Category: Entertainment

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Entertainment Opinion

Fall Activities

Here are a few activities that I like to do during the fall when I am bored or when I want something to do. Even if it’s super cold outside, there are still many things to do for fun especially if you’re just at home on your bed just laying there out of boredom.

One of the things I love to do most is as soon as October is over and it hits November 1st, I go straight to looking online at some stuff that interests me so that I can keep it in mind or screenshot it and put it on my Christmas Wish List. Yes, it’s true, I started on my wishlist at the beginning of November, there’s nothing wrong with that. It just gives me some ideas of what I want. It’s a good way to keep you busy while window shopping if you like to do so.

Another thing I love to do during the fall is go on walks. I like to stroll around my neighborhood and listen to music, preferably calmer music. I like morning walks or afternoon walks, during this time of the year is the best time because of the weather and the scenery. It feels good to go on a walk when it is about 60-68 degrees outside and the sun is out but just not all the way out and then there’s a nice cool breeze that hits your back. And then you can go back home and take a warm shower and relax. On top of being soothing, it helps you get your steps in.

One other thing that I do during fall is clean my room, and not just clean but deep clean it. I like to get rid of all my summer clothes and take them to a storage center. Then I also go through my clothes and donate whatever I don’t want anymore. It’s a good way to get rid of clothes and help others simultaneously. Cleaning my room brings me peace, especially when I am listening to music and being productive. I feel like I just achieved the biggest thing to ever exist on earth. When you are finally done cleaning, you can light a candle for the finishing touch and lay down and relax while watching a movie. 

I think a good thing to do during fall is bake, experience some new recipes, experience, or add to your baking skills. I usually throw on some Christmas music and bake a batch of cookies while having a Christmas movie playing in the background. It is a good way to keep you busy and you can also have your siblings or your parents or family come and join you. They can learn the different types of ways that you can make a cookie, it’s a good bonding experience with family and friends.

The second to last thing that I do during the fall would be to have a movie marathon, whether it’s by myself or with friends and family. Watching movies usually takes up a lot of the day so I like to start the movie marathon around 6 pm after I have finished what I had to get done. I am not picky about the movie, though I do love to watch all the Harry Potter movies during the fall until Christmas.

Finally, the last thing I enjoy doing during fall is journaling. The weather is beautiful, the feeling of it just being fall brings it all together. Journaling can be relaxing and it can help you a lot with stress and anxiety. Writing whatever you want and putting all your thoughts and feelings down on paper makes you feel like you no longer have anything to worry about. It brings me peace like I have no more worries that are weighing down on my shoulders.

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Entertainment

Fall Playlist

Head Over Heels – Tears for Fears

This song reminds me of the opening scene of Donnie Darko, one of my favorite fall movies, about a kid’s hallucination of the end of the world. This song is also just a new-wave classic, the perfect kind of music to enjoy during this season. 

Rainy Day – Susan Christine

Other than new wave or alternative, one of the most appropriate fall genres is of course folk, and this song is a perfect example of how fitting it is. Her downbeat song albums like Paint a Lady are a peaceful addition to a mellow afternoon and will always suit a rainy day well. 

The Nightingale – Julee Cruise

Like the foremost song, this piece makes me think of one of my favorite shows, Twin Peaks. It’s a murder mystery, and as the plot slowly unravels throughout a slow and twisting show, so does the community at hand. This is all ultimately very typical of writer and director, David Lynch, who, if you can stand the dark aura of Twin Peaks, has also created many other bizarre stories, like that of Eraserhead and Mulholland Drive, all excellently weird movies to watch during this dreary time of year.  

Only When I’m Dreaming – Minnie Riperton

If you don’t care for the dark energy of the previous show or song, Minnie Riperton’s whimsical, soul music will surely suit you much better. Honestly, I could listen to her all year long, but when the leaves change color, I always want to celebrate with her fanciful jazz. 

September Song – Eartha Kitt

There are maybe hundreds of different “September Songs” out there, but this one is without a doubt my favorite of them all. It’s old and sounds like it could be from a Disney Princess movie, but I think it’s purely magical. A bit older than the other choices on this list, but a  comforting, nostalgic song for autumn nonetheless. 

Flowers In December – Mazzy Star

This song may be the closest I will ever get to country, and yet it’s still one of my favorites on this whole list. Mazzy Star is the master of melancholy, and even with a harmonica, her music is still slow and quiet, like a December day. This entire album is very delicate, especially during this serene season. 

