Shaikh while to others, taking A.P. classes would do little more News Editor: Tyler Johnson than deteriorate their Grade Point Average (GPA) and Global Connections Editor: Olu- stress them out. Geri Mcinerney, Adv. 018, studies for the A.P. Statistics exam by completing practice toye Adegboro “I actually feel pretty problems in her textbook. good right now because my Photo by Alejandro Valdivieso Features Editor: Andrea Ljevar one A.P. balances the rest of would not consider taking a of interest. Some students them. The thing some people my classes.” Marcella Vicens, large number of A.P. classes. who find themselves taking also tend to forget is that poor Centerfold Editor: Evan Rogers Adv. 903, said. “Person- “I’m taking five A.P. A.P. classes that they have no or mediocre grades in A.P. Diversions Editors: Sonya Dekhytar ally, I don’t see the point in classes this year, and it isn’t re- interest in tend to struggle in classes hurt your college appli- overloading on A.P. classes, ally that difficult,” John Corf- those classes, thereby giving cations. When you truly enjoy Editorial Editor: Yonas Zewdie because I feel it just prevents man, Adv. 901, said. “There’s them a negative experience an A.P. class, you are more you from being a balanced, definitely more work in A.P. with A.P. courses, whereas likely to retain the knowledge Arts and Entertainment Editor: well-rounded student. With classes than you get in honors other students who select even after you leave that class, Matt Glodz all fairness though, there are courses, but the benefits are A.P. classes because of their and you will probably do well definitely exceptions, so I well-worth the extra effort. If interest in them, and not for in that class overall.” Sports Editor: Caitlin Swieca guess if you can handle it, you I do well on my [AP] exams, superficial reasons, tend to While everyone may have can take as many A.P. classes I could be saving myself enjoy greater success in those their own reasons for taking Cartoonist: Gigi Lee as you want.” thousands of dollars in tuition classes, making their encoun- or not taking a certain amount Photo Editor: Alejandro Vadivieso Indeed, one of the argu- costs. And even if I don’t do ter with A.P. a pleasant one. of A.P. classes, they must first ments in favor of taking fewer so great on the exams, the “I think as a general ask themselves what their true or no A.P. courses is that it classes will at least give me principle, you should never reason for taking the course allows you to spend more good exposure to college level take an A.P. level course you is, and from there they may Reporters: Olutoye Adegboro, time on extracurricular activi- classes. So yea, I definitely don’t like,” Shaheed Ghogha, make decisions for themselves Pooja Agarwal, Lyanne Alfaro, ties, in addition to allowing don’t see why people are hesi- Adv. 902, said. “Lot’s of as to how many they should you to earn better grades with tant to take them.” people take them to get col- take. The question of how Subhan Ali, Zlatana Alibegovic, less stress overall. However, While many students and lege credit, or because they much can only be answered with the rising cost of college teachers caution against tak- think it will impress admis- by each individual, and only Derika Benton, Sarah Capungan, tuitions, and the stiff competi- ing too few or too many AP sions officers, which is fine, after they have truly analyzed Zobia Chunara, Anna Cieslik, tion for college admissions classes, one thing that many but those shouldn’t be primary what they stand to lose and into the top universities, there people agree on is to take A.P reasons for taking A.P. classes; gain by taking or not taking Krystn Collins, Sonya Dekhtyar, is no reason why a student Classes based upon your level they should be perks of taking A.P. classes Olympia Eldorrado, Melissa Espana, Adriana Garties, Matt Back to school night Glodz, Dan Graham, Sarish Hassan, Parents walk in their children’s footsteps Alice Henry, Zosia Holden, Adriana by Zahra Lalani teachers, guided his AP Government “Japanese was a perfect transition Inojosa, Carolyn Jeon, Tyler Every year, one night in September, class through the different topics that will from my daughter’s interest to school, Johnson, Melissa Jordan, Jeffery parents become students at Northside be discussed throughout the year. Topics that’s why we chose this class,” Lisa and walk through their child’s daily ranged from identifying different themes Chung, mother of Erin Chung, Adv. 201, Joseph, Sarah Jose, Bushra Kabir, schedule, experiencing, first hand, every of political science to identifying people’s said. aspect of their student’s life. beliefs and behaviors. He also explained As the school day progressed, it be- Sony Kassam, Claire Kilpatrick, “My mom came because she wanted the Common Law program, a program came noticeable that very few upperclass- to meet my teachers and see how the designed to give students a first hand man parents showed up in proportion to Zahra Lalani, Adira Levine, Andrea classes will be,” Zobia Chunara, Adv. experience with court cases, which will the freshmen parents. Ljevar, Molly McAndrew, Andriana 200, said. “I am glad she came because be starting earlier, this year. The program In Mr. Robert Albritton’s third period she can see how school is for me.” will require students to work in groups AP Statistics class, a mere three par- Mitrakos, Vasiliki Mitrakos, Faique Back to School night is a way for with attorneys on a current Supreme ents were in attendance. Mr. Albritton Northside’s faculty and administration to Court case by reading precedent cases, introduced himself and his past work Moqeet, Dylan Nugent, Alessandra welcome parents to the community. This formulating an appellate brief, and argu- experience, mentioning that he has been Powers, Evan Rogers, Sarah event gives parents the opportunity to ing their case in front of a panel of judges teaching at Northside for five years. meet the different personalities that will in late to mid February. After class, as “I have always wanted to teach AP Schoonhoven, Riaz Shaikh, Diana play an active role in their child’s educa- parents gathered their belongings, they Statistics,” Mr. Albriton said, “because tion. This year, on September 9th, over 60 expressed their enthusiasm for the class. over the years I have learned that it is Slabe, Timothy Suh, Caitlin Swieca, percent of parents gathered in the first “After hearing about this program, useful in many careers outside of math Neda Tolooi, Alejandro Valdovieso, floor atrium to pick up their schedule. I’m both interested and excited about the – actually in almost everything. While Faculty and staff members were present class,” Teresita Zdunek, mother of Maria this is my first year, Ms. Runkle has given Yonas Zewdie. to distribute and locate classrooms and Zdunek, Adv. 903, said. me all of her notes, which I am using to schedules. As the music filled the hallways, teach my class,” Mr. Albritton said. “My mom told me she was interested parents huddled in groups and worked In Ms. Lisa Volesky’s Honors Biol- Contributors: Mr. John Belcaster in seeing what my teachers are like,” to help each other find their child’s next ogy class, parents of Andrew Binder, and Mr. Timothy Devine Lauren Antosz, Adv. 201, said. “I’ve class. Ms. Jeunghee Park, Language Adv. 015, expressed why they have been hardly had time to tell her how my day Department requested parents to play coming to Back to School Night three was because I’ve been so busy with extra- an active role in their child’s learning by years in a row. The Hoof Beat is a monthly publication curriculars and homework, so I think this having them ask their child questions “It gives us the opportunity to get to was a great opportunity for her to learn about how to say certain words in the know the teachers that our students will produced by the Northside Prep Journal- more about my typical day.” language their child is learning. be working with, their energy level, and ism Class. As a student-run newspaper, your Before Advisory, Mr. Barry Rodger, “Ask them how to say hello or good- their background,” Dan Binder, father of Northside’s Principal, greeted the parents bye,” Ms. Park said. “If you ask them to Andrew Binder, Adv. 015, said. opinions are important to us. If you have any with a reminder – “Advisory will start teach you one word every day, they will During lunch a freshmen parent comments, corrections, critiques, or questions, at promptly 7 p.m., and detention will be excited about sharing what they’ve stated her hopes for the upcoming year. please e-mail Mr. Chester Tylinski at cty- be held after school at 9:20 p.m., have a learned with you.” “Christine and I are both looking wonderful day.” Ms. Park also stressed the importance forward to Colloquium since that is a dif- [email protected] or the editors in chief at During the ten minutes allotted for of taking a language for all four years to ferent feature from her previous school, [email protected]. each period, Mr. Tim Devine, Social the parents as colleges look for fluency Taft,” Liza Kerrigan, parent of Christine Science Department, much like other within their applicants. Kerrigan, Adv. 204, said. OctoberOctober 20082008 News News PagePage   Rome falls once again From Beijing This year’s toga theme was less than thrilling to Northside by Melissa L. España also enjoyed the festivities. June Murphy, Adv. 204, said. costume store. The ancient Romans were “It was fun. But this year’s “I mean, if you like the music “I actually decided to Olympian Todd known for wearing togas as dance wasn’t as good as last that’s being that’s fine, but if make my own toga. I thought their traditional garb, however, year. The theme wasn’t as good, you don’t, that’s not good.” it would be fun to show up the Romans are not the only and I wasn’t as excited for it Everyone had a different at the dance wearing one. It Williams speaks ones who could wear them; at as I was for last year’s Back to opinion of the event, but in was hard making one though, least not for one night. This School Dance.” Robin Doherty, spite of some of the lackluster because I had to sew it together to Cross Country year, Student Council hosted Adv. 109, said. music choices, people still man- by myself.” Diana Suarez, Adv. the Back to School Dance on Some students also had a aged to have a good time. 207, said. Friday, September 19 in the lot to say about the DJ’s music Although the vast major- Only a month away from Team school’s cafeteria. The theme choices at the dance. Several of ity of togas at the dance were the Back To School Dance, Sarish Hassan was “Back to BC”. Those who the songs played at the dance made of simple white bed Student Council will host its On Friday, September 12, the Northside Cross attended had the chance to were hip-hop and rap songs that sheets that students used, there annual Halloween Dance. The Country (XC) team gathered together in the North- come to the dance dressed in were out of date. The DJ also was a choice few that stood Halloween Dance attracts the side cafeteria for a pasta party, but this party was togas and students took full ad- played a lot of music that most out. Blue, gold, and even one largest group of people, and attended by Olympic runner, Todd Williams. Over vantage of the opportunity, as students couldn’t really dance toga with sheep fur on it were nearly every person that attends pasta and salad, Williams talked to the team about more than half of the attendees too. among the more creative toga shows up in creative costumes. the beginnings of his career, including all of the came dressed in Roman attire. “The dance was interest- designs. Some students decided Throughout the night, prizes ups and downs he faces along the way. Every year, Student Council ing, but I thought the music that instead of making a toga, are given out to those that par- Williams’ career began before he went to high sponsors the Back to School selection was very unoriginal,” they would buy one from a ticipate in the costume contests. school, in a seventh grade race, where he ran a Dance. Prior to the dance, 6:03 mile and won first place. In eighth grade Wil- members of student council liams played football and was on the track team, meet and discuss about possible where he ran races without a set training routine. themes for the dance. Their “You know how it is on a grade-school track reasoning behind the dance is team,” Williams said. “You show up at the track to get students—mainly Fresh- put on some spikes and go. There really is no hard- man—to enter back into the core training involved.” new school year in a relaxed His real training began in ninth grade, when environment. Student Council his football coach noticed that he was a good succeeded every year on getting distance runner and asked him to consider joining enough students to attend. the XC Team. The cafeteria was crowded Williams also offered advice to the team about with masses of Northside how to make themselves better runners, get ahead students and their guests. of other teams, and balance their lives during the However, the dance was season. mostly populated by this year’s “I always tell high school runners that the best freshman. The dance floor way to get ahead of everyone else is to run over the was swarming with freshman summer,” Williams said. “When the season begins, dancing together; many of who so does school, and many meets are during the “juked”. Which is considered weekday after school, not leaving much time for too inappropriate by many of any extra practice.” the Freshman. A previous high school athlete, Williams of- “I thought the dance was fered the team tips on how to balance academics good, except that the dancing and running and still have enough recovery time made me very uncomfortable,” before the next race. Eleanor Dollear, Adv. 201, said. “Balance is very important, but if you want This being their first of to succeed you have to make some sacrifices, like many dances, the freshman spending your summer doing some serious train- surely seemed to have had a ing,” Williams said. “During the school year, time good time, though, the many management is key, and your social life will suffer. seniors, juniors, and sopho- Students dance to “Disturbia” by Rihanna during the back to school dance. I’m not saying be antisocial, but if you want to go mores that were in attendance Photo by Alejandro Valdivieso far, you have to be committed to the sport.” Williams’ words of encouragement and advice were appreciated by the team, who took the tips to prepare for their future meets. Hitting the Land of the Olympics “He definitely made a difference,” Andrew by Subhan Ali school program. From 8:30 a.m. until 11:45 “It’s like a taste of college life,” Chhun Czyszczon, Adv. 013, said. “People are going to On the morning of June 22, 11 North- a.m. each day, students studied the Chinese said. “We had our own rooms, had a lot work harder to become better individual runners.” side students, part of a program coordi- language. After lunch, they attended of freedom, and we were away from our Many took his advice to train harder over the nated by the Confucius Institute in Chicago cultural immersion classes for about four parents.” summer in order to make the Mustangs a stronger (CIC), flew to Shanghai, China to learn hours. In these classes, students learned “Being away from home for six weeks team. more about the Chinese language (Manda- about calligraphy, paintings, songs, and with people you have grown to call friends,” “He emphasized on setting goals by running rin) and culture while enjoying themselves food. Students were free after 6:00 p.m. to Carlos Almeida, Adv. 900, said, “you learn 750 to 1,000 miles every summer,” Honghe Li, by visiting various museums and tourism complete homework and relax. While they a lot about yourself.” Adv. 106, said. “If we work harder as individuals, sites. The original departure from the were there for six weeks, they rotated every This was Almeida’s second trip to then our team will inevitably become a stronger United States was scheduled for June 21, two weeks, either staying in the dorms or China, yet he still believes that China never team.” but technical difficulties (birds flew into the at their Chinese roommates’ homes. This ceases to amaze people. Williams also offered Coach Jon Gordon, plane’s engine) created a delay. rotation between living in dorms and in “America has a lot to catch up on,” Cross Country coach, the ideas needed to keep the The afternoon upon arriving, Brian actual homes allowed the students to gauge Almeida said. team in top condition for the cross country season. Chhun, Adv. 902, said that China smelled a better impression of life in China. Students additionally noticed the build- “What Todd said tonight was priceless,” Coach much like a Chinese restaurant. “I talked with them [my Chinese room- up leading