Central Times - January 2009

8 Central Times - Sports Coach Fulara brings eight years of teaching experience and seven years of coaching wrestling. “We’re in a rebuilding process,” Fulara says of his wrestling program. ”But we’re doing OK.” At a school where basketball seems to reign king, it’s hard for a sport like wrestling to get its due credit. Fulara thinks there is a reason that schools like Montini have had such great sucess in wrestling, whereas Central seems to be down in numbers and experience. “Their rich tradition in wrestling is due to the fact that all their football players wrestle.” This, he says, boosts numbers. “But we’re dong well with some hard workers.” At the halfway point, Coach Fulara already has a pretty good idea of his wrestlers. Fulara says that at the halfway point, freshman standout, Greg Jacquez, is his program’s MVP. In addition, he says senior Matt “Frodo” Abens has been his hardest worker, with sophomore, German Arroyo; sophomore, Nick Mowka; freshman, Chris Mowka; freshman, Joey Pinozzo; and sophomore, Thomas Webster earning Coach Fulara’s respect for their vast improvement. Because wrestling sometimes doesn’t get its due notice, a lot of people don’t know a lot of things about wrestling. “It’s fun,” Fulara responds when asked about what the average student might not know about wrestling. January 30, 2009 “But it’s demanding. There’s nowhere to hide on the mat—you’re by yourself. Either you do or you don’t.” Because it’s so demanding, he thinks it’s good to keep it loose with his wrestlers. “I’m a players’ coach— I take care of my wrestlers. I’m too soft at times, but I like to keep it fun and loose.” It helps to have fun and loose players, too. Like sophomore Dominick Krachtus who brings an element of humor to the team. As a new teacher, he’s experiencing Aurora Central Catholic for the first time. “I love it here. I love the fact that everyone is about ACC— the school pride. It’s a breath of fresh air.” Though he has enjoyed his eight years as a teacher, he says given the chance—free of charge, of course—he’d go back to school to get his master’s in education leadership, so he could be a principal or dean of students. If, by some chance, he were to become dean of students or principal here at ACC, he said the first things he would do is to make every Friday an ACC spirit day; he’d then give himself a raise; and, jokingly, “fire Coach Casey.” Though he’s a new coach and teacher, he’s already part of our Central community. Most students already know him through one way or another—PE teacher, football coach, or wrestling coach. This is just a formal welcome to the newest member of our Central family: Coach Eric Fulara. Aurora Central Catholic’s Student Newspaper www.auroracentral.net January 30, 2009 By Mark Brauweiler Sports Editor People come and go in and out of schools on a daily, weekly, yearly basis. Some teachers are here for only a block or two. Others only one term a year. Some are here for two or three years, then leave. Coaches can sometimes come and go in a year (see girls’ basketball coaches from the last two years); or come, leave, then come back. Even with new faces coming and going, it’s important to get to know the good ones—not just as teachers, but as coaches and more importantly as human beings. Born in Chicago in 1975, Coach Eric Fulara grew up as one of four children. He attended high school at Notre Dame High School in Niles. As part of an athletic family—he and his brothers played football and his sister played volleyball and softball—it was only natural that he should go to Northeastern Illinois University to get his degree in Physical Education. Coming to Central, Calling All Writers We need your help! Take a look at the editors of the Central Times. What do all these kids have in common? They are all seniors. Many students won’t yet be able to understand the implications of this statement, but the reality is that most, if not all, of them are more busy than Santa Clause on Christmas Eve. What does this mean? They can’t do it alone, Chargers! They need your help. In between scribbling application essays, filling out scholarship forms, completing FAFSAs, visiting colleges, applying for summer jobs or internships, attempting to stay above water in AP classes, and finding a few last moments to spend with friends, it’s often difficult to crank out marvelous articles and newspaper editions for your enjoyment. Although the job usually gets done, it’s often a slow and time-consuming process that is in desperate need of helpful contribution. You don’t need to be an A+ English student; you don’t even need to be an official staff writer. You simply need to be willing to give a bit of your time to enhance our newspaper! Got an idea for an article? Want be a part of such a wonderful publication? Visit our website at www.auroracentral.net, or talk to a staff member today to become a contributor to the Central Times! —Shannon McDowell, School News Editor By Brendan Bond Sports Writer A potent combination of defense and transition buckets has the