THE LIGHTNING BOLT

CRAWFORD LEADS THE CHARGE MARIO GAME AND MOVIE REVIEWS COVID COVERAGE-THEATRE, SPORTS, TEACHERS,PROCEDURES

VOLUME 33 iSSUE 1 CHANCELLOR HIGH SCHOOL 6300 HARRISON ROAD, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22407 1 Sep/Oct 2020 RETIREMENT, RETURN TO SCHOOL, MRS. GATTIE AND CRAWFORD ADVISOR

FAITH REMICK Left Mrs. Bass-Fortune is at her retirement parade on June EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 24 that was held to honor her many years at Chancellor High School. For more than three CARA SEELY hours decorated cars drove by the school, honking at Mrs. NEWS EDITOR Bass-Fortune, giving her gifts and well wishes. CARA HADDEN FEATURES EDITOR

KAITLYN GARVEY SPORTS EDITOR

STEPHANIE MARTINEZ & EMMA PURCELL OP-ED EDITORS Above and Left: Chancellor gets a facelift of decorated doors throughout the school. MIKAH NELSON Front Cover:New Principal Mrs. Cassandra Crawford & Back Cover: Newly Retired HAILEY PATTEN Mrs. Bass-Fortune CHARGING CORNER CHARGER FUR BABIES CONTEST MATCH THE NAME OF THE PET TO THE PICTURE AND TAKE YOUR ANSWERS TO ROOM A113 OR EMAIL LGATTIE@SPOT- SYLVANIA.K12.VA.US FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE. HAVE A PHOTO OF YOUR FURRY FRIEND YOU WANT TO SUBMIT? EMAIL SUBMISSIONS TO [email protected].

Charger 1 Charger 2 Charger 3 Charger 4 Names to choose from. Note: There are more names than pictures! Banks, Sadie, Fenway, Bently, Spot, Bear, Prince, Thor, Sunshine, Lady Sep/Oct 2020 2 IS THERE REWARD TO THIS RISK? By Faith Remick school even for two days a many students with height- money to get our kids back Editor-In-Chief week is dangerous, and the ened behavioral needs that to school safely.” I agree. We Two hundred and five cons far outweigh the pros. need to be in person. If we do need all of this. We also thousand. That’s how many To put it simply, we don’t have an outbreak and have need the funding that can deaths that COVID-19 has know enough about the dis- to shut down schools, those give us all of this. We could caused in just the United ease to safely send kids and students would be worse instead focus on funding States. 900.000 deaths teachers back to school. We off. Social distancing is a big for tablets or finding ways worldwide. This is a lot of don’t know how COVID and part of preventing COVID. to make online learning people! On September 21 the the flu will react together. How will teachers enforce even easier for students Spotsylvania County School I also brought separation? How will they and teachers. I believe we Board decided to continue control the students who must explore every oppor- on with the hybrid model of up these num- don’t want to wear masks, tunity possible to reach distance learning. On Oc- and don’t take this virus the quality of education tober 12, students returned bers to scare seriously? What do we do we receive in person online to school two days a week you. when teachers are too afraid without putting everyone split up with a Wednes- to come back to work, so in a dangerous situation. day of distance learning the already large teaching I think many people for cleaning purposes. The We don’t know exactly how shortage gets even bigger? agree that teens work bet- number of deaths are scary. many people are infected, But, even as scary as it is, ter in school, and that for We are in a global pandem- because we don’t even of- people went back to school the first time in any of our ic. It does not matter that fer enough tests. We don’t on October 12. During the lives, we actually miss the numbers are dwindling. know why some people get School Board meeting on place we claim we “hate.” We are entering flu sea- really sick and others don’t. September 21, a comment I Even so, do you want to son and people are decid- We don’t know if sending really liked was said, “If we risk your life or the lives of ing to play Russian roulette our families to school can need masks, cleaning spray, your family? Do you want with the lives of students end up with them in a hos- plexiglass shields, or what- to feel unsafe at your own and teachers everywhere. pital bed. This also affects ever else—let us spend the school? Who wants to put The decision to go back to the lives of everyone at risk?

The Journalism students at Chancellor High School publish The Lightning Bolt, the only of- ficial newspaper on campus. The purpose of the newspaper is to factually inform and entertain its readers. As an established open forum for the student body, truth will be the staff’s major goal. It is the responsibility of each staffer to adhere to the journalism code of ethics as set by the Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi. The code states that a journalist can not accept gifts, favors or privileges that could compromise their integrity. All material pub- lished will be the result of brainstorm sessions by the staff. Subjects stimulating to the major- ity of the student body will be used. The edito- rial board, which is comprised of all newspaper staff members will determine the priority of the stories and the overall design of publica- tion. The advisor serves to give students a better understanding of the functions and ethics of a free press. The advisor does not serve as a cen- sure. Student editors will decide the material to be published. In accordance with community standards, profanity will not appear in the pub- lication. Students are free to express an opinion on matters of public interests under the, “fair comment rule.” Under this rule, the student has the right to intelligently criticize the school and its policies. Editorials reflect the opinion of The Lightning Bolt. Opinion stories reflect the opinion of the writer and do not represent the opinion of the faculty and administrWation of Chancellor High School. Controversial is- Photo Source: John Hopkins University sues will be covered from both points of view. School news, as well as local, national and in- ternational events will also be covered. Letters The total cases of COVID are shown as blue to the editor are welcomed. All letters must be signed and be between 200- 300 words long. and new cases in red. They may be submitted to A113 or by e-mailing [email protected]. The Lightning Bolt retains the right to edit letters to comply with journalistic standards. Anonymous let- ters will not be published. This is your school, help improve it through your opinions, praises, and constructive criticisms. If voiced aloud and in large enough numbers, we can bring about change. Our ultimate goal is to print the truth and with your help we can reach this goal. 3 Sep/Oct 2020 NEWS NEW PRINCIPAL TAKES CHARGE By Emma Purcell Most Chemical Engineers Griot Magazine. The prize in everything; sports, extra- Op-Ed Editor work in labs, especially in was an all-expense-paid curriculars and academics.” This school year, Chancel- isolation. She then changed trip for two to Senegal, Af- Crawford has some special lor High School welcomes her major to technical writ- rica. She and her mother plans for this school year. their new principal, Mrs. ing upon the advice of one went, and while she was She mentions that her ideas Cassandra Crawford, to of her professors. Crawford there, Crawford met Kool are in progress, and reminds the home of the Chargers. ended up in education as a from Kool and the Gang. her Chargers to stay tuned. Thrilled to start off this career switcher after work- As for her first impres- To allow her students to get school year in the best way ing as a caseworker for the sions of Chancellor High, to know her even better, possible, considering the Department of Welfare, and she states, “It was one of the Crawford gave some insight challenging circumstances, working as a mentor to teen- most passionate and diverse on some, might say, simple Crawford shares some of age girls on behalf of her so- student populations. It is questions. Her favorite color her background to the com- rority, Sigma Gamma Rho. highly regarded in sports, is blue. Her favorite food is munity of Chancellor High. Crawford received her Bach- and fine arts; it is under- chocolate. Crawford’s fa- While a virtual interview elor's Degree from the Uni- rated in academics.” While vorite book is Jane Eyre. may not compare to meet- versity of Delaware. She then figuring out the ropes of As for movies, she has too ing Crawford in person, she went off to Penn State Uni- Chancellor through this vir- many favorites! Crawford was generous and open in versity and earned her Mas- tual year, she says she is so is into the DC/Marvel Uni- telling the Charger commu- ter’s. She earned her admin far, “impressed”. Crawford verse, Star Wars, Star Trek, nity a little bit about herself. endorsement from the Uni- also mentioned that, “Our and Lord of the Rings. Her Mrs. Crawford grew up in versity of Mary Washington. teachers are learning and ex- favorite part of Fredericks- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Before her position at perimenting with technolo- burg is the downtown area. in a family with two sisters. Chancellor High School, gy, and our students are not “I love the electric feel, the In a similar pattern, she now she began her teaching only learning, but are assist- great food,” she mentions. has three daughters of her and administration career ing their teachers and adapt- She has too many favorite own. While deciding her ca- in Prince William County. ing to the new technology.” subjects, and her favorite reer path, she initially want- She then worked as an as- If she could tell anything to animal/insect is a butterfly. ed to be a Chemical Engi- sistant principal at Spot- students at Chancellor this Crawford closed her inter- neer. She had an aptitude for sylvania High for four year it would be that, “We view with her favorite quote science and she knew that years, prior to becoming are the Chargers! We will from Shirley Chrisholm: Chemical Engineers were the principal of Chancellor. get through COVID-19 to- “We must reject not only paid well. However, Craw- Crawford recalls a unique gether!” If she could bring the stereotypes that others ford found chemical engi- experience. When she was one thing to school this have of us, but also those neering to be a lonely career only 17, she won an essay year, it would be “the desire that we have of ourselves.” after several internships. contest sponsored by The and passion to be the best GETTING ENVIRON-ZOBEL By Kaitlyn Garvey “While the subjects are ive and always there for me.” there are way less distrac- Sports Editor quite close, there are numer- Those teachers inspired tions and students can type Jordan Zobel is a new Envi- ous differences,” they state. Zobel by being patient and questions they may not ronmental Science teacher Zobel plans to incorporate especially caring and atten- have felt comfortable to say at Chancellor this year. Be- some Earth Science topics tive. Zobel states, “I wanted out loud in class,” Zobel fore coming to Chancellor, in the Environmental Sci- to be that teacher for stu- says. “[Although} it might Zobel taught for three years. ence classes if time allows. dents who are struggling.” be more difficult, because “I started at Stafford High It should be no surprise, It’s no secret that school many students are zoning School and taught there for but all teachers have lives is different this year be- out and not paying atten- almost a year, then I was outside of school just like cause of the CoronaVirus. tion, making me have to re- a homebound teacher un- students, and so does Zobel. “It’s definitely challeng- peat things even more than til this year!” Zobel states. “I like to read, write, play ing, but honestly I feel like normal.” Zobel is also con- Zobel attended Virgin- video games, and lots of it’s going really well,” Zobel cerned that some students ia Tech and graduated in different arts and crafts in- says about online learn- may not learn as well online. 2017 in Geoscience with an cluding knitting, painting, ing. “I love working from In any environment, new Earth Science concentra- making stickers, and basi- home, so I can make lunch faces can be very useful, tion. Some teachers may cally everything between.” and take care of my dog.” and Zobel is just the new not teach the same sub- Zobel’s inspiration for Of course, like most face we were looking for. ject they started off teach- becoming a teacher came situations, there are ing. For Zobel, that sub- from high school teachers. positives and negatives. ject was Earth Science. “[They] were very support- “It’s easier to teach, because Sep/Oct 2020 4 NEWS MUST KNOWS FOR SENIOR STUDENTS By Cara Seely include $16 for the essay and apply to schools before the counselor or Mrs. Morganti. News Editor $13.50 for a detailed report regular application dead- If you have had missed se- This senior year is far of your test performance line. If you are denied from nior pictures, make sure from normal. A lot of given with your test results. early action, you will then you sign up for a make-up things have changed, such Keep a lookout for any can- be considered for the regu- date. If you have any ques- as SATs, college deadlines, cellations, if you sign up lar deadline. For the regu- tions about senior pictures, and graduation. Here’s for one of these upcoming lar deadline, which is your reach out to Ms. Grimesey. what you need to know: dates. The good news is last chance to apply to the Also, senior gradua- SAT’s have been getting can- that for many colleges, se- schools you are looking to tion is currently scheduled celled and rescheduled at niors applying to schools attend fall of next year, the for Thursday, May 27th at various testing centers due this year are not required to deadlines are going to be 7:30pm. to COVID-related restric- submit SAT scores on their the beginning of 2021, typi- This is your last year, so tions. If you are still plan- applications. Make sure to cally from January to March. make sure to get involved ning on taking your SAT this check to see if the schools Make sure to check Naviance with various activities Chan- year (this applies to juniors you are looking to apply to or on college websites to see cellor has to offer. Clubs, al- to0), some upcoming dates want a submitted SAT score. the specific dates you need though online, and various are: October 3rd, Novem- Speaking of colleges, many to know when applying. optional sports practices, ber 7th, and December 5th. Virginia public schools have Hopefully by now you’re although following social The deadlines to sign up for their early action deadline already familiar with Mrs. distancing guidelines, are a these dates are on the Col- as early as November 1st Morganti’s Google Class- great way to stay involved. lege Board website at www. (James Madison University) room for the class of 2021 Things are bound to change collegeboard.org. Late reg- or December 1st (Virginia seniors. She is going to use along the way this year, so istration deadlines are usu- Tech, Christopher Newport that classroom to post im- make sure to listen for any ally up to about a week and University, and Old Domin- portant senior information date changes and updates a half before the test, and ion University). Early action and to-do’s throughout throughout this year. If you include a small fee. The differs from early decision, this year. If you are not in have any questions, email regular test is $52. Extra fees as it is a non-binding way to the classroom, email your your guidance counselors! CHANGES AT CHANCELLOR NOT JUST VIRTUAL By Marim Farag the water pump under the desk. Though, it was sad to we have been using this re- Staff Reporter stage to hopefully prevent see the old seating and cur- start as an opportunity to Virtual learning isn’t the this kind of flood from oc- tains go, we were all thank- upgrade the auditorium only change at Chancellor curring again. Shortly after ful that we knew the space with the small things that High School. The audito- that, we discovered mold was safe moving forward. we can do as a theatre de- rium has undergone exten- in the auditorium in sev- Our auditorium is typical- partment. The Tech Theatre sive renovations the last sev- eral places. After a month- ly used by the Fine Arts de- classes over the past few eral months. Drama Teacher long deep-clean, we had partments at the high school years have been working Mr. Matthew Armentrout to toss out approximately and the middle school, and hard on creating new props shares information about 90% of our costume, fur- there are times in the year and costume storage, up- this extensive project. niture, and props storage. where the auditorium stage grading the dressing rooms, “Over the past ten years, After they found mold in is filled with a different per- and converting storage areas our auditorium has flooded the auditorium, they decid- formance group every night into new rehearsal spaces multiple times and there has ed to remove everything that of the week. We are thankful for musicians and actors. been standing water in the was made of fabric to ensure for the renovations which We are very thankful to all front of the stage. After one that our space was clean. helps to support the amaz- of the students and families particularly heavy rain, the Over the past year, the pre- ing work that our students at who have made a significant county maintenance team viously dry-rotted curtains Chancellor are doing. There effort to help make the au- came in to help and they were replaced with new are many great aspects to ditorium a great venue for committed to making sure curtains, which includes a our stage, auditorium, and class and performances. The that this type of flooding curtain that opens in the lobby, and we are excited auditorium has the feel of a did not happen again. There back. This is helpful dur- that all of our usable spaces brand new space, while still is an open space under the ing performances so we can are up to code and ready to keeping the charm that we stage that would frequently easily access the dressing go. We are also thankful to love about it. Our Fine Arts fill with pools of water after rooms. Last November, they everyone along the way who department is excited to a storm. This would attract replaced the carpets in the committed to making the host events in our renovated bugs and an unpleasant auditorium. The most re- space safe and usable, and to space, once it is safe to do so. smell, and the water would cent project was the replace- former Principal Mrs. Bass- We are excited to welcome sometimes be in there for ment of the original seating, Fortune who continually our Chancellor community weeks which made the space which had a fabric back worked to make it happen. back into the auditorium.” unusable. They replaced and an attached pull-out Over the past few years, 5 Sep/Oct 2020 NEWS WORLD LANGUAGES TEACHER BALANCES LIFE CHANGES By Marim Farag challenge for her because her What made her choose teaching or to pick a new Staff Reporter kids rely on her and also her this path for teaching is be- one she states, “I wouldn’t World Languages teacher school kids rely on her too. cause she has a lot of teach- leave teaching because I Rebecca Waurio teaches Waurio lived in Michigan ers who influenced her and love my kids, and I love French, AP French and and moved out after college she got to know them, so educating them, and I will Teachers for Tomorrow at and came to Virginia. She she wanted to push others continue to choose that.” Chancellor High School. doesn’t want to go back, but and motivate other people. The way she’s been han- She has taught for 17 years, only for family visits. She With virtual learning she dling this pandemic and and this is her 8th year likes Virginia because of its controls her frustration by being safe is by completely teaching at Chancellor. mild winters which she says being patient. Since tech- quarantining themselves. Waurio gave birth to a new- are better than Michigan’s. nology doesn’t always work, Jim Larkin (her fiancé) only born Babygirl a few months One of Waurio’s passions is you have to control it by be- leaves home to do the grocer- ago. Her name is Eleanor. that she loves to travel. She ing patient. “Patience is very ies. It was hard for them to It’s difficult for her to bal- enjoys the culture of France important,” she states. What let the others see their baby ance teaching and being a and loves seeing other stu- she dislikes about teaching because of the pandemic mom raising a newborn. As dents fall in love with other is seeing her kids giving up and they wanted to keep a result, she works out to cultures. “Students are so or getting into fights. It’s her safe. They also wanted feel better about herself. She motivated and interested,” hard for her to see that. It’s to protect themselves too. makes time for her family states Waurio. “They want also a lot for her to teach They only left for emergen- and for her teaching time. to try new things and I ap- more than one thing. If she cies only. If they had to leave Waurio also has another preciate being able to watch had the choice either to stay to go to the doctor. They daughter. Her name is Hai- them grow as a teacher.“ at her current job which is were being careful around ley who is 11 years old. It’s a everyone and being safe. PRINCIPAL BASS-FORTUNE RETIRES FROM CHANCELLOR HIGH SCHOOL By Katie Stafford four and a half years, and understands well. “To de- how the school can be made Staff Reporter principal for twenty years. scribe a principal’s role is better. Bass-Fortune en- “It has been a pleasure Having been educating like putting a puzzle to- joys hearing students share serving the students and students in many ways af- gether,” she states. “A prin- what makes them proud of families of Chancellor High ter 38 years, she decided to cipal has to make sure that their school. Bass-Fortune’s School and I will forever spend her retirement volun- all the pieces to the puzzle favorite aspect of Chancel- BLEED the colors Burgundy teering at schools, hospitals, fit.” A typical day for Bass- lor is when students return and Grey! CHARGER FOR churches, and her sorority Fortune is filled with several to the school to share how LIFE!” writes former prin- Alpha Kappa Alpha Incor- back to back meetings, most successful they’ve become. cipal, Jacqueline Bass-For- porated, to fulfill her goal in of which concern the best Saying goodbye is hard. tune, in an email interview. life: to serve mankind. Being instructional practices for In 38 years she has been at After two decades as a principal has shaped her students. After which comes Chancellor, Bass-Fortune principal, Chancellor High to be the person she is today, trying to decipher some of has created many memo- School says goodbye to and being an extrovert who the meetings to create addi- ries. Her favorite moments its beloved leader Jacque- loves people, she enjoys be- tional meetings for admin- though are all the gradua- line Bass-Fortune. Of the ing with students, and learn- istrators and teachers. Her tions where she announces 38 years she has been at ing about the different cul- least favorite task as princi- student’s names. She is Chancellor, Bass-Fortune tures through her students. pal is discipline and paper- moved by these spine chill- was a teacher for five years, Being a principal comes work. Her favorite, however, ing moments as she real- an intern for six months, with many responsibilities, is meeting with students izes that these are a new an assistant principal for something Bass-Fortune and listening to ideas on beginning for our seniors. Sep/Oct 2020 6 NEWS PRINCIPAL BASS-FORTUNE RETIRES FROM CHANCELLOR HIGH SCHOOL CONT. Bass-Fortune said she will can’t think of one particu- dents and staff. Examples: from the young freshman miss the students, staff, and lar one at the moment.” 9-11, the gym roof trying to learning of his or her inter- all the special families with- Bass-Fortune has seen cave in, student and faculty est and the determination in the school community. many things throughout deaths, the black out, MRSA to learn the skills of his or “I will also miss dances us- her many years as principal. epidemic, bomb threats, the her dream, to the graduat- ing my big flashlight,” said Many of which have been Sniper, and now COVID-19. ing seniors leaving Chan- Bass-Fortune. Her favorite challenging, others that There are many things that cellor High School to later perks of being principal were amazing. When asked have happened within the tell their success to her - in she will miss the most are to describe what comes to twenty years of principal- endless ways. The Chancel- the many t-shirts she re- mind as she reflects on her ship - that’s just a few. The lor family and community ceives from different sports years at Chancellor, she word for me or phrase will miss her loyalty, dedi- and organizations. When states, “In the twenty years would be “Faith. Faith cation, and kindness to her asked what was her favorite as the principal, I have seen has brought me thus far”. Chancellor High School. moment or story, she says, many things happen and the Bass-Fortune has shaped “There are soooo many, I effects it has had on our stu- the lives of her students - ELECTION NEW TEACHER IN ENGLISH DAY DEPARTMENT By Cara Seely By Kierston Johnson News Editor Staff Reporter 2020 is a Presidential Elec- Mrs. Emily (Maddie) tion year. The democratic Grimesey, is a new teacher candidate is Joe Biden, and at Chancellor High in the the Republican candidate is English Department. She Donald Trump. Election day teaches English 10 and Year- will be Tuesday, November book Production Class. This 3rd, 2020. Amidst the pan- is her first year teaching demic, voting by mail may her own classes, and so far, be the option you, or some- one you know (siblings, is feeling quite welcome in parents, friends), may find her new home. Grimesey to be the safest and easi- is optimistic about virtual est. Registering to vote in learning. She says despite Virginia must be done by how strange it is, she sup- October 13th. Requesting a ports this method because mail ballot application can students are able to learn. be done by mail, email, or The best advice she gives her fax, and must be completed students is to keep the com- New English 10 and Yearbook teacher Mrs. Emily Grimesey shows by October 23rd at 5:00pm. munication lines open. off a vibrant smile. Absentee ballots no longer Grimesey likes listening have to be signed by a wit- to any kind of music and rest of this year teaching at ness, due to the Coronavirus. In Virginia, there have been she has two dogs. Her fa- Chancellor High, and we’re no plans to cancel in-person vorite piece of literature is lucky to have her. voting polls. For people with Circe. She has no children. disabilities who are unable Grimesey is also an NFL to enter the polls on elec- fan. She keeps herself oc- tion day, curbside voting cupied during COVID-19 can be an option. The dead- by reading, watching televi- line to apply in person is sion, and Tiktok. Grimesey October 31st. Happy voting! is looking forward to the 7 Sep/Oct 2020 FEATURES TEEN PLANS FUTURE WITH ORGANIZATION By Cara Hadden Features Editor “There is a truth univer- ment in reinforcing equity sally acknowledged that all in one’s community. All of Image use courtesy of Bronwen Robinson teenagers who attend high the guest speakers vary in The Riverside Young Writers is a Fredericksburg-based club where teens school must be in want of terms of expertise, rang- who are interested in writing can learn with their peers about honing a direction.” Well, perhaps ing from financial advisors their skills from professional authors. Jane Austen didn’t pen that to military officers to clini- exact phrase, but it rings cal psychologists, in order TEEN WRITER ENCOUR- true in the hearts and minds to present a well-rounded of every student trying to and non-judgmental fo- discover who they are and rum for the kids to engage AGES CREATIVITY By Cara Hadden what they want their future in conversation and to bet- Features Editor to be. Whether a student has ter understand more about The 1590s and early 1600s create a new Renaissance of a hundred different interests the world around them. in England were wrought art, music, and literature. or a single career aspiration, On Thursday nights at 8 with death and disease. A However, these artists still it is difficult to navigate the PM, the student leaders of plague ravaged the island struggle with the loneli- road to adulthood on one’s TEN host Safe Zone, which nation, picking off London- ness that has the potential own. Fortunately, there is a is a time for the teen mem- ers like a farmer reaping his to hinder the creative spirit. prominent local organiza- bers to hang out and talk crop. In a time when every- Fortunately, groups like the tion dedicated to helping about serious issues or en- thing seemed bleak, there Riverside Young Writers en- high schoolers plan their gage in fun discussions. The was a brightness of a work- sure that adolescent artists next steps after graduation. students choose the topic ing mind in the English find the outlet and motiva- For the past five years, of conversation, and no countryside by the name of tion to continue their craft the Teen Enrichment Net- adults are allowed during William Shakespeare. The- through camaraderie. The work, helmed by Donald Safe Zone, thus ensuring atre companies closed or Riverside Young Writers is Robinson, has flourished as the privacy and intimacy went out of business due a club for teens ages 13-19 a non-profit organization of what is discussed during to the Bubonic Plague, and who love to write or want to dedicated to guiding teens that time. In fact, whether while Shakespeare was es- improve their writing skills. in navigating everyday life it is determining who will sentially quarantined in the Members of the club write through community service, speak to the teens or what country, he not only devel- in all genres and are men- as well as providing a direc- topics are represented in oped his distinct writing tored by adult published au- tion for their plans after high the annual summits, which style, but also was inspired thors Bronwen (Chisholm) school. While most other or- are large conferences featur- to write such masterpieces Robinson and Dan Walker. ganizations have shut down ing speakers and student as Romeo and Juliet, The The club meets on the first due to the COVID-19 pan- panels, everything is based Merchant of Venice, and Saturday of each month demic, TEN has remained on what the teens want to Hamlet. If Shakespeare had from 1-3 PM. While the or- active in providing guidance see, learn, or discuss. In the never endured a pandemic, ganization previously met at and a safe space for the teens words of Mr. Robinson, “If the world might not have the Salem Church Branch of involved by hosting virtual I can’t get through to you, ever experienced the plays the Rappahannock Regional meetings via Webex. The I’ll find someone who can.” that have influenced Eng- Library, they have held virtu- sessions held on Tuesdays For more information lish drama and literature al meetings on Cisco Webex at 8 PM host guest speakers about this organization, vis- for the past four centuries. for the past several months. who talk to the teens about it the Teen Enrichment Net- If the Bard could write in Since its founding, the their insight on a specific work’s website at https:// such conditions with a pro- Riverside Young Writers topic. Recent meetings have teenenrichment.org/. ficiency that comes only has hosted guest speakers covered a variety of topics, from isolation, every cre- of various professions, in- from relationships, racial ative mind in 2020 should cluding authors, editors, diversity, financial planning be inspired to consult their bloggers, and playwrights, for college, and involve- own muses in this time and who provide insight into the Sep/Oct 2020 8 FEATURES writing world as well as ad- MEET YOUR 2020-2021 vice on the club members’ writing craft. The group LIGHTNING BOLT STAFF also frequently hosts cri- I am Tall and Caring while, and I didnt like that. Also school is all online, and tique sessions, in which the By Nicolas Carter young writers bring their Staff Reporter I would love to go back to school to see all my friends work to read for the oth- My nickname is Nick, and Photo By Cara Seely and teachers. So COVID has News Reporter Cara Seely poses for ers and receive feedback the story behind how I got changed me and probably the camera. on how to improve their my name and nickname was everyone else in this world. get to get outside. I’m very writing from their peers because my grandparents much looking forward to and published authors. last name is Nicolaisen. My The Lightning Bolt this year, “The Riverside Young grandpa, Larry Nicolaisen, regardless of what crazy Writers provides a very was in the Marine Corps for circumstances come our open, accepting environ- 25 years, and when you’re way! I am senior Cara Seely. ment for young writers, in the military they nor- New Year, New Me and is unique because there mally give you a nickname By Stephanie Martinez aren’t too many clubs for based on your last name. Op-Ed Editor young writers in Virginia,” So, his nickname was Nick, Photo by Nicolas Carter During this quarantine, I says Bronwen Robinson, and as a result, that’s how Staff Reporter Nicolas Carter poses with a flower. realized to take every oppor- one of the club’s sponsors. I got Nick for a nickname. The New News Editor tunity I have. I realized not “The group is also unique Two things that are unique By Cara Seely to pass things on because I because of the one-on-one about me is my height, and News Editor don’t feel like it or want to attention that the teens re- I don’t really have any fun that I am from Perry, Iowa. do it. It might benefit you ceive from the guest speak- nicknames, because my The last time that I mea- in many good ways to think ers, who often serve in men- name is so short. I get weird sured my height I was 6 feet the same. My favorite TV tor capacities for the teens.” spinoffs like “Caramel” or 4 inches tall, and I am only show is Supernatural, and While some artists thrive “Carebear” sometimes. I’ve 16 years old. I think that’s a my childhood nickname from working alone, all been on The Lightning Bolt little taller than most peo- is Gordita, which means humans need interaction Newspaper staff for a few ple. Iowa is a Rural state. It’s “Lil Chubby” in Spanish. with others who are just as years now. I worked as a mostly windmills and corn My name is Stepha- passionate about stories writer for my first year. Then fields and occasionally there nie Martinez, and I am as they to fuel their work. I worked as an Op-ed Editor. are more corn fields, but I a junior at Chancellor. Art is an imitation of life, would move back there if This year, I’m working as the and as such, any challenges I could right now because News Editor. I also helped that arise in the face of hu- that’s where all my family start, alongside Emma Pur- manity merely becomes a is, and when you’re around cell, the Lightning Fast chapter in the single large family, it’s not boring. Broadcast, that would air story that began long ago COVID has changed my on the morning announce- and is still far from ending. life because I like to get out ments each Friday morn- If interested in joining and go do things, but be- ing. This year, the broadcast the group, one should con- cause of the restrictions, I will be posted on Canvas tact either Mrs. Robinson have been stuck at home, each week! Journalism has Photo By Stephanie Martinez at staccato7968@comcast. and I don’t like it. I lost my always been one of my fa- Stephanie Martinez is one of the net or Dr. Walker at dwalk- job working for the movie vorite classes because I love Op-Ed editors for SECTION The Lightning Bolt this year. [email protected]. For more theaters for a month and to write, and I love to share information, FOLIO the Riverside then we were able to work the articles we write with Young Writers webpage can for a month, and then we the students and teachers at be found on the site of their had another month off. We Chancellor. Aside from the “Art is an parent organization, the have to wear a mask every- newspaper, I love to spend Riverside Writers: http:// where, and I don’t like them. time with friends and fam- imitation of riversidewriters.com/riv- It’s hard to breathe out of ily, hangout with my Jack life...” erside-young-writers.html. them. And then I couldn’t Russel Terrier, play music, see my grandparents for a and take any chance I can 9 Sep/Oct 2020 FEATURES Features Editor Makes Mental Healing During Unofficial Official Connections Quarantine Video-Game Journalist By Cara Hadden By Katie Stafford Features Editor By Caleigh Prosser Staff Reporter Staff Reporter I am a lover of ferrets. I There has always been A positive effect COVID have five ferrets: Murr and an aspect of my name that has had on me was I was Rosko, both bulldog fer- possesses a spiritual con- able to focus on myself. Be- rets; Jewel, a silver roan; nection. One night, when fore quarantine, I wasn’t in Photo By Trina Hadden Tigerheart, a black sable my mother was pregnant Features Editor Cara Hadden poses a good place. For the first mitt ferret; and Phoenix, a with me, my father had a with a picture of her mother. three months of quaran- cinnamon ferret. I had an dream. When he woke up, tine, I took a pause on my Bio of a albino ferret named Lion- he somehow knew that life and locked myself away Quarantined Editor frost, who passed away from my name should be Cara, from everything. I didn’t go By Mikah Nelson a tumor during the winter. and my parents believed on social media, and I didn’t Charging Corner Editor I have a love and a real that it was a message from The end of last school talk to friends. I took these knack for writing articles on God. There is also a con- year was a strange one with things out of my life for a video games, so many of my cept in Celtic Spirituality the spread of COVID-19, little while so they wouldn’t articles center around video called “Anam Cara,” which but being in quarantine affect the person I was try- games, like playthroughs. I means ‘soul friend.’ Ac- has helped me realize some ing to be. To most people, will be a published author of cording to tradition, when things. I finally had the time especially teenagers, this a poem I wrote that’s to be a person meets their soul to get a job, and my mom time I took may seem bor- published in a book called friend, something within had to look for a new one, ing. I thought that it would Together. It will be released them becomes whole, and since she was originally a be too, but once you learn sometime this fall. I am their Anam Cara becomes bus attendant for school. to commit, it isn’t. You real- senior Katie Stafford. their spirit guide and their I mostly write about ize how you can find joy in closest friend or companion games, but I do the occa- your life even in the dark- for the rest of their lives. In sional game or fun thing in est places. I discovered how other words, the connec- my section. I mostly play much closer and healthier tion between someone and games or talk with friends my friendships became. their essential soulmate is in my free time, or I just Sometimes we all just need so strong that both people like to sometimes play with a mental break. I am 10th are better together than my small, yappy Yorkshire grader Caleigh Prosser. they are apart, which is the Terrier, Cerulean. Since the basis for any truly mean- beginning of school, I only ingful relationship today. play games on my PC dur- During quarantine, I’ve ing non-school days; but, discovered the true impor- on school days, I try to find tance of connection in sea- games on the Google play sons of struggle, and that store that will interest me all relationships, whether or that I might enjoy. This human or celestial, require is my fourth year in Jour- Photo by Marim Farag effort to maintain, and nalism, and I have enjoyed (Above) Staff Reporter Marim that the devotion given to working with everyone here. Farag has contributed several Photo by Caleigh Prosser articles already to TLB.. a friend or family member I am senior Mikah Nel- is rewarded with more lov- son, and I am the editor (Upper Left) Caleigh Prosser is a ing kindness than one could for the Charging Corner. Staff Reporter this year for ever hope to receive. Even if The Lightning Bolt. I never find my Anam Cara, (Far Lower Left) Staff Reporter I want to spread real love Katie Stafford smiles with her pet to the people around me ferret. She writes prolifically on in order to make this short video games. life on Earth worthwhile. (Lower Left) Charging Corner Editor Mikah Nelson poses with his dog.

