Prison Break Is On A Roll

Age 15-19
The purpose of this review is to inform readers about the latest episode of Prison Break and describe the show.
(Photo courtesy of Fox Broadcasting Company)

What could make the story of a super-intelligent, handsome engineer purposely getting himself arrested to save his half brother from an undeserved execution in prison any better? Could it be an intricate, fast paced story line, believable acting and a full length upper body tattoo? Despite the many fans around the world that wait eagerly every Monday night to watch Michael Scofield and his team of convicts wittingly squeeze their way through another mess with the government, the four year show is slowly coming to an unwelcomed end. The series- created by Paul Scheuring, also known for writing “A Man Apart” (2003) - became a hit when it aired on Fox in 2005. Since then, the show has gained many more loyal fans that are dreading its finale.

This week’s episode is the sixth last in the entire series and it definitely did not disappoint. Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) and his half brother Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell) are not only still on the run from the government and their mother- that was presumed dead in earlier episodes- but are now against each other. The episode still has the characters that everyone has become attached to with the plus of excellent acting. All of the actors have had to change throughout the course of the series, yet they manage to stay true to their characters. Michael is still the smart planner of the group and Lincoln the dependable older brother. Theodor Bagwell a.k.a. T-Bag (Robert Knepper) remains as one of the more humorous characters in the show by the actor’s dedication to the snide remarks and witty comments written in the script. In a show full of drama, he is the comic relief that creates a balance in the plot. Sara Tancredi (Sarah Wayne Callies) gives an excellent performance when she discovers some unbelievable news. Her well- thought out reaction leaves the viewer in suspense as to whether or not she is happy about it. I guess they’ll have to wait for the later episodes to find out.

In addition to the wonderful acting, the setting is light and colourful which ads a nice contrast to the dark situation that the characters find themselves in. By doing this the viewers get a feeling of hope for Michael and his team which, let’s face it, is a long time coming. With this episode, the plot is giving hints about how the show will end. So, all the fans that sit, waiting with their fingers crossed, will hopefully get what they are expecting at the end of this thrilling and enticing show.

There's Nothing Better Than A Little Press Coverage

For ages 18-21
The purpose of this editorial is to address the fact that people spend way too much time focusing on the lives on people who they don't even know and who don't do anything for society.

Madonna, the Queen of pop, falling off a horse is hardly breaking news and yet an entire article is devoted to the incident. According to Madonna herself the reason she had to relive another frightful experience on a horse was due to a paparazzi scaring her horse. However, Thomas Hinton says he was the only photographer there and only captured pictures of her before and after the incident.

According to the article,Madonna suffered only minor injuries and bruises, so does anyone really care? What people actually care about- besides politics and economics- is controversial, enticing entertainment news. This article is more like a diary entry of Madonna's life rather than "breaking news". To be honest, the only interesting thing about this article is finding out that she was denied the adoption of a child from a southern African country. Children in underdeveloped countries are dying and suffering each day and Madonna- one of the wealthiest people in the world- was not allowed to help them. I can only imagine what the adoption agency must think of her.

The bottom line and underlying issue is that people focus too much on trivial situations,like Madonna falling off a horse,than recognizing the true suffering in the world,like the children in underdeveloped countries. If everybody in the world payed more attention to the important things in life then maybe we'd all be on our way to finding cures for them instead of trying to find out about Madonna's next album.

Obama Spills CIA Secrets!

For ages 15-19
The purpose of this editorial is to support the fact that harsh punishment and torture are not always the best way to retrieve information and press the issue that America is still living in the "Bush" times.

The author of this article does an excellent job in showing no bias towards the issue of Obama giving away secret interrogation techniques of the CIA. No specific sides are being taken; instead the author is informing the reader of the beliefs and pros and cons of softer interrogations to harsher interrogations.

Torture is one of the best ways to inflict fear in a human being, but is it the best way to get the answers you want? Many people believe that harsh punishments are critical in attaining information and others believe the more pasivist approach. In my opinion, torture is not the way to go.

Half of the time torture provides the same amount of information as soft punishment, yet Americans are still using it. If they believe that this is the right way then why are they so worked up that Obama has revealed their secret? There are other ways that important information can be attained without going behind the backs of Americans to do it. These types of lies, when brought out into the limelight, only cause controversy and disappointment.

Daughter For Sale!

For ages 15-19
The purpose of this editorial is to explain that selling individual, especially those of kin, is wrong no matter the financial problems in the family.

This article displays clear recollections of the situation between Rafiq Qureshi and his nine year old daughter by providing quotes from him and reporters that have interviewed him. The author had no bias and no obvious opinion on the matter. This allows the reader to decide with full discretion if the situation is right or wrong without the author's influence.

Personally, it's not exactly the fact that he tried to sell his daughter because it happens all over world whether or not we like to admit, but his complete denial of doing it somewhat trails down the road of unethicality. The author states that a reporter from the weekly tabloid of World, disguised as a wealthy Arab sheikh, met with Qureshi to offer money for his daughter. 'Hypocrisy' is definitely an understatement for this situation.

