Monthly Archives: October 2023

Apple iPhone 15

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About a week ago, as it happens every year at this time, Apple released its new and improved iPhone, the iPhone 15. The original 15 currently has a starting price of $799, meanwhile the 15 Pro and Pro Max each have starting prices of $999 and $1199, respectively.

One of the biggest new features added to the iPhone 15 is the action button. This major addition replaces the ring/silent switch, which has been around since the creation of the iPhone, back in 2007. On top of just toggling between ring and silent mode, the action button is able to record voice memos, run shortcuts, turning on the flashlight, etc. It is a convenient way to perform smaller tasks, which enhances the user experience. The graphics have also been drastically improved in the new phone. The maximum brightness has been significantly increased since its predecessor. The 15 uses an A16 Bionic processor, which is not found in the original iPhone 14. Because of the USB-C 3.0, the the iPhone 15 has much better speed. It allows the phone to go about 20 times faster than the previous USB-C 2.0 port, creating a huge difference for the user. However, the iPhone 15 Pro is relatively the same as the 15. The only main difference is the camera hardware and quality, but for an extra $200, it may not be worth it for some.

Ultimately, the new iPhone 15 does have some tweaks and improvements compared to its predecessor. There is nothing extremely different that makes it seem like an entirely new phone, but it would be a good upgrade for a 2-3 year old phone.

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

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If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio is a murder mystery novel centered around a group of theatre students at a university in Illinois. The story is told from the perspective of Oliver, one of the members of the group. The novel starts off with him being released from prison and retelling an incident that put his entire group in jeopardy, and ultimately changed the trajectory of their lives.

While reading this book at first, I wasn’t entirely sure if I enjoyed it, mainly because the style of writing wasn’t my taste and the plot seemed rather slow. However, the story began to build up during the second half, and the plot twist left me shocked. Given that the events were told from the perspective of a student who wasn’t entirely involved with every member of the group, there were several loose ends in the plot that ultimately came together to create an ending that readers would never expect. Therefore, although the narrator could be seen as unreliable, he added a sense of suspense and mystery that the story would otherwise be bland without.

Overall, I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in mystery or dark academia genres. Although it didn’t fully live up to my expectations, I still enjoyed the plot in the end and could see it as something that many readers would be intrigued by.

-Aysha H.

If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Book Review: The 99% Invisible City by Kurt Kohlstedt and Roman Mars

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Recently, I was looking for a new book to read and I found The 99% Invisible City by Kurt Kohlstedt and Roman Mars. I found this book about engineering in a city very interesting, as it specifically talks about how many elements of a city go unnoticed but help to lead our everyday lives in the background. I enjoyed how it expressed the complex concept of civil engineering in a more readable way, and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in engineering.

One thing that is remarkable about this book is how well-researched that the entries in the book are, providing a detailed history of many different aspects in separate cities and how they have changed over time. The book also taught me a lot about design in cities that I thought was very interesting. I was also intrigued how the book showed how much design and effort has gone into designing the modern world.

One of my favorite sections from the book is about how the national highway system was built. I thought it was interesting how much we use this piece of infrastructure without noticing it much. I also enjoyed the detailed history and backstory of these highways. I also enjoyed how it talked about how different famous landmarks around the world were constructed, and how many of them have secondary purposes, as well as how many important functional pieces of the city are hidden away.

This book is also great to read if you are interested in engineering or design because it also elaborates on its detailed descriptions with many colorful drawings and schematics, helping break down the book into readable sections. It uses both technical and understandable language to describe different ideas, and not only is it an entertaining read, but in the end I actually learned many new things from this book as well, so I would say that overall this was an extremely good read.

In the end, The 99% Invisible City was one of the best reads that I’ve ever read so far, and it’s sure to be entertaining and interesting for you as well. I would especially recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about engineering, or is interested in civil or mechanical engineering. I would also recommend the 99% Invisible podcast if you enjoy this book. It is by the same authors of the book and is very interesting as well. And don’t forget to check out this book for yourself sometime!

