January 28, 2009 - Minooka Community High School District #111

Peace Pipe Chatter
Volume 94
Edition 7
January 28, 2009
Freshman thoughts
How they view their first year of high school
page 8
Ruettiger makes
HISTORY
page 14
A night in
with the girls
page 6
Weird
Holidays
page 7
New Year’s
Resolutions
page 7
2
Peace Pipe Chatter, January 28, 2009
Jump
Freshman Year
Amber: I always thought high school
was fun, but since August I think
there is a lot more drama. It keeps on
piling up building tension between so
many people.
Alannah: I thought high school was a
lot harder at first, but after I got the
hang of it, now it seems a lot easier.
Kevin: My opinion since the start had
changed a little. I thought it would be
boring and that out of all the people I
wouldn’t know anyone, but it turned
out I enjoyed most of my classes and
met so many new people.
The practices every day, the early Saturday games, and that loud
whistle… High school sports,
most can agree, differ greatly
from that of previous years.
Coming from the voice of these
newcomers, is it better?
Kiley: Sports here are better by far
since it is a lot more competitive.
There is more exposure and the
coaches help you improve. I would
definitely never say it is easier but
you do get a lot better.
continued from page 8
happen like that, but even so they are
more fun. With a lot of cool teachers
and so many new kids in your classes,
it turns out pretty fun.
Amber: Some of the classes are easy,
but with the tougher subjects and
tougher teachers it does get pretty
hard. It still is more fun since you get
to meet a lot of people, some of them
becoming your closest friends.
Alannah: It is harder but that’s just
high school. You can’t expect to
come from junior high and expect the
classes to be easier. Despite that, they
are more fun since there is so much
more time to get things done.
Kevin: They’re harder obviously and
are more intellectual. They are a lot
longer which in some classes time
flies by but for others, the bell does
not want to ring. But it does boil
down to having more fun depending
on what teacher and who you have in
the class.
Drama, Drama, Drama. He likes
her, but she likes him but he has a
girlfriend and she hates her but they
used to be best friends until she did
this so let’s all throw some fists. That
Meghan: I like them a lot better now. is high school drama, right? Has it
You meet new teammates and the become worst since the compacted
coaches treat you like ou know what days of your junior high?
you are doing, instead of a little kid.
Kelly: Oh the drama. It can get craKevin: You have to put in a lot more zy especially with the freshmen and
work. It can be more challenging but sophomores condensed alone in to
one school. There are so many issues
it’s worth it.
with who is dating who and sopho90 whole minutes. That’s a lot to be mores dating down.
sitting in one class. Not to mention
these classes are not at the junior Kiley: The high school drama is worse
high level. It is high school now then junior high and keeps getting
worse because there are more people
and has it gotten more difficult?
after all and that makes way for more
problems.
Meghan: It has gotten harder since
junior high and we all knew it would Meghan: Yeah….It just is.
Amber: I went to Channahon for Jr.
High and anyone else who went there
knows how much nicer we all were.
Things were pretty peaceful. Now
you see a lot more drama in high
school. Between so much more people, there are more fistfights, threats,
and gossip.
Alannah: It’s the whole sophomores
dating freshmen and the ex’s getting
mad and starting rumors. That is just
one situation. There is a lot more
people, which means more friends or
honestly more people to start stuff.
Kevin: Guys talk a lot of crap about
each other so there are a lot more
fights. Just the other day I saw someone get tackled down the stairs.
People change. A very true statement. High school is a huge factor
in shaping the personalities of a lot
of its students. How has the high
school experience changed you in
only one semester?
Kelly: It has loosened me up I guess.
I think I’ve become louder and a little
more annoying.
Kiley: It has made me more independent and more responsible as far as
pushing to manage my time better.
Meghan: I am busy more often with
all the homework and studying trying
to pass while still balancing out sports
and friends.
Alannah: I’ve changed socially. I am
a lot more outgoing and just talk a lot
more to more people.
Kevin: I have become more confident
and outgoing. I like to talk to people
more and try new things. Over all it
made me less of a shy kid.
Designed by Lauren Keers
Peace Pipe Chatter
Minooka Community High School
301 S. Wabena Avenue
Minooka, IL 60447
(815) 467-2140 Voicemail: ext 264
mthomas@mchs.net
peacepipechatter.com
Editors-In-Chief
Angela Mateo
Sam Kelley
Lauren Keers
A&E Editor
Carissa Weyer
Sydney Trepel
Iman Bradley
Cover Design
Kristi Lawrence
Editorial Editor
Ryan Kelley
News Editor
Taylor Roop
School News Editor
D.J. Valera
Features Editor
Sarah Silverman
Jacki Kaluzny
Assist. Sports Editor
Mike Noe
Eric Klank
Sports Editor
Tommy Stokke
Fresh/Soph Editor
Susan Bahret
Interactive Editor:
Allison Papp
Chatter Room Editor
Ryan Miller
Copy Editor
Amanda Alexander
D.J. Valera
Ryan Miller
Zach Nabor
Sports Photographer
Jacki Kaluzny
News/Features
Photographer
Megan
McEvilly
A&E Photographer
Amanda Alexander
Fresh/Soph
Photographer
Susan Bahret
Journalism I:
Aubry Aspan, Chikyra Faint, Jake Hoffman,
Elliot Johnson, Melissa Madnus, Kaitlyn
VanMeter, Meagan Hoffman, Stephanie Ly,
Kevin Moran, Christopher Zacek
Submission Policy:
The Peace Pipe Chatter strongly encourages suggestions
and/or responses to material printed on its pages.
Letters to the Editor should be submitted to Mr. Thomas’s
mailbox or to a Peace Pipe Chatter editor.
While submission does not guarantee publication, PPC
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Peace Pipe Chatter, January 28, 2009
Opinion
Where
by
Designed by Ryan Kelley
3
Close enough, but far enough
Amanda Alexander/Copy Editor
Constantly young adults strive to
outreach the normality and familiar
environment that has been in tact for the
last couple years during their high school
career. There are many possibilities
and various answers to fulfill numerous
questions such as, “why go to college so
far away?” Recently these questions had
been thrown at me. Pondering the idea of
whether to stay in-state or leave my home
state, for my start as a college student, has
been an extremely difficult decision.
With the end of high school close, the
college question is thrown out on the table.
Rapidly letters are sent out with the option
of in- state or out of state colleges.
I understand that being out of state has
numerous benefits such as getting away,
experiencing new lifestyles, and much
more. My initial reaction was to get as far
away from this familiar state. With a lot
of consideration, I have now changed my
mind thinking there are more pros than
cons of staying in-state.
As the summer of junior year ended,
gorgeous flyers from West Coast schools
had taken over all my original plans of
staying put in Illinois. I wanted to have a
taste of something new. I wanted to get out
of my normal realm.
When actually sitting down and pushing
the shallow desires away such as warm
weather, pretty campuses, and palm trees;
I had made the decision to stay put in
Illinois. I had come to the conclusion of all
the abundant benefits of being in- state.
By staying in my home state the tuition
alone is almost less that half compared to
an out of state school. Realistically, when
getting out of college, the majority of people
will be broke. The benefit of less debt is
yours, and the new income earned can go
to other things than the bank. The option of
financial aid and scholarships are available
to all schools. But, it is unlikely to even
match up to the same price as hometown
schools. Plus, the same exact degrees and
majors in other states are likely to always
be available in Illinois.
With price as a huge factor, students feel
the need to be somewhere different from
where they have spent their past years.
Truthfully, any college in Illinois whether it
is 20 miles or 80 miles away from home, is a
new environment. Drastically, moving not
only an hour away, but 12 hours away would
be extremely hard to get used to. By being
in state you have the option to constantly
return, when the feeling of homesick kicks
in. Even events such as family parties,
reuniting with old friends, or just sleeping
in the comfort of your house is always
available. The further the distance, plane or
bus tickets have to be in consideration. Not
only are they expensive ,but also very time
consuming. The opportunity of coming
home every other weekend or even once a
month, from a further region is unrealistic. I
would greatly dislike missing out on certain
events back home or not having the option
to see my family and friends.
Overall the reasons stated above were
just some of the factors based on my
decision for attending the in-state college,
Northern Illinois University. With great
programs, fewer loans, and the fact it is
close enough to home, are important factors
in my life-changing decision.
Benefits of out-of-state schools
by
?
