Issue 3 (Nov. 2013) - Saint Viator High School

VIATOR VOICE
November 2013
Volume 48 Issue 3
Autumn’s Embrace
Do students really ‘fall’ in love with this season?
Government’s Return: New Cinema in Town:
Budget bill for the
Arlington Heights
nation finally
theatre re-opens with
agreed upon
tasty new treats
PAGE 3
PAGE 10
Force of ‘Gravity’:
Film transports
audience to
outer space
PAGE 17
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
Sports
p
VIATOR VOICE
Lions’ Swimming
The Lady Sea Lions work
their way through the
water to Sectionals this
November.
See page 19
S A I N T V I ATO R H I G H S C H O O L
EDITORIAL STAFF
Jenny Brandt
Erin Primdahl
World Editor
Liam Warner
Local Editors
Rachel Neubauer
Ben Paolelli
Opinion Editors
Taylor Puccini
Vinitha Raj
Entertainment Editors Marissa DiSilvestro
Mady Johnson
Sports Editors
Brandon Braun
Madison McAteer
Graphics Editors
Mikhaela Correa
Jack Lakowske
Copy Editors
Sarah Finn
Paul Lewis
Advisor
Mr. Chris Paolelli
Editors-in-Chief
STAFF WRITERS
Molly Clifford
Katie DelGhingaro
Rebecca Fahy
Ludovica Garro
Alex Horne
Ethan Johnson
Dana Lenard
Mia Mastandrea
Karol Nowak
Elias Rivera
Jack Schuld
Brandon Stewart
Rachel Varvara
Justin Cruz
Kelly Donahue
Matt Fitzgerald
Jack Harmon
Noelle Jay
Mark Koehler
Lauren Madden
Tyler Muich
Max Paulus
Art Scheller
Katie Solarz
David Tullis
GRAPHICS STAFF
Margaret Aichele
Katie Cooley
Robert Daugherty
Colleen Dempsey
Jack Harmon
Matt Lanus
Ian Malek
Mary O’Connell
Haley Carey
Justin Cruz
Katie DelGhingaro
Laura Foss
Andy Lang
Dana Lenard
Darcy Martinez
Kristen Yi
World
Cover Photo by Jack Lakowske; above photo by Jack Lakowske
Government shutdown........................................................................................ 3
Corruption in Latin America............................................................................... 4
Obamacare takes effect ........................................................................................ 5
Education levels falling in CPS ............................................................................ 6
Local
Changes to Viator building ................................................................................. 7
Youth rally attracts prospective students .............................................................. 7
Yoon Chang, Korean Idol .................................................................................... 8
Musical Anticipation ........................................................................................... 8
Hello My Name is Br. John ................................................................................. 9
Star Cinema Grill review ................................................................................... 1 0
Opinion
Pros and cons of colder weather......................................................................... 11
Black Friday excitement..................................................................................... 12
AP classes .......................................................................................................... 12
ACT/GPA ......................................................................................................... 13
College choices .................................................................................................. 13
Halloween traditions ......................................................................................... 1 4
Mood-affecting weather..................................................................................... 1 4
Entertainment
“The Fault in Our Stars” .................................................................................. 1 5
“Doctor Who” 50 years running........................................................................ 1 5
Cory Monteith Tribute ...................................................................................... 16
Tech Talk........................................................................................................... 1 6
“Machete Kills” movie review ............................................................................ 1 7
“Gravity” movie review...................................................................................... 1 7
Pokemon X and Y ............................................................................................. 1 8
Steambox is the new Xbox ................................................................................. 1 8
Wii U gaming system ........................................................................................ 1 8
Sports
Girls swimming update..............................................................................19
Blackhawks season starting up ........................................................................... 19
The Viator Voice is a student-produced newspaper published by Saint Viator High School. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily the views of the Viator Voice
editorial staff or the Saint Viator administration of Saint Viator. Students, parents, faculty and staff are welcome to submit letters to the editor via e-mail to theviatorvoice@
gmail.com. The Viator Voice reserves the right to reject or edit letters for length or content. All letters must be signed. The staff will only publish legally protected speech following
legal definitions of libel, obscenity, and invasion of privacy. The Viator Voice accepts paid advertising. For an advertising contract, call (847) 392-4050 x287, or e-mail cpaolelli@
saintviator.com. Advertising contracts must be signed and mailed to the school, ATTN: Viator Voice, or emailed to [email protected]. The Viator Voice has the right to reject
any ad because of deadlines or content.
NOVEMBER 2013
Saint Viator High School
www.saintviator.com
WORLD
3
We’re back in business
Government shutdown ends in pseudo-compromise
Erin Primdahl
Editor-in-Chief
W
hile most households successfully run under a budget, it
took the national government
1,616 days to master this skill. Based on
reports made by the U.S. Senate Budget
Committee, the last time the majority
passed a budget proposal in Congress
was Apr. 29, 2009, before finally reaching an agreement on Oct. 17. After almost five years without a financial plan,
President Obama signed a bipartisan
deal approved by Congress three weeks
ago.
Before this budget plan was approved,
the nation’s deficit was mounting, which
was in turn causing a looming tax burden and the addition of even more uncertainty into the economy, according
to The Foundry. This pushed the seemingly important task of creating jobs and
stimulating economic growth further
down on the nation’s list of priorities.
All this spending without restriction
had its price, and the group that was left
to pay for it was the middle class. The effects of this behavior hit the middle income group the hardest, as tax increases
and lack of employment opportunities
left this group in a financial crisis. Operating without a budget
also prevented the
middle, and largest,
class from contributing
to the economy due to
its lack of extra spending money.
Amidst this municipal economic unrest,
governmental
monetary disagreements
flared. CNN reported
that Congress was held
at a standstill as Republicans insisted that
any new spending bills
include provisions to decrease funding
for and ultimately remove the president’s healthcare plan and Democrats
just as fervently refused to permit this
movement.
“I think that a government shut down
should never happen. It caused more
harm than good and now the nation is
left to make up the 24 billion dollars lost
during those sixteen days,” said social
studies teacher Mr. Bill Pirman.
“A law should be passed to prevent
Art by Andy Lang
party officials from using an issue like
Obamacare as leverage to refuse their
duties,” said Mr. Pirman.
This refusal to agree led to the 16-day
hiatus of the U.S. government as the
new fiscal year began. To end the shutdown, a compromise was created which
included a stopgap measure that would
finance the government until Jan. 15 and
postpone the debt ceiling until Feb. 7.
Low-down on the shutdown
Pros





Cons




Art by Haley Carey
1213 E. Oakton, Arlington Heights, IL
[email protected]
Government employees go back to work and receive pay.
National parks are now reopened.
The bill stopped the nation from going into a debt default.
The economy can now recover from the shutdown.
Congress is gradually making progress toward bipartisanship
This stains America’s reputation around the world as being a
financially stable nation.
Congress failed to stop or make major changes to
Obamacare.
National debt continues to increase.
Government risks a relapse in mid-January when the
temporary funding expires.
–Rachel Varvara
NOVEMBER 2013
WORLD
4
Drugs cause corruption in Latin America
Ethan Johnson
Staff Writer
A
ccording to the United Nations
Office on Drugs and Crime,
global drug seizures have confiscated 776 to 1,051 tons of cocaine annually. Data suggest around 60 percent
of this cocaine comes from seizures in
South America alone. Over 90 percent
of all cocaine produced crosses the
U.S.–Mexico border. Corruption has increased and drug trafficking remains a
major issue in Latin America.
Places such as Columbia, Peru and
Bolivia are climatically ideal for certain
crops, and this environmental advantage has been exploited in the growth
of coca leaves and the manufacturing
of cocaine. Drug trafficking has become
prevalent in Latin America due to the
major economic benefits the trade offers. Drug manufacturers and cartels
capitalize on the high price of illegal
drugs due to their scarcity and the risk
involved.
Countries with populations earning
low annual incomes are often subject to
corruption. In places such as Guatemala, underpaid government officials who
are key in the prevention of drug traf-
ficking are vulnerable to bribery. Cartels task of stopping cartels and manufacmay try to bribe these officials with large turers from producing drugs.
