Vol 44 issue 8

M4»«l4^ll

Mjirvel In This Issue:

Kara Konken portraying Millie in the upcoming musical " Thoroughly Modern Millie " practices a scene with members of the ensemble.

Phntn b\ Kclse^' Orandi

NEWS

FEATURES

ENTERTAINMENT

COMMENTARY

SPORTS

N e w changes in Maine South library.

A N e w Yofk man reminds travelers about 9/11.

Review 6 f *ft>kyo Police Club's "Elephant SheU."

Feminists vs. radicals: a tealit\check. W

W M i i o g start for G i d s ' Soccer,

PAGE 2

PAGE 5

PAGE?

PAGE 9

PAGE 1 2

2

NEWS APRIL

18,2008 • VOL. 44, No. 8

Changes ahead for Maine South library

by Meghan O 'Keefe

The Maine South library has undergone another rule change recently in order to accommodate more students. The librarians and safety monitors have begun to enforce the new rule that students are only allowed 20 minutes, or one half-period a day to work in the library. This is down from the one-period a day rule that has existed for some time in the library.

The change comes at a response to a number of complaints over the unfair nature of students staying for a full period. A student coming from the A-wing, they argued, couldn't possibly make it in time to get a coveted spot in the library. Head librarian Mrs. Retrum has also received three phone calls from parents. In the end, it was decided that the only fair solution was to clear the library out at the half, therefore allowing more people, such as the A-wing travelers, a chance to get in.

This change, though, has many students upset. For those trying to work, the library may be their only option for a quiet place. This is especially true for those whose only other option would be to spend the second half of the period in the cafeteria, a notoriously loud, dirty, and chaotic place.

In response to these qualms, Retrum said, "It's hard for us to be fair. We try and be

sensitive to all students, but it seems like when we satisfy the complaints of one group of students, another group gets upset."

Retrum also says the problem is the overall lack of areas for students to go during these free periods. "Other schools have alternate study halls so students have somewhere to go other than the cafeteria for lounge."

Despite this new rule cutting library time in half, Retrum insists that exceptions can be made for the student who may desperately need the time. The point of the rule is not to create a problem for students, she insists, and the staff is willing to be flexible, if need be.

This, though, opens another door full of more grey matter. There exists a "fine line" when it comes to the importance of students' time use in the library. Determining the rights of students, whether they are reading a graphic novel, magazine, or paper, or are working on homework, is a matter not easily resolved.

Even when it comes to talking, says Retrum, there exists afineline. "We try and call students out for being too chatty," she insists. When students reach this point is still unclear.

Others, while they may agree with their intentions to allow for more student access to the library, question the means of achieving this goal. Why not allow more students into the library so that all four chairs are used at the tables instead of only two?

"The problem with that is the fire code," says Retrum. "We have more chairs than we

can safely fit students."

Next year, however, the library is hoping to be able to allow more students to use the library during any given period. Retrum, along with fellow librarian Ms. Mellendorf, Principal Claypool, and a student advisory council, is working to get a plan approved by the school board for a complete renovation of the library.

This renovation will change the entire vibe of the library to a "soft furniture look," comparable to the likes of "a Starbucks and Panera atmosphere." This will create a more comfortable section at the front of the library, which will also be supplied with 30 laptop computers for students' use. This will hopefully get more students into the library, as well as more students on computers.

Another change they hope to make is to have all-new flat screen computers throughout the library. They have also already repainted one wall of the library, the first change of many, they hope.

"Mr. Claypool has been so supportive of the new look," says Retrum. The plan is still awaiting approval by the school board ultimately. This will come in the next couple of months.

In the end, the librarians are "doing the best [they] can." With up to 700 students a day and 10-12 classes a day, they certainly have a lot on their plate, as well as a lot of issues to resolve in the future.

Texas polygamist compound under investigation

by Erin Klein In El Dorado, Texas, a polygamist compound with hundreds of children is undergoing a massive child abuse investigation.. The compound was home to a sect of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints, which split from the Mormon church over 100 years ago once the church outlawed polygamy.

According to AOL News, the 1,700 acre compound was filled with sexual abuse, child welfare officials said in court documents released Tuesday. The girls were spiritually married to men as soon as they reached puberty and thereafter required to produce children.

Officials have removed all of the 416 children and have won custody of all of them, said spokeswoman for Children Protective Services, Marleigh Meisner.

Court documents stated that many of the teenage girls at the compound were pregnant and were in danger of "emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse."

The young men were groomed to be prepared to marry imderage girls upon entering adulthood, therefore "resulting in them becoming sexual perpetrators," as stated in the affidavit.

"Investigators determined that there is a widespread pattern and practice of the Ranch in which young, minor female residents are conditioned to expect and accept sexual activity with adult men at the ranch upon being spiritually married to them," read the affidavit signed by Department of Family and Protective Services investigative supervisor Lyim McFadden.

The compound was raided Thursday, April 3, after a 16-year-old girl called a local family

violence shelter. The girl told the shelter that her husband would "beat and hurt" her when he got angry. She also stated that her husband sexually assualted her, and that she was several weeks pregnant.

Meisner stated that the agency was unaware as to whether the girl was among those removed from the compoimd.

Authorities have issued an arrest for church member Dale Barlow, 50, who allegedly is in Arizona, but the girl's husband has yet to be identified.

The compound's attorney Gary Goldstein filed motions asking a judge to stop the search on constitutional grounds, believing that the state authorities did not have enough evidence.

He compared the search of the Temple to a search of the Vatican and other holy places. This motion was defeated last Wednesday.

NEWS APRIL

18, 2008 • VOL. 44, No. 8

3

Lit. of Chicago classes get taste of city's history

founders. Bronco Billy Anderson and George K. Spoor. This film company started careers of actors such as Charlie Chaplin.

