The countdown to the third annual Cultural Fair continues, but there are a few more items that organizers need before the Friday extravaganza kicks off. Check inside for an update as Uni High gets ready for a memorable midday break of food, entertainment, conversation, and cultural diversity.

Uni returned home Monday night with a well-earned confidence boost after the Illineks played host Warrensburg-Latham to a 3-3 draw. Junior Dan Lilly scored the tying goal in the final minute of the contest off an assist from senior Holden Bucher. Two years ago, Warrensburg-Latham ended Uni's bid for state in the sectional finals.

Just like many other Uni students, junior editor Maritza Mestre has grown up attempting to meet the expectations of those around her, sacrificing sleep and relaxation in order to make herself "the perfect student." But is it really worth it? And are these expectations realistic?

Look for "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" to pack the theaters this weekend. But be sure to check out the new solo album by former Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, and then head down to the South Quad at noon Saturday to catch Uni High's own Hannah Leskosky as she performs her ventriloquist act.

The boys continue to improve as the season wears on, tying for first at the St. Joseph Spartan Classic with Bureau Valley, but losing the tiebreaker determined by the sixth runner. The girls also had a successful day running their unusual 1.97 mile course, finishing eighth overall.

The Uni Killer Whales continue to improve on last season's performance, finishing just 20 points behind powerhouse O'Fallon and 73 points ahead of third-place Charleston in Uni's first home meet in three years. Junior Lisa Boyce, recent News-Gazette athlete of the week, led the way with first-place finishes in both the 200 individual medley and the 100 freestyle.

It's true. Many parents and students have come together to organize more than 20 booths for this Friday's Cultural Fair. More than one-half will feature food contributions from the U.S. and around the world. Check inside for an updated list. Are you missing? If so, no worries. There is still time and space for you to join the fun.

Uni lost in two games Friday against ECIC champion Decatur Lutheran in a close and exciting match. It was the Illineks' first ECIC loss. The girls will play another home match Tuesday against Judah Christian.

The new Uni High radio documentary, "Competing Against Discrimination: Achieving Equality in Athletics at the University of Illinois," debuted at 6 p.m. today on WILL AM-580. The program is based on research done by the Class of 2011 in its subfreshman oral history project.

The third annual Uni High Cultural Fair is less than a week away. For two hours on Friday, Oct. 3, Stoughton Street will be filled with students, faculty, parents, and friends of the school as they celebrate ethnic and cultural diversity. In our latest update, parent Jennifer Hamer dispels some of the myths about the fair and explains how you can participate.

While film studios responded to the Internet Age by taking shelter beneath big-tent franchises and relying on the big star and bankable brands, the TV industry has become more adventurous and creative, welcoming original ideas. According to Katherine Allen, movies have become formulaic while TV has become original.

"Heroes" has only been out for two full seasons, and it's already a global phenomenon. The show focuses on a group of "evolved humans" destined to save the world. The new season began Monday, and OG staffer Katherine Allen couldn't help but wonder: What will happen next?

The third annual Uni High Cultural Fair is only a week away. For two hours on Oct. 3, Uni Gym and nearby Stoughton Street will be filled with the sights, sounds, and foods of dozens of different ethnicities and cultures. Entertainment will include a step competition involving Alpha Phi Alpha, one of the guest contributors to this year's event.

With a dozen transfers, Uni is welcoming a lot of new faces this year. Six of the transfers are freshmen, and reporter Lor Sligar introduces you to five of them here: Nicholas Cho, Francois Dossin, John Hadley II, Robbie McMillen, and Milee Nelson.

Uni High's third annual Cultural Fair is barely a week away. The Oct. 3 event promises to be spectacular, but organizers need your help. To do our part, the Online Gargoyle will be hosting a "Countdown to Cultural Fair '08," a daily update by the event's organizers. Our first update comes from freshman Aramael Pena-Alcantara.