‘Safe Haven’ proves itself to be another Nicholas Sparks classic
Miranda Siwak, A&E Editor
February 20, 2013
It’s no secret that I enjoy romantic comedies or, as they’re more commonly known, “rom-coms.” Since Nicholas Sparks is one of my favorite authors, I knew I had to see his latest novel to hit theaters, “Safe Haven,” released Feb. 14. Starring “Footloose” actress Julianne... (more...)
Insta-don’t: Photo sharing app falls short
Miranda Siwak, A&E Editor
January 8, 2013
As I glance around the high school, I can instantaneously spot students using Apple iPhones, Androids, and their various apps, including one of the most popular social networking apps: Instagram. Instagram is described as a “fast, beautiful, and fun way to share your photos with friends... (more...)
Review: “Pitch Perfect” presents catchy music with a side of romance
Miranda Siwak, A&E Editor
October 11, 2012
It’s no secret that I’m a sucker for a good romantic comedy. So, when I saw the commercials for the new movie “Pitch Perfect,” I knew I had to see it. Starring “Twilight” actress Anna Kendrick, “Hairspray” star Brittany Snow and “Bridesmaids” newcomer Rebel Wilson, this... (more...)
Review: Glee premiere couples catchy songs with boring characters
Miranda Siwak, A&E Editor
September 15, 2012
Alright, Gleeks, time to rejoice! After a summer-long hiatus, the hit Fox comedy is back, and on an all new night and a new time. The switch over to Thursdays is only one of the new changes in store. Since many of the returning characters have graduated, many new faces have appeared onscreen.... (more...)
This season’s guide to Homecoming: how to dress your best
Miranda Siwak, A&E Editor
September 6, 2012
With homecoming rapidly approaching, we girls are faced with the ultimate quest: finding the perfect homecoming dress. After visiting all of the major department stores (think Dillard’s, Macy’s, and Nordstrom’s), I compiled a list of this season’s Homecoming dress trends, so before... (more...)
Earthquakes cause damages to the Philippines
Miranda Siwak, News Editor
February 23, 2012
A 6.7 earthquake hit the Filipino island Negros, Feb. 6. The earthquake triggered landslides that killed 35 people, including two children. The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers are unable to reach people in remote villages. It caused a three story building to cave in, and 20 homes... (more...)
President Obama announces mortgage settlement
Miranda Siwak, News Editor
February 23, 2012
President Barack Obama announced the finalization of $26 billion, as of now, but it is expected to reach above $30 billion,among mortgage providers, the state attorney generals and the Justice Department. This is the largest joint settlement in American history. Obama said this is a landmark... (more...)
Italian cruise ship still in a state of shipwreck
Miranda Siwak, News Editor
February 23, 2012
The Costa cruise ship Concordia hit a reef off the coast of the Tuscan island, Giglio in Italy, Jan 13. Captain Francesco Schettino declared the waters safe to travel before the ship hit the reef, not that far from the shore. After the crash, 17 were reported dead, and 15 missing. The 114,500... (more...)
Queen celebrates 60th anniversary as monarch
Miranda Siwak, News Editor
February 23, 2012
Feb. 6 marks the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s rule in the British monarchy. She thanked the British people for their support and pledged to continue her dedication to serve the country and people around the world. Her Diamond Jubilee anniversary distinguishes her as Britain’s... (more...)
Elements environmental club begins textbook recycling initiative
Miranda Siwak, News Editor
February 1, 2012
Elements Environmental Club has begun to recycle textbooks after school, Dec. 15, 2011. This begins a new effort in recycling, already recycling paper, plastic, and soda cans. “We started recycling old textbooks because as new editions of textbooks became available, the old ones either gathered... (more...)
January Cue Ladue
Miranda Siwak, News Editor
February 1, 2012
Senior Emily Bell was invited to attend the Montgomery Bell Academy’s Southern Bell Forum Extemporaneous Speaking Round Robin in Nashville, TN, Jan 6-8. She placed 10th and was the consolation champion. Junior Jerome Gregory placed third and sophomores Neeti Shenoy and Luke Song placed first... (more...)
Election 2012: Three candidates on four issues
Miranda Siwak, News Editor
December 14, 2011
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney Texas Gov. Rick Perry Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich Economy: Romney plans to lower taxes, with less regulation, a balanced budget and more trade deals to spur growth. He proposes to replace jobless benefits with unemployment savings... (more...)
Amnesty International angry at George W. Bush
Miranda Siwak, News Editor
November 7, 2011
Amnesty International called on Canadian authorities to arrest and prosecute former president George W. Bush. The organization said the former president authorized torture in the United States war on terrorism. Last month, a memorandum was submitted to the Canadian attorney general stating... (more...)
Amanda Knox freed
Miranda Siwak, News Editor
November 7, 2011
After a four year legal battle beginning with the 2007 crime in Perugia, Italy, Amanda Knox, 24, and former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito, 27, won their appeal, Oct. 3, and have been cleared of committing murder. Knox had asked judges to clear her and Sollecito of her British roommate Meredith... (more...)
New Zealand oil spill threatens maritime environment
Miranda Siwak, News Editor
November 7, 2011
A cargo ship stuck on a reef leaked oil 12 miles off the coast of New Zealand at the port of Tauranga, Oct. 11. Maritime New Zealand estimates that 300 tons of fuel leaked from the ship, and the country’s environment minister Nick Smith called this event the biggest maritime environmental... (more...)
Rape charges dropped for Dominique Strauss-Kahn
Miranda Siwak, News Editor
November 7, 2011
Paris prosecutors dropped an investigation based on French writer Tristane Banon’s claim that Dominique Strauss-Kahn, former head of the International Monetary Fund, tried to rape her. The case was dropped due to lack of sufficient proof, though Strauss-Kahn did admit to a smaller charge... (more...)
Gilad Shalit returns home
Miranda Siwak, News Editor
November 3, 2011
Sgt. 1st Class Gilad Shalit, a young Israeli soldier, was abducted by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in a cross-border raid 2006. Oct. 18, Shalit was flown to an Israeli military base and was reunited with his family for the first time in six years. “I remember originally hearing of... (more...)
‘Global Day of Rage’ mostly peaceful until protests in Rome turn violent
Miranda Siwak, News Editor
October 18, 2011
Oct. 16 was a typical Sunday until a peaceful demonstration near the Colosseum turned into a riot. Groups of brutal youths destroyed shop windows, set fire to cars, and fought with police. It turned a peaceful march against the Italian people’s economic woes to the worst riot Italy has seen... (more...)
Local charity nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
Miranda Siwak, News Editor
October 12, 2011
Wings of Hope, an organization headquartered in Chesterfield, Miss., has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. The organization flies volunteers around the world to provide health care and teach people living in poverty how to tackle their struggles. “It is very humbling being nominated... (more...)
