Spectator December 2011

T

h

e

L

a

k

e

F

o

r

e

s

t

A

c

a

S P E C TAT O R

Volume 90 Number 3

1500 West Kennedy Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045

d

e

m

y

December 8, 2011

Featured Stories NEWS

Students sign up for Spring Break trips around the world

page 3

OPINION & EDITORIAL

Caxy Rant: lower Corbin door a hassle

page 4

FEATURES

New stock trading craze hits LFA

page 6

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Classic bad movies for the holiday season

page 9

Trustees vote to pursue plans for science building Katie Reid Anderson and Lauren Stevenson at work in the current science labs.

By Hunter Johnstone News Editor

With the exceptions of the renovated college counseling offices in 2010 and the implementation of two Steelcase Inc. test classrooms this semester, Lake Forest Academy’s classroom space has not had any major renovations or additions in many years. However at the LFA Trustee meeting on November 5, the board members voted to send a team to meet with the City of Lake Forest Building Review Board to discuss designs and placement of a future Science Center on campus.

According to Mr. Andy Kerr, chief financial officer at LFA, preparations are now under way for such a building but construction cannot start until certain elements of planning, such as adequate funding and an approved building design, are secured. Kerr said that given such elements, the earliest that construction could begin would be in the spring of 2012.

The new science center, referred to officially as “STEAM” (Science integrated with Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), is the result of a new focus by

the trustees on academics after the creation of new residential (Ferry Hall) and athletic (Fitzsimmons Athletic Wing and Crown Fitness Center) facilities. The new science center would most likely be a stand-alone building that would take an estimated 12 months to be completed, according to Kerr.

The resulting open space in lower Corbin would then be subject to renovation requiring further plans.

“We believe that the evolution of science education, as underscored by changes in the AP curriculums, compels us to adapt and grow our science education,” said Kerr regarding the need for a new science center. “To do this we need upgraded facilities and we have no place on the current campus to put these facilities At the same time, we need to ensure that we have sufficient space for our ever-growing class rosters.”

According to Kerr, Academic Dean Phil Schwartz created a report on this need for a new science center with input from several teachers and an outside consultant. The report cited the latest advances in science education, which “relate to creating spaces for student projects and

Photo by Bailey Ayers

independent studies, and the creation of convertible or all-in-one classrooms combining classroom and lab space in one floor area.”

“We’re a school that is 50% bigger than when I first started,” said current science instructor, Mr. Ed Shaughnessy, who is enthusiastic about a new science center. “The science wing has already experienced several upgrades and modifications (e.g. adding fume hoods to the original chemistry lab, overhauling the biology lab, and adding a second chemistry lab) to keep up with the expanding science enrollment.”

Agreeing with the report done by Schwartz, Shaughnessy said he supports the creation of a science space where students can come in during their free time to work on projects or experiments.

Until construction of the science center is made certain through written monetary pledges and approved plans, trustees are focused on the completion of Ferry Hall in 2012 and the continued successes of the iPad program and Steelcase Inc. classrooms.

LFA provides Thanksgiving meals for A.J. Katzenmaier families SPORTS

Elevate features LFA alum, Aziz N’diaye

page 10

THE ORANGE

The Orange tweets famous movies

page 12

By Sarah Clark Features Editor

Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. In the next years, LFA sent meals

families through these donations.

“For families who cannot afford

On the morning of Saturday, November 12 many students, faculty, and parents gathered to participate in Pack the Pod, Lake Forest Academy’s annual service effort conducted by Harvesting Hope to collect and organize Thanksgiving dinners for families who are in financial need.

This is the program’s sixth year.

In 2005 the inaugural program brought complete Thanksgiving dinners to New

to families in Detroit and St. Louis. This is the third year that Harvesting Hope has focused its efforts on the families of North Chicago’s A.J. Katzenmaier Elementary School who are in financial need. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 89% of the students at this school are financially eligible for free or reducedprice lunch programs, a figure 40% higher than the state’s average. Harvesting Hope intends to benefit these students and their

big Thanksgiving dinners, this event really helps their decision making,” said Sarah Collins, LFA’s Director of Service Learning, “They don’t have to make sacrifices in other areas in order to enjoy the holiday.”

Following the model of previous years, the stuffing mix, canned vegetables, potato buds, and brownie mix came largely from the donations involved with the Advisory food drive competition. However, Continued on page 2

THE SPECTATOR

News

2

World News Roundup Compiled by Ariana Bhatia and Mary Kate Hayes Editors-in-Chief

Italy faces financial crisis Information from BBC News

The financial panic of Greece has now spread to Italy and Spain. Italy, in particular, finds itself unable to sustain its large debt. While individual citizens do not hold a large amount of debt on average, the Italian government has a debt the size of 118% of its GDP. Running on a large amount of debt is not new to Italy, however, with the current state of its economy, Italy finds itself unable to maintain a strong level of growth to counter this rising debt. Many call for severe austerity measures to alleviate the problem. Interest rates for Italy to borrow money have soared to 6.7% and Spain is not far behind at 6.1%.

Pennsylvania State University football scandal unravels Information from NPR.com

Pennsylvania State University finds itself in the midst of a scandal involving investigations of the Jerry Sandusky case. Jerry Sandusky, the former assistant football coach, is charged with 40 counts related to sexual abuse of young children. Mike McQueary, the current assistant football coach at the university, claims in 2002 he walked in on Sandusky abusing a ten-year-old boy in an on-campus locker room.

Subsequently he informed Joe Paterno, the former head football coach, and other university officials about the incident. University officials however did not report the case to the police and no investigation was followed through. In light of the scandal, Joe Paterno was fired from the University.

December 8, 2011

Revised exam schedule: Some students concerned about the use and number of scheduled review days

By Carina Baker Features Editor Finals this semester are scheduled for December 9th, 12th, and 13th. The morning of Friday, December 9th is the English exam; the afternoon is Language. Monday morning will be Math and that afternoon will be History. The morning exam on Tuesday is Science and afternoon will be for conflict exams. As the LFA community approaches those final exams, there are strong feelings (pro and con) about the exam schedule and about students’ rights to enough review time to prepare.

The order of finals changes every year.

“It’s difficult when you’re the last department to do your exams, and then you have limited time to get your grades entered, so we try not to burden one department over and over again every year,” said Mrs. Helen Delaney, who is in charge of exam scheduling.

The days on which finals fall — this year a Friday, Monday, and Tuesday — are not specifically chosen. Rather, it depends on the start date for the year and how many school days

are required. Opinions on the weekend split this year are mixed.

