Justin Bieber

Justin Drew Bieber, born in Canada, is one of America’s most popular rising pop stars.

He was born on March 1, 1994, in Ontario. His first recognition was in 2008 when he was age 15; Scooter Braun saw one of his YouTube videos and soon became his manager.

Justin’s first single, "One Time," was released in 2009.  He has created many touching songs since then, and will continue to be a great song artist.

Guitar, piano, percussion, and trumpet are all instruments he has perfected over the years. In 2010, Bieber won the award Artist of the Year and has been nominated for numerous other awards throughout his young career.

 By: Wil Woodhouse

Lebron in the NFL

For almost a year now, a childish debate between NBA team owners and players has raged on. It is a fight over money, with neither side willing to budge an inch. The owners have threatened a lockout this season because no ending seems in sight.

With NBA players in search of jobs for the upcoming season, many have decided to play basketball overseas in Europe this year. However, all-star of the Miami Heat, Lebron James, has another idea in mind for what he might do. Last week, Lebron tweeted ESPN sports reporter, John Clayton, asking when the deadline is for NFL teams to sign free agents.

What appeared as a playful joke has actually become a possibility. The NBA is following through with part of their threat, cancelling the first 100 games of the season, and the rest of the season on hold indefinitely. With Lebron James being an all-state wide receiver in high school, some low caliber NFL teams see Lebron James as a cheap publicity stunt to draw out fans during a rough season.

This is not to say that Lebron James has no chance of success of NFL, but only time will tell. 

By: Dylan Scully

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez was born on July 22, 1992, to her parents Mandy Dawn Teefey and Ricardo Joel Gomez.  She is best known for being on the television show "Wizards of Waverly Place" on the Disney Channel. 

She started her acting career at age seven when she played Gianna on "Barney and Friends."  She has been in many other movies, such as "Horton Hears a Who," "Ramona and Beezus," and "Monte Carlo." 

Her singing career took off in 2008 when she recorded a cover of the song "Cruella De Ville" that was put on "Disney Mania 6."  Since then, she has had many hit songs, such as “Year Without Rain,” “Who Says,” and “Love You like a Love Song.”

Even in her young age, she has become a very successful pop icon and actress.

By Colin Brandon

Taylor Depola's Goodies

Ladies and gentleman, fall has officially arrived. And lucky for us, the arrival of fall also means one more thing - we all can get a taste of Taylor Depola's now famous baked goods.

Last night, Taylor spent grueling hours over the oven in the kitchen. Her main entree this week was her pumpkin cupcakes. She may have been a bit tardy to school this morning, but as you will soon find out, it was completely worth it.

Now on to the cupcakes. Each cake snack was wrapped intricately in a snack wrap pack. Each bite (each cake only allowed for two) had a consistency characterized by a moist brownie fresh out the oven. The proportion of the frosting to cake was spot on. Crowds flocked, hopped, and jigged over, hoping to get a taste of her goodies. 

With every bite taken, I fell deeper and deeper into a magic fall leaf wonderland with visions of jack-o-lanterns and scarecrows dancing through my head as the pumpkin cupcake melted in my mouth. They weren't just pieces of cake with a dab of frosting; they were edible works of art.                                                   






That being said, our school can only hope that this continues as a tradition. A proper name for it could be “Taylor Depola’s Goodie of the Month.” For each month/season Illinois drags us through, there could be a baked treat to correlate with it.

By Jimmy Chapman

The greatest movie that never was--'Niles Islands'

This weekend I had the pleasure of watching "Niles Islands." This movie, released in 2011, features Arnold Schwarzenegger, Meryl Streep, Vin Diesel, and Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson.

The movie is a romantic comedy with a bit of a twist. Due to such a star-studded cast, the expectations were set very high. And it did not disappoint. The plot follows Meryl Streep (Cynthia Rodgers) and her husband Arnold Schwarzenegger (Edward Rodgers) on their Alpaca farm in Missouri, and their farm hands, the Rock (Arnold McGuffey) and Vin Diesel (Deon Sanders). They run into trouble when a group of marauders try to take over the farm.

