Vol 43 issue 7

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DECEMBLR

22. 2006

1111 S. DLL ROAD •

PARK RUK-L. ILLINOIS

60068

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In This Issue:

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS FEATURES Consattition Orchcsis prepares The Southies: Team celebrates for annual showSouthwords entertainment after state \'ictorv awards

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PAGE 5

PAGE 8

COMMENTARY SPORTS Pre\'ie\v of up Have a coming c( allege politically incorbowl game* rect Christmas

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DECEMBER

22, 2006 • VOL. 43, No. 7

November Students of the Month

Art Lauren Sims-Design & Materials I. Meghan MaherPhoto L Ayana raklza\sa-l)esgiii & Materials. Kacie Jonasen-Design & Materials 3_ Natalie Thonipson-An 4.

Alexandra Gremer-Arl 1

Misciercwicz-Child Development/Parenting Fine .\rts Julia Brenncr-lntro to Radio/1 V, Megan Dyer-Drama 1.

Ethan llendreich-Ad\ TVProduction. Ale.K lorio-Drama IV. I rankle Irudcau-Ural Communications

Business Santmo Canniz/aro-Aceimnting. Mark Parilla-Career and College Connections. Kathleen ShotsbergerEntrepeneurship

Foreign Language Beelal Askar-Spanish 1, Siac\ Burghardt-German il-Acc. Andrea Burton-Italian 111. Sarah Geraci-Spanish l-Acc. Katherine Giannini-llalian II. Joe Micotto-Spanish IV. Robert Porter-Spanish lll-.Acc . Jamie Sciuert-Spanish 11.

Dana Theel-Spanish L Dennis Vlahoiihs-Spamsh HI

Driver's Education Eli7.abeth Mar\- Chmiel. Nick Michal English Anthony Araque-SIR & hnglish 111. Dan BallouTinnerello-Literature of Chicago. Kathleen CaronLiterture of'Chicago. Angie Fidouicz-English 1.

Peter Gorski-Lnglish IV Literature ajid Kilm. Jessica Gremer-English 111. Samantha Imburgia-Knglish 111.

Daniel Kaitis-English I Ace. Jack Kalembasa-English 1. Rachel Lapp-English l-Acc , Thomas Moran-English iV-Creative Writing. Brian O'Byrne-English ll-T. Melissa Palka-English ll-T. Jennifer Palmer-English 1-T. Annie Reda-tnglish 1. Kemper Rusteburg-Readmg. Jerry ShimEnglish 1. Eliza Stanford-Contemporary Authors. Alli Szeliga-Englsih III. .Amanda Theel-Comp III Family and Consumer Sciences Emily Armato-Fashion 1. Michael Blachut-Foods. Kevin Jones-Personalit\. Behavior and Relationships. Lauren Krawczyk-Home Planning/Interior Design, Joanna

Health Jackie Daleiden. JetTMollet Math

Tess Chappell-Plane Geometry. Carol Costanza-Algebra 2 FreshiTien. Anthony Franchesi-Earth Science. Julia Janowiec-lntegrated Geometrv. Kara Klaise-lntro to Calculus. Molly Machala-Algebra 1. Alysse MancusoAlgebra 2. Julie OLeary-Algebra 1, Nicole PrestonSophomore Algebra. Thomas Rucker-Geometry. Lauren Sims-Algebra 2 Mu.sic Adrian Jonak-Guitar 2. Eric Bauer-Symphony Band, Cara Deverman-S>'mphon\ Orchestra. Mallory MachonConcert Choir Physical Education Anaelo Brzezinski, David Dziubanski. Nicholas Labrose,

Maura Schelhammer, Adam Sirvinskas, Alexander Terenzio. Kristen /illmer Science Mike Athans-Chemistry 2, Victor Babicz-EMP, Anthon\ Baran-Earth Science, Brittany Christie-Acc. CheniLStry, Stephen Francis-Ph\sics I. Ross dullo-Chemistry 2, Kyle Flannon-AP Computer Science, Angela inendinoHuman Body Science, Danny Janiszeuski- Irans Biology.

Natalie Klemme_Experimental Methods in Chemistry.

Andrevv Kusnir-Geolog\'. Chrissy Landreth-Acc Biology.

Kelly Mack-Chemistr\ 1. Karl Meister-Biology. Paula Papaioannou-Biology. Claudia Pilati-Biology, Sabrina Salgia-Biology 1. Lauren Sims-Chemistry 2, Ashley lomzick-PhssiCs 2. Jeffrey Wear-AP Physics, Lisa Widing-Acc Physics

Social Science Matthew Ammentorp-World History Since 15(X>-Acc .

Warda Baig-AP Government. Alex Car\er-lj S. History.

George Eskildsen-U.S History, Corinne Farrell-World History Post 1500. Alexander Friel-Lau in American Society, Chritopher Justice-World Flistory Before 1500, Kelley-Lamey World History Pre 1500-Acc.. Gene Mueller-Economics, Dan Newton-Sociology, Paul Romain-Govemment, John Schaefer-U S. Government, Kendall Silverstein-Urban Studies Technology Brian Hunt-Computer Aidded Design/Drafting Technology I, chnstpher Mularczyk-Computer Aidded Design/Drafting Technology I, Yaroslaw PetrynaAutomotive Fundamentals

MS Constitution Team off to Washington

by Kelsey Keith Maine South is a school that excels in all areas: fine arts, athletics, and academics.

On Friday, December 8, the AP Hawks Constitution Team lived up to that standard of excellence with a first place finish at the state hearings for the "We the People" Competition.

This is Maine South's IS"" state title in the 16 years that the program has been in existence.

Although Maine South's record speaks for itself, other schools have become more formidable competition each year.

Constitution team consists of 24 students that are subdivided into six units specializing in a particular subject relating to the Constitution. Unit one focuses on the philosophical and historical foundations of the American political system. Unit two studies the creation of the Constitution. Unit three looks at how principles in the Constitution shaped American institutions and practices. Unit four assesses how the protections in the Bill of Rights have been developed and expanded.

Unit five debates what rights the Bill of Rights actually protects. Unit six questions the role of the citizen in American democracy.

This year, unit two took home the "Best Unit'" award.

Members of the 2007 state title team

include Brett Beaugureau. Robbie Bosco, Sarah Collins, Katherine Gaudyn. Bobby Hemphill, Kelley Hungerford, James Jaffee, Amy Johnson, Elyse Kafkes, Alexa Karas, Kelsey Keith, Mustafa Khan. Abby Kiem, Elizabeth Kossnar, Maureen Loughran, Laura McGinnis, Nora Mullen. Jenny Patelski, Steve Piekos. Lauren Restivo. Stacey Svetlichnaya, Bobby Tazioli. Jeff Wear, and Anna Wolonciej.

The team is coached by Mr. Trenkle and Mr. Hansen.

During a competition, each unit sits before a panel of three judges, ranging fi^om scholars to teachers to lawyers, and is asked a question which the unit has prepared a presentation for.

This presentation lasts four minutes and is then followed by a six-minute free-response session in which the judges ask related followup questions.

Usually, a district competition precedes the state competition, in which schools compete within a congressional district. This year the schools that wanted to compete were so spread out geographicalK that district hearings were not feasible. This made the preparation process much more difficult for each unit because there were three questions for state instead of the normal two. and there were seven teams at state compared with the normal four, it

is important to recognize tRe teachers and volunteers who helped the team along the way by being practice judges, editing presentations, or just answering questions. The team, as well as Mr. Trenkle and Mr. Hansen, thank Mrs. Bondi. Mr. Biondo. Mr. Deger. Mrs. Deines, Ms. Kellam, Mr. Poskozim, Mr. Rosenberg, Mr. Scott, and Mrs. Scorza for their help and support. In addition to putting up with the students in fifth period. Mr. States offers invaluable suggestions and criticisms that have been vital to the success of the team.

