Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Minecraft By Maggie

   
 Some people think that Minecraft is only a low resolution video game that does not really do anything but “rot your mind”. However, I believe it brings out the creative side that you might not have known you had. Minecraft is a video game known as a "sandbox"(an “open world” game). A sandbox is an area that you can roam freely and do whatever you please. The name of the game explains what you do, you mine and craft, but you also can build. Minecraft was created by one man, Markus “Notch” Persson,  and was expanded and published on by a group called Mojang. Minecraft was released for PC (computer) on May 17, 2009. Minecraft has received many awards and even has its own convention named “Minecon”. Minecon is held in a different place each year. Last years’ Minecon was held at Orlando, Florida with an attendance of 7,500 people. Minecraft is a game that keeps updating even though it has already been released. You appear, or spawn, in a randomly created world in an area called a biome, which are areas with different weather.
     When playing Minecraft lots of people feel that the main goal in Minecraft is getting to "The End". The End is not actually the end of the game, but if you reach The End it is a pretty big deal. When you reach the end you have to fight an Ender Dragon. To reach The End you have to find a rare area called a "Stronghold". Then you have to kill endermen in order to open the passage to “The End”. I would also suggest finding enough diamond to make a sword and armor. It would take around 28 diamonds to make everything. These are tricky to get due to the fact that diamonds are the second most rare ore to obtain. The most rare ore is an emerald. Coal is the most common ore in Minecraft. Next is iron, then gold, lapis lazuli, diamonds, and lastly emerald. 
      These are some reasons why Minecraft is not just a game that rots your mind. I hope you enjoyed learning about Minecraft, and if you want to learn more click on the link below. 

Sources

Thursday, February 20, 2014

JCPenney Closing its Northgate Mall Store in Hixson By Brenda

              (Mike Pare)
     CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. has been working to breathe new life into the 42 year old mall since the company purchased it from the General Growth Properties for $11.5 million in cash in 2011. CBL is going to open a 63,000 square foot store in JCPenney’s old store. A representative of the Hixson Council of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce said, “He imagines the Penny closing will hurt, but said it will free up space for future development.”
      The company operates 1,100 mid-market department stores in the United States, and is trying to win back shoppers after suffering from a 25% drop in sales. CBL said that “Other than the other locations under redevelopment, it has no vacant anchor locations in its core portfolio.” CBL is one of the largest owners and developers of the malls and shopping centers in the city.
                                  Sources      
               http://www.timesfreepress.com