“I think it makes my life easier when it’s split over the weekend so I can study as much as I can,” said junior Jaclyn Meyers.

Review time in each class is mandatory, confirmed Mr. Phil Schwartz, Dean of Academics. There is a date prior to exams on which teachers must stop introducing new material, and instead review.

“This year the date is December 6th so you have the two A-days for review prior to exams,” Schwartz said.

Is two days enough time for review of a whole semester?

Some students don’t think so.

“I’ve had teachers review two days for one chapter,” senior Joe Tarkington said.

Most students said they find that two days is just too little time. They also find that teachers are squeezing new material in several days before the final exam.

“From the last three years, I’ve found it to be too stressful, because teachers are giving us tests three days before our finals, and we’re going to be studying for those tests; it’s not

like we have the opportunity to be studying for a final that covers the whole semester because we’re studying for that new test, right?

And the next thing you know, we have two days of review and then boom, our finals,” said senior Casey Coulter. “If we just didn’t have tests that week of finals, I think it would be way less stressful and people would have the opportunity to study more.”

Other students, however, do think that two days is an adequate amount of time to prepare.

“If students have questions, they can ask them in those two days,” said senior Annie Ho. “I would say in physics, because it’s a subject that builds on itself, that you a) don’t even really need a final, and b) don’t really need time to review… I would argue it is enough time,” said Mr. Ed Shaughnessy, physics and astronomy teacher.

Different subjects tend to review for different amounts of time. Teachers who do not believe two days is an adequate amount of time can start reviewing before the sixth. Mr. David Wick, a Latin and English teacher, said that this “is why I start reviewing prior to that official cut-off date, usually.”

Harvesting Hope’s Pack the Pod has record-breaking year (continued from front page) Photo courtesy of Tribune Media Services Penn State students show their support following the scandal.

British embassy in Tehran attacked

Information from Financial Times

A November 29th attack on the British embassy in Tehran displays the political animosity between Iran and United Kingdom. The incidents involved several hundred angry Iranian protesters. The strike was the most serious offensive on diplomats in Tehran since 1979 when the Islamic revolution occurred. Police clad in riot apparel launched tear gas and protesters threw rocks, bombs and eggs. The attack had an incentive to remove UK occupancy in Iran, but the situation shows they need more control.

shortages in this year’s donations had to be made up by the shopping of parent volunteers. In the end, with these generous donations and the donation of turkeys by a small group of LFA families, Harvesting Hope was able to collect the supplies needed to donate more than 250 Thanksgiving dinners.

During the Pack the Pod event, all of the materials (except the turkeys) were packaged into individual family meals. The event received a great response

from the LFA community. Bailey Ayers, one of Harvesting Hope’s co-leaders even remarked that “it seemed like a record number of kids” turned out to help pack.

These volunteers worked with great enthusiasm for the cause.

“It’s a really good thing for our community to help another community outside of ours because we are so fortunate,” said sophomore Emily Meyer.

“We’re showing them that we really care about them,” said senior Simon Liu.

This year, the hundreds of meals were bagged, boxed, and stored in the Pod in the fasted time yet: 21 minutes. The Thanksgiving dinners and turkeys were distributed to the families of A.J. Katzenmaier Elementary School on Friday, November 18.

“The families are always so happy to receive the turkeys,” said Harvesting Hope co-leader Shane Penman, “it’s amazing.”

THE SPECTATOR

News

December 8, 2011

LFA spring break trip destinations announced

By Bailey Ayers Photo Editor Even though Spring Break seems far away, the buzz concerning this year’s break trips is just beginning. The school will be offering two main trips this spring. The Head of School Symposium trip will take 24 students to Egypt, Jordan, and Israel, while a group of other students will travel to Thailand and through China.

The trip to Egypt, Jordan, and Israel will last 16 days, and cost approximately $3,500, according to the information given by travel agency America Israel Travel. This cost includes airfare, ground travel, hotels, and most meals. The voyage will take students through Cairo to the Pyramids and the Sphinx in Egypt. The Israel portion will take students through Tel Aviv, Galilee, and the Golan Heights.

Next, they will go on to Jordan, where students will travel to the Dead Sea. The trip will finally finish with Jerusalem, where students will have the rare op-

portunity to participate in the Interreligious Coordinating Council in Israel. Junior Jane Strudwick commented that she was, “excited to ...meet people from lots of differnt backgrounds and cultures.”

Because this area of the world had been recently in the news because of political turmoil, there is a back-up plan, in case an event leads to this area no longer being safe.

The Head of School Symposium trip will focus on the theme of this year’s symposium: Religious Pluralism. Students will travel to religious grounds for different religions as well as learn about the different cultures.

Junior Hannah Olinger commented that, “traveling to such exotic places as these, truly explands our enlightenment on differing religious landscapes and cultural pluralism.” Because the Thailand and China trip is more about experiencing different cultures, Anderson said that the goal of the

trip is, “to get a greater appreciation for different ways of life, culture, and people.”

The Thailand and China trip takes on a completely different role this Spring Break. Being led by history instructor, Mr. Alec Anderson, this experience will also last 16 days, but will cost approximately $3,750. Nexus Holidays Travel agency provided an expected summary of the trip.

According to the summary, the students will start in Thailand, where they will spend four days exploring the ancient areas of Bangkok and surrounding areas.

The rest of the trip will take the students through various parts of China, before ending in Beijing.

Senior Morgan Jones said, “I have never been to Asia, so I am excited about eating new foods and experiencing the culture.”

Anderson said that, “[He] received many phone calls from parents regarding taking the students to the Terra Cotta Warriors, and because this was not on the itinerary, [he] is working with the agency to see if it is possible.”

3

Campus News In this space, The Spectator provides further details on some major events at Lake Forest Academy that are taking place during the coming semester.

Compiled by Hunter Johnstone News Editor

January 4

Young Alumni Luncheon Recent graduates of Lake Forest Academy will be returning for the Young Alumni Luncheon held on the first day of the coming semester.

Current students will get a chance to see old friends or schoolmates that are attending and are welcome to stop by the Garden Room before or after the luncheon

January 6-7

Winter Spirit Weekend Winter Spirit Weekend is a series of weekend activities (mandatory for boarding students). This year’s activities begin with a Girls Basketball Pack the House Event followed by the mandatory all-school Winter House Cup competition, both of which will take place in Glore Gymnasium on Friday, January 6th. Saturday will feature an afternoon trip to Whirlyball in Vernon Hills (which also includes laser tag, a climbing wall, and pool) and a Caxy Arcade in the Crown Fitness Center lobby with arcade games such as Pac-Man and NBA Jam as well as karoake and pinball.