Sleeping Lessons – The Shins

I could sleep to this song every time it comes on. The backing track specifically is rhythmic, I could listen to the piano riff at the beginning all on its own for hours on end. I honestly wish The Shins would release that version so I can sleep to it. 

Fool in the Rain – Led Zeppelin We end with possibly the most upbeat song on this playlist, and surprisingly that is a Led Zeppelin song. I feel like the lyrics paint the scene of a dark, gloomy day that I can relish in all the better when it is dark and gloomy outside. This is the perfect time of year to enjoy Fool in the Rain, so listen while it’s still meteorologically relevant!

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Entertainment News

Celebrating 100 Years of Disney

On October 16th Disney celebrated its 100th anniversary. With this huge milestone let’s take a look at the creations and impacts of Disney and what’s to come in the future.

Disney has created hundreds of fictional characters for their stories with the most notable being Mickey Mouse, but when exactly did Mickey Mouse come to light?

Mickey first appeared in his iconic steamboat intro in 1928. While most believe that Disney created this infamous character that isn’t the truth. Ub Iwerks created Mickey who then sold the rights to Disney.

Mickey’s character design originated from the very first Disney character, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

The very first Disney Princess was Snow White in 1937. This was then followed by Disney’s version of Cinderella, and then Aurora more commonly known as Sleeping Beauty.

Through Disney’s empire, they have created 494 Movies, many show series, and twelve theme parks worldwide.

To help celebrate this milestone Disney has created a fun game where you have to collect 6 different character cards weekly, on the app TikTok. 

They also decided to release to the public a newly restored 4K version of the movie Snow White. Along with that was a short film titled, Once Upon a Studio, which featured all of the Disney characters coming together to take a picture.

Disney owns a variety of different content, like Pixar, National Geographic, Star Wars, and Marvel.

In 2024 Disney will release new movies like a new Planet of the Apes, and a live-action prequel to The Lion King, which shows Mufasas and Scars’ relationship prior to Mufasa being king. 

Disney is worth a whopping 153.24 billion US dollars which will probably only go up due to their services like Disney+ and all of the future content they will create. 

Disney cares so much about consumers’ experiences that they have created new colors for their theme parks to help people fully be entranced. “Go away Green” is put onto things like light poles and trash cans which makes them not stick out to the eye. 

From fairies, and dragons, all the way to aliens Disney has created characters that have become something special to people across the globe all starting back to the man himself, Walt Disney. 

Walt Disney’s creations have had an impact on families’ lives worldwide for the last 100 years, helping create memories and spark imagination, so one can only wonder what will happen in the next century.

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Entertainment

What’s Five Nights at Freddy’s?

Five Nights at Freddy’s is a video game franchise about a pizza restaurant. However, Some kids went missing, and their ghosts started to control the animatronics that the restaurant hosts.

As many fans of this franchise know, there was a movie that came out on Oct.27. However, after many movie reviews of the movie before it came out, it was told to the fans that they shouldn’t expect anything good from the movie.

What’s Five Nights at Freddy’s? It’s a franchise of horror games, books, and as of lately a movie. It is based on a fun attraction, and the main characters are four animatronics. However, this place shut down because of reports of missing children. These children’s bodies have taken control of these animatronics. There is still a night security guard that has to take care of the animatronics and the places. In the video games, The animatronics, try to go after him and kill him and the security guard has to stay there till his shift ends, which is 6 a.m. The story behind the games and how the whole story connects is what a lot of fans like. Most of the time, the creators of the series try to make it a mystery for the fans to figure out the storyline.

With the new Five Nights at Freddy’s movie coming out a lot of people that follow this franchise are very excited to see this movie. However, over social media and reviews, many movie critics go against the movie. This movie was announced 8 years ago that it will happen. However, it has been a long wait for the fans. After many people waited, they just lost hope for this movie being anything as good as the video games or books. What people mostly like are the clues and teasers in the series as they make people want to know what happens next. 

There are many animatronics in the franchise. In the very first game, there were four main characters. Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, Foxy, and Golden Freddy. In the trailers for the new movie, these characters all seem to be present. In the second video game, these same characters make an appearance, but in very bad shape. There are new animatronics introduced. They are Toy Freddy, Toy Chica, Toy Bonnie, Mangle, Balloon Boy, and the Puppet. These characters are seen in many other books and games throughout the timeline of Five Nights at Freddy’s.

