Book Review: Humble Pi by Matt Parker

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One of my favorite books that I have recently read is the book Humble Pi by Matt Parker. It is a very interesting book about how math mistakes affect the real world. I also found it very humorous and funny, and it was very interesting how it described many real-life examples in detail as well.

One thing that I liked most about the book was how detailed the descriptions are, giving a great deal of information on each of the various topics. I found it interesting about how it talked about how math affects and can even cause problems in the real world. I also liked how the topic was unique, as it talked about many things not covered in most books. It gives many good explanations for countless areas and topics, and it is sure to provide you with a very interesting, intriguing read.

The book is also very humorous and funny, also helping to make it an entertaining read. It has a very witty, delightful sense of humor, making for a lot of laughs. I found the book to be very amusing and entertaining overall, merging a funny, comic tone with fascinating descriptions. I also liked how it used many drawings and images to explain the different ideas and causes behind the events in the book.

One of my favorite sections from Humble Pi is about how math can go wrong in video games and other computer programs. I found it intriguing about how much math is used in everyday things like computers, and how important it is in the real world. I was surprised by how much math and numbers are used in things like programming. In addition, I found the book as a whole to be very educational, as it taught many ideas about how math and the real world interact.

Overall, Humble Pi is a great book to read as it is interesting, entertaining, funny, and educational. It has been one of my favorite books to read, and it’s sure that you’ll enjoy it as well. I would recommend this book to someone who wants to learn more or just wants an interesting read. If you enjoy this book, I would also recommend the other books by Matt Parker which cover math in a similar way to this book, and Math With Bad Drawings by Ben Orlin, which provides another fun, entertaining take on math. So don’t forget to check these books out for yourself sometime!

Business Proposal Show Review

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Business Proposal is a South Korean romantic comedy show that was released in 2022 after it was adapted from the Webtoon version of Business Proposal. It can be seen on Netflix and other streaming sites. It features the main lead actors Kim Se Jeong Ahn Hyeo Sop, Kim Min Gue, and Seol In Ah.

The story starts off with Kim Se Jeong who plays the role of Shin Ha Ri who goes as her friend, Jin Young Seo on a blind date for money. On the previous blind dates, Shin Ha Ri effortlessly made sure that the blind dates would not want to get together with her friend, Jin Young Seo. However, this time, Shin Ha Ri ends up on a blind date with Kang Tae Moo, who ends up being the peculiar boss of her work. Shin Ha Ri tries her very best to get him to reject her so that her deed is done but despite what she does, Kang Tae Moo does not seem to be declining her. Instead, since Kang Tae Moo is pressured by his grandfather to get married, Kang Tae Moo decides that he wants to get with Shin Ha Ri. 

This causes a problem for Shin Ha Ri because Jin Young Seo starts to complain to her and interrogate her. Shin Ha Ri denies her accusations and says that Kang Tae Moo is the odd one. After this, Jin Young Seo ends up setting her up for one more fake date, and she confesses that she did this for money. As a result, Kang Tae Moo threatens Shin Ha Ri and orders her to act as his fiance. After a while into this “fake” relationship, they start to develop feelings for each other but soon Kang Tae Moo finds the real identity of Shin Ha Ri and finds out that she is an employee of his company, GoFood. Due to his frustrations and his trust being broken, Kang Tae Moo decides to get “revenge” by overworking Shin Ha Ri. In the end, they both confess their feelings and get together. 

Personally, I liked watching this show in 2022. I have never read the Webtoon version of it, but thanks to the show adaptation, I might consider reading it. This show really brought me joy. Usually, watching long videos tends to bore me but watching these episodes, time went by so fast and it felt like 10 minutes instead of an hour. This show was really entertaining and I liked the plot a lot. I definitely recommend watching or reading Business Proposal.

Time Management

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As finals slowly approach, I have often found myself stressed with school and sports. Balancing school, sports, and extracurriculars has proven to be a struggle in my life and many others. Learning how to manage time has proven to be a beneficial skill in life, but it is challenging to learn. 