Maine South's Literature of Chicago classes After teaching the students an arrav of had an interesting class experience on Friday. other Chicago facts, he began to quiz the March 2, when they had the opportunity to hear students about their own town. He asked a speaker who truh knows his Chicago history. students about the name. "Park Ridge." The Geoffrey Baer. a tour guide for the Chicago Lit. of Chicago teachers seemed proud of Architectural Foundation and producer/ their students as they shared their knowledge television host for WTTW-11, met of their own town's history. Park Ridge with the Lit. of Chicago classes in derived its name from "the high ground the Principal's Conference room. ridge." The city's significance comes from the fact that the Continental divide The knowledgeable historian runs through it. On the West side of came to tell Maine South students the Divide, all natural sources of water more about the big city, and to give eventually flow into the Mississippi, and them inspiration for a class project all water on the East side of the Divide known as Operation Eyeball. The Lit. flow to a final destination in the Great of Chicago class project Operation Lakes. The divide was important in Eyeball involves the students U.S. history, as explorers Marquette and experiencing different aspects of Joliet realized the potential for a fiiture Chicago culture by visiting sites in canal connecting the Mississippi and the Chicago. This type of assignment Great Lakes. While the canal wouldn't was all too familiar for Baer, who come for a hundred years after Marquette makes a living experiencing the and Joliet left the Mississippi Valley, it nuances of Chicago. would eventually be one of America's Baer began his talk by sharing photo by Meghan O Keefe most important water passages. a television program he hosted for Baer animatedly explains Chicago's history to MS students.

The students processed all of the Channel 11 called "Hidden Chicago." knowledge they knew about Park Ridge The T.V. program involved Baer reporting on obscure, yet interesting parts of television, Chicago was the epicenter of early and Baer continued on with even more. While unknown Chicago and Chicago history. Baer silent films. Essanay may not mean much to he was still going strong, the bell rang and the shared all kinds of information spanning a wide most Maine South students, but it is the name of students thanked Jeffrey Baer as they hurried variety of subjects. He covered information a very important silent film company founded off to their seventh period classes. about the first settler in Chicago, who despite here in Chicago. The namesake spurred from The students came in expecting to learn popular belief, was not the white settler. John "S and A" symbolizing the last names of the some history, and they left historians.

by Jonatlian Stevens

Kinzie. Rather. Baer informed students that an African-American freed slave named Jean Baptiste DuSable was the first to build his house in what is now Chicago.

The informative speaker didn't stop there.

He continued by sharing another interesting, obscure fact: that Chicago was the "old Hollywood." While the California dreamland is now the epicenter of American film and

Youth violence increasing in Chicago area

by Samantha Yee On Monday, April 7, three teenagers were shot on the South and West sides of Chicago.

Amanda Gutierrez was one of the three teens that was shot. She was standing on a sidewalk with a finend when a car pulled up and fired multiple shots. The girl she was with was unwounded. but Gutierrez was taken to Stroger Hospital of Cook County in serious to critical condition.

The following day. she was said to be doing just fine. An hour before Gutierrez was shot, a nineteen-year-old male was involved in a gang-related shooting in the same neighborhood. That same night, a ten-yearold boy was grazed by a bullet. Police say that the bullet came from a vehicle, and the target was in a different vehicle; the boy was just an innocent bystander in the situation. All of the youngsters wounded that night were students

of nearby Chicago Public Schools.

By the end of the 2006-2007 school year, 24 students had died from gun violence. 22 students have been killed this year alone because of gun violence. Gun violence has become more serious in the past few years, with students in some parts of Chicago constantly worrying about their walks to and from school each day.

Many ask what the city of Chicago is doing to try and stop the violence. Some blame the parents. They claim that it is the parent's job to enforce rules on their children, that parents should know what children are doing and who they affiliate with. Others blame the schools.

Schools, after all. are there to teach the children and to help make them well-rounded individuals. Education on violence and gang prevention should be taught just as much as any other subject. Some even go as far as

blaming the governor for taking away the funding for Project Ceasefire, a community organization that was making progress against gun and gang violence.

A classroom full of students already died this year due to gim violence. Seventeenyear-old Michael Mack lives on the South side with his parents and says that he takes several modes of public transportation to get to school each day. Usually, it takes him about 45 minutes to get himself to school. However, with the recent violence in his neighborhood, he has taken a new route, which takes him an hour and ten minutes. Mack says that, "School is supposed to be a safe place," and it is. for many students in the country.

Yet. the city of Chicago has experienced so many deaths due to gun violence in the past four months, that parents and community leaders are acting out against the violence.

APRIL 18, 2008 • VOL. 44, No. 8

The bullies who cried ^nark'

by Michael Coyne Bullying is wrong. Congratulations, in reading that sentence, you've just graduated kindergarten. But, apparently, some Maine South students still don't quite get the concept.

At the center of the issue is the Law Enforcement Explorers program. With about half of the participants in high school, these students seem to be taking some undue heat for their participation. Maine South's Resource Officer, Mike Luehr, said, "Some of the Maine South students who participate in the program get bullied and called 'narks.'"

At the root of the problem is public misconception. "The program emphasizes character and leadership, using law enforcement in a police department as their worksite-based learning facility," Luehr said. Explorers participate in ride-alongs, community service, traffic control, or even mock-ups of crime scene investigation through the Major Case Assistance Team. Luehr said, "If it's part of law enforcement, they've experienced it in one facet or another."

"The assumption is that, because these guys are associated with the police department,

they're ratting out other people at school for whatever may be going on, and that's not what's happening at all," Luehr said adamantly. It's actually the policy of the Explorer Program not to have students inform on their peers. "We're not allowed to have them be involved in 'special operations,'" Luehr said, "[participants are] not to be informants."

Luehr indicated that participants don't even give him names of students who do the bullying, stating, "They're not even narking out the guys yelling at them in the halls for doing good work.

I think that has a lot to say about these guys involved. They're not even going to rat out the guys giving them a hard time."

Luehr believes that the answer to the issues that students are facing with the explorer program is knowledge. "You turn on TV, and all you see is police shows," Luehr began carefully, leaning in and eyeing the tape recorder on his desk, "COPS, Law & Order...the public is fascinated with policing, but they don't know what we really do. The program allows youth to understand what policing is really about; to understand the difference between a three-minute car chase, and the eight hours of paperwork that follows it. You don't see that on TV."