to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Gordon said. “This is definitely going to impact “I wasn't sure if I even went anywhere,” mates],” Kevin Lee, Adv. 904, said. “They Although they were being held in a differ- our meets in the near future, and we are glad that Chhun said. were pretty cool.” ent city, students noticed Olympic logos on he inspired us to this degree - that we want to work A few of the first-time travelers to On the weekends, students visited muse- cars, motorcycles, buses, and bikes. They harder as a team.” China shared similar views. ums and historical sites in order to enrich detected, without doubt, the extraordinary Todd Williams has participated in the 1992 “When we first arrived and got on the their cultural understanding of Shanghai. feelings of pride and excitement within the Olympic Games in Barcelona, 1993 World Cham- bus and whatnot, I thought the place was Lee was particularly fond of the Great Wall Chinese people. pionships in Stuttgart, 1995 World Championships depressing,” Chhun said. “You often hear of China. “There was no doubt that the Chinese in Gothenburg, and the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. about the pollution in China, and in a city “I was so amazed,” Lee said. were proud that they were holding the He also holds the American 15 kilometer record like Shanghai, I assumed it to be pretty Overall, despite the smell and weather Olympics,” Almeida said. of 42.22, which he accomplished at the Gate true.” that students noted, Lee was one of the Students returned to America on River Run in Jacksonville, Florida. Now retired, Little did the students know that they many who felt he learned a lot from this August 3 and feel that they have not only Williams works with aspiring runners in training had landed in China during the rainy experience. polished their Chinese skills, but attained a camps over the summer to help them accomplish season, and that in a few weeks, their first “It was one of the most memorable and greater understanding about themselves and their goals. impressions would deteriorate, as skies significant experiences of my life,” Lee said. the world around them. “I make it a point to help out future runners,” would clear—replacing fogginess and rain Some students felt that the trip allowed “The experience was just too amazing Williams said. “After all, if it wasn’t for my own with humidity and sunlight. them to become more independent in their to not take advantage of,” Almeida said. coach, I would have never made it this far.” While there, the students were part of a lives. A word from Student Council Hello Northside, Moodle. Tournament, on the 8th after colloquium, Meeting occurred on October 7. Please feel As you can see, Student Council (SC) has Moodle will host an additional vote for and the Halloween Dance, a Northside favor- free to come and talk at future Town Hall a new column in the HoofBeat. We’re happy two new amendments to the SC constitution, ite, actually falling on Halloween this year. Meetings. to bring monthly updates on our progress written by the Educational Development One thing we are particularly proud of is This new column is one way to learn and strengthen our connection with all stu- Board of the Council. The first proposes the reintroduction of the Town Hall Meeting. what you may not have heard already about dents. October, in particular, will be a busy that the position of treasurer be created to Town Hall Meetings are open to all North- Student Council and what we are up to. month for everyone, including SC. handle financial matters more effectively. siders and will occur once every quarter Please feel free to contact any member of The freshman elections for SC, an annual The second proposed amendment addresses (around the half-way mark) throughout this Student Council about any ideas, concerns, process, are taking place in the beginning of SC’s need to act on amendments that come school year. Northsiders are invited to come comments, etc. that you may have or visit the October. Interested freshmen can complete a in the middle of a school year (allowing for and express their views to representatives of SC website for more information candidacy form (available on the SC website, a treasurer to be selected by SC this year and SC, after school in the choral room. We hope under the “Student Life’ icon on the North- elected in the future). to allow everyone the chance to voice their Warmly, side website) to run. The freshman class then Student Affairs will be working hard thoughts on any issues, furthering SC’s role Doug Bright voices their choice via cyber-vote, through throughout October for the 3-on-3 Soccer as a representative body. The first Town Hall President of Student Council Page  Global Global Connections Connections The The Hoof Hoof Beat Beat Summer Quest “Yes We Can.” Giving students a What the Democratic Ticket offers to voters by Alice Henry World War II, returned glimpse into their “We will bring change.” from service and went to “Yes we can.” These college on the GI Bill. His Do you believe Senator Barack coming college Democratic Party campaign grandmother championed Obama has enough experience to be slogans illustrate the goals sexism in the workplace to of Senator Barack Obama, rise from a secretarial posi- president? experiences Democratic Presidential tion to a job in mid-man- Nominee, and his running agement. His mother raised by Matt Glodz mate, Senator Joe Biden. 20% Yes Living in the wilderness for a month, taking classes at him on her own, sometimes The two U.S. senators prestigious universities, and living in language villages are having to rely on food are determined to change No just a few of the things 220 CPS students did this summer, stamps so that she could politics in America, and end 17% and they were all made possible through Summer Quest. offer Obama the best educa- 63% the policies of the “last eight On Saturday, September 6, the students gathered at Crane tion available. Obama cites Unsure years.” College Prep to reminisce on their long Summer Quest these life experiences as his Obama was officially journey. inspiration for the changes nominated on Thursday, Ms. Rhonda Bell, program director, says that the aim he wants to make, and in August 28, after a historic of Summer Quest is to “increase awareness about college some areas, the changes he Presidential nomination culture and college requirements,” and 90 percent of Sum- has already begun to make. race. The race of nine mer Quest alumni have gone off to college. Obama fought for the author of the “Violence Arizona in Congress since politicians vying for the Ms. Bell, along with the rest of the Summer Quest staff, Chicago workers’ civil rights Against Women Act,” which 1982, and then in Senate White House quickly boiled puts countless hours into the program, which primarily with Northside’s own Mr. was written to combat do- since 1986. McCain’s run- down to Obama, a black serves as the financial bridge that connects low-income John Belcaster, Social Sci- mestic abuse. Biden grew up ning mate is Alaska’s rookie man, and Hillary Clinton, high school students to summer experiences all over the ence teacher. Obama eventu- in Scranton, Pennsylvania Governor Sarah Palin. The a woman. In his acceptance world. Without Summer Quest’s support, living in France ally moved on to the politi- in a working class family. Obama-Biden campaign at- speech, Obama presented or studying at Harvard would not be possible for many of cal scene. In 2004, he was Obama has cited Biden’s tacks against McCain gener- his platform: better public its students. Summer Quest helps by making the resources elected to the U.S. Senate, dedication to his own fam- ally tie the Bush Administra- education, more affordable available: after an extensive application process, that is. only the third African Amer- ily, traveling back and forth tion policies with McCain, alternatives to healthcare CPS high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, ican in American history to between Washington D.C. who has voted the same way and gas, and strengthening are eligible to apply to Summer Quest during the fall. The do so. He has since fought and his home in Wilming- as Bush 90 percent of the foreign relations, each of application is similar to a college application, requiring to create a trust between ton, Delaware, every night. time. which have been failures of transcripts, teacher recommendations, and an essay. If a the American people and He has been a present father Similar platforms the Bush administration, students are selected to advance in the application process, their government, making since a fatal car crash in between McCain and according to Obama. they are also required to complete a somewhat lengthy government spending trends 1970 that killed his wife, Obama include energy Obama claims in many questionnaire and participate in an interview. available online, giving Neilia, and their one-year- independence, and alterna- of his speeches, including “[The application process] took forever, but it’s worth veterans their disability pay, old daughter Naomi, and left tive fuels, both in an attempt his nomination acceptance, it,” Gabrielle Mendoza, a sophomore from Marine Military and discontinuing corrupt his two sons in critical con- to challenge the looming that he would not be in his Academy, who attended a Computational Science program politics in Congress. This dition. Biden brings foreign global climate crisis. Both position had he not been at Duke University, said. was all before he announced diplomacy experience to the candidates are also looking driven by his family history. Most students agreed with Mendoza. his candidacy for President. ticket, along with an interest to create more American On his campaign website, Gabriel Cunine, a junior at Hope College Prep, at- Obama’s running mate, in “change.” jobs that would decrease un- barackobama.com, there are tended a three-week Body, Mind, and Health program at Joe Biden, has been a mem- Obama’s opponent in employment trends, which details on said history. His Cornell University. ber of Congress since 1970, the election is Senator John have risen during the Bush grandfather, who signed up “I took it because I want to be a pediatrician,” Cunine and has petitioned for an McCain of the Republican Administration. The election for the army after the attack said. “I always wanted to go to college, but it made me end to the war in Iraq, the Party, who has represented is on Tuesday, November 4. on Pearl Harbor during want to pursue my career because I was kind of in doubt as genocide in Darfur, and was to what I wanted to do, but now I know that.” The chart to the left represents the opinions Cunine also realized that she prefers the rush of urban of 50% of students at Northside College Prep, life to the peacefulness of Cornell’s campus. Although she while the other two represent 48%. The 2008 did not find her perfect fit, she said that the intense work- presidential campaign census was sent to each load helped improve her time management skills. advisory for students to answer. We recognize Bobby Gonzales, Adv. 016, attended one of Concordia that some students chose not to participate in Language Villages’ two-week French immersion programs the census due to personal beliefs, absences, or in Minnesota. The program required him to converse solely other reasons. Due to space constraint, not all of in French during his time there, allowing him to improve the results from the census were published. They his speaking and comprehension skills. are, however, available on the HoofBeat online, “What’s very interesting is becoming friends with at www.thehoofbeat.com, along with a more somebody and connecting with somebody in another lan- detailed explanation of our study. Special thanks guage,” Gonzales said. “It’s very different.” to Ms. Yvonne Smith for providing consultations Other Northsiders who participated in Summer Quest on the census. include Jonathan Fullman, Adv. 015, who went to the University of Illinois; Zahra Lalani, Adv. 905, who went to Spain through an AFS Intercultural Program; Ezra Lampson, Adv. 106, who participated in the My Chicago program; Nathaniel Puccini, Adv. 018, who traveled to India via The Road Less Traveled; Kasia Rojek, Adv. 016, GOP “Changes” with a pit bull who took courses at the Summer Institute for the Gifted at Vassar; Jorge Villegas, Adv. 106; Sika Yeboah-Sampong, Sarah Palin enters the 2008 election season Adv. 900, who took courses at Harvard; and Weronika Zuczek, Adv. 011, who did a program at the Art Institute by Riaz Shaikh would just assume that McCain and his originally thought, or better still, that “Change” appears to be the recur- of Chicago. party are becoming more progressive.” Republicans maybe more reform-mind- ring theme in the forthcoming 2008 Summer Quest first started in the summer of 2004 and The selection of Palin as the vice ed than what is popularly believed. presidential election. Both Senators the program is constantly working to gain funding so that president nominee, though criticized by “Too often we have this perception Barack Obama and John McCain claim as many students as possible can participate in Summer some, has been deemed as an excellent that Republicans are rigid and unwill- to be advocates for the kind of change Quest experiences. political move for McCain and his cam- ing to embrace change, but McCain that this country requires to retain its A Summer Quest Student Leaders and Mentors pro- paign, by the Washington Post. Palin selecting Palin goes some ways to dispel superpower status abroad, and a high gram is also starting this year. The program, open to Sum- is a new face for most of the Ameri- that notion,” Shaheed Ghogha, Adv. standard of living at home. While mer Quest alumni who are currently juniors and seniors, can public, and she also has put forth 901 said. “I mean honestly, on paper Obama’s premise from the beginning of will connect them with professionals who will conduct bold claims and plans to renovate this it seems ludicrous that a Democratic the up-coming presidential election has leadership seminars. The team will then put these leader- country, though her policies and ideas Presidential candidate would turn down been a wide-scale change for this nation, ship skills to use by promoting Summer Quest at their for reform take place on the far right end a very qualified woman as a VP, and a the McCain campaign has recently schools. of the political spectrum as opposed to Republican candidate would choose a sought to establish itself as the party The Summer Quest application will be available online Obama whose notions of change have young, relatively inexperienced woman for “the right type” of change that the October 10. More information about the program can be been labeled as leftist. to be the second-in-command of our na- country needs. found at www.exploresummerquest.org. “I don’t necessarily agree with the tion. I’m not endorsing the Republican If you look at the current republi- republicans’ political ideologies, but Party by any means, but that is change can nominee, McCain, and his running choosing Palin was a great move,” if I have ever seen it.” mate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, Ursula Moreno-Vanderlaan, Adv. 902, So for the moment, it appears that the changes are fairly apparent. First, said. “It will attract the independents the GOP’s new pit bull seems to be look- though McCain holds true to the image and ‘Hillary-voters’ who will see her ing quite good with its lipstick. of a typical republican presidential as a pivotal [role hopeful, it is important to note that he model] to women would be the oldest first-term president in politics.” in our nation’s history, and the original There are maverick represents a more indepen- some who have an dent/moderate political base, according unshakable belief to his website, www.johnmccain.com. that republicans However, it is evident that Palin is the are set in the ways biggest evidence of change within the of the past and are Grand Old Party. unwilling to adopt “Though I now understand the change. However, political strategies for McCain selecting with Palin as the Palin, I was initially surprised that a Republican VP, woman was selected to be the republi- some people be- Summer Quest members discuss the travel and can vice president nominee,” Jennifer lieve that perhaps educational opportunities that are offered by the Mensah, Adv. 901, said. “If you don’t the Democrats program during summer vacations. really analyze the political motives and may not be quite Photo by Matt Glodz ramifications of selecting Palin, you as progressive as Medical research shows spending time with animals lowers blood pressure and anxiety. That’s why our patients can receive visits from a crew of specially trained dogs during their stay. Nice doggie.

