A Slow Start

The team predicted to crush the NL Central and be a huge contender in the National League is struggling in the beginning. The Chicago Cubs are currently (9-8) and are (4-6) in their last 10 games. Considering the fact that they just lost a series to the Cincinnatti Reds, I'd say this is as about a slow a start to the regular season as the Cubs have experienced in a while. The Cubs are currently in 4th place, not that standings matter this early in the season. However, it is a wake up call when you realize you are also trailing behind the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnatti Reds. It's time to start playing solid, fundamental baseball. If the Cubs calm down, start picking up the offense, get their pitchers to go deep into games, and don't fail with the bullpen, they ahould make up those 3 games pretty quickly. If the Cubs do all of this, they will be in first place in no time, as predicted. This season will be full of drama, I'm sure. The Cubs always make things interesting.

Phelps is Free

After the picture of Michael Phelps smoking marijuana out of a bong got out, there were various reactions. Some said that the gold medalist and Olympic superstar should be acquitted of all charges. Those people reasoned that smoking had not affected his performance in Beijing and Phelps should therefore be forgiven.
Others believed that since marijuana is illegal, Phelps should be turned into an example and be punished. This would show all people that status and fame is insignificant when compared to the law. It would also display the consequences that are associated with drugs. People could forever look back and say, "Just look at what happened to Michael Phelps."
After much anticipation, Sheriff Leon Lott of Richland County, South Carolina declared that Michael Phelps would not be arrested because of insufficient evidence. Michael and the sheriff agree that drugs should not be used. The Sheriff also commented that Phelps is not being "let off" or "excused", he is simply following the law.
Although Sheriff Lott said Phelps was protected by the law, I have to wonder whether or not Phelps' infamy and recent performance in Beijing had any influence in this matter. While I hope not, I cannot be sure.

Classic vs. Modern

Recently, my xbox 360 overheated and I received the red ring of death which is the three flashing red lights to all who do not play video games. I didn't know what to do with myself, but out of misery comes a blessing.
Overhearing me express my anguish, a friend offered to lend me his Nintendo 64, a traditional video game set popular in the 1990's. I accepted his offer. Long story short, after playing many hours of Nintendo 64 at random hours of the night, I have come to a conclusion.
Although Xbox 360 has vivid graphics, phenomenal gameplay, and can offer many more options to enhance the entertainment experience, a classic is named as such for a reason. Nintendo 64 kept me glued to the television for hours at a time. I revisited my past with my animated friends Mario, Luigi, Link, Starfox, Samus, Captain Falcon, Piccachu, Peach, and all of the poorly animated athletes from NFL Blitz. As I spent time with these friends, I realized that some things never get old, especially Nintendo 64. Nintendo 64 is extremely underrated and in my opinion deserves a place in everyone's home.

Snow Day Mayhem

On December, 18, the school district called the homes of all students. The students and their families answered the phone to hear a recorded voice message that notified all that school was canceled the next day due to the expected snow. In other words, winter break got one day added to it because of a snow day.
Snow days are magical, to say the least. The possibilities for a snow day are endless. Not to mention, students have no school. Is this necessarily a good thing, though? I know many students who wish that we didn't have a snow day because they had several tests planned for that day. This means that their studying was wasted because they would have to study during winter break some time in order to remember the material on their tests. Instead of having one horrible day before winter break, they were forced to deal with the anxieties of a couple tests for two more weeks.
Personally, I had an English test scheduled for that day. Although I fully enjoyed my snow day, day off of school, and early beginning to winter break, new consequences arose. I had to study for my English test over winter break in order to remember everything. Not to mention, the things I was planning to do at school that day were put off.
There are repercussions and benefits to any snow day, but I still can't decide. Was it worth it?

Glenbrook North Facilities

Even as I pass by the school, I cannot help but notice the new renevations. Throughout the school, teachers echo, "Take advantadge of the new facilities." In the Torch, students that were interviewed said that they planned on using the weight room more. This could only cause GBN to become a physically stronger school right? The results of having a new weight room can only be good, right? Wrong.
The Glenbrook North weight room is impressive, both in size and in the quality of the equipment. The weight room has something for everyone: dungbells, cardio machines such as treadmills and elypticals, machines that specialize in a specific muscle (ex: biceps, triceps, quadriceps, etc.), and racks that enable students to bench, squat, and clean. Naturally, students want to take advantage of such a fantastic facility. What does this mean for the people who work out on a regular basis? Well, as someone who used to work out four times a week in the old weight room, I can say that although the new weight room is obviously superior to the old one, there are some flaws with it.
Teams are now requiring their athletes to work out a couple times a week. No big deal, right? Wrong, again. 30 athletes coming in at once causes a shortage of resources, limiting the possibilities to students looking to get a good work out. There isn't just one team in the weight room at a time, either. Often, there will be several teams in the weight room at once. For the athletes on these teams, this is a huge advantage. When I work out with my lacrosse team, I am very lucky because I get direct access to racks, weights, machines, and anything else I need. The trainers in the weight room make sure that students that are working out within their teams get the necessary equipment.
Unfortunately, as a student, when I come into the weight room and see a sign that says,"Football only," on the racks, I am upset because that limits my routine. As a result, I have to work around their schedule, rush myself and use the equipment before the football team arrives, or I simply cannot use the equipment.
What is the advantage of having an amazing weight room when students can't even use it as it was meant to be used? Either sports teams need to be a little more understanding or the quality of the students' workouts will decrease.