The author also states that Qureshi was complaining about the little money his daughter's movie 'Slumdog Millionaire' pulled in for him and his family. Whether or not the author added this in the article to appeal to readers' emotions is beyond me, but this is not a good reason to sell a human being. Sure, money is hard to get no matter where a person is, but there are different and more ethical ways of doing it. Qureshi's ex-wife, on the other hand, didn't seem too happy in finding out the plans he had for their daughter by bluntly saying "I did not believe he would actually agree to it". It seems like she is the only logical one so far.

Airport Security 101: How to stop an airplane hijacker

For ages 15- 19
The purpose is to ask how an armed man managed to make it through airport security.


After the devastating events of September 11, 2001 one would think that airport security- no matter where in the world- would be increased to prevent anything like this occurring again. However, many would be more than happy to disagree with this statement. The main question on every one's mind is how did an armed man make it past security when we are continuously being told that airports are taking necessary precautions to avoid any more hijackings and deaths.

Evidently, a man- with 'mental challenges' no less- managed to make it past air port security in an attempt to hijack a plane headed to Canada. Now, it doesn't explain in the article if this man was trained with a weapon, but the airport security, which is hired professionally to take care of situations like this, filed at fulfilling their job. It's true, accidents happen and mistakes are made, but after all the publicity of 9/11 it's only common sense to assume that airports would tighten up their security.

Luckily none of the passengers were killed or injured, but what if they were? What if this hijacker was not willing to exchange cash and personal belongings for their freedom? This makes me wonder how much initiative and action is being taken to ensure our security. This time it was only a false alarm; next time we may not be so lucky.

Writing 'Supernatural' With Eric Kripke

(I'd just like to point out that his initials are the same as mine except backwards. I think this is pretty crazy seeing as he is one of my heroes)

K: So, how exactly is the episode with the third Winchester brother supposed to go?

E.K.: (Typing on his laptop) You're going to have to wait until the 23rd to find that out?

K: Oh come on, I can't wait that long.

E.K.: Don't worry, it'll have all the urban legends and all the horror fans love.

K: With the addition of a new brother.

E.K.: I know a lot of fans are kind of mad about that, but I promise it'll all work out. I have it all planned in my mind. Every move the Winchesters make is all up here (points to his head).

K: So, we'll be happy with how it turns out?

E.K.: (Laughing) Yeah, it'll still be about two brothers, on a life long road trip, listening to classic rock 24/7.

K: What about when 'Supernatural' is done?

E.K.: I'm not sure yet. I might start writing another show, but I'm going to miss Sam and Dean. Their characters were so well developed to having a love/hate brother relationship.

K: Who knows, maybe the characters in your next show will be just as good.

E.K.: (Nodding his head) True. I guess we're just going to have to wait.

Day With David Archuleta

K: So, when is your next concert?

D.A.: On Tuesday. My schedule has been so crazy lately. It's all thanks to American Idol.

K: Oh come on David, you were going to get a record contract with or without Idol. It was only a matter of time.

D.A.: (Panting) I'm just really thankful I got the opportunity. I wouldn't have become worldwide back in Utah.

K: I guess not, but it must be pretty overwhelming to be on the road everyday.

D.A.: It is, but it's for something that I love to do. It's been so amazing!

K: It sounds amazing. It doesn't seem like being runner up on Idol has discouraged you at all.

D.A.: Not at all. Idol was a learning experience. It would have been awesome to win, but David Cook is such a nice guy with so much talent.

K: Wow, most people in your position would be totally resentful of the person that beat them.

D.A.: (Laughing) David is awesome. I could never hate him.

K: Yeah, he is a good musician too. But Simon must have definitely gotten under your skin during the competition.

D.A.: (Laughing) Simon is definitely... something, but he is an amazing judge. He knows what he's talking about.

K: David, do you ever get mad? You're always so happy and smiling.

D.A.: (Laughing) I hope that's a compliment. I'm just not a very angry person.

K: Calmness in a very rare thing in the entertainment business. Well, I wish you so much luck with your career in music. I hope it all works out for you.

D.A.: (Panting and laughing) Thank you so much.

Day With Gene Simmons

K: Gene, you have a pretty good life as a rock star.

G.S: (Gives cocky smile) My life isn't good...It's amazing!

K: True, but doesn't it bother you that most of your fans are middle aged women.

G.S: (Laughing) That's not true. We have all kinds of fans. From babies to grown ups.

K: Babies? Really?

G.S: (Smiling) I'm serious. We even have merchandise for babies like KISS pacifiers and KISS bibs.

K: And did you think of making baby merchandise?

G.S: (Sarcastically) No, that was my wife's brilliant idea. Anything that has to do with kids, she's all for it.

K: Oh yeah, you have two kids yourself. So not only are you a rock star, but you're a dad.

G.S: (Smiling proudly) Yup.

K: So how do your kids feel about having a rock star father?

G.S: Nick, my son, is in denial that his dad is cooler than him.

K: And do you think you're cooler than him?

G.S: (Laughing) I was, I mean come on I was the lead singer of KISS. But now I'm passing the torch down to him.

