Vol 34 issue 6

S, D L V Ko.al • Park R i J ' j c . I I . fiOOd.N

V-Sho

Dan Smith (Ish) and Taso Fourkas rehearse for a Trunk skit. Trunk performs short skits between acts.

Photo by Mike Tomassi

The greatest show on Earth: Maine South prepares this year's V-Show. For more about V-Show, turn to page 9.

Construction to begin on A-wing

by Elizabeth Gibbons A complaint commonly heard in the halls of Maine Soudi is that the school never changes. Starting this month, change is in the air. At the Board of Education meeting on Monday, November 10, a contract for the construction of the A-wing addition was awarded.

Tlie effects of this contract wiU be seen

promptly as construction is scheduled to begin in mid-November. The ultimate result, if all goes acc(Âťding to plan, will be a tteec-story addition designed to match the existing structure and mec^unng 112 feet by 76 feet. Tlie A-wing will have sixteen iffiw classrooms and four additional science laborattaies.

Some disruption to the everyday rou-

tine is expected. There will be additional noise as well as extra people, although the disturbance should be minimal. A temporary exit from the east end of the A-wing wiU have to be created as a twenty foot hole will replace the walkway. Beyond this, life at Maine South should continue as normal until the projected date of completion in Octoba;1998,

2 Coiximentar Property of

The Editors

by Elizabeth Gibbons As people travel through life they strive to achieve maturity. But is achieving this maturity always to our benefit? That question was answered on Monday as Boston Superior Court Judge Hiller Zoebel reduced the jury's conviction of nineteen year-old British au pair, Louise Woodward, from second degree murder to involuntary manslaughter. Zoebel based the decision on the conclusion that the act was committed out of inexperience and immaturity.

The reduced sentence paved the way for the girl to be freed, having served her sentence while standing trial. What type of precedent does this case set for our nation?

Apparently, one of the nation's more powerful courts believes that not only juveniles, but all who suffer from immaturity are not fully responsible for their actions. According to this philosophy, a teenage driver who causes an accident which kills three pjeople does not have to be held responsible for his actions. Or a gang member of seventeen or eighteen who kills a three year old in a drive by shooting would be set free because he was not flilly aware of the ramifications of his actions because he had not yet reached a state of emotional maturity.

Both of these scenarios are ridiculous.

Even more ridiculous is the case of Louise Woodward. This nineteen year old held an eight month old baby in her arms and shook it. Shaken baby syndrome is a widely pubhcized cause of infant death and any person who would be allowed to enter the child care field would be aware of it. How could she have not known what she was doing to little Matthew? Didn't she see the pain in his eyes as his life slipped away?

The jury was compelled by evidence to convict Woodward of second degree murder. Yet, somehow, the judge felt it necessary to significantly lessen the charges against her. How could this decision rationally be reached? We may never know.

This whole issue brings up significant questions about the state of our judicial system. Is it the body it was once designed to be, one that interprets the laws and administers justice to all, or has it become an instrument driven by public opinion? Justice surely was not administered to Matthew Happen and his family...

Rebels without a clue by Katy Spindler

Rebellion!

That magical word!

The word every single person over twenty-five associates with high school.

In honor of this noble and futile case, I have taken it upon myself to record some of the ways Maine South students express their rebelUous natures.

Hair dye - one of the most popular methods students have for annoying the authority figures in their lives. In a sea of brown and yellow and black, one might easily spot a brilliant blue, red or platinum. Why is hair dye so often employed? Well, seven dollars and fourteen washes can make rebellion quite the economical purchase.

Often associated with hair dye is the standard Goth make-up and elaborate fingernail polish, not to mention the trend of allowing one fingernail to grow to relatively repulsive lengths. I know you've seem 'em. You might even be one. Girls who's eyes are coated in black eyeliner branching off into spider web-like patterns across their temples.

One doesn't often see the white pancake face powder but the eye cosmetics and terrifying dark lipstick are very much in evidence. The fingernails are either talon-like or gnawed down to the cuticles. The nail polish may be black, blue or glittery and the more artistic girls even manage simple designs.

Even creepier than the face paint is the 1970's clothing. No student at Maine South ever really experienced the seventies and the sensible are very glad for this. However, I have observed disturbing amounts of polyester, platforms, and bell bottoms swaggering down the hallways. Disturbing? You betcha!

Multiple persons have been spotted with ridiculous piercings often installed by the wearer. They aren't even hard core piercings.

I haven't seen any tongue, lip, nipple, or Prince Alberts clanking around, only belly, eyebrow, upper ear and the occasional innovative nose ring. How many outraged parents must be out there, enraged because their son or daughter shoved a needle through his or her cartilage? Which reminds me of one of the most ludicrous forms of rebellion I have ever seen. In my sophomore year health class a person bragged of having a homemade tattoo made by a n e e d l ^ ^ and thread dipped in India Ink. What a d ^ B lightfiil reminder of high school! I believe it was in the shape of a smiley face.

