The Hudson Hotspot

The Terrifying Reality of College

Most of you here know me--bookworm, part time know it all, and full time student at Hudson High. Today, I’m here to introduce you to my sister Katrina, the director of her own Early Childhood Center/Preschool Little Lambs in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Here’s her college wake up call to you Juniors and Seniors; some of these things really happen and they’re super annoying.

The Freshman 15 

Yeah you hear me, the Freshman 15. If there is one thing that people coming into college are worried about it’s the Freshman 15. It’s a reality, kids. Whether you’re gaining it by binging on the endless amounts of food in the cafeteria trying to get your money’s worth or scrimping and saving to buy a pack of ramen. You are going to change in college and it’s totally normal and okay for it to start with weight.

Problematic roommates

One of the other top concerns I had as a freshman was the dreaded roommate situation. Coming from a boarding school, it wasn’t the living with someone else aspect, it was the living with someone new part. After waking up to the same three girls I had grown up with every day, having a new roommate was so weird to me and I hated her!

Changing your mind

I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do with my life when I walked across the stage to accept my diploma and I’m sure there are some of you who will have no idea either. Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s completely okay. There is nothing wrong with not knowing what you want to be when you’re fresh out of high school, when the most work you’ve ever done is probably working a cash register. You can always change your major and if you need time to figure your life out, you can take off a semester or two. College classes are different because they’re flexible and you don’t have to go.

Picky professors

We all have had that one teacher, right? The one who gives you an essay that they expect to be like 800 words and they want it on their desk the next day? The one who gives you an entire packet of work to do by the end of your very short class hour? Well, thankfully when I went to college, I didn’t find that. The thing that’s different about college is that the professors don’t have to care and they aren’t going to track you down for your work. The pickiest they get is asking for papers in 12 point font, which is really a given. So when you go to college, don’t freak out. Literally everyone is in the same boat on their first day and the professors are usually pretty nice people.

Overall, the message I want to send here is that yes, a lot of the horror stories you hear about college are true, but not for everyone. We all shape our own experiences in college and later in life. If you want to have bright blue hair and run around singing, you can do that. If you want to skip class and go party, no one's telling you that you can't. But the most important thing is to remember why you’re there and that at the end of the day it’s you that’s paying for your education...so maybe hold off on the binge drinking until another time. The last piece of advice I can give to you is relax! Have fun, and learn something!

​As a diehard fan of animated films, I figured that it would be appropriate to review one. This week's film may be a spin off, but it’s filled with a lot of laughs and fun. The stars of the film have also given me some of the best advice of my life: Sometimes you just have to “Smile and wave, boys. Smile and wave.” The Penguins of Madagascar- 3.6 out of 5 stars

​If you’ve seen the original Madagascar, you know what the excitement is all about. (To those of you who haven’t, I highly recommend that you do. Avoid the sequels like the plague, though.) The undercover cute and cuddly penguins- Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private- are back in action against their most notorious threat yet. They’ll team up with The North Wind, an elite undercover agency that helps animals that can not help themselves. If you love classic spy films and James Bond movies, this is right up you alley.

​This film is filled with wit and whimsy that may go over kid's heads. However, it is enjoyable for parents and children alike. At first I had my doubts about Benedict Cumberbatch being in this film; however, like always, the fantastic actor shows me that no matter what character he is, he steals the show. I should give more credit to the less known but equally talented voice actors of the penguins themselves. They manage to cement their characters so much that they make the characters' personalities that much more entertaining.

​The only problem I have with the film is that it tends to steal plot items from other films. For example, the villain’s sinister plot is almost identical to that of Despicable Me 2. Plus the moral of the story is almost cliché: Sometimes the smallest people can the most impact. Plus, if you want everything to be literal and realistic, never go to an animated film. That’s part of the fun of animation. Whatever you think can become reality.

​There are so many fun references to other films within the movie that it adds to the whimsy of the film. Some would call that cheating or plagiarizing, but the overall affect is comical. The animators even poke fun at nature documentaries throughout the course of the film. It is the little jokes like these that really make you connect with the movie. For example, in one part of the movie, the penguins were almost going to be shipped back to Madagascar, where the original film took place. The penguins never address the matter but the viewers who have seen the prequels get the irony.

​The only other minor issue I have with the film, is that it does not have the best continuity with the other films. It really doesn’t affect the overall story, but the film makers could have possibly considered that more closely. Like I said, it’s a very minor issue, but an issue nonetheless.