Lucky group of dancers

by Bess Featherstone The week of March 23-30 was the 38"" World Irish Dancing Championship, held for the third time in Belfast, Ireland. Three Maine South students competed throughout the week: Brigid Walsh, junior; Emma Ross, sophomore; and Brendan Mullane, f r e s h m a n . All three students dance for the Mullane-Healy-O' Brian Academy of Irish Dance and competed together over Spring Break.

were able to move on to compete at Worlds in Ireland.

The team ended Worlds in fifth place against teams from Ireland, Canada, Scotland, England, the United States, and Australia.

"It was a dream come true to be able to represent the USA in Ireland for the World Championships.

As nervous as I was to compete with so many sood teams, it was so nuch fun and I had the time of my life," said

photo courtesy of Einina Ross

Ross and Walsh are The Women of Ireland perform their eight ^oss, concerning her part of a team called The minute dance at Worlds. experience.

Women of Ireland. The Ross has been dancing team is made up of 16 girls that danced an eight since she was in first grade, and Walsh has been minute dance. dancing since she was six. They have been The team first competed in Canada last July dancing together for about three years. at a national competition. They were named Mullane traveled to Ireland as a solo dancer the North American National Champions and and received IS'' place.

Luehr said that the real purpose of the program is to lay groundwork for good citizenship, even if participants ultimately decide not to choose law enforcement as a career. Luehr remarked, "The public need to understand that what these guys do is community service."

Officer Luehr pointed out that "the last thing I want to do is create an environment that's going to make something bad for these kids."

Using Explorer participants as informants would go directly against that directive.

For more information of the Law Enforcement Explorers program, contact Officer Luehr in the Deans' office or go to www.leamingforlife.org/exploring.

S O U T H W O R D S Maine South High School 1111 South Dee Road Park Ridge, IL 60068

Signed letters to the editor should be delivered to room V-131 or given to a member of the editorial staff. SOUTHWORDS reserves the right to edit material for clarity and brevity and to reject obscene/libelous submissions.

Editors-in-Chief

Michael Coyne Meghan O'Keefe Erin Klein News Editors Nicky Priovolos Bess Featherstone Features Editors Jacqueline O'Reilly Tom Berg Entertainment Editors Katrina Underwood Xander Tapling Commentary Editors Courtney Vinopal Sports Editors Thomas Joyce Patrick Mirski Josh Sissman Production Editor Ted Sherbin Photographer Kelsey Grandi Leah Artwick Staff Artists Gina Tingas Kevin Verre Advisers Mr. Ellefson Mr. Stathakis

FEATURES APRIL

18, 2008 • VOL. 44, No. 8

5

Maine South Remembering a tragedy goes modern

By Xaitder Tapling

Maine South is heading back to the beginning of the "Roaring Twenties" with this year's musical: "Thoroughly Modem Millie."

The musical is the classic story of a young girl's dream of being successful in the big city. It follows the main character, Millie Dillmount (played by Kara Konken). as she tries to find love and money in the Big

photo courtesy o/wwwjrivictkeatre.ie

Thoroughly Modern Millie was a hit when it premiered on Broadway.

Apple. After her first encounter with reality in the form of lovable rogue Jimmy (portrayed

by Jonathan Stevens), she is served a dose of reality with a dash of advice: go home.

Over the course of her time in New York City, she meets everyone in the city from lechers and drunkards to high-stepping socialites. Other notable characters include Dorothy (Meredith Bonk), pragmatic businessman Trevor Graydon n i (Andrew Terleckyj), dazzling Muzzy van Hossmere (Chelsie Zimny), and the villain you'll love to hate, Mrs. Meers (Hannah Johnson), with her henchmen Bun Foo (Matt Prezkota) and Ching Ho (Michael Hansen).

A recent release, "Thoroughly Modern Millie" made its debut on Broadway in 2001. making waves in the theatric conununity. A stark contrast to Ibsen's "PeerGynt," Maine South's winter play produced and performed in the 1800s, "Millie" presents a comedic approach to the struggles of life as someone who society views as "down and out" in the "Roaring Twenties."

A massive collaborative effort from all parts of the Fine Arts Department, the musical is always a dazzling and staggering piece of art for all of Maine South to see.

Conveniently enough, it is also a key source of revenue so that the Maine South theatrical program can continue to put on shows like this for years to come. It costs $10 to see a cast that will make you laugh, hear a pit that will make you cheer, and partake in story that will warm your hearts.

By Sam Imburgia

flyers are passed out. According to Roland, he has only missed about ten days, and that was We all remember 9 / 1 1 . It's a day when he was called in to identify his nephew's that our generation will never forget. body in 2004, three years after the attack.

I can tell you exactly what I was doing that Today, nearly seven years after the horrible day, exactly where I was, and exactly what I terrorist attacks, bodies are still being found. did when I found out. I'm sure you could do Using picture books, flyers, and an the same. I remember waking up to my sister encyclopedic memory, Roland teaches the facts running through my bedroom door, screaming of 9/11 and answers anyone's questions. Roland at me to wake up, screaming that we were going is a man with vast knowledge, witty humor, and to war, and screaming at me to turn on my T.V. unbelievable speaking skills. "Don't let history Dumbstruck and unaware, I laughed at the be a mystery," and "never say two 'cause thought. "Nice trick that's not true" are Lori, let me sleep," two of his most I angrily responded. common phrases.

It was then that 1 He c a p t i v a t e s took a look in her audiences with his e y e s that w e r e persistence for others consumed with tears to know the truth. and realized that There are many she was not joking. facts that people Turning on the T.V., are confused about. we watched together On September 11, with horror as the five buildings out of towers collapsed the seven buildings and t h o u s a n d s at the World Trade photo courtesy of hltp://bodybydesi§n.Jiles. died. We mourned Center complex in agony and in Present day Ground Zero is where fell, not two. And Harry Roland shares his story. four more buildings, fear, w o n d e r i n g t w o of w h i c h if a n d when the t e r r o r i s t s w o u l d s t r i k e n e x t . were in the WTC Complex, had to be We shall never forget that day, or how it demolished because their foundation had been changed our lives and the many around us. destroyed. The last building to fall, tower But I have to ask, do we know what actually number seven, was the first to be rebuilt.

