Nothing's Better than Friendship and Loyalty (Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes)

     By Janey Pham
     Staff Writer  






            The award winning Chris Crutcher presents his Young Adult novel, Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes. This book takes friendship to a whole new level by showing the abnormal relationship between an overweight boy, and a scarred face girl. I found myself reading this book for hours, and I just couldn't keep myself away from it. The story itself was very touching and realistic. The main characters, Eric Calhoune, the overweight jock, and Sarah Byrnes, the tough scarred face girl, have been friends ever since grade school. I wouldn't exactly say they've been with each other from thick and thin, but I can definitely say they’re close enough to be called best friends. The first point of view in this book really puts you in a position where you feel like you're the one experiencing the melodrama that's happening here. All the action in this book is described so well, it's like watching a movie, except without all the moving pictures. Eric and Sarah were both outcasts; in fact, her scars and his fat made them the perfect match. Eric was always by Sarah's side no matter what, even if she is sometimes a little tough on him.

            Sarah had a terrible life. She never complained to anybody about her problems. Her abusive father, Virgil Byrnes, was a mentally unstable man. He was very violent towards his family and anybody else who tries to interfere with them.  As time went by, there sat down a girl with her head down low in a mental ward of Sacred Heart Hospital. Every day, she sat at the same spot without a word coming out of her mouth. Eric had to figure out what was wrong with her, and even tried to find some people she knew to try to find out what might have happened to her. She had only one "friend", besides Eric, and that was the school bully, Dale Thornton. Sarah and Dale didn't start off on good terms the first time they met. He was the school bully and even tried to pick on Sarah, the smartest and toughest person Eric knew. Though, she didn't give up without a fight. He started to constantly beat her but eventually gave up. When they were in high school, Eric and Sarah wrote a newspaper called, Crispy Pork Rinds. It was basically a newspaper bashing on the people they didn't like. They did eventually write about Dale Thornton, but he had to find out sooner or later who wrote the paper about him. The newspaper didn't tell who wrote about these specific people, because if they were, they probably wouldn't even be alive till now. As time went by, they eventually collaborated with Dale, which was what brought them all together. Dale asked what happened to her face and the same answer she always gave out was, "I was burned from a boiling pot of spaghetti". To Dale that was a straight up lie. He saw the way her father looked. He had an abusive father like her too, which gave him the idea that those scars weren't from a boiling pot of spaghetti. He eventually told Eric about what might have happened to her face leaving him wondering of what might have actually happened. Eric didn't give up and eventually got Sarah to tell him what happened. She eventually told him the truth, which was what got her to start talking again. Actually she never stopped talking in the first place. There was nothing wrong with her, she told Eric she needed time to think and to keep away from her dad as far as possible because, her dad became crazy like he was back then when he drove his mother out of the house. She told Eric the truth, and only Eric. Sarah never trusted anybody, because everybody will betray one way or another. She needed help to find a way to get her dad as far away as possible. The secret that she was hiding the whole time was that scars weren't from a boiling pot of spaghetti, it was from her dad. The night that her parents were arguing, he started to beat her and everything eventually all came down to Sarah being in a hospital. She finally woke up and asked where her mother was. There was given no straight answer. She never knew what happened to her mother till later...

           I totally recommend anybody to read this book. For one thing, I haven't even got to the details yet. There's so much more to this story and even the life of other characters too. In this blog I'm only talking about Sarah Byrnes's cruel life. Get the chance to check out this amazing book and be sure to check out Chris Crutcher's other work too!      

Iphone 6 vs. Iphone 5 vs. Android

By Phiney Wong

Staff Writer 

        What's the difference between Iphone 6 or Iphone 5?

     The Iphone 6 is scheduled to launch in many countries on September 19, 2014 along side the display. Apples plan on making both models in other countries. People think that Iphone 6 is just the same as the version of Iphone 5. The Iphone 6 is much bigger that version 5. The first review of the phone was "thin and slim". Which one is better? Basically, the Iphone 5 was the first phone with a metal and glass design  that included the Apples new battery life. Earlier this month, Apple released two brand new Iphones the 6 and 6 plus. It's just like the Iphone before, but it upgrades a massive design, display, and features. Apple made the screen bigger, like Android phones. 

