Features

 Maze Runner Book Review

Audrey Kim, Managing Editor

Mary Waugh, News Reporter

Ashley Pagsibigan, Reporter/Photographer

October 3, 2014

Inside the maze you have to run like your life depends on it. Because it does. So if you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.

James Dashner’s best-selling novel, The Maze Runner, presents a story of action and adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seats.

A group of male teenagers, who call themselves the Gladers, are trapped in a Maze that seems to have no way out. Each month a new boy is brought to the Glade through what is called the Box. One day a sixteen year-old boy named Thomas, with no memories of his past, finds himself in the Box surrounded by the Gladers. Although the Galders doubt Thomas at first, after proving himself over time he revives hope of escaping the Maze despite the dangers. However, everything changes once again when the first girl to ever arrive in the Box is introduced. The boys must work together to find out who is in control of not only the Maze, but their fates, some at the cost of their lives. Dashner weaves a thrilling plot with complex characters to create a sensational novel that delivers in all aspects of its storyline. The action and suspense keeps you turning the pages until the very end.

From all the hype about this book, a thrilling storyline is to be expected. Regrettably, after the first few chapters the book’s excitement begins to fade. It is not until the middle of the story that the action picks up again, making the book  impossible to put down.

Despite its weak beginning, The Maze Runner is definitely recommended to anyone looking for a book with a well written and action-packed plot.

App Review: FaceQ

Audrey Kim, Managing Editor

Mary Waugh, News Reporter 

Mina Jang, News Reporter 

October 8, 2014 

FaceQ has made it to the App Store top charts through its entertaining and simple concept. The app allows you to create a cartoon boy or girl and customize their hair, eyes, clothing, and much more! Pass the time by adding hilarious as well as realistic accessories and features to your personalized avatar.

FaceQ is a very noteworthy game. The setup is straightforward and very easy to use, with simple controls and options that are easy to access. The graphics compliment the app as the details of each component are visible, making it more enjoyable overall. 

Unfortunately, the app does not deliver its full potential in some areas of the game. While there is a diverse collection of clothing and backgrounds, facial characteristics such as eye and hair color are limited. Also, the game can become very monotonous with the repetitive process of making characters, which is the only feature that the app offers. 

However, despite these minor flaws, FaceQ is a very enjoyable game, and should definitelybe added to your home screen.

Gameplay: A

Graphics: A+

Overall: A

Scavenger Hunt Clue #1: "Center Spotlight"

Use the first clue to find the second clue (Will be on campus)

*Enter your name in the comment section (If your name isn't there you won't be able to win)

D.I.Y. Homemade Holiday Treats

By Mina Jang, Mary Waugh, Ashley Pagsibigan

A Sweet Minty Surprise: Peppermint White Chocolate Covered Pretzels.  

Source: The Spiffy Cookie Original

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. white chocolate candy melts

• 1 bag mini pretzels

• Peppermint crunch (or finely smashed candy canes) Line a large baking sheet with wax paper. Set aside.

1. In a double boiler (or microwave), melt the chocolate, stirring frequently until no lumps remain. Then remove from heat.

1. Holding one corner of a pretzel, dip into chocolate and lightly shake off excess chocolate. Place      on wax paper and sprinkle with peppermint pieces. Repeat with remaining pretzels.

1. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes, allowing the chocolate to harden

• Mini Marshmallows

• Strawberries, tops sliced off

• Banana, peeled and sliced

• Green Grapes

• Toothpicks

1. First wash and cut your fruit.

1. On each toothpick assemble your kabob as follows: one mini marshmallow, one strawberry, one banana slice and one green grape.

1. Enjoy! For more fun, decorate with melted chocolate to add faces. 

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 8 ounces white baking chocolate, coarsely chopped

• 4 cups half-and-half

• 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Peppermint Extract

• Whipped cream, marshmallows or marshmallow fluff (optional)

• crushed candy canes (optional)

1. Place heavy cream and chocolate in medium saucepan. Cook and stir on medium heat until chocolate is melted.

1. Stir in half-and-half and peppermint extract. Cook and stir until heated through.

1. Pour into serving cups. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a marshmallow or marshmallow fluff and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, if desired.

