Lasers was surrounded with controversy up to its release. After signing to Atlantic Records, Lupe and higher executives clashed with the creative process. It left the album in limbo until fans protested in front of the Atlantic Records building demanding that the execs come out with a release date. The protest worked and Atlantic Records announced March 8^th as the date that Lupe Fiasco would make his anticipated return to the limelight.

   After so much hype surrounding the album, Lasers somewhat fails to live up to the high standards set by the media and fans. It has its ups and down, but anyone expecting another Food and Liquor or The Cool will be disappointed. That being said, Lasers is not a bad album. Lupe Fiasco is still able to show what he does best and comes forward with some excellent tracks.

   The album begins with the track “Letting Go”, in which Lupe’s verses mesh well with Sarah Green’s backing vocals. However, “Words I Never Said” is the standout track on the album. Promoted as the second single from the album, Lupe’s politically motivated verses rip into what he thinks is wrong with the world. The second track makes fans remember exactly why Lupe was loved and that he can still be at the top of his game.

   Tracks like “I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now” and “Out of My Head” have Lupe experimenting with beats that have a different sound compared to his normal flow. Unfortunately, these are lower points in the album as these tracks feel like filler and could be passed as “club rap” rather than Lupe’s distinct style.

   Luckily the album picks back up with the first announced single,” The Show Goes On.” It’s a surefire radio hit with its catchy lyrics and samples from Modest Mouse’s “Float On” to give the beat an extra edge. This song and the songs that follow after help the album keep pace.  “All Black Everything” is the last track really showing Lupe at his best before closing out the album with “Never Forget You ft. John Legend.”

   Lasers is an album that might take back most fans. However, it is not the album most people thought it would be. Lupe has been quoted in interviews saying this album was for the fans due to the hassle it took to get it released, not because this is the album he wanted to do. Hopefully, Lupe can return to form with his next time. In the meantime, enjoy Lasers for what it is. Lasers is an alright album with some tracks that really stand out more than others. It is definitely worthy of a listen.

Matt Paras, Staff Writer

   Despite all of the fluctuation in the art, there are things that have remained consistent. Once film became a viable market and Hollywood became an industry giant with the studio system, executives needed to sell their films. In order to successfully sell a film, one must appeal to either a mass market for a maximum profit or to a niche market for a considerably lesser sum, but an often larger cult following. When things like pulpy detective fiction and bombastic science fiction were optioned to studio heads, questions were asked about to whom the film was aimed towards. A consistent and viable audience has always been teenagers.

   In this current century, films have been and still are aimed towards teens. That is not to say that all films are, with the markets of adults between the ages of thirty and fifty-five – male and female, as well as children – ranging from toddlers to pre-teens. However, teens have remained one of the largest demographics of filmgoers and revenue-creators. Films like Transformers and The Hangover were smash hits because of the large audience of people aged fourteen to twenty-five that supported the films through their theatre runs and post-theatre disc and digital sales. Both popular and cult films emerged in the 1980’s (and from then on, the 1990’s and 00’s) based around the ideologies of teenaged life, examples being such films as Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and The Breakfast Club.  

   In short, it’s unfair to generalize all filmgoers as males and females aged between fourteen and twenty-five – as there are many more audiences out there – but there is no denying the staying power of the teenaged filmgoer. As evidenced by decades of films, the audience remains one of the most powerful “make-or-break” demographics out there.

Jake Johnson, Staff Writer

   The goal of Concerts for Change is to “put on free concerts in the community and ask for optional audience donations that will be used to donate to different charities,” said Chung. Seeing as people die without water, Chung and his comrades – the Executive Board – decided to donate to The Water Project. The Water Project is a non-profit organization that builds wells in third-world countries to provide 500 people daily with clean and safe drinking water. Chung hopes to raise enough money to build one well. The club is open to anybody and everybody, whether they dance, act, sing, play an instrument, or want to volunteer – the club would love to have them. If you’re interested in the club, simply visit their website and fill out the general sign-up information sheet. After that, people who have signed up will receive an email about the selected performance.

