“She’s The Man” (2006) is a hilarious modern take on Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” starring Amanda Bynes as Viola and Channing Tatum as Duke.
Viola’s ultimate passion is playing soccer, but she is challenged because her school’s girls’ soccer team gets cut. She is so determined to play soccer that she then plans to disguise herself as her twin brother, Sebastian, and enroll at his new school, Illyria, to play against the boys’ soccer team at Cornwall.
Once she gets there, she has to navigate challenges such as fitting in with the other guys and dealing with the star player, Duke Orsino. Viola then starts to develop a crush on Duke, but he’s trying to win another girl, which leads to some major romantic tension. It’s a big challenge for Viola to try to act like a guy, but also somehow impress Duke.
The soccer side of the movie is fantastic. I personally loved these scenes, as they were super entertaining and well-choreographed. The soccer scenes were intense and exciting while also being funny. I thought they were the highlight of the movie.
Back to the actual movie, as the story unfolds, eventually the truth comes out, leading to Viola boldly revealing her true identity. The ending is sweet, with a classic romantic resolution. The whole message of the movie is about being true to yourself.
Overall, I thought the movie was great. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, and I enjoyed every second of it. If you love comedy and romance, of which this movie is a great example, I highly recommend giving this a watch.
In 2021, I found Conan Gray on the CMA music awards on TV. He has been my favorite artist since then.
Gray has four albums, 112 songs, and has 5.36 million subscribers. Quick disclaimer, some of his 112 songs are covers, or features. Also, some songs are translations. Conan Gray is a 26-year-old singer and songwriter and former YouTuber. He started his YouTube channel in 2013. Gray became popular in 2019-2020. Gray has also starred in the movie SOUR Prom.
His music has a type of rhythm that I have not found anyone could recreate. When I think of Conan Gray, I think of his songs “Heather,” “TCTAB,” and “Manic.” These three songs have been some of my favorites for some time now but all of his songs are a work of art.
I love “Heather” for the reason that the song is relatable. He sings about everyone having a “heather.” I interpreted this song as being about someone who has left him for another person and he has been jealous and frustrated. Gray sings in the chorus, “Why would you ever kiss me? I’m not even half as pretty”. I believe he is feeling used and confused. His envy and jealousy shows in the lyrics “But how could I hate her? She’s such an angel. But then again, kinda wish she were dead.”
I think of “TCTAB” because once again, it’s relatable. TCTAB stands for “The Cut That Always Bleeds.” I believe that he named this song after one of his toxic relationships. This relationship was hard to get over because they were leaving and coming back over and over again. The lyrics “I don’t love you anymore, a pretty line that I adore, five words that i’ve heard before,” prove this. He keeps falling for this person every time they come back when he sings. “’Cause I could be your lover on a leash, Every other week, When you please.”
Last but not least, “Manic”. “Manic” is a catchy and overall a well rounded song. It pretty much talks about his experience with an ex that spreads around rumours. In the pre-chorus Conan stands up for himself when he says, “You should turn back to your rat pack, tell them I’m trash.” I think he says this because he is getting over the rumors and stories about him and he feels that what others say doesn’t affect him. By telling people to call him trash feels like an “I don’t care what you say or do,” statement. This also shows in the lines in his chorus. “Tell all of your friends that I’m crazy and drive you mad. That I’m such a stalker, a watcher, a psychopath.”
If you like Pop or any of the sub genres indie, acoustic, and bedroom, there is a good chance that you will like Conan Gray. Teen Vogue has also called him ”the pop prince for sad internet teens.”
One thing’s for sure, teens today will find his lyrics relatable to their own lives.
Did you know the new season of “XO, Kitty” on Netflix came out Jan. 16?
If you’ve seen the first season you know Kitty has an older sister whom she loves, but did you know that her sister is actually Lara Jean? The same Lara Jean from the trilogy “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before”?
These films follow the lives of two sisters and their many adventures throughout their school lives, as well as their love lives. Both determined, it showcases just how much love can mean to a person and just how much it can change you.
The movies star Lara Jean and her experiences as she navigates through her small town high school, where everyone knows everyone. In the beginning we learn about love letters LJ had written in the past towards the boys she used to love; when a love was so strong that she couldn’t bear it she would write the letters in order to express herself.
We watch as she struggles to see herself fit in with the students around her, that is, until her letters are sent. With the letters sent, we see LJ and one of her letter receivers fake a relationship in order to save her relationship with her family and friends.
