Vol 45 issue 9

May 15, 2009

1111 S. DEE ROAD • PARK RIDGE, ILLINOIS 60068

VOL. 45, NO. 9

After winning a state title, the Maine South constitution team takes on the national level once again.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MR. TRENKLE

Swine Flu

Twitter Fad

Summer Flicks

Volleyball

HINI outbreak sweeps into the U.S. Page 2

New social networking site

Hot movies to watch over tthe summer Page 11

B Boys’ Volleyball going sstrong Page 18

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MAY 15, 2009

VOL. 45, NO. 9

The facts you need to know about H1N1

swung into action to prevent the spread of this infection. In Mexico, the hardest-hit country, President Felipe newly mutated form of influenza Calderon immediately declared a A, also called H1N1, has been five-day shut down of all nonessential identified and is spreading rapidly businesses and government services across the globe. The Center for on April 24. On the 28th, schools Disease Control (CDC) has reported across the country were closed and that 38 US states have cases of H1N1. the traditional national celebration 82 of these cases are in Illinois, of Cinco de Mayo was postponed including a single case confirmed as Calderon urged people to stay at Washington School in Park inside. Additionally, the World Ridge on May 4. Initially the Cook Bank authorized $205 million “fastCounty Department of Public Health dispersing funds” to be given to (CCDPH) recommended that schools Mexico to provide for medicine and close upon the suspicion of a case of medical care.

H1N1, but soon revised its’ position.

The WHO has also sent medical As is the case with Washington, professionals to Mexico a school will remain to aid in the diagnosis open if an insignificant and treatment of citizens. p e rc e nt age of t he Since the arrival of WHO school is ill, because medics, the Mexican t he chance of t he government has reported spread of infection is that the outbreaks of so slim. Instead, the H1N1 have slowed even school is distributing as new testing methods hand sanitizer at lunch of backlog cases continue and disinfecting ‘high to be processed. By May touch’ objects and 4, some business and shared surfaces. Maine government ser vices South had no reports of influenza A at press PHOTO COURTESY OF EXAMINER.COM were reopening as traffic in Mexico City increased. time. In the case that People in a Mexican train station wear masks to prevent the Mexican health secretary, an outbreak does occur spread of germs.

Jose Angel Cordova said, at the school, there is a highly detailed emergency pandemic Cases were soon diagnosed in all “The evolution of the epidemic is plan that contains day-by- day plans. of North America, Australia, and now in its declining phase.” However, The school nurse, Mrs. Tomassi, Europe, and on April 29, WHO the WHO warns that the H1N1 reported that if a situation were to declared a phase 5 pandemic alert. virus may mutate again, causing an arise, the decision to close the school The virus was spreading so rapidly and even deadlier virus to emerge. The would be under the control of the widely that WHO general-director, Mexican government has not yet district superintendent, the advice Dr. Margaret Chan, stated that, “a identified the cause or location of the original outbreak, and there are of the District 207 nurses, and the pandemic is imminent.”

At p r e s s t i m e , W H O h a d varying claims about the first death guidelines of the CCDPH. While H1N1 is not extraordinarily confirmed cases in Austria, Hong from the virus.

The original outbreak of H1N1 lethal and is treatable with antiviral Kong, China, Costa Rica, Colombia, medications, the WHO warns that Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Italy, in tthe US occurred at an elementary now that the virus is widespread, it Netherlands, Switzerland, South school in Queens, New York after has more opportunities to mutate into Korea, El Salvaldor, France, Israel, students became infected on a spring New Zealand, Germany, the United break trip to Mexico. However, as a more deadly strain.

H1N1 is the result of North Kingdom, Spain, Canada, the United cases were sporadically diagnosed American Avian influenza combining States, and Mexico. The highest across t he US, t he Amer ican with seasonal influenza in the body of number of cases were located in the government released 12 million a pig, giving the virus the nickname, Americas. Mexico reported 822 cases doses of Tamiflu, one of two antiviral “Swine Flu.” H1N1 is so similar to with 29 deaths and has a massive medications that is effective in the seasonal influenza that a government- backlog of suspected infections to be treatment of H1N1. By April 28, confirmed lab test is needed to confirmed by WHO. The US reported 300 schools were closed in an effort distinguish between the two. H1N1 403 cases across 38 states with only 2 to halt the spread of the disease and causes symptoms identical to that of deaths: that of a young Mexican who began to reopen only by May 4. He seasonal influenza, including a high was visiting relatives and a woman requested an additional $1.5 billion fever, lethargy, coughing, sore throat, who lived near a popular border from Congress to track the progress lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, crossing. Canada has reported 140 of the virus and disperse additional medication to affected areas. While and dizziness. However, the presence cases with no deaths.

Even before cases and deaths had close exposure to infected swine may of the avian flu genes makes H1N1 infections unusually long, with an mounted, governments world-wide lead to human infection, the WHO

Asha Kirchhoff

NEWS

STAFF WRITER

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infected person being contagious for 7 days and not recovering fully for over 10 days. Furthermore, the virus is spread easily from person to person within ‘close contact’ or within 6 feet.

After initially identifying the presence of a new virus, the Mexican government began to report cases of an unidentified ‘influenza-like illness’ to the WHO on March 18. By April 24, the virus had been identified as influenza A and had spread to the US. As cases were identified in 19 of Mexico’s 32 states and the US, the WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

insists that properly prepared pork at a temperature of more than 150 degrees Fahrenheit is not harmful. However, on April 27, Egypt began confiscating swine from farmers and slaughtering them in a misguided attempt to keep the virus from infecting humans. As conflicts between the government and farmers rose, riot police released tear gas on protesters who had turned violent. The WHO immediately released a statement saying that the scientific name of the virus, H1N1, would be used to replace the common moniker of “swine flu”.

Another area of debate is the effectiveness of closing borders.

Many fear that the closing of borders would harm the already suffering economy. However, the WHO does not recommend border closings or suspension of travel unless one is feeling unwell. When asked if America’s border to Mexico would be closed, Obama said that after consultation with advisors and experts, the decision was made to keep the borders open, but initiate screening for the disease. However, China, Argentina, Peru, and Cuba all banned flights to and from Mexico, requiring that specifically chartered planes be used to bring citizens to their respective countries.

Health Tips Maine South’s school nurse, Mrs. Tomassi has several tips in accordance with CDC guidelines to help students stay healthy.

• Stay home if you have a high fever. Like any other strain of influenza, H1N1 causes a fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Wash you hands before eating or after touching any dirty public surface with soap and water, Purel, or alcohol based wipes.

• Avoid touching your face. because it will transfer germs directly from your hands to the nose and mouth.

• Cough or sneeze into your elbow. This will limit the amount of germs spread into the open air.

Piracy rising on the high seas VOL. 45, NO. 9

MAY 15, 2009

Hope Tone

STAFF WRITER

Britain. One of our greatest foes was the Barbary Pirates of North Africa, who established their territory in the Mediterranean. These countries would capture ships and demand absurdly high ransoms. Tension between Tripoli (one of the most prominent Barbary states) and the United States finally reached its peak and led then-president Thomas Jefferson to aggressively treat the problem. In 1803, he sent a fleet of ships and suffered a humiliating loss.

He and the State Department persevered until 1813, when per the th United States finally won w the battle against piracy with the help of p newly n founded European a alliances.

The main difference between the pirates of today and those of the 17th and 18th century is th their motivation. These Somali pirates have a “Robin Hood complex.”

They feel that theft is excusable iff they the are stealing from rich capi capitalist p tali countries in order to provide provi food to the poverty stricken areas of the world. The pirates are also hard to tell from basic fisherman, that is, until they pull out their guns and explosives.

These pitiful tactics and deceiving appearances make them particularly tricky enemies to catch.

It seems ironic today that the United States should suffer some of the same problems with Africa that it struggled with nearly 200 years ago.

The captain of the Maersk Alabama sacrificed himself for his crew, and four of the Somali pirates left the ship with American captain Richard Phillips in tow. The crew retook the ship and called for help. Early the next day the small boat at with the pirates and Captain Phillips illips were surrounded by navy war ships.

President Obama authorized zed the marines to shoot, and they recovered the captain and one pirate, killing the other er three.

The Somali pirates promised omised revenge; this action had d been the second armed rescuee in six days that had resulted d in the combined death of six Somali pirates.

In the city of Eyl, a self-proclaimed pirate, e, Jamak Habel, declared “the he United States is now our ur number-one enemy.” Threats eats like should not be seen n as idle, and President Obama ama has vowed to halt piracy in its tracks.

Piracy is just another thing that United States’ citizens may have to fear. This year alone, there have been over sixty-six pirate attacks. And the truth is, there is no easy solution.

The US Naval Defense Department released a statement that in order to patrol an area less than one-half the size of the area currently afflicted with a piracy problem, it would take over sixty ships. NATO has been taking more aggressive actions and has been rewarded by confiscating explosives and hopefully preventing a violent attack. Paying the ransoms is simply Somali pirates attacked 66 times so far this year

Venice falls to pirates

Somali pirates begin their attacks US finally makes peace with Mediterranean England and France begin joint pirate precautions

Sir Francis Drake begins capturing various islands

Blackbeard blockades Charleston

Chinese crew murdered by Pirates

Piracy rates rose by 33% from 2002

2000

Thai pirates take a European ship

1900

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1700

1600

1500

1400

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US fights war against Tripoli

not an option.

When Thomas Jefferson first became president, he refused to back down and pay the $255,000 asked for by the Barbary States; the United States must decide its course of action will be now. Last corporations year, private p paid over $150 million pa dollars in ransom to d pirates. Not only is that p an astonishing amount of m money, but also how can ca one be sure they will receive what they pay for? It is clear that the United States government needs to be b more aggressive, but the question is how?