Chargers running away in conference with a 10-0 mark. Running Away Often times, the end of an undefeated season can disrupt the flow of a team. So too can a blowout loss, even if it’s at the hands of a ranked team. Neither scenario has held true this year for the Chargers. Despite those two losses, at the hands of Oswego East and state ranked #11 Hyde Park, the Chargers have continued to play solid basketball, rolling through conference with a 10-0 mark to go along with a 17-2 overall record. Back in December before break, the Chargers hosted rival Marmion. The temperatures outside were ice cold and so were both offenses. Part of it was by design, though. Marmion employed a stalling strategy that proved to be very effective. The score was only 31-31 at the end of regulation. In the extra period, the Chargers got an Anthony Kelley dunk and a Brian O’Donnell jumper to hang on 35-33 after a Sean Fichtel three ball at the buzzer missed its mark. Kelley finished with 15 while Mike Adams added 13. The Chargers next headed off to the Waubonsee Valley Christmas Tournament. In a repeat of last year, they lost their first game after entering with a 10-0 record. The Chargers rebounded by dispatching—in succession—Glenbard North, host (and eventual tournament champion) Waubonsee Valley, and then Naperville North in the third place game. All three of these opponents are large 4A schools and represent big wins for the program, in particular the Waubonsee Park pulled back into a stall, causing the incredible dunk ever witnessed during a game Chargers D to spread out. Hyde Park then at Aurora Central Catholic. That dunk finished cut through it for easy lay-ups. In a game a pivotal 9-2 run during the second quarter. where the Chargers needed to play with a lead, they didn’t and it led to an 80-48 loss. The next night the Chargers had to stage an impressive comeback at St. Edward. They The Chargers were able to rebound nicely last were down the entire night thanks to some hot Friday at home against Driscoll. The transishooting by Josh Dix and Steve Martin. The tion attack that has been rolling throughout Chargers were trailing by eight with two min- all of January picked up a notch in the first utes into the fourth quarter when Joey Guth be- half as the Chargers led 27-14 at the break. came instant offense. He scored 11 points over They also got a huge lift off the bench in the the next three minutes to help erase the deficit second period from reserve Matt Wagner. and give the Chargers the lead. Free throws He finished the game with 7 points, around down the stretch sealed a 63-60 win. Adams led a half-dozen rebounds, and a key charge the way with 20, while Kelley chipped in 16. taken against 6’7” Driscoll big man Matt Kaban. Driscoll mounted a charge late but the After an easy win against Montini, the Char- Chargers were able to stem it with a huge ofgers partook in the MLK Classic at Whitney fensive rebound and putback by Steven HolYoung High School against state-ranked Hyde lon and a bank-in three by Adams. Adams Park. The Chargers were down by twelve at finished with 16 to accompany Kelley’s 17. the break but cut it quickly to seven. That’s when the wheels fell off. Increased defen- The Chargers are next in action Friday January sive pressure by the Thunderbirds led to a 31 against Marian Central Catholic, and then 16-2 run. At that point, the Chargers zone on Tuesday February 3 at Aurora Christian. failed them for the first time all season. Hyde Continued from page 1... Mrs. Goldie Mark Brouch Central Times Editors, et. al. Advisor Managing Editor & Layout Manager Content Editor Local and World News Editor School News Editor Arts & Entertainment Editor Sports Editor Sports Editor Web Master & Business Manager Kara McNamara Brendan Bond Shannon McDowell Alyssa Shaff Mark Brauweiler Kristin Brouch Ethan Romba win. Kelley became the second consecutive Charger to take home the MVP award, following up Mark Adams’s honor last year. The Chargers got back to business after the break by hosting a very tough IC team. Despite 26 points from IC big man Matt Purdom, the Chargers prevailed 69-58. Mike Adams led the way with 20 points while Nick Czaja had a double-double (10 and 10). Kelley had 17 points, two of which came on what might possibly be the most Continued on page 8... 