November/December Student Inscape

Student Edition Vol. 68 Issue 2 November • December 2020

3 Election results 4 What’s happening in Nigeria?

6 TikTok sensations

Clean energy We are all guilty of forgetting to turn off a light after leaving a room, or warming up the car in the winter before getting in, but these seemingly small conveniences come at a much greater cost.

According to renewableenergyworld.com, only about 18% of the world’s energy is renewable and the United States runs on only 11% clean energy (about 7% hydropower and 6.6% wind power). If this number does not change dramatically by the year 2050, the effects of nonrenewable resources on our planet will become irreversible. Most of the United States’ energy comes from coal, oil and natural gas, which are fossil fuels that are slowly destroying the environment.

When those fossil fuels are used, they release carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the atmosphere and are direct contributors to climate change. However, Iceland has proven that a solution to this problem is both possible and efficient.

Clean energy, or renewable energy resources like water, wind, sunlight and geothermal heat provide energy just as effectively, if not more so, than fossil fuels. Iceland is leading the world in clean energy, running on

almost 100% renewable energy according to government.is. They produce more electricity per person than any other country in the world. They have four major geothermal drilling plants and many large scale hydropower developments across the country that harness energy and create electricity.

This shift in energy sources did not come from a concern for the environment, but a necessity for Iceland to survive. The United States is in a similar position, with oil prices projected to increase by almost 67% according to worldoil.com. Using fossil fuels will become increasingly more expensive, and will continue to negatively impact the environment. However, changing to renewable energy as a primary source of energy is achievable and cost effective in the long run.

Similarly to Iceland, the United States has the ability to run on 100% renewable energy.

According to ewg.org, a study at the University of California Berkeley found that it is possible for the United States to run completely on wind and solar energy, with the combination of energy efficiency, storage and other advances. The study also found that this form of energy would be even more reliable

than what we are currently using as a country.

With climate change at the forefront of many political conversations, a slew of proposals have been discussed that would work to eliminate the United States’s contribution to global warming. Some of these propositions include The Biden Plan for a Clean Energy Revolution and Environmental Justice, which was proposed by President Elect Joe Biden(D), and The Green New Deal, which was proposed by New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez(D).

While this is promising for the future, there are simple steps we could take to reduce our carbon footprint everyday. Turning off the water while brushing your teeth, turning off lights when they are no longer being used and switching to more energy efficient LED light bulbs, and recycling are all ways to actively participate in saving out environment.

Electric cars are another option if the funds are available; they run primarily on electricity generated by renewable energy or natural gases. It is our moral obligation as reiders on this Earth to help move towards a safer future, and these small changes could mak all the difference for generations to come.

What’s inside this edition 2 Mac News

5 Feature

7 Opinion

9 Sports

3-4 News

6 Student Life

8 Science & Tech

10 A&E

Inscape staff Co-Editor-in-Chief Co-Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Layout Editor Copy Editor Art Director Mac News Editor Mac News Editor News Editor News Editor Feature Editor Student Life Editor Opinion Editor Columnist Science & Tech Editor Sports Editor Arts & Entertainment Editor Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Staff Reporter Advisor Advisor Advisor

Colleen Rooney Bridget Gallagher Meghan McCann Molly McDermott Sofia Jasso Jo Gomez Moira Cosme Mairead O’Carroll Sydney Banks Aine McIntyre Mary Philip Brisa Torres Nora Harvey Janey Hynes Kenzie Williams Anna Fagan Deirdre Sullivan Kathleen Carter Angelica Topor Elena Fernandez Diana Burban Katie Perna Abigail Sheahan

Editorial Policy: The opinions expressed in this magazine are the views of the individual authors, and not of the Inscape staff or Mother McAuley High School. Inscape is an open forum that welcomes letters to editor, comments, and feedback from all readers. All letters to the editor must be signed in order to be printed.

1 table of contents and staff editorial

Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School 3737 W. 99th Street Chicago, IL 60655 (773)-881-6500 www.mothermcauley.org Principal Mrs. Eileen O’Reilly Vice Principal Mrs. Meg Gardner Vice Principal Mrs. Kimberly Turnbull

Front Cover photo provided by Bridget Gallagher f

november/december 2020

McAuley women in the forefront Moira Cosme This past Oct, through alumna and women in the community who are in Chicago Network, McAuley was invited to participate in the Chicago Network’s annual Women in the Forefront 2020. Mrs. Gallagher chose 20 senior students to participate in representation of McAuley. Every year during this event, two women in high-leadership positions are chosen to be interviewed about their occupation and the road they took to become successful. The purpose of this event was to inspire young women to learn and continue being leaders by communicating, working well with others and establishing trust. This year, the event was led by Maria Doughty and featured WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden.

These women were recognized for leadership roles at their jobs and their accomplishments. In 2016, Carla Hayden not only became the first woman, but the first African American woman to serve as the Librarian of Congress. In 2019, Cathy Engelbert became the WNBA’s first Commissioner. As these jobs are positions of high leadership, they were chosen to discuss them at the conference. Because of COVID,

the event was moved from in-person to a Zoom call. On Oct 20 and 27, the selected students were accompanied by 1600 other

graphic by Moira Cosme

students from across Chicago. One McAuley student chosen to participate in this event was senior Brisa Torres. Torres believes this event will benefit her in the future.