And Roland says it's no coincidence. "The happened that day? If I were to ask you right now how many buildings fell due to the terrorist first shall be last, and the last shall be first" attack on the World Trade Center, what would is another one of his popular quotes. In the you say? You'd probably respond two, right? place where the twin towers were located, To those that answered two, I'm here to tell memory pools will be built. In the center of you that you've been mistaken. I was mistaken the complex, a freedom tower is going to be too, until my recent visit to Ground Zero. created. The height of that building will be It was there that I found out the truth from 1776 feet tall, which Roland exclaims to be a man, who I almost passed by thinking that another powerful number, representing the year he was a panhandler, or one of those crazy the United States gained their independence.

Another fact that has been mistaken is conspiracy theorists. In actuality, he was Harry Roland, a man who worked in the WTC the death count. The official toll of deaths buildings. On 9/11, he took his son to his first is incorrect because it doesn't include the day of school, so his boss told him to take homeless, the illegal workers, and the 180 the day off. With much appreciation, he did, citizens from other countries who were visiting and he thankfully missed the attacks. Not a or on business. Roland is there to give the facts day goes by where he doesn't thank his boss. and nothing more. He doesn't know when he's Now he spends his days standing in front of the going to stop going. He feels that everyone WTC PATH Station on Church Street, teaching needs to know the true facts and not be misled the history of 9/11 to anyone willing to listen. to think only two buildings fell. So, if you ever He doesn't get paid, but he treats his actions like are in the New York area, go to Ground Zero a full-time job, showing up every single day, and find Harry. I have to warn you though; once no matter the weather, and he stays until all his he starts talking, it's hard to get him to stop.

6

EATURES APRIL

18. 2008 • \\,\. 44, No. 8

Takini

care 6: business

By Ted Sherbin

DECA, as some may know, is a Maine South-run club that focuses on business. DECA is sponsored by teachers Johannes Beer, Cathy Glunz, and Joseph Greguras.

However, DECA is not strictly a MaineSouth-only club. The local DECA run at Maine South is merely one piece of the national DECA - "An Association of Marketing Students," as they call themselves.

There are many activities that one can participate in inside DECA. Students specialize in one area of business. Some of these areas include Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Accounting, or Travel and Tourism.

As a club at Maine South, DECA does not keep to themselves. They participate in Homecoming and go on field trips to events, such as the Chicago Bulls marketing day.

Once each student has picked the topic that they will specialize in, the student then participates in area competitions. From here, they can move on state where they head down to Decatur and compete for a spot of honor at the international competition.

This year, five of the many skilled Maine South students that participate in the club have the honor of heading to Atlanta, Georgia, where they will participate in their areas against students from all over the world. These students are Hiral Pithadia for Accounting, Dan Hejza and Dan Sokolowski for the Financial Analysis Team event, and Mike Athens and Nick Condi for the Buying and Merchandising Team event.

Each DECA member has gained such skill and knowledge in their area that out of the twenty-two students whot participated, more than half of them placed in the top ten of their area at the state level.

DECA is a great club if you have any interest in going into a business-related field. The skills gained are useful inside and outside the club, but on top of learning, it is all around fun. Many students join in their senior year and return with comments such as. "That was so much fun. I wish I had joined this earUer!"

Kevin Verre's COMIC MISCHIEF presents... "Second Semester Senior"

Graduation.

Today we II be studying your brains!

We removed them after first semester.

—II——r~;r" I hate learning new material Ifiti.

Z

ENTERTAINMENT APRIL

18,2008 • VOL. 44, No. 8

7

'10,000 B C should remain extinct

by Steven Wear Have you seen the worst movie of the year?

If you answered yes, then you don't have to read this review because you've already seen the atrocity that is "10,000 BC." Some may doubt that "10,000 BC" is the worst movie this year, recalling the defecation upon cinematography known as "Meet the Spartans." However, when walking into "Meet the Spartans," you knew the movie was going to be bad. Going to go see "10,000 BC" was like going to get a glass of milk from the fridge, only to find out that the milk you just drank was two months expired; you didn't know that it was bad and in the end you were sick.

The movie starts off as slow as you'd imagine any caveman movie would. Omar Sharif narrates the film, causing the viewer to believe that the characters aren't going to speak or are going to speak in some bizarre language, but this belief quickly vanishes when the disgruntled looking cavemen begin to speak perfect English. The fact that the cavemen speak English is fine, but the fact that the cavemen have nothing to say that anyone

gives a wooly mammoth about is not ok. With a rough start, the movie's plot reveals itself to be the pile of cliche garbage you'd expect it to be. Even EMDb.com has acknowledged the terribleness of "10,000 BC's" plot; the plot synopsis is empty. The main character, D'Leh (Steven Strait) goes to rescue his love, Evolet (Camilla Belle) after raiders steal her from their village; he must destroy these raiders to fiilfiU "the prophecy" and secure his tribe's fiiture.

D'Leh and a few others go globe hopping and traverse from what looks like Siberia to Vietnam to the middle of the Sahara and finally to Egypt- all on foot, in what seems like a matter of days. This journey, which takes up the majority of the movie, would have been made at least somewhat interesting if there had been some dinosaurs. But of course, the movie must remain historically accurate and have them remain extinct.

On the movie poster there is a saber-tooth tiger, so perhaps there is some epic battle where the main character engages one in hand-to-hand combat? No. D'Leh and his party happen to meet the little-known breed of the domestic

saber tooth tiger, the distant ancestor of the modem domestic house cat. Besides meeting the only saber tooth tiger that wouldn't rip the spinal cord out of a caveman, the highlight of the journey was a tribe of African bushmen who wore suits of bamboo. The ending of the movie is as phony as the rest, but I will not venture to spoil the ending for you. You should be able to guess how bad it is yourself The movie is not a complete waste. Just as "Meet the Spartans" had Carmen Electra, "10,000 BC" has plenty of wooly mammoths.

So if wooly mammoths are your cup of tea, your prayers have been answered: "10,000 BC" is the movie for you. There is one more factor of "10,000 BC" that keeps its viewers from throwing themselves out the nearest window: Camilla Belle. Belle plays Evolet and is a straight up fox in "10,000 BC." However, "10,000 BC" is rated PG-13, so Camilla Belle couldn't rescue the movie from its fate as garbage. Overall, "10,000 BC" is the type of movie where you would have to be out of your mind to tolerate; don't see it.

