LIFEoctober edition Homecoming 2018 crowns King and Queen Right: Ellie Von Lehmden and Drew Strottman were named 2018 Linn- Mar Homecoming Queen and King. Below: Homecoming Court included Front row: Ellie Von Lehmden, Jensen O’Shea, Alexa AbouAssaly, Tay- lor Turner, Emma Geneser, and Megan Renner. Back row: Tyler Oberbro- eckling, Drew Strottman, Kevin Drahos, Will Sherwood, Ian Crumley and Eli Havlik.

Linn-Mar capitalizes on “big school” advantages By Sudeep Gadde overshadowed by even more talented funding from the Linn-Mar Booster New to Linn-Mar last year are blended There are over 20,000 public high students. It is much harder to earn a Club and are actively promoted classes, which offer students release schools in the United States and they spot on the drumline at Linn-Mar, for throughout the school. These clubs time and an opportunity to work more vary in size and income, usually example, than it would be at a smaller, help represent Linn-Mar in hundreds independently. One disadvantage to in correlation to their community less competitive school. This reality of high-school competitions across such a large school when it comes to size and wealth. As the community applies to other activities as well. Iowa. The prevalence of clubs at class offerings is that classes often fill grows, the schools become larger in More talent means more competition Linn-Mar offer both diversity and up quickly and students are not always order to accommodate more students. for lead roles in plays, for solos in opportunity to all students. It’s hard guaranteed to get the class they desire. Linn-Mar is one such example of a show choir and for first chair in band. to see a downside to a bigger school Because of block scheduling, AP classes growing community that has become This same success seen in the music when it comes to clubs that are offered. are also not as prevalent as they might larger to reflect the flood of jobs program at Linn-Mar is also apparent In addition to the extracurricular be at a large Cedar Rapids high school that have been coming to this area. in many of the sports programs. Linn- activities offered at Linn-Mar, but they are probably more prevalent By becoming larger, Linn-Mar has Mar has a strong history of success in offerings are also plentiful in the than what is offered at a smaller school. been able to offer a larger variety athletics, and our school is recognized academic arena. Linn-Mar offers dual- Overall, attending a large school of classes and activities and a more as being a powerhouse force in enrollment classes where students has numerous benefits and very few comprehensive form of education. On conference and district competitions. can get credit in both high school and disadvantages. Students at Linn- top of the education offered, the extra Our growth and success has led to college. When classes are not offered at Mar have shown that they are taking activities Linn-Mar offers is immense. the need for larger sports facilities. In Linn-Mar, students are also able to take advantage of those benefits and using With this variety, Linn-Mar has been just the last 10 years, Linn-Mar has online classes to satisfy requirements. them to better themselves for the future. able to create a good name for itself funded new large projects including as one of the best schools in Iowa. the massive Linn-Mar Stadium, the There are several advantages to modern Linn-Mar Aquatic Center, and attending a bigger school like Linn- the improved training rooms. With Mar. A school of this size is able to host these facilities, Linn-Mar athletes are large competitions such as Supernova able to train to become better every and the Metro Marching Band Classic. day. This growth and the popularity These competitions allow Linn-Mar to of the athletic programs at Linn- showcase the amazing musical talent in Mar can clearly be seen as a success our school and our top notch facilities. but there also remains a downside. Because of our size and talent pool, the It is much harder to secure a starting school was able to build larger facilities position on an athletic team at Linn- such as the Colton Center. However, Mar than it would be at a smaller with such large and successful program school simply due to the competition. comes some disadvantages as well. For Linn-Mar High School has over example, the level of talented students 2,000 students enrolled, and 85 percent adds competition and not everybody is of students are enrolled in at least one allowed to be the cream of the crop. It is out of the almost 60 clubs available A larger school such as Linn-Mar provides many advantages easy for those with average skills to get at Linn-Mar. These clubs receive for students but can come with some drawbacks as well. The Linn-Mar Life Many words could describe Kanz but two stand out: “Nice guy” By Tess Dorman science and English, and he likes to choose whether or not he believed in If you’ve ever met Calvin Kanz, you speechwriting and public speaking. the teachings in the Church. So, Calvin probably see him as a nicely dressed, Calvin is a procrastinator, though, decided that he didn’t believe in God. well put-together, liberal, coffee- often procrastinating on twitter. Other than not being open with his drinking, high-achieving teacher’s pet; Academic excellence, however, religious views, Calvin has an excellent and you’d be right, for the most part. comes with some downsides. Calvin relationship with his family. One strong But there’s more to Calvin that meets faces a good deal of pressure when it bond that helps hold the Kanz family the eye, he’s not as perfect as he seems. comes to his grades. together is music. The entire family Calvin Kanz enjoys spending time “Yes absolutely, there’s a lot of is musical. Calvin plays the violin in with his family and being outside in his pressure. It comes mostly from myself, Linn-Mar’s Symphony Orchestra and. free time. He also spends quite a bit of I think. I get really nervous about that has grown up around music, so music time on his phone. kind of stuff. I don’t think my family obviously plays a pretty big role in his “I say I like to be outside, but actually means to but I think they have some life. I’m usually inside on twitter.” high expectations. And of course “My parents are very musical so I have never met anyone that is there’s rivalries between my friends I’ve always had something musical more anxious that Calvin Kanz, but and me.” that was presented to me and I enjoy he doesn’t appear to be on the outside. Calvin has thought about his future, listening to it.” He really wants people to know that but he still has no idea what he wants to For the most part, Calvin enjoys he is just as clueless and worried as be when he grows up. being involved in the orchestra. everyone else. “I don’t really know yet. I used to “I love when we do pieces that are “I went to a Halloween party one time think that I wanted to be an engineer, cinematic or non-classical. That’s the and some guy told me that I looked like but I don’t want to be boring.” reason I’m still playing the violin- I had my life together. I don’t. I’m a lot Photography is one of Calvin’s movie music. I don’t like classical more anxious than people think I am. I hobbies. music.” worry about things a lot.” “I’ve always liked being outside. I There are some things that Calvin Stanley Liu, junior, is one of Calvin’s started by taking pictures on my mom’s isn’t too crazy about when it comes to good friends, and knows him pretty camera of frogs. I love frogs.” orchestra. neither does his cabinet because they’ll well. Liu described why he likes being Calvin enjoys taking pictures of “Sometimes the time commitment all be dead.” friends with Calvin. anything autumn, stars in the night sky and expectations are hard on me. Calvin believes that it is extremely “Everybody loves Calvin. I can’t and animals, specifically turtles and Auditions and honor orchestras are important for the people of the United think of anyone who doesn’t like yes, frogs. His favorite thing about