“I think it’ll help me to remember that there are so many amazing women who have such amazing leadership roles, and that one day if I work hard enough I can achieve something great just like them,” Torres said.

Another McAuley student chosen to participate in this event was senior Bridget Murphy. The words of Engelbert resonated with Murphy on a personal level due to her love of basketball. After listening to the two speakers, one specific piece of advice that stuck out to Murphy that Engelbert said was the phrase, “every person has a role.”

“She made an analogy to the basketball court and then to life by saying that every person has their own personal talents and when you bring everyone’s talents together then you get stuff done,” Murphy said. “I really liked that because it means you don’t have to be the leader or the big shot, you just have to be successful in your role whether it is to be the person in the spotlight or behind the scenes.”

Country house provides free lunches Jo Gomez

Country House has been serving lunches to schools all over the Chicagoland area for nearly twenty years, as well as running a restaurant in Alsip, IL. Previous to the COVID-19 pandemic, which altered the way school lunches are served all over the country, Country House provided lunches for purchase on a daily basis for McAuley students and staff during each of the four lunch periods. This year, however, they have been doing things a little differently by handing free out lunches at one designated pickup time at the end of every school day.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has given McAuley the appropriate funding that has made the daily lunches free for the students. The free meals will continue to be served at McAuley and other schools all over the country up until June 30, 2021.

Originally, Congress did not provide enough funding for USDA to serve lunches during the 2021 half of the school year, but adjustments have since been made.

For those schools that have gone all online, there are set pick-up times that students or parents can come and quickly pick up their lunch. The same goes for full time e-learners at McAuley, while the hybrid learners can join the lunch line and pick up their free lunch

right after the last bell rings.

The meals are made from scratch in McAuley’s kitchen, just as they always have been. The cafeteria staff often uses menus to plan what they are going to make ahead. Each day, the cafeteria staff looks at the different produce and ingredients they have on hand and decides what to serve for lunch based on that. They also try to make sure the students are familiar with the lunches they receive by serving what they typically would.

“We remember what were popular choices for the McAuley girls and we make those lunches as well,” Ms. Shinners, head of the cafeteria, said.

The meals vary on a day-to-day-basis--from chicken tenders one day to French toast the next--to ensure a variety of different meals.

“The lunches are always something different, and are always good, too,” Emma Devlin 11 said. “It’s convenient for me because I don’t have to worry about making myself lunch when I get home; and every day, I look forward to seeing what the lunch is going to be.”

photo by Jo Gomez Juniors Emma Devlin and Julia Earley pose after school with their free lunch-chicken tenders, tater tots, and a side salad!

november/december 2020 mac news 2

2020 Election results Mary Philip Extra, extra, read all about it! The results of a major election to the history of the United States are in! By now, citizens are aware of the outcome, despite the madness that has ensued pre and post-election. On Nov. 7, 2020, the public became aware that presidentelect Joe Biden earned his victory as the 46th President of the United States, with 73 more electoral college votes than candidate Donald Trump. The shift in power has caused some to disagree, but Biden strives to make peace as the country accepts its new fate.

“For all those of you who voted for President Trump, I understand the disappointment tonight,” Biden said. “I’ve lost a couple of times myself. But now, let’s give each other a chance.

It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric, lower the temperature, see each other again, listen to each other again. And to make progress we have to stop treating our opponents as enemies.”

The country’s new leadership will bring big changes to the face of the United States.

In particular, Biden will bring in his running mate, and the next vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris. Harris will make history as the first woman, first Black woman, first woman of South Asian descent and the first daughter of immigrants to be elected into the national office.

Harris, in her post-victory speech, gave tribute to generations of American women who have paved the way for this monumental moment in female history, especially those who fought for equality and proved themselves to be the backbone of the United States democracy.

“Tonight, I reflect on their struggle, their determination and the strength of their vision — to see what can be, unburdened by what has been,” Harris said. “And I stand on their shoulders. And what a testament it is to Joe’s character that he had the audacity to break one of the most substantial barriers that exists in our country and select a woman as his vice president.”

Biden and Harris will enter office at what most would agree is a difficult time for not only the United States, but for the world.

The team will be facing issues of COVID-19, economic turmoil, racial injustice and climate change that are more prevalent than ever.

Through it all, Biden plans to reunite the country and attend to the needs of citizens above all else.

“For this is what America is about: the people,” Biden said. “ And this is what our administration will be about.”

graphic by Mary Philip

COVID-19 rising in Chicago zip codes Meghan McCann With the COVID-19 case numbers fluctuating every day, how the future with the pandemic will play out remains a mystery.

During the last weeks of October and the beginning of November, the amount of positive Coronavirus cases have soared.

As of Nov 10, Cook County is leading Illinois with 227,000 COVID-19 cases, compared to DuPage County with 31,830 cases, Lake County with 27,189 cases, Will County with 25,892 cases and Kane County with 23,179 cases. From Oct 27 to Nov 9, Cook County had 45,645 new COVID-19 cases. As of the time of publication, the total number of known infections in Illinois is 523,840, with numbers changing daily.

From Nov. 1 to Nov. 11, the positivity rate increased by 4.4%. Along with the positivity rate, the number of deaths are also increasing.

