Vol 47 issue 6

March 25, 2011

1111 S. Dee Road • Park Ridge, Illinois 60068

Vol. 47, No. 6

Bringing home the

PHOTOS BY MADDY VOGG

BRONZE

Maine South celebrates after girls’ basketball finishes top three at the IHSA state finals.

New Mayor Elected

Student wins Ruta Quetzal

Funniest Websites

Chicago elects Rahm Emanuel as mayor Page 3

South student is one of three in the U.S. to win Page 7

Hilarious web sites that entertain for hours Page 8

Turmoil in Wisconsin Protestors angered over new bill Page 11

VOL. 47, NO. 6

2) On March 8, authorities in Rome arrested 34 people in connection with the ‘Ndrangheta crime syndicate. As many as 41 more arrests are planned on charges ranging from homicide and illegal weapons possession to drug trafficking and money laundering.

1) On March 9, Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill abolishing the death penalty in Illinois. The law will take effect July 1, with Illinois becoming the sixteenth state to dispense with the death penalty.

3) On March 11, an 8.9 earthquake occurred off the northeast coast of Japan, and triggered a tsunami that sent waves over 30 feet high six miles inland. Over 2,000 people were estimated to have died as a result. The West coast of South and North America were put on alert for the high waves, and many coastal residents evacuated in anticipation.

2

1

Chicago Mexico

3

Italy

COMPILED BY JACKIE HAZLETT-MORRIS

NEWS

MARCH 25, 2011

Honshu

4

Sudan 5

4) More than 18 people were killed on March 8 in a shoot out in the Mexican border state of Tamaulipas. The state government released a statement saying the shoot out was a conflict between two warring organized crime groups.

The U.S. State Department is warning students planning to head to Mexico for spring break of the recent rise in homicides near resort areas, and urges them to use caution if they do decide to go.

Queenland 6

5) More than 65 people were killed on March 8 during clashes between rebel armies and soldiers in Southern Sudan’s Upper Nile State. The fighting occurred just four months before Sudan is due to become independent.

Christchurch 6

6) Britain’s Prince William is planning on touring disasterstruck New Zealand and Australia on March 17. The Prince of Wales will visit the flood-ridden areas of Australia, and the New Zealand towns affected by the Feb. 21 earthquake.

Katie Patterson wins second place in the Shakespearean Drama Competition Sam Okrasinski NEWS EDITOR

O

n Wednesday, Feb. 16, senior Katie Patterson participated in the Shakespearean drama competition at Roosevelt University, sponsored by the Chicago Branch of the English Speaking Union. Accompanied by Theater Director John Muszynski and English teacher Trish Valko, Patterson was selected to be the representative from Maine South for this competition. High Schools from all across Illinois are invited to compete, but only one student per school can participate. After auditioning among

2

SOUTHWORDS

students at Maine South, Patterson was selected for this honor. Patterson headed downtown that Wednesday to perform after spending time refining her performance with Mr. Muszynski and Ms. Valko.

Even after being chosen to represent Maine South, in order to continue in the competition, she was required to make a morning cut.

She made the initial top 9 out of 19, where she moved on to perform her pieces for the judges once more. “Her performance was lucid, provocative, moving, and energetic” Valko said regarding her second performance.

Patterson took second place in the state for her dramatization of Hamlet’s soliloquy “O what a rogue and peasant slave am I” and Shakespeare’s Sonnet 123, which is the best finish for Maine South since we began participating in the competition. “This is a huge and impressive accomplishment and we are very proud of Katie,” Muszynski commented.

The competition was a great experience for Patterson. “Everyone who performed was very talented,” she noted. “It was so exhilarating to be in a room with tons of other students who are as excited about Shakespeare

and as excited about performing as I am.”

Judges, ranging from the Chicago Tribune’s Art and Drama Critic Richard Christiansen to Chicago Shakespeare Theater actor and speech coach Kevin Gudahl, were also impressed by the competition this year.

Katie’s accomplishment is a source of pride for both her and Maine South.

Her second-place victory earned her a scholarship as well as the honor of going to New York City’s national contest should the first-place winner be unable to make it.

VOL. 47, NO. 6

MARCH 25, 2011

Natalie Kirchhoff STAFF WRITER

O

Rahm Emanuel gives his acceptance to cheering supporters at Plumbers Hall on February 22. commended the actions of the citizens of Chicago and called them to further action, stating, “While this election was hard-fought, it was only the beginning…the real work of building a better future begins tonight.” Rahm called attention to the many challenges currently affecting the city, especially reducing gun violence on the streets, increasing the quality of the public school system, increasing job opportunities for working families, and confronting the budget deficit.

Emanuel also paid homage to his predecessor, current Mayor Daley. As his term comes to an end, the Daley administration will be remembered for the numerous accomplishments

News

n Feb. 22, Rahm Emanuel was declared the victor of the Chicago mayoral election, succeeding current mayor, Richard M. Daley.

Rahm Emanuel has a background in politics dating back to the Clinton administration, where he served as a senior advisor to the president.

Emanuel also served three terms as an Illinois congressman, representing Chicago’s 5th District in the House of Representatives.

As of late, he has gained national attention for having served President Obama as the White House Chief of Staff. He resigned from this position at the end of last year in order to begin his campaign for mayor of Chicago.

At the start of his campaign process, Emanuel began to address the issues that accompany the occupation of mayor, simply stating, “I want to fight for a better future for all the people of Chicago.”

Emanuel’s distinction on a national level and his continuous involvement in city affairs makes him a highly viable candidate in the eyes of voters, one who seems capable of bringing needed changes to Chicago.

There was much controversy as

to whether or not Rahm was eligible to be on the ballot. In Illinois, it is a requirement for a candidate to be a resident of the municipality in which they are running for office at least a year prior to the election in order to qualify for the ballot.

There was a dispute as to whether or not Emanuel fulf illed this requirement, as he had been serving in Washington as Chief of Staff for the Obama administration for the majority of the year.

The Supreme Court of Illinois stated that Rahm was a legal resident of Chicago and allowed Emanuel to remain on the ballot. This contention brought more publicity to his campaign, raising awareness on both a local and national level.

On Feb. 22, the mayoral elections in Chicago took place. However, Rahm Emanuel’s victory quickly became apparent, as he amassed over 55 percent of the vote, thus eliminating the need for a run-off election. He was trailed in votes by Gery Chico, the runner-up of the election with a total of 24 percent of the votes, and Carol Moseley Braun and Miguel del Valle, each with about 9 percent of the votes.

In his acceptance speech, Emanuel

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHICAGO FOR RAHM

Rahm Emanuel wins Chicago mayoral election by a large margin

achieved over the years, the most notable being his campaign to beautify the city. He leaves behind a legacy and a vacancy that demands the tenacity of a strong leader to continue improving the city.

As Daley’s successor to America’s third largest city, Emanuel is faced with a daunting task, given the economic and monetary issues currently plaguing Chicago.

As part of his newly appointed mayoral duties, Emanuel will oversee the various city departments and agencies, as well as appoint positions of leadership within these departments.

Emanuel is supported by a large group of supporters confident in his abilities.

Quest works to fix errors from failed health inspection Joe Taddeo STAFF WRITER

A

fter the Maine South cafeteria failed a Nov. 3 health inspection with a score of 53/100, the food service provider, Quest, implemented a remediation plan including additional employee training, pest extermination, and modifications to the salad bar and ventilation systems to correct the infractions.

Follow-up inspections on Nov. 17 and Dec. 1 resulted in equivalent scores of 96/100 and 100/100, but students and parents are still expressing concerns.

“I find that [the failed inspection] really disgusting. Doesn’t McDonald’s score way higher than that? I really wonder what they could’ve done to get such a low number,” junior Paulina Gadek said.

The follow-up inspection results did not alleviate all concerns either.

Parent Dorina Rus said, “They should have had their own inspection before they started feeding all those children food that wasn’t well made.

As a mother, that makes me very aggravated.”

The report notes that the sanitizing solution wasn’t measured correctly nor was it raised to the necessary temperature of 180 degrees, neither cold food nor hot food was held at their proper temperatures, food wasn’t properly cooled nor labeled with time they were cooked, there was potential for cross contamination, and lastly, fruit and house flies were found.

“They’re [health inspections] never scheduled,” Quest director Ann Benson said. “We know that every operation gets two inspections per calendar year, one of which is published. Unfortunately, it’s usually the first one that gets published, and that’s usually the one that’s going to be the most destructive.” Benson stresses that the infractions were more procedural than food-related issues.

Quest became the food service provider for Maine South in August 2010 and has already been serving Maine East and West for seven years.

At either of the other sites, Quest hasn’t failed an inspection, but Benson

states, “Actually having this happen to us [failing the inspection] was such a great thing because we were able to react immediately and also do massive training.”