stressful, too.” States to be educated on political Calvin. Calvin is a genuinely nice and photography is making the viewer feel Calvin admits that he often slacks on topics. funny person. He has surprised me something when they look at a picture. practicing. He tries to practice at least “Absolutely. Lots of people vote with how outgoing and witty he can be. “I love pictures that make you feel four times a week for 30 to 40 minutes. for who makes them feel good. They’re You would think that he’s reserved and something. There was this picture at Lack of practicing is something Calvin selfish and don’t have good critical uptight but he’s really not.” the Smithsonian of a teepee in the snow wants to improve on. Luckily, Calvin’s thinking skills.” Calvin describes himself as a “work and I don’t know, it just made me feel music experience has been pressure- That being said, Calvin tries really in progress,” telling me that he always something. With the right composition free. Calvin says he never felt like he hard to understand opposing views. tries to learn from his mistakes. and control you can make someone faced any pressure from his musical “I do my best to keep an open mind “I’m definitely not perfect, but I’m feel something.” parents. and do some critical thinking. I think always trying to be a better person.” Every time I go to Calvin’s house, “My parents just want me to play that people have a really hard time One of Calvin Kanz’s most iconic I can’t help but think that his family something.” admitting that they’re wrong. traits is his love for coffee. Calvin is perfect. The Kanz family seems so Calvin says he enjoys listening to Although it’s tiring and a lot of NEVER comes to school without a put together and happy, they all seem all genres of music except country. His hard work, Calvin enjoys working on thermos of coffee. In fact, Calvin was to have good and healthy relationships favorite band is Bon Iver, an Indie folk the Abby Finkenauer Campaign for called a “coffee dad” by Linn-Mar’s with each other. Calvin lives with his band. Calvin also enjoys listening to the most part. His favorite part about yearbook (not his words). mom, dad, and younger sister, who is Ed Sheeran and Ariana Grande. Calvin working on the campaign is being able “My dad has always drank coffee and an eighth grader at Oak Ridge Middle had quite a bit to say about the recent to say that he did something instead so has my grandpa, so it’s in my family. School. His mother is an elementary split between Ariana Grande and ex of sitting around and complaining. I tried some one time and decided it was school music teacher at Westfield, Pete Davidson. He wishes others would do the same. good. I started with white chocolate and his father is a marketing director “Ariana deserves better than Pete. I Calvin has met a handful of interesting mochas with two pumps of raspberry. at Shive-Hattery and is also a part- never liked him, but he does a good job people while knocking on doors for the Then I tried espresso and LOVED it so time musician. Calvin’s parents are on SNL.” campaign as well. now I drink black coffee.” some of the kindest parents I’ve ever He may not know exactly what he “One guy came out and asked me Calvin estimates that he drinks about encountered, and both Calvin and his wants to do with the rest of his life, if I was his lawyer. I also talked to a 400 12 oz. coffees a year. sister perform well in school. The Kanz but one thing’s for sure; Calvin Kanz conspiracy theorist for like 40 minutes It’s safe to say that Clavin does not family seems so perfect, it’s almost is passionate about politics. Calvin one time. She didn’t believe in the dress like your average sweats-wearing impossible to imagine them fighting, is currently spending a good deal of Parkland shooting, but she believed teen boy. You rarely see Calvin wearing and they don’t, according to Calvin. his time volunteering for the Abby that Trump was saving us from the anything other than a nice pair of jeans “I’m really lucky to have the family Finkenauer Campaign for Congress. deep state.” and a buttoned up shirt. that I do.” He told me that the age of Trump Calvin believes that a Democratic “I used to wear gross athletic stuff However, nothing is ever perfect. was what really defined his political takeover of Congress would put a in middle school. One day, my mom Calvin mentioned that he isn’t identity; he has also grown up around check on Trump and “make sure he sat me down and told me that I was incredibly open with family when it Democratic views. can’t do anything stupid.” However, he getting older and should probably start comes to tougher topics. Calvin grew “I’ve developed stronger opinions believes that the “Resist” movement is wearing jeans. One of my friends told up a Presbyterian and his mother is now that I’m in high school. I feel a terrible idea because Democrats and me the same thing. So I did, and then I very religious but Calvin is an atheist. like I understand politics. It makes me Republicans need to work together to found out in high school that everyone “I don’t believe in God, it’s not angry that people are okay with what get things done. still wears athletic clothes.” really something I’m open about to my Trump is doing.” And so, yes, Calvin is a nicely dressed, And yet, Calvin still continues to be family.” Calvin supports common sense well put-together, liberal, coffee- one of the best-dressed males at Linn- Calvin said that his mom would gun reform and he is pro-choice. He drinking, high-achieving teacher’s pet, Mar. “freak out” if she found out about his believes that everyone should have but he’s so much more. On the inside, “I just think that jeans look fine and religious beliefs, or lack thereof. Calvin the right to affordable healthcare, that Calvin has one of the greatest senses of I try to look decent. I feel better when doesn’t believe in an afterlife, he the path to citizenship should be made humor I’ve ever come across. His witty I look good.” believes nothing happens after death. easier and that the death penalty should and random remarks made me laugh Calvin is known to excel in school. Calvin eventually became an atheist in be abolished. out loud. Although he seems like he’s He receives excellent grades and his middle school after talking to a friend Because Calvin enjoys the outdoors well put-together (and he is, for the teachers love him. Calvin is involved in that didn’t believe in God. He was so much, climate change is one of this most part), he’s a big worrier and gets Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Student confirmed in the Presbyterian church. top issues. very anxious. But most importantly, to Advisory, and Student Ambassadors. During his confirmation process, his “Trump cares about the economy, he top it all off, Calvin Kanz has one of His favorite subjects in school are pastor told Calvin that it was his choice doesn’t care about climate change, and the kindest hearts a person could have. The Linn-Mar Life Looking for an answer for all your woes? Chick Flick! By Lainey Ford freshman arriving at Southern Atlantic date the head of the sorority that she invites three men who were mentioned Chick flick is a term for the movie University, hoping to pledge the same was kicked out of. They fall in love, in the journal to her wedding, hoping genre dealing mainly with love and sorority as her mom, who died a while but have to overcome some obstacles to discover which one is truly her romance and targeted toward a female back. Her mom left her a note that first. I love this movie, because it can father so that he can walk her down the audience. These are the best kind of told her how excited she was in the make you laugh at some points, but can aisle on her wedding day. This movie movies because they are perfect for sorority and that she knew that Sydney also make you cry. is one of my favorites of all time. The any occasion. Cute date night? Chick would love the sorority as much as Mamma Mia: soundtrack is amazing, featuring songs