Here are two ways you can master time management:

  1. Creating a To-Do List
  • There’s a reason why creating a To-Do list is so popular: using a To-Do list can help you keep track of homework, upcoming projects/tests, and chores around the house. To-Do list lets you plan your study time and mark what you complete. Using a list helps you monitor your assignments. A bonus is that checking off a task is a motivator to finish homework.
  • If you prefer to keep track of your To-Do list online, there are many websites (and apps) to do so. I enjoy Pomofocus; this website has a To-Do list and a Pomodoro timer. This leads me to my second point–use a timing system!
  • Benefits: Checking off tasks creates a sense of accomplishment, limits stress, and lessens procrastination.
  1. Utilizing Timing Techniques
  • A timing system allows for the allotted time of working and breaks. The Pomodoro Strategy arranges 25 minutes of work time and 5-15 minutes of rest time. This enables users to have time for work and breaks. Studies have shown that people with gaps between study sessions are more productive than those without. 
  • The Pomodoro Technique has helped me set realistic goals when studying by creating small steps that gradually build up to my main objective.
  • Benefits: Increases accountability, reduces distractions, and improves productivity.
  • An extra note: Looking ahead in the next week or two is essential when planning your study time. This can help you stay on top of upcoming tests and projects.

Final Notes!

Since I have used these strategies in school, I have never missed an assignment and had time to study for exams. Though these two tips seem like small factors in the large scheme of things, setting a To-Do list and timing techniques significantly improve time management.

Organizing your time is essential to being a successful student, employee, and athlete. Using these methods will help you maximize your productivity in a small amount of time.

Thank you for reading!!

– Gwendy M.

Dolphin Day!

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Today, I had the opportunity to go to Laguna Hills Beach and swim with dolphins! It was an incredible experience I could never forget!

I swim competitively for a team called Evolution, and every Saturday, our team picks a specific beach to swim at and have fun. Usually, I hate morning practice because I have to wake up early, but today, my sister convinced me to go saying, “it will be a fun experience!”.

At first, I thought “yeah, sure it will”, but as soon as we started warming up I couldn’t help but keep staring at the sea and seeing fins pop up and out of the water and quickly go back under the waves. I was startled, because at first I thought it was a shark, but I soon realized sharks don’t surface to breathe very often, and soon came to a conclusion that they were dolphins!

Everyone on my swim team was talking and were excited to see the dolphins, but not me. They were swimming awfully close to the beach, and I heard from someone once that dolphins liked to swim near people, and could bite you. Because of this, I was thinking about not swimming at all. But my coach kept telling me that dolphins won’t bother you unless you bother them. I started calming down, so I ran into the waves and started swimming.

We had to swim past 3 buoys in the water, which was around 1000 yards, since we also had to swim back to the sand. Just my luck that I went in late that day, and I was the last person swimming, trying to catch up with the group. I was swimming for a good 5 minutes when suddenly, a huge figure popped out of the water and I was on the verge of screaming. It was a dolphin, and as soon as it appeared, it disappeared under the waves. That dolphin was HUGE! It was so close I could almost touch it! I was fearful, and started sprinting to catch up with the group. My heart beat was extremely high, and every thought in my head was “catch up with the group, get back to shore”. After about 5 minutes, I was so close to catching up with the group, almost 20 meters, until I took a breath and looked down. Something was moving below me and I was so terrified! I finally managed to catch up with the group, dead last and shaking.

Today was a day I definitely wouldn’t forget!

-Alia Charles, 8th grade

Quick Tips for AP Bio

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I know many students nowadays are stacking up on AP courses, especially the AP sciences: AP Bio, AP Chem, AP Environmental Science, and even AP Physics.

There are other AP classes of course, but I guess I just wanted to give some advice if you are taking AP Bio this year as well as how to pass the exam and get good grades in the class. I took AP Bio last year (got an A in both semesters and a 4 on the AP test). Overall, I thought it was a really meaningful class and is something you can learn and use the rest of your life. So, here are some tips:

  1. The most important thing in AP Bio is not actually memorizing material! Yes, there are a lot of processes that you have to remember (Krebs Cycle, DNA replication…etc..), but it’s more important to understand the logical processes. How does this work? How does that work with this system? One process that worked for me was to read through the textbook and then brain dump everything I remembered. Then, for the things you forget, you can go back and fill your notes in! It’s a great way to practice your active memorization skills.
  2. I would say the other important thing is to use your AP Bio Princeton Review Books if you have them. I think there are some used ones in the library that are very cheap! They are great, especially for summarizing the most important materials. I would recommend using your school provided textbook and the AP Bio reviews at the same time, so that you can have 1. double the amount of information 2. It acts as a great review!
  3. The quizlets, Khan Academy videos, as well as some of the online free AP Bio tests are great to use to practice as well. Use the quizlets for the class tests! (p.s some of the questions actually popped up on the exam!) Also, the Khan Academy is great for when you don’t understand a topic since they honestly oversimplify everything. There are good online free AP Bio tests that you can use from Varsity Tutors. Nearing the day of the AP test, there is a public 2013 MCQ and FRQ exam posted from College Board (it was very helpful btw and also contained an answer key!)

To be honest, if you really love science, then you will really have a fun time with this class! The labs were really meticulous, but they are tested on the AP exam, so I would also just recommend looking over those before the exam as well. Good luck!

AP Biology books are available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library.

My Favorite Baseball Players

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This is a list of some of my favorite baseball players–not necessarily picked based on their talent level. I first became captivated by the sport in May of this year when my family and I went to see a game where the Los Angeles Angels were playing the Minnesota Twins, and I haven’t lost interest since. While the Angels are definitely the favorite in my family, not all of the players on this list are from the team.

#1: Zach Neto:

Zach Neto #9 of the Los Angeles Angels turns and throws to first during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on July 31, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

The Angels’ twenty-two-year-old rookie shortstop wasn’t originally one of my favorites. To me, he was just another new player that I had to remember. But as I’ve watched him play throughout the season, I’ve definitely changed my opinion. The reason for this is not just because he’s fun to watch–although he undeniably is. It’s because he’s young and eager and while he’s not always the most patient at the plate, he has talent and potential. He’s unquestionably someone to watch out for in the years to come.

#2: Adley Rutschman:

This is one of the many non-Angels players that I like. This young player is unarguably talented–he’s one of the Baltimore Orioles’ best catchers, if not their very best. He was named one of the American League All-Stars this year and got the opportunity to be one of the youngest All-Stars of the modern era. He ended the year with twenty home runs and a batting average of about .275 for this season–and he’s only been playing in the major leagues for a few years.

#3: Andrew Velazquez:

Andrew Velazquez

He’s a veteran player and has been playing in the major leagues for years, getting bounced around from team to team. He only has twelve home runs in his entire career, and his batting average is well below .200, but the aspect of him I like is that he’s always willing to step in where he’s needed, whether that be at second base or center field, and always plays with a smile on his face. He’s currently with the Atlanta Braves, one of the best teams in the game, although he played most of his games this season with the Angels.

#4: Randal Grichuk:

Los Angeles outfielder Randal Grichuk runs the bases. He was unclaimed on waivers.

He’s another veteran player and one of the Angels’ outfielders. He was traded to the Angels in July from the Colorado Rockies along with teammate C.J. Cron for a couple of the Angels’ pitchers. The Angels were desperately in need of outfielders at one point this season after losing left fielder Taylor Ward and center fielder Mike Trout to injuries, so Grichuk was their substitution. He’s been playing in the major leagues for almost a decade and shows every sign of continuing his career next season.

As you can probably see, I haven’t chosen all of these players for their talent or what team they play for. I like their attitude about the game and I love watching them play. Please tell me in the comments who your favorite players are!

GUTS by Olivia Rodrigo (Album review/comparison)

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Olivia Rodrigo came out with her second studio album, GUTS, recently. Now most have heard her chart-breaking songs from her last album, SOUR, like “Drivers License” and “Deja Vu”, with the album as a whole hitting around 300 million streams. But her new song “Vampire” itself has reached about 100 million streams and the album, GUTS is at 200 million streams so far with an upcoming world tour to it. At only 20 years old she has had a very successful acting and music career winning 3 Grammys. On her new album there are 12 songs. My personal favorite songs are “Lacy” and “Get Him Back!”

Lacy, is a 2:57 minute song which dives deeper into comparing oneself to this perfect type of person named Lacy. I love this song because of how relatable it can be and the metaphors she uses in the song like, “skin like puff pastry” and “eyes white as daisies” portraying the amount of effort and potential time she put into this song. It is more of a mellow song with amazing lyrics.

