Vol 41 issue 7

In •This Issue:

NEWS

FEATURES

ENTERTAINMENT COMMENTARY

SPORTS

MUSIC

Dcpt. returns trom New York trip

A look at Christmas around the world

Activities for the holidays J *

Christmas Wrestling season shopping in begins Middle America

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page 5

page 7

page 9

page 14

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ISIEWS DECEMBER

17. 2004 • VOL. 41, NO. 7

Holiday cheer, intelligence bill for all to he^ÂŁ

by Alex Schallmo Although this bill passed easily enough, Just in time for the several Republicans are not satisfied with the holiday season, the U.S. final bill. Rep. James Sensenbrenner (RHouse of Representatives Wisconsin). Chairman of the House Judiciary passed the largest overhaul Commision, is skeptical of the bills" ability to of the U. S intelligence network in over a half' 7 ^ [^ Q big deal tO bring tkls century. Rep. Duncan Hunter (RCalifomia), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, held up the bill for two weeks with other Republican leaders, afraid that the new intelligence director would receive too much power over the military. The House prohibit states from giving licenses to illegal worked to word the bill in such a way that immigrants. specified that commanders would take their This bill is expected to improve the quality orders from, as Hunter says, "the Secretary of of intelligence of the U.S. military and to keep Defense and above him from the President of civilians safer. As Peter Hoekstra (Rthe United States." The vote December 7 was Michigan), Chairman of the House Intelligence 336-75, passing easily.

Committee stated, "We are going to create a

Congress together, this Congress that has sadly been so polarized" - Rep. Jane Harman

Pickwick holiday happenings

by Ashley Rezaeizadeh As the holiday season gears up, people are feeling the need to give, especially at the Pickwick Theater. A weekend film festival to benefit military families and free films were some of the events that took place.

"For the Families," organized by producer Dan Tomko, is a fundraiser where the proceeds benefit a charity helping military reservists, specifically military families.

Sponsored by the Journal and Topics newspapers and the John P. Hussman Foundation, this organization provides relief to these recruits; there are more than 9.000 Illinois Guard members on duty.

In Park Ridge, the "For the Families" benefit, sponsored by the Park Ridge Journal, included a film festival. Patrons enjoyed classic organ playing and sing-a-longs before the film. Films viewed included two nights of Bing Crosby in "White Christmas." "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." and "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Proceeds from the ticket sales at these films will go to the Illinois Military

Family Relief Fund and Operation USO Care Package.

Films were also shown courtesy of Liberty Bank for Savings. The bank has been serving the area for 106 years with nearby branches in the Chicagoland community, but is coming to Park Ridge in 2005. Though Liberty Bank for Savings is not here yet, construction is under way on Touhy, where the new bank will be.

W.J. Smigiel. President and CEO of the bank, says. "We are excited to be joining the Park Ridge community and want to offer our customers and future neighbors the opportunity to participate in our holiday gift to Park Ridge."

This "holiday gift" was greatly appreciated by the residents as they went to see the movies. On December 6th. "Miracle on 34th Street" was shown, and the next week "White Christmas" was viewed. There were also musical entertainment and holiday treats that preceded the Christmas films.

Participants were strongly encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to help the Maine Township Emergency Food Pantry, to which Maine South's Student Council donates.

Also at Maine South is Key Club"s Mitten Tree Project, which is accepting hats, gloves, scarves, and, of course, mittens.

more aggressive, a more vibrant and a more organized intelligence community that is going to give policy-makers the information that they need to make appropriate decisions."

The bill will add 2000 full-time border patrol agents a year for five years. It allows officials to wiretap " l o n e - w o l f terrorists while improving baggage screening of airports. Also driver's licenses must include federally standardized information.

On the whole the bill has come in time to ease the minds of travelers over the holiday season, when threats and terror warning levels rise. As Rep. Jane Harman (D-Califomia) said, "It is a big deal to bring this Congress together, this Congress that has sadly been so polarized."

The holiday season has brought pitted, ideological opposites to come together, to form legislation with the betterment of the American people at heart.

Holiday Voluntee^ Activities

I

Compiled by Anna Wolonciej Lincoln Park Zoo: ZooLights 2004 Volunteer Minimum age: 15 Spend time this holiday season with friends and family while helping out in your community. Volunteers are needed at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago from December 26'*^ to January 2"^ between the hours of 4:40 and 9:15 p.m. to supervise crafts and greet visitors.

For more information e-mail volunteer@lpzoo.org Fairygodmother Foundation: Holiday Gift Wrapping Minimum age: 10 (With adult supervision) Between November 26" and December 24"" volunteers will be needed for gift wrapping during 3-5 ^ ^ hour shifts. Locations are all over t h ^ B Chicagoland areas at Barnes and Noble and Borders stores.

For more information call (773) 3881160 or e-mail wendy@fairygodmother.org

NEWS DECEMBER

17, 2004 • VOL. 41, NO. 7

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^ew York, New York |

by Kelly Spreitzer Picture this: about 300 students from the Maine South community going to the same place at the same time. No, it's not a competition, it's a trip.

Over the long Thanksgiving break, the music department, consisting of the band, orchestra, and choir, traveled to New York to both perform for eager audiences and learn new things from the best in the nation.

It all started on a Sunday morning. Most of the band had gone to the football game on Saturday, so they didn't have much time to pack and spend time with their families before leaving. When everyone got to school on Sunday, they practiced with their groups, loaded up the Coach buses, and drove a great deal of time, stopping in Cleveland for the night (it takes 14 and half hours to drive to New York). j». On Monday morning, the orchestra got to ^ f t to the Oberlin College Clinic while the band ^ H a choir attended the Bowling Green College clinic. Once there, they met Dr. Bruce Moss and Dr. William Skoog. Shortly after the clinics, everyone traveled to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame before taking the all-day trip to New York. "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was an awesome place to see and be in," stated Kristina Pearson. "It's like I got to see things from my favorite artists close up and personal."

They all packed on the bus again, and drove the long and tedious trip to the Big Apple.

The tired Hawks arrived around 1 A.M. They stayed in a hotel located in New Jersey, about an hour from New York. On Tuesday, the students went to the United Nations International School. They performed some compositions, and then went to the New York Offstage Clinic. "Beauty and the Beast" will be seen at Maine South in the spring as the musical. "'Beauty and the Beast' was one of the most inspirational things I had seen this entire trip," said Maggie Wave. "The performances done by the actors and also the music were ttravagant."

"The musical was a great thing to see. It inspired me to pursue my musical life a great deal more, and it was very interesting." said Mike Spytek.

New York is probably the quietest on Wednesdays. So, the band, orchestra and choir

were lucky enough to go to Carnegie Hall and then traveled to The Cathedral of St. John the Divine. They performed there and then went off to Chinatown for some shopping. After a hearty meal, half of the group went to the Metropolitan Opera and the other half went to the New York Philharmonic. Both were very interesting and intriguing shows for the students to see.

"I loved the opera. It was an excellent thing to see. I learned so much from the singers, and I was really appreciative of going on this trip." said Erin Doherty.