   Before their big first concert, Concerts for Change is hosting a promotional concert to advertise their cause and actual concerts to the community. This concert will be auditioned – after March 18^th; they will post the names of all of the people who are eligible to perform (after they have filled out the sign up form). After that, those interested in auditioning will have 5 days to record their performance and email it to Concerts for Change. Then, there will be a “callback,” which will occur in school that allows Concerts for Change to see the top 15 performances for each concert. To change the world, one concert at a time, sign up to join this wonderful club working towards a better world.

Megan Wisniewski, Staff Writer

   Auditions for this year’s production took place in early March. Students presented rough drafts of their writing through simple readings, no performances required yet. “I looked for potential individually in the pieces while considering how the pieces worked together to create a varied, entertaining, and enriching show,” said director Mike Rossi. The cast list was posted the morning after the last audition day, and following the all-cast meeting that day, rehearsals began.

   Rehearsals are weekly individual sessions for about fifteen minutes with Rossi, revising, blocking and perfecting the piece and its dramatic presentation. After three weeks of these rehearsals, the cast got together for three days of dress rehearsals and ran the entire shows for several hours. After tireless hours of individual revision and group rehearsal, the show is ready to run, the performances taking place April 14-16 at 7 PM in the Black Box.

   There are many things students and audiences can look forward to in the upcoming performances. “This year has much variety, with more comedic pieces than in previous years and a good blend between emotional, reflective, esoteric, entertaining and profound pieces. We have three seniors for whom this is their fourth year in the Monologue Show: Joey Kim, Anna Gatdula and Carissa Glazik-Kacmerck, whose pieces will definitely be highlights. There are hilarious pieces from freshmen, precociously mature pieces from first-time seniors, piano duets, slam poetry, and so many more amazing things that can only be discovered by attending the show,” said Rossi.

    All should come to support their peers to enjoy, contemplate and be moved by dramatic literary art and a traditional Neuqua performance.

Ella Duangkaew, Staff Writer

   Ever since the new movie theater Hollywood Palms opened on Route 59, a swarm of various celebrities have made their visits. The theater tries to get a variety of celebrities to attract different age groups. Actors from the classics Back to the Future and West Side Story along with the munchkins from the Wizard of Oz have visited and brought back memories for some adults in Naperville. To reach younger children and teens they have brought in Disney Channel star Mitchel Musso along with American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson.  On January 15, Corey Feldman visited Hollywood Palms for a special showing of his classic films Stand By Me, License to Drive, The Goonies, and The Lost Boys. Feldman had a meet and greet before and after the showings to meet several of his fans from all ages.

   But, Hollywood Palms is not the only place around Naperville to catch a glimpse at celebrities, downtown Naperville has had their fair share of stars to come out and meet. Anderson’s Bookstore has welcomed various teen stars such as MTV the Hill’s Lauren Conrad for a book signing and more recently Hilary Duff has also made an appearance. Naperville is known for the large population and persuasion to meet new people, by bringing in these new and upcoming celebrities it gives the town an atmosphere as a much more enjoyable place to live.

Alison Keim, Copy Editor

   However, as of January 18, 2011, the real beginning of senior year has arrived. Now is the time to begin looking for a prom dress or a date as Neuqua students begin experiencing special senior events like prom for the first and last time. Exciting events such as Senior Spectacular, the prom fashion show, Mr. NVHS, and more are approaching faster than ever.

   Senior Spectacular allows for the unique opportunity for seniors to spend time with only the senior class enjoying exciting activities such as getting caricatures and watching mind readers in action. Seniors get these final moments, an entire night, to spend time with their friends and make memories that they can always remember. This event that is Mardi Gras themed is always looked forward to by the senior class.

   Now is the time to enjoy truly being a senior and all of the perks that come along with it. The privileged seniority and days off of school for college visits allow for times of relaxation after the first semester of stress. Seniors can focus on finding and eliminating their targets in Assassin while also attending events like the Variety Show.

