FEATURES
Hoops for Hope raises awareness of cystic fibrosis.
Features investigates the pros and cons of beauty.
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William Fremd High School 1000 S. Quentin Road, Palatine, IL 60067
NEWS
Pages 6-7
Check out some sweet Valentine’s Day treats.
A&E
Page 9
SPORTS
Lou Sponsel is named new head football coach.
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847.755.2810 www.fhs.d211.org/vikinglogue
Friday, February 3, 2012 Volume 46, Number 6
Writers Week returns for 18th year of literary celebration Pooja Parameshwar and Rachel Tenuta Editor-in-Chief and Lead Features Editor
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The annual Writers Week event, which takes place from Feb. 27 to March 2, is entering its 18th year, and students and staff alike are anticipating the arrival of many prominent speakers, including Ellen Hopkins, author of “Crank” and “Impulse,” author of “Divergent” Veronica Roth and slam poet Sierra DeMulder. Six-time guest poet Mary Fons explains why she loves the experience of sharing her work with Fremd students. “One of the reasons that I love coming to Fremd is because there’s a culture that respects and values writers,” Fons said. “So when I perform, I feel like I’m in a community of people that are really happy I’m here, and that’s huge. It’s very welcoming.” English teacher Gary Anderson explains why Writers Week has been able to be so successful for the past 17 years. “It’s fun,” Anderson said. “Students respond to authentic education, and this is the real thing—realworld writers and writing. As far as a program being successful, I think the beauty of it is that Writers Week is all voluntary. Everything that happens happens because people want to be doing it.” This year, Writers Week received a record number of student applications, showing its increasing popularity. “The number of student applications is one of the ways Writers Week is a successful program because it’s all kinds of kids, grade levels and ability levels applying, and we want it to be a place to showcase all of that,” English teacher Gina Enk said. “Writers Week is for anyone who has a passion about writing, even if they are developing their skills.” Anderson admits that the selection process is difficult. “We want to find ways to honor everybody as a writer as much as we can, but we have these space and time limitations,” Anderson said. “If
we want to have some balance to the schedule, we have to draw some lines somewhere, and it’s really hard.” A majority of the funding for Writers Week comes from Booster Club donations and the book fair. Other fundraising efforts have included a dinner with featured writers, restaurant days, a raffle and a cookbook sale. English teacher Tony Romano is grateful for all of the different ways that Writers Week has been made possible. “Each year at the book fair, students line up to load their arms with paperbacks, which reflects not only their passion toward reading but their gratitude for Writers Week,” Romano said. “We never take these grassroots efforts for granted. Many people contribute.” The mystery of who and what students are going to see on stage keeps them interested, Romano says. “Writers Week is real edgy in terms of people taking risks and chances and the unpredictability of the week. When you walk into Writers Week, you never really quite know what’s going to happen. Anything could happen. To me, the best part of Writers Week is the surprises. Every day you just walk in there and get a little more curious about what is going to happen.” Senior Mike McGinn echoes Romano’s sentiments. “There are different ways that you can write, not just an essay, but performance poetry or a song as well,” McGinn said. “There’s just a lot of different ways that you can express what you are trying to get across.” Enk thinks that the motivation Writers Week provides to students and faculty is most important. “We hope that every student is inspired to go home and write,” Enk said. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be something that they share on the Writers Week stage, but they see it as a creative, emotional outlet.” Senior Noah Begashaw believes that Writers Week is not only a chance to speak to peers but also to express a talent in writing.
“Presenting at Writers Week is a really good opportunity to get your voice heard,” Begashaw said. “I just feel like writing is one of the purest forms of expression because there are no limitations as to what you can say. You can write whatever you are thinking or feeling which makes it a good way to achieve catharsis.” Fons says that students should not be afraid to pursue writing as a career. “I want students to see me as a person who is doing what she always dreamed she could do, and you can do it,” Fons said. “Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t because if you want something really bad, just keep going. Keep going.” Senior Jessie Miller believes that the time and effort that goes into participating in Writers Week ultimately pays off. “It is worth it to take the risk,” Miller said. “Even if you think you failed, you will learn something about yourself.” Along with gaining insight into themselves, many students love to learn things they never knew about their peers. “You get to hear a lot of things about people that you may not deduce in everyday conversation,” Begashaw said. “You get to see different sides of people that you just don’t get to see any other way, which is really eye-opening.” Junior Anna Feldmann discusses the differences between watching Writers Week and actually presenting. “Watching, you just get to relax and listen to other people’s stories, but presenting, you get this sense of pride that you don’t get when you watch,” Feldmann said. Fons explains the impact that Writers Week has had on her life and hopes to share these feelings with students. “Fremd is special. You should know that about your school,” Fons said. “I perform at a lot of schools, but there’s just something about Fremd. It’s just this little pocket of awesome in the middle of the Midwest.”
Exclusive online content: Writers Week travels across the country 4 Logue photos by Gracie Meier
1. Po ses et addres e. c the au Buddy Wakefield a orm n d 2. Sin ience during his perf gs her swee ger Daphne Willis brin tage. t voice and acoustics on s
3. English teacher Andrea Olsen sings her heart out for FANBOYS. 4. Author Billy Lombardo holds up a copy of “Polyphony HS,” a student-run national magazine.
Fremd graduates Sarah Mathews and Megan Dincher carry on the spirit of Writers Week Adam Bieda Two former students take our Writers Week tradition with them to their universities and inspire others.
Hazelwood West High School adopts Fremd’s tradition Kristen Lobo
Libertyville High School expands on Writers Week inspiration Gracie Meier
Hazelwood West High School in Missouri has instated a new tradition by borrowing Fremd’s formula.
Libertyville High School will host its second Writers Week this April.
www.fhs.d211.org/vikinglogue
Logue photo by Pooja Parameshwar Graphics by Rachel Tenuta
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NEWS Operation Snowball’s positivity empowers Viking Logue Friday, February 3, 2012
EVENT WATCH DANCE TEAM SHOW Feb. 10-11
7 PM
BAND BENEFIT CONCERT Help band members raise money for the music program by attending a performance in the auditorium and participating in raffles.
Feb. 13
7 PM
LATE START Feb. 14
9:10 AM
END OF MID TERM PERIOD This marks the end of the first half of third quarter. Feb. 17 PRESIDENTS DAY
Feb. 20
NO SCHOOL
JAZZ AND JAVA CONCERT Band and orchestra students play music and entertain in the cafeteria with coffee and desserts. Feb. 23
7 PM
OPERATION SNOWBALL Feb. 25
7:30 AM
WRITERS WEEK Authors and student presenters will share their writing in the auditorium periods 1-8. Feb. 27 - March 2
Compiled by Logue staff
Kathleen Tresnowski Staff Writer
After a succesful first run last year, Operation Snowball (OSB), an all-day leadership event, plans to return again this month. OSB’s main focus is to instill positivity throughout the student body and beyond the Fremd community. Counselor Erin Malinowski explains Operation Snowball’s goal to bring the student body together. “The idea is about creating more of a positive environment, and this depends on what students bring to the event,” Malinowski said. “It’s a great program for high school students because a major part of high school is figuring out who you are, and Operation Snowball gives people the confidence to stand up for what they believe in and do things that they think are right.” OSB, which started last year, is led by upperclassmen and is open to everyone. Students are given the opportunity to connect with teenagers and teachers they may or may not already know and build positive relationships while participating in various group activities. Sophomore Blythe Baird participated in Operation Snowball last year and recommends the event to all students. “I came into it with a bad attitude because I was forced to go, but in the end I was so glad I did,” Baird said. “It’s similar to the show ‘If You Really Knew Me.’ It is honestly a judge-free zone. At first I did not want to go, but this year I will be a returning member and cannot wait.” Throughout the day, students are placed in small groups and led through teambuilding activities by two student leaders and one teacher. Speakers motivate students to make smart decisions. Senior Katie Ferrara reflects on her experience as an OSB director last year and how she is excited for the return of the event this year as well. “The energy throughout the entire day was infectious, and it left me wanting to go out and spread that positive energy with others,” Ferrara said. “I met so many amazing people at Operation Snowball last year
Logue photo courtesy of Tamar Alexanian
SNOWBALLIN’. 2012 Operation Snowball leaders will be in charge of helping spread confidence during the event though small and large group discussions.
that I probably never would have met if I had not been a part of this event.” Students are not the only ones who bring their stories to help create this learning experience. Along with the small groups, various speakers visit throughout the day to discuss different topics. Last year, speakers such as 2007 graduate Soeren Palumbo and Comedy Sports presented. This year, FISH Philosopy, and speakers Shaun Derick and Javier Sanchez from R.E.A.C.H. Communications will be presenting. Malinowski says the speakers are invited to share their stories to promote postive choices. “There are motivational speakers that talk about the difference your attitude can make, how to change your perspective to look at things in a more positive way and how you can take those positive choices and share them with those around you to create a snowball effect,” Malinowski said. OSB aims to motivate the participating
students to be respectful people who allow others the freedom to be themselves. Ferrara believes that students who attend OSB come out with a different attitude after. “I think it also helped a lot of kids to get out of their shells and become more comfortable with each other for the day,” Ferrara said. “I would like to hope they were able to carry that confidence back into their regular lives with them.” OSB will be held on Feb. 25 from 7:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. and will take place throughout the entire building. Registration is open until Feb. 17 and selection is based on a first-come, first-served basis. Baird believes that OSB truly impacted her in a significant way. “It is a life changing experience, something you have to experience to understand,” Baird said. “It is uplifting. I went home with more compliments that day than I had ever received in my life. It was empowering.”