Thursday was the most tiring day of them all. Everyone got up at 4:30 in the morning to get good seats for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. They went to the parade in the freezing cold, but still had a fun time seeing some TV or cartoon characters, singers, as well as instrumentalists. Shortly after the parade was over, the group traveled to the Empire State building. When they got back to the hotel, they had a Thanksgiving dinner and a party for all of their hard work during the week.

"It was hard not being with my family for a traditional thing like Thanksgiving, but I was fine knowing that my friends were with me," said Wave. "The entire day was so memorable. I saw the parade instead of staying at home and watching it on the television, and then there was a party. It was an unreal day and experience, but it was awesome."

After the turkey dinner and the good night's rest, everyone woke up and went to Liberty Island, home to the famous Statue of Liberty. They then went to Ground Zero of September 11 th. Reflecting on the emotional visit to Ground Zero, Carly Calkins said, "There are no words to explain the sense of emptiness around Ground Zero. So much was lost on that day and New Yorkers will always be reminded of it. The entire site is surrounded by a tall fence and there is just a feeling of uneasiness in the people passing by." After all the sightseeing on Friday, they packed up and drove the 14 and half hours back to Park Ridge just in time for the state football game.

"This was a once in a lifetime thing, and I think I took good advantage of it," said Doherty. "I got closer with a lot of my friends, I learned a lot from the experiences and I'll use it to my advantage the rest of my Maine South career."

Cuhbie commercials: The Commission on Chicago Landmarks was, at press time, reviewing a proposal for a 10' x 3' sign behind home plate of Wrigley Field, easily visible in the typical shot with the pitcher, batter, and catcher.

Suggestion for the first ad: "Right fielder for sale. Free cork with purchase." /•// take -luck"for SI00, Alex: Nancy Zerg, the "Giant-killer" that unseated the tall, dark, and handsome Ken Jennings November 30 on "Jeopardy!," lost the next day to a "weahh management project analyst."

Word on the street is that right before he lost, Jennings went to Las Vegas, anonymously bet all of his money against himself, and tripled his earnings.

Now that's wealth management.

Manias. Captain Planet: People are ditching their tube TVs for their much sleeker flat-screen counterparts at alarming levels, causing huge landfill pollution problems; their tubes contain poisonous Mercury.

Experts suggest giving your TVs to me.

Ai-e they real?: Howard Stem and Eminem recently signed deals with Satellite radio, partly because the FCC is limited in its censorship of anything subscription-based.

Do I hear a subscription-based Southwords? Can I get a h**l yeah?!

Rudolph gets an 1-Pass: It's rumored that expressway tolls for change-wielding motorists are due to double on January 1.

And you thought it was annoying to wait behind someone with 40 pennies?

Mmm... doughnuts: Cops investigating a stolen Krispy Kreme delivery truck in Pennsylvania followed a trail of doughnuts to a downtown bar and retrieved the truck.

No evidence was recovered.

Supposedly.

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DECEMBER

17. 2004 • VOL. 41, NO.7

Windows on State: cheery and ornat

by Kelsey Keith Each and every year at Christmas time. State Street attracts people from all over the country.

Most are hoping to get a chance to see Marshall Fields" magnificently animated Christmas windows. This tradition started in 1897. 45 years after the store opened its doors, when a new display manager. Arthur Fraiser. decorated the storefront windows with the new toys for Christmas. After observing the enthusiasm and excitement that the windows were met with.

Marshall Fields decided they wanted to give a gift to the city. something that had no admission fee or waiting line.

Up until WWII, the windows photo hv Kurie Kalz displayed the new lines of toys., The Evil Queen figurine. but in 1946, the visual team designed a new story of '"Snow White"" set-up for the will be animated Christmas display. behind the glass for all Each year they to see. In addition to would pick a the fairy princess, the ii^ ^K | H I E theme and have seven dwarfs and the the whole strip of evil queen are depicted State Street in this old time windows tell the favorite. story.

Before the windows are displayed each The strategy mm Mi • • November. 18 months for picking the RSBM S ^ ^ B ^ ^ ^ B of planning and theme has been production goes in to consistent the final product. throughout; Although construction Marshall Fields only begins three wants to give the weeks prior to the kids what they unveiling, sketches want. In 2000. and procedures must after the first be perfected before Harry Potter building starts. The movie hit theatres. last week of building is the display photo b> kalie kaiz very stressful due to featured the Christmas Tree at Daley Plaza. the tight space in British wizard. set; breaking is common This year, an old classic will be revived The which the product is

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and happens often. Such careful planning needed to minimize last-minute problems.

If you haven"t visited Slate Street this year, don't miss the opportunity to see the animated story windows. It is not only fun and entertaining but free, and while you are there, you can get a little shopping done. In addition to the windows. Marshall Fields offers another holiday attraction. There is the gigantic Walnut Room Christmas tree complete with lavish ornaments, shimmering garland, and presents surrounding the base of the tree. The Walnut Room is a restaurant on the bottom floor that offers fine dining and allows people to enjoy the Christimas atmosphere while spending time with family and friends.

The Marshall Fields in Woodfield Mall also has some great decorations. There is a big snowman decoration right outside of the the Marshall Fields in the mall.

The experience of going downtown and seeing the windows in Marshall Fields is very enjoyable and very cheap. It is an outing that an entire family can enjoy.

SOUTH WORDS A student-produced newspaper of:

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Maine South High School 1111 South Dee Road Park Ridge, IL 60068 Signed letters to the editor should be delivered to r(M)m V-131 or given to a member of the editorial staff. Soi THWORDS reserves the right to edit material for clarity and brevity and to reject obscene/libelous submissions.

Editors-in-Chief Curly Calkins Kate Funkhouser News Editors Ashley Rezaeizadeh Alex Schallmo Features Editors Kelsey Keith John Mallory Entertainment Editor Melissa Hansen James Mantas Commentary Editors Mike Bielaczyc Rebecca Christopher Corinne Ullrich Sports Editors Steve Contorno Greg Mitc^ itc^^ Production Editor Bobby Crisr sn^^P Core Photographers Katie Katz Audrey Russell Core Staff Artist JonMarkowski Advisors Mr. Ellefson Mr. Stathakis

FEATURE' DECEMBER

17, 2004 • VOL. 4 1 , N O . 7

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X^hristmas traditions from around the world biscuits, and wine in celebration of the holiday.

"Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" in Christmas: You all Swedish is "God Jul Och Ett Gott Nytt." know how it goes; Santa France: In France, celebration begins with the Claus, red suit, reindeer, decorating of a Christmas tree a few days cookies, stockings hung before Christmas when candles, lights, tinsel by the chimney with care, and colorful stars are attached to it. On presents for the nice, dreaded coal for the Christmas Eve, little toys, candies, and fruits naughty, fa la la la la. and all that. But, the are hung on the branches of the tree. Also on holiday season is celebrated in a multitude of Christmas Eve, Pere Noel, a thin, tall man. different ways around the world. Here are some leaves gifts in shoes left by the fireplace. special ways that countries around the world "Merry Christmas" in French is "Joyeux Noel."

Spain: It is a tradition that the Three Wise celebrate the season.

