the bird on fire

An Exciting Time in Fayetteville

October 1, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org 2 Comments

“Saturdays are for the boys,” but especially Roman. Although he will be sad to miss the big Arkansas vs. Georgia game this weekend, his spirit will be there cheering on his Georgia Bulldogs. Will Arkansas beat the #2 team in the SEC? Will the Dogs take home another win? Keep reading for Roman’s predictions.–Editor Jesse Denyer

By Roman Rickwood, Sports Enthusiast

Since 2012, the Arkansas Razorbacks football team has a mere 14 SEC (Southeastern Conference) wins. Not only have they suffered in conference, but they have also suffered embarrassingly bad losses to much lesser teams. The team has had five coaches since 2012, a pretty good indicator that a team is struggling and getting fed up with losing. The football program was riddled in controversy and had a questionable culture around player safety, recruiting, and most importantly winning. Playing in the most competitive conference comes with many benefits; however, it requires you to play some of the most talented teams week in and week out. College football is all about recruiting, and being in the SEC already gives the schools in the conference a leg up in recruiting because they are able to offer more opportunities to help these young players reach the next level that they desire (NFL). However, due to lackluster recruiting abilities, Arkansas has fallen behind and dug itself into a hole.

Last year, Arkansas football hired Sam Pittman, who at the time was the offensive line coach at the University of Georgia. Pittman, who was a fan favorite at the university and who has always been a master recruiter, had never been head coach in his 30 years of coaching. This decision made many college football analysts confused and shocked that this was Arkansas’s pick.

However, all of the scrutiny stopped when Sam Pittman got to Arkansas and quickly won over the fans with his relatability and his desire to win. His first year as a coach was the infamous year of 2020; for a while it was unclear whether or not there would be a season. It was finally decided that teams electing to play would play in conference only, meaning Sam Pittman’s inaugural season would be restricted to in-conference opponents; meaning they would have to play tough teams week in and week out. However, Arkansas ended up having a surprisingly good season. They snapped their SEC losing streak by beating Mississippi State in week two, and they also had wins against a good Ole Miss team and Tennessee. The games they lost were very close. The program was trending upward, and fans were excited about it.

So far this year, they have started out 4-0 with notable wins against rivals Texas and Texas A&M. These are very good wins for the program in terms of recruiting and bragging rights. This week they play their biggest game of the year against #2-ranked Georgia. A vigilant defense will be needed. This will be a true test for the Arkansas team. Right now they are 18.5-point underdogs; however, I assume as game-time approaches that line will get smaller. Another big story is the Arkansas head coach going back to Georgia to play against his former team, as well as playing against his old boss and kids that he recruited.

I expect this to be an exciting game, and my prediction is that Arkansas starts fast; however, the Razorbacks will lose steam as the game goes on. Much to my dismay, I will be missing this game as I have to take my SAT on Saturday! Kickoff will be at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time and will be on ESPN.

GO DAWGS!!

Meet the Characters of Genshin Impact: Kamisato Ayaka

September 30, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By Izumi, Middle-School Gamer Correspondent

Kamisato Ayaka is the daughter of the Yashiro Commission’s Kamisato Clan. She is sister to the head of the clan. This clan belongs to Inazuma–one of the three existing regions of Genshin Impact. She is dignified and elegant, as well as very wise and durable. Ayaka is a kind-hearted girl with a relaxing temperament. She treats others with kindness and courtesy. She loves and cares for the people of Inazuma, often going out of her way to personally assist those in trouble. She is a member of the Yashiro Commision, one of the commissions in charge of cultural events. She feels the urge that she must help people in need. She is earnest with a steady personality. Her dedication often moves people, enough that she earned the honorary title of Shirasagi Himegimi (Translation: White Heron Princess). People in the neighborhood constantly talk about her with sincere admiration. “Lady Ayaka may be of noble birth but she is gentle and polite to us. She is kind, loyal, and is willing to help others. She even went against the opinions of others [to take] in [a] commoner . . . .” —Genshin Impact, Story 1

Michelin Gives, and Michelin Takes Away

September 29, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

It doesn’t always take top dollar to eat the best food in the world. The Michelin Guide, in 2016, embraced food for the common food goer by awarding a Michelin Star to a food stall in Singapore. But, in 2021, they took that star away. What does this mean for the future of humble fine dining?

