The Driftwood #45: Local Favorites (Part 3)

Pay It Forward: Senior Centers

Volunteer graphicThe vision of The Woodside Senior Communities in Green Bay is “enhancing lives through wellness,” but to achieve this goal. they need volunteers to help with their multiple properties. Volunteers are needed for resident outings, arts and crafts, music and entertainment programs, holiday parties, and so much more. If this sounds like a great way to give back, call Sarah at 920/405-3207 or Jennifer at 920/405-3277 to discuss the opportunities throughout their campus that are available.

If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity that assists the elderly to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilled lives, Marinette County Elderly Service will be a great fit. Volunteers are needed for a variety of jobs including but not limited to secretary, kitchen/cook, fundraising events, “meals on wheels,” and medical escort. All you must do is fill out and return the volunteer application form. Program coordinators will contact when an opportunity that you showed interest in arises.

Tiffany Jablonowski, Local Favorites Editor

The Driftwood #45: Local Favorites (Part 2)

Cute Clothes with Character

Green Bay & Manitowoc:

Twist BoutiqueTwist Boutique: It is incredibly hard in this day and age to find something decent to wear. Whether that be something business casual or something for a formal event or in between, finding the right fit is incredibly difficult. Most stores do not offer decently made clothes that are affordable. Furthermore, many clothes out there are either best suited for older people or very young people. However, Twist Boutique has solved this problem.Twist Boutique is a small store located in Green Bay. It has a variety of spectacular clothes for decent prices. And there are a variety of different looks. You can find clothing that pops out and is very eye-catching—something cute that announces that you are here. You can also get a classy, dignified, toned-down look. In fact, I have found so many amazing outfits last minute that ended up being perfect for the event I needed to go to. Overall, if you are desperate for an outfit, this is the place to shop.

Graced BoutiqueGraced Boutique: If you are looking for something chic, classy, and digifned that has the quite luxurious whisper of Ralph Lauren for a decent price, Graced in Manitowoc is the place to be. Graced is an absolutely amazing store. Not only does it sell amazing digifned clothes with grace, but they also sell a variety of amazing trinkets such as cute home decor items, candles, and jewelry that is stunningly similar to Van Kleef without the price tag. Overall, even if you don’t live in Manitowoc, it is definitely worth the trip.

Sunrise dressSunrise on Main Boutique is a store that has a little bit of everything. The store provides so many products including all different types of clothes and even items and fun little trinkets. Sunrise on Main Boutique is known for their stunning prom dresses. This is because they have done prom dress giveaways, which have really boosted business. However, they have a variety of other clothes, from fun summer dresses, to casual cute shirts to wear while meandering around town, to amazing blouses for work or school. They have everything. Furthermore, they have great shoes as well as fun little trinkets including candles and amazing home decor. All in all, it’s quite obvious that the sun never sets on the Sunrise on Main Boutique.

Marinette: 

doggie mugThe Goose & Gander FineryI have personally never been to Goose and Gander. However, it was recommended by an amazing professor! Therefore I had to check it out. Goose and Gander is located in Marinette; however, if you are not from there, you need not worry. They have an online store where you can order things.

red dress from Goose and GanderI was pleasantly surprised. To begin, they offer a variety of cute spring/summer clothes such as this perfect pink summer dress (pictured right). I was actually thinking of getting it for a trip this summer as it looks very comfortable and stylish. However, it is sold out. This shows how in demand their clothing is. Furthermore, I was pleased with the prices. They have really amazing clothes in the budget range that is be very friendly for a college student. And they they don’t just sell clothing. They also sell amazing jewelery. I found some gorgeous black rhinestone earrings for only $16. And they have amazing little trinkets. For example I found this absolutely precious dog mug (pictured above)! So if you want amazing things at a low price, you must visit Marinette and find Goose and Gander.

