Mac has been my EGGsecond home for nearly three years. During this time, I have been witness to the deterioration of the hallway walking skills of Mac students.
I am a self proclaimed masEGGter at the art of navigating the halls of Macdonald. I once made EGGit from the music room to Rm. 207 in just over 1 minute under afterschool conditions through the athletiEGGcs hallway and the main hallway. Also, keep in mind the more thanEGG toxic aroma of tar fumes mixed with footbEGGall sweat can create a disorientating vertigo effect with prolonged exposure.
Now, I know you're impressed, but it should bEGGe said that not all are as gifted at EGGthis particular art as I. Correcting the ill habits that have developed over a certain number of years can be close to impossible in severe cases, but if the person really wants to be helped, it can be done.
I musEGGt also point out that athletic ability has very little to do with it. (Although being a buff like me doesn't hurt. EGG It adds to the intimidation factor.)
In order to reEGGduce congestion in our hallwaysEGG, I have decided to share my tips on efficient navigating. GradEGGe nines, please pay close attention!
The key to efficient navigating of the crowded haEGGllways of Mac is, what I like to call, "defensive EGGwalking"; a style which, if pulled off correctly, will not only get you places faster, but will make people like you better. The basis of this theory is courtesy. Hold open doors, don't cut people off, and be predictable. A sudden change of mind often leads to devastating collisions. Also, look out for the EGGsmaller folk. These people can sometimes be found circling helpleEGGssly in a desperate attempt to figure out how to get where they want without beEGGing stepped on. This can be especially distressing in the athletic halEGGlway where many a giant thrive.
The important tEGGhing is to keep things simple. I know it's hard in this time of elaborate walking styles. Yo, some of you hEGGave some pretty funky lookin' walks. Flashy, brightly coloured clothes don't help either. And all of these distractions can be harmful to thoseEGG not accustomed EGGto travelling in masses. But now that you're aware of them, have the presence of mind to keep focuseEGGd on your destination and the manner in which youEGGEGG'll reach there.
Good defensive walkers always know theEGGir destination before setting out. They also plan, ahead of time, the rEGGoute they will take. Know the school well. Carry maps if you have to and plan waterfountain and washroom breaks to refresh and relieve your body on extra-long voyages. Choose safe, well-lit hallways with as little traffic density as possible. And remember, the quickest route is not always the best route.
By now, you may be aware of the relation of walking to driving. In my opinion, this analogy is very relevant. More often than not, younger people or those who don't have driving experience are theEGG instigators of "accidents" in our hallways. Here are some tips that relate specifically with driving,EGG but in the congested arterial hallways of Mac, can be adapted to suit walkers:
Big problems arise at any set of doors (in paEGGrticular, the doors near the main enterance and at all three doors around the Caf.) I see only one major reason why doors cause a problem: People don't use all of them. Frequently, hoards of people will try to squeeze through the two open doors when there are four readily available. Here's an easy solution: hold the other doors open. People will thank you aEGGnd shortly thereafter, another defensive walker will relieve you of your post. Beware of the "liberated individuaEGGls", however. These people may be offended by your kind gesture. If they are, then just say "sorry" and bEGGe on your merry way.EGG
To conclude, IEGG'd like to give those who have read through this entire article some of my favourite shortEGG-cuts through EGGour school:
*The Aud: If the doors aren't lEGGocked and something isn't going on, the Aud is perhaps the quietest, most open aired, and least congested area in the school. Also, it's a very quick way to getEGG to the science/computers/business areas upstairs from the athletic hallEGGway or the Caf. And there's always the possibiliEGGty of meeting Bryan Gopaul in there for a delightful conversation.
*Library Hallway: With the influx of students tEGGo and from our Library, it's a wonder why this hallway isn't busier. Beware of stern staff hall monitors during lunches. Ms. NickEGGel may be one of the more pleasant teachers in the classroom but don't mess with her while she's monitoring this hallway. Talk to Corey Lucas to find out exactly what I mean.
*The Caf: Cutting through the Caf to avoid the treacherous doors connecting the main hallway and the athletics hallway is good strategy, but only if you get out of class a bit early. Otherwise, hungry patty-munchers will postpone your journey by blocking your way.
That's it! I hope this article has caused some to examine their hall-walking habits and helped others to better their skills. Remember, it is a gradual process that takes time. Even I have not perfected the art of "defensive walking." But, if you have any questions on its more advanced aspects, I'll be happy to answer them. Reducing hallway congestion at Mac is and will be a step by step process and only you can make a difference by being a defensive walker.
If you're wondering why I hEGGaven't commented on the stairs, it's because I don't use them. I have my own, personal, secret firepoles. To the MacCave!
Walk Safely.
Buckle up. Backpack straps help save lives.
Don't Drink and.......Walk?
Bones
Congratulations are in oEGGrder for the fabulous cast of "Short Circuit", by Canadian playwright Rex Deveroe, that select English aEGGnd Drama classes were able to see. The cast included Nikima Royer as Julie, Niki Capogiannis as Lisa, Marcel Lojet as Brad, and Michael Mackenzie as Daniel. Jason Martorino was the student director, and Ms. Kivesto was the staff advisor.