flick. Boyfriend just broke up with she did. When Sydney is accepted into Donna, played by Meryl Streep, is a from the pop group ABBA, and the you? Chick flick. Just feel like you Kappa, she realizes that the sorority woman filled with a life of adventure love in this movie is overwhelming. need to cry? Chick flick. There are has changed since her mom had been and beauty. She, along with her two Chick flicks and romantic comedies many good movies out there, but the there. Sydney, later banned from the best friends who are as crazy as she is, are the best movies to watch because best ones come from Netflix. Here are house, joins an all boy sorority that owns a hotel in the Greek Islands and is you get the best of both worlds. You my top five recommended chick flicks is looked down on. Here, she finds preparing the hotel for her daughter’s can laugh and cry at the same time, and available on the streaming service. her best friends who are all outcasts, wedding. Sophie, her daughter, they are perfect for any mood. Grab How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: and together they run for student (played by Amanda Seyfried), reads some comfort food, popcorn, candy, Starring Kate Hudson and government and strive to win equal her mother’s journal from after high whatever you desire. Get comfy and Matthew McConaughey, this chick rights. While finding herself, she finds school to see if she can discover who cue up Netflix, to watch these five great flick is hilarious, yet heartwarming. a boy who is popular, and who used to her father is. Meanwhile, Sophie movies. Bejamin Berry is an advertising executive and a known ladies’ man. He is trying to work his way up in Is Halloween just for little kids? the advertising business, while Andie By Lainey Ford watching Halloween movies, making memories and traditions from when I Anderson works for the magazine It’s around 7:30, the sun just set cookies, and handing out candy.” was little. Picking out your costume Composure, and covers the “How To” and kids dressed in costumes scatter On the other side of the spectrum, for Halloween seemed like the biggest column. Benjamin wants to win a big through the streets, excitement rushing Rylie Bradley, junior, said that the decision in the world, and I always advertising campaign and bets that he through their veins. You hear kids most popular Halloween activity for looked forward to the day where I can make a woman fall in love with yelling, “Run faster, Mom, we’ve got kids our age is to go to haunted houses. could show it off. When I was younger, him. Andie is assigned a “How to Lose to make it to the next house.” You see She says tries to go to at least one every all my cousins came over because a Guy in 10 Days” column. Somehow, character costumes, football players, year. Haunted houses can get pricey, our neighborhood always handed out by luck, they become each other’s clowns, and witches, and you can only but many high school students love the full size candy bars, and it was like victims, but what happens when they imagine the overflowing bags of candy. thrill of being spooked! we found treasure. We came home, really fall in love? I recommend this For kids of younger ages, Halloween Although many high school students separated our candy, drank hot cocoa, movie because it is something that is a night where you can stay up past enjoy haunted houses, I refuse to go. and watched Halloween movies. For you can watch again and again, and bedtime, tell spooky stories, and eat as Instead of being scared and having a couple years, we were even lucky love just as much as the first time. much candy as you want. But where is nightmares, I spend my Halloween enough to stay up till ten! Those days To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before: that excitement for kids in high school? with my family of nine siblings. On were the best days. High school junior Lara Jean Song Is it gone? Halloween, we all carve pumpkins “A house in my neighborhood had Covey is a secret romantic that keeps For those in high school, Halloween together, decorate sugar cookies a haunted house type of thing in their love letters to the five boys she has is often very different now compared to with all different colored frostings front yard, and if you were able to get loved in the past. She writes these to when we were kids. For Junior Mady and sprinkles, dress up in all kinds past it, you would get a full size candy provide emotional closure for herself. Sevareid, however, Halloween still of costumes and go trick or treating bar. I was only able to make it through She addressed these letters, and seals brings positive feelings. She still loves together. It is so cute to see all of the once so I would want to try it now and them before she puts them into a box. making festive cookies and cupcakes kids, ranging from two to ten years see how I would do,” said Delaney When her little sister gets upset with and although Mady does not dress up old running up to the doors and saying Hannan, junior. her, she sends the letters out to all five anymore, she still gets to relive all trick or treat. Nina Taylor says, “I wouldn’t really of the boys. This causes massive chaos these traditions every year with her Halloween is considered a holiday for go back to Halloween as a kid because in Lara Jean’s life. Peter Kavinsky, the three younger sisters. little kids, as dressing up in costumes I have so much fun with it now.” most popular boy at her high school, It’s not that way for everyone, and eating a bunch of candy is beyond “Halloween used to be way more is one of the letter recipients and is though. exciting. Many kids have favorite fun. In the past years, I never got really trying to get over Genevive, his ex- “When I was a kid, Halloween felt memories from special holidays such excited about Halloween because it girlfriend. Lara Jean is trying to stay like an actual holiday. I would be so as Halloween. feels like any other day, but this year away from her sister’s ex, Josh. Peter excited throughout the entire day and “My favorite memory was our is different! My boyfriend and I will be and Lara Jean start “dating” to distract could not wait to show off my costume school’s Halloween parade when we spending the holiday making spooky themselves, but when they fall for while trick or treating. But now, marched around the gym showing off snacks like ghost chili and mummy each other, no one knows what will Halloween just feels like any other our costumes,” said Kapelinski. dogs and watching horror movies,” come of it. I recommend this movie day,” said Ashton Kapelinski, junior. Bradley and Sevareid both agree said Kapelinski. because it is a perfect high school It seems Halloween can lose that that their favorite part of Halloween McKenna Fishel, junior, says, “I think romance and tear jerker. special spark as we grow older. was trick or treating with their friends Halloween was more fun for me when I Just Friends: Remember as elementary kids, and parents and loading up on candy! was younger because I liked the idea of Chris Brander, played by Ryan when kids are welcome to wear their “My favorite memory was when getting a bunch of candy. I would say Reynolds, is an overweight high Halloween costumes to school and my friend and I dressed up in matching it still has the same excitement though, school senior who is madly in love there is even a parade? Remember costumes in won the costume contest because who doesn’t love to do stuff with his best friend Jamie Palamino, how excited we would be for parents when we were in fifth grade,” said with their friends?” played by Amy Smart. It never works to come and take pictures of us in all Nina Taylor. Although the excitement and thrill out in high school, but they meet our costumes? In middle school, the Memories like these will always of trick or treating may be gone for again later in life when Chris is no excitement starts to decrease and we have a place in our heart. many of us, most teens can find a way longer an embarrassment, and