How would you fill in the blank? Tell us at whatmakesyoufeelbetter.com Page  Features The Hoof Beat Northside’s hero Remembering Hiro Joho Tragedy struck the Northside com- to, but he did. It was just really nice.” munity on Saturday, September 13, when Some shared memories of Joho’s fun- Joho Hiroyuki, known to friends as Hiro loving personality. Joho, died after being accidentally but “When we played tennis, there was fatally struck by a train in the Edgebrook a team at Whitney Young that was neighborhood. Joho was a member of always overenthusiastic - high fives, chest Northside’s Class of 2008 and was prepar- bumps,” Roldan Alegre, Adv. 108, Joho’s ing to begin his freshman year of college doubles partner in tennis, said. “We at Ohio State University. decided to do the same thing. We actually Joho had taken part in many activities had a lot of fun that day.” during his years at Northside. A mem- Joho’s friends agreed that he was well- ber of the soccer and tennis teams, he loved by Northside’s community. was also a dancer for Isang Hakbang, a “During I-Day and I-Nite, I remember member of Asian Club, and on the year- that both times when we came out, every- book staff. In addition, many Northside one was screaming ‘Hiro!,’” Justin Mark, students may recall his Taiko drumming Adv. 103, a Taiko drummer, said. “I was performances during International Night thinking to myself, ‘No one’s screaming festivities. my name.’” Following Joho’s tragic death, a “He was always smiling and laughing, number of current Northside students and a very happy person,” Alegre said. “Many alumni joined to remember and celebrate people loved him. He had an enormous his life. On Monday, September 15, Joho’s amount of friends.” friends set up a memorial table outside of Some alumni came back to express the auditorium where they placed items to their thanks for Joho’s friendship. express their condolences and remember “Thanks for being my date to that their friend. After school, they held a cer- one sophomore dance so we could get the emony where they shared their memories couples’ discount,” Mike Orosa, Class of of Joho. 2008, said. “You still owe me that slow Hiro’s friends remembered him as a dance.” kind, friendly person who was always able The memorial services for Joho took to make them laugh. place on Wednesday, September 17, at “I want him to be remembered in the Smith-Corcoran funeral home. Although way that he made everyone smile as he Joho has passed on, he will not be forgot- joked around, and his jokes were never ten by those who knew him. hurtful,” Tiffany Monreal, Adv. 015, “The first day I met Hiroyuki was at Hiro’s clicker partner in Isang Hakbang, Snake Road,” Kristina Mascarenas, Class said. “He always meant them with the of 2008, said. “He sat behind me, quietly, truest sense of humor.” but smiled and said, ‘I'm Hiro.’ [I sang,] Others shared memories of his kind- ‘Hero? Did you ever know that you’re my ness. hero?’ And as soon as I stopped singing, “My freshman year, the Korean ex- he smiled and said, ‘Yes. I'll be your hero change students came,” Sunho Lee, Adv. forever.’” 014, said. “I was hosting one of them. He To help students cope with the loss, was always hanging out with them, being Northside had grief counselors available nice. He let them come over to his house following Joho’s death. In addition to and hang out there. He was one of the Northside’s counselors, the administra- nicest people I knew.” tion brought in grief counselors from “I needed to take the bus home and outside of the school to help in the effort. he didn’t,” Rachelle Johnson, Adv. 015, They also supported students in planning said. “But he offered to walk me there and the memorial and services for Joho as a take the bus with me. He didn’t even have part of their grieving process. October 2008 Features Page  Tales from a school genius Reflections on Northside, Jerry Wang shares the story of his life by Olutoye Adegboro “I am humbled to hear Wang also joined interme- This dedication to helping Gerald Wang, better when people say that,” Wang diate band his freshman year others has influenced Wang’s known as Jerry, Adv. 901, said, “but that title can equally and has continued since by career preferences in law, is most frequently found ei- be conferred on everyone in playing the clarinet. medicine, and engineering. ther training with North- this building.” Of the many people that Like to many other se- side’s Academic Decathlon Wang came to Northside Wang looks up to as role niors, the thought of college is Team (AcaDec), walking to as a 13-year-old freshman models and positive influ- no stranger to Wang. Debate Team practice, or who had previously attended ences, three stand out: “I don’t think any amount just glancing over a book. Edison Elementary Regional “I admire the people in of preparation really shields Those who know Wang Gifted Center. Wang had the my family,” Wang said. “They you from that anxiety,” Wang would describe him as a rare distinction of being a are very hardworking, decent said. good friend and one of student who took pre-calculus caring, [and] compassionate Wang has managed to the most intelligent people his freshman year, a different [people]. I [also] admire every eliminate some of the stress ever to walk the halls of and rewarding experience. single person in this school, that comes along with apply- Northside. “[Pre-calculus] was an in- from the youngest freshman ing. “I know him through describable experience,” Wang to the oldest senior, I think “Take it rationally,” Wang Academic Decathlon,” recalls. “It really shaped the everybody here has such an said. “Understand that what- Anna Lin, Adv. 903, said. way I think about things.” inherit goodness about them.” ever college you go to, the “He’s really smart, he’s the Wang was also placed into Another influence Wang options will be amazing.” captain of AcaDec, and he AP Physics his freshman year, has cited as a role model When Wang graduates knows a lot. He’s willing to after excelling in the Physics includes none other than Il- this June, he will take with help anybody out.” First course in his early high linois Senator and Democratic him memories, anecdotes, Wang’s dedication to school weeks. presidential nominee, Barack and lessons he has learned at the community, his humble- In his high school career, Obama. Northside in hopes that it will ness and desire to positively Wang has become a member “It doesn’t matter prepare him for the future. impact the world, and his of various clubs and academic whether it’s taken as a liberal “I’m going to take a very inquisitive nature are often teams such as the Math Team, statement or a conservative concrete and at the same time unforeseen. the Debate Team, and most statement,” Wang said, “he’s fluid sense of what it takes “I want to know how noticeably, the AcaDec Team. really admirable for what he’s to be a successful member of things around me work,” “AcaDec is very important done in the field of politics.” society,” Wang said. “Success Wang said. to me,” Wang said. “I think One of Wang’s passions is not just measured by how While Wang is consid- it’s one of the most interesting includes service to the com- many homeruns you may be Jerry Wang, Adv. 901, is a16 year old senior, captain ered highly intelligent by competitions because of the munity and helping others able to hit, but rather [by] how of the Academic Decathlon Team, and a well-rounded many, that fact is outshined diverse skills that it mea- who may not always have the much you can respect yourself young man by his immense modesty. sures.” resources to help themselves. as a person.” Photo by Adriana Garties Figuring out the perfect way to Students visit put it all off China Embracing procrastination as the new by Subhan Ali On the morning of June 22, 11 Northside students, part of a program coordinated by the Confucius Institute in Chicago school year momentum kicks in (CIC), flew to Shanghai, China to learn more about the Chinese by Caitlin Swieca first, then the easy stuff.” said. language (Mandarin) and culture while enjoying themselves by Each year, as summer turns to fall, One way that could make procras- Instead of putting everything off, visiting various museums and tourism sites. The original depar- students at Northside plan to ease back tination work is to plan a homework some students use partial procrasti- ture from the United States was scheduled for June 21, but techni- into a new school year, while trying schedule around Northside’s. With nation. Although procrastinating is cal difficulties (birds flew into the plane’s engine) created a delay. to remain relaxed in the face of the block scheduling, students are granted often unavoidable, it can be reduced if The afternoon upon arriving, Brian Chhun, Adv. 902, said vigorous schoolwork. Each year, those a colloquium day in the middle of the students try to finish some of their as- that China smelled much like a Chinese restaurant. plans are smashed to pieces as students week, unless scheduling circumstances signments while the sun is still out. “I wasn't sure if I even went anywhere,” Chhun said. fall victim to a habit that has plagued do not permit it, that is ideal for “I think the best way to do it is to A few of the first-time travelers to China shared similar views. Northside for years: procrastination. procrastinators. Students can take ad- only procrastinate on one thing,” Jae “When we first arrived and got on the bus and whatnot, I Procrastination does not rest; it vantage of their day off by putting off Lee, Adv. 017, said. thought the place was depressing,” Chhun said. “You often hear begins early and persists throughout their homework until that convenient While some might want to knock about the pollution in China, and in a city like Shanghai, I as- the school year. Although school- night. Northside’s schedules also pro- off shorter assignments first, others sumed it to be pretty true.” work is the last thing on the minds of vide lunchtimes that allow students 50 may want to tackle harder subjects be- Little did the students know that they had landed in China most Northsiders during the summer minutes for last-minute assignments. forehand to make their procrastination during the rainy season, and that in a few weeks, their first months, many students become victims “Sometimes, the best way to pro- easier. Either way, one assignment left impressions would deteriorate, as skies would clear—replacing to procrastination before they even crastinate is to do what will take a lot unfinished at midnight is less daunting fogginess and rain with humidity and sunlight. hear music ring through the halls of of time at home and easy stuff during than four. While there, the students were part of a school program. the school. The final week of summer lunch so you don’t lose sleep,” Bessie Some may have to test different From 8:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. each day, students studied the often begins a last-minute scramble to Nolan, Adv. 017, said. methods of procrastination before they Chinese language. After lunch, they attended cultural immersion finish summer assignments as students Some Northsiders find that be- find one that fits their habits. Some classes for about four hours. In these classes, students learned realize how little vacation time is left. ing productive in areas, doing easier might even find a way to complete about calligraphy, paintings, songs, and food. Students were free When students actually return to schoolwork or extracurricular activi- assignments and still get enough sleep. after 6:00 p.m. to complete homework and relax. While they were the halls of Northside, they often try to ties, drives away the guilt of procrasti- Finding the best way to procrastinate there for six weeks, they rotated every two weeks, either staying stop procrastinating, vowing to break nation. early can keep bad habits from damag- in the dorms or at their Chinese roommates’ homes. This rotation the habit once and for all as they get “There is no best way [to procras- ing one’s GPA. As long as the end between living in dorms and in actual homes allowed the students into the swing of the new school year. tinate],” Alex Kamysz, Adv. 013, said. result is satisfying, the methods used to gauge a better impression of life in China. Unfortunately, most find that procras- “But I use productive procrastination: will seem insignificant. “I talked with them [my Chinese roommates],” Kevin Lee, tination becomes a vicious cycle and do stuff you have to do Adv. 904, said. “They were pretty cool.” find themselves falling into it again. anyway, but shouldn’t be On the weekends, students visited museums and historical As the year goes on, they enjoy care- doing at the moment.” sites in order to enrich their cultural understanding of Shanghai. less days followed by frantic, sleepless There are several Lee was particularly fond of the Great Wall of China. nights. ways to procrastinate “I was so amazed,” Lee said. Despite the fact that procrastina- productively. One might Overall, despite the smell and weather that students noted, tion has become a common habit consider taking a nap to Lee was one of the many who felt he learned a lot from this among students, the school has upheld make up for the sleep experience. its solid academic reputation that was that may be missed that “It was one of the most memorable and significant experi- established at the time of its founding night. Some try cleaning ences of my life,” Lee said. in 1999. It seems that many Northside or organizing—clear- Some students felt that the trip allowed them to become more students have perfected the art of de- ing the clutter in the independent in their lives. laying work. Instead of trying to fight workspace or bedroom “It’s like a taste of college life,” Chhun said. “We had our it, chronic procrastinators might even might help clearing the own rooms, had a lot of freedom, and we were away from our prepare to fall back into their old habit mind. Do something else parents.” by planning to procrastinate. Some that will make the time “Being away from home for six weeks with people you have students find that their procrastination seem productive, such as grown to call friends,” Carlos Almeida, Adv. 900, said, “you is less painful when they have a plan of working out or reading a learn a lot about yourself.” attack going into the night. book. In addition, taking This was Almeida’s second trip to China, yet he still believes “I do procrastinate, and I think the the time to eat a good that China never ceases to amaze people. best way is to schedule out exactly how meal will keep one from “America has a lot to catch up on,” Almeida said. you’ll procrastinate,” Chakera Wong, working on an empty Students additionally noticed the build-up leading to the 2008 Adv. 017, said. “Do it all on the last stomach later. Beijing Olympics. Although they were being held in a different day, but know and plan out exactly Unfortunately, not all city, students noticed Olympic logos on cars, motorcycles, buses, how much time you’ll spend on each Northside students make and bikes. They detected, without doubt, the extraordinary feel- [assignment].” the most of their time. ings of pride and excitement within the Chinese people. Some students have a schedule Some spend it chatting “There was no doubt that the Chinese were proud that they worked out for putting things off. with friends or watching were holding the Olympics,” Almeida said. “Well, I try to do some homework television. Students returned to America on August 3 and feel that they before the day it’s due, but it usually “I find that my AIM have not only polished their Chinese skills, but attained a greater doesn’t work out,” Carlos Lopez, Adv. chat windows are often A student puts off studying for a quick chat on understanding about themselves and the world around them. 018, said. “I leave everything for the longer than my essays,” the phone. “The experience was just too amazing to not take advantage day before and do hard homework Maciej Lato, Adv. 013, Photo by Alejandro Valdivieso of,” Almeida said. Page  Centerfold The Hoof Beat Prejudice, what does it really mean? Overview of prejudice by Vasiliki Mitrakos In order to integrate schools and Sexism, racism, religious intolerance, and institutions, programs