Photo by Katie Stafford Photo by Mikah Nelson Sep/Oct 2020 10 FEATURES Op-Ed Editor Shares Old Face, New Time Staff Reporter Shares Writing Journey Nicknames By Kaitlyn Garvey By Marim Farag because I don’t like seeing Sports Editor By Emma Purcell Staff Reporter them like that when there’s Op-Ed Editor I’m the sports editor for The Hello! My name is Marim nothing I can do about it Lightning Bolt Newspaper. Farag. I’m a senior at Chan- but only listen to them. My hobbies include, but cellor High School. I’m 17 Finally, I started enjoying are not limited to, most years old. I will turn 18 on writing in the middle of my forms of art, music in most October 1st.. I’m Egyptian, sophomore year. My teach- genres, common forms of and I was born and raised ers had a really big impact exercise in moderate doses, there. My first language is on me even though I don’t (so specific), and camping Arabic, not English. I’m the think they know it. I used and travelling. If quarantine youngest of my family. I to hate writing because I and the other curveballs have one older brother, he’s wasn’t really good at it, and this year have taught me 21 years old. I moved to the also the things that I would anything, it’s the reinforce- US when I was nine.. I have write about were either so Photo by Emma Purcell ment of the idea that life is been living here for eight Op-Ed Editor Emma Purcell poses little or they were just not for the camera. short! I was at a loss at first and a half years by now. enough. When I started to when I realized my senior To begin with, I recently listen to how things were I have a few nicknames that year would be affected, but started baking. Quarantine explained, I started to think people haven given to me, now I see it as a good thing. really pulled the end out differently about writing. the most popular, you could This year has a lot of poten- of me. So, I wanted to try I now think about the way say, is Emmy. Almost every- tial despite everything that’s something new, and I start- I write, think, and drop one I know calls me Emmy: happened, and life outside ed baking which was pretty down ideas for my topic. my mom, my sisters, my of this year does too. It’s fun. It also was an easy going My Journalism teacher is friends, everyone. My sec- definitely unfortunate that experiment, considering it also the main reason why I ond, super weird nickname we have had opportunities was my first time. One of my decided to take Journalism is Emmybear. It goes along- taken from us, but I think hobbies is art. I’ve been tak- because she’s the one who’s side my best friend’s nick- it’s a good time to reflect on ing art since eighth grade. teaching it. I wanted to see name, Carebear! My least what this year has given us, I love doing art, especially and learn more of her teach- favorite nickname has to be which is a new perspective. when I’m in the mood for it. ing and her ways of writing Em. It sounds the most nor- It’s never too early to learn In addition, I love helping in different subjects. I am mal; however, there are some a valuable lesson. It sounds people. There’s just some- sad that I can’t finish all four bad memories attached a bit too optimistic, but thing inside of me that years of Journalism, since to it. Anyways, moving on I’m grateful for the insight. makes me happy when I I’m only on my second year from my sappy nickname, This year is definitely dif- help others. I guess it’s the and I’m a senior; but, I’m this year I will continue to ferent from any other school smile and the relief they really glad that I took that be an Op-Ed Editor! I will year, but I’m surprisingly feel after someone helps class, and I am more thank- also be creating the weekly confident that it will go well. them when they need some- ful to her for teaching me Lightning Fast Broadcast Just some thoughts from one. Whether it’s school, so many things during my videos with the help of Cara your friendly neighbor- outside of school, or just sophomore, junior, and now, Seely. These weekly broad- hood senior, Kaitlyn Garvey. in general, it doesn’t mat- Lastly, I’m one of those casts are probably my fa- ter. I also love helping my people who still don’t know vorite type of “homework” I friends;. I feel more appreci- what they want to study could ever have. Other than ated when they vent to me in college even though working on the newspaper, about their problems and my time is running out to I love to be with my family also when they ask me about make this decision which and friends. I also adore be- my opinion. I feel happy is making me stress out a ing around my cat, Frankie, that they come to me and lot. Even so, I’m just trying and my dog, Krista. I am re- talk about these problems. really hard to find some- ally looking forward to my I try my very best to find a thing that I like and hope- senior year in Journalism solution to those problems. fully, eventually, I’ll find it. and hope for the best final When there’s no solution, year at Chancellor High! Photo By Kaitlyn Garvey but they’re just hurt and I am Emma Purcell. Sports Editor Kaitlyn Garvey is pain, it kills me even more optimistic about the year ahead. 11 Sep/Oct 2020 FEATURES Staff Reporter Shares Insight on COVID Enjoying Nature COVID-Style By Kierston Johnson hopefully, our society will By Gianna Deroma Staff Reporter reach the point of normalcy Staff Reporter I believe the more people sooner than later. What I’ve wear masks in public, the been doing as a result of this less possibility of another The COVID restrictions how the COVID virus has pandemic include being on lockdown to occur. Also, if have impacted me over the impacted me was that I got twitter, drawing, and spend- more people wear masks last few months a lot. They to spend more time doing ing time with family. I am and follow social distance have impacted me because I what I love like fishing and a new staff reporter to the guidelines, the less time get to spend more time with watching movies on Netf- newspaper this year. I am it will take for a vaccine my dog, who I barely got to lix. I also go on walks during Junior Kierston Johnson. to develop to cure or treat see when I was in school for the day, and I get to spend COVID-19. This pandemic eight hours. I get more time time with friends here and must be taken seriously, and to play with him and take there. COVID may be bad, him on walks everyday, so he but it has impacted my life gets some fresh air and more in a positive way. I am Staff exercise. Another reason on Reporter Gianna Deroma.

Quarantine Lessons Learned

By Faith Remick Editor in Chief Quarantine has given me I missed I might not get the one HUGE life lesson. Never opportunity to get back. I take things for granted. All think we should all try to my years in high school, I live more spontaneously. always pushed everything My favorite TV show is back. I pushed homecom- The Walking Dead, and I’m a Photo By Faith Remick ing, football games, tail- senior who has been writ- gates, and prom all back in ing for The Lightning Faith Remick is the Editor in Chief for The Lightning Bolt Newspaper favor of, “Just doing it my Bolt for what seems like this year. senior year.” Well, now it’s forever, but has actual- Photo by Kierston Johnson Kierston Johnson is a staff reporter senior year and all the stuff ly only been three years. for The Lightning Bolt this year. RANDOM FUN FACTS By Mikah Nelson Charging Corner Editor

Inspirational quote: Did you know? Joke of the Month: “Play the game of love, dare to dream it, and The heads on perhaps you might be grateful.” What are ghosts’ Easter Island have favorite trees? bodies. ~ Provided by Inspirobot Ceme-trees!

