“A Midsummer Night`s Dream” comes to Northside
Transcription
“A Midsummer Night`s Dream” comes to Northside
Vol. 10 No. 8 Northside College Preparatory High School April 2009 Hoof Beat The News pages 1-3 •NHS 3-on-3 basketball scores big • Verve2 receives submissions for next year Global Connections page 4 • Stem cell research legislation signed by Obama Diversions page 6 • Explore the Magnificent Mile Features page 7 • Personality Profile: Matt Ramir • Stevenson HS has first gay dance Arts & Entertainment page 8-9 • Kelly Clakson’s new album “All I Ever Wanted” Editorials page 10 • Editorial: Thank you for listening, Mr. Rodgers Sports page 11-12 •Women’s water polo team starts new season •Star athlete Eric Nelson shines at NCP Page 9 Page 2 Four stars for Tre Latino Club hosts Kronor masquerade ball A war for a good cause Northside raises money for the construction of hospitals in Tanzania by Lyanne Alfaro March 5, juniors stole first non-profit organization on Gaza’s medical needs. “I spent the whole After a two-week place. In the first four days, whose main concern is The organization sent 15 winter break with her [my fundraising battle, the the progress had exceeded Tanzania’s health care and emergency kits, totaling to aunt],” Negrete said. “I senior class claimed victory 1,000 dollars worth of care for orphan children. around 20,000 treatments decided that I really wanted on Friday, March 13 in donations. The group works alongside of essential medicines on to help the organization.” Piggy Bank Wars, hosted The initiative was the with The World Vision and January 9 with help from Upon his return to by Operation Fly. For this idea of one of Northside’s Aviation without Borders World Emergency Relief. school from winter break, fundraiser, each class, own sophomores, Lucas to provide needy areas The organization also Negrete informed several including the faculty and Negrete, Adv. 110, who around the world with suphelped Zimbabwe, which members in Operation Fly staff as the fifth group, received inspiration for the plies. Among the areas that was dealing with a cholera about the organization. competed against the project from his aunt. the International Health epidemic. Although Zimba- Operation Fly then decided others to raise the most “She [my aunt] runs Partners has aided are bwe is still dealing with the to sponsor Northside’s points in order to win pizza an organization called The Harare and Bulawayo. The outbreak, the media has not Piggybank Wars. Every for the whole grade. The International Health Partorganization used much reported on the disease as morning, Operation Fly school raised $2126 over ners,” Negrete said. of its donations to prove much as it did in the past. updated the rankings and eight school days. The seThe International cholera treatment kits and The International Health announced who was in first niors arrived in first place. Health Partners is a group antibiotics from Ambe Partners continues to send place with the most points. Freshmen took second dedicated to the construcMedical, Baxter, Pfizer, and vital medical supplies over The club hung fliers around place in the wars, with tion of new hospital faciliWochardt at cholera medito Zimbabwe. Negrete was the school, spreading faculty coming in third ties and clinics as well as cal centers. In January of inspired by his aunt’s work the word about the wars place, juniors in fourth, and educating future doctors this year, the International and wanted to contribute to and International Health sophomores came in last about their career. It is a Health Partners focused these causes. Partners. place. The event began on Monday, March 2. Each group had its own bucket at the security desk for change. The fundraiser was dedicated to raising money to build hospitals in Tanzania. The proceeds of the event were sent to the International Health Partners organization, which would help build these hospitals. In the wars, a dollar was worth 100 points and a penny was worth one point. However, nickels, dimes, and quarters deducted points. Nickels deducted five points, dimes deducted 10 points, and quarters deducted 25 points each. Students from one grade could put these coins in another grade’s bucket to make their opponents lose points and help their own class advance in the daily rankings. On Tuesday, March 3, the first day of counting, sophomores took first place. On Wednesday, March 4, sophomores stayed in the lead with the most Members of Operation Fly count the change collected after school in the Business Manager’s office. Photo courtesy of Lucas Negrete Rousseau. points. On Thursday, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” comes to Northside by Adira Levine It is not every day that high school students get the opportunity to see a Shakespeare play professionally performed in their own auditorium, but on Wednesday, March 11, some Northsiders had this experience when the Tony Award-winning Chicago Shakespeare Theater performed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in Northside’s Cedric L. Hampton Theater. The performance was held for freshmen during colloquium at no cost to the students. Mr. Randy Snow, Ms. Ebikepreye Porri, Ms. Karen Dana, and Ms. Kyra Sitz, all of the English department, began planning for the production in early October. They thought that viewing the performance would supplement the Survey of Literature curriculum, which involves reading Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and learning about the literary genre of tragedy. The teachers felt that viewing the comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream would be beneficial to students because it would expose them to literary comedy and show them the importance of comedy as a literary genre. The classes will also build on the experience and other activities in the freshman culminating project, The Love and Marriage Project. “Ms. Porri, Ms. Dana, Ms. Sitz and I wanted to complement the freshman curriculum with an exciting common experience for the freshman class,” Mr. Snow said. “We thought the Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of ‘A Midsummer’ would further acquaint students with the language and major themes of a Shakespeare play.” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” follows two couples and the confusion that ensues as meddling magical creatures make them fall in love with the wrong people. Meanwhile, it also comically portrays a group of craftsmen and their preparations for a production of the play “Pyramus and Thisbe.” Both plot lines intertwine, leaving many mix-ups to be resolved by the magical creatures that caused them. Freshmen attending the play were impressed with the production. “The play was really interesting,” Christine Eckert, Adv. 200, said. “There were a lot of really cool effects and sounds, which was my favorite part. I was really excited to have the opportunity. The experience was just as great as I hoped.” Students also had the opportunity to ask the actors questions following the performance. Many questions focused on the company’s interpretation of the play. In particular, many students found it interesting that the company chose to modernize the play by using contemporary clothing and props. “The performance showed that Shakespeare can be engaging, relevant, and challenging to today’s young audience,” Mr. Snow said. “I was told by a member of Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s team that the audience was wonderful; I concur.” Students seemed to agree that the performance made a positive impression. “The performance made me more interested in reading Shakespeare because of how funny I saw that it could be,” Carly Jackson, Adv. 202, said. The teacher coordinators of the event were pleased that students had the experience of viewing a Shakespeare comedy live and hoped that it gave them a new appreciation for Shakespeare’s work. “The performance was beyond expectations,” Mr. Snow said. “Young readers often think of Shakespeare as this dusty, stodgy and boring writer. From the reaction the play received from students in the theatre, I think they may have changed their minds.” Page News Final all-school dance set to the theme of a masquerade ball Northside’s Latino Club hosts the last dance by Anna Cieslik Instead of hosting the usual Valentine’s Day Dance that Northside’s Latino Club has hosted it the past, the club chose to organize Northside’s first Masquerade Ball on March 20 in the school cafeteria. The theme of the dance was formal, with a focus on the colors red, silver, gold, black, and white. The club suggested that people attending the ball also wear masks, but this was not mandatory. However, many Northside students took advantage of this fun new dress code and chose to wear masks that ranged from classic to painted on with face paint. The masks as well as the music and dancing made the Masquerade Ball a great final dance of the school year for many Northside students. There was an emphasis on Latino music, which many found fun and easy to dance to. Students and guests also seemed to enjoy the overall mood set by black and silver balloons and stars scattered across the room, turning the cafeteria into the perfect dance floor. Some students were initially upset with the lack of Valentine’s Day dance this year. However, many students were very pleased with the Masquerade Ball after the dance had ended. The Latino Club members also stand by their decision to host the Masquerade Ball, and they saw the dance as a success. “[Latino Club] decided to have a spring dance [because] we thought that it was original and a new, fun idea to have it be a Masquerade Students dancing at the first Latino Club Masquerade Ball. Photo courtesy of Stefanie Pinon Ball,” Veronica Schwartz, Adv. 203, said. It was not just the freshmen that enjoyed the dance either. The sophomores, juniors, and seniors also had a great time. “I really enjoyed the Masquerade Dance,” Martina Bight, Adv. 103, said. “I had lots of fun.” Although many people went to the dance to have a good time with friends or their significant other, the music played by the DJ seemed to be an unexpected attraction that a lot of the students were excited by. “They played more of a variety of music at the dance versus the other ones,” Bright said, “so it made it more interesting to dance to.” Although the juniors and seniors at Northside still have their proms to look forward to, the Masquerade Ball was the last dance for the freshmen and sophomores. Many of the underclassmen were glad to end the Northside dances of 2009 with the Masquerade Ball. “A lot of people didn't go because they thought it would be lame,” Bright said, “but I thought it was totally worth it.” The only problem some students had with the dance was the amount of people there, or lack-there-of. There were some Northsider students that did not feel the Masquerade theme would be fun, since it was not a special occasion like the Halloween dance or Homecoming. “I didn’t feel like going because it didn’t seem like it would be fun,” Mohammed Khaja, Adv. 205, said. “I would have gone if it were something like a Valentine’s dance or the end of the school dance. But a Masquerade Ball sounds boring.” The Masquerade Ball might not have been perfect, but many Northside students who attended the dance were pleasantly surprised by this final all-school dance. The ball also left hopes high for the Latino Club-sponsored dances of the future. Many of the students that attended the Masquerade Ball felt that the Latino Club made a good decision in hosting the ball this year. Both Northside students and Latino Club members alike considered the Masquerade Ball a successful dance to end the 2009 Northside dances, and many hope that this new tradition continues on for years to come. Students express themselves Verve 2 accepts submissions for its next volume by Zobia Chunara Verve 2 is an online magazine that was founded by Nohemi Fernandez, Adv. 016, in 2008. This club is composed of a group of editors who look at individual fine art submissions by Northside students and choose from a variety of art and written pieces. Ms. Porri helped jump start the club when Fernandez came to her with an idea for workshops with a creative atmosphere. Teenagers find many ways to express themselves, whether it is through poetry, art, music, theater, etc. Fernandez thought that there should be an outlet for these aspiring artists to show off their styles and what they are all about. Although Verve 2 has only featured written and art pieces to this date, musicians will soon be featured in the online magazine as well. Students who play an instrument will be able to submit their piece by uploading a video onto the website or submitting it to Verve 2 via email at [email protected]. Currently, editors of the online magazine are working on jump starting a website for students to view, share, and upload works of art, music, and writing. The magazine also has a print version separate from the online magazine, called Verve, which is distributed yearly. “Last meeting we talked to Ms. Pouri about the website,” Sarah Jose, Adv. 051, said. “We had the website loaded on, but last year nothing got put up. Right now, we hope to get the print version out by end of the year. We definitely encourage people to submit their art work. Verve is really interesting to be in, because we always have new people.” Last year, the editors were assigned to different sections, but this year the publication is more of a collaborative effort, as they work