Ravens Week 3 Recap

    The Ravens played their home opener against the Cleveland Browns in Week 3. The Ravens offense finally woke up, scoring more points in Week 3 then they had all season and gaining 365 yards of total offense.
    The Ravens scored on an 8-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco to Anquan Boldin in the 1st quarter to give them the early lead. Flacco and Boldin hooked up again, this time for a 12-yard touchdown pass to give the Ravens the halftime lead, 14-10.
    The Browns scored a touchdown in the 4th quarter to give them the lead, 17-14. Later in the quarter, Flacco and Boldin hooked up one final time for another touchdown to help the Ravens regain the lead. Billy Cundiff added a 49-yard field goal to put the game out of reach with just over five minutes left.
    The defense struggled a little bit, allowing the Browns' offense to gain 304 yards and running back Peyton Hillis to rush for 144 yards. They also did not force any turnover in the game, which was a first on the early season. The Ravens' defense did have two sacks in the game on a positive note.
    With the win, the Ravens improved their record to 2-1. They are still in third place in the AFC North, but they are only one game behind the 3-0 Pittsburgh Steelers who they play in Week 4, which will be a battle for 1st place. Watch the game on WJZ TV 13 in Baltimore at 1 pm.


- Charlie Rachel

Ravens Week 2 Recap

    The Ravens played the Cincinnati Bengals on the road in week 2. Unlike in Week 1, the Ravens did not look good, losing 15-10.
    It seemed as if Baltimore might win as they led midway through the 4th quarter 10-9, but the Bengals scored 6 unanswered points in the last five minutes of the game. The Ravens' offense was driving with 2 minutes left in the game, when Joe Flacco threw his fourth interception to wrap up the game.
    The Ravens' scoring came on a 31-yard touchdown pass to Derrick Mason from Joe Flacco in the 3rd quarter and on a 38-field goal by Billy Cundiff in the 4th quarter.
    The Ravens' defense was one of the few bright spots in the game. They held the Bengals to five field goals and no touchdowns, while allowing the Bengals to gain only 253 total yards of offense.
    With their loss against the Bengals, the Ravens fell to 1-1 on the season and are now currently in third place in the AFC North. They are 1 game out of first place behind the 2-0 Pittsburgh Steelers. Hopefully the Ravens' offense will wake up in time for their week 3 contest at home against the Cleveland Browns.


- Charlie Rachel

My Love - Tonya Fralin

    One day I received a phone call from one of my friends, Jason. He was hanging out with a girl named Tonya and he was wondering if I would like to talk to her, so we started talking to one another. We talked on the phone a couple times in the next few weeks, until I was invited to attend a church service at Westminster High School. When I got there Jason, Bruce, and Tonya were standing outside waiting for me and we went inside together - Tonya sat next to me. That afternoon she called me and asked if I wanted to start going out with her - on a funny side note I had been thinking about doing the same thing, but she beat me to it.
    We started dating on June 28th, 2000. We got engaged on May 24th, 2004 at my nephew's birthday party. My mom wanted to watch me propose to Tonya, but she was too busy, so I just gave the ring to Tonya and put it on her finger. I then kissed her and we have been engaged ever since.
    In 2004, I would unexpectedly get sick, so sick that I almost died. Tonya was there through it all. She was always by my side to provide support to my family and me. Things got so bad that I could not remember much of anything. Even through those times, I always remembered Tonya and how much she meant to me.
    Tonya has meant so much to me over the ten plus years we have been dating. She makes me feel so happy that I feel like I am floating on a cloud and I never want to lose that feeling.
    We are not able to hang out as much as I would like since Tonya moved to Union Bridge a few years ago. When we do hang out together, we sit and talk or watch TV. The time we spend together means so much to me and I wish we could hang out more often than we do. To make up for the time we are not able to spend together in person, we talk on a daily basis through email, phone calls, or on Facebook.
    Tonya and I hope to soon be married and live together. This will be so much nicer than it is now. We also plan on having another child in the near future, which will be a real joy for both of us.