such as affirma- bigotry, depending on social status, are all forms tive action create racial quotas for ad- of prejudice that are fostered by stereotypical mission that ensure diversity and equal and irrational judgments. Prejudice is a world opportunities. Judging by the range wide social detriment present throughout history and characteristics among Northside’s and continues to affect many peoples’ lives. For clubs, students have the ability to instance, tension between countries in the Middle express their personal culture in various East due to religious intolerance continues to forms. Clubs such as African American ensue. Discrimination based on gender and race Club, French Club, Desi Club, Asian is still a reality in many professions. The structure Club, and Polish Club reflect the diver- and location of neighborhoods and commercial sity of ethnic backgrounds within the areas emphasize class distinctions encouraging student body and provide examples of segregation based on social status. Although Northside’s open-mindedness. the United States Constitution legally outlaws “Prejudice is not an issue at prejudice with regards to voting, religion, and Northside as far as I can see,” civil liberties, forms of discrimination still exist Madi Holland, Adv. 908, said. socially. Students can freely express “People need to realize that people are preju- their opinions through club diced even though we are in the 21st century,” assemblies, publications, and Jennifer Mensah, Adv. 901, said, “and it is a schoolwork. School perfor- problem that still needs to be addressed.” mances such as I-nite and Col- As the etymology of the word reveals, preju- loquium, and assemblies such dice is a judgment made beforehand, like judging as Latino Fest also highlight the a book by its cover and not its content. Although cultural and racial diversity at prejudices may either be positive or negative, the Northside. use of the word tends to carry a negative conno- As a diverse Chicago Public tation in today’s society as an irrational predispo- Schools (CPS) high school, stu- sition against someone or something. dents believe that prejudice is not “At Northside, while we believe that the envi- as apparent within ronment promotes equality, there will always be Northside’s a bit of prejudice to ruin the balance. It’s not to walls as it is say it’s anyone’s fault, it’s something that lingers outside. around no matter where,” Bryan Mejia-Josa, Adv. “Prejudice 013, said. is an everyday Although prejudice still exists, in the past fifty part of life,” years the U.S. government has enacted legislation Ursula Moreno- to eliminate formal discrimination. As a result Vanderlaan, of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, women are legally Adv. 902, required to receive equal wages as men, for equal said, “but it’s a work, according to the US Equal Employment part of life we Opportunity Commission. Segregation in schools have learned and public areas has been eradicated, as well as to accept and formal discrimination of employees based on that’s why it’s ethnic, economic, or social background by Title still such a big VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. problem.” Descent of men Sexism against men SEXISM by Nina Coomes more gender friendly “Your Although gender dis- reward depends on what you crimination has long existed, say and what you do; you women seem to have felt the will get what you deserve”. brutal force of its commands. Although the war on misogy- Forced to work in exclusively nistic beliefs is not entirely domestic environments, fe- won, noticeable headway is males were the hidden pillars being made. of society, supporting the men Yet amongst all this girl who strode out into the public power, the male gender ap- eye. Feminism has pro- pears to be fading. Masculin- gressed exponentially since ity is a quickly disappearing then, and news of feminists trend, pushed even faster by taking a more empowered the wave of feminist extrem- stance is spreading quickly ists. It seems that feminism through the global grapevine. is now perceived by main Women in the Middle East stream society as a type of are casting off their veils acceptable sexism, while it in exchange for teaching used to be viewed as a form wom- certificates. Political spotlights of egalitarianism. Extremes anly. are being cast on females as of feminism are portrayed Not well, notably Governor Sarah frequently in American me- only are Palin, Republican Candidate dia, with images of women men’s for Vice President, and the demeaning the male gender fashions the age of 12, which democratic matriarch, Sena- played repeatedly. Such eroding on their sense of results in them going tor Hillary Clinton. Even the images push men further masculinity, but so are certain into high school with wording in ancient religious away from their masculinity female fashions. A Florida larger vocabularies and documents is being modified because they are led to believe based t-shirt company by the finer motor skills than so that texts are gender neu- that by wanting to play the name of David and Goli- the average teenage tral. For example, Proverbs role of protector or supporter, ath created a line of t-shirts male. High school chapter 12 verse 14 originally they will immediately be aimed at young girls sport- curriculums emphasize read “From the fruit of his labeled as misogynistic. Bread ing words such as “Boys are literature, character, lips a man is filled with good winners and father figures stupid, throw rock sat them” and discussions about things as surely as the work of do not necessarily degrade or “The stupid factory, where feelings and thoughts his hands rewards him” but women. Feminism is not an boys are made.” While such which generally isolate has now been changed to a exclusively female doctrine; phrases may be seen as simple boys from the common men with leadership positions jokes, to a 12 year old boy male comfort zones, can also further a life style such so-called jests may seem resulting in lower lit- with equal opportunities for as demeaning, ultimately eracy rates in males, men and women. changing his views on mas- ultimately leading to Other aspects of society culinity. Younger girls too, an unbalanced educa- are also emphasizing feminin- can be influenced by the said tional system. ity. For example, fashion slogans, leading them to think Modern culture’s exhibits tighter clothing, that making offensive remarks negatively feminine longer hair, and even the oc- towards males is an accept- implications are casional Cuban heel. Dolce able norm in society. slowly choking the & Gabbana’s spring 2009 line Educational methods masculinity in Amer- flaunted fitted shirts paired are also geared towards ica’s males. American with cropped jackets, articles females. Girls mature much society will soon be of clothing that would have quicker academically than left asking the inevi- been previously considered boys, specifically at around table question: where is the male man? October 2008 Centerfold Page  Cracking the glass ceiling Sexism against women by Adira Levine lot of the guys For many say, ‘You can’t centuries, play this sport sexism against better than me because you’re a girl.’” woman has Northside students may face sexism in their existed within futures as well. In the workplace, women are American paid 77 cents for every dollar a man makes ac- society. In the cording to the National Women’s Law Center. 1800s, married ABC News has reported that gender women were discrimination sometimes occurs in the hiring responsible process when women are denied a job or a for cooking, promotion because their employer would rather cleaning, and hire a man, even if he is equally or less quali- childcare, not fied. allowed to own Women and girls used to be told that they belongings, or were not as smart as men. According to ABC enter the which News, these negative comments contributed to were formerly a gender gap between male and female students male-dominated. in subjects like mathematics. Currently, how- In the United ever, women have closed the gap as they take States, although the same number of math classes and degrees not in some as men. countries, Achievements once considered unreach- women and able by women are now being accomplished men share equal by women. America’s political landscape now rights. Many features the first female Speaker of the House, of these rights Nancy Pelosi, the political campaigns of Sena- and privileges tor Hilary Clinton and Governor Sarah Palin, women now have and the female leaders of large companies such are a result of work and sacrifices made as Meg Whitman, President and CEO of eBay by suffragettes, activists, and participants in Technologies and Anne Mulcahy, Chairman the women’s liberation movement during and CEO of Xerox Corporation. With ad- the 1960s and 70s. However, women still vancements being made by women, some argue face discrimination based on gender. Some that sexism no longer exists, stating that preju- students feel that sexism also exists within dice against women is no longer a problem in Northside. today’s society. “There is sometimes sexism at North- ”Women have overcome a lot of challenges side, especially around sports,” Jeselle in relation to sexism,” Rosie Pahl Donaldson, Obina, Adv. 014, said. “I was in basketball Adv. 107, said, “but there is still a lot of prog- last year and I’m in lacrosse this year and a ress to be made.” Judging a pig by its SEXISM lipstick Sexism in the presidential election by Evan Rogers democratic and republican to control themselves. Simi- Moments after Senator candidates seem to be spread- larly, angry women are seen John Mc- ing the sexism throughout the as out of control whereas men Cain’s campaign. are praised for their passion choice For example, Senator and vigor. of Barrack Obama has been Cable News Network Alas- noted for referring to female (CNN) anchor Campbell kan reporters as “sweetie,” a habit Brown has accused the Gov- that is often seen as inap- McCain campaign of sexist ernor propriate and unprofessional behavior by overprotecting Sarah considering the context of the Palin while reporters tried to Palin campaign. cover her meeting with foreign was Obama’s running mate, policy officials. The McCain officially Senator Joe Biden, was campaign prevented the ques- an- accused of sexism due to tioning of Palin by reporters nounced, negatively referencing the outside of a pre-planned one- news me- fact that his wife obtained an on-one interview with a TV dia outlets educational degree. station of their choice. began re- “Ladies and gentlemen, “I call on the McCain porting on my wife, Jill, who you’ll meet campaign to stop treating the little soon, is drop-dead gorgeous,” Sarah Palin like she is a known Vice Biden said. “My wife, Jill, delicate flower that will wilt Presidential who you’ll meet soon, she at any moment,” Brown said. nominee. also has her doctorate degree, “Sarah Palin has just as much How- which is a problem.” right to be a candidate in this ever, rather Although meant as a joke, race and the men do, so let than being the statement parallels many her act like one.” referred to as of sexist trends within the However, the media and “Governor primary and general cam- the male candidates are not Palin,” the paigns. During the democratic completely to blame for the media often primary election, Senator sexism within the campaign. depicted her Hillary Clinton’s hair styles, Palin has consistently adver- as “former ankles, and cleavage became tised herself as a true feminist beauty queen widely discussed aspects of and as a hockey mom, differ- Palin,” focus- her candidacy during the cam- entiating herself from her fel- ing on her par- paign. When Clinton cried in low candidates based on her ticipation in the New Hampshire following her sex. Palin’s remarks on lipstick Miss Wasilla third place finish in the Iowa and one of her promotional and Miss caucus, she was accused of photos, found on the Mc- Alaska pageants being a weak female unfit for Cain-Palin website showing instead of her the presidential role. Yet, male only her high heels, have both position as gov- politicians have also cried on served to increase the focus on ernor of Alaska. the campaign trail, resulting her image rather than her poli- Such stereotypic only in minute criticism. Ac- cies. The unparalleled nature focus on Palin’s looks, cording to Nowpublic.com, of both the Clinton and the rather than her policies and crying men are perceived Palin campaigns has been administrative ability, has as being in touch with their greatly promoted by the can- been chastised as sexist behav- feelings and deeply passionate didates, making their gender ior by the McCain-Palin presi- whereas tearful women are a common topic in American dential campaign, and many perceived as weak and unable households. Page 10 Diversions The Hoof Beat Around town Chicago’s hidden treasures, part one

by Sonya Dekhtyar like any other, the only thing that indicates pure enjoyable fun. For more information, its fascinating ranges Chicago is great. Chicago is hot. Chicago the presence of the theater is a neon sign visit www.trapdoortheatre.com, or call (773) of exquisite and creative is more popular than ever. Its Downtown is surrounded by strings of light bulbs, hung 384-0494. decorations, as well as for the huge and trendy, drawing crowds of thou- up above the door in the depths of a tight hospitability of the street’s sands to its museums, parks, stores, and res- alleyway, which flashes “Trap Door Theater” October is a month full of holidays. residents, who spend their taurants. Its transportation systems crisscross in block letters. You may have walked past Though we may think that it’s just the month hours late into the night supply- the city, and the more exotic ways of travel the building a dozen times before, but you’ve when we get a three-day weekend (thanks, ing candy and other treats to available in the center – horse-drawn car- probably never turned your head to look Mr. Columbus!) and a chance to dress all who come by. riages and free trolleys, for example – attract deeper into the crevice between the two build- outrageously for the Halloween Dance, there But if you want to go people to this area of the city even more. ings that enclose the Trap Door Theater. are many ridiculous-sounding holidays that out to the city to enjoy this But what’s most important is not what So now that you know where to find this October marks: National Vegetarian Day, scary day and night, I recom- these people can see Downtown, in the October 1st; World Teacher’s Day, October mend that you check out the fa- bustling heart of our wonderful city. What 5th; Mad Hatter Day (those who’ve celebrated mous Haunted Village at Daley matters most is what city-lovers often leave this one – send me an e-mail! I’d be honored Plaza (located at the corner of Washington behind in their very own neighborhoods to know you…) on October 6th; World Smile and Dearborn Streets), open October 17th to – the small theaters, the welcoming cafes, the Day, October 7th; Moment of Frustration October 31st – not only will you get to see a historic buildings… Day (boy, can we all relate to that one…) on large variety of pumpkin decorations, but For the past year, I have been introducing October 12th; and Mischief Night (don’t get you’ll encounter story- and fortune-tellers, be you to some of Chicago’s most interesting too carried away!) on October 30th. Celebrate able to participate in a costume competition, and fascinating cultural events, availabilities these holidays, too, and check out these fun and be stunned by the a group of talented of exploring the city’s landmarks cheaply, and and scary events as we progress further into performers – and my personal friends! – the opportunities to eat freshly and spend days autumn: amazing Midnight Circus, which will per- with friends and family amusingly – all in form there every day at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 the most well-known venues of the city. This THE 44TH ANNUAL CHICAGO IN- p.m., and 2 p.m. (and also at 5:30 p.m. and 7 year, however, I would like to introduce you TERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL p.m. Thursdays through Sundays). For more to lesser known parts of the