Category Archives: Entertainment

Books/Art

A review of ‘Wonder’ finding courage and kindness

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By: Kimberly Mascote Rangel

‘Wonder’ by R.J. Palacio is a touching and inspiring book. It’s about a boy named August Pullman, who is starting school for the first time. Auggi, as he is called, has a facial difference that makes him look different from the other kids. The story follows his experiences as he begins fifth grade at Beecher Prep a private school and his experiences with bullying and getting called names. 

One of the best parts of ‘Wonder’ is how the story is told from different points of view. We get to hear not just from Auggie but also from his sister Via and some of his friends and classmates. This helps us understand how Auggie’s condition affects everyone around him and it makes it interesting and a good book to read that keeps you intrigued to finish reading it.

Auggie is a wonderful character. Even though he faces many challenges he stays positive and brave. His kindness and strength make him a role model for everyone. The book’s main messages are about being kind and accepting others and also seeing the good in people. These lessons are important and make the book very meaningful.

In ‘Wonder’ the conversations between characters feel real and the emotions are genuine. The book talks about topics like bullying but it also shows the power of friendship and support. It also shows the power of having kind people around you that make you feel better and are nice to you.

Overall, ‘Wonder’ is a beautiful book that teaches us to look beyond appearances and value everyone for who they are. It reminds us that kindness and understanding can make a big difference in people’s lives. This book is a must read for anyone who wants a story that is both heartwarming and thought provoking. I would give it a 9/10.

Tech/Games

‘Lethal Company’: Probably the best co-op game to date

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By: Julia Yang

Warning: this game includes spiders, jumpscares, creepy sounds, and many other horror elements.

Fun fact: ‘Lethal Company’ is one of the most positively rated games on Steam. It’s currently in the top 24 of most positively rated, and was the top rated new release game of 2023.

‘Lethal Company’ is a game where you and your chosen buddies are hired by a pretty hazardous company— some might even say lethal— where you’re tasked to land on a variety of moons in outer space to collect scrap for money to meet the assigned quota. Upon entering the main building containing said scraps, little did they tell you that the moons are infested with monsters, creatures, and creepy crawlers that will almost never hesitate to kill you on sight. You’ll encounter a variety of beings like large spiders, a nutcracker with a shotgun, a totally innocent butler, and even deadly blue goo!

Fail to collect the money needed to meet the given quota, and you’ll be blasted off into space. Do whatever it takes to get the scraps you need. Or don’t. I’m not here to tell you how to play the game.

This game truly is the best horror game to play with your friends and family — if you’re not too scared of course. Despite how the game graphics look, ‘Lethal Company’ delivers some of the most terrifying scares of all time.

This game includes voice proximity, meaning if two players are close then you’ll hear each other, but the further away, the quieter you are. Proximity chat makes any game immediately 10x funnier and scarier with the right moments. You’ll be collecting scraps for the quota and then you’ll hear your friend screaming for their lives in the background, it’s hilarious.

What makes ‘Lethal Company’ so good I believe is the overall multiplayer horror factor and the hilarious moments that come out of it. You see, ‘Lethal Company’ is so terrifying that your friends can’t help but laugh at your demise. I will say, this game may not be the best of games to help bond, but man does it get your adrenaline going.

Yet again, another factor that makes this game so awesome really doesn’t come from the game itself, but its fans. Mods. The mods made for ‘Lethal Company’ are so fun, one of my personal favorites is the “Skinwalker” mod.

This mod basically takes voice snippets of you and every other active player and makes it so the monsters can use you or other players’ voices to lure players to their doom. You don’t understand true fear until you hear a dead player’s voice call out to you.

There are an unbelievable amount of mods to make ‘Lethal Company’ even better than it already is which immediately bumps up the rating once again.

The title may look to be biased, but I haven’t actually played the game myself and many across the globe can agree with it. Honestly, if you want to find out what the hype about this game is because I can’t explain what makes it so good that well, then be my guest; the game is $9.99, only found on Steam.

One last fact: This game is completely made up, developed, coded, modeled, and sound designed by one person.

Tech/Games

HOW TO GET ALL ‘ACE COMBAT 7’ “ACE” SKINS

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By: Hoaseng Thao

‘Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown’ is a video game made by Bandai Namco, and if you’ve ever played the campaign, you may have seen certain enemies with names on them.

