Sports Fall sports season comes to a close The

HoofNovember 2009 | thehoofbeat.com | Northside College Preparatory High BeatSchool | [email protected] | Vol. 11 No. 3 Teacher cliques revealed 6 | Swim team completes perfect season 15 Mustangs go bump into the late night Teachers es. This idea of two dollar drinks Students dance was proposed to members of student council by Mr. John Belcaster’s AP retreat the night away at Mircoeconomic students during a class activity, thinking that an in- Northside Halloween Dance creased price of drinks would allow for an increased gain in revenue. educators attend by Sony Kassam However, some students attending For some, Halloween is a time for the dance were unaffected by the instructive outing searching for that perfect pre-made dollar increase in the cost of drinks, Halloween costume or for supplies while others were not as willing to by Krystn Collins This past October 23, the educa- to make an original costume idea buy drinks. tors of Northside left the school on a reality. For others, it is a time for Half way through the night, how- a teacher retreat in order to engage collecting free candy. But for many ever, the cost of drinks went back in a bit of role reversal, becoming Northsiders, Halloween time means down to a dollar each, which caused the students in the classroom for the dance time at Northside’s annual sales to increase dramatically. day. Halloween dance, held just one day “Student Council unfortunately Splitting themselves up by de- before Halloween this year. overestimated the student body’s partment, teachers each headed out At the start of the dance, the willingness to pay for a drink,” Stu- to different destinations, the purpose sounds of students singing along to dent Council Student Affairs Chair- of educating themselves. The world “I Gotta Feelin’” by the Black Eyed man, Fanny Lau, Adv. 014, said. language department, for example, Peas reverberated throughout the “Therefore, very few drinks were visited language and American lunchroom. Although the night was sold at the beginning of the dance Studies classes at Illinois Math and alive and running with fast paced prior to our decision to lower the Science Academy in Aurora. In fact, songs such as Sean Kingston’s “Fire price. Towards the end, we realized the destinations of each department Burnin’” and Britney Spears’s “3,” that there was no incentive to pay a Ashley Kossakowski, Adv. 100, and Josh Pfest, Adv. 102, tied for the best were reflections of the subject matter some students hoped for a mixed higher price than usual for a good couple costume award. Photos courtesy of Camille Ward. they taught. tempo of music choices that would that was also available for free at the The winners for best group costume assistance, Brophy spent four hours “The fine arts faculty headed to allow for different forms of dancing. water fountain down the hall ... and were Cuit-lahuac Pineda Youniss, creating the costume with chicken the Chicago Academy for the Arts,” “[There was] not that much we all know that incentives matter.” Adv. 014; Nick Ruff, Adv. 012; Jared wire, a cardboard box, fabric, and Mr. Leo Park, fine arts department, variation [to the music],” Christo- A wide range of character cos- Goldstein, Adv. 010; Kevin Jaburek, pure dedication. said via an e-mail interview. “We ob- pher Nguyen, Adv. 106, said. “But tumes attended the dance, including Adv. 018; Max Teboul, Adv. 011, “I found out I won funniest cos- served art and music classes, spoke of course Northsiders would juke a group of students dressed as the and Matt Rickard, Adv. 017, who tume, and Tim Butzen, [Adv. 103,] with teachers and administrators, to anything. It was mainly standing Powerpuff Girls, a group of girls dressed up as The Village People. said ‘Oh God no, don’t tell me you perused course offerings, et cetera.” around if you didn’t like dancing dressed as the ladies from Deal or Geo Gomez, Adv. 105, and Ellis were the potato.,” Brophy said. “It The retreat is not without purpose while watching everyone else juke to No Deal, and the Shamwow Guy. Srubas-Giammanco, Adv. 206, were shouldn’t have been that exciting, but and allowed the teachers a valuable every song. I wish there were more As always, the Halloween dance tied for Best Overall Costume for if you win anything in life a feeling learning experience. slow songs because not only would featured a costume contest. As the their Lady Gaga renditions. of accomplishment overwhelms you “Our plan was to visit other high I enjoy it, but I know that many oth- night winded down, winners for four “It was actually kind of embar- and you just go with it. After I went schools, in or around the Chicago ers would as well, especially over the categories were announced. For best rassing [to win],” Gomez said. “I home, I realized that the costume area, with similar demographics to constant upbeat songs that don’t al- couple, Ashley Kossakowski, Adv. was a hot mess. It was nice though, took up a large chunk of space, and Northside,” Park said. “The objec- low for any real form of dancing.” 100, and Josh Pfest, Adv. 102, who I put a lot of effort into my costume, then it hit me, ‘Where do you store a tive of the retreat [for the fine arts de- Besides the lack of slow songs, were dressed a Waldo from “Where’s so it was fab getting recognized.” mini-refrigerator sized costume and partment] was to experience art and another issue that came about was Waldo,” were tied with Rachel Volkl, Lee Brophy, Adv. 110, won fun- will I ever wear it again?’ Does any- music in a school environment other the two dollar cost of drinks, a one Adv. 017, and Magellan Yadao, Adv. niest costume for his handmade po- one want to buy a potato costume? than our own. Our experiences, we dollar increase from previous danc- 016, who were dressed as Germans. tato costume. Along with a friend’s One size fits all.” hope, will help to further develop a plan for maintaining and strength- ening the Fine Arts department at Northside puts on a show with ritmo Latino Northside for years to come.” stage showing off clothing from dif- people to get food outside of the au- mixed the use of English and Span- Students give an optimistic view The night gets ferent parts of Latin America. Then ditorium. Among the various foods ish words. Negrete made jokes as of such developments. the Puerto Rican rap that was per- offered, there were beans, tacos, rice, he told the story of when Mexicans “I think that’s a cool idea,” Em- heated up with formed got the crowd hyped up. The quesadillas or tortillas with cheese traveled to the United States. The ily Tran, Adv. 105, said. “Teachers Capoera group came on stage and inside of them, and empanadas or seventh act was the Soul and Du- should have an opportunity to keep Latino beats performed swift martial arts move- breads with meat inside. To drink ende group. These Flamenco danc- learning outside of the things they ments. The fourth performance was there was lots of soda and horchata, ers had a passion for the dance that teach.” by Jamilah Alsharif the Ensemble Español, which con- a drink made from the combination showed in every step they took. That educators should be allowed Even with homework stacked up sisted of five women and a man. of milk, sugar, rice, and vanilla or “Everyone in my family were to continue learning throughout their for the weekend students found a “[The Ensemble Español was] cinnamon. People rushed back in af- dancers,” Alex Pocholete Sie, a Fla- career is a significant concept. way to get their hands on some free one of my favorite performances of ter eating to watch the show. menco dancer, said. “I had butter- “It just makes sense [for teach- time on a Friday night. Northside’s the night,” Diego Vela, Adv. 207, The much awaited Sabor Latino flies in my stomach before I went on ers to continue their education],” Latino Festival took place on Oc- said. “They were so intense.” came on the stage with a bachata stage but when you have butterflies, Lauren Casapao, Adv. 104, said. “I tober 16 at 7 p.m. and drew in as After the dancers moved off the piece. The next group of students that is a good sign.” mean, teachers teach the same stuff many parents as students. The event stage, Negrete and Gomez made the in the Sabor Latino group took the The ninth act was a poem writ- to us every year, year after year. That brought the school community mem- crowd laugh with their own dancing stage with a salsa dance. The two ten by Gomez, the Latino Club would be fine if the things they were bers together for a night of dancing, piece to Miley Cyrus’s Hoedown groups moved very fast to the music president, but read aloud by ten stu- teaching stayed the same, if they eating, and cultural learning. Throwdown. and executed with no mistakes. dents. The last performance of the didn’t actually change in real life.” “I’m really excited because it’s The Chicago Puerto Rican Cho- “After tryouts we only had about night was the duet of Noel Lopez, Information does change over the time when all the Latino people rus was the fifth act of the night. Ms. three weeks of practice,” Alex Doyle, Adv. 110, and Michelle Payes, Adv. time, and though some things are come together and take pride,” Me- Nythia Rivera, music department, Adv. 104, said. “It was very stressful. 102. They first sang “Fotografía” admittedly constant throughout all lissa Salazar, Adv. 208, said. was one of the six singers. They ex- I had only a half hour of sleep some by Juanes and Nelly Furtado. The subjects, nothing is necessarily set in Lucas Negrete, Adv. 110, and posed their vocals by singing four nights.” second song was “Suerte” by Jason stone for each. In the English depart- Geovanni Gomez, Adv. 105, were songs that ranged from low to high Chuy Negrete, Negrete’s father, Mraz and Ximena Sariñana. ment, standards and regulations may the hosts for the night. The audience notes that seemed to combine the was another performer who par- The night ended with perform- change. In the science departments, was taught about the Latino culture singers’ voices naturally. ticipated in the Latino Festival. He ers greeting and congratulating each groundbreaking discoveries may be in various ways. It started out with a After the first five performances, took the stage with a guitar in hand other on their successful perfor- made. Even in staple mathematics... pageant. Students walked across the there was a short intermission for and played two songs in which he mances. Continued on page 3...

News | pages 1 - 3 Features | pages 5 - 6 Centerfold | pages 8 - 9 Editorials | pages 13 - 14 page 6 • Evolution of the monster in • Animal Rights Club takes a trip • Ms. Flanagan reflects on her • Debate: Should selective enroll- Karen Li’s modern society to SASHA farm high school years ment high schools require inter- bright and bub- • The fears of Northside teachers • Open House showcases NCP • The transformation of kid culture views for candidates? bly personal- Connections | page 4 Diversions | pages 7 A&E | page 10 - 12 Sports | pages 15 - 16 ity shines in her extra- • Chicago falls short in bid for • Book readings around the city • Taylor Swift keeps the audience • Men’s soccer beats Payton, curricular 2016 Olympics • Exploring Lincoln Park from Zoo squealing in concert captures Chicago Cup activities. • Gallery 37 promotes the arts Lights to Christmas shopping • Shwayze’s dirty wall adventures •Cross Country wins city title  News The Hoof Beat

Northside College Prep H.S. 5501 N. Kedzie Once you hug Elsie, you rethink everything Chicago, IL 60625 Animal Rights many ways animals are abused and Tel: (773) 534-3954 exploited, and yet also offers a solu- tion.” Principal Club takes a trip All of the animals at the farm Mr. Barry Rodgers had a story to tell, and the students to SASHA Farm were able to fully connect with the Assistant Principal animals there. Dr. Margaret Murphy by Melissa L. España “I’ve been to zoos and petting Northside’s Animal Rights Club’s zoos before,” Beck-Roe said, “but Advisor mission is to educate the community this was interacting with animals Mr. Chester Tylinski about showing compassion towards in a different way and learning a lot animals. Last month, the club mem- more about them and how these ani- Editor-In-Chief bers were given an opportunity that mals that otherwise would have been Caitlin Swieca they couldn’t refuse: the chance to eaten are usually treated. It was very visit the Sanctuary and Save Ha- informative.” Web Editors-in-Chief ven for Animals (SASHA) Farm in The rest of the day was spent Matt Glodz Manchester, Michigan. cleaning up the farm. The students Olutoye Adegboro On Saturday, October 24, the helped Jackson out by cleaning up club members gathered in front of the messes that the cows left behind Broadcast Editors-in-Chief the school at 6 a.m. to await the bus in the fields. Evan Rogers that would take them on a four-hour “Picking up cow poop was my Sarah Schoonhoven trip to SASHA Farm. favorite part because we had a fun SASHA Farm is an animal sanc- time,” Shahrose Rahman, Adv. 103, Managing Editors tuary that rescues farm and domestic said. “[Someone] fell face first [into Evan Rogers, Design animals, such as cats and dogs, that a pile of poop] and then [my friend] Alice Henry, Content have been in harsh conditions and Eddy Diaz [Adv. 109] and I dropped gives them a home for life. the cart with the two buckets full of Business Manager Prior to the trip, the club mem- cow poop, which ended up rolling Matt Glodz bers prepared by hosting weekly down the hill. Pretty funny.” meetings in which they discussed As the day came closer to an end, News Editor what the farm’s mission is and what the students packed up their things Evan Rogers to expect upon arrival. and took a final walk around SA- Before going on the trip, the club SHA Farm, saying goodbye to their Connections Editor had become well-informed about the favorite animals. Two of the students Timothy Suh story behind one of the farm’s own- that attended the trip, Camille Ward, ers. One of the owners and found- Adv. 104, and Angel Yan, Adv. 107, Features Editor ers, Monte Jackson, had been in a both stated that their favorite animal Melissa España trucking accident and faced severe was Elsie the cow. leg injuries. However, as soon as he “After hugging Elsie and having Centerfold Editor was healed, he was back on his feet close contact with [the other ani- Alice Henry once more to continue caring for his Nguyen Than, Adv. 101, gave Brave, a SASHA Farm’s resident horses, a mals],” Yan said, “it made me really animals. warm embrace while working on the farm. Photo by Melissa L. España. sad that I actually eat them.” Diversions Editor Money was a huge issue for the Yan’s statement showed the stu- Sonya Dekhtyar club. Being fairly new, the club had tic,” Genevieve Beck-Roe, Adv. 011, nor vegetarian, but still fully enjoyed dents who walked away from the trip no money to start off and needed said. “They both know exactly what the vegan dishes that were brought. with exactly what Alcozer wanted Entertainment Editor to pay a large price in order to rent they’re talking about, and it was great After the meal, the club was them to leave with. Sarah Schoonhoven a bus for the trip. However, thanks to be able to learn what they know given a tour of the farm by Jackson. “I wanted the students to walk to donations from members of the and [what they] have been involved The farm housed a variety of farm away with awareness that the ani- Editorial Editor administration and a grant from with. And, specific to the animals, animals, such as goats, cows, mules, mals they interacted with have in- Dylan Nugent Northside’s Student Council, the Wayne knew a lot about the ani- and even geese. Jackson allowed the terests of their own, personality, and club raised enough money to pay. mals’ stories. When we walked onto club members to enter the animals’ preferences,” Alcozer said. “In this Sports Editor “As a [club] officer I was so scared the farm, right off the bat he let us pens to meet, pet, and feed them. respect, the trip was a success.” Sony Kassam that we weren’t going to be able to into the pigs’ cage and told us about While the members interacted During the bus ride back, some raise all the money as the date of the them, and that was a great learning with the various animals, Jackson of the members mentioned to Alcoz- Copy Editors trip drew closer and closer,” Rosa experience.” told the story of how some of the er that they wanted to visit SASHA Jeffrey Joseph Pacheco, Adv. 107, said. “But thanks The club members departed from animals arrived at the farm. one more time, and they mentioned Andriana Mitrakos to the generous donations given to the school shortly after being intro- One of the stories that Jackson that more work could be done at the us by several people from the ad- duced to Hsiung and Kashiv, and shared with the group was the story farm if the trip was overnight. Photo Editor ministration and Student Council, four hours, and one restroom stop of the baby calf. The calf once be- “I would love the trip to SA- Zobia Chunara the trip was possible and was a re- at a Wendy’s, later, the club arrived longed to a man who raised cattle SHA Farm to be a yearly tradition,” ally huge success. In the end, no one at SASHA Farm. The students were on his farm. One day, the owner de- Alcozer said. “Everyone had so Chief Photographer in the club had to pay a cent to visit welcomed to the farm by its owner, cided that he could no longer raise or much fun. I agree with the students, Alejandro Valdivieso SASHA Farm, and it all worked out Jackson. properly care for his animals, and he though; it needs to be a two-day for the best.” Immediately, the club was greet- decided to leave them there to die of camping trip.” Art Editor When the bus arrived, the stu- ed by the wagging tails of the farm’s starvation and thirst. Luckily, Jack- Thanks to cooperation from the Maira Egan dents piled onto the bus and were in- dogs and the loud neighs of the son was able to rescue the calf and administration, the club had yet an- troduced to their chaperones, two of farm’s horses. give him a proper home at SASHA. other wish fulfilled and will get the Staff Reporters which were animal rights activists, The club entered one of the farm’s “Hearing the stories of how all chance to have an overnight camp- Diana Obracaj, John Gon- Yoav Kashiv and Wayne Hsiung. sheds and unpacked the vegan dishes the animals came to live at SASHA ing trip at SASHA in the spring. zalez, Lyanne Alfaro, Alida Both of them had plenty of back- that everyone from the club brought Farm gave the students a glimpse “The trip was amazing,” Pacheco Pecanin, Ed Heffernan, David ground knowledge on animal rights to share. Dishes such as pasta salads, into how food animals are treated said, “and I’m so grateful for all the Chang, Bjanka Mujicic, San issues and are actively involved with cupcakes, and hummus filled the in our society,” Mr. Marcos Alcozer, hard work that everyone put in to Prestigiacomo, Jamilah animal rights within Chicago. table. Some of the students that at- advisor of Animal Rights Club, said. help make it possible because it’s Alsharif, Nelson Ogbuagu, “Wayne and Yoav were fantas- tended the trip were neither vegan “[It] really opens people’s eyes to the something I’ll never forget.” Krystn Collins, Zobia Chu- nara, Jeffrey Joseph, John Mederich, Tess Thompson, Pooja Agarwal, Andriana Student Council explains the state of Hogwarts Mitrakos, Will Riley, Sarah asking their neighbors what a state prompted Mr. Rodgers to send an of Lim’s speech was her claim that Capungan, Eghe Obaseki, State of the of the school assembly was. The last email to the whole school in which Northside had its own Dumbledores Adira Levine, Faique Moqeet, state of the school assembly took he stated, “As members of our learn- and Snapes. The students walked Daniel Washelesky school assembly place two years ago, when they were ing community, we are expected to away with knowing smiles. They still in elementary school. support one another. The members each had their own opinion of who Art Work held in the “The State of the School Assem- of the Student Council dedicate was a Dumbledore and a Snape at This month’s centerfold bly is modeled after the United States their time and energy to provide Northside. drawings were the work of gym educates State of the Union,” Una Lim, Adv. wonderful opportunities for all stu- Not even unsportsmanlike con- Alice Henry. 013, Student Council President, said dents. They have earned our respect duct in the form of booing could students in an email interview. “The address and support.” ruin the assembly. Submissions not only reports on the condition of “It was considerate of him [Mr. “I definitely do not regret hold- The Hoof Beat welcomes opin- by Alida Pecanin the school but also allows the presi- Rodgers] to send out a message,” ing the assembly,” said Lim. “Such ion editorials from its readers. Students, expecting a full day of dent to outline the legislative agenda said Lim. “Civilized students should trivial matters [the booing] do not in- Letters to the Editor and Op-ed colloquium, confusedly shuffled into and priorities to the student body.” already be aware of such etiquette. terfere with the professional realm.” submissions may be sent to the gymnasium on Wednesday Oc- The assembly went relatively Those who are not are simply still Even though Northside might [email protected]. tober 7. The students were treated to smooth from the beginning with developing in their maturity.” not have shined in the best light, Submissions should not exceed candy that was thrown by their stu- each member of the student coun- During the assembly Lim took students exited the assembly with two pages. dent council members and a dancing cil being announced and, in turn, the booing in stride and went on to newly acquired knowlegde about the mustang. Unknown to the students, throwing candy at their graduating give her speech. Within her speech current state of Northside. Contact the school and student council had class. Spirits were high and students Lim made several references to “I went away from the state of The Hoof Beat is a monthly pub- decided to throw a state of the school were excited. However, when Lim Harry Potter, the popular fantasy the school address knowing more,” lication produced by the North- assembly. took the stage, she was met with franchise. Magdalena Ivanova, Adv. 105, said. side Prep Journalism Class. The assembly began at approxi- booing from some members of the “I … like to make my speeches “It was great,” Kamil Bajen, Adv. As a student-run newspaper, mately 9:30 a.m. Mr. Barry Rodg- crowd. revolve around a certain theme,” 202, said. your opinions are important to ers, Northside’s principal, was the “It [the booing] is part of the job said Lim of the reference to Harry “I believe that it did benefit stu- us. If you have any comments, first to take the stand, greeting the description,” said Lim. “I was re- Potter. dents ready and willing to listen,” corrections, critiques, or ques- students. He welcomed the school minded of Joe Wilson’s outburst at With their fascination with Harry Lim said, “because it informed tions, please e-mail Mr. Chester and went on to announce that the President Obama during his health Potter, the students listened atten- students of the year’s major events Tylinski at [email protected] school was gathering for a state of care speech to Congress.” tively to Lim’s speech. The crowd and any new pertinent information or the Editors in Chief at the school assembly. Freshmen and “It [the booing] was so sad,” said was captivated by her speech and that will help them become more in- [email protected]. sophomores could be seen scratch- Nina Nguyen, Adv. 105. smiled at the references to Harry volved and balanced students.” ing their heads in confusion and The booing during the assembly Potter. The most memorable part November 2009 News  The view from Deutschland people from different backgrounds. The German students also spend Exchange trips Many of the Chicago students go to some days at Northside following an Hamburg at the end of the school in-school host, giving them a view bring the world’s year, some even pursuing personal into an American school. It also of- plans to visit each other on their fers them a chance to work on their teens closer own. English. The hosts get to learn how people The Germans were impressed by together from other countries think. Because the city, which is very different from they live halfway around the world their hometown. by Tess Thompson from Chicago, the Germans’ opin- “It’s way bigger than an average Two teachers and 26 students ions and views are often different German city,” Phillip Luethkerad, from Hamburg, Germany got off a than those of the hosts. For example, one of the German students, said. plane in Chicago on September 25, many people here were convinced Most German cities do not have marking the arrival of the 12th Chi- that Chicago was bound to be cho- skyscrapers like Chicago’s. Chicago cago-Hamburg exchange. sen to host the 2016 Olympics. The also has a lot more chains such as The exchange was first offered to Germans, who were probably a little coffee shops, fast food restaurants, the school by the mayor of Hamburg less biased on the subject, were able and stores. in 1998. Northside has participated to see the bigger picture and point “They think everything looks the since 1999. Other schools that par- out that Rio de Janeiro offered a lot same,” Ms. Apel said. “That’s al- Hannah Lea Doruelo, Adv. 204, a student volunteer, lead prospective ticipate in the exchange are Lane of competition. The exchange also ways a comment.” freshmen throughout the halls of Northside. Photo by Daniel Washalesky. Technical High School, Mather High has other academic and social ben- And it is not only the cities that School, St. Patrick High School, Lin- efits. are different. The students them- coln Park High School, and Amund- “It keeps us up to date with vo- selves, having come from different sen High School. Northside shows off cabulary and what’s important to the backgrounds, are different as well. “I liked the look of it [North- The two-week exchange serves German teenagers,” Ms. Apel said. “German teenagers are encour- NCP’s open side],” Cusick said. “I always imag- the dual purpose of improving the Another thing the exchange stu- aged to become a little more inde- ined a really small school. It wasn’t students’ knowledge of English and dents get out of the trip is the oppor- pendent, in some ways, at an earlier as small as I imagined.” providing them with experiences in house from the tunity to explore a new city. On the age,” Ms. Apel said. DePaul was impressed by the a new culture. But what makes the week days, they went on field trips For example, in Germany, high amount of natural light and student exchange unique from normal trips point of view all over the city. They went to the school students just automatically artwork in the school. is how it encourages interaction with Chicago History Museum, the Art know their city and how to get Because of time constraints on people who live and work in the of perspective