Around the world in 80 seconds: Reviewing global events
Spain - A fold-up car, called the Hiriko, was unveiled in the Basque Country on Jan. 24. This car, first imagined in the MIT media lab, will be on the market by 2013.
Italy - Sixteen bodies have been found in the Mediterranean since the Costa Concordia ran aground and was evacuated Jan. 13. Captain Francesco Schettino is under house arrest for abandoning ship. Papua New Guinea - A landslide in the southern highlands killed 40 people on Jan. 24. The highlands have been affected to a magnitude the nation hasn’t seen before. The landslide has been blamed on blasting at a local quarry.
Somalia - Seal Team 6, who also killed Osama bin Laden, freed aid worker hostages in Mogadishu, one American woman and one Danish man on Jan. 25. Nine pirates who asked for ransom were killed in the mission. South Africa - A Massospondylus dinosaur nesting site was found in Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The nest contained eggs with embryos and a dinosaur footprint and is more than 100 million years older than previously discovered sites. Compiled by Karen Li and Elizabeth Tokarz
Viking Logue Friday, February 3, 2012
Personal dissatisfaction with affirmative action February is the time of year wh e n I start seeing my Karen Li senior friends receive their acceptance letters to various universities they had applied to three months earlier. Images like this remind me of college and the pressure to earn straight A’s or score higher on my ACT, along with the stress of joining extracurricular activities and standing out. I am advised to do all of this so I can one day be accepted into an impressive university, and my parents can brag about me to all their friends. However, I will have to work harder than most to gain admission into a prestigious school because of my Asian ethnicity. Many top universities that don’t include race as an admission factor have twice the number of Asian-American students, compared to Ivy League schools that choose to endorse affirmative action. Studies show that Asians must score significantly higher on the SAT and have more academic achievements than Caucasians in order to be accepted into the same Ivy League school. In 2005, Princeton sociologist Thomas Espenshade and statistical programmer Chang Chung conducted a study on the acceptance rates of minorities without affirmative action. The researchers found that the acceptance rates would drop 21.5 percent for black applicants, 13.9 percent for Hispanics, and Asian-American students would fill about 80 percent of the spaces not taken by black and Hispanic students. Now, many applicants choose to not check the “Asian” box on college applications if they are able to get around it, and truthfully, I don’t blame them. Why should race matter? My parents have shown me that success should determine my future, not my race. Many times, colleges say they desire “diversity” on their campuses, but I believe colleges should go beyond considering race as the only way to depict diversity. Our talents, opinions and personalities are signs of variety that tend to be overlooked. The idea that our race is the only thing that can demonstrate diversity is simply wrong. It assumes that all people of the same race have a similar experience. Colleges should look at diversities in our backgrounds rather than simply our race. For example, people who have strengths in science are capable of making contributions to advance our technological world. These are qualities people should be credited for rather than our racial diversity. Though affirmative action is intended to lessen discrimination, it deprives others of opportunities who make twice the effort. Ironically, affirmative action creates a new form of discrimination against those who do not reap the benefits of affirmative action. With a long history of racial discrimination, our society strives to include minority populations in workplaces, universities and politics. Affirmative action is just a repayment to previously discriminated groups—a way to make up for the past mistakes the country has made against minorities. Instead of “repaying,” why don’t we change our perceptions to accept everyone around us in order to avoid these mistakes in the future? The lives we lead in college have a deep impact on our futures. It is the path to determining who we will be one day and is the place where we make important decisions. With senior year slowly approaching, I’m afraid that it won’t be my grades or my ACT score that will make or break my entrance into my dream school, but rather my Asian race. My race is something I should be proud of, not a hindrance to my future.
NEWS
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New year yields new laws
Mandatory seatbelts for all passengers and toll increase highlight changes Karen Li and Sobia Saied News Editor and Contributing Writer
Along with trying to adhere to strict personal resolutions at the beginning of the year, all Illinois citizens will also be required to follow newly implemented federal laws which were enacted on Jan. 1. Deaths related to driving accidents declined in 2011 due to safety features such as alcohol-odor sensors installed in cars to prevent drunk driving. Working to keep these statistics down, a new law requires all car passengers to wear a seat belt. Previously, only front-seat passengers and passengers under the age of 19 were required to wear seat belts. Those caught driving without insurance multiple times will face strict consequences, starting with a $1,000 fine and the possibility of jail time. Junior Jennifer Lech believes that having auto insurance should be mandatory. “Everyone should have insurance in case they do get in an accident,” Lech said. “It affects me because I’m a licensed driver now too, and if I get in an accident with an uninsured driver and they can’t pay, I’m in trouble. I think this law will not only be better for the uninsured but for those insured as well.” As well as basic driving safety regulations, tolls rose 35-45 cents to fund “Move Illinois,” a new program intended to improve transportation. This is nearly a 100 percent increase from the previous rates for I-PASS users. The “Move Illinois” program is a 15-year plan that will cost up to $12 billion to repair and rebuild roads, bridges, interchanges and ramps. The Illinois Tollway also aims to go green by introducing geothermal water piping systems. Officer Dave Bloomfield predicts traffic that will be affected initially but will gradually become better. “It will be slow for some time,” Bloomfield said. “They actually found traffic hasn’t slowed down as much as they thought. I think it’s more of a convenience factor than anything else.” Social studies teacher Martin Zacharia feels that people will still use these toll roads as an alternative around Chicago. “In Chicago, there aren’t any good routes,” Zacharia said. “All roads in Chicago during rush hour, sometimes all day, are busy, so I think people would rather choose the route that’s most convenient for them.” Within Illinois school districts, schools have also imposed laws on students in regards to online communication. This new law grants school boards permission to suspend or expel students who threaten school employees or other students
Logue photo by Justin Lanier
COSTLY CRUSADE. Tolls like the one paid to use Northwest Highway have risen 35-45 cents.
through the Internet. Bloomfield believes that people achieve a sense of security through online threats while avoiding personal interaction. “Unfortunately, that’s why there is a lot more harassment online because you can sit behind the keyboard and not have to look at somebody and say things that you would never say to their face,” Bloomfield said. “Face-to-face confrontation is probably more serious, but at the same time, if whoever is receiving the threat, whether it’s online or in person, feels threatened or endangered, then obviously that’s a problem we have to take seriously.” Also implemented this year is the Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act which requires many widely used electronics to be recycled in stores or appropriate recycling centers. Some of these items include televisions, computers, printers, DVD players, gaming systems and MP3 players. These products are now banned from all landfills in an attempt to preserve the environment and to keep harmful chemicals out of the soil and groundwater. Sophomore Irina Andrianova thinks the new laws being passed will push citizens to keep the community clean in the future. “I believe that the new law will help our environment not only by eliminating electronics in landfills but also by alerting people of the severity of the situation,” Andrianova said. “There is a difference between following the law and just following a suggestion.”
North Korean future unclear with Kim Jong-un in power Elizabeth Tokarz News Editor
With the death of former North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il in December, Kim Jong-un, his son, appears ready to continue the residual policies from his father’s regime. Sophomore Ji Sung believes that Kim Jong-il’s historic rule will continue through his son. “Kim Jong-un is Kim Jong-il’s son, and his father taught him how to rule,” Sung said. Kim Jong-un is expected to keep up the military-first policy that directs most funds toward advancing and maintaining North Korea’s armed forces, according to the Los Angeles Times. Social studies teacher Steve Buenning calls the situation dangerous. “If North Korea didn’t have nuclear weapons, it would be a different story, but I would call North Korea one of the most dangerous countries,” Buenning said. “It’s supposed to be that North Korea has a few nuclear weapons, but a few is too many for a country that answers to nobody but itself.” The New York Times reported in January that Kim Jong-un oversaw the test launch of one of North Korea’s longrange rockets in April 2009. North Korea has made its priorities
Buenning says this is a result of North known and chooses to focus on building up military forces in lieu of strength- Korea’s imperious totalitarian roots. “North Korea comes closest to the ening relationships with foreign nations or making decisions in the best interest kind of vision Lenin or Stalin would of its citizens. Past human rights viola- have had for the Soviet Union,” Buenning said. “North Korea is the most tions are not expected to go away. Thousands of North Koreans have es- closed country in the world by choice. caped to China rather than face famine For Kim Jong-il’s funeral, there weren’t and political oppression, according to even any invitations sent to foreign leaders. That’s the first time I’ve ever the CIA’s World Factbook. Junior Kayla Jang recognizes that heard of that.” Kim Jong-un’s American freeage hasn’t been redoms should “It’s supposed to be that North vealed, but his youth not be taken Korea has a few nuclear weapons, raises concerns. for granted. “Kim Jong-un “I know it but a few is too many for a country doesn’t really have sounds so clithat answers to nobody but itself.” a military backché to say that ground, and it’s hard North Koreans –Social studies teacher Steve Buenning to know what’s realshould escape ly going on because because it’s worth the risk,” Jang said. “In reality, if no external reporters can do work in I was in that position, I wouldn’t know North Korea unsupervised by the government,” Buenning said. “Who knows what to do.” Since Kim Jong-il’s death, border to what level he is being manipulated?” Freshman Kazuhiro Higuchi is wary guards have enforced stricter punishments to prevent people from escaping. of Kim Jong-un’s leadership capability Under Kim Jong-un’s regime, either after learning of his youthful hijinks. “I heard that when Kim Jong-un was an attempted or a successful North Korean escapee could be responsible younger, he and his older brother used for the imprisonment or death of three fake passports to go to Disneyland Togenerations of family who may still re- kyo,” Higuchi said. “If he’s at the top side in North Korea, according to Korea of the North Korean people, then he should be more responsible.” JoongAng Daily newspaper.
