The Election

Hello boys and girls, I'm back and it's the final post of the year. Focusing on one of the final events of the year, the election. The candidates are: William Yu and Cydney Chan, Rebecca Nguyen and Damon Lundy, Kenar Bannister and Ayotunde Summers, Daniel Padulo and Andrew Burgers, and finally yours truly, Oscar Orellana and Joanne Yu. A lot of choices, I know. I could tell you who not to vote for, but I'm not gonna! I haven't heard any plans  of change for the school from any of them. But they all promise the  same thing, change. Guess we'll have to wait for the speeches( that'll be fun). I think most everyone are iconic figures around the school, save a few. We're all pretty much athletes, or honor students, and all that good stuff we say we are. But that doesn't mean boot. I've got plans in stored for this school, I do! Don't want to spoil them, but here's one. We need a new microwave, nothing too fancy, just new. The one we have is dirty and old, could collapse on us any day. And I know very well how to get the money for items like that. Also maybe a coffee machine, elaborate I know, but I got the swing of it. And more, an economical plan you know? Basically, I've got an idea to help this school, I really want to. I'm not running for fun or just for the sake of running or because of a feeling of entitlement or whatever like some of the other candidates. Politics, it's a sticky business. And if you think your vote doesn't matter, then ha I say. Trust me, one person can be the difference between a good president and a bad one. And the president affect clubs, events, a number of things. But we can't change any school policies or rules or stuff like that. We can't. So vote when it comes to it. I've said it and ill say it again. "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not"- Dr. Seuss, the Lorax.

So vote, and vote for Oscar and Joanne 2014! (It's my blog post I get to be bias, and soon to be site!)

And until next year! 

-Oscar 

(This message has been supported by the Lorax club)

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Metalocalypse

Sup kiddies, I'm sure you've heard of an apocalypse, but there's something even better. A Metalocalypse, its also a show, an awesome show. A brutal show, and metal. Its basically about a death metal band called Dethkolk, they're a band in real life also. An animated band on Adult Swim, that is the worlds best band and they are rich as all hell. They all rock and are totally brutal, but they're not the smartest. It is rated TV MA, because of violence and stuff. On lead singer is Nathan Explosion, with a dark heavy voice who failed to get his GEP. Lead guitarist Skwisgaar Skwigelf, Swiss man and one of the best guitarists ever. Rhythm guitarist Toki Wartooth, first time in a band and adored by children for his simple and  like young mindedness. On drums is Pickles, heavy drinker (not that the rest aren't) and last name unknown. Finally, bassist William Murderface, an overall angered, mean dude who's fat. Skwisgaar is the guy with long blonde hair, Toki is the guy with long brown hair, Nathan is the big guy with black hair, Pickles is the guy with the orange dreds and Murderface is the guy with the roundish brown hair. They are awesome and do some crazy stuff, like one time they wanted to apologize to Finnland for almost destroying it last tour. They instead released an ancient troll. Its pretty cool so check it out and a Metalocalypse would be awesome. So check it out and my next post. Vote Oscar 2013!

- Oscar (This isn't for the last post)

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Award Shows

There’s a variety of Award Shows that come on every year for movies and music. My personal favorites are the VMA’s and the Billboard awards. A lot of us have been watching award shows since we were little because of Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards. I think award shows are very entertaining because all the famous actors and actresses attend and there are always interesting little skits and performances that are on. Usually these award shows choose funny, comical people to host. Sometimes if you’re lucky there will be some dramatic incident like a couple of years ago when Kanye West dissed Taylor Swift. There are performances from famous singers and who doesn’t love seeing their celebrity crush or favorite singer perform. Then for the actual awards there’s the anticipation of who is going to win and it’s fun to make bets with friends or family member on who you think is going to win. Also, it’s funny when they move the camera throughout the audience to show the reactions of other celebrities when certain people receive awards. It looks like so much fun to actually attend a show; I would love to go to the VMA’s one day. 