Institute, the Museum of Science around in it. American teens are the tours, the time in each depart- communities they visit. and Industry, the John Hancock more sheltered, she says. Teens learn ment had to be limited to about six or “Instead of coming to America students and building, on a river and boat tour, things from other teens that are not seven minutes each. Even with these and going to a hotel, which is kind the campus of the University of Chi- in any of their textbooks. Nurturing precautions, the tours towards the of generic, here they come and they families cago, and more. this learning is one of the main goals end of the open house were forced to live with a family, and they see how “It’s a very interesting city, and of these exchanges, which prepares rush through and even skip some of we live,” Ms. Virginia Apel, world by Tess Thompson we especially like the architecture, the next generation of the world’s the departments, so some attendees language department, said. Students and their parents began the diversity, and the food,” Ms. citizens for a society in which global did not get a very good feel for all of Also, the program offers students lining up in front of Northside to at- Ottie Dittman, one of the teachers consciousness is becoming more and the departments of the school. De- the opportunity to make friends with from Germany, said. more valuable. tend its open house at 9 a.m. on Oc- tober 25, two hours before the doors Paul and her daughter Isabel felt that opened. As it got closer to the open they learned a lot about the writing house’s beginning, more and more center but left craving more informa- people joined the throng, waiting tion on the actual classes in the Eng- for their turn to see the school that lish department presentation. might be their home for the next four “We didn’t get information on years. Over 3,000 people visited the the actual curriculum,” Isabel De- school throughout the course of the Paul said. three hour event. The DePaul also commented that Upon entering, the perspective the presentations were more infor- students and their families went into mative and effective when conduct- either the gym or the auditorium to ed by teachers. Though they appre- get an introduction to the school. ciated the student involvement, they They were then assigned to a student said that student led presentations guide who would help them navigate weren’t as informative and interest- the packed hallways and who would ing. In the language department, answer any questions they had on for example, the student presenters student life, sports, or homework. just read straight from PowerPoint In each class that they visited, they slides. They found that having some- were given a brief presentation on one who is a real expert in the sub- the curriculum and teaching meth- ject direct the presentation was more ods by one of the teachers from that helpful to them because they could department. give more insightful observations “We’ve been to a lot of open and more in-depth answers to ques- houses, and this was the only one tions. Mitchell Caminer, Adv. 203, and Norman Luu, Adv. 200, prepare for upcoming debate competitions during club where you went to every depart- The open house was Northside’s practice. Photo by Adira Levine. ment,” Carol DePaul, who visited chance to show off all that it has the school with her daughter, said. to offer to perspective freshmen on Guests left the tour with not only many levels. Not only did it provide a sense of the Northside curricu- information on classes and a chance Northside debate fights to victory for students and their families to ask who had debated for four years,” rience. lum, classes, and activities, but also any questions they might have about Teams take Luu said. “We got to meet new people and of what sets Northside apart from the school, but it also gave them a Northside’s three novice teams make new friends,” Julius DiLoren- other schools. chance to interact with Northside placed first, fifth, and seventeenth zo, Adv. 208, said. “Many of the “It is much more student-oriented gold at first students and to see how they interact in a field of fifty-four novice teams. people there were people we would [compared to other schools],” Mike with each other and the staff. These It was the first time since Northside not have met otherwise.” Bisch, a parent visiting the school, tournament observations of the school’s environ- moved up into the most difficult lev- Although most of the reactions to said. ment will affect perspective students’ el of urban debate competition sev- the tournament were positive, some Alice Cusick, another student vis- by Adira Levine decisions. Dorothy Lo, who visited Ten members of the Northside eral years ago that its teams won first debaters were disappointed in the iting the school, was also impressed the open house with her daughter, debate team and coach Mr. Robert place in both the varsity and novice judging at the Morgan Park tourna- by the student involvement. was just as impressed by this aspect Berry, English department, travelled divisions. ment. Judges, who ranged from vet- “I liked how there were so many of the school as the academics. to Morgan Park High School for During the tournament, North- eran debaters to parents, determined people helping out,” Cusick said. “People are just so much happier the Morgan Park Debate Tourna- side teams competed against teams the winners of each debate round. They were also given a chance to here,” Lo said. ment on October 2 and 3. The an- from public and private schools from Several Northside debaters felt that get a feel for the building itself. nual tournament, which was the first Chicago and the suburbs, including some of their judges were less expe- of the year for the Northside team, Whitney Young, Walter Payton, rienced and ruled unfairly. featured competition in two levels: Lane Tech, University of Chicago “I was really disappointed in varsity and novice. At both levels, Lab School, and Maine East. They some of the judges’ jurisdiction,” Teacher retreat day the Northside team was divided into argued about proposals to increase Eric Ng, Adv. 206, said. “Many of ...continued from page 1. to keep the curriculum current.” partners, with each pair of debaters social services to people living in the teams were unprepared for the ...department, the manner in Additionally, the retreat serves as competing in all five rounds of the poverty in the United States. Debat- competition but the judges voted for which formulas and numbers are more than simply an update to cur- tournament. In the varsity division, ers were prepared to argue on both them.” used in real life are subject to fre- riculum. which featured students with one the affirmative and the negative sides Others felt that the benefits of the quent change, and such changes “Think about it,” Jessica Tapia, or more years of high school debate of the argument. The students spent experience outweighed any incon- should be accounted for as some Adv. 010, said. “These poor teach- experience, Northside’s team of many hours researching and writ- sistencies in the judging. Overall, de- Northside students agree. ers are stuck teaching the same Norman Luu, Adv. 200, and Kevin ing their arguments, participating baters felt that they gained from the “We should be taught current in- thing over and over again to differ- Steele, Adv. 018, took first place. The in practice debates, and undergoing experience. formation,” Tran said. “If the things ent bunches of kids. We as students Northside varsity team of Mitchell intensive training leading up to the “The tournament was so much we learn are all outdated, we’re nev- may get bored doing it sometimes, Caminer, Adv. 203 and Tom Trieu, competition. fun,” Miklaszewski said. “I feel like er going to be able to function in the but I can’t even imagine how boring Adv. 203, also made it into the top Debaters felt that the results of I learned a lot.” real world.” it would be to do it again and again ten out of the tournament’s 50 var- the tournament made the time put Although the team was pleased The teacher retreat that North- for a matter of years.” sity teams. in preparing for the competition well with its victories, the members be- side educators embarked on proves Aside from keeping taught infor- Several of the varsity debaters felt worth it. lieve that the tournament was most itself a potential solution to such a mation current, the teacher retreat that their victories at the tournament “All of the preparation from the importantly a learning experience, demanding problem. allows educators the opportunity to took even greater meaning when last month really helped us,” Rachel especially for the novice teams. “If the teachers get to actually see and be inspired by their subjects they faced opponents with more Miklaszewski, Adv. 103, said. “It “You can go 0-5 if it leads to go out and learn more things about being taught by their peers in differ- years of debate experience. was definitely worth the effort.” learning,” Mr. Berry said. “If what what they’re teaching, they’ll know ent environments and in new and “It was really exciting to be in the Students also viewed the interac- we did at this tournament will help what they should probably be teach- unique ways, making it likely that final round as a sophomore, because tion with people from other schools us [in future tournaments], we will ing us if they aren’t already doing the academic environment of North- we were debating against people as an additional benefit of the expe- know that it was a success.” it,” Casapao said. “It’s a good way side will thrive in the future.  Connections The Hoof Beat And the number one Illinois school is… enigma; many wonder how a board- parental consent, may return home Why IMSA is ing school tucked away in the city over the weekend. In addition, once of Aurora could be a public school. every six weeks, the school week ranked so high However, the state has supported ends on Wednesday, giving the stu- IMSA financially by the state since dents an extended weekend to visit among public its inception in 1986, despite its family, do research at facilities, or room-and-board status. Because it just catch up on homework (https:// schools is state-funded, IMSA does not de- www3.imsa.edu/living/reslife). De- by Timothy Suh mand tuition from its students, but spite its name, IMSA offers a vari- With the release of Newsweek still requires a significant student ety of courses in different subjects. Magazine’s annual Best High fee for each academic year. This fee The school prides itself on provid- Schools in the U.S. report, the Illinois can range from $360 to $2,660 dol- ing “students with world-class op- Math and Science Academy (IMSA) lars depending on the Federal Lunch portunities to work with renowned was named one of the best public Program results for each student. scholars, explore questions of their high school in Illinois for the fourth The school does not currently of- own, champion their ideas to mar- consecutive year. Although many fer any scholarships for prospective ket and more” (https://www3.imsa. readers believe Northside ranked the students on its own (https://www3. edu/learning). However, IMSA highest Illinois school out of 1,300 imsa.edu/admissions/FAQ). does significantly focus on the math- Common questions about the ematics and science development of schools across the nation in the main A screenshot of IMSA’s listing as a “public elite” on the website of News- school often include the residency their students, offering multiple ad- list, there is another, lesser-known week magazine. list offered by Newsweek named “The on campus and the educational pro- vanced topics in both departments Classes are set up by block schedule, and innovative education mixed with Public Elites.” On this list, Newsweek gram offered there. There are seven like Number Theory and Microbes similar to Northside, where classes the low costs of public schools, IMSA has separated 15 public schools with residency halls on the IMSA’s cam- and Disease. IMSA only requires 3 are longer and alternate between has risen in the ranks of American “exceptional quality” and “sky- pus, each with rules similar to many credits in English as opposed to the days. On Wednesday, students at schools since its beginning. If IMSA high SAT and ACT scores [indicat- college residency programs. Each 4 credits needed for CPS to gradu- IMSA are expected to participate in continues its goals of “ensuring stu- ing] they have few or no average student is assigned a roommate, with ate. However, the Academy requires on- or off-campus research programs dents have accomplished teachers, students,” according to Newsweek. whom they must share a room. Resi- 4 credits in Science, which is particu- (https://www3.imsa.edu/learning). supportive mentors and resources On this list was IMSA, along with dency halls are supervised by Resi- larly striking, considering the school IMSA’s academic rigor and excel- to support effective education in another Illinois school, University dent Counselors and Hall Coordina- is only 10-12th grade. Students are lence is somewhat unknown among science, technology, engineering Laboratory High School in Urbana. tors, who enforce strict rules about also required to complete 100 hours the rest of Illinois. However, media and mathematics” (https://www3. Northside was named on this list in curfew and visitors in the halls. The of service learning projects by grad- and awards have recognized its suc- imsa.edu/president/imsa4all), the 2007, but has since dropped. students are expected to live on cam- uation, as well as various programs cess across the U.S. With its various forecast of Illinois education looks To many, IMSA remains an pus for the school week, but, with and services offered by the school. research opportunities, residency, bright with IMSA leading the way. Chicago does not take gold for 2016 Olympics Bid other cities, receiving only 18 votes, from its top sponsor and from its Chicago loses while Tokyo had 22 votes; Madrid, television deals with the 205 differ- 28 votes; and Rio de Janeiro, 26 ent national Olympic committees, host city decision votes. After another round of voting, but that the USOC gets 20 percent Tokyo was eliminated, leaving Rio of the sponsorship money and 12.5 to Rio de Janeiro de Janeiro and Madrid to face head percent of the television money, the to head in the last round of voting. largest percentage of all the nations. by Jeffrey Joseph There, Rio de Janeiro beat out Ma- The two committees reached a com- In Chicago, for the past couple drid for the 2016 games. promise earlier this year, but it was of years, a major point of discussion Chicago's first-round elimination a distraction as Chicago was trying has been the city's bid for the 2016 came as a surprise because many to gain support from members of the Summer Olympic Games. Chicago had viewed Chicago as one of the IOC. had become the United States’ bid favorites to win the games going into President Obama went to city by beating out other US cities the voting. After the initial shock Denmark to talk to the IOC in sup- such as Houston and San Fransisco. passed, some people were not disap- port of Chicago’s Olympic bid, and It then had to contend with Madrid, pointed by Chicago's loss. For ex- in doing so became the first Ameri- Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro to host ample, the people at No Games Chi- can president to lobby the IOC. the 2016 Games. Along the way, cago, a group that was opposed to Although the president’s campaign Chicago's bid gained support from Chicago hosting the games, on their the number of times that the United to the Olympics where thousands of proved unsuccessful, his trip to Co- the likes of president Barack Obama website about the Chicago’s loss of States has hosted the games in recent people from across the world come penhagen was somewhat contro- and Oprah Winfrey. the games said "No Games Chicago history, having hosted the 2002 Win- into the host country. versial because some of President ter Games in Salt Lake City and the Yet another possible reason for Obama’s critics wondered whether 1996 and 1984 Summer Games in Chicago’s loss of the 2016 Sum- he should have been spending time Atlanta and Los Angeles respective- mer Olympics Games is given by promoting Chicago’s Olympic bid ly. In contrast, the whole continent the Huffington Post, which cited when he had so many other domes- of South America, where Rio de Ja- the revenue-sharing battle between tic issues to deal with, such as health neiro is located, had never hosted the the International Olympic Commit- care reform. President Obama’s crit- Olympics games (nbcchicago.com). tee and the United States Olympics ics have even viewed Chicago’s loss According to politico.com, an- Committee (USOC) as a contribut- despite President Obama’s support other reason Chicago lost the 2016 ing factor. The Huffington Post re- as indicative of Obama’s lack of in- games was because of “sympathy ports that the IOC shares its revenue ternational popularity. voting,” where the voting mem- bers gave votes to cities which had weaker bids in order to avoid embar- rassing any of the bid cities. This took votes away from the cities with stronger bids, which were expected to get through to the next round on their own despite losing votes. The quest for the Olympic Games thinks this is a very good decision for Nytimes.com gives another rea- culminated on October 2, 2009 when the people of Chicago." son for Chicago’s loss, blaming the the International Olympic Commit- The reaction of Mayor Daley difficult entry process of the United tee met in Copenhagen, Denmark to and those who supported Chicago's States. According to the website, the decide which of the finalists would bid was one of disappointment. tough airport security could have win the rights to host the 2016 Sum- “I’m disappointed but you go on been a factor. One of the members mer Olympic Games. In the first with your life.” Daley said of the IOC mentioned that the expe- round of voting, Chicago was elimi- Sources give different reasons rience of entering the US was “har- nated from the race for the games by why Chicago lost its bid for the 2016 rowing” a few hours before Rio de recieving the least votes of all of the Olympics. One reason often cited is Janeiro won. The issue is important Whoa… you work on art and get paid as well? Created in 1991 by Mayor Dal- center of the Loop. Gallery 37 also work in many artistic fields. These throughout the Advanced Arts Edu- Gallery 37 offers ey’s wife, Maggie Daley, and Lois privately runs programs in Chicago internships include working in a gal- cation Program. Weisberg of Chicago’s Department high schools and parks. lery, assisting a professional artist, Gallery 37 was originally a sum- art programs of Cultural Affairs, Gallery 37 is Gallery 37 offers programs in- or providing arts administration as- mer program, but the program has now run by After School Matters volving the culinary, performing, lit- sistance to an organization. Students expanded to include fall, winter, and to high school (ASM). ASM partners with the city erary, and visual arts. The programs are paid 1000 dollars during the spring sessions after school for three of Chicago and offers opportunities at Gallery 37 are split into pre-ap- summer and 500 dollars during the hours a day, three days a week. The students outside of school to teenagers. It is a prenticeships, apprenticeships, and school year for their apprenticeships summer programs run from Mon- non-profit organization that includes advanced apprenticeships. Students and internships. days to Fridays for four hours a day. by Sarah Capungan the Science 37, Sports 37, and Words in these programs are given the “It’s a good first job,” Tolooi said. “I definitely recommend Gallery There are many art programs 37 programs. The programs are cur- opportunity to work with many “My instructors told me that it is re- 37,” Tolooi said. “It’s so much fun open to high school students rently open to teenagers between the well-known artists. Neda Tolooi, ally the best job out there for teens.” and you meet so many people from throughout the summer as well as ages of 14 and 21 who live within Adv.209, is an apprentice at Gallery Aside from the aforementioned all over the city that have similar in- many jobs. Gallery 37 combines the limits of the city of Chicago. In 37 and works with instructors and apprenticeships, Gallery 37 also of- terests as you.” both elements of an art program and 2008, Gallery 37 received the Spirit other students to create movies in its fers its Advanced Arts Education Although it is far from summer a paying job. At Gallery 37 Center of Erikson Institute Award for their video production program. Program for students who are seri- break, students still possess the op- for the Arts students are given an services towards Chicago teenagers. “They are the coolest people ous and devoted to the arts. The pro- portunity to join Gallery 37 during opportunity to develop their artistic The Gallery 37 Center for the you’ll ever meet,” Tolooi said. “They gram provides high school juniors the winter and spring. Students will skills and work with professionals. Arts is located on Block 37, which are instructors of the program for a and seniors with rigorous instruc- develop their artistic skills outside of Aside from gaining experience from is bound by State, Dearborn, Wash- reason and they really know what tion, college counseling, and career Northside. Students will meet new working as apprentice artists, stu- ington, and Randolph streets. The they are doing.” guidance. Representatives from people as well as receive work expe- dents at Gallery 37 are also paid at main building is easily accessible Students at Gallery 37 are also top liberal arts colleges arrive dur- rience and payment for doing what the end of the program. by the CTA as it is located in the given internship opportunities to ing the courses and recruit students they love to do. November 2009 Features  From John Hughes to rhythm and blues Ms. Flanagan reflects on her high school experience by Olutoye Adegboro Before the days of the iPod, Hulu, Facebook, and reality television, there was the era of video cassette tapes, VCRs, and the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” otherwise known as the early 90’s. Most Northside students remember this era as the time when they were speaking their first words, but for Ms. Nora Flanagan, English department, the early 90’s brings back memories of something else: high school. Ms. Flanagan attended Lincoln- Way High School in New Lenox, Illinois. “Lincoln-Way is kind of like any high school in a John Hughes mov- ie,” Ms. Flanagan said. After growing up on the south Ms. Nora Flanagan, English department, is noteworthy for her unique and side of Chicago and moving to sub- upfront personality. Photo by Olutoye Adegboro. urban Frankfurt, Ms. Flanagan dis- numerous school productions, she teaching was a profession she want- covered that high school in the sub- eventually took on a directorial role ed to enter, though the reasons at the urbs was different from the life she for some of the productions. She time were unclear to her. had experienced in the city. also participated in vocal music and “It’s an irony that I became a “I was used to at least the pres- served as an editor for the school’s teacher,” Ms. Flanagan said. “I’m ence of diversity,” Ms. Flanagan literary magazine. As time pro- not really sure how that happened.” said. “I went through a huge culture gressed, she did occasionally have to Though many teens that enter shock when I started high school step away from acting to rest and to high school see it as the four-year and simultaneously moved from the focus on college admissions. period that represents the pinnacle city to the suburbs.” “I was always into drama and of their lives, Ms. Flanagan did not Artwork by Samantha Prestigiacomo. High school proved to be a music but it sort of fell out towards exactly see it in the same light when unique experience for Ms. Flana- the end of high school,” Ms. Fla- she was in high school. up in mortgage payments and job invested in who I am than who ev- gan. Often regarded as a “rebellious nagan said. “My friends and I were “High school is not necessarily stress, and raising kids,” Ms. Flana- erybody else was trying to be and teenager,” she at times found herself generally considered behavior prob- the best four years of your life,” Ms. gan said. “… and teachers should who everybody else thought I was at odds with classmates and teach- lems, so I got suspended and I went Flanagan said. “I think the explo- know that better than anyone, [that supposed to be.” ers. She did, however, find common from an all honors program to [an] sion of disposable income for teens teenagers’] lives are not easy.” Ms. Flanagan believes that a lot ground with a few of her peers and all remedial [program] by the end and the marketing machine that ex- Ms. Flanagan has learned a num- of the things she experienced in high formed friendships that allowed her of high school. A lot can go wrong ists geared directly at teenagers tells ber of things from her high school school influenced her as a person to endure some of the challenges when you don’t feel like you fit.” them that these are the best years of days, but one lesson that stands out and that while high school may not that high school presented. Ms. Flanagan has always had a their life…anatomy, and biology, in particular for her deals with “be- always be the best experience for “I found this core group of love for reading, though one could and psychology, and sociology tell ing yourself.” everyone, one can take home some friends that with whom we were argue that her interest in the sub- us these [can be] four of the hardest “I wouldn’t be who I am if it important life lessons from it. all kind of in agreement that yeah, ject increased dramatically in high years of your life.” weren’t for some of the hard times “I know what I’ve taken with everyone in this high school is rich school. As a teacher, Ms. Flanagan hopes I went through throughout my life, [me through] the good, the bad, and pretty, and obnoxious,” Ms. “I’ve always been a crazy reader,” she can connect with her students by but high school especially,” Ms. and the ugly [of high school],” Ms. Flanagan said, “and so we all stuck Ms. Flanagan said. “I used to get in acknowledging the complexity of Flanagan said. “Those were actu- Flanagan said. “If you have enough together.” trouble for reading in the classes I various aspects of teenage life. ally four of the roughest years I had, friends that are like your family that Ms. Flanagan also found sev- didn’t like.” “I think sometimes grown-ups and it made me who I am. It planted you can even count them on one eral outlets for her creativity in high Ms. Flanagan had her rifts with lose sight of how hard all of that my feet, and it made me a stronger hand, you’re the luckiest person in school. Not only did she star in teachers, but somehow knew that was because as grownups we’re tied person. And it made me way more the universe.”