The 99% Invisible City by Roman Mars and Kurt Kohlstedt is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Back-to-School Jitters? Let’s Crush Those Anxieties!

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 It’s that time of year again when summer days turn into school days. For many of us, returning to school can bring excitement and, let’s be honest, a bit of anxiety. But don’t worry; you’ve got this! Let’s dive into those back-to-school butterflies and uncover strategies to conquer them like you’re champs.

Let’s examine what really causes our anxieties:

First off, it’s totally okay to feel a little jittery about returning to school. It’s super common, and almost everyone goes through it. So, what’s causing those butterflies in your stomach? Here are some common back-to-school anxieties:

  1. Meeting New People: Meeting new classmates can be nerve-wracking whether you’re starting a new school or just moving up a grade. Many questions and worries go through your mind- Will they like you? Will you fit in? Everyone’s feeling a bit uncertain, so remember you are not alone.
  2. Academic Pressure: The thought of new subjects, more challenging assignments, and exams can be overwhelming. Be bold and ask questions. Good teachers love students who ask questions and are eager to learn. So ask away! Remember, it’s okay. Learning is a journey.
  3. Social Expectations: The pressure to have the “perfect” social life can be intense. Real friendships take time to develop, and it’s okay to be yourself. No judgement! Usually, we are harder on ourselves than others. Most of the time, friendship comes naturally. 
  4. Organizational Stress: Keeping up with schedules, assignments, and extracurriculars can feel like a juggling act. But guess what? You can become a master organizer with a bit of practice. A schedule app is the best for this. 

Now that we know what are some things that cause our anxieties. Let’s look at some strategies for overcoming them. Let’s kick those anxieties to the curb.

Strategies for Conquering Back-to-School Anxiety:

  1. Prepare Ahead: Knowing what’s coming can be a game-changer. Be organized- Get your school supplies, organize your backpack, and plan your outfits in advance. This will give you one less thing to worry about.
  2. Talk It Out: Don’t keep those feelings inside. Talk to friends, family, or trusted adults about what’s on your mind or what’s bothering you. You’ll be surprised how many people have felt the same way.
  3. Set Achievable Goals: Don’t expect perfection from the start. Set achievable goals, and celebrate your progress along the way. You are more likely to continue when you see progression in your dreams. 
  4. Breathe and Mindfulness: Take some deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed. Stop anxiety before it starts creeping in. Consider practicing mindfulness techniques to help you stay grounded and focused. Taking time to breathe makes you feel less stressed because it gives your mind time to relax and rethink.
  5. Eating well & staying healthy: Eating well, getting enough sleep, and staying active can improve your mood and overall well-being. Take time to eat snacks like fruits or cut-up veggies; eating healthy provides your body the energy to finish what you need that day. 
  6. Stay Positive: Stop overworrying. Instead of worrying about what might go wrong, consider all the exciting things that await you this school year, like making new friends, learning interesting subjects, and remarkable experiences just around the corner! 
  7. You’re Not Alone: Everyone has their version of back-to-school jitters. You’re part of a considerable community of teens going through this together. It’s hard enough to be a person in this decade because of all the changes and uncertainties. Lean on each other for support.
  8. Ask for Help When You Needed: If anxiety becomes too overwhelming, don’t hesitate to talk to your school counselor or a mental health professional. They’re there to help you navigate these feelings. These individuals have training and experiences to help you navigate your uncertainty and bring them into clear focus. So don’t hesitate to ask. 

So there you have it! Back-to-school anxiety is normal, but you have a toolkit with many strategies to handle it like a pro. Remember, you’re stronger and more capable than you think. Embrace the new school year with confidence to be true to yourself and shine! ✨✨

You got this!

Bella H.

Kimi ni Todoke Review

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Kimi ni Todoke, also known as From Me To You, is a Japanese romance manga written by  Karuho Shiina and adapted in different ways such as the Netflix adaptation. The anime has two seasons as of now, but a third season is confirmed to be aired on Netflix.