- Charlie Rachel

Charlotte's Web Movie Review

    The remake of Charlotte's Web was a great movie from start to finish. It is a story in which two unlikely characters become best friends, which is very inspiring to see. I highly recommend watching it whenever you get  a chance. It is the story of a spider named Charlotte who, with the help of some friends from the barn, sets out to save a pig named Wilbur from being slaughtered. Wilbur is going to be slaughtered because she is a spring pig who usually doesn't get to see the winter. Charlotte and the rest of Wilbur's friends have to work together to convince the farmer that Wilbur is special and is worth keeping.
    This is one of my favorite movies of all time and I enjoyed it as much as the original version. It is a great family film, with many inspiring lessons to be learned from watching it. I give it a ten out of ten.


- Charlie Rachel

Ravens Week 1 Recap

    The first Ravens game was a good one. Joe Flacco had a great game, throwing for 248 yards. Ray Lewis had a good game leading the Ravens' defense that only allowed the Jets' offense to gain 176 total yards and score a mere 9 points, all coming on field goals.
    The Ravens trailed in the game heading into the second half, until late in the second quarter, when Willis McGahee scored a touchdown on a one yard run, which put the Ravens in the lead, 7-6. Billy Cundiff added a 25-yard field goal in the third quarter to make the score 10-6. This was all the scoring the Ravens would need to win the game. The final score was 10-9 Ravens, starting the season off on a positive note.


-Charlie Rachel

Ravens Season Preview

    The Ravens have some good players this year on offense, such as Anquan Boldin who will serve as the primary receiver for Joe Flacco and the passing game. The addition of receivers Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmandzadeh will help open up the running game and help Joe Flacco continue to develop into one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Ray Rice will continue to have an impact on the running game.
    Ray Lewis is the quarterback of defense, which should be witch should be strong once again this year although Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed is out for at least the first six games while he recovers from off-season hip surgery. Haloti Ngata anchors the defensive line and looks to build off of a solid season in 2009.
    The first game is Monday night September 13 against the New York Jets. This will be a nationally televised game starting at 7 p.m.on ESPN's Monday Night Football. Not only will it be the first game of the season for both teams, but it will be the first game in the New Meadowlands Stadium for the Jets.
    In order to win this game the Ravens must shut down the Jets offense led by second year quarterback Mark Sanchez. It is equally as important for the Ravens offense to move the ball down the field against one of the best defenses in the NFL led by cornerback Darrelle Revis.
    Other key match ups this season include: October 3rd on the road versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, October 17th once again on the road against the New England Patriots, December 5th in Baltimore against the Steelers, and December 19th against the defending Super Bowl Champions - the New Orleans Saints.
    I predict that this will be a good season for the Ravens. I believe that the Ravens will be 12-4 this season and will win the AFC North. In doing so, they will make the playoffs for the second straight season. Once in the playoffs, the Ravens will win the Super Bowl. Joe Flacco will have a big season and will earn a trip to the Pro Bowl at the end of the season.


-Charlie Rachel

Living With a Disability

    People with developmental disabilities can lead normal lives just like everyone else; the only difference is that we do things a little differently and maybe more slowly than everyone else. These differences do not change the fact that we have hopes, dreams, and expectations just like everyone else.
    I was born with cerebral palsy, which has caused me to use a wheelchair or a walker for assistance in order to get around. This has been hard for me, especially when I am in small spaces, at work, or in large crowds. It is also hard when I need to use the restroom. Some restrooms are not big enough for my wheelchair to fit in, which causes problems for me. Sometimes I need to wait for assistance in order to use the bathroom, which is very frustrating - I wish I could do this myself, it would be much easier.
    I also wish that people were a little nicer to me when I go out. Most of the time people are very nice and help me when I ask for it, but sometimes when I go out people can be very rude. If I say excuse me while I am trying to get by, they act like they do not hear me and go on with their lives as if I do not exist. They often talk about me, which I do not like.
    There are things that I wish would be changed in order to make my life a little easier. First, I wish that there would be more handicap accessible restrooms available in all buildings. I wish that some of the doors to those restrooms would open at the push of the button. It would also be nice if the stalls were all big enough so that people with wheelchairs, like me, would have an easier time and make going to the bathroom less of a project. I also wish that there were more opportunities for handicaps to be able to work and be included in society. I think that people should be hired based on their skills and not based on whether or not they have a disability, which is not always the case today.
    Living with cerebral palsy may limit my mobility, but it has not changed my creativeness or my mind. I think of things some people might not. I wonder about places I have not been and might never go. I think about the different customs they have and how their lives may be different. I also enjoy writing and using the computer very much. One day I hope to work for the Carroll County Times or another newspaper.
    This is how living with a disability is for me, Charlie Rachel.

