Social networking: a double edged sword By Natalie Salo ’12 and Sophia Conforti ’12 Staff Writers First it was Club Penguin. MySpace followed shortly after. Now in the limelight of social networking are sites like Facebook and Twitter. Everyone who has ever had an account with one of these powerhouse internet sites knows that they can be addicting and most definitely distracting from homework or other obligations. While the business of social networking is currently booming, the various sites bear a plethora of different options that can both help and hurt their users. First and foremost, social networking sites thrive on the fact that people can interact with almost anyone. In modern times, people who do not have an account on sites like Facebook or Twitter are the minority. In 2010, a national poll revealed that nine out of ten people said they had an account on at least one social networking site. That being said, social networking has made it easier to connect and stay in touch with current and old friends. Many social networking sites obtain their popularity from some of the other entertaining features they offer. Depending on the site, one can upload pictures and play games like Facebook’s ever popular FarmVille. For some, the different opportunities that internet sites like Facebook offer can easily beat out other
priorities. Also, having the ability to know what people are up to, or where they are going in a matter of seconds creates popularity among social networking sites like Facebook a n d Tw i t t e r. U s e r s can “like” different music groups or celebrities and can be instantly
updated on what’s going on in their lives. It gives users the opportunity to know everything that’s going on in people’s lives. When asked about Facebook, Claire Riley, junior, said, “I love mine. But if you abuse it, there is definitely a negative influence on everyone involved. You get to stay connected with family and friends. And it’s a good way to express yourself through photos and posts you put up.”
While some may find social networking to be harmless and just another form of entertainment, not everything about social networking sites has a positive
connotation. Even though every user has control over their personal security settings, once something is out on the internet, it is out there forever. Since almost anyone can look at what people post, it’s advised to always be cautious about what is put out on the internet. Especially with employers and colleges
more frequently checking Facebook profiles to get an overview of someone, the appropriateness as well as content of everything posted should always be taken into consideration. What they see, be it pictures or posts, can ultimately be factored in the final decision of whether they should be hired or accepted into that college.
Unfortunately, social networking also provides opportunity for identity theft. With some users giving out unnecessary personal details, more and more often private information is leaked out into the real world, making it available anyone. Many people tend to forget that the internet is packed with predators, and fail to realize the real danger they can put themselves into. Most sites come with
security settings that can be altered, and should be changed to suit every user’s personal preference in order to protect themselves from any problems dealing with identity theft. Ms. Walters, Social Worker, also stated, “Facebook creates a lack of communication between people. When there’s a problem, there is no faceto-face confrontation or interaction.” This lack of communication can very easily lead to cyber bullying. “Facebook creates just another avenue for bullying and putting people down, as if there is not enough of that going on already,” said Walters. Hiding behind a computer screen, the lack of faceto-face contact can make it easier to gang up on someone because bullies don’t have to deal with their reaction immediately. Whether it’s Facebook or Twitter, social networking sites are taking the forefront in amusement and obtaining information. Despite their alluring appeal, social networking can be attributed to various problems that can harm users. To combat these consequences, users should set security settings and only give out information that they’re comfortable with. That way, the online social scene can be not only entertaining, but safe as well. Happy posting! Photo courtesy of newgeography.gov.
Spring Break Pages 5 & 6
What’s Inside... Teen Authors Page 2
Page 12
The Glen Bard
Entertainment March 2011 - Page 2
Dream, write, inspire By Lauren Estes ‘13 process of becoming a movie. Staff Writer Recently, her novel Delirium was published in February Best-selling author Lauren of 2010. Delirium depicts a Oliver recently visited surreal world where love is Glenbard West and graciously seen as a disease and promises offered me an interview. Her to be an intriguing read. true rags-to-riches story about Not only is Lauren Oliver a being a small town girl to a highly successful young adult big-time New York author novelist, but she is an incredibly is rousing and awe-inspiring sincere and down-to-earth to teen authors dreaming person positively brimming of the day their own stories with thoughtful advice for me will get their day in the sun. and other aspiring teen authors. W h e n As her father “I write because I don’t confronted was also an author, Oliver grew up in understand the world, I with writer’s she an environment don’t understand people. block that encouraged Writing is a way to make s u g g e s t s , her to pursue “Take the sense of it.” judgment her creative endeavors. out. Even When she was nine years if you think it’s boring. something down old she wrote her first novel Write and continued building and piggyback off of that.” on her passion from there. She also advised to simply Oliver attended University read as much as you can of Chicago and devoted and write every day, even her life to writing. She if only for a moment to get wasn’t always so sure of her something down on paper. path, however, throughout The last piece of wisdom her young adulthood she that Oliver shared really hit pursued ballet, painting, home with me personally, singing, acting, and cooking. “I write because I don’t After being turned down understand the world, I don’t numerous times but never understand people. Writing quitting, her first published is a way to make sense of it.” Oliver’s staggering success novel, Before I Fall, released in March of 2010. Before I Fall in the writing industry can quickly became a New York serve as inspiration for Times Best Seller and is in the young writers everywhere.
