Food for Friendz by Apoorva Goel

Food For Friendz

Working to help out the Food Pantry during their summers, instead of sitting around, is a group of South Brunswick High School students who go by the name “Food For Friendz”.  The group was started in the summer of 2012 by former middle school students.  The idea for the group came from a game that involved selling lemonade.  The objective of the lemonade stand game was to learn how a company works, how to get the highest profit, and finding the perfect lemonade recipe. Using lemonade stand game as the base, one of the members came up with the idea of Food For Friendz. 

This picture was taken at the Independence Day Fireworks on July 4th, 2014.

Top row from left to right: Apoorva Goel, Sumedh Kamath, Saket Shah, Ritu Patel, Sukriti Prashar. 

Bottom row from left to right:Abhik Khanna, Nikhil Jadav, Daksh Prashar, Shreya Agrawal, Ishika    Khanna, Nikita Jadav, Richa Patel. (Absent: Shivam Agrawal).

 Along with our siblings, we now raise funds for the South Brunswick Food Pantry at township events such as the Independence Day Fireworks, Beech Woods Park concerts, and National Night Out by providing services to the public. At certain events, we sold both, Indian and American, refreshments.  Some of the members decided to take a step up in the creativity factor and put on henna and face-painting.

 

Top left: Shreya

Top right: Ishika

Bottom right: Apoorva

Face-painting and henna.

This summer, our group raised a total of $1,012.38.  It was a great success, as much as it was fun! Not only did we get to help people in need, but we got the chance to meet new people, including the mayor! If you ever see us, be sure to stop by and gain the opportunity to help the Food Pantry!

Missing Robin Williams by Sagar Rawal

Missing Robin Williams

By: Sagar Rawal

Upon hearing the tragic death of Robin Williams, it got me thinking about why I was upset. The answer presented itself all around me as well as in my memories. Even my super reserved mom was sad at his passing away because he has been such a large figure in my childhood and her first few years in the U.S. I remember growing up watching his movies on my old CRT TV. From him I crafted my own style of humor copying his jittery excitement in Flubber, his over-the-top jokes in Aladdin, and his sarcasm in Mrs. Doubtfire. I’ll always remember him for his amazing ability to make others laugh, but I think his real legacy lies in the seriousness of his movies and jokes. He always dealt with thoughtful subjects in his movies, like heartbreak, the extent of parental love, and even honesty. All masked in a blanket of humor Robin Williams taught character and encouraged friendliness through humor. Undoubtedly because of his movies I have been able to make some amazing friends. Robin Williams taught me how to make jokes to lighten moods, deal with tense subjects, overcome sorrow, and most of all, that happiness is a choice. Although he could find joy in himself, I certainly think he was proud in the happiness he gave to others. We may mourn him in our hearts but I think we should also take this time to celebrate his outstanding career as well, and as a nod to him go see his last movie post-mortem, Night at the Museum 3 and laugh with him one last time.

A Tale of Two Cities review by Ananya S.

Review of A Tale of Two Cities

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” So begins Charles Dickens in one of his more famous novels, A Tale of Two Cities. Focusing on the effects of the French Revolution on an Anglo-French family, Dickens’ novel is filled with adventure, suspense, and danger.

At seventeen years of age, Lucie Manette is reunited with the father she never knew. He had mysteriously disappeared before her birth and was found to have been unjustly imprisoned. Finally together again, they set out for England and make the acquaintance of Charles Darnay. Darnay and Lucie eventually fall in love and get married. Lucie’s father is happy for them; however, he realizes there is something oddly familiar about Darnay – something familiar and sinister…

Madame Defarge runs a wine shop with her husband – but there’s more to her than that. She also runs a spy network where all members are referred to as “Jacques.” Madame Defarge, cruelly wronged by a French noble, decides to take revenge on all of the French aristocracy by supporting and engineering movements of the French Revolution. Her desire for revenge, however, remains unchecked by compassion and humanity; when she discovers Darnay’s secret, she decides he must die, and his family must perish with him…

While Dickens creates an engaging plot, some of his characters are not well-developed. For instance, both Lucie Manette and Charles Darnay are portrayed as good, noble characters; however, they seem to lack insecurities, major flaws, and other traits that make characters more believable. Despite its flaws, Dickens’ novel includes a complicated and refreshing plot. Additionally, the author’s tone serves to provide wry commentary on the historical period which the novel portrays, giving the book a few light moments amidst the overall darker tone of the French Revolution. To reiterate, although some characters are one-dimensional, the complex plot and author’s tone make A Tale of Two Cities a satisfying read.

~Ananya Swaminathan

Shruti R. Patel....Funny

Laugh!!! It’s Joke Time!!!

1.      Teacher: Akhil, name an animal which is found in South Africa.

Akhil: A lion.

Teacher: That is absolutely right! Now, name another animal.

Akhil: Another lion.

2.      Jerry: Why are the blood groups of people different?

Bred: So that mosquitoes don’t get bored of drinking the same blood all the time.