There have been some useful methods so employed shown that were w to deter the pirates. Some were as simp simple as zig-zagging the course of the boat, but others contained slightly more complex ideas. Even though these pirate boats are often well-armed, they usually use simple wooden ladders to board the ships. Barbed wire has been shown to quite simply scare them away.

But, the only way to truly cure this piracy problem is by taking care of it on land.

The United Nations authorized the Obama administrations to place troops in Somalia and it seems as if that might be the way to fix this.

“P i r a c y a rou n d t h e w or l d stems from activity where there is lawlessness, lack of governance, economic instability; things of that nature. And wherever you have that, you’re going to have criminal activity at sea,” William Gortney, commander of the US Naval Forces Central Command said at a press conference. Placing troops in Somalia seems to be the only way to truly stop this piracy.

Piracy may be seen by some as Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom, and to others as just another dangerous aspect of traveling on the ocean, but it’s much more serious than that. With the rethought strategies of the Navy and the creation of new technologies to help defend our ships from pirates, this piracy problem can be stopped before it gets even more out of control.

NEWS

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lthough “Pirates of the Caribbean” may have softened our hearts to the pirates , the true title was not meant to be a compliment. It was given to men who committed some of the most heinous crimes imaginable all while aboard a boat. Pirates once again struck fear in the hearts of Americans when the American cargo ship Maersk Alabama was captured

by Somali pirates on April 8, the first seizure of an American ship in over one hundred years. rs. This is a battle that the United ed States has not had to fight since the late 19th century, but it seems as if the government ment ke a is going to have to take nst brand new stance against this ancient problem.

Piracy is a curse that began with the ancient Greeks, and has been plaguing the United States since wee tain. a colony of Great Britain.

Pirates flocked to the Caribbean, aribbean, outes in interrupting trade routes erica and and out of North America Thee loss o off hurting our economy. Th a ship to pirates could mean a loss of one’s entire fortune in the 18th century.

Famous buccaneers like Sir Francis Drake (rumored to be the lover of Queen Elizabeth I) and the grubber pirates like Blackbeard and Calico Jack were notorious for such actions.

Once the United States gained its independence, it became even more at risk to foes who were once held at bay by the vast foreign alliances of Great

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MAY 15, 2009

VOL. 45, NO. 9

Help Tanzania, Win an iPod

is struggling to find the resources community with a social, educational to house, educate and care for these and recreational meeting space. All STAFF EDITOR children. The village of Kibosho is the money raised will go towards in the need of a library/community building the center, stock, and staff he week ek of May 18 18- 22, the center. The center will be built to serve for the library.

Studentt Council is as a safe, structured The purpose for the Park P Ridge sponsoring a raffle to Cares starting this project was w to come ark Ridge help the Park together as a community to t share our Kibosho Project resources with a small community c raise moneyy in order that is struggling to survive. su Park to build a librar y Ridge Cares encouraged encou Park ia. The in Tanzania.

Ridge residents, churches, so going project is also community gr groups and Help build a library in Tanzania elping towards helping school such as Maine & raise money South High School to win an iTouch! for women, rally together toget make or phans, their goal of 25,000 Student Council is raffling off: ren and children dollars. affected by Park R Ridge Cares 1st Prize: 16GB 2G iTouch HIV/AIDS.. The is workin working together 10 Other Prizes of Best Buy Gift Cards oject is Kibosho Project with Global Glob Alliance ise $25, trying to raise for Africa.

Afric Global 1 Ticket for $2 000. Studentt Council Alliance for Africa 3 Tickets for $5 ffling of a with be raffl has been ssuccessfully ch iPod and 16GB iTouch working in i Africa to ards. You can $10 gift cards. improve the lives ffle ticket for $2 or buy one raffl of peop people in this Look for representatives ickets for $5. The Student three raffle tickets comm community that selling raffle tickets.

Council is hoping to raise at least are affected by ars for this cause. $1,000 dollars H HIV/AIDS. Kibosho is a village in Northeastern They are cated at the base of Mount environment Tanzania located com committed to o. It is home to several for orphans and Kilmanjaro. the de development hildren orphaned due to other children. thousand children of l ong - te r m , s el f - ssu u s t ai n i ng AIDS/HIV. The village of Kibosho The center will also provide the programs.

NEWS

Ashley Kozubal

T

iTa nz

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ia

Our New Superintendent Jackie Hazlett-Morris

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STAFF EDITOR

his year, Maine South will get a new superintendent. Ken Wallace, current assistant superintendent of District 207, will take over on July 1.

When asked what he was most excited about regarding his new position, Dr. Wallace said, “I’m most excited to have the opportunity to lead a great district like 207.

It’s a fascinating cinating place with great students,, parents, staff, board of education, tion, and community members. s.”

He also lso has some ideas for the future of District 207. Dr. r. Wallace wants to create programs that encourage courage students to “ i nve s t i g ate, l e a r n , understand, tand, DR. WALLACE report, and

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produce information” on a variety of topics. He wants to make sure that students have the critical analytical skills to separate good information from bad information, which is a problem with the Internet today.

He believes that the role of the 21st century teacher is much more than delivering subject matter.

For the future, Dr. Wallace wants to continue projects that deal with tthe updating of the Maine schools. schoo He wants the schools to be able to be useful for f the current high school scho student and not outdate outdated.

He says, “we have to provide provi the types of spaces that th meet the needs of our student students.”

He also wants wan to continue contin the teacherteache led staff

development programs.

Though all three Maine schools are completely different, Dr. Wallace feels confident that he knows them all very well. He says that, “they all share a common mission: to improve student learning.”

For Maine South specifically, Dr. Wallace is intent on supporting the vision of Mr. Claypool to improve the school. Though South is the most “land-locked” of all the Maine schools, he believes that with some creative thinking the technological needs of the school will be met. He is most excited about the Learning Resource Center and how the space has been re-envisioned. He hopes that that re-envisioning process will carry on into the classrooms as well.

Dr. Wallace feels “truly honored” to have been selected to be the new superintendent of District 207.

His position is one not without challenges but certainly one with many rewards.

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 Bess Featherstone Erin Klein Courtney Vinopal News Editors Ashley Kozubal Keely Patt Jonathan Stevens Features Editors Joanna Madej Tom Bielawiec Sarah Geraci Entertainment Editors Lydia Ramsey Tom Berg Steven Wear Commentary Editors Xander Tapling Anne Wave Marissa Duric Sports Editors Patrick Mirski Caileen Bazarek Lesia Witkowsky Production Editors Ted Sherbin Matt Eller Photography Editor Jackie Hazlett-Morris Staff Artist Leah Artwick Adviser Mr. Stathakis

VOL. 45, NO. 9

MAY 15, 2009

More lesser-known clubs of Maine South Ted Sherbin PRODUCTION EDITOR

Ecology Club

Ecology Club is a club focused on raising awareness among the students and the community on how they can help the environment. Their projects include cleaning the forest and finding ways to spread awareness to students. They meet once a week to twice a month, and the club is open to anyone who wants to join. The sponsors, Ms. Leah Johnston and Ms. Botany Club Jill Burns, assure that students, “It’s a great way to help the school and Ms. Lahart and Ms. McGrath community.” You can reach either of sponsor Botany Club. Botany Club them at their school e-mail addresses. is a very interesting club and a very important one to our school. They Chinese Club are active with making our school Chinese Club, sponsored by Ms. Shi, beautiful by planting flowers, etc. is a very interesting club, especially around our school. Unfortunately, now that Maine South offers classes they are a very limited club as they in Chinese. This club is perfect for really only have two members, so look anyone interested in the Chinese out for the next announcement. They

are always accepting new members and if you are at all interested, jump on your chance to influence the appearance of our school. E-mail Ms. Lahart if you are interested.

sponsored by Mrs. Sinnott, students must pick a category to work on for the sectional and state levels. This group has been very successful, sending Melissa Magnuson and Deirdre Smith to the national level this year. Contact FCCLA the sponsors with information Family, Career, and Community on how to get involved next year.

Leaders of America is a very large Science Olympiad club, focused on four different areas.

The fashion area, sponsored by Mrs. Science Olympiad is a club where DeGrado, takes part in garment students prepare and take part in construction. During class, they create various competitions. At regional those beautiful displays in the back of and invitationals, the club takes the V-Wing. The students in the Child part in 23 events which range from Cares Occupations/Preschool area, building structures to understanding sponsored by Mrs. Joyce, participate genes. There are also lab-based in leadership conferences and a events like Physics Lab, Chem Lab, Preschool Storytelling contest. They and Forensics. Mr. Depies, the club must create their own flannel board sponsor, states, “There is even an event story, props, felt pieces and costumes. called ‘Picture This’, in which one The students in the Foods area, student draws a picture of a scientific sponsored by Mrs. Crane, work term and the other two students on culinary skills at the sectional try to guess the word.” Overall, the and state levels. In the Family and club is a fantastic extracurricular Consumer Sciences Careers group, that involves one’s love for sciences.

Features

culture and language. The club does fundraisers, dinners, breakfasts, movie days, and so much more. The club also celebrates Chinese festivals and holidays, including the Chinese New Year. Chinese club also has an exciting trip to Chinatown, which is sure to be fun for everyone. They usually meet once a month either before or after school. The club is still open for new members, so if you have an interest in joining Chinese Club, be sure to e-mail Ms. Shi at her school e-mail address.

C-team competes in Washington D.C. S

Photo courtesy of nps.gov

Wagner, and Steven Wear on Unit 3; Rob Juckett, Summy Lau, Melanie Mendez, and Tommy Rucker on Unit 4; Elizabeth Clarke, Kyle Hannon, Terry O’Neill, and Brittany Wisniewski on Unit 5; and Chloe

place on December 5 in the State Meet for the sixteenth year in a row.