Rhythm and imagination: The story of Dr. Seuss By Kate Marxkors ’14 Staff Writer Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel, or as he’s better known Dr. Seuss, has written classics that everyone has read, and we celebrate the anniversary of his birthday this March. His writing and cartooning started when he was young. He was troubled as a kid and got caught drinking. That’s how he got kicked off his college newspaper The Jack-o-Lantern. After being suspended, he started cartooning and doodling. This is when he took the name Dr. Theophrastus Seuss, as a joke. He continued to study English at Oxford. It was there that Helen Palmer saw his doodles and told him, “You’re crazy to be a professor. What you really want to do is draw.” Soon after, the two got engaged and married. He realized that she was right, so he dropped out and continued to draw. He was hired by Flit, a bug spray company, for advertising. This was his big break. His slogan, “Quick, Henry, the Flit!” became as sensational as “Got Milk?” Soon after, he began to write children’s books simply because they didn’t violate his Flit contract. His first book And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Photos curtesy of gpls.guam.gov Street was written on a boat. (top) and hatful-of-seuss.com It was the alphabet in the form of a fantastic parade. He was (bottom)
rejected over twenty times before finally an old friend of his published his work. He was such a hit that people began to wonder how he could write for children so easily without having any children of his own He responded, “You make ’em. I’ll amuse ’em.” Many of his friends bragged about their children, so he invented fake children of his own. He even hired the neighborhood kids to pose as his kids in Seuss family Christmas cards. He dedicated The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins to his imaginary daughter. He wrote hit after hit after hit. Some of his books served a higher purpose. The Butter Battle Book was written when he was concerned with nuclear weapons. He wrote The Lorax to protect the environment. It criticized the cutting down of all our trees. The Cat in the Hat was written because a friend of his was a teacher and wanted a book that younger kids could read. To solve the problem, Dr. Seuss wrote the book with a few simple words to keep children interested. He succeeded. Later, he revealed that the Grinch and Cat in the Hat were based off of himself. He credited the success of his books to the way he wrote with children in mind. He wrote to them as his equal. In the end, his rhythmic and imaginative stories led him to be a legend in the children’s story business. .
Mystery of Valley Academy: Part 2 By Emma Wilgenbusch ’14 Staff Writer
Bong... Morgan heard the family’s grandfather clock ring. It was one o’clock in the morning and Morgan had not even begun to think of sleep. She sat on her bed with her chin on her knees, rocking back and forth as her tears slowly stopped. After Julia dropped her off at her house, Morgan could barely stutter out that she had lost her scholarship. For the entire evening she barricaded herself in her room and, after a while, her parents stopped trying to get her to come out. Morgan finally drifted into a restless sleep and subconsciously her mind came up with a plan. The next morning Morgan’s father took the morning off so he could take Morgan to
Valley High. He convinced the school to let her stay for the rest of the semester while they enrolled her in public school for the next year. As her father hugged Morgan goodbye, he whispered in her ear, “Your scholarship has been revoked due to unexplained budget shortages. If you can find out who is stealing from the school’s bank account, this whole thing might be resolved.” Morgan let out a small gasp and with a meaningful look from her father, she went to class. Morgan’s head was spinning. Someone was stealing the school’s money? Who could it be? How was she going to figure out who it is? How was she going to stop them? All these questions and more whirled around in
Morgan’s head. The only thing she knew for sure is that she had to answer them all. And Morgan only had until the end of the semester, which was two weeks away. Morgan had spent days poking around the school. Eavesdropping on teachers’ conversations, asking staff if they heard anything suspicious, she even went so far as to bribing the bookkeeper to show her the budget. There was not a whisper of anything that could lead her to a possible clue. As far as she could tell, none of the teachers knew anything about the budget problems and they were getting irritated with Morgan’s snooping around. On Monday, she was feeling very discouraged. With no clues and no leads, Morgan was no farther to solving this mystery than
Did you know... the last week of March is National Bubble Week to celebrate
when her father first talked to her. She was so busy worrying that she slipped on the wet tile in the entry way of the school. As she got to her feet, Morgan noticed a piece of paper wedged behind right corner of the portrait of Sr. Wallace Valley. She wouldn’t have noticed it if she wasn’t sitting on the floor.
As she gathered her books, Morgan slipped the paper out from behind the frame and hurried off. Finding a quiet bench in an alcove off the main hallway, she and sat down to examine the paper. It was wrinkled and slightly damp. Morgan was very careful as she unfolded it and read:
EI put the shipment in the janitor’s closet located next to the drinking foundation on the third floor. You have the key. The cost is disguised in the budget. I’ll collect my cut at 7:00 pm next Friday in the usual place. You’d better be there and bring all the cash. I didn’t get the Lavia girl kicked out for nothing. -M To be continued…
the first and best day of bubble-blowing, which is the first day of spring?
The Glen Bard
Entertainment March 2011- Page 3
Ramblings for Readers: Spring is coming By Casey Nighbor ’11 Columnist
Staff Playlist: “Weightless” All Time Low “Better off this Way” A Day to Remember “I Don’t Wanna Dance” Hey Monday “Your Neck” Alkaline Trio “Hoop Dreams” Knockout Kid Weird WordMulligrubs: a state of depression
Learn a Word in… Catalan! Primavera- spring
Recipe of the Month: Mom’s Potato Salad 3 cans diced Del Monte new potatoes, drained 6 hard-boiled eggs, diced 3/4 cup finely chopped celery 1 medium sweet onion, minced 1 large dill pickle, diced (Claussen) 1/2 teaspoon celery seed 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice 1/4 teaspoon Potato Salad. dry mustard 1 tablespoon chopped pimento yellow mustard 1 cup mayonnaise paprika salt and pepper In a medium size bowl, mix 1 cup mayonnaise with enough
yellow mustard to make it a soft yellow, add pickle juice, dry mustard, celery seed, potatoes, eggs, celery, onion, diced pickle and chopped pimento, combine all, salt and pepper to taste. Cook’s Note: To use fresh potatoes for this recipe, boil 5 large potatoes in 2 quarts of water with 1/2 tablespoon salt. When fork tender, cool remove skins when cool enough to handle. Alternately, scrub red or yellow potatoes well and leave skin on. Cut into 1 inch cubes. Proceed as above with remaining recipe.
Random List of the Month: Top Ten Vacation Spots
Paris, France New York City Rome, Italy Cancun, Mexico London, England Miami, Florida
San Francisco, California
The Colosseum in Rome. Photo courtesy of p12..nysed.gov
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Maui, Hawaii Costa Rica
Read it and Weep: I haven’t read these! By Chris Baron ’11 Columnist
his others that I enjoyed not in the traditional sense: reading, like a year ago. the history is true, and what the main characters make of The Safety of Objects by it is entirely fiction. It was A.M. Homes critically acclaimed and This is a collection of short it’s about a murder, so… stories that was lent to me by Mrs. Schewe. I’m glad Alice I Have Been by it’s still sitting on my desk, Melanie Benjamin like it has since she gave it So I’m plugging a local author, what of it? This novel is about Alice Liddell, the girl for whom Alice in Wonderland was written. It was raved by my adult coworkers at The Bookstore.