city, places that Select movie theaters information on the Midnight Circus, see those people who rush Downtown for tons of October 16 – 29 http://www.midnightcircus.net. fun so often forget or don’t know about. If you’re in for a literally hair-raising The phrase “hidden treasures” is rather Each year, this event, North America’s experience, head out to the Six Flags-Great cliché, I know, but our beautiful city is sur- oldest competitive film festival, brings foreign America Fright Fest between October 4th and prisingly full of them. It is always such a films – from categories including shorts, November 2nd, and enjoy thrilling and spooky pleasure to uncover a little place in an unfit- animations, documentaries, and cultural per- rides with friends or family. For a less scary ting location, or a cozy corner full of enter- spectives, along with many others – to movie and jolting celebration, visit the Haunted tainment, or spots you may not have known theaters across Chicago. Six movie theaters Sanitarium at the Theater on the Lake (2401 could be accessed by any sort of transporta- – AMC River East 21, Music Box, Land- N. Lake Shore Drive) from October 12th tion. That is why I want to share with you mark, Harris, Chicago, and Claudia Cassidy to 31st. This eerie place will feature some the hidden treasures I’ve discovered around Visit the Trap Door Theater for a (in the Cultural Center) Theaters – offer a scary scenes – including a cemetery, circus, our city, and hope that they make your lists night of novelty and fun. wide variety of programs every day of the morgue, and a demented dentist’s office (with of city favorites, too. So each month, I will Photo by Sonya Dekhtyar festival. I don’t know yet about this year, but all the new technology, is there anyone out feature one or two such locations – along theater, I recommend that you actually go in previous years student discounts (with there who still thinks that a dental office is with other events going on throughout our there and enjoy what it has to offer. Current- student ID) for some programs and matinee scary?). There will also be a waiting area city. Enjoy! ly, the play “No Darkness Round My Stone,” discounts have been offered. For a complete with a concession stand and showings of by Fabrice Melquiot, is playing – a world pre- schedule, visit www.chicagofilmfestival.org, spooky movies. Those who feel they may TRAP DOOR THEATER miere of the first English translation of the and call (312) 683-0121 for more information. need special assistance can be partnered with 1655 W. Cortland Street French play. A comic tragedy about loneli- a staff guide. Tickets cost $8 for students ness and mortality, the plot circles around the HALLOWEEN EVENTS with a valid ID, and $10 for adults. For more Established almost 15 years ago, the story of two grave robbers, brothers Dan and Select locations information, call (312) 742-7994. Trap Door Theater, located in the heart of Ivan, who, after one – or both – of them dies Last weeks of October the Bucktown neighborhood, has grown to on the job one night, call their closest friends Of course, nothing can be more ad- become one of the most popular theaters in – Dan’s pregnant bride-to-be, Ivan’s disloyal Halloween is, of course, the spookiest venturous and entertaining than doing the entire city. Climbing rapidly up the popu- girlfriend, and the brothers’ father, who leads holiday of the year. It is the time when little your homework – is there any teacher who larity ladder within the company’s first few a double life (as a dad and as a transvestite children go out to trick-or-treat, and we, as wouldn’t agree? But if you suddenly feel a seasons, this theater has produced, to date, prostitute named Lullaby) – back from the the more….hmmm…mature kids, open our lure to discover something else in this world over 70 shows, most of them originating from apparent dead. The absurd writing style, doors and pass out candy – or go out with that could surprise you, pick a freer evening, European or Asian cultures. Winning numer- paired with fantastic actors and a humorously friends to parties and social gatherings. The take a friend, set out to Bucktown, and find ous awards, the company has moved several creative set, provides for a night of laughter day of Halloween, it’s still fun to dress up and Cortland Street. There, by the not-so-attrac- times, eventually settling at their current and tears you’ll never forget. go trick-or-treating with a group of friends, or tive paysage of the nearby busy highway, address, one block south of Armitage Avenue The play runs only through October 11th carve pumpkins with family. In my experi- surrounded by the background hum of trains, and one block west of Ashland Avenue. and only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Satur- ences, I find that the most amazing thing to between two old brick buildings, you’ll find a The most fascinating thing about this days – hurry and buy tickets soon! Tickets do on Hallow’s Eve is to go to Hyde Park, narrow passage where, in the distant depth, location is that it’s so easy to miss. Located are $20, but Thursdays are 2-for-1 nights, home to one of the most popular Halloween you’ll see an almost-unnoticed sign: “Trap behind a restaurant in a house that looks just so grab a friend and head out for a night of spots in the city – Harper Street – famous for Door Theater.” Just open that door… Chicago then and now Argyle – small street, big flavor

by Sarish Hassan 1990s. Vacant lots began to fill up with restaurants and shops; Restaurant located on 5018 N. Broadway Avenue is a French- In the heart of Uptown lies a small street filled with bus- working hours increased as they stayed open later into the Vietnamese that is a common place for an after school snack. tling businesses and crowded sidewalks called Argyle, popu- evening. According to Food Network’s Bobby Flay it is a must-hit stop larly known as Chinatown of the North. Argyle is known for Due to its ethnic diversity, Argyle attracts a wide range of in Chicago. Ba Le, as it is commonly known among locals, is its food, urban environment, and unique history post 1970s. people from surrounding neighborhoods and cities who want popular for the many sandwiches that it offers from fried tofu It also offers a wide variety of restaurants and small grocery to experience Chinatown in the North. Accessible by the Red vegetarian to lemongrass sausage. Most sandwiches are of the shops perfect for a Saturday night out with friends or a Sun- Line (via the Argyle stop), anyone can take the train and en- chicken or pork variety, served on a sub roll and topped with day family lunch. joy a good meal at some of Argyle’s most popular restaurants jalapenos, bean sprouts, carrots, and various herbs. Top off Argyle has a unique history of development going from and places to have a good time. the sandwich with a Thai Iced Coffee for the delish factor and a crime-filled area to a busy street of business and entertain- Tank Noodle, located on 1953 N. Broadway Street, is one a filling meal. Ba Le also offers numerous ready-made items ment. Before the 1970s, the area was filled with crime and was of the most popular Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants in like salads and canned drinks for people on the run. In the a infamous place for gangs. All that changed soon enough. North Chinatown. It satisfies the mix of students, residents, Bakery section, Ba Le also offers authentic French bread and During that decade, Chicago business entrepreneur Jimmy and families that pass through every weekend. Outgrowing its croissants for breakfast. Wong picked the area to develop his concept of a Northern former location down the street, the restaurant occupies a gen- If looking for relaxation, time with friends, and serious Chinatown. According to Uptown United’s website (www. erous corner space, but that does not guarantee a table. The bubble tea then Java Bubbles Tea House is the place to be. uptownunited.org), he bought 60% of the property on Argyle restaurant is overflowing on Saturday nights with people who Located on 5108 N. Broadway Street, it has an inviting atmo- and gave financial assistance to individuals who wished to need a good dinner, and Sunday afternoons as families come sphere with pictures of tall glasses of bubble tea in an endless start a business on the street. Wong wanted to develop the in to have a meal together. The restaurant offers large portions number of flavors. The café is serious about its signature area commercially for businesses and restaurants, but he also and good service, enough to lure in hungry customers. Their mixes of fruit, sugar, ice, and sweet condensed milk. Offer- wanted to attract the new young Chinese as a place for them signature dish consists of rice stick noodle soups served with ing more than 50 beverages , including smoothies, milk teas, to live in. bean sprouts, basil leaves, hot peppers and lime – all under fruit-flavored teas, hot teas, and specialty drinks, the café can Al- though the area developed with a large Chinese $8.00. This popular restaurant is the perfect place for a Sun- quench all liquid cravings, no matter how tart or sweet. At popu- lation, it did not stay that way for long. By day lunch or even a Saturday night out outing with friends. the top of most popular list is the coffee latte with bubbles, 1975, due to the wars in Southeast Asia, many Hai Yen, located on 1055 W. Argyle Avenue, offers a pearl-sized balls of tapioca, is a balanced combination of Vietnamese, Cambodian, Thai, and simple, yet elegant, dining area that offers some relaxation caffeine, sugar, and tapioca balls. Another popular beverage Laotian immigrants had settled in the time for people all ages. The extensive menu includes Viet- is the honey green tea with chewy cubes of herb jelly on top. area. Many set up businesses namese cuisine, but it also offers interesting dishes that mix It’s perfect for a chilly October afternoon or a morning drink. in the area, giving Argyle two cultures together. One of these dishes, which the restau- Fruit flavors include passion fruit, strawberry, kiwi, coco- the commercial boost that rant describes as “an infusion of French and Chinese” cuisine, nut, lychee, mango, and watermelon, as well as more exotic it needed. Throughout the is called Bo La Lot; it consists of marinade ground beef fruits like soursop and jack fruit. To top off the drink the café 1980s, many profitable in- wrapped in a Hawaiian leaf and grilled. The restaurant also also offers more solid options like muffins, croissants, and dustries were founded encourages diners to join in the cooking and try something brownies, as well as hot options. The house specialty banh mi, and contin- themselves. Hai Yen offers diners an opportunity to explore traditional Vietnamese sandwich, has slices of pickled carrots, ued to be foods that they have never tried before, including Cahn Chua daikon, onions, cilantro, and offers a choice of BBQ pork, established Chay, a fruity hot and sour tamarind soup with tofu, making a beef, or chicken. Tables and booths fill the space, and a TV throughout tasty and fulfilling meal. that is easy to tune out creates an atmosphere open to almost the late 1880s and Offering a fusion of flavors, Ba Le French Bakery & any activity possible.

Page 12 Arts and Entertainment The Hoof Beat “House Bunny” only provides for a few laughs Anna Faris’s performance makes it bearable

by Dylan Nugent ble and seems centered around the yet is only being shut down as she the underlying message by adding bad thing, though, because most of At first glance, “The House jokes rather than the characters, as arrives. Unfortunately, “The House in misplaced and inappropriate the characters have little to them Bunny” is for the most part not has become common humor. Having beyond the stereotypes they clearly much more than a stereotypi- with too many of jokes is not the are supposed to showcase. Based cal romantic comedy, consisting today’s comedies. movie’s flaw, but on the plotline and the minimal primarily of dumb jokes and some If the above plot having them over- character depth to Shelley and mildly questionable content. The sounds familiar, it take every single Natalie, Lutz and Smith were prob- movie fails to be a blockbuster and is probably because serious aspect of ably better off sticking to jokes and it will doubtfully make anyone’s it has been seen a the movie leaves stereotypes then trying to expand list for the best movie of the year, million times before. it with a shell on all the characters. The movie but thanks to the performances, it is Replace the Playboy of what it could functions as a very long string of more than most may expect it to be. model with any intel- have been if Lutz jokes in this sense: the jokes are Anna Faris portrays Shelley, lectually lightweight and Smith had funny without knowing too much a Playboy bunny who is kicked female character not been afraid about the characters besides their out of the Playboy Mansion and and throw her into a of how audiences obvious stereotypes. Adding these forced to find a new place to live. group of intellectuals, would react to the details would not have helped “The Stumbling upon a college sorority and the result is the serious moments. House Bunny,” unless it went in a house, Faris considers joining, but base plot of multiple The over- completely different direction, one is faced with the elite attitude of movies, all of which used plot and that Lutz and Smith seem afraid to the sisters, all of whom scoff Faris revolve around the frivolousness with explore. Had they explored these and send her back into the streets. characters learning which the themes topics more, perhaps the movie Desperate for a home, she becomes from each other and are handled is could have carried with it a strong the housemother of the Zeta house, changing in some saved by the fact message that resonated with the which is about to be closed down way to produce more that some of the audiences upon leaving the theater, for its dilapidated state and lack of moderate versions of comedy in the but as it stands, the comedy is kept new members. The plot, written by themselves. It is more film is fresh and intact by stereotypes. Regardless, Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten than predictable that new. Several of both Faris and Stone bring more to Smith, centers around the possibil- the movie will carry the jokes are as the jokes than their characters, and ity of the Zeta sorority being shut with it the theme of recycled as the not much can be said for whether down. Faris and the Zetas reach beauty and age not characters, but or not the movie would have turned a point of compromise: Faris be- being everything, Faris’ and Stone’s out the same if the characters were comes a housemother with a place and how it is not a delivery makes more drawn out. to live, while the Zetas get advice bad message to be them humorous. Every second of “The House on earning the pledges they have delivering in today’s The lead actresses Bunny,” is predictable and the plot failed to induct. society. Some of the overshadow does not make much sense. Still, The sorority girls are not the more minor flaws the rest of the the jokes make the movie more only stereotypes on campus. In fact, in the plot can be cast for most of entertaining than it appears on the every character in the movie ap- overlooked, such the movie, and surface. It is not a must see film, pears to be a cookie-cutter image of as the convenient Anna Faris stars in “The House Bunny.” few of the other and it does not really stand out a common stereotype, from Faris, coincidence that the Image courtesy of Amazon.com characters are re- from the multitude of similar films, the dumb blond, to Natalie (Emma Zeta sorority has ally given any time but, if only to see Faris’ perfor- Stone), the nerdy leader of the Zeta existed problematically for several Bunny,” does what so many before on screen to show depth to their mance and get a couple of laughs, it sorority. The story is not memora- years before Faris’s arrival, and it have: it depletes the strength of character. This is not necessarily a is worth the price of admission. Northside’s Mr. Robinson raps in Lyrical Tribe Lyrical Tribe showcases their talent on “Surving the Game”