The individual units put in a lot of work to prepare for the competition.

Maher, a member of Unit 3 which traveled to Springfield to research, stated “We put in a lot of time on preparation, and we kind of got jerks for judges, but I think everyone handled it well.”

“Even though the judges didn’t ‘like’ us, I’m still proud of all the work we have done as a team,” San Gabino continued.

Though the team was saddened that they did not place within the Top Ten, all are happy that they had the experience of joining the Constitution Team. Unit 3 member Wagner stated, “I think that even though we didn’t win we all had a good time.”

Wisniewski said of the experience that “This is one of the greatest things I’ve ever done.”

Powerhous e O’Neill continued that participating Members of the Maine South Constitution team together outside of Maine South. in Constitution team Megan Auld, Erin Klein, Michael Hawkins, Joe Jose, Anthony Petrokas, was the “Best experience ever.”

San Gabino and Tim Warnock on and Lesia Witkowsky on Unit 6. T h o s e j u n i o r s i n t e r e s t e d Prior to the National Competition, in trying out for the 2009-2010 Unit 1; Stefan Burke, Dora Korpar, Xander Tapling, and Laura Walsh Constitution Team had many earlier Constitution Team should listen to on Unit 2; Katie Rose Brosnan, victories. They won the district the announcements for information Meagan Maher, Brian qualifier on Halloween and took first about try-outs coming this month.

Constitution. The competition involved each team presentation of a four-minute response to a prepared porting matching red jerseys question and six minutes of free interspersed with formal attire, response questions from their judges. the Maine South Constitution Team The team members consist of competed at the National Competition in Washington, D.C., on April 25 to April 26.

Though the 24-member team did not place in the Top Ten in the nation this year, their year was still a success. As Coach Andrew Trenkle stated, “Like the Titanic, sometimes the best doesn’t work out.

Everyone gave their best and that should make everyone satisfied.” Mr. Kevin Hansen is the Assistant Coach.

The Maine South team is compromised of six separate units of four students each which specialize in certain areas of the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PHOTO BY ERIN KLEIN

Erin Klein

SOUTHWORDS

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MAY 15, 2009

VOL. 45, NO. 9

Tweeting its way to the mainstream Lisa Francis STAFF WRITER

FEATURES

I

f the internet were a high school, there would be a lot of competition. Imagine the cliques that would form out of the insanely complicated and mysterious World Wide Web. Yahoo! and AOL would be those random kids who know a lot of useless information. CNN.com would be the kid that everyone likes to say that they hang around with just to look smart. YouTube is the kid one talks to when one is bored. Time.com and WallStreetJournal.com are the nerds and proud Harvard acceptees. Obviously Facebook and Myspace would be the class couple who everyone knows. But then there’s the new kid: Twitter, who throws the best parties.

The new web sensation known as Twitter is currently sweeping the globe. Since its launch by creator Jack Dorsey in 2006, Twitter has gained extensive popularity worldwide. Even Oprah has a Twitter. The talk show host created one on her show just recently. Twitter has been advertised as a microblogging service that allows you to answer the question, “What are you doing?” The site allows users to create an account, then add people as “friends” much like you do on other social networks. Then, it enables its users to send and read other users’ updates known as “Tweets.”

Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length which are displayed on the user’s profile page and delivered to other users who are your friends. Users can send and receive tweets via the website or through SMS text messages. So, its essentially a form of Facebook for those who have an unhealthy obsession of knowing what’s going on in the lives of others.

Twitter is certainly changing the way the globe

communicates. For example, the Pentagon tweets and so does the President. Those online can check out what President Obama is doing (depending on if the profile has been updated or not) if they just log on to http://twitter.com/BarackObama. Imagine reading “Barack Obama is currently working on a new energy plan” as a tweet. Pretty cool, huh? Even the armed forces have jumped on the Twitter band wagon. Currently, the Navy is “experimenting” with several forms of online media, and some of its commanders are using Twitter, a spokesman said.

The Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines even use it to communicate with each other. It’s funny to think of a three-star general using the word “friend” as a verb when referring to various social networks.

Some have decided to take the new Twitter-bug to the next level. Recently, NYU graduate student Corey Muencher used the site to monitor his wife’s pregnancy. Muencher wanted the feeling of touching his wife’s pregnant belly even when he was miles away on business. So, he created a monitor for his wife to wear around her stomach that would instantly send him an SMS message tweet to his iPhone every time his unborn child kicked.

One certainly cannot make the argument that Twitter is lacking sophistication. The medical community has even embraced the social networking site. A “Tweet Camp” was set up at Mayo Clinic in New York to teach doctors and nurses about Twitter and some other networking sites. The Mayo Clinic has stated that they want their staff to be well acquainted with new technology… they even use it in the operating room. Yes. You read that last sentence right. Doctors have started tweeting in the operating room in order to create a way for medical students to follow along with a surgical procedure beyond the OR doors, then print it out, and study it later.

So, because it’s such a priority to keep up with trends in high school (after all, one shouldn’t be caught without “A & F- 1892” plastered across their tee here at Maine South) Twitter is simply a necessity; everyone needs it.

Twittering

Leah Artwick

So, apparently there’s this new verb... “tweeting”.

The new “myspacing” or “facebooking.”

So now we can know everything about everyone anytime, anywhere.

Y! LE MI !

F S S O AL ?

ER ETZ RTZ W R LO P CE OL ING ON L F EAT Y C A Y M LO I’M EE S

...sitting on a branch... ...tweet... ...tweet... ...tweet...

I’ll leave that to the birds.

DS 6 SOUTHWORD

VOL. 45, NO. 9

MAY 15, 2009

New Holocaust Museum a valuable lesson to all FEATURES EDITOR

questions.

The video talks about the importance of learning about the Holocaust. The Holocaust showed us what can happen not only when people resort to barbarian tactics to get what they want, but also when other people don’t speak up when they see it. The video teaches us that silence is humanity’s worst crime. In addition, the clip informs the viewer that the lessons of the Holocaust are to be used to stop genocide today.

The promise “Never Again” has sadly not been fulfilled as there are many murdered today in places like Darfur. “We want visitors to take their understanding of the universal

PHOTO BY JOANNA MADEJ

L

beginning with the life of Jewish people before the war and going up all the way to the new lives the survivors started after the war. These stories and explanations are featured on posters that visitors read as they walk on.

To make the exhibit experience more memorable and interesting, there are televisions set up throughout the exhibit. Some provide additional information on the facts presented on the posters; others are real videos of the various events that occurred during the time period, such as the invasion of Poland by Germany or scenes from the concentration camps. Still others present Holocaust

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happened in the lives of those who died in these mass murders. Yet others present masses of crowded faces.

However, none of those are identified; ife and history teach many the people are all the same and the lessons. While it is important viewer cannot tell the difference to focus on the present and make between them. This tells the world the best of one’s life, we must all that so many people died during remember the experiences of those the Holocaust and all the genocides who came before us and what they and that records were so poorly kept teach us and the humanity as a whole that we will never really know who community. died. The artwork also portrays the That’s why the new Illinois emptiness that is now in our world Holocaust Museum and Education as a result of those who are gone.

Center was opened. It opened in Their descriptions make the viewer Skokie on April 19 of this year and has realize and ponder on the theme of attracted crowds of people from all the constant presence of absence of over, rushing not only to see the new the dead. exhibits and artifacts, Visiting the but also to educate museum is definitely a t h e ms e lve s ab out worthwhile experience. and to remember the While a trip to Europe horrible atrocities and a visit to a real committed during concentration camp World War II. would be the ideal way The entire to see what things were museum not only really like during the contains the artifacts Holocaust, the Illinois and information about Holocaust Museum the Holocaust, but the and Education Center way the museum looks is right outside Old is all in the theme of Orchard and provides the Holocaust as well. equally valuable The building is grayinformation. colored and while it Visiting the is not over-the-top museum has a higher intimidating, it does purpose to it. It is not bring the image of a just to learn and to concentration camp absorb information to mind. like one would in other Shor t ly b efore places of learning. The entering the main goal is for one to museum, the visitor walk out of there ready sees a fountain with to use the Holocaust a semi-circular wall The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center opened on April 19, 2009. It now serves lesson and apply it to around it. This called as a source of information about the Holocaust and genocide, as well as the lessons that are to one’s life. Whether it’s the “Fountain of the be learned from them. saving the children in Righteous” and the wall around it presents tablets with survivors who share their memories lessons of the Holocaust and translate Darfur or just simply standing up the names of the people who helped and experiences. In addition, a model that into meaningful action in their for the kid that’s being picked on at save Jews and others during the German wagon car is on display, everyday lives, from participating school, one is using the lesson learned Holocaust. Each tablet also states into which one can walk and see in action against current genocides, from the Holocaust and speaking up where each rescuer is from. This how small and dark it is and what to just being a better neighbor,” against injustice.

The end video of the permanent is a commemoration of those who the victims must have gone through said Bethany Fleming, Director of were brave and risked their lives riding on them, especially when Collections and Exhibitions at the exhibition tour tells the story of a prisoner in one of the concentration when others turned their backs on hundreds of people were crammed museum.

After walking through the camps who told new arrivals of humanity. These people refused to into such a tight space.

At the end of the exhibit there is a permanent exhibit, the visitor can everything that was going on inside. just stay silent and not do anything.

The names of all of the rescuers room with a big television screen that go upstairs and visit the gallery. It After he was done with his story he were acknowledge by Yad Vashem, a displays one more mini-movie. Even contains many interesting pieces of always said, “I told you this story not though there were many videos and art on the subject of the Holocaust to weaken you, but to strengthen you.

Holocaust museum in Israel.