White Tiger won (which, if you are a faithful reader, you know is one of my favorite recent books). It just looks really good from the cover, not gonna lie. It has hole punches in it.
Eliot in 1871. I haven’t been told anything of it, other than it is a classic.
So, thanks to Forensics (which I’m super depressed The Girl with the Dragon is over, by the by) I haven’t Tattoo by Stieg Larssen This has been a popular been able to read anything new since December. Well, book of late. Larssen rose to fame in the States that’s just my excuse; in reality, I’ve had no after his untimely death. His series has motivation. been on bestseller But guess lists virtually since w h a t ’s publication. I hope to coming s o o n ! read this on really soon. S p r i n g Little Bee by Chris break, that’s Cleave what. And This one has been we all will a bestseller at The have lots of time to read, Bookstore since publication. It was our including Let the Great most popular book of me. Here’s World Spin by 2009, and sales were my wish list Author Junot Diaz of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Photo courtesy of state.gov. Colum McCann extremely high still in to tackle up Again, a book I until and during spring break. to me. In my defense, I did started and never finished. 2010. Everyone who has read it has loved read three of the stories in it. It is a series of vignettes Arundhati Roy. Photo couresty of lit.uk.gov. it, and that’s not a The Brief Wondrous Life occurring on August hyperbole. I have heard of Oscar Wao by Junot Curtain by Agatha 7, 1974, the day when Diaz Christie Phillipe Petit walked across The God of Small Things nothing bad about this novel. I actually have started At all. On the top of my list I’m a sucker for a classic a tightrope strung between by Arundhati Roy to read this book (and by murder mystery, and in my the top of the Twin Towers. A recommendation by to read in the near future. started I mean I’m half humble opinion, no one The vignettes and characters Ms. Mohr. She hasn’t So am I going to actually way through) but haven’t compares to Christie’s genius become intertwined as given me a bad one yet. read all of these? No. But I managed to finish it yet, in this genre. This is her final the novel progresses, which is sad. It’s quite good. mystery starring the Belgian and it’s very interesting. Middlemarch by George really want to try at a few of them in the upcoming A little bizarre, but good. detective Hercule Poirot. Eliot A Fraction of the Whole A classic novel, sitting on months. And I encourage all Foe by J.M. Coetzee The Lazarus Project by by Steve Toltz my bookshelf. It was written of you to try one, or a book I Ms. Diemer lent it to Aleksandar Hemon Shortlisted for the Man by Mary Anne Evans under already reviewed. Seriously. me, and I have read one of A historical fiction book Booker Prize the year The the nom de plume of George Reading is fun, I swear.
Did you know... the Star-Spangled Banner became our National Anthem on March 3, 1931?
The Glen Bard
Features March 2011 - Page 4
Devastating floods hit Australia’s coast By Frances Smith ’13 Staff Writer
people with no shelter and forced to flee where they had been living if they were able to evacuate. Another difficult part of the situation for a significant portion
left without habitats, farmland has been completely devastated, and many vital transportation systems Although the issue did not including airport runways, railways, receive a great deal of attention, highways and roadways are currently late December and inaccessible. early January of this N i n e year brought severe recognized flooding to Eastern deaths have Australia, specifically been reported Southern and due to these Central Queensland natural disasters. Australia and Helicopters surrounding regions. have transported There is a lot of resources to rain every year during flooded areas this time in Australia, and some people but this year’s spring have been inundations have able to leave yielded the most the devastated water recorded areas. Some for Australians Australians who in this region. have had to deal Several rivers with destruction including the are disheartened Brisbane, Bremer, because they and Burnett Rivers have not overflowed drastically received as and only worsened the much help as damage to the region. they hoped stranded in the streets of Queenstown, marooned atop their cars, is only one example of the complete Some rivers even People for, but are devastation along Australia’s east coast. Photo courtesy of thenewsupdate.net rose fifteen feet nevertheless above normal depth. Contributing of the Australian population is the grateful for whatever to the loss caused by the floods property and home damage that many aid they have gotten. was the preceding cyclone “Tasha” are not economically capable to repair. It will inevitably take a lot of effort that took place in mid-December. Homes, however, were not the only and time to reconstruct what has been The immense devastation resulting buildings damaged by the floods. More ruined, regardless of what help there from the excessive amounts of water than 5,000 businesses in Queensland is. Unfortunately, natural disasters meant that over 25,000 homes were and near-by towns were also flooded like these simply cannot be avoided. destroyed leaving thousands of and destroyed. Animals have been
New program for a new year Book rental program implemented at West By Urooba Nizami ’12 Staff Writer Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, the District 87 Board of Education has implemented a textbook rental program to help families with costs and provide an efficient way to purchase b o o k s . The new rental fee will be $125 per year per student. Items that will be in continuous use, such as novels and workbooks, will not be included in the fee. Therefore, these items will need to be purchased by the students on an individual basis. For students and families alike, this new program offers an easier and more affordable way to buy books. Whether you’re a freshman,
sophomore, junior, or senior, the cost of books can pile high. In addition, the cost for supplies, registration, and athletic fees and the expenses can add up quickly. This new program will be cost-effective for sophomore families because, aside from all the necessary fees of t h e year,
D r i v e r ’s Education costs nearly $350 if taken at school. This flat fee will be very effective and cost-friendly to all district families during this tough economy, with savings of up to nearly $200-400 on average.