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to go
Sam Kelley/Editor-In-Chief
Throughout high school, every student
has been required to attend seminars and
lectures about choosing a college. A
majority of students pick in-state schools;
however, there are the students who select
to enroll in out-of-state schools.
Next fall, I will join this limited group
of Illinois natives attending an out-of-state
institution, and I feel there are multiple
benefits from my decision. Students who
attend school away from their home state
can get the experience of living away from
home, better tuition opportunities, and a
completely new start.
I understand that in-state schools have
benefits. In-state tuition is always cheaper
than out-of-state, and a student can enjoy his
or her college experience close to home as
easily as he or she could by attending in a
different state. Some argue that a sense of
closeness and familiarity are helpful in the
transition from high school to college.
Leaving home is hard for everyone; but
for the seniors, leaving is vastly approaching.
For some, going out-of-state would be even
more detrimental. But, for others, it could
be more beneficial. I would have more of
a chance of staying in college if I do not
have the option to go home every weekend
because home is further away. Plus, it
is recommended by college alumni and
schools that students get involved with the
university and not go home often. If home
is not there to escape to, then students will
have a better chance to actually get involved
and enjoy the full college experience.
Most will tell you that attending an instate school will be cheaper. This is not
necessarily true. To an extent, going in-state
can be cheaper. However, Illinois has some
of the highest in-state tuition rates compared
to other states. For example: annual tuition
at Illinois State University for fall of 2008
was $9,814; annual in-state tuition at Iowa
State University is only $6,360. Out-of-state
tuition at Iowa State costs $17,350, which is
roughly about $9,000 more than an Illinois
education. Of course this is more than an
in-state school, but after financial aid and
possible scholarships, going out-of-state is
not that much more of an expense. Some
schools even give out special scholarships to
students from a different state for attending
their institution.
Most important, students who go “away”
to school get a completely fresh start. The
chances of you knowing someone when
you go to a school out-of-state are totally
diminished. This is frightening for some,
but to others it is actually attractive. Of
course, no matter where you go to school
you are going to meet a lot of new faces and
may never see anyone that you went to high
school with, but going out-of-state almost
guarantees that you will meet a whole new
crowd. College is the time to meet new
faces, choose a career, and make it the best
years of your life. Going out-of-state can
enhance this experience even further. Plus,
you get the thrill of a new place. Moving
to a place that you’ve never seen or you’ve
only been to on vacation can provide a
whole new excitement. College is supposed
to be a new chapter in your life, and moving
to a state will add a sense of exoticness to
your overall experience.
Conclusively, I feel like I am enhancing
my college years by choosing to attend
an out-of-state institution. Financially, it
might have even been a better choice for me
because I was offered a great scholarship
that an in-state school wouldn’t have offered
me. College will be an experience for
everyone, but if you go out-of-state you get
the full feeling of living on your own and
away from home, can get special financial
opportunities, and can make your college
experience more enjoyable. Get ready to
make the decision, seniors — leaving home
is closer than we think.
4
Peace Pipe Chatter, January 28, 2009
News
Designed by Taylor Roop
Blagojevich in trial for impeachment
Taylor Roop /
News Editor
by
Corruption and alleged attempts of conspiracy is not a new trend when it comes to
government, especially in Illinois. Governor
Rod Blagojevich once campaigned to put an
end to corruption in Illinois government.
His administration is flooded by previous
controversies like those of his predecessor,
George Ryan. He is now knee-deep in what
he once tried to prevent.
Blagojevich has been part of Illinois government since 2002. He won the Democratic
Party nomination over former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris in the primary
campaign. He defeated Republican Illinois
Attorney General Jim Ryan in the general
election.
In 2006, Blagojevich ran against Edwin
Eisendrath for the Democratic Party nominations and won with 72 percent of the vote.
He then ran against Republican Judy Topinka
in the general elections and won by 11 percent. During the election, Blagojevich’s
campaign outspent Topinka’s $27 million
to $6 million. There was a lot of controversy with the campaigns. Blagojevich tried
to tie Topinka into Jim Ryan’s corruption.
Topinka ran ads talking about Blagojevich’s
federal investigations.
After President Barack Obama’s resignation of his position of a U.S. senator which
took place Nov. 16, 2008, Blagojevich was
given sole authority to appoint his replacement for the two years remaining of the President’s senate term. During this time, federal
agents launched an investigation on this situation. The agents wiretapped Blagojevich’s
phone lines and found multiple communica-
tions involving Blagojevich and multiple
others about misusing this opportunity to
obtain financial gain for Blagojevich and
family. He has been accused of conspiring
to trade the senate seat for certain positions
that the president has power to appoint like
the Secretary of Health and Human Services. He has also been accused conspiring
to trade the senate seat for his wife’s placement on paid corporate boards. He was also
accused of going to sell the seat for millions
of dollars in funding for a non profit organization that would he would start and would
employ him with a huge salary after he left
office.
On Jan. 9, 2009, the Illinois house voted
to impeach Blagojevich and the result was
114-1. This created a senate trial debating
whether he should be thrown out for abuse
of power. The impeachment only required
60 votes. During the impeachment, no one
spoke up to defend Blagojevich; the one
vote against impeachment was from Milton
Patterson. He did not comment on his opinions of Blagojevich’s actions, only the fact
that this action was not part of his job.
The impeachment was not just based on
this one event alone. Other allegations include Blagojevich expanding a health care
program without proper authority, circumvented hiring laws to help political allies get
jobs, and he spent millions buying a flu vaccine that couldn’t be brought into the country and he was fully aware of it.
Blagojevich is the first Illinois governor
to be impeached. He is the 40th governor
of Illinois He will be the eighth governor
to be impeached and removed since Evan
Mecham of Arizona in 1988. The senate
trial began on January 26.
the White House.
Timothy Geithner will be the Secretary
of the Treasury in Obama’s cabinet. He
qualifies for this spot because he currently
serves as the ninth president of the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York. He has worked
in the Treasury Department since 1988.
Robert Gates serves as the Secretary of
Defense. Gates was sworn in on December
18, 2006 as the 22nd Secretary of Defense
under President Bush. Before entering his
present post, Gates was the president of
Texas A&M University, which is the seventh
largest university. He also served as Director of Central Intelligence, Deputy Director
of Central Intelligence from 1986 to 1989,
and Assistant to the President and Deputy
National Security adviser at the White
House. He has spent nearly 27 years as an
intelligence professional. He has served for
president of both political parties.
Eric Holder was chosen for Attorney
General again. He has held a number of
positions in government. After graduating
from Columbia Law School, he moved to
Washington D.C. and joined the Department
of Justice. In 1997, President Clinton appointed Holder to serve as Deputy Attorney
General. He is the first African-American to
serve as Deputy Attorney General. He also
served as the same position under President
Bush.
Ken Salazar got the spot for Secretary
of the Interior. He was a farmer for 30
years and helped for the El Rancho Salazar
partnership in 1981. Salazar was the 36th
Attorney General of Colorado. Politicalbase.com reports that Ken Salazar served in
the cabinet of Governor Roy Romer as chief
legal counsel and executive director of the
Colorado Department of Natural Resources.
He also has a degree in political science
from Colorado College in 1977.
Tom Vilsack is the U.S Secretary of Ag-
riculture. He was the governor of Iowa for
nine years. He is qualified for this position
because he kept his commitment to serve
only two terms a governor. He also ran for
president until his withdrawal from the race
in February 2007. He got his undergraduate
degree form Hamilton College and his law
degree from Albany Law School.
Hilda Solis is the Secretary of Labor.
Solis was the first Latina appointed to the
powerful committee on energy and commerce. She is also a member of the House
Committee on Natural Resources. Hilda is
serving her third term as the Chair of the
Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ Task Force
on Health and the Environment. Obama
named her as Secretary of Labor on Dec. 19,
Obama chooses presidential cabinet
by Iman
Bradley /
A&E Editor
Following his election victory was the
selection of his cabinet. President Barack
Obama has chosen 15 eligible people for
15 of the spots in his cabinet. Here is some
brief information on each person that was
chosen to be in the president’s cabinet.