NEWS Hoops for Hope honors Brian Larsen
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Viking Logue Friday, February 3, 2012
Connor Pozzi Staff Writer
Logue photo by Rachna Joshi
SAY HELLO. The perfect roommate could be a reality by exploring and contacting potential candidates.
Meet and greet creates a new way to find a roommate Liz Amanieh Lead News Editor
As college decisions become finalized, collegebound seniors begin thinking about the next step in the process–finding a roommate. The method, however, has changed dramatically. In the past, all anyone would know about his or her roommate was a name. Even someone’s physical appearance would be a surprise. However, today’s social networking services make meeting a potential roommate easier. University of Illinois-bound senior Kelly Doherty explains why she decided to go on a meetup. “My roommate friend requested me on Facebook, and then I inboxed her, and we were talking a lot and had so many similarities,” Doherty said. “We also made these other connections with her knowing my friends and vice versa. Then when we both considered we should room together, we decided we should meet in person to make sure.” Taking the next step, Doherty describes her experience with the meetup. “We went to Starbucks, and our conversations just kept carrying on for an hour and a half,” Doherty said. “I think it’s a very smart decision. It’s going to make you feel more confident. I would recommend it because people can be totally different people behind the computer screen.” Similar to Doherty, many students choose to meet with their potential roommate in a casual setting such as a coffee shop, which can prevent possible awkward meetups at one another’s house. Many choose a place convenient for both parties. This approach of finding a roommate can be beneficial, but can also end things with a potential one which senior Lexi Glassmann recounts. “We met on Facebook, and we were basically going to meet just to say we’re rooming together,” Glassmann said. “We met at this sushi restaurant halfway between our houses. She called herself a princess and talked about crashing her dad’s car and how it was awesome that her dad just got her a new one. She kept referring to herself as very spoiled.” Glassmann explains how she diverted the situation of rooming with her after the unsuccessful meetup. “I told her how I’m not set on going to Indiana for sure, and I know she was set on getting into the private housing, and she should just go ahead because I don’t want to hold her back,” Glassmann said. “It’s just like dating. You can feel things on Facebook about the person but then when you meet the person, you can say that’s not what I was looking for.” Going through with the process can be tough, yetCounselor John Baima offers advice to remember. “I don’t think it’s a bad idea to meet face to face, but realize it’s a process,” Baima said. “I think we want instant gratification, and we’re so quick to want things to be perfect right away. We want to be BFFs right away, and that’s not realistic.” Baima warns to be mindful of the different environment a meetup and living with a person involves. “When you’re going to lunch, you’re not sleeping in the same room,” Baima said. “It’s not the same environment. So I would just keep it social and very openminded. Don’t look for something because if you’re looking for something, you’re probably not going to find it.”
Upon walking into either the Fremd or Palatine High School gymnasium last Friday night, fans were greeted by a sea of orange and people eager to preserve the legacy of junior Brian Larsen contributing to the fight against cystic fibrosis. The Hoops for Hope event was held on Jan. 27, as the girls hosted Palatine, and the boys traveled to Palatine. However, before any action started, both school’s student councils began to collaborate on a new fundraiser that would bring the whole community together through a common cause. Palatine Student Council President Emma Goodwin proposed the idea of raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) while also honoring Brian Larsen, who died in November from cystic fibrosis. Goodwin proposed the idea to Student Council President senior Melissa Poczatek, who loved the idea of conducting this fundraiser to unite both high schools and the Palatine community. “A lot of Palatine students either knew Brian personally or had heard about what happened with Brian, so they wanted to show their respect and consideration for Fremd students by creating this fundraiser,“ Poczatek said. Several other groups contributed to the Hoops for Hope effort. Poms raised money by selling orange ribbons, and the Health Career Club sold baked goods at the girls game with proceeds going to the CFF. Student Council Advisor and English teacher Brigid Tileston was impressed with the efforts of all of the clubs and programs involved with the event. “I was surprised and pleased with the fact that several other groups took the initiative to contribute in their own ways,” Tileston said. “It was amazing to see the entire school come together in this way.” On the Tuesday before the games, bright orange “Hoops for Hope” shirts went on sale to students for $6 and sold out by Thursday. On game day, Fremd’s hallways were filled with orange and junior Kailee Falvo, a close friend of Brian Larsen, believes that the mood around school was different than normal. “The atmosphere differed because students felt proud of what they were wearing and what it represented,” Falvo said. “I was very impressed that many students
Logue photo by Gina Hurlburt
CROWD COLLABORATION. Students from Palatine and Fremd sported their orange Hoops for Hope shirts to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Brian Larsen.
chose to wear orange, and it was nice to see all of the teachers in orange too.” Before the start of the boys game, one lucky student who entered a raffle was selected to sit on a couch instead of the bleachers along with a friend, and they were also served pizza and soda for the “Best Seat in the House” promotion. At halftime, a group of students, including Fremd senior Keith Giagnorio, were able to attempt a half-court shot, and they received an iTunes gift card regardless if the shot went in or not. The event affected the community in a positive way, Poczatek says. “This fundraiser has shown how connected our students are to one another and how seriously they are impacted by one another,” Poczatek said. “I would love this fundraiser to spread hope and strength within the community. Brian’s friends and family have been through so much, and for everyone to be able to come together to honor him is a really incredible and courageous thing to do.” Student council will be ordering more shirts and will continue to sell them at a later time. Keep a lookout on the FHS website, www.fhs.d211.org, for more information about the shirt reorder. All profits go towards the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Gasoline, Starbucks prices to increase this year Will Grubbe Staff Writer
Inflation will be a common occurrence over the next 12 months as gas will see a steep rise in costs. Economics teacher Michael Bruce credits the increase in commodity prices to the use of oil in transporting most products from the manufacturer to the retailer. “If there was a certain shortage of oil, then all products that use petroleum in any way shape and form can then have a spike in price, called a supply shock,” Bruce said. “It comes down to pure supply and demand. If there’s an increase in demand for a product, you might see a spike in that price.” Junior Jeff Grayczyk has started to notice a larger fee for consumer goods, especially when it comes to filling up at the pump. “I want to get more for my money,” Grayczyk said. “I always put $20 in the tank, and that usually gets me a half a tank, but ever since these gas prices have been increasing, I’m getting less and less for my $20.” The rising price of oil explains why a product’s fee would inflate at such a rapid rate. Items are shipped to a vendor by the company and
Logue photo by Pooja Parameshwar
COFFEE CATASTROPHE. Consumers should see price increases with their morning pick-me-up at Starbucks.
gasoline is used in the process. This rising cost of gasoline, as well as the turbulent climate of the Middle East, could result in a cost increase for most, if not all, consumer goods. A financial crisis with transportation costs pushed the biggest increase since 2008. The U.S. Postal Service has implemented shipping increases as of Jan. 22. The fate of the American economy depends on how expensive it is to operate machines that run on gas. Companies need to cover the rising cost by charging the consumer more for the goods or service that they are providing. As this pattern of rising prices
continues across the market, food vendors could be hit particularly hard because of the cost of transporting goods. Starbucks will see an upward trend of 10 cents, according to the New York Times. This is attributed to the rising cost of milk, coffee and gas. Sophomore Alaina McCaffrey is perturbed by the rising prices of Starbucks coffee. “I would say that overall I’m upset because they raised the prices,” McCaffrey said. “I don’t want to pay more for my coffee.” Other everyday items will begin to follow the same trend. Airline tickets, raw food products, tap water and mobile data plans will all become more expensive, according to ABC News. Prices of electronics such as digital cameras will also experience a dramatic rise in expense. Since smartphones with functional cameras have entered the market, camera companies have needed to bolster the sophistication of newer models. 2012 will be a year of fluctuating prices, especially with the insecure economy. With money not stretching as far as it has in the past, every penny will count.
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FORUM
Viking Logue Friday, February 3, 2012
Editorial Cartoon
VIKING VOICE How do you feel about the Valentine’s day hype?
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I feel like you don’t need a special day to show someone that you love them. What about the other 364? That said, I do enjoy chocolate.
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-Natalie Soto, world language teacher
I feel like the hype is too commercialized. I do not really get why it is so important to show all your love that day because it should be every day.