2 Central Times - Local and World News January 30, 2009 ty of those around. The pothole repair crews must really be busy. What’s that? Oh, none of them gave you a monetary donation so now none of them have the job. Wow, what a shame. But that’s how it goes, right Governor? Pay to play through and through. Central Times - Loose Ends January 30, 2009 Athlete of the Month: Kelsey Bohr Athlete of the Month: Greg Jacquez 7 I was able to get a good idea about how some of I can drive a hard bargain. You hear what I’m our faculty members feel about you, Mr. Blago. By Brendan Bond saying? And if I don’t get what I want, and if Local and World News Editor I’m not satisfied with it, then I’ll just take the Mr. V: “He is a disgrace to the state. He is Senate seat myself…It’s a bleepin’ valuable delusional and he must step down now.” Warning: If you are somehow one of the twenty thing, you don’t just give it away for nothing.” people in the entire state who supports the govMr. Drye: “I think it’s funny and typical of Illinois. ernor or are the single member of the House The evidence against you is damning yet you And to all those morons who voted for him- Reap it!” who unthinkably voted not to impeach Blago, are so full of yourself you are proclaiming your please, don’t read any more. Instead, do us all a innocence. I mean, I know you only scored an Mrs. Elliot: “He is a disgrace to our state and his favor and find out what 18 on your ACT but, office. He must be removed in the most expedient is wrong with yourself. come on, how stu- way possible. And I’m a Democrat saying this.” pid can you be. I’ve Before I begin, let me never seen anyone Ms. Marino: “In the bigger picture, Blagojevich just say that this is a with more hair than has lost his way. He has forgotten he is a public bleepin’ golden article brains. And while servant. He’s now in it for personal gain. In our and I didn’t give it up we’re on the topic country, the government serves the people, not the for bleepin’ nothing. But of hair, quit trying reverse way. Our founding fathers had the prinI digress. Unless you to look like Donald ciple of limited government, and politicians like have pulled a bin Laden Trump. The Don’s Blagojevich are the reason for that. This corruption and have been living in hair is much bet- is characteristic of social-welfare state politics.” a cave the last month, ter than yours. As you know that Illinois Amy Poehler put Well done, Blago. You went four-for-four amongst is the laughingstock of it: “Really! It looks the faculty I interviewed. But I can’t knock you the nation. Every other you’re wearing a for everything. In fact, it can be noted that you’ve state has been having a toupee that’s also done something that no other previous Illinois jolly good laugh at us. wearing a toupee.” governor has accomplished. Oh, I know previSNL has been having ous governors have been arrested, including your a field day. And we have just one person to Still, though, you keep on keeping on trying predecessor, George Ryan. But no one was ever thank for it. The most arrogant, pompous poli- to put yourself in a good light. Your defiance arrested while in office. Congratulations, Blago! tician to ever hold office, is our honorable and of an entire nation occurred when you named Enjoy your last few days in office. I can’t wait impeached, Governor, Rod R. Blagojevich. Roland Burris to the Senate. Somehow, he’s to see you go jogging in an orange prison suit. been seated. Even The list of corruption Blago has his hand in is when you don’t immense, but I’m going to talk about the latest try, you’re still putescapade of this dim-witted dunce. On December ting your name out 8th, Blago announced to the state, “I don’t be- there…Those open lieve there’s any cloud that hangs over me. I think road tolling signs there’s nothing but sunshine hanging over me.” with your name on Less than 24 hours later, the Feds, led by U.S. them. Yeah, those Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald, were at his doorstep to are starting to make arrest him. “Is this a joke?” Blago remarked. No, me violently ill evGovernor, the only joke is that you were aware ery time I drive unyou were being investigated for corruption and der one. The worst, were being watched by the Feds and still you con- though, is the covertinued to run amok of the law. This time you were age of you jogging trying to sell President Obama’s vacant Senate around your Northseat all while your calls were being wiretapped. side neighborhood. Eventually, you were caught red-handed. The I really hope you following is from a November 3rd phone con- break your leg by versation: “I’m going to keep this Senate option tripping in a potfor me a real possibility, you know, and therefore hole. We have plen- From Annunciation, to Illinois State, to her love of Chris Stuhlmaker…find out a little bit From winning the Lisle tournament, to about this senior varsity cheerleading captain— folding his clothes, to Flash the superand January’s female athlete of the month. hero… Meet standout freshman wrestler— and this month’s athlete of the month— Greg “Hot Cakes” Jacquez. Central Times: Where did you go to grade school? Central Times: Where did you go to grade Kelsey Bohr: Annunciation in Aurora. school? CT: What has been the best part of high school Greg Jacquez: Jefferson Middle School for you? CT: What was your biggest adjustment to KB: Senior year in general has been great. high school athletically? CT: What do you think is the strongest point of GJ: The opponents are so much faster, stronger, and better. your game? KB: Our B libs and arabesques. CT: What about academically and socially? CT: What do you think is the weakest point of GJ: You’ve got to study way more and socially it’s a lot diffferent— you meet a lot of your game? KB: When Stool (Chris Stuhlmaker) plays, we new people. get weak in the knees… CT: What has been the best new part of high school for you, as opposed to grade school? CT: What has been the high-lights of the seaGJ: Meeting new people, making new son for you so far? KB: We have finally gotten fans to cheer along friends, and being an athlete for ACC. with us! CT: What do you think is the strongest point CT: What are your expectations for the rest of of your game? GJ: My neutral position because of my the year? shots— that and my conditioning because of KB: Keep hitting our stunts and routines and, Coach Fulara and Coach (Tim) Kramer. of course, we want the boys to do really well and go down state… That would be sweet! CT: What do you think is the weakest part of your game? CT: What are your plans for college? GJ: Trying to escape from my opponent. KB: I’m going to Illinois State University to major in Special Education. CT: What’s something about you that your fellow classmates at ACC probably don’t know? KB: I sleep with a teddy bear that I got when I was three years old… And yes, I will be taking him to college! CT: Any nicknames people have for you? KB: My parents call me “Special K.” CT: If you could bick a nickname for yourself— one you don’t already have— what would it be? KB: Whiskers— ‘cause I’m quick like a cat! CT: What has been the high-light of your season so far? GJ: Winning the tournament in Lisle. CT: What are your expectations for the rest of this year— for yourself and your team? GJ: I want to make it to state and hopefully place. For my team, it would be to win our next few meets. CT: What are your expectations for yourself for the rest of your high school wrestling career? GJ: I want to make it to state every year and by my senior year I want to take 1st in state. CT: What’s something about you that your fellow classmates here at ACC don’t know? GJ: I always have a tradition right before I wrestle that I always have to have my clothes folded or I just feel unconfident for some reason. CT: Any nicknames people have for you? GJ: Jacquez, hotcakes, Gregorio CT: If you could pick a nickname for yourself— one you don’t already have— what would it be? GJ: Stud Muffin CT: What superhero are you most like and why? GJ: Flash, probably just because I’m actually fast in wrestling. A Second Chance for Dance Pary By Tori Romba School News Editor The ACC Dance Party planned for Sunday, January 18, was unfortunately canceled due to low ticket sales and inclement weather. With the help of Game Club, Key Club, and the National Honor Society, the Dance Party had the potential to be a great social event. However, mastermind Ryan Trojanowski is giving it another shot. Hopefully, with administration’s approval, the Dance Party will be rescheduled, but remember, it’s up to you to make it a great time. See you there! Birthdays host to many influential characters of history that have warmed the hearts of many By Shannon McDowell throughout the country and around the School News Editor world. January birthdays include those of January may be a chilly month, but it plays Paul Revere, Elvis Presley, Dr. Martin Lu- 6 Central Times - School News January 30, 2009 ther King, Jr., Benjamin Franklin, Edgar Allen Poe, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, to name a few. This month we would also like to honor members of our ACC community with birthdays that fall in January. Happy Birthday to all! Central Times - Local and World News January 30, 2009 tion’s history. After his cabinet was sworn in and Aretha sang, Obama took to the podium to take the oath of office. Two interesting occurrences took place at this point. The first involved the transfer of power. In the Constitution it says that the reigning president’s term ends officially at noon. However, Obama wasn’t sworn until 12:06. So, technically, we went six minutes without a president. As far as I know, the world didn’t stop. The other occurrence involved the actual oath. Roberts, swearing in a president for the first time, fumbled the words and said part of it out of order. After some hesitation by Obama, they were able to recover and proceed. The speech itself was a somber one that had more than its share of prominent lines. Firstly, Obama began with “My fellow citizens” rather than the “My fellow Americans” that has been customary recently. Obama channels both the Apostle Paul and Abraham Lincoln in this line: “We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. Obama Inaugurated By Brendan Bond Local and World News Editor At 12:06 pm Eastern Standard Time, Barack Hussein Obama placed his right hand on the same Bible used by Abraham Lincoln and repeated a short oath administered to him by U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts. With the words “So help me God” Obama officially become part of a select, distinguished society of men in our nation’s history. He became our 44th President. While the situation Obama steps into requires his immediate attention, and he has already been hard at work after only one week, for one