Vol 42 issue 9

;FE8RU.

11111 S. DiA R^

20t

6006<S

Voi.42.

In This Issue:

PAGE 3

PAGE 5

PAGE 8

PAGE 10

PAGE 13

FEBRUARY

10, 2006 • Vol.. 42, No. 9

Winter play "Hard Times'': late nights, no complaints

By Atra Asdou "Hard Times lor These Times'" has a hardworking crew, a skilled cast, and a D ^ ^ t Uv>ries that include ever>thing from raw emotions to symbolic, whimsical, circus stunts.

If you ever travel to the PJ*^. v ^ g after school, you'll see the non-stop \\on< th going into this production. Behind the ^vcncs, Mr. Sanchez leads the static crevs i^fcilc rhcy work hard with their power tools ari^ can c a path to the deadline. With archways inonis and staircases, the setting of a \ Jtorian streetwayissuretocometolife.Meanw ilc.lbe lighting and sound crews are buckling JDVMI The costume crew, headed by Mrs. Rieger, is putting their sewing machines into gear and breaking out the material. Makeup crew is having its usual practices on how to apply and perfect stage makeup, props is creating objects for the characters, and publicity crew is getting the word out. This goes on all while Mrs. McCleneghan, with the assistance of her student director, Brooke Amclic. helps to direct the actors into perfecting lines, guiding movements, and capturing emotions.

The plot is based off of a Charles Dickens novel and has been adapted for the stage by Chicago's Lookinglass Theatre Company member Heidi Stillman. This play has only been performed twice: once by Lookinglass. and once in Philidelphia. No high school has ever performed this amazing piece of theatre—until now.

The story takes place in Coketown. England during the Victorian era. This town knows nothing besides the straight facts. If there is something that seems the slightest bit illogical, it is wrong. These morals are fixed into the laws of living in Coketown. Such characters as M'Chokemchild (George Gianakakos). a harsh school instructor. Mr. Bounderby (Brennan Roach), an overly proud bank owner, and Mr. Gradgrind (Gabe Wallace), a school principal and father of Louisa (Kara Konken) and Tom (Adam Jepse*>), make sure that the these factual lessons aft instilled upon the youth of Coketown.

That is, until the circus comes through, and a young, bright-eyed, imaginative girl, by the name of Sissy Jupe (Ellyn Michalak), is left to live with the Gradgrinds. During a course of events, Tom. Louisa, and Sissy second-guess what they have been taught all along, and lead

Mr. Gradgrind to realize the errors in what he has been believing in his whole life.

This show offers the actors something a bit different than all of the other hows, t 'offers the; a cha! to do some h..

-duty ciflcus stunts.

R e . • n 11 y, [he cast, a » p with Mrs. N ^ C I en e g h a n , Mr. Sanchez. Amelse, and stage manager, Nick Bursoni, took a trip to the Actors' Gymnasium in Evanston. They were taught to execute moves on such equipment as the Lyra (a metal hoop suspended in air by a chord). Spanish Web (a rope that a performer climbs up on to perform a gravity defying stunt), and the Silk Ropes, on which Sissy shows off in routine that will leave you gasping and wondering how she does it. Over just a few weeks, the actors have learned to become "circus folk." They've been to the Actors Gymnasium twice, and are currently pulling nMit practices (after their regular practices) Is^fcitage to perfect their acrobatic routines.*^^ When Michalak tries to describe what the show has in store, she can't quite put it into words: "There's so much craziness^ don't even know how to sum it up." Michalak, as well as the rest of the cast, cannot sum up the hard work and stunning nature of the to-beperformed circus stunts. In order to truly describe the spectacular quality of the winter play, one can only see it. This is as close to Bamum and Bailey that any Maine South production has even been.

Throughout rehearsals, a constant phrase whispered is, "Oh my gosh, this is going to be so good." This excitement is then followed

by an anxious smile on the cast and crew members' faces. The notion is that the audience will feel the same way.

Maine South's production of "Hard Times for These Times." adapted by Heidi Stillman of Lookinglass Theatre, is running at the Maine South Watson Auditorium, on Thursday. February 16. Friday. February 17, and Saturday, February 18 at 7:30pm.

The house opens at 7 p.m.

Tickets will be $5 and they will be sold as the door.

Center: Michalak balances playfully in the Lyra.

Right: Patrick Riley perfects his practiced juggling skills.

Left: Konken is the epitome of elegance on the Spanish Web. Photos by Brooke Amelse andKiehssa Hansen

%

NEWS FEBRUARY

10,2006 • VOL. 42, No. 9

3

The gender gap

By Annette Dean

much sensory detail. That's one of the primary * ^ | l reasons, since our classrooms are so verbal. *'^^!»

It's that age-old that we see boys fall behind girls." he said.

Stevens stated that because girls have a 15 question: Who's smarter boys or girls? For years percent higher blood flow than boys, they are it seemed that boys able to remain attentive, even when they are were way ahead of girls boredd . Stevens stated that boys often lose academically. In fact, four decades ago, 75 their ability to focus when a teacher stands**3[* in front of the class lecturing. She suggested percent of college graduates were male.

However, it now appears that girls, who now that if teachers walk around the room while make up more than half of college students, lecturing boys are likely to pay more attention.••sa^ are pulling ahead. Experts say that boys are "Boys and girls can be successful at the^^i^^ not just falling behind in college, but in grade same content. it"s just a matter of how the curriculum in implemented," said Stevens. ^'SSf* Many schools, however,^5» are incorporating more, drastic solutions to help boys catch up with girls. One of***^* the solutions that's gaining^5» steam is creating single-^%» gender classes in public«6sap* schools. There are now over^^jT 160 co-ed public s c h o o l s ^ 3 t in the country, that g i v e ^ 3 * the option of single-gender^^* classes, compared with 27^3!f four years ago. "It's helpful^3i<| to teach them in ways that<is3* understand those differences.^^f which are are hardwired. Most^*5« boys learn better standing^^* jilit'iu < <iiirh\\ of kiilsrminiii^.t ONI up. Most girls learn better**^* Experts agree boys are falling behind in school. sitting down," said Dr. Leonard^jT because they learn differently than girls Sax, who founded the National^Si Association for Single Sex«(s3* school, and high school, as well. They say that Public Education. Despite the fact that t h i s ^ g * girls are not smarter than boys, boys just learn program appears to be successful, m a n y ^ i ^ differently than girls. According to Kathy people have concerns about the long term, Stevens, co-author of "The Minds of Boys: effects of separating children by gender. They^s^* Saving Our Sons from Falling Behind in Life worry that they may have difficulties adapting' and School". "The school system is not very to the real world, and that separating students' boy-friendly. We revamped the system when will promote stereotypes, or lead to one c l a s s ^ ^ ^ our girls weren't doing well, and now we becoming more challenging than the other, ^ss^ need to take a look at boys." Many schools Many feel that the best approach is to t r v ^ ^ C and experts are now looking more carefully at and make learning appealing to both genders.^2* these differences.