Finally, the use of cocaine and other
amounts of money that the officials may
illegal drugs can be deadly. While the
need due to poor economic conditions.
Furthermore, Latin American gov- economic aspects of drugs may benefit
some
communities,
ernments can have
the harm these drugs
trouble eliminating
inflict far outweighs
organized crime and
their benefits. Accorddrug corruption because oftentimes the
ing to the National Institute on Drug Abuse,
problems with cartels
some of the long-term
reach beyond drugs.
In order to stop the
effects of cocaine are
production of drugs
major addiction to the
and remove cartels,
Art by Laura Foss drug, increased risk of
major economic and
HIV and AIDS, brain
military efforts are needed, and fre- damage, loss of smell and damage to
quently countries cannot provide these the nose tissue. The use of cocaine kills
around ten thousand people in the Unitefforts.
Also, ironically, cartels have been known ed States annually.
The public is not powerless to stop the
to fund medical clinics, road repairs and
schools and provide aid at times of di- distribution of drugs. There is always the
saster. This funding may be benefiting concept of supply and demand. If the
the community in way the government drug were consumed less, there would
cannot currently afford, making it even be less manufacturing of and profit from
harder to eliminate these cartels. Drug it. Governments should make efforts not
cartels employ many people, giving jobs to prevent the distribution but to illumito many who otherwise might be unem- nate the source and replace drug-dealployed. As their only means of slowing ing jobs with more beneficial jobs for
the drug trade, governments face the the global community.
NOVEMBER 2013
Saint Viator High School
www.saintviator.com
WORLD
5
Obamacare takes effect
Brandon Stewart
Staff Writer
T
he Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known
as Obamacare, opened online for
registers on Oct. 1. This controversial bill
radically changed health care and went
on to become a major issue in the government shutdown. The Affordable Care
Act contains many large improvements
in the health care system; however, it
also contains many problems.
The Affordable Care Act contains
many positives that will improve disadvantaged Americans in obtaining health
insurance. According to the BBC, the
Affordable Care Act allows citizens freedom due to preexisting conditions. Another key feature is that major companies are now required to provide health
insurance to full-time workers. This will
allow many employees to start receiving
benefits starting in January and receive
the medical treatment that they need.
Hhs.gov reported young adults are allowed to stay on their parents’ health
insurance until the age of 26, which will
benefit people who are just out of college
on rocky financial ground.
“We need to give the Affordable Care
Act a chance. It is just beginning,” said
Mr. Bill Pirman of the social studies department. He conveyed his optimism for
the bill and the changes it would bring
to the country. The health care bill is
able to bring wide health care improvement to the nation.
Even though the Affordable Care Act
improves health insurance, there are
many shortfalls this bill contains. As The
New York Times said, private health insurers are raising premiums and deductibles substantially. One of the reasons
for this is that insurance companies are
not allowed to deny claims for people
with preexisting conditions. Families already struggling with private health insurance in these challenging economic
times are going to be crippled with the
new price hikes.
One indirect side effect of this law
is major companies are moving many
workers to part time, so they do not have
to provide health insurance benefits.
1213 E. Oakton, Arlington Heights, IL
This can cut into the workers’ wages due held back due to the major difficulties.
to not being able to work full 40-hour Other complaints about this bill refer
weeks to provide for their families. An- to continual pushbacks for recipients to
other major criticism is major problems receive benefits, while taxes are still bewith signing up to receive health insur- ing collected for this bill. The Affordable
ance. The WashingCare Act contains
ton Post reported
many problems that
over the past weeks
need reworking.
the website has
“The Affordable
been taken down
Care Act is compaseveral times to adrable to other bills
dress the issues relike Social Security,
ported. Insurance
but it is still in its incompanies
also
fancy,” said Mr. Pircomplained about
man. This law will
incorrect forms and
have a major impact
multiple health inon people’s lives over
surance forms for
the coming years.
one person. Critics
Even though there
attacked this bill
are major problems,
many citizens, like
with the recent reMr. Pirman, hope
ports by saying this
bill is not ready
Art by Colleen Dempsey they will be addressed soon.
and should be
[email protected]
NOVEMBER 2013
WORLD
6
Chicago Public School students suffer
Nearly eighty percent score below average on national tests
Justin Cruz
Staff Writer
M
ost would agree that being able
to multiply, divide, add, subtract and read a book by eighth
grade are not impossible feats only accomplished by the brightest. However,
many voices can be heard Chicago-wide
stating the exact opposite. According
to CNS News, over two-thirds of the
student body in CPS (Chicago Public
Schools) is part of this cry for help. Statistics from 2011 show that 79 percent of
students scored below average in reading and 80 percent scored below average
in math.
“In the National Assessment of Educational Progress eighth grade reading
test, which is graded on a scale of 0-500,
the national average in 2011 was 220, the
Illinois average was 219, the large city average was 211, and the Chicago average
was 203. In the NAEP 8th grade math
test, also graded on a scale of 0-500, the
national average in 2011 was 240, the Illinois average was 239, the large city average was 233, and the Chicago average was
224,” said Terrence P. Jeffrey, part of the
editorial staff of CNS News.
During the week of Oct. 1, the Chicago
Board of Education and CPS, after meetings with school groups like VOYCE,
Raise Your Hand and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), agreed to develop a
new ratings plan that will include five
tiers, or ranks, for school rating instead
of the traditional three tiers, with the
higher number indicating a direr situation.
As a result, Chicago public schools
with borderline or below-average grades
will not be labeled as “on probation.” Instead, schools in tiers four or five will be
placed on “provisional support” and “intensive support” respectively, as schools
in tiers one through three will be left
to their own devices. A school in tier
four will be placed on provisional support, allowing the CEO of the board of
CPS to step in and provide more training for the local school council (Local
School Council) in an attempt to bring
the school back on its feet, according to
the Chicago Sun Times’ educational reporter, Lauren Fitzpatrick.
Schools in tier
five will be under intensive
support
under which the
school’s principals, teachers
and members
of the LSC can
be
replaced
or the school
shut
down.
Many believe
this to be in
direct correlation with the
lack of average
or above-average grades
in schools.
However, Sue Serra, a mother of three
former students attending the local
Mary G. Peterson Elementary School,
said there simply aren’t enough teachers.
She was forced to get a high school tutor for her daughter “because it wasn’t
being handled in the classroom. The
teachers are working with the struggling
students, and the advanced kids work in
a group themselves, and the middle gets
left out,” she said in an interview with
Steve Bogira, a Chicago Reader senior
writer.
With the CTU going on strike and
seeking a 30 percent raise over the next
two years, how can the CPS, already
scraping by to employ these teachers,
possibly enroll more into the classroom?
Some believe shutting down poorly
performing schools is the best answer,
as the teachers from these schools can
then be relocated to other schools in
tiers one through four. This will solve the
problem of not having enough teachers
without raising the amount of teachers
employed within the schools, bringing
up averages Chicago-wide.
NOVEMBER 2013
However, schools may not be the main
reason for student failure. A study released in 2003 named “Trends in International Mathematics and Science
Study” showed
that schools
with less than
10
percent
of
students
in poverty in
attendance
scored an average of 547 on
eighth grade
math tests and
schools with
75 percent or
more of its
students
in
poverty scored
an average of
444 on eighth
math
Art by Justin Cruz grade
tests.
That’s
more than a 20 percent decrease. Similarly, Harvard’s Graduate School of Education released a study called “Change in
Family Income-to-Needs Matters More
for Children with Less.”
The study showed that “increasing
the income of a family of four below the
poverty level by roughly $13,400 over
three years improved the children’s performance in school to a level similar to
that of children from families with twice
the income,” notes Anthony Salas, a current student at the University of Michigan. Approximately 87 percent of the
students attending CPS are from lowincome families. Therefore, Chicago’s
public schools suffer poor grades from a
combination of both the attendance of
students from low income families and
from an inefficient teaching system.
With this new five-tier ratings system aimed to make the public aware of
schools’ academic achievements, CPS
hopes to direct its schools towards better, more effective methods and eventually raise their performance to above the
national average.
Saint Viator High School
www.saintviator.com
LOCAL
7
Saint Viator polishes up
New enhancements to school building leave it looking sharp
Alex Horne
Staff Writer
I
n the past few months, multiple improvements have taken place within
the confines of the school. The most
notable enhancements are the painted red lion on the entrance plaza, the
freshly painted chapel and the many improvements to the Jeuck Auditorium.
