ages 3, 6, and 14 - Minooka Community High School District #111

Pages 3, 6, and 14
Commemorating Mr.Assaf
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peacepipechatter.com
SCHOOL NEWS
February 5, 2013
Fire & Ice
By Kayla Vidano
Copy Editor
On Sat., Feb. 9, MCHS freshman and sophomore student council members will be hosting the
“Fire and Ice” Winter Formal. It is going to be held
at South Campus in the cafeteria. It starts at 6:30
p.m. and ends at 10 p.m.
Tickets cost $7 per person online at the school
website and outside guests are allowed but need
to fill out a form in order to attend. Tickets could
have been purchased until Feb. 4 and outside
guests forms were due at that time also. Tickets
are non-refundable after being purchased online.
Tickets can still be purchased at the door for the
cost of $10.
HR Imaging Photographers will be taking pictures at the dance for individuals or couples for an
inexpensive cost.
“The decorations will be based on the theme of
‘fire and ice.’ You will see a lot of red, orange and
yellow contrasting with white. There will be professional photographers and snacks for dessert,”
Ms. Tess Hilton, science and advisor of student
council, said.
“The theme was a collaborative effort between
both the freshman and sophomore class councils. We wanted to come up with a theme that had
not been done before,” Hilton said.
Many MCHS students are attending the Winter
Formal for the first time.
“I have never gone before this year is my first
time so I hope it’s exciting. I am bringing my female acquaintance. I am going to take my date out
to a nice dinner at Taco Bell after,” Jose Cabrera,
“Fire & Ice” Continued on
page 13
Designed By Baylee Dibble
The Peace Pipe Chatter
Minooka Community High School
301 S. Wabena Avenue Minooka, IL 60447
mthomas@mchs.net peacepipechatter.com
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Dutch Nave, Baylee
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Victoria Bavaro
News Editor
Brennan Pagel
Interactive Editor
John Anians
Features Editor
Ali Bagley
A&E Editor
Head: Katie Jostes
Head: Ryan Nelli
Assistant: Catie Petric
Assistant: Chris Rubio
Opinion Editor
Head: Crystal Uribe
Assistant: Jacob Lopez
Sports Editor
Head: Austin Hough
Head: Aaron Ladzinski
Assistant: Tara Schumal
Staff Writers
Brandon Fierke, Sylvia
Pokolenczuk
Marketing Team
Tyreisha Washington,
Catie Petric
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John Anians, Brennan
Pagel
Copy Editors
Kayla Vidano, Ali
Bagley, Baylee Dibble,
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Hough
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Vidano, Tyreisha Washington, David Magnus
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Alyssa Aspan, Lexi
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Editorial Board:
Elaina Bartoli
Alexa Bowen
Baylee Dibble
Jacob Lopez
Dutch Nave
Crystal Uribe
Journalism I
Brianna Bouchard, Chelsea Cerveny, Josh Fierke,
Gaby Gall, Bethany
King, Sam Magnus, Janee Maka, Nina Manzo,
Jake Pena, Will Roberts,
Hope Smith, Gigi Taylor
Submission Policy:
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or responses to material printed on its page. Letters to the Editor
should be submitted to Mr. Thomas’s mailbox or to a Peace Pipe
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While submission does not guarantee publication, PPC staff
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About The Cover:
Minooka Community High School comes together at
a candelight vigil on Jan. 19 to show love and respect
for our Jedi: Mr. Mike Assaf. Cover designed by
Sara Schimanski and Sara Dobbyn. Photo courtesy
of Lexie Dames.
SCHOOL NEWS
Designed by Elaina Bartoli and Baylee Dibble
February 5, 2013
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Remembering Mr. Assaf
Forever in our hearts
Math teacher Mr. Michael Assaf was diagnosed with
stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer on September 11, 2012. He
has taught at Minooka since 2003. Many use the words
outgoing, enthusiastic, and entertaining to describe
him. After a long and courageous battle, Mr.Assaf
passed on January 27, 2013.
“Mr. Assaf didn’t only teach us so much about math,
but also so many life lessons through all of the stories he
told us,” Bethany Bachmann, junior said.
“Mr. Assaf was my Advanced Algebra II teacher during
sophomore year. He always had hilarious anecdotes about
his family and his college days during lessons, but we always had enough time to work. Also, my friend Jeremy
Tondini and I were the only ones who answered his Star
Wars toss-up questions on the hot seat. However, I feel that
I knew him a bit more than that.
I was going through an emotionally rough part of my life
at that time; some of which actually took place in front of
Mr. Assaf. He completely understood what was going on
and helped me through the rest of class without making a
scene.
He is a dedicated and caring man, who always knew how
to make us laugh. He will be missed, but he will never ever
be forgotten. God bless him and his family,” Dutch Nave,
senior said.
“When me, Nate Gunn, and Nino Bataglia went to see
him a couple months ago, I went to shake his hand and
he pulled me in for a big hug,” Anthony Phillips said.
“Wrestling at state was my favorite memory,” Dylan
Nielson, freshman said.
“I practically knew more about him and his family than
I did math!” Salena Lucio, senior said.
“When he came to class after he drank the jet fuel coffee and just couldn’t stand still. He went through the notes
in like two minutes. After a week, he mentioned how he
didn’t have money that day for jet fuel coffee, so we made a
donation box on his desk and put $5 worth of quarters for
him to get his coffee,” Jake Null, sophomore said.
“I remember how he would tell stories for the first 30
minutes of class and somehow we’d get the lesson done,
‘cause when he told you something you remembered it…
I also remember the game we played with the Default Star
Wars question,” Brandon Joutras, junior said.
“My favorite Assaf memories are when he break danced at the
homecoming assembly and all of his crazy stories. He always made
me laugh,” Grant Barker, senior said.
“My favorite Assaf memories are all of his crazy girlfriend stories.
They were hilarious,” Rachel May, senior said.
“I always went to math class looking forward to another joke or story. Mr.
Assaf always made time for stories and he could make the whole entire class
laugh. Every day he had a funny life story for us. He’d always look at the clock
to make sure he would have enough time and say “to make a short story long,”
and then he would tell his story. Star Wars was all around his room and there
were so many inside jokes that year,” Andrew Spreitzer, sophomore said.
“His stories, the long talks about random stuff for most of class, his Star Wars
questions, and jokes,” Cadence Niccum, sophomore said.
“When we would warm up at practices, he would yell at us for jumping up
onto the basketball hoop bars,” Scott Jolly, senior said.
“I remember when Mr.Assaf pulled a light saber out on me when I didn’t
know the answer to one of the math questions he asked. It was so funny that
he had it with him,” Alexis Washington, sophomore said.
“Mr. Assaf always joked around but cared for his students. We always
learned life lessons in that class. One day, he elaborated for at least 45 minutes
on Star Wars vs. Star Trek and the difference between them. And he always
had pictures of his kids as his screensaver,” Cristian Sanchez, sophomore said.
“His Star Wars review games,” Tatiana Resendiz, junior said.
“When me and him had a light saber fight in the middle of class,” Connor
Smith, senior said.
“He was a fun-loving man,” Andrew Feigel, junior said.
“He told us awesome stories. His girlfriend stories were the best. He was a
great teacher,” Chris Niumen, junior said.
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peacepipechatter.com
SCHOOL NEWS
February 5, 2013
Designed by Dutch Nave
REACH program holds first chili cook-off
By Tyreisha Washington
Designer/Marketing Team
The REACH program, here at MCHS,
had their first chili contest on Feb. 1. It included six different groups, with six different recipes competing for a big trophy.
Each group also had their own recipe, and
they even shopped for their own ingredients.
The transition students, which are
REACH kids who have already graduated
for high school, were the ones making the
delicious chili. So who judged each group?
The REACH kids who are still in high
school judged and ultimately decided who
won. Ms. Julia Easter, REACH teacher,
helped organize this contest.
The six different recipes include: the
three- bean enchilada chili, the Italian
sausage chili, the slow cooker-salsa chili,
the taco-corn chili, and the pumpkin
chili. All of the chili was put into different groups, one through six and judged
off of taste.
The REACH students were pleased
with the come out and had much to say
about their first contest.
“I liked the ingredients and I had a good
time cooking it,” Cornelius Blakney, senior, said.
The teachers also enjoyed the turn out
of the contest and the chili as well.
“It was a way to incorporate social
skills and money skills into one activity,”
Easter said
So in all, the contest is great for everyone
to have fun and still learn something new.
This is one of the six different kinds of chili made during the competition. Photo
courtesy of Sylvia Pokolenczuk.
This trophy was given to the winner of the first REACH chili cook-off while Callie Frazi and
Zach Welch enjoy some chili. Photo courtesy of Sylvia Pokolenczuk.