Within 24 hours of the inspection, Quest put together an action plan to correct the found issues.

Ed Beese, Director of Buildings & Grounds here at Maine South, stated, “There was a problem with a broken air line that controls a valve which supplies the hot water to the dish machine.

The air line was repaired and a temperature sensor was added to the discharge/supply line to the dish machine. Additionally, a point was added to our building automation system so we can monitor the temperature from our building computer system.”

When the former food service company at Maine South, Sodexo, left, their employees remained as a part of Quest’s contract.

“We are inheriting employees, but we’re also inheriting their bad habits, as well their way of doing

things. So, it really was just a matter of time. We did the best we could to correct everything on the surface,” said Benson.

She went on to say, “When we came in here, it was a God-awful mess. It’s a wonder it was running the way it was. They were not being held accountable for most other things that were going on here in the past.”

M a i n e S o u t h p a r e n t To m McGrady said, “I don’t like the fact that they [Quest] blamed it on the previous service provider—it’s a lame excuse. They’re the ones who have the contract and should be held accountable.” Sodexo did not return our attempts to contact them with regards to their previous service here at Maine South.

Some students, however, are not fazed by such issues. When asked if the failed health inspection changed his eating habits at South, senior Julian Cardona said, “I buy lunch four times a week. I think it’s gross that Maine South scored a 53%, but it doesn’t change my mind because it is good.”

SOUTHWORDS

3

MARCH 25, 2011

VOL. 47, NO. 6

Democratic revolutions erupt in northern Africa, Middle East NEWS

TUNISIA: Dec. 18 The protests began following the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi, a 27-year-old street merchant who was harassed by government forces. Bouazizi set himself on fire after police confiscated the goods he was selling without a permit. This act of protest sparked outrage across the globe against ill-treatment and police corruption. Tunisia’s head of state, Zine El Abidine

Ben Ali, was overthrown on Jan. 14, leaving his prime minister to rule.

On March 7, the prime minister of Tunisia, Fouad Mebazaa, became the interim president and named Beji Caid Essebsi as the new prime minister. Mebazaa also dissolved the current parliament, the state security division, Ben Ali’s political party, and its “political police force.”

Tunisia is currently planning to hold parliamentary elections sometime this summer.

GRAPHIC BY AUSTIN BRYNIARSKI

EGYPT: Jan. 25 The Egyptian protests featured numerous demonstrations, marches, labor strikes, and violence between supporters and dissidents of the Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak.

G r i e v a n c e s of pro t e s t or s included police brutality, lack of free elections, corruption in government, and increasing unemployment that left many young adults without jobs.

Many b elie ve the high unemployment rate directly corresponds to Egypt’s higher-than-average crime rate. As protests wore on, international support rose for the removal of Mubarak from office, and many western governments issued travel advisories and attempted to evacuate all of their citizens from Egypt. In re s p ons e t o m ou nt i ng pressure from both internal and external governmental bodies, Mubarak dissolved his government and appointed the military figurehead and former Eg y pt i an G e n e r a l Intelligence Director Omar Suleiman. On Feb. 11, Suleiman announced that Mubarak would be stepping down as president, ending his 30-year regime. On Feb. 13, the Egyptian constitution was suspended, both houses of parliament were dissolved, and the country was placed

under military rule until the first elections are held. The death toll is estimated to be 365 people, with over a thousand more injured in the 18 days of protests.

BAHRAIN: Feb. 14 Bahrain’s protest were initially aimed at achieving greater political freedom and human rights. However, on Feb. 17, the police launched a night raid on peaceful protestors sleeping in the Pearl Roundabout town center in Manama, killing three citizens and injuring dozens. After that, protestors began calling for an end to the monarchy, leading to violent government action and oppression.

The Bahraini police have taken to using tear gas, live ammunition, and army tanks to quash the increasing support for a democratic government.

On Feb. 22, an estimated 100,000 p eople, marched in the Pearl Roundabout town center calling for democracy and an end to oppression, both political and personal. A major source behind the push to throw King Hamed out of office is a result of the religious sectionalism in Bahrain.

The ruling family is Sunni, while many opposition leaders are Shi’a.

The Sunnis and Shi’as make up two sub-sections of Islam, and are bitterly divided in most Muslim regions of the world. According to Al Jezeera, the international Arabic news network, Bahrain is considered to be the most vulnerable country to unrest amongst all Gulf Arab states because of its blatant political oppression and religious unrest. The death toll since Feb. 14 is estimated to be 9 people, with over 300 more injured.

SOUTHWORDS

LIBYA: Feb. 15 The Libyan Civil War began as a series of protests and demonstrations against Muammar Gaddafi’s 42-yearrule. The Libyan opposition has formed a National Transition Council in preparation for the overthrow of Gaddafi and the move to a democratic government. Gaddafi has the support of loyalist military units and police forces; however, some of Gaddafi’s top official and military personnel have sided with the protestors and have condemned Gaddafi’s use of force against civilians. The United Nations Security Council has passed a resolution imposing sanctions on Gaddafi and freezing his assets as well as those of ten members of his inner circle. The rising death toll, currently over 6,000 people, has drawn international condemnation and increased support for the interim government in opposition to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi’s rule, which was established on Feb. 26.

IRAQ: Feb. 12 Protests have taken place across the country, demanding a more effective approach to national security issues and federal corruption investigations.

As a response to growing demonstrations and fear of potential by comparison... nationwide unrest, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced that he will not run

Bloody revolutions and demonstrations are overtaking many Middle Eastern countries. These often-violent exchanges have led to international scrutiny towards the targeted regimes and support for the protesting parties.

4

for a third term in 2014. However, the people were unsatisfied with al-Maliki’s promise and on Feb. 25, dubbed the “Day of Rage,” over 7,000 protestors held demonstrations all across Iraq in opposition of the nation’s high unemployment, corruption, and lack of public services. Hundreds were arrested during the protests, including many foreign journalists and Arab intellectuals urging for peaceful demonstrations. On March 4, the government instituted a vehicle ban in an effort to prevent protestors from congregating in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square; however, 1,000 citizens made their way to the heart of the capital and were dispersed by police forces using batons and water cannons. The death toll since the protests began has not been solidified, but officials report that there are an estimated 40 people dead, and hundreds more injured.

SOURCES: BBC.CO.UK, CIA WORLD FACTBOOK

Jackie Hazlett-Morris EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

VOL. 47, NO. 6

Cross Body Bags Cross body bags are the perfect, timeless trend.

When traveling, they provide a safer alternative than an easily pick-pocketed over-the-shoulder bag. Yet, they still look totally chic. Best places to find them: Nordstrom’s, Forever 21.

Don’t hold up the TSA

Girls

You’ll be able to avoid the fashion police at all costs on your This year’s Academy Awards featured lots of bling—specif- Spring Break with these stylish ically on the fingers. Celebrities have been sporting over- suggestions from Southwords.

Big Rings

Floral Skirts

sized rings, and, thankfully, they are available everywhere now. These rings come with the perfect combination of flowers and sparkle. The right ring can and will make your spring outfit. Best places to find them: Forever 21, Claire’s.

Jimmy Loomos & Hope Tone

Features

Floral skirts are this season’s alternative to the highwaisted pencil skirt. Cute and flowy, these skirts are perfect for Monday morning, a Friday night party, or a Saturday on the beach. Some of the biggest celebrities have been seen wearing these with tank tops over their swimsuits, so they are an essential for any spring break trip. Best places to find them: Old Navy, American Eagle.

Guys

MARCH 25, 2011

STAFF EDITORS

Wedge Sandals Wedge sandals are a comfier version of the classic heel. Perfect for your spring break getaway, whether it’s Chicago or Cancun!

Best places to find them: Zappos.com, American Eagle.

Studio Headphones Big headphones are the newest accessory for trendy young men. These headphones are almost obnoxiously large, and can cost more than the iPod itself. But, in reality, they are not meant to be heard, just seen. Best places to find them: Best Buy, Sony Store, PacSun.

Quarter Zips Q

Colored Chinos

Q Quarter Zips are this year’s noodie. Several sports have used this cl classic style for their apparel this year, and it has been an instant favo vorite. Perhaps they are less constrictive than the traditional hoodie and noodie style, but whatever it is, everyone loves them.

Best places to find them: College bookstores, Sports B Authority, Dick’s Sporting Goods.

A

Gym Shoes Perhaps this newest trend at Maine South was inspired by the German and French exchange students, who could be seen sporting the wild and wooly shoes. Now, these are the perfect alternative to boring K. Swiss. Add some color or metallic to your fresh kicks. Best places to find them: Nike Store, Finish Line, Sports Authority.