instead celebrate with maybe a few decorations I wish that I could go back and relive to celebrate this spooky holiday! a handsome record producer in Los here and there in teacher classrooms. Angeles. Chris is headed home for the Both Sevareid and Kapelinski agree holidays, where he is surprised to meet that the thrill of Halloween lessens as Jamie again. While striving to get out we get older. Many of the traditions the friend zone, he becomes too close that we have when we are kids are not to Jamie. He messes up many times, commonly continued when we are in but true love may come out of it. I high school. loved this romantic comedy, because “I think for kids our age, we spend it was exactly that. It was funny, yet a lot of time with our friends on sweet and subtle. I was on my toes, Halloween. A lot of people party but wondering when he would finally lean I do not do that,” said Nina Taylor, in and kiss her. junior. Sydney White: Sevareid said, “I miss going trick or Sydney White (Amanda Bynes) is a treating with my friends, but I still love The Linn-Mar Life Anusha makes perfectionism work for her By Sudeep Gadde school, Anusha is a violinist and was acknowledgment of her weakness is a A perfect person gets better and titled “Most Improved Performer”. quality that makes Anusha stand out. shows improvement every day. They While Anusha really enjoys orchestra, As a senior, Anusha has big things have unique qualities that set them her favorite thing to do is to sing. One planned for her future. Some of her apart from others and that make of the highlights of Anusha’s singing short-term goals are to turn in her them clearly recognizable. A perfect career was when she made All-State college applications, keep her good person knows what they are doing Choir in 201. While one may credit grades, and get better at her musical and who they aspire to become. In her success in music to her raw talent, instruments. Long-term goals include spite of all these qualities, a perfect Anusha says it is her drive to get better being successful at college and being a person also acknowledges his or her that actually plays a large role in her better person. weaknesses. All these qualities can be success. “I am driven, so when I want seen in Anusha Golapam. One look Anusha also credits music for something that’s attainable, I’ll shoot into Anusha’s room and it reflects her helping her confidence. Through many for it,” says Anusha. organized personality: her bed is made competitions, she says confidence has Other than her activities, Anusha has and all her belongings are packed allowed her to set higher goals. many responsibilities. She regularly into little boxes. As I walk in, her “Confidence is a venue for does all of her chores, picks up and homework appears neatly on her bed, everything,” says Anusha. drops off her two younger sisters from written in perfect print handwriting. In middle school, Anusha tried as all their activities and is temporarily Just from observing her room, anyone many activities as possible, including babysitting two other younger children can tell she is not a typical senior at volleyball, tennis, orchestra, and choir. at her home every day. As the oldest If I don’t make the right decisions and Linn-Mar High School, but one with This really helped her narrow down sibling, Anusha finds it really important screw up completely, they won’t know many unique qualities. her list of interests to focus on certain to set a good example for her sisters in what the right thing to do is.” Every day, Anusha wakes up activities that she was more passionate order for their lives to benefit from her For many people, Anusha may seem ready to put her utmost effort into the about. While her peers did partially many successes and errors. like an innocent quiet girl, but if you forthcoming school day. She arrives influence her decisions concerning “I’m out there right now trying all really get to know her, you will learn at school with a passion for learning activities, Anusha says she was very sorts of different things while they are a lot about her extroverted personality her favorite subjects, biology and careful to pick the activities where she young and don’t know what’s out there. and her many amazing skills. Her chemistry. This reflects in her career knew she had potential for success. It’s important that I make the right desire to be unique and to try her best interests of becoming a physician. “In middle school, I was really trying decisions and tell them what’s correct. are qualities anybody can learn from. Anusha’s desire to be a physician is a to find the things I was good at. I think long-term dream and she says that ever once you’ve locked in some things you since she was young, she has really are passionate about, such as music or Nutritional mistakes costly By Ashlee Haumesser focusing in school and get worse results enjoyed helping people. sports, it is important to put yourself It’s October, you just got home from on tests than those who eat breakfast, “Helping almost comes like an out there and really try hard.” your school’s football game, you turn according to a WebMD article. instinct to me. For example, just the This philosophy clearly helped on the television and relax on your After you skip breakfast, you’re other day at the park I saw two kids Anusha as she is among the top couch. You glance over at the snacks more likely to eat a high sugar snack who were on the swing and needed help participants in most all her activities, you have in the kitchen. Whether you since you’re not only hungry but also getting down. At first I thought I knew whether that be extra-curricular or decide to splurge on something sweet, tired due to you have no energy, says these kids, but they were these other academic. The phrase “Jack of all savory or salty, there is already a Brunilda Nazario, MD. random kids that I did not know. But trades, and master of none” may apply problem with your decision-making. Another reason that many teens skip still, I helped them out of the swings, to many kids at Linn-Mar who try to “Studies tend to show that when food breakfast is because they think it will because it just felt like the right thing get their foot into every activity, but is consumed late at night -- anywhere help them lose weight. By skipping to do,” says Anusha. it definitely does not apply to Anusha, from after dinner to outside a person’s breakfast and halting your metabolism, Her helping personality is who says she believes in quality over typical sleep/wake cycle -- the body is you’re actually slowing down the fat very apparent in the volunteering quantity. more likely to store those calories as burning process and gaining weight, assignments she does at St. Luke’s “I’m a perfectionist. I’ve learned if fat and gain weight rather than burn it according to Nazario. Hospital. Anusha works four hours you get a quality product it’s better, but as energy,” says Kelly Allison of the Nazario offers some tips for snacking a week as a Patient Ambassador in if you slack off it’s going to hurt later.” University of Pennsylvania School and breakfast: the Emergency Department. On top Anusha likes being an individual of Medicine’s Center for Weight and 1) Get rid of the junk food in your of this, she interned at a hospital last and immensely values being different Eating Disorders. house. summer for many hours, furthering from other people. She knows that to be This is because your metabolism 2) Eat dinner earlier. her enjoyment of helping people and recognized, one must have an identity. peaks in the afternoon and after eating 3) Avoid drinking caffeine in the giving her better experience for her Anusha shows her desire to be dinner and snacking even later, your afternoon. future job. different by explaining how she started body is not ready to burn energy as 4) Skip out on the donuts and high After high school, Anusha hopes to liking her favorite color, periwinkle. easily as it is in the morning, says sugary cereals. pursue a Bachelors of Medical Science “Originally I liked pink because Pamela Peeke of the University of 5) Take your breakfast to go. degree in order to become a physician. everyone liked pink. Then, as everyone Maryland School of Medicine. Along 6) Eat the breakfast provided by your With her many volunteer hours and her in my family really liked purple, I with your metabolism, Peeke also school. helping nature, she is right on track to thought purple would be my favorite says that your levels of cortisol and Skipping breakfast due to lack achieve her goal. color as well because it would be the adrenaline plummet by 3:00 pm, which of time should never be an excuse. While her education is still the family color. Later, I felt like I wanted causes you to get tired when you still Nutritionists suggest waking up earlier, number one priority, nothing can top to try something different so I was like, need energy for school or work. People making breakfast the night before, or Anusha’s love for music and dance. let’s try red for some time. But one day attempt to alter their energy levels with even just grabbing a granola bar rather Anusha doesn’t simply participate in in science class in eighth grade, when artificial energy sources that are high in than omitting the meal altogether. dance and musical activities but she we were dissecting the cow’s eye, I saw sugar and or fat, which increases your If you’re afraid that you’re the only performs exceptionally in all of them. a color inside that I thought was the body’s level of insulin. Peeke also says student committing these nutritional One of the main extra activities she best color in the world. After looking that having a high insulin level makes crimes, don’t feel alone. In a recent does is an Indian-styled classical dance it up, I realized it was periwinkle. I you hungrier later, causing late night poll of 146 voters, 47 people admitted called Kuchipudi. For Kuchipudi, think this really shows my desire from snacking and oversized dinners. to late night snacking and skipping Anusha practices at least one hour a wanting to fit in, to having my own Another major mistake that high breakfast, 45 people confessed that they day to keep improving, regardless of favorite color and not being afraid to school students make is skipping snack late at night, 37 people say that any other activities she has scheduled. be different.” breakfast because they would rather they are guilty of skipping breakfast, Anusha is so committed to dance, Although Anusha is unique and drink their calories at Starbucks or and only 17 people claim they don’t that she is planning to perform her is a perfectionist, she also has her they think they will be late if they make these nutritional mistakes at all. graduating dance performance by the weaknesses. She admitted many times stay at home to eat. The problem with If you’re among the 88% of those who time she starts college. This passion for that she was prone to procrastination, this is that without breakfast, your admit to committing these mistakes, music also extends to her involvement due to the many activities she metabolism never gets started, which start with small changes to your diet, in Linn-Mar’s orchestra and choir participates in. Anusha spends many causes a lack of energy throughout the and you will see yourself living a departments. In orchestra, which she late nights and early mornings trying day. Studies have proven that students happier, healthier lifestyle. has been doing all four years of high- to get all of her work done. Her who skip breakfast have a harder time The Linn-Mar Life Asian Americans sue Harvard for unfair admission practices By Arnav Bhushan Affirmative Action as We Know It,” A New York Times article states, University of Texas, or any university,” Imagine this. It is Ivy Day, and all the a newly conservative Supreme Court “Harvard’s “race-conscious” Blum said in prepared remarks at a top schools are about to release their serves as a backdrop to increase the admissions policy, which is at the rally the day before the trial started. admissions list. You are sitting in the chance that previous rulings upholding center of the case, is caricatured by “In a multi-racial, multi-ethnic nation living room with your family and your affirmative action could be overturned opponents as being “infected with like ours, the admissions’ bar cannot be computer. You open the portal, your if the case makes it to the highest court. racial bias.” If the plaintiffs, a group raised for some races, and lowered for heart skips a beat, and all of a sudden To no one’s surprise, much controversy called Students for Fair Admissions, others.” you become extremely nervous as has begun due to the all-important win, the decision could threaten the From Harvard’s point of view, you’ve spent your whole life preparing trial. In Boston and Cambridge, groups ability of all colleges to consider an they claim that they also value how for this moment. A simple yes from began to march with signs saying applicant’s race in admissions.” much the student would benefit from Harvard and everything you have “I am Asian American; I have Edward Blum, a conservative being on campus in a personality done has finally paid off. It is time. dreams too.” activist who opposes any type of race- score, 1 through 10. In this score, You open it to see the words: “Thank “As an Asian American who based admissions policies, founded the Blum maintains that Asian-Americans you for your interest in Harvard excels in all forms of academics and Students for Fair Admissions group tend to earn lower scores, which may University”. Instantly your face turns leadership, the thought of affirmative that is suing Harvard. The group has damage their chances of admission from one that is hopeful to one that action does scare me. The thought of received support from the Trump This trial could cause a big change is extremely disappointed. You try to being held to a higher standard simply Administration. Essentially, they are in the college admissions process. think of every little mistake you made due to my race is something that I arguing that Harvard manipulated the The country has changed in racial and wonder if that’s why you didn’t get worry about and think about in every admissions process to keep the racial balance since Affirmative Action was in. Perfect ACT and SAT scores, you decision I make in high school,” says balance the same every year, no matter first introduced in 1961. Students for hold a leadership position in every club student Sudeep Gadde, sophomore. how talented one race of the applicant Fair Admissions aren’t looking to get you’re involved in, you volunteer all If this case gets overturned as pool is. They believe that Harvard uses rid of Affirmative Action completely, the time, your essays sounded good in many experts believe it will, due to and has used an unfair racial quota they just want to get rid of any your head. But no, none of this is the a conservative court, many Asian- system. racial disadvantages given to Asian- reason you didn’t get in. What if you Americans will find a new light in the “Race and ethnicity should not Americans in the case Students for Fair found out that the reason you didn’t admissions process. No longer will be a factor when a student applies Admissions vs Harvard Admissions get into the college of your dreams they be at a disadvantage because of to a university like Harvard or the 2018. isn’t even something that is within their race. University of North Carolina or the your control? This is what happened to many Asian Americans who are now Harvard rejects. Now they are putting Harvard on trial for being unfair in the Affirmative Action empowers society selection process. By Sudeep Gadde admission dean who claims Harvard is prevalent, racial diversity helps Before going in depth in how top Giving a better chance to the minority actively discriminates against Asians students to better assimilate into future schools such as Harvard use affirmative population is not discrimination in the selection