Fashion club phenomenea Scholastic bowl seizes conference
By Tyreisha Washington
Designer/Marketing Team
After realizing there wasn’t a club targeting fashion, Madeline Klepec, junior,
brought her brilliant idea to the school. After getting enough signatures, she found a
sponsor so the club could actually begin.
Her main purpose for making this club was
a passion for fashion.
“I want to major in fashion in college and
I love designing clothes. It’ll be great to
add a club like this to MCHS,” Klepec said.
Ms. Evangeline Stephenson, library assistant at the Central Campus, happily agreed
to sponsor the new club. She helped Madeline with the business side of it and made
up the meeting times.
She also felt like this was a good club for
MCHS.
“We hope the Fashion & Merchandising
club will give students a place to discuss
the latest trends in fashion, learn about the
fashion industry and even work on their
own designs,” Stephenson said.
The fashion club consists of all things
fashion and everything that comes along
with it: makeup, hair, nails, and of course
clothes. The main purpose is to bring everyone’s creativity and put it in one. Although
it is new, there are many great ideas already
starting up. During a Jan. 30 meeting, many
ideas circulated, like a designing your own
shirt contest, makeup bag exchange, and
even a fashion show.
Of course these ideas have not yet come
into play, but they’re in the making. This
club will surely bring fun and show creativity in every aspect.
The club meets on Wednesday’s at 3:45
p.m. every two weeks, at the Central library. The club is welcoming any new
members that will bring even more ideas
and creativity.
So if you feel like fashion, makeup, or
anything in between and is what you love
or if you don’t know much about fashion
and want to get into it, then this club is definitely for you.
By Brennan Pagel
News Editor
On Jan. 26, the MCHS scholastic bowl
team won conference for the first time
in school history. Minooka had to beat
out Plainfield Central, Plainfield South,
Plainfield North, Romeoville, Oswego,
and Oswego East in order to take the
title. Mr. Dennis Grosskopf, Social Studies, has been the teams’ head coach for
six years. He was asked how winning
conference made him feel,
“It was my happiest day at MCHS,”
Grosskopf said.
He went on to explain that the teams’
goals for the future involve winning the
third round in their regional, winning
sectionals, and eventually state. Andy
Geldean, junior, played a big part in helping the team along the way.
“It was the first time varsity had ever
won conference, so I was pretty happy
when we won,” Geldean said.
The team went undefeated all season and
all their hard work finally paid off as they
captured the conference title.
“It was the first time varsity
had ever won conference, so
I was pretty happy when we
won,” Geldean said.
The members of the Minooka Scholastic Bowl team celebrate their first ever
conference victory. Photo courtesy of
Mr. Dennis Grosskopf.
Designed by Catie Petric
5
NEWS
February 5, 2012
peacepipechatter.com
California kidnapping reopened
By Katie Jostes
A&E Editor
Twenty-eight years ago in California, 10-year-old
Kevin Collins was taken from his bus stop waiting for a
ride home after basketball practice at St. Agnes School in
Haight. Why talk about this now, after it is long over with?
Besides the fact that the case has been reopened, it was
also a big deal at the time of the kidnapping due to kidnapping being so new to society.
Back in 1984, Kevin’s disappearance sparked so much
national attention because his face was one of the first to
appear on milk cartons all over the country. This was all
before Amber Alerts and America’s Most Wanted. It also
brought to light a string of other disappearances in the Bay
Area of California, according to CBSNews.com.
Kevin’s case has recently been reopened and investigators brought cadaver dogs in just to see if there was any
human remains that could have belonged to him. The dogs
had found bones under the concrete in the garage at the
Collins house; they just were not of human kind. So far,
the only person of interest in the kidnapping has died since
Kevin went missing. Police did not go into detail on why
the case had been reopened.
“I feel like they should reopen it, but it’s been so long
that they wouldn’t find anything,” said Jose Cabrera, senior.
“It would be nice to have closure, but then a part of me,
you know, doesn’t want to find him like that,” said Kevin’s
mother, Ann Collins.
CNN.com.
“It sucks that he died, maybe it was one of his ex-employees that wanted revenge,” explained Zach Trost, senior.
The gunman has yet to be identified and the case is still
being worked on along with a $20,000 reward for any information on the gunman.
Hasse had handled between 380 and 390 cases during
his cut-short career.
“He was a lot of fun. He was the premier storyteller of
the office. He had lots of stories to tell,” said Mike McLelland, District Attorney.
Attacks on prosecutors in the United States are very
seldom; there have only been seven known between 1967
and 2004 according to CNN.com and CBSNews.com.
Texas prosecutor
gunned down
By Katie Jostes
A&E Editor
On Jan. 31, Texas prosecutor, Mark Hasse, was in the
parking lot on his way to work when he was gunned down
and shot several times after a brief confrontation with the
gunman. Hasse was 57 and was one of the prominent prosecutors at the Kaufman County Courthouse, according to
Electronics ruling the world
By Brennan Pagel
News Editor
Boys screaming to stay up an extra hour in order to
play videogames, girls walking around like zombies with
their faces attached to their phones.
These scenes are becoming more and more common
in households around America.
Technology in the past decade has vastly increased to
the point where most humans wouldn’t be able to last a
day without a cell phone or computer. Jake Smith, junior,
is one of those kids.
“Technology has become such a big part of my life,
and it would be weird not having it around all the time,”
Smith said.
According to a survey taken by the Education Resources Information Center, Internet use for teens has increased by 45% since the year 2000, and Pew Research
Center Publication claims that 85% of kids through the
ages of 12-17 engage in some sort of electronic communication every day.
Taking photos, texting, accessing the Internet, and
playing games; there is nothing electronics can’t do.
“I use my iPhone for everything. It takes up a pretty
large amount of my free time,” Armani Zuniga, junior,
said.
Before long, every problem will simply be resolved
with: “I have an app for that.”
Kidnapped by a veteran
By Sylvia Pokolenczuk
Photographer
Staff Writer
Jimmy Dykes, a 65-year old Vietnam veteran shot and
killed a school bus driver and then abducted a 5-year old
boy on Jan. 29 in Midland City, Alabama. According to
CNN.com, Dykes had taken the child hostage in a selfmade underground bunker on his property.
Officials have been attempting to communicate with
Dykes through a 4-inch ventilation pipe connected to the
bunker, where both the suspect and victim are still hiding
in.
On Tues. afternoon, Dykes had gotten on the bus and
demanded that the driver hand him a child. When the driver, Charles Poland, refused and tried to block Dykes, he
was shot and killed. The suspect had grabbed two children
and one was lucky enough to safely escape along with the
other children.
“I feel as if this psychotic man is trying to imitate the
movie Lovely Bones and the fact that he is a Vietnam veteran makes it worse,” said Abraheem Juma, junior.
According to local neighbors Dykes had been working
on the bunker, which he claimed to be a storm shelter, for
over a year. The bunker is located on the property near a
trailer with a pipe that leads up to the driveway so that approaching cars and people can be heard from inside. The
bunker is well stocked with essential supplies that can last
for days, as well as a television.
“What goes through someone’s head to do something
horrible like that?” said Gwen Morales, senior.
The officials will not be leaving any time soon, and the
suspect can only stay in hiding for so long until his supplies dwindle. Sooner or later, Dykes will have to face his
consequences.
from a few minor cuts and bruises.”
The thoughts that were going through their heads are
scary and something a child shouldn’t have to go through.
Children should be able to go to school and feel that they
are in a safe environment and they should be able to trust
their classmates.
“I feel disgusted. I am wondering how many people are
going to die before the Republicans pass gun control,” Bill
Mallory, senior, said.
Just to think about the situation that those kids were going through is sickening. This feeling should never have to
be felt by anyone because of how painful it is. People are
starting to wonder if anywhere they go is safe anymore.
According to New York Daily News, “The shooter was
talking smack about the victim before bullets were brought
into the picture,” Mrs. Douglas, mother of victim, said.
Nobody can picture the amount of pressure that the victim and his mother were under. In most adult’s lives, their
kids mean the world to them and they never want to see
them in this kind of condition. “I guess people haven’t learned to protect guns because
kids can still get them so easily,” Thelma Cruz, junior,
said.
The police have yet to find out if the suspect that they
have is the shooter. Once they determine if it is, hopefully
things will return to normal and the students can start to
feel safe. When he is behind bars, most people can imagine that the Douglas family will be relieved.
Georgia middle school shooting
By Sara Dobbyn
Cover Designer
“It’s sad to think how recently there has been so much
violence,” Autumn Terborg, junior, said.
Ever since the Sandy Hook shooting of Colorado, it
is starting to seem that school shootings are not looking
like accidents and are starting to happen more frequently.
When students get into fights with one another, it is like a
battle. On Jan. 31, a school shooting was in place located
in Atlanta, GA.