     Is it worth it to buy one? If you want a longer battery life then you will like the Iphone 6 plus because it has battery life of up to 24 hours. Alternately, if you don't like it and you're short on your budget then you shouldn't buy it, because it only has updated the design of the phones not the features, so it's not a big deal for you if you don't want to switch for the new one. Therefore, if you're willing to spend more money on your phone, then the question is how is it different from an Android phones?, recently many people have been asking if which one is much better?

     This is the answer, the Samsung Galaxy S5 is smaller than the new Iphone 6. The Galaxy S5 is made out of metal and aluminum on both sides, while the Iphone 6 has it on the back and sides. They're also different because Android runs on Kitkat. Whereas the Iphone 6 runs on ios 8. When it comes to camera, the S5 is much better than Iphone 6 because the shutter for the S5 is much faster than Iphone 6 and it doesn't get lagged, but when the things is moving Iphone 6 is much better. Iphone users think that it will be easily bent because it's thinner  and has the same processor as the old one. The fact that Iphone is very user friendly and android phones are more complicated. Many people prefer Iphone for their personal use on a daily basis, and Android for their work because it has more features that you might need. Therefore, if you like exploring new things and electronics I prefer Android, but if your new to gadgets and don't know anything yet, I would recommend Iphone. Anyone can use a phone whether they're young or old, as long they know what they're doing.

Private School or Public School? Which One?

By Catherine Le

Private school and public school, which is better for students?

I have been going to a private school from kindergarten until high school.  Now I'm a public school student at Falls Church High School.  As I experience a whole different school, I see the several similarities differences between public and private school.

Communities judge each other. Public school students judge private school student because they are seen as rich or snobby students, but they really aren’t. Also, private school students judge public school students because they think they have disciplinary issues. Their dress codes are different, private school wear uniforms and public school were anything that is appropriate. Also, private schools incorporates religion into their studies.

In order to learn more about this topic, I have interviewed four of my friends about this. Three of them went to public and private schools and one went to private school for her whole school life. Here are their statements:

“When I used to go to public school it was heavily populated and I felt a little lost because I only knew a few people and really could not relate to them because of religion differences, rudeness, and some kids were extremely misbehaved. A lot of private school students are really misbehaved as well but I figured that there aren’t as many. However, I find that the teachers in public schools do have really good teaching skills compared to the ones at the Catholic schools I have attended. I used to enjoy not having to wear a uniform but after a while I actually like it a lot. Having a uniform means that no one else can judge you by the way you dress, and it really does make you realize that you are not any more special than your neighbors.”

 

-Kaci Jose (Now goes to Bishop O’Connell High School)

http://www.bishopoconnell.org/page.cfm?p=428

“Public school feels more alone. Private School feels like you have someone to catch you when you fall. Private School Has more responsibility because you have to not only worry about your grades but also keeping the traditions of school and keeping the faith.”

-Ava Coffin (Now goes to Bishop O’Connell High School)

“I love private school. I love the community and all the people around me. My class was like my family because we were only 27 unlike public school where there are so many people and like my private high school now Bishop O’Connell. I think that I got a great education at private school than I would have if I had gone to public school. Don’t get me wrong, public schools have great teachers and here are smart and well educated people who go to public schools and go to good colleges but it’s so big that teachers can’t help every student like they could in my old school where the eighth grade class only had 27 kids and we get to learn about our faith and it is in cooperated in every class. I’m very happy that I went to a private school.”

-Margaret Parker (Now goes to Bishop O’Connell)

 

“Private school has a small community while public school has a big community. You learn and have fun with people you’ve known for several years in private school.  In public school you’re surrounded with unfamiliar faces and probably only one person you know.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falls_Church_High_School

-Jennifer Nguyen (Now goes to Woodson)

 

Although, you think private schools and public schools are extremely different, they both have good educational systems and they will both help any student with good potential to succeed





Emma Watson Proves She Is More Than "Hermione"

By Alissa Grisler

       This past Saturday, Emma Watson gave a powerful speech regarding gender equality at the United Nations headquarters, after just recently (6 months ago) being appointed a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. Her speech was in support of HeForShe, which is a solidarity movement for gender equality which is inclusive of both men and women. In her speech, Watson highlights the importance of equal responsibility of genders for remedying this issue.