“The red lion, although I’m not sure
whose idea it was, was a great idea; it
was something we did over the summer
to help everyone feel more pride in their
school,” said President Fr. Corey Brost.
Fr. Corey has changed the appearance of
the front of the school which now displays a physical representation of the
mascot.
The school’s interior has also changed.
“We painted the chapel in order to
make it more prayerful because before,
it was just all white, and we thought if
we added some more color, it would help
people pray in there,” said Fr. Corey. A
new paint scheme has transformed the
chapel into a more suitable sacred space. sound control board, new speakers and
There were also various improvements amplifiers, new wireless microphones,
a new intercom system, and new sound
made in the theater.
panels on all
“In the
the walls.”
last several
These are
years, many
the only renonew items
vations made
have been
since the readded
to
furbishment
the theater
of the theatre
thanks to
in 1993 when
the profits
Philip
and
from
the
Marie Jeuck
musical and
sponsored
gifts from
the remodelthe Patrons
of the Arts,” The new chapel color scheme subtly enhances the ing. Recently,
school
said
the- prayer experience.
Photo by Ian Malek the
provided new
ater direcaisle lighting,
tor Mrs. Kate
Costello. “These include the following: a new house lighting, and new doors to
new stage floor, new rails above the stage the auditorium.
From changing colors to technologifor hanging drops, a new truss for lighting equipment, a new lighting control cal upgrades, many enhancements have
console, new lighting instruments, a new taken place throughout the school.
Youth rally attracts droves of junior high students
Speaker Mike Patin, Praise Project headline annual school event
Molly Clifford
Staff Writer
E
very year, Saint Viator hosts a
youth rally to give students from
various junior high schools a
chance to reflect on their religious views,
as well as encourage them to grow further in their faith development. The rally
was a four-and-a-half hour event on Oct.
19 from 1:30-6:00 p.m. The rally hosted
roughly 300 junior high students and
adults from different parishes and Confirmation groups.
The rally began with a rock concert
provided by the Praise Project, Saint
Viator’s Christian rock group. Gathered
in the Cahill gym, attendees listened to
nationally known speaker Mike Patin’s
1213 E. Oakton, Arlington Heights, IL
message that all people have the ability
to seek and choose the way they live out
their lives as Christians.
“My favorite part of the day was [Patin’s] speech,” said junior Giuseppina
DiMartino, a member of Student Ministry Team. “The kids seemed to enjoy[...]
the activities he involved them in, such
as the Hunter, Bear, Woman Game.”
After Patin’s speech, everyone moved
to the cafeteria for a pizza dinner. The
event culminated with a Mass celebrated by Fr. Corey Brost, president of St.
Viator. All in all, the coordinators of the
event believe it was a success.
“The junior high kids acted as if they
were too ‘cool’ to respond to [Patin],
but after a few of his jokes, they were all
ears,” said DiMartino.
[email protected]
“It was an extremely successful day!
Mike Patin was really energetic, entertaining and challenging, and he kept
their interest for an hour and a half presentation,” said Ms. Betsy Fons, Christian service coordinator.
“Only a true leader could [have the
full attention of the crowd at all times],”
DiMartino said.
Campus Ministry and members of the
Student Ministry Team chaperoned the
rally and coordinated the Mass.
“It was cool to see all of what our students have learned, and the way they are
able to encourage the junior high students to further their relationship with
God,” said Campus Minister Ms. Katie
Muller.
NOVEMBER 2013
LOCAL
8
Yoon Chang, K-Pop Star
Junior to debut on Korean television talent show
Mia Mastandrea
Staff Writer
D
on’t expect an autograph any
time soon from junior Yoon
Chang. He has already left the
halls of Saint Viator and boarded an allexpenses-paid flight to South Korea to
be a contestant on “K-Pop Star.”
“It’s basically a survival edition program like X-Factor,” said Chang.
Just weeks ago, Chang could be found
playing his guitar in Jazz Band. Now he
will be competing on a reality TV show,
an experience not many teenagers can
say they’ve had.
“We have seven to eight rounds of the
show; the later rounds being the live edition,” Chang said.
The K-Pop Star series comprises a team
of the biggest talent and entertainment
agencies in South Korea. In past seasons,
SM, JYP and YG, the most popular talent management companies in South
Korea, have each sent in one representative to judge the contestants. The representatives have been the founders of the
companies or important, high-standing
individuals in the business. Chang will
be competing in the show’s third season.
Preliminary auditions were held in Europe, Australia, North America, South
the show. The
America and Asia
YouTube chanthis past summer.
nel’s success is
The winner of the
shown through
show receives three
over
400,000
hundred
million
subscribers after
won, which equates
only 2 seasons.
to about 300,000
Chang and his
U.S dollars. In adpartner, Debbie
dition to the monfrom Niles North
etary prize, the winHigh
School,
ner will also receive
complement
a debut at the talent
each
other’s
agencies of his or
talents. Chang
her choice, along
mainly
raps
with other unanand plays guitar
nounced prizes.
while his partner
“The live edition
sings. Their act
starts in February,”
balances both insaid Chang. The
strumental and
rounds are only
vocal
aspects,
live -broadcasted
making it posin South Korea,
sible for them to
but they will also
be uploaded on KYoon Chang performs at the 2012 St. Via- stand out from
other groups in
Pop Star’s YouTube
Viator Voice file photo the competition.
channel to be acces- tor Septemberfest.
Chang will be back to school in besible for those around the world to see.
For the last few rounds, the final contes- tween rounds of the show, so there will
tants’ fates will remain in the audience’s be another opportunity for autographs
hands, as they will have the opportu- before December when the second
nity to vote for their favorites to stay on round begins.
Time to ‘kick off your Sunday shoes!’
Ludovica Garro
Staff Writer
O
ur annual musical is almost
here. The musical is an amazing
opportunity for students to use
their talents and have fun doing things
that the students love: acting and singing.
“Our winter musical will be ‘Footloose,’” said Mrs. Kate Costello, theatre director.
The musical depicts a young teen named Ren McCormack, who, after his
father’s desertion, moves to a small
Texas town with his mother. He has a
hard time fitting in, especially when he
discovers that the town has outlawed
public dancing. The show includes the
hit songs “Holding out for a Hero,” “Let’s
Hear it for the Boy” and “Footloose!”
The show involves a great deal of energetic dancing and singing, although there are non-dancing roles as well. Everybody is looking forward to this beautiful
musical.
“I am really excited for my first high
school musical,” said freshman Sara Gasey.
Students are looking forward to the
musical, but they do realize that there
will be challenges that they will have to
overcome.
“I’m looking forward to the songs because they are from the 80s and I think
there is a lot of energy in them,” said junior Maria Werba.
NOVEMBER 2013
Art by Margaret Aichele
“In my four years of musical experience
I have never done dances like this. It’s a
new kind of music for me. It’s more freestyle,” said senior Ryan Wolfe.
So get ready to dance your socks off,
because Footloose is coming soon!
Saint Viator High School
www.saintviator.com
LOCAL
n
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Paul Lewis
Copy Editor
A
mong the many changes this
school year comes “new”Campus
Minister: Br. John Eustice. He is
responsible for directing this year’s retreats, Student Ministry Team and Liturgy Core Group. Students can find him in
his renovated office in the hallway next
to the cafeteria. There, he offers retreat
information, friendly conversation and
an assortment of free snacks.
After leaving in 2008 to live in Belize
as a Campus Minister and presider at
Masses, Br. John Eustice returns to Viator to continue his 17-year journey of
youth ministry.
“This is actually my third time here. I
am here because the students are open
and have a hunger for learning more
about our faith. It is also rewarding
to work alongside other brothers and
priests in the same mission. The commute isn’t too bad either,” said Br. John
Eustice.
Before Br. John became a campus minister, he was a student studying Elementary Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). His decision to
become a brother mirrors his mission.
“My friend’s car broke down at Midway airport. No joke. We spent a few
days with the Viatorians waiting for it to
get fixed. I met this group of men who
share the same passion I have of helping youth identify God at work in their
lives. Though I wasn’t looking to join a
religious order, the Viatorians found
me,” said Br. John.
