The Medallion

MEDALLION
By Layne and Tommy

James January W. Robinson Secondary School 2014

Volume 42, Issue 2

the

January 2014

5035 Sideburn Road Fairfax, VA 22032 Volume 42, Issue 2

2013:The Year in Review

As another eventful year passes by, the world prepares for the next. From New Years resolutions to the Winter Olympics, to the World Cup, there's a lot coming ahead in 2014. For as much as there is to look forward to, there is even more to remember. While many look ahead to where we are going, its important to reflect on all that we've been through. 2013 was certainly a year to be remembered and it all seemed to go by so fast. From the Harlem Shake, to the U.S. government shutdown, 2013 greatly exceeded expectations. So, as a last hoorah to 2013, here are some of the most memorable and groundbreaking events that impacted millions around the globe this year.

Top New Events

Boston Marathon Bombing
On April 15, 2013 a wretched tragedy devastated billions around the world, but evoked a test of resilience for the city of Boston and all of the U.S. At 2:49 pm two bombs went off at the finish of the Boston Marathon, killing three and seriously injuring over 260 people. In an act of courage, several brave citizens and all of Bostons finest responded rapidly, saving hundreds of spectators and runners. In the days following the attack and as America mourned, the FBI worked hard and hunted down the two suspects, brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlin Tsarnaev. Tamerlin was shot and killed in a shootout in Boston and Dzhokhar is currently in custody.

Government Shutdown

Sports Moments of the Year

Super Bowl XLVII Blackout
The bar was set high for the 2013 Super Bowl between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens. With Ray Lewis playing the last game of his career and the young Colin Kapernick on the rise, it was set to be a big matchup. Most of all, Jim and John Harbaugh, the two coaches for the opposing teams were competing brother against brother. Surely the Harbowl brotherhood rivalry was sure to steal the show. Early on in the third quarter, the game seemed to be over with the Ravens leading 28-6 until one event changed the course of the entire game! Half the lights in the New Orleans Superdome shut off! With everyone in a panic and confusion abounding, players and spectators waited for 34 minutes until power was restored. To this day the blackout is reported as a fault in the electricity, but conspiracy theories say it was on purpose to change the momentum of the game. Sure enough, that was exactly what happened. The Niners made a comeback, but still fell short in the end.

From October 1-17, 2013 the country came to an abrupt halt after congressmen failed to reach an agreement over funding and the debt ceiling for 2014. For two weeks, 800,000 were unpaid and without jobs or income! Families that relied on that pay struggled to pay expenses and make a living. National Parks, monuments, zoos and museums were closed and many revolted. On the National Mall, citizens knocked down gates and charged guards to see the WWII Memorial. The 2013 shutdown was the fifth one since 1981!

This act of kindness touched the hearts of many across the country and made one little kid the most loved person in San Francisco. On Nov. 15, 2013, five-year-old Miles Scott was this kid. Miles was diagnosed with leukemia at 18 months and just wanted to be like any other kid. His lifelong dream was to be Batman and save the day. The Make-a-Wish Foundation helped him realize this dream. The foundation reached out to the greater San Francisco area via social media and rallied citizens who gave thousands in donations of time and money to turn San Francisco into Gotham City! On the morning of the 15th, Batkid received the call for help from the police commissioner and suited up to protect Gotham. Batkid received a police escort in the Batmobile around the city and went to several crime scenes around the city. In the process, he defeated the Riddler, the Penguin, and saved the San Francisco Giants mascot. After his heroic feats, he was Auburns Iron Bowl TD Return taken to City Hall and received the key to Gotham City from Mayor Ed Lee. The following All year long, Alabamas Crimson Tide was destined to earn their third straight championship. However, the annual SEC conference champion- day, headlines of the San Francisco newspapers read Batkid Saves Gotham! ship between rivals, Auburn and Alabama, changed everything. With Snowden Leaks NSA Information two seconds on the clock and the game tied at 28, Alabama attempted Edward Snowdens criminal act not only shocked millions, including the what looked like the game winning field goal. But the 57 yard kick fell U.S. government, but greatly changed the way we look at our personal short and landed in the hands of Auburn kick returner Chris Davis, who weaved past defend- privacy today. Edward Snowden, a former CIA and NSA employee, ers and ran 109 yards to the end zone and pulled off the upset, eliminating Alabama. leaked extremely classified and private government information and documents to the public. Estimates say that he copied and released thouRay Allens Game 6 Miracle Three sands of NSA documents. The documents revealed the U.S. governments extremely private global surveillance system that can track millions of emails, phone calls and mesIn game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, all hope seemed to be lost for the Miami sages all around the world! Snowden is now on the run, but still he claims he has no reHeat. With the Spurs seconds away from a championship, sharpshooter Ray Allen grets, and he felt the truth had to be revealed. caught a pass, and with seemingly no time to spare, he made a three and sent game 6 into overtime which boosted them to win game 7 and capture the title.

Batkid Saves the Day

DeAndre Jordans Monster Dunk

This dunk wasnt just any old dunk contest slam. This wasnt a smooth, graceful dunk. This was a monster, gut-wrenching, ground-pounding, posturizing, mind-blowing, jaw-dropping dunk that would go down in history. Truthfully, this dunk was so insane, it cant be put into words. Clippers center, DeAndre Jordan threw down this dunk on Brandon Knight at the Clippers-Pistons game March 10, 2013.

As the Vatican City turned the corner into a new age, a new pope was needed. After Pope Benedict XVI retired on Feb. 11, 2013, 210 cardinals from all around the world met in Rome for the Papal Conclave. The conclave is the very secretive process by which a new pope is elected. After two days of the cardinals gathering, they finally released white smoke from the chimney of the palace, signaling the election of a new pope. Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina took the papal throne as Pope Francis on March 13, 2013 and brought a more liberal view of Catholicism.

Pope Francis Elected

Top Five...
Google Searches:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Nelson Mandela Paul Walker iPhone 5 Cory Monteith Harlem Shake What Does The Fox Say? - Ylvis Harlem Shake (original army edition) - Kenneth Hakonsen How Animals Eat Their Food MisterEpicMan Telekinetic Coffee Shop Surprise CarrieNYC YOLO ft. Adam Levine and Kendrick Lamar thelonelyisland Lorde Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Imagine Dragons Ariana Grande Kendrick Lamar Iron Man 3 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Despicable Me 2 Frozen Man of Steel

2013 Goodbyes
Cory Monteith 1982-2013
Cory Monteith was the star of Foxs hit series Glee. Corys autopsy concluded that he died from a heroin overdose in July. Cory was not married, although he did leave behind his girlfriend and fellow co-star Lea Michelle.

2013 Trends, Fads, and Obsessions

Harlem Shake
The Harlem Shake is a dance that begins with one single person dancing in a normal environment. No one in the background notices and continues on doing what they usually do. Then the bass drops and everyone starts to do random and somewhat strange dances until the song ends.

Most Viewed YouTube Videos:

Nelson Mandela 1918-2013

Grumpy Cat
All 2013, Grumpy Cat was there to make your day better, unintentionally, of course. The meme is best known for looking, well, grumpy! The meme became an instant hit and very popular on Instagram and other social media sites.

Break Out Artists:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Mandela is best known for his devotion to justice in South Africa. He served as the president of South Africa from 19941999. He was also a philanthropist who donated millions to charity. Mandela died in December from natural causes at the age of 95.

Miley Cyrus
At the end of 2012, Miley promised that 2013 would be her year, and she went above and beyond. How did she do it? By changing her good girl persona and appearance. She cut her hair and she did controversial things like her role in the music video Wrecking Ball. Although some people find her actions trashy or highly inappropriate, it is more than safe to say that she has accomplished her goal. Miley is now more popular than ever, maybe even one of the most famous stars today.

Paul Walker 1973-2013

Paul Walker is best known for portraying Brian OConner in the hit movie series Fast and Furious. Walker was killed in a fiery car accident along with his friend who was driving. They crashed into a tree and died immediately.

Grossing Movies:

Top App Downloads of 2013

Vine
The social media app that allows users to make six second videos has become one of the most downloaded apps in 2013. Many people have become famous over vine. To name some, there is Nash Grier, Matt Espinosa, Landon Moss, King Bach and Brittany Furland. You cannot make money from vines, but you can be in advertisements of other brands vines to make a profit. The app was created by twitter to share videos that cannot be edited, reordered, or changed in anyway. It is one take and if you dont like it, you can do it again. Some famous people on vines have over one million followers.

Candy Crush Saga

Candy Crush Saga is the number one app of 2013. The game is similar to Bejewled Blitz as it is also a puzzle game, but it has different power ups, extensions and skills. Instead of jewels, they use blue, purple, red, orange, yellow, and green candies. The number one app of year is also able to be played on Facebook where your friends can send lives and extra moves for you to finish your quest!

Songs:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Thrift Shop - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Wanz Blurred Lines - Robin Thicke ft. T.I.+ Pharrell Radioactive - Imagine Dragons Harlem Shake - Bauer Cant Hold Us - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis ft. Ray Dalton

The Medallion

January 2014

Volume 42, Issue 2

By Bradley and Parker

Geocaching (Jeeoh-cashing)
Geocaching is an outdoor activity where participants try to find little boxes or capsules that people hide for you to find. While most of these boxes or capsules are small, some can be as large as a refrigerator or even bigger than that. However, most range anywhere from the size of an ammunition box to the size of a human thumb. People find these boxes by downloading the free geocaching app onto their smartphone. The app provides the coordinates of a geocache and then you have to go to the coordinates provided and find the hidden cache. If you don't have a smartphone, there are GPSs specially made for geocaching that tell you the coordinates of the cache. The places they are hidden also vary greatly because there are different levels of geocaching. Some can be hidden in the open or simply under a log. But others are very difficult to find because they may be hidden underwater so you would have to scuba dive to retrieve it. People may also creatively conceal it. For instance, they may hide it in the post of a metal fence and the only way somebody could get it out would be to pour water into it making the geocache rise up with the water. Since there are all different degrees difficul-

ties, it can be enjoyable for a simple family outing or any hardcore geocaching. In the geocache box there may be a notebook called a logbook. In this book are names of people who found this geocache previously. Also in the geocache there may be items, most of which are cheap trinkets, which in Ammo box used as geocaching terms are called swag. Sometimes they can be worth more than cheap a geocache. trinkets, they can be worth as much as the hider wants. The idea is that you have to trade something of equal or greater value so if you do go geocaching, come prepared with a few trinkets to trade. For people to hide a geocache they have to register the coordinates of where they hid the geocache on the Items you may find in geocache website. Then the website automatically adds the a geocache. cache to the geocache GPS and the geocache app.

Difficulty Levels of Geocaching

Level 1 Easy
Easy geocaches are hidden in plain sight and can be found quickly. They can usually be found in an area that is most likely paved or easy to navigate in. They also are generally handicapped accessible and in a small to medium sized containers. Most of the time when you try to find an easy geocache, you would have to walk under a half of a mile. Sometimes the cache might be camouflaged into the surroundings. Some examples of easy level geocaches are little capsules hanging from a tree or a bird feeder. If you are new to geocaching you should start out looking for these.

Level 2 Average
The average geocache is a little bit harder to find than the easy geocache, but is still relatively easy to find. The normal person would be able to find these in 30 minutes or less. The terrain would be suitable for children and it would be less than a two mile hike to get to the geocaching point. This is what most people geocache for. Some examples of average level geocaches are small boxes that are in the woods that can be camouflaged into the area for a more challenging hunt. This can create a more fun experience.

Level 3 Challenging
For an average person this type of geocache will take about an hour. The terrain is suitable for young adults and adults. There might be some steep elevation changes on the two or more mile hike. Most of the hike will be off trail in the woods with some vegetation surrounding the destination point. People who want a little bit of a challenge would look for these. Some examples of challenging level geocaches are boxes concealed behind trees in the woods. These are the most common geocaches that are hidden throughout the world. If you want a small challenge look for these.

Level 4 Difficult
The average person would most likely take half a day or more to find a difficult geocache. You might need some hiking gear to complete this task. There will be some steep elevations and plant overgrowth to get through. The hike may be more than ten miles so you might have to stay overnight to find it. Most people cannot find these. Some examples of difficult level geocaches are boxes hidden in a tree trunk or log. These can be hard to find, but if you don't find it don't give up because they are sometimes hidden in plain sight. You may not see them but they are there.

Level 5 Extreme
Level five geocaches are for experts only as they provide an extreme mental or physical challenge. You may need to have extra equipment or specialized training. For example, you may need a four wheel drive vehicle, SCUBA training, rock climbing experience, or a boat. An example of an extreme geocache would be a water-proof box at the bottom of a lake or an ocean that you have to SCUBA dive down to get. Most people want to find a level 5 geocache, but don't because they don't have equipment or training.

Geocaching in Fairfax
There are plenty of geocaches in this area. Some good places to geocache are parks or lakes. One good lake to try is Burke Lake, which has over 20 geocaches. The rules for hiding geocaches in Fairfax County are that the geocache has to be in a Fairfax County park and has to be within 25 feet of a trail. Because of these guidelines, most of the geocaches in this area are easy to find.

Types of Caches
Traditional cache A traditional cache is the most straight forward type of cache. It has a log book for you to write you name in and some cool prizes like small toys or coins. Multi-cache A multi-cache is one where you are sent to multiple locations to find the final cache with prizes in it. It is sort of like a wild goose chase leading from one cache to another. EarthCache An EarthCache is there for you to learn about a unique geographical feature like the Grand Canyon. Each EarthCache must be education and teach a science lesson.

Geocaching Cites: geocaching.com, opencaching.us, scouting.org

Getting Ahead
When Robinsons electives just arent advanced enough for you or dont suit your needs, there is another choice. Career and Technical Education programs or CTEs offer advanced elective courses ranging from the arts to business entrepreneurs to automobile collision services. It offers six program areas: Business and Information technology, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, Marketing, Technology Education and Engineering and Trade and Industrial Education. When you participate in these courses, you learn about a lot of jobs while youre preparing for college or entry-level jobs. Much of the learning is hands on. Eighty Robinson students participate in these CTEs, which means they go to an academy during the school day as one of their classes. They go during one of their blocks. Students find time in their schedules because by 11th grade most have fulfilled their PE requirement and

By Audrey, Maddy, and Karen many students have finished their foreign language requirement as well. The bad news is, most courses are only offered to 11th and 12th graders, however, some are offered to 10th graders. There is usually a bus that takes you to the high school where the academy is held, and you typically go for two periods, as you need travel time to get back to school and in your next class. Read on to find out about some academies and what they have to offer.