The Adventures of Cyberspace

    Once upon a time in the town of Cyberville there lived a super hero. His name was Cyberman (his name comes from the word cyberspace meaning the Internet). Cyberman could travel through cyberspace using email and the print icon on his computer to get to his destination. His job was to protect cyberspace from the evil Spaminator. Spaminator was known for sending spam and viruses to millions of computers worldwide, causing them to crash. Once all of the computers worldwide has crashed, the world would be left in total darkness and the evil Spaminator would be in complete control.
    Cyberman however always made sure to keep his computer protected from all kinds of viruses. Armed with the newest technology, Cyberman set out to stop Spaminator from taking over the world. Since Spaminator's latest virus did not affect Cyberman's computer, he could track the Spaminator's where-abouts.
    Cyberman located Spaminator in Baltimore, Maryland, so he jumped into the computer disk drive. Once inside the computer he grabbed the email envelope and zipped through cyberspace and found himself in Baltimore. He then clicked print and jumped off the page at Spaminator. Cyberman then shouted his catch phrase, "Never fear, Cyberman is here." Then Cyberman and Spaminator began a long battle for control of the wolrd. They took turns firing their lazar weapons at each other. Then Cyberman had a bright idea. "If I just press delete this fight will be over," he thought to himself. So he did just that and Spaminator and his virus vanished. Spaminator shouted, "You haven't seen the last of me," as he vanished off into cyberspace.
    Cyberspace was once again safe thanks to Cyberman's heroics.


-Charlie Rachel

The Day the World Changed

    On September 11th, 2001, a cowardly terrorist group led by Osama Bin Laden attacked the United States of America. Many people lost their lives when two plains crashed into the twin towers at the World Trade Center in New York City, as well as the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and in a field in Pennsylvania. The site of these horrible attacks, in New York City, is now known as Ground Zero.
    These attacks may have changed the look of the United States in 2001, but they did not change the countries' pride and strength. If anything, it made the U.S. a more unified and stronger nation. Another result of these attacks was the United States entered a war on terrorism in the Middle East, in an attempt to prevent any further attacks by terrorist groups and to search for weapons of mass destruction.
    It is hard to believe that it has been 9 years since these attacks. It is important to continue to remember these attacks and about those who lost their lives. In order to do so, we hold remembrances each year for those who bravely lost their lives on that day and in the war on terrorism.
    It is also important to remember the brave men and women that are fighting in the Middle East to protect our freedom to this day. To the people fighting to protect our nation, we say thank you.


-Charlie Rachel

Donald Rowe

    At The Arc there are approximately 300 staff members and about 600 members that are supported by the various programs that The Arc runs on a daily basis. The president of this program is Donald Rowe. Donald is responsible for making sure everyone is following the policies and rules. He is also responsible for having enough staff to be sure the needs of all of the clients are being met on a daily basis. He takes care of the programs financing and the safety issues within the building. He likes to know everyone is happy and having a good time. Don works with Floyd, Kevin, and Cristin to plan more activities for clients to participate in.
    He was kind to talk with me and asked me my opinion of The Arc. It can be said that Don "loves [his] job!"