The Viatorian community’s goals complemented Br. John’s passions.
“I knew that I loved to work with teenagers. I wanted to make a difference in
their lives. When the opportunity came
to work in a high school, the teenager’s
natural habitat, I knew I found something that matched with what God had
put in me,” said Br. John.
When he is not working as the Campus Minister, Br. John engages in activi-
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Fast facts
Born: LaSalle, IL
Lived: Henderson, Nevada and
went to a Viatorian Parish there
called St. Thomas More (that’s
where Fr. Egan is now.)
Favorite color: Blue
Something most people don’t
know: He is an Eagle Scout.
Height: “5 feet 17 inches”
Random Fact: He loves dogs.
ties he loves.
Whether it be chowing down on an
In-N-Out Burger while drinking a Dr.
Pepper or spending eight days on a silent
retreat in Pennsylvania, Br. John makes
sure to follow his motto: “live in the
present moment.”
“I hang out with friends, go to the movies, visit my family in Las Vegas (that’s
where they live), go for hikes through
nature, etc. I love hiking, backpacking,
woodworking, reading and traveling. I
especially love learning about different
cultures. I love any place that has a hiking trail and connects me to beauty,” said
Br. John.
His passion for the outdoors and learning about different cultures led him to
live in Belize for several years before returning to Saint Viator to continue the
Viatorian mission of education and involvement in the community.
Ea
st
R
an
R
Palatine Rd.
d
d.
Tropical Smoothie Café
315 E. Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
847-749-3554
IL05.TropicalSmoothie.com
N. Arlington Hts. Rd.
Not valid with any other offer,
discount or combos. Limit one
coupon per customer per visit. See
store for details. Expires 12/10/2013.
Photo by Mary O’ Connell
Message and data rates may apply.
Text STOP to cancel. Text HELP for help.
1213 E. Oakton, Arlington Heights, IL
[email protected]
NOVEMBER 2013
LOCAL
10
New theater offers five ‘Star’ experience
Rebecca Fahy
Staff Writer
I
f you haven’t already, head down to
the new Arlington Heights Star Cinema Grill. Its new design is vibrant
and cozy with artistic portraits of Hollywod celebrities.
Everything in the building is brand
new and repainted. The atmosphere
provides a memorable experience for
its customers. Not only is the cinema’s
environment more energetic, but according to Jacob Needel, an employee,
the equipment has been upgraded to all
new technology. For example, the new
Star Cinema Grill has a digital sound
system with analytical and articulate
sound.
“The sound is amazing. You can hear
everything as if you are a part of it,” said
sophomore Fiona Dolce.
The most surprising addition to the
theater is the layout in each room. The
chairs are plush, wide and extremely
cozy almost as if you are in the comfort
of your own home. The most appreciated feature is the space. Each row of
chairs is set with a wide distance in between to provide an ample amount of
foot space for comfort. The new chair
layout gives the theater goers an extraordinary experience because they can
watch a movie and eat dinner, as if they
are in the comfort of their own home.
The new TV screens are enormous,
with great views wherever you sit in the
theater. With the new technology, these
screens provide astounding resolution
and definition, making the movies come
to life right in front of you, even if you sit
all the way in the back.
Every two chairs has a table for food
service. Once the movie commences, a
waiter will ask for your order, and any
customer can order throughout the entire movie until last call. The menu has
a cinematic theme, of course, with clever names for the food. The list of sandwiches is titled, “Honey I shrunk the
sandwiches.” The food service is great,
and the food itself is prepared extremely
NOVEMBER 2013
New cinema offers in-theater dining.
Photo by Katie Cooley
well, and easily comparing to a restaurant meal.
The new theater also has some features
like free Bears games on the big screen,
event hosting and a lounge to wait or
relax in. The Star Cinema Grill’s goal is
“to provide every guest with an unforgettable experience through unmatched
service, the highest quality food and
beverages, and a flawless film presentation,” according to the Star Cinema Grill
website.
Any customer of the theater can agree
without a doubt, that they have definitely accomplished the goal of giving
the customer a remarkable experience.
Saint Viator High School
www.saintviator.com
OPINION
11
Fall: take it or leaf it?
ANTI-AUTUMN
Katie DelGhingaro
Staff Writer
T
he leaves shrivel and
perish, floating down
slowly and wistfully
to their graves. The vibrant
reds and oranges please
most jacketed amblers as
they shuffle from pumpkin
patches to apple orchards
in their brand new boots.
But the fleeting, rich foliage
and promises of apple cider
barely conceal the bitter
reality: fall is the season of
death, and it has descended
upon us yet again.
Fall drains the color from
faces, strips the trees of
leaves and chains students
to their gray desks. Summer has become a foggy
memory for most, and their
summer-selves
become
carefree strangers.
This
year,
students
whipped out their stiff khakis, stowed their troublesome backless sandals and
retreated into their oversized fleece quarter-zips.
Inside school, the halls,
once as steamy as a rainforest, grow drafty, then freezing. Just when students
thought to end their shivers
with layers of clothing, the
heat turns on, leaving them
sweating in their socks.
Outdoors, the Chicagoland
weather is more frustrating
and less predictable. The
indecisive weather bounces
up and down, irritating students who just want to feel
comfortable.
“[Fall is] just annoying.
You can’t wear a heavy
jacket, but you can’t wear
no jacket at all. It confuses
me,” said senior Sean Esterquest.
Plagued with such discontent, students have no
choice but to forge ahead
for autumn’s duration,
which feels as long and
disorienting as a
corn maze.
Surroundings appear
gothic, raw
and naked,
while students long
for the vibrant hues
of
summertime.
“The sky
is supposed
to be blue.
I hate when
it gets all
white like
a canvas.
It’s like an
empty void,” said freshman
Claire Stastny.
Fall corrupts even the sky,
stealing its bright blue hue
and painting it bleak white.
With Thanksgiving around
the corner, students should
remember to appreciate the
brevity of this sad season.
But for the time being, fall
drags with it a bitterness
that no amount of pumpkin spice can sweeten.
1213 E. Oakton, Arlington Heights, IL
[email protected]
PRO-AUTUMN
eat delicious food,” said junior
Ivelisse Cartagena.
Football is one of the more
oon, you’ll want to read
your favorite novel next popular sports broadcasted
to the fire and bundle up during this time. Dressed in
in those oversized ski jackets their Sunday night football jerbecause the colder seasons are seys, families gather to watch
coming. The wonderful holi- their favorite teams. The indays and the family-filled activ- tense competition usually
ities make the chillier months leads to everyone getting out
of their seats to scream at the
more special than others.
television.
Watching the
leaves change
color is a magical occurrence
that only happens once a
year. Although
raking them is
a hassle, it is
fun to dive into
piles of fallen
leaves.
“When I was
younger, I remember jumping into the
leaves with my
friends
and
family,”
said
Art By Dana Lenard junior Grace
Hubick. “I still
The season of giving is right love watching the trees change
around the corner, starting colors in the fall.”
What will never get old is the
with Thanksgiving and ending
with the New Year’s celebra- clock falling back an hour. Evtion. These holidays gather eryone appreciates the extra
families together in gratitude hour to sleep, relax or finish up
for the wonderful blessings a homework assignment.
The colder seasons of fall and
they have received in the past
winter tend to be less enjoyable
year.
“My favorite holiday is because of the icy wind and
Thanksgiving because I like to numb fingers, but the scenspend time with my family and ery, sports and family activities
completely make up for that.
Kelly Donohue
Staff Writer
S
NOVEMBER 2013
12
Shops go rogue on
Black Friday
Tyler Muich
Staff Writer
I
t’s almost “the most wonderful time
of the year,” but before that magical
time approaches, we must first deal
with the hectic part of the season, the
stressful holiday shopping. The most
important holiday shopping day happens on the often criticized Black Friday.
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the ultimate shopping day. Most
stores open bright and early, while
some even open the evening before.
Some stores, such as Macy’s, are open
throughout Thanksgiving day.
The controversial shopping extravaganza has made headlines, with stampedes and surges of people storming
the doors, sometimes even resulting in
deaths due to suffocation or trampling.