K: Well, here's hoping that he's just as much as a rock star as his dad.

My Friend, My Love, My Weakness 15-19

This piece is written for people who are easily pressured and influnced by those around them.

I was running, faster and faster, trying to escape the horrible thing I had just done. The wind rippled through my hair as my jeans became soaked by the water that splashed when my sneakers hit the ground. Cory was a few feet in front of me as though trying to outrun us. I wasn’t going to let him do that. It was his entire fault that Samantha and I were involved in this. We didn’t want to steal the sunglasses. Our intentions were to browse in the store, but then I saw Cory stuff a watch into his pocket. That single act led to the position we were in now. We were running from the law for a stupid pair of sunglasses. Why did I do it? Why do I allow myself to be pressured into these things?

Cory and I had been best friends since before I could remember. His mother was best friends with mine and our families were practically inseparable. We would do anything for each other, but that’s not why I did this. The feelings I had for Cory were not exactly the ones he had for me. His perfect smile and bright eyes flipped a small switch in me. A switch that changed me from the independent, smart girl I was to a stupid, love struck teenager. I was his puppet and he effortlessly pulled my strings in any which way he wanted. What upset me even more was that I was pretty sure he was aware of the effect he had on me, but used that power nonetheless.

I could hear my heart pounding in my ears as I turned to look at Samantha. She looked as much out of breath as I was. In one swift motion she flipped her dark hair out of her face before I slammed into something hard. I looked up to see Cory’s tall, figure stopped in front of a man wearing blue. The man began to search Cory’s pockets and found the watch. He then pulled out the pair of sunglasses I had taken. I knew it was wrong to frame him, but I had no choice. I had to break free from the spell Cory had over me. This was his fault and he had to pay. Cory was my friend, my love and my weakness, but from weakness emerges strength. The strength to find yourself and do the right thing no matter the consequences.

The Everlasting Tradition 15-19

The piece is for anyone that has lost someone special in their life. Dying is a natural thing. The bones and flesh will erode and become part of the soil, but memories will forever live on.

I love carnivals. Eating a slice of apple pie and watching the children jubilantly run up to their parent’s, asking for another ticket for a ride, reminded me of the many summers I spent with my father. My clear recollections of my father always brightened my mood. He died a few years ago at the age of 58 due to a massive heart attack. The summer before his death was the last time we went to the carnival. It was like an annual tradition for us. My mother was never excited about seeing clowns or experiencing terrifying rides, so it was just the two of us.


We would first start off by buying a roll of tickets, big enough to fit around my small wrist. Then we would hop on any ride that caught our attention. After that we would play games and I would always win more prizes than him. Going back to the carnival alone made me sad, but also made me happy. There I was able to reminisce on the wonderful and amazing father I was lucky enough to have. His joyful laughter and warm personality always attracted people to his company. Sometimes when I was sad or hurt, he would by me a slice of apple pie to make me feel better. After the first few times, it became as much of a tradition as the carnival itself.


Now I stand there amongst the many unfamiliar faces, eating my usual slice of pie. Occasionally I would get unwelcoming glares from people and I would know exactly what they are thinking. What is this lady doing here all alone? Why isn’t she with anyone? The carnival had become a place for me and my father to go and enjoy ourselves. I would feel wrong to bring someone else and change the tradition. Maybe one day when I get married, settle down and have a child of my own I’ll bring them to the carnival, but for now I can only go with the memories of my father close at heart.

Can't she understand? 15-19

With this piece I am trying to illustrate that sometimes what may be adorable to you may not be a mutual feeling with a baby.

I sat there in the ridiculous costume, wondering why mommy was standing over me with an enormous smile spread across her face. I hated peas, and mommy knew that. It was like she was mocking me by dressing me up as one and endlessly taking pictures. Not only was the costume ridiculous, it also lacked any sort of ventilation. I was practically sweating off all of the mashed potatoes I had eaten for lunch. That was when I decided to take drastic measures. My mission: to somehow get myself out of the vegetable. Wiggling and squirming seemed to make no difference as mommy began to laugh uncontrollably. She pressed the button on the picture-taker which made a bright flash. I was left stunned by the light before attempting my escape again.

If it wasn’t embarrassing enough for mommy to loom over me as I struggled in the costume, she had to invite her friend over. Could they not tell by my sudden burst of crying that I was not comfortable? Could they not understand that I would much rather be in my playpen, shaking my rattle continuously. I lifted my head and managed to peek some of it out of the green hood. The summer breeze felt good on my head as I took a break. Having short arms is not useful when trying to wriggle free of a body suit. My breathing was beginning to become heavy. My fruitless attempts seemed like a complete waste of time until daddy came running up in front of me. He seemed angry at what mommy was doing as he unzipped the green suit and pried it off me. Freedom at last! The suddenly cold wind began to refresh my sweaty body before daddy grabbed me in his arms and placed my head lightly on his shoulder. My eyelids became heavy as his rhythmic steps lulled me into a deep sleep. That was definitely enough exercise for one day.