- Charlie Rachel

In Memoriam

    Charlie was a great guy and friend to many people here at The Arc. Everyone loved him and still does to this day. He is truly missed, but his memories live on. Charlie is remembered for many things, such as being a good friend and a funny person. When times were tough he found a way to brighten up our day and make us laugh. He also loved his girlfriend of many years, Tori Eshelman.
    Charlie was my lunch buddy. He would always have a lot of food for lunch everyday. I jokingly would ask him, "Where do you put all that food?" He would reply, "In my belly."
    I also remember how we would talk about the World Wresting Entertainment (WWE). We often talked about whom we wanted to win in the match that night or in a few days.
    I would like to say once again how much we all love Charlie. We will miss you Charlie. You were a great friend who will never be forgotten. Hope to see you someday soon.


Sincerely,
Charlie Rachel

In Memory of Shane Davidson

    Shane was my best friend. During our childhood, we rode the school bus together even though we attended different schools. Some of my favorite memories with Shane are the fun times we spent together going fishing on the weekends. We went fishing almost every weekend until I awoke one Saturday morning to learn we would never go fishing again. We would never go fishing again because my friend Shane had passed away. If I remember correctly, Shane had a heart attack. We were like brothers, so I felt like a part of me died that day when I heard the news of Shane's passing. His passing made me very sad for a long period of time.
    I do not think I will ever get over Shane's death. I am constantly reminded of Shane and our times together, which makes it harder to completely get over. Sometimes when I get lonely, I think of him and wonder what we would be doing if he were here today. I still think of Shane and our fishing adventures and even though we may never go fishing again, I still picture us fishing every weekend in my memories and dreams. I know he is in a better place and he is watching over me.
    I will never get over the loss of my friend Shane, but it has gotten easier to accept his death over time. I miss Shane very much and think about him often. I know I will see him again some day, when we will be able to go fishing in a big ocean in Heaven. Rest in peace Shane.


Sincerely,
Charlie Rachel

The Arc Convention 2010

    The Arc Convention was fun and I learned a lot of really good information. I met a writer who wants to help me get my work published once I write a book. Speaking of books, I also attended the Next Chapter Book Club, which was a mock book club meeting. I think we should start a chapter here at The Arc for those who are interested in reading.
    I was also pleased to learn more about how The Arc helped the clients after the closing of Rosewood. I was moved by the stories the clients shared about how it has changed their lives. This experience sure has changed my life as well. Without places like The Arc, where would the clients be today?
    So in closing, I would like to say thank you to the Arc for inviting me to this convention and I look forward to going again soon.


- Charlie Rachel

Introduction to Me

    My name is Charlie Rachel. I was born September 10, 1976 in Baltimore, Maryland. I grew up most of my life in Carroll County, but spent a few years of my childhood in North Carolina. I went to Rock Creek Elementary School and Carrolltown Elementary School. I then went to Mount Airy Middle School, and South Carroll High School. Currently I am at The Arc trying to find a job with the newspaper as a journalist.
    My mom and I moved to North Carolina to try something new. We soon came back to escape the harsh winter. When it snowed it took a long time to clean the roads because they did not clean the roads until it stopped snowing. Now I am home in good old Maryland, and I will never leave here again.
    My favorite subjects in school were science, social studies, photography, and computer sciences. I also enjoyed pep rallies, and after school activities such as dances, and chorus practice for concerts. I was on the honor roll, earning A's and B's but mostly A's. Then I went into a post secondary program where I almost found a job until I was enrolled at the Maryland Rehab Center in Baltimore.
    I want to be a writer because I enjoy using the computer, which allows me to write more easily. Working for the newspaper would be a neat job to have because it would allow me to combine my love of computers with my newfound love of writing.
    In closing I would like to thank my friends and family for their support, and Kevin Walla, without whom I might not have discovered my newfound love of writing. Thank you for your time to allow me to tell you things you may not have known about me.


Yours truly,
Charlie Rachel