process. Since Harvard living situations and jobs. Colleges that action in their selection process, one to all other hard workers, but an already has a high number of Asian have a clear plan of how affirmative has to understand what it is and how empowerment of a growing society. students who are admitted due to non- action will affect their students produce did it become an issue? As defined by Colleges in America have an important race affiliated criteria, the admissions well-rounded individuals. Mark Naison, an African-American job in educating the next generation office proposes they should no longer While Affirmative Action works studies professor who teaches with a goal to do better than the last have to meet the initial Asian quota to create diversity in the American about affirmative action at Fordham generation and to sustain progress. as dictated in the original Affirmative work field by assisting people of University, “Affirmative Action refers One way of empowering the future Action law. While this case is not over minority races with higher education, to policies that give students from is by training a culturally diverse yet, a ruling may come soon that could it still clearly is not enough. Even underrepresented racial groups an community of individuals. More prove decisive for all schools. with Harvard using a ranking system advantage in the college admissions diversity offers a greater number of Harvard has defended its affirmative which accommodates for African process.” skills, backgrounds, and talents that action policies by stating that if they Americans and Hispanic Americans, However, in today’s society, it can help solve problems that arise in didn’t take race into account, the number black students still only make up 15.2 goes both ways. The underrepresented society. This empowerment can be of African American and Hispanic percent of Harvard’s student population groups such as the Hispanics and seen in the Affirmative Action taken American admissions would decrease while Hispanic Americans make up African-Americans get a colossal by colleges, which strives to give an by 50 percent. If these minority races 12.3 percent of the student population. advantage when applying simply due equal chance to developing minorities don’t have enough people going to In contrast, Asian Americans make up to their race, but Asian students face a in relation to the majority population more selective colleges, communities 22.9 percent and white students make massive disadvantage simply because present in America. that are predominantly filled with these up 44 percent of the population. The of their race. In a recent Vox study of In 1978, the Supreme Court began minorities won’t have enough people lower numbers for African-Americans seven highly selective schools, a score allowing colleges to consider race overseeing high skill jobs. This can, and Hispanic Americans indicate that of 1300 out of 1600 on the SAT for for admissions. This change mostly in turn, result in a lack of community if race was not taken into account, the Asians is represented as 1160 out of benefited African and Hispanic development in areas such as health, number of minority people in selective 1600: a 140-point penalty. However, Americans, who had long been infrastructure, and law. This lack of colleges would be significantly lower. for Hispanics and African Americans, underrepresented in bigger colleges development could lead to economic While we have grown as a they get a 130 point and 310-point due to lower average test scores. By demise for these communities, nation when it comes to stemming bonus, respectively. This score of allowing colleges to consider race increasing already high poverty rates. racial prejudice and discrimination, 1300 creates a 440-point difference as a factor for admissions, African Studies done by CollegeXpress distrust still remains among majority between an Asian-American and an Americans and Hispanic Americans show that colleges with a higher communities who see minorities in African-American. Although, all of were thought to have a more equal diversity index have students who are leadership positions. This needs to this is hypothetical and nothing can playing field when competing with happier with their school and with the change. By instilling Affirmative be truly proved because anything that white students for admission. education they receive. High college Action in colleges that are selective, goes on in the admissions room is Affirmative Action is a controversial diversity is good for education because new leaders can be trained that will highly confidential, certain Asians who topic in society and recently, a lawsuit it helps people realize that they are be representative of America’s diverse applied to Harvard and got denied feel has been filed in the courts brought all more alike than they are different. population. It is not enough just to like they were held to a higher standard forward by Asian Americans who Studying, working, and living among be able to say that America has had simply due to their race. Also, the argue that they are receiving unfair those who are racially diverse translates a black president, therefore we are students seem to be suing due to the treatment due to Affirmative Action well into the real world as it can help diverse. America needs many more fact that the university used an illegal requirements. The lawsuit is attempting people better fit into a workplace that minority leaders to create a truly equal quota system. The historical trial began to prosecute schools such as Harvard is becoming consistently more diverse. country and Affirmative Action can just a few days ago on October 15th for discriminating against Asian Opponents of Affirmative Action help. Colleges like Harvard who strive and has the chance to completely erase Americans in their admissions process. would argue that some races are being to be the best should have the right affirmative action from all college While only Harvard has been named favored while other races such as to select the individuals which will admissions processes. According to in the case at the moment, this ruling Asian or White Americans are being make their college better. By creating experts in the New York Times article, could set a precedent for all schools discriminated against. In heavily a diverse student body, Harvard is “A Lawsuit by Asian-American across America. To support their case, selective schools such as Harvard, achieving greater potential, which will Students Against Harvard Could End the federal government has a student however, where affirmative action make America a better place. The Linn-Mar Life Will a “Blue Wave” prevail on election day? By Tess Dorman on in Washington. Calvin Kanz, Three weeks out from Election junior, shared his opinion on why Day, Democrats have one special he’s supporting Democrats this thing that could drive them to November. victory- energy. This November, “This year is especially those who forecast elections are important in electing Democrats calling for a wave; a big, blue wave. to Congress because I believe that Democrats are angry and fed up with the Republican majority has failed the state of the country, and they’re in its responsibility to represent its calling for change. The blue wave constituents and decent American refers to what Democrats believe values. Donald Trump constantly will be a Democratic takeover of lies to the public and instates Congress. The blue wave seemed policies which are often impulsive, almost certain for a while, however, uninformed, and unfair to the the movement might be drying up. working and lower class citizens The Kavanaugh Supreme Court and are racially or sexually biased. nomination debate has brought about anger from the Republican Throughout The Election party, and that anger might mean Season- Successes of that Republicans are just as fired up Democratic Candidates about the election as the Democrats. none are likely Republican, 2 lean problem for Democrats. Democrats