In the story, the main protagonist, Sawako Kuronuma, is misunderstood and is called a ghost because of her appearance and because she resembles the ghost from “The Ring”. The high school student is often called “Sadako” which is the name of the ghost she resembles instead of her actual name, Sawako. The protagonist lives this life until Kazehaya Shouta, the popular guy at school talks to her and actually calls her the right name. 

Because of Kazehaya, her life started to change and she started to make friends and be happy despite the obstacles she faced such as rumors and many misunderstandings. Sawako and Kazehaya then start to like each other and they get together by the end of season two. 

I really like this show and I definitely recommend watching it. I love how their interest in each other develops and I like how friendship is portrayed in this anime. The main leads are super adorable and I like their interactions. I suggest watching the anime first instead of the Netflix adaptation because the Netflix adaptation is more complicated to me but it’s my personal preference. Like I said, I definitely recommend watching it, especially if you want to feel giddy and happy.

Lovejoy: An Album Review

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Lovejoy is a indie rock band that is founded by William Gold, who goes by Wilbur Soot. The members include Ash Kabosu on drums, Joe Goldsmith on guitar, Mark Boardman on drums, and Wilbur on vocals and guitar. On October 14th, 2021, they released an album titled Pebblebrain. It features seven tracks, of which four of them I will be going over.

The first song is “Oh Yeah, You Gonna Cry?” This energetic piece is about a man, presumably someone Wilbur knows, who hasn’t gotten over his ex-girlfriend yet. In it, Wilbur states that the girl was too good for him. It’s sort of adding insult to the man’s injury, as from the lyrics you can assume that Wilbur is in love with the girl as well.

Next up is “Model Buses,” which is a reference to the UK’s prime minister’s strange hobby of crafting models of buses. The song is about a girl, presumably the same one from “Oh Yeah, You Gonna Cry?”, who is now single and fears a new relationship. Similar to beliefs about the prime minister, they are both “Scared of the future”

“Spitting spite as fast as saliva,” sings “Concrete,” a song in which Wilbur finally gets together with the girl but things don’t seem as well as he thought they would. The lyrics seem to insinuate an unhealthy relationship between the two, saying “If I had it my way, you’d sleep on the concrete floor.”

Finally, “Perfume” is my favorite song in the EP. Initially, it was going to be scrapped from the album until his friend, Tommy, told him not to. It tells the story of after their breakup, with the girl going back to her old ex. Wilbur says, “I can still smell her perfume,” suggesting that he misses her. Unlike the other songs, we get a view from the girl’s perspective. The lyrics show how she wanted to be in a relationship, saying “It seems like all her friends abruptly fell in love, and she was in the dust.” This was most likely the reason for their break-up, as she wasn’t fully committed to the relationship, instead using it for a better status.

In total, the Pebblebrain album is one heck of a ride. Not only that, but the songs are incredibly catchy. I highly recommend this to any pragmatic lovers, who don’t want a fantasy love song and instead a reality check on how tough love can actually be.

Listen and download music by Lovejoy free with your library card on Freegal.

Would Life Be Easier Without Governments?

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I’ve always thought that life would be so much easier if everyone just governed themselves, and was in charge of their rights and property. Humans have, after all, imposed war, famine, unjust societal standards, and a plethora of other issues upon themselves; no natural forces have really contributed that much to the unhappiness and restriction within our society.

What would happen if there was no government, or a system of hierarchy? Someone could own an endless amount of property and have as many liberties as they wish. But, to make it just, everyone else would have those same exact freedoms, too. This also means that if I declare a certain amount of land to be mine without any legal resources binding me to it, my neighbor could just as rightfully claim that land to be theirs and kick me off. I wouldn’t really be able to do anything about it, and I would probably get angry. If this system were to exist in our world right now, every little thing would end up in a stalemate, and wars would probably be a lot more frequent.

