Personal Advice to Freshman

Now listen here, soon to be freshman.

What you are about to hear is advice coming from experience.

So take note.

First off: Academics

This is the real big one.

If you have gotten into honors courses, well, brace yourself. A lot will be expected of you and you really need to step up your game. If you don’t, you’ll just fall. It won’t be an easy breeze.

And just so you know, conduct is not graded in high school. That doesn’t mean you can be a little runt though. Think about it; the teachers are the ones pulling the strings on your grades. They can easily affect you if you tick them off.

Secondly: Social Status

To me, usually social status isn’t a huge concern. But please, and I mean PLEASE open yourself up to making new friends. There are ton of new people, and here’s the shocking news; not ALL of them wants to eat your soul out.  And they don’t all have to be freshman either. You can expand to the other classes. They aren’t really beyond your reach.

As far as status goes, you don’t need to be popular. Do not try and accidently peak in high school. Not a good life choice.

Third of All: Clubs

In my opinion, clubs are great. They are a good option to meet up with friends (or even make new ones, reference to above). They always have something for you to do, no matter what club you are in.

Now, if you may have noticed, there are a LOT of clubs to choose from. My advice is to pick the ones that fits your interest and can coexist with your after school schedule. Nothing is worse than not being able to go to a club because of something after school. (For ex., I chose to do Art Club, but I had to miss quite a few meets because of Girl Scouts. Eventually it was able to work, though.

The Fourth: MCAS

You really need to pass this thing. If you don’t, you don’t graduate, plain and simple.

It’s also not as hard as it looks, so don’t get too flustered by it.

Well, that’s my advice for the soon-to-be freshman out there! Take or leave it, I don’t care. But let into your brain because you need this.

Advice to All Freshmen

Hello freshmen!

Welcome to Woburn High, and here’s some things you should all know about high school!

1-      At first glance, the school seems super huge, but trust me, it isn’t. It may look some labyrinth specifically designed to make you late for class, but it isn’t. It’s actually rather smaller than it appears, and I can assure you, you’ll find your way.

2-      Don’t worry about the stereotypical “mean teacher”. There are barely any of those here, most of the teachers seem to be rather nice, so take that into consideration. Also appreciate what they do for you!

3-      Please take grades VERY seriously. Words cannot described how close you are to college right now.

4-      Come into this school with a positive attitude! If you come in thinking you are going to butcher this whole shindig, then you won’t ever succeed! You just got to give it your all and make every moment count, and always have hope.

5-      You aren’t going to see all of your squad in all if your classes, let me tell you that right now, on May 28, 2015, at 3:03 in the afternoon as I type this, you barely see any of your close friends in your classes. That being said, you may-scratch that, you definitely want to think about making some new friends.

6-      The food they serve on the first day of school is just an illusion. It won’t stay as good for the rest of the year. Don’t get your hopes up for that.

7-      There is good chance you will get less time to do projects than you got in middle school, so plan accordingly!

8-      In some classes you won’t even GET projects, so that’s something to look forward to.

9-      Prepare for deep thinking.

10-  Get involved! Join some after school clubs! Trust me when I say this, they are a lot of fun, and can provide as a pretty good social gathering from what I have seen!

11-  You will be judged for everything you do, but it's okay because you are you and that's all that matters. So strut your stuff and forget about them. However, if they get too far, serve the justice necessary.

12-  Seniors act like they are superior to freshman, and that's because they are, so watch out. I mean it, they are the overlords of the school.

13-  Juniors shouldn't be acting like seniors though, so just ignore THEM. They can wait a year, but some are impatient.

14-  You can redeem yourself as a sophomore if you make any mistakes; I swear it is an option.

Good luck to you all!

Welcome To Fitzville

Book !, Chapter !#

                I REALLY shouldn’t be taking sides but Lawrence may be right.

                That’s not important though.

                So finally the kids are off tonight, doing their Halloween shing-dig, things, stuff…

                Let’s just have a look.

                Let’s look over at Joe, Will, Drake and Adam.

                Joe was standing with Will, talking about how to scare the kids. Since they weren’t your typical Halloween monsters, like Adam and Drake, Will was wearing a hockey mask and hoodie (both bloodstained) and Joe was just wearing a gas mask. I’m not gonna lie, with his stature and build, it’s actually pretty scary. That, and his voice is very low, so speaking through the gas mask would only add more intimidation. (Am I making any sense? Please someone tell me if I’m not.)