These named aircrafts are actually ace pilots and as a brief explanation to why they’re called an “ace”, an ace is a pilot who’s shot down five or more aircraft in aerial combat.

Each enemy ace flies their own aircraft so by downing one of these aces, you can unlock their unique skin for that aircraft, however if you want to fly around with the skin, you do need to finish the main campaign first.

There are a total of 24 named aces throughout the campaign, but they don’t appear right away as they require a couple of steps to be spawned in.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to trigger them, and what’s the best way to unlock them.

I’ll start off in chronological order of the campaign, starting from mission 1 to 19. I’ll also show the name of the ace, and their specific aircraft.

Mission 1 “Charged Assault” | PYRO | Mig-21

To unlock this ace, you need an aircraft that can equip a special weapon that can launch multiple missiles, any variant is fine. The trigger for this ace is that you need to kill at least the third wave of bombers in one volley.

Mission 2 “Charge the Enemy” | JESTER | Mig-29

Enemy ace “JESTER” can be triggered when you destroy the control tower right after destroying all radar vehicles, but before the drones spawn in. As long as you destroy the radar vehicles before the drones spawn, you’re good to go.

Mission 3 “Two-pronged Strategy” | BAYONET | F-16C

“BAYONET” can only be triggered when you down four aircraft within two minutes, so the best way to achieve this is to use an aircraft with long range weapons. “BAYONET” will spawn behind the Arsenal Bird.

Mission 4 “Rescue” | RONIN | F-15J

“RONIN” is an F-15J that can be triggered when you fly below 200 meters during the stealth section, after that you can find him in the North.

Mission 5 “444” | FANG | F-15C

For “FANG” to spawn in, your aircraft has to take on at least half of your health for them to spawn.

Mission 6 “Long Day” | KITTEN | F-14D

To unlock “KITTEN”, you’re going to have to just fly through the tunnel at the western base, then they’ll spawn in.

Mission 7 “First Contact” | FAUCON | Typhoon

This ace is pretty easy to trigger, as you’ll need to eliminate all non-target enemies and they’ll spawn in to intercept you.

Mission 8 “Pipeline Destruction” | GAZELLE | F-15E

“GAZELLE” is one of the trickiest ones to trigger, as you need to destroy all oil tanks before the timer runs out. I recommend using aircraft that can launch bombs with a large radius. “GAZELLE” spawns alongside the drones.

Mission 9 “Faceless Soldier” | SPIDER | F-18F

In order to get “SPIDER”, you need to shoot down at least half of the non-targets for them to spawn. The best way to achieve “SPIDER” is to use air to ground missiles, as you can just shoot and forget.

Mission 10 “Transfer Orders” | LOUVETEAU | Gripen E

Just like for “BAYONET”, this one is time based as you need to defeat all SAM sites within five minutes so you’ll need a fast aircraft. “LOUVETEAU” will spawn from the east alongside other Gripens.

Mission 11 “Fleet Destruction” | IBIS & CHASSEUR | SU-33 & RAFALE M

There are two aces in this mission, “IBIS” and “CHASSEUR”. To get “IBIS”, you must fly through the cores of the sea platforms, and they’ll spawn near the Erusean Fleet. For “CHASSEUR” you’re going to have to destroy all fighter jets on the northern platforms before they go airborne, only then will they spawn.

Mission 12 “Stonehenge Defensive” | WALRUS, FOUDRE, BUFFLE | SU-34, MIR-2000-5, A-10C

There’s a lot of aces in this mission, so to be brief, “WALRUS” can be triggered when Stonehenge has taken no damage, “FOUDRE” will spawn once you fly underneath any of the Stonehenge turrets, and “BUFFLE” will spawn when you destroy the three A-10Cs from the east.

Mission 13 “Bunker Buster” | COMET | MIG-31

“COMET” is pretty easy to do, just get a fast aircraft and just target the bunkers, but the only problem is that “COMET” does spawn behind you when the ICBMs launch.

Mission 14 “Cape Rainy Assault” | GLADFLY | SU-47

Just like in ‘Star Wars’, the trigger in this mission is to complete the trench run within 2 minutes, so equip a fast and agile aircraft for this one in order for “GLADFLY” to spawn.

