Peace Pipe Chatter - Minooka Community High School District #111

Peace Pipe Chatter
Volume 96
Holiday Edition
Edition 6
December 15, 2010
Happy
Holidays
From: PPC Staff
The Best
Holiday Gifts
Pg. 8
Sports Fan
wish list
Pg.11
Best Christmas
Movies
Pg. 9
2 Holiday
Celbrating all holidays
by
Jake Hoffman/
A&E Editor
Many will be
unwrapping gifts on
the morning of the 25th;
however, there are a
couple other holidays
that different religions
celebrate during this time
of year.
Hanukkah, also known
as the festival of lights,
is a Jewish holiday that
ran from December 1st to
December 9th.
The eight days are
significant due to the
story of consecrated olive
oil. While re dedicating
the Temple in Jerusalem
that they reclaimed from
Aniouchus IV in 165
BCE, there was only
enough fuel for the light
to burn for one day;
however, the fuel burned
on for 8 whole days. That
is why the holiday is
always 8 days.
Kwanzaa is a weeklong
celebration held in the
United States honoring
African American
Heritage. The holiday
begins every year on
December 26 and runs
through the 1st of January.
It consists of eating and
giving gifts; the holiday
was originally created
in 1966 to celebrate
the African American
heritage.
2011 New Year’s Resolutions...What’s yours?
Soozie Bahret/
Editor-In-Chief
by
F.M. Knowles once
said, “He who breaks a
resolution is a weakling;
He who makes one is
a fool.” According to
cnn.com, over 60% of
Americans make New
Year’s resolutions and
only 8% actually keep
them. Whether or not you
are the weakling or the
fool, a new year is still the
perfect time to erase your
past and try to get it right
the next year. So, students
of Minooka High School,
what are your resolutions?
Peace
Pipe Chatter
Minooka Community High School
301 S. Wabena Avenue
Minooka, IL 60447
(815) 467-2140 Voicemail: ext 264
[email protected]
Editor-In-Chief
Soozie Bahret
A&E Editor
Cover Design
Jake Hoffman
David Tibble
Liz Purcell
Aubrey Aspan
Elaina Bartoli
Editorial Editor
News Editor
Alexa Bowen
Elaina Bartoli
School News Editor
Extra Designer
Eric Klank
Taylor Roop
Design Czar
Interactive Editors
Melissa Magnus
Aubrey Aspan
Shannon Lawlor
Mallory Keck
A&E Photographer
Copy Editors
Megan Boyle, junior
“Well if I have to have one, I
guess it would be to work on
my procrastination problemo.”
Lindsey Nagel, senior
“My New Year’s resolution is to
bring joy to the world. Joy to the
fishies in the deep blue sea. And
joy to you and me.”
Danielle Luttrell
Danielle Luttrell
Taylor Roop
David Tibble
Shannon Lawlor
Liz Purcell
Eric Klank
Hayley Younce
South Photographers
Dutch Nave
Brandon Fierke
Sports Editors
Elliot Johnson
Chris Evans
John Walsh
Sports Photographer
Elliot Johnson
Chris Evans
Features Photographer
Dutch Nave
Features Editors
Baylee Dibble
Katie Jostes
Dan Lentz, senior
“My New Year’s resolution? To
perfect my roar.”
Curtis Orndorf, senior
“I want to get buns of
steel.”
Cody Troyner, senior
“My resolution is the same as
every other chubster’s. To hit
the gym and shave some El
Bees.”
Andrew Jones, senior
“I will do less laundry and use
more deodorant.”
On the cover: The PPC staff share
their wishes to Santa. See letters on pages 6-7.
Designed by Katie Jostes
Peace Pipe Chatter
December 15, 2010
Journalism I:
Alyssa Aspan, Ali Bagley, Victoria Bavaro, Diana Harkey, Aaron
Ladzinski, Jacob Lopez, David Magnus, Lindsay Miller, Ryan
Nelli, Sylvia Pokolenczuk, Cori Salamon, Sarah Schimanski, Allyssa Smith, Graham Taylor, Crystal Uribe,Caleigh Beverly
Submission Policy:
The Peace Pipe Chatter strongly encourages suggestions and/
or responses to material printed on its pages.
Letters to the Editor should be submitted to Mr. Thomas’s mailbox or to a Peace Pipe Chatter editor.
While submission does not guarantee publication, PPC staff
members will do their best to respond to all
admissions. Submissions will not be returned. All submissions
are subject to editing and will not be printed if they are
considered to be inappropriate. They must be signed but may be
printed anonymous upon request.
Holiday
Let it Snow, Let
by
3
it Snow, Let it Snow!
Alexa Bowen / Opinion Editor
Another snowy night goes by as you
sleep soundly in your bed. You wake up
in the morning and look out the window,
and see what the previous night left you: a
giant blanket of snow that not only covers
the rooftops, but also covers your backyard
and a large portion of the street. The first
thought that pops into your head is, “Is
there school today?”