   Assassin is the secretive senior game that begins in March. The objective is to “take out” a target with a water gun and successfully avoid being “hit” by an attacker assigned to you. The game requires intense facebook creeping and definite ninja training.

   Seniors can finally look forward to enjoying themselves and being with their peers one last time before they head off on their own ways to do bigger and better things. As the second semester begins, remember it is not only the events that one goes to, but the memories made that will make senior year be the best year of high school ever.

Gretchen Andsager, Photo Editor

   Start with the 70s, the rock era. Great artists like Journey, Jackson 5, the Who, and Elton John produced hit after hit that are still listened to today. The classics come from this era and with good reason. Not only are the lyrics relatable but the bands can be classified as timeless groups that have earned their place in the music industry’s hall of fame.

   Following this comes the new sound of the 80s, which took on the electronic edge thanks to new technology. The music of this decade can come down to one name and one name only, Michael Jackson. He took the industry by storm coming out with album after album, and the fans never got sick of his changeless style in his songs. Madonna’s breakthrough came in this decade too. She turned the music industry into a bigger business than it had ever been before. Besides these solo artists, who could forget the heavy metal music that premiered this decade, such as Guns ‘N Roses and Metallica.

   Once the 90s came along, boy bands had taken over the scene indefinitely. New Kids on the Block led the way with Backstreet Boys and N’Sync in tow behind them. This upbeat pop sound defined this generation, not to mention the crazy teen girls who will always be loyal to their boys. Additionally, you have the rise of girl power in the music industry with big names like Britney Spears, Christina Aguliera, and Mariah Carey competing with the guy groups. It’s not the one hit wonders that made this decade’s music popular, but instead the teens of this generation joining together as avid fans of these music industry giants.

   Last but not least come the 00’s. Although it began with a conti

nuation of the 90’s pop style, there is not one type that defines this decade as it continued to evolve. The hip hop airwaves have taken off within the past three years with almost all one hit wonders falling under that category. Other artists have seemed to be less of singing talent, but instead are someone who can autotune, synthesize, or change their voice in any other way to make their music appeal to the audience best. The raw talent seen in the past few decades have seem to come second to the technology that has overridden the music industry.

   It is unknown what is to come of the decade that we have just entered, but it is certain that according to the past progression of music, a whole new style of music may even be created.

Molly Sonricker, Intrigue Editor

   “Every comedian must learn how to act and write. You write your own material, you perform it. At least that’s what you do when you’re poor and no one is paying you to be funny.”

   After Neuqua, Newquist enrolled at Columbia College Chicago. Here, Newquist was asked to write and perform improve, stand-up, silent films, vaudeville acts, and mime. It’s safe to say that no area of comedy went untouched when training to be a comedian.

   “Well, one of the reasons I went to Columbia College Chicago was to try and get into the Comedy Studies program. By the end of my junior year, I had taken all of the comedy/improve classes Columbia offered, so I thought I was ready to apply and take on Second City. I applied, wrote an essay on what I think is funny, and sent in the resume. At the end of the school year I got a phone call from their admissions saying I was accepted.”

   While enrolled in the Comedy Studies program, Newquist experienced his most exhausting semester of college.

   “It was Monday-Thursday from 9-5. The rest of my time went to homework which usually started as soon as I got home and work on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.”

     Working at Second City has its perks along with hecklers. At Second City’s 50^th Anniversary show he got the opportunity to meet the company’s alumni like Amy Sedaris, Eugene Levy, and Stephen Colbert. As for hecklers, just remember that they are not the ones in control.

   “The thing you have to remember with hecklers is that they have no power- whether it’s during a show or during a presentation or speech or anything. You have the power because the microphone or laser pointer or whatever is in your hands. So if you want to say something back to shut them up, do it. I’ve done it and it feels very, very nice.”

   Newquist has found success after Neuqua and is living his dream while writing and performing at Chicago’s famed Second City Theater.

