Why do we read left to right? By: Holden Kodish

 I’ve always wondered why we write our words left to right, and then move down a row. With the advent of new technology, wouldn’t it make more sense to rotate the page over and over like a circle until you reach that nice center point. “But Holden” You say “What about dyslexics?” Well, I’m pretty sure that the way the words are organized would be trouble for some people, and a benefit for another. And plus, I think we’d all agree, this is much, much, much, much, prettier.

The Top 10 Celebrity Cooking Disasters

1. The Burnt Pancake Fiasco: When Gordon Ramsay attempted to flip pancakes for a charity breakfast event, things took a fiery turn. Instead of golden perfection, he ended up with a charred mess that even his signature insults couldn't salvage.

2. The Overcooked Pasta Debacle: Martha Stewart, the queen of homemaking, faced embarrassment when she served overcooked pasta to a group of high-profile guests. It seems even culinary royalty can't always get al dente just right.

3. The Salty Soup Surprise: Bobby Flay, known for his culinary prowess, had a slip-up when he accidentally poured an entire container of salt into a soup he was preparing live on television. The resulting salty soup had viewers cringing and reaching for their water glasses.

4. The Raw Chicken Catastrophe: Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa herself, had a rare misstep when she served up raw chicken at a dinner party. It seems even the most seasoned chefs can have their off days in the kitchen.

5. The Kitchen Fire Fiasco: When Rachael Ray attempted to flambe a dish for her cooking show, things went from sizzle to fizzle in seconds flat. The kitchen fire that ensued had viewers tuning in for the drama, rather than the recipe.

6. The Burnt Thanksgiving Turkey Disaster: When Jamie Oliver attempted to roast a Thanksgiving turkey for his American fans, he forgot one crucial step: setting the oven temperature. The result? A burnt bird that even gravy couldn't mask.

7. The Soufflé Collapse: Nigella Lawson's attempt at a soufflé on her cooking show ended in disaster when the delicate dessert collapsed before the camera. It seems even culinary goddesses have their soufflé slumps.

8. The Unappetizing Smoothie Mishap: When Joe Wicks, the Body Coach, attempted to blend a healthy smoothie for his Instagram followers, he accidentally added a spoonful of salt instead of sugar. The resulting concoction had fans questioning his taste buds.

9. The Spicy Curry Overload: When Ayesha Curry attempted to spice up her curry recipe for her family, she accidentally added an entire bottle of chili powder instead of a teaspoon. The resulting dish had her husband, Steph Curry, reaching for the milk jug.

10. The Cake Collapse Catastrophe: When Buddy Valastro, the Cake Boss himself, attempted to transport a multi-tiered cake for a celebrity wedding, disaster struck. The cake collapsed en route, leaving the bride and groom with a sweet memory they'd rather forget.

Mayans chose not to invent the wheel due to the long term effects they were able to foreshadow.

 After we visited the Mayan pyramids in Tulum Mexico my family member posed a good question: if they were the first civilization to invent the number 0, they had a stone wheel like object as a basketball hoop, were very accurate in their mayan calendar, why didn’t they invent the wheel? They were so close.

Well… my first initial instinct was that a civilization this intelligent willingly chose not to create something due to their visions of the long term outcome. Maybe they thought the wheel would cause a lot of long term suffering. I didn’t know exactly why though.

Then, in the midst of pondering this question, I came across a separate piece of information that connected the dots for me.

Before the wheel, a human being could only carry the weight one human could hold. For farming, construction, and transportation.

After the wheel, those that owned the carts, wheelbarrows, and horse carriages were able to carry the weight that it would take 10 humans could hold. (For example). *I have been informed that horses only came to the Americas with the Europeans, but even just the wheelbarrow gave the ability for a person to carry more weight than they originally could hold, hence giving an advantage to those that owned these wheelbarrows. 

The wheel lead to mass inequalities between those that owned the means of production and those that didn’t.