Short-but-sweet 'Shell' a good debut

by Jimmy Grizzell In "Graves," the third song off of Tokyo Police Club's debut album "Elephant Shell," David Monks sings "You traded me for the love song." Essentially, that is exactly what Tokyo Police Club did on this album, eschewing the frenetic, coarse style of their first EP, "A Lesson in Crime," in favor of a more mature, mellow vision on this, their first full length album. Tokyo Police Club, the Canadian prog rockers with a stupid name, have crafted a solid debut with a number of superior songs that foreshadow the band's great future.

If "A Lesson in Crime" was a seven song, 16 minute, 19 second ode to youth, "Elephant Shell" is a band growing up. The songs have lost the rough, unpolished production values apparent on "Crime," which meshes well with Monks' soft, melancholic voice. Instead of singing about robots taking over the earth, the band has matured into lyrics about love, individuality, and all that other "deep" stuff.

Whether this is an upgrade is arguable.

However, on songs such as "Juno," "Tessellate" and "Graves," Monks's brilliantly imaginative lyrics shine through and make close listening a pleasure.

The album is still full of short, succinct

songs. The only song breaking three minutes is the first single, "Your English is Good." Afew songs are still slightly imbued with the raucous feel of the previous EP. "In A Cave" is an infectiously catchy, jaunty cut, most definitely one of the top songs on the album. Another, faster paced song, similar to their original EP, is "Tessellate." A well-produced, electronically tinged love song, "Tessellate" is the best example of Tokyo Police Club's talents. It mixes meaningful, intelligent lyrics with a hook ridden chorus, in addition to some interesting synth and piano. "Your English is Good" is the bridge between the EP and this album. It is a rollicking, effervescent song with a unique feel of honesty to it. However, it also shows the bands lyrical development. Instead of being about petty vandalism or a hellish future, it's a political song, admonishing the code of blind obedience some people live by.

Tokyo Police Club also has an affinity for ballads. Songs like "Listen to the Math" and "The Baskervilles" are soft and indulgent, however still sticking to the short and sweet formula. Monks has a great voice for ballads, sounding similar to Ben Gibbard from Death Cab for Cutie. However, their ballads are hit or miss. The weakest song on the album is

the quiet and slow ballad, "The Harrowing Adventures Of..." (which also happens to have a dumb name).

While it is slightly irritating to plunk down ten bucks on a CD that doesn't even crack the half hour mark, the albums short length is one of its greatest attributes. Every song packs a punch, and you don't find yourself waiting for the song to finish. Every cut feels full, unlike most songs, where the artist had made his point by the 2:30 mark, but still felt the need to go on for another three minutes. There is absolutely no filler; while there are a few flops, growing pains are to be expected, and they are ambitious flops at least.

Not only that, but Tokyo Police Club puts on a killer live show. Their set at Lollapalooza last year was an absolute riot.

"Elephant Shell" is not without its blemishes, but as a debut album, it is exceptional. Stocked with multiple great songs. Elephant Shell is a harbinger of things to come for Tokyo Police Club. This album has laid the foundation for that future. At the very least, check out "Tessellate," "In A Cave," and "Your EngUsh is Good"; they're some of the best songs released this year 8 out of W

ENTERTAINMENT APRIL

18, 2008 • VOL. 44, No. 8

'2V doesn't quite hit the jackpot

by Maija Gustin "21 ,'• thefilmbased on author Ben Mezrich's novel "Bringing Down the House." hit theaters a few weeks ago and has taken the box office lead.

Jim Sturgess, of recent "Across the Universe" fame, stars as a brilliant student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology struggling to pay for his dreams of Harvard Medical School. He joins a secret school "club," made up of similarly gifted students who travel to Las Vegas on weekends and count cards in blackjack.

Taught by Kevin Spacey, these students show you exactly how smart you have to be to do this. Counting cards involves keeping track of the "count" of each table and using that number to figure out the probability that you can beat the table.

And director Robert Luketic does a good job of showing this. But, to the less intelligent theater-goers, the onscreen flashes of cards and numbers are just exhausting and confusing montages. However, it shows the tense and hectic game of counting cards.

The characters in " 2 1 " are mostly welldeveloped. Kevin Spacey is, as usual, not at all what he seems, and Jim Sturgess seems almost convincing as a poor-yet-gifted student. And

he only slips up on his American accent (he's fi-om England) every once in a while. However, these are the most compelling characters in the movie, and you still want a little more.

The supporting cast, notably featuring Kate Bosworth. is good as well. But, yet again, you want more. Jim Sturgess"s main rival on the

photo courtesy of^-ww.post-gazette.com

Ben Campbell {Jim Sturgess) contemplates his next move. team, played by "EuroTrip's" Jacob Pitts, is intriguing but rarely touched upon—he's there and then he's gone. Also, Sturgess's nerdy best friends, who he leaves in the dust on his trips to Vegas, deserve more limelight than they're given. And Laurence Fishboume is just kind of scary as an overzealous casino security specialist hunting down this band of misfits

counting cards. But it stills feels like a chunk of the movie, namely the heart and soul of the characters, is missing.

The stor> is both interesting and entertaining.

The book has been well-received and seems like good source material for a film. But as with most books-tumed-to-movies, "21" falls a little short. The movie is both fast, often too fast, and about half an hour too long. At times it races and at times it just drags. That doesn't really make for a good mix.

The plot twists are interesting and blindsidingly surprising. It's hard not to spend the movie trying to learn how to count cards.

But it won't happen, unfortunately. It's also hard not to get wrapped up in the excitement and lavish lifestyle these geniuses live while in Vegas. But, of course, they learn that their actions have consequences and high costs.

The end is so twisted that, no matter how into this movie you may be, you'll still be on the edge of your seat thinking "Wait, what just happened?"

Though this movie has it's dull moments, it is still worth seeing. There's nothing really like it out there and it's a well-made and well-acted fihn. But pay attention, because if you don't, you'll miss the most important parts of the movie-- they seem to go the fastest.