day Obama was able to enjoy a reprieve from leading the free world, and instead, lead the party of the year in Washington D.C. As more than one million people packed into the mall with the crowd stretched from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, the day’s festivities began with temperatures in the teens. This highly anticipated event was easily the most attended inauguration in our na- The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit, to choose our better history.” Other notable remarks include “The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works.” Also, “a nation cannot prosper when it favors only the prosperous.” The one phrase, though, that captures the speech the best is “…a new era of responsibility.” After his speech, the Obama’s took part in the inauguration parade that included many marching bands, floats, and the Jesse White Tumblers. The Obama’s also kept with tradition and walked the route for a stretch. After the parade, the Obama’s attended a total of ten inauguration balls. They kicked it off with their first dance as the First Couple to “At Last,” which was performed by Beyonce. The title of the song was fitting for the mood of the day. For many Americans, especially the millions that were in D.C., it was at last. At last an African-American is president. At last change has come to America. 3 Space Roar Science and Outdoor Club By Shannon McDowell School News Editor If you can’t seem to find something entertaining to do in the next few weeks, search no longer! The Science and Outdoor Club has come to the rescue to enrich your weekends with fun, food, and friends. On Sunday, February 1, 2009, the group will be taking a bowling trip to Parkside Lanes in Aurora. For two and a half hours, students will have the opportunity to play three games of bowling, rent shoes, and enjoy pizza and pop for one low price. Two weeks later, the club will trek up to the Wisconsin Dells on Sunday, February 15, 2009, to the Chula Vista water park and resort for a day of indoor fun. Water slides and wave pools await the lucky participants of this day trip which even includes a pizza buffet for lunch. The Science and Outdoor Club meets the second and fourth Friday of each month at 7:30 a.m. in Mrs. Elgar’s room 208. New members are always welcome, so stop by to see what’s new! By Tyler Kennell Science Columnist News Briefs ACC Invited to AllStudents Represent ACC at Art Competition Catholic Honor Band By Kara McNamara Staff Writer By Mark Clough Staff Writer Mrs. Schroeder-Sears is proud to announce that Aurora Central Catholic was accepted to compete in the Scholastic Art Awards for the first time this year. Nine students submitted artwork, and three students’ artwork were accepted into this prestigious exhibit. Two students won awards. Please congratulate Sarah Jarocha and Jackie Dopp for winning Honorable Mentions in the competition, and also congratulate Tori Ridge for having her work exhibited. The Scholastic Art Awards is a very competitive show that is very difficult to participate in, so this is a great accomplishment for our school! On Saturday, January 28, 2009, Mr. Brian Patti, conductor of the ACC band, brought eleven students to Vandercook College of Music to play in the All-Catholic Honor Band. These young musicians were selected for their notable playing and given the opportunity to perform with other area high school bands. The music is considered to be college level, so I felt quite honored to learn that I was invited to join this distinguished group. We departed at 7:30 in the morning, bussed by Mr. VanderVelde. After arriving at the college around nine o’clock, we practiced together with the other bands until about three in the afternoon, with lunch paid for by the college. There was a small concert for those who wanted to attend. It was an exciting experience and the music selections were incredible. Afterwards, Mr. V and Mr. Patti even brought us to Oberweis for a small treat. When a NASA team led by Alan Kogut launched an instrument carrying balloon, they were hoping to find heat waves from early formed stars. Instead, they were surprised to hear radio waves that sound like a booming roar. Sound waves barely travel through space, but other waves, such as radio waves, can travel easily through space. Many things in space, such as stars, quasars, and even our own galaxy, emit radio waves resembling a static hiss. This noise was much stronger, estimated to be six times larger that the combined strength of all known radio sources in the universe. The source of this noise, both cause and location is unknown. Scientists have been able to rule out sources such as existing radio emitters, but can only begin to guess where in the cosmos the roar could have come from. The roar presents two situations for astronomers. A new puzzle in the universe that may lead to completely new discoveries, and a problem as the roar obscures the signals from the earliest starts in the universe, blocking data from an earlier time in the universe. But the roar, traveling