Illinois public health officials reported 145 deaths on Nov 11, the most in one day since May. The death toll has not reached triple digits since June.

As of Dec. 6, the Illinois public health officials reported 7,598 new COVID-19 cases, along with 76 deaths. During the first week

of December, Illinois has experienced the most deaths due to the coronavirus out of every state.

The COVID-19 vaccine is projected to be available within the first weeks of December, with 23,000 doses available to Chicago. The vaccines are recommended to go to health

editorial illustration by Sasha Anoshenko

care workers first, so it may take months for most Americans to receive the vaccine.

Some restrictions were brought back as the number of cases rose. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has prohibited indoor dining due to the virus spreading at such a rapid rate.

Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Health have announced that many surrounding areas, such as Southern Illinois and Will, Kankakee, Kane and DuPage counties, are going to enforce stricter regulations in an attempt to slow and limit the spread of the Coronavirus. A restriction included in the new plan is restricting the number of individuals at a gathering to 10 instead of 25.

“Mitigations are only effective if they are followed,” Pritzker said in his daily press conference on Nov. 9. “The end goal of mitigating the damage the virus is doing to people’s lives is this: keep as much of our economy and our schools as open as possible in a safe manner, and when risk rates in the community surge up, take meaningful action to bring things back down in order to protect ourselves and the people we love.”

3 news november/december 2020

What’s happening in Nigeria?

Deirdre Sullivan All throughout Nigeria, protests are raging to end SARS (Special Anti-Robbery Squad), an anonymous police unit widely feared for brutalizing citizens. President Muhammadu Buhari promised to dismantle the unit, but most protesters are still wary.

SARS began in 1992 as a unit charged with dealing with violent crime in Lagos. Fifteen members traveled in two unmarked buses, with no uniforms or name tags. Remaining anonymous was crucial for taking on gangs, but as the unit spread throughout the country, the faceless group started terrorizing and abusing citizens. The anonymity made it difficult to report rogue officers and help end the abuse the unit caused.

SARS has been accused of shaking down young, well-dressed people for money, torturing and even killing those who resisted.

From January 2017 to now, Amnesty International says there are more than 82 documented cases of abuse and killings by SARS officers. Many victims of the unit were between the ages of 18 and 35, the largest age group in Nigeria.

“The disbanding of SARS is only the first step in our commitment to extensive police

reform,” Buhari said in a televised statement.

“We will also ensure that all those responsible for misconduct are brought to justice.”

Protesters do not believe the president, because the government claimed to disband SARS in 2017, 2018 and 2019. After being lied to for years, there is no trust between the government and the protesters. They will not give up until an executive order is issued and until clear action is taken.

Protesters are demanding compensation for victims of police brutality, better pay for officers to reduce the financial exploitation of citizens and psychological evaluations for reassigned SARS officers. Citizens are also demanding the release of those arrested at the recent demonstrations and for police to only use rubber bullets during civil unrest. Police officers are shooting directly into crowds, killing protesters, witnesses claim. Journalists and demonstrators are being beaten and arrested at these rallies.

Protests have spread around the world to cities such as Atlanta, London and Berlin to stand in solidarity with Nigeria against the police brutality caused by SARS. Throughout the demonstrations, citizens of different

economic statuses, religions and age groups have participated in hopes to finally end SARS once and for all.

graphic by Deirdre Sullivan

Fitness keeps this business motivated Aine McIntyre

photo by Aine McIntyre

A recent study conducted by Cambridge University suggested that those who stayed physically active during the early stages of the COVID-19 lockdown were less depressed and more mentally resilient than those less active.

On March 16th, local gyms, pools and other nonessential fitness facilities were required to close. Many business owners were left without a plan and feared losing their business. Clients of those locally owned businesses had to find alternative ways to keep fit and motivated on their own. Diane Fidler, McAuley class of ‘87 and owner of Core Fitness, was able to keep the physical therapy side of her business open, as it was deemed essential. However, her fitness side had to remain closed per government business restrictions.

The Core Fitness staff had to retool the fitness side of their business operation from in-person instruction to online classes.

“Luckily the lead instructor of Pilates did a great job at getting everything online so we could transition somewhat to the internet,” Fidler said.

The transition to virtual fitness classes via Zoom helped Core-Fitness members resume the professional and personal instruction they received in person, pre-COVID. The staff

and instructors maintained a family-type atmosphere at work; staying in touch was important for staff morale.

“With lots of checking and Zoom meetings, there was a lot of communication during this time, and being in constant contact kept everyone motivated,” Fidler said.

To ensure the safety of the staff as well as her clients during the pandemic, Fidler made many adjustments.

“We have extra cleaning measures in place; everyone has to wear masks and we take temperatures of all of the guests,” Fidler said.

Core Fitness was able to provide plenty of space to social distance patients. The pandemic has made several businesses more creative in their operations and how they provide their services. Fidler points out that their fitness operation is getting back to full capacity.

