The Crusade

Volume 1 | Issue 5

Valentine’s Day JANUARY 25, 2012

Upcoming Events: created in honor of St. tury, it was common Valentine (bet you for lovers and friends  Homecoming Game don’t know how I fig- to exchange notes or Friday, January 27 @ 6:00 PM (Hamilton Middle School) ured that one out). St. tokens on Valentine’s  End 5 Week Period Valentine was a priest Day. Over 1 billion Friday, February 10 in Rome during the cards are now sent on  Science Center/ third century. Emperor Valentine’s Day. The Imax Field Trip (elementary) Valentine’s Day is Monday, February 13 Claudius II, the ruler United States, Canada, coming, folks! Brace  5 Week Progress Reports during that time, out- Mexico, the United Tuesday, February 14 yourself for an over- lawed marriage be- Kingdom, France, and load of candy, hearts,  Presidents Day (No School) cause he believed that Australia are the major Monday, February 20 pink, red, flowers, single men fought countries where Val-  Basketball Tournament cards, and more pink. better than married entine’s Day is widely Monday, Tuesday, and Friday; It is the holiday created February 20, 21, 24 men did. St. Valentine celebrated. Anyhow, especially for lovers, thought it was wrong, even though I find Val- which makes all the so he continued to entine’s Day infuri- single people feel a conduct marriages in ating, I hope that all of little lonely. The lonely secret. When he was you have a great Val- people and all the peo- caught, he was thrown entine’s Day, and that ple who just got Inside this issue: into prison. There he you enjoy all the choc- dumped are the main fell in love with the jail- olate you will be Abraham Bernal 2 reason why so much or’s daughter. He often eating, because I know candy is produced dur- Food for Thought 2 wrote her notes, all that you will be– even ing this time. Honestly, signed “from your Val- Aaron’s Tall Tales 3 if you are on a diet. all of you people are entine,” a phrase still — Grace Campbell Basketball Schedule 3 annoying. Besides, any used today. In A.D. 4 holiday that is repre- 498, Pope Gelasius de- sented by an under Foosball 4 clared February 14 to clothed baby that flies Keeping up with the Joneses 4 be Valentine’s Day, but around shooting peo- it was not popularly Cartoon Corner 5 ple has definitely got celebrated until the

Survey Says: 6 some problems. seventeenth century. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 6 Valentine’s Day was By the eighteenth cen- Page 2 THE CRUSADE

