Dennis Austin

8/5/10

Midtown Reporter

Bucktown

In today’s society, our children face a new obstacle course.

Obesity.

This epidemic is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child’s health or wellbeing.

In a study conducted by the National Health and Nutritional Examination survey, they found that 17 percent of children and adolescents between 2-19 years old are obese.

With so many fingers quick to point the blame for this debilitating trend, the question most ask is, why are our kids fat?

But in this mans case its due to lack of parental oversight.

Dr. Qamar, an attending physician at Laribida Children’s hospital states that “many parents are busy at work and don’t really have time to watch over them”.

Another vehicle for the consequences of childhood obesity is low-income neighborhoods. Darlene Dodds, a mother of four expresses that “these areas are dangerous and parents won’t let them go out for safety reasons, thus prevents them from getting the physical activity they need.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             The media has also been a target for depriving children lack of exercise. The CDC reports via an unknown source mentions children spend a considerable amount of time with media.

It found that time spent watching TV, videos, DVD’s and movies averaged slightly over 3 hours per day among children aged 8-18 years old.

Furthermore, food is another safe-haven for this widespread pandemic.

I took this initiative to Chris Tsu, Chris Garcia and Freddy Gutierrez of the business program at the Midtown Center for Boys. For lunch the courses distributed are pizza, candy, nachos, burgers and sugary sodas.

When approached with the question do they find themselves partially responsible for contributing to the obesity crisis, they answered yes.

“Yes, were not giving them a healthier alternative”

All three gentlemen told me they serve water as a healthy alternative, and I asked them why water only.

Their rebuttal was, in the past, the midtown business apprenticeship has served free fruits and vegetables, but discontinued it.

“We care about their health, but won’t make money because kids are more into fatty foods than healthy foods.”

In addition to this agitating aspect, there are numerous ailments affiliated with overweight/obese children. Cardiovascular disease is one. Followed by sleep apnea, asthma, type-2 diabetes and Hepatic Steatosis, which is the fatty degeneration of the liver caused by high concentration of liver enzymes.

Also infiltrated in this evolving endemic are psychosocial risks. The CDC reports that some repercussions of childhood and adolescent obesity are targets of “Early and systematic social discrimination”. “The psychological stress of social stigmatization can cause low self-esteem which, in turn, can hinder academic and social functioning, and persist into adulthood.”

Aside from the steepening hill most children have to climb, there are some signs pertaining to a turnaround.

Michael Burns a teacher at Northridge Preparatory school says he is doing everything in his will power to avoid this from occurring in his household. “I give them water, we avoid sugary drinks. I monitor what they eat; I and my wife have an initiative to provide our children with many fruits and vegetables possible to keep them healthy.”

His advice to parents of overweight children is this “Get involved, if you know what your child is eating you’ll have a better understanding of what to avoid. Educate yourself on what to eat and how to eat.”

Daniel Murray an incoming freshman at St. Gregory’s says his parents suffice everything they can to keep him healthy. “They make sure I do a lot of exercise and avoid fatty foods and sugary drinks.”

In the road ahead many children will face the hardening challenges of being unhealthy. But even in a sense of a darkening path, there is some light being shed at the end of the tunnel.

The light is families being educated about childhood obesity, and the ambition to prevent this from happening, as well as reversing any harm done to themselves and to their children.

By Ramon Laborada

My name is Ramon Laborda and I’m learning English in the Midtown Center for Boy’s summer program.

My experience in America has led me to write this column about the differences between Spain and America.

First I will speak about Madrid which is the capital of Spain, and then I am going to speak about Chicago, one of the biggest cities in the United States of America.

MADRID:

6,445,449 people reside in Spain. 80% of them are full-blooded Spaniards. This means that only 20% of the residents are from a foreign country.

Most of Spain’s immigrants are from Africa and Saudi Arabia. There are more Africans because both land-masses are in proximity of each other.

In Madrid our favorite sports are soccer, basketball and tennis.

The food in Madrid is healthier than Chicago because we tend to eat more salads and fish. We also use a very healthy condiment, which is Olive oil. If the food is healthier so are our citizens, and with physical activity the people are fit.

Obesity is not a problem. In Madrid the biggest meal is not dinner or breakfast, it’s lunch. We usually eat with bread in most of our meals. A lot of people also like to sleep after lunch. This is an ancient tradition called “Siesta”.