together on different sections like web, print, art, writing, and music. When looking at submissions that the magazine receives, Verve members sit down, and they read the piece out loud to search for certain qualities or something special that stands out. “We take into consideration whether the piece is creative and original. For an art piece we appraise whether it looks nice or not,” Fernandez said. A variety of factors are evaluated; pieces may be chosen on humor or how touching they are. The publication asks the authors to come in to talk to them about their written submissions. Although the print version only comes out once a year, Verve 2’s online edition will be updated more frequently because there are many submissions. Editors of Verve 2 visit the 20 Hour Art Show Northside hosts every semester. They take pictures of pieces that they like, and email the artist to ask if they would be interested in having their work submitted to the magazine. Verve 2’s main priority is currently to get its website up and running. Verve 2 has hosted two workshops for potential writers so far this year. The time in the workshops is used to allow students interested in writing or drawing to express themselves through their work. Participants then read what they wrote to others present, so the group can assess it and give feedback. Last year, Faiza Ahmed, Adv. 906, a current editor, was in charge of the art section and print version. She felt that the workshops had been beneficial to Verve’s writers. “The workshops are going really well,” Ahmed said. “This time there were a lot more people and a lot of submissions, so that’s good.” The focus of these workshops is to build a creative energy for people to come in and only be thinking about what they want to do through their art. At their first workshop, Verve 2’s editors called for all artists at Northside to come in and draw what they wanted with their artistic abilities. “Drawing was a memorable workshop early in the year,” Sarah Jose, Adv. 051, said. “I was really happy at the turn out, and more people came than we thought because of the theme of the meeting.” At the Verve 2 workshop on March 11, the writers had pizza and worked on mad libs before presenting their pieces to the group of students that came. They had many seniors and sophomores, but editors look forward to pulling in more freshmen to the workshops. Next year, Verve will open up the editor positions for new students to come in and join. The Hoof Beat Northside College Prep High School 5501 N. Kedzie Chicago, IL 60625 Tel: (773) 534-3954 Fax: (773) 534-3964 Principal: Mr. Barry Rodgers Assistant Principal: Dr. Margaret Murphy Advisor: Mr. Chester Tylinski Editors-In-Chief: Zlatana Alibegovic, Vasiliki Mitrakos Managing Editor: Andrea Ljevar Web Editor: Molly McAndrew, Riaz Shaikh News Editor: Zahra Lalani Global Connections Editor: Olutoye Adegboro Features Editor: Andrea Ljevar Centerfold Editor: Evan Rogers Diversions Editor: Sonya Dekhtyar Editorial Editor: Yonas Zewdie Arts and Entertainment Editor: Matt Glodz Sports Editor: Caitlin Swieca Editorial Cartoonist: Gigi Lee Photo Editors: Alejandro Vadivieso, Adriana Garties Photographer: Kevin Lee Art Editor: Andriana Mitrakos Reporters: Olutoye Adegboro, Pooja Agarwal, Lyanne Alfaro, Subhan Ali, Zlatana Alibegovic, Derika Benton, Tessa Biskup, Sarah Capungan, Zobia Chunara, Anna Cieslik, Krystn Collins, Sonya Dekhtyar, Olympia Eldorrado, Melissa Espana, Adriana Garties, Matt Glodz, Dan Graham, Sarish Hassan, Adriana Inojosa, Carolyn Jeon, Melissa Jordan, Jeffery Joseph, Bushra Kabir, Sony Kassam, Claire Kilpatrick, Zahra Lalani, Adira Levine, Andrea Ljevar, Molly McAndrew, Andriana Mitrakos, Vasiliki Mitrakos, Faique Moqeet, Dylan Nugent, Alessandra Powers, Evan Rogers, Sarah Schoonhoven, Riaz Shaikh, Diana Slaba, Timothy Suh, Caitlin Swieca, Neda Tolooi, Alejandro Valdivieso, Yonas Zewdie. The Hoof Beat is a monthly publication produced by the Northside Prep Journalism Class. As a student-run newspaper, your opinions are important to us. If you have any comments, corrections, critiques, or questions, please e-mail Mr. Chester Tylinski at [email protected] or the editors in chief at [email protected]. April 2009 News Page 3 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Scored Big Annual NHS Basketball Tournament returns this year with a profit and winning team by Pooja Agarwal He shoots, he scores. Team YourGuy, one of the 24 teams that signed up for this year’s 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, was crowned the winner. On March 18, Northside’s National Honor Society (NHS) hosted the annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament in the gymnasium. The tournament was an opportunity to raise school spirit, while benefiting Kiva. According to kiva.org, this organization “is the world’s first person-to-person microlending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world.” “The tournament provides a fun outlet for friends to come together and compete against other teams in the tournament,” Hannah Basil, president of NHS, Adv. 907, said. The tournament featured 24 competing teams from all grade levels. The tournament followed bracket-style tournament: two teams competed against each other and the winning teams advanced to the next round. Two games took place on all of the four courts during each of the five rounds. During round one, sixteen of the original twenty-four teams advanced to the next round. In round two, eight teams of the sixteen defeated their opponents and moved on to round three. In round three, four teams advanced to compete in the semi finals. While each of the twenty-four teams was very competitive, Team Bodybag, Team YourGuy, the HotPocket Men, and the Dirty Sowfff made it to the semifinals. Team YourGuy, consisting of Ortseweyinmi Jemine, Adv. 903, Albert Lin, Adv. 902, John Byrne, Adv. 908, Shaheed Ghogha, Adv. 902, and Spencer Rosenfeld, Adv. 909, defeated Team Bodybag, winning the basketball tournament. Many teams planned and designed creative outfits. One of the teams showed their spirit by wearing a unique and colorful outfit. “The games were safe and fun, and teams showed their excitement by coming to play in creative uniforms,” said Basil. “I think the team with the most bizarre uniforms was Team John Konow and Co., and the team with the cutest uniform was Team Katie, Maria, and Gayatri.” The NHS organized three groups, each responsible for a different aspect of the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. There were advertising, lunch sales, and game day teams. Each group carried out their tasks and the whole event went well. Last year, however, NHS did not receive enough lunch sales to carry out the event, and, as a result, it was cancelled. This year, they decided to eliminate a few of the less popular events so they could continue this Northside tradition. “This year we brought [the 3-on-3 Tournament] back to life,” Basil said. Team YourGuy heating up the court during the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. “We worked very hard this year to en- Photo by Pooja Agarwal sure its success, so that it can continue been more successful fundraisers than the 3 “I went because my friends were there,” again next year.” on 3 Tournament, which has been more of a said June Murphy, Adv. 204. “I think it’s This year’s tournament has been the service to the school by raising school spirit. great how everything at Northside serves a first that has made a profit of a total of The tournament was widely attended and double purpose, so the tournament was so $37.00. The NHS hosts many other events at greatly enjoyed by many of the spectators. It much fun, while it served a good purpose, Northside, including the Fall Frolic, Canned was an afternoon to spend with friends and supporting Kiva.” Food Drive, and the Car Wash. All these cheer on their favorite teams. events also raise money for Kiva but have HigHer education. lower cost. college should be accessible. North Park University’s tuition is $7,500 below the cost of most private colleges and universities, and we’re increasing financial aid for incoming students in the fall of 2009. For more information, please visit www.northpark.edu/focus. Page Global News Connections The Hoof Beat Senator Kennedy knighted for services in the U.S. and Northern Ireland by Adriana Garties Massachusetts Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy now has something in common with Bill Gates, Steven Spielberg and New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. On March 4, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced the British government’s decision to make Senator Kennedy an honorary knight. Prime Minister Brown made the announcement while speaking to Congress on the same day, (www.number10.gov.uk.) In his speech, Prime Minister Brown recognized Senator Kennedy’s services in the United States and abroad. “Northern Ireland today is at peace,” Prime Minister Brown said. “More Americans have health care, children around the world are going to school, and for all those things, we owe a great debt to the life and courage of Senator Edward Kennedy.” Although men from any country can be knighted, the knighting process for recipients from outside of the United Kingdom (U.K.) is slightly different than the process for those from the U.K. All Knights of the British Empire receive a medal and the right to include the honorary rank in their official title. Only U.K. citizens are dubbed with a sword, and foreign recipients are not referred to as “Sir.” Knights from other countries, such as Senator Kennedy, may however add the initials K.B.E., for “Knight of the British Empire”, to the ends of their names (www.nytimes.com). Women can also be honored. The process is essentially the same, but the distinction is known as damehood (www. royal.gov.uk). Senator Kennedy was mainly awarded the honorary knighthood because of his contributions to the peace in Northern Ireland. Tension between Nationalists—who want independence from the U.K.—and Unionists—who want Northern Ireland to remain in the U.K.—increased in the late 1960s, leading to guerilla violence that continued until the 1990s. Senator Kennedy urged peace during the conflict, aiding in the creation of the Irish Republican Army cease-fire in 1994 and the Good Friday peace agreement in 1998 (www.tedkennedy.com). Additionally, Senator Kennedy founded the Congressional Friends of Ireland, a group that advocated peace in Ireland (www. dailymail.co.uk). The decision to knight Senator Kennedy caused controversy in Britain. Many British politicians and citizens believe that the senator was biased towards Ireland and against England. “Edward Kennedy may never have said outwardly [that] he supported the IRA, but he certainly leaned towards extreme Republicanism,” Lord Tebbit, a former Cabinet minister, said. “He was certainly no friend of the U.K.” Senator Kennedy also faced criticism in 1999 when he compared Britain’s involvement in Northern Ireland to the United States’ involvement in Vietnam during the Vietnam War and called for military withdraw- al from the region (www. dailymail.co.uk). Senator Kennedy was not present to hear Prime Minister Brown’s speech to Congress, but Mr. Brown had already informed the senator of his knighthood over the phone. So far, no date has been set for the official ceremony. Senator Kennedy issued a short press release after the announcement (www.kennedy.senate. gov). “I’m deeply grateful to Her Majesty the Queen and to Prime Minister Brown for this extraordinary honor,” Senator Kennedy said. “I have always prized the opportunity to work with the British government and strengthen and deepen the role of our two countries as leading beacons of democracy in the world.” In May of 2008, Senator Kennedy was diagnosed with brain cancer, and he has been receiving chemotherapy. He spent much of the winter in a rented home in Miami, but recently returned to Washington D.C. (www. nytimes.com). Senator Kennedy has represented Massachusetts as a Democratic senator in Congress for 46 years and is the second-most senior member of the Senate (abcnews.go.com). Though the United States Constitution contains a law against government officials accepting titles of nobility, Senator Kennedy’s knighthood was made legal with the approval of the Senate Ethics Committee. Senator Kennedy will now be known as, “Senator Edward M. Kennedy, K.B.E.” Changes in embryonic stem cell policies issued by President Obama cause controversy by Sarish Hassan President Barack Obama signed an executive order lifting the eight year curb on embryonic stem cell research, on March 9. The ban on stem cell research was put into place by former President George W. Bush in 2001. The new legislation is intended to advance stem cell research and allow the government to issue federal funds for the creation of more embryonic stem cells for research (www.nyt.com). Stem cells are pluripotent cells that have the ability to be cultured in a lab to take on a plethora of functions in the human body, such as a liver cell or white blood cell. Embryonic stem cells are created during the early stages of the development of an embryo. About four to six days into the development of the embryo, the stem cells are extracted (www.stemcells.nih.gov). When the embryonic stem cells are extracted, it causes the destruction of the embryo. Many prolife activists and law makers argue that destroying an embryo is equivalent to murder because an embryo can become a human