Author: fernandt

February 12, 2021

Writing and Math Tutors Available Now! 

February 12, 2021

Must-Watch Movies

Stymied by all the in-home entertainment options while you’re social distancing? We’ve got you! Here are some of The Driftwood’s favorites for beating away boredom. 

She’s the Man: Viola Hastings is crushed when her high school soccer team is cut, but when she asks to try out for the Cornwall men’s squad, the coach (as well as her soon-to-be-ex-boyfriend, Justin) laughs in her face, telling her “Girls can’t beat boys.” Upon finding out that her twin brother Sebastian is sneaking off to London for a couple weeks with his band, Viola develops a crazy scheme to get revenge: she makes herself look like a boy and goes to Illyria (Sebastian’s new boarding school) to pretend to be him, joining the soccer team in hopes of defeating Cornwall in the opening game of the season.
Unfortunately for Viola, keeping up the ruse that she’s a boy isn’t the only challenge she faces; there are also a multitude of complicated, drama-filled high school love triangles that threaten to blow up her big secret! ​​She’s the Man​ is an absolutely hilarious 2006 rendition of Shakespeare’s famous 1601 play, ​Twelfth Night​, featuring the talents and charms of dynamic-duo Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum. Available to rent from Amazon Prime, iTunes, and other platforms.

—Mallory Allen, Movies Editor

The Wicker Man: One of my favorite movies of all time is The Wicker Man from 1973. This movie was one of the most controversial films of its time, bringing up topics like opposing religions and showing a cult and their traditions. The movie centers on Sergeant Howie, a policeman sent to the small island of Summerisle to investigate a missing child. Little does he know, he is walking into a very strange cult, and there is much more to this island than it seems. The imagery and dialogue throughout this film is jarring and stays with you even after you finish it, and has made its mark on horror films, inspiring films like Midsommar and Pet Sematary. If you love horror like I do, check out The Wicker Man for a scare that hits you and stays with you. Available to rent from YouTube Movies, Amazon Prime, and other platforms. 

—Sydney Sebert

Labyrinth: If you’re looking for an old-school cult classic, you’ve found it. This iconic Jim Henson film stars not only Jennifer Connelly, but David Bowie. Prior to his appearance in Labyrinth, he played leading roles in five award-winning films. David Bowie portrays a goblin king named Jareth, who takes away young Sarah’s (Jennifer Connelly) baby brother, Toby. Jareth brings Toby to his castle in the Labyrinth, where Sarah must find him before the next 13 hours are up. If she fails to beat the Labyrinth, her baby brother stays with the Goblin King. and she will never see him again. She fights her way through the Labyrinth, making friends and surviving the seemingly impossible maze. Oh, also, it’s a musical. The soundtrack is both written and performed by David Bowie, which makes the movie even more unique. What makes this movie so interesting is its ability to walk the line of “I never want to see that again” and “I definitely need to watch that again” so successfully. In its time (1986), it was a flop, but now, it’s a favorite amongst the fantasy fanatic community. This standalone film is a must see for any movie lover. Available to rent on Amazon Prime and other streaming sites. 

—Aleida Toebe

February 12, 2021

Movie Recommendations: Bad Romance

If you have been following The Driftwood for the last few issues, you may have seen the “Trash Vortex” in the seventh issue. The “Trash Vortex” is a segment where the Driftwood Team compiles a list of terrible entertainment options that they just can’t get enough of. We’ve decided to bring this segment back, and this issue’s theme is bad romance and/or Valentine’s movies to celebrate the upcoming holiday. Whether you’re single or taken, you can still appreciate how terribly addicting these movies are.

After We Collided is the second installment of the After series, based on a series of books by Anna Todd, and is somehow worse than the first After movie. It’s even more unrealistic than its predecessor, as Tessa works for one day as a paid intern for Vance Publishing, and is then asked to go on an executive business trip, and then doesn’t work again? This one is rated R, and it’s like the writer took that and abused the hell out of it, making every other word a swear word and adding a distasteful number of sex scenes. The acting is still bad, there’s a random car crash scene, Tessa and Hardin make up and break up, like, three times? And yet I still have to keep watching! Even if there weren’t a car crash in the movie, that’s how watching this movie makes you feel: you just can’t look away from the tragedy unfolding. I genuinely don’t know why I can’t turn it off—and even find myself wanting to watch it. Perfectly placed in the “Trash Vortex.” Available on Netflix. 