Mission 15 “Battle for Farbanti” | BOGEN & SERPENT | F-2A & SU-37

“BOGEN” is pretty easy, so target the Aegis ashore platform and they’ll spawn in, but intercept him quickly or else they’ll flee south. For “SERPENT” to spawn just get around 15,000 points before the timer reaches five minutes, and he’ll spawn in.

Mission 16 “Last Hope” | AXEMAN | SU-45S

Achieve at least 10,000 points in the first section of the mission for “AXEMAN” to spawn, however identify them first before shooting.

Mission 17 “Tyler Island” | MANTIS | F-35C

For “MANTIS” to spawn in, you need to fly above but also very close to the mass driver, only then will they spawn in when the bombers arrive.

Mission 18 “Lost Kingdom” | LYNX | YF-23

“LYNX” can be triggered when you destroy all targets leading to Shilage castle within three minutes, however if you don’t engage them, they will flee southward.

Mission 19 “Lighthouse” | TEMPEST & CALAMITY | F-22A & SU-57

These two are fairly simple, so to trigger both of them, you need at least 20,000 points for them to spawn in. “TEMPEST” will specifically target you while “CALAMITY” will try to flee south.

That is all the named aircrafts in ‘ACE COMBAT 7’, and I hope this guide will help you collect them all!

Travel/Food

Pumpkin Spice lattes: Which ones are worth it and which ones aren’t?

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By: Norah Hogland & Lily Sheldon

Fall is here; you know what that means! Leaves changing color, Halloween, fall treats, and best of all: Coffee shops have released their fall menus, and we’re here to test them out. We went to three different chain coffee shops to try out the most popular fall drink: the Pumpkin Spice latte.

Starbucks is the most well known stop for the iconic fall drink, selling approximately 20 million Pumpkin Spice lattes every year. But as the drink’s popularity has grown, more coffee shops have started adding the drink to their seasonal menu. People wait all year for this drink, as its popularity has skyrocketed over the last few years. Other coffee shops have started releasing their version of this fall staple, and we are here to see which one is the best.

First, we tried a Starbucks Iced Pumpkin Spice latte. Some things to note about the Starbucks latte: the pumpkin flavor was not very strong, but still noticeable. It also had a strong coffee flavor, which appeals to some people depending on their taste. It came with whipped cream and spices on the top. The cost of this drink was $6.25, and it was the smallest amount of the 3, though we ordered the same size from each place. Even so, it was a good drink. Overall, we rate this drink a 7.8/10.

Then, we tried an Iced Pumpkin latte from Caribou. This drink had a larger cup than Starbucks, and the cost was only $5.89. Unfortunately, there was no whipped cream or spices on top of this drink, it was just the coffee itself. There was a larger amount of ice compared to the other drinks as well. The latte from Caribou had a stronger pumpkin flavor, and less of a coffee flavor. Another thing to note was that it also had a bit of a fake, artificial flavor to it, which was not exactly pleasant. Overall rating of this drink was 4.66/10.

Lastly, we tried the Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice latte. This drink had the largest cup for a small sized drink. Dunkin’s drink cost $5.89, the same as Caribou. This drink came with the most whipped cream, and it included caramel drizzle, and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. This drink was the sweetest tasting of the three, tasted more like pumpkin than Starbucks, but not more than Caribou and was more milky than the other 2. This drink is very sugary and sweet, which some prefer and some don’t. Overall, we rate this drink a 6.8/10.

If you are still wondering which drink you would like most, here are our thoughts:

  • If you like to stick to the classics, and if you prefer a stronger coffee flavor and a less sweet drink, we would recommend the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice latte. It is a tasty, solid option for coffee lovers to be in spirit during the fall season.
  • If you are looking for a more simple, and less expensive option, with no add ons, we would recommend the Caribou latte. The only problem with this one is the strange flavor to it, but some people don’t mind this. Caribou is a good option for pumpkin lovers, as it has the strongest pumpkin flavor out of the 3.
  • Lastly, the latte from Dunkin’. It’s a sweet, milky drink topped with lots of whipped cream and spices. This latte was more of a treat, so if you don’t love the taste of coffee but love pumpkin and sweetness, then Dunkin’ is the one for you.