Intense battle sequences initiate when Arnold and Deon fight off the cowboys using only their martial arts skills. The sad point of the movie is when Edward Rodgers passes away from his lifelong battle with claustrophobia. But things start looking up when Cynthia finds new hope in her farm hands, Arnold and Deon.

The movie ends with the three of them opening up their new grief counseling practice. All in all, I would give this movie an 8 out of 10 Chap points. I highly recommend taking your girlfriend, your kids, or your grandmother to this movie, because it promises to be a good time. 

By Jimmy Chapman

Cain's 999 Tax Plan

Herman Cain, one of the Republican candidates for president in this upcoming year’s election, is making a lot of noise. He has come out with a plan to help alleviate some of the unfair taxing in America. The name of his plan is called, well, you guessed it, “999.”

It was given this name simply because it would replace today’s current burdensome tax code with only a three part system. The three parts are made up of 9% flat tax on individuals, 9% flat tax on businesses, and 9% national retail sales tax. Just a short and simple alternative to today’s complicated tax plan.

This plan seems very attractive. Will it work? There is only speculation. At this point, this catch phrase plan is giving Cain a name to be remembered. Still, by proposing his plan, Cain shows imagination and courage. His idea is simple, bold, and attempts to be fair. Along with Cain’s genuine personality and people skills these types of ideas are what attract Grassroots voters to Cain giving him increased popularity in the GOP race.

By: Kevin Elder

Ryan on the ALCS

The ALCS is in session and getting right down to the point. The Texas Rangers are ahead 3 games to 2 on the Detriot Tigers. After last games performance, Justin Verlander proved his dominance yet again. Even though the Rangers have outstanding hitters and pretty good pitching, they really dropped the ball on Thursday night. Texas needs to win on Saturday to punch their spot in the clubs second consecutive World Series trip. Could the disappointment of last years World Series loss to the San Fransisco Giants who didn't even make the playoff cut this year haunt the Rangers and give them the motivation they need to become World Series champions? On the other side of the equation, the Detriot Tigers have had an outstanding season. However, in this ALCS they have really struggled against the Ranger hitters. Nelson Cruz has hit two grand slams in this series, one a game winning grandslam in game 2 and another in game 4 giving the Rangers a five run lead against the Tigers, both in extra innings. If you want to know if the Rangers will clinch, tune on Saturday and watch the Texas Rangers face against the Detroit Tigers in Texas. Derrick Holland will throw for Texas and Max Scherzer will be Detriot's starter. I would expect a good game from the Texas stars such as Nelson Cruz, Josh Hamilton, and Micheal Young and Detriot's key players Miguel Cabrerra, Austin Jackson, Alex Avila, and Magglio Ordonez.

Andrew Ryan

The Only Thing to Fear is Fear Itself

Do you have a strange phobia? How about an irrational fear? Well, I am here to say that you are not alone. Thousands of people all over the world suffer from one or more of the numerous bizarre phobias listed below. Enjoy this hilarious list of completely real fears:

Plutophobia- Fear of wealth.

Aulophobia- Fear of flutes.

Geniophobia- Fear of chins.

Barophobia- Fear of gravity.

Chirophobia- Fear of hands.

Papyrophobia- Fear of paper.

Prosophobia- Fear of progress.

Ephebiphobia- Fear of teenagers.

Epistemophobia- Fear of knowledge.

Euphobia- Fear of hearing good news.

Dextrophobia- Fear of objects at the right side of the body.

Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia- Fear of long words.

Counterphobia- The preference by a phobic for fearful situations.

Phobophobia- Fear of phobias.

By Alexis Brenner

Progeria

Once in a blue moon, a baby is born with progeria, an extremely rare disease that is caused by a single genetic defect. This disease has devastating, life-altering effects. Children born with this disease usually have a life expectancy of about 13 years. Their bodies go throught the aging process within this short amount of time. They experience all the internal and external symptoms of aging.

External symptoms include physical changes in appearance, such as premature baldness, heart disease, thinning bones, and arthritis. Because this is such a rare disease, approximately only 48 people worldwide are diagnosed with this and are still living. But, interestingly enough, there is a currently a family with five children who have this rare, unfortunate disease.