For Secretary of State Barack Obama
picked Hillary Clinton. Mrs. Clinton has
been in public service for nearly four decades. Hillary was first lady, Senator, and a
presidential candidate. According to politicalbase.com, she has become one of the nation’s foremost champions for children and
families and advocates for women’s rights
and human rights. Senator Clinton became
the first woman ever to become a presidential candidate. Barack Obama made a great
choice for Secretary of State because Hillary Clinton has had enough experience in
2008. “Obama” continued on Pg. 13
Peace Pipe Chatter, January 28, 2009
School News
The Riding Hoods zoom for
elementary schools
“Little Red and the Riding Hoods” for elementary schools in the area, such as MiThe MCHS Children’s Theater is back nooka, Channahon, Troy, and Aux Sable.
again this year and more excited than ever There is one performance on the evening
to show off their acting and entertainment of Feb. 3 and multiple performances on
skills to loFeb. 4 throughout
cal elementary “I enjoy it mostly because the day, and admisschools.
sion is free.
I get to see the
The
ChilJunior
John
children’s overreactions Bond, a member
dren’s Theater
is directed by
to everything on stage,” of the Children’s
Ms.
Patricia
Theater, loves besaid Bond.
Grawey-Beeler,
ing able to provide
guidance, along
entertainment for
with student directors, seniors Amy Stro- the schools.
hman, and Mitch Pursell. The main pur“I enjoy it mostly because I get to see
pose of the group is to entertain children the children’s overreactions to everything
around the area and to lift their spirits, as on stage,” said Bond.
well as to show the benefits of acting. They
For more information about the Chilpractice every day during the school week dren’s Theater contact Ms. Grawey-Beeler
except for Fridays for an hour and a half.
in the counselor’s offices at the Central
This year the group will be performing campus.
by
Sydney Trepel / A&E Editor
by
Designed by D.J. Valera
Zach Nabor / Copy Editor
Spring will mark the start of the first
season of the Minooka Angler’s Club
(MAC). For those who don’t know what
that means, MAC is the school’s competitive fishing team. MAC is coached by
guidance counselor Stanley Tischer.
It is obviously not fishing season, but
the team holds practice to review fishing
instruction. They also go to seminars
and have guest speakers. Once the
weather becomes adequate, the
team will start practicing
fishing at the pond at the
school and at severa l
lakes.
Although
t h i s
will be the
first year of
M A C ’s
existence, they
a r e
already
moderately
large. “It is exciting to
finally
have MAC become a real
club,” said Tischer. With nearly 50 members, MAC has now become a school-
i
o
o
n
M
ka
l
g
n
A
s
’
er
5
is a large
sanctioned club. Since this
club, it will cost some
money
to exist. To solve
t h i s
problem MAC
is going
to organize
fundraisers.
MAC
meets
every
first
Wednesday of the
month, which started
in Oct. 2008. At the meetings they discuss important
matters, and learn about how
to fish and how to execute certain
techniques that will further the skill of
the team.
MAC is a competitive sport, meaning
MAC will be competing against other
schools. Fishing meets will begin in spring
when the weather is warmer. There are
many schools in our area that are part of
the IHSA fishing league, which holds sectional and state competitions. Tischer said,
“I really hope we can do well during our
first season.”
If anybody is interested in being in
MAC, loves to fish, or would like to help
n
o
s
b
u
Cl
s
St
t
r
a
a
e
S
Family Guy Theme
to be played by
the pep band
by
D.J. Valera / School News Editor
It seems today, that all you hear at the
basketball games are “YMCA” and “Motown Magic.” Lucky there’s Family Guy
music coming to the basketball games.
During
the last
weeks of last semester,
social studies teacher
Mr. Matt Marino raised
$50 to buy the rights for
the Family Guy theme
music to be played at
basketball games. So
what exactly brought up
this idea?
“I actually thought
about it at a basketball game and thought it’d be fun. I saw
YouTube videos on it,” said Marino. “I
think it will increase school spirit at the
games.”
The idea was brought to band director Rick Anderson with the help of pep
band students Amy Strohman and Connor Sewing. After hearing about the fifty
dollar cost for rights, Marino started a
donation cup.
“All my students gave their pocket
change, saw quite a few dollar bills,” said
Marino.
Marino and many
students are excited
about hearing Family Guy and other
TV show music by
the pep band at the
games.
Marino said “it’s
great, the music also
includes music for
The Simpsons, King
of the Hill, and American Dad.”
Go show your support for the MCHS
basketball teams and get ready to hear
and sing along to some of your favorite
TV show music.
“I think it will
i n c r e a s e
school spirit
at the games,”
said Marino.
Mr. Matt Marino (left) presents Mr. Rick Anderson with a fake $50 check for the
rights to the Family Guy music. The hope is that the music will be played by the pep
band at school basketball games.
6 Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Peace Pipe Chatter, January 28, 2009
Features
Sarah Silverman /
Features Ediotor
Speaking for all of the females
out there, I think we all know what
it’s like to need a night with the
girls. A break from guys can be just
the fix for high school relationship
by
stress. And whether you’re a freshman in high school, or married with
kids, a woman can always use a
night with her girls.
For guys, this article may serve
as an insight into the secret life of
girls. For females, it may be a way
to see what other girls are doing
during their nights in. Keep in mind
the specific activities depend on the
reason for having the girls’ night.
Don’t take this article to be an
anti-male article. It is rather an informative article for the nights all
Designed by Sarah Silverman
girls need. While guys are important
and we all know that we couldn’t
live without them, try not to forget
the importance of girl friends. Your
friends will always be the ones who
have your back, so make sure you
don’t forget how special they are.
Reason #1. Guys have made you hate them for
the time being. This one is based on anger.
Reason #2. You’re dealing with a recent
break-up. This one is based on sadness.
Get your best girls together, the ones you feel comfortable
showing your true feelings around. Rent girly movies that focus
not so much on romance but more on the importance of friends.
Every movie has a hint of romance, but there are a few that focus
on it less. The new release, The Women, touches on love but it
revolves around the importance of your girl friends. This is a great
one to watch if sappy is going to be painful. Eat ice cream, chocolate, chips, and anything else you may not usually gorge on. Treat
yourself and don’t feel bad about it. Talk to your friends about
how you are feeling. They are there for you and they want you to
open up. Crying can always make you feel better. Let it out.
Get a few girls together and decide that you’re done with your phones for
the night. You’re not going to ruin another night fighting with a guy. Then rent
a movie that may help you with your rage. For example, John Tucker Must
Die is a great movie to sympathize with your hate. When the movie is over
or before you start it, talk to your friends about why you are so angry at
males. Vent with your friends and tell them your stories. You should all have
plenty to share. Then end the night by doing whatever you and your friends
do to blow off steam. Whether its blasting music and singing, complaining
about everything, or just screaming into pillows, do it. It will help you feel
more relieved and anger free.
Reason #3. You just need a night with the
girls. This one focuses on needing time to catch
up with your girls.
If your life seems to be revolving around going out or always hanging out
with the opposite sex, sometimes it can be good to just catch up with the
girls. Even if they are there when you are hanging out with the guys, there
are plenty of things that you can’t talk about when there are boys around.
Sometimes you can use a night off of getting ready and trying to impress
people. Treat yourself to it. Put on your favorite pair of sweats, throw
your hair up after your shower, and don’t worry about makeup. It’s just
the girls, and I guarantee they won’t care. Spend time catching up with your
girls, make popcorn, and fall asleep watching a movie. These are best done on
a Friday night. You’ll be worn out from the school week anyways and then
you can go out on Saturday night, so you won’t miss out on boys for the
whole weekend.
Peace Pipe Chatter, January 28, 2009
Features
Unusual Holidays
Senior Trish Chudy celebrates National Popcorn Day on January 19. Photo taken by News/
Features photgrapher Megan McEvilly.
Designed by Angela Mateo &
Sam Kelley
by Megan McEvilly /
Features/News Photographer
Is there something special you’re looking to celebrate, but not sure if there is a
holiday for it? Well, chances are there is.
New and exceedingly unusual holidays are
being added onto the calendar continually.
According to www.gone-ta-pott.com/
weird_holidays.html, January 16 is National Nothing Day. It’s a day for literally
doing what it says: nothing.
Have you made any resolutions? Too
hard to keep up with them? Well, then
January 17 is the perfect day for you.
Broken Resolution Day is a day to forget
about all those silly resolutions you made
for the year.
January 19, National Popcorn Day, is
a great day for popcorn lovers out there.
Take a day to relax and snack on popcorn.