at the speed of light, could be from an earlier age, and further study could reveal more about the younger universe than was expected from the start of the experiment. ary 6, Burris was prevented from entering the US Capitol by the sergeant-at-arms. By Brendan Bond When he talked to reporters Burris exLocal and World News Editor plained, “My name is Roland Burris, the junior senator from Illinois. I was advised On Tuesday, December 30, 2008, Governor that my credentials were not in order.” Blagojevich dropped a bombshell by announcing Roland Burris as his pick to re- Eventually, after an Illinois Supreme place President Barack Obama in the United Court hearing, Illinois Secretary of State States Senate. Many felt Blagojevich should Jesse White signed off that Burris would hd never made the appointment given the fact be the Senate appointment. With his “crethat he was already accused of trying to ear- dentials” now intact, Burris was sworn lier sell Obama’s senate seat. Although Bur- in on January 15, 2009, becoming the ris was innocent from the matter, many felt only African-American in the US Senate. that he should not be seated because it was Blagojevich who had picked him. A major- Recently, many northern Illinois stuity of the people felt that Illinois lawmakers dents experienced an unexpected five-day should have called a special election to vote weekend thanks to some bone-chilling the new Senator, but Blagojevich beat them temperatures. A cold front came crashto the punch. Legally, it was still his selec- ing through during the night of January tion, but many felt this was still Blagojevich 14 and students awoke the next morning acting in defiance to the charges against him. amidst news that schools were closed due to 10 below temperatures with 30 below Burris insisted he had done nothing wrong windchills. However, it got even colder. and was in no way connected to the gover- Schools were cancelled once again on nor. “I am not a tool of the governor. I’m a that Friday. Low readings included an tool of the people of Illinois.” Despite his actual temperature of 29 below in Auclaims, Senate majority leader Harry Reid rora and 36 below out west in Rochelle. and Illinois senator Dick Durbin both insist- That reading in Rochelle tied a state reed that Burris would not be seated. On Janu- cord for lowest temperature ever recorded. The band really went out on a limb in When the World Comes Down and is joined by the Pierce Sisters in “Another Heart Calls.” I thought it was brilliant and can be used on By Alyssa Shaff a Hollywood soundtrack. Their other exArts & Entertainment Editor periment with “Mona Lisa” was not quite as successful. It was a forgettable attempt The All-American Reject’s have a new al- to imitate the Plain White Ts “Hey There bum: When the World Comes Down. After Delilah.” The tracks “Back to Me” and “BeMove Along, this rock band has become very lieve” really didn’t stand out to me either. popular. With their second album they really crossed the line between rock and pop, I thought this album was pretty good, but but were still able to attract the alternative I almost want to say their preceding one crowd. It was able to keep this formula start- was better. It’s hard to feel inspired with ing with the track “I Wanna.” The band even the power ballad “Back to Me” after “It seems to have upped the “moodiness” in its Ends Tonight” from Move Along. I do songs “Damn Girl” and the unremitting “Brea- think that When the World Comes Down kin’.” Their lead hit song, “Gives You Hell,” definitely shows lead singer, Tyson Ritis currently rated number two out of the top ter, to be a stronger vocalist than previsongs; it really is the All-American Rejects at ously believed. However, in a few tracks their best. The way the song’s refrain is sung it almost seems like he’s trying too hard. also reminds me of Weezer’s “Beverly Hills.” 4 Central Times - Arts & Entertainment January 30, 2009 Central Times - Arts & Entertainment January 30, 2009 When the World Comes Down By Phil Karafiat Video Game Critic Rock Band 2 vs. Guitar Hero: World Tour Top 10 iTunes - 2008 By Bailey Shemenski Music Critic 2008 was a great year in music, with some really memorable songs. There were a lot of breakthrough artists, like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, but also some artists coming back with new albums, such as Guns N’ Roses and New Kids on the Block. And even some songs released a year before being replayed just because we love them, specifically “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock. The year started off in January with Natasha Bedingfield’s hit, “Pocketful of Sunshine,” and ended in December with Britney Spears’s “Circus.” Here are the top ten hits of 2008: Brown - This single came out in May 2008, and was at its best in the charts at #3. 6) “Lollipop,” Lil’ Wayne & Static Major Released on Tha Carter III in August 2008 and peaked at #1 on the charts for 5 weeks. 5) “Disturbia,” Lil’ Wayne & Static Major - Released in June 2008, “Disturbia” topped the charts for 2 weeks at #1. 