Why I Love Arlington

by Niti

Of all the places and cities in the United States, Arlington is one of the greatest places to grow up. Whether you see Arlington as a city or town, it simply is a lovely and warm-hearted place to grow up in. I don’t have my license just yet but I will in the coming months, but even without it I am able to get from Point A to Point B without a great degree of difficulty. Never in my wildest dreams can I see myself living in a place without the Metro. It simply is one of the most wonderful things Arlington has to offer. It is a very inexpensive means of public transportation. Without having to bug my parents for ride somewhere I can just go to the Ballston metro and get Rosslyn, Courthouse or Clarendon. Not to mention, we have one of the easiest access to the nation’s capital, Washington D.C.

Speaking of all those sections of Arlington, I especially love how it is divided up. When you first enter the Ballston, it’s a place filled with gigantic buildings, a small mall and amazing restaurants. Although it isn’t the biggest mall it still has a few things that stand out. As an avid Washington Capitals fan, I love that fact that they practice right here in Arlington, at the Kettler Arena at Ballston Mall. During the hockey season I regularly attend their practice sessions and I unfortunately cannot attend all of their games. It’s nice to see some players after practice and what not. Besides the fact that it is the where the Washinton Capitals practice, it is a great place to hang out. Besides the ice rink at Pentagon which is open only during the winter, this is Arlington’s only ice arena. I was exhilarated when it first opened; delighted about the fact that we didn’t have to go down to some place in Alexandria. In addition to the ice arena, it has great restaurants such as Chipotle, P.F. Chang’s and countless others.

With Clarendon and Courthouse, although they may seem to be around the same place it in fact is completely different to an Arlington native. You can be assured that the places are different as each has its very own Metro stop! Rosslyn, along with the Pentagon area, offers great views of our national’s capital, especially at night. Rosslyn is one of my favorites place; it’s another place in Arlington that is filled with skyscrapers but it is also where Key Bridge is located. Key Bridge connects Rosslyn to Georgetown, a great place to go in D.C. Going down to Rosslyn and then to Georgetown is my favorite running route. It’s great to see all the people, cars, buildings, shops and restaurants while running.

The one other thing that always strikes me is that we are practically neighbors to the nation’s capital! With countless bridges connecting Arlington to D.C., we are very fortunate to live

right by. It’s great that if something big is happening in the political scope we can say it’s right near us. One of the greatest things was the fact was that during Obama’s inauguration, we were able to attend such a historic moment. If we had lived someplace else out to the west or something, it would have been highly unlikely that we could have been able to witness such an event. Besides that, it’s great that we can take part in such events such as the National Walk for Epilepsy, and the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Adding on to that, we have easy access to great museums, and historic buildings such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial and countless others.

Although it may seem as if the only great thing about Arlington is the fact that we live next to D.C., it is just one of the reasons. I love the areas of Ballston, Rosslyn, the ice arena, the metro, the people, the food, the atmosphere and the fact that if you walk two or three blocks you have instant access to a Starbucks and not to forget all the people wearing brown flip flops!

The Practical Guide to Writing College Application Essays

Still writing those personal statements?
Read this Q & A from Alison R. for some tips.

Q: What on earth should I write about for my personal statement (you know, that one where they don’t give you a prompt)?

A: Yourself, of course! A personal statement is a snapshot of who you are. It doesn’t have to be the most amazing thing in the world, but it should show your readers something about you. Write about an experience, a pastime, your family, your favorite color. Pick something specific that no one else but you could write about, and write about it.

Q: What about when I do get a prompt?

A: First, make sure you understand what it’s asking; underline key parts or break it down if you have to. Then brainstorm a little, pick out some good ideas and write. Remember to make sure that your essay appropriately addresses the prompt and doesn’t go off on tangents. Also, make sure it fits the place it’s going to: Don’t gripe about big cities in your essay for a school in NYC, or anything similarly discordant.

Q: What about those “Why this college?” essays?

A: Ah, yes, those prompts that ask you to write about why you chose a college, why you should be admitted, and what you’d do there to make it a better place, in no particular combination. The key to writing these is figuring out what they want to hear, and this means research. Take ten minutes to find info on the history, mission and unique educational features of the college in question. If they have a motto or catchphrase, that’s even better. Write you essay with these things in mind, or even address them directly.

Q: Is it okay to recycle parts of my essays?

A: Definitely! This works especially well with the “Why this college?” essays, as they tend to be repetitive. If you hit upon something you really like, get it down in words and really want to reuse it, don’t be afraid to cut and paste. The only exception: Don’t let the same text appear more than once in the body of work you’re sending to one college. In other words, don’t show them that you’re recycling.