The best way to start a tour of clips shown throughout the exhibit, and genocide itself. Much of the The rest is up to you.” These words the museum is to start with the this one is different. It ties together artwork is purposely obscured or echo in today’s world… “The rest is permanent exhibition. It presents all the lessons learned and answers unclear, conveying the message that up to you…” the entire story of the Holocaust, the “So what?” and “What now?” we can never truly know what really

Joanna Madej

SOUTHWORDS

7

MAY 15, 2009

VOL. 45, NO. 9 Film:

PRODUCTION EDITOR

ENTERTAINMENT

T

he school year is quickly closing.

With less than a month left in the school year, all anyone can think about is “When we’re all out of school, what do we do with our free time?” Easy answer: go catch a flick at the Pickwick. This summer, there are plenty of good movies that will be released.

“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” This is easily one of the most anticipated films of the year. After the great success of the first Transformers movie, Michael Bay is returning with his cast to direct a sequel to the 2007 film. Shia LaBeouf will return as the protagonist, Sam Witwicky. The film will start before the age of pyramids and will tie the Transformers to the beginning of civilization. If you saw the first movie, be sure not to miss this follow up. Releases June 24, 2009.

“My Sister’s Keeper” This movie, based on the book by Jodi Picoult, follows the story of Anna Fitzgerald (Abigail Breslin), a girl conceived by in vitro fertilization for the sole purpose of being an exact donor match to her sister, Kate (Sofia Vassilieva), a girl

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUGARSLAM.COM

Second annual summer movie preview

Teddy Sherbin

“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” is just one of the many anticipated movies coming out this summmer. with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

After missing out on countless opportunities to help her sister, as she needs to, Anna looks for medical emancipation and she receives help from Attorney Campbell Alexander (Alec Baldwin). Don’t miss this

intriguing film, in theatres June 26, 2009.

“Ic e A g e : D a w n o f t h e Dinosaurs” The cast from the past Ice Ages have returned for a third film in the series. In this film, Manny and Ellie are preparing to have their first child, which influences the rest of the cast.

Diego is tired of being the “housecat” of the group and feels he may be too laid back, while Sid sees the new family on its way and tries to start his own by stealing eggs from a nest – Dinosaur eggs. If you liked the last two movies, it’s safe to say you’ll like this one too. The movie will be released July 4, 2009.

“Harry Potter and the HalfBlood Prince” If “Transformers 2” is one of the most anticipated films of the year, “HP6” makes it look like the release of a new type of cheese wheel. Fans have been waiting for this film since the book was released in 2005, and expectations for it have only ballooned with recent competition and bad publicity that forced the film to pushed off until this summer. The film, the sixth of the series, focuses on Harry’s sixth year at

Hogwarts. Dumbledore and Harry are now preparing themselves for a long and difficult journey to defeat the evil Lord Voldemort. Readers be warned, however, that a number of very important scenes from the book have been, unfortunately, removed from the film. Don’t be surprised when the movie does not end quite the way you expect it. This movie is to be released July 15, 2009.

“Tekken” Based on the old arcade series (later made into console games), “Tekken” follows the story of Jin Kazama (John Foo). In the age of the film, most of the world has been destroyed by wars. What is left is ruled not by government but by corporations. One corporation, the Mishima Corporation, is holding a fighting tournament in order to “keep the masses down.” Kazama enters a fighting tournament, in order to avenge the death of his mother. He blames Heihachi Mishima for her death and knows the only way to get close enough to fight Heihachi is to win the tournament. This film is sure to be exciting to any fan of the old arcade game and is set to be released on August 7, 2009.

The Fray coming to Chicago this summer

Music:

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

T

he Fray’s latest self-titled album combines their alternative vibe with the amazing piano melodies that brought hits to their last CD like “How to Save a Life” and “Cable Car (Over My Head).” This is The Fray’s second studio album, and there is reason to believe that they just keep getting better.

The album starts off with the song “Syndicate.” It’s hard to understand what this song is trying to say, but it is a peppy song that features a really cool beat. The song gets a bit repetitive, but overall it’s a pretty solid start to the album.

The next song on the album is “Absolute.” Again, it is pretty repetitive, and is up to interpretation. The lyric writing is well done, and makes listeners actually think about what the lyrics might mean. The song is kind of sleepy, but at the same time is catchy.

Following “Absolute” is the CD’s first single, “You Found Me.” The

8 SOUTHWORDS

song has already been overplayed ally seems like it’s repeating the same in it than the other songs on the CD. For a change, there’s even a guitar on the radio, but really is one of the ideas over again.

“Enough For Now” spins the solo, much different than the piano better songs. Its beat in the beginning is interesting, with the piano message The Fray has been singing solos that are sprinkled in other syncopation fitting in well with the about throughout the album to fo- songs.

Finally, The Fray returns to the singing talents of Isaac Slade keeping cus more on a family message. The the right beat. Lyrically, the words dramatic change is good, but still not same mellow notes it had used before with “Happiness.” The track makes aren’t as vague as “Absolute.” They thrilling.

“Ungodly Hour” is a more melan- good use of the acoustic guitar, and seem to be very inspirational and outspoken, and really shine through choly sounding song, great for falling the lyrics are on the more interesting end of the spectrum. on this song.

Overall, The Fray has basically The following song, “Say When,” written about three good songs on takes a turn for the better. There is a this album with the rest just being bit more of a techno feel in the bevariations on those three. It is good ginning, and this keeps it optimistic music if the goal is to be inspired, and upbeat, however, it starts to get or if the listener is in the mood for pretty sorrowful, which seems to be a very pleasant nap. The serious yet a theme throughout the album. calming tone make their songs good “Never Say Never” is one of the for a rainy day. As a criticism, they best songs on the album. The lyrics are inspirational, and the piano is The Fray, from left to right: Dave Welsh, could stand to be a bit more varied if they wish to improve on their sucprominent in this song, adding to Ben Wysocki, Isaac Slade, Joe King the motivational feel. It seems to be asleep to. The falsetto Issac Slade cess.

The Fray goes on tour with Jack’s sincerely written, with real passion puts into the refrains really adds a Mannequin this summer, arriving in emanating from all aspects of the new nuance to the music.

Another above-par song on this Chicago via First Midwest Bank Ammusicality.

“Where the Story Ends” picks up CD is “We Build Then We Break.” It’s phitheatre on June 28th. It promises where “Say When” left off with simi- the penultimate song on the album, to be a fun tour, especially for those lar beats and a similar message. It re- and has a lot more rock and techno who have loved them from the start.

PHOTO COURTESY: BLOG.THEFRAY.NET

Lydia Ramsey

VOL. 45, NO. 9

MAY 15, 2009

DVDs:

Tom Berg

PHOTO COURTESY OF WEBLOGS.CLTV.COM

Digging and sifting through the Best Buy bargain bin

PHOTO COURTESY OF MYMOVIEADDICT.BLOGSPOT.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR.COM

E

Entertainment

eventually $ 6 . 9 9 T h i s heard of this movie, “Mean Girls” is involving Broadway hit the funniest depiction of high school is one of the life to hit the silver screen in a long, veryone knows about those t h e g r u mpy best and most long time. Starring Lindsey Lohan bargain bins they have at every n e i g h b o r , well-known before scandal started to seriously DVD retailer known to mankind. p l a y e d b y musicals today impact her career, this movie follows They take all the movies that are J a m e s E a r l and is st i l l her character, Cady, as she adjusts either old or haven’t sold so well and J o n e s , h i s p e r f o r m e d from her previous life as the homestick them in a bin near the cashier’s m o n s t r o u s i n t h e at r e s schooled child of adventurous parents counter where they hope someone d o g an d an ever ywhere. to that of a typical high school girl. will eye a last-minute impulse buy autographed B a s e d o n She encounters a group known as and be compelled to spend a quick B a b e R u t h baseball.

Shakespeare’s the Plastics, led by the snobby Regina five bucks.

“Romeo and George (Rachel McAdams), and In reality, however, a bargain bin is A lt hou g h it Juliet,” “West soon ends up joining their ranks, more like a hunt for buried treasure. may not have Side Stor y” originally just to sabotage them to At the bottom of every bargain bin, c i n e m a t i c centers on the help her less popular friends, but past the vast abundance of copies of d e p t h , t h i s Sh ark s and things soon get complicated. With a duds such as “Big Momma’s House m o v i e s t i l l the Jets, two typical teen movie plot, “Mean Girls” 2,” “Tank Girl” and “American Pie stands out as r iv a l g ang s gets its laughs not only from the presents: Band Camp,” there lies the a n a l l - t i m e that fight for accuracy of some of its’ depictions of perfect DVD, the hard-to-find classic cl a s s i c , and c o n t r o l o f high school life, but with the sheer or the movie you watched as a kid— for a bargain the streets of absurdity of others. Cady’s trek and the best part is they’re always bin film, “The Man h att an . through high school life is a parody priced at or under ten bucks. Here are Sandlot” stands “The Sandlot” was originally released in 1993 and has since become a cult classic.

A m i d s t t h e of the ridiculousness of high school some examples of things you can find out on top.

NOTE: If you encounter “The struggles, love arises between these that is simultaneously easy to relate in these bargain bins/at bargain prices Sandlot 2,” avoid it at ALL COSTS. two gangs when Tony of the Sharks to, after looking past some of the at the Best Buy near Golf Mill: “The Sandlot” $4.99 This is one It is not worth spending any amount (Richard Beymer) and Maria of the completely ridiculous parts. “Mean Jets (Natalie Wood) meet at a dance. Girls” is certainly a classic in any of those classic movies that every kid of money on.