According to Fox News, “School officials say that a
14-year-old student was shot in the back of the neck but is
progressing through the injuries. Also, a teacher suffered
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OPINION
February 5, 2013
Lessons learned from Assaf
Mr. Mike Assaf was diagnosed with
stage four-pancreatic cancer in Sept.
2012, and lost his battle with the disease
on Jan. 27, 2013. As a teacher, the lessons
he taught will remain far after his passing.
Here’s what we learned.
We learned to be strong just like he
was when we participated in the threemile Run for Assaf, which took place on
Nov. 10, and was put together by the math
department along with his students. This
was a great notion and gave everyone
the feeling of doing something good for
someone that they loved.
We learned to reach out to people
all over the country with tweets like
“Pray4Assaf,” and all the support on
Facebook. It was evident that Mr. Assaf
made a great and happy impact on the
lives of MCHS students and everyone
around him.
We learned to organize and share our
support with the candle light vigil in the
school parking lot held on Jan. 19.
We learned to be selfless when we
made cards, posters, and Christmas dec-
orations, and tried to demonstrate how
much he meant to all of us.
We learned to keep going, although
this hardship has tested the strength and
all of the strong hearts of the students at
MCHS.
We have prevailed and remained true
to what we stand for. This pain in us is
nothing compared to what Mr. Assaf and
his family had to go through and are going through, and if they kept going, so can
we.
In a strange way, death seems to bring
people together. The students of MCHS
have showed the same courage and
strength that Mr. Assaf showed, too.
As we’ve battled the hardship of the
death of our classmates previously, we
can battle this hardship of a loved teacher,
as well. Love is how you stay alive, even
after you’re gone. So although bad things
do happen to good people, it is important
that we keep Mr. Assaf and his lessons
alive in our hearts forever.
-PPC Editorial Board
The math department bands together to share their support for Mr. Assaf at the Run for Assaf.
Photo taken by Alyssa Aspan.
Designed by Brennan Pagel
Wise spending results in happiness
By Crytsal Uribe
Opinion Editor
The cliché “money can’t buy happiness” is one that everyone has heard at
least once or twice in his or her lifetime.
That cliché to a certain extent holds some
truth to it.
There is no dollar amount that can truly represent happiness, but if the money
is spent well, then it may in fact increase
emotional satisfaction, content, and joy.
In order to gain happiness from money, the money should be spent in a selflessness manner.
It’s better to give than to receive. Using money to benefit others, and seeing
someone’s expression that you truly have
helped, or simply having the knowledge
that you have done something good for
others is one of the best and most rewarding compensations one can ever get.
Buying experiences rather than materialistic items is also a better and wiser
way to spend money and create happiness.
Families or friends can take the time
out of their hectic daily schedules even,
if it’s for a mere weekend, to establish
unforgettable times. Putting money towards a dream vacation or even a small
get together with people who are significant in your life will create memories and
experiences, which will hold sentimental
value and will last a lifetime.
Even daily and simple pleasures such
as coffee with friends or a sibling can
have the power to make one’s day a little
brighter.
Having the money to pay off debts can
have the power to relieve stress which in
result, will have the power to make one
more at ease, stress free, and essentially
happy.
There is no doubt that there is a correlation between money and happiness.
Money has the power to affect multiple
things; however, it is not the most important thing in the world, nor will all
the latest cars, biggest mansions, or latest technology stimulate complete happiness. But if spent well, it is possible that
money may be able to buy happiness.
Photo Courtesy of csmonitor.
Doctors paid more for performance
By Ali Bagley
Feature Editor
According to Webster’s dictionary, a doctor is a person
who is skilled or specializes in healing arts, especially one
who holds an advanced degree and is licensed to practice.
However, have you ever gone to the doctor, received
your bill in the mail and thought, “I could have done the
same thing for free?” As doctor bills are rising, patients
are starting to question how much doctors are really being
paid for their quality of work.
Researchers are trying to uncover the breakdown of
doctors’ salaries. When I looked further into it, I discovered that many salaries are not yearly, or even on quality of work; it’s based on a weird scale called Relative
Value Scale. This scale is measured with units rather than
money.
According to healthwise.com, a “secret” group is appointed to the Relative Value Scale board, where they decide which medical procedures are worth what amount
of units.
For example, a doctor’s visit might be worth 2.53
units, while replacing a catheter might be worth up to 23.5
units. Then, these units are converted to money through a
complicated formula.
The thing that bothers most people, including me, is
that we don’t know anything about this “secret” board of
people, except for they’re only 13 percent primary care
physicians. Also, the amount of units that each procedure
is worth could fluctuate.
“That’s really weird. Every time I go to the doctor,
they spend about five minutes in the room with me, maybe write me a prescription, and then charge my insurance
company a lot of money. In my opinion, they don’t really
deserve that much,” Sara Novak, senior, said.
That brings up the second popular point: do doctors
actually care about their patients enough to spend the time
with them that they need? If they don’t, do they deserve
all of the money that they make?
When I visit my great-grandma at the nursing home,
her orthopedic doctor comes in the room, says “How are
you doing today?” pats her on the back, and walks out.
She is then charged for a doctor’s visit, which is around
$180-$250. I do not believe that any doctor should make
that much money for being so carefree, especially when I
could have done the same exact thing.
The truth of the matter is the Relative Value Scale is
“The federal government
will financially reward or
penalize hospitals based on
how they perform”
unjust to both patients and doctors. So how should they
get paid?
The Health and Hospital Corporation, which is the
country’s largest health system, runs 11 hospitals in New
York City, and deals with over one million emergency
visits each year, has devised a plan.
According to the New York Times, here is the corporation’s plan in short: regardless of what the Relative Value
Scale says, the corporation would make doctors raises dependent on their performance and quality.
The federal government will financially reward or
penalize hospitals based on how they perform on bench-
marks set to correlate with better patient outcomes.
The problem? Doctors claim that they could be penalized for things they can’t control, for example, how clean
the floors are, the attentiveness of nurses, and the availability of beds.
“I think that’s a great idea, actually. That way hospitals
like the New York City one can be rewarded for all of the
people they care for each year. Plus a doctor who does
more for their patients should make more money,” Faith
Thompson, junior, said.
I agree with Thompson. Although they don’t have all
of the answers and cures for everything, doctors would
work harder if they knew there was an incentive, which is
money in this case, for them.
On the flip side, if they don’t have good patient recovery rates, their salary will go down. It will make them
work that much harder.
Of course with every plan that is proposed, there’s an
issue. There would be ways to outsmart the system. The
doctors could try to avoid the sickest patients in order to
keep their patient recovery rates high.
Dr. David U. Himmelstein, professor of public health
at the City University of New York and a visiting professor at Harvard Medical School, shared his opinion with
The New York Times.
“If you take blood pressures three times and report the
lowest, is that lying or merely tipping the numbers in your
favor?”
Despite the controversy and issues with the plan, I
hope the kinks are worked out and the corporation passes
the new plan, and I hope every other hospital in America
adopts the plan as well. It would benefit everybody in the
healthcare industry as well as the patients themselves.
INTERACTIVE
February 5, 2013
Designed by John Anians
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peacepipechatter.com
SIMPLE INVENTIONS THAT SWEPT THE NATION
Tamagachis
Pet
Rocks
(1996)
Furbys
(1998)
(1975)
Beanie
Babies
Snuggies
(1998)
Silly
Putty
(1943)
(1993)
Scooters
(1921)
Teacher’s Corner...
Did you know?
Mr. Kevin Murphy, social studies, was visiting the childhood home of President
Hoover in Herbert Hoover National Park, in Westbranch, Iowa, in 2009, when a
terrible storm came passing through the town. They had no choice but to take
shelter in this one bedroom house with no basement, which his wife wasn’t very
pleased about. As soon as the sirens went off, it was a scary thought for them
because an impending tornado attack would surely put them in danger. Sure
enough, Murphy survived the tornado, and lives to tell the tale.
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peacepipechatter.com
FEATURES
February 5, 2013
Designed by Tyreisha Washington
Server horror stories
By Dutch Nave
Editor -in-Chief
Even though some eat at
restaurants and have thought
they’ve seen it all, there is almost no possible way to imagine what happens behind the
counter.
Waters and waitresses can
be blindsided with various mishaps and complications in the
workplace.
The most common of blunders in the restaurant setting involve the customer’s order.
“I run food out to the tables
at Skooter’s Roadhouse in
Shorewood.
The worst that’s happened to
me was that I’ve dropped a tray
with four plates of food on it. It
was pretty scary,” junior Sean
Matay said.
“I work at Louie’s Pizza in
“One time when I was working at Hooters and it was storming really
Shorewood,”
senior Mariah
bad outside and the restaurant was really packed and the lights kept
Randle
said.
“One
time I went
flickering on and off , then this lady that had just gave blood passed out
to
get
a
pizza
out
of
the oven
on the floor and started throwing up on herself and one my managand
I
accidently
took
off
all of
ers had to help her up,” said Bryan Barajas, senior. Photo courtesy of
Alyssa Aspan
the cheese on it instead. Also,
I was serving a pizza and it
slipped off the tray.”