Northside is not on its way to “The Office” not going to talk to that person Friendships in because that person is in the jock clique’ or ‘That person is one of the the workplace drama people, and we don’t want them in our group,’ and I don’t think by Zobia Chunara that is at all the case with teachers at Northside College Prep is home this school. This is a job, this is my to intelligent scholars, Cubs fans, place of work, and there are people debate kids, Hypnotik dancers, math you tend to spend more time with team kids, athletic Mustangs and because your job entails similar chal- much more. Northisde’s student lenges.” body is made up of many diverse Mr. Tim Devine, social science individuals who collaborate in every department, has noticed some of the class to make the school day produc- teacher groups over the past 11 years. tive. This case also applies to the He describes teachers as having dif- adults who work at this school. ferent interests; some enjoy the same As much as one may think of type of music, novels, sports, shows, their teachers as one-dimensional, and much more. the adults who work at Northside To an extent, however, the groups are individuals who have developed still revolve around teachers’ aca- friendships with one another in the demic disciplines. Teachers talk to workplace. They have formed rela- teachers from different departments tionships with each other which may if they need to discuss something lead students to say that x teacher, y that they want to learn more about. teacher, and z teacher, are a clique Mr. Devine likes to talk to different because they hang out with each people from different departments, other a lot. whether it is about different teaching “Teachers tend to have cliques,” strategies, technology, or education. George Kolovos, Adv. 100, said. Mr. Devine went on to say that “[Ms.Nicole] Flores [math depart- if he ever needed help with arts and ment], [Ms.Lisa] Volesky [science Many teachers can be seen socializing with other faculty members between classes. Photo by Zobia Chunara. crafts, he would talk to Ms. Joanne department], and [Mr. Alexander] Minyo, fine arts department. For Hughes [counseling department] ers in different departments. Some tory office hideout near the second lated topics. sports he would talk to Mr. Chris form one clique. Really, I don’t think students have noticed staff groups, floor atrium. Also, the cleaning la- Those in the same department Pagani, physical education depart- it boils down to teaching in the same but others have not, because many dies like hanging out together. They share rooms with each other. In a ment, or Mr. Michael Heavey, physi- department. [Ms.] Flores and [Ms.] teachers are seen talking to one or kind of have their own little group, way, teachers are constrained to their cal education department. For help Volesky coach volleyball together, two people at a time. which is pretty cool.” sides of the school because of the in technology he would talk to Mr. and that’s one thing that helps them “I don’t really see a lot of cliques Besides working in the same de- close proximity of classes in which Don Yanek, computer science de- connect.” within the staff,” Kat Graden, Adv. partment, common interest unites a particular subject is taught. There- partment. A possibility of friendships in 200, said. “They all seem to get teachers as well. Ms. Flores and Ms. fore, they exchange a few words “One of the great things I’ve seen the workplace comes from teach- along pretty well. Mr. [Randy] Volesky coach volleyball; Mr. Rob- when passing by from one room to about our faculty is that we’re not ter- ers working together in the same Snow[English department] and Ms. ert Albritton, math department, and another in the same department. ribly insular,” Mr. Devine, said. “We department. Those who work for [Ebikepreye] Porri[English depart- Mr. Andrew Stroup, math depart- “I don’t see that as precluding do branch out and find the dynamic a common purpose to discuss and ment] hang out a lot as far as I can ment, coach soccer together. Such any person or another,” Mr. Albrit- sides of everybody. While we are so- share ideas for teaching students will tell. The social science teachers like interest for the same sports allows ton said, “whereas I think cliques cial scientists, English teachers, [or] tend to converse more than teach- to hang out together in that little his- them to share their opinions on re- and teenagers tend to say ‘Oh, I’m scientists, we are human beings with lots of varied interests.”  Features The Hoof Beat “I want people to do good with me,” Are “facebook friends” Karen Li: Northside’s really your friends? ness at all,” Dan Kosmala, Adv. 105, full-time A glance at said, “we are not actually friends, but we know each other and therefore club member human behavior accept each other’s friend requests. I try to make as many friends on Face- extraordinaire by David Chang book for many reasons: homework, On a cold Saturday night, Obaid connections in the future, etc.” by Sarah Schoonhoven Ansari, Adv. 108, logs into his Face- Like Kosmala, many Facebook Every day around 3:30 p.m. there book account. As he checks his users see the value in having contacts are nearly a dozen after-school clubs notifications and updates, he sees with many people in the world. meeting at Northside College Prep. that someone has sent him a friend However, some Facebook users On each of those days, one could request. In curiosity, he clicks the re- try to “friend” as many people they bet on seeing anywhere from three quest and realizes that he has never know for social status, and it has be- to 40 students in each one of those met this person. However, without a come a popularity contest for many. clubs. On any given day, however, train of thought, he adds this person Some users believe that the number one could bet on seeing a particular to his list of friends on Facebook and of friends you have on Facebook re- student in at least one club meeting. continues his long night surfing the veals your reputation and status in This student, Karen Li, Adv. 018, is web. today’s society. in more than her fair share of clubs. The phenomenon of social net- “If you have a lot of friends on As President of two clubs and a working has struck the public’s col- Facebook, that means you are a cool member of five more, Li is very ac- lective nerve by redefining the con- person and that many people like tive in Northside’s community. cept of friendship in this modern you and your personality,” Tae Lee, “I really like managing and orga- age. The word “friend” is defined by Adv. 204, said. nizing events,” Li said. “I don’t like dictionary.com as “a person attached Like Lee, many people love the just being a regular member, because Karen Li, Adv. 018, laughs as a candid shot is taken. Photo by Zobia to another by feelings of affection or fact that they are likeable and loved, then you have to listen to someone Chunara. personal regard.” In Facebook soci- and that may be a reason why they else all the time.” Li is always striving to help others. vice skills to work. So far, she is con- ety, some users often add strangers “friend” as many people as they Li is involved in more than just This idea becomes most apparent sidering schools such as the Univer- and people they hardly know to their can. clubs. She is currently taking four when looking at Li’s involvement sity of Illinois, Northwestern, and list of friends. “I mean, who does not want Advanced Placement classes, in- with two of her clubs, Key Club and the University of Illinois at Chicago. “All the people that are listed in friends?” said Chris Szmurlo, Adv. cluding AP Microeconomics and Operation Fly. Until then, Li will continue her high my Facebook profile as friends are 108. “If you have fewer friends on AP Psychology. According to Li, Operation FLY school career, enjoying her favorite not all my friends,” Jimmy Nguyen, Facebook than another user, this “[Taking difficult courses] really is a service-oriented club that most- things, such as eating Korean Food Adv. 102, said. “A small number of does not mean you are less popular. challenges you, not just homework- ly functions outside of school and and watching “Jurassic Park.” the ‘friends’ in my profile are people It just probably means that you sim- overload wise,” Li said. “It makes works to help the economically dis- “We’re playing the [“Jurassic I just know. I don’t actually hang out ply know less people in society than you think a lot.” advantaged, such as those at home- Park”] theme song in Band, but with them. I just add them because that other user.” Li is also a member of North- less shelters or orphanages. there’s no piccolo part, so I’m just they go to my school or because they Many users, like Szmurlo, believe side’s Advanced Band, where she As for Key Club, Li has many sitting there, listening to everyone are one of my buddy’s friends.” that the number of friends you have plays the flute and piccolo. Li began plans, both for this upcoming school play my favorite theme song, and I Due to social networking web- reveals something about one’s efforts in Northside’s Beginning Band in year and for the years to come. So can’t do anything,” she said. sites like Facebook, Myspace, and in meeting new people. her freshman year. far, participation in the Club’s activi- Aside from occasional musical Xanga, it is easy for users to find According to alexa.com, Face- “One day I was talking to Angela ties has gone up, including activities woes, Li is very laid back. She makes their friends and people they know. book has become the most visited [Cygan, Adv. 011], and we were talk- such as Kiwanis Peanut Day sales sure to make time in her schedule for Instead of the forms of verbal com- website after Google and has be- ing about how much fun it would be and a beach cleanup. As for the fu- the things she enjoys the most, like munication, cyberspace has created come the biggest social networking to play piccolo,” Li said, “so we just ture, Li plans on joining her college helping others. a different mode of communication site in the world. went to Mr. [Mike] Lill [fine arts de- or university’s Circle K program, the “I like taking initiative,” Li said. through e-mail, webcams, and chat- Many users love and adore Face- partment] and asked about it, and I college division of Key Club. “I like doing things where I can get ting. These particular advances in book because it serves as a bridge was the one who followed through.” As for college, Li plans on going other people to help. I like getting technology have increased the com- between people. It allows people Whether in the woodwind section to school to be a social worker, where others to do good with me.” munication between many users, to meet old friends and make new in band or in one of her many clubs, she can put her leadership and ser- including strangers and people they friends. It allows people to upload hardly know. photos and videos of good times, and “On Facebook, it is easy for me enables people to stay in touch for a The best of both worlds? to send a friend request to a person I long time. However, amidst all these barely know because I am not actu- positive attributes, many people feel ing trend, Disney divas are overpow- will have an entire generation of ally talking to him or her in person, that Facebook has forever changed How kid culture ering the music industry, and every little kids who obsess over teen stars and because there is no awkward- the true definition of friends. little girl in America wants to grow instead of cartoon characters. Little is changing up to “follow her dreams,” the only girls swoon over Joe Jonas when problem being that now all these they should still be teasing each oth- thanks due to dreams are the same one. The most er for cooties. Another huge concern popular Halloween costume sold in is that these cultural phenomena are the pop star 2008 for girls, not surprisingly, was being fed to the wrong audience. “Hannah Montana”. The faces of "Personally I do not like them," stereotype these teen stars are plastered onto Jonny Facundo, Adv. 109, said. absolutely everything, reaching from "They're everything that kids look by Samantha Prestigiacomo shoes and notebooks to dog collars up to, and then they end up ruin- Many people look affectionately and toothbrushes. Consumer trends ing their images and kids follow. My back on their childhoods. Kids of are nothing new, and kids who grew sisters follow them, and I cannot do our generation who grew up through up in the 90’s have to admit to the anything to convince them not to." the 90’s still like to remember trad- obsessive purchases of Pokémon One more startling characteristic ing Pokémon cards, feeding their cards and other such phenomena. of the new kid culture is the blatant Tamagotchi digital pets, or watch- The difference is in why these prod- sexism. Instead of portraying the ing classic Nickelodeon shows. Back ucts are appealing. These aren’t toys progressive equality of our society, in the 90’s preteens hovered around designed for kids play, just sparkly the new kid culture present in mod- their televisions, imagining that their drippings from our current idols. The ern toys and shows and music draws lives would be just like those of industry is booming as little girls eat a very thick line between boys and Lizzie McGuire and the kids from up the stardust that falls from their girls. There have always been char- “Boy Meets World”. Everybody idols. They might say it is a success. acters obviously geared towards woke up early for Saturday morn- Considering money, definitely, but boys more than girls and vice versa, ing cartoons. Perhaps it is still a little we need to consider the effects on but the most successful were the early to be so nostalgic for the past, our culture. universal. Miley Cyrus, whether she but the drastic changes taking place “Dream big,” and “follow your planned to or not, acts as a role mod- in the current kid culture raise many dreams,” seem to be the shtick of el for little girls. If their response is questions about where the industry all these stars. It might be positive to to mirror her revealing clothes and is and where it is headed. say that things like that could hap- boy crazy ambitions, then she needs It was easy to see the cultural rip- pen to anybody, that anybody could to take responsibility. ples caused by icons such as Hannah go from everyday to stardom, but in- The effects of kid culture on the Montana once they were thrown stead kids are being told that it does newest batch can’t be seen so clearly into the kiddie-pool. However, it is happens to everybody. The result is just yet. Maybe they will in fact grow difficult to see when exactly the shift a generation of little girls who all up to affectionately remember wear- from wholesome down-to-earth fun want to grow up to be divas. Kid and ing leggings and ruffled skirts while went to “dream big!” and glitter. preteen icons used to be much more singing along to a pop star’s new The stereotype has been created. down-to-earth, promoting respon- song, much the current generation Maybe it started with the success sibility and humility. Even though of teenagers remembers swooning of “Barney” soundtracks and “The Lizzie McGuire made a lot of mis- for boy bands in the late 90’s. On Wiggles,” when music was first in- takes, they always were meant to the other hand, the blind consumer- corporated into kid entertainment. make her more human and relatable. ism could reflect as a generation of It might have even been because of Kids saw these characters make mis- kids unprepared to enter the real the start of Hilary Duff’s music ca- takes and fix them by doing the right world and interactwith each other. reer with Disney, the first incident thing. The kids of today have excess How this all will actually play out where a popular teen actress was amounts of glitter poured into their and whether we should be alarmed created into a pop star. Since then, eyes from the media around them, or not is up in the air. As always, kids every single starring actress needs to but whether or not it will blind them are the future, but today’s younger have a single, or at least sing her own or they will rub it away as they wake children might just be pulling in a theme song. up is uncertain. different future than what their par- The response is everywhere. The The problem is there is a possi- ents worked for. All the world can do pop star image has become a cloth- bility they will not. Then America is wait and see. November 2009 Diversions  Reading books and book readings around the city works late hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. sells. The topics of the lectures range What bookstores Mondays through Saturdays, and widely, from women in politics to 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. It women cooks battling for success. offer besides offers a huge collection of CDs and For updated schedules, visit www. LPs from decades and decades ago. womenandchildrenfirst.com and novels and coffee It is huge and comfortable, home click on the “Events Schedule” link, to hundreds of ceiling-high shelves, or call (773) 769-9299. by Sonya Dekhtyar cozy nooks and corners, and even a I cannot deny that one of my soft-furred adorable cat. And, best Borders greatest regrets throughout the of all, it offers book readings. Lots Various locations past four years has been not having of them. Unfortunately, as good Yeah, yeah, we’ve all been enough time to read a book that isn’t a store as they are for buying and through Borders, whether we required for school. It’s not that I selling olden literature and music, stopped by to find a test prepara- dilly-dally in front of a TV or play- they are not particularly efficient in tion book or only to share stories ing games on the computer – I barely updating their event schedules – but with a friend over a cup of the café’s find time to watch the evening news there are always some lectures and hot chocolate. I’m sure most of you or catch up on my sister’s college- performances to attend! So if you’re know your neighborhood store like life updates as is – but I am realiz- interested, call (773) 862-4882 or vis- the palm of your hand, but there is ing that the time I spend not doing it www.myopicbookstore.com. an extra little something in many of homework I instead use up on danc- the chain’s store you may not have ing or going to various performances QUIMBY’S realized existed: book readings. One with my mother (to “get cultured,” 1854 W. North Avenue store in particular is host to regu- as she says). I was thinking about my For 18 years, Quimby’s has been a lar events whose topics span from future New Year’s resolutions and Borders is familiar to all of us – or is it? Visit your local store for more than just coffee and magazines! Image courtesy of amazon.com. hit spot for buying and selling books, children’s holiday stories to life ad- considered adding this to the list: magazines, music, and films. Deal- vice to global problems. The Borders “I will read at least six non-school- away from entertainment, books, While our tradition of going to ing in a huge spectrum of materials, located at 830 N. Michigan Avenue related books every month, even if performances. But instead of com- these readings has unfortunately from comic books to old LPs, the offers frequent readings, most often I need to stay up all night to finish.” pletely losing your sanity, you try stopped since my youth, the store’s store also hosts readings throughout from authors, journalists, musicians, But just as quickly as I thought that, to make time for an outing or two tradition of presenting them has the year, presenting musicians, art- and poets of national and interna- I dispelled the idea, not because of – and outing to a book reading. The been steadily going on. Every month, ists, poets, journalists, and authors tional fame. Unfortunately, the holi- the number I would promise myself best part is, there are plenty of them. the Lincoln store presents an author, to the public. For a complete list day season has conquered the spirits to read (don’t get me wrong – I adore And they are cheap. Pull your head journalist, poet, artist, or photogra- of events, visit quimbys.com/blog/ and days of the stores, and all the reading for recreation), and not even away from the textbook or TV screen pher to the public – the wide range store-events or call (773) 342-0910, readings during December and part because of the possibility of pulling and head on over to these bookstores of speakers is very representative and for more information on the of January focus on the holidays an all-nighter, but simply because I to get your own share of culture. of the diversity of material offered store itself, visit www.quimbys.com. and all the cheerful glee that comes knew I wouldn’t have the time dur- in the store itself. The Lincoln store By the way, if you find a spare day, along with them. But if you’re inter- ing the day to read, and at night I POWELL’S BOOKSTORE contains the largest rare book room make it a double-whammy: Qui- ested in checking the store’s readings would either fall asleep too quickly 2850 N. Lincoln Avenue and 1501 of all the chain’s shops, so the adven- mby’s is located a block away from out in the new year, visit www.bor- or be shooed off to bed by my caring E. 57th Street turer in you is bound to find some- Myopic Books, so you can always ders.com/online/store/StoreDetail- mother. For as long as I can remember, thing unexpected. The Hyde Park poke your nose into both stores! View_58 or call (312) 573-0564 for So, I thought, what do I do? Sud- Powell’s has been my favorite book- store, though lacking in readings, a complete list of scheduled events. denly it hit me: I could kill two birds store. When I was young, my moth- nonetheless presents an impressive Women & Children First Don’t miss out – here you’ll get a with one stone. If I make time for er used to pack my sister and me into collection of books in most academ- 5233 N. Clark St. chance to hear the stories of some of “getting cultured” by going to vari- our car and drive over to the Lincoln ic disciplines. Before I say more, let me make the best writers in the nation, most ous shows, but I cannot find an hour store, where for hours we would sit For updates on the event sched- one thing clear: this store is not only often for free! And don’t forget to a day to read a book, why not go to atop piles of used and new books or ule, please visit www.powellsnorth. for women and children; males are check with your local Borders to see book readings? After all, I can get my at a little table by the window, read- blogspot.com or call (773) 248-1444. welcome, too. Founded 30 years if they have any readings of their fair share of culture by meeting new ing voraciously and playing trivia To learn more about the stores them- ago, the store seeks to popularize own – call your store for more infor- authors, poets, and journalists from games. Often, we would go there selves, go to www.powellschicago. women authors and feminist litera- mation. all over the world, and at the same to listen to a reading about a book com/index.html. ture, as well as to bring to society’s time I can catch snippets or entire- on any given topic, from cooking to MYOPIC BOOKS forefront questions and concerns Yes, New Year’s is the best time ties of books that I would have liked physics to dance. The