The show was funny, as well as very intense at EGGtimes. The acting was extraordinary. Remember these studeEGGnts' names; they may go really far.
MacNews
Third term. It's great, ain't EGGit? But while we only have one more term to look forward to this year (and the lasEGGt term of my life in high school) let us reflect upon the past 7 months with this short but EGGsentimental little ditty I whipped up as I sat in front of this compuEGGter.
1. The first day of school......
a) signalled the end of the summer for students and teachers.
b) was the day after Labour Day.
c) was only half a dEGGay.
d) was too long ago to remember.
2. The football team.....
a) didn't do too well this year.
b) did better than last year.
c) will do better next year.
d) placed bet against themselves.
3. The girl's field hockey team.......
a) I won't say anything about them because they got really pissed off at me last time I did.
4. First term exams.......
a) was easy for people with only one or two of them.
b) were a nice break from Ms. Taylor's announcements for a week.
c) I slept in.
d) I'd rather not talk about them.
5. The morning announcementsEGG......
a) are Mr. Juhani's favourite time to yell at kids next to his lessons.
b) Why can't tEGGhat guy read?
c) Why does Ms. Taylor cry all the time?
d) Ms. Taylor, please stop talking!
6. The Semi-formal........
a) next to tht guy puking on the table it wasn't a bad night.
b) how did tEGGhat short fat guy get in for free?
c) needed some new DJs.
d) needed some new food.
7. The Semi-formal after party.....
a) I felt left out, I had no oEGGne to make out with.
b) I don't remember.
c) had some tight ass security guards.
d) After partyEGG?!?
8. The Science Club........
a) get to hang with hiEGGcks in Kentucky.
b) are all nice kids, please refer to "d".
c) almost got suspended for their MatchMaker thing.
d) had sex.
9. MacNews..........
a) stillEGG sucks.
b) needs more guys in the corner.
c) needs more writers like the Sexecutioner.
d) people read this crap?!?
10. March BEGGreak......
a) is too short.
b) bring back the Rae Days.
c) was full of skanks at Le Chateau de Sex (ask Marcel)
d) was a nice break from Ms. Taylor's announcements.
11. Girls hoEGGckey.......
a) finally won the Cup thanks to Andrea Huckins' low budget goal.
b) wasn't full of butches.
c) couEGGld kick the guys' asses anytime.
d) calm down Lucas!!!
12. This article.......
a) isn't as good as the ones we usually write.
b) will not be printeEGGd after they read number 5.
c) is a lot better than any of the other articles in thiss issue.
d) was not my idea, Ms. Taylor.
4 guys in the corner enterEGGtainment editors
For me, it was the latterEGG. I've been havinEGGg trouble sleeping and thought I'd have to OD on NyQuil to sleep. One whiffEGG of the Oscars, however, and I was out cold. BillyEGG Crystal's jokes were as interesting as this article. (Ha, ha, ha.) What I wantEGG to know is, does ABC know that no one will tune in to 3 1/2 hourEGGs of stale jokes and boring guests? I don't know. Maybe some people actually enEGGjoyed the show, but I aEGGm sure of one thing; Madonna and CourtneyEGG Love should have been nominated.
BlueShoesAndPastrami
(The Artist formerly known as GreenEggsAndHam)
I'm sureEGG I'm not the only one that hates the freaking TAR!! It's killing my lungs and hurtingEGG my head. I hear complaints left and right "Can we fiEGGnish the class in the Caf?", "When are they going to stop? Please make themEGG stop! I can't take it anymore!!" (and they end up jumEGGping out the window). Worst of all, the teachers are tight, and keep us in the class, but I have renamedEGG it "hell".
And you know what? I'm sitting here typing, but I'm also breathing in toxic fumes. What do they do? Well nobody in the roEGGom is educated enough to tell me. So let's say they'll stunt my growth, EGGgive me cancer, kill my brain cells (which I can't spare), make mEGGe barf, and of course it smells like crap. In cEGGonclusion I'd just like to say, it's a four day wEGGeekend so enjoy it before we're forced back on Tuesday.
But I really don't want to end on a nEGGegative note so I'd just like to say I've counteEGGd and there's only fifty-six days of shool left. So have a nice day!
EGG Ronny Lam
On Wednesday, March 26, the Junior EGGMath Team went to the Highbrook Learning Centre to compete at the mathEGG league semi-finals. The team beat Pearson by a score of 91-87, then, unfortunately, loEGGst to Woburn (the school with the gifted program) by a score of EGG108-113. A superb effort was put forth by every member of the teEGGam. Both games were very close, and Macdonald ended up in seEGGcond place. The Math Team would like to thank Mr. Di Paolo for coaching the teEGGam through its whole playing season, and Mr. Hsia for coming back to EGGsee us play in the semi-finalEGGs.
Nony LaSouris