by Derika Benton melodies and sexual but catchy lyrics. A for you to make love to me and speak to me up from nothing and having to "grind" to Apparently teachers can do more than woman named Christina, who also does back in Spanish," she sings. get what they want and need. Though the teach really well these days; some concept of the song is typical, the of them are actually really good content of their song grind is far rappers as well. Who would have from typical. Most rappers when thought that Northside's very own they rap about grinding are talking Mr. Robinson, a teacher assistant about selling drugs. Lyrical tribe in the Special Education Depart- on the other hand raps about being ment is a rapper? Mr. Edward struggling artists, who had to get Robinson raps in a group called out there on the streets and make Lyrical Tribe along side his child- money as best as they knew how, hood friend Demmetrious Mixon. whether it was by rapping or the The name Lyrical Tribe is a very corner or selling their C D’s on the unique name, that it makes one streets. wonder how it was thought of. The song "Loosin’ You" opens Mr. Robinson said, "When we up with a screechy chipmunk voice were younger we used to freestyle, very similar to the one heard on we also used to hang out with Kanye West's "Through the Wire." a few other boys and we were The voice works here; it adds a really close, like a tribe. Thus, we certain “oomph” to the song. The named our group Lyrical Tribe." screechy chipmunk sings "I don't Mr. Robinson goes by the wanna leave you" and "we don't stage name G and Mixon goes by have to say goodbye." This is a Poet. Their names coincide with song for all the people out there the type of music that they make, who are missing someone, whether G referring to gangster-style rap it is a loved one or a significant and Poet referring to soulful, other. meaningful rap. Mr. Robinson "Fallen" is one of the most and Mixon were introduced likeable songs on the album. "Every to music by Robinson's older day/ all day/ in the life we strug- brother, who was a DJ. He taught gle/ we learn every day how to stay them how to mix music using out of trouble," they rap. That lyric turntables at the age of seven. In from "Fallen" captures what the high school, they teamed up and song is all about: the struggle upsets performed in many talent shows. and down falls they have experi- After high school, they opened enced. The melody of the song is shows for established artists of mellow, but the rapping is strong the early 1990s, such as Wu Tang and powerful, bringing a powerful Clan, Nas, and Outcast. Later in street essence to the song. their career, they had the oppor- Their CD lacks upbeat dancing tunity to perform at well known and younger feeling songs. Instead, venues such as the Aragon Ball- it has an old school gangster rap room and Arie Crown Theater feel to it. They are not one of those alongside renowned acts such as groups of older men trying to make Mary J. Blige and Twista. songs about teenage issues, dancing Lyrical Tribe's latest CD, around in their videos, looking like "Surviving the Game," includes they will pass out any minute. Their thirteen songs, including standouts Mr. Robinson, a teacher assistant in the Special Education Department, raps in Lyrical Tribe. music fits their age and that's what matters. Image courtesy of Mr. Robinson "Spanish Fly," "Grind," "Loosin’ Lyrical Tribe’s CD is available online You," and "Fallen". up vocals for R. Kelly, sings the chorus, bring- The song "Grind" is typical of most rappers. through iTunes and Napster. Copies are also The song "Spanish Fly" has hip-shaking ing a feminine touch to the song. "I can't wait In the song, the group raps about growing available from Mr. Robinson. October 2008 Arts and Entertainment Page 13 Paris Hilton’s “My New BFF” Oh Henry! “Our friendship is finished. TTYN.” The Movie Spoof Gone by Matt Glodz of being Paris’s best friend because I’m people and it is scary sometimes.” She This fall, Paris Hilton is going on a best of both worlds,” Onch said. “I’m claims that she would do anything for Wrong quest to find her new BFF (best friend like an amazing girlfriend and I’m an Paris, including giving her a piggy back forever) on MTV. Thousands of people amazing boyfriend too.” ride down Sunset Blvd. to get her away by Alice Henry place. However, these special tried out, but from the pa- Being the dedicated 90s effects can only work with only 16 girls parazzi. child that I am, I have seen their accompanying plot and two boys The show is my share of the Scary Movie lines, which more often is who had great not helping Paris enterprise. Consequently, I rooted in a book, or novel BFF potential gain any more have also had to endure the of graphic persuasions, or were chosen. respect. Frankly, it resulting string of parodies: plots used in past media. Now, they get to is just ridiculous. take the most popular mov- Lucky us: instead of watch- battle it out for The contestants ies of the time, combine ing drawn mutants, we can ten weeks in her who please Paris them into one, then poke fun watch actors actually appear- “dollhouse” in have the honor of at each of them in the new ing as mutants. We have Los Angeles to becoming her pet movie. Heroes instead of X-Men. become Paris’s bestowed upon When the Wayans broth- The arrays of entertain- new BFF. If they them via text ers did this routine, the result ment plots seem to express do not meet her message. The pets was sometimes pure genius, human desires. Perfect love standards, they then become the although I do admit that plots and chance meetings, will be eliminated eyes and ears that sometimes their attempts at abnormal abilities that and will hear the spill information a joke crashed and burned. will keep our world from dreaded words, about the others However, they seemed to tumbling into extinction, or “Our friend- in the house to try to keep a good balance an enemy to fight that will ship is finished. Paris. What an between parody-funny and unite the world. My enemy TTYN.” honor. stupid-funny. Now, movie of choice is a zombie: all The con- Most people theaters nation-wide are I need is a panic room, a testants had to would not allow being bombarded by the greenhouse by an under- meet a specific for themselves onslaught of "genre" movie ground reservoir, and some set of criteria to to be humiliated titles like “Meet the Spar- martial arts skills paired with be considered for in such a way on tans,” “Epic Movie,” “Date abnormal running skills. the show. Paris’s national televi- Movie,” “Superhero Movie,” However, I would like to sur- BFF checklist sion. Sure, maybe “Not Another Teen Movie,” vive without being scantily includes: some of them are and the latest, which is now clad, as so many heroines 1) Likes the anxious to get topping the International seem to be. color pink. their 15 minutes Movie Database's bottom At least musicians seem 2) Must like of fame. Sadly, 100, “Disaster Movie.” “Sci- to put all their desires and dogs. others seem like Fi Movie” is also scheduled frustrations into something 3) Is able to they genuinely to come out in 2009. I am mildly different and creative. resist temptation. want to become most fervently jumping for Not that I am asking anyone 4) Plays well Paris Hilton’s joy awaiting more tasteless to come up with a movie with others. BFF. movies. based off of "Hey There, 5) Always Newsflash: In general, I have Delilah." That plot has looks hot. Paris is just seek- observed a heightening fear already been done. 6) Must be a ing more atten- among my peers: Hollywood Movies have lost their loyal pet. tion. An heiress is running out of ideas. ability to capture a human 7) Won’t hit like Paris is sure The movie spoof has gone emotion so completely that on my boyfriend. to have plenty of past over-exhaustion and the audiences shiver with the 8) Can roll friends. Now that ignited pure, hateful fire in intensity they feel. Instead, with the flow. her feud with Ni- my patience. However, the critics can now evaluate Paris Hilton ‘s latest venture is finding a new BFF on her reality show, Without ques- cole Richie is over, stream of movies will not movies next to each other tion, the most “My New BFF.” her BFF circle Image courtesy of Amazon.com stop. Disney even continues because each one is as un- flamboyant person remains complete. to revisit story plots laid to original as the next, and they on the show who She does not, by rest in the 90s as an attempt are similar and predictable also happens to And just like Madonna, he does not any means, have to pull out money from the enough that when talking fit all the criteria is Onch, a jewelry have a last name. Onch is one of the to go on TV to find one. all too willing public. and appraising or bombing a designer originally from Taiwan who only contestants on the show who truly “My New BFF” will most likely Even when Hollywood movie of one plot or genre, now resides in Los Angeles. Paris called stands out. Most of the others, well, end up being a hit on MTV, not because appears to have stumbled the same comments arise to him “the fairy god-brother I never they are just like the heiress herself. teenage reality-TV addicts are enthralled across an original idea talk about the next movie of had.” Onch is a drama queen like no Kayley, for example, is a blonde, with the fact that Paris will find a new or story, such as “Juno,” its type. Comments like "it other. He runs around the house in tight Barbie-look-alike from Malibu, Califor- BFF, but because the things people will the idea is pushed and was a brilliant movie" have women’s clothes and obnoxiously huge nia. go through to become that so-called smothered until the fancy faded into ones like "it had sunglasses, constantly touching up his “I work in a tanning salon and BFF provide a great deal of comedy. it once held for audiences an interesting twist to the make up. I spray wieners,” Kayley said of her The show is now airing Tuesdays at worldwide has been choked generally familiar plot." “I think that I have the advantage profession. “Oh my God, I spray naked 9 p.m. on MTV. to an upsetting splutter of So the job is up in the pregnancy-based plots. I air. If there are any budding really only need to see one writers of our generation, Flipping like Flipper bloated girl on a huge screen I pray that they do not suc- in a single month, thanks. cumb quickly to the troubles I admit it, special ef- of life and can enlighten Dolphin Olympics rocks the gaming world fects have made many cool the repetitive plots played advancements, to the point constantly in theaters, on by Zlatana Alibegovic students. Each game is two minutes in length and provides an where I have to double check TV screens, and comput- It is the typical movie with a beach setting. The cam- adequate break from homework. Often enough, it is difficult my sad human abilities ers worldwide. Perhaps our era zooms out to show dolphins doing high jumps on the to stop after only one game, and players come back to try to just in case there are some rapidly changing world will horizon as the sun sets. Now, normal folks have the chance leap to the sun, then the dark, starry sky where the fireworks mutant developments taking inspire some new thoughts. to do the same by playing the game Dolphin Olympics, parts explode, then the moon, then Mars, and whatever else might one and two. As the two games take over the mainstream exist after Mars. The point bonus, supposedly the driving internet gaming market, students force behind the game, actually at school and other gamers at takes a back seat to the thrill of home are finding salvation in discovering that dolphins can the game’s old-fashioned, simple exist on Pluto. computer graphics. “I’ve only played it a few Dolphin Olympics is not new times, but I think it’s an okay to the internet, but the game has game,” Joseph Wat, Adv. 904, only peaked in popularity this said. “The graphics aren’t past summer. Alan Rawkins, who spectacular, but it’s a distraction created the game in 2006, knew when I need one.” that his game would drive pimply Since the debut of the origi- faced teenagers to sit in front of Make dolphins do flips on Dolphin Olympics nal version of the game, Dol- their computer screens, pounding Image courtesy of Amazon.com phin Olympics 2 hit the internet away at their keyboard to work world. The graphics of this game their way up to the elite top ten are far superior to those of the original, and it features addi- list. Admittedly, those pimply faced teenagers have the right tional launching bonuses. The dolphin is easier to maneuver, idea. and the scores climb higher with less effort. The key to Dolphin Olympics is to use the arrow keys With the second game, the user can also reach higher lim- to help the dolphin do as many tricks in one combination as its with his or her dolphin. This time around, the dolphin can possible. Players aim to gain fluidity by frequently sticking easily reach the ends of the atmosphere. The farthest recorded the dolphin’s landing. This leads to quicker movements and distance is the diner at the end of the universe. Combine that higher jumps. If he flops, the score stops accumulating. The with star slides, front and back flips, and cork screws, and exhilaration of getting the dolphin to the moon is intense, and scores can easily reach the upper hundreds of millions. keeps players coming back in hopes of reaching the upper YouTube is now featuring video tutorials of Dolphin Movie theaters nationwide are being bombarded with movies such as “Meet the limits of the atmosphere. Olympics for players who are looking to learn from the high- Spartans.” Addictive in nature, Dolphin Olympics is impressive in its est scorers. The game is definitely worth checking out, even if Image courtesy of Amazon.com ability to captivate a very specific population: procrastinating it’s just to take a short break from school work. Page 14 Editorials The Hoof Beat Don’t count out McCain What McCain needs to do to win by Timothy Devine The Gilded Obama. William Jen- Because Obama is our town’s adopted nings Bryan was a gifted orator. He ran for son, we have a highly tainted perspective of President three times and lost three times. the presidential race here in Chicago. The Eloquence is not a pre-requisite for the Oval rest of the country does not necessarily share Office (it’s current occupant is not known for our Obama bias. Do not discount John his oratorical skills, neither was his father, McCain’s ability to win this election…it is but they resided at 1600 Pennsylvania Av- altogether possible that he can do so. How? enue for 12 years). Someone with verbal gifts Points for consideration: can be seen as pompous, ungrounded, and Swing States. McCain is doing quite too cerebral for parts of America. A plain- well in large swing states that have histori- talking, ‘slow-and-steady-wins-the-race’ aura, cally voted Democratic. There are more which McCain has, can play well in many of undecided votes in these traditionally the battleground states. Democratic states than in year’s past, which Planning. Recall that Obama’s primary indicates a reluctance by voters there to battles against Hilary ran into the summer. adopt the Obama candidacy. McCain must McCain was already the presumptive Repub- convince these undecided voters that he has lican nominee, so he has had far more time mainstream policies and values. Bush almost to plant seeds for the general election that he won some of these states, so it is plausible is now germinating. Obama has had far less that McCain, who has some moderate cre- time to develop his national general election general perception of a candidate matters conservative wing of the party). dentials compared to Bush, can win a few of strategy. His campaign is showing cracks. (read Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink for a primer New Registrants. One of the princi- these Democratic-leaning states. Money. During this extra time, McCain on this phenomenon) and there are stark con- pal reasons Obama won the primary was Come-from-Behind Victories and has been an exceptional fundraiser. He cur- trasts between the two candidates. Obama because of newly-registered voters. However, Momentum. America loves the underdog. rently has more cash on hand than the mon- is slick and