Author: Kana
The Driftwood #44: Bingeable TV (April Fools’ Edition)
methods to navigate the dating world are always successful.
Married couple Vanessa and Nick Lachey are co-hosts of the trending reality television series Love is Blind. This unusual dating show focuses on couples finding their other half, and only 28 days following the engagement, they must decide whether to marry their partner. The most appealing aspect of this show is that the wishful singles talk through “pods,” which are exactly what they sound like, small rooms. The pods are connected so that each prospective couple can hear each other, but they cannot see each other. This process is unique because the couples can only make their judgments on what they verbally share. The main point of this technique is for these participants to get to know each other based on their personalities and who they are on the inside instead of choosing a partner based on physical attraction.
There’s nothing like heightened emotion when dating 15 people at once, making multiple connections with other singles, and feeling the intensity of returning to a lounge with fellow men and women who are also dating the people you’re interested in. As the show progresses, rumors are spread within the lounges that separate the singles by their gender, with updates on their connections. The real drama ensues when a man or woman discovers that their strongest match is shared with someone else from their lounge; it becomes a silent fight to win over that individual.
Watch this enticing reality series to find out which couple makes it to the wedding day and to see the complicated dynamics as you can witness which person is honest with their partner or repeating the same thing to each connection they make. It is a true test of endurance for the sake of love, happiness, and marriage to your one and only. You would think that these individuals would maintain any bit of integrity during this show, but luckily, that is not as valued as making connections as quickly as possible. The latest season was released this month including the juicy reunion that will not disappoint!
The Driftwood #44: Movie Recs (April Fools’ Edition)
James Corden Movies
James Corden is indisputably one of the most prolific actors of our generation. He can sing, he can dance, he can act, and most importantly, he can host late-night television. In addition to all of this, he also has a British accent, which, as everyone knows, makes him that much better. Appearing in an impressive 37 films, the man is everywhere. How he has the time to be in so many amazing projects and deliver such impressive performances, I will never know. Here are two of the best movies James Corden has blessed with his incredible presence.
Cats
In this movie, which should probably be considered the best movie musical ever, we are introduced to cats of all kinds. The main character Victoria is dumped by her family and left in the street, where she is found by a tribe of street cats called Jellicle cats. Every year on the night of the Jellicle Moon, the cats go to the Jellicle ball so they can compete to be chosen by their leader, Old Deuteronomy, to be the Jellicle choice (I’m pretty sure the word “Jellicle” is half the script in this movie). The cats compete to be the Jellicle choice because they believe it is the only way to get to cat heaven, or as they call it, the Heaviside Layer, where they will be given new life. We learn about the indecisive Rum Tum Tugger, outcast Grizella, evil Mccavity, and (the obvious choice because he’s played by James Corden) gluttonous Bustopher Jones, among many others. Chalk full of song and dance, this movie is sure to keep you entertained and make you love both cats and musicals if you don’t already. Who will be the Jellicle choice? Why did James Corden not win an Oscar for his performance in this movie? Available to watch on Netflix, Google Play, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime.
The Emoji Movie
In one of the most incredible animated movies Hollywood has ever seen, Gene the “Meh” emoji must go on an epic quest across the interworkings of the phone he lives in to fix his broken code. As an emoji, he should only be able to make one face, but for some reason, he can make all the different faces he wants. This is a problem because he isn’t able to make the right face and therefore can’t do his job and is at risk of being deleted if he can’t get the problem fixed. He is accompanied by his best friend, Hi-5, who is played by none other than James Corden, and the hacker Jailbreak. Together they travel from app to app in hopes of editing Gene’s code, and they end up finding out their whole phone’s system is in trouble! They have no choice but to try to fix the problem before their whole world is shut off forever. Will they ever be able to fix Gene’s code? Will their whole world be lost forever when their phone gets shut down? Available on Tubi, Google Play, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime.
(Please note that both these reviews and the assessment of James Corden and his work are all highly satirical and do not reflect my actual opinions…. I’m not a monster.)
The Driftwood #44: Horoscopes
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Happy birthday, Aries! This month, consider your boundaries and priorities before seeking a balance in partnerships. Determine what you’re prepared to offer and negotiate on. Identify your non-negotiables and where you can be flexible. Despite any discomfort with compromising, contemplate the possibility of doing so this month.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Don’t allow the agendas of others to deter you from chasing your goals. Keep your focus on your dreams because they belong uniquely to you. Take full responsibility for them and stay unwavering and dedicated to achieving what you desire.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Remember to prioritize your friends; they’ve supported you in the past, so make sure to regularly check in on them. Listen to their worries with understanding and reciprocate with your support. These relationships will be your pillars during challenging times.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
In the upcoming month, you might feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. Allocate some time for reflection and assess your tasks to prevent overwhelming yourself. Remember, maintaining equilibrium is just as crucial as accomplishing everything on your plate.