"Having some things that will help the boys^sa* Michael Gurian. the other co-author of and some things that help the girls is n o t ^ ^ Q "The Minds of Boys; Saving Our Sons from detrimental to either of them and it actually^5* Falling behind in Life and School," said that helps to have a good mix of implementation^^* because girls have more active verbal centers strategies," said Stevens. ^~T* than boys they are able to pick up on more As time goes on and schools and experts^^^ details. "When they read something, they continue to do research, they will undoubtedly^3i don't get from it what girls get from it and they come up with many more solutions to improve^ii|* won't use as many words and won't have as our schools for everyone.

by James Mantas "The State of the Union is strong. " but so is that smell...: President Bush's State of the Union Address was interrupted by applause 64 times, according to CNN. One of those interruptions actually came from the democratic side of the aisle ("Congress did not act last year on my proposal to save Social Security. ..."). One pause lasted 54 seconds. I don't even clap like that after major theatrical productions.

I admit, though, even / applauded at the end because he didn't make up any new words.

Subtitles are for pans ies: In New Zealand, a group of cricket players were standing outside a clubroom (what I assume to be a cricket clubroom) when the nine-year-old son of Jonny Kawana ran to them saying someone was breaking into a car in the parking lot. The 17-year-old thief fled on a bike with a car stereo belonging to one of the men's girlfriend, and was chased by the eight-man team in a car. He eluded them, but the team predicted his route and were right—so Kawana jumped out of the moving vehicle and tackled him in the chest.

"He squealed like a little girl when I hit him," said Kawana, also a rugby player.

"I picked him up and threw him on the footpath and he froze. I had to hold myself back." Kawana said the boy stopped, but the bike kept going.

Count Sharkey: Jonathan Sharkey of the Vampyres. Witches and Pagans party, planning to run for governor in Minnesota, was arrested when an officer recognized the name on an arrest warrant for stalking and escape as the name Sharkey used as a pro wrestler. Rocky Flash. (He's also a Satanic Dark Priest. His Magikal Path name is Lord Ares.) Running for governor, he was 'The Impaler,' which had something to do with his punishment for terrorists.

That sucks. But vote for him for president in 2008.

FEBRUARY

10, 2006 • Voi. 42. No. 9

Xbox 360: look, play, don't buy The remote control that comes "free" (how do THE BREAKDOWN: you know it was really free?) with the Premium Price: 5/10 The Xbox 360 is expensive: not just the package has really nice buttons (no joke) and Then again, nobody ever said the video system, but the whole experience. You see it is pretty sexy in general, despite sporting cool- game evolution would be cheap. every time you walk through the video game looking buttons that seemingly taunt you for not Processor: Can't tell/10 aisle in Best Buy; 1 particularly find myself owning Windows XP Media Center Edition.

I wasn't spoiled before the 360. 1 had a looking at all the cool/useless peripherals, like The limited-time $400 package comes with long and unhappy marriage with a first-edition 20-dollar faceplates, or the 100-dollar wireless batteries for both it and the wireless controller Xbox. and it was worlds differentfi^omthe later adapters, or the 20-dollar rechargeable battery (which does, indeed, vibrate, and as such, could versions of the system. But it's too early to tell kits. have mauled a pair of batteries in the time it how many moving things the 360 can display, Unfortunateh. as of now, there is not a took you to read the word "vibrate.") for example. single classic in its library; the original Xbox Graphics: 10/10 In terms of memory, the why-would-youwas blessed with the mind-blowing success of «o/-buy-it Premium package comes with a It makes real-life look hideous sometimes.

"Halo" as a launch title, but its little big brother 20 Gb Hard Disk. So there's memory to go Enough said. isn't, r ve played almost all of the first exclusive around—only sort of though, if you consider Controller: 10/10 360 games, and not one is magnificent. that my eight-year-old PC also has 20 Gb (22 I think it's really cool that at any time, I The graphics are pretty; but after twenty Gigs if you count the extra slave drive 1 bought can use the controller to turn off the system, minutes, it's just like anything else: old. That's from a friend for a box of Gobstoppers). Why play custom music, start a live chat, eject a right, I went there. Next-gen visuals are the wouldn't Microsoft just throw in a little more game—all wirelessly. most beautiful at the demo station at Toys R' Us; memory?

Launch line-up: 4/10 just like anything or anybody else pretty, it gets I have to be harsh. I really don't love any Xbox Live is the single best feature of the old, familiar and not so pretty anymore.

360 and Microsoft knows it (a subscription of the ones I've played. I end up playing Which is exactly what ruffles my feathers comes standard with the premium package). games for a 150-dollar console on a 400-dollar when I read 360 reviews in other newspapers The new and much more complicated Xbox console—and only some of the original Xbox and magazines about the system. Graphics, dashboard revolves around Live features like games work on the 360. more graphics, processing power (which really the cool and mostly not free things you can SOUTH WORDS isn't that impressive on paper); 1 know this is download—themes, pictures, demos, trailers.

A student-produced newspaper of: the only purpose of a system, but I need a classic There's the ingenious private chat system for Maine South High School game to play on the beautiful beast. the four and a half gamers who are not anti1 beat "Perfect Dark Zero" on the second social, which lets you talk to somebody else 1111 South Dee Road hardest difficulty level in about four hours. with a 360 while you play a different game, Park Ridge. IL 60068 Four hours. It takes longer to watch the first or watch a movie. But I can't say that for sure Signed letters to the editor should be delivtwo "Lord of the Rings" movies. Game Boy because the only two friends 1 have that own ered to room V-131 or given to a member of games take more time to beat. They couldn't fit 360s are either never online or seven years the editorial staff. SOUTHWORDS reserves the right to edit material for clarity and brevanything else on a double-capacity high-density old.There's a new thing called Rep, which is ity and to reject obscene/libelous subinission.s.

DVD-ROM? eventually going to determine your worth as The multiplayer in "PDZ," especially if a person, and there's something called your hditors-in-Chief James Manias you're used to "Halo," is slow and ungraceful. Gamerscore, which are points you get from Greg Mitchell You can strafe around in front of someone and doing stuff in 360 games.

News tditors Annette Dean shoot at them for half hour and not hit them. I All in all. you waited a while for it, so wait Melissa Hansen know everybody online is still new to the game, longer. If you're afraid they're going to stop Features Editors Atra Asdou but this is so bad it's unnatural (which is totally selling the $400 Premium package, then Bettina Chang opposite the case of "Quake 4," which moves buy it. But if you're not, stay clear until Entertainment Eiditors Martin Diamond so fast that I can run at the speed of sound something note-worthy takes advantage Ronald Feiereisel while my internet connection of the visible-sweat-capable goodness. It Commentarv Editors Kelsey Keith to be put out of its misery.) can seem like a little funny-shaped slice of Anna Wolonciej So I returned it and bought heaven, but the fact of the matter is, it will Sports Editors Alexa Karas "Project Gotham Racing," only stav that way (or actually get better, if Frank Lukes which is insane-asylum the price goes down or when they upgrade Production Editors Maxwell Hester hard. its insides.)