In Madrid we have plenty of customs and festivals. Seventy percent of each customs are religious, so we have more rural buildings and cathedrals. We think the catholic faith is very important. As a result there aren’t a lot of divorces, teen pregnancy or teen sexuality. We are not so patriotic, because Spain is divided.

In Madrid you can do anything if you are 18 years old. You can drink, smoke, go clubbing, and drive. When guys are meeting girls for first time it is common for them to kiss each other on both cheeks. And for some reason everything is smaller: our cars, our food, and our houses.

CHICAGO:

Chicago is called “Windy city”, because there is a lot of wind, in summer and in winter, this is a little irritating for people that is not usual live with wind.  Has the third-largest number of people in the United States, behind New York and Los Angeles. They have 11 or 12 million of people. There are a lot of immigrants in Chicago and most people are from Mexico, because both countries are close to each other. The favorite sports are baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and hockey.

In Chicago people eat a lot of fast food (for me is too good) and unhealthy food. So because of that there are a lot of problems of overweight people. In Chicago the biggest meal of the day is the dinner. Also it’s true that in Chicago, people practice a lot of sports.

In Chicago, there are a lot of festivals too but not all are religious, because there are a big diverse of cultures and religions. Also in Chicago people are so patriotic, in every place you can see a flag, not like in my country. There is a lot of teen pregnancy, divorces, and teen sexuality.

In Chicago you can’t do all the things you want if you are 18 years old. When you are 18, you are officially an adult, but you can’t do some things until have 21 years old.

In Chicago everything is big. The cars are too big, the milk is too big, and the houses are big.

To conclusion I am going to say that both cities are wonderful.

Omar Alexis Cervantes

Stars making an impact on the MLS.

            The Chicago Fire has announced Nery Castillo as their new player. Nery Castillo was Mexico’s star player during the 2006 Germany World Cup. Many believed to be a star player un the future playing in Europe; however, his career took a downfall. That downfall led him to play in the Major League Soccer.

            Castillo is not the only Mexican star to play with the fire. Cauhtemoc Blanco played for the Fire last year. He was a major impact to the Chicago Fire. Blanco now plays for Mexico’s second division league, Irapuato.

            Not only did they have Blanco, but they also had Brian McBride, US National Soccer team star during the 2002 World Cup.

            As a whole, the MLS has had great superstar that have come or are thinking of coming joining. Some of the stars that have joined are David Beckham and Omar Bravo.

            David Beckham is greatly known for playing with England’s National soccer team and playing with Real Madrid. Beckham plays for Los Angeles Galaxy wearing the number 23. Playing alongside Landon Donovan, he has been a great help for the Galaxy.

            Omar Bravo, a superstar for Mexico’s Chivas de Guadalajara, will be playing for Kansas City Wizards. Bravo has played for Mexico and for Mexico’s division big team. This could be another major impact for the Wizards and the MLS.

            Many of the players that are joining the MLS have played in a World Cup. They could bring more experience into the league. Not only is bringing international players going to help them, but playing against international teams as well.

            The MLS teams usually play against great European teams such as FC Barcelona, Chelsea, or Manchester United. Every year, the MLS All-stars play an international team.

            The MLS could be a better league if we continue to get more international stars. It seems people that retire return to the MLS to play. With the skills they show, the team could improve better.

            Perhaps with this help, the MLS players can play in Europe. More improvement could send them to play for their national team during a World Cup. The MLS recruits many young players. These young players could learn from the pros, and the young recruits have enough time to practice the skills.

            The MLS may have a strong change over the year. Improvement of players, teams, and number of professionals can change the MLS.

By; Ryan McClain,Rajeem Muhammad

8/05/10

This year’s best picture was Inception with making over $60 million the first week, had “the audience with the drama and suspense that makes you wants more,” Dennis says without actually going to see it. Unlike Dennis I saw the movie, and I found his opinion was spot on. Now that Leonardo Decaprio captivating had shocks me with this outstand per formant   bring the movie to the next level.

Now when go see this movie it can be come very confusing at time because of the little things that occurs in the movie. Like the machine that they use to invade someone else’s mind this basically a device that they created to build a dream world for their clients in order to protect them from thee secrets, which is ran by a person he referred  to as the architect. Now Leonardo Decaprio play a young man name Cobb a person how was trained to invade your mind, but Decaprio life wasn’t going well when making this movie. He committed a crime witch we all know was affecting him, and his two children in America, but it seems to not affect his acting. Leonardo does a job for a Japanese Mob Boss, and if he did it correctly he would be able to get back to America to be with his family.