Valentine’s, schmalentine’s: Whatever, it’s just a day Be mine. Call me. Love you. U R Sweet. Hug me. Shut up. Feb. 14 is clearly the best day of every year. The excitement all starts when you set foot in the chaotic mall the day before to shop for your date’s present. Don’t worry if you’re unsure of how to convey your feelings—just turn to Hallmark. Not only do they supply you with hundreds of personalized, tear-jerking singing cards that literally scream “I LOVE YOU,” but they also sell one-of-a-kind teddy bears armed with mesmerizing beady eyes that your date won’t be able to resist. If that doesn’t make his heart melt, just pull out the heart-shaped box of the tastiest mystery chocolates filled with artificially-colored goo, and you’ll be good to go. When you and your date finally get together, you have to be extra affectionate because on Valentine’s Day, your relationship is more special than usual. Though you spent time with him during Thanksgiving, winter break and New Year’s Day, and you see him every
Joyce Park
passing period in the hallways, you should be happy to be with him for another two hours. After all, lovers are supposed to spend every waking moment together, right? Give him your gift—try not to think about how you’ve spent all your money on presents for the past three months. When he hands you his gift with a hopeful smile, show him how much you adore the engraved key chain he got you by immediately placing it in the center of your trophy shelf. While waiting in line for an hour at the packed restaurant and joyfully spending more money on your fancy dinner, don’t feel uncomfortable when people around you are PDA-ing—it’s all part of the holiday.
During your meal, it shouldn’t be too difficult to engage in a conversation, but just in case you run out of things to talk about, some good conversation starters are the weather, the people who are sitting around you, your food or your classes at school. If worse comes to worst, just shower him with compliments for the rest of the meal. To end your dinner on a good note, indulge in the chalky flavor of conversation hearts together. Yum. Even after you’ve gone your separate ways, the celebration isn’t over. Make sure to go on Facebook—the classiest place to express your love for others—and show your friends how much you appreciate them by spamming their walls with xoxo’s and <3s. Since you’re obviously interested in other couples’ relationships, also make sure you comment on all of the sappy pictures that they have put up for you to see. Congratulations on a successful Valentine’s Day! But before you call it a day, don’t forget it’s a Tuesday, and you still have all that homework to do…
EDITORIAL
District 15, please don’t stop the music Community Consolidated School District 15, the main feeder district for Fremd, is facing a projected $9.6 million shortfall for the next fiscal year. The district is looking to make $10 million in cuts to compensate for that deficit. At a public forum on Jan. 23, District Superintendent Scott Thompson presented several options for those cuts, including eliminating teaching positions and increasing class sizes. However, one option which is particularly troubling calls for the end of band and orchestra at the elementary school level and scaling back on art, music and physical education classes. Current Fremd students are familiar with this debate, as many saw similar situations at their elementary schools after a failed referendum in 2005. In addition to the fact that many students’ siblings will be affected, Fremd also has a vested interest in these budget discussions because the decision will affect the quality and caliber of students who enter the school. That’s why we urge District 15 to find ways to balance the budget without damaging students’
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futures. Our school has maintained consistent academic success and top-notch music programs because incoming freshmen have been able to replace the talent that leaves each year. This proposal by District 15 puts that in danger. Even for students who wouldn’t have played an instrument, the cuts will make an impact. Research has found that music programs assist in students’ reading and concentration abilities, as well as writing and communication skills in high school. Cuts to arts programs for all students will impact their educational development and make incoming students less prepared for high school work. Even though the district is in a financial predicament, it needs to find room in its budget to invest in its students. Despite the fact that the school board says that it needs to cut, it voted 6-1 on Jan. 13 to fund a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program in its junior highs. The school board should also look at the arts programs as an investment in the same way. The futures of both elementary school students and high school students depends on it.
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-Sheena Chu, senior
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What hype? Gotta be more hype!
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-Pranav Prabhakaran, junior
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I like the chocolates because they are all on sale after. But it is depressing because [sophomore Elisa Perez and I] are both single.
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-Allison Tomal (R), sophomore
I really do not notice it. There should be more going on.
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-Alec Anzalone, freshman
Editors-in-Chief Pooja Parameshwar* Joyce Park* Managing Editor Will Shih* Lead News Editor Liz Amanieh News Editors Priyanka Kanal Elizabeth Tokarz Karen Li Lead Features Editors Tori Boldt Rachel Tenuta Features Editors Joanna Alden Venus Fan
Lead A&E Editor Carina Luk A&E Editors Aliya Ahsan Susan Szuch Lead Sports Editors Amir Djavid Jackson Mitzner Sports Editors Jim Hermetet Claire Mitzner
Compiled by Arjun Thakkar
Copy Editors Jacob Rowden Lexi Schnurr Neha Thomas Graphics Editor Nick Palcheck Distribution Editor Danny Wilson Adviser Russell Anderson
Photo Editor Justin Lanier
Assistant Advisers Grant Dawson Andrew Braverman
Viking Voice Editor Arjun Thakkar
*Executive Editorial Staff
Internet Editor Priya Mehta
The Viking Logue is published at William Fremd High School, 1000 S. Quentin Road, Palatine, IL 60067-7099 (847-755-2810). The opinions expressed in the editorials are those of the Logue’s Editorial Board and do not necessarily reflect those of the District 211 administration. The Logue accepts no advertising. However, letters to the editor and other outside contributions are welcome. Letters or contributions will only be considered for publication if they are accompanied by a signature and a phone number. These contributions can be deposited in the Logue office, room 120-S, or e-mailed to VikingLogue@gmail.com. The Viking Logue reserves the right to edit all letters.
FEATURES
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Viking Logue Friday, February 3, 2012
Mirror, mirror on the wall, how mu Shine like diamonds, got no p roblems Joanna Alden and Andrea Nicholson
Features Editor and Contributing Writer
We formulate our initial opinions about someone in three to five seconds. With such a short time to make a good impression, it’s understandable that attractive people garner the most attention. Beauty is a great social advantage. Those who are more beautiful tend to be better liked, more persuasive, and perceived to be more intelligent, outgoing and talented. “Physically attractive people have an enormous collective advantage in our culture,” author and professor of psychology at Arizona State University, Robert B. Cialdini said. “Physical attractiveness is an important component in society’s weapons of influence.” Likewise, many are taught from childhood that outward appearance is of the utmost importance in social situations. “When you are young, being attractive can definitely have its benefits,” senior Carly McKay said. “Our society is obsessed with beauty. Because we always want what we can’t have, we all strive to be more than what we are.” Beauty also plays a pivotal role in the outcome of legal issues. Cialdini confirms
this, saying that good-looking people often receive favorable treatment in the court system. An example of this is the controversial outcome of the Debra LaFave case, where a young, beautiful teacher, LaFave, served no jail time although she was convicted of raping her 14-year-old student. LaFave could have faced up to 30 years in prison for statutory rape. However, her youth and beauty contributed to a lighter sentence of only three years of house arrest followed by seven years of probation, according to The Washington Post. Research also shows that attractive people have more success in the workplace. A more alluring candidate may get a higher starting salary, perhaps because his or her qualifications are seen as more concrete and having greater potential. According to Newsweek, more attractive employees could have an advantage in securing promotions down the road. Social Studies Department Chair Heather Schroeder explains this as the “halo effect,” where a person’s appearance triggers positive assumptions about his or her character. “We are more likely to give positive attributes to someone who is beautiful and more negative internal attributes and less of an opportunity to someone who is not
attractive,” Schroeder said. “Also, the ‘associative halo effect’ is where just being linked to a beautiful person elevates the companion’s social status. Others then infer that there are other positive characteristics about the companion.” Due to the halo effect, women and men are credited with these positive qualities. “Socially, beauty is an equal benefit to both men and women because men get benefits from attractiveness just like women do,” social studies teacher Jason Spoor said. “It involves what is ingrained in our heads as far as how we defer to people who are attractive and the way we view and treat them.” However, attractiveness can be viewed as more beneficial for women because women are typically associated with the word “beautiful” more often than men. “From my experiences, women manipulate men a lot with their ‘beauty,’” junior Liz Cook said. “But regardless, women, more often than men, succeed in climbing the invisible rungs of the social ladder and benefit greatly from doing so.” Although the topic is controversial, most agree that personal appearance is a key factor in everyday life. “People are going to be judging you based on your looks as well as what you’re saying,” Schroeder said.
Graphics by Tori Boldt
The truth about Barbi
Features editors investigated childho “role model,” Barbie, and discove what her body would look like if s were real. At 5'9", she would have BMI of 16.24, which fits the criteria anorexia.
She would have 33” hips.
She would be unble to walk because her legs are not proportional to her torso.
h
ig d we l u o She w unds. o 110 p
12
The average number of beauty products a woman uses per day. 3
$13,000
The amount of money the average woman spends on makeup in her lifetime. 2
46
The number of days the average man spends getting ready in his lifetime.
2
FEATURES
Viking Logue Friday, Februay 3, 2012
7
uch does beauty matter after all?
ie
1
ood ered she e a for
The dark side of good looks Marissa Turner Staff Writer
She would have a 39” bust.
She would have an 18” waist.
She would wear a size three shoe.