My personal favorite, and in my opinion the most feeble, method of rebellion is the Coed Naked or No Fear T-shirts. My stars, how daring! Sock it to the man! Not to mention one's parents, who of course will drop dead at a shghdy naughty jingle or reference to cannibalism.

Of course, the most time honored method of rebelhon has got to be smoking in the bathrooms. Kids have been sneaking smokes in the privies since fire was put to organic See "Rebels" on paee 4

The Freshman Point of View

by Tom Forde Who knew that freshmen had opinions too? Well, we do and we want them to be heard.

I went out into the school and gave fi^shmen the perfect opportunity to get their opinions heard through Southwards. I handed out surveys to a lot of freshmen. Some were too shy to fill one out but most were willing to do it. Here's what a few had to say.

Pete Donovan said that his worst fear when entering South was "getting lost." But now he knows his way around. He was also involved in a sport called soccer, which he describes as "a lot of fun."

Michelle Frike said she likes that "all the rooms are clearly marked" and that "th|^ teachers are helpftil." Michelle said she was glad she picked Maine South because "it's a good school with a lot of nice people."

Last but not least Nikitas Fodultus thinks that "Maine South is a good school" and he "enjoys coming here." Despite that, he would like the "strict tardy rules" to be changed.

jCommentarv 3 Thanksgiving meets pop-culture: A moral lesson

by Tvn Barvunis My aunt and uncle dig voraciously into the pound and a half slab of white turkey meat on each of their respective plates. Nobody mentions the mashed potatoes stuck to my father's smiUng chin as he passes around the cranberry sauce. By the lingering finger trails, it is plainly obvious that two large hunks of the pimipkin pie have been scooped out carried off someplace. By the orange smears on the hands and face of my five-year old cousin, we quickly reach a consensus as to where the remainder of the pumpkin flesh has disappeared. We are, however, wrong, as additional orange smears are discovered on silverware, chairs, bottles and just about everything else we may want to put our hands on. Again, nobody says anything.

Dessert has ended and my grandfather has now been in the bathroom for nearly twenty minutes. The rest of us are getting anxious. My uncle loosens his belt and sits back on the sofa in such a maimer that his shirt becomes partially untucked, revealing a convex triangle of white flesh just above the belt-line. Normally the rest of us would have been at least mildly offended by such a sight, but tonight.. .nobody says anything. The table goes uncleared. We decide that it can wait until the next morning. Until then we gently hug each other good-bye and stumble out to our cars, wishing to ourselves that we hadn't eaten so much but not saying anything of it.

What is Thanksgiving anyway ? As I see it, the word Thanksgiving is really made up of two smaller words: 'than' and 'ksgiving.' What do these words mean? How do they relate to one another? Perhaps one day we will learn the true meaning of these two words, and so we will learn the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

The politics of intergalactic ethnocentrism

by Man Hook The Equalians were an average species.

Typical of what you would find on most planets orbiting between 90 and 100 milUon miles fi-om their sun. They were quite advanced; they had successfully harnessed the power of the wheel, they spoke and wrote Equalian fluently, and they had successfully created a global network of highly sophisticated computers they called the Globenet.

The Equahans were, of course, divided into small warring factions: the Imbecileans and the Adroitans.

The Imbecileans were a much more advanced society than the Adroitans. They had been the first to annihilate entire cities with the use of a single bomb, they had been the first to successfully use the Globenet for purposes of mass distribution of pornography, and they had been the first to reform their justice system so that a convicted man's fate would no longer rest in the hands of a wellpaid panel of expert judges, but rather in the hands of a jury of random people pulled fi-om their jobs and family. The Imbecileans were enhghtened in this way and knew it was their responsibility to make the Adroitans the same as themselves.

On one particular day, the Imbecileans became quite worried. They found out that the Adroitans had acquired a technology similar to their own, allowing them to annihilate entire Imbecilean cities at a time. Immediately, the Imbecilean media upped their daily dose of anti-Adroitan news and the Imbecilean government passed new legislation to protect freedom.

Knowing that they were enlightened, they began flying sophisticated aircrafts high above Adroitan skies for purposes of knowing every Adroitan move. The Imbecileans proclaimed that they would begin inspecting every weapon that the Adroitans produced, making sure they were a mature enough society to handle their own weapons of mass destruction, like the Imbecileans were. (After all, the murder rate in their windiest city dropped 7% to just over 200.)

The Adroitans naturally refused to accept such terms and complained that the Imbecilians were cowards hiding behind their own technology. The Imbecileans ignored this and dictated again that they were enhghtened.