Q: How much time should I spend editing?

A: As much time as you need until you’re satisfied with your writing. That said, don’t be a perfectionist, and don’t just spew words for five minutes and say you’re done (as in, not edit at all). If time is not on your side, walk away from your work for five minutes and then reread it with fresh eyes. After you’re sure you’re finished, give a last once-over.

Q: Should I give my essays to someone else to read?

A: Yes! Give it to your English teacher at least a few weeks before your deadline for some professional criticism. Also show it to at least one other person - a friend, a family member - to proofread; a fresh set of eyes will catch the careless mistakes you won’t. Be ready to go back to editing, though.

Q: What should a finished essay look like?

A: Unless otherwise directed, each essay shouldn’t be longer than one page of double-spaced 12-point TNR font text with standard margins, nor less than a few lines shy of the one-page mark. Follow word count limitations if given. The paragraphs should be reasonably sized, with some variation; one-line paragraphs may work, depending on the context, but a single mammoth block of text will not. As for titles: Give each essay a reasonably creative but appropriate title, perhaps echoing the prompt, but don’t stress out over it for more than a few minutes. The most important thing is to make the final copy visually pleasing for good first impressions, even if you’re submitting it online.

Still need some help? Check out the suggestions from the admissions staff at William & Mary under “Essays Made Easy” or watch the YouTube video of their own essay prompt.

Also visit:

• arlingtonteens.com college page
• Arlington Public Library College & Career resources

Local Food in Arlington

by Liza

While the environment and our effect on it has been a hotly discussed lately, what most people don't realize is the impact of their “food print,” which is the global impact of your food consumption. For example, the average U.S. citizen eats 50 fast-food burgers per year, which, as a nation, equals the carbon emissions of 6.5 million SUVs (“Sow What," Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.).

To reduce this food print, turn first to your local vendors; this, first of all, cuts down on the vehicles used to transport your food over long distances, as most farmers' markets have restrictions on the distance the farmers can travel to sell their food. It is for this reason that farmers' markets usually carry high-quality produce. You can find weekly farmers' markets in Courthouse, Clarendon, Ballston, Crystal City, and Rosslyn. Details on local farmers' markets can be found online.

Another way to support local vendors is by participating in programs like Local Foods, Local Chefs: Farm to Table Month in Arlington, which is supported by Virginia Cooperative Extension. Restaurants like Eventide and Restaurant 3 in Clarendon have participated in this initiative to highlight local growers.

To further cut down on your food print, you can also grow your own food! If you don't have space to spare, Arlington is host to eight community gardens, most of which provide water. If you meet the garden's requirements, you can utilize their space to start a garden. Five hours per week must be put in and there is a charge for water, but you get the satisfaction of knowing exactly what is in your food and reducing your food print!

World Cup Prospects

by Dario

The long road of qualification to World Cup 2010 South Africa has proved to be full of surprises, with the failure of teams such as Russia, Croatia, and Egypt, to qualify. Now that it is over, it's time to pick who we think the winners and losers will be. The 32 teams are sorted into eight groups, from which the top two will advance to the final tournament.

My Predictions: (December 09 World Rankings)

Group A. 1st France (7) 2nd Mexico (17) 3rd South Africa (85) 4th Uruguay (20)
Despite a shaky qualification, in which France finished behind Serbia, France still is easily the best team in this group, and should finish first. Mexico also, has made it to the second round in the four last World Cups and a fifth trip is very possible. Le Celeste (Uruguay) and Bafana Bafana (South Africa) are the outsiders in this group, but one of them will probably advance if Mexico drops a game.
Game to Watch: South Africa vs. France: 12 years ago, World Cup Hosts France defeated South Africa 3-0. If South Africa can pull off a win or at least a tie, it will spell trouble for France's hopes of advancing.

Group B. 1st Greece (13) 2nd Argentina (8) 3rd Nigeria (22) 4th Korea Republic (52)
Argentina is full of big names, but recently they have not been able to translate it into wins. Nigeria, on the other hand lacks the depth it had in its last World Cup outings. Greece is the only team in this group that was impressive in qualifying, and the Euro 2004 champions should advance at the top of the group.
Game to watch: Argentina vs. Nigeria: These teams will both be battling for second place; the first game of Group B will decide which will advance.

Group C. 1st England (9) 2nd USA (14) 3rd Algeria (26) 4th Slovenia (31)
England is overwhelmingly the favorite to win here, and the USA actually now has the depth and experience to advance to the second stage this time around. Both Algeria and Slovenia barely squeezed into the cup, but they will looking take advantage of every oppurtunity the English-speaking favorites give them.
Game to Watch: England vs. USA: The USA is a better team than it was when they upset England in the 1990 World Cup. This is England's toughest match in the group if they lose, will not take 1st Place.

