Runners are talented athletes

By: Justin Rheingold- breaking stories online editor
October 29, 2009

As an avid runner it is troubling to hear others say that “running is not a sport.” However, these non-runners use inaccurate logic in their reasoning and thus this idea is a mere fallacy. Admittedly running can be divided into two distinct categories—leisure and competitive runnig — but the... Read more »

Sniper John Allen Muhammad faces Nov. 10 death sentence

Jenna Cantor, Public Relations
October 29, 2009

There were three weeks in October 2002 when people in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia could not walk outside without the fear of getting shot.  During this time, the then 41-year-old John Allen Muhammad and 17-year-old, Lee Boyd Malvo shot 13 innocent civilians, killing 10. Muhammad has since been sentenced... Read more »

Running does not require skill

By: Matt Brothers- staff writer
October 29, 2009

Around my neighborhood kids juggle soccer balls and football players play catch to improve their skills in certain sports. “Trackies,” on the other hand, practice running because all they really do in their events is run.   Running is not a sport. A sport is an activity involving physical exertion... Read more »

‘Observer’ launches improved website

Madeline Flax, Staff Writer
October 29, 2009

The Observer has expanded its online website this year in an effort to increase its direct communication with readers. The new website has been given a facelift, offering a new design and a greater variety of content. In addition to the changed layout of the website, unlimited space now allows the Observer... Read more »

Solar Decathalon displays eco-friendly homes

Hanna Phillips Staff Resource Manager
October 29, 2009

In the shadow of the Washington Monument, people waited up to an hour to tour one of the 20 futuristic and energy-efficient homes built by college students from 20 different university teams. The fourth Solar Decathlon, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) every other year, took place Oct. 8-16.... Read more »

Field hockey falls short of expectations

By: Maddy Jacobs- fact checker & Becky Price- Staff Resources Manager
October 29, 2009

The field hockey team heads into the playoffs with some disappointment. With a mediocre 5-6 record, the Bulldogs have yet to play their best field hockey. “They haven’t lived up to their full potential,” coach Monica Malanoski said. “They play well as individuals, but until they realize this... Read more »

Girls break tradition by making the first move

Eshe Hill and Amanda Vinner Features Editors
October 29, 2009

A girl wants to be asked by a certain boy to homecoming, so she makes a to do list to plan out how she is going to get him to ask. Step One: Try to make him notice you. Step Two: Get your friends to talk to him about you. Step Three: Make “subtle” hints about him asking you. Step Four: Just do it... Read more »

The ‘Observer’ uncovers the origins of school names

Matt Cole Staff Writer
October 29, 2009

Montgomery County schools all took different routes in selecting their names. Some, like Damascus High School, are simply named after the town they are located in, while others are named after someone in history. CHS is named for Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, a well-known British politician,... Read more »

Girls soccer wins division for first time in over a decade

By: Matt Brothers- staff writer
October 29, 2009

Led by senior captain and Athlete of the Month Pam Vranis, the girls soccer team looks to remain undefeated heading into the playoffs. The Bulldogs have already clinched the Maryland 4A West division thanks to a powerful offense, which most recently propelled them to a 2-0 victory over Wootton Oct. 21. “The... Read more »

How old is too old to go out on Halloween?

Carly Rotter Claudia Shannon Staff Writers
October 29, 2009

To trick-or-treat or not to trick-or-treat, that is the question. As students get older, the traditional way of celebrating Halloween seems to be getting old as well. Each year, fewer students go out, dress up in costumes and trick-or-treat with their friends. While their reasons for abandoning these... Read more »