Now it was not just the actors that made this movie, but it was also the effect’s  that had made the movie come lives for us because it was like bring the Matrix and Stephen King together, the scene that takes place in the air and the explosion that created was out standing as well as. So that why I  recommends this  movie to ever one.  In movie now ,must 13 years or older.

By:David Redwood

The original Batman was made to be firm, somewhat funny, solemn, and determined. Bruce Wayne is more of a happy guy that you wouldn’t think had a double life. He is the opposite of Batman when he wasn’t wearing the suit.

There are many versions of Batman. The first was Batman, Robin, Batgirl, Batwoman, Nightwing, then Batman Beyond. Batman has always been around but there have been four different Robins, three different Batgirls, one Nightwing, and one Batman Beyond. Still, at the end of the day, they have all almost been the same in personality with a little change.

The actors who have played the role of Batman throughout the years have portrayed him in a way that he way not originally created. The man who played the role of Batman first in a movie was Lewis Wilson. Wilson played an OK Batman, but he was a little off on the physical and playboy aspect of Batman/Bruce Wayne.

The next to play the role of Batman was Robert Lowery. Robert Lowery played Batman in The New Adventures of Batman & Robin in 1949. Lowery didn’t even look like his name could be Bruce Wayne. He didn’t look like he had money or look like he could get any girl that he wanted.

After Lowery was Adam West. Adam West didn’t have the muscle that the original Batman had. West was a little chubby around the waist and he looked like a nerd. Bruce Wayne doesn’t look like a nerd. He looks as if he would be the jock of his school and the captain of every sport.

Michael Keaton in my opinion was probably the best choice for batman. He didn’t really look like a Bruce Wayne but he did have is alter-ego Batman down. He played Batman as if it was second nature to him. He looks more like he could be Dick Grayson though. After him the image of Batman went down hill to Christian Bale.

Christian Bale actually looks like his name could be Bruce Wayne. He looks like a rich man, with lots of secrets, and like he that could get any girl that he wants. The Batman side didn’t do too well though. He makes Batman look evil, conceded, gruff, and short tempered. That is almost like the opposite of the way the original Batman was created. That’s Horrible.

Trip to The Tribune Tower

            On Thursday, July 28, 2010, the Midtown journalism apprentices took a trip to the tribune tower to talk with “The Mash” a newspaper that is published for teens and it is delivered to public high schools. We talked to Ryan Miller and Phillip Thompson, the producers of “The Mash.” We looked at their website and then we had speakers talk to us about the job they do. I thought the speakers were very interesting because their jobs seemed interesting. The speaker that I most enjoyed was the radio host. He said that if you want to get noticed, you have to be different. That got me thinking about how i could be different so that i can success in life.

1. Inception- Leonardo DiCaprio stars in a sci-fi thriller as a skilled thief who can steal valuable secrets from someone’s subconscious.
2. Dinner for Schmucks- Steve Carell is the blundering new friend who sends Paul Rudd’s life into a frenzied downward spiral and a series of misadventures.
3. Salt- Angelina Jolie stars as a CIA covert operative who goes on the run when she is accused of being a Russian sleeper spy.
4. Despicable Me- A master villain planning the world’s biggest heist has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.
5. Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore- In the battle between cats and dogs, age-old foes are forced to join forces in an unlikely alliance to save themselves – and their humans.
6. Charlie St. Cloud- Zac Efron is an accomplished young sailor who must find the courage to let go of the past when tragedy strikes his family.
7. Toy Story 3- Woody, Buzz, and the rest of Andy’s toys are back for their third adventure, facing an uncertain future when their owner grows up.
8. The Grown Ups- Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider are childhood best friends who reunite as adults.
9. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice- Nicolas Cage is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan, who finds a reluctant protege in his fight against the forces of darkness.

10. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse- Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner return in the third installment of the blockbuster supernatural romance saga.

By: Rolando Del Toro

Midtown Reporter

The Chicago Bulls have made some very big moves since the decision LeBron James made. They have acquired some very big guns.

They acquired Carlos Boozer, who brings a better low post game and rebounds for more offensive possessions.

Carlos Boozer with his new team jersey

“I have a strong feeling the Bulls are going to go far this season,” Boozer said on ESPN Sportscenter.

Kyle Korver, who is an excellent shooter, will pump up the crowd and team with his overwhelming shot selection, whether it’s a 3-pointer or a long jumper.