Group D. 1st Germany (6) 2nd Australia (21) 3rd Ghana (34) 4th Serbia (21)
One of the tougher groups in this cup, Germany will be looking to win, but all three of the other teams will be realistically aiming for 2nd Place. All of the teams in this group finished in 1st place in their respective qualifying groups.
Game to Watch: Any, really.

Group E. 1st Netherlands (3) 2nd Cameroon (11) 3rd Japan (43) 4th Denmark (28)
Netherlands won all their games in qualification, but against teams like Norway, and Scotland. Both Denmark and Japan had solid qualifying campaigns, but look to highly ranked Cameroon to advance.
Game to Watch: Netherlands vs. Denmark: Denmark has won five of the last six encounters with The Netherlands, who had an extremely easy qualification group and will have to prove they can win against a World Cup opponent

Group F. 1st Italy (4) 2nd Paraguay (29) 3rd Slovakia (33) 4th New Zealand (82)
Italy is looking to win the cup again, and will probably not drop any games here, while Paraguay has a talented squad that finished with ten wins in qualification. Slovakia, competing for the first time not as Czechoslovakia, and New Zealand, absent since 1982, are the outsiders.
Game to Watch: Italy vs. Paraguay: The group favorites play in the opening match, and the losers will face pressure from Paraguay.

Group G. 1st Brazil (2) 2nd Cote d'Ivoire (16) 3rd Portugal (5) 4th Korea DPR (86)

Brazil should win this extremely tough group, and Cote d'Ivoire should also advance, unless Cristiano Ronaldo (POR) can make a difference. Korea DPR was lucky to make into the tournament and unless they can bring back the power that led them to the quater-finals in 1966, should make an early exit.

Game to Watch: Portugal vs. Korea DPR: In 1966 Korea DPR led 3-0 in a match against Portugal before giving up five goals. If Korea DPR can beat or even tie Portugal, the Portuguese will not advance.

Group H. 1st Spain (1) 2nd Chile (15) 3rd Switzerland (18) 4th Honduras (37)
Spain, #1 in the world, will advance without complication. It is then up to Chile and Switzerland to fight for 2nd place. Honduras does not have the wealth of talent of the other teams, but is no pushover at this level.
Game to Watch: Chile vs. Switzerland: Whoever wins here will probably get 2nd Place.

Links:
Matchlist: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/index.html
Tournament Bracket: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/kostage.html
Calendar: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/calendar.html

Exceptional and Extraordinary: Avatar

by Niti

As we look out and around we see technology improve at an astonishing speed, making what seemed impossible a reality. To close out the decade, Avatar, a highly anticipated movie with exceptional graphics was released in December of 09. Although the movie lacked star power, it was directed by a widely known director, James Cameron. The Canadian Film director has a spectacular resume, as his works includes The Terminator starring the current governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Titanic starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

As James Cameron’s reputation in the cinematography proves he is worthy of great works in art. He surely did not disappoint the world with his latest creation. Avatar takes place in the year of 2154 on a moon called Pandora, where humans are mining for a precious mineral for a source of energy. A vast amount of the precious minerals called unobtainium is located in a tree called the “Tree of Souls” where the native population of Pandora resides in. In order for humans to interact with the native population known as the Na’vi, they must use genetically engineered bodies as the humans are unable to breathe the air in Pandora. As the humans are on the mission to exploit the unbotainium, they are forced to destroy parts of the Pandorian ecosystem, and the Na’vi resist the expansion of the humans. Even though warned by a researcher that if they were to destroy the “Tree of Souls”, they would as a result destroy the entire ecosystem of Pandora as the ecosystem is interconnected, the head of the military unit chooses otherwise and goes forward his plan in search for unobtainium.

Avatar has a very intriguing yet complicated story line, but that simply is not the reason for the vast amount of praise for this dazzling and exceptional work of art. With a budget of 237 million dollars, it is truly a work of beauty. The Pandorian ecosystem is exceptionally stunning and striking with colors unthinkable and unimaginable and the landscape is simply extraordinary, as the floating mountain were inspired by the Chinese Mount Huang which is huge tourist attraction in China. The organisms in Pandora seem to be a mix of the many creatures we see today. The organisms themselves seem so real due to the exceptional graphics, and the addition of 3-D effects simply makes this film a must see.

