The Wiz

The Corny Cum Laude

Filipino Culture Society holds its first meeting

Today September 22, the Filipino Culture Society had its first meeting of the year in the East library.  About twenty students met after school to plan future events for the club.

During this first meeting, Monica Valdez (’11), one of the founders of the club, appointed officer positions and planned out activities for the next meeting on October 6. Participators attending the next meeting can expect fun activities such as (but not limited to) watching a Filipino film or line-dancing, as well as eating authentic food courtesy of the local Filipino store, Tropical Hut.

Julie & Julia Review

The movie Julie & Julia directed by Nora Ephron premiered this past Sunday. Amy Adams and Meryl Streep play the title characters, Julie Powell and Julia Child, through a series of back-and-forth flashbacks into th

eir lives; the two both connecting in their passion for food. Although it may not appeal to a typical teenage audience due to its absence of in-your-face action, this artsy flick is definitely worth seeing.

 

Amy Adams plays Julie Powell, an everyday cubicle worker in New York. Tired of her hum-drum life and half-baked accomplishments (including a half-written novel), Julie decides to “cook her way” through Julia Child’s cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking within 365 days, and then create a blog about it. At first glance, the goal seems simple. However, the kitchen heats up as Julie discovers that her time-consuming project is not as easy as chocolate cream pie. It is very refreshing to see Amy Adams’ breadth of acting as she portrays this stressed, down-to-earth woman, rather than a perky princess such as in films like Enchanted (2007) and Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008). 

Meryl Streep provides another great performance as the legendary chef Julia Child. Anyone would have to do a double take as Streep impersonates Child perfectly, down from Child’s trademark chuckle to her easygoing yet firm nature.

The locations of the set are beautifully realistic in accordance to Child’s days before her life as a TV host. Clever shots include the simple pleasures of Paris, such as open street markets and ivy-strewn walls. A lot of the charm in the film comes from eyeing the detail of all the sets and costumes in this unique back-to-back biographical film.

The only disappointment of the entire film resides in the length. Ephron certainly could have sped up the pace, which seemed a little dragged out until the very end. However, Julie & Julia, like any delicious home-cooked meal, deserves to be savored, down to the very last bite.

Why Not Be Friends with a Superhero

Husky Squirrels

Lost in Translation

Gossip Girl “Gone With the Will”

Bart’s passing has left everyone with a chance to start over. Chuck is granted the rights to Bass Empire, but Uncle Jack wants the control. In order to convince the board of Chuck’s immoral activities, he takes Chuck out for a night on the town. When people from the company ask to see Chuck, he is covered in drugs and girls, proving Jack’s theories.  

Lily and Rufus are in Boston searching for their son when Lily makes a startling announcement. She tells Rufus she is in love with him and the two unite, meeting with their son’s adoptive father. Although, at the meeting, he tells the birth parents that the boy died in a rip current, even showing the article which “proved” the death. Everything seems normal but at the end of the episode, the adoptive mother arrives on the scene after Lily and Rufus leave and confirms that a fabricated story was told. The new parents have apparently lost a son and do not want to lose another. His fictional death can only cause trouble in the future.

 When returning to Rufus’ loft, hand in hand, Lily and Rufus make an entrance that shows everyone maybe joined together.

 It seems as though Blair is officially done with Chuck. After spotting him with the women in the office, she has had enough. Blair argues that everyone believed in Chuck, everyone but himself. Therefore, the on and off again relationship may be forever doomed.

Other small events occurred, such as Nate and Vanessa’s two month anniversary, which is endearing. It shows they have true commitment to be celebrating. Also, Jenny is getting on Eric’s nerves by showing up on his dates, acting as a third wheel. They joke in the end, saying they are only fighting like family.

Overall, I was extremely happy with this episode. I thought it would end up being predictable and that Lily and Rufus would just argue and come back home without seeing the parents or the son, but I enjoyed being wrong. It threw me off to know that there are still secrets. Also, I love that they held hands as they walked into the apartment, maybe foreshadowing a definite future together. I am slightly disappointed about Blair and Chuck, but it’s time for them to be together or just move on. Next week brings new teachers and new lies.

XoXo.