National Snowman Burning Day is
March 20. As weird as it sounds, this interesting holiday is a way of celebrating the
Recession Resolutions:
What are students aiming to do this year?
by
Kristi Lawrence / Cover Design
New Year’s Resolutions are probably
one of the hardest goals to accomplish for
many Americans. New Year’s is a time
to reflect back on the previous year, and
decide what needs to change in the future.
Resolutions can range from spending more
time with people you love, to getting out of
debt. About.com made a list of top 10 New
Years Resolutions. This article combines
that list, along with input from students at
MCHS.
Spending more time with friends and
family was the number one New Year’s
Resolution. More than 50 percent of
Americans fell into this category on trying
to spend time with the people they love
most.
Spot number two is held by the resolution of studies show that exercise decreases
the risks of some cancers, mood swings,
low blood pressure, improves arthritis, so
many people have engaged in this resolution not only to stay healthy, but fit as well.
The commitment to shed the extra,
unwanted pounds falls number three on the
count-down, this is followed by the decisions to quit smoking and drinking falling,
at number four and six. Over-the-counter
nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking, and many weight loss programs are
more alert at the beginning of the year due
to the demand of determination.
Some people thought of more simple
resolutions like just enjoying life more,
which fell in between drinking and smoking in the top 10 New Year’s Resolutions,
like finding a hobby to keep them occupied.
Learning something new falls into this category as well. For example, learning how
to play guitar or a new language, perhaps
maybe a career change; this resolution
holds spot number eight. Last but not least
in the 10 most popular New Year’s Resolutions that were promised this past holiday,
was helping others or simply just getting
organized.
The resolutions from students at MCHS
were far more simple than those of everyday Americans.
“I just want to read more,” said Mrs.
Susan Blackwell, parapro.
“I need to quit going to bed so late, and
get more sleep,” said senior Nick Lanzisero.
It seems like many people, including
students from MCHS, are all about getting
a job. This is due mostly to the recession in
our economy.
“I’m just concentrating on getting a
job,” said junior Brandon Kranz.
Junior Brandon Wozniak agreed, “I
definitely need a job.”
Whether resolutions are kept or not,
they were designed to motivate people to
change their old, unwanted ways life, into
new, better lives in order to become happier
people.
7
change of season as winter ends and spring
finally begins.
“I’ve never even heard of anything like
that! That just sounds weird,” commented
senior Megan Bersano.
February 7 is National Wave All Your
Fingers at Your Neighbor Day. So be kind,
and say hello to your neighbor.
Everything You Do Is Right Day occurs
on March 16. Do what you want, and get
away with it on this day.
Do you dislike your name? Well according to gone-ta-pott.com, March 27 is
National “Joe” Day. Everyone who hates
his or her name is called “Joe” throughout
the day.
Students are sure to appreciate No
Homework Day, on May 6. A day for no
homework and to finally get a break from
school!
“I’ve never heard of these but No
Homework Day would be pretty sweet,”
stated senior Brittany O’Brien.
Ever have those awkward moments?
Well now you can officially celebrate Awkward Moments Day on March 18.
As you can see, there are holidays made
for everything and anything. If you want to
find more holidays that you could relate to,
go to www.gone-ta-pott.com/weird_holidays.html.
This year getting a job is a popular resolution
for students. It’s easy to apply online at most
local stores. Photo taken by News/ Features
photgrapher Megan McEvilly.
8
Peace Pipe Chatter, Janurary 28, 2009
South
by
Fresh
Point
of
View
----- High school through the eyes of freshmen
Soozie Bahret/
South Editor
>
Everyone has been in their shoes--that
very first day of high school in a unfamiliar
building with a lot of unfamiliar faces. They
are not always sure what to expect, not sure
what the next year will turn out like, a little
nervous but trying to keep it together, just
waiting to be shoved in a locker or pushed in
to a wall, expecting the chants at any second
to go off about how inferior they are. They
are the freshmen and through their eyes,
high school is a whole new world.
The PPC sat down with six freshmen at
South Campus to see how they felt after one
semester of high school.
Kelly McHale is brown-haired girl who
enjoys relaxing and hates the stress school
sometimes brings.
Kiley Saunders is an athletic blonde,
ready for anything, including the hallways
of high school.
Meghan Tomasik also happens to be an
athletic blonde, except a broken leg hurt her
high school sports during the fall season.
She struggles to get good grades with her
high school classes and finds it a lot of it
“pointless.”
Amber Peacock is a tall brunette filled
with spunk. She wishes she could do sports
but medical problems prevent that. For her,
friends make going to school worth it.
Alannah Morgan has dark curly hair. She
gets used to things quickly so high school
was no problem. She does not play sports
but enjoys other activities provided at the
school.
Kevin Desbah is outgoing, brown-haired,
and tall. He finds school easy and loves
meting new people. He enjoys participating
in all the school activities including drama
club.
Every year is a new transition, but from
junior high to high school is always the
biggest. The freshmen walk in a little
lost, not knowing what was going to
happen.
Kelly: I had no idea how the big the school
was going to be.
Kiley: I did not know anything about the
block schedule.
Amber: I did not expect the A/B schedule to
be so much easier.
Alannah:
I did not
know that
the lunches
would be
so short.
There
is
four
of
them instead
on
one.
Meghan: It was horrible. Eighth grade was
so much different, especially when it came
to schoolwork. I could do my homework
and study and I would pass. Here I can
study and do my homework but it will still
be tough.
Amber: I thought it was easy. It went by
fast, and it
seemed like
everyone
just kind of
flew right
through it.
I was not
really surprised by
anything
since older
friends
p r e t t y
much told
me what it
would be
like.
Kevin: It is
not as hard
as I thought
it
would
be.
All
the teachAlannah:
ers back in
H o n e s t l y,
Six freshmen shared their point of views of their first
junior high
a
djusting
semester at MCHS. They include (top row) Kevin Desbah,
went
onwas
hard.
Amber Peacock, Alannah Morgan, and Kiley Saunders;
about how
But
once
and (bottom row) Kelly Mchale and Meghan Tomasik.
we would
you were
be pushed
used to it
more and it would be difficult. So I went in all, things went by faster.
expecting it to be impossible, but it turned
out fine.
Kevin: It was easy. I was prepared for the
schedule but the only thing that caught me
Was that transition easy? There had to off guard were all those stairs. I wasn’t exbe some things that caught these new- pecting it to be such a pain to get up and
bies off guard.
down the three floors.
I
T
Kelly: The transition was pretty easy. I
didn’t find anything to be that much different.
Kiley: It was smooth. It wasn’t as scary as
I thought it would be but that is probably
because there are no juniors and seniors.
There is so much change within high
school. Most people can agree with the
freshman about the ups and downs of
the experience.
Kelly: The best part of high school is the
A/B schedule but the worst is the people.
Designed by Soozie Bahret
There are so many and you barely know any
of them.
Kiley: The best would be the A/B schedule.
I like it a lot, but finals are so stressful. It is
the worst part of high school trying to cram
everything you’ve leaned during a whole semester for one test.
Meghan: The best part is all the people.
Most everyone is pretty nice, and there is
just a lot more then junior high. The worst
part has got to be how long the classes are.
They just drag on.
Amber: The best part of high school is the
people. I get to see all my friends from different schools.
Alannah: I like that we get to pick some of
our own classes with the electives. It’s nice
to get a choice. The bad part of high school
is the pointless drama that gets started for
no reason.
Kevin: I love al the extracurricular activities like band and drama club. There are so
many fun clubs and sports to be in that I’m
always busy. The downside is all the homework. I don’t always have time and there’s
so much more than in junior high.
From that first week of trying to race to
classes and getting used to the hustle
and bustle of high school to today, the
opinions of most freshmen probably
changed quite a bit.
Kiley: I started off more quiet and unsure
but as time went on I became a lot more
comfortable with the school and myself.
Meghan: Since the beginning of the year I
think I actually dislike high school more.
Everything about it just keeps getting harder
and harder.
“Freshman Year”
Continued on Page 2.
Peace Pipe Chatter, January 28, 2009
A&E
9
~~~~
Designed by Carissa Weyer
~~~~The 21st True Story Premieres
D.J. Valera/
School News Editor
The new season of a true story of
strangers premiered on Wednesday, Jan. 7,
where eight, not seven, moved into a loft in
New York City.
The Real World is a reality series on
the television network MTV and has been
running since 1992. The show documents
a group of people across the United States
who are brought to live in a selected city
for a period of time. Mary-Ellis Bunim and
Jonathan Murray developed the concept of
the show after they decided not to create a
scripted drama of young people who moved
to the city.