4) “I Kissed a Girl,” Katy Perry - This single came out in May 2008 and even though controversial, rocked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Hits for a hot 7 weeks. 3) “Low,” Flo Rida & T-Pain - Came out on Flo Rida’s album “Mail on Sunday” in March 2008, and stayed at #1 on the charts for an amazing 10 weeks. 5 It has come to it; you have decided to buy a rock game. There is only one problem: which one do I get? Guitar Hero: World Tour or Rock Band 2? Although both seem to be the same (and cost the same too), both have their own unique attributes. Guitar Hero was, just as its title indicates, only for the guitar. In World Tour, the drums and microphone were added to compete with Rock Band. Don’t take this as a poor imitation of Rock Band, Guitar Hero uses the drums and mike just as well. These two rock games are very similar in many ways. For instance, the campaign mode in both games is nearly identical: play gigs, make money, unlock music, buy costume pieces and instruments, etc. Also, both have online play with other bands around the world. Each game has a nice selection of songs from several eras. Rock Band ranges from Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know” to Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf” to Judas Priest’s “Painkiller.” Guitar Hero has Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again,” and Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher.” By Grace Kirkpatrick Music Critic The Day the Earth Stood Still This epic adventure is based on the original film made in 1951. For nearly five decades, this film has captured the heart of sci-fi fans across the world. The original movie told how another rate of advanced technology came to warn the world that their knowledge of Nuclear power was a danger to the peace of the universe. The stupidity of the U.S. government in not allowing this other ambassador to speak to the leaders of the world almost results in the destruction of not only our way of life, but life itself. The original film posed an intriguing question that led a whole generation of people to wonder about the universe around us. In this new film, directed by Scott Derrickson and starring wonderful actors such as Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Jaden Smith, and John Cleese, the story is slightly different. The once human, now ambassador for an advanced race, Klaatu (Keanu Reeves) comes to Earth, landing in a technologically advanced sphere in the middle of Central Park with his invincible robot companion GORT. Getting a regular American greeting, he leaves shot and injured in the hands of the military from Central Park. A scientist/ teacher Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly) is requested by the military to help in the strange occurrences of the situation. Klaatu and Gort’s mission is to keep peace in the galaxy, and they will destroy the world if they have to in order to get rid of nuclear power. The weaponry in the remake has certainly been upgraded since 1951, but it still fails to live up to the original’s legacy. If you are a sci-fi lover and you want to know if our world was destroyed, this movie is for you. children, so they get a dog for practice. Marley, though an adorable puppy, soon turns to be quite a disaster. He eats just about everything in sight, literally. He eats things like couches, garbage cans, answering machines, drywall, pillows—you name it, he probably eats it. He also flunks out of obedience school, and chases about everything. But the movie isn’t just about how uncontrollable Marley is, it is how a dog who is that much of a disaster can bring a family together and bring a smile on the saddest of faces. Marley & Me is a story that will make you laugh and possibly cry. Marley & Me Melts Hearts By Allison Jenkins Movie Critic Marley is no ordinary dog; he’s so extraordinary, words can’t really describe it. The movie, Marley & Me, is a true story about a man and his dog. But this relationship is like no other; the relationship between them is incredible. Marley is welcomed to the home of John and Jenny Grogan, a new married couple trying to prepare themselves for However, the games differ in quite a few areas at the same time. In Guitar Hero, the star power meter 10) “Don’t Stop the Music,” Rihanna - This disappears in band play mode. Also, World Tour has a music studio mode, which allows players to song was not released in 2008, but peaked at 2) “Viva la Vida,” Coldplay - This single was #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 Hits during 2008. Coldplay’s first hit since 2005. It was released in compose their own music and post it for other players to download. This is a new and cool feature. June 2008 and topped the charts for 1 week as #1. On the other hand, a rock game is nothing without it’s music, and Rock Band 2 has a major advantage 9) “Love Song,” Sara Bareilles - Again, this here. You can import songs from Rock Band 1 or download more from a library of hundreds of songs. song wasn’t released in 2008, but hit it