atmosphere 1564 N. Milwaukee Avenue about gender relationships and iden- to make vows. Let “attending at least to read anyway. Problem solved. was always cozy, the store was al- Located in the heart of Wicker tities. Aside from its magnificent one book reading a month” be one By now you might be considering ways packed with avid listeners, and Park, Myopic buys and sells old and diversity of books and magazines, of yours. The opportunity is simply the idea that you, too, are stranded the lectures themselves never failed rare books that range from comic the store also offers regular book too available, cheap, and intriguing on an island named SCHOOL, far to impress. books to philosophers’ theses. It readings by authors whose works it to miss. Books to boutiques fect place to go visit and bring back Lincoln Park childhood memories with friends. Wandering through the exhibits offers a motley filled with animals from jungles and forests, one can experience flash- assortment of backs of fun-filled school field trips. A worthwhile event coming up at things you’ll love the zoo is ZooLights, from Novem- ber 27 to January 3, from 5 to 9 p.m. by Bjanka Mujicic Be sure to grab a few friends and For those who have become bored head down to the zoo to drink hot of trekking every weekend to Skokie chocolate, visit the animals and ride to watch a movie at Crown Theaters, the carousel, all under the illumina- have dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings, tion of 1.5 million lights. and then lazily wander home, won- When it comes to shopping, Lin- dering where the day went, they coln Park has a vast range of stores have an obligation to get themselves for all fashion styles. One such a change of scenery. A recommen- store is Shopgirl, located on 1206 dation to remedy the sense of utter W. Webster Avenue, which carries boredom is to explore the Lincoln a variety of high-end designers, in- Park area. cluding 7 for All Mankind, Blue Lincoln Park is not just a park, Cult, and True Religion, as well as but a sprawling cultural and com- many distinctive pieces. The prices mercial center. Measuring 3.19 me- may seem a bit expensive, but when Beautiful parks, cozy cafes, amazing cultural venues, cheap shops – all can be found in Lincoln Park. Photo by ters in diameter, it is bordered on looking to splurge, just know that the Bjanka Mujicic. the north by Diversey Parkway, on perfect pair of jeans resides in this the west by Clybourn Avenue, on cozy boutique. Another great store students have already visited this the south by North Avenue, and on to visit in the Lincoln Park area is museum, but aside from the often- the east by the actual Lincoln Park Akira, located on 2357 N. Clark seen Crossroads of America exhibit, (History of Lincoln Park). One of Street and filled with bright, young new exhibits are frequently held and the most important things about the trends from popular designers, such there is always something fresh and Lincoln Park area is its diversity in as Rock & Republic, Anna Sui, and interesting to see. On display in the culture, architecture, and businesses. L.A.M.B. This store has great decor Costume and Textile Gallery is an The neighborhood, officially estab- and is well-organized. Though prices exhibit on Bertha Honore Palmer, an lished after the Great Chicago Fire range from very inexpensive to quite influential Chicagoan and a brilliant of 1871, is filled with wooden-frame expensive, the clothes are high-qual- example of women’s achievement. houses built at first by house facto- ity and unique. Her clothing and personal items are ry workers but later restored in the Be sure to stop by the park itself. on display, painting the portrait of a 1960s by more modern standards. Located at 2045 Lincoln Park West, fascinating woman. Then, as the property values in the Lincoln Park is interesting and well- area went up, more stately and ex- kept. Over the years many talented If looking for a relief from the pensive houses were built alongside architects, artists, and designers have mundane, the best solution is to dis- previously-existing ones. The juxta- added to its beauty. Take a walk, cover a new place. Lincoln Park is position of architecture is also seen have a picnic and enjoy the scenery. an interesting, vibrant, and unique in the variety of businesses, ranging This park is a nice place to explore neighborhood where students can from up-scale boutiques to small ca- and spend some time in. go shopping in cozy boutiques, en- fes, and the historic buildings situ- Having a bit of educational fun joy nature, and explore intellectual ated throughout the area. is always a good idea and the Chi- interests. The area encompasses a cago History Museum, located at wide range of interests, so visitors The Lincoln Park Zoo, located 1601 N. Clark Street, is a wonderful will surely find something to spark Don’t forget to visit the Lincoln Park Zoo and its majestic creatures while at 2001 N. Clark Street, is the per- place to learn something new. Most their interest. you’re in the neighborhood! Image courtesy of amazon.com.  Centerfold The Hoof Beat Whales and hasenpfeffers and first days of school, oh my “I always have a strange gadgets, and technical problems, it to be. don’t lose sleep over it.” Northside faculty fear of the first day of school,” Mr. which he cannot “lose.” In the same “I have to put everything in a cer- Mr. Coy is a family man when it Arnam said. “Even though I’ve been line but slightly odder, he said that tain order or things have to be lined comes to fears though. share their fears teaching for many, many years, some- he loves neatly organizing and wrap- up,” Mr. Santiago said. “I’m not like “Once you have kids, it’s bizarre how you get ping wires. Striking terror into the a lawyer. Lawyer-style is piles of pa- the things that you start conjuring in and obsessions a little heart of Mr. Solin is no easy task, per on your desk, and you find things your mind about the horrible, horri- unless one is a shopper. on your desk.” ble things that could happen to your by Will Riley “I have a fear of malls. I hate Another of Santiago’s obsessions family,” Mr. Coy said. “I have awful If anyone has ever wanted to going to them,” Mr. Solin said. is that he must clean the entire house scenarios going through my head scare the living daylights out of Mr. “Malls make me think of people as before he does any work at home, all the time of things that I’m wor- Devine, they had better read on. Un- cattle, grazing for a meaningless pur- and if possible he must do all the ried about happening to my family. derstand that teachers get scared, chase.” laundry. Along the same line, he Just all kinds of stupid things, like a too. Instructors like Mr. Devine may Mr. Timothy Devine, social must completely unpack all of his whale dropping out of the sky and appear to the student as fearless be- sciences department, is obsessed bags after traveling on a flight, and eating my children.” ings occupying an alternate universe, with the Chicago White Sox, must do the laundry and vacuum the So Northside’s esteemed instruc- above fear or obsession and defined a fact that was carefully con- luggage bag, outside and inside. He tors do, indeed, have wild fears and by sophistication, expertise, and life sidered for publication due to also must wash the bag’s wheels. obsessions. Teachers are humans, af- experience. Maybe not, but those concerns for Devine’s safety “It’s true. If I don’t get to do that, ter all, and they live life on the same who do see their instructors this way at Cubs fan-laden Northside. the luggage must sit outside of the planet as the rest of the human race. should think again. Almost everyone “I am fearful of hasenpfef- room,” Mr. Santiago said. That is, unless a whale drops out of has some sort of fear or obsession, fers and duck-billed platypi, In contrast with Mr. Arnam, San- the sky and eats one of them. and teachers are no different. Per- which affects my teaching all tiago’s fear is water. haps it haunts them; perhaps it helps day long, especially when “I feel like any body of water is them; perhaps it is crazy or perhaps I imagine my students one step away from killing me,” Mr. it is rational. as hasenpfeffers,” Mr. Santiago said. Mr. Steve Arnam, sciences Devine said. Take Mr. Mike Coy, sciences depart- department, is, not surprisingly, ob- note, AP Government ment, also shared his unique obses- sessed with water. Diving and surf- students. sion. ing are two of his biggest passions, Mr. Chris Santiago, fine arts de- “I have a weird obsession with and he says it makes his teaching anxiety-ridden that first day of school.” partment, outweighs his colleagues tiles and floors, specifically where better. After initially claiming that in sheer amount of obsessions. For there are tile patterns,” Mr. Coy said. he is afraid of nothing whatsoever, Mr. Jeff So- lin, computer sciences de- one, he cannot do any work until the “I feel the need to always see if I can the would-be macho man did make space that he is working in is com- fit my foot in between certain pat- a revealing admission. partment, also has an obsession ap- propriate for his career: technology, pletely organized the way he wants terns. But it doesn’t ruin my day; I Doing the Monster Mash throughout time of all of these beasts is that they are yet remained unasked. The issue as regard for human life. What makes a part creature, but also part human. to why society has preferred mon- Many Northside students are of mon- Since those times, the focus ap- sters such a bloodsuckers, fair folk, the opinion that serial killers may ster’s monster pears to have shifted. The novel and lycans, things that only look hu- even be scarier than a real monster, evolution, “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley is man but are not, lies in a psychologi- one with claws and fangs and super- each one, will by Krystn Collins one example of this change, and the cal aspect regarding fear itself. natural powers. have its own little Throughout history, there have book’s monster illustrates a human “I think it’s creepier if a mon- “Those kinds of movies freak me niche in popular been monsters, and it is no secret being as the creature to be feared. ster looks like you,” Emily Tran, out,” Jessica Tapia, Adv. 010, said. culture. that all cultures of people from all Several others followed Shelley’s Adv. 105, said. “That way, you can’t “I mean, if the guy killing everybody “No type of mon- over the world have creatures in their example, and the types of monsters know just by looking if something is is, or was, a normal guy, it kind of ster’s ever completely myths and their legends that person- that were mostly human, at least going to eat you and you only find implies that it could happen to any- gone,” Casapao said. “We ify evil and darkness. However, the in appearance, and portrayed the out once it’s too late.” one.” still talk about the Franken- monsters’ origins are not as widely absolute worst of human behavior This ideal of the humanoid mon- Other students strongly concur. stein monster, and vampires, talked about, nor is how monsters succeeded. Vampires, fairies, and ster being scarier than a bestial mon- “Your best friend could go totally and werewolves, and all that. have changed since they were cre- werewolves have all been popular ster does not stand alone in the halls crazy at any second and start hack- Sure, there’s not as many ated. monster stock in society. of Northside, in additional regard to ing off body parts with no warning,” movies and stuff coming out In earlier human history, mon- “You can’t turn your head these the concept of the sociopathic serial Casapao said. “It could happen for them these days, but those sters were often such things as de- days without someone publishing killer. There have been several films to your family, your friends, your guys are classic. Even if they’re mons and fairies. As an example a vampire novel or movie,” Lauren featuring such monsters, including neighbors, people you talk to every no Jigsaw or Michael Myers of only a few, the ancient Greeks Casapao, Adv. 104, said. “They’re Halloween, Texas Chainsaw Massa- day, and any one of them could be for shock value, they’d still be believed in such creatures as cen- everywhere.” cre, and the Saw franchise, in which some sort of psycho maniac. That’s enough to get a scream out of taurs, satyrs, and what are nowadays The question of why monsters the antagonist of the film is simply messed up.” someone if you met them in a known as merfolk. A common trait are everywhere, however, has as of a human being who has little to no Regardless of the reason for the dark alley.” A look into the dark side: what is kept in the shadows being genetic and learned. and we can see this in classical con- bert, and weeks later the baby The mysterious “I believe that fear is both ge- ditioning.” showed his terror of the rat netic and learned,” Mr. Chuck Mil- The evolutionary theorists be- as it neared him. Albert roots of fear bert, social sciences department, lieve that fear is genetic and that the also showed fear of things said. “We see capacity to experience fear is adap- that resembled the rat such by Jamilah Alsharif tive. A study, conducted by members as feathers, fur coats, and Everyone fears some- of the Department of Experimen- rabbits. Like baby Albert, thing. In studies it has tal Abnormal Psychology and a people dread things with been observed that member of the Community Mental certain characteristics of the when shown scary Health Centre, showed that anxiety things they are scared of. faces or con- in children was associated with the Some people do not know if fronted with anxiety of their parents. Both the they should forever avoid their fear frightening children and parents filled out a and live dreading it or face it and try situations, Fear Survey Schedule for Children to tear it down. There are techniques people re- (FSSC), and parents rated the extent that can be used to overcome fears spond with to which they generally expressed but it is advised to deal with these increased fears to their children. The study situations under the supervision of activ- showed that the parent’s fears influ- experts since they may cause psy- ity in the enced the child’s fears. In Abnormal chological trauma. One technique amygdala, Psychology it states that in the clini- is called ‘flooding’ where a person is the brain cal field, the idea that fear is genetic forced to face his fears head-on. structure has been rejected by many biological “It’s like pushing someone down responsible and other theorists. The fact that it is a ski slope,” Mr. Milbert said. for process- difficult to research makes it a con- Another way of overcoming ing negative troversial theory. fears is by using the technique of emotions. The theory that fear is learned is systematic desensitization. A type People’s re- just as controversial, but Journal of of classical conditioning, systematic sponses to fear Experimental Psychology tells of an desensitization takes someone step vary. The degree experiment conducted in 1920 by by step into facing their feared stim- can range from John B. Watson assisted by Rosalie ulus. One acquires relaxation skills simple caution to ex- Rayner that gave reason for this be- to overcome situations where one treme paranoia. Fear lief. The experiment used classical is gradually exposed to the phobic is shown through fa- strong conditioning, the combination of a object until he can tolerate it. Some- cial expressions and evi- neutral stimulus with another stimu- one afraid of snakes would look at other emotions. Heart dence lus to evoke a certain emotion from a snake from a distance, then from beats quicken and blood for someone. Baby Albert, who was 11 a closer distance, until he is able to seems to rush through the fear of months, was exposed to a number stand next to or even touch a snake body and up to the face leav- heights of animals. He showed no panic as a without suffering a panic attack. ing one cold for most peo- being rabbit, rat, dog, and monkey moved Whatever way people choose to ple. Fear impacts and may geneti- toward him, but instead leaned in overcome their fears, it is possible remain with individuals as cally based. to touch them. John B. Watson de- to do so without therapy. The tech- nightmares. How fears form in There are cided to make a loud noise by hitting niques have shown to be successful a person is still being investigated, other fears a steel bar with a hammer whenever at eliminating fears of children as although, there are theories of fear that are learned the rat was touched by baby Al- well as adults. November 2009 Centerfold  Cleaning out skeletons from your closet faced with this problem every day: ity. Many students fear how they nior students, the fear lessons, and experi- Students reveal the problem of dealing with an en- will fare in their high school classes. of how they will ence of yesterday during fear or obsession. The battle Other students are concerned about perform in only to have suste- their fears and between a student and that which the homework load and balancing the nance through the re- lurks deep inside the “closet” is a it with their other commitments. makes, myths, and “déjà obsessions fight that can be won by assessing Many are worried about how this vous” of today what it is that one may be afraid of will affect their chances “Ever since I saw that ‘Su- by Nelson Ogbuagu or obsessed with, and finding a per- of getting into persize Me’ movie, I’ve never As people mature in life, becom- manent solution to make sure that their looked at fast food the same,” ing the toddlers, kids, and adoles- whatever it is that is in hiding, stays pre- Mohammed Khaja, Adv. 205, cent teenagers of today, certain oc- in hiding. said. “It’s so hard to eat with friends currences and events may trigger a “The fact that I haven’t overcome when we go to places like that. I’ve strange and unusual emotional re- my fears has kept me from doing a competi- been the coolest of people to my sponse, that, whether aware of it or lot of different things that a lot of my tion against fast-food servers.” not, will follow that person through friends tell me are pretty awesome,” others for a position There are the fears so unique that their entire high school career and Huy Nguyen, Adv.208, said. in that college of their students believe that they are the maybe the rest of their lives. Unique For a high school student, choice follows them, almost only ones with them. These are fears and profound needs to perform a these horrific fears and obses- controlling everyday decisions that they would speak of and receive certain task one way or an intense sions come in different forms. as the thought of how it will affect laughter from their audience, in dis- terror about something plagues stu- These vary from student to their academic future rests in the belief of what they had just heard. dents, causing them to operate in student and may consist of “I’m very afraid of peanut butter ferred back of the minds. peculiar ways in the at- tempt common fears of life in sticking to the roof of my mouth,” college. “Since I’ve to avoid this terri- fy- high school and aca- Luis Mesa, Adv. 207, said. “The Particu- started ing “thing.” demic prosper- weird thing is that it’s just peanut In one way larly for ju- butter. And everybody loves pea- or another, nior and nut butter.” stu- se- And from these fears, a pow- dents erful obsession is born. These are obsessions, derived from the need to combat a certain fear that one may have in order to relieve that stress or anxiety, slowly picks at its victim un- high til he has no choice but to succumb school, to the desires of this intense obses- I’ve been sion. Many high school students feel deathly afraid of that they have strange obsessions to epically failing in which they cannot help but enter- all of my classes,” tain. Vicky Inojosa, “I’m really obsessed with tex- Adv. 201, said. ting,” Kat Graden, Adv. 200, said. “Even now that “I ran my bill over 500 dollars, but I’m passing, I’m now that I have unlimited, there’s no still scared.” stopping these thumbs.” Many incoming Some of these obsessions are so freshman are haunted strong that many students often refer by the fear of high school to it as “OCD” (obsessive-compul- Fear transitioning. They wor- sive disorder). ry about how their so- “My OCD is that, for some rea- cial life will be, how son, I can’t write on line-less paper,” many people they Javier Rodriguez, Adv. 202, said. will meet, and what “The crookedness just makes me feel people will think way too uncomfortable, and if I have about them. to, I put line paper underneath.” “When I first They think that as these stressful came to North- and aggravating monsters rear their side, I was scared heads, it is only fitting that they cre- that I’d stand out ate a method of ridding themselves because of all of this entity. the stereotypi- “Anytime I get extremely scared, cal things that I always try to think of something I’ve heard not so scary like hamburgers,” Gi- & about the bran Mendez, Adv. 205, said. “But school,” Ify I usually end up getting hungry, dis- Ndukwu, tracted from whatever I was doing Adv.309, and I hate that.” said. “But These obsessions tend to distract now I know that I don’t students from the task at hand, blind- need to feel that way just ing them to that which is of more because I’m black.” importance at that moment. Sometimes, however, The challenge of coping with a students are faced with fear and obsession is a difficult one. fears that they consider to Many students feel as if this war will be deep, dark and depress- never be won and that their fear will ing. The fears that were cre- follow them like a shadow. Ultimate- ated long ago have man- ly, it is up to the student to develop a aged to follow them for way of making fear his victim and Obsession most of their lives. Fears finally rid himself of the monster that were born from movies, lurking deep in the closet. Are you afraid of the dark? Maybe you should be... lose its powerful previously mentioned (http://www. ing a scary movie, the physiological presence in their cbc.ca/news/background/psychol- response to fear is activated, caus- A unknown. lives. For a timid ogy/fear.html). ing a rush of adrenaline through the However, person, putting The fascination with Hallow- body. However, there is not actually peak into human ob- fears out into the een has become so widespread and any real stress or danger present, and session with open and losing the popular because people are able to the rush of adrenaline instead cre- why people fear is universal line between real life and experience fear without the real dan- ates a natural high for the viewers. and always present. For fear would cause perpetual stress ger, celebrating its huge influence Adrenaline junkie is an appropriate are so fascinated individual reasons, people and horror, so they keep their fears for one month every year. Horror term because, for these people, fear keep their everyday lives and up on a pedestal safe away from movies are one way the celebration does in fact act similarly to a drug. by the freaky their focus on fear separate, and the everything else. For a thrill-seeker, is channeled. People enjoy the thrill Starting with scary stories and mov- only difference between Halloween taking their fears down from this of these films, but would not enjoy ies, people get high