“Ocean’s 11/12/13” $9.99 Originally With music by the ingenious Leonard teen movie library, and especially at should watch. “The Sandlot” is the tale of Scotty Smalls, a kid whose family released in 2001, “Ocean’s 11” is a Bernstein and lyrics by Steven the steal of a price Best Buy has it moves into a new town. Not having remake of a 1960 film of the same any friends, Scotty meets some kids name. Whereas the 1960 version stars down at the local sandlot and tries to Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, the befriend them. Once he does, he and 2001 version stars George Clooney, the kids get into a boatload of trouble, Brad Pitt and a number of other wellknown actors. “Ocean’s 11” follows Danny Ocean (Clooney), who was just released from prison after being busted for a previous heist. He wants to get back into crime again, and gathers up a seemingly ragtag group of criminals (eleven in all) to rob three casinos owned by Terry Benedict (Andy Garcia). A shot of the Plastics performing at their school’s winter talent show in “Ocean’s 11” is a necessity one of the more memorable scenes of “Mean Girls.” in any collection of heist Sondheim, two of the leaders in the marked at. movies, and “12” and “13” genre, “West Side Story” pulls ahead These are just a few of the possible certainly hold their own of other musicals and really centers treasures that one can find at the weight, although “12” is itself as one of the best musicals of bottom of a bargain bin or tucked probably the weakest of recent times. Some of the songs, like away in the “$9.99 and under” shelf. the bunch.

“Tonight,” “I Feel Pretty,” “Mambo” These recommendations should get NOTE: While all and “Maria” should be instantly you started on your hunt for good three films are available recognizable to many, even if you DVD’s at great values, but there are for individual sale at $9.99, aren’t a musical theatre buff. If you lots of other great movies to find “Ocean’s 11” and “Ocean’s want to get an idea of what musical hidden in the depths of a bargain 12” are also available theatre is about or you know and love bin. Remember: just because they’re A promotional poster for “Ocean’s Eleven.” It packaged together at the this musical already, this DVD is a marked down and tossed in an old was one of the highest-grossing films in 2001, same price, making that a great place to get what you’re looking box doesn’t mean they’re necessarily featuring an ensemble cast of prestigious stars for at a bargain price. bad; you just have to know where like Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Brad Pitt and better deal. “ We st Si d e Stor y ” “Mean Girls” $6.99 If you haven’t to find the hidden treasures at the the late Bernie Mac. ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

SOUTHWORDS

9

MAY 15, 2009

VOL. 45, NO. 9 Film:

Television:

“X-Men Origins:Wolverine” Bats in the Belfry Max Mielecki

STAFF WRITER

ENTERTAINMENT

W

olverine is the most recognizable of all the X-Men, as well as the most popular, and he finally has his own movie with “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” This prequel to the X-Men Trilogy is set 10-15 years before the events in the First X-Men movie. Hugh Jackman reprises his role as the adult James Logan/Wolverine, and Jackman’s top-notch acting comes with it. Liev Schreiber plays the adult version of his brother, Victor Creed/Sabertoothed.

The film begins in 1845, where a young James Logan overhears a fight in the house. He goes downstairs to find the man he thought was his father dead; enraged, he unsheathes his claws (made of bone, not metal, at this point) and kills the murderer, who uses his dying words to tell James that he is his father and that Victor is his brother. The two brothers then set out to avoid the arriving police, leading to an excellent opening credits sequence of traveling through time.

At this point, an army general named William Stryker visits the pair, offering them to join an elite team of fighters he is building. They join the team, and fans of X-Men lore will get to see their favorite characters, including wisecracking swordsman Wade Wilson/Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), Teleporter John Wraith (Will.i.am), and even Fred Dukes, better known as The Blob (Kevin Durand). The team shows a great disregard for the safety of civilians and other people, p p , which leads Wolverine team, ne to abandon the tea am, m, much to the dismay of Victo Victor, or, whose bloodlust increase increases es after Logan’s gan’s departure.

Logan n spends the next 6 years in Canada as a logger, r, with the love of his life, Kaylah Kaylah. h.

It all ends ds when Stryker appears, appeaars, warningg Logan that he believ believes evees es someonee is hunting hun unting the members memb bers rs of the team.

He asks for am m.

Wolverine’s help ne’s h e lp lp in locating ng the killer, r, but Logan an n says he no longer works for orks fo or him im m and returns urns to to his work,, only tto o find thatt Victor o had attacked

10 SOUTHWORDS

Kaylah and killed her. He returns to Stryker, accepting his offer to help take down Victor. Stryker directs Wolverine to the Weapon X program, who graft the adamantine skeleton to Wolverine, giving him his famous metal claws. The story then weaves throughout many twists, as Wolverine chases Victor and finds out the truth about Weapon X. This storyline is generally good, but even for a movie solely about one character; the supporting characters don’t stick around long. Aside from Sabretooth and Stryker, no character stays around for more than 10-15 minutes. However, this is forgivable as “Origins” has a lot of mutants in it, ranging from the aforementioned ones to the explosive Remy LeBeau/ Gambit, a former member of Weapon X, and a child version of Scott Summers/Cyclops. Keeping track of everything can be incredibly confusing, and additionally, the film at points messes around a lot with the established lore, which will probably annoy people who are already familiar with the characters.

The film does, however, do a good job of starting storylines, which h will probably blossom into futuree “Origins” movies; both Cyclops and d Magneto movies have been confirmed, and there is strong speculation that Gambit and Deadpool movies are in the works.

“Origins” has some great action and answers many questions about Wolverine’s back story, such as how he got the name “Wolverine,” an indepth look at Weapon X, and how he lost his memory. y It’s not the best of the X-Men X-Me M n Films, but it certainly c is not i n ot the worst, aalthough upcoming movies like and l i ke “Star Trek” Tre “Terminator Salvation” “ Terminator Sa will it. w ill likely outdo ou However, H wever, it is Ho i still a solid sso oli l d picture, pictu and a good good start to the t h e “Origins” “O series, sseeries which fans ffaa ns of the X - M e n s e r i e s should definitely de c h e c k out. ou

Michael Loiacono

STAFF WRITER

I

n 1992, Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski created “Batman: The Animated Series” and changed the face of animation. Now, 17 years later it is still a wonder in animation arts.

Right from the start, it was apparent that the show did something different from a technical standpoint.

The animation is smooth and crisp, with very few gaps or jumps. Also, the backgrounds are very dark, which reflects the grim mood of Gotham City. Behind the scenes info tells us this is because the backgrounds were painted on black paper, something no one had ever done before. The drawing style is also vvery different from most superhe superhero cartoons at the time. Shows like “X-Men” and “ “Spider-Man” were drawn in pseudore alistic comic book styles, with d ned musculature. defi “ B a t m a n”o n t h e ot h e r h a n d u s e s w h at m o s t r e f e r to as an “art-deco” style. The shapes of humans are reduced to more impressionistic, simplified designs, and the vehicles are drawn in a way that is evocative of th 1940’s. Then there’s the the th theme, composed by none oth than Danny Elfman, other wh scored the two Tim who Bu Burton movies (“Batman” an “Batman Returns”). and Rather than doing the music R electronically, like “X-Men,” “Batman” uses a live orchestra. This gave it a more cinematic feel than most cartoons, even today.

Each episode has its own unique title card, with different fonts, different artwork, and different music played over for each one. Take the first episode, “On Leather Wings.” The music is fast and creepy, but in a later episode, “Heart of Ice,” the music is slow and somewhat sad, yet soothing.

Most shows simply flash the title at the bottom of the screen, or use a generic title card, with standardized music.

Rather than get exaggerated cartoon voices, the creators went with what the called “a voice with character.” This makes the episodes feel less like a cartoon series, and more like miniature animated movies,

along with other elements. The two most integral voice actors are those who voice Batman and the Joker: Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, respectively. Yes, that Mark Hamill.

Luke Skywalker is voicing the Joker?

Actually, Hamill does a very good job voicing Batman’s most famous foe, bringing not only a great element of malevolent lunacy, but also what is arguably the best laugh given by any actor playing the Joker, animated or live-action. Conroy is equally good as Batman, for once, Batman doesn’t whisper like an old man, or growl like a tiger with laryngitis. His voice is deep, powerful, and defined.

However, there is one voice actor who simply does not get the he credit he deserves, and that is Bob Hastings as Commissioner ner Gordon. The voice he uses es is caring, experienced, and hard-boiled all at the same time.

Perfect for Gotham’s favorite cop. Not until Gary Oldman played him m in “Batman Begins” and nd “The Dark Knight” t” was there an actorr who so amazinglyy captured James G o r d o n’s character.

F i n a l l y, we have the stories. Here is where we get the real awesomeness. Every very story from “Batman: Thee Animated Series” is selfcontained, with a few exceptions, ti only two-parters will break up certain stories. The characters are all very well developed, the plots engaging, and the animation, as mentioned before, very well handled. So, why is that ground-breaking? Plenty of cartoons have good stories. But, most cartoons tone it down, limiting things such as violence and adult themes in order to make it “Kid-Friendly.” “Batman: The Animated Series” doesn’t. Is it crazy, blood-splattering violence and full-frontal nudity? No. But it doesn’t let the expectations of the public get in the way of telling the story they need to tell. It’s not neccessarily “adult,” but it’s not simply kid’s fare. Anyone of any age can enjoy it, because it doesn’t talk down to its audience, constantly preaching its viewers or just trying to sell toys.

Letter to the Editors I

at conception. The late Pope John Paul II stated “Above all, the common outcry, which is justly made on behalf of human rights, for example the right to health, home, to work, to family,… is false and illusory if the right to life, the most basic and fundamental right and the condition for all other personal rights, is not defended with the maximum determination.” It is the pro-choice action taken

by President Obama, based on as you described his “pro-choice opinion,” which is offensive. Based on the pro-life standpoint, not protecting all human life is not having the best interests of the people in mind.