Chantilly Academy
Some courses offered: Engineering Physics

Computer Systems Technology Animal Science Criminal Justice

Dental Careers Number of Robinson students attending this year: 42 Summary: Chantilly Academy is the academy that Robinson primarily feeds into. They offer approximately 36 different classes. Chantilly Academy serves nearly 1,400 students from 20 different high schools in the FCPS division.

As a learning environment dedicated to technology, innovation, discovery, and real-world problem solving, Chantilly Academys mission is to prepare students for college and careers by providing specialized electives in two concentration areas: Engineering & Scientific Technology and Health & Human Services. - Chantilly Academy website

Teachers for Tomorrow

If youre someone who likes working with children and you wish to become an educator, Teachers for Tomorrow would be a good course for you. Its a two level course worth two high school credits. To take this course, there are some requirements including a 3.0 GPA or above. While taking Teachers for Tomorrow, students develop a deeper understanding of students and kids with special needs as well as an understanding of cognitive, physical, and moral growth in kids. Students will write lesson plans and begin to understand the development of kids.

Culinary Arts
If you are interested in food and cooking then you might be interested in Chantillys Culinary program. This two year long course teaches students all about the art of making food. It is 80% hands on. Students will learn skills such as sanitation, hot food production, meat identification, purchasing food items and more. This class is worth two high school credits and one verifying credit.

Animal Science
This class helps students better understand animals. If you want to be a veterinarian, this class could be very helpful. You learn about animal behavior, how to treat diseases, and how to handle animals properly while grooming them. Students get a lot of hands-on interaction and demonstrations. Students who take this class, get to meet many people involved in the animal care business as well as listen to a variety of guest speakers. This class is worth two high school credits and is available at Chantilly Academy.

Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice is a two year program and provides specific areas of studies including criminal law and investigation, security training, communications, emergency response, crimes, search and seizures, arrests, crimes prevention, court procedure and police operations. Criminal justice explores career options in these fields of study and prepares students for higher education. This class is two high school credits and is available at Chantilly Academy.

Fairfax Academy
Some courses offered: Fashion Design

Dance classes

Professional Photography Number of Robinson students attending this year: 28 Students who attend Fairfax Academy get the chance to explore college and career options in arts

and communications fields. The Academy engages and inspires students countywide through excellence in educational, artistic and cultural programs. - Fairfax Academy website provides high school students with hands-on real life applications to explore careers in health and human services, while gaining practical skills, confidence and enthusiasm to thrive with 21st century workplace readiness skills. - Falls Church Academy website

Falls Church Academy

Some courses offered: Criminal Justice

Entrepreneurship
This course allows students to experience and learn about creating and owning their own business. Students will learn concepts and techniques for planning an innovative business. Learning is almost always hands-on. Students will participate in many activities such as writing a business plan, going to NYCs Wholesale District, and competing in business plan competitions. This class gives you one high school credit per year and is available at Chantilly.

Computer Systems
Learning about computers, mobile devices, Windows Operating systems, laptops, networks, computer components, security, and command line interface are all included in this course. Students will develop hardware, software, as well as networking and security skills. These skills are very useful for students who want to take the CompTIA A+ Certification Exam, students who want to go into the computer and cyber security industry, and for just for dealing with computers in everyday life. This course is worth two high school credits.

Exploring Health Sciences

Fire and Emergency Medical Sciences Early Childhood Careers Number of Robinson students attending this year: 10 Summary: Falls Church Academy's mission is to serve as a professional learning community that

The Medallion

January 2014

Volume 42, Issue 2

Facts About Virginia

By Connor, Sam, and David The state of Virginia is filled with amazing things. Many people know that Virginia is home to the most presidents. It is also called the birth place of the nation. Virginia is for Lovers is a huge slogan in Virginia. It stands for all the fun things you can do in Virginia.

Where did we Get Our Name?

Virginias full name is The Commonwealth of Virginia. Virginia got its name from Queen Elizabeth I. However, she doesnt have the name Virginia anywhere in her name. Queen Elizabeth I was called The Virgin Queen and our states name is taken from that . Even though Virginia was the first colony, it was not the first state. Delaware was the first state, while Virginia was the 10th.

Fast Facts About Virginia

Sic Semper Tyrannis

Old Dominion

1. Virginia was named after Elizabeth the 1st, former queen of England. 2. Seven presidents are buried in VA: Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Taft, and Kennedy. 3. About 1/2 of all the people in the United States live within a Sic semper tyrannis! Some of you may be 500 mile radius of the Capital of thinking, What does that mean? This saying Virginia. is the Virginia state motto. It means thus al4. The first Thanksgiving in North Forbes Magazine used data from the U.S. Census ways to tyrants. And you still might be wonAmerica was held in Virginia in Bureau to determine which counties in America dering what that means. This saying used to 1619. were the wealthiest. Out of all of the counties in be heard around Europe during protests. It 5. Virginia has been dubbed the the United States, Virginia has three counties in the was shouted mostly when people were pro"Internet Capital of the world". top five. Stafford is number six on the list with a testing the government. Two big figures in 6. Virginias tallest mountain is median household income of $97,606. Number history have both muttered these words. The Mt. Rogers. It is 5,729 feet. five goes to Arlington. Arlingtons median housefirst one was Marcus Brutus who was best 7. Virginias state hold income is $100,474, beating out Stafford by known as the person who helped with the beverage is milk. only $2,868. Jumping to third place is Fairfax County. Yes, you read that assassination of his best friend, Julius Caesar. 8. The first pearight, Fairfax County is one of the richest counties in America. The median nuts grown in the Another man who said that was John Wilkes Booth. In his diary he stated household income is $107,096. Howard County, Maryland comes in sec- United States that after he had killed Abraham Lincoln, he screamed this out while he was running away. So why would Virginia have a motto marked in infamy? ond place outranking Fairfax by only $1,748. The title for the richest coun- were grown in ty in America goes to Loudoun County whose median household comes Virginia. The phrase was recommended to George Mason as part of the Virginia Seal. He used it to show that Virginia would not stand for tyranny. He want- in at a whopping $117,876. In 2011, Loudoun County wasnt even in the 9. The Pentagon top 100 richest counties. Virginia has five counties in the top 25 richest ed to show the government that Virginia would fight against a corrupt building in Arlington is the largest counties. In 2011 Virginia had 12 counties in the top 100. government. office building in the world. 10. The state covers 42,769 square miles. 11. Virginia is the home base for the United States Navys Atlantic Virginia is known as the Old DoThe state of Virginia had a major role in the Civil Fleet. minion State. Dominion means the War. Virginia was home to the most battles in the Civil 12. The College of William and complete ownership of land. War, perhaps not the best achievement in Virginia Mary in Williamsburg is the secSince Virginia was loyal to the history. Richmond (our state capital) was the capital ond oldest college in the United crown, King Charles gave them for the Confederacy. Virginia at first was going to stay States; it was founded in 1693. land during restoration. Virginia is in the north, but Jefferson Davis wanted Virginia to 13. The State flower is not really a also known as the birthplace of join the south in the war against the north. Virginia flower, but the blossom of the the nation. Virginia is called the birthplace of a nation for one obvious refused at first, until Jefferson Davis offered somedogwood tree, which is also the reason. It was the colony that kick started America. Without the Jamething. His offer was that Richmond, Virginia became state tree. stown settlement, America might not be America. Virginia has one of the the capitol for the Confederate States of America. When that offer was 14. Virginia has had three capital biggest roles in United States history. accepted, Virginia became a part of the Confederacy. cities: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Richmond. 15. Yorktown is the site of the final victory of the American In the United States, eight presidents were born in Virginia. They were George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Revolution. James Madison, James Monroe, William Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson. Also, six of the 16. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge presidents wives (first ladies) were born in Virginia. They were Martha Washington, Martha Jefferson, Rachel Jackson, Tunnel is the world's largest Letitia Tyler, Ellen Arthur, and Edith Wilson. Seven presidents have been put to rest right here in Virginia. George bridge-tunnel complex. Washington was buried in Mount Vernon, Virginia. Jefferson was buried in Monticello, Madison, buried in Montpelier 50states.com Monroe, buried in Richmond buried in Tylor, Richmond Virginia. Taft and John F Kennedy were both buried in Arlington Cemetery.

Were Rich!!!!

Virginia and the Civil War

Home of the Presidents

The Outer Banks

Cant wait for your summer getaway in this dreary winter weather? Well, nows the time to start planning your Outer Banks trip. Unlike Virginia Beach, the OBX is a much less commercialized beach and more tranquil. From Blackbeard the pirate, to the Wright Brothers first flight, this beach is full of history and tourism sites, but still has plenty of private beaches to relax.

By Erin

Alaska: The Last Frontier

by Josh and Brian

Things to Do
Climb the Lighthouses:
There are five different lighthouses on this barrier island. These five lighthouses all have a different look and different stories. Each lighthouse is in a different part of the island and has a different personality. The lighthouse in the picture above is the Currituck Lighthouse. It is 162 feet tall. If you buy a ticket, you can climb this lighthouse and see the spectacular view.

Wild Horse Tours:

For almost 500 years, the wild horses of The Outer Banks have been roaming free. They got to the island from ship wrecks of early explorers, and have been in the northern part of the island. Sometimes theyll venture into neighborhoods while the residents sip their morning coffee. To visit them, youll be put in a van or jeep and driven through the dunes which feels like a roller coaster ride, while seeing beautiful horses. Its a trip even a nonhorse lover would enjoy.

tion has been rising slowly but surely, and thousands of tourists visit Alaska every year. Though still, Alaska is the second leastThis sand-bar-paradise expopulous state in America after Wyoming. A tends 200 miles long, with lots good portion of the population consists of of little towns on the island. Native Americans called the Inuit. There are two bridges conThe Inuit are a tribe that settled in the West necting the OBX to the mainland, and those will be the On May 11, 1912 Alaska was admitted into Artic. The Inuit still use the old ways of getting heaviest traffic areas on the the Union as the 49th state of America. food by hunting, farming, and gathering as island on weekends. Every When it was first bought in 1867 for 7.2 million they did thousand of years ago. The Inuit, village is a little different, so dollars, people viewed as a waste of time otherwise known as Eskimos, settled the there is a place to fit everyand money. However as time went on, Alas- land back during the ice age when they ones needs. There are six ka has proved to be a very beautiful, natucame from Russia over the massive ice most popular villages of the rally diverse, and resource rich environment. bridge. Today more than 100,00 Inuit live in Outer Banks. Alaska is sometimes called the Last Frontier the west Artic alone. Corolla: in the United States because of the rough Alaska can get very cold in the winter. On The farthest north village, Corolla was the last village terrain, unexplored wild, and extreme eleaverage, in Anchorage, Alaska, the temperto be developed. Parts of it are still unpaved, like the ments which are tough to brave and intimiature in December is usually only 20 deCarova beaches. Although it is not as populated as the beaches farther south, it is home to the wild horses dating to most people. A few decades after grees, being a relatively high average for Alaska. The coldest temperature ever recand Currituck lighthouse, and can make a very com- Alaska was purchased, great discoveries of rare materials and land resources like gold orded was 80 degrees Fahrenheit in 1971, fortable stay. and black gold, also known as oil, were at Prospect Creek. On average it snows Duck: discovered. To this day Alaska is a major more than 117 inches, or almost ten feet, The newest town to emerge on the OBX, Duck is alsource of oil and other important, natural annually, in Central Alaska alone. The exready booming as one of the most popular. Officially treme cold and snow are both reasons why starting in 2002, this town is known for its nice beaches, resources. Ever since the late 1960s, Alaskas popula- Alaska is still a frontier. shops, and waterside dining. Southern Shores: Southern Shores has more wooded area. It has -The coldest temperature ever beautiful bike trails and many canals and streams, -During the winter, some recorded in Alaska was -80*F making boating access to the bay much easier. places in Alaska are Kitty Hawk: -Only completely dark for more Kitty Hawk has a very calm and peaceful feel. Many -It once snowed 974 inches or 5.3% than 24 hours of the year round residents and tourists choose to live about 81 feet in Thompson, of all the and visit here. The first bridge to the island touches in Alaska over the course of a land in this town. year Kill Devil Hills: Alaska is Known best for the Wright Brothers first flight, Kill inhabited -There are only 731,449 people Devil Hills has the highest local population on the isby living in Alaska as of 2012 land (about 6,800). humans, -Alaska is the largest state in Nags Head and South Nags Head: the rest is the U.S. More than twice the The Outer Banks island was once called Nags Head. unexsize of Texas When you go to the southern part of the town it beplored comes more tranquil. wilderManteo and Roanoke Island: ness. Visit the Elizabeth Gardens and the site of the Lost Colony! Even if youre not into the historic site seeing, the town of Manteo offers great dining and shopping. Hatteras: An hour away from the northern beaches, Hatteras Pic I would be able to live in No, [I wouldnt] because it has a much slower feel to it. The island is much narhere Alaska because there is great is really cold and I really rower and there are fewer houses. Still a small fishing scenery and nature, plus I love hate the cold, said Stephavillage, Hatteras has a very weathered look, and there the snow," said Daniel, 8th nie, 8th arent as many people. The beaches are smaller and the water is typically warmer.

The Different Towns

Would You Be Able To Live In Alaska?

The Medallion

January 2014

Volume 42, Issue 2

RSD Update Robinson Swim and Dive

I like RSD because its a great way to get to know people and make more friends. I was new at Robinson this year and made a lot of friends through the team that I wouldnt have met otherwise, said Lisa Zangla, 9th grade. I like RSD because you get a chance to meet and spend time with amazing people who you share a passion with, said Carol Zangla,11th grade. I like RSD because I have a lot of friends on the team. Its a good way to meet people and make more friends, said Austin Henry, 10th grade.

By Emily Boland RSD is really fun because I get to hang out with my friends. I think were probably going to win states again this year which would be pretty awesome too, said JP Boland,11th grade.