Has the blue wave met its red Throughout this election Republican, and there are 6 toss might be up now, but the last few match? season, polls upon polls have up seats. Democrats need to win weeks of the election season could see Republican’s numbers in the What Caused The shown the Democrats on top. In several of the toss up elections to polls start to rise. Blue Wave Movement? the House midterm elections, the gain control of the Senate, which Democrats need to flip 23 seats would mean defeating several Andrew Redlawsk is a Field The specific causes of the blue in order to take back control of incumbent Republicans. Organizer for the Abby Finkenauer wave (Democrats heading to polls House in 2018. Democrats need As we near closer to Election Day, Campaign for Congress. Finkenauer in record numbers) are unclear, to win at least two Senate seats to current polls still have Democrats is the Democratic candidate running but it’s safe to say that one reason gain control of the Senate. Back in on top in the House elections. A for the House of Representatives in why the blue wave got its start is August, a FiveThirtyEight study current FiveThirtyEight study has Iowa’s First Congressional District. that Democrats are fed up. Their found that Democrats had an eight- determined that Democrats have Andrew has been working for dissatisfaction with Trump and his percentage point edge on national an 81.3% chance of taking back the Democratic campaigns for over ten party have brought about an anger generic ballots asking voters which House in the upcoming election. years, he’s seen a lot of Democratic that seems to be the driving force of political party they would prefer. The same up-to-date wins and a lot of Democratic losses. this blue wave. This dissatisfaction That same FiveThirtyEight study FiveThirtyEight study has He offered some insight from his has overwhelmingly been seen found that, after taking into account determined that Democrats have a campaign experience. in women. According to a recent fundraising, polling, voting history 19.4% chance of winning control “Republicans always seem CNN poll, 63% of women say that and analyst ratings at the House of the Senate. The House and to bring it home in the end. The they will vote Democratic in the district level, that Democrats had Senate seem to be moving in reason Democrats have to run field upcoming election. a 68.5% chance of taking back the opposite directions at the moment. campaigns is because Republicans Katherine Perkins, Program House. The study also projects a always vote. The same cannot be said Director of news and talk at 31 seat-gain for Democrats in the Could Kavanaugh Fever Kill about Democrats. At the end of the Iowa Public Radio, offered her House of Representatives. The Blue Wave? What Will The day, Republicans always vote, even journalistic insight on why women In September, according to Outcome Be? if they’re not a fan of the Republican are leaning blue in the midterms. Business Insider, polls found that candidate. Democrats always need “I think it’s a combination of Democrats now had a 10, 12 and Many believe that the blue wave a push. Some Democrats won’t vote national and state politics, at least 14-point leads over Republicans might be dying out, however, as if they’re happy not happy with the in Iowa. Representatives in the in the Congressional elections. some say that the Conservatives Democratic candidate.” Iowa legislature last session passed A NPR/Marist Poll conducted are just as fired up as Liberals. It’s been done in the past and the most restrictive abortion law in in September found that 50% The Kavanaugh debate has led to it can be done now. Republicans the country. I think the fact that that of registered voters would cast Republicans feeling just as fed up can make a comeback, especially if law got approved and also signed their ballots for Democrats in the with the Democrats as Democrats Republicans are just as fired up as by our female governor upset a midterm elections, compared to the are with the Republicans. This GOP Democrats and hit the polls hard. lot of women. I think that’s what 38% of registered voters that would rage could potentially unleash its It’s nearly impossible to predict made a lot of women look at the cast a Republican ballot. Another very own red wave to combat the whether or not Democrats will gain Democratic party as offering better survey conducted in September by a blue wave control of the House or Senate. options, at least on that issue.” NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll Alexander Burns covers Anger is the driving force of the blue Perkins also mentioned that found that Democrats were leading national politics for The New wave movement. Democrats are more women are running for office Republicans by 52 percent to 40 York Times. He described why he fed up with the state of the country than ever, this being caused by the percent for control of Congress. thinks “Kavanaugh fever” could and are ready to fight for change. momentum of fed up women. The Senate races are going to be a potentially kill the blue wave in the Although Democrats have been up “The Democratic party nominated lot harder for Democrats to conquer. October 15 episode of the New York and have had a lot of success this a record number of women to run There are currently 49 Democrats Time’s “The Daily” podcast. election season, Republicans are for Congress this year. A lot of those and 51 Republicans in the U.S. “I think he (Kavanaugh) will still perfectly capable of making candidates said they were inspired Senate. There are 23 Democratic matter and it’s hard to say why. a comeback, especially with to run after President Trump got Senators not up for election, while You probably will have more Kavanaugh Fever looming. If the elected.” there are 42 Republican Senators conservative voters that are more blue wave wants to make it to shore, Women can be credited for not up for election. According to tuned in now than they were a month Democrats still have a good deal of giving the blue wave a good deal another September study by CNN ago because they got engaged and obstacles to overcome. The risk of of its momentum, but women’s politics, 14 of the Senate seats up angry about the Supreme Court a red wave is one that Democrats issues are not the only thing driving for election are solid Democratic, fight.” need to address and fight off if they the movement. Plenty of others 5 are likely Democratic, 3 lean Kavanaugh fever isn’t the only want the blue wave movement to be are upset about what’s been going Democratic, 5 are solid Republican, thing that could be a potential a success. The Linn-Mar Life Voting is the ultimate privilege and makes democracy work By Tess Dorman them to have it. identification.Voter ID laws make it MANDATORY VOTING In the 2008 Alaska House of People give many reasons for extremely difficult for people who IN AMERICA? Representatives District 7 election, why they choose not to go to the do not have an ID to vote, and these Mandatory voting is used in Republican Rep. Mike Kelly won polls, but all of these reasons are are mostly lower-income citizens countries around the world to help re-election by one vote, 5,018 to invalid. The Huffington Post found in urban areas. Obtaining an ID encourage people to go to the 5,017 over Democratic challenger that 14.95% of people that choose isn’t cheap, which can be a real polls. Both Belgium and Turkey Karl Kassel. One singular vote not to vote choose not to because problem for low-income citizens. have mandatory voting laws, and determined the outcome of the they don’t think that their vote The ACLU found that the combined according to the Pew Research election. Voting is a fundamental counts or would make a difference. cost of document fees, travel Center, those countries saw voter human right and a privilege that Elections rarely come down to one expenses and waiting time to get a turnouts as high as 87 percent and belongs to every American citizen vote, but that doesn’t mean that their government issued ID are estimated 84 percent in recent elections. One 18 or over who is not a convicted vote won’t matter. If all the people to range from $75 to $175. A 2014 of the most well-known mandatory felon. This privilege allows you to that believe that their vote doesn’t Government Accountability Office voting system is in Australia. Just choose who represents you and your matter did go to the polls, that could (GAO) study found that strict voter like in the United States, Australian community at the nation’s capital, potentially make a huge difference ID laws reduce voting turnout by citizens who are 18 or older and who to choose who runs the nation, and on the outcome of the election. 