3.      Gillian: Why did the Tennis player bring a tray to practice?

Tony: I don’t know.

Gillian: Because it was his turn to serve.

4.      Lucy: Daddy, what are four grapes and two grapes?

Daddy: Can’t you solve this simple addition problem on your own? Didn’t you do a similar problem in class?

Lucy: No, the teacher always uses bananas.

5.      Jennifer: Why didn’t you call me yesterday?

Maya: I did but each time I tried, your phone was busy!

Jennifer: Impossible! I was sitting with the receiver in my hand.

6.      Father: How was school today, Greg? Did you like it?

Gregory: It’s hard to like a place that’s haunted, Dad.

Father: Haunted! What do you mean?

Gregory: It’s my new teacher. She keeps talking about the school spirit.

7.      1^st Man: Why are your hands in my pocket?

2^nd Man: Sorry, I’m wearing an identical pair of trousers.

8.      Teacher: Johnny, did you cheat from Amy’s test?

Johnny: Yes, but how did you know?

Teacher: In one answer, Amy wrote, “I don’t know.” And you wrote, “Me neither.”

~ Shruti R. Patel

House of Silk Review by Ananya S.

Review of The House of Silk

It is winter 1890, and Sherlock Holmes and his good friend, Dr. Watson, are relaxing by the fire. Suddenly, they are interrupted by a mysterious man who appears – a client. The man, Mr. Edmund Carstairs, proceeds to tell Holmes and Watson about The Flat Cap Gang, a criminal group in Boston. The gang had murdered a man and destroyed several precious paintings. Carstairs, wanting justice, had hired police to track the gang down; all of the members were subsequently caught, except for one…and that one member wants revenge… Intrigued by Carstairs’ story, Holmes and Watson are drawn into the darkest corners of 19^th-century London. Slowly, the case itself only becomes more confusing as the stakes are raised higher; eventually, Holmes comes to hear of the “House of Silk.” Despite many warnings, he and Watson investigate the mysterious and dangerous name; however, the consequences of their curiosity could prove to be fatal…

The House of Silk, by Anthony Horowitz, is a satisfying albeit dark novel. The mystery is very well developed, with clues subtly slipped into the text. Horowitz includes many unexpected plot twists, but none of them seem far-fetched, and all fit with the storyline. Additionally, Horowitz has a good grasp of the Holmes-Watson dynamic; this, along with his tone, makes The House of Silk feel like an authentic Sherlock Holmes story. Overall, The House of Silk is a dark yet enjoyable read.

~Ananya Swaminathan 

Honesty by Shruti R. Patel

Honesty 

 “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”   - Mark Twain

It is said that honesty is the best policy. However, how many of us are honest? We tell little white lies, but we don’t realize the significance of honesty. This remarkable and profound quote conveys an important message that we can connect to and apply in our everyday life. When you lie, you have to remember your own falsified story the next time. In contrast, the truth has only one version, without any gray shade. You don’t need to remember the truth because it is the reality and it does not alter or exaggerate in any way. However, on the other hand, lies are based on self-fabricated and imaginary excuses; therefore, they are forgettable. Also, it is difficult to keep them straight. If you are lying, you must know exactly what you have to say. If you forget, people may doubt you and it can destroy their trust in you. White lies don’t last long and it is tough to keep track of them. Ultimately, the light of the truth shines. The quote gives us an understanding that lying is much more difficult than telling the truth because when you lie, you have to not only make up a story, but also remember to stick with it, so that you are not caught. Telling the truth does not require any memorization because you simply inform what you know. Lies hurt more than truths. To hide a lie, you must tell more lies and there is a greater possibility that you may forget the lies. This quote by Mark Twain is noteworthy; we should give this quote consideration and live accordingly. Imagine a world where everyone is honest and truthful. Our world would be more productive and efficient and our society would be ideal. Honesty is a traditional value with a great legacy. So, let’s start developing integrity and honesty in our life!

Let’s be honest!

~ Shruti R. Patel

review of Born Confused by Simran B

Born Confused Review by Simran B.

Plot Summary:  Dimple Lala is just a 17 year old girl in New Jersey, struggling with the one question we all face during these teenager times. Who am I? She is caught in between two different worlds, trying to find the perfect balance and harmony between them. She feels as she is too Indian for the Americans, and not Indian enough for her own heritage. As the book progresses, Dimple realizes that it doesn’t have to be an either-or choice. She understands that she can be both, and discovers the balance she was once looking for. She understands that she doesn’t have to be embarrassed to express her Indian culture, and realizes that being different is perfectly fine.  

Along side with the issue of trying to discover who you are, Born Confused deals with the issue of trying to live up to your parents’ expectations. This issue is a crucial part of the book, as at the beginning Dimple fails to understand what her parents truly want of her. Albeit, as the book continues on, Dimple develops a closer relationship with her parents, and realizes they are not all that different from her, and can surprisingly relate to what she is going through.