Gears of War 2

In November of 2006, Epic Studios released Gears of War. This third-person shooter immediatley captured the hearts of gamers across the nation. The developed characters, challenging campaign, and fun multiplayer mode combined to form one awesome video game, in my opinion game of the year (2006). After a successful Gears of War, Gears of War 2 hit the shelves in November of 2008. Gamers everywhere were anxiously awaiting its release. However, a big question arose: Would Gears of War 2 be able to fill the shoes of the original?

It only took a little bit of time to confirm that Gears of War 2 delivers in all categories. First, the story line is way more developed, incorporating a tragic love story between Dominic Santiago and his wife Maria. Second, the campaign is a lot more fun. Epic Games really made an effort to give the gamer opportunities to try something that they didn't get to do in the first game. For example, one gets to ride a reaver, control a brumak, defeat a gianst sea monster, drive a centaur, kill a massive worm from the inside, invade locust cities, and much more. Third, the multiplayer mode offers many new game types and maps. These new game types include: wingman, guardian, horde, and more. Not to mention the new maps of security, jacinto, avalanche, blood drive, river, day one, and more. The new COG characters include the new Carmine, Dizzy, and Tai. The new locust enemies inlcude brumaks, reavers, tickers, grinders, sires, scorges, and more. Fourth, the new weapons and execution styles cause the gameplay to be very gory, graphic, very cool, and very fun. All of this is delivered with great graphics. Gears of War 2 should easily be game of the year.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" was originally expected to premiere in November of 2008 (this month). After much anticipation and hype, Warner Bros. pushed back the movie's debut until summer of 2009. They reasoned that they would make more money if Harry Potter 6 became a "summer movie". Personally, I am disappointed. I was very excited for the new movie to air in November. This is Harry Potter 6, a movie that is being closely monitored worldwide. Warner Bros. would have made plenty of money. Even if they had to push back the movie, why couldn't they push the movie back until the holidays? Lots of families go to the movies during winter vacations, not to mention the fact that kids don't have school. I cannot understand this harsh move and find myself feeling disappointed in the Harry Potter franchise. Although this feeling of disappointment will fade as soon as the movie comes out, I still strongly disagree with Warner Bros. on this issue.

(movie)- courtesy of mugglenet.com

Entourage

Sunday represents a day of relaxation, peace, and homework. Most importantly, "Entourage" is on at 9:00 on Sunday nights. "Entourage" features the Hollywood life of Vincent Chase and his close group of friends and family. The show provides a source of entertainment on an otherwise boring day. "Entourage" provides an escape from the exciting homework assignments one is forced to complete. Not only does "Entourage" provide an escape from the legendary adventure of Odysseus, advanced algebra/trig homework, and all other assignments, it is extremely entertaining. With the surprising twists, incomparable comedy, the unique and well-developed characters, "Entourage" delivers in all aspects that one could hope for in a television series. "Entourage" is easily the best show on television.

Too Much To Do in Too Little Time

Here at GBN, we always hear, "Get involved." In response, students participate in many activities: whether it is sports, clubs, debate, etc. Is this necessarily a good thing? What first appeared to be fun has now turned into chaos. How? Simple. Students are forced to juggle their time between all of the activities they are part of; personally, I have lots of homework, a sport, team workouts, a part time job, my family life, my social life, and recreational activities. How do I do it? I go to bed late, and wake up early. I have concluded that there simply is too much to do within twenty-four hours. I/we need more time, or less activities.

New Books for School

We all know what to expect from the books we read at Glenbrook North High School. These books that are supposedly "timeless classics" are extremely boring. If I was to read a book for school, I would want to read an interesting, contemporary book. Although "Romeo and Juliet", "Dandelion Wine", "The Odyssey", "O, Pioneers!", and all other books may offer interesting perspectives about literature, small excerpts could be given to students. This way, important passages are read and the students' time is not wasted. This solution is both effective and time-efficient. Maybe students will enjoy reading books again, I don't know. However, I do know that if new, better books are not added to the curriculum, then it would be foolish for people to expect students to be interested in literature.

Chicago Cubs

Are the Cubs unstoppable? After a week filled with drama and excitement, the Cubs end the day on a high note by winning the series versus the second place Milwaukee Brewers. This past week, Carlos Zambrano has thrown a no hitter, the Cubs offense has finally come alive, the pitching staff seems solid, and, to top it all off, the Cubs win the ballgame in extra innings this Thursday. The major difference between the Cubs from this year and the Cubs from last year, besides depth, is that last year we found a way to lose games; this year, we are finding ways to win them. As of today, the W flag flies high at Wrigley, declaring their strength and dominance. My prediction is that we will continue to see a lot more of the W flag, especially late in October.

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