In the Mayan civilization the kings home was not much bigger than the citizen’s.

Maybe the Mayans saw the inequality this invention would inevitably lead to and the insane competitive advantage it would give to those that had the resources to afford these new inventions.

For the farmer that didn’t have a horse plow or a wheelbarrow, he only had two options:

Either compete on his own and get crushed by farmers who own the machines

Or

Borrow equipment, or work for a farmer that owns these means of production

Top 10 OJ Simpson goof-ups By: Holden Kodish

1. When he took his first steps.

 Baby OJ actually didn’t start by taking steps. Instead, he drove a stroller on a low-speed police chase.

2. The Time OJ Simpson rapped the opening to his TV show.

Yeah, did you know OJ Simpson had a prank show? And it was called Juiced? That just sounds gross.

3. The time he tried to wear fifty gloves on one hand.
The thing is, he sized them out too. Like, his hand was huge by the end of it.

4. The time he murdered his ex-wife.
Nicole Brown Simpson was murdered on June 12th, 1994, in what may have been the worst career choice made by a football player until Brady signed with the Bucks.

5. When he missed Mother's Day.
After his wife died in that “unexpected accident”, he actually missed the first Mother’s Day afterward. He should have gone all Mr. Mom on it. Picture, OJ Simpson, in an apron.

6. When he also murdered his ex-wife's friend.
During the events of 6/12/94, he also murdered Ron Goldman, a waiter who was “Holding Ms. Simpsons glasses” which… has to be a euphemism, right?

7. When he got Norm Macdonald fired from SNL.
Man, learn how to take a joke OJ. Instead, one of the funniest men in the world got kicked off the perfect show for him. You’ll never be forgiven for this one OJ

8. When he literally wrote a book called “If I did it”
I mean, I don’t know what’s funnier. The Goldman family re-naming it to (make the "if" really small) if I did it, or them including a foreward called “Yes, he did it.”

9. When he robbed Bruce Fromong 13 years later
Why would you risk it again? Not even the juice could outrun Nevada state law. Luckily there was no murder (or so he would have you believe)

10. When he joined Twitter
“Hello Twitter World” still cracks me up. And while we may have lost… well, not a hero, but we still have the parody accounts!

Top 10 Excuses to Use When Abandoning Your Family By: Holden Kodish

#10: “I gotta get a pack of milk and a carton of cigarettes” An oldie but a goodie.

#9: “Honey, I love you, but you knew when you chose to marry me that I would
put music over our love.” You and the three guys you met in high school could become the next
Beatles, if only that bitch wife of yours would stop wanting to spend time with you.

#8: “I have amnesia, and don’t remember who you are.” Extra points if your marriage is the only thing you don’t remember.

#7: “My dad abandoned us, and his dad abandoned him. It’s a family tradition.”
They have to respect other people's customs, even if they disagree with them.

#6: “I’ve been abducted by aliens/vampires/the CIA.” Even if you do return, your

life will have been dramatically altered. Will they even recognize the new you when you return?

#5: “I just find your sister hotter.” Sometimes, you back the wrong horse, and the
only thing you can do is admit your mistakes and correct course.

#4: “The mothership is calling me home. My planet needs me.” I mean, you
already gave her a child. What, does she expect you to stay around?

#3: “Damn, our kids are ugly as shit.” Why put all your work into someone who
won’t extend the family bloodline?

#2: “My first family is complaining I don’t spend enough time with them.” They did
come first. It’s only fair that you prioritize them first.

#1:  “It’s just a prank bro.” Damn, she got got. Maybe next time, don’t fall in love,
stupid.

Best Hidden Gem Small Businesses in Newton MA

These are the best hidden gem small businesses according to various people in the area. We will be doing a written and video review for each of these. I went to the Knotty Pine today, Solar Eclipse day but it was closed. It's a diner in West Newton, which I've driven by a million times but never even noticed. Amazing how many recommendations we got and how little of them I knew. Truly a list of HIDDEN gems. 