In past years, schools were more
lenient about letting a snow day or two
pass. But as the years have gone on,
getting every single school day in has been
more and more important. This is mainly
because every day we miss has to be made
up at the end of the year. I know many
agree with me when I ask: Why can’t
MCHS have more snow days? Who cares
if we have to make up a couple of days
at the end of the year? Many students at
MHCS agree that since we get out early,
May 24th, it wouldn’t even matter if we had
to make up days.
Whether or not there is school is up to
the superintendent. The superintendent
decides if there is too much snow for
buses and/or cars to be driving in. The
superintendent also decides if it is too cold
or the wind chill is too low for school. In
past years, the wind chill has been too cold
Christmas
by
Brandon Fierke / School News
Photographer/News Writer
Christmas is the best time of the year,
and it’s a time for family, and the time
of giving and getting. Everybody wants
something for Christmas, whether it’s
a bike, an iPod or MP3 player, or even
a car. As children we’re told that a man
named Santa comes into our house’s to
bring us presents. And in the morning
presents always came and we had gifts
to open on Christmas morning. Everyone
wants something different.
“For Christmas I want two thingsXbox Kinect and Dj hero 2,” says Raven
Burns, sophomore.
“For Christmas I want a giraffe,” said
Designed by Alexa Bowen
to be outside for more than five minutes at
a time.
Because of various factors, it is very
difficult to specify what conditions should
be. I propose that if the wind chill is
below zero degrees, if the snow is above
four inches, and the roads are icy and
dangerous, school should be called off.
When the temperature drops, ice on the
roads and in the parking lots is especially
dangerous. The students driving to school
and on the buses are in danger being on
the roads in bad conditions. Considering
it gets so bad when it snows sometimes,
parents worry about their kids driving
Wish
Lexi Sponseller, freshman.
“For Christmas the only thing I want is
a car,” said Chad Warren, junior.
As you can see, these things are all very
different.
Sadly some people are not as fortunate
to get everything they want. Some families
can only afford to give their kids one or
two gifts a year. Giving and getting gifts
are not the only things about Christmas.
It’s also a time to spend with your family.
This Christmas is seems like a lot of
people want generally the same things.
“For Christmas I want a laptop and
some new cloths,” said Kirah Jackson,
junior.
“I want a laptop too, and a new
camera,” said Briana Taylor, junior.
Tray Lewis, junior, said “I want a new
car and a new home.”
Kwame Stanciel, senior, says, “ A
Chevy Malibu with some 24 inch rims
would be nice.” As you can see most of
these things are the same or have one thing
in common.
Even though we don’t get everything
we get for Christmas, we still have a great
Christmas day. Because most people have
dinner with their family or just spend time
with family.
Peace Pipe Chatter
on the streets when winter rolls around.
Bridges and overpasses can be especially
treacherous in bad weather conditions.
“Black ice” is also transparent, which
means no one really ever knows if they’re
crossing paths with it.
Besides all the dangers, not to mention
the conditions, kids just need a break
every once in a while. A snow day is a
perfect excuse to take some time off for
the holiday season. Rolling up a big ball of
snow on your day off and “making Frosty
come to life” is the perfect way to spend a
snow day!
List
“I would like a viper with security and
remote starting system so in the winter, I
can be warm when I get in my car,” said
Hector Jasso, senior.
“ Some new clothes and a car would be
a great gift this year,” said Katie Erikson,
senior.
“ I want some new cloths and food on
Christmas day,” said Jake Cabat, junior.
Christmas is the time for giving,
getting, and family. Even though it may be
cold outside, we can always find a way to
stay warm. Maybe this year you can wake
up in the middle of the night and finally
catch Santa!
December 15, 2010
4
Holiday
School SpiritwithUgly
S w e a t e r s
Liz Purcell/
A&E Editor
by
On December 1st, in honor of MCHS school spirit,
students found their ugliest, gaudiest Christmas sweaters to
wear. Whether they found the treasures at the thrift store or
in grandma’s closet, the proud display of hideous sweaters
proved to be an exceptional idea by the student council.
Seniors Andrew Moorman, Sasha Litt, Nicole Ellison and Joe Moe
display their Christmas spirit with reindeer imitations.
What are your
Erick Klank/
News Editor
by
The end of second
semestor is coming up, and
that means one important
thing to everyone, Winter
Break! And all around
MCHS different students
have different plans for the
winter break they are getting
from school.
“Over winter break I will
be lifting and practicing
hockey a lot to help improve
the JCA hockey record, also
Pat Tribe, senior, and Cole McMillin, senior, give
thumbs up to wearing ugly sweaters to school.
Holiday Plans?
to fill out my new Express
shirts. I’m not really too
excited
for
Christmas
though, because my mom
told me not to expect much
for Christmas.” –Nicholas
Charles Gunther, senior.
Anthony Matrisciano, senior
“I am planning on visiting
my sister in California, and
working up a nice tan while
out there.” –Dylan Harvey,
senior.