- Eleftheria Kalaitzis

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Tomb Raider

Square Enix one of Japan’s top leading game developers has truly outdone themselves with the release of the new Tomb Raider. The game stars a young British girl - that we all know and love - who’s on an exploration with her close friends, and a “famous” archeologist, for a documentary that the crew is helping put together. The game starts off with as a scene in which the destruction of their ship - the Endurance - occurs, landing them on an island in the Dragon’s Triangle near Japan. Young Lara Croft wakes up to the wreckage and is attacked from behind shortly after, ending the scene and starting the game.

                The game control feels amazing, as well as the structure. While you control Lara, you can see how well the designers worked on the coding of the movement and response to the controls. Compared to previous versions of Tomb Raider, the controlling features feel flawless. The character's actions and reactions are almost like  an extension of your own. As you develop through the game, you soon learn how Lara Croft became the legend she is in the classic RPGs, while she in turn, finds her inner Croft. The further into the game you get, the more you see how clearly organized the structure is with the controls, something that feels decidely lacking in some other games by Square Enix, such as Deus Ex.

                While the game’s control sequence is amazing, what is truly breath taking are the graphics. The artwork, the 3-D design, and the structure of the entire layout is breathtaking. Lara gets bruised up, beaten, and wounded, which is prevalent throughout the whole game play. In most RPG games once a player is wounded, their wounds tend to magically disappear after a certain amount of time, but in this game, the game-play feels way more realistic as Lara keeps all bumps and bruises, as well as the not-so-glamorous dirt she receives throughout. This feature is similar to how Warner Bros. produced Batman: Arkham Asylum & Batman: Arkahm City, where if Batman gets injured and his suit gets damaged it stays damaged throughout the whole gameplay.

                The story line of the game is amazing, the way they show how Lara grows and her development throughout the game is amazing. Overall, I give this game a 9.5 out of 10, mainly cause there were still some loose ends in the editing, but despite that I thought it was a really good game.

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April fool’s Day- DIY

Who doesn’t like a good joke? I recently learned how to make fake blood, so now I can have all kinds of fun! Since it’s made out of edible ingredients, you can eat it too. But be careful because it can stain clothing (if you add detergent it won’t stain, but you can’t eat it). With April fool’s day coming up, this could help you with the great practical joke you had trouble thinking of!

What you need:

Chocolate Syrup, Corn Syrup, Red Food Coloring, Water, bowl, Spoon, Tissue (Optional), Different Colors of food coloring (optional)

To Make:

1.       Grab your bowl, pour water into it. (The more water you add the drippier the blood will be.)

2.       Add some corn syrup. (This will make the blood thicker.)

3.       Add drops of red food coloring. (To give the blood its red color.)

4.       Add some chocolate syrup. (If you add too much, it won’t look like blood anymore, and will start to take on the color brown. No amount of red coloring will salvage it.)

5.       Mix!

Tips and Tricks:

-Having different colors in there like green or blue, can give your blood a richer color. But like the chocolate syrup too much will ruin it from actually looking like real blood.

-If you dip a lot of tissue in your fake blood it will look like gory flesh.

Please don’t scare your family too much. You can also use this for things like a Halloween costume (with

laundry detergent it won’t stain), or a play that involves blood. Have fun making it!

- Zakiyyah Mandisa 

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Incoco Nail Appliques

Since I love painting my nails of course I will try different nail things to share with everyone. I've heard about cool ways to do your nails without having to wait for anything to dry. And not worrying about messing up the designs you make when you're waiting. As a grade I will give this company, Incoco nail strip product an F. I tried everything and I mean everything for this product to work and it didn't work out. Basically you match each strip to the size of your nails and file off the excess with an emery board. That part was pretty simple, but once you file off the excess the sticker strip started ripping and not sticking. The company claimed to last for 2 weeks, I was so mad that I ended up taking it off in about 2 hours. I definitely don't recommend nail strips, honestly I would just stick with painting my nails the regular way. Or if you still want to try then adding a clear coat of nail polish on top, which kind of defeats the point.  Please, I beg of you stick with the traditional way of creating good nail art.

- Zakiyyah Mandisa

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Temple Run or Temple Run 2?

