8th Grade Grad Night, by Tori

     Grad night at Busch Gardens was one of the best nights I’ve had, and it’s safe to say the rest of our school’s group was in agreement. Grad Nite at Busch Gardens is, simply put, keeping the park open only to local 8th graders from 7:00pm to midnight, which was more fun than I’d expected.
With many 8th graders from local private and public schools arriving, it was sure to be crowded. And it sure looked crowded inside, kids cramming up the paths, apart from the Timbuktu area and some outlying paths that led to the entrance. However, lines for rides such as Kumba, Montu, and Gwazi were far shorter than a normal weekend day, and went by quickly. Notice I didn’t included Sheikra in that list. We headed over there fairly soon after getting to the park, our school not late on arrival at all, and the line was 45 minutes, in the blazing sun. We just ditched that ride altogether, it wasn’t worth the wait. So, my two friends and I spent a good bit of our time in Timbuktu, where Cheetah Chase (or rather, Sand Serpent, but honestly, no one calls it that) and Scorpion are located, following our teacher’s advice that it would be the least crowded part of the park. It was a great time to just hang out with friends, and maybe socialize with new people. It was all fine and dandy, but one thing just set me off.
Now if we know anything about amusement parks, most people with any sense would attend a park in Florida, in May, in a t-shirt and shorts, or perhaps a tank-top. Not to mention, park rides don’t normally win the hygiene award every year. The so-called dress code enforced by Busch Gardens required pants or jeans and collared shirts, or for ladies a blouse or dress if so preferred. Dresses? Really? To many kids rescue, bermuda-length shorts were announced as appropriate, but those nice shirts can get stuffy. So imagine our thoughts when every, and I truly mean every, kid that wasn’t from Academy at the Lakes is waltzing around in everything under the sun that wasn’t part of the dress code. Yes, they were sporting t-shirts, tank tops, bikini tops (I kid you not), baggy pants in need of belts, short denim shorts, shorter sofies, and even shorter shorts. I even saw shiny silver tight pants straight from the 60s. I was miffed that we had been preached to that if our shirt had no collar we’d be kicked out, right when three girls in scanty bikini tops pranced by me, sweltering in the heat. Why bother making a dress code if it won’t be enforced? Although this was irritating, I did not let it ruin my night.
So, yes, I truly enjoyed Grad Night, and would relive it again in a heartbeat.

"Anime Review- Hetalia: Axis Powers" - by Tori

    When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is, by rule of thumb. So an educational and entertaining anime show? It’s not a sound source for information, but Hetalia: Axis Powers actually has true facts imbedded in the storyline, lots of them in fact, and is very entertaining to many people. Although the show is slammed by critics for sometimes being biased and often off-topic, the show’s point isn’t to provide information, but to entertain viewers, and in the process excite them about learning more on world history.

         Hetalia: Axis Powers is an anime show set in the World War II era, the first episode taking place just after WWI. The show also includes a plethora of facts from other points in time. To portray the show flawlessly, the characters are all anthropomorphic versions of countries. The main characters are the Allied Forces: England, America, France, Russia, and China, the Axis powers: Japan, Germany, and Italy, as well as Prussia (who represents East Germany), Austria, Hungary, Canada, Belarus, and many other minor characters who played small roles in the WWI-WWII era, or are  there just for comic relief or fun. The relationships between the characters represent those of the actual countries. Austria and Hungary are divorced, Prussia and Germany are brothers, China mentored Japan, Russia is the brother of Ukraine and Belarus, England raised America as an adopted younger brother, and there are two Italys, brothers, to represent the Northern and Southern parts of Italy being governed separately at that time. The characters in the English dub of the anime have accents for each character, and the manga gives names for them. The country’s appearances are based on the culture of said country, and also the size of the region (for example, Russia wears a scarf, coat, snow-boots, and gloves, and is very tall and muscular, while Sealand is small, the size of a child, and wears a sailor outfit).