Italy: Traditionally, children receive gifts from Men, come to deliver presents in Spain. On la Befana, an old woman, on the January 6 the Eve of the Epiphany, children leave their Epiphany. As legend goes, on the evening of shoes on their doorsteps. In the night, the Wise January 5, the Wise Men came to la Befana's Men pass through and leave gifts. On January door and asked her to help them find Christ, 6, there are parades and elaborate parties held but she turned them away. Later that night, la in honor of the Three Kings. "Merry Befana felt guilty and set out to find Christ Christmas" in Spanish is "Feliz Navidad." herself, but she didn't know where He was. So, I reland: One tradition still carried out by many she decided to drop gifts down the chimney of in Ireland is to put a candle in a window on every house in Italy, just in case He was there. Christmas Eve. Having a light in your window "Merry Christmas" in Italian is "Buon Natale." on Christmas Eve is like welcoming a stranger, ^weden: In Sweden, the holiday season begins which also means you are welcoming the Holy ^^•ighting an Advent candle. Each Sunday after Family too. If you have no light in your The first Sunday of Advent and before window, you share the guilt of the Innkeeper Christmas, a new Advent.candle is lit. A big at Bethlehem who said, "No Room." "Merry celebration in Sweden is on December 13, Christmas" in Gaelic is "NoUaig chridheil agus Lucia Day. A girl from every household, school, Bliadhna mhath." or community is chosen to be the Lucia. She England: A holiday tradition in England is the wears a long white gown and a crown of candles Queen's Christmas Message broadcast to the in her hair. She delivers coffee, rolls, ginger nation over TV and radio. December 26 is also

by Sam Byrne

special in England; it is called Boxing Day. It is where people put a gift of food or money in a box and give it the mailman.

Poland: In Poland, Christmas is often called "Little Star." No food is served on Christmas Eve until the first star appears. Trees are festively decorated with nuts, sweets, ribbon, frosted cookies, and feathers. Straw is placed under the tablecloth in commemoration of the manger Jesus was bom in. "Merry Christmas" in Polish is "Wesolego Bozego Narodzenia."

Germany: In Germany, there is a celebration on December 6, St. Niklaus Tag. "Tag" in Germany means "Day." Children leave their boots outside of their front doors on the night of December 6. In the morning, their boots are filled with treats. Christmas is always celebrated on Christmas Eve in Germany. The family gathers that night and exchanges gifts.

There is no real celebration on Christmas Day. There is a tradition of putting a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree. It blends in with the tree and the first child to find it on Christmas gets a special gift. There is also the legend of Knecht Ruprecht. He is Santa's helper, and he punishes all of the bad kids. The legend goes that in the old days, kids would go to the door and dance for Santa to impress him. If they performed badly, Knecht Ruprecht would hit them with a stick he carried and would take them with him to his house in the Black Forest.

"Merry Chirstmas" in German is "Froh Weihnachten."

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DECEMBER

17, 2004 • VOL. 41, NO.7

Despite Christmas, Hanukkah flourishes

by Maddie Kiem As you snuggle up in your bed on December 24, and visions of sugar plums and ]- pods dance in your head, you might just pause for one brief splinter of a second. You might think to yourself—"Hey, self, what do you think those people whom Santa doesn't visit do tomorrow?" Do they unite and huddle up in a cave somewhere, as to not be disturbed by incessant fa la la la las?

Go to the movies? Sit at home and pick their noses? 'Tis indeed a great mystery for the average Maine South student what is it like to be a non-Christian in a world full of Christmas carols, Christmas cookies, Christmas presents.

Christmas break. Christmas toilet paper?

Well, this is my field of expertise. As a Jewish teenager floating in the diverse sea of religious I'hoio L-oiirK's\- (if'\v\^-\* diversity that is Maine South (I mean we do have Catholics AND Lutherans), I sometimes find myself at odds with my classmates when it comes to faith. This is not something new for me. In first grade I lamented the fact that I did not get to wear a pretty white Communion dress, in third grade I had nothing to give up for Lent, in fourth grade I would weep about having to go to Hebrew school for four hours a week, and in

The White House celebrates Hannukah eighth grade, I did not get to choose a Confirmation name.

Although my mother is a Catholic, my numerous cousins are Christian, and I have always been surrounded with an understanding

of Christianity, the truth remains that I am a Jew. Those Christian cousins, with whom 1 am everything, go on a every year with church, leaving sisters and me ' behind. If we are dt church to witness some milestone event, such as a wedding, my _ cousins can go up ind get communion while my \s i s t e r s , '^* father and 1 It in the j / /'y audience as f.^ everyone glares at us. as if Satan is our deity of choice. It's just those little jabs, the missed nnk'chnct' opportunities for youth groups, for worshipping with friends from school, that sometimes make me want to rip off my star of David, head to the church, and convert.

But then my little guardian angel (yes. we have them too) comes, rests on my shoulder, and chides me. I am reminded that being Jewish affords me with an opportunity to stand out and be original. And this, to some extent, is what every high schooler is looking for. It is a good way for me to find my own voice and stand out from everyone else. Those who deny this are merely kidding themselves.

Like it or not, high r It 11 w.whitehousf.$<n school is by lighting the menorah largely about acceptance, but it is also about being individual, about having something to make you atypical. It's easy to get lost in the crowd, and nobody wants it to happen to them. Going through years of Park Ridge public schools.

it used to irk me a little when people would question me about Judaism. Now I embrace such queries. The fact of the matter is my answer might be lacking by Hebrew school teacher standards, but to my classmates, it's as if it came right from the Torah (that's our Bible). The kids here really don't know much about Judaism. As far as the majority Maine South students are concerned, Sean Price is to football as 1 am to all things Jewish.

So give us a thought this December 25, and don't worry. We likely won't be picking our noses. There is plenty for us to do on Christmas.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about that funky candelabra (it's actually called a hanukiyah or Hanukkah menorah) or those scrumptious looking potato pancakes, you know who to ask.

What is Hanukkah?

Over 2,000 years ago, the Jewish people fought against an enemy who would not allow them to practice their religious traditions. Their enemy destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem which contained many holy objects including a sacred lamp called the menorah. One small band of people, called the Maccabees, was led by a brave man named Judah. He led them in a fight against their enemies. Even though they were outnumbered, the Jewish people were brave and won the battle. When Judah returned to the Temple in Jerusalem the first thing he did was restore the sacred lamp. But there was almost no oil left—only enough for one day. The lamp was filled with this oil and lit. Instead of lasting only one day. it b u r n e d ^ brighter, and brighter, lasting a n ^ ^ raculous eight days. courtesy of www .hunukat.com

BREAK DECEMBER

17, 2004 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 41, NO. 7

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â&#x20AC;˘ligh five, low five for Christmas albums l^ Joe Blanski Though no list IS perfect, here is a good, diverse list of five of the best and five of the worst holiday albums of all time.

The Best 1. "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Vince Guaraldi Trio. A classic and a must have for the Christmas spirit.

2. '"Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters," Bing Crosby. A nice album to listen to over Christmas dinner with the family or in the morning opening presents. Just great.

3. "A Very Special Christmas 3." Various Artists. This compilation is the best of the

series. There is no better way to spend Christmas than with songs by such artists as Chris Cornell and the Smashing Pumpkins.