Colored Chinos (in both the long and short variety) are a popular new pant style for boys. Less conservative than the classic khaki hue, this new style can be seen with solid polos and striped tees. Best places to find them: J. Crew, Banana Republic.

How to pull off this Spring’s new nautical look

Getting

Ray-Bans This season, no one steps out into the sun without either a pair of Ray- Ban-style wayfarers or aviators. These are the perfect accessory for a day on the beach. Even better, the knock-off style can cost around $10, making this the perfect pair of sunglasses. Best places to find them: Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom.

Boat Shoes Boat shoes are a comfy classic that give a nautical utical twist the classic loafer style shoewear. They are great for spring weather, rain or shine, and are a perfect alternative to Converse. Best places to find them: Sperry Topsiders at

Nautical Striped Shirts Na Nautical Stripes are the top trend for the both boys and girls this season. It breaks a top fashion rule (never wear horizontal stripes) but still looks fabulous. This season, stripes come printed on t-shirts, sweaters, crop tops, and shorts. Best places to find them: J. Crew, American Eagle, Forever 21.

SOUTHWORDS

5

MARCH 25, 2010

VOL. 47, NO. 6

Make the most of this year’s Spring Break Kelsey Eichman STAFF WRITER

FEATURES

A

s any high school student will explain, it is a common practice to wait until eight o’clock on Sunday, the night before school resumes, to look at one’s homework for the entire break. And then, it is only polite to notify your closest five hundred Facebook friends to show how little time there is to complete the assignments.

Then, after you have roamed the house once or twice, checked the phone, and had a snack, it’s time to start working. Sound familiar? It doesn’t have to.

Don’t let the end of spring break sneak up on you this year. Procrastination is a self-made habit, so here are some tips and tricks to make that late night a little less stressful.

Work early and often Finishing homework within the first days of break is beneficial in many ways. The material is fresh in the mind, so no reviewing is necessary. Also, it is then possible to break up study time into short segments over a long break.

Work in short periods

Take advantage of down time Whether on a train, plane, or bus, any down time can be used to do homework. Bring study materials to the dentist office, or on the ride to your vacation destination. These small increments of time will feel like nothing; it will make an otherwise wasted time productive, and all that work will really add up by the end of break.

Study in a distraction-free area Distractions are a procrastinator’s ultimate temptation. By secluding oneself to a quiet room, free of people (including Facebook friends), staying focused will be no problem. Make sure to study in a comfortable area (but not too comfortable) with no music or TV on.

Wake up at a reasonable time There is no need to deprive oneself of sleep, but it is also possible to wake up before noon. If students went to bed at midnight or one, and woke up at nine,, they would be fully rested and would not have wasted the day da away. In the end, one will still be well rested, while also having much more ttime to be productive. ductive.

Doing homework an hour a day is a great way to pace oneself. There won’t be any “burning-out” or becoming frustrated with all the work.

Reward yourself If it gets hard to be motivated to study, tell yourself, “I can have ________ when I’ve done one hour of homework.” This will encourage hard work, but also provide a necessary break from all the hard work.

Study with friends Studying with friends makes homework fun and motivates you to work.

Meeting with a group to review material can be a great way to socialize while practicing important topics. Reviewing can also help prepare for finals, which will only be nine school days away once school resumes.

ACT and SAT study prep With all the extra time breaks provide, studying for important standardized tests over break proves to be much easier than studying during the school week when there are also other tests and quizzes. Take advantage of this time to get ahead of the game and improve on college resumes.

GRAPHIC BY ADRIAN ADAMIEC

Ally Stevens FEATURES EDITOR

W

ith the help of new technology, a new program called Education 2020 allows District 207 students to take classes online. This program is intended for students who are in need of credit recovery or who need a supplement to a course they are currently taking.

Education 2020 is designed for students who have failed a specific course in a previous year but do not have time in their current schedule to make up the class. Additionally, if a student appears to be struggling in a current course, he or she could also be considered for the program for supplementary purposes.

Once a student is enrolled in the E2020 program, he or she is assigned a user name and password to log into the web site daily. With the user name, a student can log in and see the course outline for the class they are assigned to.

This outline contains homework assignments, tests, quizzes, and numerous videos with a oneon-one instructor explaining the current topic in great detail. These videos are especially help-

6

SOUTHWORDS

ful to students enrolled in a supplementary E2020 course. Students enrolled in a supplementary course, unlike those enrolled in a credit recovery course, do not need to complete tests or quizzes.

Due to the fact that the E2020 program was only recently adopted by District 207, only a small group of students from Maine South are currently enrolled in online courses.

According to Mr. Dagres, an Assistant Principal at Maine South and a member of District 207’s E2020 program, this small group of students will “help in case studies.” These case studies will help teachers determine the helpfulness of the new program and make necessary improvements where need be.

Since there is a small number of students chosen, as the selection process is very strict through a building referral team. This team then weighs any social, emotional, and academic issues to de-

IMAGE COURTESY 2020.COM

Online courses come to District207

termine if he or she is a candidate for Education 2020.

Although the student chooses which days to work on certain assignments, Mr. Dagres, or another teacher in District 207’s E2020 program will check in on the student’s progress to make sure this student is on task.

According to Mr. Dagres, students currently enrolled in this program appear to be improving academically. However, despite the improvements, E2020 will remain a selective program until further notice.

VOL. 47, NO. 6 MARCH 25, 2010

MAINE SOUTH,

Numerically Speaking

46

years since Maine South opened

Features

student organizations at Maine South

the average ACT score* for Maine South students

AP courses offered at Maine South

Maine South’s ranking based on PSAE scores among public, non-magnet schools, according to the Chicago Tribune

79

24.4

19

9

292 2,567 37,797 staff members at Maine South

students enrolled at Maine South

books in the Maine South library

*According to a 2009 study

Sophomore to attend prestigious excursion W

STAFF WRITER

hile most Maine South students are spending summer vacation poolside, sophomore Elena Navas will spend her months off traveling through Peru and Spain with 221 other Spanish-speaking teens from 53 countries.

Twenty-five expeditions like this one, which is set to begin on June 23 and end on July 24, have taken place since 1979, when the Ruta Quetzal BBVA program was first suggested

by King Juan Carlos I of Spain and then founded by Miguel de la QuadraSalcedo.

As to t he obj e c t ive of t he expedition, the chairman and CEO of BBVA (an acronym translating into the First Bank of Spain), Francisco González, released a statement reading “it is our aim that the route should be an inclusive program that enables barriers to be taken down and that furthers the endeavor of social inclusion.” In other words, Navas and her fellow travelers will experience the cultures of the Spanish-speaking places they encounter through this expedition.

The route through Peru is the same route that Compañón Baltasar Jaime Martínez followed, who, in 1779, became the bishop of Trujillo, Peru. It will begin in Lima, take the group to the Peruvian cities of Huacho, Trujillo, and Chiclayo, and finally to the Andes Mountains, where the culture of the

Chachapoyas originated.

“I’m really excited for being that far away. I’ve never left the United States before,” said Navas.

After taking the group through Peru, the expedition will continue in Spain, where they will be received by King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sophia of Spain. Additionally, the teens will experience the culture of the different Spanish regions and cities, including Madrid, Navarra, Cantabria, the Basque Country, Asturias, Lisbon, Galicia, and finally the Extremadura region.

“It’s an honor that we’ll get to meet the King and Queen,” said Navas. “I mean, we’re just a bunch of teenagers.

I really don’t know what to expect.”

Obviously, not all young Spanishspeakers are given such an honor— getting into the Ruta Quetzal BBVA program is quite a difficult feat. Only three students from the United States are chosen for the expedition.

“Elena is the first student from Maine South that has been selected to participate in the Ruta Quetzal expedition,” wrote Ms. Kramer, the department chair of the Maine South Foreign Language Department. “We are very excited for Elena that she has this opportunity to participate. It should be a wonderful experience.”

Basic requirements for applicants included being 16 or 17 years old, being enrolled in a U.S. high school, and having an impressive academic

transcript. The applicants also needed a high level of Spanish comprehension, demonstrated both by a letter written in Spanish explaining why they wished to go on the expedition and a letter of recommendation by a Spanish teacher confirming their accomplishments.

As Navas does not take Spanish here at Maine South but is instead a French III Accelerated student, Ms. Wood wrote a letter of recommendation and Mr. Barbas interviewed her to determine her level of Spanish.

Additionally, the applicants had to choose a cultural theme from a given list, research the theme, and

create a literary, artistic, musical, or historical original work on it. Navas decided to compose a musical piece for her application project. The piece was inspired by the explorations of Francisco de Orellana, who discovered the Amazon River, and is meant to be played on the electric keyboard and pan pipes. Navas plays the flute for the Maine South band and the violin for the orchestra.

The Ruta Quetzal jury met on January 20 to select the three winners from the United States.

