The internet is sometimes considered the freest place to express oneself. Well not anymore. There are two bills that are being discussed in Congress called Protect IP Act and Stop Online Piracy Act, and their aim is to allow Media Corporations to directly interact with websites and take down any content that they feel is breaking their copyright. The Protect IP Act and Stop Piracy Act are an excuse for corporations to start a full monopoly over all the media.

Continue Reading

The varsity wrestling team won their first tournament of the winter season against Richmond area and local schools on Dec. 3 and went on to place tenth out of 32 in the annual NOVA Classic tournament on Dec. 9.

The team also won 49-21 and 47-24 against Lee and Edison high schools respectively on Dec. 14 in scrimmage matches. Junior Robert Gonzales said “we should have placed higher as a team” at the NOVA Classic tournament but “we had three weight classes where nobody wrestled.”

Continue Reading

Africa. The South China Sea. Australia. Geosystems and government teacher Bob Bowdey has not only been all over the world, but has also captured some of the world’s most beautiful and terrifying animals with his camera at the ready.

Having 25 years of experience under his belt, Bowdey performs his hobby as a wildlife photographer during summers when he and his wife travel to wildlife utopias around the world.

He has a unique story to tell with each trip.

In one of his recent trips to Africa, Bowdey came across a male lion sleeping in his camping spot.

Continue Reading

With members coming and going with the release of each album, The Roots has drawn from a diverse pool of musical talent. As a result, founding members Black Thought and Quest Love have been able to appeal to people across the musical spectrum. Their latest album, Undun continues this trend as it combines instrumentals ranging from classic to electronic and vocals ranging from soul to rap. This diversity combines to form an incredible album, worthy of The Roots’ prestige.

Continue Reading

A fear frequently confronted by budding artists stems from the prospect of having their work put on display for others to critique. Art teachers have had the opportunity to teach their students to overcome this anxiety by example. Art teachers Nicole Walter, Carol Trost and Kim Jenkins all submitted work to the fourth annual Artist-Teacher Exhibition. Walter’s and Jenkin’s submissions were each selected for display at the exhibition.

Continue Reading

Social media is a powerful tool. It can be used to gain support for a movement, raise awareness of an issue or voice opinions of current events. When used effectively, social media makes these things possible; its nature is to connect people and serve as a platform for discussion. However, as with any power, the power of social media can easily be abused. High school students need to figure out how to use social media without abusing it.
Continue Reading

Looking back on elementary school, I remember how confidential grades were. Even if I willingly attempted to share my score on something as innocent as a reading quiz, my teacher was always quick to remind me that “we don’t brag about our grades” to other students. At the time, I thought this was a pointless rule; any child would want to bask in the glory of an A with his or her friends.
Continue Reading

The lull of maracas and strumming of a ukulele accompany the voice of sophomore Sammy Hakim in her Colbie Caillat-esque song “About You,” which is the final song in her first extended-play album Locked You Out.

“Guitar and piano are my go-to instruments for composing and more intricate melodies, but I like other instruments like ukulele and violin to brighten up or add to the song,” Hakim said.

Hakim’s pursuit of her musical career began when she was joking a round with a friend.

Continue Reading

After losing contact with sister school Etomba Combined School in Africa, Marshall has a new partnership with students in India through Girls Learn International, a club founded by Marshall alumna Ritika Jain and currently headed by her younger sister, junior Eisha Jain.

Marshall’s GLI chapter will be establishing regular communication with a GLI chapter in New Delhi. The chapter in New Delhi is made up of 15 girls who all live in the village of Dakshinpuri.

Continue Reading

After one of the most contentious school board elections in years, the newly elected board has the heavy responsibility of selecting the new FCPS superintendent to replace Jack Dale, who will depart in 2013. The new board, which will be sworn in Dec 19, consists of 10 members endorsed byContinue Reading