In her speech, Watson begins by bringing to light the misconceptions of the word “feminism”, and states that, “Fighting for women’s rights, has too often become synonymous with man-hating.” Watson recognizes the misguided negative connotation of the word by saying, “My recent research has shown me, that feminism has become an unpopular word. Women are choosing not to identify as feminists.” Watson explains the definition of feminism, and questions why the theory of political, social, and economic equality to men, has become such an uncomfortable topic.

The former Harry Potter star roused the crowd by inviting men to be a part of this campaign: “Men, I would like to take this opportunity to extent your formal invitation. Gender equality is your issue, too.” The HeForShe movement is aiming to get 1 billion men to vow their dedication to this cause, in order to help recognize that equal rights is not just a woman’s issue, it is a human rights matter.

Watson acknowledges her career as an actress by asking, “You might be thinking, who is this Harry Potter girl and what is she doing speaking at the UN? And it’s a really good question, I’ve been asking myself the same thing.” She goes on to explain why, “Given the chance, I feel it is my responsibility to say something.” 

Watson brings her presentation to an close by asking, “If not me, who? If not now, when?”  

Look below to view Watson’s full speech:

       

‘Ice Bucket’ US Firefighter Dies at 41 After Participating in Charity Craze

Who knew trying to spread awareness and raise money for a disease could kill you.

I’m sure some of you might have heard about the firefighters ALS ice bucket challenge incident last month.

A Kentucky firefighter badly injured when he was shocked by a power line in an ALS ice-bucket challenge accident last month has died.

Capt. Tony Grider, 41, was one of two firefighters seriously hurt on Aug 21^st when the fire truck's fire bucket they were using to help members of the Campbellsville University marching band got too close to a power line. A police chief said the ladder never touched the line, but the line carried such a high voltage that it could shock people close to it.

The other firefighter who was in the fire bucket with Tony, Simon Quinn, 22, also suffered severe injuries but was released from the hospital last week on September 15^th. There were also two others, Capt. Steve Marrs, 37, who has been with the department for 11 years, and Alex Johnson, 28, who has been there three years, but only suffered minor injuries. Thankfully no students were hurt.

Grider has been hospitalized ever since the incident has passed away Saturday noon, September 20^th 2014

The firefighters were trying to help Campbellsville University marching band raise money and awareness for the now very well known ALS disease, but it took a very wrong unexpected turn. Tony had been with the Campbellsville Fire Department for a total of 16 long years.

Many people showed their condolences via all sorts of social media, including twitter.   

It is a hard time for Grider’s family and friends. Especially for his five children and wife, Gena.  Please keep the family in your prayers

By Ream Amir

Are you excited for The Maze Runner?

Most teens are big on movies, so I wanted to know. Are you excited?

The Maze Runner, like most movies, was a book published on October 6^th 2007 written by James Dashner. The movie officially comes out on September 19^th 2014.

The book and the movie are about the adventures of a group of boys who are trapped in an artificial, constantly changing maze, and their efforts to escape. The movie stars Dylan O’Brien as Thomas, Kaya Scodelario as Teresa, Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Newt, Will Poutler as Gally, Ki Hong Lee as Minho, and Blake Cooper as Chuck.

 For those of you who don’t know, the maze runner is an action/mystery/sci-fi movie. It is also the first book in a young-adult, post-apocalyptic science fiction trilogy of the same name.

The 113 minute movie is what’s hot these days. With a budget of $30 million, The maze runner is expected to be really big. With the movie coming out on Friday, many people have already gotten their tickets and are already counting down the days. The theater most probably will be very crowded the first few days. Maybe even the few first weeks!

Many people who enjoyed The Maze Runner book, also read and/or watched The Giver, which was also a book written by Lois Lowry, and a movie which came out last month on August 15^th in the US, directed by Phillip Noyce. Some would compare the two. They find them a bit similar in a way.