Hikers face trial in Iran
physical health but was still be resolved quickly due to summoned to stand trial. the magnitude of the charge, However, the other two Swiss Ambassador Livia The trial of the three hikers, Shane Bauer and Leu Agosti, representing US Joshua Fattal, are still interests in Iran, is confident American that a hikers jailed resolution in Iran is in sight. since 2009 So far, has finally the trial begun. The has held three hikers s o m e were on a promise trail in Iraq’s for the Kurdistan, hikers who where they have been had been allowed vacationing, The three hikers taken prisoner and put on trial in Iran (from left to right): Shane Bauer, to explain w h e n Sarah Shourd, recently released, and Joshua Fattal. Photo Couresy of state.gov t h e i r they were under Iranian supervision innocence. Masoud Shafii, detained on July 31, 2009 on trespassing despite President Barack their attorney, is also and espionage charges. Obama’s statement that optimistic for he does After months of being “Sarah, Shane and Josh not believe they have detained in solitary have never worked for the done anything wrong. In a correspondence confinement in Iran’s Evin United States government.” Prison, notorious for its The trial’s commencement with CNN, Shafii stated population of political on February 6, 2011 has that “the accusation of prisoners, Sarah Shourd, a renewed hope of their release. spying is baseless, and 32-year-old educator was The proceedings will not be if they trespassed into released in the fall of 2010 open to the public. While Iran, it wasn’t their fault.” due to her deteriorating the case is not expected to By Anais LeClainche ’11 Staff Writer
Don’t Text And Drive
Did you know... March is national peanut month, established in 1974?
It can wait.
The Glen Bard
Features March 2011- Page 5
Wikileaks: Attack on our country or public information?
By Eric Peterman ’11 Staff Writer
year when Wikileaks began to leak 251,287 confidential documents from US Over the past several embassies around the world. months, the organization The documents contain a known as Wikileaks has host of information regarding drawn much controversy around the “[Wikileaks shares] informaworld. tion that should be subject to Wi k i l e a k s is an public scrutiny and debate.” international non-profit organization that American relations with specializes in publishing other nations as well as classified documents government reactions to from governments and events around the world. businesses. Wikileaks made these According to the website documents immediately wikileaks.ch, their goal is available to news sources to “provide an innovative, like The New York Times. secure and anonymous Some political activists way for sources to leak around the world, generally information to our journalists liberal, praised Wikileaks (our electronic drop box).” for the document dumps. Wikileaks wants to make They argue that such secret documents made actions expand freedom of public so the world can see speech and are essential in what happens behind the a democracy. For example, scenes. the American Civil The most dramatic Liberties Union praised the example of this took place organization for bringing to on November 28 of last Americans “information that
should be subject to public CIA has even launched causing massive server Wikileak scrutiny and debate.” a Wikileaks taskforce to slowdowns. The State Department investigate the documents’ supporters are calling for and most American impact on foreign policy. a “cyberwar” over the corporations, however, Many corporations have freedom of information. have scrutinized Wikileaks dropped Wikileaks from Assange is currently for the leaked cables. their servers. Amnesty back in court, facing the Many see them as a threat International has condemned issue over extradition. His to American security, efforts by governments to lawyers argue that if he were extradited to Sweden, including Secretary of State shut Wikileaks down. Hillary Clinton, who noted British authorities the courts there would give that the leaks are “not just an attempted to arrest Julian him an unfair trial behind attack on America’s foreign Assange, the founder of closed doors. Because of policy interests. It is an Wikileaks, on December this, they have threatened attack on the international 7 for rape in Sweden, to take his case to European community, the alliances causing many to discredit courts, which could take and partnerships, the Assange and Wikileaks. He years to reach a verdict. conversations and denied any wrongdoing, Assange and his lawyers negotiations that safeguard but was soon arrested and are doing whatever it takes g l o b a l to suspend or security and “Not just an attack on America’s foreign delay the trial. Regardless of a d v a n c e policy interests [Wikileaks] is an attack the outcome, economic on the international community.” prosperity.” Wikileaks will In Clinton’s continue to view, the documents are a $350,000 bail was posted. release more documents extremely important to He was then released, but is because many around the national security and were threatened by extradition to world are devoted to its classified for a reason. She Sweden. cause. Some believe the and others believe that it will Shortly after Assange was leaks have proved rather now be more difficult for released, websites in defense useful recently regarding secret diplomatic meetings of Wikileaks attacked the the political crises in Egypt to take place. In fact, the “enemies” of Wikileaks, and Tunisia.
Small class sizes benefit learning By Louise Simpson ’13 Staff Writer
records. in a class of fewer people, Another study showed that and the students themselves high schools that had smaller feel less intimidated to ask crucial questions, resulting The number of students class sizes had lower dropout in increased material enrolled in a class is a rates, higher grades, and significant issue. In many areas of the country, classrooms are increasing class size caps, which state how many maximum students a class is allowed to have. Class sizes have steadily increased over the last decade. Many teachers and students believe that a more intimate class setting has a positive effect on learning and success within the class. According to “Identifying and Implementing Educational Practices One-on-one teacher helps allows students to comprehend better Supported by Rigorous Photo courtesy of : regents.ohio.gov Evidence,” The Institute comprehension. of Education Sciences improved results on college Matt Udelhofen, concluded that reduced entrance exams. Many students feel that sophomore honors student, class size is one of four says, “Small class sizes proven reforms that have smaller class sizes would allow enhanced interaction led to increase student result in an environment at individual between the teacher and achievement in the areas of aimed pupils.” Students feel higher test scores, improved improvement. Many students more comfortable as well overall grades, and more agree that teachers appear as attentive in a classroom prominent attendance more approachable when
with fewer students; concentration is mandatory and comprehension is optimum. According to Public Agenda, a non-profit research group, in a 2008 survey, 76% of first-year teachers acknowledged that reducing class size would be a “very effective” way of improving teaching quality. Miss Sotiropoulos, math instructor, says, “I have different classes with a varying amount of students, and my smaller classes tend to comprehend material at a faster rate. With smaller class sizes, students feel less intimidated to ask questions and I have the ability to answer questions in a manner more suited to their individual learning preferences, such as writing on the blackboard for visual learners.” Many teachers desire a
Did you know... March is named after the Roman God of War, Mars?
smaller amount of students in individual classes in order to relay the material through more personalized lesson plans. The US Department of Education inspected the achievement levels of students in 2,561 schools across the county, referring to their results on the national NAEP exams. Analyzing more than fifty schools in every state, the primary objective factor found a correlation between greater student success and class size, with smaller class sizes dominating successful scores. Small class sizes are believed to allow students to focus on learning, with special benefits for those who struggle with material retention, and lower rates of negative behavior. Although a school’s financial budget is an influential factor on class sizes, many hope more schools will implement smaller classes for all students.