“We are very lucky to offer physical therapy services so we can be recognized as an essential business and be immune from the government shut down in the event of another possible outbreak,” Fiddler said.

november/december 2020

news 4

Not all heroes wear capes Anna Fagan It’s an early December morning, as you walk into the warm school you look around to see the Christmas tree with it’s branches shining from head to toe and the hallways decked with garland and bells. The decorations make the school so much livelier and happy, but have you ever thought about where they came from? The answer lies within the members of the maintenance team: Vicki Nettle, Beth Blouzdis, Jerry Foster, Guy McElligot, Paul Rossetti, Pat Kennedy, Rich Dougan. With the help of Nettle and her team, the school is prepped and readied for school every day.

“Between the two sets of workers, we accomplish all that needs to be done,” Nettle said. “We will help out and assist the teachers, administrators and students anyway we can.”

Before, during, and after school, the maintenance team works to make everything go smoothly for the students. They are split up into two groups. Nettle, Blouzdis, Foster, and McElligot work before and during school, and Rossetti, Kennedy and Dougan work after school.

The jobs of the maintenance team go beyond just sweeping the hallways. Foster picks up students from Patriot (Metra) Station every morning in the McAuley bus and drives them to school, and then drives back to the train station after school to ensure every student has the opportunity to get a ride to school no matter where they live.

“Getting a ride from the train station to school every day really helped me before I could drive,” junior Elizabeth Allison said.

photo provided by Ms. Kathleen Kelly Kennedy poses in the lunchroom with the supplies he uses to clean everyday after the students are dismissed.

Nettle (right) and Blouzdis (left) pose in the main hallway with hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies that they use daily to make sure everyone stays safe.

“Jerry was so nice and it really helped me and my parents not needing to worry about how I was getting to school every morning.”

Now, especially with COVID-19 being a fear for many, having a dedicated maintenance staff is more important than ever. Knowing that the desks, chairs and rooms are thoroughly cleaned every day puts many at ease from their fears of the virus on surfaces. The hallways and classrooms are thoroughly cleaned every day during and after the school day. This ensures maximum safety and protection for students every day of the school year during and after school.

“Knowing that all my classrooms are cleaned makes me more comfortable in the school setting,” junior Grace Novick said. “I am able to focus on my work and not be concerned about who was sitting at the desk before me and what germs were spread around the classroom.”

Basketball games, grade school nights and general student activities would not be possible without the work of the maintenance team.

Cleaning the gym after dances, putting out the bleachers for sporting events and cleaning the lunch room every day after school are all major things that keep the school days and years ‘go smoothly.

“Going to the Homecoming dance is one of my favorite parts of the school year, and there’s so many events that I never really thought about the preparation for,” Allison said. “I’m so thankful for the maintenance workers for making all of these events run smoothly and helping these things to happen.”

The dedication and persistence of the maintenance team comes from their experience and time at McAuley. Most of the team members have worked at McAuley for over 25 years, while Rossetti has worked at McAuley for over 40 years and Nettle has been on the staff for over

5 feature

photo provided by Ms. Kathleen Kelly

30 years. Having people who have worked at McAuley together for so long makes students feel at ease knowing the building is in good hands. Members of the maintenance team said that they enjoy the environment of McAuley as well as the people attending and working here.

“We all like working here and enjoy the girls as well as administrators, teachers and our fellow workers,” Nettle said.

The key to success of a school as large as McAuley with as many students as McAuley has is the participation of staff and students alike. From administration to teachers, freshmen to seniors, everyone is equally important to the success of the school.. Alumnae recall their favorite events and current students share similar experiences during their time here. A major key to the longtime success of McAuley, besides the unity, is the maintenance staff who keep the school together and ready for each new day and event.

“If there are any special events occurring, just figure that we all are involved in pulling each event off,” Nettle said. “We keep the lights going inside and outside. We do any and all decorating whether it’s during the holidays or just everyday activities.”

The maintenance workers play an essential role in the success and reputation of the school as a whole at McAuley, and it is time that they are given the credit and recognition they deserve for all they do every single day. So the next time you see one of the maintenance team members, thank them for all their hard work!

november/december 2020

Tiktok famous McAuley girls Mackenzie Williams Charli D’Amelio, Addison Rae, and Zach King are some popular Tik-Tokers. TikTok is an app where people can share funny videos, dances, comedy and creativity. The Chinese social networking service was launched in 2016 and gained rapid popularity in parts of Asia, Europe and later the United States.

Unlike other social media apps, many of the well-known users on TikTok are under the age of 21. For example, 16-year-old D’Amelio is the most followed user on the platform with over 90 million followers.

During quarantine, seniors Anna Jaworowski and Natalie Chibe have gained attention on TikTok for their videos. Chibe who has 23,400 followers, posts videos that focus on the band Twenty One Pilots. She spoke about how she became popular on TikTok over quarantine and was not used to receiving the negative comments “The People who wrote those comments did not

-What is your favorite podcast?

“My favorite podcast is ‘Something Scary’ because it has a lot of scary stories and I really like those kinds of things.”

-Cassandra Miskell 9 -“My favorite podcast is “Wolf 359” because it has really good narrative, compelling characters and good sound design.”

- Elise Fidler 10 “‘Stuff You Should Know’ intrigued me because there is so much unknown information, but the investigators found so much evidence even though there were not any witnesses.”

- Victoria Flores 11 “Anything Goes’ by Emma Chamberlain because I feel like she relates with teens.”