If you don’t know your preferences? Try Starbucks, as it is the most neutral and, in our opinion, best tasting out of the three. Or, to get the full experience, try them all!

Tech/Games

‘The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom’ is the first main Zelda game where you actually play as Zelda.

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By: Munira Ahmadad

In May 2023, Nintendo released ‘The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’ (TOTK) which was one of the Switch’s most anticipated games after the success of ‘Breath of the Wild’. Unfortunately, the creators of the game had stated there would be no follow up content or a DLC for TOTK, as they believed that it had everything they had intended it to be on its initial release. While the game was considered amazing, plenty of fans were disappointed that was where it was going to end. 

It appears the Zelda developers are serious about moving on from the 2017 ‘Breath of the Wild’ world that remains a fan favorite even half a decade later, as in June 2024, the new main Zelda game had been announced. ‘The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom’ is scheduled to release on September 26, and it’s style is the same as ‘The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening’, which has led me, and other fans to assume it’s a sequel or set in the same Hyrule as ‘Link’s Awakening’. 

One thing that you can immediately notice is different from the other LOZ games when you first watch the trailer is that you do not play as Link in this game, but rather Zelda. This is the first main Zelda game in which you actually play as the princess Zelda. The trailer displays a recurring gameplay mechanic that revolves around collecting items and creating imitation versions that are useful for exploration and combat. 

Personally, I am very excited for a new main title game in the series, but I’ve never been a fan of the toy-like and simple graphics. It makes it hard for me to take the gameplay seriously, and it’s indicative to me that the game will be easy. I’m aware Nintendo makes their main games for kids and families, though, so it’s not something I am upset about. 

Advice/How To, Travel/Food

Why eggs are the most nutritional breakfast option

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By: Max Cahoon

According to the ‘Keck Medicine of USC’s’ Kurt Mong, eggs are a great source of high protein and also have very low calories. Eggs also contain a ton of vitamins and nutrients that your body needs.

Many people eat eggs to maintain or lose weight as well. Research shows that people that eat eggs may lose up to 65% more weight than people that eat their eggs with a bagel, according to ‘Sauder’s Eggs’

People think that what they eat in the morning doesn’t affect your body throughout the day, but it actually does both physically and mentally. Breakfast options like cereal or donuts may slow you down, but eggs improve your physical and mental health for the entire day. This is because of the nutrients/vitamins that are in eggs. Eggs have vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron, which are all huge benefits to your bones and brain.

Eggs are also a protein powerhouse. Eggs are a very good option for people that workout/go to the gym because of the protein. Kirkland brand eggs have 6 grams of protein per egg, meaning if you eat 5 eggs every morning you will already have half of your needed grams of protein for the day, and protein builds muscle.

According to the ‘KRQE’ eggs are America’s favorite breakfast food and around 65% of people throughout the United States eat eggs every morning for breakfast. Eggs are also a very good food to combine other foods with, for example a lot of people will make eggs with sausage or bacon or fruit which makes it into more of a meal.

Another appealing factor about eggs is that there are so many different types of eggs to make, some people even go as far as to say that there are over 100 ways to cook eggs. A couple examples would be scrambled, hard boiled, sunny side up, and omelet, but those are just the popular ones, there’s a ton more that I didn’t mention.

Travel/Food

Guide to the Land Down Under, East Coast

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By: Baarika Suresh

Melbourne City

Melbourne City – Melbourne, the home of Australian fashion is known for its lively culture and vibrant lifestyle. Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, one of the 7 states/territories of Australia. There is live music and jazz clubs around every corner as well as massive shopping malls. There is a free tram to access anything in the inner city circle so you can go anywhere anytime.

The great ocean road is a 240 kilometer long drive that’s west end starts in Victoria, and is where you can see the world’s best coastal views, such as the 12 Apostles.

Katoomba Waterfalls

Katoomba Cascades, Blue Mountains – The Blue Mountains are part of a mountain range called the Great Dividing Range, which ranges all the way from South Australia to Queensland. There are gorgeous walking tracks, beautiful views of the Australian greenery and many fun activities.

There are many local art galleries like the Lost Bear Gallery and cafes and shops nearby as well as the Scenic Skyway which is a cable car ride which glides suspended in the air. It has a 360 panoramic view of the landscape.