​While it may lack some originality, The Penguins of Madagascar manages to be quirky and pleasing throughout. So the next time you see a cute and cuddly penguin, do not take it for what you think it is, for there could be a covert operation afoot.

Saturday morning, jump out of bed, put on my best clothes. No, I’m not about to ask for someone’s hand in marriage. Instead, I have to deal with my stepdad’s family for an entire day.

Before I continue with this, let me clarify. The man most of you have met is not my biological father. Are we related by blood? No. Does he treat me like his own. Heck yes. Moving on.

Every year, my family hosts an annual Christmas party for my stepdad’s very extended family, and we attempt to accommodate for everyone’s needs. My Aunt Mary’s need for cleanliness, my Aunt Karen’s need for multiple family photos to go on Facebook, and my older cousins, who are all either raising or currently expecting new members of the fourth generation.

Too many….

While the party went on upstairs, I sat in the basement, contemplating life at the bottom of a Red Solo Cup. Filled with root beer of course.

Despite my stepdad taking me in with open arms, most of his family was hesitant to do the same. The early generation of his family are devout Christians and because of this, we had to be two things: I had to be born not out of wedlock, and my mother could not be pregnant again with my little brother when she met my stepfather. Unfortunately, we failed both, because my biological father was a deadbeat that left my mother when I was two, and my mother was in fact still carrying my little brother at the time she met my stepfather.

Yeah, not exactly my favorite event to end the year. But eventually, most of them warmed up to us, including us in their company as time went on.

Today, I still feel that old resentment occasionally, whether from pissed off cousins who seem to hate me for no reason or being called last for Bingo.

Pure. Torture.

But then I remember the ones that actually do care and accept me, like the younger cousins who ask about school and complain about the adults who used to do the same to them. Like the aunts who let me join in when they call out Bingo cards (Also pure torture). Like the uncles who ruffle up my hair when I try to hug them. Like the little cousins who grab my leg and beg me to do the “air-pane” again.

These are the ones I would happily dress up and deal with, Saturday morning or not.

Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde

We’re all nerds on the inside. Yeah, I see you Mr. hardcore jock who also holds a secret love for star wars or something of the like, I know your secret. Have you ever spent hours playing video games? Losing a weekend of rest and relaxation to a weekend of dungeons,dragons, and quests? If you answered yes to those questions, then the book for you is Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde.

In this sci-fi/fantasy/thriller, we hop into the future and the world of  fourteen year old protagonist Giannine. It begins on her birthday, and an ill begotten gift of a certificate to the future world’s favorite attraction, a virtual video gaming center. She decides to go out on a limb and break through lines of protesting parents to turn in the gaming certificate on a game called Heir Apparent, in which Giannine’s character, Janine de St. Jehan, is informed she is the rightful heir to the throne, and must now go and prove her worth to the country. With multiple ways to die, the game restarts when you come to an end, just like any normal game.

However, when the violent protesters decide to break into the shop, they rattle the machine, trapping her in the machine and endangering her life. Now Giannine has to not only find the endgame, but win or die. The stakes are high, and it’s literally life or death for our heroine.

I, the biggest nerd in history, thought this was the best book for me, especially gearing up to go nerd out at the Hobbit this week! The imagery was amazing, and it gave an immersiveness to the story that a lot of books are missing. This book isn’t just a story, but an experience, and I can’t do it justice with my words now. Go on your own quest, a quest of discovery, and pick up Heir Apparent this weekend! 

We know Mr. Gambill as the teacher who goes on trips to Europe with students and as a helpful guy when it comes to history questions on Trivia Crack. However, what don’t we know about Tsar Gambill?

Mr. Gambill has two sons: Brahm and Soren. He states that he can’t believe they are still alive today with all the crazy adventures they undertake. Gambill shared a story with me about his sons that showed what a great parent he really is. He was mowing the front lawn while his kids played on the trampoline out back. The boys became curious as to whether the trampoline would still work if it had holes in it or not; so, they ventured inside to grab a few steak knives and started jumping on the trampoline with them in order to puncture holes in it. Eventually, Mr. Gambill went to see what they were up to, and luckily, they were still alive. He stated, “Together they are B.S., and if you meet them, you’ll know why.”