If you want to contribute to the conversation and cast your submission for a review, comment below. 

These are not in order of best to worst, they are all in different categories of small business.

1. The Paper Mouse in West Newton - Gift Shop
2. Depasquale's Deli on Adams - In Newton *NOT depasquales at nightcap's corner
3. Markettiamo for Italian imported goods and sandwiches (and salciccia and soppressata)
4. Shogun in West Newton - Has been open for over 40 years and very authentic 
5. Otake Sushi in Newton Highlands
6. Echo Bridge Restaurant '
7. Little L Bakery on California
8. D&A's Pizza in Nonantum
9. Knotty Pine Diner in Auburndale - Cash only, but they have an ATM
10. Grandma's Kitchen. Really good Taiwanese food 
11. Moldova
12. Flourhouse Bakery in Nonantum
13. Chung-Shin Yuan on California St
14. Indulge Candy Store in Newton Highlands
    

Cryplandia Short Story #1 - @pilgrimapes

Michael felt dizzy. You’d think being on a boat so long, he’d get used to it. But he always woke up with his inner ear swirling like a hurricane. He got up and took stock of his room. “Mom, check! Michelle, check! Dad…” He saw the monkey lying on the bed next to his mother. Despite the time they spent together, Michael sometimes couldn’t seperate his dad from the other monkeys. Everyone just looked so similar. He spotted a red pair of sunglasses over the monkey’s mouth. He moved them over his father’s eyes. That was him alright. “Dad, check!” Everyone was here. Mom, Dad, Son, Sister. Michael grabbed a cigarette and headed towards the Casino.

This was Michaels's usual routine. Wake up, count his family, go to the casino, stumble home drunk. There wasn’t really a whole lot to do besides that, come to think of it. Sometimes his mom and Michelle would go to the spa, or he’d join his dad in the business center. But after years of travel, even the most interesting parts of a place become mundane and boring. Michael expected another session of blowing his daily chips, and hitting on some (not interested) waitresses. But when he got out of his room, something was different. All of the other monkeys were gathered around the gangway opening. Michael woke up his parents. “Mike, I swear, if you’re waking us up to ask for more money, I will kick you straight into the water,” His father said. “No, Dad, something happening. Something big.” He hurried his family out of their cabin, as they headed towards the rest of the families.

The noise of the crowd began to outpace his own internal monologue. Suddenly, A big orangutan wearing a captain’s hat walked in front of everyone. Captain Orangebeard. “Muddahs, Faddahs, Sons, and Sistahs!” He shouted. The troop went quite. “The time has comed. Our years long voy-ige has reached it’s destinationion.” Orangebeards weird speech choices aside, all of the monkeys knew what he meant. “Welcomes, to Cryptlandia. Junglies, Deserts, Forests, Volcanies, all and more can be found here. But that’s not what brought youse here.” Orangebeard held up a little coin. “These are CryptCoins. There are four of them on the island. If you can get all four, and return to the boat, you will recieve your hearts desire, whatever it may be.” 

Michael perked up. “Did he just say free Liquor?” He asked his sister “He said Hearts Desire, Michael.” Michael paused “Is there a difference?” She rolled her eyes.

“Now, youse can do whatever youses need to do to get the coins, excepted for one thing.” Orangebeards face turned somber. “No Killing. None.” And just as fast as it had left, Orangebeards goofy expression returned. “Are youses readied?” The monkeys nodded. “Are youses settied?” Once again, they nodded. “Then goeses!” And in a flash, the monkey’s scattered.

Why most video game adaptations don’t work (And why some do) By: Holden Kodish (BIG H)

Hey y’all. Bit more casual Holden, coming at you with my opinions. But, as we all know, opinions are like assholes, we all have one, and most of them stink. So if you disagree with mine, comment, and tell me why!