But after a while the line begins to blur and suddenly things seem more real than they do fake. The movie follows LJ as she navigates through her junior year with her new boyfriend, her new friends, and all her family drama.
The next movies detail the conflicts she faced with her boyfriend, insecurities she had about his past, as well as their future. It displays rivalry, jealousy, and the anxiety that comes with beginning a new era of life, and yet, it also shows the beauty, warmth, and power true love can have.
Overall, the movies were a wonderful spin and really gave life to the stories written by author Jenny Han. The average of all three movies was around 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 6.4 on IMDb, with the popular opinion in favor towards them.
Watching the movies was a wonderful experience, perfect for that Rom- Com Binge you’ve been planning. It is cute and cheesy, but also accurately displays real insecurities as well as issues that many young couples face.
“Watching the movies was a wonderful experience, perfect for that Rom- Com Binge you’ve been planning. It is cute and cheesy, but also accurately displays real insecurities as well as issues that many young couples face.”
The series “XO, Kitty” continues with this legacy and follows Kitty Covey, Lara Jean’s younger sister. We watch as she flies across the globe to Korea in order to go to the same school as her online boyfriend, Dae. Once there, however, things get complicated as she meets his other girlfriend, his friends, and suddenly Kitty finds herself lost in a new school with people she doesn’t know.
Despite this, we see how Kitty starts over and begin to see her shine, lighting up the lives of those around her. Season One displays her journey and adventures she faces as she grows up and focuses on becoming her best self.
The second season describes her new experiences as she travels back to the U.S. with the hopes of getting her life back on track after a disastrous and messy year in Korea.
Season Two allows us to see how her relationships with her friends and family grow as well as change. With the help of her close companions we watch as she discovers new feelings and how she reacts to her relationships changing.
With an 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.5 on IMDb, “XO, Kitty” is well loved by many viewers, especially the fans of the TATB franchise. It continues to display many real emotional issues teenagers alike face, relating to their situations and reactions.
If anything were to change about the movies and show, it would be the negligence of certain characters. For example, in the first movie we meet Josh, who is the Covey family’s neighbor as well as one of the boys LJ sent a letter to. However, after the first movie he is forgotten, never to be mentioned again.
The same happened in the second movie with John Ambrose, the eventual love rival and second male lead. We are introduced to him and see how sweet their relationship grows only for him to be neglected in the last movie.
We see a similar situation in the series as well with characters like Lara Jean herself. In the second season of “XO, Kitty” we see the return of Peter Kavinsky as well as their eldest sister, Margot Covey. We see the return of so many beloved characters and yet not once was Lara Jean herself shown. Wouldn’t it be sensible for her, of all characters, to make a comeback in her sister’s story?
All these different characters, shown but only when needed. Sure, they may not be as relevant in the next parts of the Covey sister stories but it’s like they never happened at all.
Nonetheless, both the movies and the shows are a wonderful example of young love with adorable characters and a comedic turn of events at every corner. If you were to ever have time on your hands, it is a guaranteed good watch. Many fans all over the world love not just the stories, but the actors as well. With their professionalism and great on-screen chemistry, what is not to love?
The new year 2025 marked yet another devastating chapter in California’s ongoing battle with wildfires. The unprecedented scale and intensity of the fires have left an indelible scar on the state, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive action to address this escalating crisis.
The wildfire season so far has been one of the most destructive in California’s history. Over 5 million acres were consumed by flames, surpassing previous records and causing widespread devastation. Thousands of homes and businesses were reduced to ashes, displacing tens of thousands of residents. Tragically, the fires claimed hundreds of lives as well, leaving communities in mourning and grappling with the aftermath.
The economic toll was staggering, with damages estimated in the tens of billions of dollars, not to mention the long-term environmental impact, including loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, and severe air pollution.
Several factors contributed to the catastrophic wildfires of this January. Climate change remains a significant driver, with rising temperatures and prolonged droughts creating bad conditions.
Human activities also played a role, with accidental ignitions, fireworks, as well as throwing lit cigarettes in an open field when smoking.
Additionally, the expansion of urban areas into fire-prone regions increased the vulnerability of human settlements to wildfires. The combination of these factors created a perfect storm, fueling the unprecedented scale and intensity of the fires. The wildfires underscore the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to wildfire prevention and bigger fire teams. Immediate measures must include increased funding for firefighting resources, improved early warning systems, and stricter regulations on activities that could ignite fires.