Photo courtesy of Facebook Casey Coulter participates in one of last year’s Winter House Cup relay competitions.

January 22

College Worshop

This globe highlights many of the major destinations of the Head of School Symposium Spring Break Trip.

Satellite image courtesy of Google Earth

The College Workshop is a mandatory event for juniors that is being held on Sunday, January 22. A variety of university representatives from around the country will review real college applications with the students to help them become familiar with the process, and Lake Forest Academy college counselors will hold a Q&A afterwards in Cressey with the representatives.

THE SPECTATOR

Opinion and Editorial

4

Caxy Rant:

The LFA lockout carries on: complaints continue to roll in about the science wing door

By Erica Lewis

standing out there, you are furi-

years at LFA, and while I can’t

Op-Ed Editor

ous and five minutes late to class.

blame every single one on that

In my opinion, there is

door, there are definitely a couple

Monday

only one thing worse than losing

that can be attributed to that dumb

morning at Lake Forest Academy

your ID and being forced to wait

door locking me out.

and you are running a little bit be-

for someone to let you in -- that’s

But there is hope! On Novem-

hind schedule. You speed down

having your ID, but being forced

ber 11th mechanics came to LFA

Caxy Drive and pull into the

to wait for someone to let you

and worked all morning to fix

circle with one minute to spare,

because the lower Corbin door

any errors that could help make

definitely enough time to avoid

won’t open for you. Infamous

the door leading to the Science

getting tardy points if you sprint

within the LFA community, this

wing operate properly. While my

all the way to class. You get out of

door is known to cause significant

fingers are crossed for a change, I

the car and head towards the door

traffic jams after morning meet-

will most likely continue to avoid

leading to the Science wing, rum-

ing and lock you out at the most

that stupid door just to be on the

maging through your backpack

inconvenient times.

safe side.

for your ID as you go. You pull

Supposedly that door is

Unfortunately for those who

out your ID and hold it up to the

such a problem because it is wire-

haven’t yet decided to exile that

card reader, but immediately an

less. All the other security doors

door from their lives, reports con-

obnoxious red light flashes back

are hard-wired and never seem to

tinue to say that no real progress

at you. The door has denied your

have a problem. The worst time to

has been made. The false hope

entrance. After several more tries

use this door is between periods

that the mechanics brought to

you realize that just hitting your

or at the beginning of first period

campus seems to now only make

ID harder against the card read-

because most people are in class

it feel twenty times more devas-

er isn’t going to make the door

and you could spend 10 minutes

tating when that door blinks red

open and you are forced to wait

waiting there until some kind soul

and you are left outside waiting

for someone to let you in. By the

sees you. I have racked up quite a

for someone to let you in.

time someone finally notices you

few tardy points during my four

It’s

a

cold

December 8, 2011

Photo by Bailey Ayers

Senior Erica Lewis became frustrated with the door leading to the science wing after it rejectd her ID continuously and left her out in the cold.

Catchy Cartoons This year The Spectator will print opinionated cartoons from around the nation.

Cartoons by Tribune Media Services

THE SPECTATOR December 8, 2011

Editorial:

Opinion and Editorial T h e L a k e A c a d e m y

Days before finals should be for review December 9th marks the end of the first semester. That semester will conclude with student exams. The exams at LFA are demanding and designed to test students’ knowledge of what was learned during the semester. The week leading up to exams is always one filled with stress, worry, and cramming; but the week has previously held some “rights” for students as they prepared for exams. During that week, students could previously count on the fact that teachers were supposed to stop introducing new concepts, stop giving homework on new material, and review pos-

sible exam material in their final classes of the semester.

The Spectator now thinks, however, that students are not the only ones who are cramming material for the exams.

Many teachers seem to take those final days of the semester and jam in a lot of additional material which needs to be understood.

The Spectator has observed teachers rushing to fulfill the syllabus expectations that they set in the beginning of the year but were unable to reach because of scheduling. New material generates new homework and leaves less time for review.

We believe that the last week of the semester at LFA has traditionally been designated to give students time to review and study. It should be just that, and it should not be a week to load in uncovered material. If the coursework is not completed before the start of the week leading up to exams, teachers should carry the material they haven’t managed to cover over to the next semester.

Teachers and administrators need to protect our traditional review days to ensure time for students to study, recollect, and understand what they learned throughout the semester.

Inquiring Photographer:

For this month’s Inquiring Photographer, The Spectator asked students where they would spend money for LFA community improvement if they were given an unlimited budget.

5 F o r e s t

S P E C TAT O R

STAFF LIST Editors-in-Chief News Editors Managing Editor Feature Editors Sports Editor Arts & Entertainment Editors Op-Ed Editors Orange Editors Photo Editors Staff Writer Faculty Adviser

Andrea Shen Mary Kate Hayes Ariana Bhatia Hunter Johnstone Matt Stevens Sarah Clark Carina Baker Grace Coburn Mimi Moses Anastasia Perry Erica Lewis Zunaira Arshad Phil Pray Leo Rudberg Jane Xu Bailey Ayers John Luttig Nan Wang Brian Ahern William Murphy

PUBLICATION The Spectator is published eight times per year by the students of Lake Forest Academy and is a forum for student expression. The views and reporting herein are the sole product of The Spectator’s student reporters and in no way reflect the official views of Lake Forest Academy faculty, staff, administration or Board of Trustees.

EDITORIALS Opinions of the staff are presented in the form of unsigned editorials. Personal views are bylined or presented as formal dissents.

Actually getting a windmill because three years ago they were working towards getting a windmill but people thought it was ugly. –Taylor Spratt

I would use it to provide quarter dispensers for the dorms because boarders have trouble doing laundry and finding quarters.

–Nyalia Lui

I would put tables back into Cressey… I really like the tables and now they’re gone and I can’t work there anymore.

-Madeleine Pattis

SUBMISSIONS

The Spectator welcomes submissions from the community. If you would like to write an article, please see Mr. Murphy (please note: if space is limited, priority goes to journalism students). We also welcome short stories and poetry for our “Featured Writers” column, and we are always interested in publishing student artwork and photographs. Please send all submissions to Mr. Murphy via e-mail at wmurphy@lfanet.org, or hand them to him directly.

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

The Spectator welcomes responses to its articles in the form of Letters to the Editors in addition to letters on subjects of the author’s choosing. Please e-mail Letters to the Editors to Mr. Murphy at wmurphy@lfanet.org.

