The NBA playoffs have been going on for a long time. They started in 1947.  Some of the teams that won the championship in the past 10 years are the Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, and the Los Angeles Lakers, who won it 5 times, and the San Antonio Spurs who it 2 times .  The Boston Celtics have won the most championships with 17 championships.

All the teams that are in the playoffs have had superb seasons.  But the shocker of the season was the number 1 seed in the East, the Chicago Bulls.   Their season was a success with Derrick Rose playing a big part in that with their record of 62 wins and 20 loses.  The Indiana Pacers have made a surprising playoff push for the 8th seed.  With the help of Danny Granger and Daren Collison they had a record of 37-45. 

 The Denver Nuggets made a blockbuster trade by sending their  best player, Carmelo Anthony, to the New York Knicks, who improved their record to 50-32. 

The Orlando Magic have also made a blockbuster, trading Vince Carter, Marican Gortat, and Mikael Pietrus, to the Phoenix Suns and they also sent Rashard Lewis to the Washington Wizards.  They acquired Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkgolu, Earl Clark and Gilbert Arenas.  That improved their record to 52-30. 

 As you can see these playoffs have been surprising.  A huge upset happened on April 28 when the Atlanta Hawks beat the Orlando Magic by ending the series.  The San Antonio Spurs extended their series between them and the Memphis Grizzlies, their next game is at Memphis.  The Dallas Mavericks have also ended their series against the Portland TrailBlazers.

                                     By:Keith B.

Everyone has it, the whole entire earth has it,even animals have it, so do you know what it is? It’s food duh. There are different types of ways to make food and different types of food. Even though there’s different types of food there’s also the bad food. We can still eat the bad food but only once in a while ( I’m not a doctor ). Really we should eat healthy and be able to eat deliciously.

Sometimes we humans eat food due to feeling our emotions, so we tend to overeat when we’re hungry, sad or depressed. We also don’t really eat when we’re really excited, depressed, or sad, so it can go both ways. Food plays a big role into our everyday lives. We eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Food feeds our brains and gives us energy. Basically,people already know this, but some people become anorexic and bulimic, but I’m not gonna get on that subject because it’s a personal topic.

I already know there are some facts about food, like how some foods contain acids that can help you, but to my surprise I found out some other amazing facts. Did you know that in the 1830′s ketchup was used as medicine, almonds are members of the peach family, and carrots were first grown as medicine? There’s a lot of weird food facts and some have to do with religion, culture and just stuff that you want to eat .Food is just a thing we eat when we need to eat, we eat when we don’t need to eat ,we don’t eat when we need to eat it–just crazy. Well hey, that’s just food for ya.

Chrissy T.

The Stanley Cup started in 1893 and hockey has been a fun and intense sport since then. The Stanley Cup is the most famous trophy in the sporting world. When a team wins the Stanley Cup the facility and players get to take it for a day. The Stanley Cup has gotten players in many invitations to TV shows and banquets. 

16 teams started playing in the Stanley Cup but now there are only 8 teams left. My favorite team, the Penguins, got beat in game 7 by the Lightning. But now the lightning have to play the Capitals. The other teams are Red Wings vs Sharks, Bruins vs Flyers and Sabers vs Canucks. The Sabers and Canucks already played and the Canucks are in the lead.

If you want to follow the NHL playoffs watch it on versus tv. Or if you want to watch past games go on www.nhl.com to follow your team online. So hurry up so you can watch the suspense of the Stanley Cup Playoff’s!

Noah H.

Boy Scouts advertise to get new kids to join. They tell people about it, they have a festival, and they have sign-up booths at things like school conventions. But now they have created a whole new thing to get kids to join; They made the……….Robotics merit badge!

Of course that’s not the only new badge, they also have the scuba, GPS, and Scouting heritage merit badge. They’re not really new. They came out in 2009/2010. But this is probably the first you have heard of them. So my part here is done.

So this is how Boy Scouts are modernizing. It makes sense that this is how they’re getting in touch with technology and stepping out of the woods.  Maybe they can come up with some more technology later on in the year.

-Jason F/Billy F

-Cami B.

If you do, then buy a YEARBOOK, priced at $30 per book.

You could go up to Ms. Sfalanga’s room 202 in the morning or during your lunch period. Lunch sales are only for 2 weeks. Buy now so you wont’ have to fit getting one later in your schedule.

Yearbooks are special and are  important to lots of people for lots of reasons.