What is RSD?
Its a well-known fact that Robinson has a swim team; slightly less well known is that there is also a dive team. But some students still have questions. How do the meets work? Are they any good? Whos the coach? Where do they practice? (Hint: its not on the roof.) The first important piece of information for students to know is that there are two separate teams. The girls team and boys team are different teams. There are 37 swimmers and seven divers on the girls team. The boys team is made up of 30 swimmers and six divers. Robinson Swim and Dive (RSD) has seventeen managers, nine of whom are in middle school. The meets for RSD are dual meets, which means that the girls and boys meets take place at the same pool, same meet, and against the same school. However, one team can win while the other loses. The meets are held in short course yard pools, which means that each length of the pool, from wall to wall, is 25 yards. There are seven dual meets this season. Practice and home meets are held at South Run RECenter. When the diving events take place compared to when the swimming events take place depends on the pool. If there is a separate diving well at the location of the meet, then it usually happens at the same time as the swim events. The last dual meet of the season is a home meet on January 24, 2014 at 6:30 pm against Centreville High School. They have a win to loss record of 5-0 on the boys team and 4-1 on the girls team. The way diving is scored is a very complicated process. The basics state that each diver must perform one voluntary dive and five optional ones, for a total of six dives per meet. The voluntary dive is usually more basic than the optional ones, such as a front dive, back dive, reverse dive, or inward dive. Optional dives can be any dive other than the one performed as the voluntary dive. There are five judges at every meet. The highest and lowest scores are always dropped, then the middle three averaged and multiplied by the difficulty level of the dive. The points are then added to the swim points as another event. Scoring swimming is slightly less complicated. Eight swimmers compete in each event, four from each school. In individual events, the swimmer who gets first place wins eight points for his team, six for second, five for third, four for fourth, three for fifth, two for sixth, one for seventh, and none for eighth. Each swimmer can compete in two individual events and two relays. There are eight individual events: 50 yard freestyle, 100 yard freestyle, 200 yards freestyle, 500 yard freestyle, 100 yard backstroke, 100 yard breaststroke, and 100 yard butterfly. There are three relays swam at dual meets, the 200 yard medley relay, the 200 yard freestyle relay, and the 400 yard freestyle relay. Each team has an A and B relay that swim. The first place relay earns ten points, second gets five points, third gets three points and fourth gets none. Scoring championship meets is more complicated, and it is not guaranteed that swimmers will make it anywhere past Districts, the first step in the championship season. After Districts, its all up to the individual swimmer to qualify for Regionals and States. The points for each place are different numbers in these meets, but teams still win by having the largest number of overall points from all members.

RSD HISTORY
BOYS
The Robinson Swim and Dive boys team has won eight state championships since the sport became sponsored by the VHSL in 1997. Those eight championships were won in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2013. That means that they have won all but eight state championships since the sponsorship. Thats exactly half of the possible titles. The team has never been state runner up before.

GIRLS
The Robinson Swim and Dive girls team has won two state championships since the sport became sponsored by the VHSL in 1997. Theyve won both the 2009 and 2010 state championships. They had won state championships in 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994 before the sponsorship. The team won state runner up in 2008.

Meet the Captains

Andrew Goetzinger, 12th grade DIVE CAPTAIN

Matthew Hon- Michael Canty, Kelsey Koo, JP Boland, 11th Matt Jones, 12th grade nald, 12th grade 12th grade 12th grade SWIM CAPTAIN SWIM CAPTAIN grade SWIM CAPTAIN DIVE CAPTAIN SWIM CAPTAIN By Andrew Ely

Lia Meinstein, 12th grade SWIM CAPTAIN

Brittany Henry, 12th grade SWIM CAPTAIN

Sarah Gross, 12th grade, DIVE CAPTAIN

Mackenzie Schuler, 11th grade SWIM CAPTAIN

Maeghan LeRoy,12th grade SWIM CAPTAIN

Greatest Sports Rivalries

Fast Facts About Rivalries

In the last 75 matchups
between North Carolina and Duke, Duke leads North Carolina in points by a slim score of 58585857. Michigan dominated Ohio State the first 14 matchups between these teams, going 12-0-2. In the Iron Bowl, from 2001-2008, the first team to score a touchdown has won the game. In 2001, Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina came one strike away from throwing the first perfect game in Fenway Park history. During the 1970s, the Yankees and the Red Sox had the two most dominant catchers in the league, Thurman Munson and Carlton Fisk. At the end of Jackie Robinsons career, he was traded to the Giants, but then retired rather then play for one of his greatest rivals. The Lakers and the Celtics have played each other in the Finals ten times and eight of those matchups have gone to at least a game six. Four of the matchups have gone to a game seven.

Top Rivalries By Sport

NFL
Ravens VS Steelers

Rivalries are one of the reasons sports are as entertaining and successful as they are. Watching two teams fighting against each other to win it all is inspiring and fun for sports fans. Ohio State and Michigan is an example of one of these hard fought rivalries. They are two Big Ten Schools with a lot on the line. Some of the most intense rivalries are hometown rivalries with both teams fighting to be the leader of their state. The Giants and the Dodgers have one of these great hometown rivalries going. This is a very historic rivalry dating back to when the Dodgers were from Brooklyn and the Giants were from New York. These teams are still going at it to be crowned Californias best! Another set of heated rivalries are division rivalries. Only one team can be the division winner, but all of the teams are fighting for it. One of these entertaining rivalries popular here is the Redskins and the Cowboys. They are both legitimate contenders for the NFC East. The Cowboys lead this all-time series 63-42-2 and have scored over 350 more points than the Redskins. But the Eagles have really dominated this division since 2000, racking up seven division titles while the Redskins and the Cowboys combined only have three titles. One of the more entertaining parts of sports are its rivalries. They are always action packed and entertaining to watch.

MLB NHL

PIT leads series 21-13 NYY leads series 1147-947-14

Yankees VS Red Sox

Bruins VS Canadians MON leads series 450-331-171

NBA

Celtics VS Lakers

NCAAF

BOS leads series 197-165 UM leads series 58-46-6 UNC leads series 132-104

Ohio State VS Michigan

NCAAM

North Carolina VS Duke

Two Types of Rivalries

Hometown Rivalries

Giants VS Dodgers Yankees VS Red Sox UNC VS Duke OSU VS Michigan Auburn VS Alabama

Division Rivalries
Cowboys VS Redskins Nationals VS Braves Steelers VS Ravens Orioles VS Rays Phillies VS Mets

Michigan VS Ohio State

This matchup is one of the oldest and most entertaining rivalries of all time. It has been going on since the early 1900s, when it turned into a game to watch every year. Michigan leads this all time series, 58-46-6. Michigan also has more Big Ten Titles and National Championships than Ohio State. But Ohio State has won 11of the last 14 matchups and finished first in the Big Ten eight of the last nine years. Thousands of fans all around crowd around their televisions rooting for their team and watching one of the greatest rivalries of all time!

Redskins VS Cowboys
This is a great NFC matchup and one of he best rivalries in the NFL right now. This rivalry started in the mid 1900s when these two teams started facing off. It then turned into an intense shootout twice a year. The Cowboys lead this all-time series 63-422. The Cowboys have also scored over 350 more points then the Redskins. But over the past decade, this division has been led by the Eagles with five division titles while the Cowboys have two and the Redskins only have one.

Auburn VS Alabama
Watching this matchup will always keep you on your toes with a ton of young talent and great plays. The Iron Bowl is one of the best rivalries in all of College Football. This last matchup ended in a crazy play sending Auburn to the National Championship game. Alabama leads the all-time series 42-35-1 and is averaging 20 points per game and holding the Tigers to 16 points every game. But Auburn has been dominant in this matchup over the past decade, going 7-3 and winning the National Championship in 2010.

Yankees VS Red Sox

This is a great rivalry where two amazing teams with a lot of history go at it. Both Boston and New York are well respected cities with great sports teams and fans. This series began in the early 1900s where the Yankees were known as the Highlanders and the Red Sox played as the Pilgrims. Since then, the Yankees have won over 25 World Series and the Red Sox have won 11. It is always a tight race in the American League East with tons of talent and a lot of great history. There is typically a lot of entertainment and drama when these two teams face off.

This is a very entertaining hometown rivalry packed with tons of great talent and These are two very talented drama. This is also a very historic rivalry. teams with a lot of fans going The first matchup between these teams was in the late 1800s at it. This is a great and entertaining ACC rivalry with a where it was the Brooklyn Dodgers against the New York Gilot on the line for both teams. The first matchup came ants. Both of these teams have had very talented players between these two teams in 1920, where the Tar Heels come through their organizations such as Pee Wee Reese beat Duke 36-25. North Carolina also has one more who had 298 hits, 314 games, and 25 stolen bases against the NCAA Title then Duke. However, the Blue Devils have Giants. The Giants Willy Mays also played very well in his catwo more ACC Titles than North Carolina. This is always reer against the Dodgers, racking up 430 hits, 97 home runs, an entertaining game played twice a year with a ton of 248 runs batted in, and 30 stolen bases in 373 total game interesting stats and records. against the Giants.

North Carolina VS Duke

Giants VS Dodgers

The Medallion

January 2014

Volume 42, Issue 2

By Brien and Enoch Volunteers of Tennessee. He played four years at Tennessee and racked up 11201 yards and 89 touchdowns. Manning broke nine different records at Tennessee. As a senior he was an All American and he won the Maxwell Award, Davey OBrien award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and SEC player of the year. At the end of his NCAA career he was drafted first overall in the 1998 NFL draft. Brady versus Peyton, Peyton versus Eli and Peyton versus Colts, are his three rivals in the NFL. Brady versus Peyton is a battle of the two top QBs of the NFL. Brady plays for the New England Patriots and was the former holder of the single season touchdown record with 50. Brady has played 14 seasons and in those 14 seasons he is 10-4 v Manning. Peyton versus Eli is a battle of the brothers. Eli plays for the New York Giants. Eli has played 10 years and in those 10 years he is 0-3 versus his brother. The last rivalry is Manning versus Colts. This is the battle Manning versus his former team, the Colts. The two years that Peyton hasn't been on the Colts he is 0-1 against them. Manning is definitely one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. Dec 16, 2013

Peyton Manning, Past and Future

There are many NFL legends but one stands out Sheriff because of his pre-snap through his whole career, routine. Peyton Manning. Through Peyton Manning was the QB for his out his career he has varsity team beginning his sophoracked up 65,194 yards and more year in high school. 493 touchdowns. The rec The number on his football jersey is ords for career yards is 18 because his brother Cooper 71,838 yards and the touchManning was that number. downs records is 508 touch His brother, Eli Manning, plays in the downs. Manning is 7540 yards and 25 touchdowns NFL as QB of the New York Giants. away from these records. Peyton isn't only having a record breaking career he is having a record breaking season. In 17 games Peyton vs. Tennessee he has 5,707 yards and 57 touchdowns. Manning Years: 4 set new records on December 29 versus the OakColts Yards: 11,201 land Raiders. The new records are 55 touchdowns Why? Its a battle Touchdowns: 89 and 5,477 yards. Peyton Manning wouldn't have between Peyton CMP%: 62.5% this kind of success this season without his receivers. and his former NFL Awards Won: Manning relies on Eric Decker, Wes Welker, Demaryteam Maxwell Award, ius Thomas and Julius Thomas. Eric Decker has 1,320 Record: 0-1 Davey OBrien yards and 11 touchdowns. Wes Welker has racked Manning Yards: 386 Award, Johnny up 816 yards and 11 touchdowns. Demaryius Manning Touchdowns: 3 Unitas Golden Arm, SEC player of the Thomas has 1,484 yards and 15 touchdowns. Julius Colts Passing Yards: 288 year. Thomas has 854 yards and 12 touchdowns. Those Colts Passing Touchdowns: 3 All-American: 1 four receivers have 4,484 of his 5,707 yards and 49 Playoff Record: 0-0 Record: 40-9 of his 57 touchdowns. Peyton wasn't only successful in the NFL but also in Peyton vs. Colts NCAA football. Peyton Manning played for the Years: 13 Eli Why? Its a battle Yards: 54,828 Touchdowns: of the Manning 399 brothers CMP%: 64.9% Record: 3-0 Peyton Yards: 838 MVPs: 4 Super Bowls: 1 Peyton Touchdowns: 6 Pro Bowls: 11 Eli Yards: 770 Record: 141-67 Eli Touchdowns: 5 Playoff Record: 0-0 Age: 37 Place of Birth: New Orleans, Louisiana NFL Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos Super Bowls: 1 Pro Bowls: 13 Interesting Facts: Peyton's brother, Cooper Manning, was also a football player until he was diagnosed with a rare disease called spinal stenosis.

Peyton Manning's nickname is The

Appearances on the cover of Sports Illustrated

Peyton vs. Brady

Why? Its a battle of two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL Record: 4-10 Manning Yards: 3821 Manning Touchdowns: 27 Brady Yards: 3059 Brady Touchdowns: 23 Playoff Record: 1-2

Broncos
Years: 2 Yards: 10,136 Touchdowns: 94 CMP%: 68.5% MVPs: 0 Super Bowls: 0 Pro Bowls: 2 Record: 26-6 Aug 26, 1996 Sep 22, 1997 Nov 22, 1999 Dec 22, 2003 Dec 20, 2004 Nov 7, 2005

Jan 27, 2007

Feb 12, 2007

Sep 3, 2007

Nov 16, 2009

Sep 17, 2012

Aug 12, 2013

All About NCAA Basketball

Top Players of the 2013-2014 Season (Stats as of December 18)
1. Andrew Wiggins
College: Kansas PPG: 15.9 RPG: 5.9 APG: 1.2 FG%: 48% Position: Small Forward Andrew Wiggins is a freshman from Canada and he was ranked number one on ESPNs recruiting class and selected Kansas as his school to go to. Wiggins stats may not show he is the best, but he has plenty of more time to raise them and he is showing his talent when its crunch time.