Anyway, preamble aside, I want to talk about video games. More specifically, video game adaptions. In the next few months, two of my favorite game series are getting adaptions, those being Borderlands, and Fallout. Now, I haven’t seen these yet, just the trailers, but they’ve given me something to think about. Why did I get excited about the Fallout show, but am still nervous about Borderlands? I think it’s do to one thing, reliance on source material.

Now, Borderlands has always been one of my favorite series. As soon as I could play rated M games (at 18, thanks Dad) it was the first one I checked out. Well, Borderlands 2 was the first one, but you get what I mean. And I recently replayed it and still had just as much fun the 10th time as I did the first time. Whether that’s due to the writing, the gameplay, or the ability to shoot a bunch of mentally ill people, I’m not sure, but it all just works. Meanwhile, I’ve been playing Fallout since 4 was released. I remember trying to figure out with a friend where our school would be on the map. Turns out, it was over a vault. One where the vault dwellers were incredibly overworked (a bit of irony? Nah, probably just coincidence). But both franchises have a deep place in my heart.

Alright, enough of me talking about how I’ve wasted my life, and instead, let me talk about how I plan to waste my money! So, the Borderlands movie. Oh, the Borderlands movie. The movie appears to be doing some weird adaptation of both the first and second games (mostly the first, but we’ll touch on that later). Meanwhile, Fallout is being set in Hollywood, apparently making a new story set in the Fallout universe (They even referred to it as a non-playable Fallout 5). Now, these haven’t come out yet, but I feel confident in saying that of the two, Fallout will be the better one. In fact, I have heavy doubts about the quality of Borderlands.

Now, why do I not think Borderlands will be good? Thanks for asking! Well, as I mentioned before, they’re using a lot of the first game to write the plot. If you’ve played Borderlands 1, you know that, of all the games, it has the weakest plot. It’s not bad, just a bit boring. And they’ve decided to throw two characters from the second game, Tiny Tina and Krieg the Psycho, into this movie as characters. In return, we lose out on the Bird-Man Mordecai, and the third-best Character in the franchise (1 is Zane, 2 is Mr. Torgue, fight me nerds) Brick. Now already, I’m a bit hurt. You got rid of my boy for Krieg. I say that, and then remember I like Krieg. But, here’s the thing. I don’t think anyone is cast right. As in, they are all way older than I picture they should be in their first movie. These are vault hunters, people going up against dangerous outlaws, wildlife, and the occasional interdimensional monster (as one does). They should be young, both explaining their athletic prowess and giving you more room to grow this as a franchise. But I don’t think any of that will be an issue for fans. No, I think the problem will be that it sticks too close to the original story. Video games are, primarily, a user-driven experience. It allows us to play our own way, and make decisions however we want. Imagine if someone took that game you were playing, and said “Nope, you have to play it this way, and this way only”. That’s what a bad adaptation looks like.

Now, on the other side, you don’t want it to be completely baseless in its story. The Super Mario Movie (The one from the 80s) has a lot of faults, but one of them was that the writers and directors had never actually played Mario, and just did what they thought was cool. These franchises are important to people and clearly are liked for certain reasons.

This brings me to Fallout. Fallout is exactly what I hoped for when I saw the trailer. 50’s Americana mixed with post-apocalypse. But, they didn’t say “Hey remember Fallout 4, what if it was a movie?” No, instead, it seems that they’re creating their own little story in the Fallout universe, something that fleshes out and expands the concepts of said world. This means that we, as an audience, have no expectations of events, but we do have expectations of tone. The writers can make whatever they want to happen (Within Reason! No magic please. Save that for Elder Scrolls: The TikTok show) and as long as it fits that vibe, most fans will think it’s fine. Want proof? Look at Sonic 2. Both Tails and Knuckles were introduced, but neither required you to be a fan of the Sonic games to get. And, they took the speed and charm of Sonic and worked it into a movie that’s a unique story, while fitting the tone of the games.