Directions:

A Healthy for the Hungry: Grinch Fruit Kabobs

Source: http://www.momables.com/grinch-fruit-kabobs/

Ingredients:

Directions:

A Peppermint Paradise: Peppermint White Hot Chocolate 

Source: http://www.cinnamonspiceandeverythingnice.com/peppermint-white-hot-chocolate/  

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Celebrity Status: Youtubers Edition

By Mina Jang and Ashley Pagsibigan

Bethany Mota, a Youtuber, dancer, singer, and fashion designer has made an impact on both young girls and boys across the world. Beginning on June 2009, Mota launched her YouTube career on her channel, Macbarbie07 by uploading her first haul video for people to view. She rose above bullying and has become a teenage role model.  On December 2013, she created her own clothing line at Aéropostale. The Salt Lake Tribune stated, “[Mota’s and Aéropostale]’s relationship [is] unique”. As a social media personality, Bethany has competed in Season 19 of “Dancing with the Stars” with Derek Hough. On the day of October 13, she let out a new single called, “Need You Right Now”, which charted #30 on ITunes Top Charts. Bethany Mota has inspired people in our generation, so Motivators, keep on supporting!

People know him as the funny and sarcastic One Direction fanboy, all the way up to YouTube sensation, Tyler Oakley. Tyler is not only one of the biggest internet celebrities, but he is also an active member throughout projects and organizations. Representing as the face of Kids Beating Cancer, Oakley helps solve ways to find new accesses for treating and curing life-threatening diseases. Another charity he volunteers for is The Trevor Project, an organization to prevent suicide for LGBTQ youth, where he raised $29,000 in 2013 and $525,704 in 2014 by the end of March. Tyler has done other appearances on broadcasting channels, such as 2014 Kids Choice Awards and Insider Tonight. Other tasks that he took part of are, communication manager of Chictopia, as well as director of social media at Good Ideas for Good Causes. Surprising us day after day, Tyler Oakley’s sweet actions make him one of a kind.

With over 6 million subscribers, Zoe Sugg, globally known as Zoella, has become an Internet sensation, and role model for many teens around the world. She is a beauty guru from the UK who enjoys making videos, vlogging about her life, and reviewing beauty products to post on Youtube. Her upcoming book, “Girl Online” will be released on November 25th. It is said to be as successful as her boyfriend, Alfie Deyes’s, story, “The Pointless Book.” In addition to her story, she recently launched a beauty line called Zoella Beauty. Zoella Beauty is sold exclusively in Superdrug stores and feelunique.com. Zoe Sugg is a Youtube star who has accomplished many achievements since 2009, when her career took off.

Troye Sivan, a 19-year old Internet enthusiast from Australia, has taken over the Youtube community by storm. His albums, Dare to Dream and June Haverley, as well has his latest EP, TRXYE have left everyone begging for more. It consists of five heartfelt tracks written by Troye Sivan himself. Charting in more than 50 countries, his music has rocketed since its release in August. In addition, Sivan released a single for The Fault in Our Stars movie, and donating the sales to charities around the US, supporting kids in need. Troye has also made it onto Time Magazine's list of the “25 most influential teens of 2014”. He was featured in Star Search and acted alongside Hugh Jackman in X-Men: Origins. At only 19 years of age, Troye Sivan has already made his mark in the celebrity world. 

TV Show Review: Sherlock

By: Audrey Kim (Managing Editor) and Mina Jang (Features Reporter)

 BBC has taken the classic story of Sherlock Holmes and modified it into a hit modern-day T.V. series. Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman) become a crime-fighting duo, solving mysteries together amongst the streets of London. The high-functioning sociopath, and retired army doctor, together form a balanced partnership that proves to be effective when chasing down insane serial killers, bombers, and terrorists.

Each season airs every two years and features three ninety-minute episodes. New, thrilling storylines, with shocking plot-twists and cliffhangers keep fans on the edge of their seats and  anxiously waiting for each new installment in the series. Despite making viewers endure a long wait for more entertaining episodes, it always pays off with each new exhilarating performance delivered by the entire cast. Sherlock is definitely a T.V. show that is worth your time to watch.