By Andrew and Jack

2. Jabari Parker
College: Duke PPG: 22.0 RPG: 7.6 APG: 1.6 FG%: 55% Position: Small Forward Jabari Parker rated second in ESPNs recruiting class. He is in his freshman season and currently plays for the Duke Blue Devils. He was born in Chicago, Illinois. Jabari Parker is the son of Sonny Parker who is a former NBA player. He is one of the lottery prospects for the 2014 NBA draft.

3. Julius Randle
College: Kentucky PPG: 17.2 RPG: 11.4 APG: 2.0 FG%: 52% Position: Small Forward Julius Randle was rated third in ESPNs recruiting class. He is a freshman who attends the University of Kentucky. Randle was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. Julius Randle is a top prospect for the 2014 NBA draft. He participated in the AllAmerican boys game sponsored by McDonalds.

4. Marcus Smart
College: Oklahoma State PPG: 19.0 RPG: 4.9 APG: 3.9 FG%: 46% Position: Guard Marcus Smart was rated tenth in ESPNs recruiting class. He went to Oklahoma State in 2012 and is now a top prospect for the 2014 NBA draft. He is in his sophomore year. Smart went to high school in Flower Mound, Texas. He participated in the All-American boys game.

5. Doug McDermott
College: Creighton PPG: 25.3 RPG: 6.9 APG: 0.9 FG%: 50% Position: Power Forward Doug McDermott was not rated in the ESPNs recruiting class but he has proven that he is one of the best power forwards in college basketball today. He was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He is the son of the coach at Creighton, Greg McDermott.

John Wooden Award

The John Wooden Award is presented to the best player in college basketball. Last year, the number nine overall pick in the draft, Trey Burke, received the award out of the University of Michigan. Previous award winners are Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Kevin Durant. The award can also be presented to women college basketball players and Britney Griner from the University of Baylor was a winner of this award. The award is named after UCLA coaching legend John Wooden.

Top Schools to go to for College Basketball

1. Kentucky
Kentucky basketball is one of the most well known programs in college basketball. They have won eight championships, which is tied with UCLA for the most championships of all time. have had one of the greatest coaches of all time, John Thompson.

5. Michigan State

2. Duke

NBA Mock Draft 2014 First Round

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Joel Embiid Jabari Parker Andrew Wiggins Marcus Smart Julius Randle Dante Exum Gary Harris Rodney Hood Zach LaVine Jerami Grant Jordon Clarkson 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. Tyler Ennis Glen Robinson III James Young Doug McDermott Noah Vonleh TJ Warren Vasilje Micic Willie Cauley- Stein Aaron Gordon Kyle Anderson Dario Saric 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. Adreian Payne Deontre Burton Markel Brown Montrezl Harrel Oliver Hanlan Shabazz Napier Roscoe Smith Chris Walker

Duke basketball has had one of the best basketball programs in all of the NCAA. Many famous players have come out of Duke, and they have four championships, many in the past 20 years.

Michigan State is still today a dominant force in college hoops. Tom Izzo is the coach and their most famous alumni goes by the name of Magic Johnson.

6. Indiana

3. University of North Carolina

Indiana has had lots of success over the past and they have had one of the best coaches of all time, Bob Knight.

7. Kansas

The University of North Carolina is a great school to go to with Coach Roy Williams. They have had numerous first round draft picks. The great Michael Jordan also went there.

4. Georgetown

Kansas has recently been having much success in college basketball. Their coach, Bill Self, has led them on their journey for a while now, and they continue to be a top ten team.

8. UCLA

Source: NBAdraft.net

The Hoyas of Georgetown may not have the best record this year but have definitely been a force in college hoops over the years and

UCLA has had easily the most success in college hoops and their former coach, John Wooden, is a legend.

The Medallion

January 2014

Volume 42, Issue 2

Olympics
Curling
Curling is an Olympic sport where two teams that each consist of four players take turns sliding granite rocks towards the house. The house is a circular target on the ice. Points are scored by which stones stop closest to the center of the house at the end. If a team wins at the end they get one point. Only stones that are in the house are considered in the scoring. Ends are basically rounds and they happen when both teams run out of their stones. A game consists of 8-10 ends. The curler has two sweepers that stay in front of the granite rock and sweep the ice so that the ice doesnt alter the rocks path. Curling has been in the Winter Olympics since 1998. Some of the power houses in curling are Canada, Norway, Sweden, Scotland, and the United States. Only six different teams have won the World Curling Championships. The U.S. has won only four World Curling Championships. Canada leads the world in medals earned at the World Curling Championships with 49.

By Flynn, Ronald, Sam and Bryce

Ice Hockey
Ice Hockey was first introduced as an Olympic sport in 1924 at the Chamonix Winter Games. Women started competing in 1998, sixty-four years after the men. The mens tournament consists of twelve teams and the womens consists of eight. Players from all over the world join their country's teams and compete for the Gold Medal. Players that play in the NHL that aren't American don't play for the U.S., they play for and represent their country's team in competition. For the men, Canada won the last Ice Hockey gold in 2010 in Vancouver, and leads the all time Gold Medal list with eight. The Soviet Union is a close second with seven all time and won them all between 1956 and 1988. The U.S. mens team has two gold Medals alltime, winning their last in 1980 in Lake Placid. In 2010, the U.S. came in second to the Canadians. The U.S. womens team won the first ever Womens Ice Hockey Gold Medal in 1998 with a win over Canada. The Canadian Ice Hockey team has won the last three Gold Medals, including their win over the U.S. in 2010 at the Vancouver Games.

Athletes To Watch

Apolo Ohno
Apolo Ohno is a short-track speed skater from the United States. Apolo is the most decorated American Winter Olympic athlete of all time. He has eight Olympic medals including four bronze, two silver and two gold. Ohno has been a full time skater since he was 14 years old. At age 14, he became the U.S. national champion making him the youngest to ever win this. He went on to win this a total of 12 times. Ohno has won several World Championships in several different skating divisions. Apolo Ohno also won Dancing With The Stars in 2011. Julianne Hough was his Dancing With The Stars dancing partner.

Sydney Crosby
Sydney Crosby is the 26 year old ice hockey superstar who plays for the Canadian Olympic Team. Considered to be the greatest player in the world, he has competed in only one Olympic Games before where he won Gold in 2010, scoring four goals while leading his team to victory. Knowing what he will be going up against, Crosby has been gathering up his Canadian NHL friends to try and win gold for his country again for the second straight Olympics.

Snowboarding
The Winter Olympics have been around for almost 100 years. There is always time for new things and that is exactly what snowboarding is to the Olympics. The Winter Olympics began in 1924 nearly 70 years before snowboarding made its inaugural apperance in 1998 in Nagano, Japan. Snowboarding has many different events in the Winter Olympics, with the most popular being the half pipe. The others include the giant slalom, parallel slalom, parallel giant slalom, slope style and snowboard cross. The snowboard cross is also extremely popular around the world. Some of the most well-known medalists in recent years are Shaun White, Seth Westcott, and Terje Hakonsen. In 2000, snowboarding became the fastest growing sport in the U.S with just over 7.2 million enthusiasts. Since snowboarding is so new, there are certain moves that are being attempted for the first time in the Olympics. The most popular was the move by Shaun White in the 2010 Winter Olympics called the Double Mctwist 1260. This move is executed by completing three twists while doing two backflips in the air.

Cross Country Skiing

Cross Country Skiing was first made an Olympic Sport in 1924 for men and 1952 for women. There are different styles of cross country skiing, classical and freestyle. Freestyle was first introduced in the 1988 Olympics and is different from classical in that freestyle skiers push off the snow with their skies. Classical is the more traditional form of cross country skiing, where skiers move through parallel tracks in the snow. There are six different cross country competitions: 1.5 kilometer sprint, 1 kilometer classical, 50 kilometer freestyle, team sprint, combined pursuit, and 4 x 5 kilometer relay. Over the years, the United States has only won one medal. In 1976 Bill Koch took home the Silver, losing to Russia's Sergey Savelyev. In the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Norway won nine medals, five of them being gold, two silver, and two bronze. Sweden took home seven medals including three gold, two silver, and two bronze. Norway won one fourth of the thirty-six medals that a single country can win. Norway is definitely one of the favorites going into the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.

Kevin Martin
Kevin Martin is an Olympic curler. He was born on July 31,1966 in Edmonton, Canada. Martin began Curling when he was six years old because his father was the Vice President of the local Curling club. In 1985 his team won the Canadian Junior Championships beating Prince Edward Island 6-3. Martin has seen success in the World Curling Championships where he won silver twice and gold once. He has also medaled in the Olympics. Martin took home gold in 2010 and silver in 2002.

Seth Westcott
Seth Westcott came onto the world stage in 2004 taking the silver medal in the Aspen X Games. Seth was born in Durham, North Carolina on June 28, 1976. He began snowboarding at the age of 10. He was also was very fond of skiing, but chose to make snowboarding his one main sport. By 2004, he was known around the country to snowboarding and winter games fans. But in 2007 in his first Winter Olympic competition, Seth Westcott became one of the most well known snowboarders when he won gold in the snowboard cross. Will he win gold again in the 2014 Winter Games?

NFL Draft
Teddy Bridgewater
Teddy Bridgewater was picked up by the Louisville Cardinals in 2011. He came out of Miami Northwestern High School. Teddy played in the 2011 U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl in 2011. When he got to Louisville he was not named a starter immediately. He started for the first time in the fourth game of his freshman season against Marshall. Bridgewater finished his freshman season with 191 out of 296 completions for 2,129 yards and 14 interceptions. The next year he ended up completing 267 out of 387 of his passes for 3,718 yards. Due to an injury, he missed one game that season which was against Rutgers. Since Rutgers doesnt have a very good defense, he could have gotten to 4,000 yards passing. He ended up having a respectable eight interceptions. In his junior season he got even closer to the 4,000 yards by throwing for 3,970 yards and completing 303 of his 427 passes and throwing four interceptions. In the 2014 draft that is coming up, Teddy Bridgewater is predicted to be drafted number one to the Houston Texans, where he will succeed Matt Schaub as the next starting quarterback for Houston.

By Flynn, Ronald, Bryce, and Sam

Mock NFL Draft

The mock NFL draft is a prediction of who is going to go to what team. This was made by Flynn and Ronald. In the mock draft there may be people that do not get drafted to the team that we put down. *=Order of teams are not finalized. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Houston Texans Teddy Bridgewater QB, Louisville St. Louis Rams Jadeveon Clowney DE, South Carolina Jacksonville Jaguars Johnny Manziel QB, Texas A&M Clevland Browns- Blake Bortles QB, Central Florida Oakland Raiders Jake Matthews OT, Texas A&M Atlanta Falcons Anthony Barr LB, UCLA Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Sammy Watkins WR, Clemson Minnesota Vikings Tajh Boyd QB, Clemson Buffalo Bills Cyrus Kouandjo OT, Alabama Detroit Lions Darqueze Dennard CB, Michigan State Tennessee Titans Dereck Carr QB, Fresno State New York Giants Khallil Mack LB, Buffalo St. Louis Rams Greg Robinson OT, Auburn Chicago Bears Louis Nix III NT, Notre Dame Pittsburg Steelers Ha-Ha Clinton Dix S, Alabama Baltimore Ravens Marquise Lee Dallas Cowboys- Stephon Tuitt DL, Notre Dame New York Jets Erick Ebron TE, North Carolina Miami Dolphins Taylor Lewan OT, Michigan Arizona Cardinals C.J. Mosley LB, Alabama Green Bay Packers Raheed Hagden DL, Minnesota Philadelphia Eagles Justin Gilbert CB, Oklahoma State Kansas City Chiefs Mike Evans WR, Texas A&M Cincinnati Bengals Vic Beasley LB, Clemson San Diego Chargers- Kony Ealy DE, Missouri CLevland Browns Jason Verrett CB, TCU New Orleans Saints- Ryan Shazier LB, Ohio State Carolina Panthers Zach Martin OL, Notre Dame *Denver Broncos- Scott Crihton DL, Oregon State *San Francisco 49ers- Justin Gilbert CB, Oklahoma State *Seattle Seahawks Cyril Richardson G, Baylor *New England Patriots Kelvin Benjamin WR, Florida State

Sammy Watkins
Sammy Watkins was a rising star throughout his career with the Clemson Tigers. Watkins is not incredibly large for the position he plays at 61 and 205 lbs. Sammy's advantage though against the defenders he goes against is that he is incredibly fast and athletic as well as madly physical. Sammy is one of the few people entering the draft that ran the 40 yard dash in 4.3 seconds or less who hasn't even entered the NFL combine yet. In his freshman year with the Tigers, Sammy amazed college football fans and his team by grabbing 82 catches and going for 1,219 yards in his first year at Clemson. In his second year as a Tiger, Sammy didn't catch as many balls or have as many catching yards as he did in his freshman year with 57 catches for 708 yards. This was due to Clemson using Sammy in different ways such as punt returning and running the ball. In his final year at Clemson though Sammy returned to great form with 101 catches and 1,464 yards including a 16 catch 227 yard game in the Bowl game against Ohio State. At the moment Sammy's draft stock is incredibly high on the draft board and many teams are excited to see this young phenomenon perform at the NFL combine.

8. 9. 10. 11. 12. C.J. Mosley is a 62, 238 pound 13. linebacker out of the University of 14. Johnny Manziel is conAlabama. One of the highly re15. sidered to be one of the garded defensive players in the 16. top quarterbacks and draft, Mosley showcased all of his 17. prospects in college footgreat talents in the 2013 season. He 18. ball. Through two collehad 108 tackles, nine of them be19. ing tackle for loss, and five broken giate football seasons, 20. up passes. For the second time in Johnny Football has had two amazing years. In his fresh21. his career he was 1st team all SEC, and an AP All-American. man year, Johnny Manziel had a 68% completion rate, 22. What makes Mosley such a highly regarded prospect is his abil3706 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and only nine interceptions. During his freshman year he led Texas A&M to a ity to read plays and anticipate. Another that makes him so 23. special is his athleticism. He can rush the passer, make open 11-2 record and finished in the SEC with a record of 6-2. Some key games for Johnny Manziel that season were his field tackles, and pass cover running backs and tight ends. The 24. 29-24 win versus number one ranked Alabama and his 41- biggest problem with Mosley's game is his block shedding. He is 25. not as effective of a pass rusher when being blocked in one on 26. 13 win over Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl Classic. Some one situations with offensive lineman. He also has shown some 27. post-season awards for Manziel were the Heisman, Construggle with getting off the block and finishing the play by 28. sensus All-American, and Sporting News Player of the making the tackle. Even though Mosley has had a few prob29. Year. Manziels sophomore year was almost as good as lems in that area he makes up for it with his awareness, instincts, 30. his freshman year. He had a 70% completion rate, 4114 and work ethic. Because the NFL has changed into more of a passing yards, 37 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. In his passing rather than running league, pro scouts look for the traits 31. sophomore year he led the Aggies to a 9-4 record and a that Mosley brings with his reaction quickness, ability to read 32. 52-48 victory in the Chick-fil-A Bowl versus Duke. Some plays, and knocking down passes. There is no denying his footawards Johnny Manziel won were SEC Male Athlete of ball IQ, all we don't know is where hell go in the draft. The Year and Chick-fil-A Offensive MVP.