There are quite a few spectacular
deals out during that day, including
many doorbusters with limited quantities of items. Of course, this means
everybody has to go out and grab that
must-have item, which probably won’t
be as important within a month of
Christmas. It may be worth it if you are
going to grab a flat screen for $300, but
if you are just going for a new sweater,
why waste your time?
“If you have something specific that
you really want then I think it’s worth
it, but shopping with no intention is
not a good idea for that day,” said junior Sarah Miklius.
Most shoppers wait in line at stores
throughout Thanksgiving afternoon,
missing their important dinner just to
grab the latest deal.
“If you don’t get there at 3:00 in the
afternoon Thanksgiving day, you’ll be
way too far back in line, and by the
time you get inside, every good deal
will be gone,” said senior Eliana Rivera.
If you are considering doing shopping around that time, Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving,
is always an option. Online stores have
great deals equivalent to Black Friday
bargains without the hassle of going
to a store and pushing through the
crowds.
OPINION
AP classes belong in college
Noelle Jay
Staff Writer
S
ome students prefer not to take AP
classes, and there are many reasons why. Advanced Placement
(AP) classes cause unnecessary stress,
and students taking these classes are
not guaranteed the college credit. I was
placed in AP English and decided to stay
in the regular level because I feel it is
challenging enough.
What if students don’t pass the AP test
once the course is finished? Did they
waste their time working and studying
for the college credit? Some colleges,
such as Dartmouth University and The
California Institue of Technology, have
even stopped taking AP credit. However, they still look for the academic
rigor, which AP courses provide, in one’s
transcript. AP classes may not guarantee
credits, so students must decide if it is
worth the struggle.
What makes AP classes so different
anyway?
“They are faster-paced and more rigorous. The AP program is meant to expose
high school students to college-level
courses,” said AP English teacher Mrs.
Jackie Sikora. “The curricula of these
courses match that of a freshman or
sophomore level college course.” High
school is hard enough, is it really worth
it to add more to your workload?
“AP classes are not something to be
taken lightly, and whether students pass
the AP test or not, it will still be on their
transcript,” said Mrs. Sikora.
How do AP classes impact students?
“They prepare students for college
courses with harder material and a faster
pace, but I do not think they are necessary for every student,” said junior Mary
Claire Bannon.
AP classes can be beneficial in college,
but not every student can handle them.
Everyone is different; therefore, not everyone should be enrolled in these difficult courses. Some students may not
want to suffer the disappointment that
comes from a low test score. Also, colleges would rather see a high grade in a
regular class, than a failing grade in an
AP class. Keep in mind, your unweighted
grade will show up on your transcript, so
if you can’t handle the challenge, your
overall GPA will suffer.
“It would be disappointing to not pass
the AP test. I’d be upset that the course
did not prepare me enough for the test,”
Bannon said.
College is college, and high school
should be high school. Students should
decide, on their own terms, to accept the
challenge of AP classes, if they believe
they can handle the work.
Quirky Corner
Pros & cons of peculiar news happenings
Ugani Travels, a Japanese company, plans trips for unexpected guests: stuffed
animals. For less than sixty dollars, they will take your stuffed animal on a vacation of your choice, sending you photos throughout the journey. Along with
some of the pictures, the agency provides a caption describing the significance of
the location at which the picture was taken. –Vinitha Raj
Pros:
Cons:
– provides a unique, more personal
– takes away the fun in actually exexperience than just postcards or picperiencing a vacation
tures
– lose firsthand insight into another
– people too ill to travel can still enjoy
country’s culture or environment
dream vacations
– company could lose stuffed ani– inexpensive way to take more trips
mal and cause distress in a child
– useful in learning, especially for
– clients cannot customize vacation
children and in education to see other
and might not see everywhere they
cultures
wanted to
NOVEMBER 2013
Saint Viator High School
www.saintviator.com
OPINION
13
GPA trumps ACTions of one day
Mark Koehler
Staff Writer
T
he season of fall stirs up happy
memories of Trick-or-Treating
and eating Thanksgiving dinner,
but it also brings up a dreadful thought:
ACT. For most, this standardized test
is a source of anxiety and stress, and it
can ruin the fall festivities we may have
planned. Looming in the back of the
minds of each junior and senior, the fall
ACT acts as a constant reminder of the
extra studying to succeed and causes
students to pose one question: why don’t
colleges focus solely on GPA rather than
ACT score?
For some reason, the ACT can dictate
our futures and be the deal breaker between acceptance to our first choice
schools or our backups. It seems silly
that one test has such a big impact on
our futures because even some of the
brightest students are horrible test takers. Colleges should rely on the overall
GPA of a student instead of the score
they received on one test.
courses and practice tests. Then it is
“GPA shows a student’s knowledge not even a fair test,” said senior Megan
over a long period of time, and it proves Schrueder. It is not really fair to have
that they truly knew the material,” said one mediocre student with a high ACT
junior Mike Scully. “A bad standardized score get into the same school as the
test score could have just
Valedictorian of his or her
meant that the student had
high school class, who has
a bad day.” For some, that
worked hard for four years.
one bad day could cost them
“Pretty much all of a student’s work during high
their dream school. If college counselors looked only
school comes down to a
at one’s overall average, they
single test score,” said senior
Johanna Bopp. “If a student
would see the student’s overdoes not get a certain score,
all effort throughout high
some schools do not even
school instead of just one day.
Concentrating on only a
Art by Jack Harmon consider them, which discourages them from applying
student’s GPA helps rule out a
couple of outside factors. While the ACT to schools that they’re really interested
is not an easy test, you can learn a few in.”
The ACT, though a large pain, seems
tricks that will help improve your score.
A student can study for the ACT, using to be a key player in college admission.
guidebooks as aids, and attend tutoring However, while the ACT may be somesessions. This allows a student with an what important, it cannot compare to
overall lower GPA to practically buy their the four year measure of a student’s intelligence, his or her GPA.
way into doing well on the ACT.
“Parents can spend money on prep
Seniors contemplate college choices
Lauren Madden
Staff Writer
T
ime to crack open the laptops and
crank out the information. As my
fellow seniors already know, the
college application process is tedious,
stressful and actually somewhat exciting. I haven’t gone a day this year without hearing the phrase “college application” and I don’t intend to until next
summer. It’s probably because it’s such
a simple conversation starter. “Where do
you want to go?” “Why?” “What do you
want to major in?” “Where have you applied?” “What will you do if your roommate is really into taxidermy?” And,
oh, the notorious “Do you know where
you’re going yet?” (We all have that one
aunt who’s asked us that question at
least twice).
I’ve probably stressed you out a bit just
talking about the subject, but I’ve collected some data from our seniors about
what their general preferences are, and
some of it is pretty interesting.
About a third of the polled seniors
1213 E. Oakton, Arlington Heights, IL
first consider the location of the col- Other than that, I’d have to agree with
lege when deciding. Half of them prefer the poll: I first consider my major when
an urban setting. Only about 17 percent selecting which college to apply to, and
of them prefer a school with more than I prefer an urban setting. I love the city
lights and the business and job oppor20,000 students.
I found it interesting that almost two of tunities because, unfortunately, college
every five seniors prefer a private college. isn’t free.
To my surprise, 34 percent of the seI have to attribute it to Viator’s academiniors polled selected
cally aggressive enlocation as their first
vironment, which
deciding factor for a
encourages
stucollege. To be hondents to dig deep
est, who could blame
for the education
they want. Private
them? You have to live
schools are typithere for four years; it’d
be nice if you liked the
cally more difficult
place. Also, most colto get into because
leges offer an extensive
of their academic
rigidness, and as a
variety of majors, so for
college-preparato- Data based on an online survey of 63 seniors. most students, finding
a college with their inry school, Saint Vi- Poll is not scientific.
ator contains students that are prepared tended major isn’t a problem. They can
pick and choose from coast to inland,
to go above the state-school standard.
Personally I prefer colleges with more city to rural, near to far.
than 20,000 students, which are typicalThe selection process is tough, and it
ly public, because I’ve always wanted a isn’t over yet.
school with a large diversity of students.