Because the Illinois state hearings are held so early, the team has four months to prepare for Nationals, which will be held in Washington D.C. April 28-30. The team has set the goal of making the top ten. which is a very select group of finalists, and then winning the national competition. According to Mr. Trenkle this will require that "we really know our stuff but we have to be eloquent and polished in how we present it." Competition takes on a whole new meaning at Nationals as there a many high powered private schools.

The school that usually represents Virginia is called The School for Government.

The team looks forward to the challenge ahead and hopes to represent Maine South's tradition of excellence in D.C.

NEWS DECEMBER

22, 2006 • VOL. 43, No. 7

3

Maine South Orchestra travels to Disney

by Annette Dean

On the morning of Sunday, November 19, while most Maine South Students were asleep, relishing in the first days of a week off of school. 54 members of the Maine South Symphony Orchestra loaded two coach buses and began a 21-hour drive to Orlando.

Florida.

After several rest stops and countless movies, the group finally arrived at Disney's Animal Kingdom on Monday morning.

Students had the opportunity to experience the Disney magic. They went on several rides including Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, and the Afi-ican Safari.

Before checking into the Rosen Center, members of the Orchestra stopped by The Village Inn for dinner. They were treated to dinner by Mr. Walker, a Maine South alumnus, who had heard about the trip through the Gaughan family. After the phenomenal dinner, the group checked into the Rosen Center, where they finally got a chance to relax after nearly two full days on the road.

However, they didn't rest for long.

The next morning, the group was back on the coach buses so that they could attend Disney's "You're Instrumental" workshop at Saratoga Springs resort. There, they had the opportunity to work with profesional Disney

musicians. During the "Youre Instrumental" chance to see characters behind the scenes. workshop, the Orchestra had the opportunity including Chip with out his head on. and to learn about the recording process in a Jesse from Toy Story relaxing after a show.

Disne\ movie. "It was really cool to see how After warming up. the Orchestra drove to the profFesional musicians record soundtracks.""

Galaxy Palace Theater in the Magic Kingdom said senior Joanna Parypinski. for their performance. All of those 7am Later, they only had 10 minutes to sightrehearsals had paid off when the Orchestra read "Colors of the Wind." played. "Siciliana Noctuma," from "Pocahontas."" before "Intermezzo from the St. Paul recording it.

Suite,"" "Spring Breezes," The workshop "Elegie,"" and "Hoe-Down." didn't end there. After a Later, the group returned short break, the students to the Magic Kingdom to had the opportunity to enjoy Space Mountain and record "Beauty and the The Haunted Mansion before Beast."" At the end of the meeting up for the fireworks workshop, the students" and parade. The night ended recording of 'Beauty and with a ferry ride back to the the Beast,' was paired up 1^ buses.

On Thanksgiving with the animation from Maine South students celebrate morning, the Orchestra drove the movie to create a Thanksgiving in Epcot to Epcot. They made good keepsake DVD. use of their last day in Florida, by going on The group then loaded up the coach Test Track, Soarin', and visiting all of the buses and drove to MGM Studios. There, the countries. At the end of the day, they drove students went on Tower of Terror. Rockin" back to the Rosen Center for a Thanksgiving Roller Coaster, and many other rides before feast, before heading back to Chicago. meeting up for Fantasmic, a spectacular water All of the students were very grateful to show complete with fireworks and everyone's the chaprones for planing this phenomenal favorite Disney characters. trip that none of the participants will ever The next morning, the group headed over forget. to backstage Disney. There, students had the

What's going on in Park Ridge for the holidays

by Nicky Priovolos The long-awaited Christmas vacation has arrived. Most of us will be catching up on countless hours of lost sleep. However, for those of you looking for an exciting adventure, you don't have to look far. There are plenty of fun events taking place in around the Chicago area.

Starting on Saturday, December 23, outdoor sledding and skating begins in Park Ridge. For more information, contact the Park Ridge Park District.

"The Nutcracker" ballet will be hosted by the Joffrey Ballet and feature kids from the Park Ridge area in addition to its cast of stellar professional dancers. It will take place until December 27 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.

"A Christmas Carol" will be staged at various locations, such as the Warehouse Playhouse, the Metropolis Center for Performing Arts and the Goodman Theatre.

From now until Christmas Eve, be sure

to visit Daley Plaza daily from 11 am to 8 pm for the 11"' Annual Chistkindlmarket. You can catch some live entertainment, grab a quick bite to eat, and finish some last minute Christmas shopping.

Despite the name change, Macy's Walnut Room has been left untouched, and the traditional tree will be present to accompany any potential diners enjoying this year"s newly-added special, chicken pot pie. The window displays this year will have a Mary Poppins theme. For more information, visit metromix.com.

On Friday. December 22. Chris Brown will host Dance Down 2006 at the UIC Pavillion. On Tuesday. December 26. the Beat Kitchen will host an Underground ComedN show. On Saturday. December 30. Snoop Dogg will perform at the House of Blues at 6 pm. On New Year's Eve. Kiss FM will host their annual New Year's Eve gala at Navy Pier, featuring Chingy.

Also at Navy Pier. LaSalle Bank's Winter WonderFest will go on until mid-January. The

ever-present Ferris Wheel and carousel will be open, in addition to holiday specials, such as the indoor Arctic Ice Rink, the Reindeer Express train ride tour of Navy Pier"s Winter Wonderland, an Extreme Ice Trail Ropes course, an all-Claus Arcade, as well as an Icicle Obstacle course and the Snowy Summit Climbing Walls.

"Dancing with the Stars" contestants Joey Mclntyre, Drew Lachey, Lisa Rinna, Joey Lawrence, and their partners will perform at the Allstate Arena at 7:30 p.m on January 5.

The traditional movie outing offers many options. This month's new releases include Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto."" "Blood Diamond"" featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. "The Pursuit of Happiness"" starring Will Smith, the classic "Charlone"s Web."" "Rocky Balboa," "The Good German."' featuring Cate Blanchett and George Clooney. "The Good Shepard." directed b\ Robert DiNero and starring Matt Damon, and "Dreamgirls." featuring Beyonce Knowles. Jamie Foxx. and Eddie Murhpy. and the "The Holiday,'" with Jack Black.

4 Different holidays of the world 'EATURES

DF.CEMBER 22, 2 0 0 6 • V O L . 4 3 , No. 7

and responsibility, collective economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Dr. Karenga. the first person to formulate and celebrate an AfricanAmerican Kwanzaa in 1966, describes Kwanzaa by saying, "We give thanks and reverence to the Creator for the whole of creation: we

holly bush decorated with ribbons and colored paper. The boys then dress in old clothes and decorate their faces with burnt cork or wear Although Christmas is the most widely straw masks. They then carry the wren from celebrated holiday in December for Maine house to house singing the Wren Boys' Song.

South students, many other celebrations make In the event that money is given to the boys, up the month. Some of these unique holidays a feather of gratitude is presented to the coninclude Santa Lucia, Kwanzaa, and St. tributor. Due to the morbidity of the holiday, Stephan's Day. St. Stephan's Day died out around the early Santa Lucia is a national SwedI900's. However, it has recently been revived ish holiday celebrated on December throughout many parts of Ireland. New charac13 honoring St. Lucia. The story goe teristics of the holiday include a fake or caged that Lucia became a saint due to hci wren, girls involved in the activities, and monkindness and love. She lived in Sicil\ ey donated to the local community instead of during the fourth century but traveled the children. However, to keep the holiday auto Sweden. She was then forced by her thentic, the original music and dancing is still mother to marry a man she did not lo\ ^ heard and seen on St. Stephan's Day. When the man heard that Lucia didn t want to marry him, he decided to bum So remember, while some sip egg nog and her, but, due to her kindness, she was listen to Christmas carols, the world is celef>il<tl<_i (uiirit s\ o/ fii em \t Itij^ilui cfi; saved. The man then slit her throat, but brating many holidays, each one unique and she continued speaking lovely words This painting by Cart Larsson depicts St. Lucia, whose festive. holiday is one of the most prominent in Sweden. for hours after.

