2011-2012 Issue 5: February

WEST SIDE

Are exams really the best test?

See p. 4-5

STORIES

January 2012

• Wauwatosa West High School • 11400 W Center Street, Wauwatosa WI • Volume 16, Issue 4 www.wauwatosawest.com

INTRAMURAL

All-Girl Teams Infiltrate IBA

Increase in female players participating in Intramural Basketball Association changes atmosphere

Deanna Ross g Staff Writer

Around Wauwatosa West, if you say the acronym IBA, people immediately become excited. IBA (Intramural Basketball Association) is a basketball league for those who enjoy playing basketball but are not on a school team.

In IBA, students are allowed to put together their own team and play with whomever they want. They are allowed to name their team and make shirts with each member’s unique number and nickname. Teams then compete against other teams in their bracket on Thursday nights in both sides of West’s gym. IBA is becoming an increasingly popular activity at West, and students from all grade levels and genders participate, having a good time in the process. This year, there are more all-girl and co-ed teams than ever before, making the activity even more intriguing, popular, and fun.

Interested in what both guys and girls thought about

the increase of participation of all-girl and co-ed teams, we asked around to see what students had to say. Andrew Gleason, a freshman on a coed team, thinks that having a girl on his team “is different but makes the game more fun.” Andrew added that playing all-girl teams “requires a different strategy,” but changing up his team’s strategy keeps the game interesting.

Kyle Hemming, who also plays on a co-ed team, really likes having girls on his team.

“I think playing with girls is a fun bonding experience,” says Kyle. When asked what he thought about all-girl teams he replied: “An all-girl team is a great idea because usually when people think of basketball, they think of a guy’s team. I also think that they contribute to the league, just like every other team.” Kyle loves to play against co-ed or all-girl team, sometimes more than all male teams because g Please see p. 2

it’s “less competitive and more fun”. Both the boys encourage more girls to play IBA and think that they shouldn’t be afraid because IBA is a ton of fun.

On the other hand, Sarah Mraz participates on an all-girls team and thinks that being on a team with just girls encourages her to “take it less seriously and make the game more about having fun.” Sarah thinks that if she were on a team with boys that their desire to win would decrease the fun in the activity.

She is definitely glad to be on an all-girl team, but has never felt discriminated against by all-guy teams. This opinion is consistent with most girls that are involved and playing on an all-girl team.

To all the girls at West, if you were thinking about playing in IBA this year and didn’t, don’t be afraid

to go and sign up for it next year. On a broader note, IBA is an activity for everybody at West no matter your gender and age. Even the teachers have their own team! So get involved if you’re interested, and if you want to watch games, come on out Thursday nights to the West gym and see how much fun the involved students are having.

To learn more, go to WestSideStories.com and take a look at the broadcast’s IBA program.

Wajahat Ali West Side Stories HOT SHOTS members Haily Vaughn, Megan Falk and Kasey Plonka discuss strategy and positions with their teammates before their next game. g

THEATER

SCHEDULING

An Invisible Rabbit Block Scheduling Theater department in midst of rehearsing for play Breanna Subotich g Staff Writer

Wauwatosa West High School has always put on a lot of great mu-

sicals and plays, but there has never been one quite like this year’s winter play.

There are several things that make the play Harvey unique, including the fact that it is about a six-and-ahalf foot tall imaginary white rabbit.

Harvey is about a man named Elwood, played by Wauwatosa Jasmine Thomas West Side Stories West senior Matt ZanPHOEBE ALBERT rehearses her lines with ton, whose other members of the Harvey cast. g

best friend is an invisible white rabbit that he calls Harvey. His sister Veta, played by junior Kylie Hogrefe, tries to commit him to an insane asylum and instead she ends up being committed. “When they realize this mistake, chaos ensues,” says senior Megan Falk, who plays one of the 11 understudies in this year’s winter play.

This show has a 12 person cast, and every character has an understudy except for Veta.