Johnny Manziel

CJ Mosley

The Medallion

January 2014
By Ethan first place in their division. Foles is also leading the league in highest passer rating and least amount of interceptions. DeSean Jackson and Riley Cooper were Foles top targets for the season. LeSean Mcoy had an outstanding season and lead the league in rushing yards, attempts, and had only one fumble. Although he didn't make the Pro Bowl, he will be a strong player for a long time. The Kansas City Chiefs are a huge surprise with the new coach Andy Reid, new QB Alex Smith, and RB Jamaal Charles. Charles is the overall fourth best running back in the NFL with 246 carries and 1,181 yards. He is tied for first for most TDs. The Chiefs defense is good also.

Volume 42, Issue 2

By Matt

Surprises in the NFL

There have been big surprises in this season of the National Football League. First of all lets talk about Peyton Manning who is leading the Denver Broncos to a Super Bowl appearance. Coming back from a horrible neck injury, this is amazing. Manning is leading the Broncos in their division. Also, he is leading the league in throwing yards, touchdowns and passing yards per game. With wide receivers like Eric Decker, Wes Welker, Demaryus Thomas and Julius Thomas, the are odds are in his favor. Another surprise this season was Nick Foles of the Eagles. He is a 66, 24 year old quarterback who finally got his chance to play when the aging Michael Vick got injured. He is leading the Eagles in

Robinson Basketball 8th Grade Team

team its good to play Burke basketball, travel or house, that way the Burke coaches can inform the coaches about you. You shouldnt dont worry though if youre already playing for Southwestern, Fairfax, Braddock Road, or Springfield. You can also play Burke spring league from February-April. To be on the team you have to work very hard, so even if you drain threes or are uber-athletic its not going matter if you dont work hard. Once you get on the team it is important to realize that there are many players and the coaches might not play everyone every game. Be sure to work hard in practice and earn your time. I cant wait to tryout for eighth grade spring league. I really hope to make the team, the idea of getting to play some of the other schools in Northern Virginia is really exciting, said Anthony,

Did you know Robinson has an eighth grade basketball team that plays other schools such as Centreville, Lake Braddock, and Westfield? The Robinson eighth grade team consists of 15-25 of the best basketball players at Robinson. The coaches are head coaches and assistants from the Robinson basketball teams. Tryouts are held around spring break and theyre at Robinson. The team plays six to eight games from April to June. During this time the team holds two practices a week along with some weight training. The eighth There have also been a additions like Steven Jack- grade is going to be very lot of bad surprises in this son, it just wasn't enough. talented this year. If you want season of the NFL as well. Matt Ryan had an all to make the team you will Robert Griffin III suffered a around good year with have to put in a lot extra efbad injury in his knee in 4,515 yards and a rating of fort, said Wesley, 8th. the NFC playoff game a solid 89.6. A torn ACL If you want to play on the against Seattle last seawith Julio Jones and a son. He did not do well knee injury with Roddy starting this year with 17 interceptions, nine White forced the team to rely on receivers fumbles and a QB passer rating of 57.5. In like Harry Douglas and Tony Gonzalez. They Fairfax Stars week 15 he was benched by Coach Mike might get new talent through a draft pick, Teams: Black, Shannahan and Kirk Cousins got to start. but this team is not looking good. Maroon, and Mike Shannahan was fired soon after. RG3 The Houston Texans had an awful year lead his team to a 3-10 record with the 27 year old Arian Fos- Gold Coaches: Curfmaking them the last in their ter suffering a back problem division. and later going through a sea- man, Hamrock, and Keller Eli Manning, quarterback for son ending back surgery. With Skill Level: Division 2 Tryouts: $40 fee in February the New York Giants, was not a an aging Matt Schuab they National Ranking: 30-50 (D2) crowd pleaser for fans this year are needing a new quarterDistrict Rank: 10/ Region: 1 after throwing 27 interceptions back. He had only ten touchand a QB rating at 69.4. Last downs this season and 14 interseason they came in second in ceptions. When he suffered an DC Assault the NFC East with a 9-7 record and a 3-3 ankle injury, fans cheered showing what Teams: A record in their division. They need a good they thought about Schuab. But with reTeam, B draft pick to get a running back because ceiver Andre Johnson and star running Team they are lacking one or they could do a back Arian Foster, they could get a high Coach: Unknown trade. pick in the draft. There is no reason not to Skill Level: Both Division 1 The Atlanta Falcons had an awful year, pick the top quarterback for them at this Tryouts: Invite only and I mean awful, with a 4-12 record point. They may get Louisville quarterback National Ranking: 7 which was a big surprise because they had Teddy Bridgewater, UCFs Blake Bortles or District Ranking: 1 a 13-3 record last season. But with new Texas A and Ms Johnny Manziel. Region: None

8th. The eighth grade team is also a good way to get on the freshman or JV team next year. It helps because the coaches will know who you are and maybe look at you more for a team. Another way to help your stock for high school is to go to Robinson Basketball Camp or any basketball camp you can. This will help you get more experience, even if youve played travel or AAU for a long time. Camps can still give you a lot of tips and pointers about your game. Im really excited to tryout for Robinson spring league. I really want to dedicate myself to this school and the game. I think its going to be a blast, said Chris, 8th. Eighth grade spring league is on the way and it looks to be an exciting opportunity for eighth grade basketball players planning to play at Robinson.

AAU Teams in Potomac Valley

Annandale
Teams: One team Coach: Kenny Skill Level: Division 2 Tryouts: Free and in February National Ranking: None District Rank: 14

BRYC
Teams: One eam Coach: Shanton Skill Level: Division 2 or 3 Tryouts: Free and in February or March National Ranking: None District Ranking: 15/16

Team Takeover
Teams: Black and Orange Coach: Vest Tryouts: Invite only National Ranking: 16 District Ranking: 3 Region: None

Slam N Jam Hoyas

Teams: Only one Coaches: Unknown Tryouts: Unknown National Ranking: 1 (D2) District Ranking: 4 Region Ranking: None

The Sport of Wrestling

Wrestling is a physically demanding, contact sport. The sport is so old that nobody knows who invented it, but it has been determined that wrestling dates back to almost 400 BC. The sport was originally made to train for war, but it became a sport during peaceful times. The Romans copied the Greeks' example and taught their boys how to wrestle as well. The Japanese even came up with their own version called Judo. Today, there are many different forms of wrestling. Collegiate wrestling will most likely be found in schools, from elementary to high school. ColleCollegiate Wrestling giate wrestling teaches one how to grapple and how to pin an opponent to the floor. Judo, meaning soft sport, is an oriental style of wrestling which concentrates on throwing your opponent off his feet and into a position of back control or submission. Wrestling consists of one five minute period, with both wrestlers starting on their feet. If one wrestler is taken down or thrown, wrestling continues for a short time to see if a pin can be achieved. Unlike karate, which also requires the participant to wear white pants and a jacket but no shoes, blows are not allowed, nor are choke holds for wrestlers younger then 13 years old. Colored belts are awarded to wrestlers who reach various levels of excellence. Freestyle wrestling is one of the wrestling techniques performed at the Olympic level. Modern freestyle wrestling originated in the United Freestyle Wrestling States and Great Britain. This form of wrestling has fewer restrictions than other types of wrestling techniques at the international level. These techniques

By Connor

Sam, 8th Grade Wrestler

I think wrestling is one of the toughest sports I have ever done. Many people don't give wrestlers enough credit for what we do. We go to a small room with no AC for about two and a half hours. Close to the end of practice it is about 98 degrees in the room. From the minute practice starts, you are working. From running, to takedowns, to strength. One of my coaches said that when he went to boot camp for the marines, wrestling practice was harder. You barely get any breaks, and you are being slammed to the mat. You have to fight through pain. In a match, you are just running off adrenaline. You have to put everything on the line with every shot. You let up once, you could lose. Its basically sudden death every second of a wrestling match. You could be winning by ten and then the guy could pin you and its all over in about three seconds. You have to block out every sound except for your coach. Wrestling isnt just a physical sport, its a mental sport. If you go into a match worried or not mentally ready, you have lost half the match, said Sam, 8th. Note: Sam wrestles with Braddock Wrestling Club.

include using the legs to trip or otherwise subdue an opponent. An exception to using the legs in freestyle wrestling is the scissorhold. Greco-Roman wrestling is another wrestling type permitted at the Olympic level. This style of wrestling is Greco Roman unique in that using the legs to hold, subdue, or even grabbing below the waist is prohibited. Contrary to popular belief, the term Greco-Roman in wrestling was not popularized until the 19th century. Sombo is a style developed in Russia which combines the stronger aspects of Judo, Greco-Roman, and Freestyle. Like Judo, Sombo concentrates on taking Sombo your opponent off his feet and into a position of submission. However, unlike Judo and all other wrestling styles, there are no pins, and back points can be scored only once. Points are accumulated as in Freestyle, or, like Judo, a total victory throw can be recorded. Also, like Judo, both men and women compete in separate classes. There are no choke holds in Sombo, but submission holds are allowed. One of the most confused Professional Wrestling forms of wrestling is professional wrestling. This is not actual wrestling. In professional wrestling, the wrestlers are actors. Furthermore, they punch, kick, and elbow drop among other moves that are not allowed in any other form of wrestling. Additionally, these actors are paid millions of dollars to do what they do.

Q and A with Robinson Wrestling Coach, Mr. Hazard

Q: What do you do for Robinson? A: Health and PE teacher, wrestling coach, announcer Q: How many years have you been a wrestling coach? A: 18 years Q: Why did you decide to become a wrestling coach? A: I love the sport and I love to work with athletes. My dad was/is a wrestling coach and I grew up helping him. Q: What is your favorite wrestling move? A: I am a tilt guy. I have a move named after me called the Hazard Tilt. Q: What advice would you give to future wrestlers? A: Work hard, enjoy what you do, and live for competition. You only have but so long to compete, and when it becomes difficult, it becomes rewarding. Q: What would you say about the sport of wrestling? A: It is the oldest and greatest sport. It teaches discipline, hard work, and individual accountability.

Wrestling 101
Getting a pin: To get a pin, the other wrestler must push his/her opponents shoulders to the mat. This is an instant win. Getting a Takedown: A takedown is awarded if the wrestler gains control by taking the other wrestler down to the mat. This is 2 points. Getting a Reversal: Reversal points are awarded when control is reestablished while any part of either wrestler remains in bounds. This is 2 points. Getting an Escape: A defensive wrestler who is being controlled on the bottom is awarded one point for an escape when the offensive wrestler loses control of the opponent while any part of either wrestler remains in bounds.

The Medallion

January 2014

Volume 42, Issue 2

By Jack

Redskins Name Change: Will they do it?

For years, groups of Native Americans as well as other citizens across America have spoken out about how they think the Washington Redskins name is racist. In protests, theyve held signs saying, We Are Not Mascots and "Repeal Redskin Racism". The Redskins dont want to change their name, but might they be forced to? Many groups have expressed their displeasure with the name Redskins, saying it is offensive to our heritage. The controversy intensified after the Redskins beat the Denver Broncos in the 1988 Super Bowl. Many displeased Native Americans wrote letters to the owner of the Redskins, Jack Kent Cooke. But that was nothing compared to what happened in the 1991 season during Super Bowl XXVI. Almost 2,000 Chippewa, Sioux, and other Native Americans protested before and during the game. Since that Super Bowl win by the Redskins, the protests have died down. Then, this season, the topic blew up again. Many protest groups from Native American populated football cities (Dallas, Denver, and Minneapolis) went to their teams game and protested in the crowd. The decision to change the teams name is up to owner Dan Snyder who had this to say on October 9, 2013, I respect the opinions of those who disagree. I want them to know that I do hear them, and I will continue to listen and learn. But we cannot ignore our 81 year history, or the strong feelings of most of our fans as well as Native Americans throughout the country. After 81 years, the team name Redskins continues to hold the memories and meaning of where we came from, who we are, and who we want to be in the years to come.

Redskins History
The Boston Braves were established in 1932. Originally, they were a baseball team originating in Boston, Massachusetts. They played in Braves Field in Boston, later moving to Fenway Park, the current stadium of the Boston Red Soxs. Around the same time, the Boston Braves changed their name to the Boston Redskins. In 1937, the Boston Redskins turned into the Boston Red Soxs and the Redskins relocated to Washington D.C., where they were made into a football team called The Washington Redskins. They played in Griffith Stadium, sharing the field with the Washington Senators, the baseball team at that time. They won their first game on September 13,1937 against their current division rivals, the New York Giants,13-3. They went on to win their division in a 49-14 win over the Giants. They finished off the season to win the 1937 Championship Game over the Chicago Bears in the first year in D.C. They made it to the championship again in the 1940 season, but lost to the Bearsbadly. The Redskins won their second NFL Championship in the 1942 season against the Bears again. Following their early success was close to two decades without a playoff appearance. Even though the didnt have much success, in 1961 they switched to D.C. Stadium (later changed to RFK Memorial stadium.) They closest they came to the playoffs was when they hired coaching legend Vince Lombardi and went 752, but Vince died of cancer at the end of the season. They finally got to the Super Bowl again in 1972 under the coach George Allen, but ended up losing to the undefeated Miami Dolphins. It was a loss, but it was a step in the right direction. Over the rest of the 20th century, the Redskins had 13 playoff appearances, seven division championships, five Super Bowl appearances, and three Super Bowl wins in 1982 (XVII), 1988 (XXII), and 1991 (XXVI). Although, from 1992 to today, the Redskins have had nine different coaches (including new coach Jay Gruden), 23 alternated quarterbacks, four playoff appearances, two division championships and one owner since 1999. Today, the Redskins are arguably one of the worst teams in the NFL. They have no first round draft picks (traded to get the second pick of the draft for Robert Griffin III), a terrible special teams (worst in the NFL), and now, a name that has been under the discussion for being offensive to Native Americans all across the USA.