Long-term strategies are equally crucial, and we must focus on addressing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable land use practices.
Reforestation and habitat restoration efforts are vital to rebuilding ecosystems and reducing future fire risks. Additionally, community education and preparedness programs can empower residents to take proactive steps in protecting their homes and lives. There were 22,648 total emergency responses; 135 wildfires; 40,644 acres burned; 24 fatalities; and 12,300+ structural damages.
The millions of people who lost their homes are devastated and have nowhere to go right now. They have lost everything during the mandate evacuation. Even celebrities have lost their homes. Adam Brody and his wife, actress Leighton Meester; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick; Paris Hilton; Billy Crystal; Tina Knowles, and reality TV stars Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt have all claimed they lost their homes in the fires. Everything was left and engulfed by fires that the department just had to let it burn itself out because water was not working.
These fires have left a severe reminder of the urgent need for a comprehensive action plan to protect our environment and California communities. By addressing the root causes and making more effective prevention strategies, we can reduce the devastating impact of these fires and help these families get their homes back by saving money and getting teams from different states to go help rebuild.
We can make this a time for everyone to come together and get all hands on deck to tackle this crisis head on.
Bob Dylan was someone who until now had never had much of an impact on my life. The film “A Complete Unknown” painted a new picture in my brain of what it was like to rise to fame in the 1960s as a folk singer.
Bob Dylan who was portrayed by actor Timothee Chalamet showed the bigger story behind so many important things in life. Through the simple times of living in New York in the 60s, it was interesting to see how much life has changed and how one person can make such a big difference in so many people’s lives.
The movie begins by showing Bob arriving in New York City to visit one of his idols, Woody Guthrie, who was in the hospital at the time for Huntington’s Disease, which severely affected his nerves and brain. We also get introduced to Pete Sagar, who started Dylan’s singing career by helping him play at new gigs and showing him the ropes by taking him to one of his shows. It was very interesting to see Pete be so kind to someone he would have barely known at this point.
Seeing how rapidly Bob’s life jump-started in just a few years of playing small shows was astonishing. As someone who is always on the outside of fame, I enjoyed the route they took for the viewer to understand and comprehend how fame truly feels and how overwhelming it can be.
Bob eventually gets a girlfriend he meets at a church he was playing at, and she ends up being a big part of his early career. In the movie her name was Sylvie Russo; however, in real life Bob’s girlfriend at the time was Suze Rotolo, and it is projected that this change was made because Bob Dylan requested to have her name altered.
In the movie Sylvie is a main/side character. While she is actively dating Dylan she seems to really get tossed to the side by Bob and is often treated unfairly. Something that is often referenced are Bob’s feelings for singer Joan while he has a current girlfriend, even going as far as cheating on Sylvie when she is out of town and while Joan had no clue about Sylvie. It was disappointing to see how Bob’s character seemed to also change as he gained more traction. He is perceived as a man with a very large ego in the film just by the way he treats a lot of the staff and his partners in the movie.
Another thing that caught my eye was even as Dylan was growing and getting more money from his hit records, he continued to keep his original small apartment in the city, as is shown several times even later in his career. A big side plot in the film is when Dylan decided to change his music from when he was known for folk music, making a drastic switch to adding more rock and a sense of punkyness in his songs that many fans did not appreciate.
Throughout the film a concert venue was shown many times; it was the Newport Folk Festival that Bob Dylan and many others played at over the years. A very small side plot I enjoyed in the film was Bob’s relationship with singer Johnny Cash, played by Boyd Holbrook, where they were pen pals and then finally met in person at the festival.
One important aspect of this festival was how for a couple of years in a row Joan and Bob would do a duet on the stage that fans seemed to enjoy. The mid-end of the movie walks through more of the changes Bob made when he was changing his music to more rock and using electric guitars instead of a classic one and ended up having people playing with him rather than just playing solo.
After we see how they perform together we get slightly introduced to some of the people playing with Bob. Towards the end of the film, we see how upset Bob’s management and fans are when they hear how he might be switching his music. Bob believed that making this switch was important to his style and that the people would change with him. In the end, the people were not a fan of this change.
In the end, I enjoyed this film and would recommend it to anyone who would be interested in seeing the music industry. “A Complete Unknown” was truly unknown to me, as I have never been a fan of Bob Dylan and haven’t been up to date on the impact that he had made on our society.