Ah Temple Run! One of the most popular games for iPhones and Smartphones. Practically everyone has this addicting game downloaded on their devices.  The first Temple Run that got us all hooked was released last year. Eventually the buzz died down but people still play it. Who knew escaping from wild chimps and avoiding obstacles would be so entertaining and addicting.  The obstacles increase as you progress through out the game. As your score gets higher your resistance to keep playing disappears and before you know it you’ve been playing for a couple hours. It’s a great time killer when you’re on a road trip or making your daily commutes to school. Or play it just for fun! A couple of months ago Temple Run 2 was released which is a whole new adventure. There are so many additions to this game, which make it much harder but a lot more fun to play. Your high score may not match up your high score on Temple Run 1 but don’t let that stop you from playing. Whether you’re trying to kill time, procrastinate or you’re just bored out of your mine play one of the two and you’ll like it.

- Lefty 

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The Offseason

By Joseph P. (12)

Now that the basketball season is over for the Blue Devils, they are now reflecting on the season.

As a player in any team, you’ll have to look back on the season and point out all the strengths and

weaknesses of your game. The Blue Devils had a tough season this year on both ends, the Boys’

losing their playoff chance in the final games, and the Girls’, losing the first round of the playoffs. It

was a valiant effort, but it wasn't enough to push the Baruch teams to the top.

On a personal note, this was the best season I’ve ever had. Averaging almost 17 points per game

with almost 10 rebounds, my summer practice had truly showed. I was doing what I was supposed

to be doing, but I wasn’t entirely great. My defense was atrocious compared to my offense. And

even in my offense, I forced many shots and had costly turnovers. It was learning experience, and I

will be trying to play college ball.

As many of the seniors on both teams will be leaving, it will make the team different, as they can’t

rely on players to do things for them. They’ll have to do it on their own now. They have to use

everybody, even if they weren’t even close to what the seniors had done. It’s a matter of

teamwork and understanding what someone is capable of doing.

It’s now time to bulk up, to practice your game in whatever sport you played. Practicing by yourself

is key. It’s sacrificing time of your own to become better.

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The Knife Game Song

The Knife Game Song

Hello ladies and gentlemen, I'm still here, kicking with a new blog post. This one is about a fad that's been out for a while, the knife game song. The rules are simple, put your hand out on the table stretched, get a knife, and stab the spaces between you fingers while staying with the beat of the song. Also, don't miss the spaces, because your fingers may come off, and if they do they'll start to bleed. And I can imagine that's no fun. But, the game is. Now, usually people go and say, "that's stupid" or "dangerous", or even "that's emo". Trust me, its a fun little game, that is dangerous, so it's only for the brave. Just don't be a fool and post it on youtube. Or stab yourself. So I'm not recommending this game, to everyone. But for the dare devils out there, why not try and impress your friends? If you win, goody you, nothing to win but pride. If you lose, ehh tough. And word of advise, start small. Use a pen first, uncap it to see where you'd hit yourself. Don't play the full game until your sure. But all in all, this game is total ridiculousness. So have fun, and watch the video of the founder of this song. And until next time, keep your fingers. If you come up to me and play this and hurt yourself, I will not call the hospital because you won't learn your lesson. 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t2bnp8aoXw

- Oscar O

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Movie Review: Rubber

Hi everyone,

I was able to watch a few movies over the four day weekend (some from the movie theater, some from Netflix), so now I'll be able to review them for you guys! :'D

The first on my list of movies is Rubber, "a 2010 French comedy film about a tire that comes to life and kills people with its psychic powers" (summary taken from Wikipedia). If the word "kill" is making you uncomfortable, there's no need to worry as there's virtually no violence in the movie besides explosions (caused by the tire) and a gun scene near the end. Anyways, the first time I heard about the film was during Mr. Records' class, American Literature. I can't recall what the lesson was about, but I do remember Mr. Records talking about some tire that rolls around blowing people up. The idea of a rubber tire rolling around and causing explosions with its mind was hilarious to me, so I wanted to watch it. Remember, this film is a comedy, so despite all the gore and explosions, there will be funny moments.

