BTS’s New Album Wings Proves that Love of Music Transcends Language

By Anna Graham
4/28/2017

The seven-member Korean pop music boy group BTS prove with their latest album that it is possible for non-English speaking Asian artists to have long-lasting popularity in the Western world. Released on October 10 of 2016, Wings is BTS’s second studio album and includes 15 songs. This album marks the group’s third time ranking on the Billboard 200 list, reaching number 26, marking Wings as the highest ranking Korean music album to date.

Why is this Korean pop group so popular? Unlike many other Korean pop groups, the members of BTS are involved in the writing and composing of the content of their albums. This is highlighted in Wings through the inclusion of a solo track for each member. Some of these songs include Seok-Jin’s moving ballad “Awake” that discusses self-doubt, Min Yoongi’s emotional piano-backed rap track “First Love” that declares music as first love, and Hoseok’s fun and quirky hip-hop song “Mama” about the strength he receives from his mother. These solo songs are not only amazing music, but also give an in-depth look into the personalities of each member. By giving fans the opportunity to listen to each member’s musical style, it allows fans to better connect to the group as a whole.

In their self-written lyrics, BTS discusses a variety of important topics, from mental health, to bullying, to social issues. Since lyrics with more substance is rare for Korean artists, out of fear of creating controversy, this garners more attention and critical acclaim for BTS. Perhaps most importantly, it also allows them to connect on a deeper level with their fans. Some of these group songs include the jazzy, politically charged “Am I Wrong,” the up-beat feminist pop anthem “21^st Century Girls,” and the inspiring self-confidence rap track “Cypher Part 4.” In fact, the lead single,” Blood Sweat and Tears”, is the only song on the album that contains typical pop song romance lyrics.

By exploring many genres, having a solo track for each member, and containing meaningful thought-provoking lyrics, BTS’ Wings is a wonderful album from start to finish, and leaves listeners already longing for their next release.

The Devastating Effects of the Tennessee Wildfires

By Anna Graham
5/1/2017

Fanned by strong winds and the Southeast’s worst drought in nearly a decade, wildfires ravaged the Gatlinburg area. The fires forced massive evacuations of the citizens living in the area, and stopped tourists from visiting the popular location.

The National Guard was sent to the location to aid to putting out the fires and assist in the evacuations. Even so, 14 people died and 175 were injured. More than 2,000 houses and businesses were destroyed. Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters estimated the damage to be more than $500 million. The cost of fighting the fires was almost $6 million. The federal government stated that nearly 20,000 acres of Great Smoky Mountains National Park were ravaged by the fire.

Investigators from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobaccos, Firearms and Explosives, working with the Great Smokey Mountains Nation park rangers, determined that the fire originated in the remote Chimney Tops Trail area of the park and that the fire was set intentionally. Two teenagers, ages 17 and 15, were charged on Dec. 7 in Sevier County Juvenile Court with aggravated arson, suspected of setting the fires. Their names have not been released due to their juvenile status.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam called the fire “the state’s worst in at least a century.”

Gatlinburg Fire Chief Greg Miller stated that the fire was “a fire for the history books… The likes of this has never been seen here.”

Governor Haslam promised that “state agencies will do everything possible to work with residents on insurance claims, applications for unemployment benefits and other assistance and to distribute Federal Emergency Management Agency aid.”

For those wishing to help the residents impacted by the fire, the local Red Cross stated “that the most valuable asset right now is money because it can be used to put people up at hotels and replace clothing.”

Pokémon Go is the New Hit Mobile Game that is Getting Gamers to Actually Go Outside

By Anna Graham
5/2/2017

Almost everyone is talking about catching them all in new mobile game Pokémon Go. Ever since its release it has garnered massive success to the point of becoming a national phenomenon. But what exactly is Pokémon Go, and what has made it so popular?

Pokémon Go is a mobile adaption of the original series of Pokémon console games from Nintendo. With Pokémon Go the goals are almost the same as within those original games, to collect all the Pokémon, and train them to become the best there ever was.

However, Pokémon Go has a twist. In Pokémon Go, players must go to real world locations to catch Pokémon, receive useful in-game items, and battle with their Pokémon. The player and Pokémon are shown on the game’s stylized Google-like map. The creator of the app, Niantic, achieved this through using GPS sensors to track where players are in real life.

