By RTF Staff Writer Matthew VanTryon

He sat in his room with his ear pressed to the door, listening intently for the sound of his parents closing their bedroom door. As he heard the click of their bedroom door signifying his privacy, he eagerly ventured over to his computer. Who cared that it was almost midnight on a school night and that he had final exams the next day? He just wanted his usual pleasure.

As he dove into cyberspace and filled his mind with images that seemed to never end, the minutes slowly ticked away, unbeknownst to the eager teenager. Around three hours later, his head hit the desk as he fell asleep. (more…)

by Staff Writer Matthew VanTryon

The conversation was getting heated, and Tyler was trying to keep his temper in check. However, despite his valiant efforts, “#^%*” came out of his mouth. He immediately hung his head in shame.

“I promised I would stop that.”

As the Chemistry test was being passed down the row, Jessie began to worry. Okay, so maybe worry was an understatement. She was sweating, and profusely at that. (more…)

by Staff Writer Matthew VanTryon

Presents are a big part of Christmas time. So, I thought I’d share about a present I got (although not for Christmas) that had an impact beyond simply another ugly Christmas sweater or socks and underwear. This gift involved what I would truly call a “trip of a lifetime” with my dad.

Everyone has passions in life, certain things that they could talk about or do forever and never get tired of it. For me, one of those passions is watching baseball. Chicago Cubs fan. For those of you who don’t watch baseball, just know the Cubs set the standard for consistent losing. (more…)

by Staff Writer Matthew VanTryon

Last year, I knew what I wanted for Christmas long before December rolled around. I decided that I would teach myself to play the guitar — because I assumed that any guy who could play the guitar and carry a tune would be a shoo-in to gain the attention of only the most attractive females at school… and it seemed like a cool skill to have, as well. (more…)

by Staff Writer Matthew VanTryon

Imagine waking up every morning, parched dry. Yet instead of walking downstairs to the faucet and getting a glass of clean and refreshing water, you walk miles later that day to retrieve muddy and bacteria-filled water. This is the situation that many people find themselves in on a daily basis. This is the situation that Active Water is trying to eliminate.

According to Active:Water’s website, 884 million people lack access to clean drinking water. That’s almost three times the population of the United States! (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Matthew VanTryon

To say Jared has a full plate this semester is an understatement. He is actively involved in Student Council, plays sports year round, and has a part time job at the grocery store. On top of this, he is constantly volunteering at church and, oh yeah, has a ton of homework too.

This may sound a lot like your own schedule. I know that I can relate.  (more…)

by Staff Writer Matthew VanTryon

“Money makes the world go ’round” is a phrase often uttered, especially in the affluent United States. Though some may scoff at this extreme notion, it is truer than it may seem.

Virtually everything on this earth costs money. Most arguments either involve politics or, you guessed it, money.

Take for instance the current NFL Lockout. I am by no means a football guru, but I do know that as of right now there is no football season because people that already make millions of dollars want even more (I know this isn’t the entire situation, but that’s not the point). According to the NFL Player’s Association, the minimum salary for an NFL player is $295,000 per year. (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Matthew VanTryon

Abandon, a contemporary Christian band that is quickly gaining popularity, has had quite a journey. From their hit songs Hero and more recently, Feel it in your Heart, they have gone from a humble beginning to being nominated for a Dove Award. (more…)