To date, Avatar has reported 5.54 million dollars in United States alone and has grossed in 1.859 billion dollars internationally making it the the highest grossing of all time in the world. Cameron’s Avatar overtook his other brilliant piece of work Titanic, which was the highest grossing of all time which was released in 1997 and grossed 1.844 billion dollars. However, Avatar sill needs another $45 million to beat the Titanic’s domestic gross of $600 million, which is predicted to be accomplished in the next two weeks. Avatar has been number one at the box office for six weeks since its release, and won a Golden Globe earlier this month for Best Picture, Drama. A few reports have also said that Cameron has in fact confirmed the possibility of a sequel to Avatar.

Avatar has impressed the world with its exceptional and extraordinary graphics and 3D effects. However, it just maybe only a preview to what the Cinematography industry has to show us. Be prepared to be dazzled once more.

The Decade’s Top Ten Influential Moments in America!

by Abin

As everyone is getting settled down after the excitement of a new year and a new decade, I began to think of what this previous decade gave us. This is what I came up with.

#10: Bush v. Gore

(http://cynicsparty.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/supporters.jpg)

The decade definitely started out with a bang. The first leader of the United States of America in the 21^st century was to be decided by this election. It certainly wasn’t the simplest presidential election in American history. The Florida recount was the hurdle that stood in the way of one of these men. Eventually, the Supreme Court settled the issue and Bush was elected president. However, the Florida recount still stands as one of the most controversial reelection processes. Maybe, this was a sign that this decade wouldn’t exactly be a smooth ride.

#9: The New England Patriots

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The patriots definitely were the team of the decade. It’s a title that they very well deserve. Tom Brady led his tem to four super bowl appearances and won 3 of them and being the second team to ever do so in just four years. These achievements don’t exactly influence the world as some of the other events in this list have but they certainly awe any football fan.

#8: Bugatti Veyron

(http://www.dragtimes.com/images/10048-2006-Bugatti-Veyron.jpg)

At a top speed of 255 mph, over a 1000 horsepower, and a 0-60 time of 2.5 seconds, this car broke barriers that people deemed unbreakable. It did the same as what the internet did to communication, what the television did to media coverage, what the invention of guns did to modern warfare. It is a huge engineering milestone, a concord of precision and beauty. There will be others that perform better but none of them would have been possible if it wasn’t for the Veyron.

#7: Michael Jackson

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The death of the “King of pop” certainly took everyone by surprise. He was a true legend and a music icon. He influenced the world in a way that no entertainer ever has. He will forever live on through his music.

#6: Natural disasters

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2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake: This earthquake created a tsunami that killed nearly 230,000 people. It was one of the deadliest natural disasters recorded in history.

2005 Hurricane Katrina: One of the biggest natural disasters that have ever hit the United States hit New Orleans, Louisiana the hardest on the 29^th of August in 2009. The hurricane left at least 1,836 dead and thousands homeless.

#5: Our oldest ancestor: Ardi

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In 2009, scientists found a nearly complete skeleton of Ardipithecus ramidus or simply “Ardi”. Ardi overtook Lucy as our oldest ancestor. Ardi is 4.4 million years old. Scientists have concluded that Ardi could walk on two legs and was a skilled tree climber. This clearly is a great find towards discovering the true nature of our ancestors.

#4: Swine flu pandemic

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The outbreak started in the state of Veracruz, Mexico but soon became a worldwide epidemic. It became one of the biggest concerns in peoples’ minds. How to avoid it? What are the symptoms? A panic rose through out the world. People were right to panic as it resulted in over 14,000 deaths worldwide.

#3: Global warming

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This decade has been the warmest on record. Scientists had expected melting of the glaciers but nothing of this magnitude. The environment proved to be one of the biggest concerns of this decade. The rising seas due to the melting glaciers make cities more and more vulnerable to extreme flooding. This was definitely not just a concern in this decade but also for many more years to come unless we do something.

#2: 9/11

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Disaster! One of the worst days in American history took place this decade. September 11, 2001 is a day that no American will forget. 2,973 people died when 19 Al-Qaeda members hijacked four commercials airplanes and crashed two into the twin towers in New York City and one into the pentagon. One of the hijacks failed and crashed on a field in Pennsylvania through the brave efforts of the passengers on that flight. Many died and the tragedy left this nation scarred. However, it really showed Americans what they were made of. We united and set aside our differences for a common goal, a goal to fight and end terrorism.

#1: Yes we can!

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This event really speaks for itself and what it means. Not a many decades ago, African-Americans were discriminated against and were victims of cruel police brutality. Now, an African-American is the president of that very nation. The day that Barack Obama was elected president of the United States, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. finally realized the full extent of his dreams. This was the sort of equality that Abraham Lincoln had pictured when he signed the Emancipation Proclamation. We found out that day that America really is the land of opportunities and the land of the free.