The Bagpiper Online

CHERUB excites columnist

thefcbagpiper — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:19:43 +0000

By Lauren Holstner

Do you love spy novels involving teen spies? Then CHERUB: The Recruitby Robert Muchamore is the book for you. This book is one of the best spy novels I’ve read in a while, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.In CHERUB James is pretty much an orphan, though he does have a little half sister named Lauren. He gets scouted for CHERUB, an elite spy school that sounds more like boot camp. He has to learn everything and go through 100 days of intense training. Even though CHERUB is the name of there school, no one knows what it stands for, not even the headmaster, who even asks students to help them figure it out.

This book is full of action at every corner, from their training, to their trip to Malaysia, and even foil a plot to kill hundreds of people. I loved all the action and adventure, this book makes you think what even James Bond went through. Since Muchamore used to be a private investigator his knowledge of the subject really shows in his writing.

This is a great read for anyone looking for a new exciting book filled with action, adventure, romance, and of course teen spies.

Spirit Week: Decade Day

fcfeatures — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:07:13 +0000

By Claire DeFrancisci and Bekah Landers

Jordan Thompson gets crowned Homecoming king

thefcbagpiper — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:26:23 +0000

Spirit Week: Green and Gold Day

fcfeatures — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:19:40 +0000

By Claire DeFrancisci and Bekah Landers

Spirit Week: Teacher Twin Day

fcfeatures — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:24:38 +0000

By Claire DeFrancisci and Rebekah Landers

Click to view slideshow.

Additional Reporting by Ashley Vance

FC to host Poetry Out Loud this Friday

bagpipernews — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:06:17 +0000

By Grey Peterson

FC poets have an opportunity to share their talents in this Friday’s Poetry Out Loud competition.

Poetry Out Loud is a school-wide competition in which students will recite two poems for judges to evaluate. This competition offers students an opportunity to learn to appreciate poetry and to get their pieces heard. After all, “Poetry is meant to be read aloud,” said English teacher Wallace Austin, who is coordinating the event.

In order to compete in Poetry Out Loud, students must be in grades 9-12, U.S. citizens, and must compete in the school competition before progressing to the state finals.

When asked about what judges are looking for in the students, Austin said,”We look for how students are able to capture the meaning in their poems.” Along with mastering the tone of their poems, students competing will want to be sure that their poems are selected from the Poetry Out Loud online anthology at poetryoutloud.org. One poem must be memorized while the other may be read.

Entry forms are to be submitted to Austin’s room C109 this Friday, Jan. 27 when they compete.

Spirit Week: Camouflage Day

fcfeatures — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:58:15 +0000

By Claire DeFrancisci and Rebekah Landers

Pop Rocks!: 2012 Grammy Predictions

Danielle Rehor — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:35:52 +0000

By Jared Murray

This year’s Best Pop Solo Performance category is more of a dumping ground for the most popular songs of the year rather than a heated race between the actual best pop songs of the year. Songs nominated in the category include: “Someone Like You” by Adele, “Yoü And I” by Lady Gaga, “Grenade” by Bruno Mars, “Firework” by Katy Perry and “F***in’ Perfect” by P!nk.

British singer Adele has had a record breaking year, both in album sales and chart performance. Her plaintive second single “Someone Like You” garnered her much critical acclaim and commercial success thanks to her large fan base of forlorn teenage girls. Her simple yet emotive performance definitely makes her a contender for the award.

Lady Gaga’s “Yoü And I” finds the pop star in her natural habitat: heartbroken and playing the piano. While that combination may boring to some, the result is truly a genuine sounding pop song from a woman known for being anything but. Featuring some top-notch belting from Gaga, and honky-tonk vibe along with an impressive guitar solo from Queen’s Brian May, “Yoü And I” is not a song to underestimate or sing along with quietly.

Another song about love, “Grenade” by the smooth singing Bruno Mars is the only song sung by a male to be nominated in this category this year. The synth-driven song finds Bruno trying to make his lover feel bad for their lack of dedication in the relationship. Despite the excellent vocals and an irresistible chorus, “Grenade” is unlikely to be a serious contender for the coveted gramophone.

Whether you like it or not, Katy Perry had a stellar year. Her self-empowerment single “Firework” is a delectable slice of dancepop that had everyone singing their heads off. Sadly, even the song’s catchy beat could not save itself from some questionable lyrics (plastic bags, really?) and Katy’s near-yelling vocals in the chorus. Hopefully her nomination was not meant to be serious, especially when looking at many better pop songs having come out last year.

Following the trend of self-love anthems seen this year, P!nk’s “F***kin’ Perfect” is a fun and energetic song from one of pop music’s veterans. Clearly written for her fans, the sometimes electropop song doesn’t have many distinct characteristics to set itself apart from everything else on the radio today, making it an extremely unlikely winner.

My predictions:

Who Will Win: “Someone Like You” by Adele

Who Should Win: “Someone Like You” by Adele

Dark Horse: “Yoü And I” by Lady Gaga