off of their fear. by Samantha Prestigiacomo and any other time is that we are not pedestal and onto the same level as them if there were any actual physi- Like any addictive drug, the famil- During the first few days of Oc- trying to disguise the obsession any everyday life would take away the cal threat. This controlled fear is iarity with inducing fear this way be- tober, most people will have prob- longer. Why we feel the need to hide special rush and thrill they elicit. responsible for modern human fas- comes boring and lessens the thrill, ably noticed the graves sticking out it at all seems to be the mystery. Fear is both a physical and emo- cination with fear, starting with the so they seek fear in increasingly dan- of everybody’s lawns, the influx of Obsession with fear usually tional response to danger, gained telling of ancient legends and lead- gerous ways, creepy movie commercials, and the breaks people up into two catego- over time through evolution as a ing to more recent ghost stories, all This might not be true of every- warped faces covering every square ries. There are those who shy away necessity: to recognize and survive building up to the modern horror body, and the wide range of fears inch of the city. In the weeks leading from any frightful situation, afraid dangerous situations. When a danger film. and the reasoning behind them will up to Halloween every year, a focus of being afraid, and thrill-seekers, is detected, large amounts of adren- The category of people who shy never create any actual immunity to is put on the human fascination and also appropriately called adrenaline- aline are produced to prepare the away from any fear at all might still fright. For as long as human kind attraction to fear. To somebody un- junkies. Even though these person- body for battle or for running away not enjoy this induced fright, but for has existed, the mysterious, the un- familiar with the cultural phenome- ality traits are always present, they from it. This physical response, usu- thrill-seekers, horror movies and the known, the unexpected, and the non, it might come across as strange stay hidden to avoid interfering ev- ally referred to as “fight or flight”, Halloween industry have effectively painful have captured the imagina- or even disturbing to see people so eryday life with fearful experiences. happens to everybody, but results created an entire culture to support tions of mankind, in varied ways, comfortable with the frightful and Joining the two would cause fear to in the different emotional responses their search for thrills. While view- and they always will. 10 A&E The Hoof Beat Mobile mastery at the Museum of Contemporary Art works like “Cleopatra,” and some that leave much to the imagination Alexander Calder of his other paintings. Although the of the viewers. highlights of his artistic works are At the MCA, Calder’s works are exhibit opens at the free-moving mobiles he invented narrowed to a select few for display. MCA and introduced to the world as an “Cat” is the epitome of Calder’s art art form, some of Calder’s works on form. Made up of geometric shapes display use different mediums, such and identifiable metal objects cut into as paint, pencil, photography, and crude figures, Calder arranges them by Timothy Suh paper. beautifully to create a natural scene When touring around down- All of Calder’s works contain ab- of a prowling cat. “Little Face” is a town, the various art pieces clut- stract elements like eyes, spirals, and clean and simple work that is made tering the streets, whether painted irregular shapes. However, Calder’s up of car parts. Slightly tilted and cows, face fountains, or just a big ingenuity is his ability to arrange the slowly moving, the pieces are strung bean, are often overlooked among shapes to create something almost to balance perfectly on a wire frame the bustling streets and vivid noises familiar in the eyes of others. He and convey simple beauty. Other and sights of the city. But, near adapted geometric shapes into na- sketches and paintings on display Dearborn and Jackson, one will ture scenes, like falling snowflakes in the exhibit continue to reflect his come across a long-familiar sight or a clear blue sky. Another striking love for presenting the abstract and at the Federal Plaza that is seldom aspect of his work is his mechanic strange in a natural manner. One of acknowledged – the vermilion metal awareness of his intricately designed his drawings, “Cleopatra,” shows a twistings of “The Flamingo,” a sta- mobiles. Each mobile is balanced coarsely drawn Cleopatra that re- tionary structure presented to the and connected in a way that allows sembles nothing of the Cleopatra City of Chicago as a gift by Alexan- the individual pieces to spin and from lore, but still entrances the oth- der Calder. Calder is famous for his move by themselves from the air er subjects of the painting. Through invention of the mobile, a sculpture currents in the room. It is from these various mediums, whether clearly or made from hanging rods that bal- mobiles that Calder became well subtly, Calder shares his ideas and ance each other, and his uses of it in known, bringing in a revolutionary emotions in an effective manner. his art. Recognized as an innovator idea that combined his interests in The Museum of Contemporary in experimenting with abstract and wire sculpture and kinetic art. Art has planned to end the exhibit in kinetic art, many of Calder’s works Despite the mobiles that define February 2010, so visitors only have are currently on display at the Mu- his artistic career, Calder also ex- a few months left to experience the seum of Contemporary Art (MCA) perimented with “stabiles,” self-sup- Calder’s renowned art and style and on Chicago Avenue. porting not-moving sculptures. “The be moved by the mobiles spinning This exhibit has been an an- Flamingo” is an example of a stabile, slowly in a white room that embod- nual exhibit at the MCA since its a sculpture with abstract shapes and ies the beauty of simplicity. The Mu- inception in July 2007. A display intricacies. Calder created many oth- seum of Contemporary Art is free of Calder’s development over his er similar sculptures throughout his on Tuesdays and open from 10 a.m. 50-year career, the exhibit contains career, often as gifts to various cities to 8 p.m. The museum is also open some of his trademark pieces, such as and corporations to be displayed on from Wednesday to Sunday and has “Polychrome and Horizontal Blue- their grounds. These stabiles are of- a suggested admission of $12 with a Alexander Calder’s exhibit hilights many of his works, including his bird,” as well as some lesser-known ten given deceptively simple names $7 special price for students. famous mobiles. Image courtesy of amazon.com. “Let’s get Freshii” “The future’s just begun” wraps, served on a flatbread. The Tom Kaulitz’s epic guitar riffs and lyrics right from the beginning. The Freshii brings Steakhouse Wrap comes with steak, A review of the electronic overlapping voice of construction of lines that are sung, lettuce, red peppers, portabella Bill Kaulitz creates a very futuris- directly rhyme each other on the in- healthy food to mushrooms, onions, blue cheese, Tokio Hotel’s tic atmosphere as he sings about troduction and throughout the song and dressing. The steak is moist and new album artificial love but still not wanting give off the same effect as an army- Water Tower flavorful, but does not overpower the to forget them. He expresses those like anthem of independence. wrap by any means. The vegetables “Humanoid” feelings when he sings the opening The final song on the record, Place are there for a reason, and they actu- lyrics, “You’re automatic, and your “Zoom into Me”, is a similar bal- ally add flavor to the wrap. This sets heart’s like an engine. I die with lad like Tokio Hotel’s song “By Freshii apart from its competitors, every beat/ You’re automatic, and Your Side” off their 2008 album, who usually choose flavor over nutri- by Diana Obracaj your voice is electric/ Why do I still “Scream.” Though the same un- by Matt Glodz tion and quality of ingredients. Al- Since their last album, “Scream,” believe?” Though very energetic, this dertone, this song is a lot more “Let’s eat without regret.” though the junk-food lover may find fans have been longing to hear what song has a deep subliminal message emotional and expressive because Finding healthy dining options the fare a bit bland, Freshii manages the German-born rock stars have that although many things in life are of Bill Kaulitz’s alternating speeds can be a challenge for those in a to balance both nutrition and flavor. been creating, and now, a year later, automatic, love should not be one of and pitches. In the beginning he hurry, but Freshii, the new hidden Other wraps on the menu include it is finally here. Tokio Hotel’s new them. sings as if he were whispering, giv- gem at the Water Tower Place, pro- the Vegan, Buffalo Chicken, Cobb, album, “Humanoid” was released One of the slowest songs of the ing off a scared feeling but then goes vides just that. Tucked away on the and best-selling Tuna Garden Wrap. in the United States on October bunch as well as the longest, “World into a very sharp, strong chorus that ground level below the food court, “Let’s take the whole lunch hour. 6.The songs on this record provide Behind my Wall” is a ballad of hope- sounds distressed and worried, as Freshii serves up satisfyingly healthy Let’s slow down.” fans a wide variety of emotions and ful lyrics sung by Bill Kaulitz’s an- if his only want in life is to save all food at a reasonable price. It even Freshii’s brown rice bowls are an- instruments from track to track, re- gelic soprano voice, accompanied by lost souls of the world, such as in has its own set of mantras when it other way to load up on carbs, and paying fans hungry for more Tokio Georg Listing’s piano playing. The the refrain, “When the world cuts comes to foods that are reflected in this heaping dish just may require Hotel. The members of the band are “whoa oh’s” and soft, slow pitches your soul into pieces and you start the menu. an hour to digest. The Bliss Bowl twins Bill and Tom Kaulitz on vo- in the refrain when he desperately to bleed. When you can’t breathe, I “Let’s throw caution to the wind is a mix of brown rice, red peppers, cals and guitar respectively, Gustav sings, “The sun will shine like never will be there. Zoom into me.” This and order the onions.” tomatoes, onions, avocado, mush- Schafer on bass, and Georg Listing before/ One day I will be ready to is appropriately the last song on the Freshii’s menu should be viewed rooms, and goat cheese topped with on drums, incorporated many new go, see the world behind my wall,” record and wraps up all the emotions more as the list of suggestions rather olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The electronic sounds to their already create a masterpiece that touches the of the album in one song. than the set of options. Diners get olive oil is used sparingly and does hard rock style are similar to AFI soul of the listener and pulls him or Tokio Hotel’s new CD “Human- a clipboard where they can write in not make the dish greasy, while the and Cinema Bizarre but as unique as her into the heart of the singer. This oid” still incorporates their same any of Freshii’s menu items, or they vinegar adds a subtle punch. This Bill Kaulitz’s insane vampire-Goth song, along with “Zoom into Me,” style but is more dynamic and com- can customize their own salad, wrap, all-in-one meal is savory and well fashion. provides for the listener a good bal- plex Incorporating hard electric gui- bowl, or burrito by simply checking balanced, providing a good option The first song on the album, ance of electric, pop rock songs and tar riffs and pounding drums, but off the ingredients they want. Orders for those on the run. “Noise,” starts off with a single slow sympathetic ballads. also more techno elements, such as are prepared on the spot and can Chicken Teriyaki, Salmon, and a electric guitar and goes into a deep Moving forward to the seventh overlapping voices and synthesiz- take a few minutes to come out, but Warrior Chicken bowls are among chord with piano, bass, and drums track, “Pain of Love” has a very ers is what makes the music excit- the wait is definitely worth it. the others Freshii can prepare. providing a smooth, yet sinister memorable hard rock chorus be- ing experience. Since the lyrics on “Let’s eat things that make us feel “Let’s eat and sit.” melody. The chorus is reminiscent cause of Bill Kaulitz’s rigid high- this album are a lot more emotional good.” There is just one slight problem of their previous song, Scream, with pitched vocals and heavy accompa- and sung in a wider range of vocals, The Fiesta Salad is one of with that statement. Freshii’s store- lyrics that say, “Make some noise/ niment of guitar and drums. Overall Bill Kaulitz lets the listener really Freshii’s best-sellers, and this comes front is hip and bold, but its small Here on earth/ Noise, to the world/ it has a very dark undertone because tap into his heart and mind with his as no surprise. Freshii’s signature location does not have room for seat- Noise, for all the things you believe of the repetitive drums and the over- music. Humanoid provides music mix of lettuce is tossed with Cajun ing. Though tables are available on in/ “Noise.” It has an anthem-like lapping of Bill Kaulitz’s voice. for old fans and new fans, as offers chicken, diced tomatoes, corn, black Water Tower’s mezzanine level, they sound to it because of the repetition, The next song, “Dogs Un- something to fans of groups such as beans, avocado, shredded cheese, are often limited during busy hours. as well as the entire group singing leashed”, is the most unique of the Blaqk Audio, Cinema Bizarre, AFI, and ranch dressing. The avocado Aside from that minor shortcoming, on the word “Noise”. The chorus in bunch due to its different synthesiz- and even Shiny Toy Guns. There is almost melts in your mouth, creat- Freshii is a unique dining concept the end of the song provides a highly ers and techno beats, and brings the something to cry to, to dance to, and ing a smooth texture, and the ranch and is definitely worth a try. energized atmosphere that leaves the listener back to a 80’s-esque beat. even head-bang to. Without a doubt, dressing adds a kick of flavor. The listener with an empowered feeling. The fast-paced beats and synthesiz- Humanoid is a step up from Tokio careful choice of ingredients results The second song, “Dark Side of ers support the meaning of the song, Hotel’s previous album and this al- in a divine, filling dish that, when the Sun”, has a very energetic beat, of being free and independent as bum is one in which all fans can find made with low-fat ranch dressing, is with its pounding repetitive drums unleashed dogs being “out of con- something to relate. actually healthy and guilt-less. The and fast guitar riffs that complement trol, full of dreams, nobody knows, portion is large enough to split into Bill Kaulitz’s high range of vocals unleashed”. Like many songs of the two meals, and all salads are served right from the beginning of the song. album, the song “Dogs Unleashed”, with a few slices of whole-wheat It instills a very head-strong atmo- creates lyrics and beats that stay in flatbread. sphere into the listener because of the listener’s head long after they are Some of Freshii’s other salad op- Kaulitz’s meaningful lyrics such as heard. tions include Antioxidant crunch, in the refrain, “Hello!/ We’re still The tenth song on the record, Asian Chop, Centurion, and the standing here/ The Future’s just be- “Hey You,” follows the same beat Mediterranean. gun/ On the dark side of the sun.” It as “We Are the Champions” by “Let’s love cucumbers. Let’s em- instills drive into the listener as they Queen, but is a lot more sinister and brace mushrooms.” play this very moving song. Not hard rock-sounding. This song is the Those looking for some long- real epitome of an anthem because of its term energy in the form of carbohy- Freshii offers a wide variety of deli- The third song and first single on overlaying background locals during Tokio Hotel put out a great album. drates can indulge in one of Freshii’s cious foods. Photo by Matt Glodz. their record is titled “Automatic.” the refrain and emotionally powerful Image courtesy of amazon.com. November 2009 A&E 11 Do not be fooled by Oh Henry! the raunchy title… Country revival or naïve cry? the “Snogging Scale” are frequently by Alice Henry no eating disorders, and no value- play on the dreams of the perfect The final novel in mentioned throughout the novel. Country music has become decaying issues that every parent teenage relationship a girl has. In- While the novel is amusing, the hu- overrated. The buzz behind new wishes for in their children’s idols. stead of some typical country lyrics the “Confessions mor does not match that of the first stars with country roots and so-so What is surprising is that these that wallow in the sorrows of lost of Georgia few novels in the series. guitar rifts just makes no sense. For girls have found a following not love, these lyrics play on the fantasy Although the book is supposed years now, if asked what their mu- only in tween music, but in teenag- love story girls chase as children, Nicholson” series to be Nicholson’s diary, entries are sic tastes were, many would answer, ers and young adults as well. The and generally replace with reality written minutes apart from one an- “Everything but country.” So, stop switch on a Top 40 station from the as teenagers. Granted there are the is published other. In the first few novels in the se- before you are ahead. Do not try likes of Lil’ Jon or Soulja Boy to few songs that do go back a bit to ries, Georgia’s diary entries are writ- to extend your childhood through Swift is quite the jolt. When North- more typical, country, that-boy- ten around twice a day in long time fairy tale songs from teenage coun- side played Swift as the hall music, will-totally-regret-it lyrics. To reach intervals. “Are These My Basoomas try stars; the guitar is not worth it. there were never so many people a large, dedicated fan base, artists by Regine Sarah Capungan I See Before Me?” chronicles only Chicago seemed immune to such singing along while walking to their need to create songs girls will dance “Are These my Basoomas I See three weeks of Georgia’s life which a country infiltration, but appar- classes. It seems everyone, boys and around their rooms singing, and Before Me? The Final Confessions signals Rennison’s attempt to keep ently if songs are played on the Top girls, have fallen in love with these there are few better ways to do so of Georgia Nicholson” by British the series long-lived and keep her a 40 radio stations, everyone will love country girls. other than to combine sweet inno- author Louise Rennison is the tenth teenager. them. There is nothing wrong with Swift even seems surprised at cence with past dreams. Lyrics like and final novel of the popular teen- Since the series takes place in the liking country, but a sudden shift her own success in the ranks of pop “And he said, ‘Our love is the slam- age book series, the “Confessions of United Kingdom, British words and from despising country in popular culture. While accepting her Best min’ screen doors, sneaking out Georgia Nicholson.” The series re- phrases are used throughout the nov- culture to embracing it with open Female Music Video award at the late, tappin’ on your window,’” are volves around the diaries of Georgia el. Aside from these British words, arms was an unexpected change. Video Music Awards (VMAs), she what dreamers feed on, after all. Nicholson, a fictional teenage girl the novel also contains many words Granted, country snuck in and up hinted that as a country singer she It is time for the wake-up call, from the United Kingdom. and phrases invented throughout the through the cracks of Disney-star- had never expected to win, in part dreamers. Whether in chick flicks, Thoughout the “Confessions of series by Georgia. An example of dom, and with a pop-synthetic spin because by winning, she was the pop-country lyrics, or Disney mov- Georgia Nicholson,” Georgia meets this includes the word “Basoomas,” on it by creating the show Hannah first country artist to win a VMA. ies, your dream has been manufac- and falls in love with three differ- which is present in the title of the Montana. Billy Ray Cyrus’s “achy, “I sing country music,” Swift tured for you. Generally teenage ent boys; Robbie “the original Sex novel and is used to describe a pair breaky heart” must be so proud. said upon accepting the award, “so relationships are not the makings God,” Dave “the Laugh,” and Ma- of breasts. For the convenience and One positive for country’s rise thank you so much for giving me a of a Prince Charming story. Even simo “the Italian Luuurve God.” amusement of the reader, an includ- into pop music is the wholesome chance to win a VMA award.” though your friend knows someone In Rennison’s ninth novel, “Stop! ed glossary at the end of the novel ex- teenage idols it is publicizing. Sing- Since the twang of the country whose cousin found the love of his In the Name of Pants!” Robbie has plains these words and phrases. The ers such as Taylor Swift and Car- guitar just seems too unappealing to life at 14 does not mean you will gotten together with a girl known to end of the novel includes a “Great rie Underwood serve as icons that most people’s music tastes, the re- too. Regardless of whether you belt Georgia as “Wet Lindsay.” Masimo, Mates Scale,” which is a scale that have not led their lives astray and cent popularity must stem from the it out in a cute song or not, it is how Georgia’s current boyfriend, is upset rates how good of a friend someone screwed with pressures from the lyrics. The pop sounds mixed with you lead your life that decides your with Georgia for dancing with Dave is. Also included is an explanation media (not yet anyways). The girls innocent country rifts are catchy dreams. A little country here and at a concert. In “Are These My Ba- on “The Brethren of Angus,” or in- are the cookie cutouts of what ev- enough for the lyrics of the songs there cannot hurt, but if you wince soomas I See Before Me?” Georgia formation on the breed of Georgia’s ery parent wants their children to to be publicized. If the music was at the guitar twangs yet tolerate the must choose between Masimo and cat Angus, the Scottish Wildcat. listen to, enjoy, and idolize. They more classically country, without lyrics, move on to music with the Dave. However, it is obvious which Although Georgia is sixteen value family, sing about tasteful and the pop additions, they would not music you love and the lyrics you boy Georgia will choose throughout years old in this final installment innocent relationships, and give off have gained such popularity. The relate to. the entire series. of the series, she fails to show any the general aura of no substances, song lyrics are generally sweet and “Are These My Basoomas I See maturity in the book. She continues Before Me?” includes many hu- to date for shallow reasons, pulls im- morous events and comments that mature acts, and does not treat her were lacking in the last few novels family well. Despite this, Georgia’s in the series. The final novel also immaturity becomes a recurring joke “Fumbling, stumbling, and retains many of the recurring jokes thoughout the series and adds to the in the series such as the craziness humor of the final novel. of Georgia’s cat, the analysis of The content of “Are These My mumbling” to get your clothes off the phrase “See you later,” as well Basoomas I See Before Me?” is not as many inventions of the Georgia deep or philosophical material but “Get U Home” and her group of friends. In previ- rather a funny teenage romantic brings late-night ous novels, Georgia and her friends comedy. The material and dialogue invented the “Viking Disco Inferno” of the series is original in the entirety club sex into the dance which they perform as backup and is present throughout the final dancers for Masimo and Robbie’s novel. The reader will be left laugh- light of day band, The Stiff Dylans. Georgia and ing out loud by the end of the novel. her friends also invented the “Snog- “Are These My Basoomas I See Be- ging Scale,” a scale that measures fore Me?” is a sweet and humorous the “levels” of snogging, or kissing. read that leaves a notable impres- by Evan Rogers Both the “Viking Disco Inferno” and sion. Following up their successful 2008 singles, “Buzzin’” and “Co- rona and Lime,” musicians Shwayze and Cisco Adler released their third major collaboration, “Get U Home,” to great hype and expectations. The song serves as the preview single for Shwayze’s upcoming sophomore al- bum, “Let it Beat,” arriving in stores on November 3. “Get U Home” encompasses many of the same elements as the duo’s past songs, with Shwayze spewing sexual off rhymes and Adler delivering a magnificent cho- rus. This single differs from its pre- decessors, however, with its notably faster tempo, adding a more down- town party feel in favor of the relax- ing summer mood of “Buzzin’.” The song essentially tells the same story with different lyrics, again focusing on a man’s sexual chemistry with various women. Except this time, they actually have sex. At a club. In a bathroom. “Up against a dirty wall.” With the occasional female panting sound added in. Yes, it’s that kind of song. Whereas “Buzzin’” used eu- Shwayze’s new album is filled to the brim with sexual themes, down to phemisms for intercourse, “Get U its cover. Image courtesy of amazon.com. Home” dives straight in unapologet- taking them as far as “up against it sounds. Adler carries the song; ically. No time is wasted; the song’s somebody’s car” but never quite ar- Shwayze is merely there for filler first line immediately set the tone riving at home. They flirt a bit with and sexual innuendo. If anything, with “she look like sex, drugs, rock “[Our lips] part, you say I’m hand- the song should be billed as Cisco and roll,” seemingly the greatest some, I start to say I know, that’s Adler featuring Shwayze, not simply compliment possible in the context when she pulled out my handgun.” Shwayze. While all of the songs from of the song. From there, he suggests Again, you know what that means. Shwayze’s upcoming solo album fea- that she shuffle his Nano, an obvi- He shoots it. ture Adler, he has obviously learned ous euphemism for – well, you know Surprisingly, Adler’s chorus, fea- how to ride a better musician’s coat- what it means. The song continues turing lyrics such as “take me in the tails while getting all of the credit. with our lovely couple “fumbling, bathroom / take my clothes off / The song banks on its catchy cho- stumbling, and mumbling” over make love to me up against a dirty rus and sexual lyrics, giving it prom- each other in public, before proceed- wall / ‘cause I can’t wait to get you ise to match the success of their past ing to the bathroom to do the deed home / take me out the back door efforts and offering hope for a suc- that his date looks like. / take my clothes off / make love cessful sophomore album. Watch Louise Rennison’s book should not be judged by its cover -- or title. The song elaborates on other to me up against somebody’s car” out, soon enough you’ll be shuffling Image courtesy of amazon.com. locations of their sexual activity, does not come across as trashy as your own Nano to it. 12 A&E The Hoof Beat A Swift return to girl power at the Allstate Arena and Swift made it memorable. The popular in high school and compli- similar to Swift’s. Although she does mance skills should evolve as she Country star singer pranced around an elaborate cated relationships. The theme reso- not have the prowess that Swift does, grows into shows that allow her to stage set-up with complex lighting nated in the videos playing between she acted as a good complement to focus on music rather than the spec- keeps teen schemes, changing into several dif- songs to allow Swift time to change the headliner. Newcomers Gloriana tacle on stage. ferent dresses, each more glamorous costumes. Although the videos were started off the night with a subdued Even more fascinating than audience than the last. In the end, the concert somewhat humorous, they tended set of tracks, highlighted by their Swift’s career itself is the effect that it squealing all was part theatrical spectacle, part to run too long and reinforced the country radio hit “Wild at Heart.” has had on country music as a genre. storytelling time, and part country obnoxious notion of Swift as a re- The band brought in a more pure Although she stays true to her coun- night show. In addition to Swift’s large bellious girl who recklessly wrote brand of country to the night, play- try roots, Swift’s music has incor- backup band, she had several danc- songs that ruined the lives of those ing songs similar to those of Little porated more aspects of pop music ers and actors who joined her in who hurt her, saying that if boys Big Town and Sugarland. The band over time – songs like “You Belong producing skits for some songs, such didn’t want their names in her songs, lacked a drummer, however, and it with Me” could pass for straight-up by Caitlin Swieca as a full-out “Pride and Prejudice”- “they shouldn’t do bad things.” The lost points for playing along to a re- pop hits with a little country twang 19-year-old Taylor Swift stood themed dance for “Love Story” that cheesiness of the message, however, corded beat. Adding to the polished thrown in. Swift’s popularity across center stage at the packed Allstate ended with Swift in a white dress, did not overshadow its validity. The feel of the tour, both acts played on genres has marked a resurgence for Arena with her hands over her heart, per the song’s lyrics. Although the videos enforced the theme of being impressive looking sets with the full country music. America will see pausing her concert for several min- show was a big over-the-top at fearless, as Swift encouraged the support of the video screens, which whether devotion to her music will utes to listen to the prolonged shrieks times, the dramatic interpretations young crowd to be independent of is rare for opening acts. translate into long-term devotion to of the enthusiastic crowd that had kept the crowd entertained. She bal- the social pressures that come with As Swift begins on her third al- country music in general. Regard- been singing along to her songs all anced these flashy productions with boyfriends and high school. These bum, it will be fascinating to see if less of what happens in the future, night. When Swift finally ventured stripped-down versions of her more themes make Swift’s music perfect she can maintain her momentum Swift’s music will lay a solid founda- back to the microphone, she said, mellow songs such as “Fifteen” and for young girls, and she is certainly and whether her subject matter will tion for her young listeners, and her “Chicago, what every one of you “Tim McGraw,” beginning many a better role model than Disney stars evolve and mature as she grows into “Fearless” tour served as a solid, if has just done for me is something I tunes with stories of boys who had like Miley Cyrus, who prance around adulthood. Her concert proved that cheesy, first concert experience for will never forget.” wronged her and inspired her to in their videos barely clothed. she has potential, and her perfor- tweens and teens alike. The moment seemed rehearsed write them. Swift owes her popularity to her and overdone – after all, Swift has Despite the show’s complex na- genuine nature – she does not pretend been touring to sold-out arenas since ture, the crew pulled it off with ease. to be anything more than a teenage April, and Chicago is not the only Forty shows into the tour, each re- girl, which the emotions and stories city where she has a rabid following. hearsed move was flawless, leaving in her songs well reflect. As cheesy Still, the moment was an attempted little room for Swift to improvise. as they may sound, Swift’s songs are show of affection towards those that The music remained solid through- honest because she allows her vul- had launched the teenage singer- out: Swift’s voice remained on pitch, nerability to shine through. Despite songwriter into superstardom, and and she showed off her legitimate being a superstar, Swift seems much the crowd appreciated the gesture. guitar skills when she picked one like a down-to-earth teenager, shar- The moment reflected the night it- up. Swift played to the cameras ing silly details of her life through self: although the October 9 date perfectly, whipping her long blonde her Twitter account and Youtube on the last weekend of Swift’s 2009 hair around as she pulled out dance videos. The songs were easy for the “Fearless” tour was overly rehearsed moves that looked like they were crowd to relate to, making Swift the and allowed little room for sponta- plucked straight from her days danc- ambassador for girl power in the new neity, she nonetheless showed off ing around in her bedroom. One of millennium. her musical prowess and delighted the show’s highlights came when Although Swift’s opening acts her young fans with a two-hour Swift boldly began “Hey Stephen” were solid and polished, they were show that ran through her hits and by one of the first-level exits, pro- ultimately overshadowed by her provided plenty of memorable mo- ceeding to walk through the crowd overpowering set. In a move typi- ments. to continue the show at a small stage cal of a 19-year-old, Swift asked her The sellout crowd for the first of set up at the back of the floor, hug- friend Kellie Pickler to open for her. Swift’s two-date stop in Chicago was ging and greeting several fans, send- Pickler, who got her start on “Amer- probably 90 percent female, with ing the crowd into a frenzy. ican Idol,” provided a solid yet un- most crowd members in elemen- The show reflected the themes of spectacular set. Her voice was impec- tary or high school. The show was Swift’s music itself, as she reflected cable, and she knew how to work the Taylor Swift’s Fearless Tour served as a solid, if not cheesy, first concert the first concert for many attendees, on her inner struggles with being stage, spreading positive messages experience. Image courtesy of amazon.com. Abstract and grotesque soar at the fest taste. If there is one thing that filmmakers. The atmosphere around the large theater. Yet, for the grotesque humor. short film program. The film Short films at soars with the short films fea- was energetic, with portions this night was jam-packed The best short film soared was composed of images of tured, it is the tough concept of the audience being par- with compelling and enter- in almost every creative people loading their posses- the Chicago of fitting compelling images, ticularly passionate about taining short subjects. The category. With brilliantly sions into steel storage hous- sounds and situations into a certain films. The most last- short “Careful With That constructed shots, beautiful es under which voice-overs of International short scenario. Achievement ing film of the night was “Cy- Power Tool” kicked off the colors, and appeasing charac- people explaining what their in the medium of short film- cle” which was a film about evening in a most unusual ters, “Ten For Grampa” was possessions are and why they Film Festival making is much harder than a man working in a bicycle- manner. No longer than a a comedic and personal film choose to lock them away. It anyone might conceive. The making factory. The film was minute, the film was about a about a man in his twenties is a short film about memo- by Edward Heffernan Chicago International Film entirely black-and-white and young boy who plays around who imagines asking ques- ries, those we want to keep, There is something about Fest displayed the very worst the dialogue consisted of with dangerous power tools. tions of a grandfather he and those we want to lock the smell of hot, buttered use of this medium and the maybe two lines, at the most. The grotesque and effective never met. The film is short, away. It was strange, every popcorn that delights the very best. The cinematography was ab- suspense created in less than sweet and to the point with a shot consumed by the vast- senses. Wafting through the The live-action portion stract, with a varying amount a minute makes the film a likeable main character and ness of the steel storage place. theaters of the 45th Chicago of the fest spanned over two of wide shots and close-ups memorable but bitter catas- comical, witty characters that Yet, through its unordinary International Film Festival, days; Illinois films were fea- that were uncomfortably ed- trophe. The successive film achieved relatable qualities structure, it was human and the yellow puffs were more tured on the first day, and in- ited together. The film was a was even more abstract, yet with little to no lines. memorable itself. Just like than “picture” perfect. Much ternational films on the sec- strange dream world, with a unlike “Cycle,” it concluded The fest concluded like that last piece of popcorn, the like popcorn, the short films ond. The Illinois short film plot line that made no sense. with a purpose. By the end of the last piece of popcorn at last film ended the fest and left that showcased at the film fest screenings were nearly sold On the second night, the the film, the scattered mem- the bottom of the bag. The the lasting images and sounds also delighted the senses in out, with many of the films theater was practically emp- bers of the audience were last film “Steel Homes” of abstracting floating taking their unique form and bitter coming from local Chicago ty, the audience was scattered laughing with appreciation summed up character of the residence in the mind. Twisted toppings make for tasty pizzas in Wrigleyville ing pizza slice after pizza slice. The falo chicken. Although the chicken pizza slices one may think that Ian’s the same size will cost the customer Ian’s proves pizza Wrigleyville Ian’s Pizza has sold has a decent taste, it does not taste is expensive. However, Ian’s is easy three dollars. Only recently did Ian’s over 8,000 slices and counting. fresh. One would wish that buffalo to get on the go and cheap. Ian’s Piz- begin to deliver as well. As a result, can be unique Ian’s all time best selling slice is chicken would be easier to chew and za is surprisingly cheap for its qual- anyone can enjoy a slice of Ian’s fa- Mac n’ Cheese. Though many have conserve that taste that the creators ity and location. It is approximately mous Mac n’ Cheese pizza or any and delicious unpleasant memories of school of this pizza were aiming for. A sug- five miles from Northside and in other signature pizza slice from the lunch with that yellow and orange, gestion for the cooks and this slice: the middle of Wrigleyville. A slice comfort of one’s home and at any sticky substance which the menu keep it tasty by keeping it fresh. of signature pizza of decent size hour of the day. Ian’s closes at mid- liked to call cheese, this slice of piz- Furthermore, El Mexicano could will cost the customer only around night on Sunday and Bartime the by Lyanne Alfaro za will manage to change anyone’s be the second most creative signa- four dollars. A traditional slice of rest of the days of the week. Ian’s Pizza, located on 3463 N. mind. The crust is toasted to perfec- ture pizza in the restauraunt, right Clark St., greets guests with upbeat tion, not burnt, bread blanketed with after the Mac n’ Cheese slice. Any music and high energy cooks. It has melted cheese and small macaronis. Mexican food critic with a blind- it all from great toppings to hearty The best quality of this slice of piz- fold on would be able to tell that El laughs. The entrance of the restau- za is probably the fact that both the Mexicano is made with truly Mexi- rant provides a stash of “The On- macaroni and cheese manage to stay can food. No one has to deal with ion” newspapers, and the pieces of on the pizza slice without the cus- the disappointment of wannabe art inside the lounge have a modern tomer having to balance the slice on Mexican food restaurants anymore. stroke to them. The place also serves his or her hand. Ian’s most popular El Mexicano provides both a slice of as a great hangout. The people at the signature pizza has all the cheesy pizza and authentic-tasting Mexican counter are willing to hold a conver- goodness of mom’s homemade mac- food, all at once. This signature slice sation with their customers as well aroni and cheese on a slice. is topped with carne asada, pico de as share a couple of jokes. As for buffalo chicken lovers, a gallo, tortilla chips, tomatillo or to- The first Ian’s Pizza opened in signature pizza slice from Ian’s may mato salsa, and cheddar cheese. The Madison, Wisconsin in 2001 with be just what they need to make their end result is a Mexican celebration a list of unusual toppings on their day. Accompanied with bleu cheese of food, like tacos with beef and tor- menu. To promote their restaurant, and spices to add flavor to the chick- tilla chips dipped in salsa. Ian’s gave away its first 60 pizzas, but en, the slice of pizza has tangy pep- With such an expansive variety Ian’s Pizza in Wrigleyville has sold over 8000 slices of pizza. after that, Ian’s had no trouble sell- per and the taste of authentic buf- of toppings and praised signature Image courtesy of Ian’s Pizza. November 2009 Editorials 13 Save the “college Northside is not just about book experience” for smarts college Interview tually time would be taken from the applicants Why requiring school day to teach students how to properly answer interview questions. for a better interviews Time should not be taken out of the school day for something like this. community for selective There are far more important things to learn than how to impress one’s by Matt Glodz high school way into a good school. And what Colleges interview applicants for about the time taken for the actual a reason. Places such as Cornell’s admissions is interview? This time should be spent School of Hotel Administration doing regular, eighth grade things, even require them on top of the al- overkill like doing homework or spending ready lengthy Common Application time with friends. Plus, the time and supplement. These schools pride by Sarah Schoonhoven spent by the interviewers could be themselves on having diverse, inter- Many colleges recommend or much better spent doing something esting students who do more than require an interview to gain admis- to actually benefit the schools for just study. The application process sion to their schools. The interview which they work. for Northside and other selective en- is seen as a supplement to the admis- Also, it is necessary to realize rollment high schools, on the other sions process, something that is tak- that these students are only fourteen hand, only considers grades and test en into consideration in addition to years old, some even younger. They scores when making admissions de- the ACT or SAT scores, grade point are not anywhere as experienced or cisions. Period. average, extracurricular activities, mature as eighteen-year-olds and Although the results of this pro- and the student’s essay. may not yet be ready for the pressure cess are not necessarily bad, it does Admission to Chicago Public of such a serious interview. have some serious flaws. Test scores Schools (CPS) Selective Enrollment Considering that not all students and grades only tell a school how Schools is similar to college admis- have a say in what schools they apply book-smart an applicant is. North- sions. Students must submit their to, it is also likely that a majority of side believes that “a meaningful edu- standardized test scores, grades, and students did not pick a high school at cation balances academic, social, attendance and take an entrance all — their parents did. It would not and emotional needs and experienc- exam. However, the personal side of be wise to interview a student about es.” Consider the student whose in- a college application, the essay and why he wants to attend a particular volvement in basketball, Boy Scouts, Books like College Board’s “Campus Visits and College Interviews,” by interview, is absent in high school school when chances are he really band, and altar serving resulted in Zola Schneider, already exist to help students with interviews at the col- admissions. wants to go to the school all of his just one low test grade that led to a B lege level. Image Courtesy of Amazon.com This lack of interviews is definite- friends attend. in his advanced math class. In view ly for the best for a number of rea- One crucial point to note is that of last year’s averages, that one B simply on their GPA and ACT to discover whether a school’s values sons. First, consider the proposition while college students have an idea alone is enough to get him rejected. scores, but they understand that an match up with your own; maybe if from a monetary standpoint. CPS is of their academic, athletic, and ex- Clearly, the student with the B A can have different meanings at dif- these students knew what to expect, already in dire financial straits. There tracurricular interests, which all in- is more qualified than the kid who ferent schools, and they go the extra they would have never come to would be no telling what the added fluence a college’s choice of admit- takes part in no extracurricular activ- mile to ensure that each applicant Northside in the first place. cost of another project would do to ted students, most eighth graders ities and takes regular classes just to is given a chance to make his or her The only way for an applicant to Chicago’s already too-tight budget. go into high school with an empty get an A, and he is a better example case. The several factors Yale takes bypass this rigid system is through With the addition of interviews, plate. They go to high school and of the type of student that would into account result in one of the na- principal’s discretion. This process teachers, administrators, alums, or experience for the first time a vari- add to the Northside community. tion’s most dynamic student bodies allows principals of the selective other interviewers would need to ety of clubs, sports, and subjects not The selective enrollment website that makes an impact on its campus enrollment high schools “to select be hired, and then trained on what offered to them before, many times says that “our application process and the world. qualified applicants who are consid- to ask applicants. Reviewers would without any idea of what interests generates a balanced and objective Interviews are a way for appli- ered