#wact

[parchment-wasp-core]

Western honeybees (Apis mellifera) are NOT native to North America. They were introduced by European colonists in the 1600s for honey production and crop pollination (WHICH THEY AREN'T EVEN THAT GOOD AT). North America already had thousands of native bee species, most of which are solitary and don’t live in big colonies like honeybees.

Honey bees are invasive, they outcompete native bees and do a worse job pollinating many native species.

Some research has even found that areas with lots of honeybees can show lower native bee diversity, y'know, the ones we need.

Honeybees also interact in weird ways with invasive plants. In parts of the U.S. South they heavily pollinate invasive plants like Chinese tallow tree, y'know, the plants we don't want.

Western honeybees are actually worse at pollinating many native North American plants than native bees. A lot of native plants evolved alongside specific native pollinators, so their flowers are shaped in ways that match those bees’ bodies and behaviors (beehaviors). Native bees also tend to carry pollen on dry, branched hairs that hold onto pollen grains better, while honeybees pack pollen into tight “pollen baskets” on their legs, which means less pollen actually transfers between flowers. Because of this, a single visit from some native bees can pollinate a flower more effectively than multiple honeybee visits. Honeybees are great generalist pollinators and amazing for agriculture, but they aren’t always the best match for native ecosystems. (y'know, the ecosystems we - *gunshot*)

Idk man, I like em but I don't think I like em enough to kill all the good guys, the ones who are actually going endangered in the US.

[mwplanet]

Try Guys? More like Tri-Guys

The Ned Fulmer cheating scandal

By Ysmael Mendoza

The Try Guys in the video addressing the situation 

Photo via Time

Try Guys member Ned Fulmer was caught cheating on his wife with his associate producer Alexandria Herring; the controversy went viral all over social media. 

The Try Guys are a popular group on Youtube consisting of 4 guys: Eugene Lee Yang, Keith Habersberger, Zach Kornfeld and Ned Fulmer. The Try Guys have built a brand of non-drama-filled content in comparison to some other creators on the platform. All they do is try different things - like becoming a drag queen or beating a chess master. In their videos, they occasionally feature their partners and employees. Ironically, Ned Fulmer is best known for always talking about his wife. Well, Ned’s most popular catchphrase “my wife”  and their channel’s controversy-free streak soon came to an end.

On September 14, 2022, Ned stopped being included in the Try Guys’ introduction of their Youtube videos. That introduction normally features all four members individually, but Ned’s was suddenly gone. In late September, a Reddit user posted pictures of what looked like Ned and Alexandria Herring acting romantically together in New York. From then on, the cheating allegation against Ned started to go viral on Twitter. This includes a Twitter thread containing photos of the two, evidence that Ned was being edited out of the Try Guys’ videos, and more. Twitter was blowing up with shock over the fact that Ned “my wife” Fulmer cheated on his wife.

On September 27, 2022, when the cheating scandal was now known by everyone, the Try Guys announced on their social media that Ned was no longer working with them. “As a result of a thorough internal review, we do not see a path forward together,'' they said in their social media statement. Their tweet amassed 319.1+ thousand likes on Twitter. 

On the same day, Ned posted a separate statement on his social media saying, “I lost focus and had a consensual workplace relationship.” Ned’s wife Ariel Fulmer also posted a statement where she thanked people for their support and asked for privacy for the sake of her family. For context, Ned and Ariel have two kids together. Alexandria Herring was also in a relationship with Will Thayer who she was engaged to and had been dating for a while.

On October 3rd, 2022, the remaining three members of the Try Guys released a video addressing the situation. Their anger and sadness were very apparent in the video where they provided a brief explanation of what happened. They mentioned how they could not share too much information because of legal reasons.

Saturday Night Live aired a skit mocking the Try Guys’ response video on October 8, 2022. This skit was in bad taste and was poorly received by the public, sparking backlash. They downplayed the severity of the situation and made fun of the clear power imbalance in the relationship, the emotions the Try Guys felt and the fact that they fired Ned over cheating when in reality it is because he violated workplace policy. 