4. "Tis The Season For Los Straitjackets."

Los Straitjackets. An instrumental album by the band that covers classics in their surf rock sound. Like snow on the beaches of California.

5. "Christmas with the Rat Pack," Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra.

Smooth, cheery, and most of all. cool. The Rat Pack at its finest, bringing holiday cheer to all.

The Worst 1. "Hung For The Holidays," William Hung.

"American Idol" reject Hung's album is. at best, a cruel joke on the American public. I'd rather be Hung than have to listen to this album again.

2. "Snowed In." Hanson. This album was so bad. it's not even sold anymore. Uncalled for and horrendous remakes and original songs by the annoying 90's trio, whose career can be described by this title.

3. "A Very Merry Chipmunk," Alvin & The Chipmunks. I don't care how fijn a person might imagine this to be. Unless headaches and inhaling helium before caroling are welcome parts of your Christmas, don't play this at any gathering.

4. "Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters," 9K\ When did 98' become masters, and who would pay for this album?

5. "Santa Claus Lane," Hilary Duff. She can have her movies, TV shows, and albums, but a line needs to be drawn. Who wants to hear her rap a Christmas song anyway?

Don't hibernate this winter break

by AtraAsdou For some of us, winter break is just another two weeks spent hibernating.

If you're not hopping on a plane to L.A., or if you'd just rather be downtown than spending every waking moment with your family and relatives, here are some things to do. Break out of your fleece blankets, and leave the hot cocoa on the counter, because here's a list for you. Look at the following with an open mind, as well as an open schedule.

The following are free art shows: "Salvador Dali: The Divine Comedy" at Zygman/Voss Gallery. 100 woodcuts and rare creations from the private 1960's collection of Dali's publisher. Surreal and Salvador; what more could you want? The show lasts through January 1.

"Artists from La Tinaia" at the Judy A. Saslow Gallery features Italian artists Giuliano Buccioni. Ma.ssimo Mensi, and others. You think you know Italian culture? Go check out their beautiful art before it ends December 30.

'Childish But Not Childlike" at the High 'isk Gallery features work by Rudi R.L. Berlin. Runs through January 29.

If you're interested in plays, "The Santaland Diaries" is a holiday comedy about an elf working at Macy's. It's playing at the Raven Theater until January.

"A Christmas Carol," the holiday classic, is playing at the Goodman Theater, also until January.

If plays aren't your thing, and you think that the holidays aren't the holidays without a little music, then here are some musicals that are happening downtown until January.

"Big: The Musical" is playing at the Apple Tree Theater.

Remember the Tom Hanks movie? Well, this is it, e.Kcept in musical form, minus Tom Hanks.

"Diva Diaries" is a comedy about veteran queens on the verge of nervous breakdowns. It's playing at the Lakeshore Theater.

"Beauty and the Beast" is running at the Mariott Theatre in Lincolshire (Maine South will have a springtime production of this). "Beauty and the Beast" is running through February.

If you don't like staring at a meaningless canvas or falling asleep during strange scripted stage performances, then here are some more fun events: "The Blue Man Group" is performing daily at the Briar Street Theater in Lincoln Park.

"The Lean, Mean, Green Screen Machine" is playing at the Improv Kitchen through

January 15. An improv team looks onto 42" plasma screens at each table projecting actors, scenery, and text. You can bring your own pics.

DVDs, and suggestions.

Note that none of these shows have tickets over fifty d o l l a r s , and you can find info on more shows by going to www.metromix.chicagatribune.com.

They have some inexpensive and great events to anend.

Whatever it is you decide to do - whether it be trying something different than hanging out with the family or just watching claymation classics, have fun and happy holidays!

Plmto courtesy ofwww.siijiepsi.com

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KlNTER B:.REAK DECEMBER

17,2004 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 41, KO. 7

Hollywood holiday extravaganz# Br Coiinue

Ullrich

Winter break is populated by both great mo\ ies and ones that are just trying to take advantage of holiday free time. Here is a list of reasons to go to the movie theatre this break. Also, try Evanston Century Theaters for hard-to-find movies. Your Maine South ID will finally be good for something because they give student discounts.

Now Playing "Finding Neverland" Starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslei In a performance that has people talking about a second consecutive Best Actor nomination. Johnny Depp plays the Scottish playwright, J. M. Barrie. who resents the fact that his games of make-believe with Winslet's four boys have everyone else in the movie thinking he's a pedophile. One ofthe talented child actors, Freddie Highmore. will also star with Depp in next year's remake of "'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Though some reviews call the film sentimental or even maudlin, it is supposed to be an original take on the start of Peter Pan, Tinkerbell, and Captain Hook.

"A Very Long Engagement" Starring Audrey Tatou This movie reteams Tatou and her director from "Amelie," Pierre Jeunet. She plays a girl with polio who is searching for her presumed dead fiance in the aftermath of the First World War. Her character, Mathilde. refuses to believe that her childhood sweetheart is actually dead.

The movie has the same whimsical feel as "Amelie." and the battle scenes are DiCapiu! juids lii.s inner pilot in "The Aviator. " supposed to be extremely realistic and worth the ticket price. The movie new movie adaptation is just a fairly hot guy features a reportedly interesting cameo by in a half-mask. Most ofthe actors in this movie Jodie Foster, which film buffs might want to are unknown or have only had supporting roles, watch just to find out whatever happened to because unlike other recent movies adapted the Yale alumna and Oscar winner. from popular musicals (for example, "Chicago"), these actors are supposed to "Closer" actually have singing talent. Or maybe the Starring Jude Law, Julia Roberts, Natalie producers just blew all the money meant Jja^ hiring A-list stars on the luxurious scen^^^ Portman. and Clive Owen In a movie widely applauded by critics for What girl wouldn't want to get swept away by having a cast ofbeautiful people, four beautiful a deranged but sexy caped musician into the people betray each other and talk about sex. waterv' depths ofthe Paris Grand Opera House?

The two female characters are Americans who Just make sure your movie seats aren't under seduce and are seduced by two British men in a chandelier.

London in the 1990s. If you want to get another look at the near ubiquitous Law, People's December 25 "Sexiest Man Alive for 2004," or see Natalie Christmas releases include "Fat Albert" and Penman play a stripper (sorry guys, her topless "The Darkness." a horror movie with Anna scene was cut, you'll have to wait for the Pacquin which is reportedly so bad that it is DVD), this is the movie for you. going to go straight to video.

December 17 "The Aviator" Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Cate Blanchett Do you know who Howard Hughes was?

Now you can find out. Martin Scorsese directed this biopic about the tycoon who liked to date classic film stars like Katherine Hepburn (Blanchett) and Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale). According to "Ebert & Roeper." the film's plot and fascinating performances make it a top contender for a Best Picture Academy Award.

December 22

BtiriercaidRossionsaisiutllvbrim "Phantom" to life.

"The Phantom ofthe Opera" Starring Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler Unlike the original hideous freak featured in Gaston Leroux's novel, the Phantom in this

December 29 Fans of Scarlett Johansson should look forward to the last weekend in December.