Sydney Harbor Bridge – Sydney is actually not the capital of Australia, yet it is the most famous city in Australia. Sydney is known for its beaches, shopping and entertainment. Go to Allianz Stadium where the women’s football World Cup was held last year to catch an A-League soccer game or head to the Sydney cricket stadium to watch the Big Bash League cricket matches.

Sydney never sleeps and people can be seen walking or playing basketball 24/7. Sydney’s most famous beach is Bondi Beach but there are many hidden gems in Sydney’s neighboring town, Newcastle.

Bogey Hole

Bogey Hole, Newcastle – The beaches of Newcastle are undoubtedly the best beaches in Australia. Red Head, Merewether, Nobbys and Newcastle beaches are beautiful places to visit. Nobbys Beach also has rich Australian history, as the boardwalk was built by the blood and sweat of English convicts. The boardwalk connects the beach to Nobbys Head and Nobbys Lighthouse, which guides ships to the biggest export/import port in Australia.

Next to Merewether Beach is Merewether Baths, which is an outdoor swimming area enclosed from the ocean, but lets in ocean water. 

Bogey Hole was dug out by convicts as a private pool for Colonel James Morisett. Now, it’s clear water is open to the public, so that they can enjoy the beautiful views.

Sunset in Orange

Central West – Central West, New South Wales is where the pinnacle of Australian life is. It is just across the Blue Mountains shielded away from the city.

Lake Canobolas (which is actually a dam) is located a half hour drive from Orange City Center and is an amazing place to be. There is a cafe nearby, mini beach, and beautiful walking tracks around the lake. It is in close proximity to The Pinnacle, which is a pretty steep trek up to The Lookout, one of the highest points of elevation in Orange. You can visit Borenore Caves, widely known for its stalactites and stalagmites, or pick your own produce at Huntley Berry Farm, a family owned farm.

Tech/Games

F-18C start up in ‘Digital Combat Simulator’

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By: Yohan Lee

‘Digital Combat Simulator’ is an aviation air to combat plane simulation game. You can play it on a PC. Here I will explain how you start an F-18C.

To start the F-18C in ‘Digital Combat Simulator’ you first must have your battery switch in the upright switch near your right console.

Now look at your left console and locate APU and click right to turn it on. You will see the APU ready light has turned green.

Below the APU there is an Engine Crank switch and right-click to put it in the Right Engine Crank.

Now look at your IFEL panel. When you crank your right engine you should see a number moving on the right side of your IFEL panel. That is the right engine. Once the number has reached 25 percent move your right throttle to idle or press RSHIFT+HOME. Your 25 percent should move up to 65 percent. Your engine crank switch should automatically go to the off switch.

Now do the same procedure  on the left engine. Left-click engine crank. Left at the IFEL panel. 25 percent, and move your left throttle to idle or RALT+HOME. Check that both engines are at 65 percent.

SCREENS

Now look at both DDI and right-click the top knob to day. Now turn on your HUD by turning the knob next to the IFF. At the bottom, you should see the AMPCD screen. Turn the knob to the right.

FCS AND AVIONICS

On the far left of your left console, you should see your rudder trim. Press the button on the top to put your elevator into takeoff trim.

Near that you should see a FCS Reset Button. Hold that for 5 seconds. Look at your right DDI and press the FCS-MC button.

Take a look at your far right and you should see your FCS-BIT switch. Hold that for 5 seconds then look at your right DDI and press the FCS MC button again. It should say in Test.

Close the canopy or CTRL+C and look down and turn your INS to IFA. At your far left, turn your OBOGS on. Press the FCS MC button again. It should all say GO.

Finally, turn your seat arm and parking brake off.

Movies/TV/Theaters

Review of new ‘Coraline’ remaster

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By: Kumari Mia Wijetunge

‘Coraline’ was originally released in 2008 by Henry Selick, and is a movie that contained magical twists and turns that left the viewer with the feeling of being stuck in a dream that felt like a nightmare at some points. This enchanting movie that told the tale of self discovery and bravery has now been reawakened this summer with the release of ‘Coraline’ in remaster.