“I’m looking forward to meeting people from around the world and the great adventure,” said Navas.

PHOTO COURTESY SOUTH.MAINE207.ORG

Maddie McGrady

Sophomore Elena Navas poses with a representative from the Spanish Embassy and Principal Messmer upon receiving her award.

SOUTHWORDS

7

MARCH 25, 2011

VOL. 47, NO. 6

ENTERTAINMENT

Funniest sites for killing time on the internet

Max Mallory & Kaci Zimmerman ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS

1.) Twitter.com/s---mydadsays

Although Justin hasn’t updated his twitter in a while, his tweets are still funny as can be. They are as random as they come, yet one of the most hilarious things you’ll read. He gets his ideas for his tweets from unbelievable things that his dad has sincerely meant. With his Twitter page getting so much traffic, CBS bought the rights to the name and made a sitcom featuring William Shatner about these funny tweets. You’ll be envious of Justin’s hysterical father after reading his page.

2.) Safenow.org

CAUTION: this site is hilarious. Remember those safety pictures you see in airports and other public places? Remember how vague they were? Safenow.org has decoded those pictures into funny diagrams poking fun at what should be done in case of an emergency. They cover every emergency from common mishaps to the unthinkable.

Next time you see an emergency sign you won’t help but giggle from thinking about this site.

3.) Awkwardfamilyphotos.com

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This web site is overflowing with the funniest and most awkward photos ever taken that words can’t even begin to describe.

Upon seeing these pictures you may ask yourself, why?

Why would someone take this picture? What would ever possess someone to even think of taking a picture like this? The answer may never be known. But until we find out, enjoy the hilarity of these pictures.

8

SOUTHWORDS

4.) D---youautocorrect.com

DYAC exposes the “help” of T9 and predictive texting.

These hysterical texts will have you in tears by the third page. Heads up: this is not a site for the young. There is often unintentional explicit content, but it’s too funny to pass up. With DYAC being so popular and funny, it’s going to be made into a book, which you can pre-order today.

There’s also an iPod app for DYAC that has all the new and witty auto-correct victims, right at hand.

5.) Parentsshouldnttext.com

The URL says it all. This site will have you either thankful that your parents don’t text or embarrassed at the fact that you’ve gotten a text similar to these once in your life.

You’ll be cracking up once you see what parents have actually texted their children. FYI: there’s a reason that it says parents shouldn’t text because some messages get a little inappropriate. This site just proves that parents shouldn’t text in the first place.

6.) Youidiot.org

Every dangerous and stupid stunt done by anyone other than professionals all come together on this web site for your viewing pleasure. Youidiot.org is filled with action packed idiots that can’t help but make you laugh. Having a bad day? These videos and pictures will make you feel better about yourself, because there are people who make bigger fools of themselves out there.

VOL. 47, NO. 6

MARCH 25, 2011

A (guitar) hero’s farewell: the end of an era PRODUCTION HEAD

L

independent competitor decided to capitalize on an idea its parent company had been toying with: the addition of alternate instruments to supplement the original lead guitar.

In November of ’07, “Rock Band” would emerge. Produced by MTV, the release wowed fans with its introduction of a drum-set and karaoke microphone. A substantial share of both market and attention shifted to the new kid on the block, leading many to believe Activision’s monopoly of the rhythm-ggam me world was rhythm-game or a gradual destined ffor decline through outside i novation. in innovation.

“Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock,” tried to prove the series was still going strong, becoming the first single game to rake in $1 billion in sales. That’s approximately 13,335,111.35 un nit itss sold units worldwide

(apparently one kid’s box only had one third of a guitar).

It was to be the peak of GH’s domination, however; following 2008’s “World Tour” with its interactive recording sessions, sales dropped faster than Wham!’s post-1986 weekly Billboard music chart rankings.

After a few band-themed flops, the franchise’s newest installment, “Warriors of Rock” pulled off a measly 86,000 games sold, le leading Activision to finalize the liqu liquidation of its entire GH Developmen Development division.

Scores of Neversoft and R RedOctane employees were left jobles jobless, the only addition to their respective respectiv resumes being “considerable air gguitar and karaoke experience.” co Thus “Guitar Hero” comes to a sad conclusion, with a turn of events that provided a decent boost bo to our nation’s 9.4% unemployment unemploym rate.

Fans the world over will be forced to turn elsewhere for their vvirtual instrument fixes, perhaps fleeing into “Roc Band 3,” the arms of titles like “Rock due out sometime this yea year.

Then there are those for which the music-game industry, shrinking s in terms of fiscal success since 2009, will never be the same w without the living legacy of the origin original plastic guitar.

Entertainment

et’s say you want to be a rock star.

You get a bunch of your highschool buddies to meet in your basement, pen a few verses about breaking up with your last girlfriend, and scrap together a melody that even has your cat meowing along. You’re in the middle of implementing the “unique hairstyle” idea Jake suggested—shaving half of your head and French-braiding your remaining strands—when you remember one tiny detail: none of you actually know how to play an instrument.

Panic ensues. Your dreams of rock ‘n roll stardom shatter around you, then fall to the carpet joining patches of Steve’s hair. Peter has to take a hit from his inhaler, and Frank argues that the only reason his eyes are watering is your broken humidifier, when the television flashes with an ad for the newest in video-game technology.

Everyone in the room is instantly mesmerized by the sleek plastic controller, operated using 5 simple buttons (plus a strum-bar), and functioning as both guitar and bass. A realistic USB microphone caters to the man with the pipes, and there’s

even a drum set that will satisfy anger-management issues. The latest installment of “Guitar Hero” is here.

Your dreams, lives, and most importantly your reputations are [partially] saved.

When “Guitar Hero” made its debut in 2005, the only playable instrument was a miniature version of a Gibson SG, and the track selection, which encompassed Rock songs om the ‘60s to the present day, gave from ayers only 30 song choices (Bearplayers ingg surprising resemblance in both ngth and vareity to your ur 7th 7th grade length od playlist). The game was was a smash sm ipod t, wildly successful with h critics criticcs and hit, nsumers alike, and the uncreativeunc ncre reativeconsumers ly dubbed 2006 sequel,l “Guitar ero 2,” only improved upon its Hero edecessor’s popularity with predecessor’s ver 3.1 million units sold in n over complete tely ly its first year, and a completely ew set-list of 40 Rock hits hiits new lus an expansion set tit tled (plus titled Guitar Hero Encore: Rock the “Guitar 0s,” which made a valiant but ‘80s, uitless effort to bring back leg fruitless armers and giant perms). perms) s).. warmers g tiime Splitting with longlong-time artner Harmonix in 20 2007 07 partner ould come back to haunt haaunt would Activision-own ned d thee Activision-owned anchise, as their newlynewllyy franchise, GRAPHIC BY ADRIAN ADAMIEC

Adrian Adamiec

Everyone has a little green in them Paula Gawedzki STAFF WRITER

Y

ou have probably heard that “Everyone’s Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day.” And no offense to all the pure bloods, but that definitely has some truth behind it.

Saint Patrick’s Day is one of the most enjoyable holidays of the year and you don’t have to be Irish to celebrate it. Rain or shine, thousands of people gather to watch the parades in their hometowns every year.

It all dates back to March 17 around 460 A.D. and the death of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. He was born in Britain into a wealthy family, and at the age of 16, he was taken prisoner by a group of Irish raiders attacking his family’s estate. For six years, he lived in captivity working as a shepherd, outdoors and away from people. He became a devout Christian as a result of his loneliness and fear.

After six years of imprisonment

Patrick had a dream with a voice believed to be God’s telling him it was time to leave Ireland. Patrick had to walk a long journey of nearly 200 miles to escape back to Britain.

Shortly after doing so, Patrick had yet another dream of God telling him to go back to Ireland as a missionary.

That is exactly what he did, making his admirable life story one to be passed down from generation to generation.

Surprisingly, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was not held in Ireland but in New York City on March 17, 1762. It was a chance for Irish soldiers serving in the English military to reconnect with their Irish roots.

Today, that parade is the world’s oldest civilian parade and the largest in the United States with over 150,000 participants. Each year, nearly 3 million people cheer on the five-hour-long procession from the sidelines of the parade route. Boston, Philadelphia, Savannah, and, of course, Chicago, also celebrate every

year with 10,000 to 20,000 participants.

This holiday has quickly gone global. It is celebrated by people of all backgrounds in the United States, Canada and Australia. Although North America is home to the largest celebrations, countries like Japan, Singapore and Russia celebrate too.

Chicago’s parade is famous for the dyeing of the Chicago River.

This tradition started in 1962 when city pollution control workers used dyes to trace illegal sewage discharges and realized this green dye may be a unique way for Chicago to celebrate. In that year’s parade, they released 100 pounds of green vegetable dye into the river, keeping it green for a week.