In high school, students strive to be beautiful. Society creates an atmosphere of peer pressure that pushes everyone to be prettier. Teenagers often feel obligated to look good, so they take steps to alter their looks and appear more attractive. “Some girls feel the need to dress up and put on a lot of makeup in order to impress other people,” sophomore Taylor Delapa said. Girls spend time every day curling their hair and applying makeup while guys work hard to put on muscle through frequent trips to the weight room. Beauty isn’t as great as it sounds, however. People tend to overlook the negative consequences of being attractive. Although attractiveness is usually good, people often make irrational judgments solely based on looks. “Someone could think attractive women are conceited, selfish and shallow,” senior Freddie VanHouten said. Negative assumptions are commonly made about particularly pretty women. These women are often harshly labeled or not taken seriously because of their beauty and the stereotypes that come with it. “Sometimes people think attractive people are not as intelligent and that they can’t delve into certain subjects. People assume that they are egotistical,” Psychology teacher Tony Romano said. Guys also push themselves to become better looking by drinking protein shakes to bulk up and add muscle to their figures. “They feel obligated to be muscular. Especially for sports, guys feel they need to make the cut,” junior Danny Leahy said. For both men and women, peer pressure pushes them to look their best at all times. In a work environment, being exceptionally attractive can have its drawbacks as well. Extremely pretty workers are likely to be criticized more harshly for mistakes. “If a good-looking person makes an error at work, it is more likely to be considered by their superior a failure due to lack of effort than the result of bad luck,” according to the December 2011 issue of Allure magazine. These judgments can be prejudiced against certain employees because of their beauty. Allure magazine writes about Maria Agthe, a psychologist at Ludwig-Maximilians University. Agthe conducted an experiment to see how job interviewers would treat test subjects based on their appearance. The study discovered that, “when female interviewers were faced with a female candidate who was very attractive, they judged her more harshly than they did less attractive female candidates.” “We make judgments about people based on their appearances, whether we’re right or wrong,” English teacher Marilyn Berdick said. “That’s something you need to take into account when you go into a job interview. You want that person to be dead on in their opinion about you.” These stereotypes about good-looking people not only affect their chances of getting a job but also their treatment in social situations. Actress Evangeline Lilly, from the television show “LOST” said in an interview that, “men assumed things about my mental capacity or my physical willingness based on the way I look.” In our society, the need to be beautiful can be harmful. By allowing people to pass judgment on others solely based on appearance, beauty, instead of personality, comes to define us.
4-7
The number of pounds of lipstick the average woman inadvertently consumes in her lifetime.
5
The number of days a year the average woman spends in front of the mirror. 2
$25,000
The amount of money the average woman spends on shoes in her lifetime. 2
4
Sources: 1. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/galia-slayen/thescary-reality-of-a-re_b_845239.html 2. www.NYDailynews.com 3. http://www.nrdc.org/onearth/04fal/livgreen.asp 4. June 2002 issue of Glamour Magazine 5. www.praisephilly.com
A&E
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Viking Logue Friday, February 3, 2012
Concert assault raises concerns for music fans Bailey Zyer Contributing Writer
There is nothing like seeing your favorite band in concert with your best friends, but in the midst of the excitement, it is important to remember safety. An 18-year-old woman was beaten and raped by a group of men after being denied entry to a Rusko concert at the Congress Theater in Chicago, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. She was wandering alone outside of a nearby taco restaurant after being denied entry to the show because she lacked proper identification. Dave Bloomfield, the police consultant, evaluates what went wrong at the venue on New Year’s Eve. “She and her friends should have had a safety net,” Bloomfield said. “They needed a plan of what they would do if someone was denied entry to the concert so that no one would be left alone.” The vast majority of police action involving patrons arises from their behavior before and after the show, the Congress Theater website posted. There are staff, security and paramedics looking out for concert attendees’ well-being and safety. Senior Allison Manade was at the Rusko concert when the attack happened. While Manade attends concerts regularly and is cautious, this situation scared her. “I was terrified because that could have been me being attacked,” Manade said. “But I always have money and my phone on me and stay with at least five friends at all times.” When management and promoters determine that there is a high potential for inappropriate or illegal items
to be brought into the building, a full inspection is ordered, according to the United Center’s building policies. Sophomore Mary Chambers goes to concerts throughout the year and constantly watches out for herself. “We all want to have a good time at a concert,” Chambers said. “You don’t want to have to worry about fighting and getting into trouble, so keep peace with everyone around you.” British DJ Rusko reacted to the rape outside his concert by urging fans to call police if they know anything. Rusko—whose real name is Christopher Mercer— went on Facebook and Twitter to send out news of the attack. Social worker Kim Filian gives tips to students on what to do if an attack were to occur. “Seek adult help immediately,” Filian said. “These situations are insidious.”
Logue photo by Rachna Joshi
BE PREPARED. Ensure safety and avoid potential danger at concerts by planning ahead.
Officer Bloomfield’s Safety Tips for Students - Before the concert, check to make sure you have your ticket and identification. - Have a safe form of transportation to and from the concert ready. It’s a good idea to bring some extra cash in case you need to call a cab. - At the concert, locate all of the exits and choose a meeting place where you and your friends can meet in case of an emergency or at the end of the concert. - Bring a phone so you can call friends at the concert or call the police if something goes wrong. - Be aware of your surroundings and follow your instincts. If people around you are out of control, move to a safer place or notify concert security. If something or someone seems unsafe to you, it probably is. - Be polite. Don’t engage with someone you feel may become violent. - Keep your friends especially close in a crowd. Even with a lot of people around, attacks can get lost in the chaos. Some may take advantage of the crowd and pickpocket or commit other crimes. - Be sure to stay sober at the concert. Alcohol and drugs can alter your ability to sense and react to a dangerous situation. - When leaving, never go until you are with all the people you arrived with. Wait at your pre-planned meeting spot.
Introductory winter informal intended to interest all students Megan Spletzer
Student Council President Melissa Poczatek also feels that the atmosphere will attract students who Trying to find a date and money would otherwise only attend with for food and clothes can make any dates. “There are a lot of kids at our high school dance a source of worry. Student council and United Clubs school who feel the need to bring of Fremd (UCF) are trying to reduce dates to Homecoming and Turnsome of that anxiety with an infor- about,” Poczatek said. “This dance is just supposed to be fun—no cormal dance tonight. Student council advisor Brigid sages and no fancy clothes.” The idea came from the student Tileston says the blackout-themed dance will start after the boys varsity council executive board’s meetings with Principal Lisa Small. basketball game and last until “Our executive board 10 p.m. She says the inspirastarted meeting with Dr. tion for the dance came Small this year, and we from the fact that there thought it would be a aren’t usually many good idea within our events during this time executive board to have of year. eck lch a an informal dance,” Poc“We have a lot of kP Nic y zatek said. Homecoming events at the beb hic Freshman Hyoin Sung thinks the ginning of the year, and we also Grap have a lot of events in the end of the dance is a welcome rest. “A casual dance is a good pause, year, so I think the student council officers were just looking for some- and it’s nice that this is right after thing fun and inclusive for everyone the game,” Sung said. Tileston says that future informal in the school to do in these months,” Tileston said. “After final exams and dances will depend on how students first semester, it’s just good for stu- respond. “If it is really successful and students to have an event like this to dents attend, then student council kick back and enjoy.” For sophomore Olivia Nortillo, would look into doing something this dance will give her a chance to like this annually,” Tileston said. It will have free food and the enjoy herself without having to worry about all of the things that come same DJ who played at the Homecoming dance. IDs are required, but with regular school dances. “It’s a way for people not to have entrance is free, and students from to stress about preparing for a more other schools do not need to fill out paperwork. formal dance,” Nortillo said.
Staff Writer
Commemorate Black History Month with good reads about overcoming adversity Ali Murauskis
Contributing Writer
In honor of Black History Month, we highlight the works of three prominent authors whose novels reveal hardships faced by African-Americans throughout the 20th century. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Arguably one of the most influential authors of the past century, Maya Angelou has written poems, novels and screenplays. Angelou helped Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with his civil rights campaign and wrote one of her most famous books, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” after his assassination in 1970. The novel is an autobiography of Angelou’s early life, struggles with her family and her insecurities about being a mother at 17. The novel was nominated for a National Book Award in 1970 and remained on The New York Times paperback bestseller list for two years.
Fallen Angels Walter Dean Myers has written over 50 books for young adults, his most famous being “Fallen Angels.” Following a 17-year-old boy named Richie who enlists in the Army during the Vietnam War, “Fallen Angels” shows how brutal war can be, especially when facing racism. His new surroundings impact how he sees the world, and it becomes difficult for him to cope with the danger. “Fallen Angels” has won several awards including the American Library Association’s Best Books for Young Adults. Last month, Myers was named the national ambassador for young people’s literature.
The Color Purple Alice Walker is known for her novel “The Color Purple.” Winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction a year after its release, Walker became the first African-American woman to win the award. Walker writes about a woman’s perseverance to overcome the oppression faced every day. In 1985, “The Color Purple” became a movie starring talk show hosts Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg. It has also been made into a musical touring now. Walker has written poems, nonfiction and short stories, but “The Color Purple” has had a lasting effect on the way people think about Black History Month.