         The show is adored by its large and rapidly growing fan-base, consisting mainly of the target audience:  15-25 year olds. And anyone who knows their history will chuckle at the factual jokes. Hetalia does however, as with any popular work of media, have its fair share of critics. Critics are often older than the target audience and believe the show intends to teach people, which it does not. The facts embedded in the show are actually true, but the majority of the show focuses on the comedy and entertaining aspects of the story, so critics stab at that point, saying you shouldn't learn from this show, oblivious to the fact that most sentient people don't brush up on history with Hetalia. Many fans do develop an interest in learning further about WWI, WWII, and other major world history events, helping spark an interest that other shows can't hold a candle to. And they sure can remember which sides the countries were on for WWII. Another point critics get at is that the characters portray untrue or derrogatory stereotypes of the countries. For instance, Russia sometimes totes a bottle of vodka, France is a romantic, and England has a bit of a sailor mouth. However, if the characters didn't portray actual stereotypes (non-racist ones that is), then they couldn't be distinguished as that country. If China and Germany had the same accent and looked the same, well that wouldn't be any fun now would it? And, our last major point, critics, often American critics, say the show sympathizes too much with the Axis Powers. Okay, let's plug our brains back in for a sec. This is an anime, meaning it was made in Japan. Let's remember that Japan was an Axis Power. They're not going to make themselves the bad guy here. So just keep in mind, this is a Japanese view on the world. It could be worse.

         Hetalia: Axis Powers is a fun and humorous show, and very creatively made. Although it was created with mature audiences in mind, it pulls off something many shows can't say they have: it makes you want to learn more about history while having fun.

References:

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hetalia:_Axis_Powers>

<http://www.funimation.com/hetalia/>

Picture Source:

<http://www.downloadost.com/Ost-2010-02-10-4046-hetalia-axis-powers-sound-world-ost.html>

Movie Review: Rango, by Tori

     It’s a special occurrence when a well-made movie for kids hits the theaters. However, what’s good for the kids isn’t always good for the adults, so many parents dread sitting through an hour or so of childish jokes and slapstick stunts. One of the great things about Rango is that it can be enjoyed by both parents and children alike, which is a refreshing change from the norm. Kids will be able to enjoy the majority of the jokes, the interesting but not too complex plot, and the action. Adults and teenagers can enjoy the innuendos, jokes intended for all audiences, as well as countless references to popular works, such as the fight scene in the canyon, resembling that of the pod racer scene from Star Wars I. Parents and their children will leave this movie with very different thoughts of it, but nonetheless it has something for everyone to appreciate.

    Rango takes place in the animal-inhabited town of Dirt, a severely water-starved, Wild West type town smack dab in the middle of a desert. Rango is a melodramatic chameleon, who is kept as a pet until he crashes out of the cage and lands on the side of the road. He visits the town, and in an act of bravado and boasting at the Saloon, and with dumb luck as well, he is recognized as one of the toughest guys in the town, and is made the sheriff. Of course, his bark is far bigger than his bite, which is a classic recipe for an interesting turn of events. The voicing of the movie is great, and the cast of characters includes a wide variety of realistic desert creatures. The lead characters grow on you easily, so what more is there to say?

        As a cautionary note, although this movie will be a home run with the kids, its not for the littlest of tykes, as there is mild cussing (h-e-double hockey stick, and the d-word, nothing all that bad) and some very mild violence, so around 5-6 and older would be a suggested age. This is definitely a gem of a movie you won't want to miss out on.

"An Interview with Ms. Nadow," by Talia

1. What is your favorite movie?

“I hate this question because there are so many good movies out there. My favorite kid movie is either Elf, The Polar Express, or Despicable Me. My favorite overall movie is probably Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightly, but I also like Secondhand Lions, The Fifth Element, and Moulin Rouge. And The Young Victoria."

2. What is your favorite television show?

“Castle."

3. What is your favorite holiday?

"Halloween… no, Christmas…no… Superbowl Sunday…no, Halloween.”

4. What is your favorite electronic device?

“iPhone.”

 5. What is your favorite store?

“The L.L. Bean flagship store in Freeport, Maine.”

6. What is your favorite part about teaching?

“My fluffy ducklings.” [Her students.]

7.  What is your favorite memory of teaching?

“Poetry Camp every year.”

8. What is the funniest thing a student has ever done or said in your class?

“Probably the day Max started undressing in the middle of class because he didn’t know that we don’t really do that in America in front of other people."

9. What college did you attend?

“Simmons College in Boston.”

10. What was your favorite subject as a kid?

“Lunch. And then band, chorus, Art, English, French, and that’s all.”