If you didn’t already plan on seeing the maze runner in theaters, I strongly recommend you go see it. If you have a free day, or if you’re feeling bored, find your way to the local movie theater and buy yourself a ticket. You won’t regret it, I promise!

By Ream Amir

Americas Last POW

Ed Cochrane

   Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl  was finally released from Taliban captivity in June 2012 in exchange for high ranking Taliban prisoners. He has been allowed to return home for the first time since his release. He has been deemed America's Last Prisoner, he has been given this title because he is literally the last American prisoner of war at least that the public is aware about. Bowe Bergdahl enlisted in the US army in 2008 and isolated himself from his fellow soldiers reportedly his close friend Jason Fry mentioned that Bergdahl planned to leave his unit once they deployed if the operation was "Lame" apparently the operation didn't meet Bergdahl's standards because Bergdahl wandered off from the remote outpost in Eastern Afganistan and was captured by insurgents;but it is possible and people speculate that he left his outpost because of trauma from the horror he witnessed on the battlefield or he was suffering from insomnia due to extreme sleep deprivation. His lone wolf mentality, attitude, and behavior almost resulted in a discharge. He managed to escape Taliban captivity in August or September 2011 with his fists, in fact he was such a good fighter that it took 5 insurgents to overwhelm him. He was eventually recaptured but President Obama has had negotiations in the works for several years but it was extremely difficult to give in to the Taliban because it has been an American ideal for years that the United States does not negotiate with terrorist but Obama finally caved in to the Taliban's request and offered to exchange five terrorist for the freedom of one Bowe Bergdahl. There is also controversy over the government keeping the whereabouts and state of Bergdahl classified. Back in Bergdahl's hometown he is not getting a warm welcome from everyone because many veterans and people associated with the military are upset because Bergdahls conduct in the military was very dishonorable.

The New Neanderthal

Neanderthal, according to Miriam-Webster, is a man who is stupid and rude.  Neanderthals are famous for being  hairy, animistic beings.  However, have we been misconceiving the Neanderthal all this time?
Everything you know about the Neanderthal is wrong.
They are not stupid, and in fact, they are on par with the intelligence of modern humans. Nor did this supposed intellectual inferiority lead to their demise. The evidence for such an assumption is baseless and false.
The Neanderthals have been a common staple in the theory of evolution.  Scientists have used the Neanderthal as a stepping stone from chimp to human. However, if the Neanderthal is equal to humans in intellectual capacity, why should we continue to assume that the evolution theory is correct? It is not possible for the chimpanzee to have evolved into a Neanderthal, because the intelligence gap was too wide.  Also, why should we continue to believe that evolution is true, when one of their key arguments has been proved false?

Edward Cochrane
D day 2014

       This week people are celebrating the 70th anniversary of D day one of the most famous military events in history. D day or "Disembarkation" day took place on June 6th 1944  The Allied Forces landed on Omaha beach to invade Normandy, reclaim western Europe, and free France from Nazi rule. Allied forces Invaded Omaha beach through naval and airbourne assault 24,000 allied soldiers participated 9,000 of them were reported dead, Missing, or injured, but their sacrifices were not in vein D day was one of the critical victories for the allies in World War II. Several events will be taking place this week as a tribute to the fallen soldiers. Normandy is hosting many of these events but it has always used D day to increase tourism. In Normandy there will be fireworks, parachuting displays, military camp displays, open air concerts, parades, festivals, reenactments, memorial openings, museum events, battlefield tours, speeches from veterans, veterans and world leaders will be visiting Normandy from Australia, USA, Canada, and Britain, veteran commemorations, on Friday their will be a ceremony celebrating the British 3rd infantry division, there will be an event for the 20,000 civilians that lost their lives to the ally bombings at the Caen memorial, President Obama will meet with the French president Francois Hollande to celebrate the American World War II veterans at Colleville-sur-mere, British veterans will also visit the Bayeux royal British legion shrine.

The NBA Finals Are Here!

By Sreevatsa Gottada
Entertainment Editor

          Last year's NBA finals had dramatic finishes, clutch shots, intense rivalries, and more. This year, we will get a rematch of the two teams who played against each other last year, the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. Who will prevail on top this time? Will LeBron James put his team on top and ascend the NBA history books? Or will Tim Duncan and the veteran Spurs go out with a bang?