The Real World: Brooklyn is the 21st
installment of the series. This is its third
time returning to New York having gone to
New York in its first and tenth installments.
However, both previous seasons were filmed
in the New York City borough Manhattan.
As every fan of the show noticed,
there was a major difference to the show
when it premiered on Jan. 7. There were
New idol judge
Jacqueline Kaluzny/
eight roommates instead of seven. The
eight roommates this season range from a
self-described “punk rock Mormon” to a
transgender.
“I think that they picked a diverse cast,”
said junior Kelly Mitchell.
Who are these eight roommates? Below
is a list and a little description of each
roommate this season, all information was
provided by realworld.mtv.com.
Baya / 21
Baya is an aspiring hip hop dancer from
Salt Lake City, Utah. Despite her friendly
personality, Baya thought of herself an
outcast growing up in a predominantly
Mormon environment. She suffers from
sever panic attacks but doesn’t plan to have
that get in her way.
Chet / 23
A strict Mormon, Chet also comes from
Salt Lake City, Utah. Chet is a prankster
and a self-described punk rock Mormon
who want to show people that Mormons
are fun. A die-hard Republican, Chet is very
conservative and stands up for his beliefs.
Devyn / 20
Features Editor
Could the dynamic trio be coming to an
end?
American Idol is mixing up their game
this year. Instead of the usual three judges,
they’re adding Kara DioGaurdi to the
group.
“I don’t get it,” said junior Anna
Dauzvardis. “Why do they need another
judge?”
American Idol’s producers made the
decision of adding a new judge to add a
little more “girl power” to the show. As
we all know, Paula is the judge known to
be somewhat of a pushover. By adding
another female to the judging panel, Paula
will finally have a little more back up to her
decisions.
“Who is this lady?” asked junior Tyler
Rentfrow. “Does she even know anything
about music?”
Kara DioGaurdi is a Grammy nominated
songwriter producer whose songs have
appeared on more than 100 million albums.
DioGaurdi has worked with tons of awardwinning artists such as Kelly Clarkson,
Pink, Christina Aguilera, and The Jonas
Brothers. In 2007 she won the SOCAN
(Society of Composers, Authors, and Music
Publishers of Canada) award and 10 BMI
(Broadcast Music Inc.) awards for having
co-written most of the most performed
songs on the radio.
Though the judging will be different
this season, it is still expected to be a great
show.
“I think she’ll be a good addition,” said
junior Garrett May. “She brings her own
unique taste to the show.”
American Idol’s two-night, four-hour
season premiered on Jan. 13th and 14th on
Fox. You can continue watching the Fox
hit every Tuesday and Wednesday night at
7 p.m.
Miss American Teen in 2005, Devyn is
not the one to stay away from the spotlight.
She is a talented singer, actress, dancer, and
writer and hopes to work in the entertainment
industry. Currently she is a theatre and
music studies major at the University of
South Florida.
JD / 22
Dolphin trainer JD is an openly gay man
who, along with his other siblings, suffered
abuse by his father. JD went into foster care
after running away from his home at age
thirteen. JD graduated from the University
of Miami at 18 with a degree in marine
biology.
Katelynn / 24
Born male, Katelynn first began living
as a woman at the age of seventeen after
realizing there was something missing in
her life. Self-described computer geek, she
holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and
hopes to marry long-time boyfriend Mike.
Ryan / 23
Ryan enlisted in the army at the age of
17 and served a year in Iraq. An amateur
musician, music is a way for expressing his
many experiences in the army and in a 300-
page journal. Ryan is a class clown and also
is an amateur filmmaker.
Sarah / 22
An artist, Sarah suffered a harsh childhood
and wants to be an educator and advocate
for survivors of sexual abuse through
creative therapy. Sarah hopes to have her art
displayed in a gallery one day and is in her
first heterosexual relationship.
Scott / 23
Scott is a personal trainer who is very
interested in modeling and acting. Working
out since the age of 14, he has earned
himself the title “Best Abs on the East
Coast” and has appeared in Men’s Health
magazine. Scott is also the first in his family
to graduate from college.
“They’re all gonna be crazy and unique
in their own way,” said Matt Surges, junior.
“I can’t wait for it to happen.”
Want to find out what happens when
people stop being polite and start getting
real? Then be sure to check out The Real
World: Brooklyn on Wednesdays at 9 p.m.
on MTV. Also be sure to check out online
content at realworld.mtv.com.
The Secret Life of an American Teenager
Angela Mateo/
Editor-In-Chief
Teen pregnancy. Being pregnant is not
an easy process to go through, being pregnant at fifteen is even harder. The Secret
Life of the American Teenager follows the
life of Amy Juergens (Shailene Woodly), a
sophomore band geek who discovers she is
pregnant. The second season premiered Jan.
5 with a very under-aged wedding between
Amy and Ben Boykewich (Ken Baumann).
Amy’s pregnancy is a result of a mistake
made at band camp with percussionist and
upperclassmen Ricky Underwood (Daren
Kagasoff). Although Ricky is the father of
the child Amy is carrying, Ben is whom her
heart belongs to. Ricky is a womanizing
teen with some serious daddy issues and is
a character viewers love to hate. Ben, on the
other hand, is as sweet and naive as Amy.
Their teenage romance is exactly that. Amy
and Ben are illegally married at the beginning of this season, but with Ricky wanting
to be involved in the child’s life we’ll see
how long their marriage lasts.
Senior Katelyn Smith said, “The show
is fabulous. It’s very cheesy, but like I care.
It’s a good show.”
Parents Anne Juergens (Molly Ringwald)
and George Juergens (Mark Derwin) are in
the midst of divorcing and are surprisingly
more concerned with their divorce than the
fact that their daughter is having a child.
Adrian Lee (Francia Raisa) is a fun character to watch because she uses the combination of her sexuality and intelligence to get
her way. There is always an ulterior motive
when it comes to any of her actions, whether
it be taking Amy to the local abortion clinic or befriending Grace Bowman (Megan
Park), the stereotypical good-girl cheerleader and Jesus fanatic.
Jeremy Lakoskey, senior, said, “I’ve
been watching the show since the first season. Adrian and Grace are enough reason to
watch the show. I wonder if Amy is going
“Secret Life” Continued on page 13
10
Peace Pipe Chatter, January 28, 2009
A&E
Designed by Iman Bradley
iTune$ changing tone in price$
by Ryan Miller /
Chatter Room Editor
Within the past five years or so, Apple
Inc. has been prospering immensely. Just
about everyone is familiar with their most
famous product, the iPod. As every music
listener knows, iTunes is the place to get
one’s music, with the prices of each song at
a constant 99 cents. But consistency has to
come to an end eventually.
Apple revealed recently that the prices
of their songs will be varying in price.
Beginning in April, based on what the music
levels charge Apple, songs on iTunes will
be available at one of three price points: 69
cents, 99 cents, and $1.29, with most albums
still priced at $9.99. Record companies will
more than likely choose the prices their
songs sell at since Apple previously made
all songs sell for 99 cents.
Along with the price change, Apple is
updating with a new system called iTunes
plus, Apple’s DRM-free format with higherquality 256 kbps AAC encoding for audio
quality virtually indistinguishable from the
original recordings.
iTunes customers can also choose to
download their favorite songs from the
world’s largest music catalog directly onto
their iPhone 3G network just as they do
with Wi-Fi today, for the same price as
downloading to their computer.
The transition will be difficult to get used
to, but the company says that songs that are
priced at $1.29 will be eventually lowered
as the popularity of the song wears down,
meaning that older songs will be cheaper
than what they are currently.
Itunes music is widely used throughout the country, and prices are going up.
Photo taken by News/Features Photographer Megan McEvilly.
John Travolta’s son dies
by
Carissa Weyer /
Copy Editor
On late Friday morning, Jan. 2, the
Travolta family found their 16-year-old
son Jett lying on the bathroom floor in
their Freeport home in the Bahamas.
Jett had been sick ever since the age
of two when he was diagnosed with
Kawasaki Syndrome, which is an illness
that leads to inflamed blood vessels.
However, his health was improved
significantly by a detoxification program
based on teachings from the Church of
Scientology.