uniquely suited to the school’s need to analyze the interviews and them before they begin their four assessment,” even though “we un- cants to add depth to their applica- defined educational mission, and assess them according to each spe- years. Therefore, it would not be fair derstand that grading practices can tion, and through them students applicants must meet one or more cific school’s criteria. Not to men- to accept a perspective student based vary from school to school.” But become more than just numbers. In of the designated qualifications for tion the fact that the cost in paper on his/her interests when he/she why fall back on an objective assess- a school that prides itself on having the process.” Still, only 5% of the in- or tapes alone would be enormous likely does not even know his inter- ment if “grade deflation, inflation, teachers and staff who actually care coming freshman population may be when dealing with 16,000 applicants ests himself. or self-esteem grading by individual about our lives, the application pro- admitted this way. to the CPS selective enrollment Finally, it is important to remem- institutions” may be involved? There cess should involve more than send- Although conducting interviews schools (Chicago Tribune). Multi- ber that the applicants to selective are thousands of students in Chica- ing out acceptance letters to students would involve a great time commit- ply that number by four schools per enrollment schools such as North- go who could handle the workload with the highest numbers of a com- ment on Northside’s part, a good so- applicant, and things will get out of side are not college applicants — at Northside – the only problem is puter-generated list. lution would be to narrow down the control. they are high school applicants. In a getting in. In addition, Northside is not the applicant pool using the current sys- On top of this, elementary world where children are rushing to The same goes for Yale, and that best fit for every student. Some cur- tem and then interviewing the rest schools want more of their students become adults, it is necessary to stop is why Yale takes more than just rent students would probably admit with the help of current students, to get accepted to selective enroll- and make sure not to push someone academics into account when as- that they would have been better off staff, and alumni. The result: a stu- ment high schools. If there were an who is too young into going too far sembling its student body. Sure, the elsewhere, and others have already dent body chosen for reasons other interview added to the résumé, even- into the grown-up world. school could pick its students based transferred out. Interviews are a way than being good test takers. Staff Editorial: Avoiding an Olympic-sized headache rity threats, and other headaches that billion dollars. On top of its already tional Chicago summers. The origi- pics, but it would probably be just as Chicago better would have come with the experi- strained budget, the city’s finances nal plans for the Olympic Village in- happy watching them at home. ence, the Olympics would have been could hardly have handled the strain volved construction on McCormick Perhaps more importantly, losing without Olympics a complete burden to the residents of actually hosting the games. While Place truck yards, though later on the Olympics may keep the mayor’s of Chicago by the time 2016 rolls Mayor Richard M. Daley promised the location was moved to the clos- ego at bay. It seemed that his blind In the weeks leading up to the around. Sure, the projects associated that the games would be funded ing Michael Reese Hospital. The de- pursuit of the games were an at- decision on which city would get with the Olympics would have cre- through private donations, he also molition costs and concerns with the tempt to solidify his legacy as may- to host the 2016 Summer Olympic ated jobs, but these benefits would signed a contract that held taxpayers destruction of the historic hospital’s or; the games would have been the Games, Chicagoans were bombard- be far outweighed by the negative as- liable for any necessary funding be- buildings were never completely ad- crown jewel of his tenure in office. ed with propaganda urging them pects of the large-scale production. yond these donations, despite public dressed by the city before the bid was Although a poll sponsored by the to get behind the bid that Mayor Residents should be thankful that lo- outcry. On top of all this, citizens lost. However, some events were to Chicago 2016 committee indicated Daley and his administration had cal government will not be put to the in Chicago are always leery of cor- be hosted in well known Chicago that 72 percent of Chicagoans were put together over the past several test of whether they could handle ruption in public office, and taxpay- venues such as Solider Field, which in favor of the Olympics, a Chicago years. They heard it on TV ads and this massive responsibility. ers could never be sure exactly who would have certainly involved re- Tribune poll estimated that only 47 recordings on public transportation. The city of Chicago has consis- was benefiting from Olympic-related stricted access to the lakefront dur- percent felt this way. Mayor Daley They saw it on signs around the city tently had problems balancing its deals. ing the construction preceding the pushed through his Olympic plans, bearing the Olympic logo. They read budget and allocating money for Aside from potentially funding event. On top of all this, ticket prices refusing to consider whether his con- it in newspaper editorials that down- important resources such as the the unnecessary project through their for most premium events would be stituents wanted to handle the bur- played the negative side of hosting school system and public transpor- hard-earned tax dollars, Chicagoans so high that the average Chicagoan dens of being a host city. After losing the games. They heard it from their tation. The current recession has would have to deal with the Olym- would not be able to spot any of the the Olympics, Mayor Daley learned favorite local celebrities, including done nothing to help the wasteful pic-related hassles on a daily basis. action in person. What is the point that although he might be able to Oprah Winfrey, who flew to Copen- spending habits of public officials. The problems could potentially be- of hosting the Olympics if you can- get almost always get his way in the hagen to try to help Chicago capture The Olympics would have been a gin years before 2016 as construc- not enjoy the games? city, the whole world does not cater the games. They saw it on news huge financial undertaking; accord- tion-related issues would start pop- It hardly seems that Chicago to his wishes. In addition, America broadcasts, where experts assured ing to the Chicago Sun Times, early ping up. As the games drew closer, needs the Olympics. The city has its saw that President Obama’s elec- the city’s residents that the Chicago projections put the project at over Chicagoans would have to deal with fair share of hardcore sports fans, but tion has not suddenly turned the tide 2016 games were a lock. $5 billion dollars, while only about congestion in traffic and the CTA how many of them are really into of worldwide opinion towards the On October 2, when Chicago was $35 million had been raised, with and possible road closures, adding table tennis or track and field? The United States. The world still views shockingly dropped from contention former Governor Blagojevich plan- to their already-aggravating com- professional sports teams in town America as an arrogant nation that for the games after the first round ning on granting an additional $150 mutes. An influx of tourists might more than satisfy the sports nuts that always expects to get its way. Regard- of voting, those Chicagoans could million. Recent host cities, however, benefit local industries in the short populate the city. The Olympics are less of whether or not this is a fair breathe a sigh of relief. have ended up spending far more run, but it would lead to added se- a captivating event, but they only reputation, Americans must realize Hosting the 2016 Chicago Olym- than they expected to: according to curity measures and restricted access come once every four years. Even that the world harbors animosity to- pics certainly would have been an the BBC, Athens originally budgeted to local businesses. Perhaps worst in the heat of Olympic competi- wards their policies if they want to once-in-a-lifetime experience for the €1.9 billion but ended up spending of all, areas where events would be tion, a number of Chicagoans would make progress in international rela- city, but not just in the positive way more than 9 billion Euros, the most held might be closed off to citizens, be more concerned with Cubs and tions. The ego check may have been many supporters believed it would. expensive games ever until Beijing hindering summer plans and adding White Sox pennant races. This city just what the nation needed to adjust Considering the financial risk, secu- managed to top it with costs over $40 unnecessary aggravation to tradi- would probably welcome the Olym- its attitude. 14 Editorials The Hoof Beat Opposite of the Editorial Battle of the Journalists An Op-Ed, or Opposite of the Editorial, article can be written by students, teachers, or members of the journalism staff and takes a different approach to journalism by editorializing a personal experience. This month, the Hoofbeat is proud to feature Mr. Timothy Devine’s op-ed alongside Faique Moqeet’s regular column, debating the merits of journalism as a career choice. “Faique: My Life,” will continue regularly next month. The power of the pen by Mr. Timothy Devine policy. Average folks could poten- is elemental to a sound-functioning formation from policy-makers. Af- decision-makers’ actions; to uncov- In the 1970s, The Washington tially make direct contact with their capitalistic democracy. ter absorbing this information, er graft and back-room deals, acts Post’s Bob Woodward and Carl alderman, which is useful if you Contemporary technology will citizens can draw whatever conclu- of courage and ingenuity, to assess Bernstein uncovered the Watergate want your garbage picked up or a make certain portions of the media sions they want. In this scenario the legitimacy of decision-makers’ story which led to the resignation street light fixed, but this has zero obsolete (e.g. it makes better sense the New York Times, NPR, CNN, claims…and to expose these ac- of President Nixon. In 1995, Mike utility if you want to better under- to use the Flixster iPhone app to Fox and countless other media out- tions to the masses. Wallace’s 60 Minutes interview with stand or influence the health care search for information about mov- lets become defunct. It is often intoned that the me- a former-tobacco executive helped debate, the wars in Iraq and Af- ies rather than going to a newspaper, This, however, would be a fool- dia is the 4th branch of our Ameri- unearth the story that tobacco com- ghanistan, the sabre-rattling that’s and it may be better to rely on social ish path to venture because leaders can government; that they are the panies had lied for decades about occurring between the U.S./Israel/ networking sites to garner people’s have the decided motivation of self- translating institution—the connec- the addictive properties of nicotine Iran, or global economic problems. critiques of movies, books, music, preservation, which would cajole tive tissue—that links citizens with (the tobacco companies ultimately Despite this lack of access to and automobiles rather than to rely them to pitch their decisions in the decision-makers. Without active had to pay a $206 billion penalty our elected officials, we Ameri- on someone of Roger Ebert’s ilk), manner that is most advantageous and balanced journalists, our fair to 46 states). More recently, un- cans pride ourselves on living in and an argument could be proffered to them. There are few important Republic would venture down a dergraduate journalism students a participatory democracy. To be that instead of reading and viewing decision-makers who offer mea dangerous path: the criminal Presi- from Northwestern University’s a thoughtful participant, a citizen media-created information, citi- culpas for their errant, thoughtless dent Nixon would have completed Innocence Project (part of the Me- needs to remain current with an zens could otherwise visit non-me- actions. Given that most decision- his two terms in office (the first ad- dill School of Journalism) earned array of issues and ought to follow dia websites to gather information makers have an egocentric bias, it jective is not a partisan statement, the release of wrongfully-convicted the actions of elected and un-elect- about political, economic, and so- would be incumbent upon individu- but one of conventional wisdom); Anthony Porter, who was a mere ed persons who impact the develop- cial issues. To wit, Robert Gibbs, al citizens to voraciously assess the tobacco companies would not have 50 hours from being executed on ment and implementation of eco- the President’s press secretary, can validity of decision-makers’ claims, been held accountable for with- death row. Journalists were at the nomic, foreign, social, military, and continue to post White House’s but most citizens do not have the holding their decades-old internal nexus of each of these events. environmental policies. Given that press releases and videos of press time, inclination, nor resources to research reports that demonstrated Most people don’t have Barack average persons don’t have genuine conferences and speeches to www. do this (if they did, it should be the addictive and health-eroding Obama’s Blackberry phone num- direct access to our policy-makers, whitehouse.gov. The opposition, argued that this experiment in rep- properties of tobacco and for their ber or e-mail address. Very few citizens must rely on journalists to the Republicans, can post their re- resentative democracy should be aggressive advertising of their prod- people can immediately and regu- serve as the critical interlocutor in tort to the President at www.gop. abandoned and supplanted with a uct to impressionable minors, and; larly walk into their Senator or U.S. our polity, for without them, citi- com. To streamline this process, a direct democracy). It is, therefore, an innocent man would have been House Representative’s office and zens would be largely devoid of the citizen could use their RSS feed to journalists who assume responsibil- put to death for a crime he did not have a substantive discussion about meaningful third-party analysis that track the most recent and salient in- ity for investigating and analyzing commit. Here’s why you should -- not -- be a journalist by Faique Moqeet his attempts at exposing O'Reilly, ism Review) It scares me to think with the ideology of “forget the anymore.” (PressThink) It reflects Being a journalist is not the both as a person and as a journalist, Horowitz won the Pulitzer Prize facts — here is what we think” does the state of journalism in today’s same honorable, respectable, and he was fired. Defending his reputa- because in all regards, the ends do not produce news. The only posi- society; admit it, newspapers will dignified profession it was forty tion, Nolan said, “And it all got me not justify the means. Obtaining tive outcome of the media outlet is die out soon. Only the digital media years ago. Reporting was once to thinking about the myth of free information through wrong ways Fox News anchors, which is a great can prevail. much more credible when it was speech. In today’s America, speech is still wrong; there are and will al- source of amusement. One of the most thought-pro- not so easy to start professional- is only ‘free’ when you are talking ways be correct and legal ways of Also, with the current downfall voking thoughts that should enter looking advocacy websites telling down to someone less powerful obtaining necessary information. trends of the journalism industry, any prospective journalist’s mind is half-truths claiming to be “news”. that you. Speak up – and look out.” This new kind of reporting, where lower wages and job cuts, the pros the salary of a journalist. Accord- Cut short, it is not worth being a (Think Progress) deception is very heavily involved, of being a journalist are dulled. Just ing to SimplyHired.com, journalists journalist anymore. One effective way to define is not real journalism. Part of be- last month, the New York Times, make 41,000 dollars a year on aver- The biggest misconception something is by defining what it ing a journalist is being ethical, a the nation’s largest metropolitan age. Relative to other professions, about journalism is the statement is not; in that case, if there is one quality that is becoming more and newspaper, stated that it would lay journalists make an average, if not that journalists write history. Come thing everyone should know about more rare. off 150 jobs. That is on top of a pre- below average, salary. According to on, journalists are just the bearers Bill O'Reilly, it is that he is — not A great example of the total lack vious 100 from a few months ago. the Education Attainment in the of public criticism and sometimes — a real journalist. Future journal- of ethics is the media’s usage of the In fact, according to a survey by United States, a recent study shows praise. It is actually the “big-dog” ists, take heed, speak out against term, “expert.” I can say with “ex- American Society of News Editors, that people with a four-year college publishers who dictate history. your editors and publishers—“and pertise” that the label “expert” of- last year 5,900 journalist and editor degree earn, on average, 51,216 They are the ones whose opinions look out.” ten is misleading. Nowadays, any- jobs were lost. dollars annually. That is potentially will one day be referenced as pri- A moral aspect to the dilemma one with a four-year college degree, Atop all this, with the rise of the a good ten thousand dollars that mary sources, not the journalists of at hand is the loss of integrity. Sto- a blog, or someone who writes a internet and the boom of bloggers, journalists will never earn. the day. ries of people like Tony Horowitz, book is automatically an expert. It journalists are losing their (little) The truth is, journalism has Take the example of a true jour- a Wall Street journalist, make me is truthfully disappointing and pa- influence over society. Blogging changed and disappointingly for the nalist, Barry Nolan, who challenged wonder if there is still a place for thetic to see Fox News hail Robert and journalism do not fit well to- worse. It isn’t just a matter of one one of these “big-dogs”. He was integrity in society. In the mid nine- Spencer as an “Islamic scholar.” gether and; it is apparent through journalist who can cure the system; fired by his company for passing ties, Horowitz, who is labeled as an Robert Spencer has been called journalism’s decline and blogging’s the whole system has gone haywire. out fliers against Bill O'Reilly dur- “investigative-journalist,” applied an “Islamophobe” (Carl Ernst), a growth. Tom Curley, head of the The absence of integrity and lack ing an Emmy award dinner where for a job at a chicken-processing “radical” (Benazir Bhutto), and as Associated Press, commented, “A of honest reporting are very trou- O'Reilly was set to receive an award factory. He knowingly lied about an “effective manipulator” (Karen huge shift in the ‘balance of pow- bling signs. Job cuts, bad pay, and for his “journalism.” The quotes his previous work experience, Armstrong), yet some news outlets er’ has occurred in our world … it potentially a total end to the print were O'Reilly’s own words on a re- made up false references, and later find audacity to call him an “ex- means that professional journalism industry should scare away any cent sexual harassment lawsuit, yet won the 1995 Pulitzer Prize for his pert” on Islam. I would go as far as is no longer sovereign over terri- brave prospective journalists — and portrayed him negatively and there- “reporting” on the gross conditions to claim that Fox News is not actu- tory it once easily controlled. ... It really, who wants to have the same fore were troubling. As a result of of the factory. (American Journal- ally even a news outlet. Any outlet means your influence isn’t singular occupation as Bill O’Reilly? Yearning for a new type of learning school, while the other half can be though about 80 students in every service done on that day would ap- Service-learning earned either through school pro- class do all of their service learning pear on their transcripts than wheth- grams, such as volunteering at an hours at once. The reflections which er or not it would be a rewarding or programs at open house, or outside the school as are required for every student at the enriching experience. well. end of a service learning project are To be completely fair, there is not Northside According to the CPS’s service- designed to encourage students to a strong service-learning opposition learning website, the mission of the connect the service they performed at Northside. Students do not gen- College Prep service-learning program is “[to] into their academic work and to erally go around grumbling about strengthen the classroom instruction form an academic perspective. Mrs. the hours they have to do in order by Dylan Nugent and Edward of high school students in all subject Boeck also added that the majority to graduate. Less than one percent Heffernan areas [and] to improve their overall of Northside students do more than of students, a very small fraction, A day does not pass at Northside academic success,” and that through the 40 hours of required service. experience graduation or promotion where a flyer about service learn- the program “students will be ex- Doing more than the required issues during their sophomore and ing cannot be found posted on the posed to new concepts in learning service may be the CPS’s indicator senior years as a result of service- walls or lying somewhere about the and will develop a stronger sense of that service-learning is not just a suc- learning requirements. It is clear that halls. Finding a flyer which adver- social responsibility and civic aware- cessful enterprise, but one that stu- while service-learning might not be tises “spectacular opportunities!” or ness.” dents enjoy doing. However, service- the most enjoyed task among North- “life-changing experiences” without It is clear that the CPS brands learning hours look good on college siders, unlike many other responsi- mentioning “complete 20 of your the hours not as community service applications and applications to or- bilities, it is not one which is often 40 required service-learning hours,” but as service-learning for a reason. ganizations like the National Honor disregarded. though, is a rarity. They seek to emphasize the effects Society, and some groups even offer Maybe service-learning is an un- Chicago Public Schools (CPS) of community service on a student’s scholarships solely based on com- necessary element of scholarship, Nirmal Shah, Adv. 302, assists in students are required to do 40 hours academic perspective and success. munity service. or maybe it actually does encourage restocking library books