Overall, the winter
break allows plenty of
students to do different
things over winter break,
whether it is staying in, or
going cross-country, every
student will appreciate the
break.
“I think I’m just going to
spend most my time sledding
with my good friends.” –
Designed by Elaina Bartoli
“A lot of my Polish family
is coming in on Christmas
day, and I will be feasting
on some good food!” –Derek
Gorga, senior.
Mrs. Lori Dunn-Reier demonstrates her school spirit
with this holiday sweater.
All About
The Walnut Room
Aubrey Aspan/
Cover Designer
Walnut Room was meant
to offer tired shoppers a
place to relax and have
a sit down lunch/dinner
while shopping. Serving
things like the most
famous “Mrs. Hering’s
Chicken Potpie” and
the Caesar Salads, it is
definitely a place to go
to get into the holiday
spirit.
Even though the
atmosphere
is
very
formal with the waiters
dressed in tuxes, it is fine
by
Located
on
the
seventh floor of the eightstory Macy’s in Chicago
(formerly
Marshall
Fields) the Walnut Room
is one of the most visited
places in Chicago during
Christmas time. Now
celebrating the 103rd
lighting of the Christmas
tree,
this
year’s
decorations are supposed
to be enchanting.
Started in 1907 the
Peace Pipe Chatter
to dress casual. Because
pretty much everyone
that comes to the Walnut
Room has been shopping,
the need to dress formal
is not necessary.
The Walnut Room
is most famous for the
three story Christmas
tree that decorates the
center of the restaurant
“Walnut Room”
Continued on
page 10
December 15, 2010
5
Holiday
Holidays gone bad
Best Places
to Sled!
by
Melissa Magnus /
Design Czar
Four Seasons,
Shorewood
Another local favorite for sledding
is the Four Seasons sledding hill in
Shorewood. This sledding hill is nearby,
and perfect for families, and thrill seekers.
The hill has steep parts, and sections that
are not so steep so it is perfect for any age
group or bravery level. This hill is usually
pretty crowded on weekends in the winter,
but the fun and exciting experience is
definitely worth the crowds.
Addressing the
school’s internet
We all remember it like it was
yesterday. Bundling up in our big puffy
coats, anxiously throwing on our rubber
snow boots, and sliding on warm and
fuzzy hats and mittens.
Sledding then and sledding now will
always be one of the best parts of the
Holiday season.
These nearby sledding hills are surely
going to be a hit for you and your friends
this winter season.
Lions Park,
Minooka
If you’re looking for somewhere
super close to home, then Lions Park
is the perfect sledding destination for
you. Within walking distance of MCHS,
Lions Park supplies an exciting and steep
sledding hill for anyone bored on a snowy
day. The hill is steep and fast, and perfect
for any thrill-seeking sledders.
Designed by Baylee Dibble
Blackwell Mount
Hoy, Wheaton
Many sledding fanatics have moved
on from the basic plastic sleds that zip
down sledding hills, and replaced them
with blow up tubes. Blackwell Mount is
known for their supply of safe tubes, and
providing a fun danger-free experience for
everyone. The hill charges $4 per person
to rent a tube.
Soldier Field,
Chicago
Now, when there is not enough natural
snow to keep the sledding hill going—
locate outside the south and east parts of
the stadium-- the District authorities act as
Mother Nature, and create their own snow.
Thanks to the District of Chicago, anyone
in the area can enjoy and rely on the
perfect sledding conditions all season long.
Shannon Lawlor /
Copy Editor and Interactive Page
Editor
With the winter snow and holidays
coming around, there begins to be a lot
of chaos. Whether it is good or bad, there
is always a story that comes out of it. For
most people the holidays bring out the best
in them, which results in them being happy.
Now for others the events that take place
around the holiday time can result in being
the WORST holiday stories.
“When I was 5 I got coal, and I went
in my room for the rest of the day because
I was so upset,” said junior, Amber
Salomoun.
Junior Sara Roden, explained her worst
holiday story, “ When I was younger, I hit
my head on a vent and I was bleeding. So
for the rest of Christmas I had to lay down
and rest while everyone else in my family
got to have fun and party.”
Not only did some of these stories just
affect one students’ Christmas, but it also
by
affected the whole family.
“I was putting up ornaments on my
Christmas tree, and I broke my mom’s
favorite one, so my mom took away one
of my Christmas presents!” said junior,
Lindsey Binzen.
Apparently ruining your mother’s
Christmas happened a few times over the
years as Rachel Vidano, junior, explains her
experience: “ My mom told me to take the
ham out of the oven and I dropped it on the
floor.”
“I was playing Xbox live, and my
brother Demetri was being mean, so me
and him fought and I won. But my mom
felt bad for Demetri so she bought him one
extra video than what he was supposed
to get for Christmas,” said junior Dean
Sparagis.