Jalaine Olks

The Driftwood #45: Local Favorites (Part 1)

Finding Community: Puzzling Adventures 

Puzzling Adventures logo

A Puzzling Adventures walking tour is a great way to get out and celebrate Green Bay. This event is not just a scavenger hunt but is also an adventure race and a self-guided tour all rolled into one. The Puzzling Adventures company starts you on Cherry St., and then you follow the clues via an app on your phone to complete the game. You can compete individually or as a group; small groups maximize the fun. Group entry costs $35, and the event is open daily without a set starting time. Once a ticket is purchased, follow the registration information in your e-mail to start racing to get the best time in the scavenger hunt.

 

Tiffany Jablonowski, Local Favorites Editor

The Driftwood #45: The Trash Vortex

You’ve reached the place where all the bad, but oh-so-satisfying entertainment exists. Here, in the Trash Vortex, we provide you with only the trashiest, most bingeworthy recommendations. It’s a dark hole you won’t escape!

Disney Movies that Haunt My Every Waking Moment

The Walt Disney Company’s stranglehold on popular culture dictates in part how we understand its role relative to the arts: its impact on traditional fairy tales, its constant evolution of animation and storytelling, and the terrifying power of nostalgia. However, the ebbs and flows of what audiences want to see, combined with studio interference, will make or break a film, and the mouse is no different.

(To avoid casting too wide a net, we’ll limit ourselves to theatrical animated feature ilmsno straight-to-DVD or live-action films, unfortunately. One day, though. One day.)

The Wild (2006)

The WildBatting 62 feature films over 100 years means that at least a few miss the markand that’s without considering Disney’s producing division snatching up whatever can capitalize on other popular movies.

And no, no, not Dreamworks’ Madagascar (2006); given the release schedule for both films, it’s more likely that the two developed independently of one another. It’s more likely The Wild took story beats from The Lion King (1994) and Finding Nemo (2003)a single dad looking for his son alongside a cast of kooky charactersand combined it with the cynical, referential humor standard for the 2000s. In this version, the father lion goes on his search-and-rescue mission after his son was accidentally shipped to Africa from their zoo home.

What the film misses, however, is this: audiences should like your cast of kooky characters, or tolerate them for the scant contributions they make to the movie. You know, without slapping Coldplay music over key emotional moments (yes, really) to make us feel something. Without stopping and starting its central conflict for an unfunny gagusually involving the harassment of the sole female characterfor an hour and a half.

Mars Needs Moms 

Mars Needs MomsWhile the premise isn’t terriblea teenage boy mounts an intergalactic rescue mission after his mother is kidnapped by aliens—Mars Needs Moms is too hobbled by bad animation and effects to be enjoyable. Computerized 3D animation and mocap (motion capture) are too easy pickings for a Trash Vortex reviewer, given their tendency to age terribly with enough time between initial release and current-day standards. Even Disney’s Home on the Range reaps the benefits of well-designed, colorful set pieces and characters expected for the studio even nearly two decades later. On the other hand, Mars Needs Moms was instantly dated upon releasethe odd facial expressions, the janky camerawork, the aliensoh my word, the  aliens.

It’s one thing for the aliens to look … strange, yes. They’re an extraterrestrial species not beholden to the same restrictions we have. No, knowing the child protagonist was mo-capped by then-37-year-old Seth Green makes watching him doanything a painful endeavor.

—Sasha Bouyear, Trash Vortex Editor

The Driftwood #45: Podcast Picks

The Worst Idea of All Time
podcast iconThe premise is simple, almost insultingly sothe hosts watch the same film multiple times with presumably a deeper understanding and personal connection to the piece. Throw in the caveat that said film is Grown Ups 2 and needs to be rewatched every week for a year, and that title starts making a lot more sense, doesn’t it?