Spotted: Rating for “Gone With the Will”: A

Gossip Girl “In The Realm of the Basses”

As the New Year arrives, everyone learns of new things. Jenny has returned to school in hopes of feeling like a normal 15-year old. She quickly sees the bullying of a girl named Nelly, who wants to fit into Penelope’s posse. The mean girls are ultimately no match to Jenny and she outshines them. In the end though, her good deed is only vanished by Nelly’s wanting to become popular. At least Jenny is the one growing up.Chuck has disappeared and when he arrives back in NYC, he only gets himself into trouble. Blair resorts to help clear his record when Chuck’s uncle comes to take responsibility as well. Blair has a lot on her mind when she learns that the Colony Club, a group of high class and powerful women, is interested in her becoming a part of the organization. She invites them over, but she immediately realizes Chuck is a higher priority.

It is a good thing Blair decided to come rescue Chuck, as he was almost about to fall off the roof of a building, ending his own life. With her persuading words, he takes Blair’s hand and they share a moment of actual love.
Now that Rufus has learned he had a child prior to Dan, he is on the hunt for the boy. Lily gives in and finally tells him where the child could be and the two are on the hunt for their long lost son. Dan has found out about his father’s secret and wants to tell Serena, but Rufus would rather Lily tell her family in person.

Serena and Aaron are officially over, but Serena and Dan can no longer be an item. Now that the two share a sibling, getting close is no longer an option. Because of their new family member, maybe Lily and Rufus can join everyone together.

I’m personally very happy that Chuck decided to listen to Blair because he truly loves her, but his Uncle Jack seems to be up to no good. In the previews for the following week, everything looks like it’s about to fall apart and the culprit seems to be uncle. I am slightly disappointed Serena and Dan can never be together, but it’s about time Lily and Rufus make it official. Also, Jenny is turning over a new leaf and standing out from the crowd, for the better, that is. This episode was well done and next week seems to be another hit.

XoXo.
SPOTTED: Rating for “In The Realm of the Basses”: A-

Don’t Be Hatin’

Heroes “It’s Coming”

We last saw Arthur Petrelli beheading Usutu and about to cause a great deal of harm to Hiro. Well, it turns out, that while we all know Arthur is capable of implementing the unthinkable, he actually took some kind of pity on Hiro, only wiping out all his memories past 10 years old. Thus, when Ando tries to save Hiro, he acts like he’s 10 and wants waffles (wahoo!). With help from Ando, they transport back to Tokyo.Arthur knows that Sylar deliberately slowed down Peter’s fall so that he would not die. This is how he knows that Sylar has empathy, which, apparently, is a way to receive the power of others without killing them. To demonstrate this, Arthur locks Sylar in Elle’s Pinehurst prison cell, where she is chained. An electrically-charged, and scorned, Elle is furious with Sylar for killing her father. Elle electrocutes Sylar repeatedly with all her might and begs him to “Go ahead. Kill me. Please,” because she is in immense pain. He tells her she must forgive herself. When she does this, her pain leaves and both she and Sylar have the electricity power. To thank him, Elle teaches him how to utilize the ability.

Matt and Daphne visit the comatose Angela Petrelli. There, Matt decides he must try to use his power to enter Angela’s mind and save her. Arthur enters the twisted nightmare and has “Daphne” stab Matt. The real Daphne sees Matt in pain – he is actually bleeding from his nightmare – and somehow begs him to allow her into his dream. She tries to receive Matt’s trust, but he is terrified of her, as “she” stabbed him. But, with a profession of love, Matt does trust her and Angela compels Arthur to let her go.

Spoiler Alert!

Whoa. This entire episode was intense. When Elle Bell was electrocuting Sylar non-stop and all he could do was forgive her, we learned that he could very possibly be a good person underneath the murder exterior. Also, it seems more and more possible that the missing mother to Sylar’s future son, Noah, could be Elle.

Anything that deals with Hiro and waffles is amazing and hilarious. But, make the normally 28-year-old Hiro 10 and it gets even funnier. Little Hiro playing tricks on the Tokyo bowling alley patrons also caused a chuckle here and there. Going to the comic book store and finding 9th Wonders! to guide Hiro and Ando is clever, but if Isaac’s dead, who is the artist?

The next episode seems extremely important and powerful, because it revolves around an eclipse, which is the very phenomenon that gave our heroes their powers.

Line of the Week: “They serve my favorite waffles here!” -10-year-old Hiro at a Tokyo bowling alley
Rating: A

Apparently not

Gossip Girl “The Magnificent Archibalds”

Thanksgiving brings to mind the thought of great food, family gatherings and, most of all, wish bones. In this case, everyone wished to be in a different place, celebrating this thankful holiday in a different way. Blair could not get over giving up old traditions to start new ones with Cyrus. In the end, Blair was won over by her mother who had her father come to NY to surprise her.  