Sep/Oct 2020 12 FEATURES THE STAGE IS NEVER DARK By Cara Hadden representatives in charge Huynh-Vuong, the student to the small screen. Kath- Features Editor of the programs decided to playwright of Red Butter- eryn Sherrill, playwright of As the Coronavirus pan- move everything to a vir- fly, had a slightly different Featherweight, described demic continues to plague “During the pan- opinion on the virtual work- the rehearsal process for her the nation, many Broadway shop platform. “ The initial play on a virtual platform. theatres have adopted the demic, Broadway interactions with the group “By working remotely, there ghost light as their symbol. uses the ghost of playwrights and adminis- were certain restrictions we The ghost light, an exposed trators were quite awkward faced, but as is often the bulb on a shadeless floor lights as a as we all were testing the case, it’s under restrictions lamp, is placed onstage and reminder that new medium; but, as more that creativity flourishes. turned on at night when and more sessions passed, Working with Shaena, my the theatre closes to help the stage will we adjusted to the online director, was another col- those staying late at the never be dark...” learning. It was incredibly laborative process. She was theater be able to see when eye-opening and engaging receptive to any ideas we backstage or in the house. tual platform and screen-re- cord the plays to be posted to interact with the other [had] and encouraged us Traditionally, it was turned student playwrights while to contact her at any time. on at night to appease the and viewed on YouTube. Trevor Handlin, the stu- receiving top-notch criti- There was an added empha- ghosts that would come and cism and guidance from sis on communication, not “perform”on the stage. Dur- dent playwright of An Awk- ward Mess, remarked on Mrs. Brandli. Although only because we were work- ing the pandemic, Broad- moments of technical dif- ing remotely, but also to en- way uses the ghost lights as his experiences during the first week of workshops ficulties -- such as screens sure the integrity of Feath- a reminder that the stage freezing, internets crash- erweight was not altered or will never be dark, prom- with Jami Brandli, a pro- fessional playwright from ing, or just an inability to undermined. And as is al- ising the continuation of hear what’s happening-- did ways the case with theater, theatre in quarantine and Los Angeles who instructed the playwrights and helped present problems, the pro- there were certain circum- eventual restoration of live foundly warm experience stances beyond our control, theatre in its original glory. them improve their works before they were produced. of learning how to execute especially Zoom related, In many ways, the art of effective playwriting with and again, just the unpre- theatre has persisted in the “We read a few plays [Our Town by Thornton Wilder our unconditionally sup- dictability of technology.” face of such isolating cir- porting and attentive group At the end of the final cumstances. For example, and Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage], which we was incomparable. I will week of the program, all of SPARC (School of the Per- have these memories with the works were performed forming Arts in the Rich- used to get accustomed to critiquing and analyzing, as me forever. In all honesty, in a live Zoom meeting mond Community) decided I believe the switch to the and recorded for later re- to host their annual New well as used them for good examples of well written online format gives a sense lease online. All eight plays Voices for the Theater sum- of convenience and univer- from the 2020 New Voices mer program on Zoom this plays. Then, we pretty much delved straight into work- sality to the program, since for the Theater program year. In this program, eight the workshops can hap- are available for viewing high school student play- ing on our own plays. There were two read throughs and pen anywhere, at any time, on the SPARC website: wrights are chosen to partic- and most importantly, in https://www.sparcrich- ipate in a two-week inten- critiques, and I think it was pretty beneficial for every- the comfort of our homes.” mond.org/2020nvfestival/. sive program consisting of a The next week of the New “Virtual New Voices ex- playwriting workshop with a one. Unfortunately, having it online made it harder to Voices program was filled ceeded every possible expec- professional playwright and with rehearsals, as the stu- tation that I could’ve had. the professional production connect with the others and certainly made it more awk- dent playwrights worked From the unmatched kind- of each student’s play to be with professional directors ness and support from the performed for an audience. ward. I’d say the only advan- tage was that it was safe.” and student actors and tech- faculty to the energy-pump- Since the plays are usually nicians to bring their pieces ing actors and actresses, ev- performed live, the SPARC On the other hand, Jayden 13 Sep/Oct 2020 FEATURES THE STAGE IS NEVER DARK CONT. ery single person involved duction team had to make in told the kids that they re- to wear their mask for per- with this program was order to present their show ally need to take time on formances, but when they thrilled to be there, and see- under COVID-19 restric- their own to work on their waited backstage they had ing this truly made me feel a tions. “We used the BAND part because there is only so to. We had a board with pins part of the “SPARC Family”. app and Zoom [for rehears- much you can do virtually and their names on [them], I honestly loved every single als]. We would put home- with singing and dancing.” so they knew where spe- aspect of it. I wished I had work and videos on BAND. When some of the quaran- cifically to put their mask.” savored it more. But, I think I would put up videos going tine restrictions were lifted, Overall, the play was con- the connection that I devel- over their voice parts and the production planned sidered a success. Says Mat- oped with the other student some of the dances and then to perform in person. “We ter, “...the kids rose to the playwrights in such a short Shelbi (who was the chore- had just found out the occasion and really had a amount of time is irreplace- ographer) would also put up church [Wilderness Bap- show we were all proud of!” able. We had many wonder- choreography review vid- tist Church] had approved Whether theatre is per- ful seminars together, both eos. We would then ask the us about a week before the formed in person or online, casual and insightful, and pandemic really hit. We there is something about I truly got to see how their would have loved to fit more the art of staged storytell- works reflected their -per “Whether the- people in the audience, but ing that always will draw sonality, background, and atre is performed because of COVID-19, we an audience. Playwright values. For them to even had about 50% less in seat- Katheryn Sherrill recog- open up their hearts to my in person or ing. But there were still a lot nizes the universal appeal work, that they all have online, there is of people that felt nervous of theatre to people of all the right to not care about, about attending, so it kind of backgrounds. “...the stories meant something invalu- something about worked out with the amount told [in theatre] have the able to me; I simply don’t the art of staged of seats we had. We had a unique ability to reach the have the words. Each and few moments where char- audience on the personal every one of them wanted storytelling that acters touched, and we took level, not only challenge the best for my play and always will draw all of that out. We made sure the audience [the piece] is me, and from Day One to all characters were spread presented to but all those the Festival, we all cheered an audience... out as much as possible. All involved in the production. each other on. That, I can The theater is props were labeled with the As both an actor and play- never give enough thanks actors’ names on them so wright, I’ve had the privi- to them,” says Huynh- able to bridge they weren’t sharing props lege of witnessing theatre’s Vuong of the experience. the divide of (we had eight ancestors, and ability to tell stories. It’s not While many theatre com- all of their props were the just entertainment; there panies are expanding the cultural and lan- same things, [so] we made is something to be learned field of virtual theatre, guage barriers.” sure they didn’t just grab from theatre no matter there are others, such as the any candelabra, but they your role [in the produc- LimeLite Theatre Company specifically had their own). tion process]. The theater is kids to send us videos back of Fredericksburg, who have During one of the scenes able to bridge the divide of showing they had practiced. been producing socially- they had to pass around a cultural and language barri- They all had access to the distanced live theatre. Laura goblet at dinner, and we had ers. To me, theater embod- tracks, so they would either Romani Matter, the owner hand sanitizer on each table ies [the proverb], ‘it is bet- show us dancing those parts of the Fredericksburg Stu- they would use before and ter to give than to receive.’” or singing their parts. And dio of the Arts and assistant after they had the goblet. The stages of the world are then we would check in and director of LimeLite The- Every actor had their own empty. But, they are not dark. rehearse the best we could atre Company’s production makeup, so things were not on Zoom. Around the be- of The Addams Family, ex- shared. When students were ginning of May, we stopped plains the changes the pro- onstage they didn’t have the Zoom rehearsals and Sep/Oct 2020 14 FEATURES TECH TIPS AND TRICKS FOR A GOOD SCHOOL YEAR ning in the background about ways to clear up -Don’t send creepy By Mikah Nelson Charging Corner Editor (Steam, Discord, etc.) RAM on your phone and/or messages to people In our time of virtual -Clear up RAM (Ran- computer, there are apps you -Don’t start unneeded learning, it is most impor- dom Access Memory) can use. Some phones come drama tant to make sure that what- Slow phone: with apps or settings that -If you’re feeling mad ever you’re using to attend -Close apps that are not in use clear up RAM, but you can and you think you might Google Meets is working -Restart your phone also just download an app become a volcano, take and in its best condition. -Clear up RAM using a Phone from the play store that your a deep breath and think, Slow computer: Cleaner application or if phone uses or you can down- “Is the argument re- -Close all your unneeded tabs you have a Phone Cleaner in load it off of the internet. ally worth your time?” -Make sure you don’t your mobile phone’s settings Social Media Ettiquette: -Be a decent human being have any apps run- If you are wondering -Don’t be rude -No means No FACE MASK FASHION By Cara Seely specializing in the uniquely- soared in popularity this demic. I get so carried away News Editor In the very early stages of patterned pandemic acces- year partly due to the need thinking: Which face mask this worldwide Coronavirus sories (not to mention the for masks and the inability will match this shirt more… pandemic one would walk countless face masks you for other commercial busi- the white flower one or the into a store and see a hand- can find on Amazon), but nesses to supply the de- purple paisley print one? ful of people wearing masks, many clothing stores have mand for masks early on in In the end, this fashion usually the blue, single-use added a “face mask” section the pandemic. Etsy is an trend has done more good disposable ones. I remem- to their website. If you walk American website that offers than what we can see on the ber thinking: How weird is into any store in the mall, handmade goods and vin- surface. It’s not just a silly it that some people are ac- chances are, there will be tage items. If you are look- fashion trend for a manda- tually wearing face masks? ing for that special mask to tory pandemic accessory; What good is that going to Scientists urge match your wardrobe, Etsy it’s a way that excites peo- do? Months later, compa- people to wear a may be the choice for you. ple to continuously wear a nies can refuse business to facemask in public, It has gotten to the point proper face mask. customers who don’t wear while maintaining where I feel slightly embar- a face mask while inside proper social dis- rassed if I go out in public their store. Scientists urge tancing guidelines with a face mask that doesn’t people to wear a facemask as well. match my outfit correctly. in public, while maintain- When I see someone wear- ing proper social distanc- ing a pretty-patterned face ing guidelines as well. It is pretty-patterned face masks mask while I wear a simple commonplace for people to up by the register. Even de- black one, I feel a slight sew their own custom face signer stores are selling face twinge of jealousy. I often masks and purchase reus- masks, and for a hefty price. ask people where they get able ones with fun patterns. Brands like Balenciaga, Su- their masks from, so I can Who knew that a pandemic preme, and Emilio Pucci are find and order the cutest could inspire a new fash- selling them for upwards ones for myself too. While ion trend: fun face masks! of $100. Etsy’s sales have styling an outfit I almost Face mask companies are also skyrocketed this year forget that face masks are on the rise. Not only have due to the mask demand. a necessary part of control- new companies popped up, The website Etsy.com has ling the spread of the pan- 15 Sep/Oct 2020 OP-ED IT IS A CRAZY WORLD WE ARE LIVING IN By Caleigh Prosser This man was George Floyd. ply holding signs. Other ing the Pledge of Allegiance Staff Reporter Diverse is one of the Since this incident, our places have been complete- or to the National Anthem? words used to describe the world has become one big ly destructive. There have What will it take for every- world we live in. While ball of chaos. There are pro- been fights, fires, destruc- one to look past the color of our Nation was founded tests throughout the coun- tion of buildings, police skin, the way we talk, and on diverse individuals, still try for the lives of black peo- barricades, tear gassing, the way we act, and just see today, we are faced with ple. There are people hating and so much more. Accord- a human being? We all wish challenges that this di- on police officers, those who ing to the Armed Conflict that there wasn’t hate in the versity brings, challenges sacrifice their lives for us ev- Location and Event Data world. We want unity while that need to be overcome. ery day. All this hatred and Project (ACLED), there celebrating our diversity. On May 25, 2020 Min- contempt is happening dur- were 10,600 demonstra- We are all people and neapolis police officers - at ing a worldwide pandemic tions across the US between deserve the same respect. tempted to collect a man where the world is already May 24 and August 22. The actions of one man accused of using fake mon- stressed by a deadly disease. What has happened to shouldn’t cause hate on ey. Through a series of mis- The Black Lives Matter America? What happened all those who protect us. steps by the police officers (BLM) protests have spread to the people who came to- Movements should be done involved, instead of being everywhere throughout the gether all around the world with peace and passion, put into the officer’s car he US. There are some places for the tragedies sufferend not destruction. We all live was aggressively pinned that have silently sat or on 9/11? What happened to in America. We should be down and ultimately killed. stood outside together sim- everyone standing up dur- proud to call this our home. BROKEN TEACHERS THOUGHTS ON VIRTUAL By Stephanie Martinez By Cara Seely more personally with the can use my own bathroom.” Op-Ed Editor News Editor students and seeing their What is the biggest disad- Imagine you come to a Adjusting to virtual faces. I can still be my weirdo vantage to online learning? country with your family learning has been a chal- self, but without the actual Charles Rudolph: “It is in hopes of having a safer lenge for all of us, espe- classroom environment, much more difficult to and /better life there only cially for our hard-working it’s just not the same. I’m help the students on- teachers. Here’s what a an entertainer by nature.” line than it is in person.” to be taken away from your few of Chancellor’s teach- parents and be placed with Ronda Dockery: “I miss Leon Dockery: “Building ers have to say about vir- having more time to con- relationships with the stu- strangers with absolutely no tual learning and the ef- nect personally with my dents is difficult. It’s still one knowing your location. fects of the Coronavirus. students. With only 45 min- happening, but some stu- That’s what’s happening How are you adjust- utes a block, it’s all busi- dents aren’t as comfortable here in the United States. ing to online learning? ness, all the time. Plus, star- in this format, and it’s hard to Charles Rudolph: “ Adjust- ing at the computer screen reach themin the same ways In 2018 the Trump admin- ing to online learning has istration lost count of 1,500 for 12 hours a day smells.” we could in the classroom.” been a challenge, because I What is the biggest advan- Ronda Dockery: “The big- migrant children who en- am using new technology, tage to virtual learning? gest disadvantage is prob- tered this country in hopes programs, and so forth. Al- Charles Rudolph: “The ably the technology hic- of getting a better education most everything is differ- biggest advantage to vir- cups that happen when you and better life. They were ent with online learning.” tual learning in my opin- are doing everything digi- Leon Dockery: “I’m actually ion is since the classes tally. But, honestly, there placed with sponsors, who enjoying it. I thrive in isola- the government did not are shorter, the students are a lot of advantages too.” tion, so it’s not that strange to can focus a little better.” What else have you ac- do background checks on, me. I also don’t mind talking Leon Dockery: “I feel like complished with the free- and when they called, there to myself for hours on end.” there’s not as much wast- time that came as a re- was no answer to their loca- Ronda Dockery: “I’m ad- ed time now. With only 45 sult of social distancing? tion. Those kids could have justing well. It’s definitely minutes, we have to keep Charles Rudolph: “Many a lot of work to transition things moving. Packing in things, but probably the ended up in human traf- to all digital materials, and ficking or doing labor. This as much quality learning most important is I fin- online teaching. But, I’m as possible. Also, my class- ished two manuscripts is a very important concern staying positive and tak- room is right next door to that I hope become considering how the cur- ing everything in stride. Mrs. D’s classroom now, so books in the near future.” rent administration says Online learning has I can bother her if I have Leon Dockery: “Well, there’s they are not to blame, but it forced me to be more flex- a free minute between really NO free time now that ible, which is a good thing.” classes. That’s a bonus!” we’re back in school. But sounds like ‘Oh we can’t find What do you miss the most migrant children because Ronda Dockery: “The big- over the summer, I got to about in-person learning? gest advantage, in my mind, spend wonderful time with maybe they are being traf- Charles Rudolph: “I miss is everyone is safe and my best friend and forever ficked. Oh well!” The Trump the interactions with the healthy. It also doesn’t hurt life partner Mrs. Dockery. administration needs to do students very much!!!” that my commute to work is We did some reading which better with that big problem. Leon Dockery: “Interacting walking down the hall and I is nice. We were able to work Sep/Oct 2020 16 OP-ED TEACHERS THOUGHTS ON VIRTUAL CONT. out more and quit being dents that are struggling/ Ronda Dockery: “Change positives. Trust me, if you lazy bums. So that’s good.” upset about online learning? is hard, but hard circum- look, you will find them.” Ronda Dockery: “I’ve Charles Rudolph: “Yes! Stay stances make us stronger. How are your pets doing? learned to cook like a boss. positive and do the best you Without struggles, you Charles Rudolph: “They are I’ve purged and organized can! It will all work out!” will never get to test your great!!! Charlie is three and my closets. Most impor- Leon Dockery: “Every gener- resilience. Ultimately, you is a big baby, Chloe is five tantly, I’ve recommitted ation has had to sacrifice for have a choice. You can fo- and she is my angel, Zoey is myself to running, as health the greater good. Some gen- cus on the negatives of a six and she is my little stink- is a priority right now.” erations more than others. situation, and be miser- er. I love them so much!!! :)” Do you have any words of Now is our time, and we will able. Or, you can focus on wisdom to input for any stu- get through it. TOGETHER!” the positives. I choose the DOCTORS VIST DURING COVID By Mikah Nelson be at the doctor’s office. changed. The chairs were and gloves.This is all due to Charging Corner Editor After a few weeks into quar- still there in the waiting the social distancing rule Now that the COVID-19 antine, I needed to go to the room, but there were few- and them not wanting to has spread, and we are in doctors to get a refill on my er of them, and they were be infected with COVID-19. a time of quarantine and medications. So, my mother spaced due to social distanc- Everything else was the social distancing, many and I drove down to our doc- ing. The doctors and nurses same throughout the check- things have changed. An tor’s office and we walked were still there, but they up, and we left there safely. example of this would in to find a few things had were all wearing face masks HOW TO BE CERTAIN OF YOUR PURPOSE IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY By Cara Hadden Will I or someone I know tions, Dr. Palmer explained, fore, is not the meaning of Features Editor get the virus? Will I still is a disruption in schedule. life in general but rather the The icy claws of winter are have a job tomorrow? Will I Since humans are creatures specific meaning of a -per beginning to loosen their be able to support the ones I of habit, having a schedule son’s life at a given moment. grip on the world, mak- love? As humans, we always creates a sense of normalcy, It doesn’t matter whether ing way for white and yel- want to know the answers and when that schedule is or not one knows his life’s low daffodils, the scent of immediately, but sometimes disrupted, lives are no lon- mission. It doesn’t mat- smoked barbeque on the the solutions we seek are ger in order, and people ter how long America is in wind, and the gentle caress ambiguous or nonexistent. subsequently become un- quarantine. It doesn’t mat- of a warm sun. With the In regards to COVID-19, no productive, unmotivated, ter how long it takes to cure warm weather comes a tra- one has all the answers right and bored. Therefore, if COVID-19. As long as every ditional outpouring of love, now, but if we want to keep one still maintains a rigor- person does something that friendship, and together- our sanity, we must accept ous schedule while working makes the day worthwhile, ness as schools close for the this nonanswer as an an- from home, they will have our country will continue summer, holidays are taken, swer. This is not meant to be a better sense of purpose. to persevere. Although, it is and families reunite to cre- a promotion of ignorance; Dr. Palmer also claimed worth noting that the most ate memories. Schools are one should stay informed that one of the best ways fulfilling actions are selfless closed, and family members of the virus’ progression to maintain good mental and a genuine outpouring are home, but for a very dif- in order to stop its spread. health is to find a purpose, of love for others. So check ferent reason. The outbreak However, one should also and in turn find motiva- in on a neighbor, talk to a of COVID-19 in the United be aware of what goes on in- tion to get out of bed in the friend, visit (virtually) with States has created unfore- side the home, perhaps even morning. Keeping a pur- a parent or grandparent. seen and unprecedented more so than the events pose in mind will not only Maintain the connections consequences, such as an outside. Social distancing maintain productivity, but needed to create a web of unstable economy, resource and self-quarantine are vi- will also clear the brain of compassion.Over the com- shortages from milk to toi- tal to maintaining physical negative thoughts and leave ing weeks, many people let paper, rising unemploy- health, but as the days in the person fulfilled. It does will be alone with their ment rates, and hundreds of isolation turn into weeks, not have to be a celestial thoughts, quite possibly for deaths in this country alone. which turn into months, the purpose in the existential the first time. Instead of let- Over the course of a few mental health of an individ- sense, but a simple goal to ting the negative thoughts weeks, the Coronavirus has ual can begin to deteriorate, complete and make the day consume the conscious- turned the American life- especially if they already worthwhile. Viktor Frankl, ness, allow thoughts of style into a gilded prison of struggle with mental disor- a psychiatrist and neurosci- love to trickle through the isolation, selfishness, fear, ders. According to Dr. Chris entist from Austria who was mind like water in a garden and paranoia. While most Palmer in a Psychology To- imprisoned in a Nazi camp, of roses. If one is willing to people recognize the world day article, what begins had an interesting approach make his inner life as rich as being uncertain in nature, as restlessness and bore- to finding his purpose in life. and meaningful as his inter- the insecurity of one’s posi- dom can quickly spiral into “For the meaning of life dif- personal relationships, then tion in the world hasn’t truly loneliness, depression, and fers from man to man, from social distancing will serve been experienced until now. even substance abuse. The day to day and from hour to as a mere hurdle on the path Many individuals are asking main cause for these emo- hour. What matters, there- of cultivating a good soul. themselves these questions: 17 Sep/Oct 2020 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR BASED ON A TRUE STORY By Katie Stafford a willowswitch whip; both he’s shunned by everyone his backbone. The reader Staff reporter create an escape fund; both for liking a boy in that way. I would have spent five well- Reader’s note: The Glass end up in New York City, find it rude and hypocritical written books with highly Castle, Flowers in the At- at 17 years old, where their to shun someone for their developed characters, and tic, and Petals on the Wind dreams come to life; they beliefs in that way. If anyone I can’t think of any fan who should be read if the reader leave their first husbands loves a good mystery, and to loves this series could read is at least 16 years of age. If due to reasons, both married find out which of the four the seven books without the reader feels uncomfort- somewhere in New York; is gay, give it read. Just be having cried at least once. able with the themes of any and their lives continue in careful about the profanity. But I only do the latter for of these books, do not read either Virginia or West Vir- The protagonists in the well-meaning characters: I this review. I have includ- ginia, which happens to be three books - Jeannette in haven’t spent enough time to ed my honest views, hav- where they grew up for more The Glass Castle and Cathy cry once during Jeannette’s ing the frightening truth than, at least, two years. in both Flowers in the At- 17 years of being poverty- of how mental suffering Another reason is the tic and Petals on the Wind stricken, and Cathy is so can be deadlier than a life- books are in first person - are telling their stories in messed up as a protagonist threatening wound. One limited point of view. There first-person limited. I do she makes Rex Walls - Jean- book tackles the disgust- are many points of view. not mind first-person lim- nette’s alcoholic father, who, ing behavior no one should The broadest way to under- ited because of how close once in one of his drunken be subjected to in any way, stand point of view is: first, mentally the reader is to furies, smashes things up shape, or form. For this re- second, and third person. the main character or pro- and threatens to beat or, in view, the truly terrifying There are sub parts for each tagonist, but there’s one one case, kill anyone who behavior from these two one. Third person (he, she, large flaw to this, and I’ll let gets in his way, seem like boys towards two young or they) has all: third-person this one YouTuber known an innocent bystander to girls, will be sugar coated. limited, third-person omni- as Reedsy explain that flaw a failed bank robber. Only One of these books has a scient, and third-person ob- when she is describing the Cathy’s mother is worse more graphic detailing to jective. Second person (you pros and cons using first- than her, and just barely. rape, and in the case of the or your) has one, but I have person point of view in Cathy doesn’t deserve my other book, sexual assault. heard this one where it com- general: “It’s also to keep in former reaction to the pro- If the reader has had or bines the words “you” and mind that first-person nar- tagonist to a terrible life; still is suffering from sui- “I” to create an unique, rare- rators are all inherently un- Jeannette, on the other hand, cidal depression, I deeply ly done story that sounds reliable, because there is no deserves it for both her and advise the reader to keep complex to write. An ex- distance between narrator her father. Her mother, Rose hope alive. For those lucky ample of this could be: You and character, even if your Mary, is too self-absorbed enough to not have experi- were beside me, and you got character is a really good- for any pity. Jeannette makes enced anything like this, be up to get a drink of water hearted person, who doesn’t it too confusing about the wary as this article describes while I picked up a book off want to lie to their audi- reason behind her father’s what it’s like to be suicidal. the coffee table. First - per ence, every character does drinking. More on that later. This review will be pitting son has two types of voice: have biases, and this will be The plot for most of The The Glass Castle by Jean- limited and omniscient. reflected in the narrative.” Glass Castle is Jeannette tell- nette Walls against Flowers One of Us is Lying by I’m a highly sympathetic ing her story of how she was in the Attic and Petals on Karen M. Mcmanus was reader. Give me a terrible living in poverty with her al- the Wind both authored by written in first-person om- tragedy in a fictional or non- coholic father, Rex, and her V.C. Andrews (the V stand- niscient. It was an interest- fictional protagonist’s life, self-absorbed mother, Rose ing for Virginia; the C for ing way to write a murder and I’ll either defend any Mary. It says it’s a memoir Cleo). Before the reader mystery about one kid dy- terrible deeds with the trag- for her years of living in pov- loathes the idea of one ing in detention with four edy, or if I spend enough erty and going hungry, but book being attacked by two other kids. He had some time with a character, cry when she’s in New York City, books, I have my reasons. juicy gossip he could have and mope for a while. I re- she’s living in hungerless, First, both protagonists revealed to ruin those kids’ acted that way for Choal hard-working conditions. I are forced to be with boys lives. For an example, one Westfall, a protagonist in see it as a memoir because where the encounters get of them is gay, and once his the fictional The Throne of of how crazy her life was out of hand; one is whipped high school finds out this, Glass series, when he broke with her father, as it ends by a belt, and the other by Sep/Oct 2020 18 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. five years after his death (her day. The first for Flowers in culty while I find every word Understandably, I was mother dies four years after the Attic is paper flowers; I put down, I put down with thunderstruck, and it took The Glass Castle was origi- vivid colors one day, dull tears, with bitter blood, me a while to recover from nally published in 2005). and nearly lifeless the next. with sour gall, well mixed that new darning evidence. Flowers in the Attic is The other is purple grass: In and blended with shame If the reader was curious about four young children one of the books Cathy and and guilt. I thought I would about what time period - 14-year-old Chris, 12-year- Chris read a story about two never feel ashamed or guilty, Flowers in the Attic and Pet- old Cathy, and four-year-old star-crossed lovers, Lily and that these were burdens for als on the Wind took place, twins Carrie and Cory - hav- Raymond, meeting where others to bear. Years have it’s close to the time that ing just lost their father, and the purple grass grows, and passed and I am older and The Glass Castle did. In The their mother gets them to Chris explains the purple wiser now, accepting, too. Glass Castle Jeannette was move to her parents’ huge grass is reality. Or, like I have The tempest of rage that born in 1960, and the story mansion. But the reader put in my manuscript, Hos- once stormed within me started three years after she might be now wondering tile Prey (a book about hu- has simmered down so I can was born when she was on why I have a book about a mans being preyed upon by write, I hope, with truth and fire after cooking hot dogs. young girl with her two sis- werewolves and vampires): with less hatred and preju- Her father died in 1994, ters and her brother in pov- Reality is in the ashes, not dice than would have been and the story continued erty when another book has the blazing fire of gloria. the case a few years ago. to 1999, five years after his four young children living I can hear some people “So, like Charles Dickens, passing. Jeannette, at that with enough money to build saying Flowers in the Attic in this work of ‘fiction’ I will time, would be 39 years old. Rex Walls’ dream house, and Petals on the Wind are hide myself away behind a (Fun fact: She would have the Glass Castle (the reason both fiction. However, the false name, and live in fake been 44 years old when her Jeannette tilted her memoir full prologue to Flowers in places, and I will pray to memoir was published.) this) about ten times ex- the Attic reads, “It is so ap- God that those who should Meanwhile, Flowers in actly, carefully making the propriate to color hope yel- will hurt when they read the Attic and Petals on the Glass Castle better than his low, like that sun we seldom that some understanding Wind will take more math. dreams were, without mak- saw. And as I begin to copy publisher will put my words One of the children “dies” a ing a dent in their money. from the old memorandum in a book, and help grind the few months before the kids The reason? They live in journals that I kept for so knife that I hope to wield.” are saved in 1961. The pro- one small room with an at- long, a title comes as if in- If the reader still doesn’t tagonist was 12 when she was tic as a playground, with spired. Open the Window believe it, according to www. first locked up, and was 15 their grandmother telling and Stand in the Sunshine. completevca.com, it is based once out; her sister was four these golden-haired and Yet, I hesitate to name our on a true story, at least for and turned eight once they blue-eyed children they are story that. For I think of us Flowers in the Attic: “Flow- were set free. This makes sinful and unholy, result- more as flowers in the- at ers in the Attic WAS based both seven years apart (that ing in so much psychologi- tic. Paper flowers. Born so on a true story. Virginia was will be important). I sub- cal damage that it echoes brightly colored, and fad- a young lady when my dad tracted 1961 by 15 to get 1946. in the two young girls in ing duller through all those made arrangements to take I made sure the math was two very different ways, long, grim, dreary, night- Virginia to the University of correct by subtracting eight, and makes one of the boys marish days when we were Virginia hospital for treat- which revealed the twins love one of his sisters in a held prisoners of hope, and ment. While she was there, were born in 1953, then sub- way that is inappropriate. kept captive by greed. But, she developed a crush on tracted that by seven to get There are motifs, recur- we never color even one of her young doctor. He and 1946 (Chris, the oldest, was ring symbols, that must our paper blossoms yellow. his siblings had been locked born sometime in 1944). be remembered. For The “Charles Dickens would away in the attic for over 6 Finding out the time Cathy Glass Castle it’s fire; fire in often start his novels with years to persevere the family was born was the hard bit. this case has two mean- the birth of the protagonist wealth. Obviously she cut Since Petals on the Wind ings: The first is her chaotic and, being a favorite author the time back [in her novel] had mentioned one of them childhood; the other is her of both mine and Chris’s, I to be more believable. That “dies” that leaves one of the rebellion, not like Cathy’s would duplicate his style - if area of the country has a kids to commit suicide at rebellion, blazing a path to I could. But he was a genius lot of wealthy people. I do the age of 22. Since the twin being the woman she is to- born to write without diffi- not know who they were.” was eight when he died it’s 19 Sep/Oct 2020 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. a matter of subtracting 22 quote means that when a for vapor cold - / I smell just going to jump right in. by eight to get 14 years from Potter sits down with clay, the rose above the mold! Before I do, I have one that time. I added 14 from the clay doesn’t question or I know poems can be in- more thing to say. This ar- 1961 to get to 1975. How- tell the Potter what to make, terpreted in any way the ticle was written less than ever, Cathy ends up having it is the Potter’s hand that reader wishes; no one way to a month after my deathless a boy named Jory, who was forms the clay into a case view the two poems is nei- run article on Luigi’s Man- three when she was 29 years or bowl. In relationship to ther right nor wrong. The sion 3. So if it feels lacklus- old; being 26 when she had God, it is God who made way I read Jeannette’s cho- ter, that’s why. I also wrote her son. The next time the us, parents can’t choose boy sen poem is no matter what this when I was depressed reader hears about Jory, he’s or girl, God chooses.” Part darkness someone is in after being in quarantine for five or six years old, so that’s one: Shall the clay say to - suicidal depression, pov- months on end, and with either 1980 or 1981; Cathy him that fashioneth it, what erty, or abusive caretakers, little to nothing to interest is either 34 or 35. However, makest thou? (Isaiah 45:9). there’s always the light of me. Once school started, the next book after Petals on The second part of Flow- hope, no matter how small, my head cleared a little, the Wind has Jory 14, so that ers in the Attic reads: Until or in the case someone who and I got better at my video time will be 1986. But the the day break, and the shad- is/was suicidal he or she has game articles. Also, this ar- last book - Seeds of Yester- ows flee away, (The Song of to create that hope, even ticle isn’t the only l article day, which succeeds There Solomon 2:17). The Song of if it’s a very small spark or written while I was recover- Will Be Thorns when young Solomon (also known as the dying ember. Meanwhile, ing from the deathless run Jory was 14 - Jory is about 28 Song of Songs) is not only Thomas Hood’s poem tells article; my Mario 3D World years old by the end of the about God loving his chil- the reader Cathy is a good and Super Mario World also book, making the last date dren and the children’s love and kind protagonist who’s where written when I was 2000, with his mother hav- to him, but it’s also about a a decent role model, even recovering from that article. ing died at age 54. (Note: book of love letters between though her character just Cathy being a terrible There Will Be Thorns, Seeds Solomon and his many tells me the opposite is true, role model for young men of Yesterday, Flowers in the wives. “In the passage the and Jeannette is a much bet- and women (both teenage Attic’s prequel, Garden of girl is singing about how her ter role model for teenagers and adult alike) is first seen Shadows, or one of nov- love of him (and his love of and adults than Cathy. If the when she’s seven years old; els having a connection to her). At night he is there liv- reader interprets the poems her mother had just told Flowers in the Attic - Se- ing with her, but when the differently, there is no one her she would be expecting cret Brother and the two day comes she lets him run way to view the two poems either twins or triplets, and Christopher’s Diary books free, knowing he’ll be back as either right or wrong. this sends her into her room, - do not count for the over- for her.” I want the reader So the reader isn’t con- sobbing like she had been all critique I will do for An- to remember this; it’ll make fused if I suddenly jump told her mother was to die drews’ works, but if I need sense come the end of Pet- from The Glass Castle to Vir- in a few hours. In The Glass the reader to understand als on the Wind, and add- ginia’s two works, I decided Castle, a little while before a something in one of these ing meaning to the latter I’ll flip-flop from book-to- five-year-old Jeannette is go- books, it will be added.) half of Flowers in the Attic. book, or from one author to ing to make a promise that Both V.C. Andrews’ books The Glass Castle has a another from time to time. she would fail disastrously, are a total of 868 pages, poem called “Poem on His I want the reader to keep in her brother Brian, as a soon- while Jeannette’s memoir Birthday” by Dylan Thom- mind that Jeannette’s mem- to-be middle child, is said to is a short 288 pages. Both as; the verse reads: Dark is oir has flaws that don’t really be delighted instead of en- Petals on the Wind and The a way and light is a place, / damage the book; however, vious of an upcoming baby Glass Castle have poems Heaven that never was / Nor Andrews’ two have fewer in their little family of five. that refer to their themes; will ever is always true. On problems that damage the However, Cathy’s father, Flowers in the Attic has two the other hand, Petals on the books. From here on out who gave them gifts once parts, both having verses Wind’s poem is an unknown there will be spoilers, and he came home on Fridays that have to do with the poem by the poet Thomas the reader should back out and the word love is said Bible. I was never good at Hood, reading: O’ver the and skip this article if he or implied so much that if references with the Bible, earth there comes a bloom; or she is too uncomfortable the word love was food they but I asked one of my aunts / Sunny light for sullen with the three topics. With would have no need to buy for its meaning: “Part one’s gloom; / Warm perfume my last warning given, I’m food, tells her she’ll love Sep/Oct 2020 20 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. the babies. Once Cory and owned no pet to prepare the boys in the other, table According to www. Carrie are born, she grows them with the true blow of and four chairs, a highboy, psychologytoday,com, “Re- to love them and care for grief, and their mother in dresser, armchairs, and a search has indicated that them: changing them, feed- serious debt because she closet which houses the nar- most people’s earliest mem- ing them, rocking them in and her husband never fully row staircase to the large at- ories, on average, date back a rocker, and pretty much paid for anything resulting tic. Their mother was irked to when they were 3-½ years living the role of a help- in repossession, she ends her mother didn’t find her old. Recent research stud- ful big sister. The perfect up explaining that their last kids beautiful with their ies of children, however, middle-class happy family name Dollanganger, which golden hair and blue eyes suggest that our earliest of six wouldn’t last for long the kids believed their whole and outraged Grandmoth- memories are more likely to once the two little ones are lives, was not true, but rath- er would even think the go back even further (Wang born, where Cathy says her er it was actually Foxworth. two oldest would be stay- & Peterson, 2014). By con- family was neither poor nor She says it’s money, not love, ing up late at night doing trast, research with adults rich, but they couldn’t name that makes the world go grown-up stuff in bed. The suggests that people can anything they didn’t have. round, and they’ll live in a grandmother warns them remember early childhood On her father’s 36th birth- large mansion with so much she’ll be there at 6:00am, memories back only to about day, he ends up in a car money in their pockets, they and both leave for bed. 6-6-½ (Wells, Morrison, & crash. Personally, the very won’t know what to do with The Glass Castle starts Conway, 2014) Researchers first time I read this I found it. The two eldest are talking with Jeannette in New York agree that few experiences it funny in this dark humor- about what they’ll do once in a taxi heading to a party before the age of 6 become ous way