She's staning in "A Love Song for Bobby Long," with John Travolta and "In Good Company." with Topher Grace and Dennis Quaid. For those who can do without her. an adaptation of "The Merchant of Venice" starring Al Pacino and Joseph Fiennes, is also opening on the same day.

Choice Rental "The Manchurian Candidate" This is the 1962 version, which was believed at the time to be partially to blame for John Kennedy's assassination, with Frank Sinatra and Angela Lansbury. It's way more trippy and more interesting than the 2004 retooling.

COMMENTAr DECEMBER

17, 2004 • VOL. 41, NO. 7

f [|p^pj^:4^^j^l J i ^^PIj^B^ •fe? ^ B m " 'Wm ^^

by Katie Funkhouser

When 1 was seven, my ; mom and I were driving home in a rainstorm. 1 v\ anted her to hurry because 1 desperately had to go to the bathroom. We reached the intersection closest to my house. Two large, metal garbage cans blocked my mother and me from entering the intersection. She told me we'd have to shut off the car and move the garbage cans.

I bounced uncomfortably in my seat, realizing that if we weren't home in two or three minutes, my bladder would explode. There was no time to move the garbage cans. Suddenly, an incredibly strong gust of wind blew them — in perfect circles traveling in opposite directions—away from the car. 1 was speechless. I watched the cans move, and was overcome with a feeling that it was an Act of God. My entire seven-year-old body trembled. ^Upon description of the divine intervention, friends told me 1 was dumb. God, they asserted, would never make himself known through rolling garbage cans.

So I commiserate with the lady who sees the Virgin Mary in a grilled cheese sandwich and the gentleman who could clearly discern a figure of Christ in an x-ray. We're all dumb.

1 recently attended a "Lessons and Carols" service in which Christ's birth was reenacted. and I was struck by the sheer lunacy of the situation. God chooses to come to Earth through an unwed mother into anonymity. His first visitors are shepherds: unwashed, ignorant, uncouth men. He preaches gentleness, though he could easily come down upon his enemies with wrath of literally biblical proportions. Then he was crucified beside petty criminals and rose from the dead, thereby cleansing the sins of all of humanity, it's a hard story to swallow, but I do believe it.

Christians are clinging to a bizarre story two thousand years old. The condescension with which we look on iconic grilled cheese sandwiches is therefore hypocritical. If no one Jieved in Christ at the time, which seemed so • dicrous. we'd have no Christian heritage.

Enjoy your Christmas: God sent his only son to die so that you could enjoy this Christmas, and an eternity's worth of others. And when you see someone finding God in the goofy, be happy that he's finding Christ anywhere.

9

Hey, they have to shop somewhere I

b\ John Mallory by

„i , the .u. holiday u„i;,i shopping i ; environment ;, ,„t:„,.;^a about inside of atypical rural area Wal-Mart. Holiday shopEvery Thanksgiving, ping is always hectic, and even with nice Mismy dad, my brother, and souri folks around you. it's still pretty bad.

Two days after Thanksgiving. 1 was in that I have the tradition of going to Missouri to place for four hours with my grandma and my visit my grandma. She dad. shopping around, trying to find everything. lives in a town called Madison; it's about two After about an hour and a half I got extremely bored and just started walking around and hours west of St. Louis.

Population: 528. This is where things get watching people shop. Something that really stood out to me was how regressed the Misugly.

As you can guess, there's not much to do souri Wal-Mart seemed. It seemed about four in Madison. The town has two barbershops years behind the rest of the country.

In electronics, there were no digital cameras. and no grocery store. That's Missouri for you.

In fact, just about the only fun thing to do in There were plenty of CD players and censored Madison is to pack up and get out of Madi- CD"s. but no digital cameras. The average son. In stark contrast, visiting one of the sur- Missourian doesn't know what an Mp3 is. The rounding towns that actually has some civili- most crowded section was the aisle where there were $2 VHS tapes. The $5 DVD section was zation isn't all that bad.

One of these towns is Moberly. Popula- pretty popular too. With such hot titles as "Cantion: about 14.000. That feels much better. nonball Run 2," and "Snow Dogs." why Moberly has all the normal things of a me- wouldn't it be? " ' The men"s clothing section dium sized was full of flannel and bright "...there was one thing that town in rural orange hunting jackets. Also, America: fast made all the people of the blank t-shirts were $4 and were food, small surrounding towns pretty much gone. diners, and lots jealous...Super Wal-Mart."

The automotive section was of hunting huge: six aisles devoted to auto shops.

But .,„:...,,,..; „„,.., parts and accessories.

This place had anything there was one thing that made all the people you could possibly need for your car. Walk of the surrounding towns jealous and excited into a Wal-Mart like place around here and at the same time. there's maybe two aisles with car stuff, and it's Super Wal-Mart. all clean and organized.

The Wal-Mart Super Center was built in And then there's the most popular section Moberly. Missouri about six years ago and of the Moberly, Missouri Wal-Mart. This secwas basically declared the new Messiah. The tion was pretty much packed the entire time I place is always packed on weekends, no matwas there.

Yes, it was the hunting/outdoorsman ter what the weather, and people come from section.

Because at Wal-Mart, you can't have miles around to get some supposedly remarka CD with swear words on it. but you can buy a able discounts. gun.

There are all kinds of firearms and a wall Being holed up in Madison for three days full of ammo.

There's also fishing equipment is far from fun. even with family around. We and live bail in a fridge.

There's a section full always have to make the trip 12 miles into of camouflage clothing.

There are tents, lamps, Moberly. especially on Thanksgiving. My sleeping bags, bug spray, everything you need. grandma is one of those people who has to Everyone walks out with their holiday gifts, get all of her holiday shopping done in one along with some live bait and cheap DVD's. trip. As you all know, this is impossible.

She has a list for my entire family, includ- They go back to their na'ive country lives where ing my brother and me. ready when she walks they are as happy as they can be. Only in into the glorious Wal-Mart. She used to buy America.

This all fuels the stereotype that everyone me action figures. Now, she just hands me a $20 bill when we walk in. and it's probably who shops at Wal-Mart is either gun crazy, car crazy, or fishin' crazy. And in the case of the for the best.

But I'm not writing this article to tell you Moberly, Missouri Wal-Mart, this is pretty my family history; I'm writing to tell you much sad but true.

10

.OMMENTARY DECEMBER

17, 2004 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 41, NO. 7

Higher wages provide better holidays

by Annette Dean The holidays are here, and most of us are thinking about what we are going to get. In other parts of the country, teens are thinking about whether or not they'll have food for the holidays.

The Census Bureau defines someone in poverty as an individual who makes less then $9,359 a year or a family of four that makes less than $ 18.244 a year. In 2003. 12.17f of Americans were considered impoverished.

Consider this: in order to make $18,244 a year, you would need to work 40 hours a week. 52 weeks a year, for at least $8.77 an hour.

In Illinois, the minimum wage is currently $5.50 an hour, and in January, it will move up to $6.50 an hour. No state has a minimum wage over $8.77. Washington has the highest

minimum wage at $7.16 an hour. In some cities, such as San Francisco, the minimum wage is $8.50. but California as a state has a minimum wage of $6.75.

When people who work full time are unable to live above the poverty level, we have reached a crisis.