Notre Dame is a Catholic institution. In 2004, the U. S. Council of Catholic Bishops issued a document entitled “Catholics in Political Life” which states “The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles.

They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.” Fr. Jenkins, President of the University of Notre Dame, is being publicly disobedient to the bishops in giving platform to, and choosing to grant an honorary degree to, someone whose actions as president have been against the fundamental prolife principles of the Church. Honoring him in this way would suggest that not defending human life does not matter to the Catholic Church. In Pope Benedict’s visit to the United States he said “to justify positions that contradict the faith and teaching of the Church would obstruct or even betray the university’s identity and mission.” Those opposed believe that Notre Dame’s defiance to the bishops is abandoning its Catholic identity.

The article called the anger of the alumni of Notre Dame irrational, but re-consider the following points: pro-life as a core human rights belief, the most fundamental human right from which all others flow, the power of the Presidency to affect that right, the “body of work” of the current President concerning the issue, and a Catholic institution disobeying the directives of the United States Council of Catholic Bishops. In light of the above, it would be irrational if people were not angered and scandalized, especially Catholics.

As the article mentioned, a highly educated audience should be intellectual enough to listen to all sides of an issue. With the abundance of information and technology available today, there is no reason for anyone to be uninformed.

However, one must take the time and energy to seek the information. I would hope that Maine South students would be among those considered highly educated and would make such an investment to examine the reasoning behind various viewpoints.

I would hope they would attempt to understand before passing judgment on, or as you state “throw stones” at, those who hold different beliefs from their own.

Tina Butera Foreign Language Teacher

MAY 15, 2009

“Going to the beach.”

-Erin Self ‘10

“Getting a tan.”

-Cristian Tavarez ‘11

Commentary

n the recent commentary piece about Notre Dame’s invitation to President Obama to speak at its upcoming graduation ceremony [“Obama’s visit incites unwarranted anger in alumni,” Vol. 45, No. 8, April 17, 2009] and plans to grant him an honorary degree of law, it was stated that the anger of those who oppose Notre Dame’s decision to do this is unwarranted, that they are acting irrationally, and implied that it didn’t constitute a scandal. As an educator, I urge students to be informed before passing judgment. On any polemic issue, one should thoroughly study both sides in order to take an intelligent stance. If there is such a protest that it is being labeled as a scandal, perhaps one should investigate as to why it would be considered as such.

The article questioned what President Obama’s pro-choice views had to do with giving a commencement address. After researching, one finds a significant part of the opposition to be focused on granting President Obama an honorary degree of law. Arizona State University, where President Obama will also be making a commencement speech this year, declined to bestow an honorary degree to the President. Their spokeswoman, Sharon Keeler told the Associated Press “It’s our practice to recognize an individual for his body of work.” It is precisely this body of work as President that those opposed feel should not be honored. Since he has taken office, Obama has overturned the Mexico City Policy, which had prohibited U.S. funds and our tax dollars from being used to promote or provide abortions overseas, dedicated federal funds to harvest embryonic stem cells for research, appointed prochoice Kathleen Sebelius to head the Department of Health and Human Services and is working to overturn conscience protections for healthcare workers, forcing them to cooperate in abortion or risk losing their jobs. The article questioned why the president’s opinion on one issue should be the center of the debate. A president has the power to take action on his or her opinions.

The article stated as a leader of a nation, it is important to have the best interests of the people in mind. It explained some of the reasoning behind the pro-choice position. What is the logic for being pro-life? Upon study one finds that being pro-life is more of a core belief about human rights than an opinion. Blue being the best color in the world is an opinion; something subjective that cannot be proved with evidence. All innocent human life being protected under law is a core belief, a psychological state in which an individual holds a proposition or premise to be true. Being pro-life is a core belief based on biology. At conception, also known as fertilization, a unique organism comes into existence. Since this new life possesses human DNA and is the offspring of human parents, it can only legitimately be described as human life. To say human life or “personhood” begins at some other threshold of consciousness or viability is subjective; a matter of opinion. Biologically, human life begins

What areyou looking forward to most about summer?

VOL. 45, NO. 9

“Going to Greece.”

-Paula Papaioannou ‘10

“Playing baseball.”

-Theo Karabatsos ‘12

SOUTHWORDS 11

MAY 15, 2009

VOL. 45, NO. 9

Transitive property defines Sox fans as heavy smokers Stephanie Bergren STAFF WRITER

COMMENTARY

n the hallways of Maine South, posters cascade the walls declaring our school’s decision (generally speaking) to make the right decisions regarding alcohol and smoking. One certain poster caught my eye as I was walking to math. It states: “Most Maine students like the Cubs better than the Sox and most students choose not to smoke!”

This poster is mostly likely trying to imply that most Maine students make good decisions regarding drugs.

Still, it more strongly implies that Sox fans smoke more than Cubs fans. By putting so much emphasis on the positive decisions of not smoking and connecting it to Cubs fans, it also inherently implies that Cubs fans are better than Sox fans.

If I have learned anything in English class this year, it is that hasty generalizations are terrible things that should be avoided at all costs. Assuming smoking is bad, this poster encourages the hasty generalization that can be put into a simple mathematical equation: Let X = Cubs fans, and Y = Sox fans. According to the poster, X>Y. So, Cubs fans are obviously better than Sox fans because they choose not to smoke and all Sox fans must

Photo by Anne Wave

I

These posters appeared in the halls of Maine South in April. Some students have reacted negatively to its generalization about following the “majority.”

be bad people.

This may be stretching the poster a little too far, but it still implies that Cubs fans make better decisions than Sox fans. Since Cubs fans and nonsmokers are the majority, it even further implies that the majority is always right.

Ultimately, the goal of these posters is to encourage the good behavior of students. However, this also encourages being part of the majority, going against what we have been taught our entire lives. The majority is not always right, but these posters also use information that shows the majority is doing something right. If a majority of people oppose freedom and oppose smoking, it still makes the connection that these positions are the right ones because they are the majority.

I am not suggesting that schools should sugarcoat messages about serious topics, but these posters suggest that individual ideas against the majority are wrong. But while some majorities have been famously been wrong, some majorities are correct.

Students should not just decide not to smoke because a majority of people do not smoke. They should choose not to smoke because of their own volition. After all, Cubs fans have been wrong for over one hundred years.

Swine flu epidemic or “whine flu” obsession?

Xander Tapling COMMENTARY EDITOR

I

f people have watched the news in the past week, they’re well aware of the fact that the world is now trembling in its boots about the “pandemic” caused by a disease called “swine flu.”

Or, at least, that’s what they used to call it; by “they” I refer to the World Health Organization (WHO), who, after the Egyptians started a crusade against pigs, attempted to change the name to shield the poor porkers from further persecution.

Now, isn’t that enough to make a rational person take pause? From the moment this disease had its latest outbreak in Mexico, experts around the world had been saying that the chances of it spreading through pork products was, as U.N. doctors put it, “negligible.” This hasn’t

12 SOUTHWORDS

stopped countries like Russia from putting a boycott on all pork products originating in Mexico.

While “Swine flu” or, as it’s newly designated by WHO, H1N1 Influenza, is a form of influenza and should be treated seriously as such, but nothing more. True hypochondriacs will point to the fact that people have died and proclaim that it’s a pandemic that will end the world. What they’re forgetting, though, is the fact that nearly every known disease and ailment on this planet has people who will die from it.

Not to mention the fact that most of those who have died have lacked proper medical equipment in their communities and proper care for their disease. In a country like the United States, where our stockpiles of anti-viral medication are the envy of the world, the mortality rate is

next to nothing, and those who do get ill are able to get treatment for the virus. Despite the fact we have these supplies, many states have declared states of emergency to allow themselves more funding and supplies from the national government (a la California) to fight the virus.

Adding to the air of panic is the most recent case of a child in Washington Elementary School. Yes, yes, we’re all very proud of the fact that sleepy little Park Ridge gets to take part in a pandemic, an occurrence just as rare as the United States performing well in the World Cup. However, almost every single person I knew turned their heads to the city and said “Close the schools!” As much as I want to echo the sentiment that will get me out of school and into the nice weather as soon as humanly possible, the notion is silly; there’s one

person ill in a population of more than 30,000 people, and you can’t expect the city to completely shut down every school when only one has a case of the virus.

The point I’m trying to make here is how much hype we, as a population, let get built up around diseases that occur regularly across the globe. Did any news outlet mention that America dealt with this disease in 1976 and in 1988? Of course not, because that’s boring news. What better way to keep the ratings spiked than to cause a little mayhem in the general populace? In reality, swine flu is nothing special, it’s just another disease that Americans and the rest of the world decided to be deathly afraid of because people died where there were no supplies and the human race is too skittish around the thought of their immune system faltering in the face of a disease.

VOL. 45, NO. 9

MAY 15, 2009

Government tortured by waterboarding issue Anthony Eugenis STAFF WRITER

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ince the inauguration of Barack Obama, the debate on torture and waterboarding has become increasingly hot. Nearly everyone familiar to the issue has had their voices heard by others. Politicians have spoken their opinions on Capitol Hill, lawyers have filed lawsuits, human rights groups have protested, and many citizens have voiced their opinions through newspapers, radio shows, and websites.

The history of waterboarding and its use dates back to the Spanish Inquisition. Over time, the technique was changed and improvised. For those that do not know, waterboarding simulates drowning. Because water is poured onto a person’s head, they feel like they are drowning. However, the lungs do not fill up with water and the suspect does not actually drown The issue exploded onto the main segment of every news channel when on January 22, President Obama signed an executive order that banned “enhanced interrogation techniques,” which included waterboarding. He stated that only techniques from the official Army Field Manual should be

It’s c a s u a l ly m e nt i on e d i n conversation and feared by many, but I had never actually seen it put to use, until recently: the 24-7 rule.