by how the two cops they live in this grand man- when she spots her home- lifelong memories.” I found explain it both seriously and sion, as they ride a train to less mother. Terrified her this to defend Jeannette seldomly. I would find it hi- West Virginia. Cathy tells secret would be out, she or- being able to remember larious to this day, but the the reader they left every- ders the taxi driver to take cooking hot dogs at three, tone of Flowers in the Attic thing except the ring of gar- her home. At home in Park to then being on fire while is one where it almost pun- net her father gave her when Avenue, she’s ashamed of cooking them, and going to ishes the reader for finding she was told her mother was herself for living in a nice the hospital for six weeks to a reason to laugh by a new having the twins, and their apartment and embarrassed then be removed before ful- danger these kids must face birth certificates hidden in by what her parents have ly recovered by her father, in their problem-filled, one- the suitcases. Her mother become. She gets in touch Rex Walls, and taken home. room, attic-playground. could only pay for four, and with her mother, and at a Personally, my first memory Reading Flowers in the At- she had to use two for her Chinese restaurant they eat has to be when our massive tic is like being in a tunnel own things, so that meant lunch together. However, brown-and-white dog went with no light, which sym- the four children had to the conversation isn’t that of after me after I got too close bolizes laughter and happi- cram the things they need- mother and daughter greet- to it while it was gnawing ness; the reader, if he or she ed in only two suitcases. ing one another. Jeannette on a bone. I remember run- laughs for a moment, would Walking through the coun- explains she’s not rich, but ning in my brother’s room, probably feel guilty as the tryside at night for the last she has money, and asks hiding under the bed, and new issue crops up, or it did time in years, the four chil- what she can do for her own because the gnashing teeth for me. The Glass Castle, dren get to see the exterior mother. Rose Mary wants were too close to my face, I meanwhile, there is light, of their prison, Foxworth an electrolysis treatment, crawled out to have my left again symbolizing laughter Hall, which their mother because if she looks good, ear bitten. The next thing in a tunnel; there’s a chance told them the Mansion was she’ll feel good. This has her I remember was my mom for the reader to find some called, and there was a lake mother saying she’s worried asking the doctor if I would figurative sunny days in a quarter of a mile away. about her daughter after be deaf because of the dam- Jeannette’s poverty-strick- At the door is the grand- Jeannette tries to explain she age, and my face frozen with en, hunger-filled years. mother, who takes them up wants her mother to have a pain. Not long after I got That’s where The Glass to their room. It’s a 16-by-16 better life. Rose Mary says back from the hospital, my Castle truly shines com- room with draperies they her and her husband’s life is parents got rid of the dog. I pared to these two books. are forbidden to open, a what it is, and her daughter was only five years old when With grief having shat- single bath, two beds where should tell the truth when that happened. I found out tered these children who the girls sleep in one while it comes to her parents. a year before we put down 21 Sep/Oct 2020 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. one of our German shep- mother comes at 6:00am to handled by Grandmother, wouldn’t fear the attic. Their herds, Zurg, he’d saved me explain the house rules, and who is attacked by Cory, mother, who helped them from further damage. I was that she’ll be using a bas- who was defending his sis- clean the attic, said when told I still have barely vis- ket instead of a tray to serve ter. The two twins huddle she told them she’ll give ible scars on my face and them food. She leaves after into a corner, both scream- them real life flowers, “We’ll the back of my left ear. saying if they were good she ing, and only stop once the take all of our plants when A few months after Jean- might give them something grandmother threatens we go, so don’t frown and nette comes home, her fa- sweet, but not any candy to whip them until they look unhappy. We wouldn’t ther orders them to leave as there were to be no trips bleed. The four-year-old leave living, and loving the house. He calls it “do- to the dentist, and not to twins stop at once; even of sunshine, in this attic.” ing the skedaddle” when go up in the attic until ten. though they don’t know However, Corrine does, but they pack up in the middle Chris reads the rules, which what a whip is; they know not any real flowers, just of the night. Not long af- are long: no looking at the that blood means pain. the metaphorical four paper ter that first move, where other gender, be modest al- With the twins quiet, flowers. Sometime into cre- they end up sleeping under ways (by that if one of the Grandmother forces their ating a paper garden with the stars on the hard desert kids had to use the bath- mother to show them her flora and fauna, the grand- ground with only a blanket, room in the night, they had back, which is striped with mother gives Cathy real yel- their father tells impressive to wear at least a bathrobe), welts - thirty-three for her low chrysanthemums for tales where he saves every- keep thoughts clean, say age, and fifteen in addi- their “fake garden.” Cathy, one, gambled smarter than Grace before every meal, if a tion for leaving her and her who believes Grandmother any man, and because he child wet the bed they’d be father - from her back to was born ugly, was sur- once was in the Air Force, whipped, no boys and girls her legs. This was used as a prised by this kind gesture, flew faster than any of his in the same bathroom, read warning to show them there even if that someone didn’t comrades. It’s hard to say the Bible. This is seven out is no mercy in the man- say it with any warmth. how much is fabricated or of the 22 rules, which could sion. Once she leaves, Cor- Seven weeks of being not, but it’s much better be extended if Grandmoth- rine explains the reason her locked up, the maids clean than Corrine and the grand- er felt like they had to be. mother and her dying father their room for the first and mother to the Dollanganger It should also be noted that aren’t happy about some last time. That day, the children. He goes on and on at the end of each “month” “disgrace” that had her cut children don’t enjoy their about the Glass Castle, which the maids cleaned the room from her father’s will is that many toys as much as they would be a house made of the kids were in, and the she married, to her and her did before as this seemed to glass he never builds for his children had to eat their children, her half-uncle. have solidified how much family, because of lack of basketful of food, which However, in Garden of Shad- they didn’t truly exist. Not money. He’s a highly smart they had to ration out for ows it’s much worse: half- long later, Chris and Cathy dreamer in reality, which one day, up to the attic, and uncle and half-niece didn’t draw flowers on the- at I’m not complaining about. be even quieter than mice. marry, but half-brother and tic floor with white chalk. However, Rex is a heavy The first day goes smooth- half-sister wedded. I know, White was the color to ban- drinker, which results in ly, except the twins don’t like disgusting and horrifying to ish all evil, to them, and Jeannette losing faith in how their older siblings are think those two had three any other color splotched her father at the age of 12 not allowing them to go out- rounds of baby making to with that white would al- when Rex told her he’s side. Carrie, who’s the out- add insult to injury. It only low evil to penetrate, which her favorite, and allowed spoken twin, screams loud- gets worse. I find it an inter- has two ill twins fearful her to do some fun activi- ly; Cory is the soft-spoken esting read with bits to have when they’re given sheets ties like Demon Hunting, one who seldom talks, so he the reader’s skin crawl. The of pink instead of white. which is a “Demon” that mainly punches, kicks, and reason they’re in the room Several months before was afraid of Rex once he bites. Not only does that is because they have to wait the twins become sick with showed it he wasn’t afraid happen, but the twins attack until their grandfather dies. ramifications that frighten of Demon, and tells Jean- the grandmother when she Before the maids clean Cathy, Chris tells her when nette the only way to scare enters that night. It started the kids’ one room for the he notices his depressed sis- Demon was to show Demon with Carrie screaming at the first and last time, Chris has ter, “Cathy, let’s not waste she wasn’t afraid of him. top of her voice to let out of the idea to make a garden one minute! Let’s prepare The next day, the grand- the room, she’s then man- out of flowers, so the twins ourselves for the day we get Sep/Oct 2020 22 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. out. If you don’t set your ers’ played hide-and-seek rine with sugar, and this has ing spot, He then ends up goals firmly in mind, and in the frigid cold, protected their parents arguing over sexually assaulting her, and strive always to reach them, by the cold with ski jackets the fact how Rose Mary, if Jeannette had described then you never do.” Cathy, and warmer clothes, Cathy who hates living like she what it felt like in more who wants to be a prima bal- couldn’t find Cory. She and is, explains Rex isn’t taking detail than vague bits of lerina, runs and challenges Chris found him locked in care of his family as he goes where she placed her hand fate to break her neck when a chest, unconscious and off to bars. However, they on the boy’s private part, she bolts down the steep, blue. After a warm bath and didn’t ration out their food; then it would have been up narrow stairs to their room, massaging him, Cory re- if they rationed it, the food there as the graphic rape vowing someone would vives from nearly suffocat- could have lasted for a little scene. It wouldn’t have pay. Meanwhile, Chris, who ing and freezing to death. while longer. Later on, many topped the rape scene, but wants to be a doctor with While Cathy rocks him in a months after their first it would have been pretty his M.D., tells his mother rocking chair from the attic, Thanksgiving at Foxworth close to matching it. How- to give Cathy some ballet Chris destroys all the locks Hall, it’s shown the Dollan- ever, Billy isn’t finished. music, leotards, and tutus, to the chest so something gangers are smart enough to He goes to her house when and he ends up nailing a like that would never hap- ration out food when they’re her parents aren’t home barre for her to practice on. pen again. Then, once Chris running low, and they know and starts shooting a gun A barre is for the ballerina returns, the next scene is the not to gulp it all down in one at the four kids. It ends up to find his or her balance spookiest this author has meal, because they know with Rex and Rose Mary before performing the same written: Chis sitting in the it’ll be better to save food taking the kids to Phoenix, dance moves without it. rocking chair, Cathy, hold- for later, and they know eat- Arizona, after the police Autumn comes. The Dol- ing both twins, on his lap; ing as little as possible in are called to investigate the langangers remove the pa- Cathy realized how Chris the start would mean less fact children were shoot- per flowers to create fallen and her have become the risk of throwing it all up in ing guns at one another. leaves of many colors, and roles of father and mother, end. The reader might argue Their first Thanksgiving they create snowflakes for not older brother and sister. they get food daily and eat it shows these kids aren’t even winter, in case they were After moving around a all, but they end up saving a used to being hungry after a still there by then. One lot, which includes Jean- decent amount of food that few hours of not eating their day, Cathy and Chris are nette tumbling out of the lasts a few days to weeks. I next meal; they wait for sev- on a smelly, stained mat- car to only be reunited with know Jeannette’s hungry, eral hours for their mother tress: Chris explains his fu- her family once her fam- and her next meal might to come and dine with them ture wife would be under- ily’s car comes back for her, be days away, but to just ra- on Thanksgiving, which she standing, beautiful, smart, her promising to her new- tion out food, would mean can’t, and the twins com- and the perfect housewife, born sister, Maureen, she’ll she eats a bit longer. It’s plain about every mouthful. which makes Cathy, who take care of her when she’s just the smart thing to do: I know some hunger; I re- wants a handsome husband nearing her sixth birthday, Eat a small amount of food member one of the houses I who she’ll test his skills with and riding in the back of U- and know she has some- lived in I learned how to sur- childish games, feels like Haul, they end up in Battle thing the next day, versus vive the day with dinner as she can’t match up to wife Mountain, where she and devouring everything to go the only meal, just because Chris wants. A few weeks af- her family live for a little un- hungry for days at a time. we kids were too young to ter that conversation, Carrie der a half a year. This is the Not long after her eighth use the stove, and the mi- and Cory no longer ask to go first home she remembers. birthday, Jeannette meets crowaveable foods were for outside, as “outside” was the After she learns to swim the new kid, Billy. At three our parents; there was only garden with paper leaves for by being tossed in a surfer years older than her, Bil- stale cereal for breakfast. autumn, lacy snowflakes for spring called the Hot Pot ly does the stupid lie of a Usually, I stayed with my winter, and paper flowers by Rex, Lori explains things young child being his girl- grandparents to avoid going for spring and summer, and around the house would be friend, which she both hat- hungry, and strangely that they forgot there was an- tight as their father got fired ed and was secretly thrilled house is where the rules other world other than the from his job. After they eat by. It ends up with her and were stricter on us kids, and world they were locked up in. their fill of sandwiches and the kids playing tag, and now they’re not so strict. During one November milk, the next day Jean- Billy, who wasn’t playing to Now that we kids can use day while the Dollengang- nette and Lori eat marga- begin with, finds her hid- the stove and the micro- 23 Sep/Oct 2020 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. wavable food is fair game, I ganger Saga books - a grand the suggestion they make a that never left her mouth don’t go hungry. Sure I don’t total of 3,097 pages - to at- Christmas present for their until her twelfth Christmas. know hunger like Jeannette, tack itself. Meanwhile, The grandmother, who does give Their mother, after giv- but I’ve had my fair share Glass Castle is a 288-paged them milk and food, even if ing her children a portable of going hungry, and the stand-alone book, and if the food is now poorer qual- TV set and a priceless doll- four Dollangangers would I have to use its praise and ity, and it’s lukewarm (at house for the twins that was soon find out their hun- Google to attack, then I’m best) or covered in ice (at owned by both her and the ger is worse than Jeannette going to. Plus, part of the worst). As they work on it, grandmother, agrees to let ever suffered, considering attacks is to prove the other both Cathy and Chris tell the Chris and Cathy watch the on page 68 of her memoir, protagonist and/or char- twins about Santa Clause, as party she was attending she only says days, and not acters did something bet- they don’t want their twins that night. With the twins specifying on how many. ter or showed they or she to not have a childhood asleep, Corrine takes her One of the book’s praise became more desperate to without believing in him. first son and daughter to a (given by Patricia Bosworth, live when things got tight Meanwhile, Jeannette and small cubby hole with mesh author of Anything Your Lit- at home or Foxworth Hall. her siblings laugh about that to peer through to watch. tle Heart Desires and Daine The twins fall sick not long silly old myth; that isn’t out After watching the dancers Arbus: A Biography) says after Thanksgiving, with of the ordinary for parents (including Corrine dancing she survived “near starva- the grandmother telling the to not let their kids believe with a young dark-haired tion to triumph.” According kids the twins would recover in Santa, as one my uncles man with a big mustache to www.medicalxpress.com, in nine days; however, the doesn’t let his children be- named Bart), and looking at authored by Peter Janisze- twins stayed ill for ten more lieve in Santa. However, my the grandfather for the first wski on December 2, 2015: days longer than Grand- mother had this one rule time, they slip out back to “Generally, it appears as mother predicted. The around Christmastime that their room as they have to use though humans can survive twins once had rosy com- was “if you don’t believe, you the bathroom. Not long af- without any food for 30- plexations of health and don’t receive,” which was if ter they leave the bathroom 40 days, as long as they are loved to run and play. Now we didn’t believe in Santa, (first Chris, then Cathy), properly hydrated. Severe Cathy is frightened when we would not get Christmas Chris sneaks off to explore. symptoms of starvation be- she sees the haunted big presents. It’s been about Sometime after Cathy falls gin around 35-40 days, and blue eyes of the twins’ pale ten or eleven years since I asleep, her mother demands as highlighted by the hunger faces, and creeping instead stopped believing in that to know where her firstborn strikes of the Maze Prison in of running; not to mention myth, and we kids still get is. Chris walks in, and Cor- Belfast in the 1980s, death the quiet Cory rarely speaks, presents over Christmas. rine slaps him across the can occur at around 45 to 61 and chatterbox Carrie spoke On Christmas, the Dol- face twice, threatens to whip days.” She didn’t say weeks, nearly as much as Cory langangers get candy for both her son and daughter if but days, and she didn’t say did now. What does their the first time in months. they escape again, then sobs how many days she goes mother suggest when she’s While the twins are gulping she’s sorry, and promises hungry, plus she would told about how her twins it down, Cathy and Chris are to never talk about whip- sneak around to hunt for are now? Answer: After savoring every mouthful; ping them, as long as they food. So, she’s not exactly staying, at least, 119 days in Cathy even allowed every bit behave. Once she leaves, going the whole day without that room (they reached 100 of chocolate she ate to melt Chris explains in so much food, because she steals it days before Thanksgiving on her tongue first. When detail it’s almost clear An- from a student’s lunch when and the twins were ill for 19) the grandmother gives them drews didn’t know how to she slips back into class dur- she suggests giving her half- their food and milk, Cathy write good dialogue. There’s ing recess, and takes some sick paper flowers a daily tries to give the gift; Grand- a trick with character dia- food from a friend’s house vitamin instead of the sun- mother just looks at the logue: the writer has to write to eat it in the bathroom. light and fresh air her chil- gift tag and storms away. in a way that sounds like how This may seem harsh that dren so desperately need. Instead of being mature, people will talk, and yet not. I’m using the “Praise for The And, reader, she gets worse. Chris intervenes and gives It’s so annoying, because Glass Castle” to attack, but The grandmother never her a suggestion to give it to it would have been easier I’m using the whole Dollan- spoke their names for the their mother. She jumps on and better if it had been ganger Saga. I’m essentially five months of being im- it, breaking it beyond repair in Chris’ point of view for using all the eight Dollan- prisoned, and Chris makes while using swear words that one moment, and I’m Sep/Oct 2020 24 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. not referring to those two by the burning tree and cords from their old school. Rex had a daughter who had books (Christopher’s Diary: wet by the water they used Rex, who didn’t have a part his eye and hair color, but Echoes of Dollanganger and to take care of the fire. in the plans to return to his she died; after her death, he Christopher’s Diary: Secrets On her tenth birthday, she birthplace, decides to come went out and came home of Foxworth) because those asks her father to stop drink- with his family once Jean- drunk. Jeannette was told are about a protagonist find- ing. Instead of doing the nette starts telling him he’s by her mother she was ing the diaries Chirs wrote. long and safe way by wean- the father and has to come. meant to replace that dead In Phoenix, Jeannette is told ing off the alcoholic, Rex In Welch, they see their sister of hers. That’s better her grandmother, who lived goes completely cold turkey. father’s parents, who are than what I’m told about my in Phoenix, died months It results in him succeeding, highly racist people, for the birth; I was a mistake. How- ago, and she starts attacking and he plans to take his kids first time. Jeannette, who ever, Jeannette wonders if her nonchalant mother un- to the Grand Canyon to cel- was raised to not be rac- this could be the reason, til Rex stops her. Rose Mary ebrate turning a new leaf. ist, speaks out one day not but it’s never explained. I’m can only say to Jeannette’s Now, I saw the Grand Can- long after she starts school, going to say the latter, be- feelings of stunned grief, yon back before my sopho- which has her bullied for cause a young man living on page 92, “We’ve all got to more year, but I was suicid- being poor and pretty much in a hostile environment is go sometime, and Grandma al; I kept my distance from being the new kid, which a better reason than a grief- had a life that was longer the edge, as each time I got has her going without din- stricken father towards a and fuller than most.” Now too close, I had these crazy ner. Her older sister, Lori, daughter who died many at least Jeannette seems to urges to let one of the seven hugs her for speaking up. years ago, as Cathy says have accepted the death of wonders of the world take Their parents decide to go that no matter how long her grandmother; Cathy, a my life, and I would have if back to Phoenix to get some someone holds onto grief, few months after her dad’s I written a letter explaining stuff they left behind some- the grief fades over time. death, tries to hide in an il- why I was trying to die, when time in winter, and Jean- Not long before they reach lusion by pretending he’ll I had befriended Death not nette, Lori, Brian, and Mau- a year of being imprisoned, return one day. Corrine then long into being suicidal. On reen have to stay behind with Chris and Cathy start going gets outraged her daughter the way over there, their car their father’s racist, alcohol- into puberty. Part one ends would hide from reality like breaks down because Jean- ic parents, and their grand- with them reaching one full that, and forbids her to do nette requested Rex to go as mother, Erma, more than year, and part two starts with so, and Cathy doesn’t try. fast as possible in an old car. anyone else. With Rex and another year having passed, Jennette has lived in Phoe- Being unable to fix it, they Rose Mary gone, Erma be- with their mother coming to nix for two years. In those decide to hike back to Phoe- comes worse. She hits them see them less and less. One two years, she gets so hun- nix; a woman finds them, with a serving spoon when day, Cathy goes to the dress- gry that she and her brother, and takes them home, but she doesn’t like the look on er mirror in the bedroom, Brian, rummage through uses the word “poor” too their faces, and at one point takes off her clothes, and Dumpster’s for food, and much for Jeannette’s liking. - the breaking point - was admires how good she looks she pets a cheetah when Three days later, Rex comes when Brian has that part of without any clothes on. she goes to the zoo. Jean- home drunk, and tries to him kneaded when Erma Chris sneaks down the at- nette and her family, who kill Rose Mary, but it only said she’d fix his pants, and tic, and watches her. Cathy usually celebrated Christ- gets them both hugging and both Lori and Jeannette de- notices him when she mas a week after because kissing that he didn’t mur- fend her brother. This leads gets the feeling of being they got everything for free der his wife. Not long later, to the four of them stuck in watched. After she realizes through the trees, wrapping Rose Mary decides to head their room in the basement. she’s afraid of her brother paper, and other items wait- off to Welch, West Virginia, Once their parents return, when her dress is several ing to be trashed, decide to where Rex was born, and Rex is outraged his kids did feet away, the two hear the celebrate on the 25th. On because she doesn’t want everything in their power to key being turned in the that Christmas, her father to wait to tell their teach- protect one another. This is door; by the time Cathy has ends up burning the tree ers they were withdrawing where a sympathetic reader slipped on her dress, the they bought, and the pres- from their school, and she would find it hard to see grandmother has seen the ents they got for one an- says the new teachers will be which was the cause for “sinners” doing “everything.” other at a thrift store were impressed with their knowl- Rex’s drinking. A few years Cathy’s terrified she’ll be ruined after being crushed edge, she doesn’t get any re- before Jeannette was born, whipped, but the grand- 25 Sep/Oct 2020 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. mother orders her to sit mice. Thinking the raw her it’s still good as she just blogs before this website) down so she can shear meat would taste better with has to slice off the maggots. according to www.cooks. off her hair; however, she salt and pepper, Chris goes The ham was in a cabinet, com (considering she’s us- changes her mind, and tells downstairs to find some; he as they didn’t have a fridge. ing one to two pounds of Chris to do it, or they won’t returns, not with salt and This is annoying, because poke salad; now the site did eat for two weeks. When he pepper for the raw meat for the Dollangangers don’t add six to eight slices of ba- doesn’t, Grandmother drugs his two mice, but with the have a fridge, and their food con, one large onion, and a still-sleeping Cathy into a basket full of food, and four isn’t being eaten by maggots, two eggs, but I’m going to deeper sleep, and puts hot powdered sugar donuts, one as they put their food under ignore that part). It reads: tar on her hair. When Cathy for each child - the first time the highboy (during the “Pick and wash poke salad, wakes up, she’s still feel- they had a sweet dessert. spring and summer) and up bring to a rapid boil for 20 ing drugged, and it takes More than two years of not in the attic, combatting the minutes. Drain and rinse her a moment to realize touching grass, Chris and hungry mice (in the late au- with cold tepid water. Bring her hair is covered in tar. In Cathy one night sneak out tumn and winter), and they to a rapid boil, starting with the end, it takes Chris and of the house for a swim in never once have maggots; cold water, for a second boil Cathy, who’s been in the the lake a quarter of a mile plus, sometimes they would for 20 minutes. Again drain bathtub with hot black wa- away from Foxworth Hall. save food from the basket and rinse with cold tepid ter all day, to get most of it They go down by knotted- for several days or weeks, water. Now for the third off. However, he’s forced to together sheets they made, so it’s not just one day. time, starting over cold cut some of her hair, and and they make it because Sometime after that mag- tepid water bring to a rapid they wrap her hair in a towel Cathy wonders what would goty ham incident, she boil for 20 more minutes. to trick the grandmoth- happen if Foxworth Hall and her brother decide to Drain and rinse with cold er into thinking Cathy’s burned down while they eat pokeweed raw and not water. Let dry completely.” too ashamed to show the were locked up; she suggests boiled correctly when they The site continues to tell grandmother she’s bald. To it just mere hours before the try to make poke salad. Ac- the reader what to do with keep the six-year-old twins grandmother comes into cording to www.oardc.ohio- the onion, eggs, and bacon, from fearing Grandmother their room with food and state.edu, “All parts of com- but, again, I’m not using more than they already do, milk for the first time. After mon pokeweed are toxic to that part of the information. both Chris and Cathy lie they swim for a while, they humans, pets, and livestock. She and her brother ended that Cathy put the tar in return. At times they try Roots are the most poison- up with their tongues itch- her own hair by mistake. getting the twins onto the ous, leaves and stems are ing for days after boiling it Even with the tarred hair roof, but they’re terrified to intermediate in toxicity once with an unknown time dealt with, the grandmother go outside, even when reas- (toxicity increases with ma- they boiled it for (safe to doesn’t appear with food or sured by their older brother turity), and berries are the say they didn’t boil it long milk for two weeks, which and sister they’ll be alright. least toxic.” Later on in the enough for the one time they has them eating less, when Because Erma couldn’t take same site: “Research with did). Considering they ate a they barely eat before this. the children, she “banishes” humans has also shown poisonous plant raw, didn’t One day, with nothing to them, and Jeannette and that common pokeweed can know how to boil it proper- eat, Chris slashes his wrist her family lives at 93 Little cause mutations (possibly ly, I’ll say two idiotic kids got with a pocket knife and force Hobart Street. There, she’s leading to cancer) and birth off that experience relatively feeds his blood to his little living in the worst forms of defects.” Now, I’m assuming unscathed. I know in those brother and sister, but Cathy poverty, as she rummages this is common pokeweed; days they didn’t have cur- refuses. On the day there’s through the trash at school, she never specifically said on rent technology like we do food, Chris and Cathy try to and her parents refuse to be page 172 of her memoir that today, but my grandmother, escape, but realize the twins helped, even with school it is a different type of poke- a year older than Jeannette, would be too heavy to carry giving out free clothes for weed, and common poke- said if they had access to a in their weakened state. those who really need them, weed is ironically common. library (which they did), With Cathy realizing the and if it’s tight around the Now Jeannette and Brian they could have found what only reason she wasn’t vom- house she eats cat food. had the right idea to boil to do with the pokeweed. iting was because she hadn’t Once they get a ham, and it, but (I didn’t want to use My grandmother did a lot eaten in days, she watched it’s swarming with maggots; a blog post for my research of research papers when Chris skin and gut four dead however, her mother tells here, and I found five or six she was at school, and said Sep/Oct 2020 26 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. all her research was done facts; it’s not a matter of per- was the one she hated about ing out the forbidden win- by reading library books spective at all. It’s a matter her appearance. For me, I dow when the grandmother (both from her school’s and of facts and stories linking was bullied in third grade orders him, using “boy” the local library) on the into one - not perspective! how my smile was crooked, instead of his name, to get subject she was research- One summer, Jeannette and that I looked really ugly away from the window. ing, so two kids wanting to feels her mother should be whenever I smiled, so I hat- Chris doesn’t, but he tells find a new supply of food able to say no to her father, ed whenever I looked at my- her his name is Chris, and when they’re going hungry and not cry like a five year self in photographs because she must feel “self-righteous constantly have no excuse old, and she takes charge of I think I look ugly in them, for starving small children.” not to do their research. the house as her mother is and that isn’t helped by how Grandmother gets a wil- One day when she’s 12, renewing her teaching cer- insecure I am. However, the low switch, and tells him she tells her mother to leave tificate and Lori goes off to smart thing to do was to get a they’ll be whipped, even the Rex, as they’ll be able to wel- a government-sponsored dentist appointment and ask twins, along with no food fare without an able-bodied summer camp by paying the a professional if she needed for a week, if they ran into parent caring for them. bills and making meals for them, but I’ll give her points the attic, since she’s claus- Rose Mary explains Jean- her family at 13-years-old. on creativity, nonetheless. tropic; this was found out nette was her father’s last At times, she gives money to Plus, Jeannette never said not long into their impris- defender. Plus, she couldn’t her father, but when she was Welch didn’t have a dentist onment, but it doesn’t have leave her husband when her with a drunk gambler when office, and a very quick and much point that I didn’t tell beliefs forbade it, and she her father took her to a bar, simple Google search (using this until now: the 2014 Life- happened to be an excite- she finds the strength to www.randwicksmile.com) time movie of Flowers of ment addict. In my family, deny going to another bar. shows a basic exam is $50 the Attic cleverly includes the suggestion of leaving Even if she’s suffering worse to $200, with an X-ray being this as a point when they es- a family member would poverty and she’s knowl- between $25 to $250, and cape, but the book doesn’t. be unspeakably disloyal, edgeable to try and change dental cleaning being in the Chris is then taken into unless with good reason. her life when she goes hun- price range of $75 to $200. If the locked bathroom with At one point, Jeannette’s gry, there are moments she’s doing a basic cleaning, the grandmother and whip. waiting to take a shower where she’s happy. During let’s say it is $85; that’s bet- He’s then ordered to strip at her grandfather’s place the summer when she’s 12, ter than $120 she heard was and lean against the tub. (Erma having died during she and her father are on for braces. Using page 224 His courage through the her second winter, and she the porch, and the two end of her memoir, she said she whipping is shown by not and her siblings not sorry for up roaring with laughter. gets a dollar an hour baby- screaming; however, Cathy her death at all), when her When she’s either 11 or 12, sitting and, per assignment, screams his pain for him: He uncle Stanley, puts his hand her father comes home with doing other kids’ homework took the whipping, and she on her thigh; she pushes it wounds when he was scaling with an A- or better for the screamed his pain. When it’s off to have it return, and this a mountain, and Jeannette same amount of money for over, Cathy is still scream- time she sees her uncle play- is too squeamish in healing each hour. Let’s say in a day ing, and gets a worse whip- ing with himself. Disgusted, him to do more than put an- she gets 15 kids’ assignments ping than her silent brother. she goes to her mom, who tiseptic and put two sloppy and five hours to babysit The last blow to the now- says when it comes to sex- stitches on a deep gash that - that’s 20 days. If I’m us- broken willow switch has ual assault it’s a matter of should have more stitches. ing that simple-math ex- her knocked unconscious, perspective. My only attack Another interesting thing ample, that means in about and she, too, was ordered for that sick thinking, Rose that happened to Jeannette four days, she has enough to strip as well, which Cathy Mary, is if a person is sexu- in Welch was she made her for a basic cleaning, which does or else the grandmoth- ally assaulted, then the one own braces. She thought her should have put her mind at er would rip off her clothes. who did wrong could say front teeth needed them, rest and had her not do the Just before she’s whipped, the other chickened out, but and was really conscious of hassle of making her own she explains there’ll be a day it isn’t a matter of perspec- how they stuck out when braces without even talking where she’ll get to wield the tive. I know there are two she smiled. She didn’t men- to a professional. But, again, whip, and she’ll control if sides to one story, but when tion being bullied about her I give her the creative points Grandmother eats food or it comes to crime like this teeth; she just presumed for her ingenuity, regardless. not, and the grandmother it’s important to get all the they were horrible, and it In October, Chris is look- allows her to speak, for she’s 27 Sep/Oct 2020 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. then punished by a savage six times. She runs off and instead of its teeth to get the and enjoy, along with his ac- and brutal willow switching. vows that would be her last cheese, all four had saved cordion and guitar; and leaf- Meanwhile, sometime whipping and she’ll be leav- from a mouse trap. That line shaped maple sugar candy. during late August in The ing Welch before she finish- would make sense come the After Cathy, upset her Glass Castle, Jeannette es high school. Personally, very end of Flowers in the mother got her little girl rudely talks to her mother, Cathy didn’t deserve her Attic, and Cory’s lame attic dresses when she hasn’t telling her if she wanted punishment, and she gets mouse, Mickey, will have a even owned one bra, loses to be treated like a mother the worst done, but that fate that conforms to the ter- it, screams she wished she she better start acting like isn’t what gets them to de- rifying speculations about was dead instead of buried one. Her mother, unusu- cide to escape; for Jeannette, the sugared donuts the Dol- alive in the one room and ally angered by her daugh- I feel like she deserved her langangers had recently attic, then races to practice ter’s smart mouth, warns punishment, as page 59 of been given to eat as a dessert. ballet. Sometime into her her she’s in trouble once her her memoir reads, “Dad As they eat their lunch dancing, she falls down and father hears. After school, whipped us with his belt, Cathy sees Cory, whose five realizes she doesn’t care if her father leads her into but never out of anger, and pounds, and Carrie, five her leg, which is said to be the kitchen, and he’s told only if we back-talked or pounds and one ounce, twisted, receives permanent plainly about Jeannette’s disobeyed a direct order, only grew two inches since damage as she hobbles over rudeness; it leads to her which was rare.” As page 59 they got to Foxworth Hall out of one the attic windows asking her father why he said, she talked back, and two years and four months and to the edge of the roof. doesn’t act like a father, and quite rudely as well, and ago, Corrine enters the Just moments from taking this has Jeannette in worst she got the punishment room for the first time in her own life, she stops her- trouble by rudely talk- her father would dish out, months. Chris, her son who self realizing the twins and ing to both of her parents. and that made her so up- believes in her more firmly Chris needed her more, and Now I understand by what set she was going to leave. than Cathy does, then de- if Cathy does survive her she meant by her father act- It sounds courageous at mands to be let out, some- suicide attempt by landing ing like a father, but I’m go- first, but if she hadn’t add- thing Cathy has been say- in the thorny rose bushes, ing to play the idiot and say ed that sentence in page ing for years. This ends up her mother and grand- I don’t know: According to 59 then it would be highly with their mother crying mother could safely claim www.aamft.org (AAMFT brave for what she had done; like a child of seven, like a she was a random girl seek- standing for American As- with that sentence, it makes child the age her twins are. ing a way to take her own sociation for Marriage and her seem like she’s overre- Before they open the gifts life. And the terrible talk Family Therapy): “Accord- acting, and she’ll only not she gives them, Cathy won- about suicidal depression ing to the National Coun- get whipped if she “doesn’t ders why her mother is us- is far from over; just keep cil of Alcoholism and Drug open that smart mouth of ing up money on very ex- reading, because it goes Dependency (YEAR), there hers,” like what my grand- pensive encyclopedias for much further in some char- are approximately 18 million mother and mother would Chris’ seventeenth birthday, acters wondering if they’re alcoholics in the US. As a re- say. Which, because she and not on an escape fund better dead than alive. sult, an estimated 26.8 mil- doesn’t get another whip- for her children. She leaves, Harboring thoughts of lion children are exposed, at ping afterwards, it’s safe and tells them she’ll return revenge, Cathy is given a varying degrees, to alcohol- to say she kept her smart to tell them her news once jacket by Chris, who tells ism within their families.” mouth shut. To me, that’s they can love her again. her not to talk like that By this context, her father is the biggest complaint I have With their mother punish- again. He continues to ex- acting like any father; don’t with The Glass Castle, and it ing them for demanding plain he has fears, doubts, get me wrong, children sub- does sounds cruel, but it’ll freedom that they wouldn’t and suspicions, like Cathy, jected to being victims of al- be seen as minor and idi- get out by her, they open the but he laughs and makes coholic parent(s) is not okay. otic next to the complaints gifts: books they read years himself believe because he She’s then told to bend about Cathy’s character. ago; a red dress and purple wants to survive, and sur- over when she refuses to “Go on, keep the mouse. ribbon for Carrie, who loves viving would not happen avert her eyes from Rex’s, A pet like that suits you,” red and purple, to wear; a as both him and the twins and this leads to her bend- Grandmother told Cory new, shiny banjo that Cory, would be dragged down to ing over to call his bluff, and when Cathy explained the who has an interest in mu- their deaths if Cathy killed getting struck with his belt mouse, who used a forepaw sical instruments can play herself. Chris explains the Sep/Oct 2020 28 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. twins see Cathy as their owner wasn’t there without being thrilled by where he aches, and having little en- mother, while they look at any hesitation. A theft is a kissed her, one night Cathy ergy from time to time, and the woman who gave them theft, and a thief is a thief, has a nightmare where the their mother, who doesn’t life as a complete stranger. even if the stolen object was grandmother shears off her seem to notice or care that With Jeannette set on es- taken for about a day, and the remainder of her hair, Cory and Carrie were hold- caping Welch and her fam- this also goes to the Dol- cuts off her breasts, which ing onto their sister like she ily, her sister, Lori, who’s langangers as well. How- are placed in Chris’ mouth, was the one to birth them, going to leave first because ever, I feel like she learned then the dream ends with could only suggest putting Jeannette knows if her sister her lesson once she pan- their mother coming in their food in the attic, where gets out first, then she can ics putting the watch back gleaming with count- it’s cold. Reader, I’m barely too, and her brother, Brian, the next day; after that, she less little diamonds before keeping myself from delet- even if he’s too young to be doesn’t steal again, know- Chris wakes her up. Once ing this article just by Cor- part of the plans, help with ing she’s a terrible liar. hearing the dream, Chris rine’s behavior alone, and the escape fund. As they Sometime later, after they says they’ll need to escape, that’s not mentioning Cathy collect the money, Jeannette got a piggy bank with only and care for only them- either. Corrine’s making gets a job at a jewelry store, the slot on top to get the selves, because Cathy’s lat- Shoto’s father in My Hero lying to the owner that she’s money in, they named it Oz. est nightmare - and she has Academia look like a lovable seventeen, when she’s thir- Rex slashes Oz and takes the had plenty of nightmares father, and this is an anime teen. I thought there was no money. By this time, Lori - has finally convinced him father who sees his son with way she could have done this has her heart set on getting they all needed to escape. the power of half-cold, half- around the time of 1973, but out of Welch to live in New Putting this in writing just hot superpower (known as a my grandmother, a year old- York, and Jeannette’s willing made me realize Jeannette’s Quirk) as a masterpiece to er than Jeannette, said it is to do anything to get Lori to rash decision to escape from beat the number one hero, completely possible in those New York, so she can soon Welch to desert