as part of of community service, or service- However, how successful is the pro- Factors beyond simple enjoyment students to perform in an academic a service learning project. learning, in order to graduate — 20 gram in its goals? might explain the student body’s at- environment. In the end, as long as Photo by Ed Heffernan of which must be completed before According to Mrs. Sue Boeck, titude towards events such as the Northside remains a school prepar- the end of a student’s sophomore Northside’s Service Learning Coach, school-wide “Day of Service” col- ing students for college, and so long college admission, service-learning year. Of these hours, at least half most Northside students choose loquium. Many students were more as the vast majority of our students will remain an element of the North- must be completed outside of the to build their hours over the years, concerned with whether or not the continue to concern themselves with side experience, beneficial or not. November 2009 Sports 15 Nicholas Ruff: the ultimate player Seastangs Ruff on the court dominate and on the field by Jamilah Alsharif deep end Everything is under control. School, clubs, girls, and most impor- Women’s tantly, sports. Not all students can say this but one who can is Nicho- Swiming and las Ruff, Adv.012, who already has plans to play professional basketball. Diving sweep A senior at Northside, Ruff has been part of many of the sports teams but city finals prefers soccer over all of them. “In soccer we truly are a team, by Timothy Suh not a bunch of individuals playing Waking up early to swim laps together,” Ruff said. “In basketball from one end of the pool to the everyone competes against each oth- other, getting out of the pool to go er, creating rifts in the team. People wash up and rush out to make it to just want to get their shot.” advisory on time. This is the aver- Ruff has played a variety of age day of a member of Northside sports, including baseball, soccer, Women’s Swimming Team. The basketball, volleyball. He started to swimming practice schedule has be- play lacrosse and track his freshman come almost legendary for its vigor- year. However, he has decided to ous training and it is common for stick with basketball and soccer and exhausted swimmers to float around practices with his teams every day school in the morning with damp after school and on Saturdays during hair and wafts of chlorine. But, the basketball season. hours of strokes and sacrifice paid “Basketball is a much longer sea- Nicholas Ruff, Adv. 012, shares a moment wtih Matt Rickard, Adv. 017. Photo by Alejandro Vadivieso. off when the swimming season cul- minated in winning “the swimming son and the Saturday practices really “Together we spit rhymes to pass Ruff has proved to be a strong year, he split his other eyebrow at the trifecta”: the Sophomore, Relay, add up,” Ruff said. “I have weight the time,” Ruff said. “There’s a little athlete ever since his first lacrosse front door at school. and Varsity City Championships. It training every day and when I’m out taste. Watch out, J Hallow.” game during his freshmen year. This year at a soccer game against was a fitting end to a season of wins of season, I spend at least an hour With several on-going activities, In that first game, he went in for a Latin, he went up for a header and a by the Lady Seastangs. every day working out or running.” Ruff does not get much sleep. Along ground ball and looked up only to player on the other team bit the back The season started off on a good As if the two sports did not take with sports, school work, and clubs, get hit by three guys. They got his of his head. note when the varsity team faced up enough of his time, he also helps Nick Ruff also has girls on his mind. head, face, stomach, back, and legs “I had three marks from his teeth, off against Lane Tech on Septem- manage the women’s varsity soccer According to Ruff, being a sports all at once and Ruff blacked out for but it wasn’t bad enough to stop me ber 15, defeating them by 20 points. team. To most students, it is hard to player has made it easier for him to about 30 seconds. At that moment, from playing,” Ruff said. “I got a Lane Tech has perpetually been the balance academic work along with get girls. he had suffered a concussion, and sportsmanship award that game, but main rival of the Northside team, sports, but Ruff is doing just fine. “Girls love the image of a hot yet he had also asked his coach to I think they just felt bad that one of with the two schools often alter- “I find myself getting work done sweaty man, and sports gives me the permit him to get back in the game their players bit me.” nating between the top two seeds quicker,” Ruff said. opportunity to be that man,” Ruff immediately after the incident. Ruff is one of those types of at city championships. The high School and sports are not the only said. “Sports keeps my body fit for “I joined lacrosse to truck people people who are willing to experience level of performance continued as things Ruff tries to balance. He also the ladies.” and hit them with a metal stick,” as much as they can, for Ruff, this Northside won meet after meet. takes part in badminton club and Ruff has also attempted playing Ruff said. “I really didn’t realize I includes all the sports available to The teams performed excellently pep club. In addition, Ruff allows guitar since “guys that can sing and was going to get hit too, until I got him. at the Sophomore City Champion- for time outside of school for creat- play guitar at the same time always the concussion.” “I like to think my best sport ships as well as the City Relays, ing movies and also participates in a get the ladies at the parties.” Ruff has suffered more injuries is still out there waiting for me to although there were some tight rap group with his brother Anthony He admits to being horrible since then. During his freshman find it,” Ruff said. “For all I know, races between Lane and Northside Ruff and Max Carrea Teboul or MC at guitar but has been playing the year, he was tackled on concrete and I could be a prodigy at shuffleboard for the first spot. The Sophomore Teboul, Adv.011. drums for a couple of years. split his eyebrow. In his sophomore or snow dog sledding.” City Championships were held at Northside, while the City Relays were held at Whitney Young. The Spencer Kennedy dominates golf competition final city final was the Varsity City Everybody thinks we don’t even a title, but for City Championships Kennedy’s victory,” Andrew Mayer, Championships, which took place NCP’s Men’s Golf have sports here but Spencer Ken- this year there was a medal. It’s Northside athletic director, said. on November 8 at UIC. nedy is pretty good,” Asher Perlmut- given by the Chicago Public School Kennedy’s teammates attest to With the rivalry and competition Team Captain ter, Adv. 109, said at a recent Open athletic system.” his impressive abilities by confirm- building up to this moment, Mary House wrap-up meeting with the ad- Kennedy himself explained the ing his technical skill and intangible Mussman, Adv. 109, described how wins the Low ministration where the topic turned nature of his big prize. on- and off-the-green traits. the team felt at the competition. to suggestions of how to improve the “To win this award, I had to com- “He always manages to come “The atmosphere at Varsity City Medal Award experience for visitors. pete not only with kids from other through under pressure,” Danny So- was intense,” Mussman said. “Right Part of the reason Kennedy’s teams, [but I also] had to beat kids bor, Adv. 100, said. “At City Cham- after the first event ... we had just set by Will Riley name is dropped so much around that are on my own team,” Kennedy pionships he beat someone who was Ask anybody what they know a new team record, and city record, the halls of Northside is because of said. “You’re trying to get a team considered the number one golfer in and the Lane Tech relay had rebro- about the Northside Men’s Golf his status as the 2009 recipient of victory over the other teams and the city.” Team and chances are the name ken a new team record for them the Low Medal at Men’s Golf City also see how good you can do per- Kennedy’s athletic prowess ex- that they had set during prelims. Spencer Kennedy, Adv. 110, will Championships, held at Jackson sonally.” tends beyond the back nine. He is come up somewhere in their re- That kind of reflected much of the Park on October 3. This prestigious This is not the first time a North- a three-sport athlete that also plays rest of the meet--Northsiders did sponse. In fact, Kennedy is such an award is given to the player with the side student has won the Low Med- basketball and baseball. integral part of the team these days phenomenally, but that's not to say best score. al. Last year, Eric Nelson, Class of “Spencer Kennedy is an all- other schools' swimmers didn't do that his name surfaces even when “A Low Medalist is the individu- 2009, won the award. around athlete,” Mayer said. “He the conversation is not about golf. exceptionally well, too. By the end al winner of a tournament,” Fabian “Nelson won last year in the dedicated time and energy and was of the meet, there was this euphoria “I think we should showcase stu- Lara, Adv. 206, said. “It’s usually driving rain, and it was the same one of the main contributors to the dent activities like athletics more. surrounding the Northside girls. It not an actual medal as much as it is conditions this year on the day of golf team, the baseball team, and really ended the CPS part of season also to sophomore basketball last perfectly.” year. He’s a good athlete and it’d be The Northside swim team came terrible if we had to lose him because out victorious, completing the trifec- he went pro in golf too early.” ta the team wanted since the start of Kennedy the golfer, who has the season. The team was rewarded been playing for about six years, is with the title of city champions for also Kennedy the leader. the second year in the running, but “Being the captain, you have to there were also other unexpected not only try your hardest but also gains from the victory. help other kids whether or not they “Winning something like city is ask for it, Kennedy said. “You want really humbling.” Mussman said. your team to be as strong as pos- “It makes you step back and look sible.” at how much work was put in to To accomplish this feat as a cap- get to that point - by swimmers, by tain, Kennedy had to put in long coaches, by parents.” hours so that he would have time After the win at the city cham- to monitor the progress of others as pionships comes the sectionals and well as his own. state competitions. Swimmer Mon- “Kennedy put in the most time ica Pinkus, Adv. 018, qualified for and effort out of everybody,” Kos- state in the 50 metre freestyle and mala said. “He came before practice 100 metre breaststroke events, while and stayed after practice.” fellow teammate Alexa Chavez, Spencer Kennedy’s rise to fame Adv. 108, qualified in the 200 through his well-documented perfor- Medley relay. With such momen- mance as a golfer and Low Medal- tous wins and gains, it seems hard ist award winner this year can best to find a reason for the continued be summed up by those closest to success of the team, but the team the action: his teammates who have reflects the values of perseverance been there to see Kennedy through and determination in continuing its his success. excellence at city championships. “Words cannot describe how “As Pixar so eloquently put: ‘just good Spencer Kennedy’s golf perfor- keep swimming,’” Mussman said. Spencer Kennedy, Adv. 110, shows off his golf awards from his phenomenal 2009 season. Photo by Will Riley. mance was,” Kosmala said. “And that’s what we do.” 16 Sports The Hoof Beat The Cait’s Meow The Complaint Department is closed by Caitlin Swieca to deal with their own problems. cinco, Barry Bonds, and Manny .257, complaining all season about though 95 If you were as whiny as I was Thankfully, my source decided to Ramirez. On this final day of work, umpires, fans, and coaches. Finally, percent of as a child, your parents probably give me an exclusive look into the many had defamed the portraits he was suspended after accusing Americans told you multiple times that the inner workings of this recently re- with mustaches and other vulgar the fans of racism and bashing the would love Complaint Department was closed. moved branch in its final days. symbols. As my source noted, em- organization, saying he needed “a to get paid Like me, you probably shrugged off When I arrived at the top-secret ployees got tired of seeing the same stable, healthy, enjoyable environ- millions to these remarks, annoyed at your par- location, my source lead me to a names over and over. ment” to deliver. You would think play games all year, athletes find ents’ lack of sympathy. large room full of employees pack- “Most people go home and turn his paycheck would be enough mo- things to complain about. They do Recently, however, my world ing up their desks and saying their on ESPN to relax,” my source said. tivation. not get the ball enough. They do not was turned upside-down when I goodbyes, visibly shaken at the “These people avoid it at all costs. Certainly, money complaints get enough playing time. The fans was given insider information that prospect of being unemployed in They don’t see athletes; they see pa- are nothing new. In 2004, NBA do not support them enough. Their there is, in fact, a United States the uncertain economy. perwork waiting to be filed.” star Latrell Sprewell, who was due contracts are not long enough. The Complaint Department that has “It’s really a shame,” my source Of course, the work might be to make 14.6 million dollars that officials are out to get them. In been functioning underground for said. “I knew they were making lay- more bearable if the complaints year, famously said, “Why would I short, everything we should not be decades, logging all of the nation’s offs, but we thought we were safe were legitimate. Most of the other want to help [my team] win a title? teaching future generations of im- daily mumbles and grumbles. Not – we’re one of the busiest divisions divisions deal with everyday com- They’re not doing anything for me. pressionable sports fans. even this busy branch of govern- in this place. Unfortunately, we’re plaints of people trying to make it I’m at risk. I have a lot of risk here. The government is better off ment, however, is immune to the also one of the most unnecessary.” by. This division works mostly with I got my family to feed.” devoting its bureaucratic energy to current economic recession, and The walls of the room are filled grievances filed by millionaires with Sprewell’s statement really some other cause. Let the athletes layoffs had to be made. with large filing cabinets with labels mansions worthy of MTV Cribs. ticked off the employees, but they deal with their own “issues.” After a thorough investigation, like “Money Complaints,” “Con- Most recently, the department just handled the complaint like any Thankfully, for the normal folks, the department heads decided to tract Issues,” “Coach Criticism,” has seen an influx of complaints other; after all, they had their own the main branch of the Complaint sacrifice the recently added Divi- and “Teammate Feuds.” Some from the Chicago Cubs’ Milton families to feed. Department will remain open. sion of Professional Athlete Com- cabinets had no words but instead Bradley. Last year, the outfielder Leafing through the bins is like People need somewhere to go when plaints, leaving the wide receiv- had large, laminated photos of re- signed a three-year, 30-million dol- going through a book of everything they cannot afford to take their fam- ers and point guards of the world peat offenders, such as Chad Ocho- lar contract and proceeded to hit that is wrong with sports. Even ilies to watch their favorite teams. Nothing runs faster than a mustang men’s varsity team had just claimed cipal; Patrick O’Connor, Northside beared down and still powered Eben, Wesley Laytham, Fahad Sar- Northside’s their first city title. alumni; and Andrew Mayer, athletic through it. vari, Mesimore, and Pineda-Youniss. “I was very happy that we made director. “The hail was cold,” Mesimore The entire coaching staff was also Men’s Cross it,” Magdalena Ivanova, Adv. 105, a The weather that day was un- said, “but the action was hot.” given a medal for their hardwork member of Northside’s Cross Coun- pleasant. A storm that later lead to Even though it was only the vasity and dedication to the team. Country Team try Team, said. “It’s nice to know hail began right before the start of men’s cross country team that had to Members of Northside’s Cross that all the hard work we put into the men’s race. However, the weather compete during the storm, the entire Country Team claim that the reason wins its first city this season got us so far.” did not bother the Northside varsity cross country team attened the meet they won the championship was be- The Mustangs began training men’s team. Even as the hail rained to support each other and to exhibit cause of the support exhibited by all championship June 2009, and on Saturday, October down on them, they pushed through their dedication. the other members and all of their 17, 2009 the Mustangs were put to and brought the championship to “Everyone was chearing for each coaches. by Alida Pecanin the test at the Chicago Public League Northside. other,” Karlyn Gehring, Adv. 105, “I think that everyone was sup- Coach Jon Gordon, head coach Cross Country Championships held “It was intense, it started rain- another member of Northside’s portive and worked hard through the of Northside’s Cross Country Team, at Washington Park. 58 schools ing and hailing,” Erik Zuehlke, Adv. Cross Country Team, said. “Even whole season,” Ivanova said, “and lifted the gold plated Chicago Public participated in the championship, 108, another member of Northside’s when it was hailing, we did not go they tried their best.” League Athletic Association Cham- including Lane Tech, Mather, Whit- Cross Country team, who ran dur- into the shelter.” Later that evening, Coach Gor- pionship Shield as the cross country ney Young, Jones College Prep, and ing the hail, said, “and all the teams Members of the Northside Varsi- don took the coaching staffs of Lane team’s captains Cuitlahuac Pineda- Walter Payton. 40 schools and 175 were jumping up and down and ty Men’s Team were presented with Tech, Mather, Whitney Young, and Youniss, Adv. 014, and Charlie runners competed in the varsity divi- screaming.” City Championship Medals, which Lake View for a celebratory dinner Mesimore, Adv. 105, poured a cool- sion. While at the competition, the Although the weather was not were given to them by CPS Cross at Kelly’s Grill, displaying his believe er of ice water over him. The whole Northside Mustangs were greeted by their ideal environment for the per- Country Coordinator Cyrus McGin- that, at the end of the day, sports- team was in high spirits because the Mr. Barry Rodgers, Northside prin- fect race, the men’s varsity team nis. Those members include Cooper manship is the winning theme. Payton’s Grizzlies are no match for Northside’s Mustangs Men’s soccer wins city cup by Zobia Chunara When a team gets ready for a game, they go through extensive preparation for it. On the day of the game, the team gets on a loaded school bus, filled with duffle bags and equipment, which takes the team to their destination. The team- mates change in the locker rooms and then a pep talk usually follows soon after. As the Northside’s Men’s Varsity Soccer Team walked on to the field and took their places, they had a goal in front of them, and that was to win the Chicago Cup. This was no average game: it was a chance to show what they had to other CPS high schools. Northside’s Men’s Varsity Soccer Team was seeded halfway among CPS high schools for the Chicago Cup Tournament. The team played in four rounds against rival schools: Lindblom High School, Jones Col- lege Prep, Walter Payton College Prep, and Sullivan High School. “It was fantastic,” Coach An- drew Stroup said. “We played a lot A NCP soccer player rushes to steal the soccer ball from a Rickover soccer player in a playoff matchup. Photo by Zobia Chunara. of the schools in the previous year. “Seeing that plaque just brings second round was a home game on ter Payton. Spirits were high and it In the semi-finals against Walter We played Jones the other year, and back those memories of that night,” October 9 against Jones, and regula- seemed that the work the team put Payton, Northside won 2-1 on Octo- we tied them. We played Payton the Ricky Martinez, Adv. 017, said. “It tion ended in a 0 - 0 tie. Keeping the in displayed their effort. ber 12. Finally, on October 14, in the other year, and we lost to them. We was such a big thing for us to accom- streak alive, Northside won in pen- Martinez knew that practicing final round, the men’s varsity team played Sullivan the other year, and plish as a team. We were rolling on alty kicks, and then continued to the on the field was not enough; what beat Sullivan 2-1, giving Northside we tied them. So to be able to come some high momentum.” semi-finals against Walter Payton. he did off the field let him bring it the first victory of the Chicago Cup. back to play those teams again and The members of the men’s varsity “I couldn’t have been more proud all on the field during the game. The According to Coach Stroup, noth- prove that result - I think it spoke team improved greatly by the end of of the team when the game ended seniors and other members of the ing special was done to prepare for to how our team worked and how the season because they were able to and we were victorious,” Nick Ruff, team did not want to let the season the tournament rounds, besides much we improved.” play as a unit and were more famil- Adv. 012, said. “Our second game in end with a loss, and that motivated the team’s intense work on penalty The men’s soccer team was ex- iar with each other. the tournament was really a wake- them all to play intensely against kicks. cited to win the Chicago Cup for “On the field, it seemed that we up call that focused the team. We their opponents. “The one goal I have for next Northside for the first time. Being all connected,” Martinez said. “It went into penalty kicks. Four of our “In terms of the Chicago Cup year’s team,” Ruff said, “is [to] con- a part of a team let everyone have just flowed right and our aggressive five players scored their PK [penalty Championship,” Martinez said, tinue the legacy we started this year a piece of the glory in conquering style of play was well-matched with kick] and Justice [Reed, Adv.209] “I knew what my coaches and my and beat Payton. Each game of the chief rival Walter Payton on the our grace and execution.” came up with a big save.” teammates expected of me: to just Chicago Cup tournament built upon field, capturing the Fire Hydrant tro- In the first round of the Chicago The hydrant trophy that North- stay composed and play to the tem- the last. We had so much momen- phy that the teams competed for on Cup, Northside played at Lindblom side won was painted maroon and po that I’m used to. I wouldn’t have tum after the Payton game [that] no that day. on October 6, and won 7 - 0. The silver instead of the colors of Wal- had it any other way.” one could stop us.”