high And the top song of 2008 is… Guitar Hero: World Tour does not have this feature. Rock Band drums also have easier levels. right behind “Don’t Stop the Music” at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 Hits this past year. 1) “Bleeding Love,” Leona Lewis - This song was released in December 2007, one month short of Both games have very similar instruments. The only difference is the drums (Guitar Hero’s are really set apart). The Guitar Hero drums have three pads and two symbols, while Rock Band’s just has four 8) “Pocketful of Sunshine,” Natasha Be- 2008, but still stayed at #1 on the Billboard Hot pads. The drums is the only instrument not interchangeable between games, so you can buy both and dingfield - Released January 2008, and 100 Hits in 2008 for a full month before fluctuatonly have to worry about having to buy two sets of drums. peaked at #5, right after “Love Song.” ing between #1 and #2 for a while. Leona Lewis has some really powerful pipes and showed Either game is a good buy. Rock Band has more clothing and accessory options, while Guitar Hero 7) “No Air,” Jordin Sparks & Chris them off again and again for later hits such as lets you tweak a lot more fine details, from physique House is about the rather crazy, yet, insanely Peter, as they investigate aspects of fringe scito how broken you want your nose. So whether you New Feature: brilliant, Dr. Gregory House who is an anti- ence (telepathy, levitation, invisibility, reanimawant to rock out by yourself or with the whole band, Entertainment of social medical genius who heads a team of tion, genetic mutation, etc). All over the world, both of these games make a good choice. I say Guitar the Month Hero is better because of the more realistic looking diagnosticians at the Princeton-Plainsboro a series of apparent experiments collectively reinstruments and the song selection. In the end it is up By Mark Clough Teaching Hospital in New Jersey. Most epi- ferred to as “the Pattern” (e.g., a newborn baby to you to decide which is better. Here are some more Entertainment Critic sodes start with a cold open; somewhere out- who rapidly ages and dies within a few hours, a opinions: side the hospital, showing the events leading bus full of passengers trapped in a strange subStarting this year I have started a new column. to the onset of symptoms for that episode’s stance like mosquitoes in amber) are occurring Mark Brouch says, “Guitar Hero is better because of Instead of doing plain old movie reviews, each main patient. The episode follows the team for reasons unknown. Olivia, Peter, and Walthe extra pad on the drum set, and the music selection month I will take what I feel is a worthy movie, in their attempts to diagnose and treat the pa- ter are in charge of investigating these strange is better.” book, or game, and as the name suggests, give tient’s illness, but most of the time they do not events to determine their source. Connected to it the Entertainment of the Month Award. These succeed until the patient is critical. House’s the Pattern is a company called Massive DyTyler Kennell comments, “I don’t know. I’ve only items can be a current favorite or from a time world-renowned department typically only namic, which is a leading global research complayed and owned Guitar Hero, so I would be biased before you were born. I give this award based sees patients who have failed to receive a pany that holds the patents for a number of new towards World Tour. Guitar Hero and games follow- on the creativity and the awesomeness of it. correct diagnosis, making the patient cases and important technologies. Throughout the first ing it are great entertainment for gatherings, and Rock more complex. Furthermore, House resists half of the first season, Mitchell Loeb, a rogue Band’s additional instruments only add to the fun.” I had a hard time choosing just one item, so cases that he does not find interesting. Dr. FBI agent, orchestrates some of these events as this month we have a tie. Just this month we House solves cases with a simple epiphany. part of a larger plan to break a man out of prison and kidnap Olivia. Unlike Lost, Abrams promSteve Kuk says, “Guitar Hero because I like the in- had the return of Fox’s two best shows (in terface better.” my own opinion of course). These shows that Fringe is produced by J.J. Abrams, the ge- ises that the arc of the show will be easier to piqued my interest were House and the newest nius behind Lost and Cloverfield. His new follow and more accessible for those who skip An anonomyous source says, “Rock Band is better be- show, Fringe. These shows are definitely Fox’s show is a masterpiece. Fringe follows the the show. This is excellent because for the life of cause it was made for all of the other insruments un- hardest hitters. I have nothing nice to say about exploits of FBI Special Agent Olivia Dun- me, I have no idea what is going on in that show. like Guitar Hero, which is just a Rock Band wannbe.” 24, so I will not say anything about it at all. ham, scientist Walter Bishop, and his son,