Pepco responds to local complaints

By Julia Gray Jake Sutton
March 3, 2011

In light of the recent power outages, many residents find themselves blaming Pepco for their various inconveniences and ruthlessly bash Pepco for not fixing the power soon enough.  According to Pepco spokesman Bob Hainey, Pepco tries to regain consumers’ confidence in the company by attempting to... Read more »

Putting on the pressure, ‘Tiger moms’ are on the prowl

By Zoe Forster Staff Writer
March 1, 2011

Many students may wonder why their Asian American classmates continuously excel in school, score the highest test grades and attend prestigious universities. According to Amy Chua, a professor at Yale Law School and the author of a new controversial book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, the source of... Read more »

The ‘Observer’ interviews ‘Mr. Churchill’ contestants

By Charles Cook Danny Weiss Staff Writers
March 1, 2011

The Mr. Churchill candiates were each posed with the following questions about their interests/hobbies, reason for entry, expectations of results and a fun fact about themselves. Junior Nadim Elhage, 6’2”, 265 lbs. •Enjoys looking at himself in the mirror, lifting weights. •Entered “So girls... Read more »

Facebook group bashes CHS, students fight back

By Spencer Levy Megan Scanlan Staff Writers
March 1, 2011

“Everyone hates CHS because we use bats [against cars], take computers for granted and think we are better than everyone else.” These are just a few of the posts on the new Facebook group “Everyone Hates Churchill.” This recently created Facebook page gives MCPS students a chance to voice their... Read more »

English teacher Reilly moonlights as master DJ

By Meghna Balakumar Staff Writer Justine Stayman Staff Resources Manager
March 1, 2011

A mild-mannered teacher by day and a master of the turntables by night, CHS freshman English teacher Matthew Reilly defies any assumptions about the supposedly banal life of teacher, with his part time gig as a DJ. “I started DJ-ing house parties when I was in college, way before anything was on the... Read more »

New zodiac sign causes frenzy, influence crosses world

By Bhaavya Srivastava Staff Writer
March 1, 2011

In India, where I lived for the first 13 years of my life, the daily newspaper has a section for horoscopes that can predict a person’s day, including lucky colors, lucky numbers and what activities are considered suitable for that day. Couples commonly meet with astrologers to decide whether their... Read more »

‘Eyeballing’ alcohol causes concern in community

By Jordan Maser Staff Writer
March 1, 2011

It is Friday night, and junior John* walks into a house party. He sees a group of people in what appears to be excruciating pain surrounding the bar. They are eyeballing vodka, and he decides to join them−a decision he will soon regret. Eyeballing vodka is when a shot of vodka is poured into the eye... Read more »

Students listen up with music-hiding hoodies

By Julie Kracov Business Manager Olivia Parven Contest Manager
March 1, 2011

During the 21st century technology boom, inventions such as the iPad, electronic books and other Internet-related devices have shaped a fast-paced society where technology and convenience have manipulated everyone’s lives.  The latest invention can be seen throughout CHS—audio hoodies. Audio hoodies... Read more »

Shedding pesticides, food trends go au natural

By Lori Koenick Staff Writer
March 1, 2011

Organic food is one of the fastest growing industries in food production. Just stroll around the Cabin John Giant; it’s hard not to notice the word “organic” popping up on products in every section of the store.  “About five to 10 percent of our produce is organic,” said Mark Slepitza, a manager... Read more »

Concepts regarding cancer and its causes cleared up

By Meghna Balakumar Staff Writer
December 22, 2010

“That can cause cancer” is the most common reaction from my family members when they see me talking on my cell phone, warming food up in the microwave or surfing the Web on my laptop. In today’s world, pretty much anything and everything seems to be capable of causing cancer. According to a National... Read more »