While it’s easy to adapt a game beat for beat, it’s not what fans want. We want to see this world through a new lens, one we couldn’t get from the game while feeling like a game. Hopefully, I’m wrong about Borderlands, and it turns out to be great. I’m even more hopeful that Fallout is great too. But, what’s really important, what this whole thing has been building to is this: If they don’t shoot that 8-year-old girl in Sonic 3, I will be asking for a refund. Maria better gets executed. Shoot that bitch

So what do you think? Does my opinion stink? Will Borderlands and Fallout be good? Will they smoke that Maria pack? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. And until next time, “I don’t have a catchphrase yet”!

Top 10 fictional characters I think DON’T take drugs, and why - By Holden Kodish

1. Mr. Krabs, from Spongebob: He’s too focused on making money to ever want to spend it on an 8-ball
2. Professor Utonium from the Powerpuff girls: Chemical X was secretly an enhanced form of crack, and having three crack babies and no baby momma means he probably doesn’t want to try it
3. Arthur, from Arthur: He’s like 8 years old. Who’s giving a 8-year-old Lean?
4. Arthur, from Arthur Christmas: He lives in the North Pole. You can’t grow weed up there
5. Bandit, from Bluey: He probably used to smoke weed, but once the girls were born, he knew it was time to grow up.
6. Magikarp, from Pokemon. He’s a fish. Fish can’t do drugs, stupid.
7. Urkel, from Family Matters: He doesn’t because everyone thinks he’s an undercover fed. Stefan Urqulle definitely gets schwasty on the weekends though.
8. Those little football things from NFL Rush Zone: What were those things? Were they mascots? Living beings? Homunculi? Either way, PED’s are banned by the NFL, so no drugs for them.
9. C3PO. Dude’s a bitch, for real. R2 and BB-8 definitely get high off electricity, but C3PO is like “No, good sir. Wouldn’t want to disappoint the maker.” What a loser
10. And finally, number 10… Bill Clinton. He may have smoked weed, but he did not inhale.

“Mr. Unlucky” A short story by Holden Kodish

I’ve seen him three times I’ve only seen him three times in my life. The first was the fire of 77. I was 7, maybe 8, and my dad had brought me to his work at the Supper Club. Now, the Supper Club isn’t the type of place you should usually take a child, but my mom was on a business trip, and we couldn’t afford a babysitter. I was sitting at the bar, seeing how many spins I could do before getting sick (my record was 17). That’s when I saw him. He was taller than any adult I knew, and bony, as if he had never heard of food before. He nodded at me, as if I was the only one in the room. That soon would be the case. 

The Beverly Hills Supper Club fire killed 165 people. Including my father. I tried to explain to the police what had happened. About the man who had come into the club. But they didn’t believe me. Said I was in shock, and gave my mother the name of a grief counselor. She helped me work through what happened. Told me it wasn’t my fault. And for a while, I believed her. That was until 3 years later. Mom and I were sitting on the couch, watching a repeat showing of… something. Alice in Wonderland I think. I went up to go get myself a glass of milk. And I saw him at the window. It was this time when I noticed his eyes. Or should I say, the lack of them. Vacant. Empty. And his head. He was carrying it next to him, like a wicker easter basket. He took one big step, and the house shook. The whole neighborhood shook. I ran out of the house. My mom didn’t make it in time. 

I was put in the foster care system for a few years. No one could replace my parents, but I had nothing but respect for the ones who tried. Eventually, I graduated, and met a wonderful woman, Michelle. Michelle was fun. She always pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I had become a loner after my parents, and Michelle helped me make friends again. And when I would wake up in the middle of the night, Michelle would calm me back down to sleep. One night, after a visit to her parents (They lived in Lexington, so it was a bit of a drive back home to Paducah) we were driving home. We had stayed later than we were planning, so we were both a bit tired. That’s when we spotted him. “Jeremy. That guy. In that car. Is he a skele-“ That was her last words before the maniac ran us off the road. And her last words forever. 