Panic's true talent shines through

by Katrina Underwood "Pretty. Odd." is yet another amazing album from Panic at the Disco that isfilledwith plenty of new surprises. Their new CD "Pretty. Odd." is anything but ordinary. They bring their quirky and unique sound to life, but don't expect them to be carrying the same exact soundfi-omtheir previous album, "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out." The band takes many risks on their new album, making each song totally different than the last.

The entire CD is set up like a musical in a theater. The cover reads "Welcome to the sound of Pretty. Odd." and though each song has a different beat, it flows nicely, like you are reading a story.

The CD opetis with "We're so Starving," an energetic, short song reminding fans that the band has not changed over time and that they have been hard at work writing songs. It then flow s into "Nine in the Afternoon," one of the bands more popular songs and music videos

off of the album. The song is ftill of life and shows how wonderftil past love and living in the moment is.

•nusicheadquarter.de'ima%es

Panic at the Disco poses for their close up.

"The Green Gentleman" has an extremely strong chorus and has such an upbeat melody. "I have Friends in Holy Spaces" is definitely one of my favorites. This song is proof that Panic at the Disco has reached the next step in the music industry. The song acts as an intermission. It

only lasts a minute and fifty-six seconds, but it is a cheerful and jazzy song that is sure to please everyone. "Northern Downpour" is smooth listening with soothing lyrics like "I missed your skin when you were East/You clicked your heels and wished for me."

"Folkin" Around" is another song that Panic at the Disco pulls off nicely. The song opens with a rockin' western sound that works well and helps paint a perfect picture of summer love that is described throughout the lyrics.

•'She had the World" is without a doubt my favorite song on the entire album. It is full of fantastic lines and a renaissance melody. The lyrics show all the different emotions of love: happy love, summer love, lost love. "She said she won the world at a carnival/But she could never win me/Cause she couldn't ever catch me."

"Pretty. Odd." definitely takes some getting used to, but once you have listened to it a couple times, you will see how amazing this album is.

COMMENTARY APRIL

18, 2008 • VOL. 44, No.8

9

Working to end the gender war

by Michael Coyne

I am sick and tired of hearing so-called "feminists" gripe about how "slanted" and "unfair" society is against women. Tag lines like "glass ceiling" and "sexist society" often dominate what I intended to be intelligent discussion. Enough is enough.

For starters, believe it or not, the glass ceiling is shattered. This is usually the point in the conversation at which radical feminists hoot and trot out their tried-and-true "seventyfive cents to the male dollar" argument.

This is a number that, if presented in a math class, would earn a student a failing grade.

The statistic deceptively compares all male American jobs with all female American jobs.

Why is this a problem? Because that means that the number throws in lower-wage jobs with higher-wage jobs. Therefore, the statistic is misleading.

It's also worth noting that women tend to leave the workforce for at least a decade for childcare purposes. So a woman who reenters the workforce after this time will make significantly less than a man who worked

throughout this span of time.

Of course, women appear to make less.

Their statistical outliers are on the low end of the wage spectrum, while male outliers happen to be on the higher end of the wage spectrum.

How do we come up with a number that accurately portrays any wage gap? Compare only people with comparable jobs and comparable experience. When a study does so, as Carrie Lukas of National Review did in a piece entitled, "hi the Crosshairs," we see that women with comparable experience, age, and child-care status actually make ninety-eight cents or better to the "male" dollar. That is a difference that is statistically negligible. Heck, readers, the paper in your hands is worth more than the so-called wage gap, and you received this paper for free. But you'll never see that number on the evening news, because anytime someone cites this sensible statistic, they get called a sexist.

Therefore, we are in a sexist society. The only problem with radical feminists bringing up the issue is that it's sexist against men, not women. Any time men are bold enough to say

that the wage gap is closed, or remind women that it's not society that holds them back (if anything actually does at all), then we get branded a sexist. I thought feminists originally wanted equality.

The only problem is that real feminists, the people who actually want women to be equals to their male associates, aren't running the movement anymore. Sexist radicals are.

Sometimes, it seems that their actual goal lies in playing the victim to get attention. And in the sick, twisted name of political correctness, America is letting them get away with this nonsense. We have to, otherwise we get called "sexist."

America is a nation of workers; if a person, regardless of gender, color or social class, works hard, tries his or her best, they can do anything. But hateful people with picket signs, fighting under the guise of political correctness, will never accomplish anything.

Rights come with responsibilities, if you don't want the responsibilities of work, then you forfeit the rights that would come with them.

It really is that simple.

China's new world influence

by Andrew Abtahi

Ever since the fall of the Soviet Union, the U.S has been classified as the only superpower left. But we're not the only big kid on the block anymore. China will eventually surpass us in economic might and political influence across the world. The mixture of nationalism, intense government control of the coimtry, and free markets has made China the only nation besides the U.S that can even come close to the standards of "superpower."

There are many good things going on in China. In the past 30 years, China has gone from a country of farmers to an industrial powerhouse and has cities as modem as Western nations. Poverty, which is still seen throughout China, has lessened greatly due to modernization. Travel restrictions have lessened over the years but there is still a lot of government control over tourism.

All these improvements are nice but do not compare to how China is still in the past politically. Press censorship is strong as the old Communist Party tries to hold down dissenters and keep power in the nation that they have held on to for so long. WTien the internet was created, it was the first way the op-

pressed could get out their viewpoints without the government hunting them down so easily.

This is what we see in other nations where censorship is common. This doesn't happen in China as the government controls everything from what websites the people can go on to what links show up in their Google searches.

The biggest problem many intemational organizations have with the Chinese government is its human rights record. Political opponents are hushed and rushed to jail, where they are no longer heard and not a threat to the long- standing Communist Party. In its attempts to keep China unified, the government has tried to destroy the culture and history of the minority groups that have lived in the country for hundreds of years.

The most famous of this instance is in Tibet, where the thousand-year-old kingdom and culture were swept under the rug of Red China in 1951. Recent uprising in the region have come up due to Tibetan liberation forces trying to catch international media attention by staging rallies so close to the Olympics. The Chinese military was quick to suppress the protestors, and the mainstream media did little to acknowledge them and the intemational outrage that went with it.

American-made products have a disadvantage in both markets, forcing some companies to move to China or go bankmpt. With free trade, it's easier for China to flood our stores with their goods and make us need them.