intellectual. McCain is reserved, newly registered voters are highly unstable. Truman defeated Dewey in 1948. Clinton ey machine (a.k.a. Obama). McCain needs steady, and experienced. In this era of war They often get revved up by the rhetoric of a defeated Bush I. Bush II defeated Gore to dispatch Palin to rake in the fundraising and economic crises, McCain can success- campaign but don’t show up to vote (just ask and Kerry…the latter occurred while Bush dollars from the conservative base who has fully argue that his accumulated wisdom is Howard Dean). Their absence in November was presiding over a highly unpopular war. adopted her candidacy (she will be coming the greater characteristic to possess. would benefit McCain. Obama has been leading in the polls through- to Obama’s home turf—Chicago—within a What Impacts Voters II. Has America And You Thought There Were Only out the summer, but the gap has vanished. week to raise $4.5 million). By contrast, be- fully-evolved to become a Utopian, color- Two Candidates for President. McKin- McCain is building momentum at a critical cause his coffers are hemorrhaging, Obama blind society? Probably not. Polls indicate ney (Green Party), Nader (Independent), time, whereas Americans may be tiring of has needed to go hat in hand to the liberal that significant numbers of voters in swing Barr (Libertarian) are all on the ballots in a the Obama frenzy that has been omnipresent Hollywood folks for donations. states view Obama as an unpatriotic, tax- significant number of states. In a close elec- since his ’04 keynote address. Advertising. Instead of doing large me- and-spend, fundamentalist Muslim (which tion, if any of these candidates, individually America is Red. America does not tend dia buys, which can be ineffectual, McCain many Americans equate with terrorism), or collectively, capture even a few percentage to agree with the FDR liberalism of big gov- should produce a number of commercials inexperienced, African-American liberal. points, it could have an impact on the race ernment. In fact, over the past 4 decades, it and simultaneously: (a) do a limited network Whether any of this is true or not is immate- (just ask Al Gore). McKinney and Nader is clear that America has largely agreed with and cable buy in battleground states, and; (b) rial. What matters is that a sizable numbers could draw from Obama’s base. the conservative Republican ideology. The release the ads to the media. The latter will of expected voters think it’s true. By contrast, The Unpredictable. In recent weeks, data is clear: Republicans have been elected run them for free as part of their newscasts. voters of all ideologies almost universally the economy has shown more problems (e.g. President for 28 of the past 40 years. That is This will allow him to stretch his dollars and hold McCain up as a highly-patriotic war AIG, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Lehman a supra-majority. McCain needs to demon- create a more dynamic argument as to why hero, experienced legislator, pragmatist, Brothers, AIG, Dow Jones’ plummet). strate that he has been a consistent supporter, he should become President. By contrast, who could immediately assume the duties Twists such as these destabilize the con- if not the architect, of pragmatic Republican Obama’s handlers like to run their ads on of President. McCain will continue to cast ventional wisdom of campaigns. In times programs throughout his years in the Senate. television…thus flushing precious campaign himself as such for the remainder of the of uncertainty, voters normally choose the A Break from the Past. President Bush dollars away. In a similar fashion, Obama’s campaign. known-quantity to lead them. Barack might and the war in Iraq are highly unpopular 50-state strategy stretches his campaign funds Mining for Moderates (Moderates + have some compelling ideas for ‘change,’ (though the Democratic Congress has even in unimportant ways. Conservatives = White House). Moder- but McCain is more of a known entity to lower popularity ratings). For the first time What Impacts Voters I. President ates tend to be the critical target group in Americans, and that could be important to in generations, neither a sitting President nor Bush’s policies were ridiculed and mocked the general election. Polls continue to show undecided voters as he presents himself as a Vice president is running for the Oval Office. as unpragmatic and uninspired in both ’00 that voters see Barack as a liberal (thoughtful stabilizing force rather than Obama’s avant- The Obama camp would like voters to think and ’04…yet he won. Obama is mock- and eloquent…sure…but liberal), whereas garde change agent rhetoric. that a vote for McCain is akin to voting for ing McCain’s policies in a similar fashion. McCain is viewed as a moderate. McCain All of this said…Illinois has once before a third Bush term. McCain needs to clearly While the nuances of policy are important so needs to continue to forge the notion that sent a young lawyer with minimal congres- demonstrate that not all Republicans are the some, frankly, to most voters, a candidate’s he is a ‘maverick’ who does not follow the sional experience to the White House. His same; that he is a decided break from the domestic and foreign policies matter less in conservative Republican party line (though name was Abe Lincoln. We await November Bush administration. a voter’s mind than one would think. The his emissary, Palin, can quietly cultivate the 4th… An economic analysis of Barack Obama by John Belcaster theory instructs that the more we pursue a particular activity a moose. Instead, perhaps, he need only understand that All of America knows that Barack Obama is black; half – the more pizza we eat or the more Obama speeches we incentives matter. The voters of southern Ohio and western thinks he is a Muslim; many find him too smart. The first is hear – the less pleasing the activity becomes. We live in a Pennsylvania require an incentive, a concrete incentive, to immutable, the second mistaken, the third odd. Together, all world of diminishing returns. vote for Barack Obama. Thomas Friedman, also of the New three create a murky soup. Murky, at least, for the only vot- Eighteen months ago, when he declared his candidacy York Times, notes that swing voters (who tend to break late, ers who matter in the 2008 presidential election: the citizens on the steps of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Barack often as late as a day or so prior to voting) vote not with of southern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Forget war, Obama was the “new” thing. He spoke, looked, and thought their heads or with their hearts. They vote with their gut. recession, financial market collapse, climate concerns. Forget unlike any other presidential candidate. Obama described An incentive that feeds the gut – and the $64,000 question is just about everything. Perceptions of race, religion, and himself as “the skinny guy with big ears and a funny name”. to figure out what that incentive might look like – ought to intelligence provide the only ingredients necessary to doom He transcended convention both by refusing to slip into the provide enough of a thumb on the scale to tip the election to Barack Obama’s presidential bid. To win – to overcome toxic divisiveness of “red” state and “blue state” politics (instead, Obama. perceptions – Barack Obama must recall some first principles calling upon all of us to appreciate that we are citizens of Barack Obama must note, in addition, that incentives of economics: we live in a world of diminishing returns, the United States of America) and by building a grassroots run both ways. Just as voters require an incentive to vote where forces hew to the median and incentives matter. In- campaign that drew upon ever sliver of the entire electoral for Obama, the prospect of an Obama presidency creates deed, economic principles pave the path to electoral success. map. America’s initial acquaintance with Barack Obama incentive enough for many folks to undertake any measures To prevail in November, Barack Obama must summon was akin to a first bite into a slice of cake. But as the primary necessary to defeat Obama. Right now, swaths of Ohio and the memory of his first ever bite into a slice of pizza or his campaign wore on, and as the past few months have un- Pennsylvania are likely awash with efforts to purge election first ever forkful of strawberry shortcake (his favorite dessert). folded, Obama’s message became familiar, his speeches less rolls of voters (e.g., inner city residents, minorities, etc.) who And, then, he must recall his second, third, and fourth pizza unprecedented. America, in essence, was onto its third and are, at least statistically, inclined to prefer Obama to McCain. and shortcake bites. Why? Because subsequent mouthfuls of fourth bites. Likewise, efforts to suppress the Obama vote (e.g., long lines pizza and dessert never taste as good as the first. Economic Enter the governor of Alaska. Sarah Palin, like Barack and too few voting machines at urban precincts; veiled and Obama of a year prior, became the new thing. explicit threats to citizenship, etc.) will arise before, and on, Yet, as economic theory predicts, Palin’s election day. In the end, as the rock band, “Statutes of Liber- sheen (like Obama’s) has begun to loose some ty”, instructs and as Florida shows, it is not the way we vote of its luster. To win, Barack Obama must that counts, it is the way that we count. For many, the stakes become the new, new thing. An intrigu- are too large to allow Barack Obama to obtain the presiden- ing principle of economics – the Hotelling cy. An incentive exists to seal the White House doors. But Paradox – reminds us of the importance and the incentive to purge and suppress voters provides incentive rationality of hewing to the median. (The for Barack Obama, right now, to implement targeted mea- Hotelling paradox explains why we often sures (e.g., election law SWAT teams, poll watching organiz- see gas stations located on every corner of a ers, etc.) to ensure election integrity. Otherwise, this election busy city intersection or why we often see a might already be over before it has even begun. McDonald’s fast food outlet standing next to We end where we began. Barack Obama is black. He a Burger King outlet). Skewing to the center appreciates the beauty of the Muslim faith and practices the (appearing, sounding, and thinking like one’s tenets of Christianity. Above all, Obama is smart – smart electoral opponent), so as not to offend the enough to understand that (micro)economic principles vast middle of the electorate, explains why undergird a pathway to victory, and smarter still to apply the some of Obama’s crisp, uniqueness has disap- principles in an effective way. peared. Barack Obama needs to reinvigorate. He should resist (albeit not too much) the Due to space constraints, Melissa gravitational pull to the median. He must Jordan’s monthly column will be recognize that, as David Brooks of the New York Times reminds, “weirdness wins”. To featured on www.thehoofbeat.com. do so, Obama need not shoot and field dress October 2008 Sports Page 15 Northside “Mustangs better stronger gonna Men’s Cross bring it harder” Country gets a Women’s Varsity Volleyball team starts off its head start new season hoping to win by Emeldina Memic show their support for their tangs still seemed optimistic did not walk away with a win, by Daniel Graham The Women’s Varsity Vol- fellow players. The Grizzlies about their chances. Sure they did not leave their fans The Mustangs’ Men’s Cross Country (XC) Team won leyball Team has traditionally had their side of the gymna- enough, Northside took the disappointed. the team trophy at the St. Patrick Invitational, on September ranked among Northside’s sium packed with supporters second set, winning 27-25 “Our girls put up a 3. They faced over 15 teams of 7 people –over 105 athletes. best sports teams. Having and fans to encourage them. as the Grizzlies stayed close great fight,” Eric Nelson, Adv. With a high of 74 and a low of 65, the air was warm won the City 905, said. “The crowd but not humid. It was a slightly overcast day, so the overall Championship really got into the game temperature was around 70. It was weather for anything in 2006 and and the stands were from shorts and a t-shirt to jeans and a jacket. having another rocking.” “It was perfect weather to run in,” Wesley Laytham, successful season The team is filled Adv. 101, said about the weather at the meet. in 2007, they with players varying The Mustang's score was 30 which beat Mather’s 54. In began their new in age and grade, but cross country, scores are tallied based on the top five out of season hoping to despite their differences, seven runners from each school’s overall places, with one carry that suc- the girls came together point awarded for first place, two for second. This system cess into another to work towards one allows for better sixth and seventh runners to outrun com- year with new goal. Some of the peting teams’ first five runners to push the opponents’ score players. Coaches players showed their higher. Nicole Flores commitment to vol- “Our top five people were in the top ten,” Charlie and Lisa Volesky leyball over the summer Mesimore, Adv. 105, said. These runners placed third, fifth, have encouraged by joining club teams. sixth, seventh, and ninth overall, with the sixth and seventh the team to bring Playing volleyball over th th runners placing 15 and 16 overall, beating out Mather’s their best game the summer outside of fifth runner. every day. school was an experi- “For the past five years, the team that’s won the On Monday, ence that helped players St. Patrick Invitational has gone on to state,” said Coach September 8, the work to be in mid- Jon Gordon, Head Coach of the Men’s and Women’s Cross Women’s Varsity season form when the Country teams. Because Northside has never had a team go Volleyball Team school season starts. to state, though individuals have qualified to go, this is a big played against Despite the end deal to the cross-country team. the Walter result, the team is just “The times that our runners had would have won in Payton College starting its season and previous years as well,” Coach Gordon said. Prep Grizzlies in Janet Morioka, Adv. 013, and Becky Duffy, Adv. 109, prepare to return a can learn from their loss block from Payton’s players. Northside lost, 2 matches to 1. This meet was the first time in Northside history that Northside’s gym. as they work towards Photo by Karina Martinez all seven XC varsity runners finished under 18 minutes. The Northside reaching their goals. Northside’s captain, and top runner in the time trials, Cuit- team played be- They sported their bright or- throughout the set. However, The team will have to lahuac Pineda-Youniss, Adv. 014, placed third overall with fore an enthusiastic audience ange colors, but though they in the third set, Payton man- work hard to improve on th the Mustangs’ top time of 16:19. He went from 13 place in of parents, students, fellow tried their best to out-cheer aged to take it home, with a last year’s team record of 13 last year’s St. Pat’s Meet to third this year, and dropped over players. Even Principal Barry the Mustangs’ fans, the home score of 13-25. – 16. With a combination of a minute from his time last year, which was 17:22. Rodgers and Dr. Peggy Mur- crowd prevailed. Throughout the game, high expectations, work ethic, Similarly, Jonathan Kittaka Adv. 908, Cooper Eben phy came to watch the match. The crowd was ready for Coaches Flores and Volesky helpful coaches, determined Adv. 013, and Craig Melhuse, Adv. 908 all placed higher The women’s volleyball the match by the 4:00 p.m. were very respectful of their players, and supportive fans, than they did at last year’s St. Patrick Invitational. Kittaka players who were not playing game time. Payton won the players, encouraging them the Mustangs hope to win moved up one spot from last year to place ninth with a time in the game were especially first set of the game, 13-25. throughout the match. more matches in their young of 17:24. He ran the race the Mustangs needed to bring supportive, singing chants to Despite the setback, the Mus- Although the Mustangs