Others, however are on the
more orthodox side of the spectrum. Customers can also be at
fault for restaurant mishaps.
“I work at Rosati’s in Channahon,” junior Mallory Vessel
said. “A while ago, someone
came in and threw a vegetable
pizza on the ground because
they said it tasted bad.”
“There’s this guy that comes
in every Sunday who wants
his pizza burnt. Not crispy,
but literally burnt,” Randle
said. “He’ll even check it and
won’t pay for it if it’s not burnt
enough.”
Worst-case scenarios with
wait staff have also gone viral.
Recently, Chelsea Welch, a
waitress of a St. Louis-area Applebee’s, was fired for posting a
photo of a receipt. Pastor Alois
Bell, the recipient of this bill,
scratched out the default 18%
tip and wrote:
“I give God 10%, why do
you get 18?”
Welch then posted a photo of
the receipt to the entertainment
and humor blog site reddit.com.
A short while later, the picture
became an Internet sensation.
This also caught the attention of Bell, which complained
to the Applebee’s manager for
Welch violating her privacy.
An Applebee’s spokesperson has released a statement
saying that Welch is “no longer
employed by the franchise.”
These restaurants catastrophes happen more often than
one can imagine.
It’s best to keep an eye out
for these blunders and look beyond the event itself, because
it might not be the wait staff’s
fault.
It could be just sheer coincidence, or a long streak of bad
luck.
Hopefully, if any horror stories like these happen, it won’t
leave a bad taste in the mouth
and the waitress or waiter will
have an better experience.
ACT
ways to prepare for the
1. Take a prep class/ read the act book
2. Take the practice tests seriously!
3. Get sleep the night before!
4. Eat a good breakfast!
5. Don’t stress!
By Elaina Bartoli
Editor-in-Chief
Designed by Victoria Bavaro
FEATURES
February 5, 2013
Back in the year of 1963
Taking a look at MCHS 50 years ago
By Victoria Bavaro
School News Editor
A different year, different faces,
a different building but one thing
has stayed the same: the name.
The Peace Pipe Chatter hasn’t
changed everything about how
it gets its information out in the
last 50 years, but it has certainly
changed a lot.
In the Feb. 1, 1963 issue, their
one-color, neat, and plain design
gets the job done, but is certainly
nothing like our more advanced
designs and colored newspaper.
Their paper was well organized,
but not in the familiar sections
we are used to. The paper is
filled with brilliantly hand drawn
pictures that stand out in the text
filled pages.
Their interactive page consisted
of a complex word puzzle. Clearly
they were less lazy than we
are today. Their story ideas are
creative and well thought out.
In their issue, they covered
issues such as the weather and
science. The weather section
talked about the type of weather
they experienced in the month of
December and the science section
talked about a field trip to the
Chicago Academy of Sciences
in Chicago where they attended
a lecture given by Professor E.
Lloyd on evolution and man.
Their fifth issue doesn’t cover
world news, but rather local news
like the story on the good citizens
award that went to resident Diana
Littlefair. The issue consists of
the grades of students and their
attendance.
A major difference in the
newspaper is that they included
school gossips and funny songs in
their issues unlike ours today.
A few other fun and cute stories
they had was a mystery person
story, a “what if” story, and a poem
written by Joan Frederick.
They had a sports section as
we do today only with less sports
coverage. Sports that were covered
were basketball and wrestling.
It was the first time the Indians
won the Coal Valley Tournament
crown in basketball. The editorial
section consisted of an editorial on
semester exams.
They wrote the dates of students
birthdays in their issue along with
the dates of important events.
They had about the same
amount of staff members working
on the newspaper as we do today,
but with different positions as two
editors, 14 reporters, a production
staff, and an advisor.
For more information or to see
other PPC issues visit our website
www.peacepipechatter.com.
C
r
e
a
t
i
n
g
peacepipechatter.com
By Aaron Ladzinski
Sports Editor
8:00: Austin Hough brings in food as we had
a wonderful breakfast of chocolate milk
and donuts.
8:10: Everyone sits down and starts story
ideas.
8:45: Writing begins as everyone is working
hard to be the first done.
9:16: Mr. Thomas checks First story, winner
of the race is Victoria Bavaro.
9:30: Everyone is getting itchy for that
pizza that is coming at 11:08.
9:35: A lovely jam session begins as Justin
Bieber comes through Tara Schumal’s iPod.
10:20: First story is dropped to be designed. The story is by Schumal.
t
h
e
10:50: the pizza is on the way as people are
getting hungry and cranky.
d
a
i
l
y
12:20: Thomas takes all of our phones so
we aren’t tempted.
i
s
s
u
e
The top photo is the most recent issue of the
PPC. The middle photo is of the fifth issue of
the 1963 Peace Pipe Chatter school newspaper, and the bottom photo is the cover of the
December 17, 2012 issue.
9
11:00: people begin to design pages. everyone is working hard.
11:08: Pizza arrives and everyone takes a
lunch break.
11:42: Thomas forces everyone out of class
for a long break.
12:21: Designing begins!
1:10: First page is done of the paper.
1:26: J1 kids arrive to shadow us on what
we do.
2:57: most pages are done and ready to be
printed.
6:30: Sports reporters arrive at BOys and
Girls basketball games.
8:42: Schumal finishes girls basketball
stories. Hough arrives from covering boys
basketball at plainfield south.
9:32: Final Sports stories are completed
and designed.
Photo of journalism students hard at work. Photo coutesy of Ali Bagley,
Features Editor.
10
rts
peacepipechatter.com
February 5, 2013
ntertainment
Designed by Ryan Nelli
A New Generation
of Gaming
By Ryan Nelli
A&E Head Editor
*concept art
*concept art
On Jan. 31, Playstation
uploaded a video on YouTube
of a teaser trailer for a big announcement that will be held
on Feb. 20. It is speculated
that the announcement will
be regarding a new console
although nothing has been officially announced yet.
Sony has stated that the
games currently on the market
aren’t even pushing the PS3 to
its full potential. Meaning that
the system itself could handle
much more complex and large
games with better graphics and
longer coding. Many gamers
are worried about the new addition to the Playstation franchise. Not only is it going to
empty their pockets but also
Sony already has a powerful
console, one in which they
have stated isn’t reaching its
full potential. Regardless of
the speculation, PS3 owners
everywhere are excited for the
new beast of a console.
Also, PS1 was released
just before Sega Saturn and
long before N64, so that gave
developers plenty of time to
work with the new hardware,
but seeing as how the Wii U
has been released and thirdparty developer are already
planning tons of games for it,
the PS4 may have some trouble
settling into the new market.
As Sony is third place in the
console wars, falling shortly
behind Microsoft and far from
the monstrous sales of the Wii,
Sony might have trouble and is
most likely wants to ship out
PS4 sooner than later.
To answer questions concerning when the console is
going to see the light of day
can be answered with a simple
‘we just don’t know yet.’ It has
been determined, though, that
PS4 may be put on shelves in
early 2013. During Playstation 2’s launch in 2000, the
PS1 was given a shelf life of 6
years. The same applied to the
PS3 when it released in 2006,
even though the last shipment
of PS2’s was sent off December of last year. Analysts expect to see the PS4 early in
2013. More news will be announced Feb. 20 and E3 2013
in June.
By Jacob Lopez
Editorial Editor
Google is working on a design for interactive computerized eyeglasses called
“Google Glass.”
Currently known as “Project Glass,”
Google Glass is developed by the same lab
that has been working on self-driving cars.
Revealed at Google’s I/O convention last
year, Google made an impressive demo
featuring the live video chat feature. The
demo featured a first-person perspective of
skydivers using Google Glass to broadcast
video to the convention.
Google Glass is a metal frame that fits
on your head the same way regular glasses
do, but a half-inch display extends in front
of the glasses where the user can access
Little known in the gaming world is
the tiny 7.5 cm cube known as the Ouya.
Developed by OUYA Inc. and raising $8
million on Kickstarter, making it the second highest earning project in history, the
Ouya is a brand new console made by a
brand new company.
The Ouya isn’t only a tiny box with
an Xbox-Playstation hybrid controller;
it’s also an innovative piece of technology. Running its own version of the Android OS, the Ouya will have its own
exclusive games and the Twitch TV application which is a gaming community
where gamers can host live streams and
chat about games.
On July 31, 2012 Square Enix stated
that Final Fantasy III will be a launch title
for the Ouya. Namco Bandai also stated
that they will be partnering with Ouya. It
will also be supporting an array of indie
developers. As implied, the games will
all be downloaded.
Ouya looks like a promising piece of
technology. It’ll be small enough to bring
places which is one of its selling points.