At the same time, the books hits on the issue of maintaining relationships, as Gwyn, Dimple’s best friend suddenly just assumes that Dimple has a perfect life, due to still having parents that are still together and love each other, and as to having an intact family. However, Gwyn fails to see that while this is true, all of this does not equal to a perfect life. As I mentioned before, Dimple is going through some tough times of her own, such as the “identity quest” to discover who she actually is and how she fits inside this world. This issue of maintaining relationships, and the way that Gwyn suddenly jumps to the conclusion of Dimple having a perfect life, is a fantastic way to incorporate the message of “things aren’t always what they seem, especially if you are looking in from the outside”.

Now, while there are several other key points in the book, these are only three of them. (After all, how can I tell you the others? That would just be spoiling the book for you! You’ll have to read the book to find out the rest!)

Overall, Born Confused is a wonderful book of a typical teenage struggling with several issues in her life and trying to deal with them all. While the book is a bit lengthy (500 pgs), and takes a while to take off, it is filled with enriching detail, and is one that will keep teenagers engaged. Once the book takes off, you will definitely get hooked, and will just want to keep reading! Now, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, grab this book of the shelves, and start reading!

*A side note* While reading this book, keep your mind open, and be prepared for the unexpected!

Love Knows: a poem by Simran B.

Love Knows...

Love knows no reasons,

Love knows no lies.

Love defies all reasons,

It has no eyes.

Love knows how to speak,

Love is antique.

Love knows how to sing,

It is said while wearing your wedding ring.

Love knows how to comfort,

Love is as sweet as yogurt.

But, love is not blind.

Love sees but doesn’t mind.

Love enables one to see,

Love is quite a beauty.

~Simran B.

Lovely Nature: a poem by Shruti R. Patel

Lovely Nature

Once I was strolling down a road in the lap of nature,

I saw birds chirping melodious songs,

And bees humming on flowers,

Deer running all around with joy,

And leaves giving tiny ants a ride,

The light rays of the sun spreading everywhere,

I saw flowers blossoming on trees,

Colorful butterflies flying around in the air,

And also leaves emerging on top of the trees,

A cool breeze making the plants dance joyfully,

How wonderful is nature!

Peep out the window,

Notice how great is its beauty!

Respect nature. Appreciate nature. Nature is our greatest gift. Nature makes us forget all our sorrows. Nature smiles at us and makes us smile as well. Nature showers its love on everyone.

~ Shruti R. Patel

Temple Run 2 review by Simran B.

Temple Run 2 Review by Simran B.

“Run! Run for your life!”

In the game, Temple Run 2, this saying is taken quite literally. The objective of the game is to escape from “demonic monkeys” who want to eat you, since you are playing as an explorer that has just stolen an idol. To escape, you have to keep running. Although, since this is an endless running game, there is no end to the temple. The game is over once the explorer falls off the temple or until the explorer is eaten by the monkeys. While running, you can collect coins (by tilting your device left or right), use power-ups  and jump over (and slide underneath) various objects. You also have “objectives”. There are three “objectives” per level. To complete a level, (and maybe gain a gem or some coins), you have to finish the objectives. The more objectives you complete, the higher your level number will be. Also, those coins I mentioned earlier? Coins are extremely helpful. Through the coins you collect, you can purchase and upgrade your power-ups or abilities, unlock new characters, and do much, much more! So, what are you doing, still reading this? Download this app, and start running!

book review from Ananya S.

Review of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (book)

It’s been a year since Lucy and her older brother, Edmund, have last visited the magical land of Narnia. As Peter is preparing for college and Susan is in America, the two siblings are forced to stay with their obnoxious younger cousin, Eustace. One of Eustace’s favorite pastimes, in fact, is mocking Edmund and Lucy about the “imaginary” land of Narnia…until a painting on the wall comes to life. Finding themselves on the ship of King Caspian, Edmund, Lucy, and Eustace (the latter not so enthusiastically) join the crew on a journey to the end of the world.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is, however, largely Lucy’s and Eustace’s book. It is through them that Lewis explores his most significant themes, such as temptation, change, and faith. Eustace, originally annoying and selfish, is tempted by cursed gold and transforms into a dragon. After observing the crew’s support and his cousins’ compassion for him in his cursed state, he vows to become more helpful and considerate. Lucy, meanwhile, discovers a book of spells; one of these spells could make her the most beautiful girl in existence…but would ultimately lead to the destruction of worlds. As we discover Lucy’s inner conflicts and insecurities, we are also exposed to her unwavering faith in Aslan, the creator of Narnia; when the ship is in its darkest hour, it is Lucy who saves the crew with her belief in Aslan.

Through thorough characterization of Lucy and Eustace, C. S. Lewis, the author of The Chronicles of Narnia series, explores the ideas of loyalty, temptation, faith, redemption, and (ultimately) of growing up. Overall, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is both an interesting beginning to the adventures of Eustace in Narnia and a satisfying conclusion to those of Lucy and Edmund.  

~Ananya Swaminathan