                 Anyhow, while they were discussing, Drake was off with Adam in the corner, smoking a cigarette. Adam was just looking at him. Then he spoke to Drake.

                “Hey man,” he started, “can I see that for a sec’?” He gestured at the cigarette.

                Drake passed it Adam, confused as to what he could want with it.

                Adam nodded. “Thanks.” He then proceeded to throw it into the sewer drain on in street.

                Drake stood in shock. He shook his head. “What was that for?”

                “It smells gross,” he simply replied, “Plus it’s bad for you.”

                Drake sighed. “Whatever.”
                Will clasped his hands. "Hey guys, just got awesome methods to scare the kids!"
                Drake rolled his eyes. Adam was ready to listen.
                "First," he began, "Drake's method. You stay all dark and shit like the way you are now, attitude and all, and when a kid comes up to you in curiosity, turn your face into a wolf."
                 "Just my face," he asked.
                 "Yep,"Will replied, "An example please?"
                 Drake sighed. He ran his hand through his pitch black hair as his face begin to twist in blackness. His transformations are magical rather natural, may I add. The cloud of blackness extended forward into a snout shape. When finished, his face was that of a black wolf's. The process lasted about 3 seconds.
                 Will smiled in delight. "Quick enough!"
                 Drake's face shifted back to his human-esk face.
                 Will continued. "Adam, you'll hide in the shadows and hiss at kids as they walk by. Joe will create thunder and lightning near kids who aren't suspecting. And for the kids who Joe isn't scaring, I'll roar my chainsaw behind them." He squeeled. "Eek, I can't wait to make kids piss themselves!"
                 Drake gave him a concerning. "You are something, you know that?"
                 "Yep."
                 That something is being the son of a sorcerer that tried to overthrow me.  Which is why I'm trying to make this kid as good as possible, since he was born half evil. For those who say evil isn't birthed, it's learned, and that's the only way, you're wrong. Literally, the Pauprins are long line of genetic evil, making them wicked in the worst ways. Usually the men would find a woman who is also genetically evil. But his father found a taught evil woman and birthed Will, making him only half evil. But I'm still concerned for that nut. 

Welcome To Fitzville

Book !, Chapter !@

            So our plan eventually came down to this.

            

            We are going to be always activated when it comes to our powers. That way if we sense danger, we'll be automatically ready to fight them off. 

             Though what's the worst that could happen?

   

              Fighting them off should be realistically easy. There isn't much that has taken us out in the past, not even ourselves in simulations. (yeah I have this little simulation where I make the kids fight simulated versions of themselves, ex. Joe vs. Fake Cindy). I believe we can handle any problem.  

               I believe Amber, Cindy, Joe, Drake, Will, Xavier, Lauren, and Adam are going trick or treating, and Maxwell, Lawrence, Serene and Jennifer to watch them.

               Thank me that I have Jennifer to stabilize the three of them. I met her in India on the streets. She looked so sickly it was sad. I found out she was tactical, wise, and general off the charts smart; it was amazing. She also was the "calm down" girl of their team. Role: Goddess of Earth and Knowledge, associated with Athena.

                I overheard their conversation. From what I heard, it went like this.

                Lawrence: It was you, wasn't it?

  

                Maxwell: Why would it have been me?

                L: Because, you showed some pretty obvious discomfort towards them. Plus, you'd be the only one who would even be willing to kill them.

                M: I'm hurt. I truly am. Why one EARTH would I kill our friends. And may I add that this was years ago. Why are you bringing it up?

                L: Because this marks the twelve year anniversary of their deaths. They died on Halloween, which happens to be your favorite holiday.

                M: Okay, can you not? I didn't kill them.

                L: Sure you didn't.

                M: I DIDN'T.

                Serene: Lawrence stop it, he probably, he, you aren't going to believe this, but he probably didn't kill them.

                L: Don't be wise.

                S: Don't be accusing and bossy. 

                Jennifer: I can't believe this is even a discussion.

                M: Same.

                L: Well let's look at the evidence. He disliked them, and they always suggested Maxwell as the chew toy. Maxwell was always more hostile to them. Halloween is and has always been his favorite holiday. 

                M: None of that meant anything.

                S: Seriously.