Bob Dylan wasn’t afraid to be different or change the norm; he was able to take something and make it his own just with his raw talent and the people around him. I think that all the actors in this movie, especially Chalamet, were excellent in the execution of portraying their characters.
All of this said, my point of view was changed, and I think that’s about all you can ask for in a film. So next time you’re having a rainy day, sit down with some people you love and give this film a try, even if it may be out of your comfort zone because, after all, it might be just what you needed.
The girls’ basketball team will a make-up game tomorrow at home against Evansville North (11-7). The Red Devils are 9-10 right now in the season, and are 4-2 in the Hoosier Hills Conference. They will play Scottsburg next Tuesday and Silver Creek next Thursday, with Sectional beginning soon after.
As Sectional play nears, the Red Devils explained their greatest accomplishments this season.
Junior Maizy Smith waits for a rebound from a free throw during the Jeff game against Cathedral in November. The Red Devils won 49-39. They face Evansville North in a non-conference game at home tomorrow at 5 p.m. Photo by Madison Pritchard.
“I fixed my attitude and my body language on the court.” Junior Kelis Dansby
“Probably shooting several 3s in a game and gaining confidence in my shots.” Freshman Mya Corbin
“Gaining my confidence back and showing signs of growth physically and mentally from the beginning of the season to now.” Sophomore Lila Schurr
“Mastering key fundamentals and being able to get the ball down the court and my defensive efforts.” Sophomore Carlee Glenn
“I would say definitely how close we’ve gotten as a team. I came into this season wanting everyone to be a family, and I seriously feel like we did that. I wanted the underclassmen to trust me and I feel like I accomplished that as well.” Senior Katie Lawrence
“Being able to learn and grow with my teammates by my side, especially since this is my first year.” Freshman Makenna Taylor
“Dropping 10 on Castle.” Freshman Lore Darling “I say so far my biggest accomplishment would be being stronger at the role I was given when I joined the team.” Junior Kiya Boatwright
Update: JHS defeated Center Grove 75-45 in William S. Johnson Arena.
by Austin Bainbridge
Senior Michael Cooper faces off with Floyd Central’s Isaac Kaiser on Jan. 17. The Highlanders were up 12-6 in the first quarter, but JHS won the game 92-54. The Red Devils are 2-0 in the Hoosier Hills Conference. They play Center Grove this Friday at 7:30 p.m. Photo by Kirk Owen.
The JHS boys’ basketball team is starting to find traction on the slippery slopes of Indiana high school basketball, but the team has seen that the competition is tough and that it’s the new normal.
“Our biggest struggle has been getting adjusted to the fact that every team we play is giving us their best shot. Every opponent we play treats it like their state championship game. Their guys get really excited and prepared to play us,” said head boys’ basketball coach Sherron Wilkerson
The team is 1-2 on the road, and the players and coaching staff do not take that lightly.
“I think our record on the road is a very big deal; we put a lot of focus on it – that’s why we try to make our schedule as tough as possible. That’s also because every tournament game isn’t always at home, so you have to get used to playing on the road to win in the tournament,” said Wilkerson.
If the team wants to compete for a state championship they will need to win some pivotal rivalry and conference games
“I think our record on the road is a very big deal; we put a lot of focus on it – that’s why we try to make our schedule as tough as possible. That’s also because every tournament game isn’t always at home, so you have to get used to playing on the road to win in the tournament.”
Boys’ Basketball Coach Sherron Wilkerson
The team started out strong, edging out a win against Cathedral, but has lost some important games, which leaves their record standing at 8-5, which is not what people expected.
“I did not expect to have the record we have right now; we are from my own personal expectation, a little bit behind. That is because we haven’t made the adjustment to everybody giving us their best shot,” said Wilkerson.
The team has performed well in games, but players are always searching to critique and improve their own and their teammates’ skills.
“Our base problem is not bringing enough energy and hustle; we are too complacent,” said freshman guard Cornelius Weobong.
Even though the team isn’t where they expected to be right now, the return of senior Tre Singleton from injury has provided some good news. He has played a key role on the team in the past and with him back, they will most likely play better.
“Tre’s been playing on restricted minutes until he’s comfortable playing a full game, which we anticipate is right around the corner,” said Wilkerson.
Fans have rallied behind the Red Devils through the obstacles.