 Jon, Bauernfeind, Sports Editor

   The Outsiders was chosen because it is a story students can easily relate to. “It is the classic coming-of-age story that many students have been exposed to in literature classes, so they know what it’s about and it has the potential of being successful like To Kill A Mockingbird, the fall play last year, was,” said director Aubrey Smith.

   Auditions took place in early December. “We were looking for primarily dramatic actors, mainly males because it is a very male-centered drama, but mostly those who can carry dramatic emotions and have strong character,” said Smith. Principal cast members include Pat Andres as Jerry, Michael Cahill as Johnny and Drew Milligan as Two-Bit. “There is also an element of surprise about casting so I won’t tell you anything more,” said Smith.

   The stage play, though it has the same storyline as the novel and movie, differs greatly from the other two, and Smith promises that his interpretation of the stage play will have surprising differences as well. “The winter play has always been known for its elements of surprise, so students can definitely look forward to that about the play,” Smith said. “There are also many special effects that our tech department will be greatly contributing to the production that are essential to the set. There is some music as well, but once again there will be many surprises that I don’t want to reveal.”

   Cast and crew are working tirelessly as the production nears its January show dates. “Rehearsal is every day after school for several hours, with weekend and winter break rehearsals up to eight hours each day. While we rehearse the crew is bringing my vision to life with equal dedication. Everyone has the same driven determination to make this production the best it can be, and I have no doubt that those show dates will be amazing,” said Smith.

   “We ultimately want the audiences to enjoy the show and to be able to escape from their troubles and be entertained. I want to stay true to Hinton’s classic words while making my vision evident as well,” said Smith.

   The show takes the stage on January 27^th, 28^th and 29^th, each performance at seven p.m. in the main stage. “Neuqua is a community and fellow students should come to support their hardworking participants, as well as enjoy the talent and workmanship of their peers,” said Smith.

   All are encouraged to come experience what Smith calls “one of the better plays I have directed,”, ending the semester and beginning the new year supporting Neuqua’s theater community and enjoying a piece of Neuqua’s theater legacy.

Ella Duangkaew, Staff writer

   While shows that still rely on hitting, tripping, and a variety of funny, unrealistic images—like eyeballs flying out of heads and characters crashing into walls and turning into accordions—are still popular, children’s shows have moved from relying on physical comedy to comedy that is more verbal. Even Spongebob Squarepants, while primarily a children’s show, has its underlying verbal wit that a slightly older audience can find amusement in. In a way, this increase in the incorporation of playing with words is promoting a more outspoken and, for lack of a better word, sassier child.

   And who doesn’t like sass? Gilmore Girls still finds popularity even though the show has long since ended. Known for its rapid-fire use of rhetoric, the show is a huge milestone for the increased appreciation in a more intelligent brand of comedy. The majority of comedy is no longer entirely reliant on the idea of getting hurt for the sake of a laugh, but more with the subtle play on words and irony of situations. This is the secret to the success of shows like the Big Bang Theory, 30 Rock, the Office, and Community.

   While slapstick still holds a place in everyone’s hearts, it is nice to have a laugh at something intellectually funny as opposed to watching Jerry chop off Tom’s tail everyday.

Hong-Ah Do, Editor-In-Chief

 Matt Paras, Staffwriter

Matt Paras, Staffwriter

   We can all recall the transformation of Downtown Naperville into its very own Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We have all dressed in our costumes and waved our wands around for over a decade, and some of us have even joined Neuqua’s very own Quidditch club. It is a strange feeling knowing that all of this will soon become a distant memory.

   The Harry Potter series is a part of us whether you are a personal fan of the series or not, it represents our youth and generation. Watching the movies end is a real wakeup call that our childhood is leaving us quickly as well. Sometime in the near future, all of us will be turning in our wands and brooms for caps and gowns. Harry Potter will be marked as a genuine symbol of our childhoods.

   “I’m really sad it’s almost over. I’ve grown up with Harry, and he’s taught me so much” says senior Abhas Misraraj. “Since the second part of the last movie is coming out right before I leave for college, I feel like it’s the official end to my childhood.”