Jett had not been seen since Thursday
when he was being supervised by
caretaker Jeff Kathrain. The Travolta
attourney Michael McDermott said that
left the wrong impression that Jett was
unsupervised, but he was
with both caretakers
all night and the
teen was not in
the bathroom
for very long
the next
morning
when
Kathrain
found him
lying on the
floor unconscious.
John Travolta
tried performing CPR
to revive his son, which didn’t
work, and Jett was handed over to a
medical technician. USmagazine.com
said that if he wouldn’t have let medical
technicians take over, his son would have
died in his arms.
In the Bahamas after Jett
was reported dead, doctors
preformed an autopsy
and results were not
released; however,
they did say his
death certificate
said that seizures
were the cause of
death, because Jett
had a history of them,
but his body was in great
condition.
The Travolta family returned
home with his ashes to their
home in Florida on Monday Dec. 5,
“Heartbroken that
their time with
him was so brief”
- The Travolta
family
and according to Comcast.net, were
“heartbroken that their time with him was
so brief.”
Peace Pipe Chatter, January 28 , 2009
A&E
11
Designed by Sydney Trepel
“Magical Thinking” entrances readers
Lauren Keers /
Editor In Chief
by
What happens when you give a pen
to a former advertising whiz whom was
raised in a dysfunctional household by
his mother’s psychiatrist, and records
everything that happens to him in weird,
frantic, and hilarious ways? You get the
intense, straight to the point, and often
disturbing work of Augusten Burroughs.
Although Burroughs achieved
moderate success with his debut
novel, Sellevision, it was his 2002
memoir, Running with Scissors, which
catapulted him into the literary fame.
When Burroughs released Running with
Scissors, his memoir
about growing up
in the mother of
all dysfunctional
families, readers
didn’t know whether
to drop their jaws
in horror or hold
their stomachs from
laughing. Whatever
reactions he gets
from readers,
Burroughs’ gift
for dishing on all
things stranger than
fiction has made
him a bestselling
author. His success
only continued with
his second memoir,
Dry, when he reveals
more about his
dysfunctional life and
his treatments with
his substance abuse
history.
From the #1
bestselling author of
Running with Scissors
and Dry - true stories
that give voice to the
thoughts we all have
but dare not mention
- now comes Magical Thinking, the third
confessional, and autobiographical work
of nonfiction by Burroughs.
It begins with a Tang Instant Breakfast
Drink television commercial when
Augusten was seven. Then there is
the contest of wills with the deranged
cleaning lady. The execution of a rodent
carried out with military precision and
utter horror. Telemarketing revenge.
Dating an undertaker and much more. A
collection of true stories that is universal
in their appeal yet unabashedly intimate
and very funny. With Magical Thinking,
Augusten Burroughs goes where other
memoirists fear to tread.
Decades in the making:
Alice in Wonderland gets a
makeover
by Allison Papp /
Interactive Editor
Director Tim Burton’s latest film making
endeavor will be a remake of the Disney
classic Alice in Wonderland. However,
it will differ greatly from the animated
1951 movie. Burton’s adaptation will be
more based on the books and short poems
by Lewis Carroll: Alice in Wonderland,
Through the Looking Glass, “Jabberwocky”
and “The Hunting of the Snark”.
“I think it’s cool that they are doing the
movie based on the books and not more on
the old Disney Alice in Wonderland,” said
senior Katie Rings.
Also, the film will be shot in a
combination of live action, animation,
and stop motion. The effects will be like
something cinema has never seen before.
There are mixed emotions from MCHS
students about this classic being redone by
the notoriously dark director.
“Tim Burton scares me,” said senior
Malissa Alonzo.
Senior Nick Rench thinks the idea is
“Stupid. Horrible. Dumb.”
“I want to see it!!” said senior Monica
Estrada.
The star studded cast will include
Australian newcomer Mia Wasikowska as
Alice, Michael Sheen as the Cheshire Cat,
Burton’s wife Helena Bonham Carter as
the evil Red Queen, Anne Hathaway as the
White Queen, Alan Rickman (better known
as Professor Snape in the Harry Potter
films) as the Caterpillar, Crispin Glover as
the Knave of Hearts, and Johnny Depp, in
what could be his best role yet, as the Mad
Hatter.
The release date for this film has been
set for May of 2010.
12
Peace Pipe Chatter, January 28, 2009
Jump
Designed by Allison Papp
match the lyrics to the artist and songs!
1.) “I wish you would step back
From that ledge my friend
You could cut ties with all the lies
That you’ve been living in”
2.) “Something’s got me reeling
Stopped me from believing
Turn me around again”
3.)“Is this the real life
Is this just fantasy
Caught in a landslide
No escape from reality”
A.) Single Ladies- Beyonce
B.) Bohemian Rhapsody- Queen
C.) Flake- Jack Johnson
D.) I’m Yours- Jason Mraz
E.) Crash Into Me- Dave Matthews Band
F.) I Am The Walrus- The Beatles
G.) Every Morning- Sugar Ray
H.) Love Story- Taylor Swift
4.)“I am he as you are he
As you are me
And we are all together”
I.) Jumper- Third Eye Blind
5.)“It seems to me that maybe
It pretty much always means no
So don’t tell me you might just let it go”
J.) Womanizer- Britney Spears
K.) Gives You Hell- The All-American
Rejects
6.)“It’s crazy I’m thinking
Just knowing that the world is round
Here I’m dancing on the ground”
7.)“I tried to be chill but you’re so hot that I melted
I fell right through the cracks, now I’m trying to get back”
8.)“Romeo save me, they try to tell me how to feel
This love is difficult, but it’s real”
9.)“Maybe if we both lived in a different world
It would be all good, and maybe I could be your girl”
10.)“And truth be told I miss you
And truth be told I’m lying”
11.) “Cause you had your turn, and now your gonna learn, what
It really feels like to miss me”
Answers:
sudoku
1.) I 2.) G 3.) B 4.) F 5.) C 6.)E 7.) D 8.) H 9.) J 10.) K 11.) A
Peace Pipe Chatter, January 28, 2009
Jump
“Obama”
continued from page 4
Tom Dashle is now the Secretary
of Health and Human Services. He
graduated from South Dakota State
University in 1969. Daschle was
elected to the U.S House of Representatives in 1978. According to politicalbase, he has published articles in
numerous newspapers and periodicals
and is the author of the books like No
Other time and Critical: What We Can
do About the Health-Care Crisis.
Shaun Donovan was named Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Donovan was appointed
Commissioner of the New York City
Department of Housing Preservation
and Development (HPD) in March
2004. Until March of 2001, he was
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Multifamily Housing at HUD. Donovan also
“Tanaka”
continued from
page 15
He has done a very good job as a first
year coach in a tough conference.”
“Give all you got, all the time,” is the
favorite quote of Tanaka. It is one that he
is trying to instill in his players each and
every day. Tanaka feels that if you have
seven or eight players doing just that, you
will reach the ultimate goal.
The ultimate goal for Tanaka is winning
a state championship, which would be the
first in MCHS history.
“That would just be incredible to be
able to win the first state title here and
that’s my goal,” said Tanaka.
Tanaka says that he will have a better
researched and wrote about housing
policy at the Joint Center for Housing
Studies at Harvard University.
Ray LaHood is the Secretary of
the Transportation. He has been a
member of the U.S House of Representatives from Illinois since 1995. He
was a high school teacher, director of
the Rock Island County Youth Services Bureau, and an aide to Representatives Tom Railsback and Robert Michel before entering politics. He also
has been a lead Capitol Hill supporter
for the Lincoln Presidential Library in
Springfield and is one of 15 members
on the ALBC.
Steven Chu was chosen as Secretary of Energy. Chu is a ChineseAmerican experimental physicist,
known for his research in laser cool-
idea of the program during this coming
summer. He feels that it takes a full year
to learn the system and adjust. So what
should the graduating class remember
when they leave?
“I hope they don’t have to remember
it and they can experience it with us
because they are the ones that are starting
this turnaround,” said Tanaka.
Tanaka knows he couldn’t do this by
himself. He has received a lot of help
from assistant coach Monti.
“Coach Monti has done just a great
job at helping me and without him this
wouldn’t be possible,” he said.
Tanaka says that he doesn’t know what
his future holds for him, whether he stays
at Minooka for long term or finds a new
home.
“Obviously I have moved around a lot
so whatever path God has chosen for me
will be the one I follow.
Wherever that path leads, Murphy
says, “I see nothing but success for him
as he moves forward in coaching.”