Serena wished that she could be exclusive with Aaron, and as soon as their date began, her desire was granted. Information was mixed up when Aaron ran into Dan at the grocery store, however, implying that someone was lying.

Secrets were kept from not only Aaron, but Serena, Eric and Lily as well. Bart had been keeping records on their past, whereabouts and relationships. Chuck told Eric where this information had been stashed, and Eric told his sister and mother. After having this folder in her possession, Serena gave it to Aaron in order to reveal any secrets left in the dark. While Lily learned of her husband’s activity, she took her family away and decided to go to another location where they felt welcome.  

Jenny rebelled, but wished for her fashion dreams to move forward. After seriously considering emancipation, Blair gave her an eye-opening talk. She quickly realized that she was meant to be the daughter of Rufus, and give her family a second chance. Thanksgiving came full circle when Lily and Eric came to enjoy the feast they would all prepare together.  

Lastly, Nate wished that his father would be a true man and stand up for his crimes. Nate talked his father into giving himself up and turning himself into the FBI. Proud of his accomplishments, he gained back his old friend, Chuck.  

In my opinion, this was a very tasty episode. The triangle between Vanessa, Jenny and Nate is heating up. I personally do not know who I’d like to see him with because either way, someone’s friendship will be ruined. Also, I am very thrilled to see that Jenny is home and realizing that family is above all. Serena and Aaron are still growing, but she keeps going back to Dan for advice and comfort which might risk a new man. The theme of Thanksgiving brought everyone home to their true families, everyone including Lily. I hope this foreshadows a future relationship because they are truly perfect together, already acting like husband and wife.  
 
Spotted: Rating for “The Magnificent Archibalds”: A- 
 
Only 2 weeks until more secrets are revealed. XoXo.

Gossip Girl “Bonfire of the Vanity”

Secrets are revealed in the Upper East Side. Jenny and Agnes go to many business meetings, only for them to be worthless when the two girls fight. Jenny decides to finally abandon Agnes and go solo. Agnes discovers this betrayal and destroys Jenny’s clothing, which will not stop her.

Dan receives his recommendation letter for Yale, but only by getting involved in some dirty work. A New York newspaper asks him to do some snooping into the Bass world and find out some scandalous information. Dark secrets are uncovered from a mystery source which reveals that Bart’s building was burnt down due to arsine, which also caused a death. After Chuck informs his father that Dan is working for the paper to write the story, Dan decides to send Bart a copy of his story about Chuck. This eye-opening tale shocks Bart and he decides to get to know his son.

Serena is still very unsure about what is going on with Aaron. After he asks her to be his muse, she hears mixed signals from Blair. Serena realizes that Aaron is only casually dating, and she is disappointed for thinking more of the situation. By the end of the episode, she becomes a free spirit, and the two go for a stroll, rekindling their romance.

Blair is overly delighted to be meeting her mom’s new boyfriend, Cyrus. She hopes for Carry Grant, only to receive a 5-foot hugging machine. She plots to destroy their relationship only to realize he is a truly good man. For Blair’s 18th birthday party he arranges for Cyndi Lauper to perform because he knew that she was a huge fan.

In my opinion, this episode was good, but I didn’t find it thrilling or very shocking. I guessed that Jenny would need to leave Agnes since she was trouble since the beginning. Also, it was very romantic of Aaron to take Serena to Times Square, but their relationship is very odd. I think it’s funny that Blair is already adjusted to Cyrus, and I’m curious how his move-in will affect their future. Lastly, next week’s preview looks even more scandalous and I wonder how things will play out on Thanksgiving for each character. Family brings everyone around the table; I’m sure more secrets will come out.

XoXo.

Spotted: Rating For “Bonfire of the Vanity”: B

Heroes “Villains”

Enough with the future, this week’s “Heroes” was all about the past – one year ago, to be exact. We find out that Flint, the Level 5 detainee who could throw fire balls, is actually Meredith’s brother. Also, it is revealed that Sylar and Elle knew each other a year ago. While working for The Company, training to be an agent, Elle, under Bennett’s supervision, tried to lure Sylar into using his powers, as she was ordered.