Joshua Sissman The DVD player Anyway. "Halo 3" isn't out yet. and it Photographer Katie Katz is fantastic. 1 have won't be until around the apocalypse, so who Staff Artists Hannah Artw ick yet to find a movie that skips at all, cares?

Gina Tingas and all of my DVD bottoms look like Advisors Mr. Ellefson The comfy 360 controller and the slim system itself. they've been used to repel invasions Mr. StathaJsis

by James Manias

photos cdttiit'sy vww.winsupersite.com

5 Being gay at Maine South FEATURE:

FEBRUARY

10, 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 42, No. 9

by Lisa Horan

According to the January 2000 Wisconsin State Journal, an estimated ten percent of the American population is gay. If that statistic is applied to high schools, it means there is a whole group of teenagers w ho may not feel like they can be themselves.

Everyone has different opinions about homosexuals. These feelings may be based on their environment, upbringing, religion, or o t h e r f a c t o r s .

Homosexuality has become such a controversy that even our president. George W. Bush, has chosen to comment on the topic: "Our government should respect every person and protect the institution of marriage." he stated. "There is not a contradiction between these responsibilities."

As the world talks about this hot topic of homosexuality, it seems rare that homosexuals

have a chance to tell their side of the story. In hopes that their voices could be heard. I recently interviewed a gay student from Maine South to see v\hat it's like to be homosexual at our school.

The senior boy who sat in front of me at Panera vv as a funny, happy teenager for the most part.

He aivvavs smiled as we talked, until he started to tell me his story.

"I knew something was up in sixth grade when all my friends were suddenly noticing girls, and I wasn't," he began. "By the time I was a freshman, I really started to get freaked that 1 might be gay."

I asked why he would r (itttu b\ Dtue frdiKrse be afraid to be w ho he was. cottrtes\ofdail\iiexiis.coni He raised his eyebrows at me.

"Are y ou serious? Who wouldn 't be scared?" he asked. "Coming out to my friends and family was one of the scariest things I've ever had to do."

"I told my friends first, and they were cool

SOUTHWOI^DS SUDOKU 5

6 8

6 8

2

2 8 5 9 3 7 6 1

9 5

3

9 4

4 3 1 2 5 7 6 H^^^^^^^^^^HH^B

This Su Doku was featured in the Largest Su Doku Competition, 2005. Not a lot of people solved it. but there are a few solutions.

If you do get it, bring your name and your answer to V i 31, or get it to Mr. Ellefson (who promises candy for correct answers), Mr. Stathakis, or James Mantas.

Last issue's so luti(3M; 7

8

1

2

4

9

3

6

5

4

3

5

6

8

1

9

7

2

2

9

6

3

7

5

8

4

1

1

7

8

4

3

6

2

5

9

9

6

3

5

2

7

4

1

8

5

4

">

1

9

8

7

3

6

9

6

2

1

8

7 4 3

3

5

4

6

2

7

8

1

3

5

9

8

1

9

7

5

4

6

2

with it. But my family... let's just say my mom didn't eat for a week, and my dad didn't talk to me for months.'

He said that he and his parents are all right now. but there is a definite change in their

"/ wish I didn 't have to deal with people s fears and stupidity against homosexuality. " - Anonymous Maine South student

relationships. "It's their decision not to accept me. There isn't a lot I can do at this point."

The student leaned back in his chair and asked me in a low voice why some people think being gay is a choice. "Who would choose to live a life of being ridiculed? Being protested against? Being blamed for AIDS?" he questioned. "Most gay couples aren't e\en able to get married. Yeah... 1 choose tofightmy whole life to li\ e my life the way you do."

Finally, I asked him what it was like to be gay at Maine South, and he gave me a weak smile.

"Some people assume or have figured it out," he said, rolling his eyes. "I guess not enough people know though, because when I w alk aw ay I hear people talking about if they think I'm gay or bi-|sexual], or just weird."

The student did. however, defend the teachers at Maine South, saying that they had never discriminated against him and he was thankful for that.

When I asked him what he thought of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) here at school, he shrugged.

"It's nice of them, I guess," he commented.

"But a day of silence doesn't do a lot when e\ery other day in the year I have to hear people cough the words "fag" and "homo" at me. Its hard... it really is. I'm just trying to get through high school and go to college, same as everyone else. I wish I didn't have to deal with people's fears and stupidity against homosexuality, but I will until it doesn't exist anymore."

"This is the way God made me, and this is the wa\ I will stay."

6

X-j/*. 1 v-JXv.JL-ik5

FHBKUARY

10, 2006 • VOL. 42, No. 9

The true meaning of Valentine's Day

by Nicky Priovolos Flashes of red and pink catch your eye as you walk around; candy messages, cards, and flowers are being handed out everywhere you turn; and couples are holding hands and gazing deeply into each other's eyes, while other people try to frown the loneliness off of their face.

All of this can only mean one thing: it's Valentine's Day. In general, Maine South students appear to have mixed emotions about Valentine's Day. Sophomore Lindsay Ruiz proclaimed, "Valentine's Day is a special day with a lot of meaning attached to it."

On the other hand, her c l a s s m a t e Deidre ._«^M,«__ Cassidy alleged, 'Valentine's Day is

stupid-it'sjust a Hallmark holiday that makes lonely people even lonelier."

Perhaps part of the reason people think like the latter is that they are unaware of the true meaning and origins of Valentine's Day. Cupid didn't even come into the picture until this past century. There's a tradition much more meaningful than just candy and roses.

Originally, February 14 was a Christian holiday, celebrated in honor of St. Valentine, a Western saint. Tradition states that St. Valentine lived during the time of the Christian persecutions. In addition to being a devout Christian, he was very intelligent.

The belief is that, as a result of his wisdom, a man asked Valentine to teach his daughter about the world and enlighten her about the Christian faith. Soon afterwards, Valentine was discovered to be a Christian and jailed.

Every day, he was visited by his beloved pupil and together they continued their lessons.

Over time. Valentine and the young girl became very close friends and cared greatly about one another. Finally, after months of torture and refusal to denounce his faith, Valentine was sentenced to death. Before he was to be put to death, Valentine asked for paper and a writing utensil. He fervently composed a letter to his beloved pupil and friend, telling her to be strong and remember what he taught her. At the end, he signed the letter, •'Your Valentine." Thus originated the "valentines" that we hand out each year to those we care about.

No matter what your stance on loliday is, one thing is for sure—

Valentine's Day is a day for people to show their love for one another. This doesn't mean that the love has to be romantic. The love shared between Valentine and the young lady he tutored was the love that true friends share.

pholo <imrle\\

oj

epHfp\\f(niH(ltilit>u.nn;

St. Valentine was a wise and devout Christian.