(Artwork by Tori)

"Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World", By:Ellen

Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World is a quirky romantic comedy directed by Edgar Wright and is based on a graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O'Malley. The film is about a 22 year old, bass-guitar playing, guy from Toronto, named Scott Pilgrim. When Scott meets the woman of his dreams, Ramona Flowers, he instantly tries to win her over. Unfortunately for Scott, he soon realizes that in order for him and Ramona to have a chance of being together, he must conquer her seven evil exes. Through out the movie, a wide variety of Ramona’s evil exes pop up at unexpected times and places, and he must defeat them all.

            What made the movie so eccentric was the art direction. The visuals were set up to make the movie have a comic book feel. There were screen divides, thought bubbles, plenty of sound effects, and even onomatopoeias that fly across the screen while the action was happening in the foreground. There was a lot of creative thinking into the artistic direction as well as subtle nods to the fans of the original Scott Pilgrim comics.

            The cast in the film was spectacular as well. The protagonist, Scott Pilgrim, was played by Michael Cera. His offbeat personality adds to the all around quirkiness to the film. Ramona Flowers, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, is Scott’s mysteriously witty love interest and Wallace Wells, played by Kieran Culkin, is Scott’s sassy roommate.

            The script was superb. There are many subtle jokes that you will never catch if you just watch it once. This is one movie you can see over and over again and notice something new.

            This unusually funny coming of age story is very clever, there is something for everyone, there’s action, comedy and romance. I would give it 3 out of five paw prints.

(Artwork by Tori)

"The Facebook Comic," by Tori.

An Interview with Ms. Buckman by Talia

Interview: Ms. Buckman

1. Why did you decide to become a teacher?
I decided to become a teacher because I really wanted to make a difference in the lives of children.

2. Who is the biggest inspiration in your life?
Probably my father to tell you the truth.

3. Why did you choose to major in science?

Because I’ve always been fascinated by science in general, and particularly with any of the life sciences and with chemistry.

4.   What is the most original science fair project you’ve ever seen?

It was using calcium oxide as a potential clean energy source. It was conducted by Shane Fitzgerald. It was probably the most original one.

5.   What is your favorite day of the week? Why?

Friday. The reason it is my favorite day of the week is because I get to talk to my boyfriend as long as I want to. I don’t have to go to bed at a particular time.

6.   Where do you want to travel?

Scotland, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, any of the Scandinavian countries, Nova Scotia, Morocco, Australia, lots of places.

7.   What is your favorite children’s book?

The Giving Tree for sure. And any Sheil Silverstine.

8.   What is your favorite type of music? Why?

Well let’s see. It’s a tie actually. It’s a tie between rock, all rock and pop and country. I also like a lot of classical music and a lot of jazz music. There’s not much music that I don’t like.

9.   What is your favorite play this school has put on?

Oliver because my daughter is the lead.

10.                     What is your favorite animal? Why?

Turtles and the reason are because there are so many different species. And their behaviors intrigue me.

(Picture by Tori.)

Tori's Cartoons, "Skiing Methods."

"Golf Angles", By: Ellen

In the game of golf, the angle or “loft” of the club is a vital factor for hitting the perfect shot. Each club has a different loft angle which affects the outcome of the shot. The loft of a golf club is the angle that is formed when the club face lies respectively to the ground. The higher the measurement of angle of the club, the higher trajectory the ball will have and the shorter distance the ball will travel. Luckily, each club is also assigned a specific name, or a number usually ranging from 3 to 9. Much like the angle of the club face, the higher the number, the shorter the trajectory and distance the ball will go. The United States Golf Association has established a set standard for each of the angles and their corresponding numbers. There are different types of golf clubs as well. Wedges and irons are usually made of iron and are solid where as woods and drivers have bigger heads, are hollow, and go further than irons.  For an example, a pitching wedge can range from 47-53 degrees. A pitching wedge has a higher loft, therefore it used around the green to get the ball up in the air. A five iron ranges from 28-32 degrees and is typically used in the fairway. A driver has the lowest angle measurement of 8 - 13 degrees; it is used to hit a long powerful shot because the distance and trajectory is the largest. The angles may range for each player individually according to their comfort. Fortunately, the technology that is available now is extremely advanced and this can be easily done. The club loft is extremely important in golf. It is the main ingredient in the formula to create the perfect shot.

(Artwork by Tori)