By: Alison Howey

Acting appreciation

Acting appreciation is a class where we learn how to act. With our wonderful teacher Ms. Shloss, we learn how to sit, stand, walk, fall, and mime.  

Our group improvs consist of school kids getting attacked by an escaped zoo lion, skydiving, family photos gone wrong, soup kitchen disasters , bad customer service and even Elvis in the morning.

Games like mafia, the alphabet game and bus stop are always something to be anticipated. I find it interesting how we go to class with no idea of what we will be doing and somehow ideas just start coming out of nowhere. This class is fun and creative and always something to look forward to.

By Elisa Hill

Homecoming Themes

Homecoming is a time when the whole high school is brought together to celebrate the time of coming back to school. It’s a time everyone looks forward to, and a time where everyone goes crazy. The theme is one of the biggest parts of homecoming because it’s the way the school shows school spirit. Why is it then that every year the themes seem to get less and less exciting? Is it because people are running out of ideas? Is it because no one seems to care anymore?

Don’t get me wrong; I’m sure people put a lot of thought and effort into it, but that isn’t always enough to satisfy the whole student body. The past four years, the homecoming themes have seemed to become more and more pathetic, from Super Hero to Candy Land, and now, Through the Ages. It seems to me that every year it becomes harder and harder to enjoy homecoming because the themes aren’t fun anymore. I think what the school needs is someone who is creative and can come up with ideas that are entertaining and that make homecoming more fun instead of bringing it down. Homecoming is such a fun time during the year; it needs a theme that is also fun. I think this year has been one of the worst years for its homecoming theme because it was boring. People didn’t want to dress up or participate in activities because of the fact that the theme wasn’t enjoyable. All that I ask is that someone or something influences our next couple homecoming themes so that we can have a more exciting homecoming that is enjoyed by everyone.

By Rachel Fugiel

Fall

The fall season is one of the only things we Midwest dwellers can brag about. This may come as a surprise to you, but states like California and Florida never get to see the glorious change of seasons. When you look outside October through November, be sure to appreciate the beautiful leaf colors and dim lit afternoon skies.

One thing that is kind of depressing about this fall season for us is that it started so soon. All the leaves are already in their red color, which is the color that signifies, "I'm basically a second away from falling off this tree" Why is that so bad, you ask? Being honest, we can all admit that Illinois is a bland state and admitting that, we can also realize that the in-between transition period from winter to fall with cool weather, gray skies, and no leaves on trees is a time that is ultimately the most unattractive for Illinois.

So with all the leafs "leafing" us so early, it is logical to assume the ugly weeks are only a few days away! So enjoy the beautiful fall leaves while you can!

By Taylor DePola

Ryan on the MLB Playoffs

The playoffs are here!

One of the most depressing and crushing upsets in Boston history occured as well. The Red Sox gave up what was at one time a 8.5 games lead but came tumbling down when the Red Sox lost to the Baltimore Orioles, a team that people have never really looked at as a playoff contending team since the end of Cal Ripkin knocked the slumping Red Sox out of the playoffs.

Of course, people are disappointed in the Red Sox, but people are getting offended by how the Orioles celebrated after the game. Honestly, if you beat a team like the Boston Red Sox with a team like the Orioles you would celebrate too! 

We the Texas Rangers beat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in four games. Last year AL MVP outfielder, Josh Hamilton, celebrated but not with the traditional wine but with ginger ale. It is his lifetime commitment to never drink or do drugs ever again. Hamilton left the stadium and went back to his hotel room when Ian Kinsler, Micheal Young, and Elvis Andrus with bottles of ginger ale and celebrated that way.

Will Hamilton and the Rangers celebrate with ginger ale and a World Series championship?

By Andrew Ryan

The Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is the fouteenth tallest building in the world and currently the tallest building in the state of New York.  It stands a proud 1,250 feet--1,454 if you count the antenna,  jutting above the famous Manhattan skyline. 

It was built in 1931 and was at that time the tallest building in the world, a title which it held for forty years until the construction of the World Trade Centers in New York City. After the twin towers were destroyed in 2001, it again became the tallest building in New York. 