In order to be more eco-friendly, we now only use 40 pounds of this dye which keeps the river green for a couple of hours. This shamrock green river is an impressive sight from any of the bridges that cross the river and attracts many people to

come and see for themselves.

There are many things you can do this year to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, whether it be with your family or friends.

The best option is definitely going to see the parade – you will not be disappointed. There are two to choose from: the Southside Irish Saint Patrick’s Day Parade or the Chicago Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.

Both are fun; the only difference is that you have to pay for the Southside one whereas the Chicago one is free.

Another thing you can do is grab a couple of friends and go get some shamrock shakes from McDonalds.

This green mint flavored milkshake is only available around this time of year in celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day, so don’t miss out.

If you can’t go to the parade, try to attend a Saint Patrick’s Day party so that you can at least watch it on TV. Dress in green clothing and accessories from head to toe and have some fun, even if you’re not Irish.

SOUTHWORDS

9

MARCH 25, 2011

VOL. 47, NO. 6

Stunning spring shows Dylan O’Reilly STAFF WRITER

A

s temperatures are rising and the snow is finally melting, spring is right around the corner. But animals are not the only ones coming out of hibernation; a variety of artists are emerging from their winter slumber with series of spring tours.

Here are several concerts that you cannot afford to miss.

Lupe Fiasco:

Sat., March 26 House of Blues —329 N. Dearborn, Chicago Doors: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $27.50

Black Lips:

Rise Against:

ENTERTAINMENT

Fri., April 22 Fri., May 13 & Sat., May 14 Logan Square Auditorium—2539 North Kedzie Aragon Ballroom—1106 W Lawrence, Chicago Boulevard, Chicago Doors: 6:00 p.m. Tickets: $32.25 Doors: 7:00 p.m.

Tickets: $15.00 Lupe Fiasco is touring around the country After doing a series of European tours, Rise Best known for their song “Bad Kids,” from the Against is back in the US for their spring tour with in honor of his newly-released album "L.A.S.E.R.S." Dropped March 8, "L.A.S.E.R.S." reveals a movie 500 Days of Summer, the Black Lips are a Bad Religion. As evidenced by their new album, new side to Lupe with his most thoughtmust-see act this spring. Known for their crazy, End Game, Rise Against is rock with a purpose provoking rhymes and concepts yet. Coming back venue-crashing antics and garage rock chaos, this and is definitely something to see. Get ready for to his hometown of Chicago, Lupe's hip-hop concert is sure to be full of nonstop energy, great some moshing at the Aragon. Rise Against and Bad Religion will rock your world. sound will make this show a night to remember. music, and lifelong memories.

Wiz Khalifa:

Arcade Fire:

Childish Gambino:

Wed., April 13 Fri., April 22; Sat., April 23; Mon., April 25 NIU Convocation Center—1525 Lincoln High- UIC Pavilion—525 South Racine, Chicago way, Dekalb Doors: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $49.00 Doors: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $31.00-$37.00 After winning Album of the Year at the GramAfter the enormous success of “Black and Yel- mys, Arcade Fire is off on their tour for their allow,” as well as his mixtapes Kush & OJ and Flight bum The Suburbs. This septet is not one to miss.

School, Wizzle is out on a nationwide tour to pro- Their mix of orchestral flourishes and catchy melmote his upcoming album Rolling Papers. His per- odies is one of a kind. Arcade Fire will put on a formance will be undoubtedly be fantastic with fantastic show and display the organic, indie-rock his wide-ranging styles of rap. sound that they have mastered.

Wed., May 18 Park West—322 W. Armitage, Chicago Doors: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $20.00 Donald Glover, the Emmy-winning “30 Rock” writer and funnyman on “Community,” also raps.

He’s put out multiple songs on YouTube in anticipation of the release of his Freaks and Geeks EP. They’re nearly as hilarious as his small-screen persona, and Glover has become well-known as a consistently excellent live act.

‘King’s Speech’ takes home a royal prize Max Mallory

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

T

wo weeks ago, on the night of the Oscars, the “The King’s Speech” took home the award for Best Picture. This was no big surprise as many people predicted it to win.

It has garnered four Oscars in total, and ticket sales have risen since.

The movie takes place in the 1920s and 30s, following King George VI (Colin Firth), and more importantly, his stutter. He goes to multiple speech therapists, none of which help him, until he is introduced to Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), who decides to take on the problem. The two of them work together to cure King George’s stammer, and Lionel follows the king as he delivers numerous speeches, including his famous radio broadcast at the start of World War II. Being able to see “The King’s Speech” the day before the Oscars helped me understand why it was a top contender. Most viewers had little previous knowledge of what the film was about, and some did not have much interest at all in seeing it,

10 SOUTHWORDS

but those people were the ones walking out of the theater with a smile on their face.

The acting was phenomonal. Colin Firth did a great job; you would think he was born with a stutter after seeing the way he performed.

The camera angles used were very unique. For example, you’ll notice as you watch the film that when Colin Firth was still playing as Prince Albert, the camera would never center on him, but once he was promoted to King George VI, he was always right in the center of the shot.

Although brilliant, the film was not perfect. The main problem is that “The King’s Speech” wasn’t as emotional as some of the other films this year. “Inception” and “The Kids Are All Right” had plots that were much more heart-breaking, and while they did lack in some departments that “The King’s Speech” excelled in, a film just can’t be called perfect without the emotional connection a viewer gets from it.

Other Best Picture winners have gone down in history as the best films of their year, but I feel like this

trend might change with “The King’s Speech.” Other films this year were much more generational, and probably even more deserving of the award. “The Social Network,” which won an award for “Best Adapted Screenplay,” seems to have been a favorite of many. “The King’s Speech” is not a film that will be forgotten, but when people look back on this year, they should see everything, not just the winner of the most prestigious Oscar.

Recently, there has been some controversy over the “R” rating the film has received. There was one scene in the movie, during a speech therapy session, where Colin Firth’s character swears multiple times in a row as a way to help cure his stutter. The producers of the film have considered cutting this scene out to receive a PG-13 rating, which will garner more viewers. This has turned into a full-fledged debate between two sides: people who want to preserve the film’s integrity, and the people who want the film to make more money. This one scene has created a debate of preserving art vs. making

money.

The screenwriter, David Seidler’s story is an interesting one. He had a stammer himself as a child, and was inspired by King George VI, who, as Seidler says, “had to give radio speeches where everyone was listening to every syllable he uttered, and yet did so with passion and intensity.” When Seidler started writing, he wanted to write about King George VI, but when trying to gain information about the King, but the Queen at the time, King George’s wife, refused, saying it wouldn’t happen in her lifetime. Three years after she passed away, Seidler had cancer, which helped inspire the screenplay he wrote for “The King’s Speech.”

He won the Oscar for “Best Original Screenplay” this year, and hopefully will continue to write for years to come.

“The King’s Speech” is a phenomenal film. Even if the topic doesn’t interest you much (like it didn’t for me) you will enjoy it. Many theaters are still showing it, gathering up the post-Oscar viewers. If you get a chance this weekend, check it out.

VOL. 47, NO. 6

MARCH 25, 2011

Teacher turmoil in WI sparks protest On February 17, our northern neighbor’s Super Bowl celebration was fcollective bargaining—the ability for union leaders to debate benefits cut short as the state of Wisconsin was divided by an attempt to reign in and rights as well as salaries without striking government spending. The budget proposed by recently elected Governor Scott Walker removes collective bargaining from union rights in an attempt to close up the deficit of $3.6 billion. This bill, ultimately passed by an 18-1 Senate vote on March 9, met unprecedented outrage and has been brought kee, the Boys and Girls Clubs kept Lydia Ramsey to national attention. In fact, the bill is so divisive that it has managed to COMMENTARY EDITOR kids fed and contained. Essentially, influence the Commentary section here at Southwords, as two editors have it was a snow day for most students. differing views on the issue. hen things get bad and there’s The teachers had a right to protest, no one to blame, people use because the extreme bill took many the “party-in-power” as a scapegoat of their inherent rights as teachers for what went wrong. It is no sur- away.

Anthony Eugenis Communities such as Greendale, prise then that the Democratic canproud of.

COMMENTARY EDITOR Still, Governor Walker deserves didate was beaten in the November Wisconsin protested the bill because s the Republican governor of sharp criticism for his failure to com- election by Republican Scott Walker. it specifically targets teachers. In an Wisconsin introduced a budget promise at all. Democrats and union Walker’s ways are drastic, and not effort to stand up for their teacher’s bill to the state senate that he claimed leaders have agreed to pay more con- what most had hoped for. Governor rights, residents of all ages formed a would save the state $300 million over tributions toward their pensions, but Walker’s proposed bill is not the way protest in their own town, bringing the next two years. Outrage poured demand to keep their collective bar- to solve the budget crisis. It attempts the focus from Madison to the fact in from the public as they learned of gaining rights. He has refused all of to use financial distress as an excuse that this legislation affects everyone.