being (www. times.com). Those who support the extraction of embryonic cells argue that an embryo is not a human, and therefore the termination of an embryo is not murder. The new executive order will require taxpayer money to fund research and has created a stir in Congress. Many conservative members of Congress are already working to persuade their fellow Congressmen to keep some of the restrictions put on stem cell research by former President Bush. “President Obama has chosen to turn back the clock,” Representative Christopher Smith of New Jersey said. “Human-embryo-destroying stem cell research is not only unethical, unworkable and unreliable, it is now demonstrably unnecessary.” Representative Smith was referring to the progress that scientists have made with adult stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood, bone marrow, and skin. Many congressmen feel that advancing stem cell research is equivalent to giving a new life to the millions of cancer patients waiting for a cure (www.nyt.com). “The current policy is eroding our national advantage on stem cell research,” Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts said. “We’re tying our scientists’ hands. We’re holding back our doctors.” Despite the moral controversy, stem cell research is seen as new venture in medicine, as many believe stem cells could help develop new cures. Because stem cells have in 2001 include Senator Gordon Douglas Johnson, legislative directhe ability to be cultured into any Smith of Ohio and Governor Artor for the National Right to Life other kind of cell, they can be used nold Schwarzenegger of California. Committee, Virginia Representative in cancer patients to re-grow white Prominent opponents of emEric Cantor, and Former President blood cells. According to researchbryonic stem cell research include Bush (www.nyt.com). ers, stem cells offer the possibility of treating numerous ailments, including paralyzing spinal cord injuries (www.nyt. com). Advocates of advanced embryonic stem cell research includes Nancy Reagan, whose husband, former President Ronald Reagan, died of Alzheimer’s disease as well as the late actor Christopher Reeve, who campaigned tirelessly after a fall from his horse in 1995 left him paralyzed from the neck down (www. thehill.com). Both Congress and the genral public have commented on the recent embryonic Prominent stem cell research legislation signed by President Barack Obama, with some Republicans who stating stem cell research is a breach of morality while others believe the new opposed President legislation will advance research in science and medicine. Photo by Adriana Garties Bush’s stance cerns about taking the position of Surgeon General was that he would have to leave his current position at Emory University School of Medicine and his other job as associate chief of neurosurgery at Grady Memorial Hospital. “I work at a county hospital,” Dr. Gupta said. “That’s the hospital I’ve chosen to work at in Atlanta. And I really enjoy that. I came to grips with, ironically, that being surgeon general, I probably would not be able to continue to practice surgery.” (www.mije.org) Dr. Gupta also stated that the decreased amount of time that he would be able to spend with his family as Surgeon General was also a factor into his decision. With a wife, two children, and another child on the way, Dr. Gupta did not want to miss any time with his family, especially in the early years of his children’s lives. “I sort of came to grips with the fact that I’d probably be away at least the first several years…. of their lives. And I just didn’t feel like I should do that now,” Dr. Gupta said (www.mije.org). Critics have pointed out that Dr. Gupta makes about $3 million a year as a neurosurgeon, but the Surgeon General’s salary is about $190,000 (rediff.com). Some have said that it was this pay cut that kept him from taking the job. Other critics have stated that Dr. Gupta seems to be too much of a TV personality. Mark Leibovich, a New York Times reporter, wrote an article criticizing the president’s appointments titled “Obama’s Media Cabinet.” This article compared the choice of Dr. Gupta, who hosts “House Call with Dr. Sanjay Gupta” on CNN, for Surgeon General to an appointment of Martha Stewart as Secretary of the Interior, and TV personality Jared Fogle, known from his appearance in various Subway commercials, as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Others were happy with the possibility of Dr. Gupta becom- Dr. Gupta withdraws his name from consideration for Surgeon General by Dan Graham Dr. Sanjay Gupta, chief CNN medical correspondent and an assistant professor of neurosurgery at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, announced that he withdrew his name from consideration for Surgeon General on March 5, stating that he wanted to care for his family and stay at his current position (www.rediff.com), (www.economictimes.com). Dr. Gupta has been the subject of recent political buzz, as the Surgeon General is an important figure in combating current health issues, such as smoking-related cancers and AIDS. While Dr. Gupta was never officially nominated for the job, he did talk with high-ranking administration officials about the position. “I was not nominated,” Dr. Gupta said, “but I had conversations with the senior-most people that would make an offer, and they told me they wanted me to do this job.” (www.mije.org) One of Gupta’s major con- ing the next Surgeon General, including former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders. Ms. Elders, served under former President Bill Clinton(www.cnn.com). “The most important thing — his communication skills — are perhaps some of the best,” Elders said. “In the past, we’ve looked a lot at administrators as opposed to public health communication skills.” (www.mije.org). CNN’s John King compared the Surgeon General’s job to Dr. Gupta’s current one, saying that both spots are high-profile positions that involve lots of communication and television appearances. “They [the Obama administration] have made the pitch to Dr. Gupta that he could help with the communications effort, travel the country, go on television, [and] try to explain the arcane nature of health care policy to the American people much like he does on our network just about every day,” King said (www.mije.org). The administration was not outraged at his choice to withdraw his name from consideration for the position, but admitted that he was a top choice for the job. One unnamed source from the administration spoke to www.rediff.com, an Indian news website. “He was certainly under very serious consideration for the position,” the source said. “We wish him all the very best and we know he will continue to be an excellent advocate in informing and educating the public through his work in the media and also continuing his work as a much-respected surgeon.” Though Dr. Gupta could have taken the position, he decided that the change of jobs was just not what he wanted to do. His father, Subhash Gupta, confirmed this point in an interview with www. rediff.com. “It was a tough decision and he went through the process and came out and said, ‘OK, it doesn’t make sense for me to do it at this present time,’” Subhash Gupta said. Planning for prom? Elvis Limousines will take you to prom in style. Your limo will arrive with a complimentary fully stocked bar and you won’t be charged while you’re at the dance. For more information, visit www.elvislimousines.com or call 1-800-331-9923 for the best rates. Page Diversions Around town The Magnificent Mile by Sonya Dekhtyar Let’s start with my favorite genre: cinema. You don’t even need to strain your imagination into the realm of a fabulous new atmosphere and culture. Everything is brought to you by the magical wand of the creators: a twist of the plot, fascinating characters, the beautiful setting of a previously unknown place. Popular more than ever before, the Chicago Latino Film Festival (April 17-29), which was launched in 1985 with 500 attendees and has grown to more than 35,000 in 2006, is celebrating its silver anniversary this year as the oldest and most wide-ranging Latino film festival in the country. Showing more than 100 films in the broad spectrum of genres – fiction, animation, documentary, and shorts – it reflects the great diversity of Latino culture in the United States, Latin America, Portugal, and Spain; this year, the festival will take you to 18 different countries. I am not going to encourage you to attend a few special events, such as the Opening and Closing Nights or the Night of Spain, since these events are expensive and will be serving alcohol unlimitedly. But as for the rest of the films screenings, those that were picked for the special events are going to be repeated at least twice – just try not to miss them. Films are being screened at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema (2828 N. Clark Street) and Facets Cinémathèque (1517 W. Fullerton Avenue). General admission for one film is $10, students pay a buck less, but it’s only $5 for students on Tuesdays. For complete information about the Festival, venues, films listings, descriptions, and schedule go to www.latinoculturalcenter. org/cinema-festival. This next event is a must. One of the most fascinating NPR hosts, Jerome McDonnell (of “Worldview”), together with the Peace Connection Group of Northeastern Illinois University, will host the Global Activism Expo 2009, featuring guests of Worldview’s “Global Activism Series.” For the past five years, the Series has been broadcast each Thursday, interviewing people with Chicago connections who are working tirelessly to improve the world. The show has profiled hundreds of activists fighting against global troubles, from HIV to animal’s rights to eliminating illiteracy. (Visit the Global Series Archive, at www.chicagopublicradio. org/Program_WV_Global.aspx, to get to know some of them – there are really cool people there!). This year, on Saturday, April 25th, there will be an all-day celebration at the Physical Education Complex of Northeastern Illinois University at 3600 W. Foster Avenue (just a few blocks from Northside!), with doors opening at noon and staying open until 6 p.m. Filled with presentations, performances, music, and food, the event is free – so bring you friends and families and enjoy meeting new people and putting the world’s problems just a bit closer to your heart and soul. Go to http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/Event_Detail.aspx?eventID=924 for more information. The Hoof Beat Chicago then and now Internationalize! Well, we all know the word. This scary, monstrous word: CRISIS. We hear it from everybody who belongs to the adult world – from our parents to news anchors to the President. Sometimes it gets so tense that we feel it is almost too much. Chatting with my peers, I often heard them complaining about somber moods at home: some were distressed by the sudden cancelation of spring break plans; many of them no longer find happiness in quiet, simple, pointless chatter with their siblings; their parents’ faces have assumed rather vacant looks; and family meals have begun to look more like business lunches, at which stock prices are discussed – just where recently there had been discussions of Grandma’s old pie recipe… I understand the grief. I, too, am one of many, if not most, teenagers who, no matter how smart and reasonable, find themselves living with this sense of being at the center of adults’ universes. I, too, sometimes feel that this universe owes me – was I not born to be happy and entertained? And when the world stops being entertaining and, if it does not demand serious responsibilities and repercussions, at least wants me to look at its pain seriously, I experience this strange, almost physical sensation of being constrained to grow up too fast… Lighten up. No one really wants us to become adults instantaneously, and the time when we have to be responsible not only for undone homework, but for the worlds’ – and our loved ones’ – happiness is still far-off. The biggest sacrifice we are expected to make is to remain optimistic always, to ask parents for allowances rarely, to complain never. Put all three together, mix them well, and you will get a pretty normal teenage life – not much different from the one you had before that big scary word. And to emphasize this for yourself, you need to not only think like you’re used to, but also live so – and that means hanging out with friends, exploring new places, and even travelling. That’s why this month I want to tell you about how easy it is for your spring and summer to become international – and you don’t even have to leave the city! by Sarish Hassan If you can’t go to Paris, let Paris come to you! Photo by Sonya Dekhtyar What can be more interesting than meeting a bunch of codgers from around the world who are united by one eccentric passion? From April 30th to May 3rd, pen collectors and notebooks enthusiasts from all over the world – as far as Japan, even! – will get together for the second Chicago Pen Show. With events as amusing as the “Pens for Kids Seminar” or pen repair/identification seminars (look at the full schedule at www.chicagopenshow.com), it’s definitely worth going as far as Rosemont and dropping by the Westin-O’Hare Hotel (6100 Des Plains River Road) at least once during those four days. A Sunday visit will cost you $5; other visits cost $25. If you are in love with the Chicago Cultural Center as much as I am, you should immediately go to www.patronmail.com/pmailweb/ PatronSetup?oid=144 and fill out the form to be put on the Center’s mailing list. You will receive the monthly e-newsletter and never again miss a single event, which could be interesting and enlightening for you – and free, too (should I remind you that, with extremely rare exceptions, all events at the CCC are free?). The variety of the events scheduled for the nearest future amazes me; the variety of international events can astonish even a person who does not know the word “culture.” On Monday, April 27, at 7 p.m., in the magnificent Preston Bradley Hall, twenty-seven-year-old Cape Verdean singer Carmen Souza will present her latest album Verdade (Truth). Carmen Souza was born in Lisbon, Portugal, but was always surrounded by the tradition, music and costumes of Cape Verde, and you will hear how much her songs have been influenced by Portuguese, Caribbean, African, and Brazilian roots. From April 25 and for the next four months there also will be a huge exhibition, The Big World: Recent Art from China, at the Sidney R. Yates Gallery. In addition to the general interest to Chinese culture in America, the coordinators of this exhibit and its related programs want to challenge the conventional misconceptions of China being “a world away” and witness how contemporary Chinese artists have merged traditional art with contemporary culture. Haven’t been to Italy for a long time? From April 29th till May 8th Chicago Cultural Center will take you there! Entertain yourself with Farfalle (Butterflies). The fantastic children’s Teatro di Piazza o d’Occasione (just say it aloud and you are in Italy already!) returns to Chicago as part of the Children’s Humanities Festival. The show is definitely for a younger audience, but wouldn’t going be a suitable reason to spend some quality time with your siblings? Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Visit www.iicbelgrado.esteri. it/IIC_Chicago/webform/SchedaEvento.aspx?id= 258&citta=Chicago for more information. And, of course, as the proverb goes, “If Mohammed won’t come to the mountain, then the mountain must come to Mohammed!” What can be better than inviting a new guest to your home, one that will bring him a new language, new culture, new food, or new traditions? Go to the home-page of the International Visitors Center of Chicago (http://www.ivcc.org/), and you find this appeal: “The International Visitors Center is actively seeking home-stay hosts for upcoming youth & adult delegations this spring and summer. Join in the fun by participating in these special intercultural exchange programs. Please find additional information below in the “Home-stay Hosting Opportunities” section of this newsletter; we look forward to hearing from you!” all you have to do is open your hearts and your doors! For the duration of this article, I mentioned multiple international events that would let you travel the globe without leaving Chicago. Of course, real travelling has its own advantages: you get to try new food, visit world-renowned landmarks, and fly over oceans and mountains. But agree, the travels I’ve advocated have even bigger advantages: you can make your foreign guests cook for you, you don’t have to deal with jetlag or be humiliated by airplane maintenance and air traffic control problems, and – the most important – you can spend by an order less. So, crisis or not, life is going on. Happy travelling! Shopping, food, and entertainment, all conveniently located in the heart of Chicago, can only be defined by one place: Michigan Avenue. Officially dubbed the Magnificent Mile in 2001, Michigan Avenue has a long history as the center of fashion, entertainment, and one of the most popular shopping hubs in Chicago. The Magnificent Mile was constructed in the early 1920s to replace Pine Street as part of Daniel Burnham’s Plan of Chicago, which aimed to beautify the factory- and warehouse-lined streets of Chicago (www.themagnificentmile.com). After the opening of the Michigan Avenue Bridge in 1920, a new commercial district was created, which kept a luxury shopping district close to the business district. The Magnificent Mile was developed into what it is today by William Zeckendorf and Arthur Rubloff, who controlled and owned most of the property along the area and began to develop it after World War II and the Great Depression. Supported by the Holabird & Root Company, they worked to construct new buildings and renovate old ones, making the area the real estate hot spot that it is today. Today the Magnificent Mile is occupied by some of the most prestigious retailers in the world, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Barneys New York, Chanel, Vera Wang, Jimmy Choo, Burberry, Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Tiffany & Co, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Prada, Kenneth Cole, Hugo Boss, and many more. The Magnificent Mile also houses critically acclaimed restaurants such as the Grand Lux, Spiaggia, and The Prime Rib. Historical sites and landmark towers over retail shops on the Magnificent Mile remind Chicagoans of the area’s rich history. A visit to the area is definitely worthwhile, and you are bound to learn something new. The Old Water Tower District, at 806/821 N. Michigan Avenue, is a historic district that includes the Chicago Water Tower, Chicago Avenue Pumping Station, and the Chicago Fire Department. The Chicago Water Tower is the second oldest water tower in the world and gained prominence after the Visit the Chicago Tribune Tower on your trip to the Magnificent Mile! Photo by Sonya Dekhtyar Great Chicago Fire in 1871. The tower has become a symbol of old Chicago and of the city’s recovery from the fire (www.nr.nps.gov). The Chicago Avenue Pumping Station is located opposite of the Chicago Water Tower and also houses the Lookingglass Theatre. Both buildings serve as popular tourist sites and offer information about the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The Michigan Avenue Bridge was designated a Chicago landmark on October 1, 1991 and has become a popular tourist spot since the opening of the McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum in the southwest tower of the bridge. The museum allows visitors to access the bridge gear room during bridge lifts to allow small boats to pass. The museum is operated by the Friends of the Chicago River and allows visitor access in the early spring and fall. General admission tickets are $3.00 and children under the age of five are free. To arrange group visits please call (312) 977-0227 or visit www.bridgehousemuseum.org/visit/tickets/. The Magnificent Mile is internationally known for its shopping and entertainment, but it also holds some of Chicago’s oldest history through its buildings, statues, and landmarks. Anyone can come visit the area and experience its living history. Try your hand at Sudoku! www.dailysudoku.com/sudoku; © Daily Sudoku Ltd, 2009 April 2009 A gay old time Features Stevenson High School has first gay mixer dance by Krystn Collins Adlai E. Stevenson High School had their first gay mixer on February 20, with decorations, music, and of course, parent chaperones, according to Chicago Breaking News. Such a dance was held in the effort of emphasizing tolerance of gay teenagers at Stevenson. According to Breaking News Chicago, educators say that, in general, gay students are vulnerable to harassment and are more likely to be absent from school or feel alienated from their classmates, which ultimately causes problems in their academic performance. Stevenson High School claims that this dance, along with the school’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), is a way in which those negative effects can be lessened for gay students. Northside has yet to host such a dance. “We haven’t had a gay dance yet because it wasn’t planned and there’s no need for one,” Rosie Pahl Donaldson, Adv. 107, said. “Last year, when we talked about it, no dates for one were available, and, besides that, people may be awkward about the idea.” A gay dance could be a good opportunity for Northside students to bring tolerance and acceptance of homosexuality to the forefront. However, the reaction of Northside students to the possibility of such an event tends to be generally positive. “I wouldn’t mind [a gay dance],” Emily Tran, Adv. 105, said. “I can’t see anything wrong with having one. It’s not like gay people are really any different than anybody else, so I think it might be cool to have a whole dance just for the gay students at Northside.” Overall, acceptance seems to be very little of a problem to the students of Northside. “I think it would be fun,” Sopheap Phan, Adv. 901, said. “I’m not gay, but I’d go just to hang out with people.” The topic of a gay dance is not without controversy, according to Breaking News Chicago. It is occasionally said that schools should remain neutral on issues of homosexuality and that discrimination of gay students can be properly handled without clubs and dances and instead with counseling and adult supervision. However, the statistics beg to differ. According to an October report released by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, 9 of every 10 gay students claimed harassment by other students in 2008. Additionally, gay students were five times more likely than the average student to miss school because of feelings of insecurity and a lack of safety. In schools with Gay-Straight Alliances, the number of students who feel this way and consequently miss school was reduced from 64 to 55 percent. “That’s really good,” Tran said. “That doesn’t seem like big difference, but if the number of gay teens that feel that way can go down by any amount, it’s a good thing.” In any case, acceptance is not an outstanding issue in the way of getting a gay dance for Northside’s GSA, and neither, it seems, are students feeling uncomfortable because of the idea. “I don’t really care,” Lauren Casapao, Adv.104, said. “It’s just another kind of sexuality, so what’s the big deal?” If administrative issues and controversy does not get in the way, it is possible that Northside, as Stevenson High School has, could host a gay dance for students sometime in the future. Page Ideal prom proposals How to ask your date to prom by Olympia Eldorrado It is that time at Northside again. Spring is on its way, dresses and tuxedos are being purchased, and juniors and seniors are searching for creative ways to ask that one special person to prom. Whether one already has a girlfriend, or if prom would be a first date, the way that one is asked to prom is an important aspect of the entire ordeal. In order to avoid turning prom into a painful drama, one needs to invest thought into how to ask the object of one’s affection. In some cases it is best to simply pop the prom question. “One of my guy friends asked me how they should ask someone to prom, and, in the end, he decided bluntness is the way to go,” Grace Goo, Adv. 905, said. Other students, however, feel that creativity can help a lot when asking somebody to prom. “A little creativity never hurt anyone,” Ted Kalaw, Adv. 900, said. “When I was a sophomore, a senior named Andy Hastings spray painted a message onto the patch of grass that’s visible from the library.” Northside students aren’t the only ones being creative this prom season, students at Whitney Young are also finding dates in unconventional ways. Lane Tech has had an interesting pre-prom season as well. “My friend asked another friend by writing her a letter that was sort of Shakespearean themed,” Jackie White, a senior at Lane Tech, said. “She accepted his invitation by painting him something and sending him a response letter.” If a guy is already in a relationship with somebody, his girlfriend will probably want to be asked to prom in a special way too. He should take her out and ask her in a unique way. If one is not in a relationship and is asking a friend, he or she should find out whether or not the person has already been asked or is planning to ask someone else. If that person has not made plans with somebody else yet, one should take that as their opportunity to ask them. Being bold is necessary in getting a prom date. It requires boldness to be creative. Without the ability to come out of one’s comfort zone, it can be very difficult to find a date this prom season. Matt Ramir, the Renaissance man The one thing poetry and computer science have in common by Melissa L. España “It’s been long, but it was pretty fun," Matthew Ramir, Adv. 900 said. “My first two years [at Northside] were kind of boring though, but in junior and senior year I found where I fit in, and it was a lot of fun for me.” Those are the words of Matt Ramir, as he looks back on his past four years at Northside. Ramir is one of Northside’s many well known seniors. Ramir is involved in many activities around the school. Though, he is most passionate about computer science and poetry. Ramir has been involved in all things computer sciencerelated since his freshman year. Many times, he can be seen around the school helping the computer science teachers fix problems on the school’s computer systems. “If you know anything about computers, you can go up to room 314B and just help out in the mornings,” Ramir said. “They’ll give you stuff to do and you just fix stuff or whatever. They’ll teach you stuff too.” Although his computer skills are advanced now, it wasn’t the case when he first came into the school. Ramir feels as though the