The infamous tsar attended Hillsdale College, and it was the best time of his life; he would recommend it to anyone. He was in the fraternity Sigma Chi for three years where he participated in speaker diving—literally diving off of giant speakers hoping his friends would catch him—and their annual mud slide. He has made it known that he was unaware the college had a library or a weight room until he’d graduated because he had never set foot in either before then. When asked why we should all attend college, he said we should give our parents a break since they’ve earned it, and also to practice being a grown-up because “it’s all on you.”

During college, Mr. Gambill student-taught at Hudson and got to know everyone, so it was a fairly easy choice to seek a full-time teaching assignment here. He learned everything he knows from Mr. Borton and Mr. Redding, which is kind of scary when you think about it. He chose to teach history and economics because of all the great teachers he’s learned from in the past who had inspired him. He truly believes students take a lot away from history classes, and also that econ. helps students prepare for their financial futures.

He is embarking on yet another European trip with students this summer, and he is overly thrilled about it. He is very excited to return to Switzerland to witness its breathtaking beauty. He believes the entire country looks like it could be on a postcard.

Besides traveling through Europe, some of Mr. Gambill’s other hobbies include running—though he says he is too short, fat, and old—skiing, golf, aviation, reading, and collecting rifles. He may be known for his corny jokes and inability to know when to stop talking, but Mr. Gambill knows how to keep you on your toes—a trait you may need if you hang around his knife-wielding children.

You might ask “What is youth group all about?” or “What do people do there?” Well, every Saturday night at Open Door Bible Church, we play a ball game in the gymnasium like basketball or soccer. If you’re not a fan of playing sports, that’s fine too! Some people like to chat about their week or get a board game out to play. There are many options, so you will never be bored! Around 7 o’clock, we go into another room to eat a delicious dinner provided for you—FREE FOOD! Once people are about finished, the Bible lesson gets started. The youth get very involved in each lesson, sharing their own experiences and guiding the conversation with questions they may have. Sometimes one of them even chooses to teach the lesson. Do they shove Jesus down your throat? Absolutely not! As a tight-knit group of friends, we walk together and meet in the middle. After the lesson, the group goes back into the gym to play more sports and games.

This isn’t all that the youth group of Open Door Bible Church does. They also make trips to the bowling alley and have been trying to raise enough money to be able to go roller skating and camping. Every February we go up to Camp Barakel to learn a little more about who God is and to just get away from everyday life. Also, on Saturday, December 13, the youth group joined the rest of the Sunday Church family for Christmas Caroling around Hudson. There was chili at the church to warm everyone back up! If you like singing, sports, friends, and games, tag along with us for weekly fun!

Whether we want to admit it or not, we have all had an awkward crush sometime in our lives. Whether it was on our childhood friend or a random stranger in a grocery store, having unexpressed feelings for someone from afar usually fades. This is the case in John Green’s novel Paper Towns. Quentin Jacobsen, Florida teen and nerd extraordinaire, has spent his entire life loving Margo Roth Spiegelman-- neighbor, wild child, and childhood friend --from across their yards. Margo and Quentin had been close as children but they drifted steadily apart as they matured. They ultimately chose different friends, different paths, and different philosophies on life.

When Margo appears ninja-style in Quentin’s room one hot summer night after years of silence, he’s rightfully shocked, Margo wanted an adventure, and she had a plan. Her plan was revenge, and almost everyone was a target. Subtle shades of breaking and entering, a few destroyed friendships, and a swim through a moat later, a soaked Margo and Quentin behold the beauty of a sleeping city beginning to wake, and an unexpected fire begins sparking in between them. However; after the all-night adventure comes to an uneventful ending and the new day begins, Quentin is shocked when he spends a day of studying and looking for Margo. Certainly he didn’t expect her to fall in love with him. But shouldn’t she at least have shown up? Much to Quentin’s dismay, and much to her parents’, hours of her disappearance turned into days, days to weeks and weeks to a month.

Frustrated that the investigation is getting nowhere, Quentin decides to take matters into his own hands and sets out on a great adventure with his friends Ben and Radar-- the quest to find the always enigmatic Margo. As they unturn clue after clue, time moves forward, but the clues lead in circles. Maybe Margo didn’t run away and maybe she was hurt and maybe it was too late. As months turned into almost a year, Ben and Radar lost hope but Quentin never gave up. His search seemed to get more pointless by the day, until an unturned clue about a map and a city that doesn’t exist becomes clear. Then it’s a race against time to find Margo before the clock strikes 12. Unfortunately, the clock strikes 12 on their graduation day, and it appears that Quentin won’t be able to get the girl. Hoping to save their friend from this crushing loss, his friends go out on a limb with him and they set out again for a cross-country adventure, a quest to find Margo the Great.