Leo (July 23 – August 22)
After your tireless efforts, it’s time to grant yourself a well-deserved break. Dedicate a weekend to disconnecting and replenishing your energy—it’s vital for rejuvenation. This month is all about focusing on recuperating and recharging, ensuring you’ll be back at full throttle soon.
Virgo (August 23 – September 23)
You may feel a pull towards self-reflection and personal development this month. Trust your intuition and embrace opportunities for growth, both professionally and personally. Stay open to the journey ahead, as it holds the potential for significant progress and insight.
Libra (September 23 – October 21)
Despite your usual avoidance of confrontations, you might feel a strong urge to express your emotions this month. Exercise caution before fully expressing yourself, as your words carry consequences.
Scorpio (October 22 – November 20)
Be attentive to others’ needs and express yourself with empathy and understanding. Opting for patience rather than being harsh in your interactions can significantly improve your relationships.
Sagittarius (November 22– December 21)
Prioritize your relationships by dedicating time to them and consider exploring a new shared interest or hobby together. This can create opportunities for new experiences and a chance to create a deeper bond.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
In the weeks to come, channel your energies into your home life and family responsibilities. While you may prefer to work, important household obligations demand your attention.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Every story has two sides, with the truth lying somewhere in the middle. Don’t let your emotions obscure the complexity of any situation; multiple factors are often at play. Remember, things are rarely black and white.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
In the upcoming weeks, expect to feel confident and empowered, inspiring you to step out of your comfort zone. Consider embracing something that once seemed daunting—it may not appear as frightening to you now.
The Driftwood #44: Fun Facts (April Fools’ Edition, Part 2)
Human civilization has been around for over 8,000 years! Within that time, a lot of things have happened. There is not a single day that goes by that is not the anniversary of some event throughout human history. Maybe it’s the end of a war or the publishing of an important book or even the birth of a celebrity. No matter the day, there is always something, so without further ado, here is …
Not This Week in History
The current week we are on seemed a bit boring, so I took it upon myself to pick random dates for this edition of the Driftwood.
June 9
● 1534: French navigator Jacques Cartier sails the St. Lawrence River
● 1856: Handcart pioneers depart for Salt Lake City
● Birthdays: Johnny Depp, Natalie Portman, Michael J. Fox
July 22
● 1999: Woodstock ‘99 kicks off
● 2005: March of the Penguins debuts
● Birthdays: Selena Gomez, Willem Dafoe, Alex Trebek
August 11
● 1972: The last U.S. ground combat unit departed from South Vietnam
● 2014: Robin Williams passes away at 63
● Birthdays: Chris Hemsworth, Hulk Hogan, Viola Davis
October 13
● 1975: Charlie Rich protests John Denver’s win at the CMA Awards
● 2021: Will Shatner goes to space
● Birthdays: Sacha Baron Cohen, Caleb McLaughlin, Kate Walsh
November 15
● 1867: First stock ticker debuts
● 2001: Microsoft releases the Xbox gaming console
● Birthdays: Jeffery Star, Matthew “MatPat” Patrick, Shailene Woodley
December 2
● 1970: Environmental Protection Agency opens
● 2006: 649-day tree sit-in at the University of California-Berkeley begins
● Birthdays: Juice WRLD, Britney Spears, Charlie Puth
January 23
● 1957: Toy company Wham-O produces the first Frisbees
● 1984: Hulk Hogan beats Iron Sheik to win the first WWF title
● Birthdays: Vsauce, John Hancock, Xxxtentacion
—Payton Rhyner
The Driftwood #44: Fun Facts (April Fools’ Edition)
April Fools’ Day
- Perhaps the biggest April Fools’ Day joke of all is that most countries celebrate the holiday, but nobody knows the actual origins of what started the traditional day of tricks. All we know for sure is that now the date of April 1st is a day to celebrate spring and sunshine after the bleakness of winter with harmless pranks.
- A widespread belief is that April Fools’ Day began in 16th-century France when they switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. This switch changed the first day of the new year to January 1st instead of the previous April 1st. Any person that was still celebrating the new year as April 1st was called a fool.
- Historians also speculate that April Fools’ Day origins are connected to the vernal equinox, when the sun is directly above the equator, making day and night the exact same length. This is considered the beginning of spring, which is when Mother Nature’s unpredictable weather makes fools of us all.
- France celebrates Poisson d’Avril, which translates to “April fish.” The most common prank includes sticking a picture of a fish to someone’s back. If you happen to find a fish on your back, someone thinks you were easily caught or gullible.
- Scotland celebrates April 1st as Huntigowk Day where people are sent on fake errands as pranks. The prankster tasks an unsuspecting person with a deceptive mission—think sending someone for “blinker fluid”—and if they do the task, they are the gowk.
- Although many countries post fake news stories to celebrate, Sweden newspapers and news outlets will traditionally post one fake story mixed with the actual news. The citizens will have to figure out which is fake and what is the real news.
- Canada, Australia, and England celebrate the day with traditional pranks with a slight twist to the rules. The prank needs to be completed by noon. If you prank someone after noon, then you are considered a fool. In England, if you successfully prank someone before noon, you are called a noodle.