By Ike Spry, Food Consultant and Guide

Back in 2016, Chan Hong Meng received a coveted Michelin star at his Singapore food stall Hawker Chan. His soya chicken rice dish, at only $2.25, surprised the public by becoming the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal. Chan Hong Meng took this success and opened up multiple restaurants in other countries. It seems this new success and growth of the restaurants, however, undermined what gave Chan his star in the first place. Now, in 2021, Michelin’s food guide of Singapore has left out any mention of the famed Singapore food stall.

A representative from Chan Hong Meng’s restaurant told CNN that “Chef Chan Hong Meng has prepared his famous soya sauce chicken rice since 2009 with his secret recipe and cooking method, which has not changed since the beginning of Hawker Chan in 2009. He has always believed that his food should be freshly prepared daily and cooking should not be done in a central kitchen. We do hope to understand why the Michelin Guide has left us out of the list this year. However, we also understand that everyone has their own opinion when it comes to food choices. We will continue to serve delicious and affordable meals as that is our vision and mission.” The restaurant seems like they’ll try their best next year to earn the star again on the Michelin Singapore Guide although they don’t seem too upset. It’s business as usual.

The Michelin Guide has very high standards and usually is awarded to expensive fine dining and extravagant tasting menus, especially as you approach two or three stars (the most any restaurant can get is three stars). A restaurant that is a food stall charging $2.50 a dish rarely (never?) earns even one star. The food stall losing its star, which put it on the map in the first place, may impact the business, but nobody’s quite sure yet. I really hope this restaurant succeeds without its star, as it proves that the Michelin Guide isn’t just reserved for “pompous” fine dining restaurants. A humble stall in Singapore can serve a delicious meal under 3 dollars and still be designated “fine dining.”

Moldavite: Is It Worth the Money?

September 28, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

You may have heard of Moldavite. It went viral on TikTok this summer and has been a hot commodity ever since. It costs a lot and has powerful effects. Should you invest in it?

By Jesse Denyer, Amateur Astrologist

Welcome back!

Today I’m going to be talking about one of the most famous crystals to ever exist, moldavite. Moldavite has always been pretty well known for its powers through the crystal community, but after going viral on TikTok this summer, everybody wanted a piece of it. When I worked at the crystal store at that time, I would be asked at least once a day, “Do you have any moldavite?” I would then have to escort them over to the locked glass case we had to keep it in, and after looking at the price tag and hearing my disclaimer, people always shied away from buying it. So, what’s special about this crystal? Why is it so expensive? Where does it come from? Read more to find out!

So what exactly is moldavite?

Moldavite is a greenish black crystal that is part of the Tektite family. Tektite is natural glass caused by debris from meteor impacts. Moldavite was most likely created over 15 million years ago by a meteor strike in Bohemia, Czech Republic, which is the only place moldavite can be found today.

Why is it so expensive?

Moldavite usually goes for anywhere from $400 to well over a couple thousand dollars. Moldavite is so expensive because it can only be found in one place on earth, and it is likely no more will ever form. One day it will go extinct, unless we somehow have another meteor strike. Also adding to the price is the fact that the biggest mine for moldavite in Bohemia recently flooded, making it even harder to obtain. Moldavite is very easy to recreate. You can find fake moldavite (for suckers) easily on Amazon and Etsy. If you google moldavite right now and see anything for sale under $400, I promise you that it is 100% fake. You have no idea how many people I had come into my work each week trying to sell us 60-oz. pieces of “moldavite” that were really just pieces of old melted green vases. Also be wary of anyone selling “African moldavite.” Moldavite is not found anywhere in Africa. You’re not getting a good deal on moldavite; you’re just getting a terrible deal on some Libyan desert glass. Don’t be a fool; if you want moldavite, buy it from somewhere that can verify its origin, and be prepared to pay a steep price.