They’d been able to pull me out of the wreckage just in time, but Michelle had gotten a major head injury. She was dead hours before I received help. Later, the coroner, and her parents, told me that she was pregnant. I gave him a name that day. The man who’s been haunting my life. “Mister Unlucky”. I haven’t seen him since then. I haven’t really left my house though either. So, when you called me up, asking to spend Christmas together, I was a little hesitant. But, I’m starting to feel happy. I can’t remember the last time I felt this way. Hold on a second. Do you hear… jingle bells, and… screaming? And is that dog flying?

Hungry Americans Should Eat Cereal for Dinner - CEO of Kellogg

The CEO of Kellogg's recently triggered a wave of controversy by suggesting that hungry Americans can opt for cereal as a suitable dinner option. This statement has drawn widespread criticism, with many arguing that it trivializes the struggles faced by food-insecure individuals and overlooks the nutritional needs of those experiencing hunger. While cereal can indeed be a convenient and affordable meal choice for some, such remarks fail to acknowledge the systemic issues underlying food insecurity and the need for comprehensive solutions to address this pressing issue. Advocates emphasize the importance of addressing the root causes of hunger and ensuring access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food options for all individuals, rather than promoting simplistic solutions that may not adequately address the complexities of the problem.

This is quite honestly the most insane and enraging thing I've seen in a while. In a time where people are struggling to make it out of the grocery store with their bills paid, this smug CEO dares to suggest Americans should eat his brand's cereal for dinner as if that's a good option. Shame on Kellogg's, and I will not be enjoying their delicious cereal any longer. 

America's Favorite Killer

Fictional scenario: You are a young kid growing up with social media and the technology we have today. How independent would your upbringing be if every opinion you saw, had a like counter behind it. How would you feel if certain behaviors resulted in more likes? and some resulted in less. Would you do the things that get likes? or would you do what you truly want?

Since the year 2000, social media usage has risen drastically. So have other statistics, some of which are very unsettling. School shootings have occurred exponentially more often. Depression has gone up simultaneously and at almost the exact same time, anxiety for adolescents went up too. 

We are familiar with the fact that about 80% of medical issues come from stress. How much more stress does seeing everyone else's accomplishments add to one's life?

"The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States estimates that stress accounts about 75% of all doctor visit "

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3341916/

All of these issues have occurred since the same time that social media began to be used consistently. If we don't see the patterns on the youth now, will we before it is too late?

The internet is full of amazing information, but the question I want to pose about social media specifically is this: 

Is it a problem that on social media you can scroll forever? 

 

Stone Island Hoodies: Are they worth it?

Stone Island hoodies are sweaters with a target patch on the side. They have been worn by many celebrities before including Drake. They were designed by Massimo Osti, but the company was then fully purchased by one of his friends Carlo Rivetti, who recently sold it to a major fashion brand, Moncler. 

The design was inspired by military and work wear and includes a unique stone-washing method that gives these hoodies a color palette akin to them only. 

After having a few for more than 2 years and putting them to the test, I can safely say, they are pretty tough. The proactive design ingenuity of Massimo Osti planned ahead for people's mistreatment of his clothing. Hence the pieces are made to look more like they should as time goes on, the stone-washed look only grows into itself more and more. 

This quality does come with a heavy price tag of around $400 a piece, making them a common target of criticism online. Even if you take the removable patch off, to shut down the skeptics that claim people get these for the logo alone, the hoodies are still worth wearing. I've worn them many times without the iconic patch and felt just as satisfied with my purchase. 

In conclusion, they are worth it. 

Kanye Using Bianca to Prove a Point to Kim Kardashian

Very recently this Kanye phone snatch video came out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JP9XY_nr4uU

It was basically a random Karen lady who followed Kanye while on her phone, made a call, and then went in on him. Seemed like she was pre-planning something. She goes up to him and in the fakest voice says "Hey Kanye good to see you, how are you doing?" but she has never met him in her life, and we all know she doesn't care about how he is doing. She instantly goes to ask him if Bianca has free will. Which then proceeded to Kanye snatching her phone, which she was using to record him. 