Hogrefe is so perfect for the role that the West director Tim Catlett didn’t see any use in finding a second person to play the part. Auditions were held Decemg Please see

p. 2

Committee looks into possible schedule formats

Brianna Blinkiewicz g Staff Writer

With the great variety of classes that Wauwatosa West offers, everyone has that one class that their alreadyjammed schedule will not permit them to take. And lately, rumors have been flying about West starting a new form of scheduling, in particular one called block scheduling, which will create space in students’ schedules, giving them room to take that class that they have been wanting to. It’s important to remember, though, that this is a very drastic change and one that may not happen anytime soon.

The process of creating a new form of scheduling for students is not one that is taken lightly. There are many steps that the Scheduling Committee has to go through before deciding on a new schedule. “First we surveyed the parents of students and the teachers in the Wauwatosa school district and we got lots of different ideas,” said Bonnie Harris, a science teacher at Wauwatosa West who is also a member of the Scheduling Committee. “After this, we started a process called the rank-

ing process, or waiting process, where we took all the ideas from the faculty and asked them which one was most important to them. We then looked at all the benefits of each,” she added.

In fact, this is a simplified version of what the committee goes through; the actual process includes many smaller details which are weighed in importance over a greater amount of time. Even after the committee selects a potential schedule format, the school board still has to approve it, which takes much debate from them and even more time. “At the moment, we have three or four potential schedules. We are going to be looking for schools that are running their day with these, and we are going to be having sight visits,” Harris stated.

So as you can see, choosing a new schedule for West will really be thoroughly researched and thought out.

Because of this laborious process, it makes sense that Tosa West will not be getting a new schedule setup next year. g Please see p. 2

2

News

WEST SIDE STORIES January, 2012

West Expulsions Harvey IBA Participants POLICY

g Continued from p. 1

Enforcement changes student perceptions Stephanie Eberle g Editor-in-Chief

According to the statistics at the Wisconsin Information Network for Successful Schools, in the 2009-10 school year 1,218 students were expelled in the entire state of Wisconsin. That year there were no expulsions at Wauwatosa West. The highest recorded number of students expelled at West in one year is five. Frank Calarco, principal of West, said, “All I can tell you is that there have

been two hearings this year.”

Many students know what you have to do to get expelled, but most do not know what the school has to do to expel them.

Want to learn more about West’s expulsion policies? Read more here:

Scheduling g Continued from

p. 1

“It definitely will not be next year. It probably won’t even be the year after that,” confirmed Harris.

If West gets a new schedule, students can be assured that it will both benefit them and the school. It will include benefits such as longer time for projects and more useable class time (for art classes etc.), not to mention being

able to take more classes. “We will only do it if we find something better for the students”, says Harris. So although block scheduling may not be happening anytime soon, it is something to look forward to in the future, and it will be something that will profit the students and better the learning environment at West.

the roles that fit them best right away. Rehearsals began a mere four days later on December 12, so this production has been coming along for over a month now.

Members of the cast agree that the show is coming along great. Senior actor Will Harrington says, “It’s going really well, and the cast gets along very well also.” Kylie Hogrefe has a similar opinion and believes “the show is coming along rather well. It’s a tough show and it’s somewhat unconventional for high schools to do because of all of the older characters, but it’s hilarious in a 1950’s kind of way that’s still very [relatable].”

This show is sure to make a lot of laughs. When asked about her character Veta, Kylie replied, “People can expect to see a variation of the over-animated, gossip-filled grandma we all have. Well, at least the one I know I have.

She’s psychotic in the very common way, and she’s the funniest role I’ve ever gotten a chance to play.” There is no doubt that Harvey is a comedy. “Anyone who comes to see it can expect to laugh for

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g Continued from p. 1

than all male teams because it’s “less competitive and more fun”. Both the boys encourage more girls to play IBA and think that they shouldn’t be afraid because IBA is a ton of fun.

On the other hand, Sarah Mraz participates on an allgirls team and thinks that being on a team with just girls encourages her to “take it less seriously and make the game more about having fun.” Sarah thinks that if she were on a team with boys, their desire to win would decrease the fun in the activity. She has never felt discriminated against by all-guy teams. This opinion is consistent with most girls a solid hour and a half. It’s absolutely hilarious,” Harrington assures.

In terms of seating, this play is going to be done a little differently than other shows are done at West. Seating will be on stage just like the senior directed plays, but not quite the same. Megan explains that “the winter play

that are involved and playing on an all-girl team.