These are the basics of the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise and what’s going on with their new movie in the franchise. There could be good and bad things about this movie, but that’s for the fans to decide.

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Entertainment

Top 5 Haunted Houses

As the spooky season is upon us and Halloween approaches, I find it very fitting to give myself a scare. 

Apart from scary movies, stories and real life experiences I wondered what other entertaining options are available. Ever been to a haunted house? I personally have not but after doing some research, I did find some locations within a fair distance from Sacramento.

Just a little under one hour from here in the city of Ione lies Preston Castle. Built back in the late 1890´s the building was used as a reform school for young boys that were juvenile offenders or abandoned. Tales say that the tortured spirits of the young boys still call the castle home along with the ghost, a housekeeper who was said to have been beaten down in the basement. During October you can schedule a tour and see for yourself.

Two hours southwest, in San Jose, sits the old home of Sarah Winchester. A historical site said to be haunted by the spirits of the people killed by the rifles and ammunition the Winchester Repeating Arms Company made and sold. The company which her late husband William Winchester owned prior to his death 1881. Allegedly, those spirits have traveled from all around the country to settle in the home that sits on South Winchester Boulevard.

On October 31 haunted houses appeared around the same time as trick or treat. It started in the great depression as a distraction for young kids or people. It was based on a paranormal activity.

Recently people are okay sleeping in haunted houses but they will need an activity which costs around one thousand dollars or to one million dollars. About 25 percent of respondents refused to stay in a haunted house no matter what the reward is.

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Entertainment Features

Homecoming Game: McClatchy vs. Burbank

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Entertainment Features

Barbie Homecoming Dance

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Entertainment Opinion

CKM 2023 Homecoming Rally

Monday, October 16th, was the first rally of the 2023-24 school year. It was fun, with many different performances and activities for all the different grades to participate in. It was also an opportunity for our sports teams and clubs to showcase their talents.

They introduced our varsity football team. Yes, they are starting off the year with a stroke of bad luck. But it was fun, they were all hyped and looked forward to turning the season around. They should have introduced the junior varsity team because they put in hard work for themselves, the team, and the school. They deserve the recognition. After that, they brought out volleyball, cross country, golf, and water polo. 

Performance-wise everything was amazing and well coordinated. First up was the step team. The routines were great and got everybody in the spirit. The dance team then performed and ate it up. It was coordinated and overall the choreography and music were on point. Last but not least was cheer. They were pulling moves you only see in movies. Like splits in the air and pyramids.

Faculty members dressed up in costumes, like Mr. Garibay who went as Ariel and ¨swam¨ out onto the court. Teachers even performed a dance for us dressed like Barbie or Ken. It was fun and everybody remembered their parts. When they finished up everybody cheered for their favorite teacher. The teachers looked like they enjoyed themselves as well.

ASB started the activities after all the performances were over. They asked for 3 people from every grade to come up to participate in the first of the games. The first game was played by spinning around a baseball bat, running to the line and back, and so on. 

The seniors won that one but it was a close battle for every round. Next was tug-of-war. One side was football and cross country, the other was volleyball and water polo. Everybody thought football was going to win but surprisingly the other side won. Either way, it was entertaining to watch. 

All in all the rally was really fun. Everybody did their parts greatly and it all came into a fun show/performance for all of us to enjoy together. For the first one of this school year, it easily beats every rally from last year and previous ones. It was nice that there was no competition between classes as everybody was wearing pink. We participated in chants together and swayed as a big happy family.

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Entertainment News

Upcoming Sacramento Events

Sacramento is a city filled with culture, events, and fun times to be had. Many exciting events are just upon the horizon and are closing in fast.

Sacramento events are fun and abundant. Community activities such as the Farm-to-Fork music and food Festival, and Blazin’ Saddles can be enjoyed by oneself, or with family and friends. There are all sorts of events to keep your eyes peeled for in sacramento. 

Many events are taking place in the coming months. Whilst unable to list them all here, here are a few:

DOCO Makers Market – a fun pop up market at west plaza featuring many different artisans and crafters. This event has showcases of jewelry, candles, art, and many other specialty items. Guests are able to enjoy a live DJ as well! This event takes place on September 23rd at 11:00am-4:00pm at west plaza.