So, YES HE TOOK HER PHONE, BECAUSE SHE WAS RECORDING ON IT. This headline made it seem like he snatched a random lady's phone who was using it to talk to someone or do her own work, minding her business. This wasn't the case at all. This was more the equivalent of someone taking a camera or covering it for the moment, he even gave it right back and offered her a job by the end of the video, paying her double that of the garbage paparazzi network she works for. 

The reason why this woman was asking Kanye if his new wife has free will is because she has been dressing very uniquely and very provocatively, and it seems as per Kanye's request.

My theory is that Kanye is asking her to dress provocatively for a reason, to get Kim Kardashian to tell Kanye or Bianca to tone it down, and he can say "why?" and if she explains why he can say well you did it and let that stuff around North (their daughter)

When Kim brought Ice Spice around North West, and Kanye said that's messed up, she did it anyway and didn't care that Ice Spice was provocative and outwardly sexual. Now Kanye might be showing Kim how he felt. When Bianca sensory was with North, Kim explicitly asked her to cover up. 

Kanye kind of just highlighted the fact that Kim cares about North being around inappropriate stuff only when it comes from Kanye but not her. When Kim does the same thing and brings inappropriate people around North, it is apparently no big deal and if Kanye says something, he's quote on quote being crazy. 

Dune 2 Review

I am aware of how long movies are becoming these days and how most people are sick of that. I do however think Dune 2 could have used another 30-40 minutes. The film was awesome, the sound effects and music were great. The side characters had their own things going on such as the internal drama of the Harkonnen people and the Bene Gesserit. It was cool seeing the mother become lady Jessica and have her own story line as well. 

The ending felt a bit rushed to me, as in the last battle everyone met at the same place and just began fighting. It seemed like it came and went very quickly. 

Stilgar was one of my favorite characters, and I definitely need someone hyping me up like that in my life. Anything Paul would do, this guy Stilgar would be watching, nodding his head and saying "yes, as written" referring to a prophecy. If I had that I would either be the most confident or cocky human in the world. 

There were some links to religion and faith that i felt like were relevant to the present day. The fact that they started a holy war and explicitly called it that. Also the Chani people prayed and lived similarly to Palestinians. 

No spoilers but Paul sells out in the end, and also a lot of people are furious about that and making memes already. Pictured below, Source: Twitter

Overall Score: 83% | Dune 2 was much better than the first one. 

Bacon Didn't Change up on us - Pork Prices up 100% is Fake News

 

According to CNBC pork belly prices have risen 100% as of last August. At that time they were saying it rose from $1.31 to $2.70. Which is a bit more than a 100% increase. As of right now, after verifying with a few local butchers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire we have consumer prices confirmed at about $7.99-8.99, and one butcher told us directly that he hasn't seen pork belly prices rise since he started almost three years ago. Keep in mind the CNBC numbers are wholesale, which to begin with are at one dollar so an increase to two dollars sounds like a lot, but not when you hear that they sell it for eight to nine to consumers. 

The article linked below used language such as "will become more expensive" while the prices have seen no hit on the consumer end. 

We all see that food prices are getting more expensive, but there is a fine line between quality products and cheap prices. On one hand we all champion healthy food and better quality options to be available for all. While we maintain this as a common value, we should also understand that higher prices are sometimes necessary for higher quality goods. If we are taking more precautions to raise animals humanely we are going going to be faced with higher costs for producers. As of right now it doesn't seem that effect has taken on the consumer prices.  

So in the meantime, relax and enjoy your pork chops. 