For being such a controversial country, China receives very little criticism from fellow nations. Due to its massive population and markets the intemational community has been slow to challenge the country. The support of "rogue states" like Iran and Sudan hasn't caused U.S to stop trading with it, which it would do to any other country.

The EU brought up the question of boycotting the Olympics this summer if China didn't deal with the Tibetan uprisings peacefully. The idea of this was put aside quickly as the military put down the uprisings and made the protestors look like terrorists, claiming they were planning suicide bombings.

The U.S used to be a nation that was needed for financial security. But now, China has filled that role to a point where even the U.S. needs them. The lone superpower label is starting to vanish as the rest of the world is recognizing the advancing military and economic power of minority-killing, undemocratic, nuclear-armed Communist China.

10 How race divides America .OMMENTARY

APRIL

by Anne Wave

18,2008 • VOL. 44, No. 8

people betting on the Memphis-North Carolina basketball game. And this was the block where I registered the most new voters.

Perhaps the 800 block wasn't dangerous, just misunderstood. And maybe dusk transformed it into a war zone where outsiders aren't safe.

But I found it interesting how the nicest people 1 spoke to all day were from that block. Was the

phone. Instructions are to shoot the gimmen and holster your gun for the unarmed men. Most whites and many blacks were quicker to shoot the black men, no matter how egalitarian they The brain categorizes people by race in profess to be. This statistic shows that whites less than 100 milliseconds. I recently traveled weren't the only ones who were "prejudiced." to Gary, Indiana and walked door-to-door For one thing, that only white citizen of Gary registering Hoosiers to vote in their upcoming that I encountered seemed none too impressed primary election, and my mind registered that by my Caucasian group that had come out of 200 houses that I visited, only one was to visit. The other surprise was the home to a white citizen. conversation I had with the new voters; From the time I arrived to when I left, I these Gary residents seemed baffled that received many suspicious looks. Even the white teenagers could see the good in citizens of Gary themselves warned me of the very same person they did - Barack the city's dangers, especially the ominous Obama. By his heritage. Senator Obama 800 block. Upon traveling there, I was is a person that can help us to bridge the surprised. gap between races - and not only between For those unfamiliar with Gary and blacks and whites, but Middle Easterners its surrounding towns, the population is and Chinese. Some say he doesn't have predominantly African-American. Being photo courtesy of wv^-vi..nylimes.com enough experience, or that he's all words bom in Park Ridge, I have not really been Many different races united in support ofBarack Obama and no substance. I've seen for myself that exposed to people of any racial background • ^ , , . „ .L/»• he brings Americans together. If he can do t^ t- f J " i n Columbia, South Carolina. exceptpeople European-Americans.

As many black as I saw, I was surprised to find danger a misconception, a stereotype, or just an that alone, he's done more than anyone else has for racial unity. that the only Caucasian person I encountered effect of ignorance?

As the United States of America, we can't on my whole trip lived in that dangerous 800 A New York Times colmnn spoke of a series block. On this same block, 1 encountered a sign of University of Chicago and Harvard studies get past our racist view until we come together reading, "The 800 Block of Drackert: We pray that test people's imconscious attitudes of race, to see that we all want the same thing. We are together, we stay together." I also saw more gender, age, and other issues. In one sjDecific different and still the same. Racism is the latest children ruiming in the streets through the 800 test, a series of 100 black and white men show taboo, but the fight against it has yet to begin. block than I did on any of the other ones. I saw up, either armed with a gun or holding a cell

The environmental problem with plastic bags by nomas Bielawiec We see them everywhere. Their "crinkles" are heard as the wind pushes them around the local parking lots and fields, like an intruder to nature that simply isn't accepted. You glimpse at them every now and then, and yet their white presence does not seem to trigger any reaction.

You may ask what I'm talking about, and my answer would be plastic bags. After a trip to any grocery store or shop, no matter what size of an object we purchase, society has fallen into a custom of using plastic bags to carry items.

Even the most negligible key chain is packed up in a mini-bag. Little may you know, plastic bags are also becoming a greater problem by the day.

Plastic bags are made out of petrochemicals, which are classified under nonrenewable resources. According to Planetark, plastic bags can take anywhere between 15 and 1000 years or more to fully decompose. Since these bags

take a long time to be eliminated, most are thrown out, but a substantial amount is ending up in our environment, and this causes many problems for animals and other creatures.

Not only are these a threat to the survival of animals, but they also cause major litter problems. Think back and remember how many times you've seen one of the "Have a Nice Day" or "Thank You" bags rolling on the beach or in the street. This pollution can cause major problems to drainage systems that can result in floods if the system if overfilled. Even though plastic bags are cheap and quick to make, with over 100 billion of them being used in America alone, close to 12 million barrels in America are used yearly in production, according to the New York Times.

Many places have already reacted against this situation. For example, in January of 2008, China announced a nation-wide ban of plastic bags that is saving them over 37 billion barrels of oil each year. Other countries, from Uganda

to Ireland, and even the city of San Francisco are also acting against this slowly growing concern.

The solution to this problem, I believe, is to act early. April is not only known for its refreshing and rainy weather, but also for its role as "Earth month," which makes it a great month to start thinking about matters like this.

It's always better to begin acting early, then to have to face a tougher difficulty later on.

Stores like IKEA and many others are starting to charge for plastic bags and more reusable bags are available for purchase. Next time you go to Walgreens to buy your candy bar or sports drink, really think about whether you need that plastic bag the clerk is offering you.

Think about using paper bags. Even though they do waste paper, they are most likely made out of already recycled wood and can be recycled continually.

Never be afraid to make a difference. Be the difference.

COMMENTARY APRIL

18, 2008 • VOL. 44, No.8

by Meghan O 'Keefe Park Ridge is on the thaw. Yes, it is finaUy approaching, the ever-elusive Midwest springtime. The robins have returned, the snow is gone (for now, fingers crossed), and the sun is showing up more and more often. Yet there is a definite difference in the season from what I remember growing up. My March birthday used to be warmer, getting home from spring break used to mean the coming of full-on spring, and April was all about the return of plant life. I don't see that today, and 1 can't help but wonder if global climate change is responsible for the weather's behavior We've known about his for some time now.