If you are currently unattached, there is no reason for you to throw candy hearts at the lovebirds holding hands next to you. There is nothing wrong with spending Valentine's Day with the best friend that you love like a sibling or a favorite family member whom you care deeply about. The important thing is to acknowledge the presence of people who are special in your life, regardless of who they are.

pholu t tn(les\ nf/iriiiiietiiawcniii

Lobotomy Pop!

by Hannah Artwick VfNCENTIi! - V'

WHAT ON EARTH COULD POSSiSLY BE » 0 H O R R I F I C ' A T 3 IN XlllE N t O R N I N G ! ? ^

I HAD THIS HOratlBLE DftCAM THAT THE niA<V

h^«.. «EAi-.[ , . ^ y

, I

'. «VOW.~ T H A r S A ( SCARY THOUOHT

^

E N TL-RTAINMENT FEBRITARY

10, 2006 • VOL. 42, No. 9

"The Matador" grabs bull by the horns

7

"First Impressions of Earth" doesn't dissapoint

in Denver, and Noble returns to the life of a By Jfsxe Busiamanw globetrotting hit man. until he suffers a mental Each albimi The Strokes have put out in breakdown, and w inds up a marked man h imself. the past four y ears have been generally loved • «* Kinnear and Brosnan do a bang up job playing l^ the public. They were even called "The There's a point in "The their parts. Brosnan makes Noble a terrifically saviors of modem rock" after the release of Matador" where Danny despicable character. He flirts constantly, lies, their first album "Is This It." Wright (Greg Kinnear). and curses a blue streak. Despite that, tliere The Strokes released there latest album asks his mysterious new is a soft side to him. When he's dancing with "First Impressions of Earth" on Januarys. friend Julian Noble (Pierce Brosnan) whether or Wright's wife Carolyn (Hope Davis), we see that Tlie single "Juicebox" was released before not he's a secret agent. Julian tells him instead he's not just an •"all-business" kind of guy. In the album and was said to show the bands that he's a hit man. My point here is that in the fact, he seems kind of tortured, like the English progression into a harder type of sound. movie, Brosnan sheds the role of James Bond gentleman side of him wants to come out. but The album opens with "You Only Live almost completely. Maybe it's the moustache knows it can't (lest he start to get sloppy). Once." which starts out with simple power Kinnear's Danny Wright is a straight and or the incredibly foul mouth. Anyway, it's chords backed up by a more complex riff. good to see that playing James Bond hasn't narrow, play by the rules, optimist, a clear foil The song has a more upbeat sound, which is destroyed the rest of Brosnan's career, like for Noble. They seem like brothers; Brosnan attributed to The Strokes. The song basically is the older, wiser of the pair, and Kinnear is it did with Roger Moore or Timothy Dal ton voices that you really do only live once. the younger sibling that looks Brosnan played against type Lyrics like "And countless dire religions up to the elder. In some scenes. too/It doesn't matter which to choose" show in "'The Tailor of Panama," but Noble plays little games with still wound up as an MI6 agent, Julian Casablancas' disregard to the so called Wright, getting him to believe relevance of religion. with a weakness for women. all sorts of odd things, before In "The Matatdor," Brosnan The second song on the album titled explaining that they're utterly "Juicebox" starts off with a heavy bass rift" pushes "against type" to fabricated. After he and Noble that sounds almost nothing like The Strokes. it's limit. He's got the one go their separate ways, Wright liners, but they're absolutel> A distorted guitar ritf kicks in. folloewed by actually grows a moustache the vocals. The song is definitely a sign of sophomoric and filthy; he's similar to the a s s a s s i n ' s . progression into a heavier sound, but it takes got the womanizing, but i t s The cinematography is good, not as natural as it was with ita little too far. The progression into a heavier but for every inventive scene, sound is too much, too soon.

Bond; and he's got the weapons there's something that's just skills, but he's also got more The third song on the album is entitled son of bland. Not to say that 'Heart in a Cage." It starts out with a heavier emotional baggage than Bond it's bad, it's just nothing special. type of drumming than most Strokes fans would ever allow him to carry.

One thing that I thought was would be used to. The heavy distorted finger Again. I think the moustache interesting about the movie was pickingrifH"manages to give The Strokes a has something to do with this. that whenever the film cuts to But enough about Bond and unique new sound without going overboard.

Pierce Brosnan in "The a new location, the name of the nefarious moustache. In the Some of the lyrics like ""Yeah the sun will be Matador." the place, Mexico for example, film, Brosnan likens a good hit shining and my children will bum" and ""All man to a good matador, in that a good matador is projected in huge colored letters over the ourfi"iendsthey're laughing at us All of diose will defeat the challenging bull with one well- screen. It gives the film a nice stylistic touch. you loved, you mistrust." show us the darker The only problem I have with "The placed stab. A good hit man will always finish side of the lyricist's writing. The lyrics still his target with one well-placed bullet, car Matador" is that, at times, the film is a lack depth and meaning. bomb, or what have you. Noble prides himself little slow. 1 mean, it's funny; it's just that Their new style is refreshing, but it's good on being a good hit man. or as he puts it, a sometimes it takes a little bit to build up to to see that in the fourth song they don't lose "facilitator of fatalities." Noble meets up with the dialogue based jokes, if there is one at all. site of their traditional style.

Wright, a salesman, in a hotel bar in Mexico It's not a straight comedy—it's a dramedy.

The fourth song titled "Razor Blade" "The Matador" is a great movie. Not only City, where they make small talk, until Noble begins with fast kicking drums and a more insults Wright, who leaves. The very next day, is it a fiinny, appealing look at the decline upbeat riff than the previous two tracks on Noble confronts Wright and appeals to him. of a professional hit man. it's a sure sign the album. The song fits together well and eventually inviting him to a bullfight, where that Pierce Brosnan has a career outside of everything llous perteclK. Casablancas was Noble explains what he does, and in a funny playing Bond knock-offs. The acting is good, never famous for his I\ rical abilities, and they little sequence, shows Wright how he operates. and the story isn't just another cookie cutter could use some work in this song especially.

They form an uneasy friendship, until buddy comedy thriller; it's got more weight The lyrics still lack meaning in the song and Noble asks Wright to assist him on the job. to it. We care about the characters more than Casablancas has proxcn in the previous two Wright declines, and he and Noble go their we did Eddie Murphy and Robert DeNiro in albums that he can put better lyrics in his separate ways. Wright goes back to his wife "Showiime." Trust me, that's a good thing. rousLc. (continuedon p^i'^t- Si hv Ron Feiereisel

8'

KXERJAINMENX JANUARY

28,2005 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 41, No. 8

2006: So much to happen, so little time ^v Mart\' Diamond By now. we've all rung life ^**^ in the new year, even the Chinese one. So now we are on our way to a good new year, 2006, or 4703 depending on who you are. Wliafs going to happen this year? Will directors score big or pull a Bruckheimer?

Will musicians rise to fill the shoes of decades past, or will the music scene continue to deteriorate under hit-producing record labels?

Will the future be doomed to be a place where apes Rile and Charlton Heston swears at them?

When will these questions be answered?

In 2006, many things may happen. As always, there is a 75 percent chance of things going wrong. And as many of you know, you have to live for that other 25 percent. Of course, we will not be ruled by apes in 2006.