season. Northside’s score to an even 30. Eben, whose time was 16:54, placed 13 spots higher than in 2007 and placed sixth overall. Melhuse, with mile split times of 5:44, 6:08, and 6:01, and with a total time of 17:53, was one of the more The rise of the Seastangs improved athletes on the Northside team. He did not partici- pate in the meet in 2007, but ran each mile faster than his 2007 mile splits (6:08, 6:09, and 6:25) and placed 15th overall NCP’s Women’s Swimming and Diving and sixth among the Mustangs. Laytham and Mesimore also had placing finishes in the Team’s preparation and bonding experiences meet. Laytham placed seventh and Mesimore placed fifth, by Sony Kassam both running each mile in under six minutes. Mesimore As Northside students begin the improved by 13 places and 45 seconds from his previous new school year with a fresh start, so time, was the second fastest Northside runner with a time of does Northside’s Women’s Swimming 16:50. Laytham improved more than thirty places from last and Diving Team. The Women’s Junior year, for a seventh place finish, only one second ahead of Varsity (JV) and Varsity teams prepare Notre Dame High School’s top runner. He dropped 1:31 to for each meet with several practices and make this year’s time of 17:07. preparations. Taylor Kuehn, Adv. 204, was the seventh runner for “During the week of meets,” Ada Northside’s team at the invitational. Kuehn had the fast- Tong, Adv. 109, said, “our coaches est freshman time and placed sixteenth overall. It was the encourage us to push ourselves a bit second fastest run time by a Northside freshman at the St. further in order to bring out the best of Patrick Invitational ever. He is one of the newest members our abilities.” of the Sub-18 Club, or those who have run times below 18 Swimmers do so by attending a series th minutes, and is tied for the 17 fastest time in Northside his- of stroke clinics where they can learn tory with alumnus Joey Paquette. He set a Personal Record about the four different strokes: butterfly, (PR) of 17:54 at the meet, and hopes to continue improving. backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. “I want to try to set PR’s everywhere, keep trying to Students learn different drills, and get improve my time,” said Kuehn. “I want to win city, because technique tips. we just missed it last year.” Their warm-ups for meets usually With high finishes in other meets, like fifth place in the consist of swimming 100 yards four Rebel Invitational in Kenosha, the Mustangs are now paving times, one for each of the aforemen- a road that they hope to take to IHSA State Championships. tioned strokes. Then, for each one, they Northside’s Swimming and Diving team practices in the natatorium. kick 25 yards, swim that stroke 25 yards more, do a drill for 25 yards, and finally, Photo by Sony Kassam swim the last 25 yards again. support for each other through cheer- rely on each other and that swimming Along with hardcore practices ing at meets and making sure that every is not just an individual sport as many throughout the week, the JV and varsity member is okay. people claim it to be. teams also take some time out for bond- “We support each other by pushing “So many people have said to ing experiences to create a better con- each other in practice, cheering for each me that swimming in an individual sport: nection with each other as teammates, other during meets and just asking if ev- a race is composed of the swimmer in especially since there are many new faces eryone is okay,” Chavez said. “[We also a lane alone with only her thoughts,” on the team. make sure that everyone is] dealing with Mussman said. “That’s far from the “On the day of our intersquad meet, the swimming and school balance alright. truth. If you ask any swimmer if they can to ‘initiate’ the freshmen, we taught It’s really nice because we spend so much swim thirteen weeks of practice alone, them the diving cheer, and we pushed time together during the day and we’re all they might laugh and try to imagine the them into the pool,” Clara Hofman, pretty close.” hardest parts. Perhaps they’ll thinks of Adv. 107, said. “After the meet, we had “It’s a lot of fun getting together and the hardest sets, six a.m. practice, or that a sleep over at the team captain’s [Emilie cheering each other on,” Hofman said. one-month plateau they reached after Franke] house. That was a lot of fun and “We were at the wall where you would dropping tons of time. The point is, un- I thought that I really was part of a great do your turn and start going the other less they’re Superman, a swimmer can’t team and it was a great way to get to way, and we were yelling ‘GO! GO! GO!’ swim thirteen weeks of practice without know each other more.” I was so pumped when I got to the wall, a team. It takes a team to become a “Team bonding is awesome,” Alexa and I heard everyone yelling and encour- super-swimmer.” Chavez, Adv. 108, said. “We do a lot of aging me. It was great.” “[We hope to] continue to practice things together. We have pasta parties, One thing the team members all and enjoy [swimming] to the fullest with- T-shirt making sessions, sleepovers and agree on is that functioning and being out any worries of being first, second, or Cuitlahuac Pineda-Youniss, Adv. 014, practices decorate our locker room.” one as a team is very important. Marry third place, and so on,” Tong said. “The for a Cross-Country meet. Besides partaking in team bonding Mussman, Adv. 109, a varsity member, thing that matters the most is that we all Photo by Daniel Graham events, the Seastangs also build their pointed out that the members of the team finish and have fun together.” Page 16 Sports The Hoof Beat A bonus Cheers and jeers with Referee’s calls draw incensed reactions from Northside fans as Men’s Soccer loses Yonas by Melissa Jordan ity, with the ball in Northside’s keeper. “I was really expecting a The Northside Varsity possession. Northside’s athletes Northside’s possession time win,” Mr. Mike Keane, head Men's Soccer Team lost 4-1 quickly became burnt-out after of the ball began to dramati- coach, said. “For my six years MMA is simply the against Von Steuben (Von), a Von Steuben scored yet another cally increase. However, the coaching soccer here we have school that they have beaten ev- goal, making the score 2-0. athletes often tried to score never lost to Von Steuben.” best way ery time for the past six years, Speth diligently protected from a larger distance from the Athletes agreed that it was on September 9. a disappointing by Yonas Zewdie The beginning of the game. For those of you who recall the Bonus with first half opened with “We have Yonas debut, you will remember that I discussed the Von Steuben possess- the capacity rapidly rising sport that is known as Mixed Martial ing the ball and a fury to beat Von,” Arts (MMA). Back then I focused more on why of energy from both Brandon Cooper, MMA is so exciting to watch, and why it has be- sides, which was worn Adv. 907, said. come increasingly popular as a sport. MMA isn’t all away ten minutes into “We just need about the glory and fame though. Behind the scenes the game. The oppos- to communicate of the brutal knockouts, slick submissions, and ing team’s endurance with one another controversial decisions lies the true value of MMA: served them well, as more. It was a complete self-defense/fighting arsenal. Northside’s athletes’ disappointing While many of us will never find ourselves energy dipped early because I know looking across an octagon at a division one All- in the game. The Von the team can do American wrestler, a Brazilian jujitsu black belt, or Steuben team possessed better.” a Golden Gloves boxer, the value of a well-rounded the ball for much of the “We re- fighting regimen is priceless. If you ever are engaged first half, often driving ally haven’t had in a physical altercation, you may or may not know it dangerously close enough prac- the full extent of your opponent’s power, strength, to the Northside goal. tice,” Mike Woji- skill, or fighting experience, so your responses to Jesse Speth, Adv. 906, ck, Adv. 907, your foe has to be accordingly adaptable to any Northside’s goal keeper, said. “We’ve had situation. Whether you are wrestled to the ground, protected the 0-0 score too many games or out-classed on your feet, you need to be able to time and again. because of the read, react and intelligently defend yourself against When a Von athlete conference and whoever you are fighting. grabbed the face of a not enough prac- The problem with many traditional martial art Northside athlete and tice time.” forms is that they are far too one-dimensional. They pushed, and the referee Coach Keane are not applicable to real world fighting scenarios, failed to call a foul, some noted problems utilize a lot of wasted motion, and are not self- Northside players defend against Von Steuben’s attack in a game on September Northside fans respond- with how the defense oriented enough. However, if you were to 9. Northside lost, 4 - 1, marking their first loss to Von Steuben in six years. ed with incensed com- team approached take the best and most efficient techniques from all Photo by Melissa Jordan ments. Such actions from the game. of these one-dimensional martial art forms, and the Von Steuben team that the goal, receiving many touch- goal than was necessary, mak- “The team needs to work combine them into one cohesive fighting system, would normally illicit a yellow es as in the first half. Early in ing it easier for the opposing on passing,” Coach Keane said. you get a training regimen that enables you to de- card from the referee continued the first half the scoreboard team’s goalkeeper to protect “If we were to pass the ball fend yourself in a wide variety of situations, against through the first half. had malfunctioned, creating the goal. from side to side and use the many opponents of various skill levels. After that, Speth saved confusion in the stands with Von Steuben scored a width of the field, we would This is why, if you are merely looking for a prac- many goal attempts, Von Steu- regard to the score. fourth goal before the end of have done better.” tical self-defense system, that I suggest sticking to ben scored towards the end of Von Steuben scored for the second half. Men’s Varsity Soccer games Mixed Martial Arts. Its techniques are far easier to the first half. a third time, after the ref- Northside’s coach ex- will be held until October 15, apply in real fights, and there is a lot more emphasis Both teams started the eree pulled a yellow card on pressed disappointment in the times and locations to be an- of sparring in training than there would be in other second half with youthful vital- a defense by Northside’s goal outcome of the game. nounced. martial arts. However, there are people who believe that training in MMA is not a good way to start martial arts training. These people essentially believe that Mustangs aim to stampede Payton a strong grounding in a specific fighting form is a prerequisite before beginning MMA training. Though I understand the logic behind this assertion, Women’s JV Tennis Team plays its first match of I respectfully disagree. The argument for beginning with an art before the season transitioning into MMA is based upon the premise that martial arts are fundamentally similar. You can by Lyanne Alfaro The matches began at 4 p.m. As the girls as it limits their ability to practice their Northside lost its first JV tennis game essentially think of a single martial art as the theory lady Mustangs began playing, their coaches skills on the court. of the season to Payton with a score of of fighting, and MMA as the practical application. Coach Darleene Horn and Coach Alex The first game of the season started 2-6 but have optimistic outlook for future The “introductory” martial art serves as the basis Hughes, a counselor at Northside, gave with a crowd of speculating eyes on the games. With the arrival of autumn came for understanding the mechanics behind fighting, or shouts of encouragement and advice to courts. On the first singles court, Roc competition for the women’s JV and more specifically grappling or striking, depending their players on the court. used her serves to accomplish a win in Varsity Tennis Team at Northside, which on the art. “My message to the girls is first and her first set with a score of 6-2. Mustangs played its first match of the season on If you start out training in MMA you won’t be foremost to have fun,” Coach Hughes said. only needed to win one more set out of September 9 at Northeastern University’s taking any bad habits or tendencies from one fight- “We try to practice diligently. We all prac- the three total sets to win the match. As tennis courts. ing form to another with you, simply because you tice together and help each other out.” Payton watched their teammate, they Playing first singles was Alexia Roc, won’t have those bad habits burned into your brain. Mustang tennis players practice every shouted remarks of support. Northside Adv. 110. Una Lim, Adv. 013, stood on the For example, if you are a wrestler, psychologically day from Monday through Thursday unless lost the second set to Payton with a close second singles court to face her Grizzly op- you are always attempting to pin somebody, so you there is a game and leave Fridays open for score of 4-5. The third set would decide will always immediately go for a take down. You who would take the match, as either the would probably not take too much care in defending Grizzlies or Mustangs could walk off the your back, and you will probably avoid being put first singles court with a win. In the third on your back at all costs; in wrestling, this is fine. set, there were all sorts of remarks from the However, in Mixed Martial Arts, or in a real fight, crowd, from coaches who provided support giving up your back, or not being able to fight from to their players, to spectator players who your back, is potentially crippling. Or let’s say you cheered on their teammates. are a tae kwon do practitioner; you may carry over “If you win, I’ll buy you a hamburger! the habit of fully extending your arms in a very You can do this!” Coach Horn said to Roc linear matter when punching making you an easy as she swept a low serve from Payton and target for counter attacks. threw it back to the other end of the court. Basically, MMA is an all encompassing fighting Northside claimed a win on the third system that is sure to get you in shape and enable set on the first singles court as Roc won the you to defend yourself in a variety of situations. For third and final set, 6-1. Roc walked to the someone like me, that is what learning martial arts center of the tennis court shook hands with is all about: being able to defend yourself against at- her opponent and walked off with a smile tackers of different ages, sizes, and levels of fighting on her face. experience in a variety of different situations. Now- “My best moment was definitely in the a-days, the traditional arts don’t cut it, which is why last set,” Roc said. MMA is simply the best way. Roc had moved from only playing doubles to singles on the tennis court and had won against a senior JV player from Payton. “I knew Alexia was nervous for her first match, but she played her best game today, and I know she’ll do well in her A Northside tennis player faces off against her opponent in a match against Walter Payton on September 9. upcoming matches,” Rowan Quinain, an Photo by Lyanne Alfaro onlooker, Adv. 109, said. Although Northside lost the match, ponent. Serafina Ha, Adv. 903, and Jenny rainouts. the coaches and players are looking for- Kane, Adv. 901, played as a doubles team The Mustangs’ first match had clear ward to the rest of their season, including on the third court. Madeline Holland, Adv. skies and a full view of the sun. the match that took place the following day 908, and Anna Xie, Adv. 908, took up the “We are very lucky with the day to- against Brooks College Prep High School. fourth court, which left Alex Pabich, Adv. day,” Coach Horn said. “I think they’re new to our division, 903, and Grace Goo, Adv. 905, playing on Both instructors explained that the fac- so it must be exciting,” Jaymarie Capalac, the fifth court. tor of weather has been a challenge for the Adv. 012, said.