With friendship, criminal antics, a classic road trip, mystery, and John Green’s signature heart-wrenching scenes, it’s no surprise Paper Towns is his next choice for a big screen movie! The thought-provoking questions, the race against time and the enigma that is Margo Roth Spiegelman, Paper Towns is easily classified as one of Green’s best and most underrated novels. To me, this book was a thriller. Often, I sat back and wondered “Is she even alive anymore?” Also, the novel was thought-provoking without being a terribly difficult read. Some of the questions about what it means to live and to have a great life really made me consider where I want to take my own personal life. The underlying message of self-discovery is one that can be beneficial and applicable to all teens and even some adults. So make Paper Towns your next destination on the road map of reading, make plans for your own great adventures, or just plans to see the movie. Happy reading!

In order to get some excitement brewing over the Hudson's adventure to Adrian on the 18th, let us look back at the movies that led up to "The Defining Chapter" of The Hobbit series. Will you join me- one last time? ( Just kidding! I'll be back next week.) Warning:  Not only do these films contain some gory and scary content, this article could contain spoilers. (I'm talking about you, freshmen!)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey- 3.5 out of 5 stars

Ahh...  Exposition, my old friend. It's nice to see you've found someone who loves you enough to devote a 2.5 hour movie completely to you. Oh yes, please do say "hi" to Mr. Jackson for me, I'm a big fan.

Well, let me start off with our own exposition shall I? Bilbo Baggins, a rather hermited hobbit, joins a wizard named Gandalf the Grey and a band of dwarfs to reclaim the dwarf kingdom of Erebor from a ferocious dragon. As much as I would like to say that that was the summary of the first movie, it's not.  Peter Jackson manages to shove as much detail as he can down the viewers throats. Not that this is a bad thing. Once again, he out does himself. The first movie does not contain truly pivotal action. The main course is saved for later and we are given a starter salad filled with history and other facts.

In my opinion, this exposition overload does not make for a bad movie, but a mediocre one. The actors do a glorious job and the movie is saturated with wit and whimsy. The tale is one fantastic for the young and young at heart.  However, when a true fan of Tolkein's original work watches The Hobbit's first chapter, they would expect it to be deeper and darker, not silly and superficial.  

P.S. The fact that Gollum makes an appearance is a good enough reason to watch the film.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug- 4.3 out of 5 stars

Finally Peter Jackson delivers the true heart of the story. We get our first full glimpse of the dragon, Smaug. We get gigantic spiders. We get to see the inner workings of Erebor.  And then.....

Bam! The black screen before the credits hit us in the face like a brick.  We almost have a heart attack as the unresolved conflict hangs like a carrot in front of us, only to be pulled away with a swift shift of the camera.  Oh what agony comes when the climax is cut in two!  

Peter Jackson is a glorious director, worthy of praise and respect.  However, his habit of stretching Middle-Earth like a slinky is somewhat annoying.  

This movie is what the fans want- action, adventure, and a foreboding darkness that looms over the overall tone.  Like The Lord of the Rings, Jackson catches the world of Middle-Earth and it's struggles with great zeal and splendor.  Once again, the acting is wonderful, and the effects breath taking.  This is truly a film about Middle-Earth.

In regards to the next and last film- It looks superb.  It has all the conflict and action that the fans crave.  But don't expect it to be light-hearted, the darkness level appears to be cranked up to full blast- and I love it!  Be sure to get your money to Miller by the 11th.  I have overheard some negative criticism about the movie, but I would take it as a time to relax and have fun.  In the words of Gandalf the Grey, "I have but one question to ask- How shall this day end?"  It is up to you to decide.

It's Thanksgiving day; our bellies are full of turkey, there is leftover cranberry sauce on the table, and my aunt and grandmother are planning their annual Black Friday trip. I really couldn’t fathom their reason.

“We’re strapped down for cash,” Autumn Lawson, my aunt explained. “Black Friday has the best deals.” She then proceeded to explain how the $30 speaker my uncle wanted was marked down 75%, the tablet my cousin was dying for was cut 50%, and so on.

Black Friday, to those who are unfamiliar, is a shopping event the Friday after Thanksgiving where stores mark down their prices for certain big-ticket items, prompting people to shop for Christmas presents at the lowest price they can get them.

Having been told that the rest of the family would be out for a meeting, I was given a choice. I could either go shopping and do something that I hate, or babysit my messy youngest cousin and do something else that I hate.