Many processions are held to celSOUTH WORDS ebrate Santa Lucia. Girls lead the procession honor the memory of our ancestors and of our A student-produced newspaper of: dressed in St. Lucia costumes, white robes and past: we reaffirm the values that have kept us Maine South High School a crown of candles, while boys follow wear- strong: we celebrate our heritage, our accom1111 South Dee Road ing white robes, a pointing crown with gold plishments and the good in life." stars, and carrying candles. Special foods, Finally, St. Stephan's Day is a December Park Ridge, !L 60068 such as spicy ginholiday originatSigned letters to the editor should be delivgerbread biscuits, ing in Ireland ered to room V-131 or given to a member of are served and remembering the the editorial staff. SOUTHWORDS reserves songs are sung to first Christian the right to edit material for clarity and brevremember the bemartyr. ity and to reject obscene/libelous submissions. loved saint.

It is said that Stephan was Editors-in-Chief Alexa Karas Kwanzaa is hiding in a bush another holiday Kelse\ Keith from his enemies News Ekiitors celebrated in Annette Dean to avoid being December, speNick\ Priovolos stoned.

How- Features Editors cifically from Kalherine Gaudyn ever, a chatterDecember 26 to Anna Wolonciej ing wren, a type Entertainment Editors January 1. While Mart) Diamond of bird, betrayed the holiday origiRon Feiereisel him and gave Commentary Editors nated in Africa, it Bettina Chang away Stephan's is now celebrated Joe Micotto location, result- Sports Editors by people of AfMeghan O'Keefe ing in his berican descent Nick R\ter ing stoned. It Production Eiditor all throughout iditzaaojffirialwehsile.nn; Joshua Sissman is thought that, Photographers the world. The Carleton Gartner name Kwanzaa Kwanzaa. which means "celebration of first fruits," is a because Stephan Kelse\, Grandi is a Swahili word wide-spread celebration by people of African decent. was stoned due Chelsea Zi\ko\ic to the wren's ac- Staff Artists meaning "the Leah Artw ick GinaTingas first fruits," referring to the harvest. Similar to tions, the wren had to be stoned. Therefore, in Ke\ in Verre the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah, a candle is lit late December, groups of boys go on a hunt for Mr. Ellefson each night to represent the Seven Principles a wren. Once they kill the bird - or it dies from Advisors Mr. Stathakis of Kwanzaa: unity, self determination, work exhaustion - it is tied to the top of a pole or

by Jacqueline O 'Reilly

5 Orchesis ready for Hollywood FEATURES

DECEMBER

22. 2006 • VOL. 43, No. 7

by Katherine Gaiidyn

to previous years is the variety of styles preformed by the company. "We're verv multi-talented." said company president Martina Luskin. "I'm excited to show everyone all the different styles • ' ,•-• Mwe do."

Those styles • include choreography to songs such as "Get The Orchesis girls take a break from rehearsal and strike Rhythm" by Johnny a pose.

Cash. "Iris" by the even adding extra practices. "To be honest, Goo Goo Dolls, and ifs consuming our lives,'" "The Jump Off' by Lil' Kim. commented vice-president "I'm just really excited to perform." said

by Leah Artwick Bettina Chang with a smile. Luskin.

Because 'they' can't technically tali it "Cixristn'uis "But we're all really excited Hopefully, all that excitement will translate Break/' this isn't the -^jj^^ about the show." into success toward Christmas Comic.

Chang isn't achieving other goals This is the Holiciav Comic. the only one set by the Orchesis who is especially officers. "These enthusiastic about past couple of years, this year's show. we've been working "This year's show really hard to build is a lot different up our reputation as from last year's a dance company," show." said Ms. explained Chang.

A m e l i a . One "We're looking for distinct change more recognition from p r e v i o u s from the school and s h o w s is t h e from our peers. Dr. prevalence of the Whitaker has been theme. This year's very s u p p o r t i v e theme is movie w ith Orchesis being In o r d e r to n o t offend a n y s o u n d t r a c k s , more involved b o d y , h e r e is a f a b u l o u s a n d and the show is with the Fine Arts festive h o l i d a y m e s s a g e t o y o u a p p r o p r i a t e l y department." all: titled. "A Night at Other activities [)(i2C?Qto(S the Movies." The Orchesis has theme is "definitely planned include more incorporated a showcase at the into the show this Illinois High School year," said Chang.

Dance F e s t i v a l . ^ \ ^ " E v e r y o n e had I he a u d i t i o n is to choreograph 111 February, and according to the Orchesis is hoping to theme. We're even teature a dance in the thinking about May performance. ^ ( B u t .seriously . . . >jc /g selling movie-type However, first, the everyone, H a p p v Holidays!) food." company has its Mary Kutska rehearses in the hallway. own show.

What is similar ::^ ^

Since September, a group of hard-working girls has been rehearsing to put on a dance show that will leave the audience feeling as though they're in a movie—or at least in a movie theater.

In less than a month, the Orchesis Dance Company will be starring in its annual show.

The show takes place in the Watson auditorium on Januar\ 12 and 13 at 7:30 pm. Orchesis is a group of dancers of all levels who perform different styles of dance. The company is led

by Ms. Amelia Ecker. This year's show features jazz. tap. ballet, pointe. lyrical, hip-hop, tango, flamenco and modem dance.

Because of the early date of the performance, the dancers have been workinii incredibiv hard.

Daily Dose of Reality

(Mi^sQ^m^&^^ooo

6

EATURES DECEMBER

22, 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ Vol.. 43. No. 7

Holiday traditions "out of this world bv Ashlev Koda

Everj family celebrates Christmas in a different manner. Here are a few examples of unusual famiU traditions that add a little quirk to this special holiday.

Cook-off "E\ erj year my famih has a cook-off. People bring in different dishes, and then after dinner everyone over the age of 16 picks their top three. The o\erall winner gets this little cute chef troph> which gets engra\ed with his or her name sometime soon after." -Alicja Jemiola. 17. Prospect High School.

Frozen Change "My family doesn"! reall> have an\ unusual traditions for Christmas. M\, grandma does some pretty weird things though - like this one year, she gave my cousin 20 dollars all in change, froze it. and told him that it was a meteor and that he"s "out of this world."" -Tom Kucharski. 17. Maine South High School.

Fruit Punch "On Christmas Eve, we eat pancakes and sausage with fruit punch using all of our fanc\ Christmas plates. When my sister and me were little, we were reall> picky and wouldn't

eat anvthing else, and our familv decided to keep the tradition. But we do have a regular Christmas dinner on Christmas da\." -Paula Pa\one. 17. Guerin College Prep.

Ice Bucket "My friend's family has this tradition w here the) take her great-grandma's ice bucket and stick random things in it such as candy, sand, and fake dog sâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;. Then thev gi\e it to random famil> members." -Susan Kulpinski.

17, Maine South High School Milk and Cookies "This is stupid, but m\ older sister thought of it. Every year we put out milk and cookies for Santa and then an ice cream container filled with water and glitter for the reindeer because when my brother and I were little, she would tell us that it helps them fl\."

-Anonymous.

