New Facebook Controversy
October 31, 2008
The social networking website Facebook has come out with new version, popularly referred to as “New Facebook.” Their new makeover has sparked controversy amongst Facebook users, and over 100 million users are unhappy with the results. Read more
Speeding Past Safety
October 31, 2008
When the dismissal bell rings at 2:25 it is a common sight to see juniors and seniors rushing out of Neuqua Valley High School to get their cars and beat the traffic out onto 95th street. Some students have found an alternative that has caused many concerns. Officer Tom McDonald of both the freshman center and Fry building was notified that many high school student drivers were cutting through the parking lot of the Fry building to avoid the congested area of 95th street right outside of Neuqua. Read more
Troubles of Teen Dating
October 31, 2008
Neuqua Valley has a reputation for being an outstanding school with remarkable academic, athletic, and music programs. With 4,000 students, its hallways are crowded and the cafeteria is loud. Yet, it is hard to believe that out of these 4,000 students, more than 1,000 of them have been or will be involved in an unhealthy relationship. Read more
Tough Times for Teens
October 31, 2008
With the headlines splashed across the media, the record high gas prices, and the shockingly small amount of summer jobs available, it is impossible not to have noticed that the economy is in a recession. Adults take the bulk of the burden, spawning from the economy’s decline, but that does not necessarily mean that teens have not felt the tightening of the proverbial belt as well. Read more
Perks of Being a Wildcat
October 31, 2008
Everything is an argument. What these arguments are trying to persuade people of might not always be made clear from simple observation by the spectator, but by searching for a pure and simple purpose. Architecture, windows, colors, every detail in society, has the purpose to persuade. Neuqua Valley High School’s argument is a competition to be the best, the most prestigious educational system in the area. Everything about the school showcases its excellence. Read more
Resident Safety Inside the Naperville “Bubble”
October 31, 2008
Safety in Naperville has never been a real issue in Naperville. In past years, we’ve been voted as one of the top places in the country to live. Most of the time, police can be seen driving around Naperville giving citizens a good feeling about where they live. Crime is never a top issue and doesn’t really seem like it has to be. But truly, how safe is Naperville? Is crime rampant in the streets and people refuse to notice? Is any house the perfect target for murderers and thieves? Well, the truth is, no, not really. But there are some facts that may surprise the citizens of this suburban city.
Two well known neighborhoods in Naperville go by the names White Eagle and Tall Grass. Many students who attend Neuqua Valley High School reside in these neighborhoods. But what may set them apart from other neighborhoods? The fact that they both are monitored by 24/7 security detail is the reason. Each is watched over by A&R security and American Tech security respectively. Although they are each comprised of maybe one of two cars that drive around, it brings many homeowners and residents a feeling of comfort and safety needed to live normally. “I know when I drive around here, I’m making these streets safe. It’s really satisfying work.” says the A&R security driver in White Eagle. He’s been driving the streets of white eagle for 3 years now and usually works nights too. Although the driver in Tall Grass wasn’t available to talk to, residents in the area feel safe with them. Resident Ilya Fridman says “It’s a new thing around here, (the security) and to tell you the truth, it’s something that I could really get used to.” The company is relatively new but already looks like it can handle the job. On the other hand, police are patrolling neighborhoods around the clock to prevent theft and speeding in a low speed neighborhood.
Along with security detail, most modern homes (as Naperville is a very modern community) have a security system installed into the house. These are able to detect break ins through windows or other areas that would not usually accessed even when the normal residents are still inside. For even more protection, some houses can sense anything that moves on the lower levels of the house, seeing as if someone with a two story house would probably sleep upstairs. This is a very tight and perhaps unforgiving form of security, and can sometimes backfire if one accidentally walks back downstairs. Other than that, the system is proven to work quite well. “The security system we have works pretty well I feel and when I turn it on each night, I feel pretty safe no matter what happens.” says student Meg Aper. “Even though I do trip it on accident sometimes, it’s certainly better than no protection at all.” Popular security systems in Naperville are ADT and Brinks.
Overall, Naperville is still a very safe place to live. Theft reports are usually low every month and when reported are usually related to things that were either left outside or when a garage is left open. This is actually called garage hopping and seems to be one of the most “popular” forms of theft in Naperville. While still as serious as a break in, the owner could have done something prevent it. Most reports are almost never related to someone breaking and entering in to a house or apartment complex. The murder rate is incredibly low and death usually relates to old age. So while one sleeps at night in Naperville, be thankful most of those who live here are good people and when the bad do come around, we have the right resources and preventions to stop them in their tracks. Safety is just something we really don’t need to worry about in this town thanks to the people and technology used to keep it that way everyday.
By Tyler Piantanida, staff writer
‘Thank You’ Goes a Long Way
October 31, 2008
In 1955, Walt Disney raised the bar for customer service policies when he created Disneyland. Many companies including the YMCAs around the country, adopted Disney’s policies about the “customer is always right” and the policies that provided its patrons with the best service and facility that could be provided. Read more
iPods can Help the Classroom
October 25, 2008
The iPod. The most commonly used word to name a portable music system and now, a learning device. Including applications like Sign Smith for sign language, SAT Word Lite for SAT prep, and Mental Clase flashcards for memorizing purposes, the iPod has taken the crown for the most useful technological gadget.In fact, the power of the iPod for means of education is so great that colleges have added them into their “back to school lists.” Several colleges have added the program “iLearn” into their curriculum, which allows students to enhance their learning with their iPod. iLearn lets students who missed a class to download the podcast of that specific lecture. Additionally, undergraduates can use their iPod to take oral notes and upload class assignments. The obsession with iLearn has gone so far as to create entire projects and courses that revolve around the use of an iPod. Conversely, speculation has been raised as to whether students are taking full advantage of the iPod as a learning device, and if having iPods is actually beneficial. Most students agree that having an iPod has raised their grades and improved their independent learning skills.
Although iPods appear to be helpful, they were just banned this year from Neuqua. “Early on, the deans recommended to me that we ban iPods,” says Mr. McBride. The faculty of Neuqua Valley believes that a school without iPod’s makes the environment safer, and makes students more attentive to their surroundings, so that they will be able to hear intercom announcements. “I hate it,” said McBride about electronic disruptions. “I received 96 e-mails today. Personally, I’d rather not have my phone ringing, or the radio going. I’d rather have a real conversation.”
Sophomore Lauren Paradiso said that if iPods were allowed at Neuqua, she would take full advantage of the opportunity. “Listening to music makes everything more fun, and there is no good reason why they banned it during lunch.” Although iPods are banned at school, Paradiso continues to use her iPod to help her study at home, “I just put it in my iHome now.”
By Anna Miller, staff writer
Photos courtesy of ipod-files.com
Saw V: Scary Halloween Treat
October 25, 2008
As the Halloween season comes upon us, like clockwork, another installment into the Saw saga graces the silver screen. Due to the fact that this is in fact the fifth Saw to come out in less than ten years, many movie goers and Saw fans alike will debate whether this movie is worth seeing. Read more
Wrestlers Getting Pumped for Coming Season
October 25, 2008
Although wrestling is a winter sport athletes have begun training three times a week for the rigorous season that is approaching. Conditioning is held three times a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Conditioning usually begins with an hour to an hour and a half of weight lifting and is finished upstairs in the wrestling room with tire flips and sprints. Read more