“My family and I were coming home
from Chicago on the highway, and a car
was about to hit us, so we swerved and slid
off the road almost going into a ditch filled
with ice,” said junior Hailey Weinke.
MCHS students share their
best holiday memories
David Tibble /
A&E Editor and Copy Editor
by
The holidays are usually the best time
of year because it is a time full of great
memories. Families gather together to
celebrate giving and good times. MCHS
students shared some of their favorite
holiday memories.
“One Christmas, it snowed so much that
my family and I made snow forts,” said
Alex Hoshell, senior.
Some students remember the great gifts
they got.
“One Christmas I got a puppy on
Peace Pipe Chatter
Christmas Eve and he was dressed as Santa
Claus,” said senior Erin Kelly.
Other students got electronic gifts.
Senior Chris Anderson said, “I got a Wii
for Christmas, and I was so happy that I
flipped out.”
Another student had a Wii holiday
memory.
“My mom got my family Guitar Hero
controllers for Wii but we had a PS2. My
mom started freaking out because she
thought she got the wrong gift, and we
“Best holiday memories”
Continued on page 10
December 15, 2010
6
staff letters to
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas
is for MCHS to have a schoolwide rolling chair race
around the school.
Sincerely,
Elliott Johnson
Dear Santa,
I think that MCHS
should get speciallytrained orangutans to
bring passes to students
and teachers throughout the day. Besides the
humor of having orange monkeys running
around, I think this
would be an exceptionally brilliant idea. Imagine all the time we would
save! As long as our faces
don’t get ripped off, this
would be a great help.
Sincerely,
Liz Purcell
Dear Santa,
I would like you to make a
student parking lot at South
Campus. Because students
aren’t allowed to park in the
neighborhoods anymore, we
aren’t able to drive to school!
It would be a lot more convenient for us underclassmen.
Love,
Elaina Bartoli
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas
this year, is for the Jonas
Brothers to enroll as students at MCHS. This will
help me rekindle my previous romance with Joe
Jonas, from Summer of
2008.
Rock on,
Melissa Magnus
Dear Santa,
I wish for you to improve
student knowledge about
the consequences of sexual
activities. Too many teens
still do not know the full
effect of their activities, and
I think that the improvement
of sexual education classes
will really help improve the
school atmosphere.
Sincerely, Eric Klank
Dear Santa,
I would like to have our
school to have a guitar
club for South and Central Campuses. I know that
there are multiple guitarists and bassists in both
MCHS campuses, including myself. So a guitar
club would be great for all
guitar and bass players to
share ideas and techniques
and create songs.
Sincerely,
Designed by Melissa Magnus
Dutch Nave
Dear Santa,
If it is in your power, I
want you to bring naptime
to MCHS. Students constantly come to school exhausted because they cannot
get enough sleep. They have
way too much homework and
other responsibilities to get
the sleep they need. That is
why we need at least a half
hour each day for napping. It
will remind people of a simpler time when all we had to
worry about was eating too
much glue and making sure
we did not stick crayons up
our noses.
Happy Holidays, David Tibble
Dear Santa,
For Christmas, please
bring MCHS better heaters. The school is so cold!
A heated parking garage
would also be nice. Or big
fuzzy blankets. Basically
anything to keep us warm
because I am always cold,
and so are many other
students. Thank you!
Sincerely, Hayley Younce
Dear Santa
This year for Christmas
I would like to continue
the Mike Noe wish in asking for a higher journalism salary. As of today we
aren’t making anything,
we pour hours of our lives
into creating this newspaper and get nothing
in return. Last year Mike
proposed that we make
$30 to $40 dollars an
hour, I totally agree with
this and I like this to be
started at the beginning
of the new semester.
Love, Aubrey Aspan
Dear Santa,
This Christmas I’d like to
see MCHS get healthier lunch
foods. Kids don’t get many
health benefits from French
fries and chicken nuggets that
were most likely fried. I’d also
like to see some extra curricular activities get more recognition. The only ones we really
hear about are STAND and
TATU. Hopefully these wishes
can be granted.
Sincerely,
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas is
to be able to text in school…
without having to hide it in my
purse.
Love always,
Mallory Keck
Katie Jostes
Dear Santa,
I wish Mr. Thomas appreciated my hard work
in Journalism.
Love,
Danielle Luttrell
Peace Pipe Chatter
Dear Santa,
MCHS needs some sizzle.
That’s where you come in. Have
you ever seen the movie called
Mr. Deeds? Well, if you did
not know, Adam Sandler has
a drinking fountain that exerts
fruit punch. Upon seeing this
magnificent feat, I was overcome with jealousy. Think of
the possibilities big guy. We
could have lemonade, strawberry
passion, Hi-C, orange juice and
raspberry tea each located at a
different fountain in our school.
I could be walking down the
hallway and quench my thirst
with something that is not the
dull taste of H2O. So let me
propose this: You give MCHS
drinking fountains some flavor,
and I won’t eat all your cookies
this year.