The True Light of Abraham Bernal

Having been born into a in a Bible college in . trade work for some things Catholic family, Abraham had After finishing college and that are expensive or difficult a rough childhood with prob- getting married, Abraham to get done. He gets to learn lems other than being a Cath- moved back to California about new technology and he olic. Since he was born in with his wife. Later, Abraham doesn't have to call an elec- Long Beach, California, Abra- began to take classes at Long trician. ham and his family were told Beach City College and after Even though he has a about Gethsemane Baptist that, he started working for great job, Abraham's career Church. Abraham and the the Electric Union. Because life always comes behind his rest of his family started go- of all of his experience as an spiritual life. The best thing ing to Gethsemane every electrician, Abraham began about salvation to Abraham Sunday possible. After going his own electric company is, and I quote, "The joy you to church a while, Abraham called, True Light Electric. find in knowing your Creator, Random Facts: heard a message in Sunday Abraham said that the and the joy and hope know- school he would never for-  The starfish is one of "field" of electrical work is ing you have a home in Heav- get. The message about Hell the few animals that one of the best because peo- en." Abraham's advice from was preached by an anony- can turn its stomach ple will always need electrici- all of his experience to us mous preacher; it seemed to inside out. ty. His motivation comes younger people is for us to really "mix" the fear of Hell from being able to provide put God before ourselves and  Hyenas regularly eat with the fear of God. That for his family as well as the to trust the people that are the feces of other ani- day, Abraham received Jesus pleasure he receives from the most responsible. To mals. Christ as his personal Savior. working. Some other reasons have a balance between en-  George W. Bush was After high school, Abra- Abraham likes working is joying hard work and enjoy- once a cheerleader. ham started his career of because he gets to meet all ing being a kid, and to not  Months that begin on a electrical work. One of his kinds of different people. take our parents, siblings, or Sunday will always have friends from church helped One time he worked at anybody else for granted is a Friday the 13th. him to get his first real job as Shirley Temple's house and the best advice from Abra- an electrician. After working even got to meet her! There ham to us younger people.  Food can only be tasted for three years, Abraham met are benefits to his job also. — Jaacob Bernal if it is mixed with saliva. his wife, Billie Jo Green, while Like sometimes he will get to  Over ten thousand birds die every year by Food For Thought: flying into windows. Asian Lumpia  Turtles can breath through their rear end. Lumpia is a pastry migrated. These immi- makes a great snack and which originated in Chi- grants brought both ver- a quick dinner! sions of lumpia, fried na. Lumpia, similar to Odd stuffing for lumpia: the Chinese spring roll, and fresh. The fried ver- became very popular in sion can be eaten as a There are many varia- Southeast Asia. Many snack or as the main tions of lumpia. For in- Chinese immigrants course of a meal. The stance some of the less from the Fujian province fresh version can be common fillings are of China brought this considered a pastry or a fruit, shrimp, soybeans, food to Southeast Asia. dessert. The most com- bean sprouts, bamboo Because of this, it be- mon stuffing of lumpia shoots, and many other came very popular in is meat (any kind) and crazy, insane, and Indonesia and the Phil- vegetables. Because it is "sensational" ideas. ippines where they im- so easy to make, lumpia — Jaacob Bernal JANUARY 25, 2012 Page 3 Aaron’s Tall Tales: Paradise (Part 3) Sweat dropped from the survivor’s chin. He was trembling, but not as much as you think. He couldn’t clench his fists, no matter how hard he tried. His only options during a situation like this would also be his smartest ones – be helpless, tame, and calm. What more could he do? What can you do when a rusty blade is fashioned across your bare throat? Nothing, absolutely nothing. The attacker displayed full force on the survivor’s throat; the attacker’s strength was obviously his major asset. He gripped the survivor’s left wrist with such hatred, as if the survivor had already done something to him. The survivor began to think of something to say – maybe comfort or calm the attacker – but was interrupted. The attacker spoke. “Who are you? What are you doing here?” “I would say the same to you.” The attacker forced the knife in deeper and exclaimed, “Shut up! SHUT UP!” His eyes became filled with tremendous rage. “How did you get here? I am the only one on this island! Me! Only me and no one else!” “Okay, okay,” the survivor replied reassuringly, “Just calm and we can talk.” The attacker paused for a moment and replied with doubt in his heavy voice. “How do I know I can trust you?” “I-I don’t know, but I can assure you I’m searching for answers just as much as you are.” The crazed stranger hesitated for a moment. His eyes shifted to and fro. His face displayed an awful amount of doubting guilt, as if he had already made some sort of atrocious decision. Deep inside, he wanted to trust the survivor, but something else inside of him urged him to kill the survivor where he stood. But he couldn’t. He was mere seconds away from slicing the survivor’s throat, but something over- came him – an unknown, calming sense of peace that flowed throughout his pulsing veins, a peace that only one can give. It was here that the attacker realized that without the survivor all hope of finding an- swers would be lost, along with his gradually fading sanity. Soon after pondering these things, the attacker lowered the knife and quickly backed away. The survivor, calm and thankful, turned toward the attacker. More Random Facts: There was a striking resemblance between the two – they both had dirty beards. Time passed. The two had talked, but what they said is not important. The attacker put another log  The filming of the movie onto the bonfire. It crackled with a warm and inviting intensity. The moon was close to setting, yet its glowing presence never ceased. The trees swayed with a ghostly feel, like someone or something was “Titanic” cost more than dwelling within them. As the survivor vigorously warmed his hands he looked up at the moon. the Titanic itself. “That’s one blessing God gave me on this island,” the survivor said, with a small, faint smile, “the moon that is.”  In Idaho you may not fish The attacker walked over to the survivor and sat down. Age had wearied him; you could see it in his on a camel’s back. eyes. He thought for a moment, pondering what the survivor had said, and then he spoke. “Hmm. I can agree with you about the moon, but as for God, well, I fly solo.”  Peanuts are one of the The survivor’s eyes filled with curiosity. Careful of what to say, he replied. “So, you’re saying…you ingredients in dynamite. don’t believe in God? I mean, how could you not?” “That’s what I’m saying, yes. Despite supposed facts and what not, I, personally, have come to the  It takes 3,000 cows to conclusion over the years that He simply does not exist.” supply the NFL with All was quiet; nothing but the sound of rustling trees and the crackle of the warm fire. The survivor thought he’d leave the topic at that, but an urging sensation compelled him to continue. He looked over enough leather for a at the attacker. year’s supply of footballs. “Well, what made you come to your decision?” “My fate. This whole forsaken island. I’ve been here for thirty-two years man, thirty-two long years. I  Nachos is the food most prayed every single day when I first got here for some sort of rescue. I pleaded with Him! I spent countless craved by pregnant wom- evenings pleading to Him, for something, anything! But, I soon realized that my grip on reality was fading. I was driving myself to a major letdown. And, just like that, I gave up on Him.” Filled with heated rage, the en. attacker looked over at the survivor. “There is no God. There is no God.”  97% of all paper money in The survivor didn’t know what to say at first. Twenty-five minutes ago he was seconds away from hav- ing his throat slit, and now here he was with an obviously troubled man who sincerely felt that there is no the U.S. contains traces God. of cocaine. Peace filled the survivor’s soul. “Remember when you were going to kill me?” “I do…”  There are more than “You had second thoughts didn’t you? Like someone was telling you to hold back; to hold back on 40,000 toilet related inju- killing the only other person on this island.” “So, that doesn’t mean anything,” the attacker said nervously. ries in the United States “It means everything. We needed to meet; we were destined to meet. You’ve been here for – what’d each year. you say, thirty-two years right? I’ve been here for twenty-two. Think about it! We’ve been sharing this island for twenty-two whole years! And now, out of some weird coincidental moment, we meet? No. I  Hippo milk is pink. heard you from the shore; someone compelled me to come in here. This is no act of coincidence. God put us here; we’re destined to be here. Why? I cannot say, but there is definitely a reason for all this. There’s a reason we met.” “Oh yeah, and what’s that?” The survivor leaned in to the attacker, “We’re getting off this island.” To be continued… —Aaron A. Ramos Crusaders Basketball Schedule