- Greek tradition says that if you fool someone on April Fools’ Day, their misfortune becomes your good luck. Also, if Mother Nature provides a rain shower on April 1st, collect as much water as you can because it has healing powers.
- Saudi Arabia also celebrates April Fools’ Day with pranks, but make sure you do not post them on social media. Under the anti-cyber crime law, any prank posted with or without consent is a crime that is punishable with hefty fines and/or imprisonment.
- Many countries around the world observe some form of April Fools’ Day, but no country has made the tradition of April 1st pranks an officially recognized holiday
—Tiffany Jablonowski
The Driftwood #44: Wandering Wikipedia (April Fools’ Edition)
Useless knowledge we dug up this week.
The Spaghetti Tree Hoax
In 1957, the BBC aired a three-minute segment on the Swiss spaghetti harvest. Yes, the spaghetti harvest. Did you think spaghetti came out of a box? Narrated by the BBC’s leading news commentator Richard Dimbleby, a trusted voice by the British public, this seemingly benign April Fools’ Day joke bamboozled an audience not yet accustomed to such an exotic delicacy. If Dimbelby said spaghetti grew on trees, then by jove, it grew on trees. The esteemed men on the television would never tell lies, after all. Why, that’s just … well, it’s just poppycock! What sort of monster would do such a thing?
Needless to say, the decision to tell lies on national television was a controversial one. The day after the Spaghetti-Tree Hoax aired, the BBC allegedly received hundreds of phone calls either debating the story’s veracity or inquiring how one might grow a spaghetti tree of their own. The official response? “Place a sprig of spaghetti in a tin of tomato sauce and hope for the best.”
Oh, and if you’re curious: The cost of this charade amounted to a little over $3,000 by today’s standards—including travel to Switzerland. Really makes you wonder what else is possible with a bit of cash and a dream, huh?
—Kana Coonce, Wandering Wikipedia Editor
The Driftwood #44: YouTube Rabbit Hole (April Fools’ Edition)
Videos for Better Sleep and Study Habits
In the spirit of April Fools’, this week, we have three videos that will make you laugh, ranging from dogs to cats and vines and funny baby videos!
YT Video 1: Funniest Animals 2023
Everybody loves animal videos, whether it be them talking or doing something completely random. This video is completely animal videos that are guaranteed to make you laugh.
YT Video 2: Vines That Kept Me Alive
Remember before TikTok we had Musically, and before that we had Vine? This is a compilation of Vine videos guaranteed to bring back feelings of nostalgia and fun.
YT Video 3: Best Funny Baby Videos
Babies can be either annoying, cute, or funny. This video is a compilation of babies being funny and confused, which will make you laugh.
—Kelsey Vanderpool, YouTube Editor
The Driftwood #44: Sports Center
Influential Athlete: Russell Wilson
This edition’s influential athlete is Russell Wilson, who plays quarterback in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2014, Russell and his wife Ciara created the Why Not You Foundation. This foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty through education, and empowering youth to have the “Why Not You?” attitude. In other words, the organization challenges youth to embrace opportunities, overcome obstacles, and make positive impacts throughout their lives. The foundation also supports equal opportunities for students, and even children’s health and food-security initiatives. Wilson works hard at extending the foundation’s support and impact by advocating for research into illnesses like pediatric cancer, making visits to various children’s hospitals across the U.S., and partnering with various organizations like the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America. One of the foundation’s more recent endeavors surprised ten nonprofit organizations from Colorado and Utah with $100,000. These grants were given to help further build their work for creating healthier communities. You can donate to this charity here.
—Cheyenne Schreiner
Photo by an unknown photographer, licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND.
The Driftwood #44: Sports Center (April Fools’ Edition)
A Ridiculous Sport to Try
Why pickleball?
I chose pickleball for this issue’s coluimn because it is a goofy sport, which I never thought about playing until the teacher brought it up in gym class my senior year. Like, what the—? What is that sport? It was kind of fun for me, but I’m also competitive and wanted to try to make it enjoyable for myself by beating my opponent. But it is just so ridiculous—like, why it is even a thing? It is literally multiple sports combined. Like, just play those sports separately! Well, let/s see what pickleball is about.
What is pickleball?
Pickleball is a blend of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. It’s played with a flat paddle, similar to an oversized ping-pong paddle. The ball is a lightweight, perforated plastic ball that’s slightly larger than a tennis ball (like a wiffle ball).
This ball is “dinked” (or hit) back and forth across a low net (2” lower than a tennis net), on a court that’s about a third the size of a tennis court. The gameplay is most similar to tennis, but the scoring is different—you can only win points on your serve.
Pickleball is most commonly played in doubles, and the combination of this format and a small playing area makes it an inherently social game. In fact, pickleball and its fans (a.k.a. “pickleheads”) are known for their easygoing, welcoming nature, and thriving social scene.
Learn more about pickleball at Pickleheads.com.
—Mackenzie Hebert, Sports Editor