Shopping it was then.

Joined by another aunt, Bailey Lawson, we ventured off to the local Walmart in Jonesville. The parking lot and the stores’ aisles were packed with cars like sardines in a can. We hid out in a seemingly abandoned toy aisle. The sale items were wrapped up in a plastic sheet, specially marked for the occasion.

Everyone around us, ranging from elderly to youth, from wealthy to penniless, from classy to redneck, from black to white, from well-dressed to pajamas, waited for the clock to strike six. Some came alone, some came in pairs, and some came as a family. In my mind, it didn't matter who they were or what they were wearing, they were all riding the Crazy Train, and I was about to board it with a first class seat.

At the stroke of six, everyone in line dashed for the wrapped up items. I picked up scattered screams of desperation with careful ears. “That’s mine, I called it!” and “Jump over there and get that for me, Johnny!” were just a few of the frantic cries I heard from every corner of the store, along with the crash of carts and yelling mothers. We ran off with the speakers for my uncle and dashed over to the clothing section, where I am about 60% sure one of my old babysitters hop over me with a bag of socks in hand.

We finally managed to get the tablet for my cousin after beating a woman with a candy cane-shaped dog bone. We hid in another abandoned aisle and one of my aunts managed to spout, between incessant panting and huffing, “Where’s Judy?”

My grandmother, Judy Lawson, slower than a John Deere that’s out of gas, but more stubborn than a teacher during exam week, had somehow made it to the front of the store and to the checkout. My aunts and I later theorized that she “accidentally” slipped in front of people in the checkout line (Now I know which side of the family I get my patience, or lack thereof, from.)

We made our way through the checkout line, which wound around the main aisles for what seemed like miles. In my section of the line, you could see carts upon carts with gigantic flatscreens piled in them. Most of these people had needed a slip to obtain the big-ticket electronics. There was one woman with almost fifty items, which spilled on the floor every time she moved her cart up.

We finally made it to where the lines split up to the registers and waited...and waited...and waited...

  After 30 minutes, we hadn’t moved a step. Oh, the bloody agony! What sane person would want to endure the equivalent of torture for no reason other than to pay for an item you probably will only use once in your lifetime? Oh yeah, aren't I here with my family?

Finally we were switched over to a quicker line and we whizzed through. At the same time, a shopper from across the store began to scream at an employee, proclaiming that “[she’d] been here for a hour and a half, there’s no way [she’s] moving from this spot!” Anyone listening to this abuse surely mustered up a modest amount of pity for the haggard employees.

As we arrived home, the trunk of the car full and bags in hand, we recounted the tale with other members of the family.

I know one thing for sure.

Next time, I’ll watch my cousin and do my shopping strictly through Cyber Monday.

Eleven Tips My Sister Tells Me That I Guess Apply To Everyone Else Too from Zoe Middleton, junior at Michigan State University studying Biochemistry

1. College isn’t for everyone. You can be successful without a college degree.

2. On the first day when you move in, there are thousands of kids who feel exactly how you are-- nervous and scared. If you’re outgoing, reach out to others. Say hi or invite them to dinner when you go. Leave your door open, it will let other freshman feel welcome and it will help you make friends.

3. If you feel that you have never had any adventure in your life or even just want to try new things, college is definitely the place to try it. Join clubs, sports or even go to parties. Take advantage of being on your own.

4. Yes, you are on your own. Take care of yourself and stay caught up with your schoolwork. If you didn’t have to study in high school you will have to learn. Coming from a 4.0 student who never studied in high school, I promise you will have to in college. It’s hard. Professors aren’t concerned that every student passes or understands the material. They will not spoon feed it to you like HS and most of the time you will have to teach yourself the material (unless you go to a smaller college).

5. Seniors, I know you want school to be over-- we’ve all been there. But this is your last year and the last year with your friends. You won’t be seeing them every day like you did the last four years. The memories and friendships you make in high school will be ones you’ll remember. Make it count.

6. Naps become an essential part of your being. Embrace them.

7. Some people learn by cramming others learn by doing a little day by day. It’ll take a few exams to get it down but you’ll figure it out. One bad exam doesn’t mean you’re going to fail! Brush it off and learn from your mistakes. Also, c’s get degrees. College is difficult, and unless you’re premed, future employers cannot see that you got a C in calculus (internships and jobs will be able to before you graduate) but I promise it’ll be okay.