[email protected]
NOVEMBER 2013
OPINION
14
Spooky traditions bewitch the night
Katie Solarz
Staff Writer
H
alloween is a beloved American
holiday often associated with
crazy costumes and sweet candy. Originally, people of all ages dressed
in witch costumes or other spooky outfits as a way to ward off the devil. Now,
kids dress up as their favorite superhero,
princess, etc. Outgrowing these childish
traditions is normal, but the question is,
what traditions replace the old?
For many seniors, Halloween is no big
deal. Party invitations fly around; you
grab a simple costume and have a night
full of fun with your friends.
“I threw together a costume, and I love
that Halloween is something out of the
ordinary, as it’s the one aspect of our culture that only [Americans] have,” said
senior Maeve Cavanagh.
What to do on Halloween remains a big
question for many high school students.
It’s a holiday on the borderline between
childish and acceptable. Trick-or-treat- hard to decide what to do.
ing may be considered a memory of the
“I’m usually unprepared for Hallowpast, but there are many ways to
een,” said freshman Hugh
make Halloween a night of fun
Tully. Even if that’s the
and frights.
case, there’s almost always a
“I hit up the neighborhood
haunted house somewhere
with my Elk Grove friends,
nearby. Otherwise, just putwatched a “Final Destination”
ting up decorations around
marathon and went to Buffalo
your house may put you in
Wild Wings,” said sophomore
the mood.
Bug Meehan.
Whether you chose to
Costumes are a major aspect
scavenge your town for
of Halloween traditions. Even
candy, dress in some crazy
though you might not have
costume, hang out with
dressed up as extravagantly as
your friends, or go Trickor-Treating, Halloween was
you did when you were younger,
Halloween costumes have at
Art by Katie hopefully a night to rememleast become quite comical. It can
DelGhingaro ber. Even though you may
be really entertaining to see what
be outgrowing childish trasome people go as. Kids today go above ditions, there are always new ones that
and beyond to impress with their outfits, may suit you well. Growing up doesn’t
mean you have to let go of everything
dressing as M&Ms or furry monsters.
There are so many options for celebrat- childish. Remember, don’t let all that
ing Halloween that for some it might be candy go to waste!
Winter brings joy but freezes students’ success
Dana Lenard
Staff Writer
M
any students may favor the
cooler temperatures and longer nights that Fall and Winter
bring, but how do the changing seasons
and weather affect
students’ motivation
to go to school?
Cold weather has a
profound impact on
students’ attitudes
toward going to
school. They wake
up to darkness and
come home from
school in darkness.
With the wet, frigid
temperatures added
to their long day,
students become lethargic and less motivated to complete
school assignments that would otherwise be easier to accomplish when the
sun is out and they are warm and comfortable.
“Getting out of a warm, cozy [bed] becomes a bigger hassle than ever during
the winter,” said junior Angella Kilabo.
“If it’s too cold, I end up spending more
time grumbling over it then focusing on
anything else.”
And let’s face it—going outside to defrost your car
and scrape
the ice from
the windows
is definitely
not an enjoyable task.
Additionally, the heavy
winter snow
can make the
school commute longer,
more difficult
Art by Kristen Yi and even dangerous, which
contributes to students’ reluctant attitudes toward going to school. It can also
be especially difficult to find motivation
when students are constantly subject to
NOVEMBER 2013
gloomy surroundings.
In addition to affecting students’ motivation towards going to school, colder
winter weather also affects productivity. When students are too distracted
because of the cold weather, they often
find it harder to focus during the day.
“Cold weather affects productivity by
distracting students from what is going
on in the classroom and instead focusing their attention on how uncomfortable they are feeling,” said sophomore
Amanda Stocchetti.
There are plenty of distractions that
come with being cold: constant shivering, chapped lips, dry skin and countless
colds, flus and other airborne illnesses
that can further distract students at
school. Also, sometimes the Red Lion
jackets and fleeces are just not enough
to help students remain comfortable in
the classroom.
Although cooler temperatures offer a
nice change from the blistering hot summers, students may find it more difficult
to remain focused at school as the seasons change.
Saint Viator High School
www.saintviator.com
ENTERTAINMENT
15
Popular teen novel hits theaters next year
‘The Fault in Our Stars’ proves that love conquers even cancer
Sarah Finn
Copy Editor
I
n this electronic age, teens aren’t
turning to novels to uncover relatable characters. Instead, they would
rather watch a movie version of the story. Production companies are taking advantage of the fact that teens will watch
just about anything based on a popular
book with bankable or upcoming actors.
One of the next popular novels to hit the
big screen is “The Fault in Our Stars” by
John Green.
“The Fault in Our Stars” follows the
life of Hazel Lancaster, a 16-year-old
girl with terminal cancer. To quiet her
mother, Hazel attends a cancer support
group where she one day meets Augustus (Gus) Waters, a handsome 17-yearold cancer survivor. Their relationship
grows from a shared understanding of
living with cancer, to a discovery of love
for the same book, “An Imperial Affliction,” which ends mid-sentence.
In the film, Hazel will be
played by Shailene Woodley, best known for her
work in “The Descendants”
and “The Secret Life of the
American Teenager” and
Augustus will be played by
Ansel Engort, who recently
starred in the remake of
“Carrie.”
The incredible fanbase
behind this novel is definitely being taken into consideration by its filmmakers and author John Green.
“The people who are
making the movie are
aware of how passionately
the readers of the book
feel, and they respect that,
and they want to honor that. Like me,
they are terrified of failing to live up to
readers’ expectations, and I think that’s
really healthy,” said Green.
Art by Mikhaela Correa
The novel does an excellent job relating
a mature topic to teens, making it the
perfect candidate for the transition from
page to screen. “The Fault In Our Stars”
hits theatres June 6, 2014.
12 Doctors, 26 seasons, 7 series, 50 years
Whovians celebrate a half-century of aliens, companions and time travel
Elias Rivera
Staff Writer
O
n Nov. 23, 1963, The Doctor
stepped into his TARDIS (Time
and Relative Dimensions in
Space) for the very first time. Fifty years
later, we will see The Doctor once again
step into the TARDIS to save the universe.
For those unfamiliar with the show,
“Doctor Who” is a British sci-fi television
show that follows the adventures of The
Doctor and his companions throughout
all of space and time. The Doctor belongs
to an alien species known as the Time
Lords. He fled his home planet Gallifrey
in the TARDIS. During his travels he became fond of Earth and its people, and
became its sole protector against other
alien species seeking to conquer or destroy the planet.
This November, “Doctor Who” will
be celebrating fifty years of production.
1213 E. Oakton, Arlington Heights, IL
Details for the special episode have been
kept fairly secret, but we do know that
the episode premieres Nov. 23 and will
[email protected]
Art by Haley Carey
be titled “The Day of the Doctor.”
According to BBC, returning characters will include the Tenth Doctor played
by David Tennant, as well as previous
companion Rose Tyler played by Billie
Piper. Also returning will be one of the
classic villains The Daleks. John Hurt
will be playing an unknown incarnation
of The Doctor who fought the Time War.
Fifty years of production is an outstanding accomplishment for any show.
“Doctor Who” is a well-known show in
the United Kingdom, and has become
increasingly popular here in the United
States
“It makes me feel proud to see something so small become so huge and loved
by so many people,” said freshman and
fan of “Doctor Who,” Gabrysia Sniadowski.
Tune in on Nov. 23 to catch the special
episode, and remember ,as The Doctor
says, “Bow ties are cool.”
NOVEMBER 2013
ENTERTAINMENT
16
Gleeks pay tribute to beloved star
Mady Johnson
Entertainment Editor
O
n July 13, 2013, “Glee” fans worldwide were left heartbroken
and distraught upon hearing
of Cory Monteith’s passing. While the
cause of death was understood
as being directly pertinent to a
drug overdose, what seemed to
linger in the hearts of both fans
and friends of Monteith was the
idea that the very talented and
down-to-earth actor they all
knew and loved would no longer
remain a part of their lives.
This seemed to be quite obvious
to “Glee” director Ryan Murphy,
as he made the largely appreciated decision to create a tribute
episode in honor of the popular
cast member. According to the Hollywood Reporter, while many proposed
a temporary hault of the show, Murphy
stated that, “the show must go on”. The
episode was deemed “The Quarterback,”
and brought back many of the charac-
T
E
C
H
T
A
L
k
ters who had graduated from McKinley
High, including characters Kurt (Chris
Colfer), Rachel (Lea Michele), Mike
(Harry Shum), Mercedes (Amber Riley),
Santana (Naya Rivera), and Puck (Mark
Salling).