After all, the Adroitans, a savage race, hanged their criminals instead of injecting

them with highly toxic chemicals! The Adroitan nation was crazed with patriotism, and a sense of common goal. The Imbecilians, on the other hand, were obsessed with sex and celebrity interrogation: much more enlightened infatuations.

The Adroitans still valued family life, unlike the advanced Imbecileans who clearly saw that family life was second to career and material possession. The Imbecileans had also raped their land and considered the Adroitans inferior for not having done the same. The Adroitans didn't even have speed limits, drinking age or drug laws. They knew they could trust people to use common sense, how foolish.

The Adroitans didn't have affirmative action, unlike the Imbecilians, who are proud of needing it. The Adroitans were so stupid, infact, that they don't even strip search every man women and child before they come within contact of their own elected offcials.

Such idiots, such barbarians.

The Adroitans wanted to befreefromthe Imbecileans, but the Imbecileans would never let such an immature society have freedom. They know the Adroitans are savages.

This makes it so much easier to kill them.

1^ BntortcdniiioiiLt Test your ca R^teel Continuedfrom page matter. How many times have I strolled into the washroom to wash my hands and confronted some high lighted clique, puffing inexpertly at a menthol KOOL? And it does get those adults peevish. Teachers prowl the hallways in a way that I have heard described as being not dissimilar to the "Gestapo."

What really inspired this article was some runt in my sophomore study hall telling the stationed paraprofessional, "You write me up! See if I care!" That probably resulted in a dean's shp. Take itfromme, the best way to rebel is writing snotty articles for Southwords.

Bean!

owledge.

Parti 1. What is George Jeison's place of employment?

2. What is the name of Johnny Quest's dog?

3. In Bobby's World, what is the name of the httle stuffed spider he always carries around?

4. Is Gumby male or female? ^ 5. Scooby Doo has a cousin. What is his name?

6. Speaking of cousins, what is the name of the cousin of Speedy Gonzales?

7. What are the names of those two goofy guys who sit in the balcony and make fun of everybody on The Muppet Showl 8. Name the lost smurf who spent most of his life alone, isolated in the woods until later reunited with his blue friends.

9. What was that name of the vehicle driven by Scooby Doo and the gang?

10. What was Velma's (from Scooby Doo) favorite word to say when she found a clue?

11. What instrument does Lisa Simpson play?

12. What instrument does Will Riker play?

13. What was the name of the second female smurf? (Hint: It wasn't Smurfette) 14. What are the names of the two "foreign" spys in Rocky and Bull winkle?

15. Surprisingly enough, there are only two full length, animated features Disney ever created in which the parents exist, and do not die throughout the course of the movie. What are they?

by Annie Kehoe I love all of the "Mr. Bean" episodes, and you have to love "Rowan Atkinson Live," so yes, I was really looking forward to seeing Bean, and I didn't think I'd mind the Part n - Match the famous vilUan to his senes high price.

1. The Joker a. Transformers OK, this is the part of the article where I 2.

Mumra b. The Care Bears rip the movie to shreds. Let us flash back to 3.

Dr. Coldheart c.

Inspector Gadget me during the movie. .. CRINGE! Almost 4.

Skeletor d.

The Smurfs every situation in the movie was a sketch 5.

The Decepticons e.

Batman from one of the old "Mr. Bean" videos. I 6.

Gargamel f.

Thundercats felt cheated. The acting was horrible by ev7. The Claw g. Masters of the Universe eryone except Rowan Atkinson, and even he was borderhne.

I'll admit, there was one scene that had a a P(9 ECS 3(t- q(£ J(c 3(1 the whole audience, myself included, laughnwBd ing to tears. The film certainly had its moiio^ jwj pro suotmupd ments. Something to comment on were my iOl (SI '^^^E « aA?3 JO pnP! sqaOTN pus suog saoreo aqj •amssny Sowq oj ipnpB Xjiwus* JSASU surroundings during this movie. The theater X3qiJ}2iioJu.(^l j3S!SES(£i (ni3nid:ifa<i Joiy»pSojpBq3tt«xiio8)3ao<jnjQJX(n auoqdoxBSdl was completely full. The audience was about jsapfttiftoi wiapew ^Jws<w w u (6 PR* (g jJopiEM,pnc iCaprcjs ( i zamSupoij a^odMOis (9 A^sqcfa" siq SBA jCddoos -nina Ajooog & sen p jno :^33q aqj swag (f .<iq<PM (£ Ifpiroa (z s»35|cuds jCpDedg (I 2/3 kids—and the rest? The rest were BeanTWBd obsessed adults who decided to annoy people as Mr. Bean would. There was a constant poking-fest in the audience. During previews, I got tapped on my shoulder count- I t i l L l Hf« ToRKty,TuRw:Eyj less times by the forty-year-old couple behind me, both of them laughing and insisting that the other one did it. Also there were quite a few people in complete "Bean" attire (and if you've seen "Bean" attire, you know it wasn't a pretty picture.) In short, the audience was a box of Nutbars.