Get Him Back!, a 3:31 minute song dives deeper into the idea of a toxic ex knowing all the bad or annoying things he did but also remembering the fun times with him and deciding if you really want them back or if you just miss the idea of them. The song is very upbeat, fun, and not to structured which gives a unique vibe to it.

I personally love this artist but her new album does not impress me as much as her old one, SOUR. She is overall a very talented artist with so much more to give! I recommend you check out her new music and even her old music!

Ordem Paranormal: Quarentena

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Contains minor spoilers for the series

A virus has spread throughout the world. Unknowingly, you have just volunteered your life to stop it. Five teenagers are taken by an industry called Pancea, and it’s your job to stop this outbreak. With nothing much but a mistrustful guide, an unremovable glove, and a… hamster? You have to find the cause for this disaster and fix it.

Ordem Paranormal is a tabletop roleplay game series that features content creators from all over the world. We have Cellbit as the gamemaster, Baghera as Lucie, Quackity as Benito, Pactw as Diego, FoolishGamers as Jeffrey, and Roier as Luis. It is split into two parts: par tone, which took place online, and part two, which took place in Brazil in real life. The series is available on Youtube in English and Portuguese.

The scene starts out at an office in Mexico where Benito, Jeffery, and Luis sign up for the program. They’re not told much except for that it will help advance the future. A few of them are in it for the money, too. A similar scene is happening at the same time in Brazil with Lucie, Diego, a girl named Emi, and her dad. They are taken into a room and asked a few questions. Not even a few minutes later, both surveyor plant a drowsiness bomb and flee the room. All participants black out.

All of them arrive in a sweltering hot boiler room with a mechanical glove attached their left hand, and their right tied up. A stranger by the name of Micael hands them a key before running out of the room with no further explanation. After a few moments of Jeffrey consulting his pocket hamster, Wallace, they’re able to free themselves and flee the room. They’re met with a strange facility, where blood is stained everywhere and dead bodies litter the ground. The only thing going through their minds are “Where am I?” Micael is able to answer that. He tells them that a virus has spread all over the country, and that they’ve been blacked out for quite a while. The glove they have is the only thing protecting them from being infected too. Then, from around the corner, a disfigured creature stalks towards them. It has glowing, neon wires connecting human-like bodies together into an abomination. It moves jerkily, as if fighting for control. Little do they know, this isn’t the only one out there.

That is just the beginning of an entire series of incredible storytelling and jaw-dropping plot twists. If you’ve never watched a roleplay game, this is your chance. Personally, this was my favorite series out of everything watched, even out of professionally made movies. Cellbit’s ability to bring the player’s words to life plus characters you can’t help but root for make for one remarkable story. I fell in love with Ordem Paranormal, and if you watch it I guarantee you will too.

Yummy: A History of Dessert by Victoria Grace Elliott

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This graphic novel is one smart cookie. This graphic novel was informative, but not boring and droning and was tasty to look at. I liked many things about this book, mainly its images and lessons.

The book is divided into different sections, or chapters, for different desserts. The desserts shown are

  • Ice cream
  • Cake
  • Brownies
  • Donuts
  • Pies
  • Gummies
  • Cookies 

And

  • Macaroons 

Something I liked about this book is how they presented the information. This book has three main characters who are called sprites. They are named Peri, Fee and Fada. I love their designs because the colors are really bubbly and the images are all really curved. Like bubble letters. Back to the information point, these characters talk all about the desserts. They do science labs, interviews with “famous bakers” (one of the sprites dress up in costumes), recipes and story times where they read legends of desserts. You would be surprised at how many dessert legends there are. 

Anyways, there are not many recipes for a dessert book, but I love how many things are included. The author added maps so you can find locations and a lot of different cultures! And when I say a lot, I mean A LOT. Cultures from all over the world are represented which was quite refreshing compared to other books.

To return back to my design compliments, this book has a really perky design. The colors are bright and dessert-like. The sprites are tiny and cute and all of the desserts look positively amazing. The design is impressive because the ilustrador had to draw dozens of desserts in the same format, which can be difficult to do.

To wrap it all up, I love this graphic novel. I thought it would be a bit boring because I normally don’t like non-fiction books, but this one was good. If you like baking, are interested in baking or just like looking at pretty drawings of food, I recommend this graphic novel for you!

Yummy: A History of Dessert by Victoria Grace Elliott are available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.