It’s a slow burn compared to other podcasts given the time it takes to get there, but 52 episodes of hosts Tim Batt and Guy Montgomery begrudgingly committing to the bit inspires some of the most bizarre, if albeit hilarious, discussions on just about everything and anything concerning both the film and the hosts themselves.
—Sasha Bouyear

The Driftwood #45: Video Games

Fable 2
Fable II posterI’ve played a lot, a lot, a lot of video games in my life. Open-world RPGs have always been my favorite. Fable 2 came out in 2008, and I started playing it shortly after, and it was exactly what I had been looking for in my childhood. The Fable series sought to portray the life of a hero, starting at their traumatic childhood event that sets them on their path, ending when their lifelong quest is finished. Fable 2 did what Fable 1 and Fable 3 failed to do: combine the adventurer’s life with their personal domestic life.

Fable 2 is somewhat a generic fantasy adventure game, where the player explores a world and fights enemies to achieve a grand quest. What separates Fable 2 apart from this generic genre is the fact that you can earn money to fund your quest by doing jobs and buying real estate, real mundane stuff. The player is also able to have families: a wife/husband and childrenthe player can also be a bigamist, being married to multiple spouses simultaneously. I’ve never seen any other open-world RPG do family mechanics so successfully, and I’ve never seen any other game allow bigamy.

Overall, this combination of adventurer and domestic life is just really fun. A player can only mindlessly kill things for so long before they want to do something else, like play the job mini-games or interact with the local characters. Personally, I enjoy being adored by the villagers and being hailed as a hero and celebrity. I feel good when a crowd forms around me to praise me and give me gifts. Some people, however, find it very amusing to play as a psychopath, hated and reviled by the public, whose presence is only abided because no one is strong enough to confront them. This game entertains two very different ideas of fun.
—Gage Wilson, Anime Editor

The Driftwood #45: The Book Bachelor

For the romantics among us who like to read reviews before we shop….

The Book Bachelor: Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes sparklyHe’s everywhere: your Robert Downey, Jr. movies. Your underrated Disney classics. Your edgy modern adaptations. Your edgy modern non-adaptations. Nobody rocks a deerstalker and a pipe quite like him (trust me, you’ve tried). He’s the only celebrity besides the president whose address you know like it’s your own. The only mystery afoot is the mystery of your match potential. Fortunately, we’ve cracked the case.

Dependability:
Scammers hate him! This detective has only lost one case. ★★★★★

Affection:
I hope you enjoy being called things like “chap” and “old friend.” Might pay more attention to his best friend than you. ★★☆☆☆

Cuddlability:
Doubtful, old friend. ★☆☆☆☆

Charisma:
He’s a little bit eccentric, but he’s popular for a reason. ★★★☆☆

Funness of dates:
I know what you’re thinking: “Oh! A detective! I’ll get to follow him around from case to case!” Think about what you’re saying. That’s not a date; that’s an unpaid internship. And he’ll be more focused on the mystery at hand than showing you a good time. Unless you really, really like looking at footprints. ★★★☆☆

Listening/communication skills:
One might say he listens almost too well. ★★★★★

Intelligence: 
Dude, it’s Sherlock Holmes. ★★★★★

Coolness:
Dude, it’s Sherlock Holmes. ★★★★☆

Overall:
Romancing the most famous detective of all time is probably not in your best interest, but hey! I
bet he’d love another assistant. ★★★☆☆

—Kana Coonce, Bachelor Editor
Image: Blingee shareable image by Blacksha991. 

The Driftwood #45: Recommended Reads (Part 2)

A Popular Fantasy Read
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
by J.K.Rowling
Triggers: bullying, parental death, violence, fat-phobia, child abuse, self- sacrifice

HP coverHarry Potter, an orphan who lived under the staircase in his aunt and uncles’ home and seemed relatively normal. Until he wasn’t. On his 11th birthday, strange letters appeared for him, telling him he was a wizard. This was probably one of the best and worst things that could’ve happened for him. This book details Harry’s journey through the wizarding world, learning magic, making friends and enemies, and finding a place he calls home. Even if you have read this before, it is a great reread to get you out of a reading slump or to bring you back to your childhood for the short period of time.

