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Entertainment
May/June 2002, Volume 5, No. 7
Updated: May 31, 2002
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September
DUE DATES

Articles Due:
Friday, August 16, 2002
Ads due:
Monday, August 19, 2002

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
The best yet
By Paul P.,
Op-Ed Editor

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones is one of the best Star Wars films to date. The effects are excellent. They are probably the best of any movie this year. If you get the chance, see it on a digital film projector. It makes a world of difference.

SWE2:AothC does a good job of showing the character development of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader. It also excels by omitting the irritating Jar Jar Binks as a main character.

While Anakin was an innocent child in Episode I, here he is a hot-tempered hotshot who feels that Obi-Wan Kenobi is holding him back.

The plot revolves around the Trade Federation's continuing attempts on Padmè Amidala's life. Obi-Wan discovers an army of soldiers cloned from a bounty hunter, Jango Fett's, DNA. The climax of the movie is a large battle scene between the clones and an army of robots.

The Jedi Knights also get into their share of fights. The final scene contains the shocking sight of Yoda wielding a light sabre.

Hayden Christiansen and Ewan McGregor star as Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi respectively. Natalie Portman as Padmè Amidala and Christopher Lee as Admiral Dooku. Samuel L. Jackson plays Mace Windu.

Samuel L. Jackson, Ewan McGregor and Christopher Lee all give strong performances. Natalie Protman and Hayden Christiansen were less impressive.

I would highly recommend Attack of the Clones to anyone who enjoys the Star Wars films.



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Italy incoming Erika tops dance charts
By Sunny B.

Earlier this year, Erika, an Italian singer, released her chart-topping hit "Relations" in the US. Erika made a huge splash in the club music world. Her popular Euro-dance song hit number one on the Billboards Trip-Hop, Dance, and Club-Hitters chart.

Although she is a known by almost all American dance music fans, Erika has only been to the United States twice.

On both occasions, she visited Chicagoshe appeared at the Galaxy Club on February 28, 2002 and at the Euro Nation Super Jam Part III Concert on May 25, 2002.

Though all of Erika's other albums are in Italian, Relations will be her first English album. It will be coming out later this year, but the single is already out and is very hard to get.

"Relations" was No. 1 for 11 straight weeks on Billboard's Hot Dance/Club Chart. It is an excellent song. I give it an A!



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The Simpsons
Or, all you need to know about life
By Paul P.,
Op-Ed Editor

An ancient Chinese wise man once said, "The Simpsons has the power to teach you everything in life." Well, actually he wasn't Chinese, or ancient but he was wise.

In this article, I will demonstrate that The Simpsons can show you everything worth knowing in life. Take for example episode 7F04, "Treehouse of Horror" where one of the three features parodies Edgar Allen Poe's poem "The Raven" and basically lays out the story.

Episode 7F11, "One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish." shows that blowfish are poisonous and that only skilled chefs can prepare and serve them properly. Right there you have been given a piece of literary and culinary wisdom.

In the political field, 8F01, "Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington," depicts political corruption at its worst when Congress Bob Arnold takes bribes from crooked businessmen.

8F18, "A Streetcar Named Marge" is all about the play "A Streetcar Named Desire" and its themes. And knowledge of the stage is getting too uncommon in America.

1F14, "Homer Loves Flanders" shows that being too nice to someone can ruin a friendship. There's the social aspect.

More recent episodes, such as 1314, "Tales from the Public Domain" contain numerous literary and historical references as Homer reads through The Odyssey, the story of Joan of Arc and Hamlet. These contain important historical and cultural information.

These are all good examples of knowledge gained through careful viewing of The Simpsons. Maybe the next time you watch an episode, you too will see the deeper meaning.



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La Magdalena Mexican Cuisine
es MuyBien!
By Jackie S.

On a Tuesday evening in May, my family and I went to dinner at La Magdalena Mexican Cuisine, located at 950 Town Center Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. The service was very good, and the food was awesome!
My dining companions made the following comments: "This salsa is really hot," "I like the chips," "This is so delicious," "Wow, they give a lot," and "Hot, hot, hot!"