(Chris Colfer) stated, “Everyone wants to
talk about how he died, but who cares.”
With that said, the rest of the episode
was dedicated to a whirlwind of emotional songs and stories pertaining to
Finn’s life and the impact that he had on
the characters. The significance
of such recollections was particularly evident in Lea Michele,
who despite having played
Finn’s girlfriend (Rachel) on the
show, was also engaged to him
in real life. Knowledge of their
outside engagement, coupled
with the intensity of their onscreen relationship made her
cover of Adele’s “Make You Feel
My Love” only that much more
Art by Darcy Martinez of an emotional highlight.
Although Monteith is no lonWhile fans were speculating just how ger a part of the “Glee” cast, he remains
the death of Monteith’s character, Finn very much alive in the hearts of those
Hudson, would be portrayed, it was who got to know him either on screen as
made clear early on in the episode that the lovable Finn Hudson, or off screen
there would be no explanation. His as the inspirational and talented Cory
death was first addressed when Kurt Monteith.
iPad Tips, Tricks and Apps
1. Get a screen protector! I have already seen a couple of cracked
screens around the school. Why let your big investment and
basically your entire school life get broken? Protect it!
2. Make the text bolder on iOS7 if it is hard to read. Go into
Settings>Accessibility>Bold Text.
3. If you buy anything on another iOS device, you can transfer
the purchased apps to your iPad. Go to the App Store and click
“purchased.”
4. You can send messages from your iPad through your phone
Pocket Trains (Free)
In Pocket Trains, you are the rail master of your own
Railroad! You control where your trains head and what
loads they deliver. You complete in-game missions to
unlock new trains and tracks to buy. I would rate
this app 4 out of 5 due to the massive amount of effort that you
have to put into the game in order to proceed to the next level.
Super Stickman Golf 2 ($2.99)
In this game, you can play golf as if there was no gravity.
There are 250 holes for you to play, which breaks down
to a little over a cent a hole. There are also cool competitive game modes where you can host up to eight
friends for a race-to-the-hole competition. I would rate this 5 of 5,
because the game concept is great and the money is totally worth it.
NOVEMBER
O
2013
number if you have an iPhone. Go to Settings>iMessage and
sign in with your Apple ID. Do this on both devices, and soon
a window will pop up asking if you want to add your phone
number to iMessage. Click yes.
5. Keep updated! Whenever a new iOS comes out, it is riddled
with security issues and bugs. When Apple releases a new update, be sure that you get it relatively quick. It should fix a lot
of bugs within the operating system.
PDF Converter (Free)
In this app, you can convert anything to a PDF file for
easy use. It is an app that allows you to do what the Adobe
Reader app wants you to subscribe to for eight dollars a
month, for free. It is great for changing power points into
a format that you can easily mark up and share. I would rate this 4 of
5, because it gives you a popup every time that you open up the app
to buy the full version. You just need to close it, but it is a nuisance.
Smart Office 2 ($9.99)
This app does all of what Apple’s Pages, Numbers, and Keynote does for ⅓ of the price. It also integrates with Google
Docs, making it very easy to access your work from anywhere!
I would rate this a 4.5 of 5, because the app needs you to go
in and save it, or else it will lose your file when you exit out of the app.
—Matt Fitzgerald
Saint Viator High School
www.saintviator.com
ENTERTAINMENT
17
‘Machete Kills’ too dull to cut it
Max Paulus
Staff Writer
A
gunfight erupts in a bad deal between some weapons dealers and
a drug cartel, with Machete as
an Immigration and Customs agent in
the middle of the fight. As the bullets
fly and the blood sprays, Machete goes
to work with his namesake weapon and
heads start to roll. Just when the movie is looking like it is going to be fun, a
villain with a ray gun appears, and the
movie comes crashing down.
“Machete Kills” is directed by Robert
Rodriguez and is the sequel to the 2010
film, Machete. This time around, Machete must stop a nuclear attack against
Washington D.C. Throughout the film,
Machete fights all sorts of enemies in his
quest to stop the attack.
“Machete Kills” stars all manner of
celebrities, from the infamous likes of
Charlie Sheen and Mel Gibson, to the
talented Danny Glover and Antonio
Banderas. The always enchanting Sofia
Vergara from “Modern Family” makes a
welcome appearance. Even Lady Gaga
appears. Machete is played by Danny
Trejo, a man who portrays the role so
well that it is easy to forget that he is not
Machete in real life. Despite the all-star
cast, the painfully bad dialogue and lack
of plot causes the film to fall flat.
Rodriguez fills the dialogue with allusions to everything from “Star Wars” to
“Spy Kids.” Moments like Antonio Banderas pulling off a fake mustache, as he
did in “Spy Kids,” are a thoughtful touch
in an otherwise thoughtless movie. The
homage to grindhouse films in the fake
trailer at the beginning of the movie is
sure to make anyone smile.
As with any Rodriguez film, “Machete
Kills” is saturated with an insane level of
violence. Every scene is accompanied by
some bloody dismemberment and the
action becomes tiresome quickly.
In the end, “Machete Kills” is a poor
attempt at a sequel. While “Machete”
was a surprisingly well made film with
political undertones, “Machete Kills” is a
mash up of action sequences that blend
into a dull blur. “Machete Kills” brings
nothing new to the series and feels half
done.
Acting, effects defy ‘Gravity’ in new movie
Jack Schuld
Staff Writer
E
verybody would like to experience
the greatness of space, but there
has never been a film that truly
captures how it would feel to be there.
Gravity, an exhilarating film, captures
every sense of space precisely.
The movie begins with Sandra Bullock’s
character, Ryan, and George Clooney’s
character, Matt, floating in space. Clooney’s character is having a conversation
with NASA staff. Right away, Clooney
and Bullock do an amazing job showing
their character’s emotions, which also
helps make it seem like as an audience
member you’re floating with actual astronauts in space.
Even more, constant changing of the
sound quality contributes to the spacelike atmosphere. For example, every
time the camera moves from one person
to another, the sound’s volume changes
with it. The film also creates amazingly
realistic special effects. Practically everything in the film was created with
special effects, producing the effect that
the film was actually shot in space. Despite the focus on the space theme, they
still add a lot of suspenseful moments
that have you jumping out of your seat.
“Houston, I have a bad feeling about
this mission,” is one of Clooney’s most
1213 E. Oakton, Arlington Heights, IL
notable lines in the film, which contributes in building the suspense. At the
climax of the film, the images, sounds
and music draw the audience into wondering whether Bullock’s character will
make it through this epic, final event.
Although the film is great throughout,
once it reaches the ending it doesn’t truly feel complete. After the climax, there’s
just one wordless scene that only lasts
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about a minute. After that, the movie
comes to a sudden end without falling
action. Though the movie has a quick
ending, it easily beats other space movies, like “Apollo 13”, in making you feel
like you are in space. This film contains
great acting, suspense, and special effects that help complete the feeling of
wanting to experience being in space.
Photo Illustration by Robert Daugherty
NOVEMBER 2013
ENTERTAINMENT
18
New games, systems coming to consoles near you
Steam Box
David Tullis
Staff Writer
T
his holiday season, stores will be
packed, lines will be long, but all
for what? The launch of the two
newest consoles of Sony, and Microsoft: The Xbox One and the Playstation
4. While just hearing those names will
probably cause you to clench your wallet with immense anticipation, it would
be wise to hold off on your next console
purchasing till early 2014, the release
area of the Steam Box.
The Steam Box is Valve’s, the creators of the PC Gaming service Steam,
and many games such as: “Left 4 Dead”,
“Portal”, and “Counter Strike.” There will
be different models of the Steam Box,
referred to as “Steam Machines”. These
Steam Boxes will have a new form of
controller, which have two “Track Pads”
instead of analog sticks. Each Track Pad
is a massive touch-sensitive movement
interface, and is also clickable, attempting to be closer to a mouse and keyboard
format.