To all the girls at West, if you were thinking about playing in IBA this year and didn’t, don’t be afraid to go and sign up for it next year.

On a broader note, IBA is an activity for everybody at West no matter your gender and age. Even the teachers have their own team! So get involved if you’re interested, and if you want to watch games, come on out Thursday nights to the West gym and see how much fun the involved students are having.

To learn more, go to www.wauwatosawest.com.

is usually done with seating on stage, but this year it is in the round.” This means that seating will be on both sides of the stage instead of just one.

Harvey is sure to attract a crowd. Anyone planning on seeing the show can anticipate coming to Harvey on February 10, 11, or 12.

3

Features WEST SIDE STORIES January, 2012

STYLE

Fashionable, Must-Have Items for 2012 This year, everything from drop earrings to ankle boots are in store for the fashion-forward dresser Star Donaldson g Staff Writer Genesha Murray g Staff Writer

Becca Beitscher g Illustrator Anne Koepp g Illustrator

What would you think if you saw a woman striding down a street in Wauwatosa with a king- sized blanket wrapped around her fragile neck? She’s crazy? Tacky? It’s just not that cold! Well, no matter what your opinion is, this scenario resembles the big, puffy scarves being draped around necks all over the nation. Like these scarves, the newest trends for 2012 have already hit the shelves of local stores. You can find everything from drop earrings to ankle boots most anywhere.

You might have been wearing this year’s newest styles and not even known it.

Wondering Where to Look?

Much like the trends of 2011, bright colors, bold patterns and blocking are especially fashionable. Starting at the top, head wraps—especially thick head bands and head scarves—are very stylish. And then there are those must-have accessories. In colors like n a v y blue, black, and silvery-white, you can never go wrong. Those are also popular colors for earrings, which are most fashionable in 2012 when long and dangling. Studs are also popular for a laid-back look, usually in solid colors like gold or silver.

Oversized necklaces in any shimmering shade can be the perfect accent to any dull look.

But the gold and silvery sparkle doesn’t need to stop at your ears and necks. 2012 fashions are pushing us in the direction of a more Ke$ha-like look.

Dresses that are coated in gold, silver, purple, pink, and dark blue sequins are perfect for a night out on the town or a school dance. For a more casual look, sequins are not an option!

Pencil skirts, flowing blouses, and dresses with computerized patterns are however. Stripes and banded waist dresses are also what’s goin’ on! These types of dresses add contrast and are also casually fashionable. On an even more casual note, denim still lives, but this time with a little spice. Solid-colored jeans in shades of purple, red and especially bright blue are more than acceptable for 2012 trends. Not to fear ladies; feel free to dress up this casual look with a blazer (tan, black, blue, red, or any other bright colors), perhaps with a striped boyfriend T underneath.

But if you’re not feeling so funky, blocking is always an option, which means sticking with solid colors in your outfit choice. This is very subtle and not quite as bold, but you’ll still be stunningly in style.

In an effort to keep warm in these cold Wisconsin months, layering is still okay.

This year however, the final layer is expected to consist of fur jackets, vests, and coats. If you’re not completely feeling that idea, wool sweaters will help keep the cold out. To complete your outfit and top it off with 2012 flare, suede, knee high, ankle, or calf-length boots are still as trendy as ever. Flats with a funky pattern and a solid metal toe are something a little different for 2012. This year’s fashions are all about the flare, the funk and the bold color decisions, so get out there and bring in the new year stylishly.

Circle Scarves These trendy accessories can be found almost anywhere in the country, from rural Iowa to the catwalks of New York City. A little closer to home, they can be found at:

-For Love 21 -Forever 21 -Ragstock -American Apparel

Pencil Skirts These mod-based items are coming back into style.