   When Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book was finally released fans were heartbroken that it was all truly over, although they still had the movies to look forward to. The final movie being released marks the true ending of the beloved tale. It’s always hard to say goodbye, we have lived with Harry for over a decade, waiting and anticipating this final event. It is a sad thought knowing we will never walk the halls of Hogwarts, gulp down a butter beer, or fight to win those house points again, but each character has grown and developed with every single one of us and we are lucky to have that privilege with this classic series.

   The phenomenon has grown throughout our generation and has touched each of our hearts at Neuqua. Now it is almost over, one of the series that will live in the minds and hearts of those who lived with him and those who will read him when they come to this world.

   “Though it was mainly a phenomenon of our generation, I hope it will become a classic for future generations” says Misraraj. “A series that has affected millions of people won’t go away that easily.” Every good thing has to come to an end in order for it to be great. The ends not near, it’s here. Goodbye Harry Potter and thank you J.K. Rowling for over 10 perfect years of giving us muggles something to live for. The series will forever live in our hearts.

Alison Keim, Copy Editor

   The alternative/ indie band featuring husband and wife Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino return to their Brooklyn roots, creating vivid images of city life with the help of frenzied synthesizers and enthusiastic percussions.

   In the group’s typical upbeat manner, Matt and Kim have once again succeeded in producing a highly effervescent, supercharged set of ballads, this time with the addition of several new instruments, including the trumpet, trombone, and violin. The heavily synthesized melodies blend perfectly in combination with Matt’s nasally, barking voice, and Kim’s gutsy, energetic drumming.

   New to this album but not to Matt and Kim fans is the song “Silver Tiles,” which the duo has played live in a majority of their shows since 2006.

   Thanks to the luxury of a studio rather than a stage, a synthetic drone has been added to the background of this song, which boldly contrasts the upbeat, frenzied drumming, and lively lyrics.

   An air of rebellious, boisterous youthfulness can be felt throughout all the numbers on “Sidewalks”. Matt’s plucky tinkering and chopstick-style playing on the electric piano produce an energetic effect upon the songs, making it difficult not to want to dance along.

    One can feel an almost instant freedom when listening to the lighthearted styling’s of this pumped, quirky twosome.

Caroline O’Reilly, Staffwriter

   We see it throughout every school year. At the beginning, people are not anxious to find out how much they like their teachers or if they like their classes, they are worried about who they are going to walk with between each class. No matter what kid or clique, we all do it. This is different from past generations who might, (inhale) try to walk with someone new a couple times a week.

   Most people at Neuqua experience that moment each day where everyone in the class knows the answer, but no one really has the confidence to answer it. The teacher basically has to fight the answer out of you just because you’re afraid of being wrong. Whether it’s the pressure for academic success or social pressures that cause all these inconsistencies, there are other areas they don’t struggle in. When students are supposed to do something (i.e. ask someone to Homecoming), they’re good at completing the task.

   This slight lack of spontaneity is mainly due to this generation being bombarded constantly by the media. It’s human nature for someone to get bored; in past generations people would leave their house on a mission to satisfy their boredom. They would go out and experience all different kinds of people, learning interesting things about others and themselves. When Generation Y gets bored, it powers up the Mac, scrolls through countless Facebook statuses, and watches the YouTube video with the most hits. The internet can show you a quick, funny video, but life isn’t defined by which videos you’ve watched, it’s defined by the people you meet and the relationships you form.

Brian Benjamin, Staffwriter

   Although the mindset of today is to move onto college after high school, there are viable alternatives that just might cater to the body of students that do not wish to go college. If one is feeling adventurous, they could travel for the duration of the year, otherwise known as a gap year. Traveling the world can open up many new opportunities for a young adult, as one might find a place they would love to live in or go to school. Through travelling experiences, one’s knowledge can grow and they can become worldlier because they have the opportunity to see different cultures unlike their own.

   For more courageous individuals, the military is an option. There are many benefits to joining the military. For example, after your service time, the Military will pay for your college tuition. One brings pride to one’s household, and will help the country in a time of need. However, when you join the military you are putting your life on the line, which is a risk one has to be willing to take.