Coraline’ tells the story of a young girl who finds a parallel universe behind a small door that’s in her new home “The Pink Palace”. Once she travels to the new world that inherently seems to have everything she’s ever wanted it soon turns into a dark and twisted nightmare that’s come to life. The remaster gives a new twist to the film’s complex visuals.

The remaster of the original ‘Coraline’ brings new life into the beautifully crafted stop motion animation which is a key part of the magical storytelling that this movie immerses the viewers in. The visual appeal to this movie is off the charts characterized by its bright, yet otherworldly color palette, and incredibly detailed character designs and sets that creates a captivating dream-like feel.

The audio remastering also plays a huge role in this re-release. The film’s hauntingly beautiful sounds by Bruno Coulais and its crisp sound design are heard with newfound clarity and depth. The atmospheric and eerie sound has a way of wrapping around the viewer’s head. The sonic enhancement adds an extra layer of engagement making the film’s already eerie moments even more chilling.

While this remaster was a long awaited film for long time fans it offered a new opportunity for newer fans to experience the magic of ‘Coraline’. The visuals and audio make this film an ideal introduction for younger audiences who may have missed the film’s original release.

The remaster of ‘Coraline’ is not only a nostalgic trip but is a celebration of a classic that brought so much joy to long time fans and allowed them to relive it all again. With the visuals and audio of this movie it offered a rich experience of Selick’s beautiful work. For both old time fans and new ones ‘Coraline in Remaster’ is a chance to rediscover, or discover the movie for the first time. Overall, it is a truly exceptional piece of animated cinema I would give it a 10/10.

Unfortunately, ‘Coraline in Remaster’ is not in theaters at this time, but you can see the original version on multiple streaming services.

Music/Concerts

Album review: ‘K-12’ by Melanie Martinez

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By: Beverly Stinson

‘K-12’ is the 2nd studio album released by alt pop singer Melanie Martinez. It was released on September 6th, 2019 with 13 songs and was accompanied by a musical based movie, written and directed by Melanie herself along with some other people.

‘K-12’ is my favorite album ever and I’m giving my honest opinion on every song.

Tracklist

  1. Wheels on the Bus
  2. Class Fight
  3. The Principal 
  4. Show and Tell
  5. Nurses Office
  6. Drama Club
  7. Strawberry Shortcake
  8. Lunchbox Friends
  9. Orange Juice
  10. Detention 
  11. Teachers Pet
  12. High School Sweethearts
  13. Recess

It continues the story of the character Crybaby and her experience at a sleepaway school, following Melanie’s debut album titled ‘Crybaby’. Crybaby is a pretty complex character that is based off of both Melanie’s experiences with life and other peoples’ experiences. 

I also just want to state that the videos are tied to the movie so you could watch it and see all the music videos there and that I won’t be getting into detail about the lore and meanings of all the songs. 

And lastly, I want to say that Mel goes by she/they pronouns so I will kind of be switching between the two for different songs. 

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Song #1: Wheels on the Bus

Warnings: suggestive language, profanity, drug use

Wheels on the Bus music video

Wheels on the Bus lyrics

“Wheels on the Bus” is one of my favorite songs. I used to listen to it everyday on repeat and watch the music video. 

It’s not one of the most popular songs on the album but I personally feel it’s important to the story and the album and definitely deserves more recognition.

I believe it signifies coming of age as it shows Crybaby going to school for the first time and immediately experiencing bullying as well as “First love” and just the chaos of school. 

One of my favorite things about this song is the obvious reference to the song “Wheels on the Bus” and the samples Melanie adds from it. 

8/10

Song #2: Class Fight

Warnings: violence, suggestive language, drug use (in the movie)

Class Fight music video

Class Fight lyrics

At one point, “Class Fight” was my favorite Melanie song, it really had me in a chokehold when ‘K-12’ came out. I would watch fan made music videos and the actual music video itself over and over. 

I love the music, lyrics, and meaning, just everything about it. 

In the movie there’s the fight scene which is honestly one of my favorite scenes in the movie, it’s not very long but it’s an interesting scene and probably my favorite time Crybaby showcases her powers. 

9/10

Song #3: The Principal 

Warnings: drug use, profanity, transphobia (in the movie)

The Principal music video

The Principal lyrics

“The Principal” isn’t a song I’d say is my favorite but it’s still an amazing song. I love the lyrics and the music video.