We should use the money to improve Hutch. It’s really small, and it’s hard to get as many people in that need to be.

-Palmer Taylor

Right now there’s only one basketball court and four teams are sharing it and with a new field house it would be easier for all of the teams.

-Michael O’Doherty

The Corbin rooms could use some improvement. Maybe some nicer desks that don’t fall apart.

-Will Shoemaker

AWARDS The Spectator has been awarded several prestigious journalism awards in recent years. It has consistently taken first place in competitions against schools of similar size held by the American Scholastic Press Association and the Kempler Moraine Press Association.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

Personally, I think the money should go towards improving Hutch. The choices aren’t various enough.

-Priscilla Shi

They need to put more money into a new science building because it is outdated.

-Casey Coulter

The arts department could use funding. All of their technology for lighting is outdated.

-Madeleine Hale Compiled by Zunaira Arshad

“Because if we the storytellers don’t do this, then the bad people will win.”

-Christiane Amanpour

THE SPECTATOR 6

Features

December 8, 2011

New Thai Scholar comes to study here at LFA

By Nan Wang Staff Writer Sitting at a table in Hutch with a group of students from different grades, holding a Caxy burger while having a conversation, a senior attired in a white dress shirt and a black tie tries to enjoy Hutch food during a typical lunch period. While many students who do not recognize this fresh face might guess that he is one of the many post-grads recruited for LFA athletics, a small group of students know that he is actually Pawin (Lek) Sarobol, a Thai Scholar.

With 25% of the student body from outside of the country, Lake Forest Academy is proud of its strong international programs and culturally diverse community. The Thai Scholar program embodies this spirit; it is a prestigious scholarship program funded by the government of Thailand. Fewer than 50 students are selected each year to become Thai Scholars.

According to Mrs. Loring Strudwick, the Dean of Admissions, Lake Forest Academy is among several distinguished American high schools able to request a maximum of two Thai Scholars per year from the government.

“They are all well-qualified and excellent scholars,” said Strudwick.

The Academy has had approximately 15 Thai Scholar alumni who have come to United States with instructions to study in specific subject areas. Strudwick mentioned that last year’s Thai Scholar, Thanaporn (March) Patikorn, who is now studying at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, was appointed and sponsored by the Ministry of Education to become a college professor.

“This year’s Thai Scholar comes from a very different background,” said Strudwick, “and he wants to study at the U.S. Air Force Academy.”

Sarobol is a 20-year old postgrad from the Armed Forces Academy Preparatory School in Thailand. A great swimmer, cross-country runner, and basketball player, Sarobol is probably one of the most athletic Thai Scholars that Lake Forest Academy has ever had. Selected out of a hundred well-trained military students in the preparatory school, Sarobol wants

Pawin “Lek” Sarobol is this year’s Thai Scholar.

to become a pilot when he returns to his country. According to Sarobol, having the chance to study in the United States Air Force Academy will make a great difference in his military career.

“If I go back to Thailand right now and go to the Thai Air Force Academy, I will be a Lieutenant like all the other students,” said Sarobol. “However, if I go to the U.S. Air Force [Academy], I will be honored and well-treated at a higher posi-

Photo by Jane Xu

tion when I go back.”

Sarobol said that so far he has enjoyed studying and living at Lake Forest Academy. Compared to the strict and intense military school life back home, Sarobol admitted that he likes the lifestyle here better.

“I like this more because it is more relaxing,” said Sarobol. “I don’t have to exercise all the time, like every day back in Thailand.”

Investment Club, Finance class start stock trend

By Matt Stevens Managing Editor

Lately, LFA seems to be filled with stock market graphs popping up on laptops and iPads. Between Investment Club’s 46 active members and the 18 students in Mr. Jeff Bateman’s Mathematics of Finance class, stock trading is becoming quite popular around campus. Many students find trading both fun and practical.

“It’s fun, it’s competitive, and who doesn’t like to make money?” said Investment Club president Brian Challenger.

Investment Club uses the investopedia.com stock simulator to trade virtual stocks at market value with $500,000 in imaginary money. The Mathematics of Finance class uses a similar system on updown.com to manage a simulated $1 million portfolio.

“I think they like it, first, because it’s a competition. But for many of them it’s a new avenue in their lives that they haven’t explored,” said Bateman.

Financial skills are something that everyone needs at some point, but they are something that not everyone learns.

Bateman actually got the idea for the class when several LFA graduates approached him with financial questions about basic

subjects like compound interest.

“A lot of it seems like simple math, but after you add it all together, most of the American public would struggle with it,” said Bateman. “I wanted to create a practical, useful class that will teach them skills they will need for the rest of their lives.”

While Investment Club focuses

on the stock market and investing, Mr. Bateman’s class covers diverse topics like loans, 401(k)s, taxes, and of course, the stock market.

“A lot of people will wind up investing at some point, and it’s a good idea to know what’s going on and to learn it sooner rather than later,” said Challenger.

And members of both groups do

Investment Club member Zunaira Arshad reads an article on the stock simulator website.

appear to be learning skills they can carry into their later lives.

“I went in casually, not knowing what an option was or how the procedure worked,” said Casey Coulter, a member of Investment Club. “I can see myself trading stocks as a hobby if I have enough disposable income.”

Photo by Carina Baker

THE SPECTATOR

Features

December 8, 2011

7

Ten years ago in toys:

The most popular presents of the 2001 holiday season

By Ariana Bhatia Editor-In-Chief As the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall, it’s evident that Christmas is just around the corner. With the hot cocoa and building of snowmen, also come the inevitable rumors of what Santa Clause will bring. While these traditions remain the same, 10 years ago, the wish list was quite different from that of young children today. In 2001, back when most LFA students were between the ages of four and eight years old, the most popular gifts were Hot Wheels, the Barbie Crusin’Jeep, the Razor Scooter, Bratz Dolls, and Bionicles.

1) Hot Wheels: The most popular gift by far for youngsters in 2001 was Mattel’s Hot Wheels. First sold in 1968, these toy cars only continued to grow in popularity. To this day they continue to be well-liked by young children. Hot Wheels are not only famous for their scaled models of trucks and racecars, but also for their track sets that can make these small cars turn, twist, flip, and soar.

“I got Hot Wheels for every Christmas until I was like 10. I had probably 100 of them that I kept in this special case that my dad got me,” recalled senior Christian Buerkle. “I usually didn't build the special

tracks that were made for them...empty bathtubs made for a pretty good makeshift track.”

