Catching Fire Speculation -Nick Rodgers

Catching Fire, the much anticipated motion picture sequel to The Hunger Games, has a lot of hype to live up to. With the huge success of the first movie, fans of the books and movie are eager to see if the film makers can once again translate Suzanne Collins' bestselling book into an enjoyable and consistent with the book movie. Sadly, some Hunger Games fans are worried.

When trailers and photos of the new film were released, die hard fans of the book were quick to find inconsistencies between the book and the movie. One example of this was how one of the new characters "Finnick" was portrayed in the trailer. Some felt that the actor is not a fit for the role and does not embody the character that they envisioned in the book. Although it is too early to tell if the movie will stay true to the book much like the first one did, fans are skeptical.

Another reason fans of the series are worried about the upcoming film is that some were disappointed in the book itself. The first book received all around better feedback than the second and third in the series, and some fans believe this will be reflected in the movie. These fans might even welcome film makers taking the liberty to change the story up a bit and add a little more action (which was the primary complaint of Catching Fire naysayers). 

Whether through tweaking the story line or sticking to the script, Hunger Game fans can only hope that the movie interpretation of Catching Fire lives up to the reputation the first movie left for it. Personally, I feel that the book had enough action to work into an entertaining movie, but only time will tell. Be sure to see the movie, read the books, and form an opinion yourself!

Draft Night

Draft night can either be the most exciting night as well as possibly the most heartbreaking night for a potential draftee. An athlete spends their whole life preparing for this one night, and it has the potential to make it worth its while as well as the opportunity to make it as if it has been a complete waste of time. The NFL draft is a 3-night event which occurs once a year. The draft happens to be taking place as I am typing this, and will continue for the next two days(4/25-4/27). This years draft has a number of very exciting players, as well as a few very controversial. Controversial players in this draft include Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o and former LSU corner-back Tyrann Mathieu. Te'o is scrutinized for an incident that occurred earlier in the year that he had lied about the death of a girlfriend that had in fact never existed. It was all part of a hoax that he was either a part of, or tricked in to. Either way, the situation was one that turned many heads in the wrong direction for Manti. Mathieu, also known as the Honey Badger is known for his hard hits on the field, and the hard hits sent his way off the field. Tyrann has made a consistent thing to find himself mentioned negatively by the public. This is due to his poor decision making, and lack of well thought out priorities. Though both of these athletes are remarkable players, their draft stock is no where near where it should be due to these blunders. Hopefully these two are able to get their act together and stay out of the negative spotlight. I wish luck two both of those players as they embark on a journey many have longed to travel.

Buying: a Want or a Need

By Juliana Clifford, Staff Writer

       While shopping possible purchases seem amazing, love at first sight; unfortunately it isn’t sometimes. Sometimes it is a beautiful thing that, at the moment, you wanted so badly but it turned out to be a mistake, that is never used again. Luckily there are some tips that will help you get through a day of shopping that will lead to all great purchases that are used and useful. 

For Shopping in a store the clerks will try to get you hooked by the window pieces, don’t be fooled though. The piece in the window is usually last of each piece and was already bought. If you see something in the window that you like though, they usually have something that looks similar in the store. 

While shopping any where, a good rule is this: if you aren’t in love in the store, you won’t use/wear it after you buy it. It is a great rule and true. If you are if’y about a purchase, don’t buy it. You can always go back later if you decide you really want it. If it scares you to just leave something in a store, you can always give it to the desk clerk and ask them to hold it for you. 

When shopping online buying is much easier, therefore easier to buy something you will regret later. If positive about a purchase though, buy it. If unsure, or concerned about the money then leave it up for about a week and then decide. Make sure to set a specific date that you will decide though, otherwise you will continue to push it back. 

Last and most important while deciding if it is a worthy buy, think, “Is this a want or a need” that will help you decide with most purchases. If it is a want, it depends on how much you want it. If it’s a need then get it, no question. 

Shopping is hard, but it doesn’t have to be. Just remember the rules and buying becomes a little less stressful.

1. Windows pieces are harder to find
2. “if you aren’t in love in the store, you won’t use/wear it after you buy it”
3. Be careful while online shopping, don’t be afraid to wait before buying. 
4. Is it a want or a need

Devastation in America

America is facing a troubling time currently. On Monday, April 15, runners were finishing up the famous Boston Marathon and crossing the finish line as chipper as can be. A few seconds later, terror struck the area as two bombs were set off. At this point in time, three people were killed and more than 140 are injured from the blast. This seems like an act of terror on the United States and the FBI is currently tracking two possible suspects. The bomber(s) will be found and given their justice. Through all the commotion and sadness, acts of heroism gave way as marathon participants ran through the finish line and ran straight to Massachusetts General Hospital to donate blood for the all the injured people.

In more recent news, late Wednesday night, an explosion hit a fertilizer plant in West, Texas. The explosion killed an estimated five to fifteen people and injured a startling 160 people. The site of the explosion is currently viewed as a crime scene because investigators are not sure whether or not it was an accident or an attack. West, Texas' emergency management system directory says that the casualty count could very well spike to sixty or seventy deaths with this horrific situation.

The United States faces a tough time right now with two terrible events in the same week with many injuries and deaths. There is no doubt there will be help from the Federal government, but thoughts and prayers go out to the affected families nevertheless. The bomber in Boston will be found and will pay the price for his actions. True heroism was shown that day as many selfless people risked their lives to help others in need. This is one of many reasons why America is so special and why our citizens are so great.