This will naturally come around 2010. But don't worr>'. Good old communist-hating, gun-loving capitalist Charlton Heston will save us. Now. onto 2006.

In one year of entertainment, many things can happen. For instance, Abe Vigoda might die. But that's a big "might". In terms of the movie world, the latter half of the year will be filled with goodies. Kevin Smith will finally release "Clerks II.'" or the plethora of other names it goes by. and save the smattering of poorly cobbled together comedies this year.

Unfortunately, this will be counteracted by Jerrj Bruckheimer himself releasing three (continued from page seven) Thefifithsong on album, "On the Other Side," starts off with a slow but ambient bass line. The slow drums and light guitar strumming complement each other well in the song.

The sixth song on the album entitled "Vision of Division" opens with a fast guitar riff and loud heavy drums. The introduction to the song doesn't really fit with the rest of the song line. A couple of the songs seem like filler.

The song still pulls through with passable lyrics compared to the rest of the album. Lyrics like "All that 1 do is wait for you.' I can't get along with all your friends.' Don't know how to act./ It's all there is," at least show the artists feelings. ' The seventh track on the album is titled "Ask Me Anything" and is far fi'om any Strokes sound Tve ever heard. The song is good, but sometimes seems to be dragging out. A lyric

different movies. Just dreadful.

Great actors like Christopher Walken and Paul Giammati will grace the big screen. We will aLso receive yet anotherthrillingM. Knight Shalyman tale, in which he will no doubt have a cameo. Yes, while the bulk of movies coming out lack the appeal of homosexual cowboys, there will be some gems in this growing pile of cinematic manure. Like "The Matador.'"

Music will have a spectacular year, which has already started with The Strokes" latest album, also reviewed in this issue. New albums from bands like Modest Mouse, The Flaming Lips. Franz Ferdinand. R.E.M, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Roots, and more will shine on the shelves. Then, of course, there are the uncertain albums. The Smashing Pumpkins supposedly have a new album coming out. but nothing is ever sure with Billy Corgan. U2 will have a chance to harken back the days of "Achtung, Baby." "Zooropa,'" and "All That You Can't Leave Behind,"" instead of pumping out stuff like most of what was heard on "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb." With any luck, Weezer will follow suit later in the year and issue an apology record of sorts for "Make Believe."'

Many of these bands will have some amazing tours to coincide with these. And for you masochists out there. Linkin Park.

Matchbox 20. Sum 41, My Chem ical Romance, and more all have new' compact discs with something you really can"t call music on them coming out. like "I've got nothing to give./ I've got tio reason to live," is another example of a change in the lyricist's spirit.

The eighth track on the album, titled "Electricity scape." has a sound unlike any other Strokes song. The instnimentals are good in the song, but the lyrics again have nothing special to show.

The next two tracks on the album offer nothing new and seem mostly like filler on the album. The llth track on the album. "15 Minutes," features a slow finger picking riff on guitar and bland vocals. The songs verse lasts longer than it should and when the song finally gets to the chorus, the song is lost and can't even be saved.

"Ize of the World" happens to be the song to change that. It opens with heavy guitar screeching and clashing. This quickh cuts off and the song becomes two perfecth matched

Not to let this get sour, let's move on to television, shall we? Thousands of fans are praying that the genius "Arrested Development" will be renewed or picked up by another network. "Gilmore Girls" will continue its downward spiral and eventually fizzle out into nothing, a shadow of its oncegreatness.

Speaking of the WB, many shows will suffer from the WB/UPN merger, but then, most of these shows didn't really matter.

The increasingly physical slapstick-oriented "Family Guy" will go down one of two roads.

It will either continue down the path it is on now with disturbing and unfunny gags or it will become what it once was in the time when barely anyone saw its brilliance.

Which begs the question: is "Arrested Development" the new Family Guy? No. It is more layered, its characters are more fleshed out, but most importantly, if it falls now, it will likely never come backâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a la "Sports Night."

Such is the way of entertainment. The best things are the least popular.

And so we come to a barrier. Entertainment will show signs of new life in 2006, yet it will also show its weaknesses, wounds just waiting to break. Ultimately, it is up to us whether or not to let this majestic giant pass away in a slow death, or to breathe into it a revolution where good, quality' entertainment has the mqst popularity.

If only Charlton Heston could save us now. guitar rifft and an excellent bass line. The songs lyrics finally hold some depth. "Your mind would wander and search for its place in the night./ Your body followed this feeling like following light."" Finally the artist shows that he can truly articulate the lyrics in his music.

The 13th track on the album, entitled "Evening Sun."" reminds one more and more of the older sound of The Strokes. The drums aren't too heavy and the guitar is left clean and undistorted.

The album's finishing song, "Red Light," is a reminder of The Strokes second album "Room on Fire." Back when "Room on Fire" was released, the band changed the sound of there second guitarist to create a keyboard type sound. It works well, but could have been better. j I give the album a 7.5/10. The Strokes have chansed.

COMMENTAR'^ FEBRUARY

10, 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 42, No. 9

9

Beating around the Bush

by Melissa Hansen

The other Wednesday.

I had just decided that I needed a break from stud} ing for m} math test.

(You tr\ finding LaGrange multipliers for an hour and a half straight and see if your ADHD doesn't start acting up.) So I started flipping channels on my non-cable television, landing on "Commander-in-Chief."

While "Chief is what my friend Katy calls "the poor man's 'West Wing,'" it does have some redeeming value. Where else would you see the first gentleman being forced to do first lady duties, such as attending luncheons and choosing draperies? But I digress.

During the episode, the President's youngest daughter is watching protesters outside the White House ralK against her mother. The eldest daughter comes in, turning off the television.

"You shouldn't be w atching that," she tells her.

"Why are all those people angr\ at Momm> ?" the younger asks. "They don't even know her."

"Well, when you're President," the elder responds sadl>, "they think they know you."

While these were fictional characters making fictifious dialogue, the message hit hard. How much do we abuse our current President? We call him stupid and irresponsible. We think of President George W. Bush as the epitome of a rule by a chimp: as a reign marked by a feigned war on terrorism that has ruined our

world and our economy. We see him playing a guitar during Hurricane Katrina and treat him as ineffectual. We think we know him.

Yet throughout history, presidents both bad and good have onl> had posterity judge them accuratel} in an\ matter Andrew Jackson, one of the most popular presidents of his time, defied the Supreme Court and sent thousands of Nafi\ e Americans to walk to their deaths on the Trail of Tears. JFK, often thought of as part of the roy al family of America, had several embarrassing episodes with Cuba. Ronald Reagan, voted "Greatest American," implied that trees caused pollution. Bill Clinton, missed by the teenagers who barely understood what government was while he was President, committed \ery obvious perjury on national television. And yet we can't forgive Dubya for "strategery."

It is so easy to judge a president because he is a single man. We refuse to deal with the enormity and complexity of Congress or the Supreme Court, two important thirds of the separation of pow ers that Montesquieu praised.