Alternate logos for the Redskins

The San Francisco graphic design company 99 Designs has sponsored a competition asking people to submit designs for a new logo and name for the Washington Redskins. The winning design will receive $500. So far, over 1,900 entries have been received. Check out their website at: 99designs.com.

Bet you didnt know...

- When the Boston Braves changed their name to the Boston Redskins in 1933, it was believed that the current coach was part Sioux Indian. - The Redskins have the record for the worst loss in NFL history, when they lost to the Bears in the NFL championship 73-0. - The Redskins have changed their logo nine times, the most of any team in the NFL. - The Redskins picked Ernie Davis, the first ever black Heisman winner, in the 1962 draft,

Redskins Logo History

Year
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

1933

1937

1952
By Brad

1960

1965

1970

1972

1982

1983
By Emily

Super Bowl History

Winner
St. Louis Rams Baltimore Ravens New England Patriots Tampa Bay Buccaneers New England Patriots New England Patriots Pittsburgh Steelers Indianapolis Colts New York Giants Pittsburgh Steelers New Orleans Saints Green Bay Packers New York Giants Baltimore Ravens

Strange Sports & Goofy Games

Score
23-16 34-7 20-17 48-21 32-29 24-21 21-10 29-17 17-14 27-23 31-17 31-25 21-17

Loser
Tennessee Titans New York Giants St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders Carolina Panthers Philadelphia Eagles Seattle Seahawks Chicago Bears New England Patriots Arizona Cardinals Indianapolis Colts Pittsburgh Steelers New England Patriots

Sports are a big part of Robinson, whether the words without saying them aloud. The theyre theater sports (Drama) or athletic first team to finish wins candy. Its a very efprograms. Over the past 42 years that Robin- fective method for learning vocabulary Phil Collins and Christina son Secondary School has been open, the words. Aguilera athletic department has earned 56 state One game I really like is Whoosh. Its just championship wins and has been the state passing on a sound and a motion. There are runner up 42 times in baseball, basketball, no rules; you can turn it into a movie scene Aerosmith and Britney crew, cross country, football, golf, indoor or exercise. You take a group of at least ten Spears and outdoor track, gymnastics, lacrosse, people and stand in a circle. Its a great U2 soccer, softball, tennis, swim and dive, and warm up. It can be really fun too, said Matt, wrestling. But some students would rather 8th about the games in Drama class and play at home, on a club, or in Theater productions. Shania Twain the neighborhood with friends This type of untraditional than on a high school team. gaming can have a purMost of the spur of the mopose to it as well as an Janet Jackson and Jusment, start-up games like this entertaining element. are strange games with undeMost of the games that tin Timberlake fined rules and a lot of good we do in Drama have a Paul McCartney times. specific objective, for exOne time, my cousins and I ample, teambuilding, atwent down to the store and tacking your nerves, warmThe Rolling Stones bought some bean bags. We ing up, and improv. Our Shown above is a popular waited until it was really dark games are critical in creatrust and teambuilding exerout, around 10:00 PM, went tive thinking strategies that Prince outside and started playing. It cise known as a trust fall. double as really active was an extreme version of fun, explained Ms. Hard, Tom Petty and the Heart- manhunt, but when you caught the person Drama teacher. breakers that was hiding; you threw a beanbag at The strategy is one that produces results. them instead of tagging them. Id do it Students are more likely to remember inforBruce Springsteen and again soon if I could! said Erin, 8th. mation if theyre having fun and moving the E Street Band A lot of students just cant sit still in their free around, than if they were half asleep and time and enjoy spending time with their bored. Students enjoy the break and can The Who friends without the stress of grades and play the games at other locations. Whether school work. Some classes even incorporate they choose to play the games they learn in games in their curriculum, such as Mrs. school, or the strange pickup games creatThe Black Eyed Peas, Awdehs English class, where students play ed by friends and neighbors, students can Usher, and Slash $100,000 pyramid. Its a game where there is enjoy good memories and good times. Madonna, LMFAO, Nicki a pyramid with words in each section. One Minaj, and Ceelo Green, partner tries to get the other partner to guess

Halftime Performer

20133

34-31

San Francisco Beyonce and Destinys 49ers Child The Pittsburgh Steelers have the most Super Bowl wins with six. The Miami area and New Orleans have the record for hosting the Super Bowl, with a tie of ten. Teams with white jerseys have won 29 out 47 (.617) Super Bowls The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys have the most Super Bowl appearances with eight.

Gaga Ball:

Fun Facts
The Minnesota Vikings, the Denver Broncos, and the Buffalo Bills tie for the most Super Bowl losses, which is four. Four teams have never had a Super Bowl appearance. They are the Detroit Lions, the Houston Texans, the Cleveland Browns, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. This is the first Super Bowl being played on Groundhog Day.

Number of players:12+ Where to play: In a large room with wide open flooring Teams: Every man for himself Objective: To be the last one in the game Dont let the ball hit below your knee Try to make the ball touch other players below the knee

Rules: You cant kick the ball Once youre out ( the ball has touched you below the knee) you must move to a designated area of the room and not have physical contact with the ball or players Everyone must start with a hand on the wall. Have one player throw the ball up in the middle of the room and run to the wall. Once the ball is tossed, everyone shouts out GA GA GA! and the game begins on the last GA.

The Medallion

January 2014
By Josie and Sophia

Volume 42, Issue 2

This Years Top Stars

Nickname: J Law, Girl on Fire Age: 23 Most recent project: American Hustle Family members: Two older brothers, Blaine and Ben, and parents, Karen and Gary Pets: She has a tortoiseshell cat named Cleo. Biography: Lawrence was born in Louisville, Kentucky on August 15, 1990. She got her big break at 14 when she landed a role in the TV series The Bill Engvall Show. She also starred in the movies The Burning Plain, Winters Bone, Silver Linings Playbook, and The Hunger Games. She won an Academy Award in 2013 for best actress in Silver Linings Playbook. She graduated from high school two years early, with a GPA of 3.9. She dated the X-men costar Nicolas Hoult from 2011 to 2013.

Celebrity Fan Bases

By Fatima, Christine, and Sarah Celebrities are all the hype now days and with their fans supporting them, they have gone from big to huge. However, celebrities are not the only ones who are receiving attention. Their fans have gotten pretty famous as well. These fan bases have their own names as well as blogs and websites. Below are some fun facts about the fan bases of popular celebs.

Jennifer Lawrence

Taylor Swift

Nickname: TayTay, T. Swizzle Age: 24 Most recent project: Red Album Family members: Parents Andrea and Scott, and younger brother, Austin Pets: She has a cat named Meredith. Biography: Taylor Swift was born on December 13, 1989 in Wyomissing Pennsylvania, but later moved to Tennessee to pursue a career as a country music singer. At age five she started writing her own music. Swift released her first album, Fearless, at age 16 in 2008. Taylor has dated Joe Jonas , Taylor Lautner, Connor Kennedy, Harry Styles, Corey Monteith and John Mayer to name a few. Many of her songs are written about guys she has dated such as Dear John, Forever and Always, and Back to December.

One Direction
Fandom Name: Directioners One Direction says: I think our fans are a bit like us. Theyre very fun, like to have a laugh, and like to party. Niall says of his fans: I'm going to marry each of them, even though it's illegal. Awards on Fandom: MTVs Best Fans, MTVs Biggest Fans, Radio Disney Fiercest Fans Crazy Fan Facts: Some fans support the boys as romances such as Narry(Niall and Harry), Ziam(Zayn and Liam) and the most popular and aggressive Larry( Louis and Harry). One fan stole Liams boxers from his hotel room and was chased around by the security guards. A girl tattooed the boys faces onto her head.

Nickname: Sharky Age: 34 Most recent project: Love Somebody Family members: Parents, Pasty and Fredrick Pets: A golden retriever, Bones Biography: Adam was born on March 18, 1979, in Los Angeles, California. He was voted Sexiest Man Alive in 2013 by People Magazine, and is the lead singer for the band, Maroon 5. He is featured in the TV series The Voice as a coach. His band Maroon 5 won their first Grammy in 2004 as Best New Artist. In high school he started his first band called Kara's Flowers which was an alternative rock band. When he was a senior, the band released their first album which was a commercial failure. Soon after, the band broke up. Adam reformed the band later and added a fifth member. This band was called Maroon 5.

Adam Levine

Josh Hutcherson

Nickname: J Hutch Age: 21 Most recent project: Catching Fire Family Members: Connor, his brother, and his parents, Chris and Michelle Pets: A blue pit bull named Driver after his favorite movie Drive Biography: Josh was born on October 12, 1992, in Union, Kentucky. Since he was four he wanted to become an actor. When he was nine he got a part in his first movie American Splendor. Josh also appeared in The Polar Express. His break-out role was as Peeta Melark in the Hunger Games movie. He is a supporter of gay rights and works with the charity Straight But Not Narrow.

One Directioner fan showed up at every single hotel the boys stayed at on their American tour hoping to lure them out for a night. Directioners have stalked the boys endlessly, following them around for hours!

Miley Cyrus
Fandom Name: Smilers Miley says: All my fans twerk with their tongues out just like I do. People say Im a bad influence, but Im really not, and Im glad my Smilers still love me. Crazy Facts: A fan wrote her a letter and used her own blood as the ink. A man got 15 tattoos dedicated to Miley Cryus all over his body. One Smiler wanted Miley to notice her so she tweeted her 18,888 times.

Who is your Celebrity Role Model?

Jamie Green! He is talented beyond compare. He is the king of all things and we love him, said Hasan, 8th My favorite celebrity is Jennifer Lawrence. She is my favorite celebrity because I have always wanted to be an actor since I was little, said Alison, 7th

A girl bought Mileys water bottle that she took a few sips out of for $624. A fan got her haircut just like Miley to show her respect and love for her. Two girls dressed like Robin Thicke and Miley Cryus at the VMAs on Halloween. A fan got plastic surgery to look like Miley. Some fans religiously follow her dressing style to look just like her.

The Beginning of Disney

By Isabel , Sevgi and Emma Release Date: 1937 Box Office: $416 milWhat do you think of when you hear the build a giant castle in California? Inside of lion words Walt Disney? Imagination? Fun every Disneyland there were many other worlds Rejected Dwarf time you go? Thats what Walt Disney tried to such as Adventure-land, Frontier-land, FantaNames: Jaunty, Blabimagine but it all started with a dream. I would syland, and Tomorrow-land. Walt planned out by, Dirty, Gabby, Bigrather entertain and hope that people learned the entire park. He constantly checked the gy-Wiggy, Gaspy, something than educate people and hope blueprints, trying to stay as close to the original Gloomy, Awful, Deefy, they were entertained, said Walt Disney. as possible. Finally the staff got ready for open- Hoppy-Jumpy, Hotsy, Walt Disney always loved creativity and drawing day, putting on the last touches and details. Nifty, and Shifty. ing as a child. His love for drawing soon turned Invitations were mailed to six thousand people. Walt Disney came up with the idea to into a passion for cartoons. In 1923, after many Finally on July 17, 1955 the park was officially do a retelling of Snow White and the failed attempts at a business, opened. By afternoon twenty Seven Dwarfs when he was 15. Disney teamed up with his eight thousand people en The profits from Snow White and the brother Roy O. Disney for tered the doors (most of the Seven Dwarfs allowed Walt to build help. He then started making tickets counterfeit). DisneyDisney Studios in Burbank cartoons for newspapers land was different from the and magazines. Roy mostly dirty, rundown carnivals most To share his vision of the film with the handled the banking and people in that time were animators, Walt Disney acted out all of money while Walt was the used to. the roles as he told them the story. creative talent. Together the Opening Day was on the Disney brothers established second week of a heat the foundation of the Disney wave, temperatures rose up studios. Fast forward to 1953, Disney had a pret- to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to a plumbers Fantasia Release Date: 1940 ty good start. They had already made five strike, few water fountains were operating in Box Office: $83,320,000 movies, four of which were great box office the hot weather. Asphalt was steaming be The sorcerer in The successes. Walt Disney soon had a vision of a cause it had only been laid the night before, Sorcerer's Apprenland for kids and parents to have fun in. The literally "trapping" high heeled shoes. tice was nickmore Walt Disney thought and dreamed, the In 1959 after the success of Disneyland, they named Yen Sid by more he knew he was going to make it hapstarted creating plans for Disney World. Walt pen. Disney got the Stanford Research Institute flew over the Orlando site to begin finding a the animation department, although to survey 100 acres of land outside of the Los place. They eventually decided on Orlando in he was never given Angeles area. Disney settled on the name DisFlorida. Disney World was to be 25,000 acres. a name in the film. neyland, a name that he hoped triggered Roy Disney was about to retire. Soon after that magic and imagination. on December 15, 1966 Walt Disney died of lung Yen Sid is Disney backwards. Disneyland will never be completed. It will cancer. His brother postponed his retirement Walt Disney originally considered using continue to grow as long as there is imaginauntil they finished. Soon after the opening of Dopey as the star of the film, but intion left in the world, said Disney. Disneyworld, Roy Disney died in December stead decided on his favorite, Mickey Disneyland started construction on July 21, 1971. Mouse, to star in the Sorcerer's Appren1954, a year before the park was scheduled to Like Disneyland, they also had many worlds tice segment. open. There were many thoughts that go into inside the one theme park. There are four major Fantasia was completed four hours building this magical land. How do you make parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disneys MGM before premiering in New York City on magical animals come to life?, How do you Studios and Animal Kingdom. November 13, 1940.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Pinocchio
Release Date: 1940 Box Office: $82 million In the 1883 novel, Pinocchio killed Jiminy Cricket by throwing a mallet at him. The Blue Fairy was based off a real model who lived until the 1970s. It took 750 artists to make Pinocchio. The film used an innovative "multi-plane" camera to get the underwater sequences to look watery. Disney used to offer his artists a $5 bonus if they came up with a joke that got used in the film.