“Me and my brother shared and would sit in front of the TV playing with them,” said sophomore Emma Carlins, remembering playing with Hot Wheels, “and when the commercials for Hot Wheels came on we would pretend to be a part of it and get super intense.”

2) Barbie Cruisin’ Jeep: Made

by Fisher Price, the Barbie Cruisin’ Jeep was also near the top of the list for Christmas gifts in 2001. This pink miniature jeep was nearly an instant hit among young girls.

“I had a Barbie Cruisin’ Jeep when I was 5...I wouldn't let my sister drive it, and I would always strap my kitten in shotgun and make it drive with me,” commented Senior Sophia Smith, “my mom said I was hell on wheels.”

“I actually really wanted a Barbie Cruisin’ Jeep for Christmas because one of my best friends in the neighborhood had one, and I was really jealous,” said junior Nancy Wang.

3) Razor Scooter: The Razor Scooter soared to popularity within two years of release (1999). Made by Razor USA, in Cerritos California, the Razor

Scooter is a fold out Scooter made in several different colors and sizes. Although the “Kick Scooter” is the most commonly known, Razor also manufactures electric scooters, some even with seats.

4) Bratz Dolls: The original set of Bratz Dolls, made by MGA Entertainment, consisted of four friends who had a “passion for fashion.” Each doll was marketed

with her own personality and special traits.

Today there are seven Bratz Dolls, including one male doll.

5) Bionicles: Each one of these popular action figures, made by Lego, came with a detailed history and was linked to a science-fiction story. Lego stopped the production of these trendy toys in 2010.

Image courtesy of www.toysrus.com

Barbie Cruisin’ Jeep, the second most popular toy of Christmas 2001

LFA environmental club takes action locally

By Leo Rudberg Orange Editor

A major problem that faces the world today is neglect of the environment.

Here at LFA, the Environmental Science

Club, run by seniors Casey Coulter and Sophia Smith with faculty advisor Dr. Kathy Barton, hopes to fix that.

The club is a new addition to the many service-oriented groups on campus.

There are about 30 registered members, but

Environmental Science Club leaders, seniors Sophia Smith and Casey Coulter, stand in front of an area that was cleared of Buckthorn.

Photo by Bailey Ayers

Coulter says that, "since it's more of a service club, anyone can become involved."

One of the proudest moments for Coulter was when the entire hockey team showed up and went right to work.

"I think that once you get a group of core students together, they motivate other students to take greater initiatives, like the hockey team," said Smith. "There was a lot of camaraderie and team-spirit."

The club tries to meet at least once a week and on G-days. In addition, Coulter stressed that the club is focused on action-based service, rather than only discussing the problems that face the environment. At the moment, the group cuts down buckthorn trees and shrubs around campus.

Buckthorn poses a problem due to its overgrowth on campus. Its invasive and aggressive qualities allow it steal nutrients from other plants and make it tough to eradicate.

Another aspect of the group is discussing future long-term plans that will make our campus "greener.”

"If we're not working," said Coulter, "we're talking about how we are going to get things done. We find what's wrong with our community and try to fix it."

Environmental science is very important for Coulter and Smith. Their interest was sparked when both took Barton's AP Environmental Science (APES) class last year. This year Coulter is extending his education in environmental science with an independent study with Barton. Forming and conducting the club is all part of his independent study. Coulter says that his particular focus this year is sustainability.

His current project is working with Mr. Tom Wenman to improve LFA's recycling program. Sorting of recycled materials needs to be better on both sides, according to Coulter. Smith, though not taking the independent study, is equally interested in environmental science.

For anyone who wants to become involved in the club, Coulter said, "just talk to Sophia or me!" He also suggested that if you have any interest at all, "take APES because it really opens your eyes to the problems we have in the world."

"We want to foster a perspective that people can help their campus. We want to make people aware of the problems as well as the solutions," said Smith.

THE SPECTATOR

Arts and Entertainment

8

December 8, 2011

Behind the curtains with the directors: Dryfoos and Plambeck review the musical selection process

By Andrea Shen Editor-in-Chief

The Cressey Center for the Performing Arts has taken us to places around the world, from Hazlehurst, Mississippi, to Salzburg, Austria. Through plays, musicals, and other theatrical productions, we’ve seen people sing on stage, dance on stage, and even die on stage. But as audience members (and even actors), we often don’t think about the process that goes into selecting a musical show for the Cressey stage.

The selection of the winter musical typically starts in early August. Director Mark Dryfoos and Music Director Tim Plambeck suggest a number of possible shows, depending on availability, appeal, and cast of characters.

“Most of the rationale for the shows is that they have to be women-heavy. Women characters who are strong and inter-

esting––that defines the kinds of shows we do,” said Dryfoos.

“I’m also of the opinion that we should do popular shows that are traditional because that will bring audiences to our theater. I want to do shows that are familiar to the public.”

After considering a number of possibilities, the directors rent perusal scripts and music scores from the publisher to decide if the show is a good fit.

“The Sound of Music last year was a show that I think we did partially because of the people here at school, but also partially because we had the young children available who were at the right ages for those character roles,” said Dryfoos.

“We always have to consider who our kids are, as far as dancing ability. It would be exciting to build a core of dancers so that we could do a more danceoriented show,” said Plambeck.

Unexpected problems occasionally emerge that influ-

ence the final decision. Two years ago, Thirteen by Jason Robert Brown was planned to be the winter musical, but the music proved to be a challenge.

“The rights for the show didn’t actually come out until mid-September. I knew Thirteen was supposed to be for [younger] kids, especially for boys in that range who sing higher than a tenor role. I thought [Jason Robert Brown] would put in optional keys for the songs, but it turned out that all the alternate keys were higher. The group he was going for was middle school, as opposed to a high school group,” said Plambeck.

In the future, the selection process of shows will occur much earlier. The fall play and winter musical, as well as other concerts, will be announced in the spring for the following year.

“It will allow the fall show, which has the shortest rehearsal period of only five weeks, [to be] cast in the spring for the

Photo by Bailey Ayers

Mark Dryfoos and Tim Plambeck diligently looking at the script for this year’s play: The Secret Garden.

fall. As a result, the rehearsal process will start during preseason, which gives us two more weeks. It will allow the actors more time to learn their lines,” said Dryfoos.

“All The Places (in Chicago) You’ll Go” is a monthly list of great places for LFA students to visit when they go down to the city. Each month there will be reviews for places in Chicago to go for food, events and activities.