-Eileen Coyle 12

photos by Elena Fernandez

understand why I was excited, nor listened to the band I like,” Chibe said. “However, there were people who were just as excited as I was and they expressed their support too.”

Chibe went on to explain how her experience on TikTok has been overwhelming because she is stressed when making new content. She feels that her interests have changed since she went viral and explains how keeping up has been difficult.

“I also feel like I have to post a lot to keep my audience entertained, and it isn’t easy; especially during school and I am running low on ideas.” Chibe said.

Jaworowski, who has 37,900 followers, uploads volleyball videos on TikTok. She expresses the responsibility she feels to make sure her followers will enjoy her content.

“I’ve felt stressed about posting sometimes, and a few times I’ve taken a month off from posting,” Jaworowski said. “I manage stress

better now, and post when I can.”

Although both students may feel nervous when making new videos, they continue to express their gratitude for gaining their platforms on TikTok. ‘‘I don’t get as many views and likes as I used to, but I’m okay with that” Chibe said. “ I am so grateful and thankful for all of the support I got on my videos!”

Scan the QR codes below to follow them !

@emonatalie

@usavolleyball graphics by Mackenzie Williams

Our social dilemma Elena Fernandez

The introduction of the internet, advanced technology and social media revolutionized the world. However, it has created a new dilemma. The new Netflix documentary, “The Social Dilemma” brings attention to the dark side of technology by interviewing former CEOs, presidents and design editors of major corporations to talk about how their creations took a toll on society. Former employees from different fields who worked at popular companies like Google, Instagram, Twitter, and experts also join-in on how these new advances are now doing more harm than good.

“Doctors, lawyers, people, who know how to build 747s or nuclear missiles, they don’t know more about how their own mind is vulnerable,” Tristan Harris, Former Design Ethicist for Google and Co-founder of Center for Human Technology, said.

Major technology companies developed a system to keep viewers engaged with their services. It involves many algorithms that keep track of their consumers’ interests to keep them on the app for a long period of time. They do this to find the most effective way to make the most money, because the longer their customers scroll - the more money they make.

“At a lot of these technology companies there are three main goals,” Harris said.

“There’s the engagement goal: to drive up your usage to keep you scrolling. There’s the growth goal: to keep you coming back and inviting as many friends and getting them to invite more friends. And then there’s the advertising goal: to make sure that as all that’s

happening, we’re making as much money as possible from advertising.”

Technology has affected the mental health of teenagers, causing them to become more irrational and reserved. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate at which teenage girls, ages 15-19, are admitted to the hospital for mental health related issues has increased 62% since 2009. The CDC also says that suicide rates for teenage girls, ages 10-14, have increased 151%, compared to the rates in 2001-2010.

According to Dr. Jonathan Haida, social psychologist and author, these rising statistics have been related to social media and the internet. He also mentioned how young adults are affected by this force that they have grown addicted to, causing a negative impact in their mental health.

“Gen Z, the kids born after 1996 or so, those kids are the first generation in history that got on social media in middle school,” Haida said, “They come home from school and they’re on their devices. A whole generation is more anxious, more fragile, more depressed.

They’re much less comfortable taking risks.

The rates at which they get driver’s licenses have been dropping. The number who have ever gone out on a date or had any kind of romantic interaction is dropping rapidly.”

New developments in technology have benefited and changed many aspects of life for the better but the consequences are too harsh to ignore. “The Social Dilemma” provides audiences a factual insight into what social media is doing to society and what actions individuals can take in order to prevent society from falling.

november/december 2020

student life 6

Review Crew: Southside’s best cookie Aine McIntyre and Brisa Torres

Brisa ‘Tis the season for milk and cookies, and although it’s only November while we’re writing this, Christmas spirit is already flowing through our veins. With a half-full tank of gas, our camera woman Angelica, and Google Maps, we went on a hunt to find the best cookies on the South Side.

Aine As a girl who bought a McAuley cookie almost everyday freshman year, my tastebuds can decipher a good chocolate chip cookie from a bad one. Any bakery cookie could satisfy my sweet tooth, but one really stood out in this comparison.

Weber’s Bakery provided a delicate and scrumptious chocolate chip cookie, with a nice ratio of chocolate chip to cookie. I must say however, these are truly just your standard cookie with nothing too special, which is why it is not worth my $9. I will be deducting points for the price and the 30-minute drive that was simply not worth a box of cookies I could have picked up at a local grocery store.

I’ll be rating these a 7/10.

Judge Janey Janey Hynes

In honor of Christmas and terrible reboots of shows and films, this column is written in the structure of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

‘Twas the night before COVID,

when all through the air,

the people were healthy, watching shows they could bear.

With plenty of options, some new and some old, Each program a plot that was never yet told.

With a pandemic that shut each family inside, producers were scrambling for content to provide.

“Nostalgia sells, we all know that to be true” “And a reboot ensures money to come through” I do not have a problem if this is well done, Little Women, for example, was a home run.