—Kira Doman 

Very, Very Valentine: Helen is a beautiful, shy, sweet young woman who runs a florist shop in Brooklyn, New York, and longs for love from afar. When she meets a handsome man at a glamorous masquerade ball and starts receiving Valentine gifts from a “secret admirer” soon afterwards, Helen is convinced she’s finally found her soulmate and enlists Henry, her loyal and lovable best friend, to help track down her “mystery man.” Will Helen succeed in finding who she believes is “Mr. Right”? Or maybe, she’ll realize that the perfect man for her has been right under her nose all along…. Starring Hallmark hearthrobs Danica McKellar and Cameron Mathison, ​Very, Very Valentine​ is the perfect stupid, cheesy movie to get you in the mood for February 14th! Airing Sunday, Feb. 14 on the Hallmark Channel at 9:53 p.m. and available to rent on various streaming sites.

—Mallory Allen

Someone Like You: I don’t know why, but I can’t get enough of bad enemies-to-lovers rom-coms. Someone Like You is one of the best (worst?)—mostly thanks to Cranky Hugh Jackman (not to be confused with Overly Earnest Show-Tune-Singing Hugh Jackman). Ashley Judd stars as Jane Goodale, a TV talk show production assistant who has the blues after being dumped by her boyfriend. To make matters worse, she just broke her lease to move in with him. While wallowing in her homeless misery, she’s surprised to learn that bulls never, erm, “approach” the same cow twice. Bulls, she figures, are just like men—once the thrill of the chase is over, they move on to “New Cow.” She channels her fury over Ray into a magazine article on cows, bulls, and men under a pseudonym, which soon goes viral. Around the same time, her womanizer coworker Eddie tells her he’s in the market for a roommate. Lacking a better option, she moves in, sparks fly, and as Jane gets to know Eddie’s softer side, she realizes that maybe her theory is a bit too reductive. Will her rigid and insulting ideas on ruminants and men chase Eddie away? Or will she put aside her biases and allow herself to fall for the guy she’s long viewed as human embodiment of her New Cow theory? You’ll have to watch to find out, but be forewarned: I visited the film’s YouTube Movies page while factchecking this piece and immediately had one hour and 37 minutes of my life sucked away when I should have been grading things. Thanks, Cranky Hugh Jackman. Available free on YouTube Movies. 

—Tracy Fernandez Rysavy

February 12, 2021

Gaming Spotlights

Medieval Dynasty:
Editor’s Verdict: Diamond in the Rough

What are medieval games: dragons, epic swordfights, and knights? What if you took out those aspects and put together something more realistic, while still keeping it interesting? ​Medieval Dynasty does just that as you lead your own village through the rugged world of the Middle Ages, and farm, hunt, and build to survive. The adventure never stops as you complete quests, from wooing a lovely lady to building your dynasty, as well as following along with the story that is provided. ​Medieval Dynasty ​has much to offer, especially being so early in its build: with captivating graphics, satisfying survival mechanics, and an easygoing storyline, this game will surely continue to improve and become something great. ​Available from Render Cube on Steam.

Subnautica:
Editor’s Verdict: All-Around Winner

Ever wondered what an all-oceanic type alien world would look like and how one would survive it? This open world game, titled ​Subnautica, ​follows Riley as they try to figure out some very important questions. What happened to cause the ship they were on to crash? Where are the passengers and crewmates? How will they get back home? And how will they survive on this new, strange, scary planet with nothing but the lifepod and a personal computer device to help? This charming game features stunning scenery, imaginative creatures, and a gripping plot that makes you want to keep playing, making it a popular game and our “All Around Winner” for this issue​. ​​Available from Unknown Worlds Entertainment on Steam, as well as PS4, Xbox One, and other platforms.

Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy:
Editor’s Verdict: Rage-Inducer

The concept of ​Getting Over It​ is simple. You control a sledgehammer held by a guy in a cauldron. Then, using mechanics of swinging, launching, and tugging, you help the person make their way over a multitude of obstacles using only said sledgehammer. The rage aspect comes from the mechanics, where if you were to launch the guy too far or not enough, you can fall back down to where you began, or even further back. You will get some good-natured rage with trying to use your imagination to get over the obstacles, though the satisfaction of “getting over it” makes victory just that much more sweet. And with those rage-inducing mechanics, the game has earned the “Rage-Inducer” title for this week.​​. Available from Bennett Foddy on Steam, as well as Android, IOS, and other platforms.

—Jasmine Hanson

February 12, 2021

A Romance and a Retelling

Looking for a page-turner while you’re social distancing? Our Driftwood staff provides some of our favorite light reading picks to pass the time while cooped up at home.