Given these checks and balances, how could President Bush be able to accomplish much of anything without approval? Indeed, his acfions have always been looked over. His Supreme Court nominees are given hell. His policies are destroyed nightly on "Meet the Press."

We blame the president for the lack of aid for Katrina victims, but not the other branches of the government and federalism itself.

Federalism is not efficient; our founding fathers

meant it to be that way. Even the president can only manipulate the system so much.

Change happens slowly to avoid rash decisions.

And it's hard to say that Bush's actions have always been rash. He has had to deal with two of the worst tragedies on home soil in modem time. I doubt that Gore or Kerr> would have been able to accomplish much more than Bush has. They would have accomplished different things, yes, but the stellar economy that we praise the Clinton administration for?

Not likeK under the current traumas at hand.

After September 11, the country w anted bkxxl. They wanted resUtution. Most Americans supported Bush's actions in Iraq after the attack.

Would a good president let his country be attacked and do nothing about it? FDR went to w ar: so did Bush. Howe\ er. we still criticize Bush's actions that we supported just a few jears ago, whereas FDR is treated as one of the greatest presidents ever. Bush's popularity ratings, once the highest for an} president ever recorded, are now the lowest ever recorded.

This is not an attempt to protect or praise our current president; I do not agree with all of his policies. But how can we trul} judge him without either time or personal knowledge to provide perspective? It is our responsibility as citizens to question our govemment, but it is also our civic duty to support our liberty and way of life. President George W. Bush is not perfect.

However, we did elect him. He "earned" his job. Question, certainly, but play nice.

My Space: Danger lies ahead?

by Lindsey Ruiz

some sort of online profile, posting their deepest secrets as well as nonsensical drama.

Imagine a possible employer considering Most people figure that these websites the informafion on y our M\ Space as a part of the are harmless enough. Students are educated job application process. Your personal online to beware of online predators. Teens profile can now affect your job application. aren't warned, though, that companies may According to "Money" magazine, current review your emotional writings, political emploNers are searching the web to gain beliefs, and deep secrets in addition to a more detailed report of their potential your references and current experience. emplov ees. "Money " speculates that potential All of the information that employers are employers ma\ \iew our MvSpace profiles. prohibited to ask is now conveniently posted on Now. all of this information could impact the Intemet. These new online diaries can pre\ ent future jobs and advancement in careers. jobs for decades to come.

Teenagers pour out their naive souls into Companies always want to know as much as possible before hiring a new employee. these sites looking for comfort from all They want to know about their true character. those who wander across their site. The\ are And now with websites like myspace.com, unaware that these open for the public sites the\ can. Unfortunately, these websites may could cost them greatlv ten years down the be created during your early teen years. road. Despite your current status as a very Almost every student in the U.S. has qualified and sensible person, companies will

be clinging to every word on your profile, debating whether or not the> want this once "troubled," or "wild." teen being a part of their business. Even after the dramatic happenings of adolescents are over, companies will be using old MySpace as a reliable source for information.

The M\Space generation, as we've been called, need to change how open we are about our lives on the Internet. We don't want to jeopardize our future careers b> posting our secrets all over the Internet. "Money" magazine states that people should be more discreet on their profiles. Don't give out your real name, address, etc. These things can directly link you to your long-forgotten past.

Close off all c o n n e c t i o n s to that information you want the world to forget.

Unfortunately, even deleted sites can reappear. Fortunately, however, a site can always be changed to avoid future conflict.

V

COMMENTARY FEBRUARY

10,2006 â&#x20AC;˘ Vou 42, No. 9

C/5

"Chocolate."

Academic progression, domestic regression bv Kelsev Keith

When 1 reached high school, regression hit. The overwhelming coursework and the after school sports took up every minute of my day. I went to school, then to practice, then home for four to five hours of homework.

Everything else was put on the backbumer: there just wasn't time.

My parents, thankfully, did everything for me. To this day. they make my lunch, do my laundry, and take care of my three pets.

1 am not completely inept when it comes to any domestic dut>'; I can boil water or peel an orange, or pick up a phone and dial the seven digits to order some Chinese or a pizz. Sadly, if you were to ask me to make dinner, we would probably be eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

My greatest fear about college has nothing to do with my capability in the academic realm.

I am confident that Maine South prepares its students for whatever they may face in college.

Very few Maine South graduates do not pursue a post-secondary education, whether it be a four-year college or university or a two-year community college. Maine South has a college preparatory curriculum that teaches us how to write effectively, solve complex algebraic problems, and master scientific concepts that at first seemed incomprehensible. We even have the option of taking of taking collegelevel classes here through the many Advanced Placement courses offered.

Graduates of Maine South are academically ready and prepared for the rigors of college, but the workload also precludes graduates from being capable capable of handling day-to-day responsibilities of living alone.

Doing laundry, making meals, and managing money have not been things I have had to do in my high school career. There are Maine South students that are very self-sufficient, and they should be applauded for it, but it is also my assumption that much of the student body is in the same boat as I am.

In grade school, academics never took photo b\ Kane KaK up a significant amount of time. Even during Who says I don't know my way around the kitchen? middle school years, an hour or two of homework was the most ever assigned. Our but 1 question whether academic rigors have lives didn't revolve around homework and prevented me from developing life skills that tests; we had more balance. There was time are necessary for adaptation to college life. to play sports, take recreational classes, play I am afraid I will have no clean clothes and with yourft^iends.and just sit without thoughts nothing to eat (1 am a picky eater and I don't of "I need to go home and study for my math cook which leaves me with few options). test" running through your head. With this I question what good the knowledge of extra time. I was able to take on responsibility calculus, physics, and American literature at home. I persuaded my dad to allow me to does for a student when they cant even take have a dog because I proved through chores care of themselves. So I just hope that maybe, and such work that I was capable of taking on somehow, chemistrv' or math can help me the responsibility of a pet. Chores were never figure out the difference between bleach and top on my list, but I had the time to do them. detergent.

-Nuala Gibbons '08

"Chocolate strawberries.

-Jerry Petryna '08

"Cand\.""

-Kornelius Cebulla '06

O O 'Taco-Bell Coupons."

-Danielle DeVito '06

11 Local bands take the spotlight COMMENTARY

FEBRUARY

17, 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ VOi. 42. No. 9

by Brett Beaugureau

As you may or may not know, Maine South is full of talented musicians. Many of these people have gotten together to form bands, which are often underappreciated. So to give some of these bands the recognition they deserve, here is a list of some Maine South-based bands. This list is not all-inclusive, but provides a good sampling at the great music our students have to offer.