John Hancock Center 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago Mon-Sun: 9am- 11pm

In the basement of the John Hancock is an elaborate exhibit of model trains. They set out a scene of mountains, trees and villages meticulously decorated and covered in snow while trains run through it. Though it is not a well known or large attraction is it a beautiful sight to see if you are down in the city. While you’re there, ride up to the observatory from where you can look out across Chicago.

Macy's State Street 111 North State Street, Chicago Mon-Sat: 10am-8pm Sun: 11am-6pm

The window display is available throughout November and December.

This specific Macy's store has multiple amazing attractions. First, surrounding the store are their annual Holiday windows all decorated following one specific theme that changes each year. Inside on the seventh floor in the Walnut Room (a restaurant inside Macy's) is their great 45-foot Christmas Tree, covered in more than 10,000 lights. You can shop for Christmas presents, grab a nice meal in the Walnut Room, and be awed by their decorations. This is a must-see on my list of places to go.

McCormik Tribune Ice Rink November 18 - March 11 The rink is on Michigan Avenue between Washington street and Madison street.

Mon-Thur: 12pm-8pm Fri: 12pm-10pm Sat- Sun: 10am-9pm Holiday Hours: Sat, December 24: 10am-6pm Sun, December 25: 10am-4pm Sat, December 31: 10am-8pm Sun, January 1: 12pm-9pm

Ice skating being a fun winter past time, lights up under the Chicago skyscrapers in Millennium Park. It’s an averagesized, outdoor rink in the center of the city that is a fun place to take friends, family or a date.

You can rent skates there and the prices are fairly cheap. This really gets you into the holiday mood as you skate under the Chicago holiday lights and past festive store windows.

Chai Café 2160 S Archer Avenue Mon-Thur, Sun: 8am-4am Fri- Sat: 24 hours

This hard-to-find place in the center of China town is always lively and full of people, even at midnight. Though there are many great things about it, the best part is the enormous menu, the crazy-cheap prices and great service. The decor is simple and basic but there is always seating.

This is the type of place to go if you are out and about in Chicago In the late evening and want a quick, cheap meal. Every time that I have eaten there I had to take leftovers home because the portions were so big. Their menu is several pages long with a large selection of options including some unique and original Chinese dishes. Even though it looks like a simple, take-out Chinese place none of the food is greasy; in fact it is always served fresh and hot.

Sushi Samba 504 N Wells St., Chicago Sun-Mon: 11:30am-11pm Tue: 11:30am-Midnight Wed-Fri: 11:30am-1am Sat: 11:30am-2am

If you are looking for a eccentric, trendy, colorful sushi place-this is it! It’s draped in neon orange, yellow and green levels and lights with high ceilings.

With an exquisite atmosphere and surprisingly good service, Sushi Samba is the place to go to start an exciting, fun night out on the city. The whole menu is great, especially the chicharron calamari; it is the best calamari that I have ever eaten in any restaurant.

By Anastasia Perry A&E Editor

All the places (in Chicago) you’ll go

Photo Courtsy of Robert D. Hughes

THE SPECTATOR December 8, 2011

Arts and Entertainment

9

Ho-ho-horrible h liday movies

Everybody loves the holidays; however, Hollywood always manages to ruin the most wonderful time of the year. The Spectator decided to write up our own Holiday Movie naughty list. From terrible re-makes of the extremes of Christmas, all of the movies listed are ridiculous and terrible enough to deserve a lump of coal, in our opinion.

The Grinch (2000)

To start, whoever thought casting Jim Carrey as a green monster would be an entertaining Christmas remake…well congratulations, you’ve actually created the nightmare before Christmas [and that is actually a good movie!]. This story follows a green, cranky hermit who hates all things Christmas because his heart size is less than average. He plots to destroy this day of cheer for the all the Whos down in Whoville by stealing all their present, food and spirited decorations. In the end, Cindy Lou Who helps teach the Grinch the real meaning of Christmas and his little heart comes back to life, full of holiday spirit

and love for Whoville. Most of this generation finds the original The Grinch Who Stole Christmas cartoon an all-time classic, so when this remake was made, even Cindy Lou Who made everyone boo hoo.

Jim Carrey’s acting is extremely childish and not entertaining. The human-remake just makes everything creepier and weirder than ever before. As if the Grinch laugh didn’t haunt everybody the first time, just like Jim Carrey’s fake furry body, our faces have turned green from disgust. Mr. Grinch, the three words that describe your movie re-make are as follows: stink, stank, stunk!

Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis play Luther and Nora Krank, a married couple who, in the absence of their now grown-up daughter Blair, have decided to skip their usually extravagant Christmas celebration in order to save enough money to take a cruise together. Unfortunately for the Kranks, they live in a town full of Christmas-crazed, borderline religious-intolerant neighbors who for some reason care immensely that one house on the block hasn’t put up their giant, tacky Frosty the Snowman roof ornament. It’s slightly unsettling to see a mob of suburbanites harassing their neighbors for re-

fusing to celebrate Christmas, but don’t worry, they all come together (of course) in the end to pull off the perfect holiday for Blair Krank, who decides last minute to come home. Ridiculous plot aside, this film was a total success...if the goal was to hit each and every one of the classic holiday movie clichés: falling off the roof while hanging Christmas lights, check; ending up with the pathetic Charlie Brown Christmas tree, check; supermarket showdown for the last ham, check. All in all, I’d suggest that you don’t spend your Christmas with the Kranks.

The Santa Clause Trilogy (1994-2006) The Christmas Carol (All Remakes)

This series makes Tim Allen the king of bad holiday movies. Let’s begin with the first, almost decent film. It’s a cute and original story about a divorced dad, Scott Calvin (Allen) learning to become a better man by becoming Santa Claus.

Not too bad, until you think about how he became the holiday icon…oh yeah, HE KILLED SANTA. Ironic? I think so.

In the second and third Santa Clause movies the series truly becomes terrible. Scott Calvin may be Santa, but that doesn’t mean his troubles are over. He still

has to get married, save his son from being on the “naughty list,” and battle Jack Frost as well as an evil toy version of himself for control of Christmas because as in all awful Christmas movies, somebody always wants to take over the holiday. The movies lose points for introducing the reindeer Chet, whose clumsiness and baby voice manage to take the movie to a whole new level of cheesiness. Why they made three of these films, we may never know, but spare yourself the agony and don’t watch The Santa Clause movies.