Ho Ho Ho,
Soozie
Dear Santa,
I would really appreciate it if you could bring
MCHS some school spirit!
The student’s here just
don’t seem to have any.
No one cares about the
school. High school is
supposed to be the time
of our lives, so everyone
needs to loosen up and
just have fun with it!
Love always,
Dear Santa,
If I could ask you for
one thing to let MCHS
have this year for Christmas it would be shorter
class periods. I don’t have
the attention span to be
able to sit in class for an
hour and a half. Maybe
you could make lunch
that long to give us a
little break from smashing our brains with education. All I’m saying is
all of us students would
be very satisfied with 4560 minute class periods.
Sincerely,
7
Shannon Lawlor
Dear Santa,
I hgave given up hope on
you. every one of my wishes has
been shut down by censored
media. I feel like i am living
in comm¨nist China... so if this
does get out to you, chances are
they have already offed me.
Yours Truly,
Jake Hoffman Sr.
Baylee Dibble
December 15, 2010
8
Holiday
BEST
GIFTS
EVER WORST GIFTS EVER
Elaina Bartoli/
by Baylee Dibble/
News Editor
Features Editor
There is nothing better than ripping open that wrapping paper and seeing that you reIt’s that time of year again: the time of joy, excitement, love, family, and friends.
ceived the gift of your dreams. Every person has gotten that special gift that you’ve always Everyone knows what it is like to finally open that present they have been hoping for, but
wanted. What is that gift for you?
everyone also knows what it is like to be let down.
When you are opening what you thought would be the gift of your dreams, and it turns
out to be quite the opposite, the feeling of disappointment sinks in. At least it can give
“My favorite gift is the bass I got last
you a good laugh in the end.
year because I love playing music.”
by
-Amanda Graffeo, junior
“My favorite gift is my
puppy; she is so cute!”
-Ashley Hulbert, senior
“I like my tube socks
because they are comfortable on my legs.”
-Alex Hamilton , junior
“My favorite gift I’ve
ever gotten are probably my Ugg Mocassins I got last year.
They are so comfy!”
-Terra Kolacki, senior
“I got cow pajamas one year…”
-Stephanie Barreto, senior.
“I got this ugly totem pole mug
in a white elephant gift exchange
last year. It was scary!” -Michaela
Genz, junior
“I liked my Xbox 360 because I have
played it every day since I got it last
year.” -Kalvin Hill, junior
BEST GIFTS
OF THE SEASON
by
“I got a knitted sweater with a
turtle in the middle. I was like 10,
but I still didn’t even like turtles.”
-Lenny Hernandez, sophomore
Hayley Younce/
copy editor
As the holiday season approaches, stores become filled with shoppers eager to buy the
perfect gifts for their friends and family. You may know what to get for your family, but
when it comes to boyfriends and girlfriends, it gets a little harder. This guide can help.
For Boyfriend
- Video games, such as Call of Duty: Black
Ops ($53.71, amazon.com) are great for
almost any guy.
- For a guy who cares about how he looks
(and smells), try Noir Bath & Body Works
Signature Collection for Men ($10.50$29.50 each, Bath and Body Works).
- The i360 Snow Infused Beanie ($49,
amazon.com) is perfect for guys who love
Designed by Liz Purcell
their iPods and being outside in the snow.
- Movies, such as The Notebook ($15.69,
Target) give you an excuse to watch movies
with your man.
- Fill a Kodak EasyShare Digital Photo
Frame ($89.99, Best Buy) with pictures of
your favorite memories as a couple.
“Gifts for girlfriend”
continued on
“I got these ridiculous kitty cat
slippers, but they’re actually
pretty warm now.”
-Alexa Smith, junior
Peace Pipe Chatter
“I got this big poofy vest that looked
like a garbage bag. My aunt though
it was cute. Uhh no!” -Natalie Lerch,
sophomore
“I got a poop brown belt. A freaking
belt!” -Anthony Thomas, sophomore
December 15, 2010
Holiday
Best Xmas Movies
by Dutch Nave /
Features Photographer
As long as there has been Christmas, there
have been movies made about Christmas. This
is a list a several Christmas movies that have
chosen that stand out:
The Santa Clause–PG–1994-When a man accidently causes Santa to fall off his roof, Scott
Calvin must take up the job as Santa.
Home Alone-PG-1990-A boy is accidently left
home when his family flies to France for Christmas, and must defend his home from two moronic burglars.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas-PG-2000-A
green creature tries to steal Christmas from the
Whos in Whoville.
Elf-PG-2003-A man raised as an elf goes to
New York to find his true identity and his father.
Jack Frost-PG-1998-A father, who has trouble
keeping his promises, dies in a car crash, but
returns one year later as a snowman to make
things right before he disappears forever.
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas-PG-1993-Jack Skellington, the king of
Halloween Town, accidently discovers Christmas Town.
A Christmas Carol-PG-2009-An animated
tale of Charles Dickens’ novel of Ebenezer
Scrooge’s journey of self-redemption.