Fiction:
My Life Next Door
by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Everyone in the small coastal town of Stony Brook, Connecticut thinks 17-year-old Samantha Reed has it all: perfect looks, perfect grades, perfect house, perfect family. And yet, every day, Sam sits on her balcony and longs for things to be different. Her wish comes true when the dreamy boy next door, Jace Garrett, climbs up her terrace one summer evening and turns her life upside-down. Sam falls wildly in love, not only with her kindhearted new boyfriend but also Jace’s family; his parents and seven siblings are loud, messy, chaotic, affectionate, and full of unconditional love. Then, just when Sam feels happier than ever before, tragedy strikes, and she’s faced with an impossible decision: Should she stay loyal to her own “perfect” family, or save the Garretts, who are perfectly imperfect in all the right ways? Full of endearing characters and a heartwarming story, ​My Life Next Door​ is an irresistible summer romance that you’re guaranteed to enjoy from start to finish!

The Wrath and the Dawn
by Renée AhdiehDue to the worldwide pandemic, many potential vacation plans have come to a halt. But if you’re still looking to scratch that travel itch, I might have a solution: consider Renée Ahdieh’s fantasy novel, The Wrath and The Dawn, inspired by A Thousand and One Nights.The country of Khorasan lives in fear of their cruel ruler, Khalid. Every night, the king takes a new bride, and every morning, she is killed. Shahrzad, a young woman, loses her best friend by the king’s hand and volunteers to be his next bride, with plans to kill him instead to avenge her friend’s death and put an end to his reign of terror. She survives the first night by telling Khalid a story with a cliffhanger, promising to finish the story the next night. Shahrzad manages to survive night after night, and soon discovers the Caliph is not what he seems…and even finds herself falling in love. This book is perfect for anyone who likes a bit of mystery, magic, and even romance. But be warned: it ends on a massive cliffhanger, so make sure to have a copy of the sequel, The Rose and The Dagger, on hand before you start!

—Olivia Meyer, Books Editor

February 12, 2021

Favorite New Releases

Here are just a few of the albums that are keeping us dancing while we stay at home. 

Nobody is Listening
by Zayn

Nothing starts the new year off right better than new music, and Zayn’s latest album did not disappoint. Released on January 15, 2021, Nobody Is Listening is the former boy-bander’s third studio album and is quite different than his previous projects, which have been more R&B based. With only 11 songs, it’s relatively shorter than his earlier works. Nobody Is Listening opens with a spoken-word rap (“Calamity”), ends with a guitar-driven ballad (“River Road”), and hits every stop in between. You’ll cry, feel unstoppable, fall in love, and wonder “is anybody listening?” all within the span of 35 minutes. Singer Syd and British rapper Devlin are also featured on two tracks. If you’re looking to explore a new style of music, I can’t recommend this album enough!
Favorite tracks: “Tightrope” and “Sweat”

Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa is the bubblegum pop that we’ve all been needing throughout this pandemic. Beginning with her big hit “New Rules,” Lipa has set herself up as a true-blue pop star who brings a disco flair to this record. Every track is pure sugar and honey; her unique vocals bring power and coyness in the best kind of way. Be sure to check this one out for good vibes and the most unique pop this year has to offer.
Favorite Track: “Levitating”

Folklore
by Taylor SwiftEverybody knows Taylor Swift for her kitschy pop-country sound, her big blonde curls, and her debut role as an actress in Cats. In July of 2020, she surprised her fans with her secret album, Folklore. Having loved her music since I was about eight years old, I stayed up all night to listen to the album. It has been one of my favorites since. Her old sound was quite youthful and straightforward. She was young, so this makes sense. Folklore is mature and has a certain depth that she touched on briefly in her 2012 album, Red. Taylor showcases her ability to write not only for herself, but for others. Bon Iver is featured in “Exile,” one of the more popular songs on the album. Folkore is classic. It’s timeless, and Swifties can attest, it is a seriously killer album.
Favorite Track: “Exile” featuring Bon Iver

February 12, 2021

A Little Spiel About Running

Do you hate running? I’ll let you in on a little secret … so do I. It’s exhausting to have to force your body up at any time of the day and get your blood flowing. Running is one of the most difficult exercises to do, and it’s got to do with the fact that you’re pushing your body to maneuver through a long and tiring period of physical activity.

But behind the mentality of dreading that run—and thinking to yourself, “Why am I doing this to myself?”—choosing to run can be one of the wisest and most rewarding decisions that you make. So, do not fear, and allow me to assure you why jogging/running is the perfect exercise:

• It significantly improves physical and mental health.
• It reduces stress, improves heart health, and helps lessen symptoms of depression (If you’re worried about those sorts of things).
• It improves cardiovascular fitness.
• It helps to build strong bones, since it is a weight-bearing exercise!
• Did I already mention that it helps you get fit?

There are more reasons to support why running as an exercise is beneficial to your health. These are some of the primary reasons that people tend to focus on when they’re researching, “Why is running good for me?” So, whether it be for 30 minutes or an hour, running has a vast impact on your life, and you’d be doing your body a huge favor: not just in the now, but also long-term.