Basically, the policy works as follows: When a student is caught with any prohibited substance (listed on pages 38-39 of Maine South’s Student Handbook), a review board is assembled. Depending on the student’s involvement in school, different teachers, counselors, coaches, etc. are invited to be on this board and attend a meeting that Dr. Garlasco facilitates with the student. This meeting gives the student a chance to tell his or her side of the story.

Any situation involving drugs or alcohol has usually resulted in a 40 percent deduction from that student’s involvement in an activity.

“I can’t think of one [case] that we’ve deviated from the 40%,” said Dr. Garlasco.

But how do es t his “40%”

into detail on how the techniques must be carried out and presented to suspects. For example, during a waterboarding session, a physician and a psychologist must be present.

Some may believe that suspects get treated under horrible conditions, but the CIA has done its part in ensuring that doctors are always present. Other documents assert that waterboarding is not torture.

Executive Order 13440, signed by George W. Bush in July 2007, bans torture during interrogations. In the document, torture is defined as an act having “the threat of imminent death”.

Waterboarding is not listed as torture in the document.

In Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 2340 defines torture as “an act committed by a person acting under the color of law specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering (other than pain or suffering incidental to lawful sanctions) upon another person within his custody or physical control.”

Obviously there are arguments about waterboarding inflicting severe physical and mental pain, and those arguments will continue for quite some time.

Part of the torture issue that gets

twisted is how the techniques are carried out. Waterboarding is done in moderation. One suspect who has been waterboarded is Khalid Sheikh Muhammad, the suspected mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The news that he had been waterboarded 183 times sent shock waves around the world. But the technique was used over a one month period, for five days a week.

Waterboarding was done for at least ten seconds and no longer than forty seconds. Interrogators were only allowed to water board for a total of twelve minutes in a 24-hour period. Again, caution is taken during interrogations to be absolutely sure death is not a possibility.

Still, 183 times is too many. If the tactic works, why did it take 183 times before information was retrieved? Dick Cheney has pleaded with the CIA to release the memos that show the information that was learned from waterboarding at least three suspects. Which begs the next question: If waterboarding is declared as torture, is it okay if it saves American lives? That is one of many questions that need to be answered once and for all.

punishment affect different extracurriculars? A recent enforcement of this policy with the drama department makes me question the fairness of a “one size fits all” policy. Students that had roles in the musical got in trouble for violating this rule and their punishment was not being allowed to perform in the second (and last) weekend of the show. Not only is this devastating to these performers, as it is their last high school performance ever, but what about the rest of the cast and crew?

Countless people have been dedicated to this production for months—is it right to punish them, to force them to re-work the play in a week’s notice, on account of the mistakes of two people? Furthermore, the “40%” punishment has a more devastating effect closer to production than it would if the violation occurred earlier in the year.

With a cast member (or two) missing with a week’s notice, what is there to do? The Fine Arts Department hired a professional actor to fill the role in a high school performance.

That doesn’t seem right, but in order to fairly carry out the district’s policy,

there wasn’t much else to do.

“If you don’t have an understudy and you’re supposed to not participate [in your activity] immediately, that would have left no musical...and nobody wants that because it’s not just about one person, it affects hundreds,” stated Garlasco.

It seems that this rule’s application affects sports much differently. If a player on a team violates the 24-7 rule, he or she cannot play in a certain number of games for that season. Luckily for them, there are many games in a season (and usually multiple people that play each position). For a school play, there are normally three different shows, and for musicals there are seven, and that’s it. If you mess up in this department, there is no show next month you can perform in…you’re done. “[Athletics] usually have one or two people that if somebody got injured or something happened that they couldn’t play, that they could have back up. The musical doesn’t; I didn’t know that. This is the first I’ve had to deal with this,” said Garlasco.

Similar to fine arts, though, a late-season violation would have a

disastrous effect on a playoff run, for example.

It does make sense that the school has to be uniform about its consequences when related to alcohol and drugs, otherwise complaints from people all over the school would be rampant. To be fair in this situation, the review board had to get creative.

“We had to think out of the box a little bit because we were at all costs not wanting to cancel anything—that would have been devastating for everybody.”

I guess the moral of the story is to not break the rule. But, if there’s a slip up, we should consider adjusting consequences so they take into account the unique features of each extracurricular. I cannot think of a solution that would fairly provide consequences for every situation, but this should be discussed.

“Could there be improvements on this policy? Sure. Does it need to be looked at? Yeah, it does.” Dr. Garlasco is not involved in the district-wide process of looking at the disciplinary issues, but the process will start in the fall “to make sure that it’s fair, that it’s working the way it should.”

Commentary

Bess Featherstone EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

used on suspects. This move would be the first of many breaks from previous Bush Administration laws.

While some believe George W. Bush was the mastermind behind using waterboarding as an interrogation tactic, and therefore needs to be prosecuted, it was in fact former Secretary of Defense Condoleezza Rice who authorized the CIA to use the tactic. She had ordered several briefings, at first with CIA officials, and then later with members of the Presidential Cabinet. This included, Dick Cheney, Alberto Gonzales, and Donald Rumsfeld. George W. Bush provided only additional authorization and approval of the use of waterboarding. If war crimes are going to be in the picture, there is going to be more than one person charged. It is unfair to blame one person in this situation when many more are involved.

On April 16, President Obama released several memos concerning torture and waterboarding. One memo that was written by Jay Bybee, a federal judge, concluded that the enhanced interrogation techniques listed were not torturous because they do not inflict severe mental and/or physical pain. The Bybee memo went

SOUTHWORDS 13

MAY 15, 2009

VOL. 45, NO. 9

Youth and experience could mean volleyball title Jimmy Loomos STAFF WRITER

rely on. As a setter, I feel comfortable setting anyone on the court.”

Comprised of three seniors, eight juniors, one sophomore, and one freshman, the team has a mix of great things. On the team’s make-up, head coach Gary Granell says, “We have both youth and experience in the same package.”

14 SOUTHWORDS

PHOTO BY CHRIS ANDERSON

fter the miracle run of 2006 and numerous deep runs in the playoffs, this year’s Maine South boys’ volleyball team has started strong, and a second state title may not be to far off.

Already 4-0 in conference, the Hawks have beat the l i ke s of Ne w Tr i e r and Ev anston , and pushed non-conference opponent and perennial powerhouse, Marist, into a three-set nailbitter.

They have already accomplished some of their goals including their first-place finish at the Warren Invite, and were able to punch out a s econd-place finish at the Libertyville Tournament.

Their toughest c h a l l e nge w a s t h i s past weekend in the Downers Grove South Tournament, where Illinois’ top teams faced off, and the Hawks were seeded an astounding 8th out of 24 teams.

The team participates in their pre-game routine before they take to the court.

They ended up finishing an impressive second in the Silver Bracket, and were victorious against Lockport and Reavis.

Returning four starters from a year ago, it is nearly impossible to pick a stand out player.

“We have great talent at every position which is essential,” adds senior Tim Warnock.

However, senior cocaptain Matt S c hu e l l e r i s t h e team’s emotional leader.

Regarding Schueller, junior middle hitter Matt Butch said, “He is our libero and a huge part of our team. He is the man in the back row digging all the shots that come at him. He is one of three seniors and is a huge key to our success.”

Junior Eric Butch goes up for a smash during warm-ups while teammates watch.

In addition to Schueller, co-captain Eric

The offensive attack of the Hawks is one of the fiercest in the state, and it intricate in their success. “We have more power than a lot of teams,” says Schueller. “If we get the ball to our setter there is a very high chance it will be a kill. We have a lot of impressive individuals, which gave us a major head start on the season.”

The te am chemistr y shared by every member of the team is one-of-a-kind.

Even if they give up a point, high-fives and cheers go all around to encourage a great play on the next point.

“I’ve never played on a team where all the kids like each other as much as we do. Everyone supports one another, and we’re really tight as a team,” Warnock said.

In addition to the mutual feelings, the energy and emotion are a must for a big Hawk victory. “We live on emotion and excitement,” says Hejza, “If we get up and are loud, no one will be able to stop us.”

There is a love of the game you can see in the eyes of every player. They always look to get better and know they will have to work hard if they want to achieve their ultimate goal of a state title. “We want to challenge ourselves by matching up with some of the best competition in the state,” explains Schueller.

The Hawks started the season as a top-ten team and reached a ranking as high as six. They are hoping to grow from last year’s run to the sectionals, where they lost to the much older Glenbrook North team.

You, too, can play a major role in the Hawks finishing stretch of the season. They count on the fan’s energy to give them the needed encouragement to outlast their competition.

“We are looking to have our season go deep into the year, so don’t forget to come out and cheer for your Hawks,” says Schueller.

PHOTO BY CHRIS ANDERSON

SPORTS

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Butch is a major reason for the team’s success. Last year Eric, along with brother Matt, was an all-conference pick. Eric finished the season with 324 assists and 255 kills.

“Everyone of our players is solid,” claims junior setter Mike Hejza, “Whether playing or on the bench.

It is tough to pick our one player to

VOL. 45, NO. 9

MAY 15, 2009

Girls’ track wrapping up a rough but rewarding season Daniella Kroschel

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SPORTS WRITER

he girls’ track team is running hard during these last weeks of the outdoor season. Despite the small size of the team this season and injuries that have occurred, the girls are still going strong and dominating every meet.

They have competed in many meets so far, battling some better schools in the CSL conference. The girls started the outdoor season after coming in second behind New Trier at the indoor conference meet. Capturing conference championships for the team were Veronica Sklarzewski, Jackie Bono and Noelle Tazioli.

Veronica won the triple jump with a jump of 33-6 1/2); Jackie finished first in the pole vault with 9 feet and Noelle ended up first in the 300 (45.4).