The Gle March
Page 6
Spring break brings time to plan -Experience a spa day perfect retreat to welcome in Glen Ellyn: What spring; this greenhouse is better way to rejuvenate filled with Spring is almost among than relaxing with spa us, and while the luring t r e a t m e n t s ? break from school offers a chance for exciting times, many will not be taking a trip to a different state or country. For those of us who are homebound, break may serve the purpose of intense relaxation, or a plethora of other exhilarating options. A list is placed below containing suggestions for local Xtreme Trampolines Located in Carol thrills. Whatever the Stream (Left) and Superdawg located circumstances, spring in Chicago (Right) break will offer much needed rest to students of There are many incredible Glenbard West. spas located downtown Glen Ellyn varying in Within the Suburbs: services and prices. While spa treatments -Xtreme Trampoline: many might be a splurge, there Xtreme Trampoline is pools of water, are always less expensive located in a warehouse flowers, tropical trees and in Carol Stream, and treatment options, such 1,000 butterflies. provides a clean facility as a simple manicure or with an incredible amount pedicure. -Devon Ave- Devon of trampolines for jumping Avenue ensures an or playing dodgeball. They entertaining, off-beat Within the City: even offer exercise classes experience for those specializing in trampoline wishing to explore -The butterfly garden at aerobics. o t h e r the Peggy Notebaert Museum: The -Have a spring clothes swap party: Warmer weather brings a need for new clothing! Rather than expending effort and money searching for new Judy clothing, I s t o c k cultures. There are host a getB u t t e r f l y many different food together Haven is the options of friends, of different requiring ethnicities that will provide everyone to a genuine experience of bring spring interesting dining from clothes to swap countries around for new ones. Be sure to invite a variety of guests, as you will need to consider the sizes and preferences of your guests. Louise Simpson ’13 Staff Writer
the world. Devon Avenue is also home to Edgebrook Golf Course and Novelty Par Mini Golf Courses. -Get a Chicago-style hotdog at Superdawg: Superdawg is the iconic hotdog drive-in diner established in 1948, with a continued 40s/50s theme.
If you have never enjoyed a Chicagostyle hotdog (which you
absolutely must if you live near Chicago), this is your chance! Refrain from asking for ketchup, as this will only annoy those who work here.
The Glenba everyone a g bre
en Bard h 2011
Page 7
The best vacation you ever took...
“Estes Park, Colorado” Jack Dentinger ’14
ard wishes great spring eak!
The fa m Park, ous and hist or Co novel, lorado, bec ical Stanley H The Sh a ining. me the insp otel residin iration g for Ste in Estes ven Ki ng’s
“Minneapolis and The Mall of America” Erika Harris ’11
“Tokyo and Kyoto Japan” Tyler Vanden Burg
Spoonbridge and Cherry can be found in The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. It is 11 acres and has 40 various art installments.
Tokyo is Japan’s capital and it’s largest city with about 13 million people living there. Thats 11 million more people than Chicago!
The Glen Bard
Features March 2011 - Page 8
A sea turtle’s journey: What it takes to survive By Lindsey Coleman ’12 Staff Writer It is that time of year again! The snow is melting, the sun is shining, spring is upon us, and along with it comes sea turtle nesting time. According to Turtle Time Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping loggerhead sea turtles, although the time for each different type of turtle changes, the general nesting period starts around the beginning of May and continues through the summer into August. As many students start a new school year, many fragile turtles are also making their journey to the sea. The process of nesting for a turtle is fairly primitive, but very dangerous for the unprotected eggs. At the start of the nesting period, the mother will find her native beach. Much like salmon, many turtles such as the loggerhead, work hard to
return to their place of birth to lay their eggs. According to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, many female turtles have the
the hard part begins, digging. When the spot for the nest is located the turtle will begin the process of actually digging the
ability to come within yards of their original birth nest. Once the mother has found her beach, she will leave the safety of the sea and venture onto the foreign sandy beach. Under the cover of darkness the mother turtle with find the perfect spot for her nest. Then
spot in the sand for their eggs. Using their hind flippers and large chest, turtles tirelessly kick and dig and create a bodyshaped hole in the sand. The eggs are then laid and partially recovered with a layer of sand somewhat filling the nest, creating the only protection
between these fragile new eggs and the outside world. The time it takes for the eggs to grow and hatch varies with each type of sea turtle, although the general time between laying and hatching is about 60 days. As the incubation period comes to a close, the hatchlings begin to free themselves from their shell protection. As all the eggs hatch, the baby turtles begin their treacherous journey to the sea. Since the mother turtle does not return to the nest, the hatchlings have to go alone from the nest to the sea. This is a time that the strong are separated from the weak. The awkward “newborn” turtles push themselves out of the nest and towards the shore, competing with the many other siblings for space in the path to the water. Many don’t make it. Some lose their way and end up dead from a lack of food. Or in more urban settings some hatchlings even get so lost and end up on
the street where they meet their unnaturally soon end. According to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, approximately one out of every 1,000 turtles survives from nest to adulthood. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, many turtles nest in the US along the coastline starting in North Carolina to Southwest Florida. Many groups and organizations in these regions do their part in marking off turtle nests and protecting them from harmful prey such as raccoons and humans. The Holden Beach Turtle Patrol in North Carolina had a total of 29 nests last year, and many volunteers helped to patrol beaches and protect nests. Do your part this spring break; if you are venturing to a warm sandy beach be watchful of turtle nests, and inquire into ways to help protect these innocent creatures. Photo courtesy of http://salsa.democracyinaction.org
Scientists predict we may be able to live forever By Jigar Patel ’11 Staff Writer
using stem cells to prevent cell death. However, according to inventor and futurist Ray Kurzweil, we already have the next best thing: artificial intelligence. According to Kurzweil, we are “watching a line blur that