          Last year, the finals series was evenly matched at first, the Heat and Spurs were tied at 2-2 albeit the games weren't as evenly matched. The Spurs eventually won game five, and took a 3-2 lead to the series. The Heat were backed up onto a wall, and it was a do-or-die situation. During game six, the Spurs answered on every Heat run, and eventually were up five with about 28 seconds remaining. After LeBron made a three, Kawhi Leonard was fouled as the Heat were trying to gain another possession. He missed a crucial free throw which lead the Heat to be down only three points. With that in mind, LeBron took a three at the other side, and missed. Chris Bosh grabbed the rebound, and passed it to Ray Allen as he was backing up to the three point line. Dozens of Heat fans froze as the shot was in the air, but then went into a frenzy when it went through the hoop. The Heat had forced overtime which they won, and in conclusion, forced a game seven. While the final game went back and forth, the Heat eventually got away with it when LeBron hit crucial jump shots. The Spurs played valiantly, but just could not extinguish the Heat.

          This year's NBA finals are sure to be an amazing one. Be sure to mark your calendars and set your DVRs, because this is a must-see! And since last year's finals went to seven games, this year's finals are sure to be a dogfight up until the player's last breath, as well. Who knows, maybe Danny Green can get got again, and lead the Spurs to a championship? Or, Dwyane Wade being healthy can tip the scale in favor of Miami? All we know is that we'll have to see to find out.

Donald Sterling, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, has been reported to have made racist comments during a phone call with his girlfriend. This phone call was private, but released to the public.  Sterling has since given sole control and rights of the team to his ex-wife Shelly. Shelly is reportedly selling the Clippers to  a Microsoft billionaire for over two billion dollars.
Everyone has had a racist thought at some point in time, and most of us have probably expressed it.  Fewer people have expressed such things publicly; we choose to express these things privately because that's where we feel most comfortable.  We also feel  free to express our random thoughts to our loved ones, because we trust them. Donald Sterling did the exact same thing.  He was banned from the league for life and given a hefty fine because his loved one had betrayed that trust.  His girlfriend is he one at fault here.  In the phone recording she released to the press, it sounds as if she is deliberately leading him on, goading him to say racist things.  Also, it is against the law to record a conversation without giving due notice that the conversation is being recorded.  It is highly likely that she gave him no such notice, because he would have undoubtedly have planned his words much more carefully if he had known he was recorded.
The punishment which Mr. Sterling was given was also a bit harsh. Make that much more than a bit. Banned for life? For one racist comment? The punishment was given by a newly instated commissioner, eager to find a scapegoat and lay down the law, in order to prove himself more than capable.  Sterling just happened to be that scapegoat.
While racist statements are rude and offensive, sometimes they can't be helped. Donald Sterling should not have said the things he said.  However, he is also a victim of guile and deceit in the form of his mistress, and a victim of an over eager justice seeker, in the form of the new commissioner.

America Honors Veterans over Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day is meant to give Americans, a time to remember the veterans and, fallen soldiers of our many wars. In honor to keep this day Obama directed all government offices in the United States to fly their flags at half-staff on Monday. In New York the U.S Marine Corps' chaplain, speak on Sunday to a congregation that has tied gold ribbons on the church's fence in honor of fallen soldiers since the Iraq War commenced, that landed the sacrifice of veterans around the universe and what they have done that allowed us to be here today. President Barack Obama gained a surprise visit to Afghanistan for Memorial Day speak with troops and visit soldiers being treated at a foundation hospital. Memorial Day,was a time to remind ourselves of the meaning of sacrifice and to put personal struggles and difficulties in perspective.Across the country, citizens made ceremonies flag planting at cemeteries, parades and even barbecue-an American pastime Officer Brian McNeal said “this weekend should be enjoyed.”

Memorial Day is a day to remember the sacrifice they made so everyday citizens don't have to worry about the evils of the world.