They can be stylized to fit any occasion, whether you are working on Wall Street or chilling in Converse. Release your inner Twiggy and head over to one of these suppliers:

-Banana Republic -Black House White Market -Ann Taylor Loft -Target

Chunky Jewelry & Headbands These started coming back in style around 2009 during Isaac Mizrahi’s exposé, in which large, colorful accessories were featured. To pump up your look with some of your own, visit:

-Claire’s -For Love 21 -Aldo -Goodwill

Bold Patterns It’s classy to sport clashing patterns this year. Mix and match colors and styles for a fresh look. Don’t be afraid to wear bold patterns from:

-Target -Delia’s -American Outfitters -American Apparel

Caylin Roseneg Photography Editor Jordan Llanasg Illustrator

Natalie Mullinsg Staff Writer Stephanie Eberle g Editor-in-Chief

Exams have come and gone, taking another semester with them. With the freezing chill of true winter finally in the air, now is the time for some reflections or that season of standardized fear. New traditions have replaced the old, kicking old policies to the curb like so many dried-up Christmas trees.

Perhaps the most controversial change comes with mandatory attendance during exam week. The usual project-based exams, like English and Social Studies, must have something going on during those two agonizing hours. “Exam week was turning into a week where we would see hardly any students here,” explained Frank Calarco, principal of West, “teachers were giving their exam the week before, and we were losing an entire week of learning for students. “ A more welcome change came with the new rules for exam exemptions. Instead of just upperclassmen, all grades can now exempt one exam. Both this and required attendance were part of a district mandate. District administration charged both West and East to “make sure we were doing things consistently at both schools,’” Calarco clarified.

Of course, not everyone is happy with these changes. “I overheard some students yesterday that it’s change for the sake of changing, just to make students suffer more,” recalled Lauren Hill, an English teacher at West. The new attendance mandate could prove challenging for some English teachers, who have a hard time testing with traditional exams. “I have given in-class essay assign-

ments or advance preparation and submission on the day of the exam,” explained Hill. The common scantron multiple choice is usually off-limits, since, as Hill explained, thy “tend to test only content, expecting students to recall factual information.” This type of learning only through memorization is common in many classes, and poses especial difficulty in English. There, students cannot just learn facts—throughout the year they learn skills like writing and analyzing.

Final exams have been put under the microscope in recent years, and have been found lacking in several respects. “Is it the best way to learn? Maybe not,” admitted Calarco. Many have wondered if it is fair to place twenty percent of a final grade on one exam. “Of course there’s always that what if you’re not having a nice day, or what if you’re not a good test taker, or what if you experience test anxiety?” Hill empathized. Partially for this reason, a new rule this year limits the percentage exams can be of freshman grades. Unlike upperclassman, exams can only account for ten percent of a freshman’s grade. This measure is partially intended to “phase-in” ne Trojans, who often have no exam experience from middle school.

Or course final exams are not the only way West staff assesses what students have learned during the semester. One of the district’s goals is to have common assessments, where teachers in the same subject give the same tests, quizzes and projects. As Calarco pointed out, teachers are now using “data to inform themselves. Hill explained: “You look

at the data and say: my kids did not do well in this concept, yours did, what did you do differently?” With these common assessments, teachers are forming Professional Learning Communities or PLCs, where they analyze test data to see how they can better teach information. In many ways these common assessments, given throughout the year, are more effective than final exams, since they give teacher the chance to improve and change throughout the year.

Even final exams, however, can serve a teal purpose at Wauwatosa West. “The main goals of schools in general is to get them [students] used to what’s happening in college,” iterated Calarco. Colleges generally do not have one hundred plus assignments per quarter. Instead, a large portion of the final grade is based off of the final exam. Having these rigorous two hour exams in high school now prepares students for what will happen to them in college latter. As Hill recalled, “I was just talking to a former student last night, who had a five hour exam for his freshmanlevel philosophy course.” Even students who are not crazy enough to take freshman-level philosophy can get something out of final exams. Any one, no matter what their job will be, are “expected to perform, and show mastery of skills and knowledge,” as Hill pointed out. Even worse, real adults will be expected to retain and apply that knowledge for more than one semester.

6

Opinions WEST SIDE STORIES

January, 2012

COLUMN

WRESTLING

Hidden Side of Wrestling “Hey! I’m WalkWrestler pins stereotypes, explains what being a member of ing Here!” the Wauwatosa High School wrestling team is actually like

Though pedestrians legally have the right of way, drivers do not always stop. In light of this, how much blame does each person deserve when an accident occurs?