So, what has made Pokémon Go such an instantly massive hit? For many players, it’s the nostalgia factor. The kids that grew up playing the original Pokémon games enjoy getting to revisit a favorite franchise. Fans new to the Pokémon world enjoy collecting all the adorable creatures and battling with them.

But other games have those same features, so why is Pokémon Go so special? What made everyone so excited about Pokémon Go is its virtual reality features. The act of having to go out to real world locations to play the game makes it feel as if the player is truly living in the game. This particular experience of high-immersion is one that is unique to Pokémon Go as a game. Perhaps in the future more games will be released that will cater to this particular feature that has made Pokémon Go so popular.

WAK News Want Notices

By WAK News

Wanted: Room Mate

Two Bedroom Apartment. Gated Community near University. Swimming Pool and Fitness Center on site. NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT. Rent is $450 + half of utilities. Must not be allergic to cats and agree to divide chores around the apartment.

For More Information, Contact me @ billibobrocks@emailplace.com

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Wanted: Livestock Veterinarian

Requirements: Must have Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine, reliable transportation, and open availability.

Position will require occasional odd hours

Come be a part of Arkansas’s best Livestock Vet team and experience an exciting career caring for animals. For more information, contact us at ArkansasLSvets@animalcare.com

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Wanted: Doctor Who Paraphernalia

Looking to buy uncommon Doctor Who paraphernalia, the rarer the better. Classic or New Who. Anything from celery lapels to a life-sized TARDIS wanted. Building Doctor Who themed house and need authentic decorations.

If you have anything unusual from the Whoniverse, contact me @ whovianforlife@hermitsunited.com

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Wanted: Actors for Reenactment

Need actors and actresses for week long Pride and Prejudice reenactment. Roles filling fast, must contact soon to set up audition. Mr. Wickham, Mrs. Bennet, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and Mr. Darcy among the roles left to be filled.

Must have previous acting experience and knowledge of the story. Everyone in the reenactment will be required to both read the book and watch several movie adaptations.

To schedule an audition, contact director@reenactments.org

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WAK News Classifieds

By WAK News

For Sale
Signed! Vinyl LPs and CDs.
Classic Rock including Queen, Led Zeppelin and Styx.
Contact at – Ihaveapoortasteinmusic@gmail.com

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Community Info
Local Pet Rescue Adoption at PetSmart!
Stop by and meet your newest family member at all PetSmarts nationwide!
Contact for more info at – furryfriendsrescuecenter@gmail.com

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Legal Notice
Public sale of old 1813 Tutor home.
This Friday the 13th.
666 Spooky Drive Salem, Massachusetts
(We promise house is not haunted.)

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Services
Need a tutor? Smith’s Study Sessions can help!
Reading, Writing, and Grammar.
We help all ages and skill levels.
Contact at – Iamagrammarnazi@gmail.com

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Ask Anna – Teens & Social Media/Internet Issue

By Anna Graham
5/5/2017

Dear Anna,

My preteen and I are having an argument over social media. She wants to have her own Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat accounts. I am worried that if she uses social media she will encounter cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and be approached by strangers on the internet. She believes that I am being unfair by not trusting her and ruining her chance to fit in with the kids at her new school. Do I give in and allow her to have her own social media accounts, or do I continue to tell her no for her own safety?

Sincerely, A concerned mother.

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Dear Concerned Mother,

Your daughter is right in that by preventing her from using social media you are making her a social outcast. The act of using social media has truly become a part of modern day culture. This is shown by the incredible amount of teens and preteens who use social media throughout the world. Just take a look at this chart that shows the increase of social media use from 2015-2016!

However, you are correct that your daughter can encounter many things online that you would understandably rather her avoid. When it comes to cyberbullying, she is not likely to experience cyberbullying if she is experiencing no other bullying at school. In fact, being the only kid in school not having social media accounts will actually make her a target for bullying.

As for inappropriate content, like sharing sexual messages, while this cannot be totally avoided, you can sit down with your daughter and discuss what is appropriate and what is not to publish on the internet. And by strangers, I’m assuming you are worried about sexual predators contacting your daughter. This can be avoided by explaining to your daughter to not become friends with people online that she doesn’t also know in person.

I suggest allowing your preteen to take part in using social media, but discuss with her the safe ways in which to use these websites.