But creativity is not something to force, And these spin-offs are beating a more-than-dead horse.

photo by Angelica Topor

Fuller House is a reboot that makes me so sick, If you ask me to watch it, I’ll fight you real quick I am enraged at ‘the man,’ I wish to yell, “Who wants more episodes of “Saved By the Bell!?”

above: Wolf ’s Bakery gourmet butterscotch cookies

Ah, Wolf’s Bakery, a classic SouthSide landmark located in the heart of Evergreen Park. We ordered ¼ a pound of chocolate chip cookies and butterscotch cookies. These were immaculate. The chocolate chip cookies had the perfect amount of crunch and the chocolate was semisweet. The butterscotch cookies were delicious; the buttery, crumbly texture alongside the sweet sprinkles created the perfect taste and texture. I give both these cookies an 10/10.

Next, we went to Weber’s. These chocolate chip cookies were decent, but the fact that I didn’t have a cup of milk made me sad considering they were quite dry. I give these a 6/10.

Our last stop was Pticek and Son, a popular bakery in Garfield Ridge known for their rainbow cake. We purchased ½ a pound of butterscotch cookies and chocolate chip cookies at the semi-affordable price of $6.90. The chocolate chip cookies were absolutely perfect because they were crispy and the chocolate chips had a smooth type of sweetness. These bad boys deserve a 9/10.The butterscotch cookies unfortunately disappointed me. The aftertaste was awful, it tasted like an old stick of butter. I’d give these a 5/10.

After hours of consideration, I’ve concluded that the best cookies on the South Side are from Wolf’s Bakery. They have the best chocolate chip and italian cookies, perfect for the Christmas time and all of your jolly spirit!

Shows from the 80’s weren’t great, even back then Why would you think I wanna see them again?

A rerun will suffice for a blast from the past, But a Jersey Shore reboot is what I want last.

photo by Angelica Topor

Don’t call me pessimistic, and please hear me out, Without some new viewers, a show won’t have clout.

Remaking a show from 1985 Is a desperate attempt to keep showbiz alive.

above: Weber’s Bakery gourmet mini chocolate chip cookies

Finally, we tried the red and green butterscotch cookies from Wolf’s Bakery.

These cookies are honestly just what you need to get into the Christmas spirit. Some may disagree, but these have the whole shebang: sugar, spice and just the right price.

They have a satisfactory amount of buttery sweetness; the cookie does not crumble apart in your hand, but it still has a nice crunch.

Walking into Wolf’s, I knew I would not be disappointed. A box of Wolf’s butterscotch cookies for 3 dollars will have you in the holiday spirit. Hence, I classify these as the best Christmas cookies on the Southside. I will definitely be bringing these to the family function this holiday season. Wolf’s served with this one, a 10/10.

I’m sick of the reboots, oh the mundanity It’s the sure definition of insanity.

To sell the same thing in another color, makes the options to choose from so much duller.

Streaming services use this as a distraction Getting your attention is half the transaction.

Don’t make it easy for them to steal your dough, Don’t be fooled into paying for a bad show.

Let’s rid of the reboots, we can all do without There’s much more to watch, more creative, no doubt.

The build up of this garbage reminds me of plaque, So please, producers, stop bringing shows back.

I have now said my piece, so do as you choose, But remember, they make money off your views.

‘Tis the season of joy, so I wish not to fight,

Merry binging to all, and to all a good night!

photo by Angelica Topor above: Brisa and Aine pose with their fresh Bakery cookies

photo by Bridget Gallagher

7 opinion

november/december 2020

The GMO controversy continues Mairead O’Carroll Without GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, Americans would no longer be able to enjoy snack foods such as Doritos and Oreos which are made with common bioengineered ingredients such as cornstarch, corn syrup, canola oil and granulated sugar. In fact, the national Center for Food Safety estimates that in the average grocery store, about 75 % of processed foods are genetically modified. The safety of these GMO foods, however, remains a controversial topic among consumers.

“Despite the lack of evidence that GMOs are harmful to humans, ...(the) anti-GMO sentiment is so strong (among shoppers) that you can find non-GMO labels on everything these days, even on foods where no genetically modified alternative exists (e.g. oats) and on products that never contained genetic material in the first place (e.g. salt and water),” the Illinois Science Council said.

“If these fears continue to spread, they could hinder the global effort to fortify food supplies and prevent our economy from collapsing as a result of climate change.”

Founded in 2007, the mission of the NonGMO Project organization is to build sources

of non-GMO products, educate consumers and provide verified non-GMO choices. The organization’s website includes statements regarding the safety (or lack) of GMOs, including one explaining how GMOs can contaminate organic and non-GMO foods through cross-pollination or seed-mixing post harvest. “(The) contamination (of fields due to unapproved genetically engineered crop varieties) demonstrates yet again that once GMOs are released into the environment, these novel organisms cannot be recalled,” Non-GMO Project Executive Director Megan Westgate said. “(These) genetically modified crops pose a serious threat to farmer sovereignty and to the national food security of any country where they are grown.”

Chipotle Mexican Grill is the first and only fast food chain to advertise that it would serve food free of genetically modified ingredients, with its menu consisting of just 53 ingredients, including salt, pepper and water.

“Given the concerns surrounding these types of GMOs and the chemicals associated with them, we felt it was particularly important

to seek out non-GMO ingredients when possible,” Chipotle said. “The vast majority of our ingredients don’t come in a G.M.O. variety, and we use lots of whole, unprocessed foods, so it was easier for us to do.”