*WARNING: SPOILERS BELOW!*

Summary:

There's an accountant waiting in what seems to be the middle of a desert, surrounded by wooden chairs. A police car arrives and starts knocking the chairs down one by one. When all the chairs have fallen, the car stops, and a policeman gets out of the car to open the trunk. Another policeman, Chad, gets out of the trunk (I have no idea why he's in the trunk in the first place), looks straight into the camera, and starts delivering this speech about how many things in life happen for no particular reason. "No reason," he calls it. He talks about how scenes in movies happen for "no reason," life is full of "no reason," and that this film (not the actual movie you're watching; will be explained later on) "is homage to 'no reason.'" After he's finished, he gets back into the car trunk, and the camera moves around to show that Chad was actually addressing a crowd, and the crowd gathered to watch a film in the desert. Apparently, they are going to watch this "film" with binoculars, because the "film" is taking place far away. I'm not really sure why anyone would agree to watch films with binoculars, let alone go to the middle of a desert with a group of people to watch a movie, but this is comedy, so anything goes. The crowd is confused about what they're watching because all they see is the desert plains, but eventually, a tire comes to life and learns to roll around without falling down.

Believe or not, the tire has a name: Robert. Robert has just discovered that it is alive. It first starts crushing things with its own weight, but when it comes across a glass beer bottle, it can't crush it and it becomes frustrated. The tire starts to vibrate and eventually, the beer bottle explodes due Robert's psychokinetic powers. Robert then spends the entire day blowing up things it comes across with its mind. At the end of the day, Robert has tired itself out, and, like most of the movie watchers, falls asleep.

The next day starts with the audience watching on as Robert wakes up. The tire continues to roll around and blow things up. As it keeps rolling, it reaches a highway and has its first encounter with a human being. Due Robert's predictable nature, it's quite obvious that the tire wants to blow the person up.

I'm terrible at concluding things, so this will be another one of my summary's "unbearable" cliffhangers! ... OTL

What I liked about it:

I really liked the "no reason" bit in the beginning. It was that part that got me engaged in the movie. I also liked the random directions and twists the movie would take at times, like when Chad appears within the movie, which means that the tire is actually alive and is blowing up things with its mind in our world, or when Robert starts following a woman, hinting at the possibility that the tire is capable of feelings. This is pretty much all I liked about the movie, although the idea of tires blowing things up with their minds was so weird, that it sustained me throughout the movie.

What I disliked about it:

I didn't like the gore in the movie, and in my opinion the gore was the worst part of the movie because I cannot stomach stuff like that (the poor bunny! D:). That's just me though, so I guess the gore doesn't hinder the film that much.

The plot kind of got confusing in the middle when Chad repeatedly told the other officers to go home. At some point in the movie, Chad reveals that the whole film was a hoax and that all the "actors" could go home. The said "actors" don't understand what he means by "go home" because they believe that everything is real. Chad then tells one of the officers to shoot him, and when one of them shoots him, he's fine and says he doesn't feel a thing. So I was extremely confused; is the film real or not? Why is Chad okay? If Chad is telling the truth, why don't the other "actors" understand and just go home?

Besides the gore and the confusion, everything else was okay.

Overall:

Definitely an original piece of work, or at least, it is to me, because how often do you hear about tires that come to life and blow people up? Probably not often. If you do hear about stuff like this often, then... I guess you must have an interesting life.

I was led to believe that Robert is somewhat an antagonist because it kept blowing people up, but after rethinking it over, I guess it just blows people up because maybe it sees humans the way humans see tires (I hope that analogy was not badly phrased; I tend to do that); unimportant and void of life. I think the woman it kept following was an exception, but besides her, no one else stood out to the tire. My hypothesis is further proven by the fact that Robert seemed angry when it saw other tires being burned by humans. It sought to avenge the burned tires and killed all the people in revenge. As Robert has only started living just recently, it's reasonable to believe that the tire doesn't understand the meaning of life or it doesn't understand the full consequences of its actions. If the situations were reversed, I would probably go on a rampage and destroy all the tires in town because they killed people and I wanted to protect myself.

TLDR; my point is that the tire could be an anti-hero, it may not have understood the weight of a life, which is why it first started blowing people up, and it later went on a murderous rampage because it believed humans were a threat to tires and its existence.

- Melissa He, 12th Grade, Editor/Writer for Entertainment

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