I love Mr. Bean, and this movie has tarnished that love forever. I can't sit down and watch a genuine "Mr. Bean" anymore without this terrible movie hanging over me.

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Features 5

^ Operation America

by Anna Mieszaniec What's Operation America you ask?

Headed by American Studies teachers Mr. Kerth, Mrs. Deines, Ms. Salathiel and Mr. Rosenberg, this creative project allows smdents to discover the cultural distinctions and similarities of America through a most interesting way—by writing to high schools all over the United States.

But how did the students choose which schools to write to?

"They simply put a map of the United States on a wall and threw darts. Where the dart landed, the student had to fmd the name of the town and then learn what the local school's address was," says Mr. Kerth. This may seem a little unorthodox, but this is exactly what makes the project fun and interesting.

After doing so, the students wrote a letter to the school, stating their views on Maine South, statistical information concerning Park Ridge, and any other personal views they may wish to also include. All fifty states were contacted. But only six different states responded: Delaware, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Idaho, New Hampshire and South Carolina.

In Idaho, South's students wrote to the town of Clayton, but since this area has a population of 26 people the letters were sent to Challis, better known to the 180 high school students there as "The Hick Town."

The most interesting community club these students have is called 4-H. "In 4-H you can raise an animal such as a swine, a lamb, or a

beef as a market animal," says Jessica Thomas of ChaUis, "and then at a fair you present your animal for fitting and showing." Basically, you can auction the animal off and make money.

In Pennsylvania, the high school students of Towanda (a.k.a. "Hickville U.S.A.") hosted their first annual Renaissance Fair, where the entire body was divided into teams of England, France, Spain and Italy. Both teachers and students dressed in Renaissance costumes, enjoying activities such as tugof-war, relay races and capture the flag. Also, the school has a club called Teens Against Racism (TAR), and near-by, there is a museum called the French Azihum. According to Andy Benjamin, "it was a sixteen hundred acre plot of land that had thirty log houses on it. There was an exceptionally large house—eighty-four feet long by sixty feet wide." Marie Antoinette was to come and hve there.

Nevada's Austin School has only fortynine students, grades six through twelve.

Five of these are graduating seniors. The

Senior

Photo by Mike Tomassi small town of Austin is two hours away ft-om the nearest grocery store. In Delaware, Newark High School has hallway video cameras, a cop and security guards during school hours. There is a club called the Stone Balloon hosts which such bands as George Clinton and the Pfunk.

But even though many differences exist between these schools and Maine South, similarities definitely are also recognizable.

One of the most striking similarities seen in all the letters is boredom. Many teenagers are just bored with their towns, no matter if it is a metropolitan or rural area. Mr. Kerth astutely points out, " Boredom is a fact of life for most American teenagers, no matter where they live. It is not a product of place but rather a product of age."

Dave Smith, a participant in the project, states, "Operation America is cool because no classes other than American Studies do it. It is a unique experience that allows us to understand the many different aspects of cultural America."

Lynn Biefski Focus on Student Excellence

Activities:

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•Project Plus •National Honor Society •Varsity Qub Pr^ident •Chamber Orchestra •Honor Roll •Spanish Club •Italian Club

Teacher's Comment: "Lynn is a selfless person— a leader who encourages others by exan:q>le and through 'gentle cajoling.* She would never expect anyone to do what she, herself, could not She shies away jBrom kudos, her reward is knowing that she has done a job well and has encouraged others to do the sanne. She is truly a person for others."

-Chris Deger

6 Features The Kennedy Assassination

by Todd Knight B. Johnson was sworn in as the 36th President of the United States aboard Air Force One. One of President Johnson's first acts was to appoint a commission to investigate the assassination of President Kennedy. He appointed Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, to head the commission. The commission later became known as the Warren Commission.

Officials were convinced that Lee Harvey Oswald was the lone gunman. However, in 1979 the House Select Committee on Asconducted a more investigation. It at the Marine Corps records on Oswald and asked the best bunch of sharp shooters in the world to come together. The purpose of this meeting was to see if they could accurately fire the same number of bullets within the same amount time period as Oswald supposedly did.

They were not able to do so. With this information at hand and the Marine

Tomorrow November 22nd is the 34th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in Dallas, Texas. To this day, there are many theories on who actually killed President Kennedy.

After President Kennedy was pronounced dead. Vice President Lyndon

Corps' admission that Oswald was an average shot, the committee concluded that a conspiracy was involved in the assassina^^ tion. The committee had three ideas concerl^F ing possible conspiracies.

The first one was the Mafia. Both President Kennedy and his brother Attorney General Robert Kennedy had fought to get organized crime off the streets. Both Lee Harvey Oswald and Jack Ruby, the man who killed Oswald, were known to have mob connections.