                J: I'll believe Maxwell killed them when I have the physical proof.

                L: Why don't any of you guys believe me?

                S: Because you always pick at Maxwell for this kind of shit. I get it, he does very questionable things and wouldn't even be considered a true hero.

                M: Thanks. 

                S: Anytime. But he wouldn't go as far as to kill our friends.  

                L: Okay, if he didn't do it, who did?

                J: We still don't know, Lawrence.

                M: I still don't understand why tonight specifically is so important.

                L: Well, twelve is an important number to us, so god forbid you do something harmful to us tonight. By tradition.

                M: If I even wanted to do that, you'd be the only one I want to kill. Everyone else treats me just fine, unlike you, Lawrence, dear. 

                S: Ha! How does that burn feel Lawrence?

                M: No, Serene. No.

                S: Well then.

                J: I believe we should get ready for the night.

                And that's when I believe they dispersed. 

                Ironically enough, the death of those kids I did not see. Completely out of my grasp, which leads me to kind of side by Lawrence on this one...

                 

Welcome to Fitzville

Book !, Chapter !!

                !!! Ah, what of the exclamation points?!!!

                Anyways…

                While I took that thought I looked over at the scene before me. The children were standing behind me, displaying much fear and confusion. In front of me was Lawrence, fighting off Maxwell with a sword, as Maxwell was attempted to (I assume) cut off his head, with a staff that had a wood saw blade attached to the end. Serene was slapping Maxwell in the back with dull parts of her triton and Lisa was in the middle, trying to separate the giants.

                What. The. F***.

                “Excuse me!” I legitimately screamed, “What is going on?”

                They all stopped, Maxwell shutting of the whir of the blade. They looked at me, with the “We are gonna get in trouble” face.

                “Jesus Christ,” I said, “The KIDS have more maturity than you FULL GROWN ADULTS.”

                They all put their weapons away. Lisa strode up to me and looked at me, magenta eyes sparkling at me. “I’m really sorry, my lady.”

                “Kiss ass!” shouted Maxwell, who was then hit by the blunt part of Serene’s triton.

                Just then a young man walked in, twenty three years in age. His name was George.

                Yes, George. I met him in the forest, lost without his aunt. He was lost for a while, left a bit rabid and in survival mode. He however changed over the years into a calm, pacifist man. Role: God of Forest and Joy, associated with Demeter.

                …I love George. He is the most amazing, caring human I have met in my selections. He is just…I don’t know. I have feelings for him.

                …sigh…

                ‘Oh he’s so dreeeeeaaamyyy’

                Shut up Maxwell and get out of the narration spot.

                Pff you don’t control what I do.

                Yes I do.

                Nope.

                Yes.

                Fine.

                Anyways…

                He walked in and took a seat. “Hey Franky,”he said.

                All SOFTLY and whatnot.

                Max I swear to God.

                Fine, yeesh.

                As I was saying…

                “Hey George,” I responded back. “Welcome back.”

                “I…never really left,” said George.

                “Yeah,” I chuckled, “right…”

                Gulp.
                I feel like I am hindering this tale with my dreams.
                "So," said George,"Jennifer isn't able to come to this, and Alex and Isabelle have band practice. I'll just relay the information if you'd like."
                "That would be great, thank you."
                That being said, it's about time we have gotten started.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

                A girl stood in front of a metal doorway. She had just a tank top and jeans on, despite the cold weather. Weather never was an issue to her, for even the harshest of storms wouldn't bother her. She tapped her foot and waited patiently.

               The girl's name was CeCe. Her light periwinkle eyes shimmered as the moon in the sky floated directly above her. The wind blew against her face. Finally the doors opened slowly, inviting her in. She smiled, proceeding.

               Inside was a jumble of cords and cables, all leading to something hidden in the shadows. She cleared her throat. "I'm ready sir."

               A voice as hoarse as gears grinding answered from the shadows. "Great, CeCe. I expect for you to be careful, yes?"

              She shrugged. "Eh."  

                

                 

Welcome To Fitzville

Book !, Chapter !)

            'Tis the night of the good night, it's Halloween, folks!

            "The hell it is," snarled Drake as he walked by me.

            Tonight I was getting everyone rounded up for tonight's plan, brought to you by Cindy Iku. Luckily, all my old little soldiers could show up (last generation, or the nine that are left of it). These are now god elites in my system (which grants them immortality, yes, when I say god, I mean GOD).