Though this is a fun read, you should consider borrowing books of J.K. Rowling’s from libraries, friends, or family members, as the author is problematic. Rowling has made many anti-trans comments online, specifically Twitter (now X), which should not be supported with the purchase of her books.

 
—Kelsey Vanderpool

The Driftwood #45: Recommended Reads (Part 1)

Memorable Memoirs
The Glass Castle
by Jeannette Walls

The Glass CastleThis book was recommended to me by a friend who barely reads. That’s how powerful it is. The Glass Castle tells the story of Jennette Walls and how she became extremely successful after enduring a chaotic childhood. The book opened with this beautiful contrast of Walls walking into her quaint apartment on Park Avenue and then flashing back to her nomadic childhood.

It describes Walls’s childhood of having to live in mobile homes, ratty apartments, and in the basements of other people’s homes and scrambling to survive. It’s a very tough spot as you may feel some anger towards Walls’s parents for putting her through that. However, you also get a glimpse into how difficult poverty is to survive and how it does not bring about the best in people. Another important aspect is the Walls’s detailing of the shame that comes with the economic condition.

Overall, it an amazingly elegantly written and adventurous memoir.

I’m Glad My Mom Died
by Jenette McCurdy

Trigger Warnings: Mentions of death, childhood abuse, sexual abuse, and mentions of eating disorders.

I'm Glad My Mom DiedAs someone who is admittedly a “mommy’s girl,” the title of the book is disturbing. However, once you read it, you understand. In fact, if Debra McCurdy was my mother, I would want her dead, too. The book details the life of Jenette McCurdy. A former child star best known for her roles on the Nickelodeon shows iCarly and Sam and Cat, McCurdy describes a horrible childhood where her impoverished, cancer-ridden mother forced her daugher to become a child star. This was in part because Debra saw it as the only way to escape poverty and because she herself desperately wanted to be a star but unfortunately didn’t make it. It is quite sad as it details the sexual abuse McCurdy’s mother put her through, as well as how McCurdy’s mother pressured her daughter into an eating disorder, and the not-so-glamorous life as a child star.

All in all, if you were an ICarly kid or just want a good book to read, this is it.

—Jalaine Olks, Books Editor

The Driftwood #45: Music Reviews (Part 2)

The 9 Most Influential Women in Music

In the ever-evolving landscape of music, women have consistently played pivotal roles, shaping genres, challenging norms, and inspiring generations. Their fearless creativity, unwavering determination, and unapologetic expression have not only revolutionized music but also paved the way for countless aspiring artists. Join me in exploring the lives and legacies of nine of the most influential women in music whose impact transcends melodies and lyrics, resonating across generations and genres alike.

These are mostly my opinion. But I did do some research.

1. Joan Jett
Joan JettWho said women can’t play electric guitar? Joan Jett broke barriers for women in rock music, challenging gender norms and stereotypes. As a founding member of The Runaways, one of the first all-female rock bands, she paved the way for future generations of female musicians. Jett’s rebellious attitude and uncompromising style resonated with audiences, inspiring countless women to pick up guitars and pursue their own musical aspirations.

2. Ella Fitzgerald
Ella Fitzgerald possessed an extraordinary vocal range, impeccable technique, and an innate sense of phrasing. Her velvety smooth voice and impeccable control set the standard for jazz vocalists and inspired countless singers across genres. Fitzgerald recorded over 200 albums throughout her career, covering a wide range of musical styles, from swing and bebop to traditional pop and bossa nova. Fitzgerald broke racial barriers in the music industry, becoming the first African American woman to win a Grammy Award. Her success opened doors for other Black artists and contributed to the desegregation of the entertainment industry.

3. Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Sister RosettaSister Rosetta Tharpe is often referred to as the “Godmother of Rock and Roll” for her pioneering role in blending gospel music with elements of rhythm and blues in the 1930s and 1940s. Her innovative guitar playing and energetic performances laid the groundwork for the rock and roll genre. Tharpe was an exceptionally talented guitarist, known for her distinctive style that combined intricate fingerpicking with powerful strumming. Her technical skill and expressive playing influenced generations of musicians, including Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and Keith Richards. As an African American woman playing electric guitar in the pre-civil rights era, she challenged racial and gender stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of female artists. Also, she wrote “Hound Dog” and Elvis Presley stole the song after hearing it on a black radio station.