Senior Carrie Staats who attends several provisions inside the bill that their alternatives. What do collective to oppress workers by stripping them Greendale High School said, “I’m would severely weaken the collective bargaining rights have to do with a of their rights.

The reform isn’t stopping here ei- worried about what the future of bargaining rights of unions. budget deficit anyway?

Public schools in Madison, WisIn a bizarre twist, someone pos- ther. On March 2, Walker proposed public schools will look like. Taking consin were closed for four days ing as David Koch, a big corporation another bill that would cut more away teacher’s benefits and having because teachers called in sick to be campaign donor to conservative po- than $1.27 billion from schools. This them working in a state of constant present at the protests. While any litical action groups and candidates legislation, like the first one, wasn’t probation will increase inter-faculty normal kid enjoys a day off of school, including Governor Walker, called supposed to be passed until the 14 relationships which could directly it isn’t fair to them that they will have his office to discuss the protests. Senate Democrats return to Madi- affect their teaching. I like being able to make days up later because the Walker foolishly believed him (can’t son from Illinois. The Health Reform to talk to my teachers, but I’m afraid teachers ditched their jobs to protest. he recognize the voice of a famous reported, “Mr. Walker has warned, they won’t be as personable. I have It is true that protesting garners me- donor?) and went off on a rant, tell- Wisconsin would lose its chance to felt the tensions from my teachers dia attention, but nothing is more sat- ing him his plan to trick the Demo- refinance $165 million in bonds, re- (increased aggravation, etc.) even isfying than ousting a politician with crats into returning to the state Capi- sulting in more layoffs than already from the conception of this bill. I contemplated.” Unfortunately, even don’t want to think of what it would the power of the vote. The teachers tol so there may be a vote. should leave the negotiations to their The governor’s office lamely with Governor Walker’s warnings, be like if it were to actually pass.”

There are arguments that unions union representatives and focus on claimed that what Walker said in the the bill was still able to pass with only are no longer needed in society. In any possible recall efforts of Gover- phone conversation was exactly what marginal change.

The Democrats that fled the state Wisconsin, unions are part of the nor Walker and the Republican sena- he would say in public anyway. That tors voting for the bill. is hard to believe, considering he have been criticized for not stand- heritage of the state, not just a way A quorum requirement in the admitted to tricking the Democrats ing up and fighting back against the of organizing for a common goal.

Senate—that 20 senators must be back into Wisconsin with the false legislation. But their goals for flee- The industries depend on the unions physically present in the chamber to promise of negotiations. With com- ing the state were quite the opposite. to represent their interests both in vote on a fiscal related bill— helped ments like that, he blew any chance They were taking a stand against terms of money and rights.

Wisconsin has the highest gradthe legislation and representing the Democrats avoid a vote on the of striking a good deal. bill for a while. Six days after the In another ploy, Walker called on their constituents the only way they uation rate in the whole country introduction of the bill, all fourteen state police to arrest the Democratic could. By preventing a quorum, they as well as some of the best public Democrats headed south. Fleeing to senators not in Wisconsin, but that thought they could prevent anything education programs. Getting rid of unions will make good teachers less Illinois is a very cowardly way of op- move is explicitly not allowed in the from passing.

Senate Minority Leader Mark likely to work for the public school posing the bill. Rather than hide in Wisconsin constitution. Being the an Illinois hotel, where nothing is governor of Wisconsin, he ought to Miller summed it up when he said, system in Wisconsin, or even at all. going to get done, the Democratic know what his own state’s constitu- “In 30 minutes, 18 state senators This has the potential to weaken the senators should show their opposi- tion allows. Better yet, he ought to undid 50 years of civil rights in Wis- entire school system greatly.

Solving any budget crisis isn’t tion by being with the protesters. know what the citizens of his state consin.”

A day after the bill was released, easy—Illinois’ budget is currently Of all the photos from the Wis- want. consin protests, one stands out; a Despite the promises of the gov- most Wisconsin schools shut down in critical condition. But sacrificing lady holding a sign that says ‘I’m a ernor, the bill seemed unlikely to as teachers took sick days out of pro- education shouldn’t be the way to go doctor; need a note?” At first, the pass in its current wording. In fact it test. The teachers have since received about it. Removing collect bargaingesture of a protester/doctor writing wasn’t able to. Walker omitted fund much criticism for their actions ing from unions, this is only the first sick notes for other protesters is hi- provisions, but that hardly counts as which have been viewed as careless step to getting rid of unions altolarious. But flaunting your ability to compromise. Compromise should towards the kids they teach. How- gether. The legislation Walker manwrite fake sick notes kind of adds to be the only way things are going to ever, their students were well taken aged to pass is much too extreme and oppressive. A better solution could the sad state our health care system get done, not only in Wisconsin, but care of.

In the public schools of Milwau- have been reached. is in. And that isn’t something to be Washington D.C. as well.

Bill takes away teachers’ rights

Out of touch politicians, teachers

W

A

Commentary

SOUTHWORDS 11

MARCH 25, 2011

VOL. 47, NO. 6

Lindsay Alpert STAFF WRITER

W

COMMENTARY

alking out of the A-wing doors after the last final on that last day of school brings a feeling of immense relief. There is simply one word for that ecstatic emotion: freedom.

After the first few days of fun, sun, and relaxation, your new routine starts to take hold. For some, it consists of sleeping until noon and rummaging through the fridge every hour. For others, it’s a more rigorous schedule of sports or summer school.

But no matter what age, gender, or activity level, the most common way for teens to pass their sunshine-filled days is by working. While most of us shudder at the thought of taking up any of the precious ten weeks with something that’s actually productive, having a summer job does have its benefits and is the most effective and positive way to spend a summer.

Working will give you that extra cash you always wish you’d have in your pocket. On days off from work, it’s nice to actually have money to spend whimsically, whether it be on clothes or baseball tickets.

According to familyeducation.com, the top three summer jobs among teens are camp counselor, lifeguard, and starting a business (babysitting, car washing, etc.). Posting a few fliers and asking around for job openings could be a chance to look at possible job prospects while at the same time deciding what would be the right fit.

NOW HIRING

Need some help searching for a job?

Southwords suggests these positions so you can make serious bank.*

southwords classifieds Noodles & Company

Located right in town, it’d be an ideal place for those with limited transportation to get to. According to their website, “Noodles & Company is looking for genuine, nice people who value serving others and thrive in an upbeat and fastpaced (but not fast food) environment.

We can offer you a fun place to work, great hours and lots of room to grow. But fear not—while we do want to be a part of your life, we don’t want to consume it. In fact, balance is part of our company values and hey, we have lives too!”

Applications available at noodles.com.

Lifeguarding - $$$$$$$$

What better way is there to spend the summer than by sitting by the pool— and getting paid to do it? This job requires preparation months ahead of time, so be sure to become certified as soon as possible in order to secure a job. Park Ridge offers lifeguard training online at parkridgeparkdistrict.com.

12 SOUTHWORDS

Along with the money, experience is just an added bonus. An internship could be spent at a company you could one day work for. It’s never too early to get your name out there. Plus, let’s be honest with ourselves—it would probably gain some brownie points with the parents. Parents would much rather know their kid was doing something worthwhile rather then spending mindless hours on Facebook trying to cultivate crops on Farmville.

When asked, most Maine South students were in favor of getting summer jobs. Junior Meagan Boatright said that, “it would be nice to work at a pool or maybe as a camp counselor. As long as I am outside and working with people it doesn’t seem so bad. I want to work with kids when I get older, so this could be sort of like a trial run.”

And while some are fairly enthusiastic about a possible summer job, some aren’t as thrilled. “I don’t think I’d want a summer job,” said junior Kristine Seibert. “To me, the summer’s supposed to be about relaxing and having fun, and having a job is the opposite of that.”

Even if this summer doesn’t end up being as carefree as the ones before, having summer work is more beneficial than not. The junior class will be applying to college in less than six months. It’s not a bad idea to learn how to manage money and get job experience at a time when there’s less going on.

Now that we’re older, it’s good to think that summer might actually be worth something. If you’d rather not waste the summer away sleeping or playing “Call of Duty,” then heed this advice: get a summer job.

Cool Opportunity at Culver’s The location over in Rosemont would be a great place to spend the summer. Frozen custard is just as cool as ice cream. Applying online is fairly easy. Go to culvers.com and hit apply.