Thousands memorial of ribbons is tied to the storied church’s fence. On that point also gold ribbons for service members killed in Afghanistan, green ribbons representing prayers for peace and blue ribbons for the people of Afghanistan. Three hundred Junior ROTC students from Chicago Military Academy at Bronzeville marched in the city's parade.  In Massachusetts, Boston Marathon survivor Jeff Bauman and his rescuer, Carlos Arredondo, helped plant tens of thousands of flags Saturday at a memorial to honor soldiers.  

By: Aminata Koroma

“Bring Back Our Girls”

In Northern Nigeria college girls were taking on April 15 by a Muslim guy called Bako Haram. These girls were ages 15 to 18 christians and muslims. “About 50 girls escaped the kidnappers and 276 were still missing,” said a police officer. The Nigerian government have done nothing so far to  recuse these girls. One of the parents said they have given up on the Nigerian government and officials. The parents carried weapons like bows and arrows to persuade the kidnappers but end up returning home. The families of the lost girls are asking the United States and United Nations for help to help get their daughter back. While there is a major international search going on for missing people their is no meaningful search for even the greater number of missing schoolgirls.

The secretary of states, John Kerry who is visiting Nigeria stated that the United States needs to nudge Nigerian authorities to do more to find  the girls. The Nigerian authorities started a campaign website  on the White House website, on Change.org and on Facebook to demand: “Bring Back Our Girls.” All this may or may not help, but it’s worth trying for.  The militants in Nigeria destroyed  school last year alone. If the girls aren't rescued, “no parent will allow their female child to go to school,” Hadiza Bala Osman, a protests in Nigeria warned in a telephone interview. Northern Nigeria is a deeply conservative area.  The Nigerian military has shown a little interest in rescuing the girls.  These girls have been enslaved for their brain and to become “wives” of militants. On monday the agency of Nigeria received  a message from one of the kidnappers Mr. Shekau admitting of kidnapping the girls.  They deserve a serious international effort to rescue them.

By: Aminata Koroma

What's a good blog?

It is very hard writing a blog post; especially coming up with ideas that are entertaining and interesting enough to keep the reader reading. I know for in fact, personally, that it is always hard writing because I just have no clue what to write and I don’t know what people would like to read. I searched the internet and read many articles about what to do and what to write and build my knowledge on how to write blogs. 

The whole purpose of writing blogs is to connect with your audience and making them feel like they are actually with you and hearing what you have to say. After reading many articles the first thing I saw that they all said is “the key to a successful blog is what you have to say and how you say it.” Readers will come back if they like the subject and the writing style and make sure that the blog tone is appropriate to the subject.  The blog needs to feel honest. It needs to “feel” real. So, I’m guessing that if you don’t like sports than you probably shouldn’t write about sports. If you are still having a difficult time writing than imagine yourself writing to a friend or a family member about an experience or something that’s going on in the world. The less it feels like an essay and more like somebody’s personal note than readers will feel more attracted to it. It also is important to look at what other people’s blogs look like to get a feel of what you would want and what makes those blogs stand out. Although be careful of making your blog look to much like theirs.

An attracting feature that readers enjoy most are the blogs that are updated frequently.  It takes hard work to keep up with a blog and especially with the ideas and what to write. It is helpful to keep the blog in the back of your mind and a notebook, because you never know when a great idea might come along. There are other important aspects of your life you could write about such as: friends, family, job, school, relationships, and pets. Even though these topics might sound boring they are relatable to people and many can sympathize or empathize with what you are going through. Having a co-blogger can take some of the pressure off, especially when there is a regular set-up. If the updating is on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis then try to be consistent about adding posts. Setting up dates about when to catch up will help the readers and bring them back. An example, I found was that a post could be updated every Sunday night, but it’s whenever you’d like. 

Another important aspect of blogging is commenting. Providing a comment link for the readers and allowing them to post something is great and it’s even better if you write back in the comment bar. It is a good way to develop a relationship with your audience. After much research about blogs do’s and don’ts, I know that I could never be a blogger. It takes to much writing and thinking and my life is pretty damn boring! In all sincerity though just open your mind and write somebody out there is thinking the same way you are.

Thanks to: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/writing-a-good-blog.html

BY Yancy Garcia