The first win for the team was the District 207 meet. Maine South took first place with a total of 88 points while Maine West followed with 68

points. Maine East trailed behind with only 24 points. The girls won 13 out of the 18 events. With a couple injuries during that meet, which included Monica Janeczek’s stress fracture, many girls stepped up and dominated the track.

Junior Lana Romano turned heads while she won both the 100meter dash and the long jump. She also finished first in the 800-meter relay with Veronica Szklarzewski, Noelle Tazioli, and Natalia Izyk. With Romano running faster, the sprinters are following close behind. Tazioli won the 200 at 26.76 and Kristen Zillmer came in first for the 2-mile run with a time of 11.53. Szklarzewski won the high jump (4-10) and also the triple jump at 34-6. Another competitor that helped the team win was Jackie Bono who finished first in the 100 meter hurdles and won the pole vault at 8 feet.

The girls t hen traveled to Glenbrook South for a second-place

win on the Varsity level right behind Fremd. The girls ran their best that night resulting in a new meet record placed by the 400 meter relay team.

With a time of 50.60 seconds, the relay team including Szklarzewski, Tazioli, Izyk, and Romano, set a new record as well as coming in first for the race beating Fremd. Maine South also won the long jump, 200, and 400-meter dashes and also the 800-meter run.

Recently, the girls went to Elk Grove and came in third with 84 points, coming in behind Glenbard East and Highland Park. Competing against some more competitive schools, the girls ran that night with the return of some runners like Monica Janeczek. Coming back from stress fracture, she came in second place in the 200-meter dash and also won the long jump. The coaches got a good feel of who was heading to conference with the results of this meet.

The throwers are doing their best

during these last couple of weeks. For discus, Kyle Sutschek came in sixth at the Glenbrook South invite and came in fourth at Elk Grove. Natalia Wojnarowski and Isabel Soto are also some key throwers placing and getting some good marks. “We worked hard all season and it’s all coming together,” Sutschek commented on the throwers, who are now getting their personal bests and working hard and improving every meet.

Coach Downing says, “Evanston and New Trier are going to be tough but we’re going to go in and see where we stand.” Many girls are confident in doing well at conference and breaking their best times in their events including Eileen Cameron, Janeczek and Tazioli.

The girls have had a tough season full of ups and downs, but despite all this, they are going into the conference with a solid team, ready to compete and do what they’re good at.

Boys’ track races to the finish line Olivia Leiby

SPORTS WRITER

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Photo Courtesy of Chris Anderson

Junior Cody Suba throws a discus at the recent Elk Grove Meet. return to state this year in the 4x400m. relay and the 4x200m. relay. He also feels that this is the last chance for the seniors to leave a lasting impression at Maine South and the team wants to do all they can to help them achieve

their goals.

When asking junior Mike Moore what encourages him to keep running he said, “I run because my coach is chasing me.” Although encouragement comes in a variety of

forms it is obvious that this team is inspired by their coaching staff.

When asked about his team, head coach Brian Fee stated, “We need to stay healthy and focused down the stretch. By doing this, we have a great opportunity ahead of us as we look to being at the top of our game for conference, sectionals, and state.”

Coach Fee also expressed how the team is preparing for sectionals. “The boys already know what we expect of them and what is necessary to make an impact at sectionals. While workouts are a little bit of fine tuning as sectionals approach, the same focus and intensity that we expect from the boys does not change. These boys are competitors and I look forward to seeing all of their hard work pay off each meet as we push ahead to conference, sectionals, and state.”

Not only is the Varsity team performing well, but the sophomore team finished first at the New Trier Invite and second at the freshman and sophomore level at Schaumburg on April 11. The boys’ track team is only looking to do better. With a lot of team mates qualifying for state, it is essential for the other team mates to do even better. Looking ahead to sectionals and eventually state, boys track has a long road ahead of them.

Sports

his year’s Varsity boys’ track team is continuing their great season very successfully. The Hawks obtained a second place finish at the Lyons Township meet, becoming the best finish Maine South has ever had in sports history.

At t h e m e e t , s e n i or Z a c h Glasebrook did an impressive job on the long jump when he jumped 21 feet and 5 inches. Along with Glasebrook, junior Jason Frangos jumped over 20 feet. Justin Tworek, Mike Long, Jason Frangos, and Ryan Lynn broke the all time record for the sprint medley; which consists of a 400m. dash, two 200m. dashes, and one 800m. dash.

Two of the Maine South relay teams, the 4x200 and the 4x400 missed the mark for a state qualifying time by one second. The 4x200 time was 1:30.1 and the 4x400 time was 3:25.8. However, Ryan Lynn has already broken the time to qualify for state in the 800 meter sprint with the time of 1:55. Senior Kyle Hannon also is right below the state qualifying time for the mile with a time of 4:22. Junior Alec Long says that his motivation for track comes from the supporting coaches and team mates.

Going to state as a sophomore in the 4x400 relay last year, he hopes to

SOUTHWORDS 15

BASEBALL • GIRLS’ SOCCER • TRACK • BOYS’ GYMNASTICS • BADMINTON • SOFTBALL • BOYS’ TENNIS • BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL • WATER POLO

Hawks baseball battles in CSL Michael Defilippis SPORTS WRITER

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he Hawks baseball team lost their last game to Highland Park 10-4 making their record 7-10 through their first 17 games of the season.

The Hawks are looking to make a run over .500 under the leadership of two-year varsity starting catcher, senior Nick Virgilio, who won the starting job early last season.

Virgilio had a batting average of .236 last season with 9 RBIs and only

3 errors in the field; impressed with his hard work on the field, Coach Bill Milano was quoted as saying, “He did a really nice job of handling the pitchers, that year of experience should really help him this year.”

The Hawks had a below-average regular season last year going 12-6-1 overall, and 8-8 in conference, which was good for third in the CSL South.

However, they shined in the playoffs by winning the regional championship only to have their Cinderella story come to an end by losing to Leyden

1-0 in the sectional semifinal.

The Hawks look to carry over their success from the playoffs last year into this season. The Hawks will rely on junior pitcher, Ronnie Muck, to carry some of the pitching load this year.

Muck had a record of 2-4 with a 4.69 ERA in 6 starts last season striking out 39 batters in 37 ½ innings of work.

He also was a big part of the Hawks offense, hitting .250 with team-leading four home runs and 14 RBIs and is expected to produce better numbers

than last year.

The Hawks already own key victories over Glenbrook North, Deerfield, and Evanston and aim to finish out the season strong with eleven games left to play in the season.

Their next game is on May 5h at home against the Glenbrook South Spartans.

The Hawks are currently 4th in the Central Suburban South conference and our aiming their sights at another spectacular postseason run.

Lacrosse working hard this year CONTRIBUTOR

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nother exciting sport has been added to Maine South’s list. The Park Ridge Lacrosse Club formed a JV boys’ lacrosse team. The Park Ridge Hawks team is made up of 24 ninth to twelfth grade Maine South students.

The team plays in the Northern Illinois Lacrosse Club League, NILAX, against other high school teams including: Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Cary Grove, Crystal Lake South, and Downers Grove North & Hinsdale South. The league was created for teams such as Park Ridge with lacrosse teams that are in discussions with their high schools to become school sports.

Te a m c o captains include: Sean Fleming, Dom Gobbo, Billy Karabetsos, and Pat LeBeau. John Koziol coaches the Park Ridge Hawks, a Park Ridge native, who played lacrosse for Loyola Academy and the University of Dayton.

With a record of three wins and one loss, the Hawks are excited about their success as a startup team.

PHOTO COURTESY JOHN KOZIAL

John Kozial

The Park Ridge Lacrosse Club was formed to promote lacrosse in Park Ridge for both boys and girls.

Its first big effort was to start the Hawks High School team, but the club also supports the third through eighth grade program administered by Park Ridge Parks and Recreation.

Park Ridge Lacrosse Club President Rob Peterson has been in discussion with Maine South school administrators since early 2008 and hopes to field both a JV and Varsity teams next year and turn them over to Maine South for next year’s spring season.

Experience pays dividends for softball Kate Hurley SPORTS WRITER

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irls’ softball is doing well this season, playing on a new field at Maine South and boasting a strong, experienced line-up. The team had a great start to their season with an 8-0 win over Von Steuben back in the beginning of April.

Their strong momentum continued, as the Hawks had a 8-0 win over Waukegan in their first Conference game, with a home run hit by Nikki Preston and solid pitching from senior

Bailey Patt.

The Hawks had a 9-1 record going to a double-header against a tough Elk Grove team, ranked #10 in the state. The Hawks lost both games, and later lost a close game against St. Viator’s after extra-innings. The next day the Hawks faced a conference foe, Glenbrook South. After being behind, a strong offense with hits

by Emily Epifanio and Kaitlyn May contributed to another conference win. The next conference game was against the team’s rival, New Trier. Both

teams were undefeated in conference.

The Trevians got one run early in the game after a balk, an illegal pitch that advanced the Trevians on base past home plate. The one run was enough to make the Hawks suffer their first conference loss.

At the St. Charles East Invite, the Hawks had a shaky start, losing to St. Charles 5-2. The rest of the tournament included two ties and one win, leaving the team fourth in the tournament. But the Hawks dominated the rest of the conference, beating Evanston 9-0 and

Waukegan again 3-0. With eight games left in regular season, the Hawks have a 14-6 record and have only lost to New Trier after the first round of conference games. Next Wednesday the Hawks take on New Trier, in a game that could decide conference champions.

Post-season, the Hawks experienced roster and strong showing so far could mean good things. “They didn’t do so well last year—they lost the first game of regionals—so we’re hoping to do better this year,” said junior Rebecca Hoffman.