February 12, 2021

3 Ways to Track Assignments

With another semester upon us, and the constant stream of homework that flows with it, how does one keep track of a multitude of assignments​? Here are some suggestions to record and track the assignments as they come in, so you don’t miss another due date!

Daily Planner: Whether you download and print a template you find online​, or create your own out of a notebook and some paper, a physical daily planner is a wonderful option​ to keep track of those assignments​! Write down the ​coursework ​that your teachers put in their ​syllabi​, take it with you to class, and jot down whatever assignments pop up in lecture or on Canvas. Then you just scratch​ the assignment ​off when it’s done! This method also has the added benefit of you being able to put in any work hours you have, extra curricular meeting times, and anything else you feel needs to be included.

Apps: If you don’t want to lug around a physical planner/notebook, you could try an app on your phone or computer. The simplest would be to input your assignments straight into your calendar app, whether it be the one that is automatically installed, the Google calendar, or any calendar app you have. With this, you can see the time the assignment is due, put any pertinent information in the notes section, and get an alert however many days before the due date​.

Another option is the ​myHomework Student Planner ​app. ​The simple and organized interface allows you to view the assignments you insert, due dates, type of assignment, assignment priority, as well as filtering to find which assignment you should work on next. You can also set reminders for upcoming due dates. ​Available for free on the GooglePlay Store, as well as the Apple App Store, Mac App Store, and other platforms.

Spreadsheets: Using Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel to create an assignment tracker is easier than it sounds. Along with being able to personalize the interface, spreadsheets make it easy to move the assignments around if the due date changes, and they allow you to track what grades you get. In order to start one, you just need 6 columns at the top, labeled due date, class name, assignment type, assignment name, completed, and grade. After you input the assignments from the syllabi your professors give out, you highlight the whole sheet and sort by the first column (due dates). This should put the dates in descending order, so you can view what needs to be done near the top. And if the professors decide to either add or take away assignments, it is easy to just add or delete a row when needed.

February 12, 2021

Comfort at Home

With the pandemic still in full swing, it is more important than ever to take care of yourself and the people around you. As such, we have compiled a few things you can do at home to help relax in the stressful times we find ourselves in.

Yoga: Since a new semester is upon us, it may feel a little difficult to get back into the move and groove of the new term​. ​A good way to kick-start the grind is to do some yoga. Yoga can be done just about anywhere, with few to no accessories or equipment.​ And, it can be great for waking up, cooling down after a workout, improving flexibility, and more, all while being a tremendous relaxing activity, both for the body and mind. There are plenty of yoga channels and standalone instruction videos on Youtube that vary in length and difficulties. Some channels to check out would be Yoga with Adriene and BohoBeautiful Yoga.

February 12, 2021

Mix-and-Match Face Masks

Everyone’s skin is different, which may make it difficult to find a face mask that works for you. Below, I have included a mix-and-match face mask recipe to help you discover the perfect face mask for you and your skin.

Instructions:​ Choose one ingredient from each section. Then mix equal parts of each ingredient together. Some ingredients may cause breakouts if you do not completely clean your face after using, so after rinsing off the mask thoroughly, wash your face with a cleanser.

Choice One:
Fresh squeezed lime juice
Fresh squeezed lemon juice
Fresh mashed strawberries
Fresh mashed mixed berries (blackberries and raspberries)

Choice Two:
Raw or pure honey
Plain yogurt
Fresh mashed avocado
Fresh mashed bananas

How does each ingredient help your skin?

• Fresh-squeezed lime juice: Treats acne and dark spots, plus other benefits.
• Fresh-squeezed lemon juice: May help prevent acne and lighten age spots / acne scars, and more. May cause skin irritation and increase your chance of sunburn.
• Fresh mashed strawberries: May help reduce acne and is known to prevent UVA damage to your skin if used properly. Find out more about this amazing ingredient.
• Fresh mashed mixed berries:
  • Blackberries: Have anti-aging properties and work wonderfully for cleaning oily skin while also hydrating it, plus other benefits.
  • Raspberries: Help to cleanse your skin and work well with dry skin types, plus other benefits.
• Raw or pure honey: May reduce acne while keeping your face moist but not oily, plus other benefits. Anyone allergic to pollen, celery, or bee venom should avoid using this ingredient.
• Plain yogurt: Helps you fight against acne while also moisturizing your skin. Plus it can help relieve sunburn pain when used properly, and more.
• Fresh mashed avocado: May help increase your skin elasticity, which may then reduce the appearance of wrinkles and also helps prevent acne, plus other benefits.
• Fresh mashed bananas: May help with dry skin and acne, and more. Avoid using this ingredient if you have an allergy to latex or pollen.