Our meals were not expensive, when the size of the portions was taken into consideration.

The waiters and waitresses were very nice, and very helpfuleven offering suggestions when they were asked.

One of the entrees was called Enchiladas Rojas, three corn tortillas dipped in red sauce and cheese and filled with chicken, beef, or cheese.

Another good entree was the fajitas, grilled chicken, beef, and shrimp with onions, green peppers, and tomatoes on a skillet. On the side, there was lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and either warm corn or flour tortillas.

La Magdalena Mexican Cuisine is a really good restaurant. The dining experience was memorable and it will be a pleasure to eat there again.



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Where will you be in twenty years or so?
By Michael K., Lyndsey M. and Melissa W.

-Nikki A. graduated first in her class from M.I.T. and got a great job at Fermilab. She is now an expert in theoretical physics.
-Dominic A. worked very hard and with some help from his friend Lee, became a world famous vet.
-After Lee A. retired from professional basketball, he opened his own chain of auto body shops.
-Jimmy A. started his own fishing show and now runs a chain of fishing supply stores.
-Becky B. started her own clothing line and it was a huge hit.
-Joey B. created a new character for The Simpsons. He has a new animated series out this fall.
-Ryan B. got a great internship and was able to work with Bill Gates. He now has five times the money Bill Gates has and is married to one of the Olson twins.
-Elysia B. moved to New York to pursue her acting dreams on broadway. She won the role of Sister Maria in "The Sound of Music"
-Sunny B. single-handedly saved five thousand whales off the coast of Greenland. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
-Kelsey B. was able to win gold at the 2008 Olympics, but she retired for swimming to become a social worker who works with kids.
-John B. started his own restaurant, which led to instant success. Boezio Burger is now known nationwide.
-John B. went to college on a soccer scholarship. After college he made some good investments and is now a billionaire
-Christine C. she took over Ms. Krisik's job. When she heard Ms. Krisik was retiring she just knew it was her dynasty to follow in Ms. Krisik's foot steps.
-Brandon C. started his own boy band with Giovanni and Alex C. Their first single was a huge hit in Japan.
-Francesco C. tried to be a professional skateboarder, but failed when he crashed and broke every bone in his body. The time spent in the hospital was a good thing, however. He is now studying to be a doctor.
-Giovanni C. joined Alex and Brandon in the boy band business. He is now pursuing a Hollywood career.
-Christa C. became a famous design and make up artist. She has a famous boutique on Rodeo Drive, "Puddle of Mud."
-Alex C. joined Brandon and Giovanni in the boy band business. He is now a regular on "Saturday Night Live."
-Allen C. became an undercover F.B.I agent. He hasn't been seen since.
-Kim C. married John Scarpelli shortly after high school and times where tough for the young couple. That was until Kim won the lotto and went to medical school.
-Ashley C. became a famous choreographer and worked with famous bands all over the world. While choreographing Nsync she fell madly in love with Justin, whom she eventually married.
-Natalina C. become a professional basketball player. She moved to Italy and became a star. She is now a hero to little girls all over Europe.
-Hector C. opened a five star hotel in Las Vegas. Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise are just a few of the stars who have stayed there.
-Parag D. traveled around the world twice, studing and taking pictures. He is now a world history teacher at Lake Park High School.
-Jayme D. ran for president in the 2028 election, but lost. However, his wife Chelsea Cliton won the 2032 election.
-Alyson D. moved to Californian and became an interior designer. One day, while she was working on Shane West's house, he got down on his knee and asked her to be his wife. She was surprised and said yes.
-Dana D. became a successful stock broker who has several Peacock alumni as clients.
-Jennifer D. moved to France and became a sucessfaul landscape painter.
-Karina D. discovered her love for writing in high school and became a famous novelist. Her novels have everything that America wants: suspense, love, tragedy and surprise endings.
-Robert G. received a football scholarship to University of Miami and then led The Chicago Bears back to the Superbowl in 2013.
-Cara G. was in the 2008 Olympics and won gold in doubles tennis, with her partner Lyndsey M.
-Mayra G. became famous for going all over the world into big cities rescuing stray pets and starting animal shelters.
-John G. became a hair stylist to the stars, creating a variety of special, crazy, new styles.
-Elizabeth H. to college and became a famous marine biologist who specialized in rescuing endangered species.
-Ashley H. played a year in the WNBA before being injured. She is now the coach of the Tennessee Volunteers who have won three NCAA tournaments in a row.
-Elisa H. started a fast food place called Jon & Bob's Hamburgers. It is the largest food chain in the Midwest and surpassed McDonald's in sales last year.