Another possibility was that it was an Anti-Cuban group who believed they could kill Kennedy and frame Castro. Tensions between Cuba and the U.S. were high due to the Cuban Missile Crisis. This probably would have forced Castro from his great power position in Cuba, exactly what AntiCubans wanted to achieve.

The final possibility proposed by the Committee was that the Cubans killed JFK because of the CIA's failed attempt on Castro's life. After the attempt on his life, Castro clearly stated, "...United States leaders should think twice if they are aiding terrorist plans to eliminate Cuban leaders; they themselves will not be safe." ^^ President Kennedy was one of the m o ^ B loved leaders in the world and, to this day, those who were alive back then clearly remember where they were when they heard the shocking news. You can choose to beUeve any of these stories, of which none may be true. But the world will probably never truly know who killed President John F. Kennedy.

A look at what's happening at they can blast other area schools each other to

Up for the challenge?

Based on an article written by Sam Stapleton of Iowa City As the sound of gunshots and lasers echoes throughout the dark woods, a shout is heard, "Oh, *$'^#, I've been hit." It's the shout of another causality in the fastest rising craze of the fall. Laser Challenge.

"It's great, we've been out here the past few Saturdays," Mike Campbell of Iowa City states. "If you want to play, just show up around 10:30 p.m. But you have to bring your own lasers and sensors. Dark clothes are recommended and any military training or strategy will be greatly appreciated."

What is Laser Challenae? It's a new and

by Kathleen Dunne improved version of the later 80's hit laser tag. You either need a laser hand gun. or even better, the more effective laser rifle. The target of the game is to shoot the opposing players' sensors. The sensor is a little gray box that you strap to your chest. Whenever you get hit, it emits a loud beeping sound.

After ten hits, a loud explosion can be heard and you're dead.

The players are divided into two teams.

One team takes one side of the field and the other team comes up the other way. The plan is that both teams meet at a clearing where

kingdom^ome.

The rules of this new fad are very simple.

When you shoot at another player, your own target has to be exposed. You are only allowed ten hits until you're dead, or out.

No actual violence is allowed.

The equipment itself is not all that expensive. All of it can be bought at a discount store. The pistol and vest are usually about S20. The rifle itself is also S20.

If desired, the back sensor is a mere $10.

This new game is the biggest thing to do all around the country. If the equipment | is available, try it and you'll be hooked. J

Features 7

Classics on Stage!

Did you know..,.

by Katie Dwyer

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nal numbers. In order to save money, the co-owners of Classics on Stage! and former actors Robert Boburka and Michelle Vacca do most of the work involved themselves— sewing costumes, answering phones, even writing and directing their own scripts.

Through it all. Classics on Stage! continues to put forth classy productions to entertain children and adults. The company has begun its 15th season at the Pickwick with an original production of Hansel and Crete I, which runs through November 21. It is soon to be followed by One Magical Eve, which opens December 2 and runs through December 23, and Beauty and the Beast this spring.

If all the Cracker Jack boxes sold were stacked endto-end, they'd circle Earth more than 63 times. More than 17 billion toy prizes have been packaged since 1912, enough for everyone on the planet to have three.

Heather Pauly, Chicago Sun-Times

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Photo courtesy Chicago Tribune One does not necessarily have to travel an incredible distance to find a bit of quality drama—there are numerous renowned companies staging productions right here in Park Ridge. The Pickwick has served as home to one such theater group. Classics on Stage!, since 1983. Classics on Stage! is known for its children's productions and has always enjoyed large audiences, entertaining school groups from all over the area.

However, due to the recent establishments of numerous children's theartrical groups close to the area, attendance at the productions has dwindled to half its origir

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The news that many see always seems to say that this generation—our generation—culminates into a cloud of crime and, considering previous generations, it is the worst of all. But is our generation truly this bad or is it improving in the area of crime statistics?

Concerning the Chicagoland area, the Chicago Tribune states, "...the crime rate held steady or dropped last year." Moreover, the crime rate hai decreases 5.4 percent, the biggest drop in five years.

This truth seemed unlikely so additional sources were needed to substantiate this fact According to the Park Ridge research department, the statistics for the city of Park Ridge look promising. Our national rank is 27, the national score is 6540, and there is a violeni crime per every 10,000 people. But what does this actually mean? It means, when com pared to the rest of the nation. Park Ridge has a pretty low crime rate. In the words of Bit Nye, the Science Guy, it's "not that bad."

Ever ask yourself, "Who's | \ / | 9 @ t i n Q t h Š in charge here, anyway?"

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Part one of a two-part feature on the District 207 school bo

by Anne Edison-Swift Q: What has seven mouths, speaks with one voice and is Superintendent of Schools Dr. C. Steven Snider's boss?