Max Nelson g Guest Writer

Christopher Trojan g Staff Writer

Over the summer, my under-16 friends and I had to rely on our bikes to get us from place to place. So, one day we were biking from Mayfair Mall to the White House of Music, via North Avenue. I was in the front of the line as we approached the highway on-ramp. I looked up and saw a yield sign. I felt as if that sign shielded me so I could safely cross. My friends must have been yelling at me because a car was speeding down the street about to turn onto the highway. Just as I was crossing, the car screeched to a stop as I stopped right in front of it. The driver and the passenger were struck with fear because they almost hit me. I was just confused, not knowing what to think. I backed up, the car drove off and we continued on our way.

I felt that my actions were justified. I haven’t taken driver’s education yet, but I do know that a yield sign acts as a stop sign if a pedestrian is present. That car should have stopped for me. But why wasn’t he ready to stop?

He must have seen us right as he went under the train bridge, giving him plenty of

time to slow down. I believe he thought it was our responsibility to stop for him. I have been taught that the hierarchy goes: pedestrians, bikers, mopeds, motorcycles, and then cars. Cars are the most deadly out there; the driver must have realized that.

On the other hand, it was my responsibility to look both ways, as I’ve been taught since I learned to walk. My friend asked his driving instructor recently who was right in the situation and he replied that the car should have stopped for us. But what if he didn’t? What if I were hit by that multi-ton machine? I’d be either dead or seriously hurt, and the driver would have been sued for not stopping and following the rules of the road. Who would have won? Neither the driver nor me; I learned that there is always something different both of us should have done. People make mistakes on the road and you have to be ready. Can you really trust that the guy speeding to the red light at your car isn’t texting? Can you take the consequences if he is?

BLOGS

Jill Morin Used With Permission DEVINE BURT of Wauwatosa West High School sizes up his opponed from Nathan Hale High School during the Bauer Brawl Wresltling meet that took place January 7-13 at Whitnall, Johnson Creek and Cudahay High Schools. g

Being a wrestler is something you cannot easily express in words. Fewer sports require the dedication, tenacity, control, aggression, and discipline that wrestlers have to maintain throughout the year. Many people fail to look past shallow misconceptions that they have about the uniforms wrestlers are required to wear.

But there is a side to wrestling that nobody sees unless they are a wrestler. That is the one that needs to be getting the recognition. Countless lifting sessions, off-season practices, tournaments, and camps are just some of the things we do to prepare for the real season. Nobody sees wrestlers getting up in the morning on weekends because everyone else is asleep

by the time they are working out. 8:00 a.m. practices with the occasional before and after runs to stay in better shape than the guy who is ranked above you. Not to mention, the injuries, pain, blood, sweat, and tears that get put into the mat everyday by everyone on the team, and are left there with nothing left to say at the end of it. This is the side of wrestlers that people need to know about.

Our sport is unique in the fact that each individual wrestler is unique. They each have their own style, their own limits, and their own set of skills that they need to improve. Before matches, each wrestler has their own ritual they go through; many try to relax, pray, listen to music, or just plain get angry. Every

match is a one-on-one battle to see who is in better shape, who has better technique, and who has the most heart.

The great thing about wrestling is that anybody can beat anybody; no matter who you are you can beat the best in some way or another. That’s why we train, cut weight, and work out like madmen. It’s because that kid you’re wrestling next has a chance to beat you. We train to make that chance as small as possible, and to make sure we dominate our opponents. Wrestling is not for the weak-hearted, weakminded, or for those who are not willing to give everything they have every time they step onto the mat. Wrestling is the sport of champions.

Want More?

Bloggers post on web site regularly

If you want to hear more from these and other students, check out www.wauwatosawest.com, where bloggers upload new posts weekly. Here are some students to check out:

Natalie Mullins: if you enjoy snarky commentary, Natalie always has opinions to share.

Sarah Galaszewski: if music is your thing, check out the different bands interviewed here.

Not Pictured: Christopher Trojan: always happy to share experiences, even if not near-death ones.

Deanna Ross: no one likes a whiner... unless their complaints are this entertaining.