Jingle All The Way-PG-1996-A father decides
to get his son the year’s hottest toy, Turbo Man,
just before Christmas Day.
National Lampoon’s Christmas VacationPG-13-1989-The Griswold’s plan a big family
Christmas and hope for the best, but soon turns
into a big disaster.
A Christmas Story-PG-1983-Ralphie Parker
tries to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa
that the perfect gift for him this year is the Red
Ryder BB Gun.
Designed by David Tibble
9
Gifts for a GAMER
by
Taylor Roop /
Copy Editor
The holidays are drawing nearer and
nearer, and everyone is eagerly working
on his or her Christmas list. If you are a
video game fanatic and having some trouble thinking of ideas for presents, check
out some of the things I
have picked out. These
are five great accessories for gamers out
there who want something a little extra to
step up their playing
experience.
Xbox 360’s Kinect
will definitely be one of
the big sellers for video
game enthusiasts everywhere this holiday.
Kinect enables you to
control your Xbox and
play certain games with
only your own body
movements. There is
no controller required
at all! Compete in
games such as table
tennis, boxing, bowling, football, volleyball and track-and-field
with Kinect Sports.
Those are just some of
the few things available
with the recent launch
of the Kinect. Some of
the other launch games include Kinect Adventures, Kinectimals, Kinect Joy Ride and
Dance Central. Retail price for a Kinect is
currently at $149.99 at Best Buy.
The next item on the list is for those
extremely competitive gamers. The Astro
A30 Audio System is the perfect headset
for any mobile, PC, or console gamer who
wants amazing sound quality, portability, great comfortability. The Astro A30s
come with an Astro MixAmp, which pro-
vides the gamer with 7.1 Dolby Surround
sound and combined voice audio, perfect
for tournaments and late night game sessions. It is easily the best headset available
on the market today and currently comes at
a price of $199.95 (regularly $229.95). You
can order yours today at astrogaming.com.
Seeking a monitor with stunning specs
to play your games on? Look no further
than the Samsung P2450H. It is a 24”
screen with a 1920x1080 resolution and
70000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for extremely detailed pictures. The P2450H has
full HD 1080P support which means amazing HD performance, along with an HDMI
input so you can get great video and audio
quality through one cable connection. Using Samsung’s MagicBright 3, you can optimize your viewing experience by chang-
Peace Pipe Chatter
ing the mode between text, Internet, game
sport, movie, dynamic contrast, or your
own customized settings. This monitor is
available at newegg.com for $229.99.
This one will be a favorite among the
PC gamers. Currently one of the top gaming mouses on the market, the Cyborg
R.A.T. 7 uses state-of-the-art technology
and an insane amount of
customizable features to
take PC gaming to a whole
other level. There are so
many things you are able
to change to tend to your
likings on this mouse,
such your grip, palm rests,
weight, DPI, sensitivity,
and button settings. Using the ST programming
software, you can create
custom profiles of your
settings for each different
game you play and quickly
switch between them. The
R.A.T. 7 is available at
gameshark.com for $99.99.
Eyes hurt from all those
long gaming sessions?
Pick up a pair of Gunnar
OPTIKS gaming glasses.
What separates these glasses from the average pair?
Everything. Gunnar uses
their i-AMP technology to
make them the perfect eyewear for the gaming community. There are multiple
benefits of these glasses such as enhanced
detail for sharper and clearer vision. It increases visual endurance so no more sore
or exhausted eyes. It also reduces glare. If
you already have prescription lenses that
you need to wear all the time, fear not.
When you order these glasses you can tell
them what kind of prescription you need
and“Black
the glassesOps”
will be continued
custom-made. Gunon
nar Optiks range from $79.99-99.99 at
page 14
gunnaroptiks.com
December 15, 2010
10 Holiday
“Walnut Room” continued from page 4
every year. The most interesting thing
about this particular tree is the fact
that the theme of it changes every
year, and certain years the entire tree
changes. Five years ago the entire
room transformed into a pink wonderland including a pink tree and lights.
With the past years trees decorated
in Wedgewood glass, and Swarski
crystals with thousands of lights. This
year it will have 10 thousand ornaments and will have almost 7 thousands LED lights on it.
The other most famous decorations are the store windows that are
created to tell a story. Snow White,
Rudolph, and Cinderella are some of
the examples that have been recre-
Designed by Soozie Bahret
ated in animation throughout the store
windows. Set to music, they tell a
separate part of the story and as you
walk down the street the story begins
to take shape.
Because the Walnut Room is
located on top of the second biggest
department store in the world, shopping is a must. With a full eight stories to wander, you can spend hours
roaming the entire floor dedicated
to Christmas ornaments and decorations, or the entire basement that is
packed with every Christmas cookie
and candy imaginable. The entire
store in decorated with red ornaments
hanging from the massive ceiling and
a decorated Christmas tree at every
turn, so if you need to get into the
Christmas spirit, the Walnut room is
the place to be.