Also, many indie developers will be turning their heads towards the new console
which will be great for sales. The Ouya
can be picked up in April 2013 for $99.
As
Microsoft
often
doesn’t let its consumers know
of its plans beforehand, unlike
Sony and especially Nintendo,
which has Nintendo Directs on
YouTube every few weeks, it’s
no surprise that not much is
known about Microsoft’s plans
to compete with the Wii U and
upcoming PS4.
It can be inferred that
Microsoft will most likely
release information about
their plans for a new console at E3 2013. Whether
it will sell better than PS4
solely depends on whoever can hype up their console more, Sony or Microsoft. Both companies have a
large fan base and large cult
following, so the winning title
will rely on whoever has the
most integrating console and
best commercials. Microsoft
has insisted that they will try
to keep the 360 alive as long as
they possibly can.
Even though they sold
out release, the 360’s launch
was actually a loss for Microsoft where the company went
down $1.2 billion. Microsoft
so far isn’t taking the direction
they should be. Or maybe they
are, at this time we can’t know
just yet. The market of gaming
is divided with the next-generation Wii U out and currently
in
its
own
section
of the
industry.
As for what the system is
going to be called, Microsoft
hasn’t said anything just yet.
For now, the media has been
referring to the project as the
Xbox 720 although nothing
has been officially announced.
Glass
the internet through voice command, take perimenting with
pictures, and video chat. There’s noted to a phone call feature.
A
rebe a touchpad
cent rumor
on one side
based
on
of the glasses
recent FCC
of which the
legal docuonly
curmentation of
rent known
the glasses
purpose
is
suggest the
for
taking
glasses will
pictures.
contain bone
Google Glass
conduction
connects to
technology
the
Interthat uses a
net
though
“vibrating
a Bluetooth
element” to
or wi/fi connection in the Google co-founder Stergey Brin showing off Google Glass. provide audio
prototype, but developers say they’re ex- via direct contact to the head.
George
Kestner, junior, said, “I think
Google is revolutionizing the technology
and communication industry. I’d definitely buy it.”
Consumer reception has varied. Some
think the glasses will be an obnoxious accessory. Some say that it looks like Google
Glass seems like more of a toy than a gadget.
Senior Amanda Crozier said, “It’s not
really something I’d want to get. I don’t
really see the point in it.”
Developer versions of Google Glass
are shipping sometime early this year,
with a finished consumer version planned
to come out late this year for an estimated
price range between $250-$600.
ntertainment
Designed by Kayla Vidano
February 5, 2013
Bieber goes acoustic
By Sarah Schimanski
Cover designer
Before all the crowd pleasing beats,
the huge arenas housing thousands of anxious fans, and the creative collaborations
with music sensations such as Ludacris
and Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber was just a
boy with a guitar. His days back on YouTube where he was basking for money,
was where he got his inspiration for his
new album.
Believe Acoustic, out Jan. 29, removed all the instrumental layers and gave
fans that intimacy, as was once felt when
he first got his start on YouTube.
This album is different from Bieber’s
recent upbeat, techno hits and adds his
unique voice that some people argue he
never had. The 11 songs on the album
were a risk, but really paid off.
“He wrote two new songs for the album in only one night and one of them is
extremely personal and sad because it’s
about his current break up with Selena,”
Brittany Hebeda, sophomore, said.
“Beauty and the Beat” is known for
the crazy party scene that is established
in the music video. Not only do girls surround Bieber, but Nicki Minaj brings her
unique traits to the video as well. What
Bieber and his team did to strip down this
song was neat. The acoustic version focuses on the pop love song that you don’t really get with the party scene in the picture.
Bieber also added new songs to this
album. “I Would” is a bright and simple
pop song that could have been on his first
album, to accompany the sexified “Boyfriend.”
“Yellow Raincoat” was another new
song on this album. It could possibly mean
that he has to put on a raincoat in order
to shield the troubles that come along with
fame.
Another song, “Nothing Like Us”
talks about love, or what it feels like when
is heart gets broken. The lyrics get a little
personal, possibly taking jabs at ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez, but in a very mature
way for an 18-year-old. He decided rather
than fighting and blaming her, he would
just rather sigh. Bieber is all about swag,
but this song is the farthest from that,
which makes it one of the most popular
songs on this new album.
All in all, Believe Acoustic shows that
Bieber isn’t just hiding behind auto tune
and a flashy production, sort of showing
that the haters are wrong.
Even though this album isn’t perfect,
it’s worth giving a listen to.
peacepipechatter.com
Celebrity couples in the spotlight
By Chris Rubio
A&E editor
Celebrities still have a way of entertaining us without even having to do anything. In magazines, celebrity couples
seem to be a point of interest. Whether
they’re short lived, long term, or just
plain out of the ordinary. Celebrities’
lives are the center of attention in magazines, which include rumors and breakups, and they put readers right in the lives
of Hollywood’s rich and famous.
Most should be familiar with the
couples who have been together the longest. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have
been dating for seven years and finally
got engaged in 2012.
“I prefer to hear more about long
lasting couples instead of reality stars
that only do it for the fame,” Devin
Brezak, junior, said.
Another long lasting relationship
that people may not know about is Justin
Timberlake and Jessica Biel, who have
been together for 5 years and finally married.
Probably one of the most infamous
break ups of 2012 was Kim Kardashian’s
short marriage with Kris Humphrey. It
wowed lots of magazine readers who
said that she couldn’t keep a long relationship.
Another short relationship is Britney
Spears’ incredibly short marriage with
Jason Alexander, which only lasted 55
hours!
Some relationships in Hollywood
just seem out there and people really
have to ask, “They really dated?”
Mary-Kate Olsen began dating the
former French president’s half brother,
Olivier Sarkozy. The big difference between Olsen and him is the 16-year age
difference with her being 26.
Another crazy couple was Rihanna
and Chris Brown, who used to be a pretty
popular couple until their split in 2009
cause by Brown beating Rihanna. This
past year, they got back together even after the crazy fight between them.
With the press and paparazzi that
continue to pursue the personal lives of
stars, we will never hear the end of celebrity couples.
No matter how ridiculous some are,
we will remember a majority of them and
laugh or be shocked at how they turn out.
Sing into a new season
By Catie Petric
A&E editor
American Idol has been on the air for
more than 10 years, and although the ratings are declining, the show is not going
anywhere just yet.
Season 12, which started on Jan. 16,
has brought three new judges to the table,
including Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban, and
Mariah Carey. The only original judge,
Randy Jackson, is left. Though the season
has just started, American Idol is proving
why it has been on the air for so long.
Airing on Wednesday and Thursday
nights at 7 p.m. on FOX, American Idol
catches the attention of millions of viewers each week. However, the ratings have
been higher for past seasons, raising the
possible question of the show itself.
With the addition of the new judges,
are the seasons getting worse and less entertaining to watch?
“It’s like a train wreck with the female judges always fighting,” Michael
Grayson, junior, said.
“I think the show has gone downhill a
lot. I liked the original judges; Simon was
funny,” Chris Alshire, senior, said.
The photo above displays Justin Bieber’s new cover of his album that came out on
It is obvious that American Idol is not
Jan. 29. Photo credit to JustinBieberCrew.com.
what it used to be, and many say that is
because of the new judges.
“Nicki Minaj is annoying, I don’t like
By Brandon Fierke
before. But an occasion such as this, it
her,” Joey Accordino, junior, said.
Staff writer
seems slightly disrespectful.
“I would change Nicki Minaj,” ManBeyonce openly admitted to lip-syncThe presidential inauguration is one of ing and gave her reasons for it saying she
the biggest events in this country. Welcom- is a “perfectionist.” She did not feel coming a new person to presidency or welcom- fortable taking the risk of performing for By David Magnus
ing a familiar face to us. It happened to such a large-scale event without the proper Designer
welcome President Barack Obama back to preparation.
the office. Our national anthem “The Star
“I think it really isn’t a big deal that
The Internet has long been known
Spangled Banner” is traditionally orches- she lip synced. She should have just done as a treasure trove for anyone looking
trated and performed.
her best with what she had though,” Jimmy for a free download. The problem is that
This time around, Beyonce was asked Hoffman, senior, said.
this practice is illegal and, in the eyes of
to sing our anthem, and of course, accepted.
However, she was asked to sing for many, unjust. Each week there are more
She wasn’t given much time to re- this years Super Bowl. She stunned every- than one billion illicit downloads of muhearse with the band and, according to her, one at the press conference when she sang sic files alone.
because of weather conditions. She was our anthem.
In fact, over 60 million Americans
left with no choice but to lip sync.
She says she is prepared for anything are considered criminals, contributing to
It’s not unusual to do, seeing as that a this time around. And she will be perform- the ever-growing file sharing industry.
lot of other popular artists have lip synced ing live without a doubt.
Beyonce: not so perfect
11
dy Withall, junior, said.