4. Patti Smith
Smith is often regarded as one of the pioneers of punk rock. Her debut album, “Horses” (1975), is considered a landmark of the genre and helped define the sound and attitude of punk music. She brought a raw, unfiltered energy to her music that resonated with a generation disillusioned by the mainstream. Smith’s lyrics are renowned for their literary quality and poetic depth. Drawing on influences ranging from Beat poetry to French Symbolism, her lyrics explore themes of freedom, rebellion, spirituality, and social justice. Her distinctive voice and evocative storytelling have inspired countless artists across genres. Smith challenged traditional gender norms with her androgynous style and fearless attitude. She rejected conventional notions of femininity, embracing a persona that was both tough and vulnerable. As a result, she became an icon for women in rock music and a symbol of empowerment and self-expression.

5. Janis Joplin
Janis JoplinJanis Joplin shattered gender stereotypes in the male-dominated rock music scene of the 1960s. With her bold personality, uninhibited stage presence, and rebellious attitude, she challenged traditional notions of femininity and paved the way for future generations of female rock musicians. Joplin’s music and persona became emblematic of the countercultural movement of the 1960s. She embodied the spirit of rebellion, freedom, and self-expression that defined the era, inspiring countless young people to embrace alternative lifestyles and challenge societal norms. Joplin’s powerful, soulful voice and emotive delivery set her apart from her contemporaries. She infused blues, rock, and soul with raw passion and intensity, creating a sound that was both electrifying and deeply moving.

6. Cher
Cher’s career has spanned over six decades, making her one of the longest-standing and most enduring figures in the music industry. Her ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining her distinctive style has kept her relevant across generations. Throughout her career, Cher has broken barriers and challenged conventions. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she has fought for equal recognition and opportunities, paving the way for future generations of female artists.

7. Beyonce
BeyonceBeyoncé possesses extraordinary vocal abilities, stage presence, and performance skills. Her powerful voice, dynamic range, and impeccable control have earned her acclaim as one of the greatest vocalists of her generation. Beyoncé’s music often addresses social and political issues, including feminism, race, and identity. Her willingness to tackle these topics head-on has sparked important conversations and inspired activism among her fans. She has become a symbol of empowerment and resilience for women and marginalized communities around the world. Beyoncé has achieved numerous milestones throughout her career, including multiple Grammy Awards, record-breaking album sales, and historic performances. She has shattered barriers for women and people of color in the music industry, paving the way for future generations of artists.

8. Tina Turner
Tina Turner’s electrifying stage presence, powerful vocals, and dynamic dance moves have captivated audiences for decades. Her live performances are legendary, characterized by high energy, passion, and showmanship. Turner broke barriers as a woman of color in the music industry, achieving success and recognition in an era marked by racial and gender discrimination. Turner’s personal journey, including her escape from an abusive relationship and her subsequent rise to fame and success, has inspired millions of fans around the world. Her courage, strength, and resilience serve as a powerful example of triumph over adversity.

9. Madonna
Madonna is one of the best-selling artists of all time, with record sales exceeding 300 million worldwide. Her albums consistently top the charts, and her tours have broken attendance records and grossed hundreds of millions of dollars. Madonna has been a trailblazer for women in the music industry, challenging sexism and misogyny and advocating for female empowerment and sexual liberation. Her music and persona have inspired generations of  women to embrace their sexuality, assert their independence, and pursue their dreams. Madonna has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged conventions throughout her career. From her provocative lyrics and daring fashion choices to her bold visual imagery and controversial performances, she has redefined the possibilities of pop music and paved the way for future generations of artists

—Ginger Knauer