No matter how good you think your idea of perfect personal liberties are, there will always be someone near you with opposing thoughts regarding what those rights should be. If those ideals were to be extremely different, people would most definitely break into chaos. For example, you might think that it is wrong to own multiple firearms (even if it is for self-defense) but your neighbor may think it is right. Not only can some sort of conflict ensue, but because there would be no legal consequences to your neighbor’s actions, you may also start to feel unsafe, which is in violation of your natural rights.

Governments have the power to protect our inalienable rights and impose serious consequences on those who violate them, but with the guarantee of certain rights, other freedoms will have to be sacrificed. This idea of social contracts means that no one can ever really be entitled to every single freedom in the book if they want to peacefully (to some extent) coexist with other individuals.

In the end, it’s impossible to please everyone; not all people will be satisfied with the way central governments are structured. While I agree that our current ruling system has its faults, it is pretty successful at maintaining societal structure while still trying to defend everyone’s personal rights.

MOVIE REVIEW – The Little Mermaid Animated Saga

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(This review consists of the three animated The Little Mermaid movies produced by Disney, as the prequel/sequel tend to be forgotten about.)

The Little Mermaid Live Action was an enchanting remake. With the music and voices of live action Ariel (Halle Bailey) and Ursula (Melissa McCarthy), I was truly enraptured by the display. 

While both the original and live-action movies are classics personally, people forget about the sequel and prequels of The Little Mermaid animated movie. I remember watching the entire franchise and thinking, “Wow, we really downgraded and upgraded in a short amount of time!” Honestly, I just remember hating on Melody. 

The Little Mermaid is the “predecessor” of The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning, a story that combines King Triton’s hatred for music after his wife, Athena, died, Flounder finding out that Sebastian has been singing at an illegal speakeasy, and Ariel’s toxic and manipulative nanny. I remember loving this movie. 

Through the movie, we learn more about Ariel’s sisters, and we can actually assign name to faces. Although the animation felt tackier (and somewhat creepier, in my opinion), it was a lovely prequel to a classic. In contrast, the plot felt underdeveloped, and has little to no correlation to the original, as if the writers were like, “Okay, so there’s this teenage girl, right? Right, so she likes to sing, right? Right, and she’s also rebellious — let’s add a controlling nanny and ban music!” This could’ve been a spinoff. 

Personally, I feel like the movie would’ve been better off dealing with King Triton’s story. For one, it starts off with King Triton’s wife, Queen Athena, literally getting kidnapped and possibly eaten by humans. He’s grief-stricken and thus banned music, something that Athena adored. I would’ve loved to see him go through every stage of grief while simultaneously making bad decisions and dealing with the evil nanny. 

And did I mention what they did to my poor Flounder? He’s as if a rebellious angsty teen went back in time. Overall, 6/10 movie. Could’ve been worse, but definitely didn’t tarnish the original too much. 

Now, onto The Little Mermaid II, a sequel to the original. Ariel and Eric’s daughter, Melody, is obsessed with the sea. She is just as rebellious as Ariel was in her teenage years, which causes some wonderful generational trauma. However, Melody finds refuge and comfort in Morgana, Ursula’s sister. 

Suddenly, I have a craving for seafood.  

I mean, it could’ve been worse! Totally. PLEASE. 

Characters were underdeveloped. Their personalities felt as though they were scribbled on a deadline. But what upset me the most was Ariel’s songs. In the original, she had a powerful, emotional, catchy voice!! I MISS JODI BENSON SO MUCH. In the sequel, it felt way too cheesy to be good. 2/10. 

But hey, we got Melissa McCarthy, so I don’t care. I LOVE MELISSA MCCARTHY. 