Still, numerous scientific experts assert that GMOs are no riskier than conventional foods for human consumption, and that they must be individually evaluated for their level of safety.

“No effects on human health has been shown as a result of the consumption of genetically foods modified by the general population,” the World Health Organization said. “Individual (genetically modified) foods and their safety should be assessed on a case-by-case basis and it is not possible to make general statements on the safety of all (genetically modified) foods.”

Gene-editing & Nobel prize winners On Oct. 7, 2020, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna for their discoveries in the gene-editing capabilities of CRISPR-Cas 9. Charpentier and Doudna are the first all-female team to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

CRISPR stands for “clusters of regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats” and refers to segments of DNA that are characterized as having repeating nucleotides, which are the bases that DNA is composed of.

The DNA sequences can be cut between these clusters because of an enzyme known as Cas 9 found within cells with CRISPR. While studying the human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes, Charpenteir made the discovery of tracrRNA. TracrRNA is a molecule that works with the Cas 9 enzyme to allow for cells with the CRISPR-Cas 9 system to fight off viruses by severing the virus’ DNA and then incorporating some of that DNA into the genome of the cell, creating “spacers” between the CRISPR sequences of DNA. These spacers allow the cell to recognize viral DNA by matching the nucleotide sequences of the spacers to viral DNA. After her discovery, Charpenteir collaborated with Doudna and together they essentially reprogrammed the functionality of the CRISPR-Cas 9 system so that it could cut into and replace any DNA sequence that it was

Angelica Topor

told to. Charpentier and Doudna expanded the abilities of this DNA cutting tool by making it so that it has the ability to “knock-out” a specific gene from a cell’s DNA or “knock-in” new genes.

Charpenteir and Doudna’s modifications to the CRISPR-Cas 9 system allow scientists to control what genes get knocked in or out by providing a DNA template for the system to follow when deciding what gene to take out or add in. Thus, Charpenteir and Doudna introduced the gene-editing abilities of the CRISPR-Cas 9 system.

This technology has since had experimental use in correcting various illnesses, but has considerable potential to correct genetic illnesses. Such illnesses include cystic fibrosis, Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy and genetic blindness. Since these arise from mutations within specific genes, the new capabilities of the CRISPR-Cas 9 technology hold the possibility of curing these illnesses by targeting the mutated genes that cause them, cutting them out of the genome, and replacing them with the correct genes.

november/december 2020

graphic by Sofia Jasso

science & tech 8

An athlete’s hidden opponent Molly McDermott

The Hidden Opponent is a nonprofit organization that advocates for athlete’s mental health and addresses the stigma surrounding these issues within sports culture.

According to athletesforhope.org, 46.6 million people are living with mental illness in the United States. The same research has shown that exercise can improve mental health by releasing natural hormones like endorphins and enkephalins that are proven to boost moods. However, this does not make athletes immune to mental illness.

This is why former DivisionI volleyball player Victoria Garrick created The Hidden Opponent as a strong community and platform for the many student-athletes who are suffering.

“The culture of athletics preaches that if there’s a will there’s a way,” Garrick said in her 2017 TED Talk. “Mental illness is associated with weakness. To appear weak is the last thing an athlete wants. This makes it nearly impossible for athletes to differentiate between what is hard work and what is pushing yourself too far.”

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, joined Garrick’s conversation sharing that he had suicidal thoughts at the peak of his career.

“All the Olympic medals in the world couldn’t ease my pain,” Phelps said in an interview with Garrick. “I had no self-esteem.

No self-worth. I thought the world would just be better off without me. After finally asking for and receiving the proper help, I learned to always ask questions and remember that it’s okay to not be okay.”

The Hidden Opponent has even extended their outreach directly to high schools and colleges. Initiating the “Campus Captains” program, where student-athletes can become ambassadors for the nonprofit. Through all these efforts, Garrick has faith that sports culture will continue to make progress in acknowledging and respecting mental illness.

“One day, I am certain that mental injuries in athletes will be given the same attention and respect as physical ones,” Garrick said.

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How far did they go?

Janey Hynes

Play like a girl Sydney Banks

If there was one thing junior Isabella “Bella” Finnegan was sure about at 5 years old, it was how to shoot a basketball. Inspired by her brother and father, Finnegan found her love for the game by simply observing it.

“When I was younger, I always loved watching my brother’s games, and my dad was an amazing coach,” Finnegan said.“My dad has taught me to love the game.”

Ever since then, Finnegan has set high expectations for herself. Throughout her grammar school years, she played at her local parish, St.Germaine, and played travel for the Southside Shooters. Finnegan finds motivation in striving to achieve her goals.

“Playing college basketball has always been a dream of mine,” Finnegan said. I hope to play D1 when I get to college” Finnegan said.

She currently plays for the Illinois Lady Lightning Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team and is a member of Mother McAuley’s varsity team. When it came to selecting a high school to further her basketball career, McAuley was Finnegan’s top choice and she certainly doesn’t regret it.

“McAuley basketball is where I’ve

met my best friends,” Finnegan said. “I’ve made great relationships with the coaches and everyone in the basketball program is so supportive and positive. Traveling places with your best friends and playing the sport you love, nothing can get better than that.”