With the auditions proceeding as normal, the judges and the age of the show
are simply making American Idol a less
watched show. According to USA Today,
the lower ratings are expected due to how
long it has been on the air. However, some
feel the show is just horrible and believe it
should be taken off the air in general.
“This season has been kind of lame.
It has been less entertaining than I thought
it would be,” Cameron Westmoreland, junior, said.
“If I was the producer, I would end
the show,” Gabe Parker, junior, said.
Since American Idol is losing viewers, many wonder why. What is the show
doing that is making them lose viewers?
“It’s not really about the singing anymore, just the judges now,” Devin Brezak,
junior, said.
Even though the long time FOX
show is slowly losing grip on the ratings,
American Idol is still fighting and throwing curveballs along the way.
“The season is very interesting so
far,” Heather Smith, junior, said.
All in all, with the new season of
American Idol dragging on, it’s plain to
see that the new judges are not as entertaining as the previous.
With new challenges along the way,
American Idol and its’ staff will have to
prove worthy of keeping the higher ratings it always has had.
Daring music file sharing
About 1 year ago the United States government took legal action against many
of the websites that unlawfully supplied
these files. Recently one of the biggest offenders, Megaupload.com, has rebounded
and is back with a vengeance.
“This site is just as legitimate and has
the right to exist as Dropbox, Boxnet and
other competitors,” stated Kim Dotcom,
tech tycoon and founder of the new site,
according to www.huffingtonpost.com.
“Daring music” Continued
on page 13
12
rts
peacepipechatter.com
February 5, 2013
ntertainment
Designed by Graham Taylor
‘John Dies at the End’ kicks off a cult
By Graham Taylor
Designer
John Dies at the End- no, I’m not spoiling anything; that is the title of the horror/
comedy novel by Jason “David Wong”
Pargin. What started as a short web story
about a monster made of meat quickly
grew and become popular on the Internet,
the end result being the 2007 book. While
it’s not a best seller, it gained a cult following, and early in 2012, the movie adaptation premiered at the Sundance Film
Festival. On January 25 of this year, the
film was released in United States theaters.
The film adaptation stars Chase Williamson and Rob Mayes as Dave and John
respectively, and Paul Giamatti as reporter
Arnie blondestone. It was directed by Don
Coscarelli, the director of many cult movies such as Phantasm and Bubba Ho-Tep.
The plot of the book revolves around
best friends David Wong (the author’s surrogate) and the titular character John, and
the two’s paranormal adventures. The story is told in three “acts.” The first describes
how the pair gained the ability to see into
other dimensions, through the use
of a drug called “Soy Sauce” and
their first misadventure with otherworldly powers. The next two
parts detail their fight against the
super-god Korrok and his invasion of everything. Along the way,
they encounter zombies, meat
monsters, “Morgan Freeman,”
exploding dogs, wave after wave
of potty humor, and much, much
more.
It sounds pretty interesting,
yes; however, what makes this
book so fun is that it is off the
walls. The way it is written is both
hilarious and terrifying. One minute you’ll be cowering from images of grotesque monsters and
thoughts of the end of the world,
the next you’ll be busting a gut
from the absurdity of the charac- The front and back cover of the book John Dies at the End, warning readers of the story that follows.
ters, plot, jokes, and everything
range of maturity and topics it covers
If the book sparked your interests, the
else.
within a few short sentences. Whether you sequel, This Book is Full of Spiders: SeriThis is an immature book for mature
enjoy it or not is up to you, but one thing is ously Dude, Don’t Touch It, is out now and
people. Or vice-versa. But that’s what
for sure: you’re in for one wild ride.
continues Dave and John’s adventure.
makes this book so unique. Just the sheer
‘Safe Haven’ sparks interest Top shows of 2012
By Alyssa Aspin
Head Photographer
“There’s no safer place for you, than here with me.”
Katie Feldman is hoping for a quiet, new life for herself
when she arrives in the tiny town of Southport, N.C.. She’s
on the run hiding from her mysterious past. In order to stay
hidden Katie has learned and become the distant, guarded girl
that trust no one. Despite the emotional walls she has built to
protect herself, after taking a local job waitressing she easily
gets drawn to the local grocery store owner, Alex and his two
younger daughters.
As Katie begins to trust and open up to him, Alex also
falls for Katie as she bandages his broken heart to heal him after
the death of his wife that previous year. They both teach each
other how to experience the joy of life and love again and find
happiness once more. But that newly found happiness is threatened by Katie’s terrifying past that still haunts her when a man
arrives in town asking questions about her. She wants to run,
but Alex and her new life pulls her back and she must protect
her new life.
Directed by Lasse Hallstrom and staring Josh Duhamel and
Julianne Hough, Safe Haven will be coming out in theater on
Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.
This PG-13 film really has to live up to Nicholas Spark’s
best-selling book Safe Haven, along with his other movie and
book successes like The Notebook and Dear John.
“I read the book and loved it and I want to see it but the movie is never as good as the book,” said Johanna Fiedler, junior.
Also, since the opening night is Valentine’s day, the crowds
are expected to be enormous, filled with couples all going to see
this dramatic love story.
“It looks pretty good and I’m planning to go see it with my
girlfriend on Valentines Day,” said Sean Matay, junior.
Other women want to see it just because of the well-known
Hollywood actor Josh Duhamel, often known for his good
looks, is in it.
“I would go and see anything with Josh Duhamel in it because he’s gorgeous, so I’ll definitely be going to see it,” said
Marah Kasuba, junior.
Hopefully this gripping and suspenseful story of survival,
hope, and the power of true love will move the viewers of the
theatre as critics are saying it will. You will just have to go see
for yourself because “It’s not what you’re running from, it’s
what you’re running to.”
By Lexi Sponseller
Copy Editor
In the year 2012 there were a lot of people
talking about new or favorite T.V. shows and
who’s watching what and what’s trending.
The top 10 of the year according to TV
Guide starting from number 10; Vegas on CBS,
Carrie Diaries on CW, The Following on FOX,
Chicago Fire on NBC, Voice on NBC, Revolution on NBC, NCIS on USA, Two and a Half
Men on FX, Person of Interest on CBS, and
finally the number one of the year Big Bang
Theory on TBS.
Many MCHS students seem to be fans of the
show The Big Bang Theory.
“I like Sheldon, his personality is really funny,” senior, Justin Shepard, said.
“I think it’s a really funny show but I haven’t
watched it in a little while,” Carl Gillman, junior, said.
“Shows” Continued on page 13
Web comics sweep the school
By Jordan Ainians
Interactive Editor
If you don’t know what web comics are, then
you are most certainly missing out. Web comics
have been around for quite some time, but they are
currently sweeping the Internet. The first cousins
to memes, but with a slightly more detailed aspect,
they include a snippet of comedy often followed by
one-liners that give the reader something to laugh
at. The great thing is that these are web comics, so
they’re online, which makes them very accessible
to almost anyone.
“I haven’t really read any web comics, but they
sound interesting,” Alex Karczweski, junior, said.
A particularly popular website for these comics
is “The Oatmeal” (theoatmeal.com). This site made
millions of dollars through fund raising, some of
which was donated to charity, and the majority of it
is supposed to go towards the creation of a Nikola
Tesla museum. This is just a product of the 7 million viewers and their willing investment into such
websites.
“Every once in a while I read comics online, and
they’re usually pretty funny,” Giacomo Raimondi,
junior, said.
The mastermind behind The Oatmeal, Matthew
Inman, has made a living off of funny comics. A
newer comic recently published on his site was “My
dog: the paradox”. Inman didn’t even go to college,
yet he found a way to live happily off of the things
he loves doing best. Inman stated at one point that
he didn’t want to waste four years at a university
taking Math 101 when he had an opportunity to
work in the rapid expansion of business on the Internet. This has obviously worked well for him, and
the results definitely reinforce that claim.
The fact that this specific website does good for
people as well as offer the world humor at the click
of a mouse makes Inman’s site a powerful tool in
the social media. Many people read his comics, and
it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if we saw an even
greater emergence of the popularity of these types
of comics within the next year.
Logos from many popular web comics, including Matthew Inman’s The
Oatmeal (theoatmeal.com), Randall Munroe’s xkcd (xkcd.com), and
Cyanide and Happiness (explosm.net), collectively written by Kris Wilson, Rob DenBleyker, Matt Melvin, and Dave McElfatrick.
JUMP 13
February 5, 2013
Designed by Baylee Dibble
“Fire & Ice” Continued from page 2
senior, said.
“This is my first time going. I am wearing a black strapless dress,” Savannah
O’Dell, senior, said.
“My girlfriend is trying to make me go.
She goes every year. She is wearing blue
so I’ll probably wear blue too. After the
dance I’ll probably take her out to dinner.
You’ve got to be classy,” Mike Kasencak,
junior, said.