computer science department has really helped develop his skills. “I came here only knowing only how to take apart a computer,” Ramir said, “but I learned how to program here and how to put stuff together and how a computer works.” Ramir plans to take his interest in computers into his college plans. Ramir says that he will most likely be going to the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and plans to major in Computer Science. He’s already decided that he will use his future degree to go into a career in either computer security or digital programming. Ramir took advantage of many, if not most, of Northside’s computer science courses. When asked which teacher inspired him the most, Ramir quickly responded with Mr. Jeff Solin, computer science department.. “He’s impressed us,” Mr. Solin said, “[because] it’s not just a technology literacy thing where he’s just good at typing things up quickly or checking email or something like that. He knows how to take the technology and apply it to do some really cool stuff. He’s practically become a member of our [computer] department over the years.” With help from Mr. Solin, Ramir has been able to get jobs that allowed him to apply his technology skills. “He’s done some independent consulting work with me outside of school,” Solin said. “I’ve hired him for a couple jobs, and he’s been writing software for a tattoo convention that I help run. His software has had a big impact on our operations. He’s written all the judging software for it. It’s all been custom made by Matt with me driving the requirements and analysis. He’s been great and it’s been a lot of fun working with him.” Aside from computers, Ramir discovered his hidden talent, which is poetry, with help from Ms. Nora Flanagan, English department, the sponsor of the Poetry Slam Team. This year was Ramir’s first year on Northside’s Slam Team. He had never been on a poetry team before, but he brought in a piece of his work to tryouts, performed it, and made it onto the team. “I knew right away that I wanted him on the team,” Ms. Flanagan said. “He had such a vivid voice as a poet and an unmissable sense of humor.” The Slam Team focuses on not just writing out poetry, but they take their writing and make a performance out of it. “It’s performance poetry,” Ramir said. “So a lot of the writing part of it, you have to take into account how you’re going to say it on stage. [And] you have to put a lot of yourself into what you’re writing.” Although this was only his first year, Ramir had been writing poetry since eighth grade. He has also proven to himself and his fellow teammates that he is gifted at performance poetry. His performance at this year’s Louder than a Bomb Competition (LTAB),which is a poetry competition for poets around Chicago, blew away the judges and took him to the national competition. “His piece was literary genius,” Nina Coomes, Adv. 109, a member of the Slam Team, said, “but to see it performed is such a life-changing experience. It was obvious to me that everyone in the audience really got a sense of hope from his poem, which makes Matt unique. He’s not just talking about the hardships of his life; he offers hope and life to all the people in the audience.” His performances can be seen online on the video sharing website, YouTube. Many students that have seen Ramir’s performances have stated that they were very impressed. “Amazing,” Tasha VietsVanLear, Adv. 101, a member of the Slam Team, said. “He did an absolute brilliant job. There wasn’t a performance he did where he didn’t get at least one 10. The second he started talking, the audience would just get so quiet. He grabbed Matt Ramir, Adv. 900, performs his solo piece at Louder Than a Bomb. everyone’s attention from the very Photo courtesy of Rachel Jackson beginning.” Although his audience and teamAlthough his hobbies of poetry mates commemorated him on his astonishing performances, and computers may not have much in common, Ramir beRamir admits to getting nervous the first few times he got up lieves that the two mix well together. to perform. “If you wanted to tie together poetry and computers, This being his last year of high school, Ramir looks back one way of looking at it is that when I write code I feel like a wishing that he had done Poetry Slam since his freshman poet, creating a world through words,” Ramir said. year. Matt Ramir will continue to make his teachers and fellow “It really helped my writing,” Ramir said. “It’s a lot of classmates proud even after he graduates from Northside fun, too.” Prep. When he’s not writing poetry or furthering his computer “Anybody who knows Matt knows he’s into about a skills, Ramir spends his time practicing with the school’s million things,” Ms. Flanagan said. “and he’s good at all of chess team. Ramir started learning how to play chess when he was ten years old. He has been on the team since his fresh- them. I hope he takes poetry with him and adds it to the list, along with biking, computer tech, lighting and sound, animal man year and has had first board since then. First board is a rights activism, and everything else. Matt is a Renaissance chess term that describes the one player on the team who is man.” chosen to face the opposing team’s strongest player. Page Arts and Entertainment The Hoof Beat From the dance floor to the guitars “Dancing with the Stars” contestants release debut album, “BHB” by Bushra Kabir Ballas Hough Band, consisting of Mark Ballas and Derek Hough from “Dancing with the Stars” as the co-guitarists, released its debut album, “BHB,” on Hollywood Records on March 3. The new disc will add some excellent songs to alternative-rock listeners’ playlists. The band was originally formed as “Almost Amy” in London in the year of 2005, but changed its name after the band moved to Los Angeles in 2007. Also featured in the Ballas Hough Band are keyboardist Emily Grace, bassist Sam Marder, and drummer Harry Sullivan. This album is an excellent mix of pop, dance and alternative rock. Ballas and Hough are recognized for their killer dancing skills, and this new album will make them well-known for their singing skills as well. The first song of the album, “Do You Love Me,” starts out with a computerized, creative tune accompanied by Sullivan’s drumbeats in the background. The singers speed up to go along with the imaginative melody, singing, “Well if you love then you love me baby let me know / And if you don't why don't you leave me baby let me go.” The song shows passion in a firm way when they sing, “Girl you know I feel like I’ve been waiting for a lifetime.” Around the part of the chorus the song switches to a more dance-pop genre, making it an exciting song to listen to. The song “Devastated” has an alternative-rock touch. One can hear electric guitar in this song as it starts out with some short strums along with a dramatic tune created by the bassist Sam Marder. There are constant short and smooth string instrument tunes throughout the song. The electric guitar strums get heavier and stronger when it comes to the chorus. It carries a tone of devastation but to show fondness of this devastation, it maintains a friendly rhythm. “Closer” is the sweetest-sounding song on this album, starting out with a pleasant acoustic guitar strum that is continued throughout the song. The singing is a lot softer than that in “Devastated,” yet it follows a cheery beat. Right before singing the chorus, a short part of the song creates a soft dance beat. This song could easily make one smile because of the way it sounds, and the added rock tunes make it a little less “lovey dovey.” Towards the end, there is a short, energetic electric guitar solo moving towards the last lyrics of the song making it memorable. A pleasant acoustic guitar strum is utilized again in “Longing For,” which is sung slowly and softly until the singer suddenly hits a high note, adding a little more energy to this mellow song. Grace’s feminine voice brings a much more peaceful sound to this song, which makes it stronger. Together, the soft guitar strums, passionate lyrics sung by a girl and a boy, and the slowly energizing drumbeats in the background create an excellent song of the alternative genre. “Do It For You” starts with a techno beat along with a group of choirgirls slowing singing, “Oooh, Aaah.” The techno beat soon transforms into a beat to create a blend R&B and alternative since it still includes the sounds of the electric Mark Ballas and Derek Hough from “Dancing with the Stars” take a shot at the music industry with the Ballas Hough Band’s new album, “BHB.” Image courtesy of Amazon.com guitar. The group sings, “I'll be that shoulder you can lean on, (lean on) / Wanna be the body that you breathe on... (breathe on)”. The rhyming lyrics add a catchy beat to this song that would make the listeners put their hands up in the air and move side-to-side. Overall, “BHB” is an excellent collection of delightful love songs with a mixture of rock, dance, and alternative genre for listeners who look for songs with pleasant beats and enjoy the drumbeats and guitar strums. It made it to the Billboard 200 charts and Billboard Compre- hensive Albums chart, according to www.billboard.com. The genre, dance-rock, they chose to work within this new album definitely suits their voice. This album surely reflects on their great singing skills, which are just as impressive as their dancing skills. “All I Ever Wanted” is Kelly Clarkson’s new album Clarkson gets over the blues with an upbeat, energetic sound Clarkson takes a different approach on her fourth studio album than she has in the past. Her new songs are fast-paced and upbeat, giving them more energy than the gloomy tracks on her previous album, “My December.” The 14 tracks contained in her new album are from a variety of genres, including rock songs like “Whyyawannabringmedown,” club songs such as “If I Can’t Have You,” and slow ballads like “Cry.” This selection of various genres provides likeable choices for fans of different music styles. Clarkson spoke about the intentional use of different genres that were incorporated into her album (kellyclarkson.com). "I never want to make just one sound," Clarkson said. "The worst thing to me is when all the songs on an album sound the same. If you have that choice, why wouldn't you want to bring out all the different sides and colors of your personality?" Her first single, “My Life Would Suck Without You,” is definitely one of the best tracks on the album. Its fast-paced enjoyable beat and catchy lyrics are a great way to start off the album. This track never seems to get annoying and one can listen to it multiple times without getting sick of it. Clarkson’s loud voice belts out a perfect song to dance to and listen to. “I Do Not Hook Up,” originally recorded by Katy Perry for her album “One of the Boys,” is another great Kelly Clarkson’s new album “All I Ever Wanted” features fast-paced and upbeat songs that song that keeps up the liveliness are a departure from the music on her previous releases. tempo of the album. “Oh, no / I do Image courtesy of Amazon.com not hook up, up / I go slow / So if you want me / I don’t come cheap,” by Sony Kassam Without a doubt, her new album is she sings. With attention-grabbing guitar riffs "I just want to be able to look back at indeed awesome. and a memorable chorus, it sounds similar in this album and be proud, and to think, 'Man, From the beginning of the first track to style to Perry’s hit song “Hot N Cold.” Nevthat was awesome,'" Kelly Clarkson, 2002 the ending of the last, ”All I Ever Wanted,” American Idol winner, said regarding her which was released on March 9, will hold the ertheless, Clarkson’s voice creates a crowdpleasing track. latest album, “All I Ever Wanted,” according attention span of many fans of her music, With its fast-paced techno beats, relatable to kellyclarkson.com. old and new alike. lyrics, and Clarkson’s nicely altered voice, “If I Can’t Have You” is a terrific dance club song. “Haven’t seen the best that love has had to offer / They say perfection’s always right around the corner / Could be true / But if I can’t have you,” Clarkson sings. Concerning a desire for a crush, this track provides a well-written and musically catchy song. An even better song is the album’s namesake, “All I Ever Wanted,” which is about trying to get over an ex-lover. This pop song was co-written and originally recorded by a band called Aranda. Although Aranda relased the original version of this song (which can be found at www.myspace. com/Aranda), Clarkson does a far better job at making this track a hit due to her versatile feminnine voice. “Whyyawannabringmedown,” is a great track for those who prefer edgier songs, since it sounds like a punk-rock anthem. It is no surprise that the rock band Aranda recorded the original version of this song as well (www.myspace.com/Aranda). Clarkson puts intense energy into this enjoyable head-banging track. “Cry,” a sappy heartbroken ballad in which Clarkson whines about crying over a break up and how it “feels like to really cry,” is the worst song on the album. Unfortunately, Clarkson’s well-pitched voice drones on and on about crying. The irritating lengthiness of the way she belts out the word “cryyyyyyy” makes the song even more unbearable. This belting, combined with the song’s theme, will prompt anyone to turn off the radio. One could relate to this track if he or she is truly heartbroken, but the only thing that this track seems to accomplish is making an already-happy person burst