The building is still used as offices from floors 1 to 85.  The 86^th floor and up has been converted into obvservation decks for tourists. 

By: Bryce Mcauliffe

Steve Jobs, You Will Be Missed

Oct. 5, 2011, marks a sad day for the technological society. Last Wednesday, the world lost Steve Jobs, one the most ingenious minds of our time.

The founder, and later CEO, of Apple died from pancreatic cancer. His passing was no surprise to people informed of his conditions. On Aug. 26, Jobs resigned as CEO of the company because he felt he could no longer carry the load; however, he had hoped that he would be able to continue to work when he felt up to it. Jobs felt that he still had plenty of innovative ideas brewing. Sadly, some of those innovative ideas will surely pass with Steve Jobs.

With the death of Steve Jobs brings about a memorable legacy. Over the past 10 years no one has progressed technology as much as Steve Jobs. Many would say that Steve Jobs perfected the touch screen, which is one of the most popular and practical inventions of the last decade. He brought about the age of the Mp3 player with the IPod,and put CD’s into extinction. Similarly, he created one of the best processing computers of all time, in both desktop and laptop form.

It is fair to say much of modern technology can be credited to Steve Jobs and the Apple Corporation. There is no doubt that in later years he will be remembered as one of the greatest inventors of all time, one who brought technology to a new standard. However, not all is lost; only days before his passing, Steve Jobs left all of humanity a gift: the IPhone 4GS, back and better than ever before.

By Dylan Scully

Cold Season

It is that time of the year again when the weather begins to get colder and people begin to feel sick. Cold season is here and here are some steps to prevent a cold and if you have one to prevent its spreading.

1.       Wash Your Hands: It's the single, most effective way to keep from catching a cold or spreading one to someone else. Do this especially before eating.

2.       Practice Healthy Habits: Eat right and exercise often to keep your immune system strong—and illness at bay.

3.       Get plenty of sleep.

4.       Soften Your Blows: Nose care can help prevent the spread of colds and alleviate symptoms if you do catch a cold. Blow your nose gently with a soft, clean tissue to help clear your nose of mucus. You'll breathe easier and reduce the spread of germs.

    If one follows these few simple steps they will keep themselves healthy and prevent others from catching a cold as well.

Kevin Elder

It’s Finally Fall

The fall season is a time some people love because the leaves change and the atmosphere is cooler; nature becomes more beautiful. It’s a time people go outside just to go outside. It’s a time people have bonfires and picnics, and it’s a time for everyone to grow closer and to do the things they all love to do.

When I was little I loved fall, and I still do today, but when I was little my favorite thing about the fall was getting to go apple picking. It was something me and my family did together and something I sometimes got to do with my friends.

Although summer is over, fall is still a great time for people to enjoy nature and to get to do things they don’t normally do; that is why I love the fall.

By Rachel Fugiel

Aretha Franklin

As you may know, Aretha Franklin was a legendary African-American singer during the 1960s. Growing up in Tennessee, she was a gifted singer, pianist, and performer. When she was very young, she was considered a child prodigy.

After moving to Michigan during her childhood, Aretha began to play the piano and sing in front of her father's church congregation. By the age of 14, she had already recorded some of her earliest tracks at church.

Once Aretha's fame heightened, she soon became accustomed to life on the tour road. She became a mother at the early age of 15. Two years later, she had another baby. By the mid-60s, a few of her singles became top songs on the R&B charts.

In 1968, she performed during Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral. She also sang at Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009.

By Alison Howey

Clothing for Dogs

Have you ever seen people walking their dogs down the street and noticed that their dogs were wearing clothes?  Is it really cold enough for these people to spend fifty dollars on shoes for their dog so their feet won’t get cold? 

Look at the dogs wearing these shoes or winter jackets and other articles of doggy clothing. They don’t look comfortable at all and they usually are walking funny because of them.  The worst is probably when people dress their dogs up in clothes that match the outfits they are wearing. Does it just make you that much cooler to match your dog? 

Dogs shouldn’t be forced into wearing clothes.  They look just fine the way they are, and if it’s cold out ,all that fur will keep them warm. 