her family All Might, and not a human. times, and it’s even more follow, and Brian is deemed after her last whipping with With their key, Chris be- likely she got the job at such too young to come at only a a belt seems better thought gins sneaking to rooms a young age since Welch is year younger than Jeannette, out than Chris finally con- around Foxworth Hall to a small area and everyone who’s about fourteen or fif- vinced that Cathy’s dreams hunt down for money, which would know one another. In teen. One day she’s then are more than just dreams, they need. One day, Chris those times, my grandmoth- offered to babysit for $200 which has both of them takes Cathy along. At their er said it wasn’t unheard of outside of Welch by a teach- needing a way to get a key. mother’s suite, she not only for people to look out for er, who says she’ll get her a To get the key they decide tries on some of her moth- one another, like knowing bus ticket back home, but their mother would be the er’s clothes, but she smug- all the kids in the area; to she declines, and says for the easiest to sneak the key into gles one white bra to wear me, it sounds like people teacher to take her older sis- the bathroom; their grand- - this stolen bra would be in those times didn’t know ter, and give her a bus ticket mother usually stashed it the first one she ever wore. when to keep their noses out to New York. When Lori inside her dress, and Cor- Back in her own clothes, of other people’s business. leaves, Rex comments how rinie would toss the key to she starts hunting down Soon after she gets the job, the family was falling apart. the side. Chris ends up the for money as well, but stops she knows the owner doesn’t Ten days later, Corrine one taking it to the bath- when she notices a book on trust her, as he counts the comes in to give her paper room, where he imprints knitting. Since she has been diamond rings out loud to flowers the big news: She it in a bar of soap; with the knitting for years now, she make sure she hasn’t stolen remarried to Bart from that imprint done, he then uses opens it to see if there’s new one; knowing this, instead Christmas party Chris and some wood (they have noth- patterns she could try one of proving to herself and the Cathy watched during their ing to mold metal), not too day. However, there isn’t owner she’s trustworthy, she first Christmas at Foxworth soft that it’ll break, nor too anything about knit pat- wishes to steal something to Hall. That isn’t what gets hard that’ll be hard to mold, terns; it’s a book full of col- prove she isn’t, intending to them to decide to escape and in three days they have orful pictures of porn, and prove the owner right about themselves; after Cathy a key out of their room. On Chris is the one to read how her. She has her eye on the gives her brother a haircut, the day of the key imprint, to do the positions when watches, not the rings. One which ends up with Chris Cathy explains they all were he returns to steal money, day she took one when the kissing her nipple and Cathy throwing up, having head- not Cathy, who doesn’t 29 Sep/Oct 2020 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. take notice of the words, in the room. The two argue if any story, and even tales my except her first wedding just looks at the pictures. they would spend the night family tell me. For example, ring to her first love, and a Even though it doesn’t say at Foxworth Hall or go out my grandmother told me photo of Chris’ father. He it’s porn, it’s pretty obvious as they planned. Chris, hav- what it felt like to have been runs off to hunt down for if reading Flowers in the ing hid in the closet, is out- given medication to help a money somewhere else. At Attic on page 320: “Casu- raged when Bart mentions woman going through labor the grandmother’s room, ally I lifted out the book and a dream about a blonde- make it easier and less pain- he finds her pleading to flipped through the pages at haired girl, looking like a ful during one time when God for the mistreatment random. Behind me Chris younger version of his rich she was telling me about she gives to the children. was making soft noises as he wife, having come in and one children’s births, and I He backs away and heads opened and closed drawers, kissed him on the lips; he had to stop my grandmoth- to the grandfather’s room. and moved on sneakered realized the girl was Cathy, er midway through, because There he finds the room feet from here to there. I and he knew Corrine could how descriptive it was, I was empty. When he’s about had expected to see flow- put two and two together feeling like it was actually to leave, a butler and maid er designs - anything but as well. In the end, the two happening to me. I thought come in. He hides under what I actually saw. Silent, go out, instead of staying that would be something a sofa, and there the two wide-eyed, full of stunned at Foxworth Hall to stay interesting to point out.) talk about how Corrine and fascination, I stared down up all night in bed anyway. To them, as punishment Bart left, and the grandfa- at the photographs in full Cathy, who’s looking out for their incest, Cory gets ther died nine months ago. color. Unbelievable pictures the window at the attic, seriously ill. It ends up with He hears something else he of naked men and women watches Chris come back. Corrine and Grandmother doesn’t tell Cathy until their doing . . . did people really According to page 319 of taking him to the hospi- escape, which is their dead do such things as this? Was Chrispoher’s Diary: Echoes tal. The next day, Corrine grandfather never forgave this lovemaking?” Now this of Dollanganger, Chris sud- comes in to say her young- Corrine as there was a codi- book, which I’ll be calling denly didn’t see Cathy as his est son has “died” and she cil that stated if she had any it the book Cathy found, younger sister, but a tempt- buried him under a new form of proof she had chil- will become important. ress; that’s what new bit the name. Cathy’s crying on dren with her half-brother, Once Chris comes to look, reader wouldn’t see until the bed while Chris tries to then she’ll have to forfeit ev- they don’t stop until they they read it. However, the hide his tears. Their grief is erything she would inherit. reach the end, then they reader would understand nothing compared to Car- That’s not all. The reason leave with some money. Chris’ feelings were anger rie, who screams until she the maids never cleaned Days of stealing money pass, at Cathy for trying to show can’t. She goes over to the the children’s room after and Chris falls ill one night she existed to another per- corner where his bango, that first month was that in spring. Cathy, who has son other than their grand- accordion, and guitar are, Grandmother explained been pleading with Chris to mother and mother, and and that’s where she stays, there were mice that had take some jewelry to pawn his envy she’ll go to another refusing the poorly sea- to be taken care of with ar- once they leave, plans to man, other than him. This soned, barely hot meals of senic, and the sugar donuts take some jewelry. However, leads to Cathy being raped peanut-butter-and-grape- were coated with arsenic. her stepfather is sleeping. by her brother on the ma- jelly sandwiches, lukewarm The reason they didn’t real- Instead of backing out right tress. After it’s over, they go soup, fried chicken, potato ize this was the bitterness of away, she creeps over, kisses on the roof, where Cathy salad, and/or icy bits of fro- the rat poison was masked his lips to see what it’s like explains she knew he didn’t zen turkey from Thanks- by the sugar donuts, and ar- kissing a man with as big a mean to do what he did, and giving. Before I reveal the senic is more effective if tak- mustache as Bart, then flees she could have stopped him heart wrenching truth Cor- en in small doses; plus, their to tell Chris a half-truth that if she really wanted to, but rine hides about Cory’s symptoms, upon death, the stepfather was sleep- she wanted what he wanted. fate, she has one more lie. could be tallied up to ill- ing so she couldn’t steal. (Fun fact: After I read the Not long after his “death”, ness like the flu, and not rat Chris explains she wasn’t rape scene during my second Chris goes hunting for mon- poison. To the Dollangan- as good as thieving as him. time reading Flowers in the ey for one last time, now ers that’s how Cory “died.” Chris is looking at the book Attic, I was able to feel pain going to take jewelry him- With Cathy having writ- Cathy found, when he hears - physical and mental - eas- self. Corrine’s rooms have ten a final message - “We his mother and Bart coming ily for the characters from been cleaned of everything, lived in the attic, / Chris- Sep/Oct 2020 30 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. topher, Cory, Carrie, and since I “practically wrote the content working an alcohol- can do, Cathy gets her first me, / Now there are only entire issue.” I had been too free job and life, until Rose period since escaping Fox- three.” - the three open the shocked by him counting Mary convinced him to live worth Hall. She faints, and door to their prison one last the pages from each article with her, and once he did, one of her get-well-cards in- time, with Chris with Cory’s of mine that I couldn’t find Rex was back to drinking. forms her she’s been allowed banjo slung over his shoul- a comeback, and those who A large black woman to attend the ballet school. der while he hefted the two listened said I was likely to named Henrietta Beech While her brother’s off suitcases, and Cathy hold- pass. Also, while my death- gets on a bus not long be- to college, and her sister’s ing Carrie to slip out the less run article is about 60 fore Carrie throws up, with busy with school and bal- door and get onto the next to 70 pages long in a Google Cathy cleaning her up with let, Carrie is bullied severely bus to Florida. Meanwhile, Doc, my Paper Mario: The napkins. Because the win- in private school. Because they leave the calendars Origami King is 108 pages dow won’t open to toss the she’s in third grade, and the with three and a half fully long of a Google Doc, so I’m soiled napkins, and the bus school’s uniforms are col- crossed with a big red X ev- not afraid of long articles. driver overhears the whis- ored by grade, Carrie has eryday. The Dollangangers, By the time she’s seven- pered conversation of Chris to wear yellow, which is the on page 18 of Petals on the teen, Jeannette leaves Welch telling Cathy to stuff the color she and her siblings Wind, having been captives to live with Lori in New disgusting napkins between were denied when they were of greed for three years, four York. Not long after living the seats, Henny (I’ll call the locked away. She’s called a months, and sixteen days. a busy but hungerless life, black woman Henny instead freak because her head is Since Jeannette found she her brother comes to New of Henrietta) gives them a said to be too big on a too- wanted to be a reporter when York at the same age she was paper bag to put them in. small body, and an owl be- she realized people were in- when she left her parents. She then writes them a note cause of how large her blue fluenced by what journal- Even though Maureen is 12, saying she can hear but can’t eyes are thanks to lack of ists write, she wrote many they take her from Rex and talk (the two Dollangang- sunlight and that one time articles for her school’s pa- Rose Mary when she wounds ers had thought she was her and Cory were ill. It gets per, The Maroon Wave. So her head on the porch. deaf), and explained she’ll to a point, Missy Towers, much so that she abolished Three years later, Rose take them to their future the main bully, ties her up bylines because she found Mary and Rex come to live guardian, Doctor Paul Shef- and blindfolds her to then it silly to have her name on in New York with their four field (who I’ll call Paul), and get her up onto the roof. the front page four times. I children, even though her who has a big mustache. The next morning Cathy, always imagined small but oldest is 24, Jeannette’s now With Paul as their guard- Paul, and Chris go to the many articles from her. I still 21, Brian’s 20, and Maureen ian not long after he hears private school, where Cathy remember when, just a few is 15. Not long into living their story and about Cory, finds her sister, blindfolded, months before my Writing in New York Lori, under he gets them new clothes, tied, and her leg broken SOL, I was trying to prove Jeanette’s encouragement, into school (Chris is off to once she got off the roof, to Mr. Martin, my English tells her mother to leave college, Cathy is in tenth but it cost her leg break- 11 teacher, I was a terrible her apartment, as Rose grade, and Carrie, who’s ing after she scooted her writer by showing him Jan- Mary is filling it up with going to a private school, way to the trapdoor, which uary’s issue of The Light- her art. Her mother joins into third grade), and she fell through. While ning Bolt - the issue where Rex, who was kicked out gives them all the treat- her leg is healing, she’s re- I wrote an article about me for his drinking problem. ment they needed to re- moved from the school and playing Luigi’s Mansion 3 Over time, Jeannette cover from being poisoned. goes off to a public school, for the first time. Instead moves out to live with her During their first Christ- but the damage has been of taking my word for it, he future first husband, Eric. As mas since being freed, done, and I’m not talk- took the issue, and counted she gets settled with her life Paul gets Cathy back-stage ing about her broken leg. the pages where four to five in Park Avenue, she knows tickets to see The Nut- Several years after being of my articles started and her parents are now squat- cracker. At the show, she in Julian’s mother’s bal- ended. By the time he had ters. Not long into moving meets dark-haired Julian let school, Julian convinces counted 30 pages out of in, her father falls ill, and is Marquet and his mother, Cathy to leave for New York the 40 or 50 pages of a full hospitalized for six weeks. who allows her to audi- at 17. She goes off to his own tabloid newspaper, he said Since he hadn’t drank in tion for her ballet school. ballet instructor, who would I was a wonderful writer, that time, he was getting As she shows off what she have been charged with 31 Sep/Oct 2020 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. sexual harassment in to- ballerina by his parents, and loved her; Corrine said she and the hope I used to keep day’s age; Julian warned her it’s the only life he knows. didn’t know who she - her myself from snapping, it what his instructor would After the burial, Cathy starts daughter - was, which was was to see my book, Hostile do to her, as he explained thinking positive thoughts the last straw. Having never Prey, published; after that she touched his crotch to instead of ones centered found a way to live in a world ordeal, it has become a des- test the toughness there. It’s around revenge (thoughts without her other half, she peration to prove my hope shown this instructor enjoys she’s been harboring since dies as her twin, Cory, did - for survival wasn’t in vain. touching places she should she was released), and waits rat poison on sugar donuts. Cathy’s way to get revenge know better to not touch, for the birth of her baby. On Suicidal depression, I is to befriend Bart, her step- as she smiles when Cathy the anniversary of her and know all too well as I still father, and get pregnant blushes as this old bat of her dead husband, she goes bear its burden, is worse with his child. Not long after an instructor squeezes her into labor. After being in a than hunger; it’s like poison she and Bart have been see- breasts. Don’t worry, The car for fifteen hours, Cathy’s in a way, the more you try to ing each other at night, and Glass Castle with inappro- in a hospital, where she de- ignore it the more infectious the older man gives gifts to priate touching showed to be livers Jory - J for Julian and it is. Only you can create the her and Jory, she visits her much worse, and how Rose the last three letters for Cory hope to keep you alive; the grandmother. There she Mary explained that off was - three hours later. (In There hope is like the tiniest flame remembers how the grand- not right, and it made her Will Be Thorns it’s revealed in the darkest room; you can mother starved her for two seem like a deranged person she was in labor for eighteen let the flame keep you alive, weeks, whipped, and helped with a sick, twisted mind. hours, and Petals on the the flame never growing, or kill the twins. She ends up With the examination of Wind informs the reader you let the darkness, Death, failing in being that mali- how supple her muscles she gave birth three hours succumb you fully. If you cious, which she thought were, Cathy is given an after getting to a hospital.) survive it, it has ramifica- would be easier: she cleaned apartment with several girls Several years later, Cathy, tions only the survivor can her up after the grand- as roommates. One of these Carrie, and Jory go off to live know; you never are fully mother wets herself once girls hates Cathy, and it ends near Foxworth Hall so Cathy out of woods with suicidal Cathy was only able to give with her getting her own could fulfill her revenge. She depression. Old demons be- her one welt by the whip, place not long after. Her new doesn’t make her move until fore grow in strength while she couldn’t continue to al- apartment is cheaper, less Carrie, depressed by what newer ones join. To live with low hot wax (replacing the spacious, but it’s her own. the grandmother and the being suicidal is to be like tar the grandmother used) Sometime later, she and private school bullies - the you’re in a choppy ocean to drip in her hair for long, Julian marry, and their main bully, Missy Towers, (ocean being death and de- and she ran in terror once lives are pretty relaxed be- having drowned at 12 years spair) with only the crum- the grandmother looked at tween the ballets, and her old, leaving Carrie, who bling-away log to cling into; her in the way to mock her new husband being so jeal- wished something terrible each wave, symbolizing weakness. However, Cathy ous with Paul and Chris he would happen to her when both acceptance for being realizes she got back at her forces her onto their bed, they were in the private suicidal and any thoughts once she forgot the whip cheats on her, breaks her school, thinking she’s unho- of ending your own life, will having some of Carrie’s hair, toes after she apologizes for ly because she caused Missy cause that log to get smaller and went to get it to only drugging him to go and see to drown - put into her head until you either let go or the see the grandmother cry- Chris get his M.D. (some- alone, commits suicide after log is too splintered to al- ing as she looked at the hair. thing Julian didn’t want her her new boyfriend debates low you to fight. For those During one of the first visits to do), and smashes their if he’ll be a minister or an lucky to survive, everyday is Bart and Cathy have, Bart, at home before getting in a electrician, which was how an uphill battle; a battle to Cathy’s request, gives her a car accident, which kills she and Alex met when he try and have a normal life, million dollars to get her out the girl who hates Cathy. was fixing a broken pipe when a normal life had been of debt, when she has taken While Cathy is expecting in her new home with Jory eradicated the moment you to being a ballet teacher and her firstborn, Julian com- and Cathy; a minister’s wife first thought of taking your has to take care of Jory. The mits suicide after he over- had to be perfect and holy, life. For me, who has not one million does get her out hears his mother saying he’ll something Carrie said she thought of ending my life for of debt, but just barely, and never do ballet again. This isn’t. She spotted her moth- long time, I lost all my trust she was only in debt because poor man was forced to be a er one day and said she still and confidence in myself, the hospital bills for Julian’s Sep/Oct 2020 32 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. time in the ICU, her medical dollars, like Cathy proved much except Jeannette she didn’t bury Cory’s body, bills for having Jory, and the a paragraph ago, wouldn’t apologizes to her younger but panicked when he fact she meant to be paid make any difference. Sure, sister that she vowed to care stopped breathing, and al- for her husband’s death, but because her parents aren’t for since she Maureen was lowed the body to rot in a the people she was meant good with any form of bud- two days old, but failed. coffin of leaves in a gully. If to get money were saying it gets, she would be living Now it could have been that sounds bad, in Secret was suicide, meaning she the same hunger-filled life worse. Not that isn’t. Look Brother, which is a novel wouldn’t even get a penny in Welch for maybe a half back where I, as a survivor, having connections to Flow- from that money. She asks a year to a year less with a mentioned what’s like with ers in the Attic, and not just Bart for more money, but he million dollars, considering suicidal depression. If Mau- because Andrews wrote it, ends up raping Cathy to only Rose Mary would want to reen had become suicidal but it reveals Cory lived: have it forgotten soon after spend it on art supplies and instead of what happened, He was found by a stranger she learns the grandmother Rex would end up using a she wouldn’t have survived. to have severe PTSD, dif- can’t speak. That’s what gets decent amount on drinks at It isn’t easy with those kinds ficulty trusting in anyone, her to visit her grandmoth- a bar. Either way, with a mil- of thoughts, and even the and the end of the book er to whip, put wax in her lion dollars or not, she most strength to live is shadowed reveals it by summariz- hair, and flees in the end. likely be living the same by those former thoughts. ing Flowers in the Attic. I bring this up, because life of terrible hardship in It can never be eradicated She then runs out of the Jeannette and her brother Welch, regardless. And yet, - those thoughts of tak- room, goes into the at- find a two-carat diamond Rose Mary is a better moth- ing your own life. Unless tic, and sets the mansion ring, instead of pawning it, er than Corrine, especially you know what I’m talking on fire. All the guests flee, they give it to their moth- when all the lies are revealed. about, then you get it; if you and Cathy, Bart, and Chris, er, who says instead of us- At that year’s Christmas don’t, then there’s a bar- who had turned up soon ing it to get money, which party, she looks just like rier keeping you from un- after the three entered the would end be spent on food, her mother did when she derstanding the strength it library, are safely outside. she wears it to get her self- and Chris watched a party takes to survive while being Bart hears Corrine, feigning esteem higher than it was. during their first Christmas that depressed, and to keep insanity to keep from go- They find the ring while still locked up. Not long after from creeping back to that ing to jail for child neglect, living in Welch. A two-car- the guests arrived, most depression, since it’s a limbo abuse to a child, and mur- at diamond ring can range could have been at that between being suicidal and der, screaming her mother from a small $5,000 to the Christmas party seventeen the former life before being was still in Foxworth Hall. large amount of $60,000, but years ago, Corrine, Cathy, that depressed. You’re either He runs in and dies try- that “depends on its shape, and Bart go into the library trapped in being suicidal or ing to save the grand- cut quality, clarity, and a where the grandmother is. limbo; it’s safer and easier mother, who dies as well. range of other factors.” The Before getting to what to be in that limbo, rather The Glass Castle finishes diamond-ring information happens in Foxworth Hall’s than be suicidal, as a second up with Rex dying of a heart was found by using the site library, let’s return to The round of being in that posi- attack two weeks after he www.diamond.pro. That’s Glass Castle, where Mau- tion again, I - may be many and his daughter have one not the worst showing of reen, because she was an- other survivors like myself last conversation: Jeannette Rose Mary being truly one gered that her mother would - wouldn’t find the same feels bad she didn’t let her self-absorbed woman and toss her out on the streets strength like last time to father watch her graduate mother, the worst showing since she lived with her par- live through. Quite honestly from college, even after he as to be this: she owns Texas ents, stabbed Rose Mary. It after that experience, that gambles enough money for land that’s worth a million just ends up with her getting has to be my biggest fear: his favorite child to finish dollars. Jeannette, when she arraigned, and her going to Getting another taste for her last year at Barnard Col- finds out, is thunderstruck. a mental hospital in Cali- being completely suicidal, lege when she didn’t have the However, even if Jeannette fornia, where she wanted and just knowing I wouldn’t money to even start her final feels like the seven years of to live since she was young, survive a second round of it. year, and she and her father being in Welch with little because she has schizophre- Corrine confesses to Bart, remember the Glass Castle to no food or any warmth nia, or that’s what I found a furious and disgusted at- he never built, but had fun could be solved with that on Google, as Jeannette’s torney, about the four kids planning. After his passing, amount of money, a million memoir doesn’t mention locked away. She explains she leaves her first husband. 33 Sep/Oct 2020 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. Five years later, Jeannette son she marries Julian is and sex, has proved she can fate. Foolishly, I had spoken, and her second husband, for his dark hair, and Paul, manage paying the bills, using the worst possible tim- John, wait for Lori, Brian, again her guardian, for his taxes, feeding herself and ing, and she let me have it. and Rose Mary to see her big mustache; so, she only her silbings, and saying no While the whip bit down on first home. During dinner, married these two men to her father. That’s better my tender flesh, in the bed- John, who had the idea for because she was madly in for the adult world; how to room the twins screamed, a Walls family get-together love with her stepfather. To take care of a houseful full ‘Chris, make her stop! since Rex’s funeral, toasts to add to her being a terrible of kids, plus she can man- Don’t let Cathy get hurt!” his wife’s father. It ends with role model for teenager and age the money to pay the The latter book continues them remembering all the adult alike, and not just be- bills. Cathy believing, at 15, with one last chilling para- craziness that Rex dished cause she married two men she knows everything to do graph: “I fell on my knees, out to Jeannette and her due to being in love with about sex when she’s been near the tub, crouching in a mother, brother, and sister. her stepfather and marry- raped and has looked at col- tight ball to protect my face, This book ends with ing her brother, she tells orful porn photos, wouldn’t my breasts, my most vulner- Henny having already died, the reader she’ll be stronger get her anywhere in the adult able areas. Like a wild wom- and Chris, Cathy, Jory, and than her mother, and not world, unless she can think an out of control, she lashed her new son, Bart, head- a woman who leans into a that working at a brothel at me until the willow switch ing home to Paul, who was man when life gets tough. would get her the mon- broke. The pain was like fire. Cathy’s second husband However she does do just ey to become a ballerina. When the switch broke, I when he was formerly her that. Every time something And still, Flowers in the At- thought it was over, but she guardian after her escape, terrible comes into her life, tic is better written than The picked up the long-handled dies peacefully in his sleep. Cathy leans into Paul, Bart, Glass Castle. Now I didn’t brush and with that she Chris, Cathy, Jory, Bart, and Julian, and Chris when she say Flowers in the Attic is a beat me about the head and their maid Emma go live is locked up, for support better book for adults and shoulders. Try as I would to where There Will Be Thorns because she’s not strong teenagers; The Glass Castle keep from screaming, like will take place, which will enough. She blames every- easily wins that prize, since I the brave silence Chris had continue in Seeds of Yester- thing on her mother, and solidified that claim a para- kept, I let it out. I yelled, day, where their son, Bart, not allowing any guilt to get graph ago. To prove it, I’ll ‘You’re not a woman! You’re would have rebuilt Fox- past her, when she has a per- take the scene where both a monster! Something in- worth Hall with the money fect scapegoat - her mother protagonists are whipped. human and inhumane!’ My he inherited thanks to Cor- - to take all the blame. Is it I already explained why reward for this was a belt- rine returning in There her mother’s fault when she one girl deserves her pun- ing whack against the right Will Be Thorns to finally drugs her husband to watch ishment while the other side of my skull. Everything be forgiven by Cathy before her older brother - a man doesn’t. I would only take went black.” Hopefully, she dies from burns caused she loves as not in a platonic the scene where the whip- the reader - especially Ms. by being on fire when the brother-sister love - get his ping is delivered; in other Deacon, who showed me house across the street from M.D.? No, but she implies words, the paragraph(s) that veering from fiction Chris, who is Cathy’s third it is her mother’s fault, be- where it begins and ends. with The Glass Castle can husband, and Cathy’s home cause she was locked up, re- In The Glass Castle: “I ex- be a good thing - can see I burned down. History re- sulting in marrying Julian. pected him to turn and walk have found to like The Glass peated itself, but worst: In- She had a say on who she away, but there were six Castle, and slightly be dis- stead of half-brother and can marry. She can’t for- stinging blows on the backs gusted - okay, more than half-sister getting mar- give and forget, something of my thighs, each accom- slightly - by Cathy’s charac- ried, it’s brother and sister Jeannette can surely do. panied by a whistle of air. I ter in Flowers in the Attic. the groom and bride on Speaking of Jeannette, could feel the welts raising Now if I had to ask both that unseen wedding day. she’s more mature than even before I straightened authors one question I’d And that second part of Cathy. While Cathy, at 15, up.” Meanwhile, in Flowers ask Virginia: How much is Flowers in the Attic? It’s not believes she’s all-knowing in the Attic: “ ‘Never speak to Flowers in the Attic based a coincidence that Cathy with sex and being mature me again!’ she snapped. She on a true story, and how kisses her stepfather, and with it, Jeannette, at two smiled then, confident there much is fact? If I had to that lyric in the Songs of years younger than Cathy would never come that day ask Jeannette something it Songs is chosen. The rea- being all-knowing with men when I was in control of her honestly would be what it Sep/Oct 2020 34 OP-ED BOOK REVIEWS: MEMOIR CONT. feels like to be on fire, and I their point of view. It’s re- it can’t have any flaws, and I bad, as it happens once. meant the pain; she got the ally frustrating knowing I know there has to be a prob- Overall, Jeannette’s work imagery on point. For two can’t find out through years lem with it that some people and Andrew’s works are years out of the three and of hunting (and returning aren’t seeing. I mainly did wonderful books about peo- a half I’ve been writing my during the quarantine) for this review so Ms. Deacon ple trying to survive on next book, Hostile Prey, I’ve been what it’s like to be on fire. can see what I have to say to nothing, and both show trying to find out. I did ev- Now even if I made The about the memoir. I know how drinking and greed can erything from reading up on Glass Castle sound like a Ms. Deacon might remem- affect a child’s mind, health, burns to actual cases where book I never read because ber me seeing The Throne and well-being. I just hope people were on fire, and I proved Jeannette and her of Glass series like she does I entertained readers with nothing. I know I write fic- siblings aren’t special when for The Glass Castle, but I a review I wanted to do for tion, but I make sure every- it comes to alcoholic family have one main issue with a a while, because I was get- thing is based on fact, like members, I have to say, I’ll series that was a decade of ting annoyed when some the herbal medicines com- read this book every now planning for Sarah J. Maas students, having just read monly used in my book, or and then. Ms. Deacon made before publication: A char- The Glass Castle, com- what damage a wound or fall Jeannette’s memoir sound acter’s magical powers can ments about how perfect actually do to a person. And untouchable, like it had no be the same as another it was to Ms. Deacon, and I do a lot of research for my flaws at all, and her students without explanation (i.e. this review was written book as well, and I can’t find seemed to see it like she did Dorian being able to con- during quarantine, so I anything about what it’s like - perfect in every way! I hate trol fire, which is the main wanted something to do. to be on fire when two pro- it when someone makes a protagonist’s power, when tagonists are on fire during book sound so perfect that his is ice), and that isn’t too CORONA VIRUS VERSUS CHOLERA By Katie Stafford town. Our water, of course, store, and find people shop- dias equivalent to clickbait.” Staff Reporter was well water. We only had ping like there’s nothing go- MatPat goes on to say in With the Coronavirus one fan for the entire house. ing on. But during the Chol- the video: “Now, let’s put out going around, I was able Our food was cooked with era outbreak, you did not the real statistics here. The to hear when my grand- propane, kinda like your go shopping, you didn’t buy media tends to overinflate mother, Margarita Staf- barbecue propane. Heating anything, you had to grow the news: Scare tactics, leave ford, had lived in Tunisia, water was done with pro- your own foods; hopefully, out things that sque how we Africa. Sometime during pane also. We would have you were able to do that.” process the information that 1970, when she was eleven to turn on the propane on, Like the Coronavirus, this they’re giving us. Overall years old, she survived a wait for the water to heat up, has no known, foolproof China’s CDC found 2.3% of massive outbreak of Chol- turn it off to go to the bath- cure. Through some re- confirmed cases died.” How- era in a third-world country. room, everything like that.” search, only 1,000 cases of ever, an editor’s note ap- She explains how unlike “When I was eleven years Cholera in the United States pears, saying, “3.4% mortal- today where we have food old, we lived in Tunisia, is reported per year. This low ity rate estimated by the who deliveries to our homes, and there was an outbreak number is due to America as of March 3.” The video I washing machines, and in the country - a cholera having sewage systems and mentioned is called “Game easy-to-access water, she outbreak. Much like the water purification systems. Theory: Who Will Sur- said, “Just to let you know, Coronavirus now, what hap- However, MatPat (host of vive [CENSORED] Virus”; a in some of the countries I pened was the whole coun- Game Theory, Film Theory, video he made about video lived in, there were a lot of try was put on lockdown. It and GTLive) said during a game characters and their different problems. They was all quarantine is the best video he made centering likelihood about surviving were third-world countries way to put it. You did not around the Coronavirus, the virus, which was pub- often. One of the countries, eat at restaurants, you did “This point you undoubt- lished on March 14, 2020. the Dominican Republic, not go to stores. You boiled edly heard talk of how cer- China has 81,093 con- we only had running wa- everything; you boiled tain viruses” - (due to You- firmed with 72,703 recov- ter one or two hours a day; your food, you boiled your Tube, he isn’t allowed to ered and a death toll of we hardly ever had run- clothes when you went to go say “Coronavirus” without 3,270. That’s 40,243 more ning water. Electricity was wash them. Everything was getting in trouble, and he confirmed than the -Unit very rare also; it did not last boiled; you boiled the water either vaguely mentioned ed States has. According twenty-four hours on, it was before you drank it, need- the virus he couldn’t name, to www.MyLifeElsewhere. probably a couple of hours.” less to say.” And they didn’t or called it “the virus that com the “United States is She continues, “One of the have a lot of bottled water shall not be named) - “can approximately 9,833,517 sq countries I also lived in, I then. “We didn’t do plastic be. The fact of the matter is km, while China is approxi- spent a lot of time in was Tu- bottles; it was glass bottles. that death tolls around the mately 9,596,960 sq km,” nisia, which is in North Afri- It was interesting, because globe make great, grabby and China has a lot more ca. We lived further out from here you can still go to the headlines. Traditional me- people sick with Corona. 35 Sep/Oct 2020 SPORTS COVID-19 SPORTS INFORMATION By Kaitlyn Garvey in the state tournament in coverings are not required have a limit on how many Sports Editor all sports. Teams that do when exercising or using ex- students can be in it. Each One topic that has sparked not participate in Regional ercise equipment, but they sport has a maximum of some confusion is the con- tournaments will be allowed are recommended when 10 three days for each week for tinuation of school sports to schedule one more game feet of physical distancing practices and workouts. No this year due to Covid-19. or match that has to be fin- is not possible. Any student workout or practice should In light of that, here is ished by the region dead- who prefers to wear a mask be longer than 90 minutes. what the county has come line. Every sport will hold a should be allowed to do Travel will not be permitted. up with so that school state championship, which so, according to the Phase Now for the infor- sports could continue. will be one-day events when Health and Safety Protocols. mation that is specific to According to SCPS possible. The dates for in- There should be certain sports. First of all, Athletics Phase Health door track, swim, and dive no sharing of water, food, what is specific to all the and Safety Protocols,The are up in the air because of clothes, and etcetera. Show- sports is the dead periods, county wants to con- availability. There will be er use is prohibited, and which will be December tinue allowing schools to one week for regional tour- the use of locker rooms 7th to December 19th in the do sports. They released naments, one week for state and weight rooms will not first season, February 4th the following statement semifinals, and one for fi- be permitted until Octo- to February 19th in the sec- “Spotsylvania County Pub- nals. ALL activities will be ber 12. Athletes will be al- ond season, and August 12th lic Schools, along with the to August 17th in the third VHSL believes it is essential season. Football will have to the physical and mental seven-game dates, and each well-being of students to team will be able to play six. return to physical activity “Spotsylvania County Those dates are February and athlete competition.” 22nd, February 27th, March Coaches are required to Public Schools, along 5th, March 12th, March 19th complete a few different March 26th, and August types of training, including with the VHSL believes 2nd. Sideline cheer has been coaching principles, child moved from the second abuse, CPR, and AED, as it is essential to the season to the first season. well as concussion training, Wrestling will have eight- according to the Coaching physical and mental person brackets and one-day Mandate Flyer. According state tournaments. Cross to the Phase Health and well-being of students Country will advance to Safety Protocols, they are state competition based on also encouraged to wear a region finish, with one team cloth face covering at all to return to physical of the top five individuals. times, unless of course, they Indoor Track will qualify the have a medical condition, in activity and athlete top four finishers in each which case, the use of a face event. Boys Golf will qualify shield would be in order. competition.” one team of three individu- The school district or re- als for each region. Girls golf gion will be responsible for will qualify through zone carrying out guidelines and qualifiers with no automatic instructions that have been qualifiers. Gymnastics will approved by the VHSl exec- have one team per region for utive committee, designed conducted outdoors. Indoor lowed to use restrooms as each event, and the quali- to slow the spread of the vi- activities will not be allowed. long as only one individual fying standards will not be rus and protect everyone in- Any student not feeling is using them at a time. used for the 2020-21 state volved in sports. All district well, or exhibiting flu symp- The protocols that the meet. Class one through decisions relative to sched- toms should not be allowed county has come up with four theatre state champi- uling require the unanimous to compete without permis- have different phases - at onships has been sched- approval of the district. sion from a primary care tached to them. Everything uled to coincide with the According to the Con- physician or another health aforementioned pertains to class five through six the- densed Season Guidelines professional. It is encour- either the first and second atre state championships. and Calendar, Each sport aged that students as well phases or applies to all phas- Hopefully, this information will play 60 percent of the as coaches and supervisors es. In phase three, work- answered some questions normal contests that are al- wash their hands for a mini- outs will be done in “pods” about sports and how they lowed, and any games not mum of 20 seconds with which means that there will may proceed this year. It is played due to Covid-19 is- warm water and soap and be no changing of groups. a lot of information, but in sues will be treated as a or use 60 percent alcohol The same students will stay any case, stay safe Chargers! game “not played” rather content hand sanitizer and with the same coaches so than a game forfeited. Each conduct daily health screen- that exposure will be mini- region will present one team ings before activities. Face mized, and each pod will Sep/Oct 2020 36 SPORTS UNEXPECTED ACTION ON THE FIELD By Emma Purcell has offices all throughout the future looks like for softball fields are too muddy Op-Ed Editor With a unique start to the United States, Canada, the field. As for any major to use, these teams will be this school year, the en- and Mexico. The associates structural changes, Carlson on it as well. I am sure our tire fall sports season has of GTR Turf have installed states,, “The long jump pits Tennis teams will see a need been pushed back to the fields for schools, colleges, and pole vault pit have been to use it if their courts are spring, and many students and even the NFL and FIFA. removed from behind the covered in water from rain,” are missing the excitement As exciting as this new turf end zone area and will be states Carlson. that is normally brought is, it is most definitely -ex moved to another area on The new turf will have onto the field. While there pensive. This synthetic turf the outside of the track.” He a maroon end zone with are no classic football games will cost about 1.2 million also mentioned that there white lettering displaying to celebrate the start of the dollars to complete, and this will be no changes to the Chancellor in one end zone new school year, there is money is coming out of a track itself. Carlson is very and Chargers in the other. still some action happening bond referendum fund that excited for the project to be The Charger C and horse at Chancellor. In late July, was voted and approved by completed. “As soon as they logo will be at midfield, the beginning of an excit- county voters in 2014. The complete it in late Septem- and the field will be lined ing and new project started Spotsylvania County Main- ber, we will be putting all of for football, field hockey up on the Chancellor High tenance Executive Director our teams on it, and it will and soccer games. The new School football field. A new is in charge of this process. be used right away for each turf is definitely going to synthetic turf was in the All the hard work that has team's off season workouts. be celebrated, but nothing process of being put down, been put into this project Teams are already excited has been scheduled yet as replacing the grass field should be completed by the about using it. Our football a large group cannot be in that Chancellor has had for end of September. Chancel- team, field hockey team, attendance. The new field the past fifteen years. This lor’s Athletic Director, Len boys soccer, girls soccer, should be celebrated and project is being done by Carlson, had a few state- track, cross country and our appreciated soon enough. GTR Turf, a company that ments about how the proj- Band are ready to get on the ect is developing and what turf. When the baseball and