• Remembering the good times and bad times or embarrassing moments of a life time could be one special reason.
• Remember friends from long ago when you’re old.
• Remember what sports and/or clubs you were in.
• See how your mug shot differed from when you were in 6th,7th,or 8th.
• Make something of your YEARBOOK, such as get your friends and favorite teachers to write you a note or comment.

8th graders: wouldn’t you want to remember your middle school years and a grade you could never go back to or relive again?

7th graders: won’t this YEARBOOK help you remember when you were only in the 7th grade and when you couldn’t wait to come to 8th, or even over the summer when you’re missing friends that you couldn’t keep in touch with. This YEARBOOK is a great way of showing that.

6TH graders: now I know you would want a book that shows you when you first got into middle school and you had no clue what to do. Your first  year is the best year because of all the new experiences. The year you were wishing you could go back to elementary, the year that you worked harder than you ever work to get the hang of middle school. Most of all remember the new friends you made during you first year over the summer!

I hope this message encouraged you to buy a YEARBOOK. Laugh & Remember.

-Keairra.G

Aslan represents Jesus in Narnia.

The most obvious piece of Christian Symbolism in Narnia happens in CS Lewis’ first book he wrote in the series; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In the book, the great lion of Narnia, Aslan, sacrifices himself for the traitor Edmund to The White Witch. Later Aslan is resurrected and returns to free The White Witch’s prisoners and kill the witch herself. Aslan represents Jesus in Narnia, being known as the “Son” of the so-called “Emperor over the Sea”, who is never seen in the books, but represents God in the story.

More symbolism comes in Lewis’s second book in the series; Prince Caspian. In the book, Lucy, the youngest of the four Pevensie siblings, and the only one who can “see” Aslan. As the other siblings begin to believe that Lucy is actually seeing Aslan, they begin to see him too. There is plenty of talk of “seeing” in The Bible.

The last big piece of symbolism happens in Lewis’s epic finale, The Last Battle, where Aslan destroys Narnia in order to bring the land and its creatures into “his” country, which represents Heaven. This is similar to the Book of Revelation in The Bible, which is a prophecy predicting Jesus’ return and the final judgement of humanity.

Michael Ward's book points out even deeper symbolism.

Even deeper symbolism was specified by author Michael Ward in his novel The Narnia Code. In The Narnia Code, Ward explains that each book is symbolic for the seven planets of medieval cosmology. For example, Jupiter is the biggest,  ”king” planet, so because The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is about royalty and kingship, the book represents Jupiter. Prince Caspian represents Mars. Mars is the roman name for Ares, the god of war. Prince Caspian has to do with war as Aslan summons Narnia’s creatures for battle.  See The Narnia Code website for more info. or read the book.

Narnia is on a simple level, another fantasy novel, but when you look deeper, you see the genius CS Lewis has put into his books. The amazing thing about these books is that you do not have to be a genius to enjoy them, but geniuses will still find it intelligent in a very subtle way. That is the beauty of Narnia.

-Del H

What do I do when I lose my INB?

Aaron: My INB means the world to me and if I lost it , I would lose it,because I put my hard work and love into it. It would be a bad week because if you lose your INB you’re responsible for all the past work in it, which sounds  as bad as losing your brand new iphone.

Alexyz: If I lost my INB I would tell my teacher and ask her what they think is most important to replace. Then I would put back together what I was told to replace. Losing an INB would be extreemly stressful, so try not to dwell too much on the fact that you don’t have it anymore, spend your thoughts figuring out the most effective way to redo your INB.

 What is a good book or book series I can read?

Aaron: Wow, what a good question! A good series I have read was Spiderwick  in the 4th grade. Since then I’ve been blessed with a sickness called book-itus, which is when you get around book, you sneeze and cough  to where you can’t even read, so ever since I have stayed away from books.

Alexyz: A great book that you could read is the Hunger Games, which completes a trilogy with the books Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Harry Potter is great; if you like the movies, you’ll absolutely love the books. Then of course there are many series by Rick Riordan, from Percy Jackson and the Olympians to the Kane Chronicals and Lost Hero.

How can I convince my parents to let me sleep over at a friend’s house ?