 Colin Brandon

Ms. Shloss

Journalism class with Ms. Shloss is great. Obviously, I'm writing this article for that class. I'm going to write about Ms. Shloss. 

Ms. Shloss is a great teacher; I love being in her class. During journalism class, I sit right next to Ms. Shloss. I seriously don't know how I got there but I am. Everyday, she laughs at silly jokes, awkward family photos, and completely weird and  random stuff.

It could be really annoying if she laughs every 10 seconds for the whole 40 minutes of class. However, I think it's really funny to listen to her loud laughter. If you have a loud, annoying laughter like me, you will understand that it's not annoying, but it's funny.

I have to say that journalism class is my favorite class because I can hangout with Ms. Shloss, write about random stuff, be in the school newspaper, and get the easiest A in the world. 

By Charlie Ji

Vashti’s Fear of Sheep

Vashti Cassidy is a junior in high school attending Westminster Christian School.  She has an insane fear of the noise that sheep make, which is called a “bah.”  

A sheep’s “bah” is simply a way of talking to their fellow sheep.  Vashti, however, does not appreciate the glorious noise.  In fact, Vashti despises this noise.  These poor sheep are hated by a human just because they talk like bosses. 

I believe this hate of sheep is pure jealousy. Vashti is extremely jealous of sheep’s lingo.  Maybe one day Vashti will come to terms with these innocent animals and learn their wonderful language.

By: Wil Woodhouse

The Fantastic Forza

This Oct. 11 marks the release of this year's most anticipated racing game. "Forza 4" will be the fourth entry of the Forza series.

Jeremy Clarkson, Top Gear's famous host, is featured in the latest installment.  Turn 10 Studios hopes that Top Gear's involvement will bring a new dynamic to the Forza franchise. Some of Top Gear's most famous segments included in Forza 4 will be car football, pioneered by Top Gear on the TV show, as well as car bowling, and of course the test track.

Forza 4 will not be the first game to incorporate Top Gear into the game. Forza's main competitor, Gran Turismo, tried to put the Top Gear test track into their game. However, they required completing a ridiculous challenge in order to complete it.

Forza will offer use of the test track in any game mode, promising an unforgettable user experience. The demo for Forza 4 was released today, October 3rd. Crowds await the release of Forza 4, destined to go down in history as one of Xbox 360's best hits.

 Jimmy Chapman

Nicki Minaj Tops Charts

Nicki Minaj did not have an easy start to life. Born Onika Tanya Maraj in Queens, New York, her father was an abusive drug addict and alcoholic. She escaped her troubling situation by creating a fantasy world in her head. In this, she formed imaginary personas for herself, thus forming her current name.

Minaj strived for the strength that her mother never had and a successful career with which she could help her family. Her talent became obvious throughout her younger years; she wrote her first rap song when she was only twelve years old and actively participated in LaGuardia High School’s drama department. Later, she became a backup singer for local rappers and started writing her own stuff.

Discovered on MySpace, she was quickly signed and rose high on the charts. In 2010, seven of her songs landed on Billboard’s Hot 100 and she won Best Hip-Hop Female at the BET Awards. Her single “Your Love” became a huge hit. Whatever this young artist comes up with next, it’s sure to be a huge success.

By Alexis Brenner

After-homecoming blues

Homecoming is anticipated from the moment school starts till the hour before the dance.  The talk of dresses, parties, dinner, pictures, and "who will ask me?" runs around the school halls. The Monday after the dance is complete and the hype is over; the halls are filled with the after-homecoming blues.

What is there to look forward to now?  There is no winter dance or spring dance. There is no more hype or talk of the anticipation of a dance. Of course, there is Prom and Sadie's, but Prom does not include the whole school, and Sadie's is not a dance. Sadie's is fun and gives those who can’t go to a dance a chance to go to an event, but why can’t  they allow everyone to attend Sadie's and Prom?

The Homecoming blues leaves everyone moping around school wanting another dance. Homecoming isn’t just a dance, it’s a night of fun, friends, dancing, laughing, and many memories that will never be forgotten.  Homecoming blues should be healed with the anticipation of another dance during the second semester. Homecoming blues is a serious problem, and needs to be taken care of as soon as possible.

By Mallory Richardson