            To be honest, I've formed a bond with all them, and their personalities shine as bright as their element.

            First there's Lawrence. 'Met him when he was separated from his family in what is now Russia at thirteen, and I was his motherly figure ever since. He has shown to have a brave heart and soul, loyal to the cause of justice and obeying. Role: God of the Sky and Dragons, associated with Zeus. 

            Then there is Maxwell. You know about him already, and his horrid past. How we met exactly was in England, after he just been in a fight with some bullies and lost. His past work with me has shown how dark he is and cynical he can be, and sick-minded. But, in the end, he has shown to be strong, independent, and rather artistic as well. Role: God of Nightmares and Darkness, associated with Hades.

            There is also Serene. Her name suits her well. I met her at a coastline, where she got lost at the shore after being taken to beach for fun and left by her Nanny in Italy. She was worried sick, but damn a child could not look more beautiful crying than she did. She really is a kind woman, good at tactics and plans as well, almost like a true fighter. Role: Goddess of Sea and Beauty, associated with Poseidon. 

            The youngest is Lisa. She is the youngest at twenty-five, and is the most optimistic person I know. I met her in Peru when her home was being attacked. (I have a very odd pattern at finding kids in devastating situations) . She is so happy and fun, and always keeping the situation as such. Role: Goddess of Dreams and Light, associated with Aphrodite.

            That's all who's here so far, however. 

            I sat up straight and gave each of the four of them glances. "Good evening, everyone."

            "Not everyone is here yet," said Lawrence,"Won't they miss the information?"

            "They can easily catch up," retorted Maxwell.

            "But-"

            "Jeez guys!" I shouted, "I haven't even said I was starting, calm yourselves."

            They all fell silent and just looked around. "Sorry..."said Lisa silently. 

            "It's okay Lisa."

            "Yeah there's no need of apologizing," said Maxwell.

            "Max, shut the eff up,"said Serene. Hey, I didn't say she was ALWAYS 24/7 kind. 

            Now all we have to do is wait for people to show up, though. 

   

The Book Thief Review

All in all, the film adaptation of The Book Thief was pretty good. It caught interest, though was not found to be too spectacular in certain eyes. It was not a bad film, no, but it was not great either. Allow explanation. The acting and story put together was phenomenal. It was nearly perfect, and overall very well put together. Not bad, as said before. However, what is faulty is more of whether or not the plot of the movie or the casting fit the actual book storyline itself. With this, there were, in my opinion, some parts and such that could have been fixed within this film.

                One thing that could be fixed is the casting. Most of the casting seemed to fit everyone and every character, it will be admitted. But, some characters could have had a more fitting role. For example, Sophie Nelisse did not really fit the character of Liesel Meminger. Upon reading the book, it was expected to picture in one’s head Liesel being more portrayed as a younger looking character. Nelisse seemed to have more of a mature look than preferred. What was pictured to be Liesel looks nothing like Nelisse. There could have been a bit younger looking of an actress to play the part.

                The most disappointing thing about this adaptation was the lack of certain points from within the plot of the movie itself. So many cases and incidents were left out, and it is really upsetting. Upon watching it, excitement and anticipation was raised as the waiting for a certain part form the book to begin and continue. But, hearts were sunken as those details never came on the screen, and disappointment became the more prominent emotion. What makes this even more awful is the fact that major and important parts were left out. For example, one anticipated scene was possibly Max’s dream that he has. This specific dream is when he was put in a ring and was engaging in a fight with Adolf Hitler. It was a unique dream, and would have been really amazing if it would be adapted into action. Unfortunately, that did not happen. This scene shows great part in the plotline, showing struggle within Max as he tries to avoid the wrath of Hitler. It shows him standing up to him and taking him on, but still falling back. This and many other scenes were left out, even with their importance.

                The movie also did not have certain characters, which would ultimately lead to more scenes from the book not put in film that are related to that character. For example, Timmy, the child who had an ear injury that causes him to twitch. He was not put in the movie. This leads to Rudy not defending him, and that scene showed great character from Rudy. Frau Hotzelpof was not introduced either, thus the movie lacked of Liesel reading to her, which also showed character, but within Liesel. In conclusion this movie was fine, but it did not meet to expectations.