Aaron: A way to get your parent to let you sleep over at a friend’s can be a bit tricky… unless you know me. The secret is called reverse psychology. To explain: when you get home you don’t start of by asking to sleep over at a friend’s. You first start aggravating your mom and then wait for about an hour. Then you go into attack and out of the blue you say, “Mom, can I spend the night at my friend’s house?” And if she says “no” you go back into the attack mode for about 20 minutes, and then ask one more time. Before she can answer you, say, “Mom, think about it. I will be out of your hair  for tonight.” Shhshshshsh! Don’t let the parents find out this strategy. They may try to use it to go out on a date some night…

Alexyz: My mom is not that fond 0f sleep overs, so you’re not the only one. Tell your parents that this is a one time thing and keep telling her it’s a one time thing every time and put her on a guilt trip.

  

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

At the beginning of the week something is off, and it is your job to handle the new change. By mid week you are going to be really moody and your emotions may take over.

For Taurus full horoscope, click here!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

This week you need to focus on your health. When you have the urge to try something new like eating habits or a different sport you can. If you know a big secret that someone told you it’s always better if you keep it to yourself.

For Gemini full horoscope, click here!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

The week begins with a bumpy start, and nothing feels like it is happening right, but when you become more creative things come together like puzzle pieces.

For Cancer full horoscope, click here!

Leo (July 23-August 22)

You and your best friend are so close and someone sees this as the week starts off. They may feel left out and get an urge of jealousy. The jealous ones try to break you guys up. Instead, it actually brings you two closer. 

For Leo full horoscope, click here!

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

You may have some  bad urges at the beginning of the week, so try to teach yourself some self-discipline. By mid week you should start loosening up after all, no one likes to be around an uptight person.

For Virgo full horoscope, click here!

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Every single chance you get this week take it because you never know when you will have another chance to do it. You have different paths to take by mid week, grumpy or happy, and if I were you I would go with happy because you might annoy some people otherwise.

For Libra full horoscope, click here!

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

You are going to have to make some decisions this week, and as the week goes on it gets worse. But after all the the craziness of the week, you will find out who you’re true friends are. 

For Scorpio full horoscope, click here!

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

This week screams out love. Spending time with family and friends is at the top of your list. Homework is starting to pile up, meaning your plans will have to wait. But no worries, you can always reschedule and plan for the weekend.

 For full horoscope, click here!

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

A new week brings on new challenges. It’s way more than you’re used to, but you take it on anyways. In mid week you realize that you took on more than you can handle. Don’t panic, it’s a mistake made time and time again.When the end of the week comes you decide to stay to yourself, and no one can break your shell.

For full horoscope, click here!

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

Every week is a little different, but this week feels a little off. Around Wednesday your emotions start taking over. Keeping your temper may not be the easiest thing, but getting angry will only make it worse.

For  full horoscope, click here!

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

 Missing out on an activity is not fun, so it’s best to stay on top of things.When Friday comes you start to notice how diverse the world is, and this would be a good time to respect peoples’ differences instead of making fun of them.

For Pisces full horoscope, click here!

Aries (March 21-April19)

Being selfish is not a good way to start your week off, but don’t forget you’re important too. The middle of the week is a good time to address your own needs. By the end of the week if you want anything accomplished you learn that it’s best to do it yourself.

For Aries full horoscope, click here!

By: Marissa M. and Angela F.

It is time. The high stress, all-out basketball playing is now. The NBA playoffs have started and they kicked off with our very own Orlando Magic vs. the Atlanta Hawks! The big question is will the Magic win?

Before the first game in the Magic/ Hawks series, I thought that the Magic would come into the playoffs with a great lead. Sadly, even though they have beaten us three times in the regular season, we have only beat them once. Every magic fan, including me, around the world thought the Magic would pull through.

Saturday, the 16th at 7 pm, was the Magic’s first playoff game. You could tell from the beginning of the game that the Magic just weren’t into it. The Hawks started out with the early lead. But by the end of the first we were up 17 to 19 . Then by the half we  lost it. Once the Hawks took the lead they made sure they kept it.

The second game had finally arrived and even though the Magic lost the first game I still had hope that the Magic would pull off this win. This game was another close ice-breaking game. In the first quarter they had the lead but coach Stan wanted this game more than anything. After that quarter the Magic caught up and took the lead. The ending score was an eight point deficit. Before the game, the Magic’s own Dwight Howard earned his third defensive player of the year award in a row!

By the time you read this, most of the games will be over with. But  my prediction for the next games are that the Magic will pull through and win against the Hawks. Hopefully Dwight Howard can play his spectacular defense and shut them down. So for all the Magic fans here LET’S GO MAGIC!

Noah H.