The Little Mermaid, The Little Mermaid II, and the live action version are available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Candidly Cline: Supporting Roles

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Candidly Cline by Kathryn Ormsbee - Audiobook | Scribd

The book Candidly Cline by Kathryn Ormsbee is about a girl named Cline who dreams of being a singer/ songwriter. However, her mother doesn’t believe that being a musician is a suitable profession that would allow Cline to make a living. In this book Cline finds many new friends that help in unexpected ways, while, sadly, losing her best friend. Cline’s employer Mrs. Yune, her teacher Mrs. Johnson, and her partner Sylvie all help her in various ways. 

Mrs. Yune first employs Cline to babysit children at the church nursery. Even though Cline doesn’t attend church, Mrs. Yune happily lets Cline take the job because they have a lack of employees. This is helpful to Cline because the music camp she wants to attend has a high fee and her mother is not willing to pay for it. Later, when Cline is going to leave the camp, because she doesn’t have enough money, Mrs. Yune helpfully gives Cline money she was saving up so Cline could fulfill her dream. Mrs. Yune also comforts Cline after her best friend, Hollie, rejects her. Mrs. Yune is a very important character in this book, even if she is not the main character.

Cline’s music class is taught by Mrs. Johnson, a well trained and famous musician. Mrs. Johnson teaches Cline how to write songs and music. She allows Cline to join the class, even when she doesn’t yet have all the money for it. Finally, when Cline’s mother was not going to allow her to continue the class, Mrs. Johnson visited their house and convinced her mother to let Cline to stay. Mrs. Johnson helped a lot with Clines musical journey.

Sylvie is Cline’s partner in the music class and her friend. When Cline and Sylvie first met, Sylvie was in a bad mood, but at the next class the girls become good friends and connect through music. Sylvie was a big help to Cline when Hollie wasn’t being a good friend by comforting her and making her laugh. With their special connection they make a beautiful song and win a competition. The two girls quickly fell for each other, which was Cline’s main inspiration for their audition song. Their strong connection played a major part in the story, by not only helping them both find who they are, but also connecting them in a way only music could express.

Though these characters didn’t have major roles in this story they still were helpful to Cline. Whether they were comforting her, teaching her, or loving her they changed a lot of Cline’s life for the better.

Candidly Cline by Kathryn Ormsbee is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

Going to the Angels Stadium: Guardians vs Angels 

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On September 8, 2023, mom, baby sister and I went to the Angels ball game. This is our 10+ ball games for this season, and we are getting better at driving to the stadium, parking and getting autographs and balls. Let me share what you could do to most out of going to a ball game from my perspective. 

Parking: 

  • Exit on Fwy 57 on Katella, take Douglass Rd to enter Angels Stadium Parking
  • Park by the “City National Grove by Anaheim” by the gate 1 ( I will explain you why park by gate 1 later) 

Gate: 

Use gate 1.

  • This is where they giveaway Yakult.
    • Yakult is a probiotic beverage created in Japan. They normally hand you 2 bottles, red and blue caps. But if you ask for more, they usually give them to you.
      • Ask for a FREE big A body tattoo sticker
        • Sometimes security people have it in their pocket. If not, go to the booth table by Trout Farm.
  • Booth table by the Trout Farm
    • Ask for a Free big A body tattoo sticker
  • Trout Farm
    • This is one of the place we receive autographs and practice balls from the MLB players. 

Game Result: 

Cleveland Guardians vs Los Angeles Angels 

6-3

MLB Balls

  • I caught my very first foul ball  hit by Angels #23 Brendon Drury. 
  • Guardians Major League Staff Assistant & Spanish Interpreter, Agustin Rivero, handed a ball to my baby sister
  • Angels #47 Griffin Canning handed me a practice ball from his glove
  • Angel gals #6 Peyton handed a sponge ball to my baby sister 

Autographs by 

  • Angels #60 Andrew Wantz gave my sister and I autographs on my glove and my sister’s headphone
  • Angels #57 José Soriano Autographed on my glove 
  • Angels Coach #80 Damon Mashore autographed on my glove 
  • Guardians Major League Staff Assistant & Spanish Interpreter, Agustin Rivero autographed on my glove