theories, this computer even usurped human creativity, an event formerly deemed “Come with me if you want unfathomable by scientists. to live.” Forty-six years later, When Arnold Kurzweil believes that humans Schwarzenegger uttered this are now approaching a point memorable phrase in the where mankind will experience blockbuster Terminator, little billion-fold increases in did he know in the next technological capacity, twenty years scientists dubbed the Law “[T]he humans of the ofa theory would be declaring the Accelerating Returns. very same thing. future will be cyborgs With this view in focus, For years now, humans scientists introduce a new have paid considerable capable of living forever.” type of singularity for amounts to companies humans to experience, that cryogenically preserve cannot be unblurred, the line one where man and machine their bodies with the promise between organic intelligence become one. of reanimation when the and artificial intelligence.” Kurzweil believes that with technology to extend human Recently, the IBM the aid of nanotechnology and life exists. Such companies manufactured and complex computing systems, exist feeding on the sole need programmed supercomputer the humans of the future will of humans to be reassured Watson beat out two former be cyborgs capable of living they will not have to enter a “Jeopardy” champions in forever. potential world of unknowns, a challenge created to test The theory of Singularity is but rather continue life the boundaries of artificial being thoroughly researched intelligence. The barrier through institutions such forever. Unlike Professor Snape between humans and machine as The NASA Singularity from the Harry Potter has been broken before as University and other private series, humans have not yet well, by none other than research facilities. unearthed the means to “stop Kurzweil himself. As a Examples of this future are death,” although considerable seventeen-year-old he created evident currently in our world. gains have been made in a small computer that could Nanobots are being tested and understanding this field. compose music. utilized to destroy tumors, These gains include countless According to Kurzweil, unblock clots and perform dietary supplements aimed at and a recent Time Magazine operations without scars. increasing metabolism and article highlighting his major Kurzweil shows that “by the
middle of the next century we will have back-up copies of the information in our bodies and brains that make us who we are. Then we really will be immortal.” Although this sounds like science fiction, this research brings up many technological advances that can help diagnose and treat common human ailments. As per
whether or not humans will become extinct and machines will rule the world, it is just a theory. Especially one that requires careful deliberation. However, one thing is true: technological advances such as these are about to reshape our concept of humanity and extend our intellectual reach to grasp the future of limitless possibility.
Did you know... on March 1st, 1872, Yellowstone National Park became America’s first national park?
The Glen Bard
Editorial March 2011- Page 10
Original satire: Modeling Jonathan Swift
English 2 Honors students were assigned to create original satires after studying Jonathan Swift’s “Modest Proposal.” The Glen Bard’s editorial staff conducted a blind read of submitted satires and voted on the one to appear in March’s issue. Congratulations to Thomas Porter!
What outstanding students really need By Thomas Porter ’13
High school honors and AP students may not be getting the advantage they desperately desire, a government education official reported last week. In a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, seventy percent of high school students enrolled in at least three honors and/ or AP classes say they do not feel like they are getting that advantage, or “step up,” if you will, on their competition for college enrollment and for entering the work force. These students claim they are not involved in enough extra-curricular activities or sports, or their grades in these difficult honors and AP classes are not as high as they could be. When asked if his grades are as spotless as he would like, one senior from Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois responded,
“Well, I really wish I could say yes, but unfortunately, not quite. I don’t want anyone else knowing this, but I got a B+ in English last semester. It was the first non-A+ I’ve ever received, and, needless to say, my parents were not pleased. “I need to get As or else I’ll never get anywhere in life. Now I probably won’t graduate number one in my class or be able to get into Harvard, Princeton, or Yale after I graduate!” Another Glen Ellyn high school student, a sophomore from Glenbard South High School, had this to say after being questioned about her extra-curricular activities: “You know, being in twelve different clubs and playing on two sports teams, not to mention my seven AP classes, you would think I pretty much spend every waking hour of every day either focused on schoolwork, participating in
Sudoku
one of the twelve individual clubs I’m involved in, or practicing sports, but that’s not the case at all. “I still have exactly twentytwo minutes of free time directly after dinner in my daily schedule, not to mention my four hours of allotted sleep time every day. I really feel like I should join another club or team or do something else constructive during those twenty-two minutes that would put me a notch above the rest in my nation-wide graduating class.” This problem is running rampant in the United States. High-achieving students are not earning the kinds of grades expected of them (A+s) and their involvement in activities outside of school is not impressively exceptional. After intense consideration of this serious issue, I, an esteemed high school student myself, have but one incredibly
miraculous and long-awaited solution. We, as high-achieving and motivated young people in our society, need to be challenged more. We need to have more on our plates, more strenuous and labor-intensive tasks to fulfill each and every day. We will thereby warrant greater expectations than ever before, which will cause us to achieve even more than we knew possible. I propose that every high school in the United States increase the length of the school day by one period every day for students who are enrolled in at least three honors and/or AP classes. These students will take one more honors or AP course of their choice during this extra period. I have no doubt in my mind that these extraachievement courses will both increase student achievement
in difficult courses and motivate students to take other actions to better prepare them for the college application process, such as taking part in more extra-curricular activities and sports. I will most certainly contact the U.S. Department of Education and inquire about instituting my new plan for all high schools across America. There could be no downside to it. The high-achieving high school students would get an extra class, they would receive more work to keep them busy and motivated, and because of this, they would be inclined to become more involved in their school with extra-curricular activities. This modest proposal is certainly one that would give outstanding students a step-up on their competition for college, the work force, and beyond.