Of course, for most corporations, increasing the minimum wage is their worst nightmare, so they do everything possible to prevent a wage increase. They have lobbyists pressure congressmen to prevent wage increase legislation from passing, and in the past, they have been very successful.

It is holiday time, and for many of us in Park Ridge, we will probably get what we want. However, there are teenagers living in other parts of the country who will be lucky if they gel anything for the holidays. That is something we can change. If people are given more reasonable wages, then they will have better holiday experiences.

Frito and Ferrari-less

by James Mantas Being a writer stinks.

When you tell your beaming parents that you dream every night about becoming a Ferraridriving Nobel-prize-winning brain surgeon, do they ask you what you have to fall back on?

Of course not. What average parent doesn't want their kid to be filthy rich?

Try telling your disgruntled mother that you want to be an author. "You WHAT?! Why be a writer? Be a dentist! They make good money!

Be a lawyer! They make good money! Be a janitor, a camy; anything but a writer!"

Trying to get into a writing career of any kind today is putting your income and overall happiness at stake. Getting a book published is like winning a lottery nobody cares about.

Obtaining the average swivel chair desk job is way easier, and there are no risks whatsoever; there is no income-free time, no writer's block or writer's cramp... and best of all, you have enough cash for the occasional bag of Fritos.

Remember, though; your yearly income means nothing if you waste your life doing something you never liked.

If you follow your dreams and do what you like, regardless of the shiny Ferraris they dangle in front of you, you can achieve

happiness - and sometimes even riches. I bet Bill Gates didn't cream the SAT. Which brings me to another Maine South misconception. The ACT will not dictate your success and happiness in life - and that you can take it as many times as you want with no penalty.

Lacking Fritos is a small price to pay for doing what you love. I'm going to fall back on winning the lottery nobody cares about. If I lose, at least 1 tried. Trying is all any of us can do.

Hey, look at teachers. Teaching is a really, really competitive career to get into; yet people become teachers because that's what they love to do (don't ask me why.) They know - or did at one point, anyway - that taking risks is what life's all about. A lot of licensed teachers don't have jobs; in fact, a lot of people don't have jobs.

Sometimes you have to risk everything just for a chance to be happy. If there is one thing life can be summarized as being about, it is about chances. There is a chance we will all be Frito and Ferrari-less.

So, to the scribes of Maine South: Don't give up on writing just yet (write for Southwords). Chase those big dreams until they're panting and wheezing. Whether you want to skate, direct, act, or fly, don't waste the only life you get settling for mediocrity.

Š

o

"It used to be an integral part of religion, but now it's a distraction" -Benz Ng '05

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" A lot of families are more concerned with getting than giving."

-Michelle Sotlars '06

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"M ChristmaHanukkwanzaa!"

-Mrs Sweiger

"People don't think about religion anymore; they just want presents." â&#x20AC;˘Jason Evans '06

COMMENTARY DECEMBER

17. 2004 • VOL. 41, No. 7

O P P O S I N G VI

11

}A~TS

**mtivin€ijig cbiidrefi thai Santa Claus exists is immuraf* SOUTh

Yes, it is irresponsible to tell children that Santa exists

by Sarah Collins Why do we have to be so expectant on Christmas Eve? There isn't anything particularly wrong with Santa Claus; he brings you things, but what does he have to do with Christmas? I learned a lot about Christian morals this year when they re-elected George W. Bush, and these morals don"t seem to go so much with Santa Claus. Christianity, as I understand it. is about giving. So why do p^-,ple associate receiving with Christianity's

«

most important holiday? Santa, baby Jesus, I don"t really see the parallel here.

Santa Claus is just a nice reason to become a member of the Christian faith. He doesn't actually have anything to do with the faith, and in fact contradicts it. Jesus is supposed to be enough of a Christmas present. Where's the Christian spirit in two mothers beating each other up for a doll? Christmas is just a sad consumerist holiday, and Santa is mostly to blame. Now I know that the elves make all the

toys, but when they get sold in Wal-Mart they loose some of their virtuous glow.

Perhaps Christianity should work on a new Santa. He comes in the night and takes children's old toys and clothes to families that need them. He takes the family ham to a food kitchen and leaves you with the green bean casserole and yams. Imagine little Susie waking up on Christmas morning to find she only has one teddy bear instead of thirty. I can see Susie now. wishing she was Jewish.

o, it teaches children good values

by Melissa Hansen

I have no problem with St. Nicholas and his alter ego. Santa Claus. Despite my urges to condemn the over-commercialization of Christmas. I admit that I love plopping down on my couch during winter break so I can watch "Miracle on 34th Street" and relive the revelation that Santa is real.

Santa, in my mind, is the embodiment of Christmas spirit, magic, and joy. He reminds us to be generous and help those less fortunate.

He reminds us of family and cooperation. If one was to learn anything from "Elf other than that syrup can apparently be put on every food known to man, one would learn that family is one of the strongest links between human beings. Santa Claus reminds us to be good to our families, in lieu of being punished fordoing naughty things. Really, in most senses, Santa is an inspirational character who brings out the ter qualities within us.

People are at this point ready to call me an • corny over-optimist. But I think that after the stress of the holidays (trying to get every turkey perfect and Santa and the cheesiness of the commercialization) can be a comfort to celebrators of Christmas.

Of course, this doesn't address the morality of telling children that Santa is real.the revelation never traumatized me. In fact, even though I know my parents were using the persona of Santa to let me get the toys I wanted (the presents signed Mom and Dad contained clothes and other such sensible gifts). I still like to believe in Santa. I'm not delusional, I just like the idea of someone so generous and loving granting the wishes I had in my heart.

Santa, currently, for me, is not someone who gives me a Barbie Dreamhouse, but someone who gives me the same generous spirit that is within him and encourages me to be a better person. And while I take a representation of the Santa I loved in my childhood into my heart for the rest of my life, I sincerely doubt the people who choose to promote their active distaste for Santa after finding out their parents were lying to them were emotionally traumatized for life. If they were, there were more problems in their childhood than a lie told to promote Christmas joy and spirit. Santa isn't someone created to hurt, but to help. In that way, he is someone who will remain in our society, rightly, and continue to encourage goodness in our society for at least one season during the year.

NEXT ISSUE: S H O U L D STUDENTS TAKE FIRST SEMESTER FINALS BEFORE WINTER BREAK? T O S U B M I T A R E S P O N S E . WRITE A N A R G U M E N T EITHER F O R O R A G A I N S T T H E STATEMENT, A N D S U B M I T IT T O T H E S O U T H W O R D S O F F I C E . RESPONSES SHOULD BE ABOUT 5 0 0 WORDS A N D SUBMITTED

BY THURSDAY. J A N U A R Y 6.

12

SPORTS

Boys' basketball off to strong start

by Frank Lukes The boys" basketball team recently began their campaign for a successful 2004-2005 season. The guys have worked hard during the off-season by spending time in the weight room and by participating in a seven week pre-season program. "The program gave me a chance to improve my skills, and experience what games are like on the varsity level," said ? Colin Wehman.

Last season as sophomores, the juniors were able to capture first place in conference and now look to apply that same winning attitude on the varsity level. On his expectations for the season, head coach Tony Lavorato said. "We are going to improve everyday, and we are going to stay focused and positive."