These controllers will be fully hackable and easily switchable with the traditional mouse and keyboard. Unsurprisingly the console will take full advantage
of the Steam service, which holds thousands of games and fantastic deals,
sometimes dropping as low as 75% off.
“It’s gonna be good, because Steam has
really good deals, it’ll be good for gamers,” said freshman Moe Arifi.
The Steam Box will be releasing early
next year, and it just might take a bite
out of its competitor’s player-bases.
Wii U
Pokémon X and Y
Karol Nowak
Staff Writer
Jack Harmon
Staff Writer
A
t the 2011 Electronic Entertainment Expo, Nintendo of America
president Reggie Fils-Aime released the official game play trailer for
the successor to the Wii, the Wii U. The
Wii U celebrates its first year of release
in the United States on Nov. 18.
After the console came out, many
people who play Nintendo games ended
up not liking the Wii U because of its
expensive price and not many gamers’
favorites sequels were released on it.
However, four months after release, the
brand-new console sold over 1.3 million
unis, more than the Xbox 360 and Play
Station 3 for same time period.
To garner even more support, Nintendo decided to lower the price to help
sales. They announced that in September, the Wii U Deluxe model would cost
only $299.99, $50 less than when it came
out. This price change will be the same
for the “Legend of Zelda: The Wind
Waker HD Deluxe console.”
Soon sequels to favorite game titles
will be released for the Wii U like “Wind
Waker,” “Call of Duty: Ghosts,” “Assassin’s Creed IV,” “Wonderful 101,” “Super
Smash Bros. U,” and recently announced
“Mass Effect 4.” Currently, rival console
manufacturers Microsoft and Sony are
releasing the Xbox One and Play Station
4, which can’t play their old games. So,
as the Wii U continues to gain popularity, the ability to play the brand’s old and
new games may help Nintendo win the
game console war.
Art by Matt Lanus
NOVEMBER 2013
O
n Oct. 12, 2013, the Pokémon
franchise initiated their sixth
generation with the worldwide
release of Pokémon X and Y, the newest
games in the main series.
Like other mainstream Pokémon
games, Pokémon X and Y has players
control a young Pokémon trainer as he
or she embarks on a quest to capture all
the Pokémon, defeat the villainous team
and become the Pokémon champion.
However, the games contain a variety of
new elements.
Aesthetically, the games are the first
in the series to utilize full 3D graphics,
creating more depth for the battles and
the over-world. In addition, players can
now customize the look of their trainer
to fit their style.
Players now explore a new region with
a huge map based off France: Kalos.
As they journey across Kalos, players
will discover a diversity of new and old
Pokémon. In fact, aside from Chespin,
Fennekin and Froakie, the Kalos starter
Pokémon, players can also obtain the
original Kanto starters early in their
jouneys.
“It has a good adventure unlike any
other game, and the universe is better
crafted than its predecessors,” said senior Eric Zuba.
Aside from new Pokémon, the games
also introduces mega evolutions, where
fully evolved Pokémon like Blaziken,
Lucario, Mewtwo, etc. can use “mega
stones” to temporarily evolve further
into more powerful forms in battle.
Of course, the games contain many
more new mechanics. Among them, the
new Fairy type is introduced for new and
old Pokémon. Players can also interact
with their Pokémon through Pokémon
Amie to increase their Pokémon’s happiness so they perform better in battles.
According to IGN, Pokémon X and Y
has sold four million copies in its first
two days, becoming the fastest selling
Nintendo 3DS games in history. Clearly,
it shows that the Pokémon franchise is
still strong, and the games are sure to
sell even more this holiday season.
Saint Viator High School
www.saintviator.com
SPORTS
19
Girls splash into sectionals with high hopes
Jeff Davis. “Every set has a purpose and
needs to be correctly done. On some
his fall, varsity girls swimming has afternoons, we might swim as much as
been focusing on sectionals and 7,500 yards, but other afternoons might
possibly the state finals competi- consist of 5,000-6,000 yards.”
The Lions do not just practice in the
tion this November. These swimmers
water, but they are also dedicated to dry
have been commitland training.
ted to practicing
“Practice is usually
rigorously in both
very
challenging. We
the morning and
generally
have a couafternoon in order
ple
of
warm-up
sets
to succeed in their
and then a long main
upcoming meets.
set. After that we usu“We have three
ally do a cool down set
to four morning
and then do about a
practices a week.
half-hour of dry land
Mornings mainly
training,” said junior
focus on drills
Senior
Laura
Foss
competes
in
the
100Bridget Hulsebosch.
and techniques to
yard
butterfl
y.
Photo
by
Jack
Lakowske
These Lions put in
help perfect our
many hours of hard
strokes. We practice every afternoon for about two hours. work during practice in hopes of meetWe have an extended warm-up and usu- ing their goals of improving their times.
“This year’s goals are to become more
ally do two main sets. I stress quality
over quantity,” said Varsity Head Coach mentally and physically prepared for our
Brandon Braun
Sports Editor
T
championship meets than the past. We
are also looking to swim personal best
times in all events. We are approaching
the final stage of our training and will
soon begin to rest. The last few weeks
are the most tedious. Daily reminders
are given to our swimmers about end of
season goals,” said Coach Davis.
Varsity swimmers follow their coach’s
advice of working hard in practice and
competing to beat their own records.
“We all have personal goals for dropping time and as a team we want to set
the stage for future state contenders,”
said senior Megan Schrueder.
The swim team, led by Coach Davis,
has high expectations for the future.
“Goals for this program are to build in
numbers and become an elite program
in the area and state. This goal starts
with all members swimming year round
and talking this program up to potential
newcomers,” said Coach Davis.
The team will complete their season
with goals of continuing onto state.
Hawks rock Madhouse on Madison in 2013-2014 season
Art Scheller
Staff Writer
A
fter celebrating the Stanley Cup
Championship and coming off
a short summer, the Chicago
Blackhawks began the 2013-2014 season by hosting the Washington Capitals
on Oct. 1. Before the game, the Hawks
raised their championship banner from
last season to the roof of the United
Center before a sold out crowd.
Once the festivities ended, the Hawks
got down to the business of winning
their opener as soon as the puck was
dropped. The first goal of the season
was scored by forward Brandon Bollig
just four minutes into the game. Other
goals were scored by Patrick Kane, Brent
Seabrook, Brandon Saad, Johnny Oduya
and Marian Hossa, as the Hawks won
their first game of the season by a final
score of six to four.
Blackhawks Coach Joe Quenneville
was happy with the teams effort.
“The guys have always been in a good
place since day one of the season,” said
Quenneville. “You have to commend
them on how they prepared for the
1213 E. Oakton, Arlington Heights, IL
Despite the tough loss, the Hawks
season. They took care of themselves.
They’re excited about the opportunity showed their championship toughness
by bouncing back and winning four out
and challenge.”
The Blackhawks learned how difficult of their next five games, beating the New
their Cup defense is going to be in the York Islanders 3-2, the Buffalo Sabres 3-1,
next two games. In their second game of Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 and the Toronto
the season, the Hawks blew a 2-0 lead Maple Leafs by a final score of 3-1.
With an early record of 8-2-3, the
and lost to the Tampa Bay Lighting in a
Hawks know they have a long season
shoot out by a score of 3-2.
ahead but are ready
The Hawks then went on the
for the challenge to
road to play the Saint Louis
become back-toBlues on Oct. 9, losing a heart
back Stanley Cup
breaker 3-2 when Alexander
Champions, someSteen of the Blues scored the
thing that has not
game winner with only 21 secbeen done since
onds left on the clock. The
the Detroit Red
loss to the Blues was particuWings won in 1997
larly tough as most experts
and 1998.
are picking the Blues to be the
“When you win
Hawks’ biggest threat in the
Art by Eilis Finnegan
the Stanley Cup and
Western Conference.
“Brutal loss,” Quenneville said. “We you come in the following season...the
have to get that game to overtime. I don’t talk is always going to be about repeatknow what we were thinking about. It ing,” said Toews. “We believe that we can
was one of those plays, last minute of the be that team that has a chance to repeat,
period you want to be out there and we’ll and that can be one of those motivating
take one [point] and maybe two. Getting factors.”
none was unacceptable.”
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NOVEMBER 2013
Photos by: Jack Lakowske