-Michael H. moved to New York City where he became a model for Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein.
-Jimmy H. worked on his skateboarding all through high school and got his first big break at the X-games winning three events.
-Billy H., after graduating from the Chicago School of Art, became chief designer for a major ad company.
-Ian H. also became a pro skateboarder, but was injured. He now owns his own skate shop.
-After life guarding at the Itasca pool for several years, Elizabeth I. moved to California and is currently a lifeguard in Los Angeles.
-Stephanie J. used her extensive knowledge of fashion to found the fashion magazine, Sj.
-Mark K. founded the charity group, Reach Out. The group specializes in helping inner-city kids get a good education.
-Alyson K. also became a model, but she gained her fame in Europe. She now lives in Paris in an apartment next to the Eiffel Tower.
-Megan K. used her exceptional singing abilities to land several lead roles on Broadway, in particular Annie and Bye, Bye, Birdie.
-Michael K. pursued a highly succesful legal career. He is widely considered
as a shoo-in for the next Supreme Court vacancy.
-Noelle K. took over as CEO of Starbucks Coffee, now a Fortune 500 company.
-Carl L. pursued a successful musical career. He won the Van Cliburn piano competition in 2006.
-Sarah L. got her big break using her voice for a cartoon show. She just signed a contract with Disney.
-Patrick L. created a new graphics chip, which makes computer and video games more realistic.
-Brittney L. played softball all through high school and college and was on an Olympic team. She helped found the United States Women's Softball Association.
-Kelly M. earned a scholarship to college for gymnastics and is currently on the US Olympic team, which has won twice in a row.
-Charles M. was awarded a scholarship to Stanford, where he is currently researching a cure for cancer.
-Anthony M. also used his talents in acting and singing to score lead parts in major Broadway plays such as The Producers and West Side Story.
-Nick M. majored in farm technology. He made millions inventing a machine that automatically plants crops.
-Lyndsey M. used her sense of humor and bubbly personality to became a reporter for ABC news in Chicago.
-Kristin M. founded a baby safety company. Baby injuries are down 60%.
-Ian M. was awarded a scholarship to North Carolina for basketball. He is currently in the NBA attempting to give the Bulls their first winning season in ten years.
-Alicia N. moved to New York where she started a new fashion line called Noyeswear. It is now a world famous line for celebrities.
-Tomaz O. got a job at Ford designing new car designs and testing aerodynamics. He has since made cars 20% faster and more fuel-efficient.
-Despina P. started her own band with her friends from high school. Their album went platinum and won a Grammy.
-Neel P.'s team won three gold medals in the 2006 Special Olympic events.
-Joe P. is a comedian on Comedy Central who also headlines at clubs in L.A.
-Jon P. chose a career in science. After many disastrous lab experiments, Jon discovered the cure for the common cold.
-Justin P. is a comedian like Joe Peccia. They are planning to star in a movie together soon.
-Rob P. invented a new car that almost everyone bought and he earned millions and passed it on to his only son.
-Crystal R. became a fashion designer and opened up her own store. It is a hit with teenagers everywhere.
-Mike R. decided to buy the L.A. Lakers but it didn't go too far, so he bought the Chicago Bears and they went to Super Bowl.
-Erica R. became a veterinarian and decided to marry her boyfriend. They adopted two dogs and have four children.
-Rachael R. is a pharmacist at Osco, and is engaged with her boyfriend from college.
-Suzie R. briefly taught math at Peacock before attending graduate school at MIT.
-Diana R. volunteers time to help troubled children in the community and is well known for her good acts of kindness.
-John S. plays for the New York Knicks. His wife Kim and their new daughter plan to move back to Itasca eventually.
-Brittany S. got a Ph.D. in physics. She now lives with her three children and loving husband.
-Jim S. became a famous cinematographer who commutes between Hollywood and Paris.
-Mike S. became a famous bass opera singer. He sings at the Met in New York.
-Ana Rosa S. finished college with numerous awards and certificates and became a dedicated multi-needs.
-Lauren S. became a cheerleader for the Orlando Magic. She then changed teams and became a Laker girl.
-Dave S. becomes a rapper with Eminem. He started a record deal with him and released an album about his life.
-Nick T. like all of his friends became a basketball player, but he joined the Bulls. Once he joined, they went to the championships and won.
-Mike V. owns a successful chain of carwashes and donates a lot of money to local charities.
-Melissa W., after starring as a nurse on General Hospital, made the leap to film, then returned to Itasca to teach theater.
-Renee W. became a playwright. Some of her plays include The Wonderful, Hockey: the tale of Glory, Sweat and Tears, and He Was Mine.
-Abby Z. became an author of love stories and mysteries. One of her books earned her the Pulitzer.