A&E
Viking Logue Friday, February 3, 2012
9
Change up Valentine’s Day with unique bites Carina Luk, Susan Szuch and Aliya Ahsan Lead A&E Editor and A&E Editors
Although Valentine’s Day is often dramatized, everyone can admit that receiving a small gift brightens up the day. This year, spend some quality time with your significant other sharing some of these delicious treats. Jarosch’s Love Monsters and Cake Pops Jarosch Bakery of Elk Grove Village provides a special Valentine’s Day menu. Their Love Monster comes with yellow cake filling with either hot or pastel pink icing for $3.40. They also sell cake pops for $1.50, which are similar to lollipops, but are made up of cake batter and are decorated with various icings and designs. Jarosch also carries Valentine’s Day specialty cakes and butter cookie gifts ranging from $10 to $20. Jarosch is located at 35 S. Arlington Heights Rd. Cookie Cards’ French Macarons Originating from the city of love, you can purchase these Parisian meringue treats much closer, at Palatine’s shop Cookie Cards located at 10 N. Bothwell St. The macarons are available filled with flavors such as pistachio, chocolate, raspberry and lemon and are priced at $1 each. While the exquisite macarons will be available for a limited time, Cookie Cards
3-D movies are nothing but a big headache
offers other specialty cookies, such as six fruit thumbprint cookies for $6, as well as custom cookies year round. Oak Mill Bakery’s Mini Mousses Situated in Arlington Heights, Oak Mill Bakery offers an assortment of mini mousses with flavors including hazelnut, mocha and strawberry on top of petite decorative fruit tarts. Each detailed pastry costs only $1.25, so arranging a plate of goodies is a simple but thoughtful gesture. The shop features other baked goods worth your sweet tooth’s fill, many containing inspiration from similar European pastries. Also, the bakery is attached to a flower shop, making it the perfect place to pick up everything for the special day. The bakery is located at 2314 E. Rand Road. Morke’s Valentine’s Day Chocolate Box For environmentally conscious Romeos, this ready-to-gift package functions as more than a mere simple treat. Add a dose of sentiment by placing a picture of you and your significant other to the picture frame on the outside. Containing gummy, candy and chocolate hearts plus chocolate covered pretzels for $9.95, it’s one of many items available at Morke’s Chocolates suitable for the holiday. The shop has two locations, one at 1890 N. Rand Rd. in Palatine and the other at 2755 W. Algonquin Rd. in Algonquin.
Logue photos by Neha Thomas and Susan Szuch
SWEETS FOR SWEETHEARTS. (Top to bottom) Jarosch Bakery’s Love Monsters and cake pops, Cookie Cards’ French macarons, Oak Mill Bakery’s mini mousses and Morke’s chocolate box.
Everyday items with innovative twists Neha Thomas and Aidan Carlsen Copy Editor and Staff Writer
While basic versions of these items are in many households, few homes will have advancements like these on their gallons of milk, ballpoint pen and touch screen devices. The following products have recently moved into the spotlight because of their state-of-the-art touches.
Inkling Wacom has created a pen that translates a hand-drawn image from any standard paper into a nearly exact digital replica to be uploaded onto a computer. The Inkling set consists of a high-tech pen, a receiver to store digital copies of the sketches and the Inkling Sketch Manager that allows the image to be transferred to the computer. The Inkling pen is a pressure-sensitive stylus that also uses regular replaceable ink. The detachable sensor records all pen strokes which allows the picture to be easily uploaded and edited, digitally eliminating the need for time-consuming scanning. Additionally, the user is able to manipulate the sketches, even individual pen strokes, without losing the quality of the original work.
Milk Fibers German designer and microbiologist Anka Domaske founded Qmilch, a company that extracts casein fibers from milk to create comfortable, affordable and eco-friendly clothing. Since the casein is a constituent of milk that humans cannot consume, it is usually discarded. Qmilch avoids waste by using this milk-extracted protein and combining it with other ingredients like beeswax and zinc to create the milk fibers. These threads feel similar to silk, avoid irritating the skin and are anti-allergenic and anti-bacterial. The fabric is also beneficial to one’s health because it can regulate the body’s temperature and blood circulation. Qmilch is also continuing to develop these fibers to fit customer’s individual needs by working closely with the company’s buyers.
W h e n I walked away from “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” in 3-D last s u m m e r, what I remember is watching Harry, Ron and Hermione jumping onto the chained and blind dragon in Gringotts to steal the jinxed cup from Bellatrix’s vault, Dobby’s heartbreaking burial after the escape from Malfoy Manor and the momentous battle between Harry and Lord Voldemort at Hogwarts. What I don’t remember were any of the 3-D effects that boosted my ticket price by $5. People go to the movies to be immersed in the story—romance, comedy, adventure or horror, to name a few. Movies act as a form of escape in which viewers can be surrounded by a different world and lose themselves in the intricacies of the actions. A handful of plot twists tossed in with brilliant actors make for a truly memorable movie. However, films that cram in as many 3-D effects as possible will barely be remembered for longer than the running time (ahem…“Clash of the Titans 3-D”). They make it shockingly obvious that 3-D is slapped on solely for money-grabbers to rake in the extra bucks from the ticket. A film doesn’t necessarily need to be in 3-D for a moviegoer to feel engulfed by the flick. Many great motion pictures can make me feel like I am part of the actual set and among the characters in the action. But in fact, 3-D does quite the opposite. The majority of the effects just pop out random objects and pull me out of the moment, reminding me that the scenes are not real. Because of moments like these, I’m distracted from what’s happening, and I start to pay more attention to the 3-D effects rather than the actual plot. In addition, the glasses themselves are bothersome. When wearing the 3-D glasses, viewers have to keep their heads perfectly straight toward the flat screen. If not, the vision becomes layered, and after 15 minutes of the movie, people can get extreme headaches and lose focus of the film. This, along with faulty glasses in which the lenses were put in backwards, has happened to me multiple times. I’m no longer captivated by the movie, and, again, I’m reminded that I’m in a theater, instead of running with Harry from Lord Voldemort. I start getting double vision and begin debating my choice of 3-D. Even if there are people who become accustomed to the headaches, there is no denying that the glasses automatically darken what should be a vibrant scene. 3-D movies aren’t worth the extra bucks. Viewers should visit the movie theaters to do what they are actually intended for—to watch movies for their storyline.
Aliya Ahsan
Tixels Senseg has created revolutionary touch screens that use tactile pixels, tixels, that allow consumers to feel letters, objects and bumps on the screen. For example, a picture of a rock wall on the screens of smart phones and tablets will feel like real stone. Another upgrade to Senseg’s screen is its silent, nobuzzing vibrations associated with current devices. The textures are distinct and familiar enough to differentiate between patterns like gravel and packing material. This screen was also made for gaming developers so users can find objects by touching gaming applications. For example, in a game of virtual air hockey, players can find the puck by feeling for it. This touch-screen software can also run automotive applications so people can feel the interior textures of a car and the sensation of its engine.
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SPORTS
Viking Logue Friday, February 3, 2012
THE GRILL: Boys basketball is sizzlin’ Lead Sports Editor Jackson Mitzner sat down with senior basketball players Garrett Peters (GP), Matt Wisniewski (MW) and sophomore Riley Glassmann (RG) to discuss what has been happening on and off the court throughout the season. What has been the most memorable moment of the year so far? GP: Definitely winning the Fenton Tournament. We didn’t really think we won it, so it was really exciting the next day when we found out. RG: Beating Huntley. They were number two in the area, and that was just a really fun game. MW: I agree with Riley, especially because of his awesome, game-winning three. What’s your favorite basketball memory growing up? GP: House league when I was really little, through Inverness Park District. It was all about just going out there and having fun. RG: I played on an AAU team with [sophomore] Garrett Groot and a bunch of other guys on the sophomore team. I loved going around to different hotels and traveling with the guys. Head coach Bob Widlowski is a funny guy. What are some of your favorites quotes from this season? GP: “You like the trombone? You know all about those fart jokes.” RG: “We’re driving to Huntley. It’s going to be a long bus ride. Bring your extra food. Bring your extra iPod, just bring whatever you need.” MW: “You should be excited to be a human being!” What are the biggest differences between last year and this year? GP: Camaraderie. We’re a lot more of a team this year. We hang out. We chill. We have fun together. We’re more than a team off the court. We’re friends. MW: There’s not really that big of a gap between the younger guys and the older guys. We’re more of a complete team than last season.
Logue photo by Jackson Mitzner
BROTHERHOOD. The bonds between seniors Garrett Peters and Matt Wisniewski and sophomore Riley Glassmann are one reason why the basketball team has a winning record. Were there any exceptionally scary moments from this year? GP: I had a foot infection, pretty serious stuff. I came in thinking I was going to play, but it turns out I had some blood disease that needed to be treated right away. What are some of your pre-game rituals? RG: I sometimes take a nap. Maybe watch a little “Ellen.” MW: I do the same stretches in the same order before every game. GP: Just listen to music and chill. Just get ready for the game. I don’t stretch. Ever. Before a game, what type of music do you listen to? RG: Wale and Big Sean. MW: I never listen to music before our games. I prepare for them by waiting in silence. Are there any funny moments that stand out from this season? MW: We had some team bonding after
practice one day, and we had a long conversation about [junior Mike] Krupa’s grandma and how he lives with her. RG: We were practicing on the shelf, and Lady Gaga started playing. Widlowski just kept trying to figure out how Krupa got the Poms to play Lady Gaga for our practice. Who’s the biggest joker on the team? GP: [Senior] Gabe [Clayborne]. RG: Gabe. MW: Gabe. Who is your favorite player in the NBA? GP: Scalabrine. That guy comes to play every game. He’s got a lot of passion. White Mamba all the way. MW: Rose. He’s an MVP, and he plays for the Bulls, so I have to support the home team. What team do you think is going to win the NBA finals? GP: Bulls for sure. RG: I’m going with the Bulls. MW: Bulls. No doubt.