What are its properties?

Moldavite is known as the “Stone of Transformation.” Its energies are known to be one of the most powerful of all crystals and should be used with caution. As I used to tell people, “It will turn your life upside down whether you like it or not.” It is meant to put your life on the right track and remove all negative sources of energy from your life. It will try to guide you to be the best version of yourself. However, this process is not for the faint of heart. It will split up relationships, remove opportunities, and make you feel like your life is being ruined–when really you are on a path to a better you. Sensitive people will have a hard time with this sort of turmoil. It happens immediately too, and as people tend to wear moldavite on their person, its effects are even stronger. Buy moldavite if you want, but I’ve seen it go two ways. One girl came in and bought a piece and came back a week later crying saying she suddenly felt the need to leave her boyfriend, she was fired from her job, and was now having to move to another state. Although that girl was just on her journey, the sudden change was too much for her to handle. Another guy came in with his supermodel wife, wearing five pieces of moldavite on his body, bought $3,000 in crystals, paid in cash, and explained to me how he meditated through his journey and came out the other side a millionaire living on a ranch in Wyoming, which was always his dream. Moldavite is all about whether or not you can handle the journey it will take you on.

So that’s it! I hope you learned a little something about moldavite, and proceed with caution if you are thinking of buying some off of Etsy for 20 bucks. Come back next week where I will be talking about Astrological sign compatibility!

Thanks for reading!

Jesse, your Amateur Astrologist and Crystal Nerd

Mental Regime

September 23, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org 2 Comments

We welcome submissions. Featured here is Guest Poet and Sophomore Remy Haring.

A note from the poet: This is the first in a saga of poems that psychologically explores how a part of me sees myself and the world around me; it’s set against an overarching story in the background.

I wake up

I put on my state mandated uniform

I follow a state mandated morning routine

I walk through the grey streets with propaganda blasting everywhere

Everyone on the streets is walking in unison

On one of the grand and illustrious skyscrapers in the distance

There is a picture of myself with a beret, sunglasses

and a military uniform decorated with badges

Like morning dew in grass

I am my own dictator

I am my own regime

The regime’s tenants are strict and punishments cruel

Preaching a high and strict moral character

All flaws must be cut away like a perfect diamond

Servility is the only way to popularity

My true essence is hidden in an internment camp far far away

It’s a colorful, enigmatic energy with boundless love and emotion

A bit of that essence leaks out and returns to me

For a minute I just am myself

Bubbly, colorful, creative and sweet

But not for long

A nearby guardsman smashes the butt of his rifle into the back of my head

I’m out cold

I wake up in a courtroom

Shackles bound me

Guards are everywhere

I move

I’m dead

The jurors on either side of me are my peers, family and friends

They find me guilty

The judge unfurls their robe

The judge is me

The gavel is slammed

Sentence: solitary confinement

This may be a cruel fate

But the regime is nothing if not efficient

Need Some Crystal Reiki Healing?

September 23, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By Jessica Denyer, Amateur Astrologist

Last week our Amateur Astrologist Jesse defined the chakras. As a follow-up, this week Jesse talks about the crystals that go with each chakra. She tells us how we can perform our own crystal Reiki healing at home while using designated crystals. — Editor Roman Rickwood

Welcome back!

Last week we delved into the world of Reiki and learned about all of our chakras and what they mean. I explained how most professional Reiki masters perform chakra work, but you can actually do chakra healing on yourself at home using one of my most favorite things. Crystals! So let’s learn which crystals work for which chakra and how you can use them to get your energies flowing.