A: The Maine Township High School District school board.

District 207 includes Maine South, Maine East and Maine West High Schools. The seven board members are elected to fouryear terms. Elections are held in November of odd-number years. New board members were elected early this month.

The board's brochure introduces their duties in this way: "With the interests of students in mind, the board represents the views of the community in matters affecting education." This includes educational standards, administrative poUcies, the appointment of staff members, student commendations and budget concerns.

The board meets the first Monday of each month at 8 p.m. in the Frost Administration Center of Maine South. Board meetings are open to the pubhc.

Here's how The next board meeting is December 1.

You can pick up a copy of the agenda on November 28. If you want to express an opinion or raise a question, you must submit a copy of your remarks to the board president before the meeting begins. The open floor times usually begin and end the meetings. The president calls on speakers based on the information submitted before the meeting.

and a proposal to increase the social science graduation requirement from 2.0 credits to 2.5 credits.

Bad news badges?

A requirement of mandatory I.D. badges was created by the District 207 school board and since that decision was made they have received much negative feedback. District 207 will maintain its I.D. policy for the duration of this school year, but next year's policy will come under discussion at December's meeting. The school board is very interested in all viewpoints about the badges.

There is a more equal representation of views in the board over the issue of increasing the social science graduation requirement. Those in favor of adding another semester to the requirement feel that it will improve test scores and reading levels. They see the new requirement as encouragement to smdents to engage in more social science class work. Those opposed to the increase note that scheduUng is already difficult They worry that the new requirement might negatively impact participation in fine arts smdy, causing the music and art programs to suffer.

Student input

There is no student representative on the board at this time, but Superintendent Snider notes that he is open to considering the idea.

Snider meets with smdent government representatives and student leaders and offers the information gleaned from these conHere's why versations to the board. The best way to The topics under consideration are of make your voice heard is to attend board keen interest to Maine South students, par- meetings.

Student council member Neno ents and faculty. Scheduled for the December 1 meeting are a discussion of I.D. badges Djordjevic, a regular participant at board

Maine South reaches out **Raising Hopes. Reaching Dreams," Maine South's aimual United Way/Crusade of Mercy Drive, is going on now and will continue through December 12. This event provides an opportunity for bodÂť students and staff to suppcat mOTC than 400 agencies and services in the Qiicagoland area that provide human care services to more than two million people a year.

Last year's campaign raised more than $500,000 in Des Plaines and Park Ridge, These funds were used to provide shelter, food, foster homes for abandoned children, medical attention for the elderly and suppoo for those that have expeiieiKred abuse, neglect or violence.

"Dirough cash coatributioas from student-run organizations and donations from faculty members, Maine South hopes to contribute funds to this wwthwhile fund raiser. Just a small amount given to the United Way can help fund hundreds of health and human services to fte needy every day. Through participation, a true difference is made in the wodd.

meetings, says that student input is eagerly welcomed and encouraged. " They were interested in what I thought, in what I had to say," says Djordjevic." They've heard what die facdty and the administration think, now it's up to us to speak up and let them know what we think." Have an opinion? The decision-makers are ready and willing to hear what you have to say.

On this date Exacdy 81 years ago today, on November 21, 1916, the Britannic, sister ship of the Titanic, sank about 40 miles southeast of Athens, Greece. A tenth larger than flie Titanic, the Britannic saaJk just 57 minutes after an explosion seiwiier to die bottom, taking 28 of her 1,134 passengers to their deaths. An intemadonal team of divers is currently trying to determine whether the ship might have been torpedoed or mined.

SOUTH^VORPS A student-produced new;

Maine South Hi / i k l South

Letters to tlie^lor;^iMiId bedaivered to room V-131 o C ^ e n t o a member of the editorial stafE^SetUHWpRDS reserves the right to edi^nater^iMok clarity 4nd bre\ity and to reje<^"^bs<se^^'Ubelous submislil-r^ aons.

Editors in Chief

Sushila Dalai Elizabeth Gibbons News Editors Anne Edison-Swift Karin Vonesh Commentary Editors Tim Barounis Jeff Clapper Features Editors Anna Mieszaniec Susan Wilson Sports Editors Lynn Janik Brian Price Production Editor Matt Haak Kiotographers Kate Boychuck Ines Tiu Mike Tomassi Artist Annie Kehoe Staff Heads Margaret Byrne Alison Milnamow Adviser X R. Kerth

News 9

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few short weeks to do it in,' commented Brenda Metelka.

The crew contributes hours after school and on some weekends. Separated into various groups, students deal with different aspects of the show. Construction crew is responsible for the platforms and other sets.

Painting crew must paint the set and backdrops.

Lighting crew hangs lights, focuses them and inserts gels to change colors. Sound crew prepares the microphones and cords Dave Nolan hard at work backstage used during the show.