This year's team is composed of seniors Colin O'Malley, Craig Conrad, Mike Madsen, Mark Duric. Mike Vonesh, Phil Mix, Sean Price, and Alex Tone. Juniors Carl Michas, Willie Ruben. Colin Wehman, Matt Kelly, Dan Takagi, John Wolf, Anthony Cruz, and Adam Fee comlete the squad.

"Everyone on the team is familiar with how things are done, because it is basically the same from last year," said Craig Conrad.

"There are sixteen players, and everyone is key, not only to accomplish a winning team, but a winning program." said Lavarato.

The team's record is 2-2. with losses handed to them by Benet and St. Charles North. The Hawks prevailed, though, in a close game with Wheaton South and a notso-close game with Downers North. "In any sports season, there's going to be ups and downs, but the fundamentals are always going to be there," stated Lavorato.

O'Malley and Duric were recognized as All-Tournament players at the Downers Grove North Thanksgiving Toumament. The team looks to continue this trend of high performance in their upcoming games. "1 owe [that recognition] to my team." said Mark Duric.

On a final note, Lavorato said. "The players have set goals for themselves, but from a coaching standpoint, I feel we will get better with each game and play with a relaxed confidence."

DECEMBER

17, 2004 • VOL. 41, NO. 7

A little help for Sant% against the Vikings, no Bears receiver had over 500 receiving yards, and the only one who had • n ^ ^ \ \ h o : Matt Clement: a touchdown was rookie Bernard Berrian. Jus^^' . pitcher. Chicago Cubs tin Gage only had 8 catches for 100 yards: last What he wants: Just a year, he equaled that amount of yardage in one t ^ i ^ few more runs. In the game. middle of June.

Naughty or Nice? Nice. Despite all Clement was 7the drops by David Terrell. Quinn and 4 with an earned run average under Krenzel are mostly to blame for the three and playing very much like an lack of production from Bears receivAll-Star. However, it all went downers. Time and time again balls from hill from there. The lack of run supQuinn were thrown over receivers' port Clement received was almost unheads. Krenzel couldn't even get the believable. The low point came when ball out of the backfield half the time. he gave up one run apiece to the GiWade and Gage showed promise last ants and Brewers and still lost both' year, and should continue to improve Matt Clement is games. once Rex Grossman returns.

Naughty or Nice? Nice. Whenever on the nice list you hold a lineup that contains Barry Bonds to Who: Scott Skiles: Head Coach, Chicago Bulls one run, you're doing something right. A testa- What he wants: 11 more Kirk Hinrichs and a ment to Clement's performance in 2004 was trophy for all of his patience. After yet another his earned run average of 3.68. despite falling reconstruction plan failed (this time the Eddy apart during the stretch run. A few more home Curry/Tyson Chandler dynasty), the Bulls are lis are runs from Aramis Ramirez or Derek Lee and at square one again. They are now bull Clement would have finished with 15 wins in- around Kirk Hinrich with two rookies.' stead of 9.

Gordon and Luol Deng. Skiles has had to deal with Eddy Curry's fear of the low post, Jamal Who: Sammy Sosa; outfielder, Chicago Cubs Crawford's 74 shots a game, and Tyson What he wants: $87,000 he was fined for leav- Chandler's nagging back. Hinrich fits Skiles ing the final game early, a new boom box to profile of an ideal player, scrappy and defenreplace the one smashed by teammates, and sive, but that's about all some respect. After he was comfortably situSkiles has going for him. ated in his castle in the Dominican Republic, Naughty or Nice? Nice. he demanded his money back. He also said it Skiles basically walked was embarrassing that a player of his stature 1 right into the biggest mess had to bat sixth in the order, and he would never in the NBA besides the Athit there again. lanta Hawks. He has I turned Hinrich into one of Naughty or Nice? Naughty with a capital "N".

-r —i rri—' the most solid young playSosa has no right whatsoever to say it was an embarrassment to hit sixth: if anything was CI •; should I, ; jget , ers in the league and is in Skiles '^ embarrassing, it was his performance in 2004.

I• •, , , the process of making He had the worst season of his career since behis wish granted ^ = coming a star, only hitting .253 and batting in Luol Deng a star. Though 80 runs. As for the 87,000 dollars, he was it goes unnoticed, the work he did keeping a docked one day's pay after not showing up for team with Eddy Curry. Tyson Chandler and one game. Isn't that logical?

Jamal Crawford and their immaturity together an entire season is quite an impressive accomWho: David Terrell, Bobby Wade, and Justin plishment. Skiles finally got a bit of a break Gage: wide receivers. Chicago Bears when Jamal Crawford was traded and he was What they want: A quarterback with an NFL given fundamentally sound players in i^Ri arm. After losing Rex Grossman in week three, Duhon and Andres Nocioni. By the way, i the Bears receivers have had to deal with the have any reconstruction plans. Bulls General inconsistencies of Jonathan Quinn and the weak Manager John Paxson would be happy to acarm of Craig Krenzel. The statistics tell the cept them. Send them to John Paxson at the whole story; up until the December 5 game United Center, 1901 W. Madison, Chicago, Illinois. h\ Greg Mitchell

m

DECEMBER

B

17, 2004 â&#x20AC;˘ V. )i. 41. No. 7

^o shamrock luck against Hawks

by Frank Lukes

The boys' swimming season has gotten underway with a strong group of varsity swimmers. The varsity team consists of seniors Kevin Kane, Jeff McCortney, Tim Michaels, Ryan Morrisroe, Mark Nagelvoort, Billy Portratz, Kyle Thompson and Alex Swantek.

Juniors include Chris DiFranco, Eric Libner, Tom Logsdon, Pat Pieta, and Marc Sarran.

Also on varsity are sophomores Rick Macino, David Oulvey, Mark Szpak, and freshman Kyle Benedix.

The guys swam in their first meet of the season at home against a worthy St. Patrick team. "We had some real solid performances [by our swimmers], surprises by up and comers, and a great intro to a few new faces," said Coach Deger.

The 200 medley team, DiFranco, Libner, Pieta, and Portratz, captured first place, with "e of the four swimmers hitting personal best s,

f

Standouts in the 200 free were Szpak, Newcomer Kyle Benedix took second with a earning first with a time of 1:57.87, and solid 164.25, while Alex Swantek took third with a personal best Thompson, score of 159.85. earning third In the 100 free, with a time of Thompson steam rolled 2:00.48. "Mark his way into first place, dropped below \ ith Kane taking the 2:00 mark .second and Michaels for the year, and taking third. "Another Kyle's third sweep in this category showed us that demonstrated some he has returned more of our freestyle even stronger strength," said Deger. than at the Sarran started and beginning of ended strong in the 500 last year." said phniii l'\ Kdjif ktil: free, beating his closest Deger.

Chris DiFranco swims another lap in practice. opponent by ten Kevin Kane swam well, speeding by his opponent to a seconds to come in first. There was a first, season-best time of 24.90 in the 50 free, second, and third sweep in the 100 backstroke followed by Portratz and McCortney coming for Maine South with DiFranco placing first, Szpak second, and Libner third. in third and fourth.