For Root Chakra, try these crystals:

Hematite
Black Tourmaline
Shungite

The root chakra is in charge of the feelings of safety and security. Hematite, Black Tourmaline, and Shungite are all strong protective stones which can help you keep negative energies and fear from blocking your root chakra and help balance your energy.

For Sacral Chakra, try these crystals:

Carnelian
Golden Healer
Unakite

The sacral chakra is in charge of your creativity and drive. It is also connected to how you relate your feelings to the feelings of others. Carnelian and Unakite are great stones for getting your creative juices flowing, allowing you to keep your mind clear. Golden Healer is great for helping to deal with your emotions. Not dealing with your emotions can be a huge reason why your sacral chakra could be blocked.

For the Solar Plexus Chakra, try these crystals:

Tiger’s Eye
Pyrite
Citrine

The solar plexus chakra is in charge of your own personal power and identity. It is the base of showing who you are. Pyrite and Tiger’s Eye are great crystals for coming out of your shell and embracing your true self. Citrine is an extreme mood booster that helps to amplify the Tiger’s Eye and Pyrite.

For the Heart Chakra, try these crystals:

Malachite
Green Aventurine
Rose Quartz

The heart chakra is in charge of your own true emotions. It controls how you feel love, empathy, and forgiveness. Malachite and Rose Quartz are great for balancing emotions and attracting the love of others as well as self love. Green Aventurine is a stone of prosperity which helps one to open oneself to being loved and showing love.

For the Throat Chakra, try . . .

Agate
Chalcedony
Angelite

The throat chakra is the center of communication. It allows you to process your thoughts and deliver them in the way you want. Agate, Chalcedony, and Angelite are all great for helping with communicating not only with others, but with yourself.

For the Third Eye Chakra, you need . . .

Lapis Lazuli
Labradorite
Opalite

The third eye chakra is believed to rule over your perception, awareness, and spirituality. Lapis Lazuli and Labradorite are all great stones for helping you keep inner peace and gratitude, and Opalite is great for optimism and staying positive in the future.

For Crown Chakra work, try . . .

Amethyst
Fluorite
Selenite

The crown chakra is known for being the center of personal enlightenment, wisdom, and universal consciousness. Fluorite and Amethyst are great for relieving anxiety and stress, and selenite is a cleansing crystal that is great for helping keep a clear and unfogged mind.

To do your own chakra therapy at home, it is quite simple with these crystals. Make sure your crystals are cleansed and charged. Lie down on a flat surface, and place the crystal on the corresponding chakra. Then do a light meditation for about 10 minutes. This will help remove any energy blockages. So, that is all; come back next week where I will talk about the crystal everyone wants to know about, Moldavite. Why is it so popular? Is it actually that powerful? Why is it so expensive? Go to thebirdonfire.org to find out.

Thanks for reading!

Jesse Your Amateur Astrologist

I have to take my pills

September 22, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org 3 Comments

Poem by thebirdonfire.org staffer Ike Spry

I have to take my pills

I’m a different person without them

Sure, maybe It’s not truly who I am

Or maybe I’m a failure without Western medicine

All the suffering I’ve faced

And the pain I’ve instilled

It doesn’t hurt me anymore

Knowing I live a “fake” persona

Maybe I’m lying to myself

The industry is a scam

I’m running in circles

And everyone’s a sheep but me

Maybe I’ll go off my pills

Sleep on the roof

Fall in love for the sake of my loneliness

And threaten to kill myself for attention

Or maybe

I’ll swallow down the truth

With a cold glass of water

And come to accept

I have to take my pills

Have You Tried Genshin Impact? You Should.

September 21, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By Izumi, Middle-School Gamer Correspondent

Genshin Impact is an action story game made in China. What is its story? Our correspondent explains.