into tears due to its lethargic, dragging whining. Despite this mishap, “All I Ever Wanted” is by far Clarkson’s best album. The mixture of different genres, upbeat tempos, and Clarkson’s versatile voice that is used in a variety of pitches and styles, achieve a remarkable CD to rock out to. “All I Ever Wanted” is an album that one should not “Walk Away” from. April 2009 Arts and Entertainment Waiting for more fun “Waiting for Dublin” delivers just a few laughs by Melissa Jordan “Waiting for Dublin” a limited release film that played for one week in New York, Chicago and Boston, is worth a ten dollar ticket simply because of its riveting plot. The film opens with a scene in a Chicago nightclub in 1944. Lt. Mike Clarke (Andrew Keegan) celebrates before he is sent to Europe the next day as a fighter pilot in the Army Air Corps. In his drunken frivolity, he makes a deal with a man named Vito Massucci, betting $1,000 that he can become an “ace” gunner by shooting down at least five planes. What Clarke learns later is that Massucci is Al Capone’s cousin and that the contract has been changed to $10,000. The film cuts to a scene that takes place only a few days before the war is over, when Clarke’s pilot, Twickers (Hugh O’Conor), is forced to make an emergency landing during a rainstorm just outside of a rural Irish town. They are met by two Irishmen, and Clarke asks if they speak English. The two new flyboys are quickly shown hospitality. Early in the film a few stereotypical brawls between the American and another stranded, German pilot (Jenne Decleir), as well as a row between an Irish villager and Twickers, a “land grubbing” British pilot break out. These fights seem out of character for the pilots and the hospitable Irishman and do not add to the plot. After many pints of stout friendships are formed and the entire village seems to unani- mously decide to work towards helping Clarke win his bet. In order to win this bet, Clarke needs an enemy aircraft and a new pilot, so he turns to Dinky, a fetching young woman (Jade Yourell), a narcoleptic priest (Des Braiden), and a blind WWI veteran (Don Foley). While the film seems Andrew Keegan stars as Lt. Mike Clarke in “Waiting for Dublin,” a drawn out at movie about Clarke’s last night before being sent to to battle in Europe. points with few Image courtesy of waitingfordublinmovie.com laughs, it has been recognized this was enhanced by the Belgium. The set and props at the Moondance Internawell-written and eccentric lend a hearty and livable qualtional Film Festival, where the characters. ity to the film that engages film won two well deserved “Waiting for Dublin” the viewer in spite of the few awards, The Audience Award is redeemed by the sets and moments of shoddy acting. and The Seahorse Award. costumes that illustrate the The music of Ireland is The film was also chosen as attention to detail and history one of the foremost characpart of the official selection that went into the making of teristics of the country, and at the Shanghai International this film. Nothing about the this was portrayed perfectly Film Festival. This movie is Irish town is too perfect. No in the film. Not only does the appropriate for both teens character’s house is too clean, soundtrack have characteristic and adults and is characterwhich adds to the genuine Irish music that fits the scenes, ized by its perfectly structured feeling of the film, and props but villagers are also frequentplot, well thought-out punch were chosen with considly depicted playing music or lines, and genuine characters eration towards both the Irish step dancing. that are eccentric, but not screenplay and the characters’ “Waiting for Dublin” stereotypes. However, for a personalities. Everything was would have been a perfect film movie marketed as a comedy, kept as accurate as possible, if there were more jokes and it lacked the amount of jokes and the WWII planes used if the acting had been believneeded to keep the audience in the film were two of only able throughout. However, in stitches. a few existing originals that the perfect execution of the While jokes were not can still be flown. “Waiting plot as well as other characbountiful, the story was for Dublin” was filmed on teristics of this film engross entertaining. The plot alone site in Dublin and Galway, the viewer and leaves the audikept the viewer wondering Ireland as well as in Antwerp, ence feeling satisfied. what would happen next and Page The exception and the rule “He’s Just Not That Into You” provides life lessons a connection between the audience and the film. “Girls are taught a However, in the end, all lot of stuff growing up. plotlines and characters If a guy punches you, he work toward the idea that likes you. Never try to “He’s Just Not That Into trim your own bangs and You.” Through the combisomeday you will meet nation of the multiple plot a wonderful guy and get lines it is shown that no your very own happy one should waste his time ending. Every movie we on someone who’s just not see, every story we're told, that into him. It would be implores us to wait for very difficult to accomit, the third act twist, the plish this feat without a unexpected declaration of cast of Hollywood stars, love, the exception to the and the cast of “He’s Just rule.” Not That Into You” fits “He’s Just Not That that description to a tee. Into You,” the latest romantic comedy of 2009, The characters truly fulfill their roles in the film, opens with these words. whether it is to disgust The film has a rare starthe viewer on the basis studded cast, featuring of moral ignorance, pity Gennifer Goodwin, Ben them based on the fact Affleck, Jennifer Anisthat they cannot recognize ton, Scarlett Johansson, the truth, or to make the Bradley Cooper, Kevin viewer hope for happily Connelly, Jennifer Conever after. Standing out nelly, Justin Long, and Drew Barrymore. This all- are Jennifer Aniston and star cast takes you through Ben Affleck; not only are their characters Beth and scenarios, such as he’s not Neel the source of the calling, he doesn’t want to most appealing storyline, come back to your place, but both truly connect to he only wants to meet you the audience and provide alone, or he doesn’t want a source of great onscreen to get married, which are chemistry. surprisingly relatable to Overall, “He’s Just the average viewer. The Not That Into You” viewer comes to realize provides the perfect social that the average guy in commentary in a time question does any of the in which women believe aforementioned without that a man is into them, regret, then “He’s Just despite being in a situation Not That Into You,” and in which obvious neglihe is not the exception to gence and cruelty. The the rule. If he were the film forces viewers to realexception then despite not ize that not only is “He calling or not getting married, he would change; the Just Not That Into You,” but that they deserve more viewer and the guy would than just a mediocre relalive happily ever after. tionship, they deserve true “He’s Just Not That Into love. Perhaps, it is better to You” does an excellent job which tasted completely different from end with the words of the the Swedish meatballs many Americans in relating to the average girl who truly learned how girl that she is worth it, may be used to. They were served with a to tell when he just wasn’t side of pickled cucumbers, mashed pota- that she does deserve to that into her, “and maybe have a love interest that is toes, and cranberry sauce. The dish was a happy ending doesn't into her. well presented and incorporated a wide include a guy, maybe... it's Although seeming range of flavors from the sweet to the you, on your own, picking sporadic and disjointed at sour, which complemented each other up the pieces and starting first, “He’s Just Not That well. The meatballs were well sized, over, freeing yourself up Into You” results in a very tender, and topped with a thick, savory for something better in the balanced and complete brown sauce that added a lot to the future. Maybe the happy flavor of the dish. The picked cucumbers film. This original feeling ending is... just... moving of disjointedness is due to tasted different than expected but in a on. Or maybe the happy the fact that several differgood way; the pickling process helped ending is this, knowing ent plot lines are followed to bring out the flavor of the cucumbers after all the unreturned throughout the film and and added a different, interesting flavor phone calls, broken-hearts, scenes are interrupted to the dish. The tuna salad at Tre Kronor through the blunders and with grapes and almonds was served on by shots in New York The Melonsallad is a refreshing dish consisting of sweet melons, crisp lettuce, misread signals, through of regular people. This whole grain limpa toast. The tuna salad strawberries, and a sprinkling of blue cheese. all the pain and embarcould be considered as the was both sweet and crunchy, serving as a Photo by Jeffrey Joseph rassment you never gave production company trygood appetizer. up hope.” ing too hard to establish Tre Kronor also serves pickled herby Jeffrey Joseph Some of Tre Kronor’s many appering, which is standard Scandinavian fare. Someone not familiar with Swedtizers include crab cakes, or Krabbakor, The dish was made better by the addiish food may not know what to expect and melon salad. Their crab cakes were tion of basil to making it green for Saint from Tre Kronor (which is Swedish for served with a bell pepper sauce and Patrick’s Day. The pickled herring dish three crowns), but if they give the food a topped with a lemon slice. The crab cakes is cured or pickled in a bath of sugar and chance, they will be in for a good time. by themselves were a little too salty, but vinegar for days at a time, to give it its disThe restaurant was relatively small in size when paired with the sauce, they tasted tinctive flavor. The waiting staff warned and was dimly lit, giving it a comfortable, fine. The crab cakes went well with their that pickled herring is not for everyone, homey feel. The waiting staff was friendtraditional Krystal soda, which was light and that some people might find its ly; they were eager and willing to make and refreshing and came in several differstrong flavor unappealing. It is definitely suggestions and answer questions about ent varieties from common varieties such a dish that people who go to the Kronor the different foods that they served. The as apple and pear to more unusual kinds should try for themselves. The waitress restaurant was well furnished with classy like black currant and lingonberry. Other mentioned that the dish is so popular that tablecloths and place settings. It was also appetizers that Tre Kronor serves include around the holidays they have ten differwell decorated with a rustic mural of a Gravix (Aquavit cured salmon) and their ent varieties of it. scenic country landscape, producing a Toast Skagen, which is a Swedish sandIn the search a nice restaurant with warm atmosphere. wich of arctic shrimp with served dill. good food and a taste of Swedish culture, Wasa crackers and multi-grain bread, Tre Kronor also offers a variety of soups Tre Kronor at 3258 W. Foster Ave will both Swedish staples, were served as and salads to choose from, such as their definitely fit the bill. The restaurant is The average girl will be able to relate to “He’s appetizers. The crackers were tasty and losoppa or onion soup and their Ostallad open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Just Not That Into You,” a romantic comedy that there were different kinds that were made or mixed green salad with goat cheese aims to show girls they are worthy of guys who seven days a week. Visit www.trekronorof various different grains such as rye and bacon. are truly into them. restaurant.com for more information and and wheat. Although it is not a fast food The restaurant’s Swedish specialties Image courtesy of Amazon.com to preview the menu. restaurant, the food is prepared quickly. include Swedish meatballs, or Kottbular, Tak så mycket Thank you very much, Tre Kronor by Claire Kilpatrick Page 10 Editorials Editorial: Thank you for listening to our concerns, Mr. Rodgers True leadership is marked by an ability to listen and be led by the people whom you must lead. This invisible form of leadership requires a rare form of human: “strong, but not rude; kind, but not weak; bold, but not a bully; thoughtful, but not lazy; humble, but not timid; and proud, but not arrogant,” according to author Jim Rohn. During Northside’s early years, everyone enjoyed that type of leadership. Dr. James Lalley, Northside’s founding principal, was not made of complex chemicals, like other humans; there was only one element in him: leadership. His retirement, as you’d imagine, brought many to tears, but also made way for Mr. Barry Rodgers, Northside’s current principal, to sweep in and woo us all. Mr. Rodgers came to Northside two years ago and faced criticism, often harsh, from many. Most policies that the new administration passed were scrutinized in unfavorable ways from all sides. “Dr. Lalley wouldn’t have done that,” echoed in the halls every time the administration declared a new policy, no matter how mild the issue, like a later colloquium start time and attempts at decreasing the number of fliers around the school by offering an eco-friendly bulletin. Dr. Lalley left some big shoes to fill - shoes that had been growing for decades, as his administrative career grew. Surely, in his early