   One can also volunteer abroad, with an organization such as Peace Corps. Through the practice of humanitarianism, one can grow to appreciate what they have and be influenced to help other people, which is something they might have been blind to before.  Also, one can find a part time job until they figure out what they want to do. Learning a trade or becoming an apprentice are also pursuable options, as the apprenticeship can lead to success in the future. College is not the only option after high school, as there is a world filled with opportunities; they are just waiting to be discovered.

   It is quite alright if you do not intend on going to college immediately after high school. There are many opportunities for young adults in this world. Don’t be intimidated by the pressure placed upon us by our parents, as we still have time to decide what our future plans are. In this modern age, chances for success are everywhere, so having a degree is not necessary immediately after high school. Don’t feel inclined to go to college, but to try something new and explore the world. There are plenty of opportunities waiting; seize them, and create your own future.

Dan Thompson, Staffwriter

    Rumors are rampant in a high school environment and are harmful. However, when dramatized they can be quite hilarious. This fall, Neuqua’s black box theater will be filled with laughs as the theater department brings the play Rumors to life. Written by Neil Simon, Rumors is the comical story of “affluent couples that come together to celebrate an anniversary party. A minor issue spirals different events that turn out to be a giant farce, where the actors must be able to think on their feet…they will make plenty of mistakes and in the end all the nuts will unravel in a shocking conclusion,” affirmed English teacher Ryan Liest, the show’s director.

   This show was chosen because the fall play is traditionally unique, structure and content-wise. Also, since last year’s play, Marvin’s Room, was very melodramatic and Liest wanted to choose something more comedic and light-hearted, making Rumors the ultimate selection. Auditions were at the end of September, and the small cast of ten was chosen soon after. The show features Bri Smith and Elliot Litherland as Chris and Ken Gorman, Rachel Winter and Mark Yacullo as Claire and Lenny Ganz, Michael Coduto and Katie Karas as Ernie and Cookie Cusack, Joey Amaro and Hannah Williams as Glen and Cassie Cooper, Carly Naughton as Officer Welch. Samantha Russo serves as Student Director with Mr. Liest.

   The show also has a very unique production, as it is set in the black box and done in a “theater in the round style”. “It allows the audience a full panoramic view of everything that is going on…it is a non-traditional format where people will be sitting on all four sides, which will hopefully allow for a more intimate connection between the audience and the actors,” Liest stated.

   The show’s set will be very minimal, with furniture to give the illusion of being indoors in an affluent mansion, but with no scene changes, only simplistic lighting, and nothing else. Costuming will be traditional so that actors look their part, and there may be some music, but overall there will be no special effects. “It will be very basic, mainly relying on the actors’ talent to carry the show- that is where the color will come through,” Liest said.

   Prospective audience members can look forward to “interesting storyline twists, conversational dialogue dealing with relatable real-world problems, tongue-and-cheek humor, and a twist at the end that is definitely worth waiting for,” confirmed Liest.

   Rumors hits the stage on November 18^th, continuing through the 20^th with all performances at 7:00 PM in the Black Box Theater. All are encouraged to come enjoy this original knee-slapper. The production may be small scale, but the laughs will definitely be large. Come support Neuqua students as their hard work shines under the spotlights, and they show that rumors can have a good name in high school- on stage.

Ella Duangkaew, Staffwriter

   Fox admires extremely successful, Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) and finds himself undertaking Gekko’s advice “Greed is Good” which lands Fox in just the opposite situation. Eventually, Fox discovers himself in a difficult scenario forcing him to choose between money and family. The film immediately had everyone’s attention and has stayed memorable to this day. Director Oliver Stone comes back to release the anticipated sequel.
   “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” stars young heart throb Shia LaBeof playing the role of Jake Moore and Michael Douglas back again as Gordon Gekko. The sequel’s plot is oddly similar to the original “Wall Street” only with a twist. This time, Shia LaBeof’s love interest (Carey Mulligan) is the long lost daughter of Gekko. Ironic, isn’t it?