I feel like this song kinda resonates with me a little because I used to be considered a “gifted” and “talented” kid and throughout the years I ended up burning out from all the expectations and work pushed on me.

I do really love this song and it definitely deserves more recognition.

8/10

Song #4: Show and Tell

Warnings: violence, profanity

Show and Tell music video

Show and Tell lyrics

“Show and Tell” focuses more on Melanie’s experience as a growing artist. 

It’s an amazing song and it was so popular at the time of release and for good reason, more people need to hear about how they make artists feel.

In the song they talk about how they feel pressured and used by their toxic fans. They have people pressuring them to make more music and have people taking pictures of them without permission. They express how they don’t feel like they can really talk about how their toxic fans make them feel because they think their fans won’t like them anymore.

The video for it visualizes how Melanie feels like they’re some sort of puppet in the music industry and that’s really creative. 

10/10

Song #5: Nurses Office

Warnings: drugging, violence, profanity 

Nurses Office music video

Nurses Office lyrics

“Nurses Office” was a song that really started to hit me in 7th grade.

It basically talks about how bullying may affect a person so much that they don’t want to attend class or even be in school in general and how schools don’t really do much about it. Crybaby is a character that is shown to be treated very harshly by other students and isn’t helped by teachers. To get away from it she goes to the nurse’s office since that’s the only place she can go. 

I do love this song and relate to it on a personal level and Mel actually said it was their favorite on the album which makes it more special.

9/10

Song #6: Drama Club

Warnings: violence, gore (in the movie), profanity, misogyny (in the movie)

There’s no YouTube music video link for some reason 

Drama Club lyrics

“Drama Club” has always been a favorite for me. I absolutely loved the video for this song as well as the lyrics. 

The video is actually so sick, it has another one of my favorite scenes where Crybaby uses her powers and gives more of a glimpse of how powerful she really is. 

It’s a pretty slow paced song but I feel like every album needs 1 or 2 slower songs with all the fast paced ones. It also reminds me of like 5th grade since I listened to it the most during that time.

10/10

Song #7: Strawberry Shortcake

Warnings: body dysmorphia, bullying, implications of sexual assault, sorta nudity (in the movie), misogyny 

Strawberry Shortcake music video

Strawberry Shortcake lyrics

“Strawberry Shortcake” is my 4th favorite song on the album. I really relate to some parts of it as the lyrics talk about some things I go through.  

This is another song that I feel might be about Melanie’s experiences but also just the subject in general. They talk about how sexism and misogyny affected them and I think about how some people made them feel about their body. 

Sexism and body dysmorphia are two really heavy subjects and Melanie talks about heavy things like that all the time. They’ve never really held back on the subject and I can tell it means a lot to them. 

It references how society tells women or AFAB’s (Assigned Female At Birth) that it’s their fault for getting hurt because of their clothing or the way they look.

“Strawberry Shortcake” is definitely an underrated song and it deserves way more recognition and love than it has. 

10/10

Song #8: Lunchbox Friends 

Warnings: profanity, sexual language, mentions of drugs, mentions of death (metaphorically)

Lunchbox Friends music video

Lunchbox Friends lyrics 

“Lunchbox Friends” is one of the most popular songs on the album. It’s a song that I started relating to in 7th grade.

This song is about fake friends; in the movie the group of popular girls invites Crybaby over to sit with them at lunch and pretend to be her friends but in reality they’re just going to end up leaving her. 

This is one song that I kind of involuntarily think too much about the meaning. It does genuinely make me sad when listening to it and thinking of people it reminds me of. Even so, I still love it and it will forever be one of my favorites on ‘K-12’

10/10

Song #9: Orange Juice

Warnings: eating disorders, body dysmorphia, slight gore (in the movie)

Orange juice music video

Orange juice lyrics

“Orange Juice” is a song that didn’t hit with me at first but after watching the movie and listening to the song so many times it eventually made its way to my second favorite on the album. 

This song speaks about eating disorders and self hate as well as self love and acceptance. This song helped me through my own eating disorder and helped me feel more seen about my insecurities. And I honestly owe a lot of my progress with my health to Melanie and her songs, this being a big one. 