Farm-to-Fork street festival – A much anticipated music and food festival taking place for two days. Having local foods, wines, and craft items for guests. With free admission expect a crowd and enjoy yourself with friends and family. The event takes place at Capitol Mall September 22-23 this month only.

Blazin’ Saddles – A big ranch party hosted by artist Diplo. With general admission costing 30 dollars, guests can expect to have a fun time with rides, games, and lots of food. This event will take place September 23rd from 4:00pm-11:00pm at Heart Health Park.

Sacramento Reptile Show – With more than 18,000 reptiles on display this event is bound to be exciting for the whole family. Hosted at cal expo the reptile show will be taking place on September 23rd to the 24th from 10:00am – 5:00pm. With 15 dollar general admission, many people are going to be there so expect a crowd. At the event you have the opportunity to learn about all kinds of different reptile species and see them up close. 

Sacramento Natural Food Co-op – This event is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, with free admission expect a fun time for all. Expect activities such as food trucks, live music, brand showcases, free tarot card readings, and many other fun activities for all ages. This event will take place on September 30th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at Winn Park.

With so many upcoming events, how can anybody not be excited? These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Sacramento celebrations and events. Look out for more upcoming events at https://www.sacramento365.com/. 

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Book Reviews Entertainment Opinion

Review of Tender is the Flesh by Augustine Bazterrica

*Proceed with caution: this article contains spoilers and disturbing imagery*

I am an avid reader, so in the average year I read between 15-20 books. One book that has stuck with me recently is Tender is the Flesh. I think there is a lot to love about this book.

Tender is the Flesh by Augustina Bazterrica takes place in a dystopian society where all animal life has contracted a virus that is deadly to humans. Now that humans can no longer eat animals, the government permits the breeding and slaughtering of humans for consumption.

The differences between the “special meat”, as they call them, and other humans are vast. The special meat is genetically engineered so that they age faster. They have their vocal cords removed after birth. They are raised in small cages, much like our real-life cattle. And they generally don’t have the same amount of consciousness as other humans, mentally they are about as intelligent as infants.

The story follows Marcos, a manager at a meat processing plant who experiences firsthand the barbaric reality of what slaughtering humans like cattle entails.

Marcos lives alone as he and his wife haven’t been on speaking terms since their infant son passed. So when a breeder for his plant sends him a human girl to raise and eventually kill, the same idea as raising chickens to eat. Rather than seeing the girl as food he sees her as company. He names her Jasmine.

There are multiple points in the story where we are exposed to just how gruesome this process is. When showing some new applicants around the processing plant, Marcos explains in great detail how the meat is killed and dissected. Later on, we see him observing a breeding farm where he sees just how the meat is bred and separated by quality.

Eventually, Marcos loses all grip and starts treating Jasmine like his wife, a difficult task when this very thing is known to be illegal.

I appreciate the realistic aspects of the story. It takes the slaughterhouse and the meat industry to an appalling level of gore, but this is important because in reality. It illustrates the same fate that billions of real-life animals face every year. This is comparable  to the way George Orwell’s Animal Farm depicts communism. 

The book puts these inhumane practices into a new light that makes us want to look away, causing us to feel sick to our stomachs. This is an incredibly important topic to make commentary on as the meat industry has used horrible practices and conditions for raising animals for decades.

Tender is the Flesh also touches on how capitalism will always favor profit over welfare. Where there is money to be made, they will make it, regardless of the trade off. Which in this book gets as absurd as eating another human being.

What I don’t exactly appreciate about this book is that toward the end, the relationship between Marcos and Jasmine becomes so inappropriate that I have a hard time rationalizing it.

The story skews away from a horrific commentary on capitalism to an upsetting “love” story between the two. While the point of the book is to say that we wouldn’t treat other humans the way we do to animals in the industry, Marcos begins to treat Jasmine in an inhumane way. In a gross sexual manner that doesn’t feel right for his character.

The ending of this story for Jasmine feels like all the progress Marcos makes in understanding the absurdity of this lifestyle has been thrown out the window.

My favorite part of Tender is the Flesh is the visceral detail that Bazterrica goes into. This book invokes incredible feelings for the reader, ranging from sympathy to utter disgust.

Some of the details the author included made me feel genuinely revolted, but for this story, I think it’s important that they do so. Bazterrica is not painting an abstract picture of the horror that is a slaughterhouse, leaving it up to you to decide how that makes you feel. She wants to make you feel a very specific way, because it isn’t abstract; that’s simply what it’s like in that environment.