However, some students have a tradi-
tion of going every year.
“I went twice to Winter Formal. I am
probably just going with myself. I’m
wearing a pink tux. I’m hanging out
with friends all night after,” senior Tevin
Schoolfield, said.
Student IDs or a driver’s license are
needed in order to get into the dance. Students are not allowed to leave the dance
and come back in.
peacepipechatter.com
“Shows” Continued from page 12
The show NCIS is popular here as well.
“The show is basically profiling something I want to do for my career,” junior,
Meredith Vesper, said.
The similar show The Following is enjoyed by senior Ally Smith.
“I want to go into profiling and this
show really interests me, its always
changing and becoming more interesting,” Smith said.
There are a variety of different genres
in the top ten there are comedy, criminal
investigation, and intense action. One
of the shows Chicago Fire is an action
packed show that keeps it real at the same
time.
“Daring Music” Continued from page 11
If convicted, Dotcom will face piracy
charges and possible jail time on behalf
of his ongoing Megaupload trial. Unlike its predecessor, the site, now called
Mega, is able to let users share files in
compliance with piracy laws.
The site will enable users to distribute
files to anyone with a specific code, dodging liability as a host of any copyright
infringement. The Internet may never be
silenced due to its unlimited potential.
Tensions mount as the government-internet debate rages on.
Watch Minooka Sports
Live at
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PPC from the 1950s at
PeacePipeChatter.com!
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REACH KITCHEN
(CENTRAL CAMPUS)
ROOM 164
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY
13TH
AND
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH
WHERE:
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card and a Fannie May
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14
peacepipechatter.com
SPORTS
February 5, 2013
Designed by Aaron Ladzinski
Not just another wrestling coach
By Tara Schumal
Asst. Sports Editor
“I remember my first day of
wrestling practice. It was 5th grade
and I just wanted to try it out to
say I played a sport. I didn’t know
how long I wanted to stay with it.
Mr. Assaf was taking attendance
and he called ‘Nate Gunn.’ I responded ‘Yeah.’ I’ll never forget
what he said after that. ‘Wow.
Nate Gunn, now that’s a wrestling
name. I
can already tell
you’re
going
to be a
good athlete.’ Mr.
Assaf
was the
reason I
fell in love for the sport. He got
me started with wrestling,” Nathan Gunn, sophomore, said.
How can you possibly write
just a few paragraphs on a wrestling coach like him?
Mr. Assaf was the junior
high Minooka Indians wrestling
coach. He coached the kids from
their 5th grade to 8th grade year.
Altogether, Assaf coached for
nearly a decade.
When it comes to wrestling,
Assaf has coached five state
champions from the year 2005 to
2011.
you did something wrong. He
was there every step of the way,”
Cooper Shimkus, junior, added..
When it came to getting to
know Assaf, his wrestlers said he
was the role model.
“He was definitely the role
model. Any trouble, he knew for
sure what to do. If you needed
any help, any advice, you went to
Assaf,” Gunn said.
With the help of Coach Assaf,
Gunn went 40-0 his 8th grade year,
ending 2011 as a state champion.
“It’s a hard sport, always
drills. But I never hated practice.
I use to get excited and want to
get through school just for wrestling practice. It was the best
memory of my life because of
Assaf,” Gunn said.
When it comes to the sport
of wrestling, Assaf won’t just be
missed for leading wrestlers to
state champs, but also his love for
the sport.
“I’m going to miss him telling
us when certain meets and state
was every year. He was a family friend so we’d always come
watch
meets
to supp o r t
h i m
and the
team,”
Shimk u s
said.
Assaf didn’t just leave as a great
wrestling coach, he left as a great
father figure and teacher for all
he’s taught or coached.
“When coach passed away, I
was heartbroken. But my mom
told me ‘Only the good die young’
and it kind of motivated me.
Every time Istep on the mat,
I’ll think about Assaf. I’m going
to finish up with every meet/state
finish not just for myself anymore, but for him. There won’t
be one time I step on that mat that
I won’t think of Mr. Assaf,” Gunn
said.
tournament.
“It was an awesome feeling.
Everyone was hitting their lines
all day,” junior John Kauffman
said. “It seemed that we weren’t
bowling a complete game,
though. Even if we were falling
apart, we would be able to come
back and really work. Everyone
was hitting shots, so it was a
good day.”
on our part because we knew we
needed to keep it up,” Segatto
said. “We knew all the other
teams were going to fight to try
and pass us.”
Despite all the top teams gunning for them, the Indians were
able to build off their first day
lead, going up 73 pins after game
one and 157 pins after game two
of the second day. Minooka took
“Mike Assaf was pretty much
a father figure to me. He taught
us all about wrestling, more
about actual life lessons and everything. He’d crack a joke about
everything and anytime someone
said something mean to him, he
always had a comeback for it,”
Clay Charland, senior, said. “A
lot of people had talent, but he
formed them into being better
well rounded wrestlers.”
“Assaf wasn’t mean about
coaching but he’d tell you when
“A lot of people had talent, but he
formed them into being better well
rounded wrestlers,” Clay Charland,
senior, said.
Assaf coached fifth state champions at Minooka Junior High. Nate
Gunn and Assaf pose after a meet in the top photo. Photo courtesy of
Nate Gunn.
Boys bowling takes 4th
By Austin Hough
Sports Editor
If you had told the boys bowling team going into the IHSA
state tournament Jan. 25-26 that
they would take fourth place
overall, they would be happy
about it. How they got there,
however, was anything but pleasant. After taking an 111 pin lead
going into the final three games,
the Indians struggled down the
finish, eventually coming within
one pin of taking third place and
bringing home a trophy.
“Once we lost our first place
lead we didn’t care anymore
because losing the lead really
crushed us,” senior Justin Shepard said. “It would have been
nice to bring home a trophy, but
we were still one of the top four
teams in the state.”
If there had only been one day
of bowling down in O’Fallon, the
Indians would have been state
champions. Minooka came out
firing on day one, as they were in
the top tow all day. After being in
second going into lunch, the boys
came out on fire, rallying to take
a 50-pin lead over host O’Fallon
after the first six games of the
day, as they lost their lead after
game four to a surging Lockport
team. After game five, they fell to
third place and trailed by 96 pins
before ultimately falling to fourth
place, 309 pins behind the victorious Lockport. The Indians fell
one pin behind Salem for third
place, which would have resulted
in bringing home a state title.
“We knew that there were
no guarantees
and that
we
had
to work
those final three
games,
but unfortunately
it didn’t
work out for us,” Kauffman said.
“It’s really hard to explain what
happened. I guess the pressure
got to us and the other teams
were just getting breaks.”
Despite not finishing where
they wanted to, the boys still took
fourth place overall, which is an
accomplishment in itself.
“With bowling, you never
know what can happen. We did
feel confident after day one, but
“Our excitement level was high and
we felt like we were bowling really
good, which we were,” Zach Segatto,
junior, said.
“It felt good to lead,” junior
Zack Segatto added. “Our excitement level was high and we
felt like we were bowling really
good, which we were.”
Taking the lead after day one,
though, had its downside, as now
all eyes were on the Indians. The
pressure started to mount against
the boys as they started day two
ahead of the field.
“There was a little pressure
a minor slip after game three,
but still led over second place
O’Fallon by 111 pins going into
the lunch break.
“Our confidence level was really high at that point,” Shepard
said. “I think some of us felt we
had it in the bag, but we knew that
it wasn’t over till it was over.”
Unfortunately for the boys
team, the wheels came off the
wagon in the second half of the
it just didn’t come together for
us in the end,” head coach Derrick Rapsky said. “The first day
was the highest six-game series
we had all year. The morning
session Saturday was one of our
highest three-game series all year
as well. At lunch time, though, I
still didn’t feel confident because
I didn’t know what was going to
happen.”
“We got into that last round
and we felt after practice we
were ready to go, but when the
lights came on and they weren’t
striking, they became frustrated,”
Rapsky continued. “They started
missing spares after that and it
just went downhill from there.”
Most of the Indians’ team is
coming back lat year, as Shepard
is the only senior that bowled
over the weekend that is going
to be gone. That leaves five guys
coming back next year, hungry to
come back and win a state title.
“I’m really still in shock of
what happened. I was telling the
guys on the bus ride back that I
didn’t have anything to say because I didn’t really know what
to say,” Rapsky said. “I just hope
they realize that they can be better than what they were this year.”
Designed by Austin Hough
SPORTS 15
February 5, 2013
peacepipechatter.com
Cougars turn tables on varsity
Senior Jake Hogan hits a free throw against Plainfield South on Fri., Feb. 1. Hogan had 16 points for Minooka. The Indians lost 56-50. Photos by Aaron Ladzinski.