Captain Underpants "M\ tradition for Christmas is to wake up at 6:00 on Christmas morning, before m> parents are up, and drink a bottle of Wild Cherry Pepsi and read one of those old "Captain Underpants' books I'se had since I was eight.

Those books don't interest me anymore, but it's a tradition, so I ha\e to keep it alive."

-Anonvmous.

?9

Rob Your Neighbor "When we celebrate with m\ grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins on m\ dad's side of the famil), we pla> "Rob Your Neighbor.' Eiach family buys a bunch of little things like lip gloss, silh puttN. cand>. and stuff like that. Each item is w rapped and placed in the middle of a table.

We roll dice and if you get doubles, you get to choose a "present' from the pile. Once all the "presents' are gone from the center, we start the robbing. If a person rolls doubles, they can steal a "gift" from someone else's pile. We do a couple rounds of that, then e\eryone opens the "gifts' they got and we always end up trading things."

-Paul. 17. Elmwocxl Park High School.

Screaming During Previews '"After doing all the regular Christmas activities, m> immediate famih and I go to the movie theatre and see a mov ie released that da>. No one is ever there so we run up and down the aisles screaming and playing tag during the previews."

-Alexa Karas, 17, Maine South High School.

As odd as some traditions ma> be, they help give families a feeling of unitv. It makes them unique and connects them since they are the onl\ ones that participate in such activities. Celebrate this Christmas by creating your ow n tradition and keeping it for years to come.

All I want for Christmas...are toys

by Erin Klein

This >ear there are so many great gifts to choose. Yet, many people still have to finish shopping. While man\ of the gifts people are asking for seem perfect for right now, how many of those gifts will be used in a year from now? Like so man\ things, Christmas gifts seem to go in and out of fashion each \ear.

However, certain classic gifts remain a hit year after \ ear.

Isn't it hard to believe that people once waited in line for hours in the freezing December weather to bu\ Furbies? These gremlinlike toys were the most popular Christmas gift of 1998. "I got a Furby for Christmas in third grade, and I was so excited," Maine South sophomore Keelv Patt said when asked about unusual Christmas gifts she received. Most people were extremely excited to receive a Furb>, but they were less than enthusiastic a

few months later. "I couldn't figure out how to work mine, and it would onK be quiet when I stuck it in mv desk drawer. That's where it stayed after awhile." junior Ann Merrill stated.

What about the Tamigotchis and GigaPets? Man\ kids woke up with them in their Christmas stockings in 1996. These were the digital pets one could feed and play with, teach tricks, earn points w ith, and tr\ to keep alive. Most died in about a month - and so did the hype.

Man\ students here might be too \oung to remember the Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mania that swept the nation in the Christmas season during the earh 90s. Park Ridge parent Michelle Bauer stated. ""I went and waited in line at .5 am at K.B. Toys for some special Power Ranger m\ nephew wanted. He plaved with it for about two weeks."

Tickle-Me-Elmos hit the market in 1998 and were originall\ sold for .^0 dollars, ac-

cording to inthe90s.com. Sold out e\erywhere, and on the Christmas list of everv little kid. the toy went for up to 500 dollars online. Like this year's TMX Elmo, also sold-out almost everywhere, Tickle-Me-Elmo was a must-have. With new versions, like Chicken Dance Elmo and YMCA Elmo, it's one of the only children's gifts to have remained popular for the past eight years.

Other gifts like these seemed so great at the time, but soon the\ were nothing special. Classic gifts, like Legos, Lincoln Logs, and board games ma\ not be the highest on ones list but are likel\ to be used for many years. Maybe the Pla\station .1, which is listed for 700 dollars to o\er 1000 dollars on E-ba>. is the most wanted gift this \ear. but there is b)ound to be something just as great next year. X-Box was a must have for a w hile-until X-Bo\ .160 w as launched. With evervone filled with Christmas spirit searching for the perfect holiday gift, it's no wonder new games systems, games. mo\ies and toys are launched during the holiday season.

ENTFRTAINMrNT DErE.MBER 2 2 . 2 0 0 6 • V O L . 4 3 . No. 7

7

"Diamond" flecked by ham-fisted message

by Ron Feiereisel meets an American journalist, Maddy Bowen Until I saw "The Departed," the phrase (played by Jennifer Connelly) who, along with l"d have used to describe Leonardo DiCaprio a cadre of other reporters, is covering the war. probabl> wouldn't be fit for broadcast news. 1 As the plot unfolds, the proceedings become mean, "Growing Pains?" Come on. Leo. Ask surprisingly formulaic. Fortunately, in this me again now. though, and you'll find that my film's case, it doesn't work against the overall impression of him as an actor has changed. I quality of the picture. This is because, even now feel comfonable going to see a movie just though the film's plot is familiar, the setting because he was in it. and conflict diamond industrs that the film In his latest picture, "Blood Diamond" explores aren't things that make it to American DiCaprio plays Archer, a mercenary operating screens very often. This, coupled with the in Sierra Leone during its 1999 professionalism of the civil war. He smuggles conflict cast, makes the film diamonds—diamonds that are worth watching. mined in a war zone and sold The performances clandestinely in order to finance at the core of the an insurgent or invading army's film—DiCaprio's, war efforts. He moves the C o n n e l l y ' s diamonds from Sierra Leone to and e s p e c i a l l y its neighboring nation, Liberia, so Hounsou's—keep they can be shipped to the major the film interesting diamond markets of the world to and work the plot turn a healthy profit for the local •itturtc!iyvfnMttnt(imattiex.f.Tim along at a quick pace. warlords. Archer's smuggling 4IX her m saurch of the diamond. Hounsou's sojourn activities are interrupted when he to find his family learns that a local fisherman, whose family has is especially absorbing because it is the been displaced by rebels, has found a large, pink most personal of the characters' intertwined diamond in the African jungle. subplots.

After realizing thai each has something the Another thing that sets this movie apart other wants. Archer and thefisherman.Solomon from other films that are centered on a cast Vandy (played by an incredible Djimon of characters chasing a coveted object is the Hounsou) set out to find Vandy's family and setting. "Blood Diamond" shows two sides of ultimately the stone. Along the way, the pair Aft-ica.Oneisthepristine, beautiful wilderness

of the continent, while the other shows the urban aspect of it. something that really isn't seen. Archer isn't staying at the Sierra Leone branch of the Ritz: he's in the middle of the African urban sprawl, and he's Just another man on the street. That aspect of Archer seems to be played up. showing us the non-tourist version of Afi-ica. Sometimes it's an absoluteh breathtaking view, while other times, it's the frightening, rebel-run. child-soldier training camp. The film's cinematography is balanced between shots that an audience would want on a postcard, w hile other shots of senseless, brutal violence, like a scene early in the film when Vandy's village is burned and his people are massacred, are meant to rattle the audience's collective cages.

Even though the movie is formulaic—in fact, the final twenty minutes are downright predictable, ""Blood Diamond" succeeds as a piece of slickly-directed entertainment, with a little bit of political relevance sprinkled throughout. After the film fades to black, a few cards of text come up. explaining that even though the civil war in Sierra Leone is over, and conflict diamonds are still illegal, they still find their way into the market. It then goes on to suggest, in heavy-handed "Smokey the Bear" fashion, that we can do our part by making sure that when we go buy our diamonds, we certify that they aren't those borne of w£U". By the end of the movie, the PSA seemed tacked on. and ultimately unnecessary.

Guidelines for holiday fashion

by Courtney Vinopal A lot of bad outfits can be associated with the holidays. It's that time of year when, for some reason, tacky matching sweaters and light-up jewelry is acceptable. If you've found yourself trapped in the same applique sweaters and red-and-green color scheme holiday after holiday, make a change this year. After all. this season should be a bright time of glitz and glamour; so let your clothes express that.