 Banning @ GBCS * (Boys & Girls) Friday, January 27 @ Hamilton Middle School (Homecoming Game)  GBCS @ Lighthouse (Boys & Girls) Monday, January 30  Faith @ GBCS * (Boys only) Tuesday, January 31 @ Hamilton Middle School  GBCS @ First Baptist (Boys only) Tuesday, February 7  Foothill @ GBCS * (Boys only) Thursday, February 9

 Basketball Tournament (Boys & Girls) Monday, Tuesday, and Friday February 20, 21, 24 * Home games will tip off at 6:00 pm (After home games in which only the boys’ team plays, we will use the gym to host pick-up games for those men who are interested in playing. The cost to play will be $2 per person. Funds raised will go directly to the sports program.) Page 4 San Francisco 49ers: The Crusade The Most Improved Team in the NFL The San Francisco 49ers ful drive, found are probably the most sur- 2 ). Well, let me drive, the Saints held them to on a 47-yard prising team that I have seen start from the beginning. In a . On the Saints’ pass which placed the 49ers all year. Let’s be honest— the first quarter, the Niners possession, they capitalized at the Saints’ 20-yard line. even the most die-hard 49ers scored two quick ones. But, on a 44-yard pass The 49ers had only a meager fans were not expecting their you know the Saints are not from to Darren fourteen seconds left. They team to make it to the Con- going to go down without a Sproles. Alex Smith led the could either count on legend- ference Championship. I have fight. So, Drew Brees and the 49ers down the field and ary David Akers or gun for the got to hand it to Jim Har- Saints came back with two then made a 28-yard run to win. With fourteen seconds baugh because he has defi- of their own. score a touchdown, but San left in the game, ALEX SMITH nitely turned this team San Francisco managed to get Francisco went for two and FOUND VERNON DAVIS FOR around. He has also figured a field goal too. The score at missed. (Score: 29-24 49ers) THE TOUCHDOWN!!!! THE out a way to make quarter- halftime was 17-14 with the With 2:18 on the clock, Drew 49ERS HAVE GIVEN US AN- back Alex Smith effective. 49ers leading. Brees took the field and OTHER GREAT GAME IN Alex Smith is playing confi- quickly threw a TD pass to PLAYOFF HISTORY!!!!! [FINAL dently and doing what he The first half was good, for 66 yards. SCORE: 36-32] needs to do to help his team but the second half was an To make matters worse for win. They finished the regular action-packed, nail-biting, San Francisco, New Orleans The Niners had a great season 13-3, only losing to thriller. The third quarter was went for two and got it. Isn’t run. They battled it out until the , Balti- slow. The only points put on Drew Brees incredible? the end. They are definitely more Ravens, and Arizona the board in the third came the most improved team, and Cardinals. That’s pretty good! from a field goal by David Man, it looked like the deserves Coach Don’t even get me started Akers. The fourth quarter Saints had pulled off another of the Year. I hope to see on the 49ers’ defense! had the suspense! The score comeback. BUT WAIT! There them do better next year; but WOOO! Did they play an was now 20-14 49ers on top. was still 1:48 on the clock. So, most importantly, I hope they amazing game against the Drew Brees took his team up Alex Smith and Jim Har- kill, slaughter, exterminate, Saints or what?! They took the field, but that Niner de- baugh’s 49ers took the field annihilate, and ruthlessly out Saints’ running back fense was just too stinking for probably the last play of eradicate the Giants next Pierre Thomas and caused good, only allowing a Saints’ the game. Our score was now season. field goal. Then on the 49ers 29-32. During this suspense- five turnovers (3 fumbles and — Chika Okeke Foosball Table football, or foosball, In most foosball tables, there less both players have 9 is a popular sport and table are twenty-two “foosmen” (if points each. In that case a game that is played by both I may call them that). The player has to have two more professionals and amateurs game starts when the ball is points than his opponent to in numerous countries. In- served from either hole on win. Up to four players on vented in 1921 by Harold the sides of the table. The each side can compete Thornton, foosball became players then use the foos- against each other in one an international sport when men, controlled by their game, with each player con- the International Table Soc- wrists, to attempt to push the trolling one rod. There have cer Federation (that‘s a real ball into the opponent’s goal. even been robots designed to name) was formed in 2002. Three hundred sixty degree play foosball that can beat The game itself consists of shots, or spinning, are not most human players. Foosball eight rods cutting across the allowed in competition. is an exciting game that re- hollow table with soccer play- When a score of ten is quires skill and concentration er figurines attached to them. reached, the game ends un- to win. — Joshua Tecson