Sincerely,
Anna

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Dear Anna,

My teenage boy spends all his time either on his phone or laptop! As soon as he gets home from school he is on some kind of device on the internet. While he does get his homework done, he ends up staying up incredibly late every night to get it done because he’s been on the internet all day. This makes him sleepy and grumpy the next day. He even brings his phone to dinner and plays with it under the table! Is my son addicted to the internet? If so, what do I do about it? It’s not like I can ban a kid in this day and age from using the internet!

Sincerely,
Just Put the Phone Away!

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Dear Just Put the Phone Away,

For me it is especially worrisome that your son is losing sleep over his habit.

I do agree with your assessment that you cannot simply ban your teenager from using the internet. But you can set limits. One of the first things I would do is to tell your son that he cannot use the internet until he gets his homework done, that way he will not stay up late at night cramming.

I would also tell your teen that by a certain time at night the home becomes an electronic-free zone, so that way he doesn’t switch staying up late to finish his homework to staying up late browsing Instagram for hours. Suggest this by appealing to the fact that he will start feeling much more energized and in a better mood when he starts getting more sleep.

As for at the dinner table, make this an electronic-free zone as well. However, this will not work unless you are leading by example, which means that the adults in the household cannot not bring their electronics to the dinner table as well.

Sincerely,
Anna

Doctor Strange – A Review

By Kierstyn Kiser
5/01/2017

        Marvel Studios finally got around to making a movie for one of its best superheroes. Doctor Stephen Strange is a neurosurgeon at the top of his field. Speaking engagements, fancy cars, top of the line designer watches, and nice suits are a testament to his success. He picks and chooses his patients, performs complex surgeries, and has never had a patient die on his table. While some people may see saving lives as an honor and a noble cause, Stephen Strange sees it as an opportunity to show off and impress people with his skill.

Unfortunately, Strange is in a terrible car accident which crushed his hands. Permanent nerve damage will prevent him from ever holding a scalpel again. With his career ruined, Strange sets off on a journey to find a treatment to fix his hands. He begs top medical experts all over the world to perform experimental procedures, but no one will help him. Finally, he ends up in Katmandu at a place called Kamar Taj. There he meets The Ancient One who shows him the only way to heal the body was to reorient the spirit and open the mind. Through a course of events, Strange becomes a powerful sorcerer whose duty is to protect the world from mystical forces that seek to destroy it. It is an incredible, fast paced story with great character development. In the beginning, all Strange cared about was himself and his ego. At the end of the film, however, he realizes it’s not about him and dedicates himself to protecting the world and serving the greater good.

As with all Marvel movies, there is violence, intense action, and mild language. For example, the first scene of the movie shows a man being decapitated, and the car accident that changed Strange’s life forever may frighten younger audiences. That being said, Marvel has done an amazing job of staying true to the comics and presenting the audience with a fast paced, modern, intriguing film. The mystical aspect of this character may have proved a problem too great for other film companies, but Marvel did an incredible job making the sorcery in this movie look realistic. Audiences could not stop themselves from being awed by the masterful special effects and the incredible set and costume designs. Doctor Strange is a film that truly brings the action to the audience.

Malala Yousafzai Celebrates her 19th Birthday in the World’s Largest Refugee Camp by Promoting Education for Girls

By Anna Graham
4/20/2017

The Pakistani Noble Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai spends her 19^th birthday promoting girls’ right to education in the world’s largest refugee camp in Dadaab, Kenya. Visiting those in need has become a birthday tradition for Malala. In previous years, Malala opened the Malala Yousafzai All-Girls School for Syrian refugees in Lebanon and campaigned for the release of the Chibok schoolgirls in Nigeria.

You have visited many important places on your past birthdays. What made you choose Dadaab for your 19^th?

“Every year on my birthday I travel to meet girls who are struggling to go to school —  to stand with them and to make sure the world hears their stories. Today I am here to speak for my unheard sisters of Somalia striving for education every day.”

What are your thoughts on the potential closing of the refugee camps in Kenya?

“The government announced in May that it plans to close the refugee camp by the end of the year. They should not be forced to move. Returning any of the more than 300,000 refugees to Somalia, which is still plagued by extremist violence, should be voluntary.

What did you hope to accomplish during your visit?

“I want to make sure that these girls don’t become a generation lost, that there are alternative facilities for them to continue with their education.”

You spoke with the Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta recently. What did you have to say to him?

“I requested for the President to take more time to decide on the fate of the camp, and to consider the need to provide education to the hundreds of misplaced children.”

What about your visit to Dadaab made the biggest impression on you?