Students feel the pressure with new grad. requirements By Corinne Loftus ’13 Staff Writer At Glenbard West, new incoming classes also mean new graduation requirements. Beginning with the class of 2012, four years of English and one semester of speech became mandatory to graduate. For the class of 2013, three years of science and three years of social studies including one semester of civics became requirements. Looking at the course of study requirements, Glenbard West has updated their number of credits; therefore, students will take seven semesters of communication, six of physical education, six of social studies, six of mathematics, six of science, one of cultural arts, applied arts, health, and consumer education. Now, it is required to have 23 credits in school in order to graduate. Administrators and school staff say that this increase in credits
allows Glenbard West students to stand out with colleges and provides more opportunities for students to learn and gain knowledge. However, sophomore Yatri Desai says, “District 87 is demanding too much [of] the students and makes me feel constant stress with all the classes I’m taking.” Sophomore Ellen Smid agrees, saying that “It makes me feel inferior when I hear all these people taking all these classes just to finish their requirements.” With the amount of classes that are mandatory, a student may find they have fewer opportunities to take more creative classes to explore their interests. Although it is seen that the graduation requirements will help West students stand out amongst other schools, many students are feeling the pressure to fit everything in.
Did you know... in March of 1918, daylight savings time was introduced to the United States?
The Glen Bard
Editorial March 2011- Page 11
Senioritis: The disease that plagues all at some point, cure unknown 2010-2011 It’s that time of year senior students have year, because nothing is be to try and stick it out. Editorial Staff again. Teachers know it all subjected themselves to worse than experiencing Schools can check your Casey Nighbor ’11 Editor-in-Chief
Kelly Molloy ’11
Assistant Editor -in -Chief
Chris Baron ’11
Entertainment Editor
Kamil Radziszewski ’11
Design Editor
Natalie Salo ’12 Features Editor
Sophia Conforti ’12 Centerspread Editor
Emily Molloy ’13
Design Editor Samantha Moriarty ‘13 Staff Editor
Abby Quaid ’13 Staff Editor
Jacklyn Tyburk ’13 Staff Editor
Scott Moore ’13 Staff Editor
Kate Marxkors ’14 Staff Editor
Abby Weeks’14 Staff Editor
Brendan Byrne ’13 Staff Editor
Annie O’Brien’13
too well as they experience the effects of it first hand, students turning in Late assignments or sometimes no assignments at all. It’s a disease among all high schools and is known as Senioritis. Around February or March, most seniors have had their fair share of high school and have started thinking ahead to bigger and better things: college, traveling, or sometimes taking a well- deserved break. With graduation only a couple months away,
April Article Meeting: April Articles Due: April 7 at 9 p.m. March 15 in Room 431
We grew up in an age of technology. We all learned how to use the computer well before our parents even understood how to read their e-mails. We grew up taking computer classes and relying on tools like spell check. We had cell phones, iPods and laptops before we even reached adulthood. We buy the newest and latest gadget without much thought. Most of our cell phones seem glued to our hands due to our undeniable need to be in contact with all of our friends, at all times. Sites like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace are connecting people in new ways that have never before been possible. Some argue that
The Glen Bard is published eight times a year by the students, for the students. The mission of The Glen Bard is to provide a public forum to inform, fairly convey issues and to entertain. All members of the Glenbard West community are invited to submit articles, cartoons or opinions. Letters to the editor, signed and less than 300 words, are subject to editing without changing the content . Each month, The Glen Bard takes on a topic in its unsigned editorial. This editorial represents the majority opinion of The Glen Bard’s editorial board
April Layout: April 11-13
The difference between fulfilled and fried in today’s society
Staff Editor
Faculty Advisers
grades and possibly revoke admission if your grades have slipped too much during senior year. And for all of you non-seniors, grades still matter through May. One bad turn second semester and you could wreck your GPA. AP tests can also make a huge difference in the future as well. No one enjoys second semester or the lag it brings in your motivation level, but remain focused. After all, the sweet days of summer will be here before you know it!
Learning to unplug from the world: By Casey Nighbor ’11 Editor-in-Chief
Ms. Mohr Mrs. Slowinski
Senioritis a second time. Unfortunately, Senioritis isn’t always reserved for seniors. Students of all grades may also be experiencing the same symptoms of Senioritis, without even being a senior. With the end of the year approaching, non- seniors look forward to being able to relax and enjoy summer. It’s a vicious cycle, but Senioritis, or laziness as teachers like to call it, will always rear it’s ugly head when spring rolls around. The best advice would
The Glen Bard: Upcoming Schedule
Staff Editor
Kathleen Caffrey’13
doing the least amount of work possible (without their GPA dropping dramatically or getting yelled at by parents). Every student may experience Senioritis at one level or another. Some cases are more severe than others, and some are almost immune to it, having a strong work ethic throughout the remainder of the year. Of course it is important to not totally neglect one’s studies. No one wants to be stuck in high school for another
family, this should be clear. People cannot unplug from the technologies they use 24/7. By no means should staying connected be seen as a bad thing, but no one needs to be connected to the entire world at all times. A recent study by Consumer Affairs, found that as many as four in ten Americans consider their high-speed internet connections “essential” to their daily lives. How has technology e m b e d d e d itself so fully into society that most of us wouldn’t even know what to do if it was gone? When asked what their most valued possession is in a people with their Blackberry recent Glenbard West math headsets still in their ears class poll, most students while eating with their said something technology technology is damaging to the human psyche, others say it has aided the progression of human growth and development. But the level of social acceptance regarding the rules of technology is rarely addressed. For anyone who has ever eaten at a restaurant and seen
-based whether it be their cell phone, iPod or laptop. Maybe we, as teens, should start looking at the big picture. Technology is great, but relationships need to extend beyond the screens of our computers. People, in general, need to understand that unplugging from the world for awhile can be relaxing and create a much needed break from our already fast-paced world. Stepping away from LCD screens can mean appreciating something intangible so much more. Go out for coffee with a friend, have a real conversation with your parents, read a book, go for a run. The world is so much more than just technology. So give your fingers a much needed break from the technical world and enjoy the world around you. .
Did you know... March is National Noodle Month in Germany, where legend has it noodles were invented in the 13th century?