“The team has played very well, especially considering injuries and that they play tough competition,” said English teacher David Kummer.
The Red Devils ride a two-game game winning streak into this Friday’s matchup with Center Grove, including a 92-54 win over Floyd Central and a 41-29 win over Providence last weekend. The players and coaches are trying to find ways to replicate recent success for upcoming games.
“I have seen us excel in understanding what our roles are better; that is the one area where you never can be good enough. Everybody understands what is expected of them on a day-to-day basis. I’ve seen a lot of teams struggle with that,” said Wilkerson.
Players have made adjustments and improvements over the season. The coaching staff especially focuses on the growth of younger players to prepare them for varsity competition.
“I have definitely seen a lot of growth from our younger players, especially some sophomores who have improved a tremendous amount from last season up until now,” said Wilkerson.
The team will host Jennings County on Feb. 15 in a game where JHS will honor the legacy of Taylor High School, the former African-American school in Jeffersonville. The Red Devils will wear purple and gold jerseys, the colors of Taylor High School, during the game as part of the ceremony.
“I think the Taylor game is very important. It commemorates a point of time in this community that was extremely important to people. I think that from a historical perspective it’s very important that our students and student-athletes understand some of the things that our community has faced,” said Wilkerson.
This Friday’s non-conference game against the 8-5 Center Grove Trojans is at 7:30 p.m. Homecoming festivities are at halftime.
Junior Elijah Cheeks brings the ball up the court during the JHS game against Providence on Saturday. The Highlanders won 41-29 and will play Center Grove this Friday, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at home. Photo by Sophia Goforth.
Despite the snow, ice, and cancelled classes, JHS student photographers photographed some images of January’s cold weather as part of their Digital Photography class.
Most images are a part of their unit on black and white photography as they study the work of Ansel Adams this month.
Click on the images in the gallery below to view their photographs.
Student Council announced this week’s Spirit Days.
Crowning of the Winter Homecoming King and Queen takes place during halftime of the boys’ varsity basketball game against Center Grove this Friday, Jan. 24, according to academy coach Natalie Woods. Tip off is at 7:30 p.m.
Special education Chloe Merkle, who helped plan the festivities, said, “Be there, be happy, and enjoy your time.”
Update, Friday Night: Kaylea Beauchamp is the 2025 IHSAA Inaugural Girls’ State 135-lb Runner-Up.
Update, 4:06 p.m.: Senior Kaylea Beauchamp has advanced to the Final Four and is two wins away from a state title.
Update, 1 p.m.: Senior Kaylea Beauchamp advanced to the medal round in today’s state wrestling finals with a 2:37 pin.
by Ifrah Daber
Meet Kaylea Beauchamp, a senior athlete on the girls’ wrestling team, a Lady Devil wrestler, and regional champion that represents Jeff High in the inaugural IHSAA girls’ state tournament today.
Senior Kaylea Beauchamp competes against her Marion C. Moore High School opponent in December. Beauchamp competes today in the first IHSAA girls’ state wrestling finals. Photo by Brian Cardoza.
Beauchamp started wrestling in middle school. She was the only girl in a group of boys, making it difficult; thoughts of quitting came to her mind. She speaks of the struggle and overthinking that could come from comparing herself to the boys on her team.
“I know it’s a lot of overthinking when it comes to wrestling because you see the boys wrestling how they are, they’re nowhere near the girls. Girls wrestling is totally different, but we aren’t soft.”
Despite these challenges, she still recommended that other women try out for wrestling, stating that there are benefits that come with wrestling, from discipline to friendships.
“It teaches you far more about discipline than just getting on the mat and trying to dominate someone. It helps you gain friends, and it’s a really bonding time.”
All this discipline has paid off for Beauchamp, as she is now taking Jeff High to the first IHSAA girls’ state tournament finals today. She spoke on the feeling of representing the school at such a large event.
“It’s always fun to represent something and seeing how proud everyone is.”
JHS showed great pride in her indeed, from signing a piece of paper wishing her luck to having her teammates attending the tournament for support.
Senior Kaylea Beauchamp competes today in the inaugural IHSAA state girls’ wrestling final. Photo by Brian Cardoza.
Despite the snow, ice, and cancelled classes, JHS student photographers photographed some images of this week’s cold weather as part of their Digital Photography class.
Most images are a part of their unit on black and white photography as they study the work of Ansel Adams this month.
Click on the images in the gallery below to view their photographs.