The Kyoto Compact was signed in 1997, and since then, the problem has only gotten worse.

No carbon emissions goals have been met, and we are seeing a new compact trying to be passed with goals that are not nearly as high. Countries who were once optimistic about being able to reduce their impact on the world are no longer so sure. Instead of wanting a return to the level of greenhouse present in 1990, they are setting their sights instead on the levels of 2000 as they formulate a new plan in Thailand.

In order to meet any goal, however, whether it be the more ambitious or moderate of them,

we will all need to change the way we live.

Even with new hybrid Lexuses on the market and the search for alternative fuel sources making headway, little, every day changes in lifestyle will be what it comes to in the end.

These are things we can all do. For instance, bringing your own coffee mug to Starbucks is both eco-friendly and economical (you get a discount). Bringing cloth bags to the grocery store, or carrying out your one or two small purchases when possible, avoids garbage build-up. Even just paying more attention to the products you're buying, or encouraging your family to do so, such as choosing an environmentally friendly brand of dish soap (one void of harsh chemicals) that, which are sold at places like Target, can make a world of difference. And whenever you can, ride your bike instead of driving. It's an awesome workout, it cuts down waste, and it can help save the ozone layer.

Overall, if we all thought a little less about our own convenience and a little more about our impact, this seemingly daunting task of solving global climate change may not be so bad to deal with after all. The time to change is now. The world cannot afford another chilly spring.

Letters to the editor Dear editor, I am writing on the article "New law forbids home schooling in California." I believe that if a parent has had prior experience in some form of teaching, that they should be able to home school their children. If you have not taught before, you probably don't know what to do, how to make it simple for your child to learn, and don't understand what it is you're teaching. I could understand if you didn't have enough money and need to teach them yourself, but you should have gotten a good education in the first place, then you could be making enough money to put your child through school.

"It's lame.' ^

A

- Jnlie DeMarke '09

0 O •'It's really unfair and stupid."

2

- Ari Grieco '10 and Katie CottreU'10

-John Imrisek '10 Dear editor, I am writing this letter in response to the article "The 'Friendly Ghost' at El Famous." I found the subject matter of the article to be a little bit silly. Call me a skeptic, but it's plain as day that your so-called "'ghost" is nothing more than a ploy developed by the owners to attract more customers. In fact, the whole article itself seems like one big advertisement. I understand you may like the restaurant, but it is not your job as a Features writer to give opinion. In the words of your own newspaper, a Features writer "writes about issues directly affecting students."

Outside of this "ghost" possessing someone here at Maine South, I don't think this article fits the bill. I'd like to think that there are other topics that are more interesting or informative, not just a review of a favorite burrito place.

-DanPetrokas '10

•'Procrastinators need more time."

- Steve Francis '09

B.\SEBALL • TRACK • GIRLS' SOCCER • BOYS' GYMNASTICS • BADMINTON •SOFTBALL • BOYS' TEN-NIS* BOYS' VOLLEYBALL

Girls' soccer proving themselves seventh in state) during the Pepsi Showdown If the Hawks can do well in their conference.

Tournament. The loss prompted a The Hawks (7-1) are off to a winning start. flurry of requests from other teams A high-scoring offense, led by Jenna Shemky to work the 10"" ranked Hawks (14 goals, two assists) and Gabby Whittinghill into their schedules in hopes of (captain, six goals, 10 assists), and a stiff repeating York's feat and climbing defense, coordinated by Amanda Brait and the state rankings poll.

Lindsey Wolf (captain), has kept the Hawks As of right now, it doesn't seem the Hawks' management is going to back out of the requests. A match against unranked Hersey is likely to be added to the schedule soon. photo by Meghan O'Keefe "Our defense was tested against York, Danielle Rossi returns the ball downfield. but we have been made stronger from the loss," commented center midfielder Shannon O'Hem a far-reaching state tournament run would (captain), who has recently signed definitely not be out of the question.

"It has been seven years since we beat New on to University of Alabama's Trier, and five years since we beat Evanston, Crimson Tide squad. photo by Meghan O 'Keefe The Hawks are confident about the although we did tie Evanston twice," continued Senior Grace Gonzalez races to beat an opponent. tumultuous schedule ahead, including Crawford.

The Hawks have been displaying high elite teams like New Trier, Evanston, caliber play throughout their young season. If Loyola, and Glenbrook South. on a winning track.

"Out of the last ten years, five state things continue to go well, the Hawks could The girls' only loss came at the hands of championships have gone to a team in our end up with several all-conference seniors and, an overrated York squad (consistently ranked conference," stated Head Coach JJ Crawford. possibly, more than one All-State recipient.

by Josh Alvarez

Badminton looks to senior leadership

by Patrick Mirski The Maine South Girls badminton season is under way, and the Hawks hope to build on recent successful seasons.

The Hawks currently have a 3-3 record, with key wins against Maine East, Maine West, and Leyden. The Hawks are in a very difficult CSL South conference and are fighting hard in the heart of their season. They will have some key matches coming up, including Senior Night on April 17 against Glenbrook South, as well as conference on April 25 and 26.

The Hawks are led by Erin Deda at number

one singles, Abby Hayden at number two singles, and Basia Stanek and Lauren Kelly at number one doubles.

The Hawks have also competed in multiple tournaments, including the Buffalo Grove tournament, where they placed third, and the Rolling Meadows tournament, where they placed fourth. At both of these tournaments, many of the Hawks placed individually.

At the Buffalo Grove tournament, Deda placed third at number one singles, Carol Costanza placed third at third singles, and Sabrina Salgia placed third at fourth singles.

At the Rolling Meadows tournament, Stanek and Kelly placed first at second doubles, Megan King and Nicole Moersch placed second at fourth doubles, Deda and Abby Hayden placed third at first doubles, and Jennie Ghisolf and Lexi Zajdel placed third at third doubles.

The Hawks have fared very well in tournament play and hope to continue their successes. There is still a lot of badminton to be played, but the Hawks hope to climb above .500 and qualify for state. The veteran leadership of the team will help the Hawks as they continue their efforts in the second half of the season.