By Austin Hough
Sports Editor
Playing with heavy hearts as they took
the court Friday night, the varsity boys’
basketball team dropped a close, 56-50
battle to Plainfield South, as the Cougars
fed off some late Indians turnovers for the
victory.
The Indians jumped out to a strong start
early, as they took a quick 10-5 lead over
South. Senior Jake Hogen had five early
points to help Minooka jump out to a quick
lead.
“I wanted to get to the hoop so I could
get to the free throw line a little bit,” Hogen said. “I still can’t get my shot going
so hopefully that’ll come to me over time.”
After that, though, the Cougars would
go on a tear, scoring the next 16 points in
the game to turn a five-point deficit into an
11-point advantage.
Sloppy play did in the Indians all night,
as turnovers led to easy baskets for Plainfield South.
“We just didn’t execute, either offensively or defensively. And if you don’t do
either of those things, you won’t win a basketball game,” head coach Scott Tanaka
said.
After the surge from Plainfield, the
Indians responded, cutting the deficit to
three before the half. Free throws helped,
as both seniors Adam Holstine and Perry
Jones hit a pair of free throws to keep the
game close.
The third quarter went by pretty quick,
as neither team could really get anything
Plainfield for the second straight year in
their building. In last year’s game, Minooka overcame a 16 point third quarter deficit
to take down the Cougars.
It seemed as if the Indians were going
to have a repeat of last year, as they cut it
to a 42-39 game after a layup from senior
guard Darrin Myers. After a couple made
baskets from South, Hogen had a wild tip-
“We just didn’t execute either offensively
or defensively. And if you don’t do either
of those things, you won’t win a basketball
game,” said coach Scott Tanaka.
going offensively. Only a combined 17
points were scored in the quarter, with
the Cougars going up 39-31 into the final
frame.
With the game on the line, the Indians
came out determined to steal a win from
in basket to make it a 46-41 game.
“We just didn’t turn over the ball to
start the quarter,” Tanaka said. “When you
don’t turn the ball over, you have a chance
to win a basketball game.”
Unfortunately after that made basket
from Hogen, the Indians went ice cold
from the field, as nothing seemed to be going down for Minooka.
Seizing the moment, the Cougars went
on a 9-0 run to pull away from the Indians. A couple late baskets from Minooka
resulted in the 56-50 decision.
“At this point, it seems that we can’t
make any shots,” Hogen said. “We just
have to find a way to put the ball in the
hoop, and that’s one of the most frustrating things about basketball. When we can’t
make baskets, it’s tough to win games.”
The tough loss capped off a roller
coaster week for Minooka, as the passing
of MCHS teacher Mr. Mike Assaf really
affected the players. It most affected, however, Tanaka, as he and Assaf had become
really great friends over the years both being math teachers.
“It’s tough when you lose someone
close as Mr. Assaf was to me, but the good
thing we have is we get to go out and play
basketball, something Mr. Assaf can’t do
anymore,” Tanaka said. “We just have to
go out and play as hard as we can every
night for the people that are no longer fortunate to do the things we do.”
Minooka hosts Plainfield East tonight.
Sophomores lose tough game to Cougars
The Indians made it a 31-28
By Austin Hough
taking charges on defense and
Sports Editor
boxing out, and the past couple game early on in the fourth be
of games we haven’t,” Minooka fore South was able to pull away
from Minooka. Free throws down
Despite staying within 10 coach Jon Monti said.
points of the Cougars Friday
The third quarter saw some the stretch iced the game for the
night, the Minooka boys sopho- change, as the Indians started Cougars, as they went on to take
home the 10-point victory.
more basketball team
“We want to try and get our offense
It has been a very hard
could never take the lead
week for the Minooka
and lost to Plainfield
going on inside because we feel we
players this week with the
South 45-35 on the road.
can get the best shots from there,”
passing of Mr. Mike Assaf.
It was a fairly balTo pay honor, the sophanced game throughout,
coach Jon Monti said.
omore players wore purple
as Plainfield built up a
Mr. Assaf T-shirts over
13-7 first quarter lead.
The Cougars were guided by feeding freshman Blake Parzych. their jerseys, signifying the loss
great guard play from Ricky Pfis- The bulk of Parzych’s 13 points of their teacher.
All in all, Monti is pleased
ter, who scored three of his nine came in the quarter, as Minooka
made it a five-point game.
with the way his players handled
points in the opening quarter.
“We want to try and get our the pressure.
This trend continued in the
“In the grand scheme of
second quarter, as Plainfield built offense going on inside because
on their lead, making it a 22-14 we feel we can get the best shots things, winning or losing a basadvantage at the break. Five of from there,” Monti said. “Blake ketball game is a insignificant
sophomore Shane Ritter’s 10 has some nice moves down low. thing,” Monti said. “When it
points came in the second quar- He struggled early, but through- comes down to what happened
ter, helping the Cougars increase out the game I thought he did in regards to Mr. Assaf, there are
much better finishing around the much more important things in
their advantage over the Indians.
regard to life.”
“We keep on talking about basket.”
Freshman Blake Parzych pulls down a rebound against Plainfield
South on Feb. 1. Minooka lost 45-35. Photo by Aaron Ladzinski.
16
peacepipechatter.com
SPORTS
February 5, 2013
Designed by Tara Schumal
Big Win over cougars
By Tara Schumal
Sports Editor
With a tough, yet satisfying
start, the varsity Indians began
the game well against Plainfield
South Friday night.
After a great half of fighting
back and forth, the Indians pulled
away ending the second quarter
with a 17-point lead.
Tough defense by the Indians
held the Cougars to only 6 points
in the first half.
The major highlight to the
first half was Sam Wurtz, senior
guard, with 4 three-pointers. She
set up well for shots and her team
got her the ball in time.
The Indians struggled in the
third quarter but still stayed
ahead. Sydney Lilly, senior, and
Sydney Arlis, freshman, moved
the ball fast to Larissa McLemen,
senior, and Kelly Carnagio, sophomore. Both girls took their feet
off the paint and shot constantly
to help Minooka.
“Coming into the third quarter, we sort of struggled. We had
some really nice shots, but none
were falling,” Coach Ray Liberatore said.
The Indians stepped back in
the fourth quarter to end up with
a win 37-20.
“Anytime you win by 17 plus
points, I’m happy,” Liberatore
said.
The Indians season has been
very on and off but today they really stepped up their gamed and
ended it well.
“Our biggest challenge today in the game would probably
be struggling in offense when it
came to the second half. But with
a 7-6 conference record and winning, they have some great potential,” Liberatore said.
In today’s game, Erin Heide
got back in to some action after
an injury holding her back for
most games.
This’ll lead to an advantage of
the season to come.
And when it came to posting
up the ball, the ladies did a very
nice job of standing their ground
against Plainfield.
After a battle of staying ahead,
the Indians ended it with another
win towards a long season.
Top: Junior Erin Heide passes down low against Plainfield South on
Feb. 1. The Indians won 37-20.
Bottom: Senior Sydney Lilly puts up a shot for the Indians.
Photos by Tara Schumal.
Sophomores take down South
Sophomore Kaela Kreis puts up a shot against Plainfield South on Feb. 1. Kreis had two
points for the night. The Indians made a strong push late in the first half and into the second to defeat the Cougars 45-17. Photo by Tara Schumal.
By Tara Schumal
Sports Editor
After a slow start, the girls sophomore
basketball team pulled away against
Plainfield South on Friday.
Barely ending the second quarter, the
Indians started to increase a lead to end the
second quarter ahead 23-9. After halftime
ended, the Indians jumped right back in to
right where they belong.
“The third quarter was key for us this
game. That’s where we started to pull away
with great defense,” Coach Rob Torchia
said.
Continuing to battle, the Indians
finished the third quarter 38-15 with a little
help from Emily Knaub, guard, who’s free
throws really helped put them ahead.
Adding to the score was Taylor Prieboy,
post, and Heather Bonde, also a post.
Both got right into the paint correctly
and rebounded with enthusiasm.
Alongside of them was Ella Campbell,
who assisted really well with helping
spread the ball towards the basket.
“We played well rounded as a team
today. We ran offense the way we should
and helped out the defense as well. Overall,
I think the game went well but we have
better potential as a team,” Prieboy said.
The Indians stayed strong finishing the
game with 45-17 win.
The major contributors to this game
were Prieboy with 13 points and Knaub
with 12 points.
“The game went well today. I don’t
have that many concerns. The past few
practices we’ve been really working on our
fastbreak and giving spacing.
“Sometimes, they don’t pay attention
to that which would probably be our
only problem. The fast break and spacing
definitely would go towards inability to
score,” Torchia said.
When it comes to the overall season, the
Indians record as of Feb. 1 is 22-5.
“Record-wise, we are doing pretty well.
Unlike other teams, the record isn’t what
we are worried about.
“We have two goals for this team. To
learn as much basketball as possible and
to get better as basketball players,” Torchia
said.