However, along the way, she truly thought Gabriel Gray was a good guy and wanted to diffuse the whole operation. But, an agent must due as told, and, with the help of Trevor, a man who could shoot items with just his fingers was brought in to make Sylar jealous. It worked, because Sylar killed him and the character we love to hate was born.

Arthur was still alive (without any false pretenses) at this juncture in the past. Because assistant district attorney Nathan was digging too deeply where Linderman was concerned, Linderman and Arthur concocted a plan to kill Nathan by means of a car accident. Little did anyone know that this would be the very accident where Nathan’s flying abilities surfaced and his wife, Heidi, would become paralyzed. Disappointed, Arthur discusses the failure with Linderman, and Angela overhears. She is furious that her husband of 41 years wants to kill their son.

Hiro wakes up from his spirit walk, ready to reveal all of this information to Usutu and Ando, but tragedy befalls them.

 

Spoiler Alert!

 

Everyone involved in the show did a great and seamless job of weaving in parts of the “Heroes” story we already know – like Bennet riding in Mohinder’s taxi, Claire entering the burning building, and Nathan and Heidi’s accident – with “behind-the-scenes” scenes that better explained the overall plot of the show.

I was surprised to find out many different associations that occurred in the past. I never would have guessed that Meredith and Flint were siblings, although it does make sense because of their very similar powers. The fact that Elle and Sylar were acquaintances shocked me too, but I pretty much loved it, as they are two of my absolute favorite characters.

Arthur Petrelli orchestrating Nathan’s accident, and Angela learning of it and poisoning him, were all pretty predictable, but thrilling to watch nonetheless.

The big cliffhanger shocker, though, did exactly what it was intended to do. Arthur Petrelli discovering where Hiro, Ando and Usutu were, and beheading Usutu caused me to literally gasp. I’m fearful for what will be next for Hiro and Ando as they are left to combat the evil and powerful Arthur Petrelli.

Line of the Week: “God gave you a big sister instead of a brain.” – Meredith Gordon, to her brother, Flint

Rating: B -

Gossip Girl “There Might Be Blood”

Drama unfolds for Manhattan’s elite as each character faces his/her own troubles. Blair meets a young girl named Emma who has connections to Yale. Blair quickly realizes there is a connection in their lives in the sense that Emma’s mother is self-centered and neglectful. Blair knows this feeling and guides the young girl on the right path. All her hard work pays off when the Dean of Yale gives Blair a call, requesting she join the University for the fall semester.Serena is still unsure of Aaron’s true motives when she sees him holding hands with another girl. He tells Serena that the girl is not a girlfriend and hopes to take Serena on a proper date.

Lily and Bart are being honored at a special gala where the rich come to party. Jenny has the brilliant idea of crashing this ballroom with a surprise fashion show, which will cause shock and create interest in her new line. Over the past few days she has put together several gowns in private and Agnes has agreed to model them.

While Jenny is organizing her life-changing event, she is still on the rocks with Nate. After not talking for a week, Jenny finally questions his feelings towards her. He admits that he cares for her, but there is a lot of baggage to deal with. In the end, Nate shows Jenny he truly cares for her by showing up at her fashion show.

Everyone loves the “Humphrey Collection;” that is, everyone but Rufus. Despite all his efforts to win his little Jenny back, she decides to pack up her room and leave him.

I really enjoyed this episode. I was completely shocked by Jenny’s boldness, while still elated that Nate continued to have feelings for her. However, at the end Nate sent a letter to Jenny and I’m very curious as to what he wrote. Also, I want to see if Serena and Aaron move forward and become a couple. Lastly, I still feel as though there is a connection between Rufus and Lily, and I would love to see if something happens there. All in all, I’m very impressed with Jenny’s outcome and her departure from home.

Only more drama to follow. XoXo.

Spotted: Rating for “There Might Be Blood”: A

Nevermind

Auditions for the fall play

After school, on October 20, almost one hundred students auditioned for East’s fall play. The fall play is going to be The Crucible, the play by Arthur Miller about the Salem Witch Trials. The auditioning students got into groups of about twenty five, got up on stage, and recited a monologue. Only about sixty or seventy of the students who auditioned will be able to act in the fall play.

The Sunday Post

Lame Old Cats

How To: Squeeze Out The Last Of Summer

Now for a Brief Intermission

It’s all in the “i”

Driving up the Wall

Spellcheck

Our Language

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