With A Vengeance (formerly NoTA) Their rock/metal riffs and lyrics evoke sounds of Metallica, but this band, who has appeared in the last two V-Shows, has a sound all their own. www.myspace.com/withavengeancerock Dudes With Banlv Accounts Always ready to try something new, former Rancor bassist and Foo has started a solo project, and has already written classic songs such as "My Baby's in Middle School." www.myspace.com/dudeswithbankaccounts Among the Ashes Formed from some of the former members of Downsoul. this band plays straight-up metal

behind the vocals of Pindy and the d r u m m i n g of Andy Wiatr. You can see them February 18 at the Des Plaines Teen C e n t e r , www.myspace. com/among 6the6ashes6 Poison Control Drummer GinaCzarkowski anchors this band that takes a little bit of rock, punk, and pop to create phoU} ctnirlt s "/ Willi a Vengeance a totally unique With a Vengeance poses at 2005 V-show. sound that you'll want to hear over and over. still looking for a singer, and anyone interested www.myspace.com/poisoncontrol should contact one of the band members.

White Phoenix www.myspace.com/whitepheonix 1234 Ziggy is the bassist and creative force behind this newly-formed band which also features The Scams Joe Bellasario and Zach Hester on guitar, and Freshmen Michael Schmalz and his sweetMatt Wasewicz on drums. However, they are sounding guitar leads this all-freshman band, who plays a broad range of music. Other members of this band include vocalist and keyboardist Jesse Bustamante, bassist Zach Swanson and drummer Alex Tzortzakis.

Gates of Purgatory This black metal/thrash band, featuring Ryan Kramarz on the bass, has been extremely successful, and actually opened for wellknown metal band Children of Bodom. You can see them at their next show, February 16, at the Emergenza Music Festival. www.myspace.com/gatesofpurgatory

Foison Control strikes a pose.

pholo coiinesy ofPoisoti ( ontrol

Medavega This psychedelic metal band was formed in 2005 by Kevin Kelly on guitar, Frank Gallo on drums, and Steve Serpe on bass, and has since recruited keyboardist Brett Beaugureau, Downsoul's former guitar monster John Barlow, and is only recently now being voiced by vocalist Dominik Kieca. Look for their demo at the end of February, and catch them at St. Paul at the end of the month with White Phoenix and With a Vengeance. www.myspace.com/medavega

12

SPORTS FEBRUARY

10,2006 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 42, No. 9

Fans censored at sporting events

by Greg Mitchell

^^^F Maine South has been at ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ H ^ ^ the center of a very unique H l ^ H ^ ^ ^ I ^ B ' ^ ( ' v e m e n t within high school athletics. Along with the rest of the Central Suburban League.

Maine South has instituted a groundbreaking polic\ for fan conduct at athletic e\ents. The policy states that jeers may not be directed at opposing teams, players, or officials, and those u ho V iolate this are supposed to be removed from the event.

The policy is the brainchild of New Trier athletic director Jim Bloch and former Glenbrook North athletic director Bob Pieper, who saw a need for change after witnessing numerous fan sections jeer Glenbrook North basketball star Jon Scheyer.

The Central Suburban League, which encompasses twelve schools in the northern suburbs, is the only athletic conference in the state to institute such a rule.

The polic} "s creation could not come at a more appropriate time, \\ ith the number of occurences of fan-related violence at high school athletic e\ents increasing drastically in the past two

phiiti) hy Kane Kalz

Fans cheer during a basketball game. years. According to USA Todav, there were 31 occurrences of fan-related v iolence at high school athletic events in 2005. while in 2003 there were only nine such incidents. Maine South athletic director Steve Adams sa\ s that the policy has had a visible effect here at Maine

South as well.

I've definiteh seen a positi\e change in fan behavior," Adams commented. "Tve only had to warn fans on a few occasions." He also stated that there have been no problems at Maine South/New Trier athletic contests, w here historicall_\ there have been man\ issues w ith unruU fan behavior between the two rivals.

Supporters of this polic> claim that the increasing number of incidents of \ iolence at high school athletic e\ ents necessitates it. Such a plan also promotes sportsmanship and ci\ ility, which are two virtues that should be taught through high school athletics. It also creates a more comfortable and pleasant atmosphere, which is important considering that many families attend these events to support their son or daughter.

Opponents to this policy, however, argue that athletic events are emotionally charged en\ironments, and such a rule would impede a fan"s abilit> to support their team. They also claim that total remo\ al from an event is a harsh penalt\ for only one ill-advised outburst.

Whether similar policies are implemented at other athletic conferences around the state and country is yet to be seen, but if this does happen, Maine South w as ahead of the cur\ e.

Jock Talk: From the Field to the Fans '*We had a lot of hard-working girls this year. It w a s a lot of fun meeting new girls and getting to know them better.

I'm going to miss it next year. Thanks for the memories."

'Carolyn Olson, Girls' Gymnastics

"Last year we won 'Regionals, and this year we are going to Suifdon tfiat and win 'Regionals anaSectionafs."

-'Akjtr'Kcffy. Sm/s'!BasÂŁtrljaff

"All the girls are really excited about v\orking with our new coaches. However, we still love Dow ning the best."

-Emih IJ\ aciiri. Girls' Tack

"Were loolcing forward t o a strong finish in the season as the underdogs this.ye near.

-Mark rosco, Wrestling

"We are looking forward to post-season competition... it should be festive."

-Tom Logsdon, Boys' Swimming

"This year we are all striving to meet our team goals, and nothing is going to stop us from getting there."

-Lauren Pagone, Girls'Basketball

"TR.XCK IS R.eXLLy H X P J ) . " -?^ATTROCei^S, BOYS'TKJKCK

13 Battling their way to playoffs SPORTB

FEBRUARY

10, 2006 • VOL. 42, No. 9

hy Tommy Joyce In a hard-fought win over the Prospect Knights, the Hawks (11-7) pulled out a victory by a final score of 65-52. For much of the game, it was closer than the final score would make it seem.

After the first quarter of play, the Hawks were trailing 14-13, but they stormed back.

With John Wolf and Adam Fee firing on all cylinders, they had taken back the lead. Then Wolf made a three-pointer just before the half to make the game 29-25. Unfortunately, he landed awkwardly on his foot and was sidelined for the rest of the game with an ankle injury.

But the Hawks began to pull through in the second half, after having their lead cut to one point with six minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Behind senior Anthony Cruz's 16 points and senior Adam Fee's 18 points, the lead was restored, and the Hawks came out on top, ending the game on a 9-2 run to finish off the Prospect Knights.

This win also boosted the Hawks to .500 in the conference, now 3-3. The victory over

the Knights (5-14) gives the Hawks more confidence against upcoming competitors. With the leadership of the seniors and Coach Lavorato, the Hawks are showing signs of definite growth and strength in all aspects of the game.

This victory also helped morale after the overtime loss to Waukegan and the loss to perennial powerhouse New Trier. The Waukegan game was tight the whole way, as the Hawks battled the Bulldogs back and forth. John Wolf

Carl Michas takes a jump shot.

hit a clutch three-pointer to send the game into overtime as time expired.

Unfortunately for Lavorato's squad, the team could not pull out with the overtime win, losing 70-67.

In the New Trier game. Wolf put up 28 points and Cruz added 12 points in a losing effort, 65-52.

Senior John Wolf is the team's leading scorer at 17.1 points per game. Anthony Cruz, also a senior, averages an outstanding 15.4 points per game. Both of these players are keys to the success of the team.