Genshin Impact: Process and Overview

Genshin Impact is an action RPG made on September 28th, 2020, after the company miHoYo made another similar action RPG called Honkai Impact 3. That game was made on October 14th, 2016. Development of Genshin Impact started in January 2017 and started with a crew of 120 members in Shanghai. That crew grew to 400 at the end of the year and reached 700 by February 2021 (gamefaqs.com). miHoYo revealed Genshin Impact in June 2019, three months before the release. From soundtrack, animation, backgrounds, and character designs, miHoYo worked three hard years on the start of the game and has added lots of updates in the past year, including new characters with each update. As a matter of fact, new character Sangonomiya Kokomi comes out today!

Genshin Impact: Regions and Elements

In Genshin Impact, there are seven regions. Every region has an archon (ruler/god) based on the seven elements. Characters (playable ones mostly) have visions based on the elements. Dendro (nature), Geo (earth), Pyro (fire), Cryo (ice), Hydro (water), Electro (electric), and Anemo (wind). So far only three out of seven regions are in-game, Anemo, Geo, and Electro. Each region is based on another country. In the photos below you can see all three regions. The Anemo Archons city, the first region to come out in Genshin, is based on Germany. The Geo Archons city, Liyue, is based on China. Lastly, the Electro Archons city, Inazuma, is based off of Japan.

Side note: Characters don’t have to have the same vision as the archon for their city. For example, Beidou, an electro character, isn’t from Inazuma; she’s from Liyue, the geo archon’s city.

Genshin Impact – Step Into a Vast Magical World of Adventure — Monstadt

Liyue | Genshin Impact Wiki | Fandom — Liyue

Genshin Impact: Diluc Ascension And Talent Materials - Flipboard — Inazuma

Genshin Impact: Storyline

Here is the story of Genshin Impact. You (player) have a twin, and you both travel from world to world, but one day when you and your twin were traveling to the next world, an unknown god stood in your way. As you try to defeat her, and travel to the next world, she kidnaps your twin. Right after, you’re both sent into an unknown world separated from each other. Your goal is to travel through this new world called Teyvat and be reunited with your twin. Through this journey you have a companion named Paimon, who travels alongside you. You and Paimon will explore Teyvat, adventure through new regions, and meet characters, while in the process, reuniting with your twin.

Next post, I’ll be drawing a character from Inazuma named Ayaka

Football is Back, and Roman is Happy

September 16, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

People are back and together again. And, according to Roman, nothing brings us together like football and . . . mayonnaise!

By Sports Correspondent Roman Rickwood

College football is in full swing, and it is showing. As we move into week three of the college football season, we find ourselves in a very familiar and comforting time. While college football was played last year, it was anything but normal with some conferences only playing four games with no fans in the stadiums and no normal football season traditions. But, finally, after the wait of our lives, college football is back to its natural glory. There are no more Covid restrictions, or capacity restrictions, and most importantly no teams have severe enough outbreaks to where they had to cancel the game. We saw the return of out-of-conference play, another important thing that Covid took away.

Opening weekend in college football always features marquee matches from powerhouses across all five conferences. The #1 game in week one was (then) #2 Clemson vs (then) #5 Georgia; this game was played at Bank of America stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. This game ended 10-3 in favor of Georgia as well as ending up as the most watched game of the weekend. The opening weekend TV ratings for college football were as high as they have ever been and five times higher than the TV ratings of the 2021 NBA Finals (ESPN). I believe that one of the major contributors to these heightened ratings is credit to the fans in attendance. Personally when sports returned with no fans, I found it incredibly hard to watch, even to watch my favorite teams. There is something special about a packed stadium that just makes the viewing experience that much better.

Photo Credit: Roman Rickwood at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte

I went to the Clemson-Georgia game. It was sponsored by Duke’s Mayo, so there was a Mayonnaise-Eating Competition! The Georgia Redcoat school band marched in, sat in the stands, and played non-stop. And, . . . there was the tail-gating. There was barbecue brisket and ribs piled high on paper plates.