8.Don’t study so hard that you forget to have fun. The next four years are going to stick with you forever. College is the last chance to get all of the rebellion out of you; use it well and have the time of your life!

9. When it comes to your roommate, try to understand that they may have never shared a room or maybe even never had to clean their room at home. Be considerate. If something is bothering you, tell them! Chances are they didn’t realize and will try to fix it. And if all else fails, you can always switch.

10. If you have a choice between multiple professors for one class, I would look up their ratings and try to pick the best one.

11. Girls-- don’t search for love. This is a time to find yourself and find who is going to stand behind you at the altar, not in front of you.

Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow and Nathan Whitaker

Last week was Thanksgiving: Turkey Day, Foodie Paradise, and of course some of the biggest football games of the year. Around this time three years ago, you most likely would have heard about Tim Tebow, the superstar quarterback of the Denver Broncos.  Tebow gained his wild popularity not only for his skills on the field, but for his Christian attitude and, of course, the infamous "tebowing.”

As most sports fans know, Tebow and his personal writer Nathan Whitaker wrote an immensely popular autobiography of Tebow's life, Through My Eyes, during his peak of fame. Family, faith, friendship and football are some of the core themes that drive the story, and in turn, his life.

Almost every sports fan knows Tim Tebow the football player. They may even know how many times he was sacked, how many touchdown passes he threw, and his season records.  But is that enough? Is there more to this man that we all idolized than football statistics? Of course the answer is yes. Like our favorite transformers, there’s always more than meets the eye to a person. This is especially true in the case of Tim Tebow.

Tim has been aweing people even from birth. Tim's parents, devout missionaries, had been serving in the Philippines when his mother Pamela came down with a case of dysentery and fell into a coma. It’s very common for missionaries to come down with infectious diseases, but the family was unaware that she was pregnant and in response the doctors used very harmful drugs to treat her. Upon discovering that she was with child, they warned her about the high chances for a stillbirth and encouraged her to abort for her own safety. The Tebow family decided against it, citing their strong faith, and Tim was miraculously born a bouncing bubbly baby boy, on August 14, 1987 in Manila.

The youngest of five children, Tebow spends a lot of time talking about what it's like to grow up in a big family with older siblings. He discusses how he was constantly around and playing sports with his siblings, no matter where they went, or how rambunctious him and his two older brothers became. He also talks about how he came to play football in high school, even though he was homeschooled. Before Tim, homeschool children could not play sports for high schools. Of course there was always city leagues, but not for football. So, due to extensive petitioning by his parents and the parents of other prospective athletes, Tim was able to play football in high school, college, and ultimately in the NFL.

This book was definitely an exciting read, even for someone who isn't a die-hard sports fan in general, like myself. However, I think that everyone can gain from reading something about a superstar athlete and seeing their journey and how inspiring it is. It was especially intriguing to learn about Tim Tebow, because no matter what life threw at him, even from the time of his birth, he clung to his core beliefs and kept improving every day. As all athletes know, our coaches are constantly pushing us to be better-- not just better than others but better than we started.       

The story of Tim Tebow and how sports shaped not only his personality but his life is especially important for me to remember in the tougher times of sports. Every time we experienced a hard loss or conditioning week reared its ugly head, I found myself thinking like Tim. I asked myself what my competitor might be doing that I need to be doing better to compete with them on the same level. Certainly all of us aspire to greatness and we all could use some motivation when the middle of the season lull hits. Those are the times when I think like Tebow. I think like Tebow when our rival scores one point more than us in the final seconds. I think like Tebow when you suffer a brutal season of close calls. I think like Tebow when I need to reflect on what I can do to better myself and my team.

Since the holidays are rapidly approaching, I thought it would be appropriate to review two comedies on opposite ends of the spectrum that revolve around this time of year. (Please note that both movies are filled with content inappropriate for young children.)  

  Planes, Trains and Automobiles- 4 out of  5 stars

A pompous and snobby marketing associate pairs with a joyful and unconventional salesman in a mad scramble to get home for Thanksgiving. Over the few days they are on the road, they have a streak of unfortunate and hilarious bad luck: including robbery, car accidents and - most prominently- each other. Though it lacks originality, it has a heart like no other.