“I met Rahma Hussein Noor, a 19-year-old who has struggled more than most of us can imagine just to go to school. Rahma came to Dadaab at age 13, having never set foot in a classroom. She worked hard to catch up with her classmates and, in a few years, graduated primary school. Rahma then enrolled in a secondary school in Dadaab. But when her family returned to Somalia last year, Rahma could not find another school to attend. After two months, her father said her education was over and decided to marry her to a man over 50 years old whom Rahma had never met. Rahma snuck out of her house and took an eight-day bus ride back to the refugee camp…all to continue her education.”

What are your thoughts on the current refugee crisis?

“I aim to draw attention to the global refugee crisis on behalf of the girls like Rahma that are at risk of losing their chance to go to school — and their dreams for a better future.”

What message would you like to send to the world leaders responsible for the care of these refugees?

 “We cannot allow girls like Rahma to fight alone. It’s time to do right by girls.”

Benedict Cumberbatch Talks Doctor Strange, Sherlock, and Fatherhood

By Kierstyn Kiser
4/24/2017

       Last Monday, WAK News had the opportunity to sit down with actor Benedict Cumberbatch as he promotes his upcoming movie Doctor Strange. We also discussed the new season of the hit series Sherlock, and family life.

How did you like playing Doctor Strange?

Oh, it was great fun. He is just such a dynamic character and it was very fun to play him.

How different was this role from anything you’ve done before?

Well, for starters, I had an American accent. There was a lot of hand moving that felt quite ridiculous while filming, but when I saw the special effects added to it, it looked quite good. It was also the first time I had the role of a superhero, which I think added a heavy sense of responsibility to do a good job of it.

Were there any similarities between this role and previous roles you’ve had?

There were some definite similarities in that I’ve played other characters that have a narcissistic, pompous, sort of arrogant air about them. I’ve played several characters who think they know everything and everyone around them lowers the IQ of the whole street.

Speaking of that, can you tell us anything about Season 4 of Sherlock?

Ah, no. No I can’t. I’d just ruin it. I will say this though. When I first got the script, there were several jaw dropping moments where I just sat there in shock at some of the twists. Moffat and Gatiss have really outdone themselves with this season. It’s certainly going to be the best season yet.

Well that certainly sounds promising.

There has been quite a bit of rumors going around that you and your wife are expecting your second child. Would you care to shed some light on that?

Yes, yes we are.

And how have you adapted to being a father? There are some who say that is your greatest achievement yet.

 Well I’m still trying to prove myself as a dad. I love my son so much but you never know when you’ll slip up and make a big mistake.

Well congratulations to you and your wife, and thank you very much for your time.

Thank you, and thanks for having me.

The Women’s Gymnastics Team Wins Gold for USA

By Anna Graham
4/22/2017

     With a dazzling performance, the American women’s gymnastics team for this year’s Olympics in Rio, gymnasts Simone Biles, Laurie Hernandez, Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas and Madison Kocian, won gold for the USA. The “Final Five,” as the team has been named, scored their victory with a record-breaking margin of 8 points over Russia and China.

     The first event of the Olympics, the vault, was dominated by powerhouse of the team, Simone Biles, who scored a fantastic 15.933. Biles was followed by her teammate Raisman’s impressive score of 15.833. Both Biles and Raisman performed the difficult Amanar, in which the vaulter does two and a half twists with a blind landing, which added to their high scores.

     In the next event, the bars, the renowned Gabby Douglas, the 2012 all-around champion, scored a 15.766. Her teammate Kocian, a 2015 world champion, scored a stellar 15.933 with her performance that was considered one of the most difficult routines at the Games.

On the following event, the balance beam, Raisman earned a 15.0 for her double Arabian dismount. Hernandez’s performance gave her a score of 15.233. Biles won an incredible 15.3 for her dismount, a full-twisting double tuck, one of the hardest in the world.

Having easily qualified for end floor exercise, the American team won a collective score of a 45.999. Hernandez and Biles performed, with Biles’s second tumbling pass including a double layout with a half-twist and a blind landing, a move dubbed “the Biles” because she was the first gymnast to land it in top-level competition.

The Final Five finished the game with a total score of 185.238. The team was named in honor of their legendary coach Martha Karolyi, who is retiring after the Rio Olympics. “I’m very proud and, yes, I cried,” said Karolyi after the victory ceremony. “I’m not sentimental, but when Aly told me the name of the team is the Final Five, that is the moment.”