13
Designed by Angela Mateo
ing and trapping of atoms. In result,
Chu the Nobel Prize in Physics in
1997. This St. Louis native received
his bachelor’s degree in 1970 from
the University of Rochester, and his
doctorate degree from University of
California.
Obama chose Arne Ducan as
Secretary of Education. In 1998, he
joined the Chicago Public Schools.
Duncan went to Chicago to direct the
Ariel Education Initiative, which seeks
to give educational opportunities for
inner-city children on the City’s South
Side. In June 2001, Mayor Richard M.
Daley named Duncan Chief Executive
Officer of the Chicago Public Schools.
The Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs
is now Eric Shinseki. Eric Shinseki
graduated from West Point in 1965.
He has commanded troops from Vietnam to the Balkans. Shinseki career
has been marked by innovation, vision,
and fierce loyalty to the troops who
served under him.
“Secret Life” continued from page 9
to keep the baby or give it up for adoption.”
Amy’s spunky younger sister Ashley
Juergens (India Eisley) has romantic interest in Ben’s best friend Henry Miller (Allen Evangelista). And what would the show
be without Madison Cooperstein (Renee
Janet Napolito is now the Secretary of Homeland Security. As
Governor of Arizona, she’s fought for
quality schools, affordable healthcare,
sensible economic development, a
safe homeland, a secure border, and a
government that is run efficiently and
responsibly. She has a lot of experience in homeland security. As U.S.
Attorney for Arizona, Napolitano led
the Arizona portion of the domestic
terrorism investigation into the Oklahoma City bombing. As Governor, she
implemented the first state homeland
security strategy in the nation.
The president only has one more
spot to fill, which is Secretary of
Commerce. Obama formally picked
Governor Bill Richardson on Dec. 3,
2008, but on Jan. 4, 2009 he withdrew
due to an investigation into a company
that did business with his state. Go online or watch the news for more details
on President Obama’s cabinet.
Olstead) and Lauren Treacy (Camille Winbush) accidentally spreading Amy’s secrets
to the entire school?
The Secret Life always has something
outrageous going on, and unfortunately,
accurately portrays the reactions of teen
pregnancy to high school students. The
show can be watched every Monday night
on ABC Family at 8 p.m. At the conclusion of each episode, Woodly encourages
young adults to speak to their parents
about sex and discuss the long-term effects.
Please Recycle your
PPC!
14
Peace Pipe Chatter, January 28, 2009
Sports
Designed by Eric Klank
NBA Odds & Ends
A Recap of this NBA Mid-season this far, as well as predictions for the upcoming final half
by
Eric Klank / Sports Editor
Only halfway through the NBA season,
there has been a little bit of everything,
ranging from bizarre mascot stunts to breakout rookies and old veterans still being outstanding. This NBA season has been nothing but different, yet interesting.
The Denver Nuggets may have one of
the best players in the NBA, Carmelo Anthony, but they might also have one of the
best mascots in history, Rocky. He climbed
to the top of the Pepsi Center rooftop, and
refused to come down until Nuggets fans
voted 100,000 NBA All-Star ballets in an
effort to get Anthony into the All-Star game
this year. Unfortunately, Carmelo Anthony
has injured his hand and is not able to play
anyway.
Halfway through this NBA season there
has been no surprise about the top three PPG
players. These three are Dwayne Wade with
29.0 PPG, LeBron James with 27.7 PPG,
and Kobe Bryant with 27.0 PPG. The rookie
leader is O.J. Mayo with 19.7 PPG thus far.
Although the Chicago Bulls aren’t doing
so great with a 16-21 record this season, they
do have potential for the upcoming years.
They have an outstanding rookie, Derrick
Rose, who this year has a 16.8 PPG average, and is second behind Mayo, and he also
has a 79.5 free throw percentage. Another
star for the Bulls once again this year is Ben
Gordon with 21.0 PPG this year. These two
alone make up almost half of the Chicago
Bulls points a game.
This years best team, record wise, are
the LA Lakers with a 30-6 record. Led by
Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, the LA Lakers are once again going to become a major
contender in the playoffs again this year.
But as far as the NBA championship goes,
I don’t believe that the Lakers will take it.
I believe that the seven game championship
series will come down to the Boston Celtics and the San Antonio Spurs. The Celtics
have both Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett,
both outstanding players that work very
well together. The Spurs also have Tim
Duncan and Tony Parker, two very unstoppable players once they get going. Also the
Spurs are a consistent team only losing two
games so far this year to teams under .500.
But when it comes down to who will win the
championship, the Celtics will have a repeat
this year, they have a solid all around team,
and as long as they stay healthy they should
have no problem taking the NBA championship again this year.
So far throughout the NBA season there
has been a lot of different occurrences this
year, and had no shortage of standout stars
this year. The second half of the NBA season is sure to be no different.
Two coaches enter Halls of Fame
by Ryan Kelley / Opinion Editor
inductee to the IWCOA. Bernie Ruettiger
On Jan. 8, Coach Bernie Ruettiger was has been coaching at Minooka for 10 years,
honored
at
but all in all,
Minooka
has coached
Community
22
years.
High School
He
started
during
a
coaching
triangular
because
he
meet
for
wanted kids
making it into
to experience
the IWCOA
what he did
(Illinois
when
he
Wrestling
was
their
Coaches and
age.
Before
Officials
Minooka,
Association)
he
coached
Hall of Fame.
at
Bradley“ I ’ m Ruetigger will be inducted on April 18. Picture by Sarah
Bourbonnais
Silverman/Features Editor.
honored. It
and
Clifton
shows a lot
Central
and
of hard work
has coached
and glory, and what great coaching I had”, over 56 state individuals.
said Ruettiger. “I’m proud of what he has done here at
Minooka faced off against Neuqua Minooka. He has brought the program from
Valley, whose coach is Mick Ruettiger. He dead to one of the best in the state,” said
is Bernie Ruettiger’s brother and another Joeie Ruettiger, senior, and son of Bernie
Ruettiger. Attention is some that he does not to wrestle by watching his brothers, and
address much to towards his induction, but made it down to state three times in high
when he does, instead of honoring himself, school. Being inducted into the IWCOA is
he honors those who
something that he even
helped him get to where
saw coming, but if it
he is now. Some people
weren’t for his family,
that have helped him
he would not be where
along the way are Jeff
he is at now.
Charlebies, Jim Rankin,
Ms. Hillary Hyland
Keith and Dick Woldrd,
also made history. She
Dave Rushing, Jim and
is being inducted into
Mike Butterbach, and
the Wisconsin State
Paige Schoolman.
Track and Field Hall
He says that the best
of Fame. She was the
support is from his
first female to win
wife, Patty Ruettiger.
four events at a state
He thinks he is very
meet. Events that she
lucky to have had such
won were the high
great assistant coaches
jump, long jump, triple
and support through the
jump, and the 100 high
whole way.
hurdles.
“I wouldn’t have
She joins the hall
been able to do it
of fame along with her
without my family” Hyland will join the Hall of Fame in
sister and father.
February. Picture taken by Sarah
said Ruettiger.
Hyland
is
an
Ruettiger was inspired Silverman/Features Editor
assistant girls track and
Peace Pipe Chatter, January 28, 2009
Sports
15
Designed by Mike Noe
Meet the Coach: Scott Tanaka
by
Tommy Stokke / Sports Editor
After traveling from one side of the
United States to the other, Minooka varsity
boys basketball coach Scott Tanaka may
have found a home in the middle.
Tanaka, who attended high school and
college in the state of Hawaii along with
coaching in North Carolina, was named
head coach this season, replacing Coach
Jon Monti after four seasons at the helm.
Tanaka has come off of four years at
Neuqua Valley as the sophomore coach.
Inheriting a team that finished 4-22 last
season, there were many things that needed
to be addressed in order to reach his
expectations. However, it is a situation that
has gone relatively smooth.
“Picking up on a brand new offensive
and defensive system can be tough,” he
said. “But to credit them, they are picking
up on it very well.”
So far, the season has been an
improvement, but it is still not up to par with
Tanaka’s expectations. The team is currently
From there he came back to Illinois
6-7 overall and 2-3 in the conference.