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/23/pork-belly-prices-rose-over-100percent-ytd-bacon-is-about-to-get-pricier.html

Migrant Shelters in Roxbury & Seaport Open

 

Following criticism directed at Governor Maura Healey for her decision to open a migrant shelter in Roxbury's community center, Boston has now witnessed the inauguration of a migrant shelter within an office building in the Seaport area. This relocation signals a response to the concerns raised, aiming to alleviate tensions surrounding the initial choice of location. The move underscores the delicate balance between addressing humanitarian needs and respecting community sentiments, highlighting the complexities inherent in accommodating migrant populations within urban spaces. As Boston navigates these challenges, Maura Healey's decision to establish the shelter in Seaport reflects a conscientious effort to foster inclusivity and support while considering the concerns of local residents.

Toilet paper is the most American thing ever!

Toilet paper, often taken for granted, stands as a symbol of excess and American consumption habits. It's a product so ingrained in our daily lives that we seldom stop to consider its environmental impact or our own usage patterns. According to Environmentamerica.org, the statistics are staggering: the average American goes through a whopping 140 rolls of toilet paper annually, totaling 28 pounds. This figure is twice as much as the usage seen in countries like France or Italy. But in a nation where excess often reigns supreme, perhaps it's not surprising that we lead the pack in toilet paper consumption. After all, Americans pride themselves on being number one in virtually everything, and our consumption habits are no exception. With no signs of slowing down our roll (quite literally), it seems that toilet paper will continue to play a central role in our daily lives for the foreseeable future.

Written By: Bennet Prudence 

CVS Takes Bold Step: Now Selling Abortion Pills

In a move that has sparked both praise and controversy, CVS Pharmacy has announced its decision to offer abortion pills at select locations across the United States. This decision marks a significant shift in the landscape of reproductive healthcare accessibility and has ignited discussions nationwide.

The abortion pill, also known as medication abortion or the abortion pill regimen, consists of two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, taken in sequence to terminate early pregnancies. Previously, obtaining these medications typically required visits to specialized clinics or healthcare providers, posing logistical challenges and barriers to access for many individuals.
By making abortion pills available at its pharmacies, CVS aims to provide a more convenient and accessible option for those seeking to terminate early pregnancies. This move has been praised by reproductive rights advocates who argue that increased access to abortion medication is essential for ensuring reproductive autonomy and healthcare equity.

However, the decision has also sparked criticism from anti-abortion groups and individuals who oppose abortion on moral or religious grounds. Some have raised concerns about the potential misuse or unsafe use of abortion pills without proper medical supervision, while others view the move as endorsing and facilitating what they consider to be morally objectionable practices. It's important to note that CVS's decision to offer abortion pills aligns with federal regulations and guidelines surrounding the dispensing of medication abortion. The medications will only be available to individuals who meet specific criteria and undergo a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, ensuring that appropriate medical oversight is maintained.

As CVS begins to roll out this new service, it will be essential to monitor the impact and outcomes closely. Advocates hope that increased access to abortion medication will empower individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health and reduce barriers to accessing safe and legal abortion care.

Ultimately, CVS's decision to sell abortion pills reflects the evolving landscape of reproductive healthcare in the United States and highlights the ongoing debates surrounding abortion rights and access. As discussions continue, it remains crucial to prioritize the health, safety, and autonomy of individuals seeking abortion care. 

Wired Earbuds are 10x better than Airpods

We all know the memes of people being roasted for having wired headphones, but now the tables are about to turn. If you wear airpods just so people know you can get airpods... I hate to break it to you, but you might be an idiot. 

Wired headphones are better for the following reasons:

1. They are always attached to your phone while being used and you only have that one piece, with airpods its 3 different pieces to take care of. 

2. You have to charge airpods, wired apple headphones are always charged. 

3.Wired headphones always work - Airpods glitch, they have to be connected. Sure they're great when they work but the times when they start glitching and you really need headphones can be detrimental. I'm not a tech master in any way, so for me the product just needs to work, as much of the time as possible. If I don't use headphones often, the times when I do, they better work. 

4. Airpods fall out - they don't stay in because they're so light, if you're running it is game over. Unless you have small ear holes. 

 

Written by: Steve Erwin |  Contributor