With a strong mix of upper and lower Joining the swimmers in the pool are a couple of divers as well. "It looks as though classmen, the team is off to a good start and Maine South will be a strong competitor in looks to continue this dominance throughout diving this year," commented Deger. the season.

s the BCS an adequate way of choosing a national champion? ^ f^^S

I

Yes-Since the Bowl Championship Series was created in 1998, it has been the topic of much debate. But what other system can you implement that will satisfy the coaches, fans, players, and media? With over one hundred teams competing in Division lA football, very few methods of choosing a national champion are acceptable. One of the most argued systems is creating a playoff. Of course, it was the media who argued this. Much more money can be gained from it. After all. a bracket system would create some interesting matchups. Many more people vi'ould watch Oklahoma play Northern Texas than w aichmg Northern Texas play Ole Miss because the game would mean something and could affect the outcome of the National Championship.

But think about what this requires. If they adopt an NCAA Basketball system, 64 teams would compete for the title, with a possibility of playing six more games. Add that to the twelve regular season games, and that can be an eighteen game season. Most athletes coming from high school play around ten games a season. Do you think the athletes are conditioned enough to play that many games? Most rookies die out around week twelve in the NFL. Also, the BCS guarantees that the teams that are voted the highest by the coaches and media are also fning games against good teams. This "quality wins" computation ures that the teams in the final game are teams that have beaten the best to become the best.

1 don't see how people can complain about the BCS when the teams playing in the National Championship are ranked one and two and are both undefeated. Oklahoma versus Southern Cal is going to be a heck of a game.

No- The BCS is one of the most flawed systems in the history of sports. Never before has something , ,^^1 other than competition determined champions.

3^ ^ J ^ l When speaking generally, the first injustice of the ^^^fl^^H BCS that jumps out is the split national ^_^^HHH championship between Louisiana State University and the University of Southern California. The fact that there is not a single, true champion is appalling. What if a young sports enthusiast asks whether LSU won the national championship in 2003? What is the answer going to be. "Well, kinda...?" s â&#x20AC;˘ There is no such thing a.s a half-champion. The problems can be seen e\'en earlier this yeai lake the L'ni\ersity of California as an example. The team went 10-1 with its only loss coming to "#1" USC. However, Cal will play in the measly Holiday Bowl, while 8-3 Pittsburgh University earned a BCS bid simply because they won the weak Big East. Pitt will get a 14 million dollar paycheck despite losing three games. Auburn was cheated this year as well, but they were cheated out of a chance at a national championship. The Tigers went 12-0 and were 4-0 against ranked teams, and yet will have no opportunity to prove themselves as champions. Computers do nearly everything for us these days, but determining the best of the best shouldn't be one of those things. Though having a playoff may not be the best solution, it

W

would be a definite improvement over the increasingly unjust BCS.

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BASKETBALL

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; • \ \ RESTLING

Wrestling should contend for conference title

by Steve Contomo While most people enjoyed the Thanksgiving break, stuffing themselves with turkey. sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie, a select Maine South group had to be a tad more cautious. Wrestling might be the most difficult sport to partake in at the high school level, especially in a competitive program like Maine South. It requires strength and smarts, conditioning and courage. And the ability to watch your food intake.

Unlike what most consider "team" sports, wrestling is a sport that relies on the individual's performance in one-on-one competition. From there, team points are awarded on how well each athlete does against his opponent from another school. Also, unlike most sports, anyone can participate in actual competition because wrestlers only grapple with opponents of their own weight. So, everyone from the lightweight (Keith Contomo, 103 lbs.) to the heavyweight (Zach Elder, 225 lbs.) gets an opportunity to wrestle.

The Hawks will seek to compete at every weight class this year and to regain their crown atop the CSL South Conference after bitterly losing it last year to Evanston. This is achievable considering three of their best wrestlers are returning as seniors: captains Rick Loera, Kevin McMahon, and Dan Olszewski. All three qualified for sectionals, and Loera and McMahon both made it to the state tournament. The three should have another outstanding season, especially Loera, who has competed in national tournaments this past off-season and is the number one wrestler in the state in the 171-weight class.

Also returning this year are seniors Paul Osterberg (135), A.J. Haduch (189), and Paul Dilfer (160), who should get some quality wins at their weights. The Hawks are also joined by juniors Matt Heller (145), Elder (heavyweight), Nick Lagattuta (119), and Russell Cabral (112). Several sophomores, including Keith and Kevin Contomo (103 and 112 respectively), Mark Corsello (215), and Alex Friel (160). as well as freshman Chris Osterberg (103), who may see varsity action.

The team will complete its roster when the

football players who competed in the state championship game return and achieve the target weights needed to compete. These include R.J. Oliver (215) who transferred to Maine South from Cincinnati, Matt Rice (145).

Chris Catino (160), Mark Fosco (140), and Joe Gullo(140).

The Hawks should be able to compete with their strong squad that has plenty of depth at most weight classes. They will do better than most expected and will shock many teams.

They already surprised Buffalo Grove and St. Patrick, two quality schools.

The Hawks will have some inside motivation as well. Recently, the Hawks dedicated their season, wrestling room, and a wrestling mat to a beloved member of the Maine South wrestling community, Brett Barman, who tragically died this> fcst September. "We will be working espe(^ hard knowing that every time we enter" terrne wrestling room, it's Brett's room," says Keith Contomo. "He's done a lot for the program, and we feel we owe him that much."

Remember that as you start woldfing down your Christmas cookies.

Hawks starting season with style

by Alexa Karas In addition, senior captains Patti Ristau, Danielle As the 2004 season starts Jenero, and Zwolfer are off this winter, the 12 talented, ready to make their last spirited, and excited girls on year of Maine South this year's varsity basketball basketball a memorable team are ready and willing to experience.

Senior take on anyone who gets in Veronica Allen will have an their way. The girls have important role on inside, already faced eight teams, rebounding and working with an outstanding record of the post, and senior Nicole 5-3. All the games were won Cummings will aide the or lost by a close margin, Hawks with her amazing showing the high level of shooting and defensive competition. Currently, they specialties. are 1 -0 in conference and hope The Hawks captured a to continue their positive Veronica Allen practices third place in the beginning. her jump shot.

Thanksgiving Buffalo The Hawks are excited to continue their journey with three year starting Grove tournament and are ready to face their seniors Brittney Zwolfer and Meghan Polston. biggest rivals later in the season. During the

big Galesburg game, the Hawks put up a valiant effort that kept the game close right up until the last second. Beginning with the jump ball to start the game. Zwolfer charged for the basket, scoring within the first few seconds.

Polston put forth a terrific effort underneath the net. scoring several necessary points for the Hawks. Junior Christina Solari contributed to the effort with consistent free throws, moving the ball and creating plays, as well as playing aggressively on defense. Jenero showed strong defensive and offensive skills throughout the game.

Even with such outstanding effort p\\.jjm^ utj| by the Hawks, the Galesburg Streaks caii with the victory. 60-55. The Hawks did a terrific job against the Streaks, the 16"" ranked team in the state. The rest of the season is wide open. With all the talent present on this year's team, it is expected that they will go far.

A