“Holiday Memories” continued from page 5
“Gifts” continued from
page 8
started to cry. Then my mom pulled out a
Wii, and we were so happy,” said Alexa
Smith, junior.
Another student got an interesting gift.
“I got a hair straightener for Christmas
once. It didn’t work out so well,” said Anthony Jahn, senior.
Some holiday memories start out bad but
end well.
“When I was one, my mom told me
Santa wasn’t real, but my grandpa came
dressed up as Santa and I cried,” said
Hayden Fawcett, senior.
Whether it is through a great gift or
an amazing experience, the holidays are
always unforgettable.
For Girlfriend:
- Girls love perfume. Try Vera Wang
Princess ($60, Macy’s).
- Give your girlfriend the key to your
heart with a Sterling Silver Open Heart
Key Necklace ($29.99, JCPenny).
- Protect your girlfriend from the cold
with a
The North Face Khumbu Fleece Jacket
($80, TheNorthFace.com).
- Emu Wool boots ($55.98, Dick’s
Sporting Goods) will keep her toes
toasty all winter.
- A Nikon CoolPix L22 camera ($89.99,
Target) will help her capture all of your
memories.
Holiday Movie Preview
By Katie Jostes/
Features Editor
Yogi Bear
Rated PG
In theaters Dec. 17
The classic characters Yogi Bear and Boo Boo
finally hit the big screen. In the film, they try
to expose a documentary made by their mayor
that would completely wipe out an endangered
turtle species in the park. This movie stars
Dan Aykroyd and Justin Timberlake.
True Grit
Rated PG-13
In theaters Dec. 22
When a 14-year-old girls father dies, she
is determined to put his killer in jail for it.
She plans to find her fathers killer before a
Texas Ranger plans to bring him to justice for
another murder. This movie stars Jeff Bridges,
Josh Brolin, and Matt Damon.
How Do You Know
Rated PG-13
In theaters Dec. 17
In this romantic comedy, we see the love triangle of a corporate executive, a major-league
baseball pitcher, and a professional softball
player. This movie stars Reese Witherspoon,
Paul Rudd, and Owen Wilson.
Gulliver’s Travels
Rated PG
In theaters Dec. 22
Jack Black is bigger than ever as Gulliver, a
wannabe writer. He travels to write a story,
but a storm brings him to a strange island with
inhabitants that are six inch tall. This movie
stars Jack Black and Emily Blunt.
Little Fockers
Rated PG-13
In theaters Dec. 22
In this sequel to the first two movies, Meet
The Parents and Meet the Fockers, Ben
Stiller’s character, Greg, finally has kids. For
the children’s birthday, Greg must prove to
his father-in-law that he is actually capable
of running a household. This movie stars Ben
Stiller, Jessica Alba, and Owen Wilson
Country Strong
Rated PG-13
In theaters Dec. 22
When a fallen country singer develops a
friendship with a rising country star, they
begin a resurrection tour and make friendships and relationships along the way that may
break apart the friendship they started with.
It stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Tim McGraw, and
Leighton Meester.
Peace Pipe Chatter
December 15, 2010
11
Holiday
A Sports Fans Wish List
John Walsh/
Sports Editor
by
Chris Patterson
Wishes are goals trapped inside the
mind, and I guess my wish is that
every athlete unleashed the fury. And,
Tanaka’s Troopers will be the #1 cheering squad in the nation.
James Smith
My wish is for Tony Romo return to
power and lead the Dallas Cowboys to
a nice Super Bowl victory.
Kyle Caldwell
I wish Mitch Brozovich good luck on
next year’s Division 1 college football
season, and also for the Indians boy’s
basketball team to go above .500 this
season.
Brian Hushaw
My wish is for the Chicago Cubs to
win the World Series while every
Chicago White Sox player gets kicked
in the groin.
College Football Bowl
Predictions
Chris Evans/
Sports Editor Every year around the holidays, you can feel
excitement in the air. There is Christmas, New Years and
of course, the college bowl games. The big draw every
year are the plethora of BCS games in which the top
teams in the nation are pitted against each other. The only
problem is you never know aside from the top two who is
going to play where. Here’s how it could all play out.
The Rose Bowl is the first game up for the BCS on
New Years Day. The game typically features a team
from the Big Ten, and Wisconsin will be that team. Third
ranked TCU will more than likely be their opponent
unless they can weasel their way into the title game with
an Auburn loss in the SEC title game.
Later that day, you can catch the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.
Ohio State is currently ranked sixth in the nation and good
enough to get in. The Arkansas Razorbacks would pose
by
Designed by John Walsh
a worthy threat with standout quarterback Ryan Mallet
at the helm while his counterpart Tyrell Pryor would be
backed by a solid run game and a strong defense.
The Orange Bowl will be played on January 3 and will
probably feature Oklahoma and LSU who are ninth and
10th ranked respectively. LSU has been able to find a way
The game will come down to who can
make the final stop or make a last
second score.
to win all year and Oklahoma; a former No. 1, has a very
potent offence. This game would come down to whoever
can get the most defensive stops.