I don't know about you. but certain holiday outfits make me feel anything but bright.

If you're going to some sort of party for the holidays, then there is no better time to wear a dress. All sons of dress shapes are in this season, so whether you like a long sleeved bubble-hem mini-dress or prefer a classic strapless a-line, you will certainly look

very of-the-moment. For the holidays, the best bet for colors are neutrals or jewel tones, perhaps with sparkle to them. New Year's is an especially good time to go for something glitz>. Don't forget that the little black dress is always in, and that accessories can make an outfit. If your outfit is more subdued, go all out with accessories. A sparkly clutch or flashy jewelry- can make a basic dress seem exciting.

Headbands are very in right now and can look very pretty with loose hair. As for shoes, pumps orflatscan complete any dress, although pumps are more party material. Don't forget that a wrap can look glamorous and keep you warm.

When you're at family gatherings for the holidays, it's your decision on how to dress. If your family events are more formal, a-line and pencil skirts or black pants always work with

a sweater or cute, cropped jacket. Dresses can also be dressed down for a family event with tights, boots, and long-sleeved layers. If you opt to go more casual for the family, anything besides sweats works. Jeans always look good with flats or sneakers. Sweatshirts, layered under blazers, cardigans, or anything of that sort work on top. Whatever you do, steer clear of anything tacky made just for the sea^n. Guys: don't let your mom trick you into wearing anything cutesy! Blazers always look very casual and fashionable with jeans. Also, sweater vests are very underrated and can look really hip and swanky when layered over a collared shin.

So do your best to dress up this holiday season. There's no better time to ditch those traditional holiday stand-bys and find something to make you shine.

DECEMBER 22.

2006 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 43, No. 7

Album of the Year: "Ten Silver Drops" by the Secret Machines

Film of the Year: "The Departed" Honorable Mention: "Babel" "The Prestige"

Honorable Mention: "The Life Pursuil"-Belle and Sebastian. "Bang Bang Rock and RoU"-Art Brut

Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio

Song of the Year: "Go-Go-Gadget Gospel" Gnarls Barkley

Honorable Mention: Christian Bale, Brad Fill

Best Actress: Gate Blanchett

Honorable Mention: "Another Sunn> Da>" Belle and Sebastian, "Back In Town" The Sound Team

Honorable Mention: Abigail Breslin, Jennifer Connelly

New Artist of the Year: Art Brut Honorable Mention: Lupe Fiasco, Gnarls Barklej Comments? Rage? Contact the editors: Ron Feiereisel (rfeiereisel@maine207south.org), Marty Diamond (mdiamondqimaine207sotith.org)

Knucklehead of the Year: James Blunt

Game of the Year: "Gears of War" Honorable Mention: "Rainbow Six: Vegas," 'The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion"

^

Developer of the Year: Ubisoft Honorable Mention: Epic Games, Nintendo

Most Innovative Game: "Fight Night Round 3" Honorable Mention: Wii Sports, Dead Rising

Honorable Mention: Kevin Federline, The four guys who bought his album

Line Quoted Ad Nauseam: "My name-a Boral."

Honorable Mention: "Very Niiiicce, how much?" "DeDe-Deeee!"

Annoying Voice of the Year: Rachel Ray Honorable Mention: James Blunt. James Blunt

Listen to this list, no need to check it twice

by Marly Diamond

Holidays are an important time to most people. As in many celebrations, music is a big part of this. With stations such as the Holiday Lite playing the dregs of Christmas music, it's hard to know what the best options are for our listening pleasure. Here are five songs that will certainly get you in the holiday spirit.

"White Christmas" - It's a classic. It's Bing Crosby. It's good even when there's no snow on the ground (although its better when there is). Christmas spirit abounds from Bing Crosby's deep melodic voice as he tells about the Christmases he "used to know." Listen to him.

"Blue C h r i s t m a s " - Sticking with the theme of Christmas anthems using color, another song you'll want to hear is by Elvis.

Sure, it's a bit depressing. But once you hear

his incredible backing band next to his velvety croon, you'll be in holiday delights.

"Merry Christmas (I Don't Wanna Fight Tonight)" - If you've never heard this Ramones Christmas classic, you may be confused about the title. Don"t be. It's a good use of Chrisnnas as a background theme instead of the main idea. It's simply a fun song to listen to. which is a great plus.

"Happy Xmas (War is Over)" - You have to be careful with this one. The John Lennon original has the kind of happiness and joy that only Christmas songs of these orchestral proportions can. If you're feeling risky, you can go for the even more orchestral cover that the Polyphonic Spree did. However, you have to be careful not to choose the Sarah McClachlan version or your eardrums may or may not explode. If you start to hear her version or even

see it, just run. Run far away.

"FairytaleofNew York"-This is arguably the greatest Christmas song in history. Indeed, it's one of the best-written songs ever. It's not one of saccharine carols we always hear For this song by the Pogues. Christmas is about two estranged lovers arguing on Christmas and realizing they still love each other It conveys the emotions of the holiday season tlirough a less-than-happy song. The music in the song is some of the best in Cliristmas songs.

Well, there you go. If these songs don't get you in the holiday mood, you just might be a Grinch (the animated Grinch. you know, the real one). Or you might be Ebenezer Scrooge (Patrick Stewart version. George C. Scott version is also acceptable). Listen to these and spread the holiday cheer (not the Holiday Lite).

9 A place for your spare change DECEMBER

22, 2006 • VOL. 43, No. 7

by Bettina Chang

Girls are much more efficient with money than guys. Think about it: when guys spend cash and get change in return, they put the bills in their wallets and the coins in their pockets. Then they go home at night and take the change out of their pockets and put the coins—where? On a table, in ajar, in between the couch cushions, or straight into the laundry? When girls spend cash, their coins go straight into their wallets and then are spent the next time they go to buy something. Guys aren't used to paying five dollars and two pennies in order to get a quarter back on something worth 4.77 dollars. The coins may never see daylight again.

The point is, if those co would otherwise get lost inside a couch "from whose bourn no traveller returns," would it hurt

so much to donate that money to someone in need? Those 23 cents don't really seem like a lot—but consider that it happens several times a day. every day, for many years, and they really amount to quite a sum. A friend of mine once collected all the change lying around his house, put it into a backpack, and cashed it in at the bank. When the teller was done counting it up. the total was over 700 dollars. And while you might say to yourself—hey. that's 700 dollars could have spent on something else—that's not the point. When people allow change to accumulate, wherever it might be. they don't even think of it as money. Did my friend go to the bank thinking, "Well, I'm down 700, so this change better be i f ? No, because people never realize the value of the change in their pockets.

So if people don't even notice this small "money leak'" in their lives, why does it matter where it

might be leaking into? The fact that we simply don't even perceive the loss speaks to how fortunate many of us are. If we can part with this money without even feeling a dent in our wallets, we should give it to a cause that really counts.

Opportunities to give to the poor are all over the place. At almost every place of business, there is some sort of plastic box with a picture of malnourished children. When you get your change back, just throw it in—it's very easy, and girls, it takes a lot less time than opening that annoying latch of your coin purse.

The holidays are approaching—people with Santa hats are embarrassing themselves on every street comer singing carols and ringing an obnoxious bell. Regardless of gender, we all know that we can afford to part with a little change. Give those red-suited bell-ringers a break and put something in their buckets. Give them a reason to brave the cold for a little while longer. And most importantly, give what you can to spare those who need it the most.

Snow days: a thing of the past?

by Jacqueline O 'Reilly Winter is clearly upon us. December 1 brought Chicagoland its first snowstorm of the season. The night before, sleet fell from the sky creating a dangerous and slippery layer of ice on the ground. The next morning, around 7 am, snow began to fall, as it would for the next six hours, and Park Ridge was transformed into a winter wonderland.