Andy Hanson: the newest blogger on staff, Hanson specializes in movie reviews.

FEATURES 7 WEST SIDE STORIES

January, 2012

THEATER

Affordable Matinées in Milwaukee

Contrary to popular belief, quality productions aren’t only on Broadway; check out these local shows Erin Stapleton g Staff Writer

Do you find yourself doing the same things over and over on your Friday and Saturday nights? Why not try something new? We live in Milwaukee, which is—believe it or not—one of the most active theatre communities in the country. Take advantage of all of the wonderful productions it has to offer. Take a date and share an exciting and different experience… make a night out of it: a lovely dinner followed by a moving performance. Just go and laugh your head off by yourself, or, if you don’t like flying solo, with a friend or family member. All are destined to enjoy! And you never know… you might just leave forever changed…or simply wanting to come back again soon!

Want to read more? Check out the rest of the article here:

108 East Wells Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

Address varies by show

Cool Fact about The Rep: At any given point in time, there is a show running in each of its four theaters!

More theaters mean more productions, and more productions mean more opportunities for you to enjoy some high-quality entertainment.

This year’s season has a great deal to offer a high-school student, like you. The productions are fresh and relatable, ranging from the dysfunctional family story of the award-winning Broadway Musical, Next to Normal, to the literary classic, To Kill a Mocking Bird, to the outrageously hilarious, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).

Those listed above are bound to be hits this year. Don’t make the mistake of missing them!

To save you money on your tickets…don’t call the designated number for tickets or order online. It will save you $3 if you actually go to The Rep (a few weeks before you want to see the show) and purchase your tickets at the box office

Now, this is not your ordinary theatre. Bunny Gumbo, unlike other theater companies in the area, does not have a specific location or a specific season. What they are known and loved for is their different and impossible way of approaching the art of theatre: Combat Theatre.

Here is how it works: Writers pick a random subject and location out of a hat (literally) and have one all-nighter to write a 15 to 20 minute script. Then the actors and directors come in and are assigned to each of the (on estimate) eight scripts and have 24 hours to cast the show, memorize their lines, block the show, costume the show, tech the show, and finally perform the final product…what a whirlwind! It’s a challenge for those behind the scenes a joy for the audience. These shows are notorious for being delightfully, yet sometimes crudely funny.

Also enjoy the Combat Theatre’s high-school version. If the professionals can do it…wait till you see the teens!

Ticket Info: Buy at the door! Arrive at least 15 minutes before show time because seats fill up fast! Prices can be found at www.bunnygumbo.com

CONSPIRACY

Exploring the Dark Past of the Illuminati A comprehensive look at a famous secret society, spanning from the Georgian era to the modern day Kaitlyn Hembrook g Staff Writer

These days, one of the most sensationalized conspiracy theories is that revolving the Illuminati. The term, meaning “enlightenment” is now used to describe a variety of groups and ideas surrounding every aspect of society from music to government.

Historically, the name refers to the Bavarian Illuminati founded around 1776 by a man named Adam Weishaupt.

The group broke away from the Catholic Church and supposedly had branches in most European countries, which fostered freethinking.

The group was apparently banned by Karl Theodor when he became ruler of Bavaria. All of their literature was seized and members’ homes were searched to prevent the groups ideals being released. It is said that they were effectively wiped out.

Today, some argue that the Bavarian Illuminati survived and grew to control the entire world. Many organizations claim to be “heirs” of the original organization and use the name “Illuminati” openly. Not surprisingly, most of these theories are publicized on the internet.

One of the most common rumors is that they are planning

a “New World Order” which of the United States are popurefers to the emergence of a lar targets for being members one-world government run by of the Illuminati. According to the leaders of the Illuminati. some, it is impossible to elect Many sources also say the someone who is not a memIlluminati worship the devil. ber and if by some chance According to one web site, they are elected, the probmembers have traded their lem will be “corrected” soon. souls to Satan in order to Music artists, actors, and gain their fame and fortune. writers are also common tarThere are also several gets. The plan for the New symbols beWorld Order lieved to stand is supposedly According to one for the secret hastened by web site, members society.