In conclusion, the Try Guys will remain as the three members Eugene, Keith and Zach from now on. They wish to not speak about the issue anymore out of respect for the parties involved.

[versary]

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i had a lot of fun and i'll definitely be back! (maybe next time i won't power clean. maybe...) #Repost @weightliftingact (@get_repost) ・・・ @keely_mcd nailing her last #cleanandjerk at the #wact comp over the weekend. This was her 1st full competition. Can't wait to see more of this weapon in action on the competition platform 💪 #weightlifting #olympiclifting #olympicweightlifting #girlswholift #oly (at CrossFit SFS)

[mwplanet]

Shang-Chi and The Legend of Asian Representation (Film Review)

**SPOILER ALERT**

Simu Liu as Shang-Chi in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

Photo via People

By Ysmael Mendoza

“OK @Marvel, are we gonna talk or what #ShangChi” tweeted Simu Liu on December 3rd, 2018. Almost three years later, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was released in theatres on September 3rd, 2021 with Canada’s own Simu Liu starring as the main character. This new addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and written by Dave Callaham, Destin Daniel Cretton, and Andrew Lanham. The cast includes Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Michelle Yeoh, Tony Leung, Fala Chen, Ben Kingsley, and more. The film tells the origin story of the newest Marvel superhero, Shang-Chi, and serves as his introduction to the MCU. From the surface, the film may seem like your typical comic book movie, but it also deals with heavier themes of family, grief, and the relationship between father and son.

Asian representation in Hollywood is something that has become increasingly present in recent years with films like Crazy Rich Asians in 2018, which was the first movie since Joy Luck Club in 1993 with a mostly Asian cast. Albeit the majority of the cast of Crazy Rich Asians is of Chinese descent, it’s still an amazing accomplishment. Since then, more movies have been released with Asian casts and Asian stories, whether it be a foreign film or American-made. These films have been garnering increasing attention from the public with films such as Parasite (2019), The Farewell (2019), Minari (2020), and much more. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings stars a predominantly Asian cast, which is impressive since Hollywood action films typically feature white male leads. This is especially prevalent in the MCU where the majority of their movies center around white men as heroes. The Asian characters that we do see are usually side or supporting characters like Wong in Doctor Strange or Mantis in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Luckily, Marvel has begun to feature stories from visible minorities such as Black Panther (2018), Eternals (2021), and even in their upcoming projects like Ms. Marvel (2022). This piece of Asian representation is crucial to showing kids who are big consumers of Marvel movies that they can be superheroes too. Watching people who look like you, speak like you, and have the same traditions as you in films can help people feel seen and feel like they belong.

Another thing that Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings feature heavily is the use of Mandarin in their dialogue between characters. Hearing Mandarin in a Hollywood movie is revolutionary since they are typically in English. Different languages are beautiful and there is so much artistry beyond the English language. Subtitles are something that no one should be afraid of. Hopefully, hearing a foreign language in a Hollywood movie will inspire people to watch some movies that are not in the English language because there are so many of them out there that deserve appreciation. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings marks the start of Asian representation in the MCU, which may lead to movies starring Southeast Asians, South Asians, and Central Asians as lead heroes as well.

Overall, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is purely an amazing movie. It is visually stunning with some beautiful moments like the romantic tension-filled “waltz” between the mother Ying Li (Fala Chen) and Wenwu (Tony Leung). The movie has amazing fight scenes; some of the best in the whole MCU with obvious martial arts inspiration which is something that is not seen in most Marvel movies. The performances are outstanding especially from Tony Leung, who brought so much depth and complexity to his character. He made Wenwu feel less like a villain and more of a grief-stricken man who wants to do anything to get his wife back. The acting in the film really showcases the casts’ versatility with their ability to act out the dramatic scenes with so much heart and perform the comedic scenes with perfect timing. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is an enjoyable cinematic experience in general and is a movie that you should definitely watch.

[mwplanet]

Arcane Season 2: A Masterclass in Animation and Storytelling

The second season of Arcane dazzles with breathtaking animation, masterful production, and a climactic conclusion that left fans amazed, devastated, and eager for more.