The Sugar Bowl is played January 4. Stanford has had
a good season and the only better team in their entire
conference is Oregon; they have a solid team all the way
Peace Pipe Chatter
around and will be hard to beat. The team that will likely
face this challenge is Michigan State. At one time they
were the Big Ten powerhouse until Iowa knocked them
off later in the season. Michigan State has proven that
they can move the ball and have a tendency to make big
plays on defense when needed.
The final and most important of all games is the
BCS title game. The two best teams in the nation will
square off: the Auburn Tigers vs. the Oregon Ducks.
Both teams boast Heisman hopefuls in Auburn’s Cam
Newton, and Oregon’s LaMichael James. Both have
very fast and explosive offenses that can score at any
given moment the game will come down to who can
make the final stop or make a last second score.
All these games should keep you very entertained over
the holidays. Whether your favorite team is playing in a
game or not, these are games that can be enjoyed by any
college football fan. December 15, 2010
12
Holiday
Winter Sports Schedule
Girls Basketball:
Wednesday 12/15
TBA
Girls Varsity Basketball @
Oswego Tourney
TBA
Girls Sophomore Basketball @
Oswego Tourney
Thursday 12/16
TBA
Girls Varsity Basketball @
Oswego Tourney
TBA
Girls Sophomore Basketball @
Oswego Tourney
Saturday 12/18
TBA
Girls Varsity Basketball @
Oswego Tourney
TBA
Girls Sophomore Basketball @
Oswego Tourney
Wednesday 12/29
10 a.m.
Girls Junior Varsity Basketball @
Ottawa Township High School
Tuesday 1/4
10 a.m.
Girls Junior Varsity Basketball @
Lemont Township High School
Wednesday 1/5
5 p.m.
Girls Freshmen A & B Basketball
@ Joliet Catholic Academy
Boys Basketball:
Thursday 12/16
5:30 p.m.
Boys Freshmen A & B Basketball
vs. Plainfield East High School
Friday 12/17
5:30 p.m.
Boys Sophomore Basketball @
Plainfield East High School
7 p.m.
Boys Varsity Basketball @
Plainfield East High School
Saturday 12/18
5:30 p.m.
Boys Varsity and Sophomore
Basketball in Winter Classic
(Home)
7 p.m.
Boys Sophomore Basketball in
Winter Classic (Home)
Monday 12/20
5:30 p.m.
Boys Varsity and Sophomore
Basketball in Winter Classic
(Home)
Tuesday 12/21
5:30 p.m.
Boys Varsity and Sophomore
Basketball in Winter Classic
(Home)
5:30 p.m.
Boys Sophomore Basketball in
Winter Classic (Home)
5:30 p.m.
Boys Freshmen A & B Basketball
@ Morris High School
5:30 p.m.
Girls Freshmen A & B Basketball
@ Morris High School
Wednesday 12/22
5:30 p.m.
Boys Varsity Basketball in Winter
Classic (Home)
Thursday 12/23
5:30 p.m.
Boys Varsity Basketball in Winter
Classic (Home)
5:30 p.m.
Boys Sophomore Basketball in
Winter Classic (Home)
Boys Bowling:
Monday 12/27
9 a.m.
Boys Varsity/JV Bowling @
Plainfield Central Invite
Designed by Elliott Johnson
Tuesday 1/4
4 p.m.
Boys Varsity Bowling @
Plainfield Central
Dodgeball
Tourney!
By Danielle Luttrell/
Copy Editor
4 p.m.
Boys Junior Varsity Bowling @
Plainfield Central
On Wednesday,
December 3 MCHS held
their annual dodge ball
tournament. All classes
were able to participate.
The team Derek’s Tigers
came out victorious
winning the whole
tournament and only
being sophomores. Here
are some pictures to recap
the came.
Girls Bowling:
Thursday 12/16
4 p.m.
Girls Varsity Bowling vs.
Romeoville High School
Saturday 12/18
9 a.m.
Girls Varsity/JV Bowling @
Lockport Invitational
Wrestling:
Saturday 12/18
9 a.m.
Girls Varsity/JV Bowling @
Lockport Invitational
TBA
Boys Freshmen/Sophomore
Wrestling @ Lincoln Way Central
Invitational
Tuesday 12/28
9 a.m.
Boys Freshman Wrestling @
Neuqua Valley High School
9:30 a.m.
Boys Junior Varsity Wrestling @
Brother Rice
Wednesday 12/29
8:30 a.m.
Boys Varsity Wrestling @ Granite
City Invitational
9 a.m.
Boys JV & Freshmen Wrestling
@ Aurora West High School
Thursday 12/30
8:30 a.m.
Boys Varsity Wrestling @ Granite
City Invitational
1st
place
team
Best
dressed
team
Peace Pipe Chatter
December 15, 2010