The Reluctant Dragon

Release Date: 1941 Box Office: $400,000 The first twenty minutes of the film are in black-andwhite; the remainder is in Technicolor. The Reluctant Dragon cost $600,000 to make, but only returned $400,000 from the box office. The film includes live action people and animation. The film was released in the middle of the Disney animators' strike of 1941. Strikers picketed the film's premiere.

1923: Walt Disney Studio opens.

1923: Silent Era Disney makes their first silent movie titled Alice's Wonderland.

1928: Mickey Mouse is born. Disney releases Steam Boat Willie.

1940: 1937: Snow Pinocchio is White and the released. Seven Dwarfs. This is Disney's first colored movie.

1940: Fantasia is released.

1941: The Re- 1955: Disneyluctant Drag- land opens in on is released. Anaheim, California

1966: Walt Disney dies of lung cancer.

1983: Disney 1971: Walt Disney World opens Channel starts in Orlando, Flori- broadcasting. da

The Medallion

January 2014

Volume 42, Issue 2

Top Game Companies

#1: Nintendo #2: EA Games
Nintendo is the number one video game company due to the fact that they practically invented video games. They made games like Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, Kirby, Metroid, and many more, most of which are the most popular games in the world. Nintendo is a Japanese company that produces games and occasionally publishes games, which means they fund another company to make a game, and get some of the profits. They also made three out of the top five most sold game consoles. Although they are going through an all time low right now, due to other companies rising in popularity, they still hold the lead in this list.

By Jamerson

Benefits of Gaming
By Kelly

Many people believe that video games are just a waste of money and time because they dont teach you anything good for the cost of your eyesight. However, that may not be entirely true. As an industry that makes over $25 billion and provides an enjoyable outlet for children and adults alike, some people are starting to consider that video games are changing society for the better. Researchers say that playing video games can make you smarter and help you develop many important skills that are needed to succeed in the 21st century. Video games such as puzzle games like the Portal Series teach you #3: Valve #4: Bethesda Valve is hands down the best PC gaming company ever. Bethesda is a game company that how to think critically and uses many of the same thought processes needed for Algebra. Gamers are given a certain position, yWith over ten top selling PC games, they take number primarily focuses on RPG games, intercept, and certain controls, x. They must then solve for y, three on our list of top companies. They are the leading where you role-play as a character moving through their objective. Different puzzles have different ways of coming up force in gaming software and games, and they are gea world, going on quests and missions. Their most with a solution, so players have to learn how to solve problems using nius's when it comes to marketing. Valve swept the world famous games are the Fallout Series and the Elder a variety of strategies which encourages creative and critical thinkwith games like Half-life, and Counter Strike, which had Scrolls series, with Skyrim being the most recent addi- ing skills. amazing graphics for the time. Now, with the recent retion. Fallout 3 is a game where you play as a characMany games include the option to play with other players in multilease of Portal and Portal 2, and Team Fortress 2, Valve is ter in a abandoned wasteland after an apocalyptic player mode. Most combat games like the Halo Series and Call of more popular then ever. They also released Steam, a prowar, and you have to survive against the mutants Duty have this option. Players have to communicate and use teamgram that allows gamers to purchase games and prodwho rise out of the toxic sludge. Skyrim is about going work to capture the flag, eliminate the opposing team, or get to the ucts, and play games anywhere. Soon, Valve will be releasing some thing they call the Steam through a world where dragons have been awoken, checkpoint. Massive multiplayer online (MMO) games like World of and only you can help save the world. Bethesda is Warcraft, Rift and Spiral Knights teach cooperative skills because Machine, a console that will be made number four, due to the massive of amount of time they are built to have a collaborative space. They even have the by several companies, that will have put into their games and sales. option to make parties and guilds. This option can be compared to many different versions. combat games and are especially good for building teamwork skills. When gamers fail to do something, this teaches them how it feels like to fail and encourages them to try to find new ways to solve the By John problem. Gamers spend nearly all their time failing. Roughly four out of five times, gamers dont solve the mission, run out of time, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker The Stanley Parable: dont solve the puzzle, lose the fight, fail to improve the score, crash This game follows the in(Wii U): and burn, or die, said Dr. Jane McGonigal, a game designer and This game was released in late September credible story of Stanley, a author who recommends the use of mobile and digital technology this year, and it is a remake of the popular man who has a simple job to transmit positive attitudes and collaboration in a real world backof pushing buttons on a GameCube Zelda game. It has reground. mastered graphics, a Hero mode which keyboard. Make decisions However, the negative effects are not to be ignored. Video games that dramatically affect the story, accompanied by increased difficulty, and reinvented such as Grand Theft Auto which feature protagonists who are felons the excellent narration of Kevan Brighting. gameplay using the Wii Us Gamepad. have the possibility of promoting violence and encouraging the gamer to think that committing crimes is not only enjoyable and Super Mario 3D World (Wii U): Pokmon X & Y (3DS): easy to get away with, but that it doesnt have an impact on socieIn this sequel to Super Mario 3D Land for Pokmon X or Y is a game where you go around the ty. They can kill NPCs (Non Player Characters), steal, and cause masthe 3DS, Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Peach world and capture and train the Pokmon of your sacres. There can be times when the players start to think that doing join in an adventure to defeat Bowser in choosing. The Pokmon those kinds of things are fun. Although you can do those things in Grand Theft Auto, it isnt the same in the real world. You cannot just one of the most finely tuned 3D platlevel up as you play to exit and try again. formers. All the four characters have help you on your journey. Although the negative effects are real, not all games are rated M their own abilities, and it is the first Mario Its what you expect, and designed from the ground up for local the first of the main series in for mature or R for restricted. There are games for everyone and video games arent as bad as many people would think! multiplayer. full 3D. EA games holds the number two spot due to the long line of PC and console games they have produced. They created games like Sims, FIFA, Plants VS. Zombies, and more. They mostly pay others to make games now days, as they haven't made any best sellers recently, but they still lead the market in realism simulators such as Sims. Another popular game they made is FIFA, a soccer game where you play as a team and have to compete in tournaments. EA games were extremely revolutionary for their time, but have been beat by more recent, newer games.

Best of 2013

The Wiz

By Lauren and Hannah

Q&A with the Cast and Directors

Elizabeth, 8th
Q: What part do you play in The Wiz? A: I play Dorothy. Q: What did you do to create your character? A: I just imagined how I would react to the situation she is in and do that. Q: What is the most challenging part of the play? A: Finding the character and figuring out how she would react to certain things and also applying it to myself and my life experiences.

Weve all seen the Wizard of Oz, right? Good ol Dorothy and her shiny red shoes. But I bet you havent seen this Wizard yet! In 1978, the movie The Wiz was created, and was a huge success. With Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the scarecrow, you know its sure to be hit. The movie has Original cast of The Wiz (in essentially the same plot order from left to right) line, just different songs, Michael Jackson, Diana dances, and of course, you Ross, Ted Ross, Nipsey gotta have some hip-hop in Russell there. This years middle school musical is, of course, The Wiz! There are a lot of things that go into making a musical. Scripts, actors, tech crew, directors, flyers, tickets, costumes, music, etc. And most importantly, practice. As the saying goes, How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice!. The Wiz is a more modern version of the Wizard of Oz with its Yellow Brick Road crew, punk monkeys, and even an Atari Toto.

Erin, 7th
Q: What part do you play in The Wiz? A: I play a Kalidah, an Ozian, and a Poppy. Q: What did you do to create your character? A: The director tells us what the character is like, then I put it in my own mindset. I try to imagine myself as the character. Q: What is your favorite part of the show? A: its really hard to decide because there are so many parts I like, but itd have to be the Ozian ballet because theres just so much energy going on and the choreographing will make it really stunning.

Jessica, 10th
Q: What made you decide the become the choreographer? A: When I was in the middle school shows my older brother Josh was the choreographer. I loved the way he taught us and made the dances really fun! That inspired me to try something that I now really love. Q: What is your background in dance? A: I've taken many different styles of dance including the standards, jazz, tap, and ballet. I've also taken other classes at different studios, and have been on various dance teams. I now take classes at Buffas Dance Studio. Q: How do you incorporate the style of the show into the dances? A: I've used some elements of hip hop and jazz to parallel the style which is based off of technology. Another type of dance I used was step which was a fun challenge! Learning about rhythm and keeping a complex beat in sync was a very useful skill and really kept into play with the theme of technology.

Jack, 7th
Q: What part do you play in The Wiz? A: In The Wiz, I play a munchkin and I am the scarecrow understudy. Q: What did you do to create your character? A: Usually, the director tells us what to do and then we have our own vision and interpret that on our own. Q: What is your favorite part of the show? A: My favorite scene is probably the scarecrow scene. Not only because I am in it, but they do a pretty good job of making the scene very comedic.

Hassan, 8th
Q: What part do you play in The Wiz? A: I play the Wiz so Im basically the king of Oz. Q: What did you do to create your character? A: Ive been watching this movie since I was very little and the Wiz is a big and scary dude. Im the exact opposite of that so I make myself angry and just unleash my rage. Q: What is your favorite part of the show? A: My favorite song/scene is my opening song, So you Wanted to Meet the Wizard, because its exciting and there is a lot of fire and pyrotechnics.

Show Times and Tickets

Show times: February 14th (7 PM), February 15th (2 PM and 7 PM) February 16th (2 PM) Price of tickets: Tickets are $10 online Where to buy: Tickets are available for purchase online at: robinsondrama.org **Show typically sells out so buy your tickets in advance.

Fun Facts
Longest Rehearsal: 12 hours Cast members: 55 High school tech members: More than 30 Middle school Tech members: 100 Broadway Premier: January 5, 1997 Rehearsals: Almost everyday, including over winter break!

Q: What others shows have you produced/directed? A: Last years Seussical was the first musical I ever directed. Before that was a one -act in college that I cant even remember the name of Q: How did you decide the theme of the show (technologic) and why? A: We were really struggling to connect the dots in this story. Its written in such a way that it assumes everyone is familiar with the original Wizard of Oz and leaves a lot of gaps in the plot line, a big one is: Why does Dorothy suddenly want to leave Oz? Theres no set up in the prologue for her to WANT to return to Kansas, so as directors, we had to decide how this new world would want to make her leave. Dorothys energy as a character is also very different in The Wiz- she is not the doe-eyed Judy Garland Dorothy. But, in her

world, she is used to being able to throw her weight around and feel in control, so we needed to put her into an environment where she felt really out of control and almost TOO connected Which led us to our conversations about technology and our societys need for that constant stimulation she realizes its too much for her to handle 24/7 and so that is partly why she wants to get back to Kansas. Q: What are you most excited for the audience to see? A: THE ACTORS- gosh these kids are talented. Q: What challenges come with putting on The Wiz? A: There are 55 talented kids in this cast, playing multiple parts at different times. Its a constantly moving and changing puzzle. All of them have got to be costumed, and their makeup has to be done just right, and all of those choices need to align with how we tell our story. I would say the hardest part is making the whole thing make sense and making sure your choices as a director will help tell the story to the audience.

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January 2014

Volume 42, Issue 2

By Charlie Achievement and Accolades: The band has had more number one albums on the British Charts than any other act. They have won seven Grammy awards. The Beatles topped Billboards Most Successful Hit 100 artists. The group won a Academy Award for the Best Original Score with Let It Be. They are included in Time magazines Top 100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century. The Beatles are the best selling band in history with an estimated sales over one billion units. They are ranked by Rolling Stone magazine as the greatest artists of all time. Played First Gig: Nipmuc Regional High School Achievements and Accolades: Aerosmith has sold over 150 Albums worldwide and 66.5 in the United States alone. They are the best selling American Rock Band of all time. The band holds the most gold albums and are tied for the most platinum awards of any American group. Aerosmith scored 21 top 40 hits on Billboard Hot 100. They have won four Grammy Awards and ten MTV Music Awards. Aerosmith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. Were awarded spots on Rolling Stones and VH1s top 100 artists of all time lists.

Crossword Puzzle
By Erin

Classical Rock
Origins; Liverpool, England Genres: Pop Rock Years Active: 1960 to 1970 Band Members: John Lennon (Lead Singer), Paul McCartney ( Lead Guitarist), George Harrison (Lead Guitarist), and Ringo Star (Drummer) Hit Songs: Help, Yellow Submarine, Hard Days Night, Norwegian Woods, Ticket to Ride, Eleanor Rigby, Tomorrow Never Knows, Act Naturally, Dizzy Miss Lizzy, In My Life Website: thebeatles.com Played First Gig: Indra Club Record Labels: Parlophone, Swan, Vee-Jay, Capitol, United Artists, and Apple Origins: Boston, Massachusetts, Genres: Hard Rock, Blues Rock, and Heavy Metal Years Active: 1970s to Present Band Members: Steven Tyler (Lead Singer), Tom Hamilton (Bassist), Joey Kramer(Drummer), Joe Perry (Lead Guitarist), and Brad Whitford (Lead Guitarist) Hit Songs: Love in A Elevator, Dream On, Sweet Emotion, Jamies Got a Gun, I Dont Want to Miss a Thing, Rag Doll, Jaded, SOS, Train Kept A Rolling, Pandoras Box, and Walk this Way Record Labels: Columbia Records and Geffen Records Website: aerosmith.com

The first three people to get all the answers right and bring them to Mrs. Forte in room E217 will receive a certificate for a free gourmet lollypop. Good Luck!

ACROSS
1. 3. 7. 9. 11. 13. Whats Mr. Gordons pet snakes name? What sport does Mr. Vossler coach? Where does Mrs. Lambert's daughter go to college? How many pets does Mrs. Forte have? Which one of Mr. Snyders eyes is fake? What was the name of the first restaurant that Mr. Calamito worked at before teaching? What is the 7th grade secretarys last name? How many ovens are in the Home Ec. room? Who is the team leader for the Eagles? What does the team leader of the Comets teach? How many times has Mrs. Hinman been to Europe with students? What is the 8th grade secretarys last name?