   Despite his girlfriend’s pressures to not see her father, Moore becomes obsessed with following her father’s footsteps and searching for him. Moreover, the film had it’s up and down moments. There were scenes where I was on the edge of my seat and eyes glued to the screen. Though, there were also scenes where I found my mind drifting or rolling my eyes from the overly dramatic and almost nauseating character, Winnie (Carey Mulligan).

Aside from the predictable and typical plot line, the acting in this film was phenomenal. Shia LaBeof did a spectacular job living up to the expectations left by Charlie Sheen from the first film. Also, returning Michael Douglas never fails to capture the character of Gordon Gekko perfectly.

 Overall, the feature film was entertaining but not worth a twenty three year wait, and did not give the original “Wall Street” justice.

 Alison Keim, Staffwriter

   To start out, you need to have 10-14 players on each side so you can sub out frequently because this game can get pretty tiring. There are eight positions, three Chasers who try to score using a quaffel, 2 beaters, 1 keeper who is basically a goalie and a seeker who tries to find the snitch who is a runner. You must always have a broom between your legs but, if you do not when you make a play or score then the play is illegal and does not count.

   There are three bludgers (red rubber dodge balls) in the game, they are only for beaters. When one gets hit by a bludger then they must drop any ball he is holding. There is only one quaffel (deflated volleyball) which, is shot through one of three hoops of the opposing side. Then there is the snitch, which is basically two parts, the Snitch Runner and the Snitch Ball. The Snitch ball is at the bottom of a sock that is tucked into the Snitch Runner’s Shorts.  When a seeker snatches the snitch then the game is over and the team that caught it gets fifty extra points.

   So far there are more than three hundred colleges nationwide that have a quidditch as a club, and now there are even rumors of the game to be considered an actual NCAA sport.

Colleen Shearer, Staffwriter

   Whether or not we want to admit it, these are not the kid-friendly movies that they are perceived as. In several films, the innocent audience is overrun with sexual innuendos that can only be found after watching the movie countless times to catch them.

   One of the most well known comes from The Lion King when a cloud of dust blows off a cliff to spell out “SFX”, although some say that it says something a little different. Another comes from The Little Mermaid cover shot in which one of the towers appears to actually be in the shape of something else, which the artist actually owned up to. You can hear Aladdin utter the phrase “good teenagers take your clothes off”, but listen closely because it is slyly done and you’ll have to pay attention to hear it.

   Of course there’s the argument that these are just perverted people trying to make sexual meanings out of anything they see or hear, but after so many occurring they don’t seem to be quite as unintentional as thought. The creators have often admitted to including these to get recognition for their work on the films.

   Besides these altered images, there are other secrets to these Disney movies that require an even more perceptive eye to be noticed. In any second of one of the films, a Disney character from a past movie is placed in the background of a scene.

   In The Little Mermaid, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy can all be seen sitting in the crowd when King Triton swoops over them in the very beginning. The Hunchback of Notre Dame offers up some crafty placements of characters, both Belle and Pumbaa are featured as extras in the movie. Also, a “beast” toy is found in Aladdin, so in turn Aladdin’s carpet is found in Beauty and the Beast.

   Besides these clandestinely placed images, Disney has another secret of completely avoiding the use of mothers in their films. Think about it, Belle only has a father, the sultan is the only provider for Jasmine, Arial only has her father the king of the sea to rely on, Nemo has only Marlin to help find him, Pinocchio has only one male creator, or even the parent that died in Bambi, yes it was the mom. Whether it’s a cry for an end to feminism or it’s a complete accident, no one will ever tell. But the fact cannot be denied that mothers have come to be rare and far between in these Disney movies.

   So next time you decide to reminisce on childhood and the Disney flicks that made it up, make sure to not take these movies exactly as they seem. Notice the secrets that for so long have been hidden by the stereotype of these innocent classics.

Molly Sonricker, Intrigue Editor