Left: The football field project has been a majory undertaking this summer. Below: Mr. Carlson’s office had a new look.

Photo Courtesy of Mr. Carlson

37 Sep/Oct 2020 CHARGING CORNER SONIC'S MOVIE: BEST VIDEO-GAME CHARACTER MOVIE EVER By Katie Stafford fans. This was obvious by Lord without him knowing didn't introduce characters Staff Reporter Since 1993, video games the different games of Sonic he was there. One day, Sonic like Tails and Amy, but that made into movies have been appearing before the Sega watches the playoffs of a should be for the best, as given terrible reviews from logo came on screen and the baseball game, and plays in it was wonderful with just critics such as Rotten Toma- productors fixing Sonic up. the dead of night all roles Sonic. If the movie had a toes. However, on February The movie is all too aware needed to make a team. It sequel with Tails and/or 14, 2020 that changed in one that some of its puns and ends with him going too Amy, then it better not be decision that delayed the jokes are cliche, it makes fun fast, and creating a mas- a cash grab, nor feel lack- movie, but it was well worth of itself, and that should get sive blackout. The black- luster next to its first movie. the wait and the producer’s a laugh out of some view- out only has a government The producers must have time. Sonic the Hedgehog ers who were expecting lazy meeting assigning Dr. Ro- had a close eye on Game had a budget of $85 million puns, but wouldn’t expect botnik (Jim Carrey) to help. Theory and Film Theory, in the US and made $206.8 the movie criticizing itself Hit with a tranquilizer hosted by MatPat, when the million at the box office. for the laziness through dart, Sonic drops his rings delay was happening. In the The latest video-game mov- character dialogue. Plus, in San Francisco once read- opening of one of his theo- ie blew it out of the water this movie understands how ing the words on Tom's ries - Film Theory: Did Son- compared to the first video- to do a proper ending of a shirt. At that time he was ic WASTE Our Time? (Sonic game movie: Super Mario relationship without the trying to convince him- Movie 2020) - he states, Bros, released on May 28, cliche trope of characters self he was living in a new “Something tells me there 1993, with its $20.9 million going their separate ways world full of mushrooms, might be some Film Theory on a budget of $48 million. before reuniting to apolo- which he didn't have to say fans working on the set of Sonic was meant to have gize and then getting back he hated mushrooms when the new Sonic movie. Re- his movie released in 2019. together. As Sonic (voiced his tone of voice spelled that member in the trailer when Sonic was placed in the un- by Ben Schwartz) says dur- out nicely. Tom, who was they showed Sonic running canny valley in his “old” ap- ing a battle while on the the one to knock him out past a radar gun it returned a pearance. The uncanny val- road, "You're not the Donut with the dart, only teams value of 760 miles per hour? ley is where some creature Lord; you're the Jerk Lord," up with Sonic when they're “Well, that trailer clip doesn’t look human, but has just before going into battle. attacked by Robotnik. prompted me to respond human characteristics. For The plot is Sonic lives on an I’m not going to spoil the with this video” - the title of a quick example, not only island, the area where many PG-13 movie's ending just Film Theory: Movie Sonic Sonic in his former look, Sonic games start in the first because it’s a must-see, and is BEST Sonic! (Sonic the but Mario in Mario Odyssey level, and is raised by Long really worth the time to kick Hedgehog 2019) pops up - had realistic hair that didn't Claw, an owl, who seems to back and enjoy a movie that “where I looked at the real- suit his usual cartoony look. be his caretaker. Some vil- truly deserves the praise it ity of radar guns." He con- It creeped people out be- lains come for Sonic's super- was given. The movie seems cluded that no gun would cause once people noticed speed. Long Claw then takes to be an origin story for be able to reach a speed that his too-human-looking-hair one of the rings, and tosses the hatred between Sonic high, and the radar could the more it frightened peo- it in the air to show a dark and Robotnik. There are instead cap out around 200 ple looking at it in against forest. She explains he must two clues to that being the miles per hour. And the his round, plump cheeks stay hidden from everyone. case: The first is that Sonic scene was changed in the and big blue eyes. This is Ten years later, Sonic spies doesn't get his red running final movie, where Sonic’s where the producers de- on who he calls Donut Lord, shoes until midway through new speed clocks in around cided they had to change whose actual name is Tom the movie; then, at the end 250 to 300 miles an hour. Sonic’s look; it delayed (acted by James Marsden), of film, Dr. Eggman looks “Coincidence? Maybe, but the movie back in Novem- a young sheriff in the town like the antagonist to one then how do you explain ber of 2019 once the first- of Green Hills who hopes of this video game's most the scene where Robotnik, ever trailer was released. to settle in San Francisco to iconic characters, next to out of the blue, just encour- Watching the movie for have a more exciting work- Mario from Nintendo, in ages Sonic to slow down the first time, it really shows place. Sonic defends his the Sega games. There are telling him that his speed its dedication to please the spying later on in the movie rumors going on that there is dangerous for his joints? for hanging out with Donut will be a sequel as the movie ‘They proved it, you know,’ Sep/Oct 2020 38 CHARGING CORNER SONIC'S MOVIE: BEST VIDEO-GAME CHARACTER MOVIE EVER CONT. is exactly what he says. Now treme speeds. Concluding ic the Hedgehog) before mad by any means. In fact, who is this ‘they’? Eggman? that it is ultimately bad for finishing with, “I’m just say- I’m kind of flattered, but Could it be us? I mean, we his joints.” He’s referring to ing. There were more than next time you can at least did dedicate an entire epi- the Game Theory episode a few parallels to our past invite me to the premier.” sode whether Sonic’s body entitled Can Sonic SUR- Sonic episodes, and I’m not could survive his own ex- VIVE His Own Speed? (Son- UNDERRATED VIDEO GAME DUE TO ITS HOME CONSOLE By Katie Stafford to how Mario and Luigi spin breathing holes. Bowser Where will I get Super Staff Reporter jump in the two Super Ma- better know what he’s doing, Bells? Answer: Super Bell The Wii U sold a mere rio Galaxy games. Since the since the playable charac- Hill is a great start. The first 13.5 million units; at first pro controller doesn’t want ters might be actually saving ten to twenty seconds, I glance it is better than the to work for me, it’s going to dead fairies, unless they can was just getting used to Lu- 770,000 units the Virtual have to be a Wii Remote for breath without any air holes. igi’s high jump and slippery Boy sold, discontinued in now. “Ha, ha Luigi! Go me!” Anyway, Peach falls into controls. The first question- late 1995 (Japan) and early Luigi will say, if the player the clear pipe first; Mario mark block has the first 1996 (North America), but chooses him before the follows without any hesi- Super Bell, and then it’s it’s poor compared to the opening cutscene and game. tation; Toad jumps right getting used to Luigi hav- 101.63 million units the Wii The game starts with Lu- in; Luigi pauses to gather ing the ability to dive with U’s predecessor - the Wii - igi, Mario, Peach, and Toad his courage before coming. his forepaws outstretched, did back in its day. However, admiring the fireworks -ex With the green fairy trapped able to climb with his paws, even with the Wii U now in ploding overhead in the in the World I castle, it’s up clawing enemies, and be- the scrap heap of consoles star-flecked black sky while to Luigi to get through each ing able to climb to the top that Nintendo would rather shooting stars travel across level to save her. In the lev- of the flagpole from the forget (or not, considering the universe. Toad then els there are three green bottom, because cats love Luigi uses the Virtual Boo, notices a clear pipe need- stars; these are not just col- to climb to the top of flag- looking an awful lot like the ing to be fixed; both Mario lectables, they’re required poles apparently. I only got Virtual Boy, in Luigi’s Man- and Luigi go ahead and fix to beat the game, since the two out of the three green sion 3 for the Switch), 2013 it in a scene that I still find final boss needs 180 green stars. Oh, and I don’t men- to 2014 was the Year of Luigi. amusing. All of them watch stars, and each castle won’t tion if I collected green The Year of Luigi was a way as a white glow appears from let the player fight unless stars in every level, I like the for Nintendo to celebrate the pipe before many items they have the needed green reader to know I found at Luigi’s 30th anniversary as come flying out: Super Bells, stars. So, green stars are im- least one green star before part of the Mario franchise. Pow-Blocks, purple brick portant, and I’ll be getting heading to the next level. Since the game I’ll be beat- blocks, Fire Flowers, cher- as many as I can. In this The next level is Koopa ing was initially released on ries that causes the player game, there are branching Troopa Cave. Everything November 21, 2013 - dur- to multiply, question-mark paths to take as well; I’m to went smoothly, until I got ing the Year of Luigi - I’ll blocks, and the last thing - at least try the branching to the checkpoint; there’s be playing Super Mario 3D or person - to come out is levels to see which one I’ll a purple block, leading to World as Luigi. This game a green fairy. She’s come to beat, and if I do complete a beating two Koopa Troopa has many characters with beseech help from Luigi, branching level, I still have in ten seconds to get the sec- different play styles: Mario Mario, Peach, and Toad, to try the other branch- ond green star. I was able to is average in his stats; Lu- since all her fairy friends ing level. Also, I’m going to do it, but I lost my Super Bell. igi has a high jump, but he have been captured by see if the player can beat Thankfully, I had a spare. I has slippery controls; Peach Bowser, and right on cue. this game with Super Bells, was able to get the third and can float; Toad can run re- Bowser comes roaring half- since this is the main new final green star by beating ally fast, but has a terrible out, half-in the clear pipe Power-UP. If I lose it, I’m some Goombas. After get- jump; and Rosalina can at- to capture the green fairy not allowed to get any Pow- ting the flagpole, I went off tack in a way that is similar in a glass bottle without any er-UP, except a Mushroom. to a Mushroom house that 39 Sep/Oct 2020 CHARGING CORNER UNDERRATED VIDEO GAME CONT. spawned to get another Su- midway through, I had to of Bowser, which was fright- els are branching paths; I per Bell, then I went off to suffer being small Luigi be- ening Captain Toad. I felt can either go to Chain-Link the Chargin’ Chuck blocking fore Goomba, topped with too lazy to hunt down for Charge (3-2) or to Shifty Boo the path. It was simply beat- a Super Bell, came along; the Wii U gamepad, so the Mansion (3-3). I didn’t know ing two Chargin’ Chucks, however, I lost the Super level on the branching path which one to go to but, I de- and with Luigi’s claws, they Bell less than five seconds of Shadow-Play Alley wasn’t cided 3-3 would make the were beaten in less than later. The green fairy made a going to be played. I did find most sense as playing Lu- ten seconds. It’s now 1-3. clear pipe to World 2. Before a 1-Up on the world map, igi. I was able to get the first Mount Beanpole is a lev- I went off to World 2, I went and beat my first Mystery green star, but I was small el that, with Luigi’s sets of back to Super Bell Hill. Not House, which has a bunch Luigi, so I took out the Fire claws, proved easy. How- only did I get a fresh supply of green stars to get by doing Flower I had, and got hit ever, I was on my way to the of Super Bells, but I found some tasks in ten seconds. so Luigi was big again. To- green star (after getting the the last green star, after a Really Rolling Hills was wards the end, I was small first by climbing a tall tree) jump that looked scarier next. I had to do it again Luigi and cried out when I I cat-dived into the death than it actually was. I saw to collect green stars, since fell for the trick flagpole and void. Oops! I came to this the slot machine was ready, I got none my first round. had to run as small Luigi cloud part where, using a so I was rewarded a 1-UP. However, I switched to for the next thirty seconds Star, cat-Luigi was able to At Conker Canyon, I died Mario in the level because toward the real flagpole. collect the last green star. because I went through a there was a switch only Ma- I returned to Super Bell The rest of the level was easy. gold pipe; on the other side rio could press in the level; Hill for more Super Bells. Levels four and five - of the pipe is a chasm be- it only gave the stamp, and Chain-Link Charge proved Plessie’s Plunging Falls and low a downpour of coins. I once I noticed, I just ex- difficult for me; four words: Switch Scramble Circus didn’t mean for Luigi to side ited out of the level. Big auto-scroller parkour level. - are the two first branch- jump to his death after get- Galoomba Blockade was After five or six deaths, I was ing paths. So, it was level ting some coins. Another next; it was easy, especially able to get through it. Petey four I tackled first. The only death was caused by jump- with Luigi’s claws scratch- Plaza Panic was the next way to beat level four is to ing into a chasm with a Star ing the life out of the three level; with 100 seconds to “Hop on Plessie and head soon after Luigi became in- large Galoomba to collect a beat, it wasn’t hard. I saw a for the goal!” I was able vincible for about ten sec- green star. After, it was 2-5. switch meant for Peach, and to acquire a stamp, which onds. The same place where Double Cherry Pass show- went back to the level as isn’t needed to complete I got the Star - a translucent cases the Double Cher- Peach to see what it was for; the game, but I missed all block that gives out every ries, which multiplies the it turned out to be another the green stars; so, I went Power-UP, depending on player’s character. It went stamp, which, once I saw it, back to try the level again. when the player hits it, af- well, except at the end I lost I exited the level. Magikoo- I was able to get only the ter the checkpoint - I went all my cat-Luigi clones. Af- pa Blockade was simple; first green star out of three. back to the gold pipe, and ter that level, the World 2 Luigi’s cat claws destroyed It’s now Switch Scramble got a 1-UP after getting 100 Castle was next - Bowser’s the three Magikoopas be- Circus. The way to beat coins and nearly got an- Bullet Bill Brigade, which fore they could expel a blast it is to turn all the green other. Then, I went back to has the player getting past of magical power at him. question-mark switches to where I was; I lost the Su- an army of enemies, like Pipeline Lagoon has yellow exclamation-point per Bell, but I reached the Bullet Bills, and tanks to Goombas relaxing on a red- switches. The second to last flagpole when I had un- get to Boom-Boom. It’s and-white floatie; I tried set has a Magikoopa who is der 100 seconds to spare. Boom-Boom, a simple boss. giving the first three Goom- easy to beat; the last set will Shadow-Play Alley has pot- With the yellow fairy saved, bas a relaxing time lazing in give out the stamp. When I ted piranha plants that, once she’ll make a clear pipe the sun, but one got to feel got to the castle, I saw I had grabbed, will swallow any towards World 3, which Luigi’s claws once he went twelve stars; it required ten. enemy whole, even Fuzzies is a snow-themed world, after him. I decided to not Bowser’s Highway Show- which are only defeated by and is frosty compared go after Goombas unless down started off poorly; I Stars. Sadly, I lost the potted to World 2’s desert levels. they came too close to Luigi; got hit when I was getting a piranha plant after throwing Snowball Park is first; it must be exhausting work green star, and I didn’t have it at a pit. With the stamp on there isn’t much except being the simplest foe Bows- another Super Bell, so Luigi hand, I went into this shad- having the slippery Luigi er can send to try and stop had to beat Bowser with- owed place, I was awarded on ice makes the traction Luigi and everyone. The rest out his cat abilities. It took the last green star by de- harder to grip - literally and of the level wasn’t hard, but a while to beat Bowser, and stroying a cardboard cutout figuratively. The next - lev I lost the Super Bell. A sec- Sep/Oct 2020 40 CHARGING CORNER UNDERRATED VIDEO GAME CONT. ond try at the level got me the other snake things, I nice, hot lava bath for him. get all three green stars. all three green stars when didn’t lose anything more After that, Luigi went off to After another trip to Su- I had none the first round. than the Super Bell Luigi Beep Block Skyway (another per Bell Hill, it’s Lava Rock Mount Must Dash became was wearing, but the spare level that branched off), and Lair for both Luigi and the next level after I entered came in handy, plus there it proved interesting. There me. With the orange fairy a pipe to get there. I was able were Super Bells during the are Beep Blocks, which af- saved, it’s off to World 5. to get through a purple warp fight that replenished the ter a while, vanish. By van- Sunshine Seaside is first; box, and once I got the rab- spare slot. World 4 is next; ishing, they switch from after gathering some coins bit, I couldn’t get the green Ant Trooper Hill is the first blue to pink; it sounds easy, to activate a warp box, it’s star because of how fast Lu- level in World 4, which but by the time I got to the going off to Plessie once get- igi was moving. I was able to wasn’t that hard, except that checkpoint, an Invincibil- ting the checkpoint. Tricky get the first green star, but it took five minutes to get ity Leaf was there to mock Trapeze Theater wasn’t easy Luigi kept dying because on this ledge while bounc- me about how many times I for me, but it wasn’t exactly he was on blocks that fell ing on the Ant Troopers. died. “Bye clones; bye me,” I challenging either; however, the moment he landed on The second level in World said when I got to the Beep the very last trapeze - the them; two tries later, I got 4 - Piranha Creeper Creek - Block slide, which the two one heading the flagpole the green star. After not be- proved interesting. My first clones of Luigi slid off right was the most difficult. In ing able to get to the rabbit, death was when I entered away, and then Luigi was too the end, after half an hour I died by jumping a spring the purple warp box, headed far away to get to the other stuck on that one last jump, boost pad, and landing, not to the green star, and died. Beep Block before falling to I asked my dad to help; he on the ground, but a death I returned to Super Bell his death. Two deaths later, ended up taking the Invinci- void. After entering a warp Hill for more Super Bells. I I was able to reach the flag- bility Leaf. The moment he box, I noticed the last green could have had a rematch pole. Before the next level, I gave the Wii Remote back star; once returning to Su- with that joke boss, Hiss- went off to the very first lev- to me, I gave Luigi cat claws per Bell Hill, Luigi was able tocrat, but I didn’t want to el to get more Super Bells. instead of fox claws from to claw his way to the final give him another chance to On my way back to level his normal Tanooki along green star in the level with be defeated another time. four of World 4, I realized I with a spare Super Bell. his green cat tail streaming Because I couldn’t get the didn’t do the second level in Before heading to the next behind him and white paws hang of jumping the Pira- World 2 yet; it needed the level, I went off to Fire Bros. pounding the ground, Luigi nha Creepers, I died enough Wii U gamepad, and I felt Hideout #1; it was easy, since scrambled up the flagpole. times to be offered the In- too lazy to even try to hunt it Luigi clawed his way to vic- Switchboard Falls wasn’t vincibility Leaf, which has down, and that’s the reason tory (pun not intended). too hard; I only found one the player’s character have I’m not doing the Captain The other branching level green star, though. A pipe in a White Tanooki, making Toad levels either: I’m just (besides Tricky Trapeze the map got me to a Mush- them invulnerable to blows. too lazy to find it. Now it’s Theater) requires 80 green room House where I got a Su- The first time I saw that leaf, time to do Big Bounce Byway. stars when I only have 71. So, per Bell, and I meant to grab I said, “Oh no. I may be bad A pipe led to Mystery I’ll return to that level when a spare Mushroom, but I ran at platformers, but I’m not House Mad Dash; at the sec- I have enough green stars. into the Fire Flower by mis- going to receive that kind of ond to last green star, I died: Chagrin’ Chuck Blockade take. Once I was done with help,” and true to my word, I gathered the green star Is Back became the next lev- that, I went off to the castle once I got Luigi a fresh set but completely missed the el; here I lost the Super Bell, - The Bullet Bill Express. of cat claws from the trans- purple warp box by walk- and I gave the spare once It wasn’t hard, since Luigi lucent block in the next part ing off the ledge, right be- Luigi became small, and he travels from train to train of the level - parkcouring hind the needed warp box. only just barely got it as well. to get to Pom-Pom, which over poison past sleeping On the second try, I barely Instead of three, there were is like Boom-Boom’s battle: or wakeful Piranha Creep- collected one of the green five Chargin’ Chucks to deal easy. The blue fairy magics a ers on stationary or rotating stars before the timer ran with. When all the Char- pipe to aid Luigi to World 4. circular platforms - I was out - it said zero a second gin’ Chucks were finished, However, it isn’t that simple: able to get to the flagpole. before I got the star, and I headed off to Sprawling a cork blocks the other clear The first time I went off to somehow it counted for me. Savanna. At one point, I was pipe to World 4, and Luigi Brolder Blockade, I was able Next was Spike’s Lost City; able to get on this narrow has to go off to World 3-B. to throw it into the lava, but after a few deaths, I was ledge, but fell off it; however, A Banquet of Hisstocrat Luigi did a perfect dive into able to leap over the spiked Luigi’s cat claws dug into the is so easy as a boss that, said lava with the enemy; a bars, parkour my way past side before he couldn’t cling even with parkcouring up second try didn’t lead to a the tilting platforms, and onto the edge anymore, 41 Sep/Oct 2020 CHARGING CORNER UNDERRATED VIDEO GAME CONT. which resulted in him slid- Once returning from Super level, and I didn’t want to the clear pipe appear. Dur- ing down into a death void. Bell Hill, Bob-ombs Below is play Cakewalk Flip again, ing my first time, I found Two deaths later, I was able where Luigi went. The level I headed off to Searchlight those green coins on a rotat- to get the first green star, started off fairly well; how- Sneak, but I didn’t mean to ing platform that traveled and pass where I had died. ever, I died trying to catch a press the + button, which skyward, and when I was The next part really gives star-bunny on a narrow, ro- randomly selected another heading down for the last this level its name; it's a vast tating platform, and then I character. Because I ran out one, I missed the platform grassy area with small trees did it a second time, losing of Super Bells, I returned entirely. Luigi’s claws bur- and dense bushes flecking my spare Super Bell. I got the to Super Bell Hill, switch- rowed into the wall leading the place. With the Super bunny on my third try, but ing to Luigi right away. As to a death void, and scram- Bell, it really gives the feel of fell into a chasm soon after Luigi, Searchlight Sneak bled up the side, saving the player’s character prowl- the stamp, which was near really meant its name; if himself. After managing to ing the savanna, like a lion where the rabbit was. Two the player runs under the get only one green star when would, which is even height- tries later, I gathered a green searchlights, then a horde I knew I could have gotten ened more by the fact the star and the stamp. I went of Bullet Bills with cat tails two, I headed off to World 6. player chases rabbits until back because I failed getting flicking, chase the gamer, After some lunch, I en- reaching the one with green another green star. I was and while I was fleeing from tered the first level of World particles swirling around it. able to stumble across the my third or fourth swarm of 6: Clear Pipe Cruise. I died I played around in this vast first green star before - col Bullet Bills, I ran right off soon after I got the second area, and by the time I was lecting the third green star. the ledge into a death void. green star, and I headed done having Luigi pound Upon finishing Super After grinding Super Bell off to Super Bell Hill. The the ground with his paws, Bell Hill, Cakewalk Flip Hill for lives and Super next level is Spooky Sea- seeing his tail stream out was next, which I found I Bells for a while, I returned sick Wreck, where rain rolls behind him, and finding the didn't like how the plat- back to Searchlight Sneak. down the screen, thunder stamp, I only had less than forms switch. It took a while The first time I came back, rumbles, lightning flashes, a hundred seconds to get to to study this one area where I missed the green stars. A beams from ship to ship the flagpole. In addition, I lasers shoot out to see the second time had me get two tilt, and the ships them- saw this green star that gave pattern of the flipswitches. out of three green stars. I selves even rock. This is the out eight green coins before I determined it was doable; had enough to go to Back- first time the player comes rewarding the player receiv- plus anytime Luigi jumped, street Bustle. I went back across Bullies; all the player ing the last green star, if all the switches flipped. The to Super Bell Hill to get has to do is bully the Bully green coins were collected. reason it’s called Cakewalk more Super Bells. Back- by shoving, kicking, or (in Another level-branching Flip is because the land is street Bustle is one where Luigi’s case) clawing them path showed I can go to ei- cake: glistening white vanil- the level is timed at 100 sec- to fall into a chasm, and ther Bob-ombs Below (5- la frosting as a fence, small onds from the start. With eventual death void. The 5) or to Cakewalk Flip (5- graham crackers paving the 43 seconds left, and with first green star is found by 6). However, before going path toward Goombas, pink only missing the first green doing this to two of them. there I walked around the frosting stripes at places, star, this level was easy, After entering a warp box, map to discover a pipe; it and rainbow sprinkles sur- since Luigi was overpow- Luigi is taken inside one of led me to two green pipes: rounding the checkpoint. ered by the combination the ships. Glistening blue the top one led to a golden My stomach rumbled as I of Super Bells and Double water raises and lowers as a train level, and the other played this level; I only had Cherries, which are scat- circle of Peepa, a different led me straight to World a cup of coffee nearly three tered across the short level. type of Boo, are nearby. I was 1. Guess 5-train looks like hours prior, and this level The next level was King able to get through it okay, a place to get coins; is it? was mocking me. I decided Ka-thunk’s Castle. The boss but I didn’t mean for Luigi to I soon learned taking my to hold off on getting some- wasn’t bad; however, it’s ex- cat-dive into a Boo; I asked time wasn’t going to work thing to eat, since I wanted ecution was poor. King Ka- the green-clad plumber, because of it being an auto to be sure my hunger was thunk moves slowly, and the “Why did you dive, buddy?” scroller. I ended up getting really because I was hungry, ground, which vanishes af- for a few seconds. Then, two lives before falling off or if playing the level was ter the boss is hit, is outlined I entered the other warp the train, which vanished making me think I was hun- where he lands. It’s a good box to get the checkpoint. upon Luigi leaping back to gry when I actually wasn’t. idea, but again, execution is “Whoa!” I cried out, my the world map when I tried Since I had one green poorly done. Since I missed heart skipping a beat as the to get to Captain Toad, who star to get before heading the green stars, I returned wooden beam Luigi was was cowering in an alcove. off to that one branching once the purple fairy made standing on sloped down, Sep/Oct 2020 42 CHARGING CORNER UNDERRATED VIDEO GAME CONT. thudding on the beam be- however, I got hit enough ward the player. The Fuzzies Bro. leaps down on top of low. I only died when I times to return to Super Bell were surprisingly fast; I was Luigi, as if he fell from the went for the green star and Hill. The next levels were expecting them to be slow as sky; I jumped in terror, not missed the jump. Outside in either Ty-Foo Flurries (6-5) sloths. I went back to Fuzzy expecting him to suddenly the pelting rain, Luigi made or Bullet Bill Base (6-6). I Time Mine again, because I come falling towards the the jump, but a Bully pushed chose Ty-Foo Flurries first. wanted to get the one green plumber. There are places him to the death void. A sec- Ty-Floos are cloud-like en- star I had missed. By the time where the going is narrow, ond attempt had the cow- emies that, once breathing I got the last green star, both but Luigi’s jump usually gets ardly fellow push a Bully out, push the player around. the castle and a green pipe him over a scary and dan- into a hole, but it’s friend did Like Snowball Park, slippery leading to Mystery House gerous gap. The battle with the same to Luigi a heart- Luigi and ice go as well as Throwdown was wait- Boom-Boom wasn’t hard, beat later. The time where I fire and ice - it doesn’t end ing for Luigi to beat them. nor was as easy as Hissocrat. beat the Bullies to enter the well for one of the two ob- Mystery House Throw- Luckily during the break warp box to the flagpole, jects; fire melts ice, and Lu- down involved just throwing before going back to the was when I got the green igi has little to no traction big baseballs at P-Switches, game, someone found the star, and my heart pounded on ice. I ended up falling POW blocks, or even green gamepad while I was reading when I thought Luigi would off when I thought I could stars themselves to get the a book; so, I took care of the slip off the beam, but only get past a line of Ty-Foos needed stars. I missed this levels needing the gamepad. to land on the very pixel a moment after they took one room because Luigi Captain Toad Goes Forth is between life and death. a breath to push anything dug his claws into the walls, gathering all five green stars Slowly, my hands shaking, I that got in the way of the and wouldn’t let go until by guiding Captain Toad by moved Luigi onto the center gusts. Guess who flew off the the timer had run out. The tilting the gamepad and us- of the narrow beam. Light- stage, showing that cats can next death was spectacular: ing the right joystick; every ning flashed and thunder fly once knocked off their The green star, which I had Captain Toad level is like growled overhead when paws by clouds expelling already gathered before the this, so this does include Luigi grabbed the flagpole. breath in fierce gusts? That’s room I couldn’t beat was on the others, so I’m not worth Another branching path right - me, since I controlled a flipswitch; Luigi hit the mentioning them. After the had one level needing 100 Luigi through the power- green star with the big base- Captain Toad levels, I went green stars; I only had 88, ful winds to be tossed into a ball, cat diving the second off to 6-3, one of the levels and the other level is Deep death void. My next attempt I noticed the purple warp needed for the gamepad. Jungle Drift. The player had me run right into a Ty- box appearing, and I only Hands-On Hall is a level travels on a raft over poi- Foo, who breathed out, and saw the green-clad plumb- where the player has to tap son, and if the player has a Luigi was nearly sent into er, forepaws outstretched, the gamepad to open up Super Bell, they can travel the death void; however, I a moment before he died. some curtains. There are over the raft at some points. cat-dived into the side of The last part was the hard- a lot of Goombas, and Lu- After getting two green the wall, and the plumb- est: Luigi has to throw the igi was able to get two out stars, the poison will dip er clawed his way back to baseballs at those blue of three green stars in the to a poisoned waterfall; it safety. Past the part where question-mark switches level. At Puffprod Peaks (2- looks scarier than it actually I kept on dying, I go to the to make them yellow ex- 2) the player has to do the is, and I found Luigi sliding next part: An even bigger clamation-mark switches, odd combination of tap- a little once the raft sloped area of ice. I was able to get but Thwumps are there to ping the screen to reveal down to give the plumber two out of three green stars. try to block the switches. platforms and blowing on a scary but fun ride. In the Bullet Bill Base is next. I had 102; enough for that the gamepad to move some end, Luigi clawed his way Even though I usually panic 100-star level; however, I platforms. It’s a cool con- to the top of the flagpole. when Bullet Bills come fly- needed the gamepad for cept; however, it’s execution Next is Prince Bully Block- ing my way, I found I was the level, and I didn’t know wasn’t done well. For one ade. Like King Ka-thunk, levelheaded enough to real- where the gamepad was. thing, using the gamepad it was a good idea, but had ize the level was enjoyable. Guess it’s the castle then! causes the game to lag; I poor execution: Just kick or It’s not the best level out Bowser’s Bob-omb Brigade recently wrote an article on claw Prince Bully toward there, but enjoyable enough has Luigi traveling through Super Mario World for the one of the clear pipes, and to be fun. Fuzzy Time Mine another brigade of tanks and Super Nintendo Entertain- kick him once he reappears just looks scary, because of enemies. There are many ment System (SNES), and as a cyclical Prince Bully. Do three words: auto scroll- enemies from Fire Bros. to that game didn’t lag. Sure this three times, dodge his ing tower. Not just that, but Hammer Bros. At one point, the game glitched at times, fire breath, and he’s beaten; Fuzzies snap their way to- I was small Luigi, and a Fire but it didn’t lag. The SNES 43 Sep/Oct 2020 CHARGING CORNER UNDERRATED VIDEO GAME CONT. came out on November 21, became the worst level I’ve and I realized I was playing Wii U gamepad is truly 1990; the Wii U released on ever played. An hour in, I the levels in order. At the awkward, leaving little to no November 18, 2012. So, the could not get past it with or end, there’s a tall tower the room to get used to the sud- Wii U’s gamepad lagging so without the Super Bell. Fi- player has to climb, grabbing den readjustment. Three much had no excuse what- nally, I allowed myself the orange-and-white tokens to tries in, I was able to get it soever when a home console Invincibility Leaf because I activate the orange warp box and race to the flagpole. 