So far this season is looking like it will be a good one, especially considering how many upsets there have been and how many more there are to come. As for now I am just happy to have something to look forward to on Saturdays! This Saturday, kick-off is 9 a.m. You’ll see me camped out on the couch.

In celebration of college football returning, a Bulldog fan took on a Tiger fan in the age-old competition of eating mayonnaise.

Let’s Learn about Chakras!

September 16, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

By Jessica Denyer, Amateur Astrologist

Hello my fellow transcendent beings!

In my quest to enlighten you all about our universe and how you can further connect to it, there is one thing that cannot be overlooked, and that is the practice of Reiki. Reiki is a type of energy healing. It comes from the Japanese words “rei,” meaning universal, and “ki,” meaning life energy. Reiki aims to help energy flow through your body steadily. If energy becomes trapped anywhere in the body, it can have negative side effects. Reiki practitioners believe that improving the energy flow throughout your body can reduce pain, induce relaxation, and help you live a healthier life. Although this is not a medically proven science, some people, like myself, believe wholeheartedly in Reiki healing.

So, let’s start by talking about Chakras. What is a Chakra? Chakras are known to be energy points within your body. During a Reiki session, you will work to release the flow of your energy and get the right alignment. Let’s identify the Chakras.

The Root Chakra

The Root Chakra is known as the “root of all things.” It is located at the base of your spine. It is the center of all emotional and spiritual balance. The root chakra is most concerned with needs. It governs strength, safety, stability and is responsible for making you feel grounded. The root chakra allows us to thrive in our environment. This is one of the most important chakras because if there is a “root energy blockage” it can affect all of your other chakras’ functions.

The Sacral Chakra

The sacral chakra is known to be connected with pleasure and joy. Located about two fingers above the base of your spine, this chakra can help with artistic expression and creativity as well. It is also important in relating to your emotions and the emotions of others. A blocked sacral chakra can lead to anxiety, nightmares, sensitivity, and self-consciousness.

The Solar Plexus Chakra

The solar plexus chakra is known to be connected to your intellectuality and how you process information. Located right about where the ribcage starts, the solar plexus chakra also controls personal power, accountability, and conveying wisdom. Issues with this chakra can lead to symptoms such as brain fog, low motivation, and low self esteem.

The Heart Chakra

The heart chakra is known for being connected to one’s self love and love for others. Located in the center of the chest, it controls having compassion, empathy, showing forgiveness, and practicing acceptance. Issues with the heart chakra can lead to symptoms like poor love life, depression, shyness and fear.

The Throat Chakra

The throat chakra is the chakra of communication. It allows you to speak freely and not feel held down by your thoughts. Located in the middle of the neck, the throat chakra is also responsible for self expression and projecting your creativity out into the world. Issues with the throat chakra could lead to symptoms like fear of public speaking, anxiety, and lack of creative flow.

The Third Eye Chakra

The third eye chakra is responsible for your sense of intuition and clairvoyance. Located in the center of the forehead, the third eye chakra is also responsible for recollection and memory, your conscious and unconscious self, and extra-sensory perceptions. Symptoms of a third eye chakra blockage is lack of memory, feeling of insignificance, and inability to make decisions.

The Crown Chakra

The crown chakra is known as “the bridge to the cosmos” and is responsible for your connection and awareness to your universal consciousness. Located in the center of the top of the head, the crown chakra is also responsible for the center of your spirit and connection to a higher guidance. Symptoms of a crown chakra blockage can be depression, confusion, loss of self worth, and feelings of disconnection.

Now that you know all of the chakras, allow me to quickly explain what a Reiki practitioner will do to help unblock them. A Reiki specialist will usually feel around the chakras, and hover their hand for minutes at a time to help strengthen the energy by transferring some of theirs to you. This will help to remove any blockages.

So that’s it! You now know the basics of Reiki and chakra work. Come back next week where I will be talking about what crystals go with which chakra, and how you can do your own crystal Reiki at home!

Thanks for reading!

Your Amateur Astrologist Jesse