Photos by Kate Boychuck and Mike Tomassi The entire stage crew falls under stage

a g e r hristina Trahanas.

The work of the crew becomes much more focused in the final week before opening night. Tech week means later nights as the cast and crew come together in final preparation for the show.

Stage crew must put in a great deal of effort to make the show run smoothly.

Their work backstage ensures a fun and exciting performance onstage.

itnes:

No pain no gain?

Read how the Centers for Disease Control is trying to prove otherwise.

by Lynn Janik Yes, it is finally possible to exercise without extensive sweating, heart rate checks, body fat analysis or Lycra. Thanks to the Atlanta based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a nationwide campaign for fitness has been unveiled that deals with people's actual behavior, not the theoretical supposed behavior. These plans are to affect all people: exercisers and couch potatoes. This is the first ever attempt of the CDC to try to obtain a physically fit America, and it just might work.

The government has said very httle regarding adults and instead focuses on the youth and measuring their fimess levels.

Tests such as the 50 yard dash and the flexed arm hang are ways for Uncle Sam to determine just how fit America's youth are. After extensive research, the CDC determined that a moderate amount of physical activity does have health benefits, such as reducing of heart disease or diabetes. With these schemes in mind, the Center was determined to develop a reaUstic plan even the laziest Americans could incorporate in their Ufestyles.

Generally, the program does not require any change of clothes or strenuous labor, just common sense. For example, it is possible to be exercising while taking a ten-minute walk, gossiping with your colleague. Wash your car rather than drive it over to be washed. Walk anywhere that is a half a mile or less away. Plant a garden, water it. Clean your house. Pass up the elevator and try the stairs. Carry the laundry basket and then fold the clothes. Pick up the dog's droppings. Do ten sit-ups during commercials. Park farther down in the parking lot. Don't wait until New Year's to start exercising. These and thousands of other simple opportunities within the bounds of everyday Ufe are the necessary factors to staying fit.

Some think it is very possible to workout while just thinking about it. These people are labeled contemplators by the CDC. Others actively get involved and the CDC labels them "preparers." The plan to reach out

to both groups also aims to guide 73 million adults: 74% are employed, 7 1 % are married, 66% have a high school education, 65% between the ages of 18 and 45, 60% are women, 58% have children, 58% have an income of greater than $30,000 and 35% have children younger than five years old.

The plan simply calls for 30 minutes of physical activity a day, five or more days a week. Most of Maine South regularly attends a gym class which would satisfy these needs.

Many may feel that this is not enough, but the CDC claims that it is something and that alone is better than nothing. The lack of physical activity in America is due to over exaggerated campaigns, like Arnold Schwarzeneger in the

America and Inactivity Various places and their percent of adult inactivity.

District of Colombia 48.6% Kentucky 45.9% Alabama 45.8% West Virginia 45,3% North Carolina 42.8% Maine 40.7% Tennessee 39.7% Mississippi 38.4% Ohio 38.0% New York 37.1% Illinois 3 3 3 % Colwado 17.2% Most Active

George Bush era.

If this idea would vanish many Americans would not view exercise as such hard work, and would not ultimately give up due to lack of ambition, time and ability to cope with pain. Sue Ellen Christian claims that if this scheme fails, the government might devise an even easier plan to get America fit, like reintroducing rotary telephones.

No doubt, getting Americans to exercise will reduce the problems of high blood pressure and colon cancer. On a smaller scale, it will boost self confidence and posture. The plan that the center has is merely focusing on helping Americans to devise better habits and new ways to look at exercising, and break them out of the old feared routine.

Information for the article and chartfe^^ tared on this page was obtained from Sl^ Ellen Christian's article Gain without pain.

Getting phxairnl which appeared in the Chicago Tribune on Surulay, October 12,1997.

South students and teachers attend CSL leadership conference

By Brian Price On Tuesday, November 4th and Wednesday, November 5th, over forty Maine South student-athletes and teachers were invited to attend the Central Suburban League leadership conference as either participants or group facilitators. This year's Conference was again highlighted by Michael Brandwein, a nationally known speaker and entertainer. Overfivehundred students from all of the CSL schools attended and met for five hours after school on Tuesday and for seven hours on Wednesday. There were three large assemblies in which Mr. Brandwein highlighted the qualities of a

leader. This year, he gave the audience a special treat by escaping from a straight jacket Harry Houdini-style.

Between these three large group sessions, the participants split into thirty-five groups to have smaller discussions. Led by the group facihtators, these discussions focused on issues that many of the participants have already faced or will have to face in high school. Alchohol, drugs, team problems and many more issues were discussed. The conference helped these future team and school leaders by showing them better ways to meet the problems facing them.