It’s not only Finnegan’s dream to play college basketball, but she also hopes to inspire others to achieve their athletic goals as well.

“McAuley has influenced my basketball career by opening me to so many opportunities to prove myself and to show other little girls that anything is possible,” Finnegan said.

photo provided by Bella Finnegan

9 sports

november/december 2020

Concerts for a change Kathleen Carter

For many, music brings solace and concerts are a way to escape from reality for an hour or two. They allow fans to connect with others with similar interests. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, concerts have been cancelled or postponed, however many artists have hosted livestream concerts to help people get their entertainment fix. Some entertainers have even gone a step further and raised money for various charities via livestream concerts.

On Nov 7, Irish singer and songwriter Niall Horan hosted a one-hour livestream concert at an empty Royal Albert Hall in London. It benefitted roadies and crew out of work due to the lack of touring amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Horan saw how the crews for traveling artists were being neglected financially by the UK government and decided to team up with WeNeedCrew to raise money for them. WeNeedCrew is an organization that donates all funds received to the technical entertainment charity, Backup, that assists people across the entertainment industry. All ticket sales go directly to fund a year’s worth of pay to the crew Horan would have taken on the road for his sophomore album “Heartbreak Weather,” with the remaining money going to WeNeedCrew. Tickets started at $16 and offered the option to donate more. Horan also released a line of merchandise with the profits going towards the organization. Over 120,000

tickets were sold to fans across 15 countries and Horan’s livestream became the most viewed livestream concert of 2020.

Also helping the entertainment industry during the pandemic, Grammy award winner and seven time nominee, Patty Griffin, is livestreaming three separate concerts from the Continental Club in Austin. A portion of the proceeds goes to 19 venues in jeopardy due to COVID-19 with tickets starting at $25. Worldrenowned heavy metal band, Metallica, is also putting on a livestream concert in conjunction with the All Within My Hands charity which feeds people in need, provides workforce education and provides other critical services.

Tickets start at $15 and 100% of proceeds go to the charity which has already raised $645,000 for COVID relief funds that provide money to people in the entertainment business that are out of work.

Famed reggae singer-songwriter Bob Marley once said, “one good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”

Every entertainer knows how important it is to experience music, especially being able to perform for their fans. Because of gracious artists like these, the world can feel a sense of normalcy in these tough times through the power of live music.

The best bad Christmas movies Bridget Gallagher Everyone loves a great Christmas movie, but what about the bad ones?

“It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Elf,” and “A Christmas Story” are just a few Christmas classics. They are the perfect films that can get almost anyone into the holiday spirit.

However, there are some movies that capture the holiday spirit, but are most definitely not perfect. These Christmas movies are so bad that they are good.

The family comedy “Unaccompanied Minors” was panned by critics and audiences when it first came out in December 2006.

It tells the story of five teenagers stranded at the airport on Christmas Eve due to a blizzard. Determined to keep the younger unaccompanied minors’ faith in Santa Claus, they hatch a plan to make sure the kids wake up with presents from St. Nick. Watching these five teens cause a ruckus for the sake of Christmas is a lot of fun to watch.

In another 2006 Christmas family comedy, Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito play two neighbors at war with each other. Broderick is a self-proclaimed Christmas expert who always has the best

decorated house on the block. However, when DeVito moves in across the street, Broderick discovers he has some competition. “Deck the Halls” is a terrible film, but it is enjoyable if you watch it knowing it is a terrible film.

The 2007 movie “Holiday in Handcuffs” is insane. Melissa Joan Hart plays an aspiring artist who works as a waitress. She was recently broken up with and is now stressed out about going home for Christmas without a boyfriend.

In a desperate attempt to solve her problem, Hart kidnaps a restaurant customer, played

by Mario Lopez, and takes him home to her family. Although a felony offense was just committed against him, Lopez goes along with it and genuinely enjoys spending time with his kidnapper and her family.

Hollywood has made lots of movies about Santa Claus, so in 2007 they decided to make one about his brother. Vince Vaughn plays the titular role in “Fred Claus,” Santa’s troublemaking brother who visits the North Pole. The film features lots of other stars and is so ridiculously stupid that it is hilarious.

While by no means are of any of these movies Oscar-worthy, they are a guaranteed good time during the holidays.

november/december 2020

a&e 10

Christmas Mad Libs

You better _________(verb) out You better not _________(verb) You better not __________(verb) I’m telling ___________(noun) why _____________(noun) is coming to town He’s making a ___________(noun), He’s ______________(ing verb) it twice, He’s gonna find out who’s ____________(adjective) or _________(adjective) ____________(noun) is coming to _____________(place) He ________(verb) you when you’re _______________(ing verb) And he knows when you’re _____________(verb) He knows if you’ve been ____________(adjective) or ___________(adjective) So be ____________(adjective) for goodness sake You better _________(verb) out You better not _________(verb) You better not __________(verb) I’m telling ___________(noun) why _____________(noun) is coming to _____________(place) He ________(verb) you when you’re _______________(ing verb) And he knows when you’re _____________(verb) He knows if you’ve been ____________(adjective) or ___________(adjective) _______________(noun) is ________(ing verb) I mean the _________________(adjectives) man with the ____________ (adjectives) beard Is _____________(ing verb) to __________(place)

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