The Glen Bard
Sports
March-2011 Page 12
March Madness: Make your way through the Final Four By John Bleed ’13 Columnist It’s March, and that means that it’s also the time for warm weather, slush, and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament – one of the biggest sporting events of the year. “March Madness” is one of the year’s most exciting events, as millions of people fill out tournament brackets and pay close attention to the games. Here are some guidelines for making a bracket for this year’s tournament for the crazy hoops fan and also for the non-basketball follower. Before you start, be aware of the seeding system that is used in the tournament. Once the four first round play-in games are over, there are 64 teams, four per regional, which is a sixteen team sub-group. The best teams in the country are the ones that lock up the “1” seed in each regional and will play the “16” seed in the first round. The “2” seed plays the “15” seed, the “3” seed plays the “14” seed, and so on. A number “16” seed has never beaten a “1” seed in the
first round of the tournament in the twenty-three years of the 64 team layout. So it is almost a given that the “1” seed will make it to the second round. Very rarely does the “2” seed ever lose a game in the first round, holding an 88-4 record since 1988 according to Peter Tiernan of ESPN.com. The “8”vs. “9” seed match up is an example of a setting where the lower seed actually has an advantage over the higher seed, with the “9” seed holding a 46-38 advantage over the “8” seed since 1988. From then on, use your knowledge to play it safe by picking the higher seed, or take a risk and go with an upset. This year should be especially great since there really is not one major dominant team in college basketball. As you fill out your bracket, keep these tips in mind to help you: When in doubt, refer to the past: The best teams in NCAA tournament history are the ones who have performed well consistently for years. Teams like Duke, North Carolina, Kansas,
Kentucky, and Connecticut are teams that are usually good no matter what season. Bet on the Big East: This conference is no doubt the best in college basketball right now. With seven teams in the national top 25 ranks, as of February 17, it would be good to take teams like Notre Dame,
Syracuse, Georgetown, Villanova, and even St. John’s far into your bracket. Keep in mind the SEC Sleepers: Both the Florida Gators and the Vanderbilt Commodores have kept up very solid seasons under a relatively low radar – ranked
14th and 18th in the nation as of February 17. Look out for these teams come tourney time. The upset needle points westward this year: The small programs of San Diego State and Brigham Young of the Mountain West Conference have led outstanding seasons, ranked sixth and seventh in the nation respectively as of February 17. Can they shut down critics and play well when it really counts? Pick these two teams to go a few rounds, but don’t rely on both of them reaching Round 16. The past two national champions are still going strong: No matter how much some people wish they would go away, North Carolina and Duke always seem to show up ready to play. This is certainly the case this year, as Duke is led by senior Kyle Singler and standout Seth Curry. North Carolina is on its way to another deep run in the tournament led by veteran coach Roy Williams, and ranked 19th in the nation as of February 17 (according to CBS Sports). But what about the casual
basketball fan? Some may be thinking that because they might not know all of this information that they stand no chance in being able to make an acceptable bracket. Wrong! Believe it or not, some significant patterns of success can be traced to uniform color. In the past five years, at least two of the four teams in the Final Four have had blue in their uniform, and sixteen of the past twenty Final Four teams from 2005-2010 have had blue in their uniform. The past six national champions all have worn blue as well. On the other hand, red seems to be the color of upsets. Some notable “Cinderella” teams such as Bradley University in 2006, Southern Illinois in 2007, Western Kentucky and Davidson in 2008, and Cornell and St. Mary’s in 2010 all have worn the color red. Regardless, if you follow the game closely or not at all, it is still possible to participate in one of the most thrilling and unpredictable sporting events of the year. Now your bracket can be all the better come “Madness” time. Final Four emblem. Picture courtesy of www.houstontexas.gov
Superbowl XLV advertisements: The superb and the substandard
By Kathleen Caffrey ’13 Annie O’Brien ’13 Staff Writers
Not only is Super Bowl Sunday known for the biggest football game of the year and great parties, but also for the over-the-top advertisements. Companies pull out all the stops in the hopes that their ad will be praised as the best commercial of the game and not go down as the worst. This year has seen a slew of commercials ranging from boring and offensive to hilarious and effective. Widely regarded as the best ad of the night was Volkswagen’s “Darth Vader” commercial. Already an online hit, the lighthearted tone and adorable child “Darth Vader” made this ad memorable. Unlike many Super Bowl ads in which the prime focus is comedy, Volkswagen’s commercial actually advertises its product. This commercial promotes the new, almost magical feature of being able to start the car with a remote. While this ad was certainly the best, many others fell close behind.
CarMax’s “I Feel Like” commercial featured a montage of experiences that make you feel like a kid in a candy store, or as they say, a customer at CarMax. Between the entertaining scenarios and comical situations, this commercial drew people’s interest by presenting car shopping as a fun experience. Another successful advertisement was Best Buy’s ad featuring Ozzy Osbourne, as well as the teen sensation Justin Bieber. Poking fun at this pop culture phenomenon made this commercial funny and appealing. Always a frontrunner in Super Bowl ads, the Doritos commercials were as hilarious as ever. These three ads included people rising from the dead, adorable pugs, and obsessive Doritos fans, all of which portrayed Doritos as a miraculous, delicious snack. Capping off the more successful advertisements was Chevy’s Lassie Truck commercial. A parody of the classic 50s TV show Lassie, this advertisement featured the new Chevy truck as the faithful dog rescuing its owner from
treacherous situations. Through this humorous analogy, Chevy portrayed its trucks as reliable and dependable, making this commercial both effective and entertaining. Although there were many exceptional ads, several missed the mark. One of these was Groupon’s commercial, which sparked a controversy almost immediately. This ad began with scenes of oppression in Tibet, only to end up promoting Groupon’s deals for Tibetan food. Although Groupon’s web site does allow donations to this cause, this was not mentioned in the ad. Therefore, many viewers found this commercial offensive by exploiting real problems to gain profit. Because of this uproar, Groupon ultimately decided to pull this ad campaign to avoid further negative press. Super Bowl XLV once again brought an exciting football game, fun celebrations, and of course, the biggest commercials of the year. From Ozzy Osbourne and Justin Bieber to Darth Vader and Lassie, this year’s Super Bowl ads were certainly ones to remember.
Potential teams battle it out on the courts leading up to March Madness. Picture courtesy of www.in.gov (above) and www.fastlane.dot.gov (below).
Did you know... Up until 1937, Inauguration Day occurred in March?