22 years older than it doesn’t tried going as slow as pos- with enemies to dodge, and Bowser’s Lava Lake Keep give me any issues with lag. sible to even dash blindly once getting the token at the is the last level in World 7. The pipe to World 7 is forth, and I couldn’t get top, has deadly gas pressing I had to get Peach back out corked off, since Luigi has through it. I don’t know why down on any fleeing players. to help Luigi get two out of to go off to Motley’s Boss- this level is so hard for me, it I tried getting the one on top three green stars; however, blob Big Battle first. Wait just is; plus, I didn’t want my first, thinking it would be a I had to get the Invincibility until the clown appears patience to be tested at 7am safe and slow journey down Leaf for Luigi, since keep- from concooning himself without breakfast. I still got while getting the other to- ing him and Peach alive to in his silvery blobs, which a game over, because my kens; however, Nintendo fight Bowser was becoming form into a massive clown first time using the Invin- had other ideas: The one too much stress for me. By pounding the ground, and cibility Leaf I’d believed it top is programmed to start the end, Luigi saved the last then hit him three times. In- gave the player infinite flight the gas coming, whether fairy, and with only seven stead of World 7, it appears when I was one death away the player has gotten the worlds in the game the red to be World Castle; how- from game over; I found top one first or not. Oh, and screen about to show my ever, I’m calling it World 7. out it doesn't, but this is the the player has to be aware points before exiting the Fort Fire Bros. (7-1) is up. very first time I deigned to the gas will spill out of the level - can’t happen just yet. Fire Bros. toss yellow-orange use this truly overpowered tower, chasing the player Bowser shoves the red screen flames at Luigi while blue item. However, I still got until he or she reaches the away, and traps all the fairies lava is below the ground he’s three game overs while us- warp box to the flagpole. in one big glass jar; he hops on. There are a lot of Goom- ing the Invincibility Leaf: Rammerhead Reef is a away before a new clear bas and clear pipes to enter, The first time, after falling water level followed by Sim- pipe to World 8 appears. but the fireballs from the Fire into the blue lava five times, mering Lava Lake. There is Spiky Spike Bridge is up Bros. try to hurt the player I thought I could make it one green star that has to be next. I was able to get two once he or she enters one. to the flagpole without tak- grabbed by using the Boo- out of the three green stars; However, the lava really isn’t ing care of the Bullies; the merang Flower, which hap- same with Plessie’s Dune that bad; if the player really other two times was due to pens to be in this level. I tried Downhill. Cookie Cogworks hates Fire Bros. then it isn’t sheer panic because of that using Mario by having Luigi wasn’t hard, but I was run- going to their favorite level. embarrassing game over. toss his brother at the sec- ning out of time when I got Switchblack Ruins (7- Another branching path ond green star, and I refused to the flagpole. The Bowser 2) and Red-Hot Run (7-3) has either rematching Br- to use Toad, as his hitbox is Express is a fast auto scroller, are levels that branch off. older or Prince Bully; I the smallest. Just when I was while the train moves slow; Switchblack Ruins was first. wanted Prince Bully over about to use the Boomerang so, getting the pacing right It’s a level in the dark, and since the nightmare I’d en- Flower, I realized I didn’t use was difficult, but doable. since I was using a Super dured was Boiling Blue Peach’s float ability. Getting I skipped the rest of the Bell instead of a very help- Bully Belt. So Prince Bully the gamepad, I got Peach, levels to get to the last. ful Fire Flower, the level Blockade Is Back became had Luigi pick her up, and How? There was a save file was a bit scarier than usual, the first rematch; it wasn’t then carried her to the spot. that was at the Star World, but still doable. Now off to hard, since Luigi clawed to The moment I threw Peach, and I went off as Luigi to Red-Hot Run. I struggled victory as fast as his paws I had to get her to float to play it. With my explana- with the level, since it was could take him, and the the needed star. It wasn’t tion out of the way, it was under 100 seconds to beat only difference was that easy dropping the Wii Re- now time to head off to The it, and it was parkour, but his fire attack is now three mote to turn my gaze onto Great Tower of Bowser Land. I was able to to do it; how- blue fireballs, and Prince the Wii U gamepad; too The first thing I saw was ever, I first thought the level Bully wears blue instead slow, and I would watch a the car Bowser rides in, with was Luigi having to flee of red. Brolder Blockade Is princess get a hot, scorch- plumes of dark gray smoke from a hot and scorching Back is definitely more fun ing lava bath without get- rising in the air. After some lava bath in a vertical level than Prince Bully’s return. ting the star. Also, switch- basic parkour, with a ferris from the name of that level. Trick Trap Tower was next; ing from the light, slim Wii wheel-like platform with a Boiling Blue Bully Belt it’s another branching path, Remote to the bulky, heavy Bully to take care of, Captain Sep/Oct 2020 44 CHARGING CORNER UNDERRATED VIDEO GAME CONT. Toad sees the player off to Personally, I feel like Mario but is said to be easier than ing fair for my poor skill set face Bowser. Sorry, did I say 3D World, like Mario Kart 8 its Wii U counterpart, is go- at platformers. The Super Bowser? I meant Moewser, Deluxe and New Super Ma- ing to release on February Bell is my favorite power-up, since Bowser will become rio Bros. U Deluxe, should 12, 2021. So, I prophesied so it has that going for it in a copycat (pun intended), receive a deluxe version for this game’s existence before my books, so there’s that. and reveal a Super Bell in the Switch, bringing it from anyone knew about it - or, at Someone who isn’t very his soon-to-be paw, becom- the brink of truly being for- least, I didn’t know about it good at platformers, might ing Moewser. Then, instead gotten along with the Wii until very recently. But since find this game to be both fun of fighting, the player has U. Mario 3D World may not how much the media is go- and enjoyable; for someone to be a completely scaredy- be a hard platformer, but ing crazy over this - besides who’s actually good at plat- cat (pun intended) by then for my skills in platforming the new Mario 3D All-Stars forming games, this might climbing the Great Tower of games, it was fair platform- - this is so new it’s getting a be a morbid curiosity that’s Bowser Land. By the half- ing that I can enjoy and lot of media attention, and laughably easy for them. way mark, he'll use a Double is still a wonderful Mario it’ll remain this way for an- Stay tuned for an article on Cherry, then after avoid- game. Because of the Wii U other month or two, before the deluxe version once this ing the five Moewsers, hit - it’s home console - this vid- it dies down, to only return game comes out, because the POW block below the eo game is underrated, and to this spotlight once the I’m really curious about this real Moewser's paws, and it doesn’t get the well-de- game actually comes out. “Bowser’s Fury.” Does it have all the fairies will be happy served spotlight it deserves. I really can’t say if the slightly harder levels? Is it being saved by the player. I wrote this article in mid- Deluxe version will be the playing as fleeing from be- Even though the Wii U was late July, and I ended the version many people will ing chased by Bowser, or a failure (nowadays feeling article a day or two before prefer, just because the Wii - dare I say it - playing as like an unwanted hybrid of writing an article on Paper U game isn’t that hard, and Bowser? Who knows? There both the Wii and Switch), Mario: The Origami King the Switch one will be easier. is still a decent amount of and the Year of Luigi wasn’t in early August. The earli- However, the new Bowser’s time to get gamers excited a great year for Nintendo, est article I found - www. Fury, combined with new and/or curious about the I still feel that Nintendo venturebeat.com, published characters, will make it an game, and for rumors to apologized for the train on September 3, 2020 - interesting game to look at. spread about the deluxe wreck that was the Wii U’s confirmed this underrated I’m looking forward to this version of Mario 3D World short five year era, and tried game was getting it’s well game; the Wii U version is about Bowser’s Fury and if to regain some of Luigi’s deserved Switch deluxe ver- really good; it may not be the game will be good or not. glory by releasing Luigi’s sion with new characters, a a hard game, but as men- Mansion 3 for the Switch. mode called Bowser’s Fury, tioned, I found the platform- CAN PAPER MARIO’S ORIGAMI JOURNEY STOP KING OLLY FOLDING MUSHROOM KINGDOM? By Katie Stafford seen, it plays like Partners in Partners in Time which was looking at me with admira- Staff Reporter Time, but Paper Mario style. released on November 28, tion and awe, in that way of On July 17, 2020 Nintendo If it isn’t like that, or has very 2005 for the DS. (Geez, that meeting a person could have released Paper Mario: The loose ties to how that game sentence made me feel old; been alive during that time. Origami King for the Switch. is played, then the journal- I know I would have turned Partners in Time was about I’ve never played any of the ist will be going through this four when the game came how Mario, Luigi, Baby Ma- Paper Mario games. I’ve article completely blind. out, but I feel like I was older rio, and Baby Luigi had to seen my brother play, and I I only know three things than that.) I mean, the DS is save the world - and even believe the concept is that for this game: the release so ancient to children born Peach, who entered a time Paper Mario has to save a 2D date, the system to play the after that time, so much so machine with some Toads, world from some foe wishing game on, and that it’s part that my cousin, who was and Baby Peach - from these to cause some form of chaos of the Paper Mario series. born in 2012, when I told strange, purple mushroom by doing something strange As a personal challenge, her about my favorite hand- aliens. Sometime into the with the world. However, I I’m going into this with lit- held game before the Switch 2005 game, the player gets don’t know the concept. I’m tle to no knowledge at all. was Mario Kart DS, said the to control both Mario and just hoping, by trailers I’ve I’ve played Mario & Luigi: word DS in shock, while Luigi, along with their baby 45 Sep/Oct 2020 CHARGING CORNER MARIO’S ORIGAMI JOURNEY CONT. counterparts; A button for like I’ll be doing) from here on out, unless there’s their scared, but because he for- Mario, B for Luigi, Baby on out. Since this is my first 3D counterparts joining the got the gift the two brought Mario could be controlled time playing a Paper Mario adventure as well - or it even in the kart. However, be- by using X, and Y for Baby game, if the reader spots any might be their origami ver- fore he can leave, the doors Luigi (reader, I like to say Easter eggs from past Pa- sions - or somethings hap- slam shut; having failed to I’ve memorized which but- per Mario games I’m sorry pens to remind the reader open them, Luigi says, “OK, ton controls which charac- if I do not mention them. they’re made out of paper. I don’t like that. How’m I ter, and I last played that However, I do know Paper Luigi can’t wait to see gonna get outside when the game four or five years Mario: The Thousand Year Peach, and they come to door is locked?! Don’t worry, ago). However, even with Door - is it that Paper Ma- a sprawling cobblestone Mario.” Luigi, you’re the one Bowser and Baby Bowser rio game? - can have Mario road with colorful vendors, panicking; Mario’s just star- and the queen alien to stop be an unloyal brother by houses, and streamers, with ing at you, emotionless to the Mario Brothers and reading Luigi’s secret diary, Peach’s massive stone castle the situation. “I know just their younger selves, they’re which shows his yearning both in the center and the what to do in situations like not the true antagonist of to be part of Mario’s ad- dominating feature in Toad this.” Expecting the coward- that game: Professor Elvin ventures, but not being in- Town. However, Toad Town ly plumber to run in circles, Gadd, who made the time vited to them, doesn’t come, seems to be a ghost town, screaming in terror, I’m per- machine, and said there because Luigi is a kind since no one is there; Luigi plexed by his next line of di- was a “99.999999999%” of brother who doesn’t want wonders if they missed the alogue, “You just gotta find Peach returning, has that to rain on Mario’s parade. festival. Checking the invi- Mario! Right, Mario?” I’m deignation. Clearly E. Gadd Enough stalling, Origami tation under Luigi’s request, thinking Luigi is so scared didn’t run the numbers King opens up with an ori- Mario and the player, who he isn’t thinking nor talking right, or Peach defied all gami version of Peach’s Ma- can read the invite, but the straight; he’s telling himself odds by not returning with rio 64 castle; when I saw date is unknown to him or to find his brother, but if he the low 0.0000000001% that, I gasped, “Oh my God! her, sees it’s the right date. were, he would say his own chance of staying in the That’s the” - I paused for a With Luigi believing them name, not Mario’s; or he past (I believe the former). moment to strain my mem- all to be in the castle, the knows there’s another Mario Anyway, I’m not only stall- ory on which Peach castle two brothers drive with in this game that Mario nor ing, I’m getting nostalgic that was - “Mario 64 castle!” the music becoming omi- the player is aware of. He ap- just thinking about Mario I got more and more excited nous and eerie as they drive pears to have done a combi- & Luigi: Partners in Time. as I listened to the opening through the ghost town to nation of the first two, since Let me just boot up the soundtrack for a minute. the lowering drawbridge. he runs towards his older, game, and - okay, so looks The JoyCons rumble as a With a remix of the plumper brother, saying, like the trailers for this game kart rolls on screen a mo- soundtrack when Mario “OK . . . I’m just gonna take a told me one thing, and the ment after the player sees a enters the 64 Peach castle, deep breath and go find the back of the game case is tell- dense pine forest with rocky Luigi stops the kart outside key to this door. That’s what ing me another. The trailer cliffs on the other side of the the door, saying they are at you’d do, right?” Uh, right, gave me the impression of kart, and the forest on the Peach’s castle, and once Ma- Luigi, except I wouldn’t go Partners in Time except other side. In the kart, Paper rio hops out, says he’ll be alone; I’ll drag the person with Paper Mario, but the Luigi exclaims he likes be- parking the kart, since he I’m with, with me. Luigi game case is showing Paper ing with Paper Mario on the doesn’t want to tip the valet. leaves, explaining to Mario Mario slamming something road, “and heading to some Once returning from park- to tell Peach he’s finding with his fists, with his hands kind of festival!” The un- ing the kart, Luigi apologiz- the key if he finds her first. and arms clearly made from known festival is an Origa- es for the wait and says they I gain control of Mario, origami, looking like part of mi Festival, which has Paper can see the princess. The and the closed doors in the Arms for the Switch. Does Luigi perplexed about what player then gets control of center of the dual-winged anyone remember Arms, it could be. Never mind, al- Mario with Luigi following. staircase has Peach ask if or am I just old? Focusing ready a paragraph in, and Entering the dark castle, Mario was the one outside on Origami King (which I’m getting sick of calling Luigi says it’s spooky and in the foyer. The doors slow- is what I’ll call this game, the Mario Brothers Paper wonders why no one is there. ly open, and the clicking of if I address the game as a Mario and Paper Luigi; it’s Luigi tries to leave Mario in high heels on polished wood whole, and not the story Luigi and Mario from here the castle, not because he’s sound before Peach ap- Sep/Oct 2020 46 CHARGING CORNER MARIO’S ORIGAMI JOURNEY CONT. pears, saying it’s good to see spoken about her change in stone corridor with Koopa, until a mysterious voice who Mario. “Oh my God! What attitude towards leadership. Hammer Bro., Buzzy Beetle, seems to know from him a happened to you? What Pressing no, she has one and Spike surprised at see- past adventure says, “Mario happened to you, Peach?” more question for me. My ing Mario having slammed . . . is that you?” Mario looks I ask her; she’s not Paper heart is pounding twice as onto the ground nearby. around. A moment later, the Peach - she’s Origami Peach! fast. She asks, “WIll you cre- After climbing to his feet voice says, “I need your help! Mario gets to the center of ate yourself and be reborn, and dusting himself, Mario I’m . . . I’m . . . I’m in a very the foyer. My heart pounds like me?” Shaking my head, is welcomed by usual Ma- strange place. It’s cramped as she asks the player and I say, “No, I can’t, Peach. I rio enemies. They say he and dark . . . almost like I’m Mario to answer a question: can’t.” Again pressing no, she always had to have a flashy in between dimensions or “Shouldn’t the Mushroom then says, “Wrong answer. appearance, and asks if he’s something. I’m not sure if I Kingdom unfold? And be Right answer. It matters not. here for the Origami Festi- should be amazed or scared, refolded unto glory?” Then, Your replies are paper thin.” val as well. Koopa says that but I’m kinda both? If it’s the player can choose ei- “Sorry. It’s not my fault I the dungeon-theme waiting not too much trouble I like ther yes or no. First, Peach, was given either the choice lounge is an upgrade from to get out now, please. Is that is two questions, not a of yes or no; if I could, I the last festival he attended. there any way you can help?” question. Second, the eerie would have given you an ex- The Hammer Bro. asks if I gain control, and a mo- music was putting me on planation with that yes or Mario’s seen Master Bowser ment after walking on this edge, and I was taking the no, Princess, or do you want anywhere, since it wasn’t dark spot near the door, it simple question literally, by to be called Your Majesty?” like him to have his “min- then glows yellow with a rereading it. Five minutes I say. My hands are trem- ions” hanging around a pub- white hand spinning on the later, and deadly curious of bling. I press the A button lic event. A Goomba, who floor where the yellow light what happened when most to continue. “Goodbye,” I admires Mario, so much is illuminating the dark players would choose the read. Horror floods me in a so he says getting stomped hallway. The voice returns: other option, I press yes. wave that, if I were standing, “would be an honor,” comes “What was that? Did some- She asks a different ques- would have knocked me off up to say he first gets to thing light up at your feet? tion: “And what of those . . my feet. “What do you mean meet Peach, then Mario, Is it a Magic Circle? That’s . Toads? Shouldn’t they be by goodbye? Does saving and explains the princess good . . . I think. I mean, I’m silenced . . . for all eternity?” you from Bowser have no was less lifelike. Three Shy not really sure what you’re “What? Excuse me, ex- weight to it anymore - or at Guys - two red and one yel- supposed to do with it . . . cuse me! What game am I all? Weren’t you happy to be low - explain for everyone to Can you try to use it some- playing?” I cry out, imagin- saved by Mario? Or are you follow them. The Goomba, how?” Once the voice’s text ing Toads being hung, be- sick of Mario being your who has never seen a Toad, box vanishes, the game tells headed, burned at the stake, savoir, and you just want wishes it’s a Toad. However, me to press X; pressing it, and the many other terrible Luigi to try? Or is it you’re when Mario tries to enter has Paper Mario get half- deaths during medieval sick of being the damsel in one of the Shy Guys - who swallowed in it, before he times I’ve learned about, distress all the time? Look, I’ve noticed look more like appears with origami hands. in which every Toads’ lives Peach, it's not my fault if origami than paper - tell The voice says, “That . . . were ended by Peach herself. no one remembers that DS Mario he isn’t allowed in; that sounded good! Are your I shudder, realizing Ninten- game you were in!” Trem- Goomba says he’ll say hi to arms all big and foldy now? do went there; I wasn’t read- bling in terror and indig- Toad for him. “Okay, see I’ve heard about this! I think ing into this too deeply: the nation, I look up the game you then,” I say to the nice, those are called 1,000-Fold- way Peach hesitated before I referred to. “Sorry, if no friendly Goomba. I blush; I ed Arms. Try feeling around saying “Toads” and how she one remembers Super Prin- treated an AI like I would to a bit . . . maybe you can help said they had to be silenced cess Peach!” Super Princess a friend I’ll see later. Shak- me escape from this strange forever told me she intended Peach was released on Oc- ing my head, I smile; I can dimension.” To use them, to kill them, since silencing tober 20, 2005. I knew Su- not be the only player who the player has to press R to them while keeping them per Princess Peach existed; talks to characters in a video move the right-hand fin- alive would be nearly im- I could never remember it. game, like talking to a friend; gers; same for L. If the play- possible. She could try us- The floor then unfolds surely I’m not the only one. er pressed both, they can ing fear to silence them, but from below Mario’s feet, and Outside in the dungeon- grab something, and move some of them would be out- he plummets into a torch-lit corridor alone, Mario waits their arms, while holding 47 Sep/Oct 2020 CHARGING CORNER MARIO’S ORIGAMI JOURNEY CONT. the two buttons, they can some boxes that the Ham- describe in detail right now. is the princess’ hero, and if peel away part of the wall to mer cannot break; the It’s seen worse, believe me.” he’ll join the cause, or have expose . . . a strange yellow right has someone scream, “Yes, your body has seen to possibly fight. It’s another fairy thing made out from “HEY! KNOCK IT OFF!” worse. Getting a lava bath, yes or no; I meant to press origami, who’s happy to be After breaking some boxes, crumbling into bones once yes, but I pressed the B but- free from “that weird in- a crack shows Paper Bowser you become Dry Bowser, ton, which causes Mario to between dimension.” I read locked up, thrashing around enlarged and revived by say no. Folded Soldier tells the last four words again. on the rope he’s hanging on. magic potions from either Mario to look at Peach, who “You mean paper?” I ask Thinking he gets a taste of Kamek or your son, and he deems to be better as an it before pressing the A but- being captured after doing it being sucked in a black origami. He orders a Folder ton. He says he must have it to Peach for years, I regret hole, I believe, once you Soldier to come forth; it gotten stuck in the wall, and my train of thought as Paper ripped apart galaxies,” I turns out to be the happy asks if the plump plumber Bowser is forced to watch said, ticking off anything Goomba who idolized Ma- is Mario. By now, I’m sure his own minion (by what the I think of that Bowser en- rio. The poor Goomba Fold- this is the first game this shadows playing against the dured since the beginning. ed Soldier says he never got origami-fairy has been in. stone torch-lit wall shows) He then demands - sorry, to see Toad once Olivia asks “Oh! Hi, Olivia.” I add, once be turned into origami. commands - Mario to un- if Mario knew the Goomba; she introduces herself; she Bowser’s thrashing increas- fold him, and saying Mario the Folded Soldier tells Ma- tricks me into giving me es, roaring in what seems to needed Bowser, like Bowser rio to prepare to be folded. an answer about how she be outrage and fear. Olivia needed him; plus, he had a Because this is the player’s got stuck between that pa- asks Mario if what he saw secret, but he’ll only say if first wave battle, Olivia- ex per wall by asking if Mario wasn’t terrifying; she and he’s saved. I do end up saving plains the player can’t change was wondering how she got Mario turn to hear a voice Bowser - sorry, King Bowser, the origami back to their stuck, then says there isn’t say, “That was the last of who's been released, but paper form, and it might be time to hear that story. Uh, them . . .” - Shy Guys made of he’s still folded - and re- cruel, but Mario has to fight Olivia, yes I have all the origami come out - “Expect veals there’s a secret exit in them to keep from becom- time in the world; tell me! for the mustachioed one . . .” the room. He says he over- ing origami himself. She She asks if she can hitch “OK, maybe I have to ex- heard the jerks while he was asks if the player noticed a ride, because she’s “not ex- plain one little thing. Those trapped talking about it. Af- the battle was called a wave actly fleet of foot,” she folds stiff-looking guys are called ter uncovering a Magic Cir- battle. The way to take care into a circle, and attaches Folded Soldiers. I don’t want cle, and unfolding the paper of a wave battle is to get the herself to Mario, who looks to alarm you, but they’re with the 1,000-Folded Arms, stray enemy into a line with down once she does; I’m unbelievably dangerous. I it’s traveling though the se- its fellow comrades; in this just going to assume she ei- think we should try to avoid cret exit. A shiny block with case, three Goombas are in ther attached herself to one them. What do you think an S where a question mark a row, except for one. The of his yellow overall but- they meant by That was the would be on a question- arena is in four rings; by us- tons, or slipped inside his last of them. . . anyway? mark block is a save block, ing the left JoyCon’s joystick overalls (I’m saying the for- The last what?” Olivia says, where the player can save the and pressing A to confirm, mer). Anyway, I soon found then she returns to Mario. game. Once Olivia suggests the gamer can choose said a Hammer, and pressed B I enter where Bowser is. saving each time she and ring, and doing it again, to use it. After using the “Mario! You’re here too? Mario find one, it’s climb- can put the stray in a row. Hammer once, she says the Well, what are you waiting ing up stairs to get to a door. Once in a row - or a success- player can press X to get a for? Get me down from this The door leads outside to ful lineup - Mario’s attack hint from her. Her first hint: thing! Even you know this is the balcony; Peach and a power increases by 1.5 times. Find a hole in a wall. After no way to treat royalty.” Ol- Folded Soldier come outside The wave battle is called a slipping through the hole, ivia is awed to meet some- to see Mario still flat. She wave battle, because foes Mario then goes through a one else from royalty, and asks why he hasn’t joined come in waves. At the mo- dark hallway until she asks asks if everyone, like Bows- her in “folded glory.” She ment Mario only can jump if the dungeon smelled, er, has a face only. He then says it’s time to reshape him; using his boots or smash implying she doesn’t have explains, “I’ve got a body however, the Folded Soldier enemies using his hammer. a sense of smell. To the too! Those folded jerks just . says to have patience. The Once both waves are over - left is a locked door near . . bent it in ways that I won’t Folded Soldier asks if Mario “What! What!” I cry out Sep/Oct 2020 48 CHARGING CORNER MARIO’S ORIGAMI JOURNEY CONT. as the Folded Soldier next bons snake around the cas- health points went down to The next part of the woods, to Peach refolds to be a tle, Bowser calls out to have 43. Once collecting enough which I found is called new foe; a moment after his Clown Car, driven by a confetti, Olivia tells him to Whispering Woods, is try- showing himself, Olivia Shy Guy, come over; Bows- press the ZL or ZR button to ing to get a log hanging by reveals that the new char- er, Olivia, and Mario run toss it, and tells him to hur- vines to roll to an edge of a acter is her brother. “Who across the roof while rib- ry, because she’s running out ledge. After pulling on this are you?” I ask this square- bons stream around them. of sound effect words; the one vine, in which a paper shaped character with pur- After getting in the Clown reason she’s using onomato- version of Birdo appears ple clothes, blond hair, and Car, they steer away to only poeia is because she finds before splashing into this a gold crown on top of his watch from a distance the using them fun. With the distant pond, to flee once head; Olivia, meanwhile, ribbons tightening around hole filled, she’ll be revealed she gets out, the log rolls says, “No . . . it can’t be. I the castle. A dust cloud swal- with her head stuck in the into place. With the log, I’m don’t want to believe it could lows the crack in the bridge ground; she hopes Mario able to get to a high place be you. How many times did while the castle raises in the would not remember her for where I had not been able to I tell you to stop? Please! air. Olivia alerts her new that moment alone. With get to. Once there, I threw You have to stop now!” friend to have him and ev- her out, she explains they some more confetti, and I “Olivia, you have some eryone else look down to see can only explore, and she’ll hit a question-mark block explaining to do,” I tell her. Luigi’s hat fluttering down help if the player needs her. to get a lot of coins. There’s I repeat what I said once to the ground like a feather. Near where Mario was, a misty forest session the this new character asks why Mario attempts to get it, there’s a Magic Circle; head- player can enter; once the Mario couldn’t have kept and probably finds where ing to there, Olivia realizes player does, they can’t leave, her in the wall he placed in Luigi is, but he and Olivia King Olly had already taken the exits will only go straight her. The new fellow explains are separated away from care of the tree in front of back to where the player is: to Olivia if she couldn’t Bowser and the Shy Guy- them. Using the 1,000-Fold- a massive truck silvered by understand his ambitions driven Clown Car. As they ed Arm, the player can smash sunlight in a forest clearing. then she has no right to crash toward the ground, the tree to walk through the After a while of doing share in the glory, and to where Mario will be stuck in log-tunnel. I head over to a back and getting to the add salt in the wounds Ol- a pine tree, the castle low- question-mark block, which same place, Olivia will ask ivia must be feeling, he says ers onto a large mountain. gave a Mushroom to restore if they felt like they were he is no longer her brother, Once Mario jumps out of Mario’s health; I used it ac- getting anywhere; she says Olly, but King Olly now. the pine, leaves fluttering cidentally. Soon the two no- one of her ways to think King Olly floats up, say- towards the ground, I press tice Toad Town, seeing the about what to do next is to ing by the time he is done, X to see if Olivia is okay; castle no longer there. Af- sit down somewhere, with all the Toads will be fold- she’s missing, since pressing ter saying she had seen her good lighting. Since she ed, and the minions under X does nothing now. While brother’s streamers lifting it suggested the tree stump, Bowser’s rule would change looking for her, I find a hole; away, she notices the castle both her and Mario head to hands to become loyal Fold- somewhere, Olivia explains on top of the mountain. She it. Within a second of both ed Soldiers following the that hole can be fixed us- decides to stop her brother, sitting, eyes closed, they’re orders set by King Olly in- ing confetti, which was the as King Olly’s sister; since startled by a loud voice roar- stead. King Olly says, “And I leaves I thought that came she was on the topic of ing, “HEY! Who’s there?” shall fold, crease, and bend down with Mario from his brothers, she explains she The voice belongs to a the entire paper world to tree, and confetti, Olivia noticed a green hat, looking tree; the whispering from my whim . . . The birth of says, is like taking a piece of a lot like Mario’s, and asks the Whispering Woods are a new origami kingdom!” the paper world Paper Ma- if the green hat was related from the trees. The tree King Olly then glows pur- rio lives in. She then gives to him. Nodding in a way stump in the sunlight turns ple, as my JoyCons rumble; him an empty confetti bag, that seems like the plump out to be Grandsappy, a very he turns out to be summon- which can collect confetti; paper plumber is slightly old tree some Paper Toads ing a yellow streamer from it’s found by using Mario’s sorrowful to be without Lu- cut down. Because the trees a rocky canyon, blue from hammer on flowers, leaves, igi, Mario listens to how Ol- see that Mario has disre- a forest, along with green trees, and similar places. ivia wishes Mario’s brother spected Grandsappy by sit- and purple from unknown While I was leaving the is doing well, and to head ting on him, they say he’ll locations. While the rib- hole, I fell in; Mario’s 50 back to where the castle was. be there forever, because 49 Sep/Oct 2020 CHARGING CORNER MARIO’S ORIGAMI JOURNEY CONT. Grandsappy is the one to says it was an honor fighting was NOT expecting that.” After unfolding a Toad give permission if a traveler alongside Mario; however, After Grandsappy tells who said tents, which was can leave or not (pun not I wasn’t swallowing that some shrubs to move out of where he was hidden, don’t intended). Olivia says Mario fake-out of losing the game the way for Mario and Oliv- have a single bathroom, an- and her are not part of the before it really got start- ia, she says she can’t wait to other wave battle, a bridge group of Paper Toads hav- ed. Olivia explains some see how Mario’s brother is that did a round of solfege ing cut down Grandsappy; battles allow the player to doing, and she didn’t mind (minusing the high Do) Ma- she adds she is not paper at have some extra chances to being of service to the now- rio and Olivia, who nudges all - she’s origami. Because defeat the Folded Soldiers. young Grandsappy. Knock- Mario to move slightly to she’s origami, Grandsappy Once the battles were ing down a white fence has give her more room, rest on allows them both to leave, done, Olivia marvels how Olivia afraid of something a bench, which revives all of but on one condition: Mario much calmer she is by the in the bushes; that some- Mario’s lost health. Unfold- and Olivia have to help re- spring; she suggests to throw thing turns out to be a Paper ing one Toad had him give store Grandsappy’s energy. something in there. Since I Toad, whose face is folded. me some coins, and tossing The trees allow the mist to have a Mushroom and a Fire Once destroying the bush confetti on a big hole re- clear. “There you go, child.” I Flower, both of them shriv- and flattening Toad by us- wards me with more coins. pause, eyeing the last word eled up, I toss them to get ing the Hammer, Toad says What I did find interest- I read. “Child?! Excuse me, their full power restored. there were folded characters ing was if the player got I’m playing as a paper version Not long into chatting with folding the Toads, before closer to the speaker, then of Mario, and he’s not Baby some trees, I find a golden anyone knew what was go- the music playing will get Mario. So, who are you call- ball on one tree, which has a ing on. Toad then screams, louder; if the gamer is away ing a child?” I snap. The tree shriveled up seed, after Ma- having retraumatized him- from the speaker, then the who insulted me adds the rio performed 1,000-Folded self over the ordeal; he flees. soundtrack will die down. player - or child, I suppose Arms to great effect. Once Olivia says it sounds like I just found it really cool - - has to find the Soul Seed. the seed has been spat out Folded Soldiers, and it might nothing major, but I find Not long into picking a of the spring, Grandsappy be her brother’s doing. Ma- it cool. Sorry, small details trail, Folded Soldiers at- cries out; Olivia is under- rio nods, agreeing to help like that just make me re- tack Mario; it’s the same standably worried about the any Toads they find, once ally happy to know Nin- battle as the one at Peach’s old tree, as he’s so feeble, Olivia asks if they could; tendo put a lot of love and castle. The only new thing and his cry is loud enough Toad, having heard Olivia life into this game so far. is Oilvia explains about at- to alert Mario and Olivia and seen Mario nod, comes Away from the little Toad tack commands: An attack from across the little spring. back to say he’s holding him camp, Mario and Olivia command is pressing A “No!” I cry out when I see to the affirmation gesture come across Folded Sol- to attack an enemy at the Grandsappy; nothing but the plump plumber gave. In diers. In this battle, Olivia right time, which does more some bits of wood and met- helping future Toads, Toad tells the player how to slide: damage than the usual suc- al, since his face has been explains if the player presses by pressing either the L or R cessful lineup. Speaking removed. Rain falls once a Y a few Toads will come to buttons, Mario can go from about successful lineups, tree says it can’t look. Olivia cheer Mario on; cheering rotating a panel, to sliding the next battle is the Folded says to use confetti, since it Toads mean good things it; basically, a stray Goomba Soldiers scattered on differ- looks like the holes Mario happen to the plumber and is on a panel that isn’t where ent rings of the arena; some fills; once done, Grandsap- Olivia, with Toad promising the others are, but rotat- battles have ring moves, py returns; the old Grand- it would. “Oh, you’re about ing wouldn’t get him in a which gives the player ad- sappy swallows the Soul as bad as E. Gadd with mon- line, so the player to move ditional times to move the Seed in one gulp. After a ey,” I cry out, once reading the left JoyCon’s joystick rings around, and not just truly strange musical num- Toad’s cheering will cost the up or down, instead of side the once. By the third, the ber about Grandsappy be- player “a modest fee for the to side, to move the Goom- gamer can move a Goomba ing okay, Grandsappy grows cheering.” Toad then runs bas so the stray can be apart into a successful lineup, but into a tall, strong, and young off like he hadn’t just in- of the successful lineup. four Goombas ready to be tree. Olivia says expect what formed Mario and the player It turned out the Fold- smashed with the hammer I was thinking through- some cheering will become ed Soldier Goombas kid- are nearby. Olivia wonders if out the thirty seconds of a fee; Olivia, once Toad napped paper Goombas this was the final battle, and strangeness: “WOW! I leaves, says Toad is shrewd. to try and fold all of them. Sep/Oct 2020 50 CHARGING CORNER MARIO’S ORIGAMI JOURNEY CONT. Instead of fighting Mario like rusting metal turning. the Shy Guy that the other rio - and me, since I’m the like usual, the many paper She adds the seal could be a Shy Guy said he would have player - is traveling down Goombas put aside their dif- weak point. After hitting the it; he says to check the red the throat of some large ferences with Paper Mario, seal with the hammer, Mario brick building at the port, beast; I just feel like Mario since paper characters are fled to have Olivia explain it since that’s where he left it. willingly allowed himself to fighting for the same thing: might have a weakness to On my way over there, I be swallowed whole by some to unfold the newer, scarier the hammer, and it might be try to take a short cut by massive and scary creature. folded world. Olivia won- able to hit anywhere else on going through a yard. I cry It could be that Mario is in ders if the world would be its body. Once dealing with out in fear and shock once a holy place in the Mush- right with her brother doing the large origami Goomba, a massive Goomba charges room Kingdom, or I’m just so much harm to the papery Olivia wonders what they at Mario. I went straight to letting my imagination run Mushroom Kingdom. Once were doing, because the the big red brick building at wild; or it could both. Any- the many paper Goombas excitement of the battle (it the dock, and I spent several way, there are five red chests leave to battle in stacks, Ma- wasn’t hard) got her to for- minutes trying to find out bathed in pale yellow light rio and Olivia reach Toad get; she then remembers what to do. I found a Magic from what looks like sun- Town, which is deserted. they were going to where Circle, and I did everything light pouring into cracks Olivia spots a hollow hole, Peach’s castle used to be. from grab things with a from the very high ceiling, and says her brother must At the drawbridge, Ma- hand, to both, to smash- and the player is asked to have dealt with Toad Town. rio and her see the bridge ing Mario’s fists into places. pay ten coins. I’m not going The king’s sister hears is broken. She says there Somehow, I did something to pay fifty coins I earned in something; the two notices was no way they could find that revealed a door; I seri- wave battles for some stu- a giant origami Goomba a hole in the ground, travel ously don’t know what I did, pid Mario religion. No way! folding a house. Olivia won- through it, and get on the but I did it. In the next part, I was able to unfold some ders if her eyes are play- other side using it; mean- I went into a wave battle. Toads, one who has an acces- ing tricks on her, or if the while, a pipe is on the other While I was just exploring sories shop, which he’ll put creature was just too big to side of the bridge. Exploring how to get the hook, my up a tent for Mario outside. be real, and she asks what Toad Town had Mario pull a Switch died, so it looks like a A sign explained I shouldn’t it was doing to the house. Red Shy Guy free, who says few hours of not playing the hit nor look too closely at the I shiver, as the Goomba the only way to the castle is game is in order until my divine object. If they wanted slowly turns, giving the through the sewer system. Switch has enough charge. to keep their devine object player a chilling death stare, To open the manhole cover, A few hours later, I was able standing after Mario’s ham- pieces of confetti flecked Mario needs a special hook to get the manhole hook by mer knocked it down, they around its mouth as an eerie to open the cover; Red Shy pushing this one platform should have either not put a soundtrack plays; I thought Guy says to look for another on wheels, and parkour by sign just asking for the ob- it was folding the house, red Shy Guy, but he wouldn’t way to smash the box it’s in. ject to be tested, or to make but Olvia then says, “It’s be as handsome as the one around the Shell Stones it strong enough to with- eating it?! Ewww! It’s eat- who first spoke. The other glow a bright white before stand even Mario’s “trusty ing the house! I can’t imag- one turns out to be in his the door magically heaves hammer.” Olivia is amazed ine how yucky that must yard, getting chewed on open. Olivia says the Shell Mario knocked it over; then taste. These macho, papery by another big Goomba. Stones did the trick, and fears being cursed, since she things must be the source Breaking and entering the she couldn’t wait to meet asks, “Um . . . do you think of the holes we’ve been poor victims home, leap- her very first Vellumental. we’ll be cursed now? What’s seeing everywhere. Ugh!” ing on top of a dresser once The inside of the Earth the usual punishment for The Goomba slowly turns opening a drawer, Mario can Vellumental Temple is full messing up a divine site . . .” to continue gulping down slip out of the window to of stalactites hanging from Wind rushes in; Olivia the house, revealing a pur- help. Once the large Goom- the dark, torch-lit ceil- wonders if it’s just her, or if ple mark on it; Olivia says ba is defeated, Red Shy Guy ing while stalagmites rise it’s drafty. Realizing the cave the mark is a seal of her thanks Mario, and Olivia from the ground like teeth. goes even further, she’s de- brother’s face. She explains points out the Shy Guy is Speaking about teeth, as I lighted because she is get- her brother must be pow- red, and is nearly as hand- went further into the Earth ting something “like a be- ering the Goomba, which, some as the other one. It Vellumental Temple, I kept hind-the-scenes tour,” with when it had turned, creaked turns out the hook isn’t with getting the feeling that Ma- Mario. By now, I’ve begun 51 Sep/Oct 2020 CHARGING CORNER MARIO’S ORIGAMI JOURNEY CONT. to really like Olivia and her saved, and suggests find- open the accessories shop, I do them more than use happy-go-lucky attitude. ing the Battle Lab because a but it is still locked. Giving the hammer in battle, but Normally, I can’t stand easy- free gift was mentioned. In up, I headed off to Battle I did take a few moments going characters because Toad Town, I get 20 Mush- Lab; the dog-Toad greeted to sharpen my skills in they’re too cheery for my rooms and two or three ex- Mario outside, welcoming hammering during a fight. liking; for some reason, I tra pairs of iron boots. Be- him to enter his Battle Lab, can stand Olivia’s carefree cause I’ve spend over 5,000 since he’s better at training innocence, but it could be- coins at the Shop (meaning versus talking. The free gift cause she’s trying to be a Blue Toad is going to be one ends up being a 1-UP Mush- good sister by stopping her rich Toad by the end of this room, and the Battle Lab brother from turning the journey), he gives Mario a is a place where the player papery world into origami. special reward: a member- can hone Mario’s battle Before going deeper in ship card, which, by it’s skills: practicing hammer the cave, I left to restock on item description, gives the slams and stomping (both Mushrooms. I saw the Toad player 20% off on items for while doing an attack com- who’d promised a tent-shop future purchases; howev- mand), and blocking en- outside the temple is a big er, the player has to equip emies blows, so the damage fat liar; no Toad, no tent- the card, and if the player Mario takes while enduring shop. Outside Toad Town, uses that all up, Toad will getting pummeled doesn’t and away from Picnic Road, give out better discounts. hurt as badly. I mainly fo- Olivia asks if Mario remem- “Let me in! I saved the cused on Mario’s jumping bers the dog-Toad they Toad!” I snap; Mario tries to attacks and blocking, since SUPER MARIO WORLD: NINE CHARACTERS INTRODUCED TO MARIO FRANCHISE By Katie Stafford rio can survive with the has a super broken flight them. The game then starts. Staff Reporter guilt of murdering Yoshi. and attack; I’ll use it as a last I barely make it past the I decided to play Super The two ways I could clear resort if I can’t get across first level. I got a second Mario World for the Super a chasm with Yoshi falling something in about an hour. Mushroom, and wasted it Nintendo Entertainment into it by either getting off With that (I’m warned this while trying to discover the System (SNES) for the first him or to clear it while rid- is the hardest Mario game, controls to the SNES. Not time in years. I was about ing Yoshi. With that, I start - excluding Lost Levels, long after wasting it, I died seven or eight when I first Hold on! I forgot to inform and I might not make past at a Piranha Plant. I return played, and I had never got- the reader some details of World 4), I start the jour- back, taking my time to beat ten through the first world. this game, and I don’t mean ney. (It should be