“Some people might look at our record where he received his masters degree from
and be like ‘oh, they are having a good Illinois State University. After that he
started his coaching career as
season compared to
he traveled between Oswego,
last year’ however we
Mount Carmel, North Carolina,
have had opportunities
and Neuqua Valley before
to be better and
arriving at Minooka.
obviously you want to
So after having so much
be over .500.”
success in each sport, what made
Being new to an
him choose basketball?
area is nothing new for
“Basketball, in my opinion,
Tanaka. He was born
takes the most athleticism and
and raised in the Quad
you can have the most control of
Cities before moving
the game.”
to Hawaii where he
According to Tanaka, his
would graduate junior
biggest strength is his rapport
high, high school and
with his players, which he uses
from the University of
to get the most out
Hawaii. His athletic
of each individual.
career
included Coach Scott Tanaka coached at Neuqua
football, basketball Valley before replacing Coach Jon Monti However, Tanaka is
still adjusting to all of
and baseball. He was here at Minooka. PPC file photo.
the little things that
namedAll-Conference
goes along with being
in all three sports, the
a head coach. He is still getting used to the
only one from his high school to do so.
paper work and running a program, along
with his own team. He feels that after this
season is under his belt, he will have a better
understanding on how to do that.
So what were some of the first reactions
on Tanaka?
“He is very strict,” says junior standout
Jake Butler.
“He has us working a lot harder than we
were last year,” senior Tyler Cap said.
“He is willing to do what it takes to win,
he’s a lot more strict, and he is a very good
coach when it comes to X’s and O’s,” said
senior captain Matt Mullane.
Junior Cody Carter mentioned the plays
that Tanaka presents and how effective
they are. Freshman basketball coach Kevin
Murphy added, “He is a very hard-working,
dedicated coach.
He has brought a new attitude to
Minooka basketball based solely on his
quote ‘Give all you got, all the time’.
“Tanaka” continued on
page 13
Two of football’s greatest teams play on the greatest stage
Steelers Cardinals battle in Super Bowl XLIII
by
Mike Noe / Sports Editor
Once again it’s Super Bowl time in
America — a time in which for the past 43
years has brought excitement to football fans
around the world. This year is no different
as the AFC Champions Pittsburgh Steelers
take on the underdog NFC Champions
Arizona Cardinals at Raymond James
Stadium in Tampa, Fla.
Both these teams are looking to win
the ultimate prize in football, the Vince
Lombardi trophy. The game is scheduled on
February 1st with a 5:20 CT kickoff. Also
it will be broadcasted on NBC and will
be commentated by Al Michaels and John
Madden.
The Steelers are coming off a 12-4
regular season and are looking to win their
second Super Bowl in four years, while
the Cardinals took the NFC West Division
with a 9-7 record. The Cardinals also hold
the second-longest championship drought
in professional sports, second only to
the Cubs. Neither of these teams are too
familiar with each other as they have only
faced each other eight times in NFL history.
The Steelers hold the 5-3 advantage. If the
Steelers are able to capture the win, then
they will have sole possession of most Super
Bowls won by a franchise at six. They are
also the favored team by seven.
Both teams have their strong points when
facing each other. It will be the Steelers
No. 1 ranked defense against a great
Arizona offense. Also a good Cardinals
defense against a good Steelers offense
should be a fun match-up to watch. But
when going with the old saying “Defense
wins championships,” Pittsburgh has the
big advantage. They are ranked first in the
league for points, overall yards, and passing
yards allowed a game, and second for
rushing yards a game. If Arizona plans on
scoring on Pittsburgh’s defense, then they
must do it through the air. The Cardinals are
ranked last for rushing yards a game, only
averaging 73.6 yards.
So when looking at the two teams you
should expect a low scoring game. The
Steelers have an average offense with most
of it consisting of wide receiver Hines Ward
and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. In order
for Arizona to have a fighting chance in the
game, it is a must that they hold the Steelers
offense to little points. Despite how good
the Cardinals offense is, the Steelers know
that they are primarily a passing team and
will probably be rushing quarterback Kurt
Warner a lot, along with double covering
wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. This will
make it tough for Arizona to exercise their
No. 3 ranked offense for points scored
a game. A big key to the game will be if
running back Edgerrin James and running
back Tim Hightower will be able to keep up
this postseason hot streak, and run through
the Steeler-D. It will be interesting to see
how Kurt Warner and his offense holds
up against Troy Polamalu, safety, and his
defense.
This Super Bowl surely will be a great
battle and one to watch. It will probably
be a low scoring game that to this point
can go either way depending on numerous
factors. My prediction it that Arizona will
win 21-17, earning their first Super Bowl
championship in franchise history.
16
Peace Pipe Chatter, January 28, 2009
Sports
Designed by Mike Noe
room for improvement.
The strengths have been the
chemistry of the team and
the ability to learn. However,
we
are
inexperienced
therefore week in and week
out we have to keep learning
and getting better. We have
no room to fall off. If we
continue to improve it will
give us a chance to win
conference and make the
state tournament as long as
we keep going in the right
direction.”
Inside
Sports
Meet the
Coach: Scott
Tanaka
Page 15
Super Bowl
XLIII
hits America
Page 15
Girls Basketball
Record- 9-6
Key
Performers-
Stephanie Furr, So., Morgan
Novak, Jr., Jamie Selfridge,
Sr.,
Coach Ray Liberatore
says: “Stephanie Furr took
The Varsity Boys Basketball team gathers together during a game. A recent win for the Indians occured against Bradley-Bourbonnais High School in overtine. Courtesy of minookabasketball.com.
Winter Sports
Update:
NBA midseason update It’s been a sucessful winter for
Minooka sports. The Varsity Girls
Page 14
Hall of Fame
Coaches
Page 14
tough wins have gotten our
kids recognition and respect.
We have shown that when
healthy were pretty darn
good. The biggest key will
be to get everyone healthy.
We expect to win regionals,
qualify individuals for state,
qualify as a team for state, and
possibly win it all. Neuqua
Valley, Plainfield Central,
and West Aurora will be our
top competition.”
some people by surprise
the first time through the
conference. She will start
gaining more attention from
the other teams the rest of
the year, but she is good
enough to play very well.
It is a team game and other
girls have to pick it up. We
have been able to play up
to our tough opponents, but
sometimes play down to the
weaker ones. I’m pleased
where we are at and we will
need to take care of the ball
and rebound well down the
stretch. Our goal is to win
conference and it will be a
dogfight.”
Basketball team is back in first place
in their conference. Minooka wrestling won the Geneseo tournament.
Girls Bowling
Record- 3-3
Varsity Boys Basketball recently
Performers- Boys Bowling
defeated Bradley-Bourbonnais High Key
Ashley Dylik, So., Courtney
Johnstone, Fr., Danielle Record- 10-1
School in overtime.
Key Performers- Brad
Wrestling
Rangel, Sr., Joeie Ruettiger,
Sr., Ryan Warzynski, Sr.,
Cody Jones, Jr.
Musgrave,
Stout, Jr.
Fr.,
Stefanie
Greenup, Sr., Sam Biesack,
Sr., Chris Ruffino, Sr.
Coach
Frank
Coach
Derrick
Record- 15-1
Yudzentis says: “Right
Rapsky
says:
“It has
Bernie now we are where I hoped
Key Performers- Brian Coach
been
a
rollercoaster
this
Bokoski, Sr., Marcus
Ruettiger says: “The we would be, with plenty
year. You can love them
and hate them in the same
week. We haven’t all been
clicking at the same time. It
is disappointing because on
paper we are very good. This
is the most talented team that
will Minooka boys bowling
will ever have. We haven’t
reached our potential yet.
There is a good chance that
we could win our regional
while at the same time there
is a chance we could finish
eighth. This team is capable
of surpassing last year’s
team.
Boys Basketball
Record
Key Performers- Jake
Butler, Jr., Zach Colvin, So.,
Tyler Cap, Sr.
Coach Scott Tanaka
says: “We have been
progressing and getting
better as season has gone
along. We are coming to
a stretch of very difficult
opponents. This season may
look difficult in the public’s
eyes, but this team has done
very very good things. It is
important to eliminate the
bad and the frequency of it.
We are big inside with Zach
(Colvin) and we have eleven
dedicated kids who do what
is asked. Turnovers have
really killed us this year and
the way you correct that is
during games and building
a basketball IQ. A lot of
people would say this is an
accomplishment after last
year, however I’m obviously
disappointed. There are a
lot of games we could have
won and I want to win every
game. Our goal is to get
better every single day and
that the kids have fun.”