Photos courtesy from Universal Pictures, Revolution Studios and Walt Disney Pictures

The Muppets, Kate Winslet, Nicholas Cage, Mickey Mouse, and even our favorite, Jim Carrey, have all been involved in remakes of the true classic Christmas movie of all time: The Christmas Carol. The story follows the adventure of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas as he revisits his painful past, present and future. Surprisingly, the awardwinning actors that have been in the story of Scrooge, have probably been the worst of them all! But even so, it is difficult to see this old-time tradition be re-created as

Disney’s next holiday musical or animation one too many times. Previously seen as timeless characters to the Christmas Classic, it is horrible to relive the ghosts of past, present and future shaped into creepier and satiric characters. Any person who admires British literature would probably agree that all remakes of the famous novella written by Charles Dickens has utterly disgraced the traditional piece. As long as Tim Allen never appears in any Christmas Carol remakes, we will be able to live with ourselves…maybe.

Page compiled by Sarah Clark and Mimi Moses

THE SPECTATOR

Sports

10

December 8, 2011

Lui changes cheerleading program

Becomes first male cheerleader since 1996

By Grace Coburn Sports Editor LFA has had a short history of male cheerleaders: there were James Grace and David Belden from the class of 1986 and Ahazi Dismukes from the class of 1996. Now, after 15 years, another male cheerleader will join that list as senior Nyalia Lui has become one of the Caxy cherleaders.

“It was a spontaneous decision,” said Lui. “After I joined the Super Fan club that (Ryan) Arnett made. I thought it was fun cheering so I just decided to join cheerleading,” said Lui. Going into the season, Lui was expecting awkwardness; but now that he’s talked and gotten to know his teammates, the season has improved. Since it is the beginning of the winter season, he has just learned the basics so far.

“I’ve learned how to pick people up, so we’re progressing from there,” said Lui Captains of the team include Hillary Werner, junior Izabela Tyszka, Sarah Hong and Daily Twine. Other new comers include: Dani Mendoza, Andrea Shen, Ka-

tie Kim, and Emily Shanley-Roberts.

With only about two competitions, Lui and Werner have set some expectations.

“I’m expecting a fun time, its definitely going to be hard to get used to,” said Liu. “This season is really for improvement. It’s going to be a good time to teach a lot of the new people, including Nyalia,” said Werner.

One of the goals for their season is “hitting all of their stunts” according to Werner, who believes that this season will lay the foundation for future competitions.

“A goal for us is to have everyone just learn and enjoy doing cheer,” she said.

Challenges for Lui include jumping and kicking in the air at the same time, but his dance background has helped.

“I would say it has [helped] with keeping time,” said Lui. He admitted that it has been a struggle at times to be part of the cheerleaders, but Lui has found it easier overall than he expected.

“It was a different change, but I was able to pick it up pretty quick I would say,” said Lui.

Photo by Andrea Shen

Nyali Lui, Hilary Werner, Hope Challenger, and Katie Kim practice stunts for the competition season.

LFA Alumnus featured in ESPN documentary:

Inspires many to pursue their sports dreams

By Grace Coburn Sports Editor

Photo courtsey of Facebook

Former student, Aziz N’diaye, enjoyed learning about the American traditions while residing at LFA.

“ELEVATE” is the inspiring story of four young men from SEEDS Academy in Senegal whose goal is to come to the U.S. to play basketball and get an education. Aziz N’diaye (’08), a seven-feet LFA alumnus, is one of the four men that are featured in this documentary. Born and raised in Dakar, Senegal, his goal was that to travel to America, get an education, make money, and eventually return to build a home and have a family.

The documentary shows the difference of cultures from the U.S. and Senegal where the SEEDS is located; it shows all of the hardships and challenges that each young man had to overcome to reach their goal. Amadou Gallofa, who is now the Dallas Mavericks scout, originally founded SEEDS. Gallofa also got the chance to play in the US, and he then went on to play basketball in college. He eventually became involved in the management field and later founded SEEDS.

The film shows former assistant coach and current LFA coach Mr. Nate Pomeday and Mr. Matt Vaughn, who each played a very important role in N’diaye’s life. Pomeday, who originally traveled to SEEDS to find promising student -athletes that could possibly attended LFA, met N’diaye there The documentary portrays LFA in a positive light as both coaches make it clear to Aziz in the beginning that academics need to play an important role in his life. This set the stage greatly for him to be well-prepared for college.

Once at LFA, N’diaye is introduced to the American game of football as well as some other American traditions, such as singing the “12 Days of Christmas” in his ESL class. The movie shows how interested the students at LFA were to learn about N’diaye’s traditions as well, such as his fasting for Ramadan, which is a Muslim religious tradition. The story takes a heartbreaking turn as N’diaye suffers from a knee injury during a Glenbrook

South game and is forced to sit out for a month. The movie shows how determined and frustrated he is during that month to get back to his team and continue playing.

Other LFA shots include a football game, Warner, the Atlass parking lot, the ESL classroom, Hutch, the tennis courts, the gym, an LFA dance, and graduation. as well as numerous students and teachers like Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn, Pomeday, Dr. John Strudwick, Nate Batemen (’08), David Smith (’09), Bobby Coburn (’09),and Michal Banzer (’10).

“ELEVATE” is an inspiring documentary that shows how determined, thankful and hard-working all of the young men that were given this opportunity were.

It’s hard not to be touched and inspired by each of their stories and their determination. Each of them are depicted as thankful for the chance that they were given and none of them took it for granted. The most touching moment was the men returning home to see their families and their visit to SEEDS; both of which were touching and heartfelt.

THE SPECTATOR December 8, 2011

Sports

11

Prep Hockey starts strong

By Phil Pray Orange Editor

Photo by Jane Xu

Matt Ustaski, member of the prep hockey team, practices for the rigorous schedule of over 30 games.

Traditionally one of the most successful teams at LFA, the Caxy Prep Hockey team is off to a great 2011-12 hockey season with a current record of 12-3-1.

But the Caxys are just beginning the most demanding part of their schedule, games in the Midwest Prep Hockey League, where they will play a more challenging opponents like Culver Academies, The Edge Academy, Wyoming Seminary, Loyola Academy, and St. Francis of Buffalo. Many of these schools that take pride in their nationally-ranked hockey programs.

When asked how this year’s team was doing, senior Frankie Senese told The Spectator that the team has gelled against adversity.

“This has been a crazy season up to this point,” said Senese.”We have been forced to band together to overcome adversity and this, along with the individual skills of team members, has helped us to win some games.”

Head captain, Ross Burke, recalled that some of the more experienced

players wondered how well the team would mix its older and many younger players this year.