However, it wasn't a winter wonderland for most. The slick ice and several inches of snow caused dangerous road conditions just in time for rush hour. Cars were stuck in snow mounds, fish-tailing, spinning around the streets, and hitting other cars. News programs urged people to avoid the storm conditions, or if anything, take public transportation. The news was also showing numerous districts that had canceled classes to prevent their students and staff from getting the brunt of the terrible weather. A certain district never showed up on the screen: 207.

District 207 proceeded with class despite the dangerous situation. Students, parents, and staff were outraged with the decision. One student stated, "It's ridiculous that we had school. The district forced students who hadn't had their license for any more than two years to drive

to school, endangering themselves and others.

What would they have done if someone got severely hurt?"

Another student explains, "I tried calling school to find out if the buses were running despite the storm and I got a recorded message saying "not answering calls until 7:30." If you're going forward with class despite the severe weather, you need to be willing to talk to the people you're endangering.'"

Now people are left to wonder, "If this isn't considered a snow day. what is?" Schools in the area, including Notre Dame High School for Boys, Resurrection High School, and Mary Seat of Wisdom closed their doors for the day due to the same weather conditions affecting 207. Some say that because these schools

are private schools, they are more inclined to close; however, the students and staff of those schools aren't in any more danger just because they don't attend public schools, so why should it matter?

On top of it all. the district sets aside extra days in case of severe weather conditions, such as those on December I. Granted, we haven't used them much in the past, but that Friday seemed like it was called for.

I'm not trying to downplay the importance of education and learning. It is obviously very important and an enormous necessity, but so is the safety of the students and staff of district 207. Hopefully, next time we all get transported to a gigantic snow globe, we won"t have to risk our lives. Then again, mavbe we will.

10

MMENTARY DECEMBER

22, 2006 • VOL. 43, No. 7 ?

A letter to the editors

I was startled to see the gross misrepresentations of facts in the article "Kerry Not Fit for Presidency." which appeared in the December 1. 2006 issue of Southwords.

This article was not just a piece of political commentan.. but an uncalled-for and irrational attack on the entire Democratic party and its supporters.

The article was centered on a remark that Senator Kerry made on October 30, while speaking to a group of California students.

The Southwords article was based on a series of misquotes that sadly have dominated press coverage of Kerry recently. Td like to make it very clear that John Kerry did not insult American troops. Instead, he was criticizing Bush"s policy. The prepared text of Kerry's speech said, "Do you know where you end up if,you don't study, if you aren't smart, if you're intellectually lazy? You end up getting us stuck in a war in Iraq. Just ask President Bush," according to Kerry spokeswoman Amy Brundage. quoted in an MSNBC story.

Kerry accidentally left out two words. And even though he misspoke, the meaning of his comment was clear to the students and would have been clear to the public if his quote had not been taken out of context.

Clearly. Kerry means our troops no ill will and supports them whole-heartedly, as he has said repeatedly. Yes, Kerry supports bringing our troops out of Iraq, for two reasons. First, he believes that diplomacy is the way to solve problems, especially when military solutions don't seem to be working. Let me remind you that Iraq is still in a state of uproar, despite the fledgling democracy we've put into place.

Secondly, Kerry thinks that for the safety of our troops they should come home. I'm sure the lives of our men and women are more important than protecting the Bush administration's reputation by continuing this misguided war.

The article also quoted Kerry's comments on what the press had been reporting about him, and these were also misrepresented.

The way the comment was presented made it unclear that Kerry had said this in response to the press remarks on his former speech.

What the senator actually said was. "It disgusts me that a bunch of these Republican hacks who've never worn the uniform of our country are willing to lie about those who did," referring to the way Republicans have been accusing him, a Vietnam veteran, of insulting our troops and being disrespectful to our country. Senator Kerry is understandably

frustrated by the way Republicans focus on minor misunderstandings and blow them out of proportion. But most of us have realized by now that that's standard policy in the Republican party. Kerr, wants to get past all that name-calling and focus on what's really at stake here. I strongly disagree with the claim that the war in Iraq and the reasons for starting it is not important today and is old news. The decisions made by this administration have decided the state of our country and the world today, and we are paying for their failure to think things through in dollars and lives.

The point about interrogation tactics that Bush had proposed disgusted me. It is my belief that torture is never sound policy. In this case, the fact that the people being tortured were terrorists was not entirely true. Many of the people interrogated by the military are just random people picked off the street—they may or may not know anything about terrorist threats. It's just not right to torture these people, especially if they are innocent. Also, according to experts in the field, torture just doesn't work. People will say anything if one pushes them hard enough. Finally, the Geneva Convention should not be just an irritating law that we try to get around or find loopholes in. While it may not apply here, the Geneva Convention serves as a guideline for general policy and should be respected.

The points made by this article seem to rest on the idea that Kerry is some sort of radical liberal attacking the stance of Bush and the American people. But this is simply not true.

May 1 remind you that President Bush has a current approval rating of33 percent (according to November 12 Gallup Poll results)? That's lower than any other President. Senator Kerry is one of 61 percent of aduhs (according to a September 19 poll) that are calling for a new direction and new leadership. He represents most of America in his desire to call the troops out of Iraq, so I wouldn't be so quick to call him an insane liberal.

As editor of this publication, I urge you to consider the truth and quality of information in your articles before printing them. And to the readers. I urge you not to let this hateful mudslinging get to you. Politics should be debated and not fought over. 1 know 1 am not alone in my beliefs and that I represent many of my classmates. I hope that in the future we can engage in open discussion of real issues and not resort to angry name-calling.

- Nora Pace, 10

^fSIEnnion ©

"It's good because it relates to e\ er)one."

-Jeremy Avnessazian '09

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"That's probably good, even though Christmas isn't religious anymore an\ua\."

-Andrew Zwickv '07

o ON

CM

©

"I think it's okay because it's emphasizing the different religions."

-Lindsay Parrino '10

© ©

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"Its good because no one is offended and everyone can enjoy the holiday season."

-Samantha Sodini '08

COMMENTARY DECEMBER

22, 2006 • VOL. 43, No. 7

1

Expression of Christmas denied by ACLU

by Michael Coyne Republicans have been under constant scrutiny by organizations including the ACLU, who argue that conservatives, more specifically traditionalists, are nothing more than Evangelical zealots who are trying to force religion on the public. It's these accusations that led to such abhorrent spectacles as the great Christmas controversy last year. These groups call attention to anything from saying "God bless you" after a sneeze, to the word "God" on currency, to the display of a Christmas tree in December, declaring any and all of this as "evidence" that conservatives are some sort of religious enforcers. This is simply not true.

Our Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and that's fine. Now. examine the word "traditionalist." American tradition promises the right to worship whomever or whatever one wants, so why would a traditionalist want to take away these rights? They wouldn't. It's that simple. Americans are granted a right to practice and, more importantly express any religion they choose (take note, ACLU supporters). Now, here's the real question: why would the ACLU. the American Civil Liberties Union, want to take away that civil liberty of expression?

The ACLU has pressed schools not to permit men dressed like Santa Claus to visit little kids.

by A lex a Karas A New Year. A clean slate. How many times have you heard those phrases? All the problems from last year are still fresh in our minds, and we are all promising ourselves that we will be good this year. Good until the diet plan fails, you tell your .^H«* ,;•• ^ first lie, and you forget -^^ brother from school.

My New Year's '

Why can't they just let little kids have their fun?

They also argued that the display of Christmas trees and nativity scenes was tantamount to imposing religion on people. They say that these forms of celebration aren't "politically correcf• and that they're not "inclusive." This led schools, businesses, and even government buildings to eliminate nativity scenes, and rename the pointy-topped evergreens. "Holiday Trees." An organization that claims to defend civil liberties should be protecting the rights of free speech and expression, not strong-arming American institutions to keep quiet.