Omer Asik is an experienced European player who plays well fundamentally.

C.J. Watson is a very skilled point guard. He has a good shot and could be a very big help for Derrick Rose when he gets injured, C.J. can take over as point guard.

Center Kurt Thomas played against Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan back in the day. He will bring so much experience to our team and he can mentor the younger players.

Ronnie Brewer adds depth defensively. He can guard the top players in the league, and he is very long and athletic.

Derrick Rose said on Sportscenter that he was improving his game.

“I really want to improve my 3-point shot,” Rose said.  “That way, when I’m getting guarded by another player, they won’t know how to guard me, and they won’t know if I’m driving in or taking a shot.”

The Bulls look like a contender in the playoffs, especially with the new additions to the team, and new coach Tom Thibodeau.

Rose is happy with the improvements, even without James.

Derrick Rose dunking on the Phoenix Suns point guard Goran Dragic

“I am glad that LeBron didn’t come to the Bulls because I want the Bulls to be my team, not LeBron’s,” Rose said.

I can’t wait for the NBA season to start. Now the Bulls are trying to sign Tracy McGrady. With his explosiveness at the rim, he can shoot the perimeter shot. Overall, the Bulls are going to be a very dangerous team, whether it’s rebounding, shooting percentage, or good low post game. The Bulls are definitely going to be a thrill to watch.

Everyday the Journalism Apprenternship class always reads a poem before they all head out for the day. The class at Midtown is full of sophomores, juniors, seniors, so you can imagine how a room full of high school men is. The class is fun and exciting, but at the end of the class it is our time together to say it. When we read the Poem we have to be looking right, standing up straight and silent before we can start. When we read the poem; to me it talks about some one who is going through some hard and rough times and they are trying to make it through and at the end he knows what he is going through every day and has enough confidence to stand up every day by him. Other people have their own opinion on what it means, so I went up to other students to see what the poem meant to them. Rolando sums it all up in one word ‘Redemption”, and also says “proving people wrong.” Andrew says “it means if u want to be a good person you accept your faults.” Eddie says “it means to stay true to yourself.”

The poem has some very strong words in them, iam going to translate some of my favorite parts in the poem. “If you can dream-and not make dreams your master; if you can think-and not make thoughts your aim.” I think this means if you can think of your goal and not get distracted by it, just seeing the goal and not seeing anything else. “If you can make one heap of all your winnings and risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss.” It means if you are willing to take a risk in a win or lose situation. “Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And – which is more – you’ll be a Man, my son.” Anything on earth is possible as long as you have somebody to believe in you.

By Alexander Murillo

Deputy Editor

Since its creation, the internet has opened new doors for the average person to express his or her freedom of speech, but is there ever a point where a line should be drawn?

Chicago Public Schools thinks there is and are willing to punish students who engage in cyberbullying.

Ever since it has begun, cyberbullying has become a threat to the mental and emotional health of the targeted persons.

Cyberbullying is anything on the internet that includes blog or Facebook posts to emails sent making fun of somebody or giving them a bad reputation.

The CPS board has made it illegal for students to participate in this modern trend.

According to the Chicago Sun-times, CPS officials announced “cyberbullies” using social media or texting to incriminate any other student face suspension or possible expulsion and a police investigation.

Studies suggest four out of ten students are targeted by cyberbullies. And though there are already laws prohibiting bullying in general, there are worries laws against cyberbullying may infringe people’s First Amendment rights.

Recently, the Chicago Board of Education added a new Student Code of Conduct, stating cyberbullying is now recognized as a serious offence like burglary, aggravated assault, gang activity or drug use.

Suspensions can last up to ten days with the possibility of expulsion and details will automatically be referred to Chicago Police.

Computer privileges will also be lost.

It seems after multiple teen suicides caused by cyberbullying, the trend has gotten national attention.

Teens are making entire websites with the soul purpose to making fun of other teens, leading the targeted teen to feel his or her life is so ruined one sees no choice but to commit suicide.

According to CPS representative Monique Bond, this issue was a “grey area” because most school would just categorize this matter under normal bullying rules.

Executive director of the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use Nancy Willard told the Chicago Sun-Times “Suspensions on their own are inadequate. We need in-depth programs supporting these young people’s social emotion and well-being.”

Whether this epidemic can be controlled with these new measures or not, teenagers are losing their lives at a rapidly increasing rate and officials are trying to prevent teen suicide by stopping this online bullying.