Sports 11 Fall Scholar Athletes Announced The Maine South Atliletic Department recently announced the Scholar Athletes for the Fall season. Boys Cross Country: Justin Eraci, Jeff Leist, Matthew Wanat and David Wilson. Football; Robert Collura, Brian Deines, Taylor Duncan, Dino Gardiakos, Colin Johnson, Radley Kanaszyc, AM Kahn, Adam Knight, Philip LaMonica, Scott O'Donnell. Michael O'Malley, Daniel Pallegrini, Daniel Reidy, Nicholas Reuhs, Andrew Sleyko, Michael Taazi and Nicholas Vassilos. Boys Golf: Theodore Kostiuk, Tim Magnuson, Matt Makula, Gino Ori. Boys Soccer: John Armour, Marco Capasso, Daniel Cheong, Paul Frederiksen, Michael Kemerer, Joshua Klaczek andZoran Stanocv, Girls Gross Coimtry: Elisabeth Gibbons, Lynn Janik, Patricia Ryan. Girls Tennis: Penny Bilissis, Mary Friesl, Kristen Goodman, Elizabeth Hughes, Brigid Matchen, Melissa Poulos, ICatheriiÂť Rogers and Alison Upton. Girls Volleyball: Nicole Bratt. Girls Swimming: Lynn Bielski, Theresa House and Karin Vonesh.

Maine Eagles wrestling

By Brian Price The team is a great oppurtunity for kids of The Maine Eagles wrestling youth pro- all sizes," says Coach Falhco. " They will gram is beginning soon and registration will only wrestle against the ones in their age and be open for anyone ages 6-14 until the end weight class so nobody is really overof December. The club is a member of the matched."

LK.W.F. and I.W.F. and operates with area junior high schools, middle schools and both Maine South and Maine West. This club's purpose is not only to teach the fundamen*^^ 11/21 11/22 tals of the sport, but also to help each parBoys' ticipant develop physicalfitness,sportsmanship, self-esteem, self-motivation and citi- Basketball zenship values in a positive and enjoyable Girls' Frosh/Soph @ Hoffman team environment.

Basketball Estates Tnmt.

The program fee for the club is $75 pev child, which provides them with I.W.K.F. Boys' and I.W.F. insurance cards, long sleeve team Swimming shirt, subscription to USA Wrestling and The Girls' Kid magazines and four months of wrestUng Gymnastics instruction. Practices will be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Maine West and Wrestling Wednesday nights at Maine South from 6:15 to 8:15 pm. Attendance of at least two of three practices per week is recommended. Girls' Indoor The coaching staff consists of former Illi- Track nois High School Association Wrestlers and Boys' Indoor State Contenders. Questions may be di- Track rected to Coach Earl Danan at (847) 255IHSA State 9795 and Coach Craig Fallico (847) 698- Girls' Meet 7023.

Swimming^

^j Uan^k Highlights 11/24

11/25

11/26

Varsity @ Schaumbrg Tnmt.

Practice Begins F/J/V@ Evanston 5:30pm F/m vs. Niles West/Weber 6pm

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Hawk swimmers prepare for State meet ^

After a long season of classical preparation, the team is ready to rock n' roll!

m Emily Smythe leads the team to victory.

Photo by Mike Tomassi

by Lynn Bielski As the swimming season draws to a close, all the energy and enthusiasm the team generates is beginning to heat the pool (it is much needed). The team congratulated five graduating seniors: Lynn Bielski, Jill Bender, Theresa House, Colleen Barker and Karin Vonesh at the Senior Meet against Maine West. The victory against Maine West gave the Hawks a glimpse of what to expect at the Conference Meet.

Coach Deger provided the team with some pre-Conference insight, advising the team to "Go out there and have some fun!"

After travehng to the friendly confines of Glenbrook North, the Hawks enjoyed the lovely pool, swam some close races and brought home third place honors. Jill Bender, Emily Smythe and Meghan Sarran

earned All-Conference honors. Diver The team next year will greatly benefit Bridget James also had a successful evening, from the talent they bring. Now the Varsity placing in the top six. The very next day. swimmers are looking to finish in the top three teams at the Sectional meet which will be held at York High School. They face tough competition from York and Fremd, as a well cross town rivals Maine East and Maine West.

However, the Hawks are confident that the hard work and dedication already in-Head Coach Chris Deger vested in the season will enable them to come away victorious. In addition, the swimmers have a good chance of sending Miss Goll and the JV team returned to the 200 medley relay team to the State mejW Glenbrook North and captured yet another as well as swimmers in the 50 freestyle a . ^ ^ third place finish.

100 breaststroke. Come on out and cheer The JV swimmers had a highly produc- on the Hawks (who will have shaved their tive season, improved their times and most legs for the first time in months and be wearimportandy had a good time. ing extremely tight swim suits).

Go out there and have some fun!"