Football ushers in new era under Sponsel Jacob Rowden
another District 211 school next season, acknowledges Sponsel’s experiences as a player. “He is very invested. Our motto was ‘Iron Will.’ Sponsel For just the third time in over 40 years, a new head coach was ‘Iron Will,’” Donatucci said. “I asked someone to step up will lead the football program next season. With an eruption of and change the culture of the school. He was the person who applause and cheering, Athletic Director Augie Fontanetta an- stepped up.” nounced in front of the team on Jan. 19 that offensive line coach Expectations are high as the Vikings begin preparing for the Lou Sponsel will take the helm of the Vikings program. next season, and Sponsel plans to carry on the main philosophies Out of every candidate, Sponfrom the Donatucci era. sel’s display of football knowl“The core of the program will re“It is very exciting, yet very humbling, to edge and his connections with main,” Sponsel said. “Our coaches and the players proved best suited players will constantly be striving to know that such a huge, successful program for the job. improve and grow our program in the rests on your shoulders.” “Sponsel truly builds great right direction.” relationships with kids,” FontaSophomore quarterback Sam Beutler - New head football coach Lou Sponsel netta said. “He not only wants believes that the biggest changes to the kids to succeed on the field, but team will be in how they are perceived he wants them to succeed in life.” by others. Fontanetta also attributes Sponsel’s experience to his selection. “More than anything else, we will be seen differently,” Beutler He has been a part of the football program for almost 20 years, as said. “We are going to win games, but how we carry ourselves both a player and a coach. He played as an all-state linebacker on when we are off the field will be important for us.” former head coach Mike Donatucci’s first playoff team. Despite all the speculation, the ultimate goal for Sponsel is to “One of the key members of Donatucci’s first winning class continue the Viking legacy. was coach Sponsel, so he really embodies the Fremd tradition,” “To carry the torch next is quite an honor,” Sponsel said. “It Fontanetta said. is very exciting, yet very humbling, to know that such a huge, Donatucci, who will take on the role of an assistant coach for successful program rests on your shoulders.” Copy Editor
Salaries for pro athletes reaching obscene levels Last week, the Detroit Tigers inked Prince Fielder to a nine-year, $214-million deal, the fourth most lucrative contract in MLB history. And while that number is incredibly large, consider that Amir Djavid not even two months ago, Albert Pujols was signed by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to a 10-year deal valued at around $254 million, making him the second-highest paid baseball player of all time. With annual salaries of $25.4 million and $23.78 million respectively, Pujols and Fielder are two shining examples of an industry where a wide number of employees are overpaid when compared to the amount of work they do. Look at Baltimore Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff, whose botched 32-yard field goal in the AFC championship game two weeks ago ended his team’s playoff hopes. Until recently, he was largely unknown, yet he still pockets a cool $1.5 million each year. And even inexperienced players are richly rewarded. Second-year San Francisco 49ers kick returner Kyle Williams—an even more obscure figure than Cundiff—will long be remembered in the Bay Area after his set of crucial muffed punts during the NFC championship game likely cost his team the win, but he still stands to earn $405,000 this year for his work. I’m not saying that we should force professional athletes into poverty. What I am saying, however, is that revisions are needed within a system in which the minimum salary for any athlete in the four major sports leagues—the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL— meets or exceeds the salary of the President of the United States of America, placing all major-league players among the top one percent of income earners in the country. Let’s again look at Pujols. In response to his signing, ESPN released an online program called “Salary Crunch,” which helps put these high-end contracts into perspective by comparing how long it would take an average American to earn his salary. In 2010, the median annual American wage was reported to be $26,364. The “Salary Crunch” system revealed that per at-bat, Pujols earns $44,028—1.67 times as much as the average Joe earns over the course of a year. He earns $146,320 with each hit, $175,847 for each game he plays or $659,100 per home run. Any action that Pujols takes on the field would accomplish this feat. The most shocking fact, though, could be that a typical American would have to work a total of 963.43 years in order to match Pujols’ yearly pay. That’s right–almost a millennium! However, it’s largely our own fault for promoting such a system, and I realize that I’m as guilty as anyone. As we buy tickets to sporting events, collect a wide range of jerseys and snatch up sports memorabilia whenever we get the chance, we make the industry more profitable and thus continue to drive sports salaries through the roof. As long as we keep spending the money, these salaries will persist, reaching record levels with each passing year. Although I have and will always be an avid sports fan, nowadays I can’t help but hear the faint “cha-ching!” of a cash register in my ears every time I see these superstar athletes take the field.
SPORTS
Viking Logue Friday, February 3, 2012
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Uhrich wins all-around, leads girls to MSL title
Claire Mitzner Sports Editor
Girls gymnastics remains a Mid-Suburban League (MSL) powerhouse after a first-place conference finish on Jan. 27. Out of the entire MSL, the girls took top honors with 146.4 points. Head coach Tim Hamman believes this was an important win as the team approaches the state series. “The competition is always a little tougher at conference,” Hamman said. “The judging is always a little more strict, and to do well there definitely gives the girls confidence as they move forward.” In the all-around, senior Stephanie Uhrich placed first with a score of 37.55. She took first on bars and second on both floor and beam. Hamman feels Uhrich was a major contributor to the team’s overall performance. “Stephanie Uhrich had a tremendous meet,” Hamman said. “She really helped in picking up the team.” Other gymnasts adding to the team score were junior Shannon Lemajeur who placed second on vault, sophomore Christine Jensen who finished third on beam and freshman Sydney Plichta who earned second on bars. Uhrich believes the meet showed the team what they need to work on in order to reach their goals. “We want to place at state as a team,” Uhrich said. “We struggled a little bit on beam, so it’s going to be really tough. We have to work on hitting our routines.” Two weeks earlier, the Vikings hosted an invite in honor of 1984 graduate Mari-Rae Sopper who died on the plane that struck the Pentagon on 9/11.
The girls placed first out of five teams with 147.6 points, their highest team score of the season. Uhrich, who placed third in all-around with a score of 36.575, was thrilled with the team’s performance, especially as the season comes to a close. “We did really well,” Uhrich said. “It was really exciting to hit on all of our routines, and it’s the beginning of the end right now. It gets us into the mindset of how the rest of the season will go.” The girls placed well in all events as Lemajeur took second in the all-around competition. The younger gymnasts also contributed to the team’s score as Jensen placed second on beam and third on vault while Plichta placed second on bars and fourth on beam. The victory meant even more considering the team competed without juniors Stephanie Gallo and Anna Johnson, who were both out with injuries. While Gallo is returning from an appendectomy, Johnson will be out for the remainder of the season with a broken ankle. Hamman believes the team has still performed well despite facing adversity. “It’s always tough to lose girls to injuries, especially Anna,” Hamman said. “But the girls have really responded. I think they stepped up and worked a little harder.” Lemajeur thinks the invite helped shed light on the areas in which they need to improve. “We need to put in some harder skills on floor,” Lemajeur said. The Vikings will be at Lake Park next Monday, Feb. 6 to compete at sectionals.
Logue photo by Kelly Owens
CONCENTRATION. Freshman Chrissy Radochonski focuses on her beam routine at the conference meet at Prospect High School on Jan. 27.
Senior Night victory propels swimmers into conference meet Jim Hermetet Sports Editor
The boys swim team spent last Friday night sharing old tales and having a few laughs as they faced the Schaumburg Saxons at home on Senior Night. Senior diving captain Aidan Kurkcu felt the weight of the big day and the accomplishments that came with it. “Senior Night is a really a big deal for us. It shows a lot of appreciation with what you did with the team, with your friends and the seasons we’ve had together,” Kurkcu said. Second-year head coach Kristen Newby feels great pride in having seen her seniors transform as both swimmers and people. “To see these kids and how much they’ve grown up and how mature they are now is remarkable,” Newby said. The Vikings were able to send their seniors out in style as they placed first in nine of 12 races, winning 99-73. Junior Cameron Hewett and Kurkcu placed second and third respectively in the one-meter dive. Head diving coach Courtney Wilhelm
Logue photo by Gina Hurlburt
SPLISH SPLASH. Senior James Tokuda swims intently against Schaumburg on Jan. 27. commented that Kurkcu and Hewett’s varsity experience is one of the key factors to their success. “They both have been diving for a very long time, so they have some experience in end-of-season winning. They have been through it before, so that is very helpful toward the end of the season,” Wilhelm said. Newby thought that the team was prepared for the obstacles they faced
against Schaumburg. “I think we really did a nice job today,” Newby said. “We swam through a lot of our bends, and we’ve been training so hard that we were able to swim through it.” On Jan. 20, the boys traveled to rival Barrington, and despite close swims, the Vikings couldn’t prevail, falling 120-71. Newby noted that even though there was a difference in pools, it was one of
the better performances of the season. “It is very different when you swim at a yard pool compared to a meter pool like Fremd, but we swam awesome out there. We had 17 season-best times,” Newby said. Senior James Tokuda feels that there are still some positives they are able to take away considering the competition they faced at Barrington. “We performed to our potential pointwise,” Tokuda said. “Of course we lost, but Barrington is really good this year, so just getting best times is pretty good.” The Vikings travel to Barrington on Feb. 10 to compete in the MSL conference meet. Newby is hoping for an inspired effort from the team. “We’re looking for good swims going into conference. We want to go into Barrington’s pool and swim fast and work hard on our technique,” Newby said. Junior Dennis Kostidis knows that the conference meet will be a heated affair. “At that meet, not only are we trying to get the best times and cheer everybody else on but to place the highest that we can,” Kostidis said. “It’ll be intense.”