To the ACLU, though, defending groups that advocate or support immorality or the harm of others is acceptable. For example, the ACLU's free-speech hallmark defendant is NAMBLA (North American Man-Boy Love Association, a group that advocates the rape and molestation of young boys). ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero must be so proud. American values have undeniably hit an all-time low.

In recent history, schools have been declining Christmas celebrations on the basis of the flimsy "inclusiveness" argument. As such, the two-week gap in the school year that once was called "Christmas Break" was renamed "Winter Break." Granted, this isn't necessarily new, but it is annoying. The break was originally implemented to honor Christmas.

Since about 1880, Christmas has been

recognized as a national holiday. Everyone (including teachers and government officials) has been free to celebrate all aspects of the holiday. Religious or not, it's a national holiday, so it's counter-productive to limit it.

Now, I respect the idea of not offending anyone, but we must recognize that this is an impossible goal. People cannot go through life without being offended: it just can't happen.

America needs to drop this noble, but ultimately worthless goal of "political correctness."

Holidays (especially Christmas), and the principles that go with them (such as love, peace, and family) are indispensable parts of American society. If it makes you more comfortable, forget about the religious aspect, and respect Christmas as the beautiful, joyous time of year that it is, and, God willing (that's right, 1 said it) always will be.

If you still don't buy what I'm saying, here are some numbers: According to a study by "U.S. News & World Report,'' 95 percent of Americans celebrate Christmas and 97 percent said that they would not be offended by a greeting of "Merry Christmas." Nearly all of Americans would accept the greeting as a warm, well-meaning wish, as they should.

Therefore, as a holiday message to all of Maine South: Merry Christmas, readers. And enjoy your Christmas Break.

resolutions have always been insignificant, until this year. This year 1 am going to do something big. I am going to make a difference in my life and in the lives of the people I know and love.

It may sound difficult, but it is true. I am going to grow up. I am going to use my patience, kindness, and maturity to demonstrate that I have. Because 1 turn 18 three days before the ball drops in New York City, it is only proper andfittingthat I do so.

In the past, I have always fried, or at least pretended, to be more grown up than the previous year. Unfortunately, it never worked, and I was stuck being a kid for another 365 days. But this year is diflFerent because I have many more challenging responsibilities and daunting tasks before me.

-I have to make the big decision on college, I have-to ^Vork my summerjob; and then 1 have

to say goodbye in August. How will 1 handle adulthood? How will you handle adulthood?

Will you still sneak out to Hamlin Gate and smoke that beautifully illegal cigarette? (I've neverfriedit, but it seems very popular.) Will you wash the dishes when no one is looking and pretend you have no idea who did? Will you remember to exercise your civic duty and vote in the next election?

Believe me, I'm nervous because this year, I'm dead serious. However, growing up doesn't mean you have to lose your sense of humor. And don't forget, adults make mistakes. I guess my overall goal is to act more mature and prove to everyone I know that 1 am an independent and confident person.

I wish you luck with your New Year's resolutions. It doesn't mater how significant or insignificant they are. Try your best to keep them because you will only feel better about yourself. Maybe even attempt growing up.

It's okay to fail on your first try. I've failed about six times. And if we fail, I guess I'll just see you next year, right?

12

SPORTS DECEMBER

22. 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 43, No.7

BCS National Championship Ohio State vs. Florida January 8, Spni EST

b\ Tommy Joyce The BCS National Championship, a game full of controN ersN o\ er \\ ho should be pla\ing Ohio State, takes place January 8 between the number one Ohio State Buckeyes and the number two Rorida Gators. Florida won the Southeastern Conference Championship o\er Arkansas to jump idle Michigan in the polls to get to the title game, while USC was upset

by UCLA. The Ohio State Buckey esfinishedthe season undefeated at 12-0 with a unanimous number one spot in the polls. Ohio State defended their number one ranking against big ten rival Michigan and last year's national champion Texas.

Florida notched victories over number eight Arkansas, number nine LSU. and number 13 Tennessee. The Gator's onlj loss was to number 11 Auburn.

Ohio State is led by Heisman trophy w inner Troy Smith. Smith threw for 2507 yards. 30

touchdowns, and only fi\e interceptions. Ohio State's running back Antonio Pittman also had a very good year w ith 1171 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns.

The Buckeyes have two excellent receivers in the explosive, second team all-American Ted Ginn Jr.. w ho has scored nine touchdow ns. and reliable recei\ er Anthony Gonzalez, w ho has scored eight touchdow ns.

Ohio State also has a very solid defense, including two first team ail-Americans; defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock and linebacker James Laurinaitis. The defensi\ e unit is gi\ ing up about 10 points a game, second in the country.

Florida uses a two quarterback system with senior Chris Leak and freshman Tim Tebow.

Leak is used mainly in passing situations because of his good arm, while Tebow is brought in because of outstanding running ability.

Leak has thrown for 2729 yards. 22 touchdow ns. and 11 interceptions, while Telxiw

is the second leading rusher on the team with 430 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns. Leak has four solid w ide receivers to throw to but his favorite favorite target is fellow senior Dallas Baker. Freshman Percy Har\ in also provides a spark in the reciveing and running games.

The Gators strong defense has led to many of Florida's v ictories. Florida ranks sixth in the nation, giving up a minuscule 13 points a game.

The team also ranks ninth in total defense w ith first team all-American safety Reggie Nelson, second team cornerback R\an Smith, and third team linebacker Brandon Siler Florida uses its tremendous defensive speed to create problems for the opposing offenses.

Ohio State is favored to win this game and have not played since November 18, but the Florida Gators should be able to make it a good game. Florida's offense will have to play well and put up some points in order for the Gators to come away w ith a victory in the BCS Championship. Ohio State will come out victorius 38-21.

Girls' basketball maintains high intensity considerable amount of playing time because of the offenses' break-neck pace.

The Haw ks lost a key member of their team Smith initiated the system after the offense in their 49-.34 win at Evanston. Nikki Wnek. started receiv ing a lot of zone defense due to the the five foot seven inch senior forward, tore Hawks exceptional execution against a man-toher ACL in her left knee fighting over a loose man defense. When the girls see zone. Coach ball.

Smiths best advice is to. "Beat the defense Losing Wnek for the remainder of the year down the floor. We feel our best chance to puts the girls dow n both a starter, beat a zone is to get up the court and a team leader. But senior before the other teams defense Grace Goro spelled the injured can get set."

Wnek with 10 points in the As the girls from Grayslake Evanston game and will replace were key ing in on Tomzik during Wnek as the starter. On the dow n ^ the November 21 match-up. side, as coach Smith said. "The ^ senior Angle Rieger was busy leadership on the court that is lost dropping in 15 points, shooting when a co-captain gets injured is 3-3 from three-point land. Over inv aluable to our team."

Thanksgiving break, the Hawks Watching the Evanston game ran through both Harrington and one would have seen junior Crane by 28 points.

Karen Solari playing with a "Rip The girls were coming into Hamilton like" mask due to a the Buffalo Grove game riding broken nose. The point being, high at 5-0, but the Bisons these girls have been tested early photo h\ Carleion Gartner Suffocating defense held the The Hawks huddle up up to discuss their gamepldn on in the Hawks quest for unHawks to 17 percent from the reached heights this season. reign to take a lot of shots in a short amount three point arc and the girls lost 47-61.

The girls opened the season with their of time.