DOWN
1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 8. 10. 12. 18. What college did Mrs. Burford go to? What is Mr. Spears favorite color? How many snow days are built into our schedule per year? Whats the middle schools after school directors last name? Whats the last name of the 7th grade teacher who wrote a book? What is Mrs. Andersons (math teacher) youngest daughters name? Whats the name of the ram near the main office? How many librarians are there? What is Mr. Elines secretarys last name?

14. 15. 16. 17. 19. 20.

Steven Tyler was born in Yonkers, New York. He is the singer in the band Aerosmith which is the best selling American rock band ever. He has been performing for 43 years. Steven Tyler can play a large array of instruments including harmonica, piano, and guitar. He wrote one of Aerosmith's hit songs, Dream On, even before Aerosmith had been formed. Tyler went to a rock show in Sunapee, New Hampshire where he met future band members Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton. He later recruited an acquaintance, Joe Kramer, and his boyhood friend Ray Tobano. Ray was replaced with Brad Whiteford for rhythm guitar. Aerosmith were extremely popular in the 1970s, but in the 1980s the band took a dive. Tyler developed a heavy drug and alcohol addiction. When he completed drug rehabilitation, Joe Perry and Brad Whiteford returned to Aerosmith and released Walk this Way which combined hip-hop and rock. The group rose to fame once again. From fame to drug rehab and back to fame once again, Steven Tyler is a legendary rocker.
By Megan

Movie Releases in January, February, March, and April

I, Frankenstein
Genre: Action, Fantasy, and Science Fiction Release Date: January 24, 2014 Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Yvonne Strahovski Summary: 200 years after Dr. Frankenstein creates synthetic life, his immortal creation lives on. The monster, called Adam, finds himself caught in the midst of a long-lasting battle between demons and gargoyles.

Video Games of 2014

By Nathan man, Globox, and the Teensies have been sleeping for a century. The bubble dreamers nightmares have grown in strength and numbers, and so has the Magician and his army. The Magician has split into five dark teensies. Rayman, Globox, and the remaining teensies have been awoken by their friend Murphy who has told them about the bad news. Now Rayman and his friends have to save ten different princesses and defeat the five dark teensies. Rayman has to once again save his friends.

Divergent
Genre: Action, Adventure, and Romance Release Date: March 21, 2014 Starring: Shailene Woodley, Theo James Summary: Beatrice Tris Prior lives a future where peoples lives are determined by one prominent characteristic. \Tris soon discovers she is Divergent, someone who cant be sorted by any one trait, and is wanted dead.

Captain America
Genre: Action, Adventure, and Science Fiction Release Date: April 4, 2014 Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlet Johansson Summary: Steve Rogers, Captain Americas alter ego, is struggling to fit into modern times. He soon returns to the superhero life after a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent is attacked. He allies with the Black Widow and the Falcon to face a new enemy- the Winter Soldier.

Rayman Legends: While Ray-

Pompeii
Genre: Action, Adventure, and Drama Release Date: February 21, 2014 Starring: Kit Harington, Emily Browning Summary: Milo is a former slave turned gladiator who lives in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius in Pompeii. His true love, Cassia, is being forced to marry a fraudulent Roman senator, and he rushes to save her life as the volcano erupts and turns the city to ruins as he watches.

Rio 2
Genre: Animation, Adventure, and Comedy Release Date: April 11, 2014 Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway Summary: Blu and Jewel the endangered blue macaws from the 2011 movie Rio are back in this sequel. In the new movie, they and their three chicks, Bia, Carla, and Tiago leave the glamorous city life of Rio de Janeiro for an adventure in the Amazon Rainforest.

Welcome to Yesterday
Genre: Science Fiction and Thriller Release Date: February 28, 2014 Starring: Jonny Weston, Sofia Black D'Elia Summary: A group of teenage friends discover plans to create a time machine, follow them, and build one. The time machine is all fun and games for them until the consequences of their changes to the past catch up to the future with terrible results. Will they be able to save time? (This film was originally titled Almanac. It is not yet rated.)

will pick up where Dream Drop Distance left off. Sora, Donald, and Goofy will be searching for the seven guardians of light and the Key to Return Hearts. King Mickey and Riku are searching for some of the previous keyblade wielders in an attempt to stop Master Xehanorts plan to finally balance the light and darkness. this may ultimately lead to the final clash between Sora and Master Xehanort. The game will also feature some new as well as some familiar worlds based on properties from Disney. When a young boy named Max wishes for his younger brother to go away, his wish is granted. Max is now regretting what he has just done and sets out to find his younger brother. The only thing Max has to help him is his magic marker. He has set out on a dangerous journey across deserts, very dark swamps, ancient temples, and green forests. Along in his adventure, Max gains the power to manipulate his environment to help him across seemingly hopeless obstacles. basement of a house in the middle of a hallway with no memory of who you are, why youre here or what your purpose is. Exploring, you find yourself outside of a house on an island filled with puzzles. The puzzles are themed by where they are placed. Some of the themes are a castle, a desert ruin, and some sort of hybrid laboratory art gallery. The game is about solving the puzzles and finding recordings to help get off the island. The recording is narrated by someone who knows a great deal about the island. Is this person the one responsible for why youre here?

Kingdom Hearts III: This game

Max the Curse of Brotherhood:

Mr. Peabody and Sherman

Genre: Animation, Adventure, and Comedy Release Date: March 7, 2014 Starring: Ty Burrell, Max Charles Summary: Most dogs can only sit and do simple tricks. But Mr. Peabody is the smartest dog on Earth he even invented a time machine! Things get messy when his adopted human boy, Sherman, tries to impress his friend by taking her on a spin in Mr. Peabodys time machine, and the dog has to intervene before they ruin past, present, and future.

RoboCop
Genre: Action, Crime, Science Fiction Release Date: February 12, 2014 Starring: Joel Kinnaman, Abbie Cornish Summary: Fourteen years in the future, Detroit police officer Alex Murphy suffers a life-threatening injury on the job. Robot company OmniCorp sees this as an opportunity to create a cyborg cop to protect the crime-ridden city. Inside the machine, the human part of the cop struggles to rediscover his life. (This is a remake of the 1987 movie of the same title.)

The Lego Movie

Genre: Animation, Action, and Comedy Release Date: February 7, 2014 Starring: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks Summary: Thanks to a case of mistaken identity, Emmet is a nobody until mini-figures mistake him for the Special, the last Master Builder alive. With help from a rebel named Wyldstyle and a team of superheroes, he must save the Lego universe from the wicked Lord Business, who wants to glue everything in the universe together, destroying the very nature of Legos!

The Witness: You wake up in the

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January 2014

Volume 42, Issue 2

TV Show Renewals of 2014

By Victoria and Ronald Are you worried that your favorite show is going off the air? Dont worry, this article has got you covered! Returning on ABC are The Bachelor and Greys Anatomy. On CBS, 2 Broke Girls, Blue Bloods, CSI, Elementary, How I Met Your Mother, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Person of Interest will be coming back. Fox will bring back American Idol, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Glee, New Girl, and The X Factor. The Biggest Loser, Chicago Fire, Law and Order: SVU, and Chicago PD are back for more seasons on NBC. However, some of your other favorite shows might be saying goodbye in 2014. ABC will not be renewing Betrayal, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, or Back in the Game. How I Met Your Mother is currently showing its last season on CBS. Networks are renewing and cancelling shows each day.
Source: tvline.com

Science Fiction
Under the Dome Almost Human is a Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
is one of the most recent sci-fi series to premiere. This show is about the Avengers, but it also showcases the powerful super villains who are working against the heroes. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. came out with a bang. It will most likely be renewed for more seasons. new science fiction show is a TV on FOX. The show based on a book by storyline feaStephen King. There is an tures human invisible force field that is cops who separating residents inside partner up with androids to from the rest of the world. As protect in their area. Just like said in the tagline, No way Almost Human says, Some in. Now way out. People cops are born. Others are trapped under the dome are made. Once this season forced to learn more about it finishes it will most likely be and more about each other renewed for another. than they ever imagined.

Comedies
Modern Family
is a sure renewal in 2014. The show features the lives of three families and their crazy lives. Modern Family has won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series four times in a row. This ties the record for the most consecutive wins held by The Dick Van Dyke Show.

Competitions
Family Guy
is officially renewed for Season 13. It is an American sitcom that tells the story of the lives of the Griffin Family. It takes place in the city of Quahog. This show has been nominated for thirteen Emmy awards. MacFarlane won the Outstanding Voice-Over Performance award for his outstanding performance as Stewie.

The Big Bang Theory is a

comedy that takes place in Pasadena, California. The main characters in this TV show are Penny, Sheldon, Raj, Howard and Leonard. Leonard, Raj and Sheldon are physicists. Howard is a engineer. Penny is a waitress at the Cheesecake Factory. The Big Bang Theory will be coming back this season.

Amazing Race
is a reality TV show where teams of two people, who have had an interesting preexisting relationship, race around the world competing with other teams. Each week one team is eliminated. The winner of the Amazing Race receives a one million dollar prize. This show has won thirteen Primetime Emmy Awards.

The Voice
is a sure renewal. The Voice is an American reality singing competition. The main concept of this series is to find the best new musical talent. The winners are determined by the people who watch the TV show. Viewers vote for who they think is the best singer. The winner of the competition ends up winning $100,000.

Survivor is
returning. This TV show series has been very successful ever since it started. Competitors are put onto a deserted island in groups known as tribes. They must provide the basic necessities such as food and water for themselves. Contestants start being eliminated one by one by their fellow competitors until one person remains.

Drama
Scandal is
definitely coming back. Scandal is a political thriller TV series. The show is about a former White House Communications Director named Olivia Pope. Olivia dedicates her life to protecting the image of the social elite and she is starting to find out how hard it is to get rid of her past.

Reality
NCIS is
about the Navy police force. This show will be coming back next season on CBS. Most of the cases in NCIS are murder or kidnapping cases. NCIS is on its 11th season. All of the cases under investigation have to do with the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marines.

Grimm is returning. This show is often described as a Cop Drama with a twist. It is about a homicide detective named Nick Burkhardt from the Portland Police Bureau. Nick learns that he is a descendent of a long line of guardians also known as Grimms. Their job is to keep balance across the universe.

Duck Dynasty
may come back for its next season. This show is about the Robertson family who became rich from their duck hunting business. These gentleman live in the bayous of Louisiana and they are known everywhere they go!

Dance Moms will

be coming back. This show takes place in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, at Abby Lee Dance Company. It is about young girls starting out their careers and their mothers. The fourth season is now showing on Lifetime.

Project Runway
will be coming in to its 12th season. The contestants in this show compete to see who can come up with the best fashion designs. They are restricted in time, material and theme. It is hosted by Heidi Klum. It also features Michael Kors.

Todays Movies vs. Movies of the 1960s

Todays Movies!
Monsters University (2013)
Genre: Animation Summary: Mike Wazowski finally gets into his dream collage Monsters University. He meets a troublemaker named James P. Sullivan. Mike and Sully fail the first semester exams and are kicked out of the scare program. Their only way back is by learning to work together and win the scare games with their team.

By Kiara and Caeli

1960s Movies!
Jungle Book (1967)
Genre: Animation Summary: A baby boy, Mowgli, is raised with wolves, but after ten years, the wolves decide that he must go back to human civilization. Mowgli runs away and meets a bear named Baloo who he then stays with. Bagheera (one of the wolves) and Baloo try to convince Mowgli to join the humans, but he doesn't want to listen. All that changes when he sees a girl at the lake in front of the village...

World War Z (2013)

Genre: Action Summary: Gerry Lane, former United Nations investigator, wakes up to horrible news Zombie Apocalypse. He struggles to keep his wife and two kids safe. When they finally reach a ship that is a safe haven, he has to decide whether to get kicked off or to leave his family to search for the source of the zombie virus. What he finds may save human kind if he can survive long enough.

Planet of the Apes (1968)

Genre: Action Summary: An astronaut crew ship accidently crashes into the future. The future world is very different though. The main species there is apes with the humanlike intelligence and personalities. The things there that are the creatures are the real humans that are in animal skins. What will happen to the future planet? Do you think the astronauts will get out?

Hunger Games (2012)

Genre: Action/ Drama Summary: Katniss Everdeen volunteers for her sister Prim in the reaping. She then has to fight to the death against 23 other people, and to win she must trust her instincts. Katniss partners up with Peeta Mellark who is also from the same district and they start to share a deep relationshipthat just might change everything.

To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)

Genre: Drama Summary: Scout is a young six year old girl is living in Alabama in the 1930s. Scouts father is a lawyer and is appointed to represent a young black man who has been accused of raping a white woman in the town. After accepting the case, Scout is exposed to some ugly truths about the world in which she lives. The focus of the movie centers on racial injustice and loss of innocence.

Les Miserables (2012)

Genre: Musical/ Drama Summary: Les Mis is takes place during the French Revolution and tells the tragic stories of Fantine, her daughter, Cossette, Marius, Javert, and the main character, Jean Valjean. Jean is an ex-convict who wishes to turn his life around. When Fantine dies, she asks Jean to take care of Cossette. As Cossette grows up, she experiences romance and learns the hardships of war.

Sound of Music (1965)

Genre: Musical/ Drama Summary: Maria leaves her life in the convent and becomes a nanny for the seven mischievous Von Trapp children. The Von Trapp family eventually learns to love Maria as she teaches the children to sing and have fun. Trouble strikes, when the German army invades Austria. Will Maria and the family escape before Capt. Von Trapp is forced into service?

What is your favorite today or 1960s movie?

My favorite new movie is probably Catching Fire. I like it because I saw Hunger Games and I wanted to see what was next. I thought it was full of lots of action and I liked it, [My favorite old My favorite old movie is] A Christmovie is the Breakmas Story. I like it fast Club because it because its funny is an 80s movie, and and entertaining to it shows how different watch. I also like people come tothe attitude of the gether. It is a really people in the movheart-warming movie ie because they and I think everyone are so polite! said Grace, 7th. should watch it! said Lyla, 8th. My favorite new movie is The Dark Knight Rises. I like the movie because its about my favorite superhero Batman. I also like it because It is a comedy mixed with action, said Inayah, 7th.

said Cassidy, 8th.

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