days, Dr. Lalley, too, had a thing or two to learn about making policies, selling policies, and interacting with students, teachers, and parents. There is a tendency to understand Dr. Lalley as he was in the last years of his career, but he too probably had some “growing pains.” We must bear in mind, that as we criticize Mr. Rodgers (only directly named because he is the face of the administration), it must not be because Dr. Lalley would have done it differently. The Northside student population is a compilation of thoughtful individuals who can judge policies according to their own merits, and not based on who passed them. As such, it is also important to recognize and uphold the administration when good things happen. This year, there was a sequence of events between the administration and The Hoof Beat that caused backlash not only from the young journalists that scour Northside’s halls, but from the rest of the Northside community. The administration had censored an editorial that The Hoof Beat wrote—this issue went before the Local School Council, in hopes of mediation, and when no compromise was reached, the editorial was never published. Soon after, Mr. Chester Tylinski, the journalism advisor, was removed from his position as advisor and journalism was moved from being a ninth period class to being held during the eight-block school day. At that time, the most important move The Hoof Beat could make was to react to what we perceived as censorship and an unfair treatment of a respected teacher. And it was important: we must always help our leaders lead by setting boundaries for appropriate behavior, offering constructive criticism, and working cooperatively with them to make our school a better place. When we have these discussions as a community, it must not be interpreted as unnecessary or emotional backlash, but as what it is: a desire to work towards making our community better suited to foster the brilliant minds that it contains. While it is Mr. Rodgers’s responsibility to hear our concerns and make positive actions to resolve them, it is our responsibility to acknowledge when Mr. Rodgers and the administration have done something well. We must encourage and thank them. Over the last two weeks, the administration has gone to great lengths to acknowledge that it has heard our outcry, listened to our constructive arguments and reacted accordingly. In the spirit of good journalism, they have opened the gateway for discussion, offered an explanation for the censoring of our initial editorial and allowed us to publish an editorial that denounced prior review. Additionally, they have reinstituted Mr. Tylinski as the journalism advisor and will continue to offer journalism as an after-school class. Moreover, over the last two years, Northside has continued to thrive as an academic institution. Scores are hitting record highs, students are getting accepted to the best colleges in the country, and Northsiders continue to enjoy more freedom than many (if any) other high schools in the city. The class roster is constantly evolving, as more classes are added to the curriculum. That certainly isn’t indicative of an ailing community. Thank you for listening, Mr. Rodgers. It is encouraging and sheds a positive light on the progress you have made as a leader. This will lend itself to better communication with both the journalism class and the rest of the student body. We look forward to watching you thrive in the coming years. Fun with Della and Señor Conejo by Gigi Lee The Hoof Beat Mélange Gun control means hitting your target by Melissa Jordan On March 10, an Alabama man went on a shooting rampage through two small towns that ended in 11 deaths. On March 8, an Illinois man shot and killed a pastor during a church service and opened fire on members of the congregation. He carried enough ammunition to kill 30 people (cnn.com). Gun violence is prevalent in the United States as shooting sprees seem to be occurring more frequently. Shooting rampages are nothing new to the people who followed the news stories of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, from Columbine High School, or that of Seung-Hui Cho, from Virginia Tech. There are also the rampages that do not take place at a school or on campus, killings done by people such as Benjamin Smith, who killed Illinois and Indiana residents during one rampage in the summer of 1999. The losses caused by this violence arouse emotion from even the most detached person. It is easy to think that the answer to this problem lies in passing legislation banning all guns, but continuing gun violence in Chicago despite legislating a ban on registering handguns, effectively banning them, has shown that these types of laws will not make guns disappear. If little old Alabama ladies and Illinois church-going moms and dads were “packin’ heat,” perhaps these rampages would not have ended with such a large amount of lost lives. While they would end with some lives lost, the immediate witnesses would be able to defend themselves, and others, and reduce the total death toll. There is a joke that states that the reason why Texans are so polite to one another is because they all know that everyone has a gun. This joke represents a kind of small-scale mutually assured destruction: in this scenario, no one would point a gun at a fellow Texan because they know that Texan would have one of their own guns to point back. If local legislation allows everyday citizens to carry a sidearm, then in cases of extreme gun violence, an attacker would have a significantly lower chance of a prolonged shooting rampage, and therefore a significantly lower death toll would result. The mutually assured destruction in this case would be a citizen’s ability to incapacitate a criminal after it has become apparent that the criminal intends to continue. Allowing handguns for citizens would not increase gun violence. With appropriate measures, such as background checks and a mental health check, the widespread carrying of firearms would create a safer society. The ability to protect oneself is a clear and immediate defense from attackers. We will not discover what in our society drives people to commit such horrible acts overnight, nor will we be able to instill the morals and character within our society to stop gun violence—but as citizens we require the immediate ability to protect ourselves. Allowing handguns would not make it easier for criminals to attain weapons—let’s face it, with the number of shootings of CPS students this school year, 29 as of March 25 (suntimes.com) and the high number of crimes involving handguns in Chicago, it is clear that criminals in Chicago obtain guns despite the City’s legislation. Criminals have the capacity to kill with illegal weapons, and they are killing. Is it not just to allow citizens to have the capacity to protect themselves? April 2009 Sharks in the water Sports Page 11 Water polo kicks off its new season by Jeffrey Joseph Northside’s water polo teams have begun their seasons, and expectations are high for both the men’s and the women’s teams. Last year, the women’s team did well, winning third place at the city championships and also placing second in their sectional competition. Last year’s men’s team made it to the quarter finals in their section and also made it to the city championships. The two teams have been practicing for about 2 to 3 hours every day after school in order to get prepared for the season, but going into their first games they have only had about twelve practices. “This year is going to be a rebuilding year for the women’s team,” Coach Carlos Ceja, Head Coach, said. “Plus, we have a pretty good turnout for the team.” The team’s newer members will be adjusting to playing the game, while also trying to contribute to their team’s success. The women’s team, unlike the men’s team, is well equipped, having about 23 players on the team, most of whom are new to the game. “The freshman on the team are doing well and learning [the game] quickly,” women’s water polo player Evelyn Roback-Navarro, Adv. 102, said. One obstacle facing the men’s team this season is the low turnout for the team. Despite the lack of players, the team is confident that it can overcome this challenge. “We had a small team last year and we still did really well, so I am not discouraged by the turnout,” Meyer said. “I am looking forward to playing.” The low number of players on the men’s team will probably affect their game play this season, Coach Ceja commented, because in the game of water polo most players become worn out by the fourth quarter, so the coach makes many substitutions. With the season just having started, the women’s water polo team won its first game against the team from Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center but lost their second game against Whitney Young High School. In its first two of the season, the men’s team suffered losses against the teams from both Von Steuben and Whitney Young. “The season is going pretty well considering that we have less than 10 people,” Rowan Quinain, Adv.109, said. “Right now, we are mostly getting adjusted to playing.” In terms of players, the men’s team hopes to get more players to join soon, which should help the team later on in the season. Since the women’s team has sufCourtney Quigley, Adv. 010, practices with the Women’s Varsity Water Polo Team in the pool. ficient membership, it can Photo by Jeffrey Joseph focus on training for games. season and hope to do well, getting stronger as cessful season.” “There’s a good group for the season progresses. “We want to be a threat to other teams this the women’s team, and I am excited for the up“We have a strong team with many skilled season and also to get better as a team,” Sarah coming season,” Vera Iwankiw, Adv.109, said. players,” Caeleigh Renkosiak, Adv. 105, said. Ashcraft Johnson, Adv. 903, said. On the women’s team mostly all of the “With teamwork, I think that it will be a sucthe players are looking forward to playing this An impressive track record Senior Eric Nelson shines among Northside’s athletic stars by Sarah Schoonhoven In track and field, he reached a 6’6” high jump, a 40’4” triple jump, a 43‘5”shot put, and a 126’ discus throw. Nelson went to the State level competition last year for track and field. In basketball, he helped his team tie for fifth place at the Bruce Slovitt Invitational Competition and ninth place at the Redbird Invitational. Nelson has received many school athletic awards throughout his high school career, such as Outstanding Athletic Achievement for Basketball in freshman and sophomore years; Track and Field in freshman, sophomore, and junior years; and Golf for sophomore, junior, and senior years. Nelson helped the golf team become city champions this year. He also placed first in the City in the High Jump competition during his in freshman and junior years. Playing sports, however, is not merely about winning awards. Nelson said that he enjoys the sports for numerous other reasons as well. “[I enjoy] the competition,” Nelson said. “I like working hard and getting better, and working to improve.” Aside from the games themselves, Nelson says that merely being a member of a team is rewarding. “[The basketball team] is like a brotherhood,” Nelson said. As a member of the basketball “brotherhood,” Craig Melhuse, Adv. 908, had only positive things to say about his teammate. “He is well-rounded,” Melhuse said, “and a great guy.” Nelson plans on attending the University of Illinois at Champagne-Urbana in the fall of 2009, as well as attending business school, and possibly going on to become a golf instructor. As for the future, Nelson wants to wait and see what happens. “I enjoy [my athletic experience at Northside],” Eric Nelson, Adv. 905, one of Northside’s top athletes, participates in a Nelson said. “It gives me Slam Dunk Contest at Northside’s Homecoming Pep Rally. something to do. It’s fun.” Photo by Kevin Lee Eric Nelson, Adv. 905, goes above and beyond the common definition of an athlete. A participant in three Northside teams; golf, basketball, and track and field; Nelson excels in each sport to which he endeavors. In golf, he shot 76 in the City Championships and won on the first hole in the playoffs. Northside’s Men’s Golf Team also won the City Championship this year. Men’s volleyball back to defend its city crown by Sarah Capungan Spring brings the start of a new season for Northside Men’s Varsity Volleyball Team. The team’s first game took place on Monday, March 23 against Whitney Young, followed by a game at Lincoln Park on March 24. The players’ first tournament will be the City Suburban Showdown at Glenbrook South. These games should give a good indication of where it is at this year’s volleyball season. The boys are coached by Coach Nicole Flores and her assistant, Coach Lisa Volesky. “We have small term goals for each match we play,” Coach Flores said, “One of the main approaches is to work hard at each practice and make the most out of every moment we’re in the gym.” The team consists of mostly seniors and juniors that have been playing on the team for a while. Included are some juniors and sophomores who have played on the sophomore team last year, as well as one freshman. “Some of the returning seniors have shown immense leadership last year as juniors, so I am hopeful that this will continue on to this season,” Coach Flores said. Justice Reed, Adv. 206, is a freshman on the Men’s Varsity Volleyball Team. He notes that his transition to the varsity level