noted it without losing. After I got a Ten to eleven years after I the story. The reason why the Koopalings make their Fire Flower, my brother told first played, I wanted to not the player has Yoshi in the debut in this game as well.) me I’ll go back to small Ma- only play this game, but beat first place is that Shigeru The game starts with: rio after being hit (instead it. Like my article of Luigi’s Miyamoto, the person who “Welcome! This is Dinosaur of going to big Mario with- Mansion 3 in a deathless created Mario, wanted the Land. In this strange land out a line of defense). After run, I’m going to challenge red-clad, plump plumber we find that Princess Toad- I head to Yellow Switch Pal- myself: Usually the player to have a sidekick to ride stool” - “Princess Toadstool ace, I go to the second level could do the guilt-ridden in the first Mario game, re- is Princess Peach, and I’ll - the first level with Yoshi. crime of sending Yoshi into leased in 1985, but the lack call little miss mushroom Once I hit the question a pit for extra height to clear of technology in those days princess Peach - “is missing block with Yoshi unhatched a gap, but I’m going to see made it impossible. With again! Looks like Bowser is from his egg, he said, “Hoo- if the player doesn’t have the SNES, the technology at it again!” with so much ray! Thank you for rescu- to send the lovable green, was powerful enough for spacing between each word ing me. My name is Yoshi. egg-hatching, enemy-swal- Yoshi to be Mario’s riding that, if the words were cars, On my way to my friends, lowing dinosaur to fall into sidekick. And, reader, I’m a moving van could safe- Bowser trapped me in that a bottomless chasm so Ma- not stupid: I know the cape ly parallel park between egg,” again, with so much Sep/Oct 2020 52 CHARGING CORNER SUPER MARIO WORLD: NINE CHARACTERS INTRODUCED TO MARIO FRANCHISE CONT. spacing in between the to get to the checkpoint. Koopas were in flight. While lenge failed: If Mario did words. The level went fairly After getting through the I jumped to the Mushroom, out of malicious intent (if smooth, but I lost Yoshi to second part (pillars slam- and as it was falling to me, I willingly allow Yoshi to a Chargin Chuck, and I got ming down to kill Mario near Mario was a small gap die for simply saving Ma- him to see my brother was at different points), I tried leading to a death void. The rio’s life) then it does count. right: If hit with a Power- beating Iggy. During my reader might be thinking In the first ghost house, Up, Mario goes back to third attempt, I jumped I got hit by a Koopa while my dad ended up showing small Mario, but I was near into the lava below the tilt- leaping to the Mushroom, me two secrets: (1) a place the checkpoint, and Mario ing platform; in the fourth but it was much more fun- to get Yoshis without hav- turned back to big Mario. try, the platform slid Mario ny: I got the Mushroom ing to do levels, which has Level three proved a little towards the lava. In my fifth (barely), and immediately capes and Fire Flowers and more tricky: Not long af- try, I was able to get Iggy fell into the chasm. After (2) a secret exit to get to the ter getting the checkpoint, to fly off screen, which had laughing, I respawned at the third level. I ended up dying I missed a jump, and both Mario win with this truly checkpoint, and got Yoshi to many things in the third Yoshi and Mario fell into heartbreaking paragraph: soon after: I died after los- level: a Koopa Troopa, an the chasm below. Other “Mario destroyed the de- ing Yoshi, and trying to get enemy on two flying blocks than that, I was able to get mented Iggy Koopa in cas- him back; my next death to die by one of its ham- past level three without tle #1 and rescued Yoshi’s was so similar to the one mers (after I had killed it), any issues - but I lost Yoshi friend who is still trapped before that it seemed like and losing Yoshi. I realized to a pit that included both in an egg. Together, they I repeated what happened my challenge to keep Yo- Yoshi and Mario falling. now travel to Donut Land,” exactly. I got a feather cape, shi alive was just resulting Level four was easy, but I with so much spacing each and a spare, and I got Mario in more Yoshi deaths than lost the Fire Flower to the word in the last sentence on Yoshi’s back (just barely) I thought. Forget the chal- last spiked ball in the water. that, not one, not two, but before the end of the level. lenge; I’m killing more Yo- The level was a water level three moving vans can The second level of World shis than I’m saving them. with water under the plat- safely parallel park if those 2 started off just as poorly; So, I didn’t save, which forms. I found a Star, and words were cars! (Note: If it’s the first cave level, and means I have to do the third destroyed two balls before the reader dislikes any run- it’s an auto scroller: Mario level in World 2 all over spending ten seconds strug- ning gag, then they better died because the screen again. Not only that, but I gling to get out of the water. skip this article, because the killed him. As the reader can was level grinding Mario’s Now it’s the final level running gag of how ridicu- tell, I suck at platformers. lives. If a player has a Yoshi, in World I - Iggy’s Castle. lous the spacing between To prove how funny the then anytime he or she gets Not long into being in the each word, would and shall reader would surely find my another Yoshi egg, it’ll be a castle, I die to a Koopa af- become a running gag. pain from being inexperi- 1-UP Mushroom; going to ter trying to latch on to the Reader has been warned.) enced in a platformer (and the secret place where Yo- metal grid walls - with a P- Donut Land started off one of the hardest Mario shi, the Fire Flowers, and Switch I didn't know I had badly. I died three times; platformers as well), I get my the feather capes are, I got in hand until Mario’s death twice to jumping at these second game over because I Mario’s lives from four to the animation played. I got the caped Koopa Troopas, but jump right into a bat. I have max 99. It was dull and te- P-Switch, and had just ac- the third had to be the most to start all over from World dious work to say the least. tivated it to fly right in the hilarious and showed how 2 in the first level. I ended 2-3 wasn’t hard, since I deadly grip of a Koopa. Not unskilled I am at a platform- up almost getting another took my time; in that level I long into getting passed er: I got to the checkpoint, game over, so I level grind found a minigame that was that little stupid P-Switch but I walked right off a cliff, 1-2 until I get 17 lives, and to hit the question mark caused all the coins to be rewarding me with my first, I have Yoshi as well. With blocks in the right order to blocks. I thought I would and certainly not last, game that, I returned to 2-2; Yoshi get a 1-UP Mushroom, which die to another Koopa, but over. My first death after the ended up falling off a cliff, I got one out of four or five. somehow, I dodged a life game over, came not long which I didn't notice until Next was Donut Plains 4, or or death moment that was after trying to get a cape: I the screen scrolled over to it; 2-4. I found out the blue- going to be decided by a went from big Mario to small since Yoshi doesn’t despawn, shelled Koopas allow Yoshi single pixel; luckily Ma- Mario, and my spare Mush- he fell into the chasm. I’m to fly; I did that until I came rio survived the encounter room fell to me, while caped not going to count the chal- to a platform made out of 53 Sep/Oct 2020 CHARGING CORNER SUPER MARIO WORLD: NINE CHARACTERS INTRODUCED TO MARIO FRANCHISE CONT. clouds, and once I was there, headed to Morton, not hurt time, I threw the P-Switch - rio’s lives back to 99, when Yoshi swallowed the shell, but shaken by some tricky not on the ground, but the I had lost about twenty. making him unable to fly. jumps that looked scarier game glitched, making the I died soon after; I did a At that point I had a prob- than they actually were. I P-Switch go through the leap of faith, with Yoshi, lem: I didn’t know where the died to Morton almost right ground, and get stuck bur- in some lava. After that, I ground was, and I had to ei- away, and this is Mario with ied in the ground. I laughed, had some similar deaths to ther plummet down, in the a Fire Flower. In my second and took a photo of it on my the first one I mentioned. hope I land on the ground, attempt, I beat him as small phone. After that, I was able The last part, I nearly died or take a leap of faith, which Mario. With Yoshi’s other to get to the flagpole, with because the skull thing sounded twice as scary than friend saved, it’s heading to the most frustrating death nearly slid Mario into the plummeting into the un- Vanilla Dome in world three. happening where the Star lava, but I hopped to the known. I chose the former, It went smoothly at first, ran out, and Mario died front of the skull ride. Af- expecting a pit below Yoshi but I didn’t expect to run to once he was so near the flag- ter that, I learned that 3-4 and Mario’s feet, leaving keep from Mario burning pole a helpful sign showed was going to be one the them to be in a death void. his feet on lava. In my sec- he was so close, and yet worst platforming levels in Luckily, I landed on a pipe, ond try, I found a Star, and because of that death due this game; it's a bullet bill and the surrounding area it made that part a lot easier. to a Chargin Chuck, so far. level with untrustworthy showed I would have lived The last part, it was some ba- The ghost house was next. spring things to jump on. to tell the tale if I did leap. sic platforming without any It took awhile, but I was able Do I have to say more? I was able to get a Star by issues, except it was a maze. to parkour my way to a hid- It took three to four lives to hitting a translucent block, I got through the maze all den P-Switch, and after get- get to the checkpoint, where and I thought I missed the right, but at one point I had ting rid of some coins, got only one to two went after last jump to the flagpole, to either do a crouch jump, through a P-door, which Mario. Once I got to the but I got through it with something I never did, or was an exit. I did notice af- checkpoint, I thought the a pixel or two seperating find another way past this ter four deaths, the ghost rest wouldn’t be that bad, a happy plumber riding a one-block gap; it took me rendering is awful in this but I was dead wrong. Eight green dinosaur to the castle, two or three tries, but I suc- game. I’m sorry if the reader bullet bills spawned right on and watching in horror as cessfully did my first-ever dotes on this game, but the top of Mario. I only died be- both fell on the final jump. crouch jump. I told you, ghost rendering is so bad, cause I was too panic-strick- It was Morton’s turn to reader, I’m not good at plat- they spawn almost on top en to jump to save Mario’s face Mario in his debut formers; if there is a reader of Mario - and even some- life, when I was already mak- game. The first part had who finds me stupid for not times they literally do just ing Mario run for his life. these mini-thwomps jump- being able to do a crouch that, swpawing right on “No! No!” I cried as Ma- ing back and forth towards jump, then stop reading. Mario! With my little tan- rio barely made it on a plat- Mario. After some simple I’m not good at platformers, gent over, it’s time for one of form to then walk off once I jumps, I got through it. The but I’m going to see how far the most memorable Mario took in the Koopa, and tried next part were spiked balls I get before either finishing levels - 3-3, the one where to dodge. This was after I slicing the air towards Ma- the game or rage quitting. Mario rides on a platform of found a name for the green rio on chains. I really don’t The next level proved skulls and these lava-hippo platforms giving Mario extra know how I got through it tricky. I got through to the things come out to attack. height like a spring - “stupid without getting hit, nor see- checkpoint okay, but it was My first attempt went bad- springy things.” After some ing them until I made it to after that point that I died ly; I died to a freaking shell I failed attempts, I was able to the door, but I got through it. many times. Each time it was trying to throw upwards beat it, and head to Lemmy’s Through the door, I got was because of a bat, or to a at a question-mark block. Castle. Even though Yoshi hit by a Thwomp on the Chargin Chuck. Two times, I Do I have to say more about and the Koopalings have way. My cape feather flut- had a Star, but I was either so how bad of a platformer- their debut in this game, tered down to me, but I lost slow it ran out, or I acted like player I am after that pathet- there is one iconic Mario it to a lava bubble just be- I didn’t have one, and shied ic death, reader? Do I? After enemy making its debut as fore getting through a sec- away from enemies when that, I went back to the Top well with the eight charac- ond door, which leads to Mario’s invincible with the Secret Area to get a caped ters already listed: Kamek. some parkour with sliding Star. After getting the Star, Mario to get a Yoshi, a spare “Kamek! I think you re- blocks. I got through it, and there’s a P-Switch, and one Fire Flower, and getting Ma- alized I was going to dou- Sep/Oct 2020 54 CHARGING CORNER SUPER MARIO WORLD: NINE CHARACTERS INTRODUCED TO MARIO FRANCHISE CONT. ble-cross you.” I had killed pipe-floored battlefield, to get Yoshi along with the was now Ludwig’s Castle. the Kamek up above with world three was done, and spare cape I had. However, The first part was dodg- small Mario, then another world four was next. Half- I lost both once another ing these shell enemies that spawned below Mario; it de- way through the game now! Koppa, like the first one in exposed spikes on the shells stroyed part of the platform, Before heading 4-1 on the the level, came at Mario; Yo- every now and then, plus and I had said, “Thank you, Cheese Bridge Area, when I shi fell down the cliff, and avoiding spiked balls swing- Kamek,” and leaped to kill returned to the game one day Mario was reduced to small ing on chains. I got hit, but it, when its magic took care later, my lives went from 90 Mario once it hit him, and I did receive a Mushroom of a certain double-crossing, to five; I went back to Top Se- I died only when a crowd of before entering a door. The Japanese-made, plump fic- cret Area to get Mario’s lives Monty Moles came at Mario. door leads to a room with tional Italian plumber. To back up to 99 - and it was My next three attempts spikes above Mario’s head, add insult to injury to this, as tedious and boring as the were foiled by deaths: the which lowers as he parkours my next attempt had Kamek first time. Once I was done first was when I got hit by past lava pits, lava bubbles, destroy the platform to turn with the twenty minutes of a Monty Mole in the same and those spiked-shell en- it - not into a yellow-shelled dull work, I went off to 4-1. area; the second was the first emies. After a heart-pound- Koopa, like usual - but to a The level was a sky level. Koopa flew at Mario, who ing dash down a corridor 1-UP Mushroom, and as I Since I had a caped Ma- dodged it, and the game with the spikes closing in was rushing to get it before rio, riding Yoshi the level killed him when the Koo- on his head, Mario made that lovely mushroom took was fairly easy: Jump from pa was a pixel or two away it to another door, but he a lava bath, Kamek took care platform to platform, while from him; the third was af- was hit by a lava bubble on of me, literally and figura- dodging saws. After getting ter I had killed the fire-cre- the way to said door. It led tively behind Mario’s back. the checkpoint, I was able ating-by-stomping enemy to some more parkour, but After getting to a hidden to find some wings, and without getting hit by the this had metal grids Ma- checkpoint, it took an hour once Yoshi snatched them flames, but a Monty Mole, rio had to leap from, while to get through the next part: with his tongue, both Mario as I was celebrating, kills dodging the Koopas climb- parkour with lava below and Yoshi rushed skywards Mario, who was under its ing the grid as well, plus Mario’s feet, and Dry Bones off the screen. Fear thrilled feet before it had dived right spikes. I died to a spike, walking to add to the diffi- through me, thinking I had on top of his head. This was and head to redo the castle. culty. I died so many times, died, but a moment later, all without getting Yoshi. “At this point I’m just I ended up talking to the confusion whirled through I returned to the Top Secret throwing away lives,” I mut- game: “You have no ounce of my mind as I realized Ma- Area to get capes and Yoshi. tered. I had died five times mercy in your code. None. rio and Yoshi weren’t just The being went smoothly, by that point, and somehow You have none,” and I started alive. Yoshi was now blue but I lost Yoshi when I was couldn’t get to the first door. talking to it after two deaths with wings, while the rest at the Monty Mole part, I Two deaths later, I found out ago, I wondered how I had of the level was to dodge was on the verge of saving the chains don’t hurt Ma- dodged a Dry Bone when its Fuzzies with the night sky him when he fell into a pit; I rio, only the balls. Another bony muzzle touched Ma- flecked with stars, and al- soon lost the capes soon af- two deaths passed before rio’s plump figure. Lemmy’s lowing Mario, once the ter I got to the checkpoint. a crouched Mario dodged boss fight sounded easy, star secret level was over, Past the checkpoint Monty death when two spiked but it isn’t: A ball bounces to go to Cookie Mountain. Moles fall towards Mario balls’ hitbox must have around the battlefield as In Cookie Mountain, I cry and jump under his feet. brushed the courageous Lemmy and two dummies out in shock when a Koopa I found a vine leading to a plumber’s body. By that (the Koopaling and the rushed at Mario and his 1-UP Mushroom. A Yoshi time, my stomach was in dummies hurt Mario) come stead. I was able to jump egg was found in a ques- knots, and I was slowly get- out of pipes. Once I got on this one enemy's head; tion mark block below a ting in the zone in the game, to Lemmy, I stayed where the enemy, once it stomped chasm; it took two or three as I realized I was being hy- two pipes touched, lower a foot, had four pillars of tries, but I got Yoshi, and per aware of everything in than the others sandwich- flame below it. I figure I once he delivered the egg the game, minus anything ing them, and waited until had to kill it by hitting the that unhatched, a cloud that around me, so if I some- Lemmy was next to Mario. block below it; once I did spat out coins appeared for one called or texted me, or In less than five minutes of that Mario and Yoshi got hit the rest of the level. With I got some kind of notifica- entering the small yellow- by the fire, and I was able Cookie Mountain over it tion on my phone, I jumped 55 Sep/Oct 2020 CHARGING CORNER SUPER MARIO WORLD: NINE CHARACTERS INTRODUCED TO MARIO FRANCHISE CONT. and stared at my phone like emies in the water, there’s right below Mario’s feet was tries, I realized I couldn’t do it was a bomb about to ex- these blue Cheep Cheeps ground - when the ground it - plus, I was warned the plode. After I got a call on that pursue Mario until their was slightly to the right of levels after that were harder my phone, I died after I lost off screen. My heart pound- him. A few deaths later, I than the one I attempted. the cape, while waiting for ed in the last moments of was able to find a secret exit I ended up fleeing to 5-3, the spare to flutter down. the level, as I had ten blue by activating a P-Switch. hunting for the secret exit by Thirty minutes later, my Cheep Cheeps on Mario’s World five’s level four is trying all the pipes. One pipe hands were sweating and tail, plus five more who woke awful. First Lakitu baits leads to that minigame hit- shaking, and I was begin- up to chase Mario before Mario into getting a 1-UP ting the right question mark ning to get light headed, he made it to the flagpole. Mushroom, even when blocks in the right order. At more from the French vanilla The next level has en- the player’s trying in vain one point, I hit a bubble, coffee that was my breakfast emies in bubbles. I died af- to dodge him. No matter and Mario landed right on than my nerves. My stom- ter a Bom-Bomb in a bubble what, the player will get that the edge; however, the next ach was in an even tighter fell on Mario, who just hit a bait life to only have Lakitu popped bubble only headed knot by now. Less than half question mark block with a throw Spinies at Mario. If to a certain brave plumber an hour later, I was able to Yoshi egg, which was about the player gets through the falling into a pit. I was able get to Ludwig. Ludwig is to hatch before he died. I level to the flagpole, the to find the secret exit as like how the Koopalings are was able to get Yoshi in my player has to find the secret small Mario, but I needed nowadays: Attack - in this next try, but he fell down a exit to head to the castle - big Mario to get to the key case fireballs being spat at cliff, and a Bom-Bomb in a the next level after this one. - after some careful jumps Mario from his mouth - then bubble halted Mario’s mo- That’s what I thought - since over enemies and dodging hiding in his spiked-shell mentum, allowing him to my brother told me the next bubbles, I was able to get a and spinning it towards fall in a pit as well. “They re- level was the castle - but it recently made big Mario to Mario; after that, jump on ally stop your momentum. turns out to be a Forest Se- the key and to Roy’s Castle. his head three times to win. Mario falls like a stone,” I cret Area, where Mario has I horribly realized the With the castle flying like a said in my next try. My fifth to leap from platform to snake blocks - which are rocket to slam onto a grassy try I was able to get through gray winged platform, and brown, and not green or hill, and Yoshi’s friend saved, it, but my heart skipped there’s red-shelled Parakoo- blue - leave the player if he Mario and Yoshi head off to a beat when a bubbled pas to dodge, while the play- or she believes the game, world five - Forest of Illu- Goomba popped in front of er is raising the platform by like New Super Mario Bros. sion. I died swiftly; I lost Yo- Mario, and I thought it was jumping, or staying on it to (2006 for the DS) and on- shi, and I fell into a pit. The game over - when I could lower it. It took two tries, ward, will treat the player second time I died, I had a see the flagpole less than but I was able to get through with Mario moving with the Star and fell into a pit. By ten pixels away from Ma- it; instead of Roy’s Castle - snake blocks, like he’s on a the third time, I got through rio. I jumped, and some- the next Koopaling to face conveyor belt. It won’t; the relatively unscathed; I lost how dodged it. I rushed to - I went to Forest Fortress. player has to move Mario, Yoshi, but I got him back the flagpole, and I headed The first part is an auto so he doesn’t get a scorch- before reaching the end. off to the ghost house. scroller with pillars lower- ing lava bath from under- 5-2 was a water level. I died In the start, Mario has to ing to crush Mario, and saw neath his feet and the snake after losing Yoshi; my sec- dodge or lure away ghosts blades spinning to kill him. blocks. I gasped in horror ond death, I landed on top to get through. After my At one point, Mario should once I saw what seemed to of the Cheep Cheep, and fifth death in that section, have died when a pillar be a harmless corridor lead- Mario died. Three deaths I was treating button press- slammed onto him, but he ing to a door, actually lead- in, I realized it was a maze. ing like it was burning me glitched through it, and at ing to a room full of lethal The death after I realized - swift and nervous with the same time, a saw blade spikes. When my health that, I found a key that led each time I pressed a but- touched Mario’s body. After was down to nine, I level to a secret exit. I went to ton to jump to face Mario seeing this I had swallowed, grind Mario’s health back the Blue Switch Palace; I away to lure a ghost. Once licking my lips nervously, re- to 99; during it, each time was able to save my prog- I was able to get past it, I alizing I may have lived, but I got a 1-UP Mushroom at ress, but I had to still do 5-2. gasped when I noticed I had this was going to be hard. the last second before Mario Besides the usual Cheep forced Mario to jump to a I ended up dying to a lava and Yoshi left the Top Se- Cheeps, and the spiked en- death void, at first thinking bubble soon after. Two more cret Area, on the left-hand Sep/Oct 2020 56 CHARGING CORNER SUPER MARIO WORLD: NINE CHARACTERS INTRODUCED TO MARIO FRANCHISE CONT. side, something white will I was bored of hearing the looked scarier than it actu- the path was broken with flash, and I wondered what same soundtrack playing; ally was; plus, I heard the the gap moving left and it was. I figured it must be so, I lowered the TV volume sound of the wind rushing right. I backed Mario a a glitch of Yoshi’s snout ap- so I can just barely hear the as it swayed a net the player few steps to float over the pearing for a brief moment. sound effects, let alone the can do trick jumps on, and moving gap, then I had Two hours later, and sev- music. Instead I took out my feel the freedom and excite- to leap back on the other enteen lives wasted, which phone, and listened to an ex- ment of doing trick jumps side as a ghost came over had my heart pounding tended soundtrack of Mario of that part of the track. I to Mario. After I dodged until it was painful, lick- Kart Wii’s Mushroom Gorge; could see in my mind ac- them, I had to do it again. ing my lips nervously each this might sound worse, but tually doing trick jumps in I was just beginning to time Mario jumped, and I hadn’t heard the nostalgic that part as well. So, when think this was all part of me growing frustrated bit soundtrack in years, and Mario’s lives were at 99, I the level - or if I were lucky, by bit - or death by death - I Mushroom Gorge has al- was confused still before the whole level - when that finally concluded I couldn’t ways been my favorite track I could fully get myself thing came into this level - do it. My brother, who in all of Mario Kart’s history. back into the game. It took and mine and Mario’s life. watched me four levels be- Not long later, I grew awhile for my heart to stop I was just dodging another fore Roy’s Castle, offered bored of that, too. So, I pounding in that way of be- round of leap-and-dodge- to help. I watched him. He played both the outside ing in first place, during the the-ghosts when something gave up after ten lives; he and inside music for Toad’s last lap, and being hit by a white swooped at Mario, said he could beat it, but Factory for Mario Kart Wii. Blue Shell; for two or three making him small Mario. As then it would destroy the This is when I began to no- tries of my next level my the cape-feather fluttered to rhythm of the other games tice what I was doing - get- hands were still jerking the him, my heart pounded in he plays, like Mario Maker 2. ting Mario more lives - was controller in a sharp turn. anticipation of dying to that Four hours later, my dad confusing me by what I was The first level in Choco- thing. While the cape came came home, and I asked if listening to. The outside late Island went decently; for Mario, and the moment he could beat the level. Not music was making me hear I died nine times before I I got the cape, I paused the only did he beat it, but he the cargo being shipped off beat it, but Yoshi had to be game to find out what it was. got the Green Switch Pal- and the boost panels in the given the good, old pit treat- That thing - dopey ghost on ace to help. That wasn’t the mud, as a character desper- ment to get Mario to the a cloud (the dopeness of its end of his helpfulness: he ately headed off to a boost flagpole. At least I called face borders on cute and got all the Yoshis (Red Yoshi panel inside of the thick off the save-Yoshi challenge total stupidity) with a fish- spits flame, Blue Yoshi can mud slowing them down; when I did, or else it would ing line housing, not a hook fly, etc.). He even got to Star the inside soundtrack had have failed by this point. But on the end, but a bundle of Road and the Special Zone me hear the crash of these throughout this level I was bluish-white flames - turns where iconic levels like Tu- machines flattening racers, still suffering the confusion out to be a Fishing Boo, or a bular, are - and he does this and the blare of the sirens caused by grinding Mario’s Fishin’ Boo, or what the Ger- with the experience of a before exiting the factory. lives and listening to Ma- man meaning for it is, Laki- speedrunner having played I tried out Maple Treeway, rio Kart Wii soundtracks. tu Boo. I then decided Laki- this 30 year-old game (this and I had gone from be- Thankfully, my father and tu Boo is what I’ll call this game came out on Novem- ing confused by what I was grandmother came home cloud-riding, dopey-faced ber 21, 1990), with the glee of hearing versus what I was with lunch and watched ghost with a fishing line trav- a child during that time (he seeing, to actually shifting TV for three hours straight, eling to blue-white fire from was eight when it came out) the SNES controller left and so by the time I went back now on, and not just in this playing this game in a causal right, as muscle memory to the game, the disorienta- article either - that’s what I’ll playthrough. For all I know for that track took over. Not tion I felt had worn off. So know about this Mario ene- he could be speedrunning only that happened, but I with that, I head off to the my as for the rest of my life. this game, which can be felt my stomach get tied in ghost house - or the ghost After unpausing, Mario beat in about half an hour! a knot at a certain point of house with a stupidly clever glitched through the floor Three days passed, and I the music, because by that name, Choco-Ghost House. on the other side of the hole, returned back to the game. point the player would have I thought the path was and then fluttered down to Mario’s lives were back to to get past a bend on a nar- straight; then after a few his death. During my next five; by the time I got to 45, row part of the track that seconds I discovered that attempt, I was able to see 57 Sep/Oct 2020 CHARGING CORNER SUPER MARIO WORLD: NINE CHARACTERS INTRODUCED TO MARIO FRANCHISE CONT. the door, then I died to the it resulted in death; this is soon after I exited the pipe. and the flagpole was liter- last ghost; another attempt because the ghost was float- I was able to get through ally right there, once the had me reach the door, but ing towards him, and when- that part, but I had to lose screen moved to reveal it. I didn’t know the gap even ever Mario crouches after Yoshi, and keep Mario Star World 4 was next, and went to the door, so Mario gaining a lot of momen- from standing, or else he after several deaths - where ended up skidding into the tum, he ends up skidding a died. The next pipe got him either Mario and Baby Red hole. I was able to get into little, and lucky for me he through a horde of those Yoshi fell down together, or the door twice and died slides right into the ghost. fire-breathing dinosaurs, a recently-grown Red Yoshi soon after, but it wasn’t un- Then, while I was listen- and I had to pass a spring made the ultimate sacrifice til the third time of enter- ing to the soundtrack for jump that scared me, and by being faced with a bot- ing the door did I discover it Moo Moo Meadows for a wall of Rexs - those blue- tomless chasm to save his led to a deadend. My fourth Mario Kart Wii, the an- and-yellow up-standing buddy, Mario, who soon time entering showed me a swer clicked in after ex- dinos with the little wings dies - I was able to beat it. door, but I couldn’t think of ploring the room after the - to make it to the flagpole. However, I had to endure how to get up there; I real- door. There are some Boo A day later, I decided to my five-year-old brother ized if this had been part of who turn to blocks of stone beat the Star World and the chanting, “Kate die! Katie a the New Super Mario Bros. when Mario looks at them. Special Zone, and call it a loser!” throughout the en- a wall jump, or if the Power- I had to position those Boo day. The reason is that the tire level, but he soon left Up was created by then, an in such a way so Mario can article is getting too long the room to go shopping Acorn Suit it would make it platform on them. Easier for my liking (and I was with the rest of the family. easy. My only guess was to said than done. My first still recovering from writ- Star World 5 has these use the cape. To do that, I had few tries didn’t do so well, ing the deathless run of Lu- stone-gray platforms that to make sure I did not lose but now I knew what to do. igi’s Mansion 3, which took drop like a stone within a the cape Mario would wear Most of my deaths were be- about a month to write), and second. I died several times, in the level, nor the spare cause the Boos returned to I wanted the article finished. but I was able to get to a from Top Secret Area, to get actual Boo, and Mario end- So, I decided to beat the green mushroom platform; to the door, and there’s still ed up jumping on them, and Star World, Special Zone, it took me a few seconds to the issue with a line of Boos not their stone-selves. Ha! I and that forretress from realize I should have activat- waiting to ambush Mario found it amusing Mario has earlier if I felt like it. Plus, ed the P-Switch, instead of once he gets to the area. So, Medusa’s power: the abil- I know that because Mario running with it in my hands I had a lot to make sure I got ity to turn things to stone. and Peach - by the text - go while following the coins be- right, and as I’m not good at My brother said, “You’re on vacation at the end of fore Mario falls to his death. platformer games, this was not going to make it,” when the game once the plump After spending an hour try- going to be difficult for me. one of the three Boos had plumber saves her, that Ma- ing to figure out what to do After ten tries of failing floated slightly higher, al- rio Sunshine, which initially once the coin trail began without even making it to lowing Mario to head off to released on July 19, 2002, is (the coin trial abruptly halt- the door, I decided to try out Chocolate Island 2. At that a secret sequel to this game. ed if I managed to not die the broken cape-flight. Go- level, I’d found a Yoshi egg, So with that, let’s a-go! trying to get on it), I decid- ing off to 1-2, I was able to get but kept dying to these fire- Star World 1 went smooth- ed to do the Special Zone. the broken flight down fairly breathing dinosaurs. One ly; it’s just spamming or Now, if the reader hasn’t well. A few tries in, I decid- time I died on purpose be- holding the Y button, since heard of these levels before, ed to try it out at the ghost cause the map showed some- it’s just going down the level just roll with me. I’m not house. It didn’t work out thing cool at first glance, but by breaking the breakable joking when I say these are well; just before Mario’s ani- it turned out to be a fluffy blocks with a spin jump. what the levels are called. mation changes to single the white cloud spawning into Star World 2 is another easy With hopes of any readers broken flight can be done, existence. The next part, one, since I had Blue Yoshi, believing my article on what he runs right into a ghost, once Mario and Yoshi pass and I found the secret exit. the levels are called, I head and this is when the gap is through a warp pipe, is full I ended up laughing for a off to Gnarly. For the first as far away from Mario. Six of red-shelled Parakoopa, few minutes at how quick ten seconds into Gnarly, I tries into it, I attempted to and slanted platforms that the next level - Star World didn’t move Mario or Yoshi, have Mario crouch to stop cause either Mario or Yoshi 3 - was: Mario, riding Yoshi, just gazing around in hor- rushing into the ghost, but to start sliding down. I died dashed away from Lakitu, ror at those “stupid springy Sep/Oct 2020 58 CHARGING CORNER SUPER MARIO WORLD: NINE CHARACTERS INTRODUCED TO MARIO FRANCHISE CONT. things” on screen again. I trying to find out how to go get to the final level of the In two hours, I was able to still hadn’t forgotten the faster; I tried all the buttons, game; not only that, but get to the last hit, but died nightmare I had to endure the D-pad, shaking it, and the map went from lush soon after. By that death, that was 3-4. The sign read: even blowing on it in the and green hills to rust-col- I took a little break, as my “Amazing! Few have made hope of something happen- ored hills. Inside Bowser’s blood boiled from the frus- it this far. Beyond this Spe- ing. I know it’s possible to Back Door, there are several tration of that latest death. cial Zone.” (With the spac- make a P-ballooned Mario doors. I then learned the Three days later, I decided ing in the last two words go faster, but I can’t figure it easiest route for me is door not to finish Bowser, since so massive six - not one, out. Because I’m so slow, I’m number two first, which I knew the ending would two, three, four, nor five - nine out of ten times get- leads to a metal grid to have both Mario and Peach moving vans can parallel ting hit by the first enemy, scale while dodging either go on vacation (resulting in park safely!) “Complete it and I only survive for about Koopas or fireballs; door the timeline that Sunshine and you can explore an ex- two seconds longer because five is next with spikes and takes place right after this tra new world. Good luck!” something else happens to Thwomps to crash down game). Plus, dying to Bows- However, I ran out of time, kill Mario. Out of the twen- towards Mario, and it re- er before the final hit is a and I decided I just had ty minutes, Mario was on quires a good sense of inter- win for me. If the reader ar- to try the levels in Special the verge of deflating once, nal timer; then it’s traveling gues I never really beat him, Zone, but I had to complete but that was because Mario through the dark to Bowser. I have to agree, but I’m not Tubular - since that’s such an got hit by an enemy before The way to beat Bowser is someone good at platform- iconic Mario level. Speaking being completely deflated. to hit him on the head with ers, and I don’t want to be about that iconic Mario lev- An hour and a half later, a Mechakoopa while he’s trying to beat the final boss. el, guess what level is next? with little to no progress, I in the Koopa Clown Car. I just knew I wouldn’t get far That’s right - it’s Tubular! decided to try a cape feather. I had been doing the part into the game. I expected to The first time I saw the level, It got me a bit further, then before Bowser completely quit after World 3, let alone I thought, “I heard this is an I tried it with Green Yoshi, without the disco light of- play Star Road, Special Zone iconic Mario level,” and the who got me further. I decid- fered in the darkness, and (beating Funky, the level my reason it’s iconic is because ed to head off to Star World by the time I get Bowser dad hates), getting to Bows- Mario, bloated by the P- 2 to get Blue Yoshi. But I with the flashing blue and er’s Back Door, and getting balloon, has to get through died, and got a game over; purple lightning with the close to finishing off Bows- the enemies trying to pop so, I decided to see if beating rumbling thunder, my eyes er. I also knew the reader him to have him fall down 2-1 - a level close to where couldn’t take the light blaz- would have a nice laugh at into the void, or if the player Star Road and Top Secret ing across the screen, and my poor skills in platform- can’t reach another before Area is - will keep me there, getting to the second round ers. The main reason I did Mario deflates. But the first so I didn’t have to trek back of hitting him was tough. this article to begin with is few seconds is jumping over from World 6 to World 2. My dad was watching me for to do something that’ll have gaps to land on pipes before A little while later, while a good hour or two before someone laugh at my in- getting to a spring below a I ate a burger from Burger offering to beat him. Now, experience in platformers. question-mark block that King, I ended up watch- I could get to Bowser with Even if this game is very old, happens to be the P-balloon. ing my dad try Tubular; he little to no problem - even it’s still a really good game. “This is going to be a didn’t last long before skip- mastering doors two and I just hope the reader en- fun level. I’m just going to ping Way Cool, Awesome, five - but beating Bowser I joyed this article, because strug” - Mario falls down Groovy, Mondo, and Outra- couldn’t do. Watching him if he or she did, then my job a gap before getting to the geous to head off to Funky. corner Mario while fireballs is done. Thank you, read- P-balloon - “gle,” I say, af- Since he didn’t like Funky, rained down and getting er, for reading this article. ter watching Mario die for he gave me back the con- hit by a big black marble af- the sixth time; this is the troller again. As I went off ter dealing with the second first death since getting my to beat Funky, he said, “If hit, I could tell there was no first look into the level since you beat this level you can way I would succeed with Mario kept falling down go to Bowser’s Back Door.” my inexperienced skill set the chasm as the P-balloon After many deaths, I was with a platformer; however, floated away from him. able to get to Bowser’s Back once he got game over, he Twenty minutes later, I’m Door, which allowed me to handed it to me to try again. 59 Sep/Oct 2020 Sep/Oct 2020 60