By: James Dickemann
Sports Editor

President Barack Obama Tweets!

by: Giselle Namata

             Many of you may follow President Barack Obama on twitter among his 29 million followers. President Obama’s tweets include information about current events and his views, although is it really his words? Tweets included his opinions and policies that will be taken into action during his presidency. At first when Obama was first announcing his candidacy in 2007, a few days before, his team created a twitter expressing his views.  Although he was making the tweets himself originally, not too long after, did his social networking team takeover the account. Organization for Action clearly states on all Obama’s social networking sites, that the accounts are run by themselves. OFA handles every online account, social media account, email addresses, and much more.
                President Obama understands the huge importance that social networking plays in our everyday lives. It was a very smart, strategic decision to connect to the citizens of the United States through social media. The internet never stops in this new age, and President Barack made a good choice to start up his twitter account, which many people were taken aback by.
                The various outlooks that is presented on any social media sight, may not even by President Obama’s own opinion! He may not even agree with everything that is put up on the websites, as previously stated, he is not in control of his accounts. Many people may be fooled by the illusion of President Obama actually sitting at a computer or on a mobile device, tweeting about his views.
                Many people don’t find it ethical for our president to be connected to the people in such ways. Let alone hand over the account to another company to manage and deal with the situations that may occur, and the several millions of followers that his twitter account prevails. What do you think of President Barack Obama’s twitter? Is this an appropriate situation? 

Washington Wizards End the Season Strong- Nick Rodgers

The Washington Wizards had one of the worst starts in team history this year, but rallied at the end to make something out of their season. Starting the season off without their star point guard John Wall, the Wizards went on demoralizing twelve game skid to start off the season. But, after Wall returned from being injured, the Wizards started to play as a team with real potential. They have more than broke even in wins and losses since Wall returned, and have been playing with a determination and ferocity that was absent in the games before Wall returned. The star point guard really rallied the team's spirits and to even come in third place in their division in front of the Orlando Magic and the Charlotte Bobcats. Hopefully next year, with Wall playing all season, the Wizards will have a run at the playoffs. Returning players such as Nene Hilario, Bradley Beal, Kevin Seraphin, and Trevor Ariza hope to play at the caliber that they have been playing with Wall back in the lineup all year next year. With the recent victories over play off bound teams such as the Bulls, Pacers, Grizzlies, and Lakers, the Wizards hope to carry this winning mindset into the next season. Hopefully they win big in the 2013 NBA draft as well. This year, the Wizards chose the forward Jan Vesely in the first round, which turned out to be a huge bust. This year, Vesely only averages 2 points a game and 2 rebounds. This was a complete waste of a pick and set the Wizards back even more with Wall being disabled. Since the team had an all around relatively bad season, the Wizards should be able to secure a high draft pick, and hopefully prosper off of it. Next year is a new year for the Washington Wizards, and hopefully they can put their days of being known as a "bad" team behind them.

Emily Grabauskas- The College Search

            For all those juniors and seniors out there doing the college search, this can be a stressful time in your life. Keep your heads up and move forward because this is something you will only have to do once. Applications, essays, recommendations, and much more can be very time consuming, but if you keep your eyes on the prize, it will be done before you know it.

When looking for the right fit, make sure to think wisely and carefully because this is a choice you will have to live with for the rest of your life. No matter what your major or main focus will be in college, there is a school for everyone and anyone is capable of finding that perfect fit.

If money is an issue, make sure to apply for multiple scholarships. There are not just academic and athletic scholarships. There are so many that can be applied for. Even if you just receive $1,000 for books and spending money, your overall tuition has gone down a great deal.

Remember to always do what makes you happy. If being a student athlete is something that makes your time in school easier, find a school where you can be an athlete. Have your coach call and set up a meeting. Be yourself in front of the college coaches and they will want you on their team if you meet their requirements. Just because many people say base your college search on your major or what you want to be in your life, if being a student athlete is what you’ve done all your life, it may benefit you continue with that tradition in college.

No matter what anyone tells you about the schools you look at, you will know when you have found the right one. You will get this feeling that just makes you fall in love with the campus, the people, and the feel of the entire University. as a whole. Stick to your gut and you will be happy in the end.     

                Kobe and his Los Angeles Lakers

 By: Hasan Cruz

      The Los Angeles Lakers always have been known as a playoff team but everyone wants to know if they would go to the playoffs this season. As everyone knows they have two-time MVP Steve Nash and three-time defensive player of the year Dwight Howard. When this trade happened, everyone thought they have a chance to go the NBA finals. But as things are looking now, five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant is trying to push his team to the eighth seed to be in the playoff picture. With their record 39-36 they are a half game behind the Utah Jazz who is also struggling to be in the playoffs this season.

            The star athlete Kobe Bryant says that the Lakers will make the playoffs this season. It is really possible for them to go to the post season but what Kobe Bryant really wants this season is not only go to the playoffs but maybe even go the NBA finals. He is really looking for his sixth Championship and if he hopefully gets it this season he would be tied with one of the greatest player of all-time Michael Jordan for championships.

It's My Birthday, No Joke.

So I was born on April 1st, April Fool's Day, the wonderful day of jokes and jests (note the sarcasm). Let's just say it hasn't been easy having a birthday on the first of April. The pranks, the jokes, the jests and jabs, it's all fun and games. I've played my fair share of jokes of Saran wrapped toilets and bubble wrap under the car and had my laughs but most people think that I'm kidding when I say that I was born on April Fool's Day and it's getting old. Seriously, April Fool's Day is just like any other day. Why in the world is it so hard to believe that people could be born on that day? The "big joke" started early. When my mother said her water broke and that she was going into labor, people thought she was pulling a prank and every year there was no classroom party with cake and balloons since my birthday was over Spring Break. It was tragic (for a child), and no I'm not joking. Sometimes my friends wouldn't get me presents and they'd say "i thought you were joking", for a child it was terrible. At least one thing good came of being born on the first of April: it's hard to forget (once you believe me). Well I guess thats all for my rant, but hey it's tough being an April Fool's baby.