By Isabelle Alon

Arcane: League of Legends: Season 2 Poster Photo via Rotten Tomatoes

In 2021, the Netflix Original series Arcane baffled viewers with its indisputable quality and intricacy. As an animated exploration of the universe behind the hit video game, League of Legends, the series’ first season exceeded nearly all prior expectations of the show with its high levels of visual detail and effective storytelling—League of Legends fans and casual viewers alike were captivated with the show and made demands for more. 

Fortunately—although 3 years in the making—the pleas of millions of Arcane fans were eventually answered.

In its first season, Arcane explored—and introduced non-gamer viewers to—the conflicts between Piltover and Zaun, two relevant worlds and settings in the League of Legends franchise. The second season’s first three episodes, which aired on November 9th, 2024, comprised Act I of the season and picked up within moments of season one’s conclusion in a seamless continuation of the ongoing plot, and the resultant aftermath of season one’s cliffhanger. 

Act II, made up of episodes four to six, was where the season felt as if it truly began to evolve. It aired a week later on November 16th, and weaved in fresh, unexpected twists while raising tensions between characters, and the stakes of the show’s central conflict. Even the anticipated developments—particularly for those familiar with League of Legends lore—are executed in ways that still manage to surprise.

Its final act, from episodes seven to nine, provided heart-stopping sequences of events leading up to its devastating ending. It delivers a powerful culmination of the season’s build-up, blending emotional segments, breathtaking action, and stunning visuals. As tensions between Piltover and Zaun reach their peak, the resolution of key storylines is both satisfying and thought-provoking. While the final act resolved most of Arcane’s storylines, it also left the door  open for future exploration, teasing even greater stakes, and leaving hints towards the exploration of other characters from different regions of the League of Legends universe. Fans will undoubtedly find themselves reeling from the emotional impact of the ending, and eagerly awaiting what lies ahead for these richly developed characters, generating attention towards the video game franchise, as well.

The intricate storytelling, symbolism, and immersive soundtrack interwoven throughout the series enhanced its narrative and even linked it to real-world conflicts. Relevant themes such as socioeconomic inequalities, power and corruption, and the consequences of excessive technological advancements are thoroughly examined, accompanied by a clever plot that tied in religious symbolism and universal familial conflicts. As well, season two’s soundtrack, featuring  d4vd, Ashnikko, Twenty One Pilots, and King Princess, and several more rising artists, allowed scenes to produce more emotional and atmospheric depth.

However, it was undeniably the animation in Season 2 that truly elevated Arcane to new heights. While the first season’s visuals were already phenomenal, animation studio Fortiche has pushed the boundaries even further. The second season of Arcane boasted the largest budget used for an animated show in history, though the massive $250 million budget was evidently well spent. This season embraces a much more dynamic artistic approach, experimenting with different styles and visual effects, particularly during its most pivotal moments. This creative evolution not only amplifies the emotional depth of the series but also ensures it feels endlessly captivating; nearly every frame in the show feels like their own illustrations. In terms of animation, the only works that rival Arcane on this level are the films Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Across the Spider-Verse, which are clearly significant influences.

In conclusion, Arcane Season 2 continued to impress audiences with its excellent storytelling, worldbuilding, and the cohesive development of its characters. Furthermore, it pushed the boundaries of what animated shows can achieve and strive towards in the future. With its intricate setting/character development and its exploration of numerous impactful themes, Arcane’s long-awaited second season ultimately leaves viewers both satisfied and hungry for the next chapter in the League of Legends universe.

[mwplanet]

Taylor Swift Fan Dies at Eras Tour Concert in Brazil

The tragic death of 23-year-old fan Ana Clara Benevides Machado in Rio's extreme heat

By Daphne Da Costa

Taylor Swift with the family of Ana Clara Benevides Machado Photo via Global News

On November 17, 2023, a 23-year-old Taylor Swift fan, Ana Clara Benevides Machado, tragically died while attending the pop star's Eras tour concert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

It was initially reported that Ana had died before Swift came onstage, but it was later said that she fell ill and lost consciousness at around 7:30 p.m. during the second song on the setlist, “Cruel Summer”. 