The boys' basketball team is now halfway through their promising season and is in the lead for the hotly-contested CSL South title.

The Hawks hope to advance into the playoffs and recreate last year's magic that featured a miraculous upset of Glenbrook South in Regionals. With hard work, a good attitude, and help from all players on the team, the Hawks can make it as far as they want to this season.

Girls' basketball winning in the new year

by Alexa Karas As the girls' basketball team completes the last few games in their season before competing in the regional t o u r n a m e n t , they are focused and are treating each opponent as serious business. They defeated Maine West 46-33, with Ashley Tomzik scoring 21 points. Christina Solari also had seven rebounds in the second half.

In the highly-anticipated home game of the season, the Hawks destroyed New Trier 5234, pushing them into the top 10 ranked teams in the state. Tomzik finished with 16 points and Solari went 16 for 16, making every shot she attempted. "'Coming back and playing on our home court was exciting, especially since this is my last year," said Solari.

The Hawks have been excelling and reaching new heights in the new year. They also came out victorious against Providence, 54-38. Tomzik scored 19 points and Grace Goro added eight points and five rebounds.

The Hawks suffered a loss against the number-one ranked team in state, Fenwick.

However, in the same weekend, they earned a win against Glenbrook South.

"The great thing about our team is that someone always steps up, like Grace at GBS," said Kristin Unti.

"There is always someone to fill the role and rise to the occasion."

With the recent successes against New Trier and Glenbrook South, the Hawks retain a current record of 24-4.

Any night of the _ ^ ^ _ ^ _ ^ ^ week, the other '""'""" •""""^""'' starters. Anaie Stephanie Zipp does a layiip. Rj^ger, Nikki Wynek, Karen Solari, and Michelle Tourtillott make significant plays and contribute to the strength of the team.

n the upcoming regional tournament, the Hawks expect a laid-back beginning after being placed in the easier bracket. "'You get put with a lot better chances to win Regionals and Sectionals," said Christina Solari.

Overall, the team has been working hard at every practice and plans on keeping up the level of intensity for as long as they can. "'Since the summer, we have worked hard," said Christina Solari. "Our team works well together. We just have to go after it and get it done.""

Coach Smith is confident that the players can see their season through until the end.

Because of their place in the Regional tournament there is a greater possibility that the\ will progress to Sectionals f

*

A

im

•••iii.i

tm

In the December 16th issue, the article "Got game? Let's see it" was incorrectly attributed to Sasha Johnson.

The actual writer was Monica Johnson. We apologize for any confusion.

W^ns4 ri:K

2005

Bins" BASKETBALL • GIRLS' BASKETBALL • INIXXIR TR.ACK • Bo^s' SWIMMING • GIRLS' GYMNASTICS • WRESTLING

Hawks leave competition in the kiddie pool

by Josh Sissman You could say that the boys" swim team is having quite a successful year, or you could say they are totally rocking every school they've faced. Maine South has really come out this year for some great competitive swimming. The JV has only lost one meet, against the Glenbrook South Titans, and can proudly say that they won the dual meet against last year's state champions. Evanston. Varsity has lost two dual meets out of 10 and have really given their rivals a run for their money.

Senior Night for our very own Hawks was on January 7, the day the Hawks were to face theNiles West Wolves. The Wolves have been rivals for the past couple of years, but the boys defeated them with a score of 107 to 79 on varsity level. "The past meets have been very close and all went down to the last relay," said Coach Deger. The swimmers swept all three relays. Some of the double winners included Marc Sarran in the 200 IM and the 500 Free and Chris DiFranco in the 50 Free and 100 Back.

Single wins included Eric Libner in the 100

Free and Mark Szpak in the 200 Free.

The last dual meet against GBS was an unfortunate loss for the Hawks; however, manv of the varsitv and JV sw immers achieved

Eric Libner swims the butterfly stroke. personal bests. Joe Grieco and Matt Shesek both finally broke the minute barrier for the 100-yard freestyle. Grieco barely broke it with a time of 59.99, and Shesek became a "minute man" with a time of 59.19. Both swimmers broke the barrier in their 400 freestyle relays.

For varsity, many of the seniors scored personal-bests at the meet. Chris DiFranco swam a 50-yard butterfly in 27.47, the best of the year for him. Also, Tom Logsdon swam

his 100-yard breaststroke in 1:15.53. the fastest ever this season. To add to this group of seniors, Pat Pieta swam the 50-yard freestyle in 23.81. Marc Sarran swam to second in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 25.17. and Matt Shesek swam the 100-yard butterfly in 1:10.19.

Another success for the Hawks was the Conant Cougar Invitational, the day after the GBS meet, which Maine South walked away from with a third place out of six teams. Maine South's total score was 204, which missed Conant's second-place score of 227 points and Downers Grove North's first-place score of 250. Other teams that participated were Mundelein. who scored 197 points, Schaumburg who racked up 128 points and finally University HS—Normal with 99 points. Diving, also included at the invitational, grabbed third and fourth place with divers Rob Seiwert and Kyle Benedix.

Seiwert scored 174 points and Benedix got 300.85 points.

With only a couple weeks left in the season, all levels are beginning the joyous adventure of tapering. All swimmers love this part of the season because the practices are easier and there is more resting time in between sets.

Perseverance is paying off this season

by Brittany WisnieM'ski On January 27. the As the winter sports season is winding varsity gymnasts had down, the Hawks girls' gymnastics team is still their CLS Conference working hard and achieving great results. In meet at Glenbrook past weeks, both the varsity and J V teams have South. The team's continued to perform well in various weekend final s c o r e w a s tournaments.

116.425. Once again.

On January 14, the varsity team competed Tourtillott performed in the Niles North Invite. Overall, the team superbly. She finished finished ninth by receiving an overall score in fifth-place on floor of 91.50 with three scores counting. Danielle with a score of 8.925.

Tourtillott had an amazing tournament a On vault she posted posted some great scores. She finished an 8.85. which was fifth place on floor with a score of 9.0. S good enough for a continued to do well on vault by receiving a 9.1 sixth-place finish. and finishing in sixth place. In the all-around Carolyn Olson balances ^'''^ ^ ^-^^ o" beam competition. Tourtillott scored a 33.30, which Tourtillott finished in gave her a ninth-place finish ninth. Her all-around score of 33.825 earned

her a sixth-place finish.

The JV team has also been keeping busy, participating in the New Trier Invite on January 7. The team earned a fifth place finish with a final score of 82.05. with three scores counting.

Many of the gymnasts performed extremely well and placed at this tournament. On floor.

Gabby Sadowicz posted a 7.1 and finished in eighth place. The Hawks performed excellently on vault. Courtney Fuller finished in eighth place with an 8.275. and Megan Wisniewski finished ninth with an 8.25. Another notable gymnast was Melissa Jesski. who received a 6.8 on bars and an eleventh-place finish.

The lady Hawk gymnasts have been working with determination and perseverance all season, and it definitely looks like all of that hard work is paying off.