Maine 207 Summer Tutoring Every year, District 207 offers jobs to a number of high school students to help out with District 62, 63, and 64’s summer school courses. High school tutors will work with elementary and middle school students for six weeks over the summer as a tutor. The job entails assisting a teacher with a classroom Monday through Friday from 8-12 p.m. The District 64 schools go for six weeks, from June 14- July 22. It’s a great way to get some work experience this summer with set hours and the afternoons still free to lounge about with friends. Applications are due March 25. The application is available at https://sites.google. com/a/maine207.org/summer-tutoring/ *Disclaimer: Southwords has no affiliation with any of these employers.

What would be the coolest summer job ever?

To do this summer? Get a job

“NOT caddying.”

-Kathleen Daly ‘13

“Playing gigs with my ska band.”

-Kyle Besetzny ’12

“Being a reality show contestant.”

-Samantha Petkofski ‘11

“Being a camp counselor.”

-Elizabeth Bellisario ‘14

‘Moment of silence’ a waste of time Jennifer Mocarski

STAFF WRITER

A

s soon as the announcer says, “Now please pause for a moment of silence,” it’s clear what’s going to happen next; classmates awkwardly glance around the room, trying to keep from zipping up their backpack too loud or snap binder rings shut.

Really, it’s a moment of uncomfortable silence.

Instituted by the state, it is mandated that every public school in Illinois have a moment of silent reflection at some time during the school day. According to the Chicago Tribune, there was another law similar to this that called for “silent prayer or silent reflection” that was discontinued a little over two years ago because it was viewed as encouraging and promoting religion.

This was found to be inconsistent with the United States Constitution, which, in the First Amendment, grants the freedom of religion. Sure, the moment of silence did not directly inform students to pray, but the fact that it was referencing this activity led it to be seen as disrespectful towards those who do not practice a religion, or those who choose not to pray publicly.

Regardless, the moment of silence

E

very year as the weather gets warmer and the sunshine lasts a little longer, students begin to get restless as spring approaches.

For most, the obvious thing on people’s minds during this time is Spring Break. As always, I face the weeks previous to Spring Break with excitement, but this year, being a senior, I find myself thinking of much more than just beaches and bikinis.

I’ve begun to realize that my high school years are coming to an end.

I’ve always imagined this time in my life as a time of relaxation and ease, and believe me, I do have a case of senioritis, but my life still seems to be busy. My main concern? College.

Thankfully, my college anxiety doesn’t involve where am going to be living for the next four years, but rather whom I will be living with.

education will take you further in life than a moment of silence, so do those seconds really matter?

One can look at the moment of silence as a time to reflect about bad decisions and why you should not do them. This can be true, but it can also have the opposite effect. Besides, there are five minutes during passing periods to walk to class, and often, students take that time to reflect on their day. It is doubtful that an individual has no time to think or reflect during the day, so there is no need for further time to do so.

The issue also raises the question of who this ordinance targets. Since all public schools are required to have a moment of silence, every student, age 5 or age 18, theoretically has to obey. It seems silly to have kids such as kindergartners stay silent and think about their day. After all, there really isn’t much for a small child to reflect upon.

All in all, the moment of silence may not be affecting schools in a large way, but it is pointless. It seems to me that it would be easier not to provide a specific time to reflect. We are all busy, but not to the point that we do not have time to ourselves. The moment of silence is not worth the complaints and disrespect it has been met with.

Finding a roommate for college is an odd experience. For most colleges, there are a few ways to do it. One option is to go random, where you get placed with someone that the university’s housing selects. Some students room with a close friend.

This option provides familiarity and comfort, but many people advise against rooming with a best friend.

One of my best friends is going to the same college as me but we aren’t rooming together. Not being willing to risk losing a friendship has sent me on the journey of finding a roommate through the Internet.

Facebook has revolutionized the roommate-finding process. Many colleges set up Facebook pages for incoming freshmen, where they can interact via the page’s wall. This is where I first began my search for a roommate. Although many future students used this page, my luck was grim at actually finding multiple people to start talking to.

It was still early to fret about locking down a roommate, so I didn’t think much about it until Roomsurf.com began popping up on

my Facebook newsfeed. Roomsurf is a website that interlinks with Facebook, working somewhat like an online dating site—it sounds weird, but it’s true. The site is designed to match students up with other students of similar personality based on profiles and an online survey. You can message possible roomates on Roomsurf or add them on Facebook to further investigate them. Essentially, you find yourself “creeping” on potential roommates.

Once you have explored their profile long enough to decide you might want to room with them, you send an awkward message saying you might be interested.

The roommate-picking process is a strange concept in its entirety.

Ever yone hopes for a good roommate, so, essentially, you are determining the future. The high school-to-college transition can be a tough one, so a roommate is an important aspect of one’s collegiate life. As peculiar as the roommate process may be, Roomsurf and other rooming websites have made it easier to ensure a good match.

MARCH 25, 2011

Maine South High School 1111 South Dee Road Park Ridge, IL 60068 Signed letters to the editor should be delivered to room LRC 1 or given to a member of the editorial staff or e-mailed to southwords@maine207.org.

SOUTHWORDS reserves the right to edit material for clarity and brevity and to reject obscene/libelous submissions.

Editors-in-Chief Jackie Hazlett-Morris Katie Hernandez News Editors Ashley Kozubal Sam Okrasinski Features Editors Jimmy Loomos Ally Stevens Entertainment Editors Max Mallory Kaci Zimmerman Commentary Editors Austin Bryniarski Anthony Eugenis Lydia Ramsey Sports Editors Erin Martell Charlie Vinopal

Commentary

Katie Hernandez EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

has been brought back to the state of Illinois, sans the reference to prayer. Its purpose is for students to reflect and think about homework, activities in an attempt to relieve stress. Theoretically, it sounds like a good idea, but it has many flaws.

It is silly to assume that, just because there is a set time to think, students will partake. Often, it seems that rebelling against the rules is the path to take, which is opposite what the program intended. And, for those students that actually care to ponder, the distractions made by those who don’t make it hard to concentrate and actually meditate.

As previously mentioned, the law calls for a moment of silence, but that does not restrict one from gesturing or looking around the room, which can distract people even more than sound.

Furthermore, the law does not specify the amount of time the moment of silence is to be, so a school can spend as short or as long as they please. Realistically, a school isn’t going to choose a long time to stay silent, because it is not practical and cuts into learning time. Ours only lasts ten seconds.

Schedules and the school day are packed as it is, and classes don’t need to be cut shorter. It seems, after all, that

VOL. 47, NO. 6

Production Head Adrian Adamiec Production Editor Adam Smith Photography Editor Josie Fioretto Editorial Assistants Josh Timm Hope Tone Adviser Mr. Stathakis

SOUTHWORDS 13

MARCH 25, 2011

VOL. 47, NO. 6

Boys’ basketball makes another playoff run

Julian Douglass

Throughout the entire season, the Hawks found support from senior Casey Bruce and were looking to him in the Regional matchup against Niles West. Bruce, who was suspended for the first four games of the year, stepped up to be the Hawks secondleading scorer and rebounder.

“I didn’t have a lot of experience last year, so that was a problem for me,” said Bruce. “Being able to play in the summer games and work on my game helped me for my senior season.”

With all the pre-game anticipation, Maine South started the game on the wrong end of a seven-tonothing run against a very stingy Wolves defense. After a time-out by Niles West, they managed to come back and take the lead.

The game went back and forth until the final buzzer, with Maine South down five with less than four minutes to go. Matt Palucki was fouled late in the fourth, where he then hit a pair from the free-throw line to bring the Hawks to within three, 39-36.

Casey Bruce split a pair of free throws to cut the Niles West advantage to two, a Wolves turnover and Palucki layup tied it up with under a minute to play.

Niles West had the ball until the last second, but a missed jump shot

by Ramsan Younatham in the closing minutes of contention forced the STAFF WRITER game into overtime. oming into February, the Maine In extra minutes, Niles West’s deSouth boys’ basketball team had fense had an answer for everything the feeling that they could make a the Hawks’ offense threw at them, surprising run to the state champiand got the job done on the other onship. They also had a feeling that side of the court as well. they could win the CSL crown for the The period was opened with a first time. layup by Maine South’s Matt PaHowever, after a difficult stretch lucki and a subsequent three pointer of five games, the Hawks found from Niles West’s senior guard Tony themselves entering the postseason Pierce. winning only two of their last five That three-pointer from the regular season games. opening minute of overtime ended “I think the problem in that up being the difference in the game. stretch was that we were coming out After the initial points from outside a little lackadaisical—we weren’t rethe arc, Niles West held the lead for ally ready to play,” said senior forthe remainder of the extra time peward/guard Matt Palucki, one of riod. the team’s captains and leaders on Maine South could not take and the floor. “And we would get down hold the lead, and a missed threeto ball control teams, and with ball point attempt by Albano in the closcontrol teams you can’t give up a lead ing seconds of overtime sealed the like that because they will just hold deal, 46-45 in favor of Niles West. the ball and we won’t get as many Matt Palucki led all Hawks with possessions.”