Ana waited in a line outside the stadium for about eight hours before stadium personnel allowed entry. She posted pictures and videos of herself on social media and described the long waiting experience as a "mess". Shortly after the concert began, she began to feel unwell and reported to paramedics before passing out. She was taken to Salgado Filho Hospital, where she arrived without a pulse. She was pronounced dead from cardiac arrest due to dehydration after an hour of failed resuscitation attempts.

Rio de Janeiro recorded an abnormal heat index of 59.3°C, as part of a heat wave in South America, on the day of the concert, which was attended by over 60,000 people. T4F, the entertainment company, reportedly prohibited concertgoers from bringing their food and water into the venue, which caused about a thousand dehydrated attendees to faint before and during the show.

An attendee of the concert compared the conditions inside the Nilton Santos Olympic stadium to a sauna: “It was extremely hot. My hair got so wet from sweat as soon as I came in. There was a point at which I had to check my breathing to make sure I wasn't going to pass out.” Other attendees stated that the venue closed its vents to prevent outsiders from viewing the concert, further worsening the high temperatures inside the stadium.

Ana’s death sparked widespread public criticism of T4F for poor concert management. Many Swifties claimed that the water bottle ban, exacerbated by the heat wave and the stadium’s closed vents, caused many attendees to fall sick and ultimately led to Benevides’ death. 

Taylor Swift told her fans that she wouldn’t be speaking about Ana while on stage because she was “overwhelmed by grief when I even try to talk about it.”

Taylor Swift addressed the fan's death in an Instagram post, saying, “I can't believe I'm writing these words but it is with a shattered heart that I say we lost a fan earlier tonight before my show. I can't even tell you how devastated I am by this. There's very little information I have other than the fact that she was so incredibly beautiful and far too young.” Swift's Instagram story, commenting on the fan's death, was posted after the show.

Benevides’ death shook many people in Brazil. She had taken her first flight ever to travel from the country’s centre-west region to Rio to see Swift, who was her favourite musician. Fans and politicians have reacted to her death with outrage, speculating that it was linked to the extreme heat conditions in Rio.

[mwplanet]

What's Better Than One Cheeto?

Interviewing Mr. Tuccitto and insight about the upcoming musical, Mamma Mia!

By: Katrina Rodriguez

Mr Tuccitto and Drama Council Vice President Katrina Rodriguez Photo by Sherika Anthony

A new school year means big new things, especially for the drama program at Mary Ward. This year, it includes the upcoming production of Mamma Mia! being performed in the spring, and our new teacher, Mr. Tuccitto!

Mr. Tuccitto is an English and drama teacher, who has taught here in previous years. His undergraduate program was for drama education and community, with its purpose being to use drama techniques to teach other subjects and new material. He loved drama since he was in grade nine, stating, “I was sitting in drama class and thinking, ‘I want to do that.’ I know that doesn’t happen to everybody, so I’m happy I found something I loved right away.” He was a part of a variety of different shows and musicals before jumping into drama education. He was interviewed in regards to the production, and his hopes for the drama program.

K: How would you describe Mamma Mia! in a spoiler- free way?

T: “Mamma Mia! is a woman’s quest to find what she thinks is missing from her life, but at the end of the story she learns that she had everything she needed all along.”

K: Is there any message that you want students to take away when they watch? T: “I never really considered it, but the main message is to not take what you have for granted, and really appreciate what you have and what’s in front of you.”

K: What are you most excited about when directing?

T: “I’m excited to revive some of the enthusiasm around the drama program. I’m trying to have as many elementary students as possible come to see the show through some previews, and I want to have a school preview. I’m excited to get as many kids as possible in our theatre so we can show as many people what we can do.”

K: Do you have a favourite song from the musical?

T: That’s tricky, there are so many catchy songs. The one I sing the most and that gets caught in my head the most, is not one I would play, but I love Money, Money, Money.

K: How does it feel being back teaching at Mary Ward?