Keeping Up with the Joneses: The Laser Keyboard

One of the many cool translates the finger move- keyboard can be connected acters per minute. It is also gadgets and electronics is the ments into keystrokes. The to a device either by Blue- portable. It can even fit in laser keyboard. IBM engi- laser keyboard consists of a tooth, or USB. The unit itself your pocket. Computers, neers, who have invented diffract opti- is 295mm PDA’s, and mobile phones many other high tech prod- cal element, х 95mm in can use the laser keyboard. It ucts, invented the laser key- a red laser size and is powered by lithium-ion board. It is an advanced form diode, a projects a batteries and has more than of input device that projects CMOS cam- 60mm key- 120 minutes of continuous the hologram of a keyboard era, a sensor board. It typing in its capacity. Even onto a flat surface (such as a chip, and an can recog- though this gadget is small, it table or desk). When the user infrared (IB) nize up to is still a remarkable piece of places his fingers on the laser diode. four hun- technology. “keys,” the input device The laser dred char- — Jason Jones JANUARY 25, 2012 Page 5 Survey Says:

Favorite Senior Meal? 1st Place: Tacos 2nd place: Lasagna Would you rather be a giant hamster or a tiny rhino? Hamster 52% Rhino 48% Cooler Pet: Polar Bear or Penguin? Polar Bear 41% Penguin 59% Cheetos or Doritos? Cheetos 47% Doritos 53% Muffins or Cupcakes? Muffins 25% Cupcakes 75% Better spread: Peanut Butter or Jelly? Peanut Butter 45% Jelly 55% Captain America or Iron Man? Captain America 58% Iron Man 42%

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

On January 16, 2012 young man who went to most famous speech. “color blinded”—to treat every- we Americans celebrated college at age fifteen. On April 4, 1968, Martin body equally, regardless of their Martin Luther King Jr. While in college, he de- Luther King Jr. was assas- color. Day. We took time on veloped his speaking sinated. Even though a — Jason Jones this special day to recog- skills, which helped him holiday in his honor was nize the great leader of to be one of the greatest brought up before, Mar- the African-American civil orators of his day. In his tin Luther King Jr. Day rights movement who famous speech, “I Have a was not officially made a had a dream that all peo- Dream,” he talked about holiday until January 20, ple be treated equally. his personal dream that 1986. Martin Luther Martin Luther King Jr. everyone be treated the King Jr. Day reminds us worked himself up to his same, especially blacks. of a man who had a position. He was a smart This was his best and dream for America to be

Check us out online!

Current and previous issues of The Crusade are available for download in pdf format