The (Not) Book Report: Mr. Guyot's Favorite Wikipedia Pages

Illustration by Kaiden Chandler. Images via Wikipedia.

Mr. Guyot says: “Endling was a word invented in 1996 that describes the last known individual of a specific species. I've always loved endangered species — my whole life I’ve loved the Tasmanian tiger and have thought about the existence and life of the species. This page allowed me to see a video of the last known [member] of its kind. Most people have had the experience of thinking, “What if I was the last person on earth?” but have never really known what to call it. This page handles all real life examples of animals who have dealt with this experience first hand.

“The page follows stories of many animals, their last moments of life under human care. It's a bit sad to think about, but, in reality, the animal has no idea it's the last of its kind. I find it so cool. Others should peruse the website, click around and learn about the different species and their stories. Whenever I visit the website, it gives me a sense of empathy for these animals, just how fragile things can be, and the importance of zoos and aquariums to keep these things alive. The page gives you insight on the various dangers surrounding specific species and can teach why it isn't always necessary to re-release an endangered species into a compromised environment. Most of all, the site teaches about extension and can be used to show us how to breed and conserve these species."

Illustration by Kaiden Chandler. Images via Wikipedia.

Mr. Guyot says: "Both of these pages are perfect starter points that can open you up to so many different areas about learning about species extinction and conservation efforts. It's an incredibly interesting point of view for people who aren't necessarily interested in reading an entire book or non-fiction work because they are both story-based rather than fact-based which I believe, as humans, we can empathize with a lot more.

"This page features the opposite of the endling — animals thought to be extinct, but it turns out that no one was looking in the right places. I think [this page] pairs well with the ‘endling’ page. It goes to show that we think we know everything, but we often come to the realization that we were wrong. Humans want to work in absolutes, but the reality of it is, how would we ever know we are 100% right or wrong? I just think it is cool to see how nature is so vast; although we think we know everything, we are proven wrong every day."

Illustration by Kaiden Chandler. Image via Wikipedia.

Synopsis: Zoolander is a comedy film that follows the story of Derek Zoolander, a dim-witted but good-hearted male fashion model. He becomes an unwitting pawn in the plot of corrupt fashion designers planning to assassinate the Prime Minister of Malaysia, who is threatening to create child labor laws that would hurt their business. In this comedic story, Derek goes on a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement, teaming up with fellow model Hansel McDonald and journalist Matilda Jeffries along the way. 

Taran says: “Zoolander is my favorite movie. [Ben Stiller] is what first drew me into this movie; he’s a great actor and he's really funny, both of which were perfectly portrayed in the movie. He is able to create this really distinct character that everything he does is perfect. [The movie] is really well crafted, there's meaning behind it, it's inspiring as well as comedic.

“It's a great story because it's the right amount of funny and unexpected — it makes enough sense where it can be a great story, and you can also just have a good time with it. I would absolutely recommend it to another friend. A big part of the plot is these two people competing, who sort of become friends and work together to save the president of Malaysia. It's just the story of friendship?”

Illustration by Kaiden Chandler. Image via Chess.com.

Nate: "My favorite historical chess game has to be the game of the century, taking place in 1956 between Donald Byrne and young Bobby Fischer, at the age of 13. He wasn’t quite well-known then, but he would later win the world championship in 1972. In this game, well before computers, he played almost all the computer moves and won the game. It is widely considered one of the best games ever played because he sacrificed his queen in the middle of a game, which nobody ever does. He did it, and he won.

"I think Bobby Fischer is the greatest chess player who ever lived. And this was before he knew anything about chess. It was one of his first major tournaments — I think it's pretty cool showing he came from nothing, he got there, and he won."

Illustration by Kaiden Chandler. Image via Amazon.

Synopsis: In Rin Chupeco's The Bone Witch, the main character, Tea, discovers she has the power to raise the dead after accidentally resurrecting her brother, Fox. Even in a family of witches, this power is feared, and Tea is ostracized by her community. Fox and Tea leave the community, finding mentorship in an older witch who also possesses the power of necromancy. As evil forces are make their way towards her, Tea has to learn how to harness her powers for good.

Loralei says: "The reason I don't like it is because it keeps switching between the past to the present, which is a really cool idea, but it's one of those situations where it's a good idea, but bad execution. If other people are into the figuring out what you're reading [they might enjoy it]. There's also a lot of description. There will be a page of description of what they're wearing, which I personally don't like, but I know some people do. It's more of an 'I don't like it,' not an 'everyone won't like it.'"