Bathe infiltration have traded their phomet, the of their prodsouls to Satan in figure of a goat ucts society. head with two H o w e v e r, order to gain their horns, stands while it’s logifame and fortune. for Satanism cal that some and is found of the original on member’s clothing. The Illuminati’s material surall Seeing Eye, or the Eye of vived, it’s absolutely ridicuHorus, is also linked to the lous to believe that these peoorganization.

This symbol ple are controlling the entire is seen on the back of the world. Secrets rarely remain United States’ dollar bill. secrets, if they did exist, they The most powerful mem- would’ve taken down the web bers of the Illuminati are the sites and disposed of those 13 bloodlines which include who were knowledgeable.

13 of the wealthiest families The symbols may be somein the world. The Kennedys, one’s idea of fashion, or perRockefellers, and Disneys haps celebrities are aware of have all been attached to this the rumors surrounding their underground organization. membership and fuel the The Council of Foreign Re- flames in order to boost their lations is said to be the Amer- popularity. Whatever the exican branch dedicated to the planation, there is no all powNew World Order. Presidents erful underground society.

“

”

The Illuminati are supposedly responsible for…

• The 2000 election results between President George Bush and Al Gore.

• President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.

• The Holocaust and September 11th The Illuminati controls…

• World wars. Conflicts between nations are a result of feuds between different branches of the Illuminati. A third world war is planned for later in the 20th century as the final step in the New World Order.

• Weather. They have a HAARP machine which can manipulate the seasons.

• Medicine. Apparently they have a cure for cancer that they aren’t sharing.

• The drug trade. This is the organization’s main income.

Modern day members of the Illuminati…

• Jay Z. His “Rocafella” sign is extremely similar to the Eye of Horus and sounds quite a bit like Rockefeller, one of the 13 families. His clothing line, Rocawear, also features the All Seeing Eye. • Beyoncé. She’s been seen wearing a ring with Baphomet on it, and has an alter ego, Sasha Fierce, who is supposedly Beyoncé possessed by a demon.

• Lady Gaga. In many pictures, videos, and appearances she is seen covering one eye, which is the symbol of the all Seeing Eye. • Taylor Swift. The country superstar was linked to the group during 2009’s Video Music Awards in which Kanye West jumped up on the stage and interrupted Swift’s acceptance speech for Best Female Video. This was supposedly her initiation ceremony which included a prayer to the devil.

• Rihanna. Sources claim she’s a member because of her dark image and habit of covering her eye to represent the Eye of Horus.

8

Sports WEST SIDE STORIES

January, 2012

TABLE TENNIS

Competitive Paddle Swinging is Back Student-organized Table Tennis club begins meeting each Monday after school in the Trojan Room Charlie Koepp g Staff Writer Alec Kirtley g Guest Writer

Ben Maklouf g West Side Stories

Every Monday in the Trojan Room, the repetitive click-clacking of ping-pong balls echoes through the hallways with constant persistence. These sounds are only to be outdone by the groans of the defeated clashing with cheers of victory from the winner, and even these battle cries don’t compare to the uproarious cheers and jeers emanating from the spectators. We were witnessing the intensity and raw emotion of West’s hip new Table Tennis Club. The origins of this red-hot club date back to this Fall, when a ragtag, unofficial group of pingpong radicals went earned a third-place trophy at the all-state tournament at the Shorewood Table Tennis Club. Pretty impressive considering they were the only ones there not part of a formal club!

From there, they transformed through the dedication of table tennis visionary Luke Salamone into a unified team of players. Salamone masterminded the whole operation, talking with teachers, finding supervisors, getting the okay from administration, and even getting the tables because he felt West needed “to foster the development of table tennis Skills at our school.” From there, everything took off.

The style of play from meeting to meeting is casual for the beginner players, yet provides a meaningful practice for the more proficient players who are more likely to compete in tournaments.

Meetings are “King of the Hill” style; People play-

ing at one of the two tables are only allowed to continue playing if victorious, and once they lose they must surrender their position and wait for their turn to tackle the current champ.

This usually continues for an hour and a half, or however long the students are supervised.