The key to the film’s success is the fact that the story is relatable. It deals with the lives of two people and how they coped with circumstances that many others have experienced. Every comedy is going to be a bit extreme compared to everyday events-- but that is exactly where humor is found, and this film is no exception. The foil between the main characters not only adds humor, but it gives the movie a sense of realism.  We've all been stuck in traffic or in a room with someone terribly annoying. This film shows us how to appreciate the little moments in life, whether they are good or bad, and to not take ones’ circumstances for granted.

I believe the main difference between modern comedy and older comedy is that  modern comedy is simply presented in order to achieve laughter. On the other hand.  older comedies use more personal and understandable humor. This could also be used to create a moral to the story. This movie shows us the absurdity of shouting out obscenities when we are annoyed or aggravated while still maintaining it's laugh factor.    

  The Watch- .5 out of 5 stars

  Remember when I said that older comedies are more realistic than modern comedies?  The Watch is a perfect testament to this statement. The plot line is so obscure that I can barely recall it. Something about aliens and a team of bumbling neighborhood watch people who try to stop them from skinning and slaughtering their victims. The main problem with this film is that it tries to shove as many sexual innuendos and lewd jokes in it as possible. It comes across as simply vulgar and crass rather than being funny.   There were so many confusing and unnecessary plot twists that it shot down what was left of the already struggling story line.

You would think that the movie’s star studded cast would have provided some form of enjoyment. In reality, the cast did the very best they could provided the storyline they were given. This is quite honestly one of the biggest disappointments I have ever while watching a movie. The trailers could be considered false advertising, for they showing the very few funny moments this movie actually had, relying heavily on known comedians Ben Stiller and Jonah Hill. The movie had no stable moral to its plot. I assume that the directors could claim that there are scraps of one somewhere at the end, where the characters saved the day, but it was so minimal and cliché that it was as laughable.

The only reason I was as generous as I was with half a star is to spare the dignity of the cast, whose brilliant acting tried their hardest to make up for the atrocious writing.  Avoid this movie like the plague that it is.  

Why is modern comedy mainly centered around some stupidity or sexual content?  I can get a chuckle out of that, but is it truly entertaining?  Over time I find myself simply rolling my eyes and becoming bored with the same type of colloquial jokes used repeatedly. Why can't modern comedies contain humor that makes you think rather than simply being fed to your primal instincts? Maybe that sounds old fashioned but I believe modern comedy would benefit in the long run from this suggestion.

Choosing the Military Route from Gryphon Walkowicz, United States Marine

Choosing to go into the military wasn’t that hard of a decision for Gryphon as his family consists of six veterans just in the immediate domiciliary. The real question for him was “Which branch?” It narrowed down to the uniforms, in which case the Marines won out for him. It is Marine code to dress presentably whether you’re serving or not, so no more cutoffs or holey jeans for him.

The hardest part of boot camp was the first phase, Gryphon says. Adjusting to sixteen hour days (4am to 8pm) and the routine of everything was difficult. Superiors yelled in the recruit’s faces so close they were coated in spit before the officer backed off. You could get in trouble for doing anything you weren’t told to do, even smiling. A few people even got “Sparta kicked” in the chest for doing something wrong—but not Gryphon. He stayed on the down low during phase one, only getting in trouble twice: once for chewing food and walking at the same time and the second for touching his face. Gryphon states that the training was more mental than physical. Although they hiked everywhere they went and were put under enormous physical strain, they also had to take knowledge classes.

Every morning started with loud yelling fifteen minutes before they had to wake up (then again at ten minutes till, five minutes till, two minutes till, and one minute till). When the clock struck four, a thirty-second countdown started in which he had to be up and in line before it hit zero. Everything in boot camp was timed. He had to take quick, cold showers, and mealtime lasted only two minutes—five on a good day. Food was eaten with one hand, with the exception of burgers and ribs. Sauces came in packets; peanut butter and jelly sandwiches needed six packets, and extra time was not given to open them. The most common meal was meatloaf, and steak was only given twice: the Navy’s birthday and the Marine’s birthday.

Gryphon’s favorite part of boot camp was shooting guns; he even earned the expert marksman badge. Gryphon also became a brown belt in karate—only one step below black belt. The thing he missed most while he was away was not his family or friends, but his dog, Cerberus—although he did get a little teary eyed when reunited with his mom and grandparents. He also said that it was a little weird talking to girls after almost thirteen weeks of living with fifty-some other guys.

One thing Gryphon hated was the sand fleas. “They’re like mosquitos on crack but half the size. They’re the devil.” They behave like wasps, continuously biting until you finally get them off of you. One person got bit in the ear by a spider and it became so swollen he had to go to the hospital. A few soldiers fainted before graduation from locking their knees while standing at attention in front of their parents. Gryphon said that if they had fainted during the actual ceremony, they probably would not have graduated at all.