“I was skeptical at first about how the team would work and get along,” said Burke, “considering the large gap between old and young players. However, our work ethic, on and off the ice, indicates the team’s desire to compete, game-in and game-out.”

The more experienced players seem very positive about the future competitors they will soon have to face but agree that the hard work ethic they have accumulated in previous months will all pay off in the end.

Head Coach Darrin Madeley said he enters each season with the same basic goal.

“My hope every year is that these kids come together and care more about each other than about themselves,” said Madeley candidly. “Winning and losing is not important. What is important is that they show up, love what they are doing, work as hard as they can, and at the end of the year they can look back and be proud of what they accomplished.”

LFA Boys’ Basketball

New additions to help the team greatly

By Brian Ahern Staff Writer The Lake Forest Academy boys basketball has been renowned in the past few years for the height of its front-line players. In the past the Caxys have had very tall big men, such as Aziz N’diaye (7’0) and Angus Brandt (6’10). Opponents this year may think that the Caxys are a bit undersized.

According to senior big man Faith Ekakite, the team won’t be too tall but it will still be impressive.

“What we lack in size we make up for in athleticism,” said Ekakitie who is one of three returning starters from last year along with Tommy Merritt and Charles Harris.

David Rowe is also a returning senior with quite a bit of varsity experience under his belt from last year. Seniors Quai Chandler, Manny Chavez, Reggie White and Robert Lee will each make their varsity debut this year. A new addition, post grad Kori Babineaux, was given high praise by Coach Matt Vaughn.

“He has Division 1 talent,” said Vaughn. “He is very talented player”

Babineaux was supposed to be helped by the presence of Western Michigan-bound Harris. Unfortuanly, Harris suffered an injury as he tore his ACL in a

Waukegan. The tournament takes place in Waukegan this year. The other most notable game on the schedule for the Caxys is the always-anticipated, cross-town game

against Lake Forest High School. The game takes place on February 4 at LFHS, which is returning most of the core of its team.

recent practice and is due for surgery this month. Harris will be out for the rest of the season. The team will rely more heavily on Babineaux to carry the offensive load.

Another player that could play a lot of point guard is New Trier transfer Junior Porter Veach. Other juniors on varsity for the first time include Tony Guo and Alex Kirshenbaum. Though the team will miss current Rice University player Dylan Ennis, they hope the new lineup can be just as effective.

“He created shots for other teammates and just brought a lot of energy to the team when we needed it,” said Ekakite of Ennis. “I can’t really put a number on what he brought to the team.”

Varsity Basketball will kick off its season with a challenge, on November 23, when they play Warren High School which is currently ranked 29th in the nation. The game against Warren is the first of a threegame, round-robin tournament which LFA won last year defeating all three other participants: Warren, North Chicago and

Basketball player, Kori Babineaux, practices for challenging rival games.

Photo by Jane Xu

The

range

Brought to you by the Entropica Team

Freshly squeezed, WITH PULP

Favo r i t e M ov i e s : Twe e t e d !

by Leo Rudberg

Twitter, a popular social network and media website, requires posts to be 140 characters or less. In addition, posters can include hashtags so that posts become aggregated into categories. For this issue of “The Orange,” we decided to “tweet” some of the most famous (and some of our favorite) movies of all time.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: Single-handedly ruined great series. We all mourned the loss of the old Indy. #monkeysonvines #hidinginafridge #lucasandspielbergareevil

Citizen Kane: One of the most lauded movies of all time. Too bad I fall asleep after twenty minutes.

This is where the Sims money cheat comes from.

Borat: Very niiice! Kazak reporter travels 2 America learn about culture. #thisshirtisblacknot #pamelabemywife #bearinicecreamtruck #potassium Avatar: Cameron’s big blockbuster. Pretty visuals. Action mile wide, story inch deep. #bluepplweirdnoses #heardofpocohontas? #peoplegotobsessed

300: The ultimate man movie. So many good lines. We miss the old Gerard Butler. #madness?THISISSPARTA! #speartotheface

Inception: Had 2 explain everything 2 my parents. Story that takes place in a dream in a dream in a dream in a dream. Cool visual FX. #LOUDSOUNDTRACK

The Transformer series: Come for Michael Bay’s chaos, stay for Megan Fox. #more than meets the eye #wasn’tsureifilikethismovie iguessi’llhavetoseeitagain Photos courtesy of wildaboutmovies.com; impawards.com

Letters to Leo: Dear Leo, As the holidays approach, I have to get presents for my friends. Do you have any advice for buying and wrapping presents?

First, let’s talk about how you are going to acquire these gifts. The most sensible thing to do is what everyone else does: mob stores as soon as Black Friday starts. You’re going to need to do some research.

Find the store that had the most deaths-by-trampling last year.

Because of this, NO ONE will want to go back THIS year, especially low-traffic stores like Best Buy, Macy’s, or Target. However, you’ll want to come prepared.

Pepper spray works well. Also, you’re going to want to find some cleats. You don’t want them to be too sharp (as you’ll want good traction on the slick floors), but

Holiday Gifts

just sharp enough to say that “I’M getting the *@$#@#% Justin Bieber Christmas CD, not you, you #@$%#!!!” That reminds me, most people love Justin Bieber, so make his CDs your family’s stocking stuffer. I know that I’ll probably melt mine and use the molten plastic to make a menorah for my grandparents!

Wrapping the gifts is also important. Now the way I see it, there are two traditional ways.

The first one is to use titaniumreinforced paper and ribbon. U.S. Army certification is required for this method. This way builds suspense as person who’s trying to open it destroys their hands in the process. The second method, which I’ve perfected, is the modernist-cubist approach. Start with a “good” sized sheet of wrapping paper. Fold the paper around the

present. Feel free to use as many furlongs of tape as possible. Also, due to the cubist style, use whatever scraps of wrapping paper you have left, even if it a different kind. Really, it’s the thought that counts.

I’m glad I could help.

Have a happy, safe, and joyous holiday, whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, Ashura, Bodhi Day, Merlinteen, or Flying Spaghetti Monster Day. Did I miss any? Well whatever. Happy Holidays!

Sincerely, Leo Rudberg.

This subject discussed in this article is entirely fictional and is meant for entertainment purposes. Created by Leo Rudberg.

Caxy Match

For this month’s Caxy Match, we think that IT computer whiz Dave Aykroid resembles the principal from Nickelodeon’s “Danny Phantom.”

Phtoto by Bailey Ayers

Photo courtesy of dannyfantom.bravehost.com

Caxy Cartoon: Thanksgiving

By Jane Xu