has been aided by the team’s leaders. “They [senior players] are good at teaching the younger players,” Reed said. “In general they provide a good, solid example both in terms of the physical aspects of the sport as well as individuals.” Last year, the team won the 2008 city championships and had four players nominated to Chicago’s All-City Team. The players hope to repeat that victory this season through a series of matches and tournaments. “Each player will have their own individual goals that they will be working towards throughout the season,” Coach Flores said. “We’ll try to have fun while competing and learn from mistakes to make them successes the second time around.” To play in the City Championships the boys must win their Invitational match on May 2 at St. Benjamin as well as the Red North Conference. Both of these games ultimately lead to the City Championship game. This year the players have discussed repeating their victories from last year. “We just want to do well this season and possibly win another city title,” said Luke Sobieraj, Adv. 100, said. The team also plans on playing better during its Regional playoffs than it did last year; last year, the team lost their first game a game. The team is also working on advancing to Sectionals. The boys plan on achieving these goals by working hard in practice, learning from the mistakes they make while competing, and making the most out of every moment they are playing in the gym. “We are working on working together as a whole unit for each match and during each practice,” Coach Flores said. It can be assumed the boys are working hard this year, especially after a city-wide win. Although the boys have done well in their previous season, it is unknown if the boys will win another city title. Despite this all can remain hopeful about another possible championship. Page 12 A bonus not with Yonas Sports The Hoof Beat Extravaganza at University High Men’s Track and Field Team sets new records in March madness or third place finish at U-High nonsense? personal best, he On March 6, Northside’s was not comVarsity Men’s Track and Field pletely satisfied by Caitlin Swieca took part in a very successful with his perforI hate to disappoint the loyal readers of Bonus mance. with Yonas, but I will be filling in for Yonas as he re- track meet at Henry Crown Stadium at the University “After I ran covers from illness. No worries, he will be back again of Chicago. The team broke a race earlier, in May to dispense his endless words of wisdom. a new school record while I did not have The beginning of the spring is one of the most placing third with a score of time to measure exciting times of the year for sports fans in Chicago. 65.70 behind Mather and St. out my steps for As the weather gets warmer, the Cubs and White Sox Ignatius with scores 116.20 and the triple, but I make their way from spring training to their respec84.70, respectively. The event was able to put tive sides of town, while the Bulls and Blackhawks was coordinated by University together a good look for strong finishes that will earn playoff spots. High Coach Bud James. At the enough run up Despite all of the pro sports around town, it seems meet, Northside competed with to manage 39' that everyone’s eyes are on the National College Mather, Wheaton Academy, 10,” Nelson said. Athletic Assiciation (NCAA) March Madness tour“Also, I would nament. By now, we are all familiar with the system: University High, F.W. Parker, North Shore Country Day, have jumped 65 qualifying teams are ranked into four brackets Jones College Prep, and St. farther, but I was and compete over five rounds, looking to be the last Ignatius. distracted beteam standing. It seems that everyone, regardless of The varsity team took cause John Byrne basketball knowledge, loves predicting the outcome home many titles in the [Adv. 908] was of the tournament, hoping to pick the upsets that no individual and relay races. In watching me and Members of the Varsity Men’s Track and Field Team run in preparation one else will foresee and even make some cash in an the long jump, all of the nine it crept me out.” for a March 6 meet at University High. office pool. However, when I opened up this year’s Northsiders that participated in The major Photo by Adriana Garties bracket, I could not help but notice a fundamental the event broke their previous highlight of the flaw in the structure of the tourney: why were there Coach Jon Gordon, who is a were awarded pineapples and records, each setting a new permeet was the 4x200 meter so many no-name teams wasting spots? former track runner himself watermelons. Some members Relay “A.” Northside’s team Each year, the NCAA grants an automatic bid to sonal best. Of the nine, Martin and has coached Northsides of the team found this to be Melto, Adv. 909, finished sixth broke new school records and the tournament champion of each of the 31 confertrack team since 2003. The amusing. came in third place. The relay ences. Sure, there are the traditional power conferenc- overall and first among Northmembers of the track team are “At the event, the team siders with his jump of 18’2”. was collaborated by three es: the Big Ten, Atlantic Coast Conference, Big East, often seen running through came in third, but they broke “Despite my brother’s laziseniors and a junior. The race to name a few. Then you have the Horizon League, the halls or practicing for their a major school record,” said ness, he is still a great part of began with Byrne, running 200 Ohio Valley Conference, and Summit Conference, events. Jusuf Skelse, Adv. 200. “They Northside’s track team,” Mac meters in 24.92 seconds. Next which send teams like Cleveland State, Morehead The team has a lot in front did a good job and got a few Melto, Adv. 209, said. “Hopewas Steven Burke, Adv. 014, State, and North Dakota State, respectively. These of it, with many meets and pineapples and watermelons fully, we will be able to find who ran another 200 meters teams add nothing to the madness, except maybe an expectations ahead. for doing so.” someone as good as Martin in 26.06 seconds. Burke made easy win for a powerhouse team with a high seed. “My expectations are that Most of the runners are when he leaves.” a transition to Nelson, who While everyone loves an underdog, what are the we are going to kick every happy with the outcome of Another section of the ran in 25.26 seconds finally chances that the University of Tennessee at Chattaother school’s butt and will the event and in general happy meet was the triple jump. In passing to Wemi Jemine, Adv. nooga will defeat the perennially successful Unidominate and be supreme,” with their experience at track. this part of the event, Eric Nel903. Jemine finished the race versity of Connecticut? How does Radford plan to Richard Do, Adv. 200, said. “I “Track is a great sport son, Adv. 905, was Northside’s in 24.96 making the total time take down North Carolina? There are always upsets, hope everyone at the end of which keeps you in shape and top scorer, coming in third for the team a record breaking but the first round becomes boring when half of the track season has had a good motivated at all times,” Moplace overall. He managed to 1:40.20. games are blowouts. With the exception of George time, has had fun and comes hammed Hossein, Adv. 110, jump a distance of 39’ 10”, The team has been practicMason University making the Final Four in 2006, out a winner.” said. “They award you with slightly below his all time ing ever since January, after low seeds rarely make it past the second round. This The students broke a new shirts and fruits for breaking record of 40’ 4”. Although students returned from winter year, only two teams ranked below a four seed made school record, and for this they records and doing well.” break. It has been lead by it that far. Smaller conferences simply do not have the Nelson almost reached his recruiting power and resources of a major program, and therefore cannot keep up with its level of play. Instead of wasting both teams’ time with a meaningless pick, why not give a ‘bubble’ team that fell just short of the tournament from a major conference a shot to upset a top team? For example, Northwestern University upset teams such as Minnesota, Michigan first coach we’ve had for more then a year, The regular season will end on WednesState, and Purdue, yet it was confined to the National by Dylan Nugent Playing its first game on March 23, so now we’re able to focus on improvday, May 13th, with a game against Von Invitational Tournament (NIT). Several other teams Northside’s Women’s Varsity Softball Team ing the team instead of bringing the team Steuben, though the team may advance to in top conferences were snubbed in favor of small has jumped into its brand new season. together.” the city or even state championships, which schools. By giving these teams at-large bids, the After school, the team has been hard at Last year, the team managed to make it could extend their season as far as the end NCAA could at least make some early games more work conditioning and practicing for the two games into the city playoffs, although it of May. exciting and give a real possibility for an upset. fell short of winning the city championsip. “We all want to win, but at the same Tournaments introduce another flaw to the cham- upcoming season. “This is the second year that we’ve The team hopes to change that this season. time, these girls want to have fun,” Coach pionship system. The 65 teams picked are not neceshad [Coach Drake] as our coach,” Allison “I was very impressed [with our team’s Drake said. “I’m very proud of them and sarily the best 65 teams in the nation. A team can Neubauer, Adv. 015, said, “and she’s the performance last year],” Coach Dora to work with them and excited about [the gain momentum during its conference tournament Drake, team coach, upcoming season].” and earn a trip to the dance, regardless of its regular said. “My expectaThe team is confident of its abilities to season record. By this logic, any lowly team could tions for this year are work together this year and is hopeful for a earn a bid by playing well in its tournament. Why very high.” city championship victory. The current vartake away a bid from a deserving team just because a Players on the sity team is made up of many of the same certain team was hot at the right time? Teams should team overall have a members who won the Junior Varsity City be rewarded for their success in the grueling season, confident attitude Championship in 2007, which has helped not a silly tournament that takes a weekend. regarding the previous to add to their confidence and predictions While an NCAA tournament bid helps a small and upcoming season. of success. school financially, it ignores the people that college “We did well last “We’re the same team we were two basketball should truly serve: the fan and the athlete. season, but we didn’t years ago,” Melanie Couchman, Adv. 015, As a fan of a small school, would you rather watch make it to any chamsaid. “We won City Championships then, your team’s two-hour stay in the NCAA tourney as pionships,” Neubauer and we’ve been practicing and improving it gets crushed by a powerhouse, or watch it enter a said. “This year, we’re since, so I’m confident that we can do it NIT-like tournament as a high seed and play teams expecting to do even again this year, but we’ll just have to wait of the same caliber in a competition it has a shot better.” and see.” at winning? While a championship in a different In its new season, Of course, a lot of things can happen tourney is not as satisfying as an NCAA title, it is the softball team has during a season, such as injuries and roster much more realistic for small teams, and, as sports the chance to display changes, and the team hasn’t had a chance have taught us, it is the journey that counts anyway. how it have changed to see any of the other school’s perforInstead of wasting precious tournament bids on the its strategies and mances this year, so the only way to be Little Teams That Can’t, the NCAA should reform otherwise improved. certain of the outcome is to wait and see. the NIT into a competitive tourney for smaller The team has strong Regardless, the members of the team mainconferences. A longer tenure in a smaller competition feelings about the tain a positive attitude as they continue would be more fun for fans and athletes alike. improvements for this to condition for the upcoming tryouts, year and is hopeful practice, and ultimately, the games. that they can make “Our number one rival is definitely it further in the city Lane [Tech College Prep High School],” championships than Couchman said. “Last year, I don’t rethey did last year. member exactly how we did against them, “The one thing but I know we came close to winning both that was our Achilles games.” Heel last year was our With a strong rivalry against Lane hitting, so this year Tech taking backseat to constant work on we’ve been focusing improving their weaknesses and expanding on this and working a their strengths, their upcoming season will little longer,” Coach be the opportunity for Northside’s Varsity Chyei Vinluan, Adv. 908, participates in a hitting drill at Drake said. “Every Women’s Softball Team to show to other softball practice. little bit helps.” schools their dedication to excellence. Photo by Adriana Garties by Faique Moqeet Women’s softball comes out swinging Team ready to make a championship run
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