In order to keep the ladies off these future marine’s muscles, the USMC gives these boys things called BCGs, or Birth Control Glasses, if they don’t have perfect vision. Because of their intense workouts, Marines are advised to have twelve canteens of Gatorade or water a day. They also have to shave every morning and every night, regardless if they need it or not.

At one point in basic training, the recruits had to make their way down a rope hanging over a body of water, changing positions periodically. Gryphon made it without falling, but many of his peers did not have the upper body strength to reach the other side of the rope and fell to the water below.

According to Gryphon, there are really only three things you need to survive boot camp: speed, volume, and intensity. When asked why he chose this route instead of college, he stated that he’ll receive free college because of his service, and he’d make the same decision if he could go back in time. Not only does he get free housing, insurance, and college, he also gets paid about $1400 a month—which adds up when you can’t go out and buy things for weeks on end.

The last phase of Marine training is called the Crucible. It features three days of intense workouts including obstacle courses, hiking, boxing, body sparring, more hiking, running, and even more hiking. Recruits get 3-4 hours of sleep each night during this phase. One person—not in Gryphon’s group—acquired serious injuries about 80% through the Crucible and had to go to the hospital. Gryphon states that if he hadn’t been that far through, he would not have passed.

The USMC is not for everyone. You have to be able to withstand extreme workouts, mental abuse, and tough instructors. Gryphon graduated after about thirteen weeks of intense training, earning the title of a United States Marine. He is part of the Second Battalion, Golf Company, and his group’s official color is gold. After ten days with his family, he sets off to Camp Leguene in North Carolina for another 4-5 weeks of training before advancing to MOS school. Gryphon is signed up for four years of active duty with the Marines, and about six months to a year and a half of that consists only of training. After that, he plans on attending college at UNOH and going into mechanic or vehicle operating.

In our opening poll, on-foot reporters, Ozzy and E-money, worked vigorously to uncover the mysterious truth of who the most attractive male in Hudson High School is. Your question can finally be answered ladies… and certain gentleman. It comes down to a close finish but we seem to have a common agreement as to who upholds this immaculate title.

It has been determined that the Most Attractive Guy in Hudson High School, by a very slight win, just by the flick of the hair, is Mr. Matthew Osborne. Yes, ladies and gents, it is true. Mr. Osborne is a commonly seen to the female population as being, well, awfully attractive, and this is not because of his good looks, no; I believe even he would agree that he doesn’t obtain any of those. Neither was this won by the help of “Daddy’s Money…” Instead, it is said that Matt has a certain way with languages—especially German—that can sooth any soul by the very touch of his voice to your ears. It was also stated that he is adored for his charismatic ways and his tastefully trendy shoes, shirts, and pants—pants that fit oh-so-snuggly on his lower half. Lastly, he tops off this poll because of the dreamy flow of hair on top of his head—so brown and lush, screaming angelic songs in the tainted howl of the wind.

Our triumphant winner wasn’t a lone male at the top of this list; he could have easily been beaten by an even match. Mr. Nickolas Feekings came in very close second on the leaderboard, as he obtains some very unique qualities that the ladies of Hudson also enjoy. It is said that Mr. Feekings is loved for his adorable assets: funny, humorous, and a cutie pie in unimaginable ways. One girl simply said, “Have you seen his face??” Nick has eyes that are as dreamy as the oceans are deep—pulling in their star struck victims all day and all night. Finally, it is rumored that he can sway the opinions of all females by just a quick grin, flashing his flawless teeth—like one person said “His teeth are freaking perfection.”

Others on this prestigious list include:

Tim Hofman: Because he is adorable.

Mckendry Evans: He’s the hottest red head I’ve ever seen, and he dresses real classy.

Matt Pogoreski: There’s just something about him…

Tyler Roberts: He has very nice style.

E-Money: His personality.

Thomas Atkin: His crazy fashion.

Daniel Clark: His classy posture.

Lewis Kellum: His plaid and glasses are so chic… the booty.

Zach Luma: He’s just so nice.

Nick Welch: His cute little baby face and his cute little butt.

Irv: He has feet.

Mason Lopinski: He is adorable. His abs are perf.

Mitch Ely: Well, it’s obvious…

Ty McClain: His Madden Mobile game is too strong.