22 points, with Casey Bruce and According to sophomore powerTony Albano scoring 9 and 8 points forward John Solari, “We have had a respectively. couple problems with turnovers and The biggest problem for the sometimes a lack of focus, but [we Hawks in the finals was their abilwere] playing hard and we just [had] ity to hit free throws. Throughout to lock in and stay focused.” Howthe season, the Hawks were consisever, the mood in the locker room tent from the line, posting a solid 72 and on the practice court still stayed percent on the year, but they couldn’t positive. seem to get the same success in the playoffs.

Going 6 for 17 from the free throw line against the Wolves in the Regional Finals ultimately contributed to ending the Hawks’ electrifying run.

“We were able to do everything we needed to do [to win], but we were 6 of 17 from the free-throw line and that’s why we lost,” said Head Coach Tony Lavaroto, Jr., who took the team to the elite eight last year.

“Our kids played extremely well, they left their hearts out on the floor and we’re very disappointed in the outcome.”

Fortunately, Maine South has junior Nick Calabrese and sophomore John Solari headlining next year’s team, along with an up-and-coming sophomore in Frank Duni, who joined the team this year.

The Hawks will be an aggressive team in a very competitive Central Suburban League South in the 20112012 season and are expected to Senior Matt Palucki takes a free throw late in the Regional Final against Niles West on March 4. Maine South lost make another playoff run next year. to the Wolves 46-45 in overtime.

SPORTS

PHOTO BY MIRANDA KAHRILAS

C

“I think we got to focus more, concentrate more and trust each other more,” said senior shooting guard Tony Albano. “Basketball is a team sport and you’ve got to trust your teammates and play like a family.”

After a heart-breaking senior day loss to Deerfield, 47-44, Maine South went into the post season with a 20 and 9 record. The Hawks faced Maine West in the first round, in the Warriors’ own regional, and they came out on top 45-38.

After the win, Maine South was slated for a regional championship with either the Ramblers from Loyola Academy or the Niles West Wolves.

The Hawks were looking forward to facing the favored Ramblers with the football playoff scuffle still fresh in their minds, but the Wolves upset the Catholic school by three with a 45-42 win on March 2.

So the table was set for the Hawks in the Regional Final; they were to go up against the 18-11 Niles West Wolves.

In their two meetings in the regular season, Maine South won both games, 53-50 in the first matchup and 61-53 in their second meeting.

But even with those wins from earlier in the season, there was a feeling from the team that the matchup wasn’t going to be an easy one.

14 SOUTHWORDS

MARCH 25, 2011 PHOTO BY MADDY VOGG

VOL. 47, NO. 6

Sophomore Mackenzie Duffy passes the ball into the paint at the Class 4A third-place game at Illinois State University on March 5. The girls topped favored Whitney Young 54-53. Duffy put up twelve points in the contest.

Girls’ basketball wins third place in state Nicole Johnson

SPORTS WRITER

G

With the largest crowd yet, Maine South took control of the game against Proviso East despite an injury to starter and high scorer, Michelle Maher, who came up bleeding after she was fouled hard with less than two minutes left of play.

The close-knit crew knew they had to pull together and come out victorious. With a final score of 42-37, the Hawks were officially visiting Bloomington-Normal, Illinois to compete in the final four for the first time since the Ashley Tomzik-led 2006 team.

The only word to describe the chemistry of this 13 person squad is “family.” This family “loves each other to death,” as junior Nina Duric put it, and has learned to work together and accomplish goals they set at the beginning of the year.

The final two games would not only be a physical challenge for these girls, but an emotional one as well, knowing this was the final time they would all play together as a family.

After a three-hour bus ride to Illinois State University, the girls were ready to compete in the big dance.

Friday, March 4 marked the date for the first of two Final Four games in which the Hawks were scheduled to go up against Zion-Benton. The team fought arduously, but in the end were bested 45-37.

Though it may have seemed so, the Hawks season wasn’t over. On that Saturday, Maine South got one last shot at victory, as they went up against Whitney Young in the consolation match.

The Hawks trailed nationallyranked Whiney Young the entire game, and spirits were running low by the third quarter with the Hawks down by 18.

Maine South, however, roared back in the fourth quarter to capture the third place title with a 54-53 upset of the Dolphins.

Senior Meghan Cronin summed up the Cinderella playoff run for the girls: “Only two teams in the entire state get to end their season with a win, and we were one of them.”

This family, known as the Maine South girls’ varsity basketball team, made history that day in Bloomington-Normal, and are planning on going even further next year.

Sports

irls’ basketball at Maine South is not just a winter sport, but a year-long commitment. In the spring there is ball handling, team movie nights, and community center shoot outs. In the summer, there are cardio work-outs with four-mile runs through the forest preserve.

Finally, there is an autumn of final preparations before the team begins its rigorous winter schedule.

From that point on, the team focuses on their ultimate goal: a state championship.

The winter months seemed to drag on for the team as the long regular season drew to a close and they began to prepare for the postseason.

Winning the conference title with a final regular season record of 22 and 8, the team was ready for what they had trained for since the beginning of the calendar year: playoff contention.

The first regional game proved no challenge for the Hawks as they went up against Von Steuben. Maine South drubbed the Panthers 69-26

and moved on to the next round.

In the regional final game, the girls’ team was slated to play a team that they had beaten twice in conference play in the Evanston Wildkits.

The third time was not the charm for Evanston Township and Maine South emerged with a comfortable 58-40 victory.

With that win on February 17, Maine South headed to the sectional semifinals where they would face Resurrection High school.

The semifinal was incredibly contentious with the two teams exchanging leads throughout the game.

After neck-and-neck competition, the Hawks came out victorious by a score of 39-35.

Sectional finals proved to be a true test of the nerves. Tied in overtime, the Hawks and Niles West battled until the buzzer.

After numerous clutch efforts by all five starters, the Hawks left with a seven-point victory, putting a close on the Maine South/Niles West girls’ basketball rivalry for 2011.

Loyola University was the location of the final game to decide who would go down state.

SOUTHWORDS 15

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

Cheerleading wins CSL south title Erin Martell

SPORTS EDITOR

U

nlike most school sports, Maine South cheerleaders have a 10 month season, starting in May and ending in March. Typically, the Hawks perform well in throughout the year, from Maine South games to competitions. The 2010-2011 season was no exception.

The team beat out a number of other teams and took first place in the CSL Conference Invitational in January. The CSL South victory was the Hawks’ cheerleader’s third straight championship.

In the competition, the Hawks scored an 85.9, to barely edge out CSL powerhouse Niles North, who finished with a score of 84.8.

But the Hawks took it a step further. The Varsity squad also placed fourth in the Rolling Meadows State Qualifier competition, coming just one tenth of a point away from third and half of a point away from second.

“We were extremely excited to achieve our goal because only top five make it to state,” said senior captain Nikki Stiener, on winning cheerleading’s third consecutive title.

After winning the CSL title, the good news continued to roll for the cheerleading squad. On March 2, five girls on the team were selected to the All-Conference team.

Of those five cheerleaders, three were seniors (Mary Northfell, Brittany Pater and Steiner) and

What is your favorite thing about Spring Break?

Who was your pick for Best Picture at the Oscars?

PHOTO COURTESY MRS. NORTHFELL

BASEBALL

Nicki Steiner, Lauren Pijiera, Mary Northfell, Alyssa Ribaudo and Brittany Pater make up five of the six seniors on cheerleading this year. The Hawks won their third straight CSL title in the 2010-2011 season. two were juniors (Shelly Karabetsos and Ashley scholar athletes.

Their lengthy season also leads to a strong team Kovalcik).

This year, there were six captains: Kovalcik, dynamic. “The most memorable part was probably Northfell, Pater, Pijiera, Ribaudo and Steiner. As becoming a team. We had a lot of new varsity captains, they are all expected to lead the team members and bonded like crazy,” says Northfell.

The team has set a high standard as they move on through example.

With such a long season, this example also to tryouts this May. Hopefully next season will be just extends through academics. Four of the seniors, as successful, and conclude with the team bringing Ribaudo, Northfell, Pater and Steiner, were named home a fourth straight CSL championship title.

Jimmy Frankos

Julia Cohen

Andrew Terenzio

Carli Pappas

Mr. Milano

The sun

Getting a tan while it’s still cold

The beaches in Mexico

“The Fighter”

“The Fighter”

“The Fighter”

“Toy Story 3”

What do you get in the lunch line?

Chicken Sticks

Garden Salsa Sun Chips

Bosco Sticks

I don’t buy from the lunch line

Where is your favorite place to shop?

Bed, Bath and Beyond

Urban Outfitters

Niketown

Nordstrom