Wrestling captures third place, sends seven to Glenbrook South for regional competition Lexi Schnurr and Emily Myers Copy Editor and Staff Writer
Although the team did not get its desired first-place finish, there were still two wrestlers who were able to bring home third for the Vikes at the MSL championship meet Jan. 27-28. “There was no one left with a chance for first, so the closest we had was a couple of kids to take third,” head coach Ralph Cortez said. “Those would be the two Hauser boys [sophomore Cody and senior Ronnie].” Despite the fact that the Vikings could not make it all the way, Cortez thought that they gave everything they had on the first night of the tournament. “I thought on the first night, the kids did well and won,” Cortez said. “On Saturday morning, the first meet was successful, but after that, we got our butts
kicked.” Ronnie also agreed that the team did well, even with only seven wrestlers. The same situation will occur next week with seven wrestlers set to compete at the IHSA individual regionals. ”We had half the team there, and we still managed to not be in last,” Ronnie said. “But overall, our team did well.” Cortez feels that there are some improvements that need to be made in order for the team to compete their best at regionals. “Number one, they need to be more competitive,” Cortez said. “They’re lacking that, and no one can give that to them.” The team is determined to achieve the one goal that they set at the start of the year, and they have been working all season to get there. “As a team, I think right now, it’s most important to
get everyone to the state tournament,” Ronnie said. The team is well aware of what needs to be done in order to make the coaches proud. “The coaches want us to wrestle hard and to not give up on any event,” Cody said. Everyone has been working on doing things differently than they have in previous years in order to achieve their goal. “This year, we have been working harder in the ring and understanding what needs to be done,” Cody said. Ever since the off-season, the team has been committed to pushing one another, and the Vikes are now ready to finish the season on a high note. “It’s been a team effort,” Cody said. “A lot of guys have been doing what has to be done.” The wrestling team will be competing in the IHSA individual regionals tomorrow at Glenbrook South.
IN THIS MONTH’S SPORTS SECTION... Lead Sports Editor Amir Djavid argues that the salaries in professional sports are undeserved.
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VIKING LOGUE
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Girls gymnastics looks to return to IHSA state series after conference win.
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William Fremd High School Friday, February 3, 2012
Boys down Palatine in convincing fashion Jackson Mitzner Lead Sports Editor
The boys basketball team has emphasized having a balanced offense this season. Without a single overpowering player, the focus has been on having an entire lineup of scorers. That concentration paid off last weekend, resulting in a pair of dominant wins over Palatine and Carmel, pushing the Vikes’ record to 13-8. “When they prepare for us, they don’t have one person to focus on,” senior Nate Serviss said. “All of us can score, so that forces their entire team to play defense.” Against Carmel last Saturday, the action started at a quick pace with senior Adam Gorecki recording the contest’s first four points within the opening minute. The early lead was never relinquished, as the Vikes pulled away throughout the game. The first quarter saw junior Sean Benka score seven of his 12 points as he stretched the Viking lead to 17-9. The offense was supported by strong team defense, which resulted in 10 transition points. “We’ve been stressing scoring off of our defense, and we did that at times tonight,” head coach Bob Widlowski said. “We were very solid on defense, and that led to transition points.” Trying to disrupt the Fremd offense, the Corsairs came out in the second quarter with a half-court zone trap. The Vikes weren’t phased and instead scored six straight points to force Carmel back into a man-to-man defense. The Vikings dominated in nearly every facet of the game as they out-shot, outpassed and out-rebounded the competition en route to a 35-19 first-half lead.
“At half time, the score is 0-0. The message is always to not let up, to keep the pedal to the metal,” Gorecki said. Instead of coasting in the second half, the Vikes continued to control the game and didn’t allow Carmel to score for the first four minutes of the third quarter. As the team continued to pull away, thirdstring players were given an opportunity to contribute and close out the game with a 61-30 victory. “I thought it was a good opportunity for us to get some of our bench players in the game. It was nice to see [junior] Arjun [Thakkar] score,” Widlowski said. “The second group did a good job too, coming in for a little more than they usually do in the fourth quarter.” Serviss and Benka led the Vikings with 12, with Gorecki scoring 10. Senior Garrett Peters scored nine, and sophomore Riley Glassmann had eight. The night before, Fremd took on arch rival Palatine and claimed a 54-40 victory. The game began as a defensive battle, as both sides had trouble scoring early. The Vikings’ first point came two minutes in on a free throw from Serviss. Palatine failed to hit a shot until there was one minute left in the period and the Vikes patiently built a 10-5 lead. The second quarter was more of the same, as the Vikes tallied seven points in the first minute of play. The Pirates continued to struggle from the field, and Fremd took a 25-13 lead into halftime. “We forced turnovers on defense, and we shared the ball,” Peters said. “We got some easy baskets off of that, and that helped us put them away early.” Fremd came out shooting in the third quarter and scored six quick points before
Logue photo by Jon Babcock
FAST BREAK. Sophomore guard Riley Glassmann blows past a Carmel defender on Jan. 28. Glassmann’s strong play has been a big part of the Vikings’ winning season. the Pirates answered. The Viking lead was never threatened, and the team finished the game with a 14-point win. “We’ve talked about playing four quarters. It was one of the first times where we played a complete game,” Widlowski said. “There was no letdown halfway through the third or in the second quarter. Our players earned it tonight.” Peters and Gorecki both led with 14 points and Glassmann finished with 10. In the two games, four players recorded a team-high score, and all five starters scored more than 10 points at least once. “The last two nights we’ve been very patient moving the ball around,” Gorecki
said. “We’ve been able to get guys in double digits every night.” Moving forward, the Vikings hope to turn the two strong wins into greater momentum as the IHSA state tournament approaches. “We would hope that this is not the best game we play this year because we want to keep building as we move toward the playoffs,” Widlowski said. “But that was obviously one of the better games that we’ve played so far.” Fremd will look to build upon its current three-game winning streak tonight as it hosts Mid-Suburban League rival Schaumburg at 7:30 p.m.
Girls basketball continues MSL conference tear by topping Pirates, Fillies Amir Djavid Lead Sports Editor
The Vikings traveled to Barrington on Tuesday to take on the Fillies in an MSL showdown, emerging victorious 52-27 and improving their overall record to 20-4 on the season with a 9-0 conference mark. The girls struck quickly, starting off with a 9-0 run within the first two minutes of the game. “A lot of it was our defensive pressure,” junior guard Ashley McConnell said. “We got a lot of steals, so we were able to push the ball up and get fast breaks and get quick scores.” Head coach David Yates believes that his team’s early pressure set the pace for the rest of the game. “We just talked about trying to take control of the game early,” Yates said. “We talked about getting good pressure on the ball and getting in passing lanes. We got some easy shots, and we got ourselves going.” After the initial burst, the game settled down, and Barrington stayed even with Fremd, scoring 15 points to Fremd’s 16 for remainder of the half. McConnell and freshman guard Haley Gorecki combined to score 21 of Fremd’s 25 points heading into the break. Although senior guard Jessi Wiedemann finished the game with 11 points, she scored just two in the first half, but Yates knows his players are always able to cover for each other if one is struggling. “We have different kids step up,” Yates said. “That’s the advantage of having three kids that can score 20 points any night. That takes a little pressure off the others.” While McConnell led the team in scoring with 19 points,
Logue photo by Christiana Kim
TRIPLE THREAT. Senior guard Sarah Macius looks to pass the ball against Palatine at home on Jan. 27. Gorecki contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds as well, her second straight game with double-digit rebounds. “Gorecki is a very good rebounder,” Yates said. “She just has a nose for the ball. She knows where it’s coming, she gets to the right spots and she secures the ball.” Even with a slow start to the second half, the Vikings were able to increase their lead. Fremd scored eight points to Barrington’s four in the third quarter and pulled away in the fourth after the team switched to a full-court press. “We’ve been working on our defense in practice a lot,” McConnell said. “We worked on moving our feet and getting in passing lanes and denying the wings.”
The victory over Barrington came four days after the girls defeated their crosstown rival Palatine 48-42 at home. With the victory, the girls swept the season series with the Pirates. A late layup by Wiedemann on Dec. 9 led the team to a one-point victory in the teams’ first meeting. “Palatine’s very good,” Wiedemann said, who finished with 16 points. “They always give us their best shot.” Yates agrees with Wiedemann and notes that the Pirates’ aggressive play kept the game close down the stretch. “It seemed like it was a see-saw game all game long. Nobody could get that little burst,” Yates said. “That’s the beauty of a rivalry game. It was exciting, and it was possession-by-possession basketball.” Of the Vikings’ 48 points, all but 11 were scored by Wiedemann, McConnell and Gorecki. “There’s no secrets out there. Those are our kids who make big plays,” Yates said. “All of them had their moments. They hit some pretty big shots in that whole backand-forth in the third and fourth quarter.” As the game clock wound down in the fourth, the teams traded baskets to a 41-41 tie with just under three minutes to play. Wiedemann then hit one of her game-high four three-pointers to put the Vikings ahead for good. “I just knew that we had to win the game,” Wiedemann said. “We got a lot of good stops, too.” Yates has become accustomed to Wiedemann’s big shots in tight situations. “She hits some huge shots,” Yates said. “Hopefully you expect that of a senior, and she stepped up.” The Vikings take the court tonight, hosting conference rival Schaumburg with tipoff scheduled for 6 p.m.