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Battle Realms is a superior 3D war game
By John G.

Battle Realms for the PC is like Age of Empires, but it has better graphics, more warriors, and faster movement.

This game contains all Japanese characters and has four different clans. The Dragon, Serpent, Wolf, and Lotus Clans all have unique warriors, which are used to conquer your enemies.

The Dragon Clan's best warriors are Samurai.
The Serpent Clan's best warrior is the Ronnin.

The Wolf Clan's strongest warrior is a werewolf.

The Lotus Clan's best guy is a Warlock.

The Dragon Clan has a special unit who can only be summoned if you put four Samurai inside a Dragon Temple. What you can then do is make a dragon shoot fireballs at the enemy.

If the Serpent Clan puts four Ronnins in the Necromancers throne you get a necromancer who can summon Spirit Warriors and Zombies.

Battle Realms for the PC has many options and is a great game.
Graphics 10
Sound 7
Play Controls 9
Game Play 10
Fun Factor 10
Price $50-$60
Overall Rating 9



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Eighth grade survey results
Compiled by Michael Riccardi, Karina Durso and Alicia Noyes

 

Boy

Girl

Cutest Couple

John S.

Kim C.

Biggest Flirt

Johnny G.

Noelle K.

Coolest Hair

Johnny G.

Nat C.

Best Dressed

Bobby G.

Kim C.

Most Likely to Succeed

Ryan B.

Abby Z.

Best Actor/Actress

Anthony M.

Renee W.

Weirdest

Justin P.

Ashley H.

Funniest

Ryan B.

Cara G.

Smartest

Joe G.

Abby Z.

Toughest

Gio C.

Dana D.

Person to Become President

Carl L.

Abby Z.

Most Preppy

Bobby G.

Christine C.

Fastest

John B.

Kelsey B.

Best Personality

Alex C.

Nat C.

Gives Best Advice

Gio C.

Nat C.

Most Popular

Gio C.

Nat C.

Best Singer

Anthony M.

Renee W.

Best Dancer

Gio C.

Alyson K.

Messiest Locker

Jim S.

Kim C.

Most Predictable

Dave S.

Kim C.

Most Unpredictable

Justin P.

Ashley H.

Most Common Sense

Gio C.

Abby Z.

Most Outgoing

Ian M.

Nat C.

Best Artist

Mark K.

Liz H.




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Final words of wisdom from the class of 2002
By Brittney L. and Elysia B.