“Orange Juice” is a really good song and it speaks on a big issue that a lot of people don’t ever want to talk about. It’s definitely a song that means a lot to me. 

10/10

Song #10: Detention 

Warnings: profanity

Detention music video

Detention lyrics

“Detention” is a song that I recently started to like more, I don’t know why I never fully listened to it though. I like the lyrics and the music and it’s all very catchy but for some reason it didn’t stick to me until like 4 years later. But as of right now, it’s my 3rd favorite on the album. I really love the music video; I feel like it’s really satisfying to watch. 

I relate to this song on a huge level. It’s insane. Since 7th grade school hasn’t exactly been the most positive experience for me and I never really had any help or guidance. 

There’s a lyric at the beginning of the song that talks about something I think most students experience, which is coming to school early in the morning with less than 7 hours of sleep, and some teachers expecting you to have a bright smile and positive attitude. That’s just something I think is a pet peeve for everyone. 

10/10

Song #11: Teachers Pet

Warnings: grooming, profanity, suggestive language 

Teachers Pet music video

Teachers Pet lyrics

“Teachers Pet” is an amazing song, it deals with an insanely heavy topic that definitely isn’t talked about enough.

I’m not going to add any of the lyrics but basically what the song is about is a teacher preying on one of Crybaby’s friends Angelita. It’s obviously based on pedophilila and grooming in the school system and how it’s underlooked.  

In the song it kinda talks about how it actually feels to be the victim in this situation. She mentions Angelita feeling like a spider trapped in a cage, representing her feeling trapped in the relationship as well as hating the teacher but still not being able to leave. 

Obviously, like I said, it’s a very heavy topic and that might be why some people don’t like it but it’s still such a good song. 

9/10

Song #12: High School Sweethearts

Warnings: violence, profanity, suggestive language

High School Sweethearts music video

High School Sweethearts lyrics

Okay, so, “Highschool Sweethearts” is my overall favorite Mel song out of all her albums and my favorite song ever made. I’m so obsessed with the music and the lyrics and how I feel it represents me.

I might be exaggerating but I really feel like this is one of the songs i relate to more than every other song, like ever. It genuinely means so much to me.

I love the lyrics but I wanna say that the music video/scene is everything to me, the choreography is, I think, my favorite I’ve ever seen and the video is my favorite music video ever. I just love everything about it and the song in general. I cried hearing it live; it was a very important moment for me. 

This is such an important song to me and it will forever be my favorite.

100/10

Song #13: Recess

Warnings: profanity 

Recess music video

Recess lyrics

“Recess” is the last song on the album, and I love it so much.

This song is basically about being brave enough to take a break when things get too overwhelming in your life.

I feel like this definitely goes back to the school system and how they pressure kids. Having them take so many classes with so much work and expecting them all to be smart and understanding of all the information being pushed in their faces at one time. 

It’s good for people to get reminders that they don’t have to cause themselves so much stress at one time and that they are allowed to take breaks for their own well-being because it’s so important. 

This is one of Melanie’s least popular songs which I don’t understand because it’s so good. It definitely deserves way more recognition.

10/10

Overall, this album is so amazing and honestly doesn’t have any bad songs. I love that every song has a deep meaning and spreads a message. 

Melanie has been one of my favorite creators since I was 7-8 years old and I love seeing her go from being on ‘The Voice’ to making her own music and spreading amazing messages and love. She was the most influential person in my childhood and she’s still a major influence now. She’s the reason why I got into writing and helped guide my start with activism.

This album really means so much to me because I relate to so much of it. And it’s a piece that should be so much more popular. It speaks about a lot of big topics that I’d say most artists wouldn’t even dare to touch. That’s something really special about it and Mel.

There is also a deluxe version of the album which adds the songs from her EP ‘After school’ which you should also check out, my favorite is “Brain + Heart”.

Lastly, I want to say how perfect the movie is. I’ve seen it so many times and it’s one of my favorite movies. It’s crazy to think about the fact that Mel wrote it, directed it, and starred as the main character. That’s not an easy thing to do and it just shows how talented she is.

I really do recommend you watch the movie! Here’s the link to it:

K-12 the movie

I hope you take the time to listen to it and show your support for Melanie and the messages and love she’s trying to send to everyone.

-Beverly