For beginners, losing is no big deal, but those with experience have a chance to show their mettle. It is the perfect environment for the beginners to grow in skill while the experts maintain theirs, and the perfect recipe for a good time.

Now, what does all this playing and practice amount to? The competitive atmosphere of tournaments provides the perfect outlet for a talented player to utilize their skills towards a team goal, such as a trophy, medal, or cash prize. However, more open, less professionally run tournaments provide a good starting point for the budding player. These types of tournaments have very little buy-in, and no limit on the number of play-

ers, meaning anyone on West’s team is free to participate. However, it really does depend on the tournament. Depending on whether West brings its fourplayer, five-player, or six-player guns, much more serious tournaments can cost around $40, $50, or $60 dollars respectively. And winning those suckers? Well, it can mean thousands of dollars in cash prizes. Just like the meetings themselves cater to players of all skill levels, the wide selection of tournaments also meet the needs of everyone. However, Salamone is optimistic about the team’s performances, remarking, “We have an opportunity of getting third or fourth at state and we don’t have many official practices, some teams have more practices and 15-16 players” An awesome, brand-new club that anyone, regardless of skill level, can join and enjoy—what more could you ask for? Well, as sweet of a deal as this is, West’s table tennis club needs involvement! According to Mark Salamone, younger brother to Luke, the club has little money and few members. More members means more money and more tournaments and equipment! So everyone, get off the couch and join this raging new club.

SWIMMING

Wauwatosa Hurricanes The Perfect Storm Combined Wauwatosa swim team in midst of successful season even after loss of lasts year’s leaders Alex Lindstromg Guest Writer

If you head over to the Wauwatosa West pool after school, you will find a group of approximately 25 boys hard at work, determined to improve their swimming skills. These boys are the Wauwatosa West and Wauwatosa East combined swim team— the Wauwatosa Hurricanes. The two schools have chosen to pool their talents (no pun intended) and become a combined team due to a shortage of male swimmers from both schools.

Though the team has had a successful season thus far, Captain Alex Swenson from East remarks, “We lost a lot of very good seniors last year, and I approached the season kind of worried. However, we gained a lot of impressive freshman, who will be the key to success this year and in the future.”

Swenson is very proud of the team for their two dual meet victories, and their fourth place finish at the Woodland Conference Relays meet, where they competed against a number of very talented teams. He also shares his excitement for the upcoming meets against Brown Deer and Whitnall, both of which he thinks the team has a very good shot of winning. Manager Monica Wojnowiak also shares this excitement, and says “although we lost a great deal of seniors, the captains have

done a great job of leading the team.” has proven his talents as a sprint free relays to state, qualify Tony Benz in Swenson leads the team along with stylist. The team, despite its loss of diving, for Caleb Hernday to make a other senior captains Peter Hovel many talented swimmers last year, return appearance in the 200 yard Inand Caleb Hernday, all veterans to has truly had many athletes step dividual Medley, and possibly to sneak the team. “The seniors have laid the up and make the season successful. a few other events in,” says Goetsch. foundation for not only hard work, but The Hurricanes are looking for- “The end of the season should be very also a very positive team experience,” ward to many more victories. A goal exciting,” remarked Wojnowiak, and says Coach Heidi Goetsch. She is very for the team is to increase participa- the Hurricanes all agree. Despite the proud of the work that the captains tion to continue the program in further hardships they face, the team has have done both inside outside of the years, and they are hoping to qualify united and is looking forward to a very pool. They have succeeded in unifying several swimmers for the state meet successful conclusion of their season. the team and providing a good atmo- later this year. “We hope to make two sphere for all team members, a critical aspect to the success of any sports team. Goetsch also remarks that “Overall, the team is really surprising me.

They have overcome the losses that we experienced last year through the loss of our seniors, and we have had a lot of athletes stepping up to fill their shoes.”

Not only have the seniors stepped up to support their team, but three freshman boys have stood out as major contributors to the team as well. Jack Lutz swims the 200 yard Individual Medley and the 100 yard butterfly well, Michael Siverling swims distance freestyle Kou Vang West Side Stories and the 100 yard breaststroke impressively, and Jake Falk HURRICANE swimmer competes with students from Pius XI High school at West January 19th. g