Good luck to everyone. I love you all, but most of all I love Ian! Hope to see everyone this summer!
Love, Ashley H.
Good luck to Ashley, Christa, Cara, Kim, Steff, Alyson D., Alyson K., Lyn-Z, Pina, Britts, Lauren, Kirstin, and everyone else.
Love, Liz I.
Even though this is my last year at Peacock, I will hold on to my memories forever.
Love, Abby Z.
I want to say good-bye to Mrs. Jamarron, Mrs. Miserendino, and Mrs. Zerante because they gave me help in my classes when I needed it.
From, Dominic A.
Hey everyone, this year was unbelievable. I had a lot fun and I can't believe that it's true but this year is coming to an end. To all my friends I love you and will miss you next year. Hopefully we'll all keep in touch, peace.
Love, Giovanni C.
Although I'm ready to leave, saying goodbye is hard. Thanks to all my teachers for all my success. 6th and 7th graders, good luck and goodbye!
Love, Despina P.
"All of life is a foreign land"
Keronar
From, Carl L.
I will always remember having free time after lunch.
From, John B.
It was so much fun this year! I'm gonna miss you all next year! Keep in touch! YAY! Class of *2002*! Love ya all.
Love, Dana D.
8th grade was so much fun! For the entire 7th grader--join all the activities you can! They are a blast.
From, Rachel R.
I would like to thank all the teachers because without you we would be nowhere.
From, Maggie A.
See you all in Lake Park.
From, Melissa M.
We've had a great 3 years, and a great 4th year ahead of us! I'll always remember my years here and I hope you will too.
Love, Elisa H.
Thank you all for your time and effort. Love ya Mrs. Sislow and Miss Hep! And every other teacher! Love you all!
Love, Natalina C.
What's up everyone? I'm leaving so don't miss me too much! Miss Heppeler is the best teacher! Well I'm out! Peace!
From, Ian M.
We had a great couple of years here at Peacock, and we all contributed to that. I am going to miss all of you.
Love, Karina D.
Well it's been a fun journey! Good luck to everyone. Thanks to all the teachers for a great job! Oh and Nat is the best friend ever.
Love, Kirstin M.
I had the best time in Peacock! Good Luck to everyone next year and have a great summer!
Love Always, Alyson D.
I would like to thank all the teachers for giving me the knowledge that I have now. Thanks to all my friends for their support and good times. These will be the times that I will always cherish forever, the good and the bad. C-ya all at LP.
Love Always, Elysia B.
Good luck to all of the students. It's been a great 3 years. I thank all of my teachers for their support and guidance.
Anthony M.
Hey everybody! I had a blast at Peacock! To the 6th and 7th graders: the teachers here are a godsend, believe me!
Thank you all, Sunny Bhatt
I will always remember my lectures in advisory.
Hector C.
Hey everyone! I just wanna say bye and I'll miss you. I'll miss all my friends in sixth, especially Evin, Alex, Will, and Kevin. You guys are the best!
Love you, Renee
Eighth grade has gone by fast but has been a memorable year. I hope to graduate high school with everyone here.
Nikki
I have matured a lot from being at Peacock. The teachers were great and I have liked being a part of Peacock sports.
Good-bye, Mark K.
Congratulations to all the graduating 8th graders and good luck at Lake Park! I would like to say thanks to all the teachers and friends for helping me get through the biggest journey of all: life.
Alicia N.
Congratulation to all the graduating 8th graders! Good luck in Lake Park! I also want to thank all of the teachers for preparing us well!
Kelly M.
Don't make fun of other people, because the teachers hate it. You have a lot of homework 7th graders, get ready. Don't take it lightly!
Liz H.
Hey eighth graders! We're finally done with Peacock! I hope you all have a great summer and a great freshman year in Lake Park! Luv ya!
Cara
I had a great three years at Peacock! I will always remember all of the fun and friends I made. Good Luck to everyone going to Lake Park! I hope everyone has a great summer!!
Suzie R.
Hey everyone! This year was pretty cool and I hope next year will be better. Have fun over the summer and see you next year.
Mike R.
This year was fun the teachers were great but I'm happy I'm going to high school.
Jayme D.
I liked school and will miss my friends.
Ana Suarez
I LOVE MOSTOCELLI!
Megan K.
I will miss my teachers and my friends.
Diana R.
I will miss my friends and teachers.
Michael V.
I enjoyed my 3 years at Peacock.
Myra G.
I will miss my friends and teachers.
Neel P.



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