Ashley Tomzik and Karen Solari combined biggest win so far. a 55-50 victory over a then Coach Smith adopted the strategy in to score 34 of the Haw ks 53 points in their 12number 10 ranked Wheeling team. Karen Solari part because he gets to give 10 players a point win over Schaumburg.

by Nick Ryter

shot 70 percent from the field for 19 points, and senior co-captain Ashley Tomzik made sure the Hawks opened the vear w ith a win. pouring in 23 points.

The girls ran through Regina 55-28 while the team combined to shoot 55 percent for the game. Such a statistic is a sign of turmoil for the opposing team because the Hawks have free

DECEMBER

13

22, 2006 â&#x20AC;˘ VOL. 43, No. 7

Orange Bowl # 5 Louisville vs. # 15 Wake Forest January 2, 8pm EST

Sugar Bowl # 6 LSU vs. # 11 Notre Dame January 3, 8pm EST

by Tommy Joyce The Orange Bowl this year will take place between the number five University of Louisville Cardinals and number 15 University of Wake Forest Demon Deacons on January 2. Louisville (11-1,6-1) represents the Big East Conference, with their one loss coming to then undefeated number 16 Rutgers. Wake Forest (11-2,6-2) represents the ACC after beating number 23 Georgia Tech for the conference crown.

Louisville, led by quarterback Brian Brohm. is third in the country in total yards per game. The team is averaging over 295 yards passing and over 190 yards rushing per contest, even after losing star running back Michael Bush at the beginning of the season. Louisville is also third in points scored, averaging almost 39 points a game. While the defense has faced some problems, the unit still ranks 19th in the nation in scoring defense thanks to good overall speed and aggressiveness.

Wake Forest's greatest strength is their defense. Their defense has forced 29 turnovers and their turnover margin ranks sixth in the country.

Freshman quarterback Riley Skinner has stepped in to throw for 1,780 yards and eight touchdowns after an injury to their starting quarterback and running back after the first game. Wake Forest ranks 74"" in the country in scoring offense and 98* in the country in total offense.

The Demon Deacons defense will have to step up to a great challenge of the Cardinals' high powered offense if they plan on coming out with a victory. Louisville's Brian Brohm will use the speed advantage he has against Wakes defense to win the Orange Bowl 32-21.

by Nick Ryler Second team Ail-American Brady Quinn leads Notre Dame into LSU"s backyard in his final collegiate game after finishing third to Troy Smith and Darren McFadden in the Heisman voting. The Super Dome is LSU's home field, and Notre Dame hasn't won a bowl game in more than 10 years. Both teams fell short of their preseason expectations but still ended up 10-2.

Notre Dame's losses came against Michigan and at USC in their last game. LSU lost two hard fought games to Auburn and Florida, both by a much closer margin than Notre Dame did to Michigan and USC. Defensively. LSU is ranked second in the nation in total defense, while Notre Dame's defense gave up 47 and 44 points to Michigan and USC, respectively.

The most important match-up in the game pit's the Irish offense against the Tigers defense. Brady Quinn and company will be forced to put up points early and often to keep their defense from getting exposed again by a talented opposing offense. Darius Walker only managed 56 yards against UCLA and USC, that number will have to increase big time, or else LSU's Jamarcus Russell will have a field day against Notre Dames suspect defense.

Because I pick Notre Dame in every game that they lose, I will go with my fellow experts in picking LSU to win at home in the Bayou in hopes that Notre Dame proves me wrong again and wins. My final score: LSU 38- Notre Dame 24.

Rose Bowl # 3 Michigan vs. # 4 USC January 1, 8pm EST

photo I

Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm preps for a pass.

photo iOllffS\ o(n:i

Chad Henne throws the ball downfield

by Nick Ryter In perhaps the most anticipated game since anyone got excited over who was number two, Mike Hart and the Michigan Wolverines come to Pasadena in hopes of handing Dwayne Jarrett and the USC Trojans their second consecutive Rose Bowl loss. These two teams battled all year for the right to be number two, only to get blitzed by SEC Champion Florida after both teams lost late in the year.

Michigan's secondary will face even better receivers than Ohio State's, if that's possible. With All American Dwayne Jarrett, Steve Smith, and JaMarcus Russell contemplates six foot five inch freshman Patrick Turner, USC quarterback John David his options.

Booty will have the opportunity to spread the field and find the open man, much like Troy Smith did for Ohio State. The only problem is. Booty isn't Smith, and to move the ball, he'll have to rely on his running back, CJ Gables, and his shaky offensive line against the strongest defense in the nation in Michigan.

LaMarr Woodley and the rest of the defensive line for the Wolverines should have little problem getting to Booty if the Trojans record against the elite pass rushers in the Pac-10 is any clue. UCLA and Oregon State, the top two pass-rushing teams in the Pac-10, handed USC two losses this season.

Compared to Michigan's 39-42 heartbreaker against the Buckeyes in the Horseshoe, USC's bad games show their potential for inconsistent play. Give Trojan Coach Pat Carroll credit for being one of the best biggame coaches in college football, but I like the Wolverines to win a back Dwu} riL .iLi, idit and Steve Smith have each other's backs. and forth game. 31-24.

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BO^S' B.ASkETBALL • GiRLS' BASKETBALL • I.NDOOR T R A C K • BOVS' Sw IMMING • GiRLS' GVMNASTICS • WRESTLLNG

Bring back the plaque

by Erin Mulligan

is Mr. Kirshner and the freshman coach is Mr. Manning. There are also two volunteer coaches to help out, Mr. Hansen and Mr. Caliendo. The captains chosen this year are Kevin Contomo, Steve Jaworski, Alex Friel, and Mark Corsello. The other senior leaders chosen by the coaches are Keith Contomo and Tommy Kasch. There are a total of 15 returning seniors this year.

So far. the JV/Sophomore level won a tournament championship, the Carmel of Mundelein inv itational, and are hoping for more wins. The Varsity team is off to a good start, starting 8-1 this season and 1-0 in conference.

The three schools so far that seemed to be a threat were Buffalo Grove, Saint Patrick's

Our Maine South Boys' wrestling team has started with many goals in mind. One goal in particular is securing the plaque. This requires Maine South to win conference or regionals. In the past, the team lost the conference plaque to New Trier, and they lost the regionals plaque to Lake Park. The hopes are that it won't stay gone too long, though. For the past eight seasons, they've won four conference titles and five regional titles. This exhibits the true dedication that each coach and wrestler puts into each da\.

The Varsity coaches this year are Mr. Fallico and Mr. McCann. The Junior Varstitv coach

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and Niles West, but Maine South has defeated them. The only loss was to Montini. who is a top-10 team in the country, but that won't stop the wrestlers from going far this yean Many of the w restlers show great strength and leadership, including Steve Jaworski who stated. "This is one of the best teams that w e've had in a while; we hav e high expectations. This isour year to win."

Another captain. Alex Friel. feels the same excitement and "expects to win a conference and regional title. We're all here to win it this year."

It looks like there's only one thing on their minds and it really shows in their dramatic development.

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Winter (Breaks ^^ Syorts Merits ^'

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-V Girls" Basketball V Girls'Basketball Montini (CHBC) Away Downers Gro\ e South 2:.30 PM (CHBC) Home 6:00 PM

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A' Boys" Basketball York Jack Tosh Tour.

2 7 -V Wrestling C<i Homewood Hossmoor 9:00 AM -V Girls" Basketball -V Girls' Basketball CHBC Tournament CHBC Tournament 10:30/12/2/3:30 PM 10:30/12/2/3:30 PM -V Gymnastics -V Gymnastics Maine Maine West Away East Away 5:00 PM 6:00 PM

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Away TBA

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Wrestling '". Home 6 ^ s. Shepherd. Argo. & Schaumburg 9:(X)AM -V Boys' Basketball raft Home 7:30 PM -V Boys'Swimming Hawk Relavs Home 10 AM