T: “It feels so good, it feels like coming home and I’m really excited. When I was here five years ago, there was a ton of pressure and emotion because the teacher, Mr. Dalton, had just passed away. The pressure was different then, it was more that I wanted to keep things going to make sure the kids are being supported. It’s almost a different pressure coming around as the drama teacher. The culture has shifted so much, it’s almost like a fresh start, which to Mr. Mabrucco’s credit, I would have had a difficult time starting fresh. Mr. Dalton was such a big influence, and I would have wanted to really keep that alive, and having someone in between that shifted things and tried to change things in their own way was beneficial in the sense that it gives me a chance to start fresh.”

K: Are there any changes that you want to make for the drama program as a whole?

T: “I want this program to come back to being as popular as it used to be. I love seeing the drama department have kids in it and working on stuff. The more people who are here, the more people will sign up and feel that they’re welcome. A big part of the program five years ago was the tech course, I would like to bring it back if possible. That was often an outlet for a lot of students who weren’t able to quite find their niche, so that is one I want to bring back. I am excited for NTS (National Theatre School competition), that’s my specialty so I’m super pumped for it. There might be some changes next year in terms of what the drama department does as the year progresses, there is a lot that we are doing this year, and dialing it back a little bit to focus on our big projects is a good choice, but I don’t want to make too many changes, it’s more about bringing it back.”

In conclusion, Mr. Tuccitto has offered a glimpse into his passions and aspirations for our school’s drama program. As we eagerly anticipate Mamma Mia!, and with auditions wrapped and a cast in place, the curtain is about to rise on a new era of Mary Ward’s stage.

[mwplanet]

Five Nights At Freddy's

A review of the onscreen adaptation of the 2014 video game

By Katrina Rodriguez

The poster for Five Nights at Freddy's Photo via Universal Pictures

Five Nights at Freddy’s, also known as FNAF, is an indie horror video game franchise made by Scott Cawthon. Its first video game was released on August 8, 2014, and garnered attention and popularity immediately following. The main video game series comprises of nine video games but also includes several books and the new release of the adaptation movie.

The first game surrounds Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, a popular family pizzeria, whose main attraction consists of four animatronic characters, Bonnie, Foxy, Chica and Freddy Fazbear. The player’s goal is to survive the night shift as the security guard, which includes monitoring cameras and doors, and managing the electricity. The games in the series and the overall lore, continued being developed throughout the franchise’s progression, which now consists of multiple new games, books, and its awaited movie. The game received rapid attention from YouTube gaming sensations such as Markiplier, 8-Bit Ryan, CoryxKenshin and many others, and has built a large following online.

The Five Nights at Freddy’s film adaptation was first announced on April 7, 2015, originally under Warner Brother Studios and Gil Kenan as the director and co-writer. The production experienced several delays and was announced to be under Blumhouse Productions with Chris Columbus as the new director and co-writer in March 2017. Emma Tammi was announced as Columbus’ replacement in October 2022 after he left the production. The film was finally released on October 26, 2023, and has earned more than $215 million in revenue. The film stars Josh Hutcherson as the protagonist, Mike Schmidt, who is accompanied by Piper Rubio, Elizabeth Lail, Wyatt Parker and Matthew Lillard as the supporting characters.

The film has had split reactions between critics and viewers, with a 29% on Rotten Tomatoes, but an 88% audience score. A variety of critic reviews describe the film as unscary, muddled and overstuffed with lore while lacking development. In contrast, fans praise the film for its ability to capture the fun spirit of the game and incorporate the lore that fans have been uncovering for years.

In my opinion, I had a blast watching FNAF! As someone who has been a fan of the game since its release, and grew up watching many gameplays of the original, I feel it greatly satisfied a part of my childhood. I do not think the film was supposed to be “good,” in an Oscar-winning way, but rather that it was good because it was fun, and catered to a certain demographic. I love how in touch the film was with internet culture and it truly sparked excitement for me. There are so many faithful fans who have been waiting for this film’s release, and it’s fantastic to see the praise that Five Nights at Freddy’s is receiving. Overall, Five Nights at Freddy’s has created a whirlwind of excitement for old and new fans of the game, lore and internet culture.