2-3 percentage points, which can are not convicted felons are able to to have a say in what laws pass Imagine if everyone thought that his equate to tens of thousands of votes vote. However, in Australia, eligible in your community. Participating or her vote wouldn’t matter. No one in a single state. Voter ID laws voters are required to vote on in your democracy is one of the would vote and democracy would are also extremely discriminatory. Election Day. A person is fined $20 most important responsibilities not work. It is up to the population Minorities disproportionately the first time they fail to vote. After Americans have, yet so many as a whole to perform their lack ID’s. About 25 percent of that, they receive a $50 fine each choose not to do so. Everyone who responsibility as a voter. 11.96% of African Americans do not have time they fail to vote. Failure to pay is eligible to do so should vote. people that don’t vote choose not to a government-issued photo ID. these fines could result in the loss Period. because they have a lack of interest Voter ID laws are enforced in a of their driver’s license, according There are about 150 million and simply don’t care. Everyone discriminatory manner as well. to Chris Weller of Business Insider. Americans qualified to vote, but should care about politics and the A Caltech/MIT study found that Australia’s compulsory voting only 56 percent of those people world around them. Claiming to minority voters are more frequently system is flexible for voters. Since voted in the 2016 presidential have a lack of interest is just an questioned about ID than are white elections are held on Saturday’s, election. Americans need to take excuse for the fact that they are voters. Because of these factors, anyone can vote at any state-polling the responsibility of voting into too lazy to become informed about Voter Identification laws decrease place, and voters in remote areas their own hands. Nothing gets done issues around them. Some may voter turnout among minority can vote before an election via mail. if voter turnout rates remains low. argue that having a greater portion voters. A 2014 GAO study found According to Matt Rosenberg from Aside from that, however, there of the population vote would be a that these laws have a negative Thought. Co, prior to mandatory are so many other reasons for bad idea, as more “uninformed” effect on voter turnout among racial voting laws, Australia’s voter people to vote. The issues people citizens would vote. These minorities and other vulnerable turnout was as low as 47 percent. vote on effect everyone’s everyday “uninformed” people have just as groups, worsening the participation Once the law was passed in 1924, life. You cannot go a day without much a right to vote as anyone else. gap between voters of color and the decades that followed saw the encountering something that was Instead of keeping these uniformed white people. Voter Identification increased voter turnout rates rise to affected by elections. For example, citizens from voting, more should laws were put in effect to help around 94 percent. So much could on the local level, the bond issue that be done to make sure that they are combat voter fraud, but studies change if 94 percent of Americans recently passed affects everyone in informed. Instead of preventing the show that voter fraud is not a huge cast a ballot in an election. So many the district. The children of many problem, solve it. problem in America. In fact, it’s not more people would have a say in voters will be impacted at school There are absolutely no excuses really a problem at all. According the direction of our country. Older when new schools are being built, to not go to the polls on Election to PBS, as of 2016, there have been and wealthier Americans are more and people that don’t have kids are Day. Voting is one of the most only 44 cases of voter fraud out likely to vote than anyone else. still affected because they have to important duties an adult has in of a billion votes cast since 2000; This leads to politician’s policies pay higher taxes. Why wouldn’t America. Choosing to skip out translated to a rate of 0.0000044 being more likely to favor the you want to have a say in what on what determines the nation’s percent. Voter ID laws are a solution interests of older, wealthier people affects your everyday life and future is incredibly irresponsible. in search of a problem, especially if over everyone else, a phenomenon welfare? Healthcare, minimum Voter turnout is far too low in the the solution is discriminatory and known as “class bias.” Old rich wage, access to contraceptives, United States, and steps need to denies people their right to vote. guys’ opinions should not be all of these issues are affected by be taken to increase voter turnout. Voter identification laws must be what’s running a diverse country. elections. People that choose not to Moving Election Day to Saturday eliminated in order to solve the Everyone’s opinions deserve to be vote do not understand that they are and putting a larger emphasis on problem of lower-income citizens heard. If everyone in the United choosing to not have a say in issues voting by mail are two ways to being denied their right to vote. States was required to vote, the that affect their life. They are taking help improve voter turnout. Voter Voting must be made easier for all class-bias effect would come to an rights away from themselves. So identification laws should also be citizens in an attempt to raise voter end. Think of all the possibilities many people throughout American eliminated, as they are a solution in turnout. for change that this could bring. history have fought for this right, search of a problem. They are also yet so many people take it for discriminatory and decrease voter granted. The Revolutionary War turnout. There is a lot at stake for the was fought because the colonists midterm elections this November. did not have a say in the British Learn about the candidates. Go to parliament. Women fought and the polls. Let your voice be heard. protested for their right to vote for VOTER ID LAWS years and years. African Americans Many people are prevented also overcame many obstacles from voting in each election due for their right to participate in to unfair Voter Identification laws. the nation’s democracy. (Not to These laws require people to mention that there are plenty of present a photo ID when they go to people around the world that don’t vote. According to American Civil even have this right.) Non-voters Liberties Union, 11% of American need to understand the opportunity citizens, 21 million Americans, do that they have and what it took for not have a government-issued photo The Linn-Mar Life Improved Orange Leaf boasts new options By Kyle Spaete cap on how much money I was going register. Some people were buying menu. I have always really enjoyed Someone drove through the front to spend. them after they got their bowls of frozen going to Orange Leaf, but before the door of Orange Leaf this past spring of Bobas are the official name of yogurt and then crushing them up and renovation many of my friends and I 2018 and caused quite a bit of damage the squishy, fruit-flavored jelly balls putting them on as toppings. That had started getting bored with it. Yes, to the frozen yogurt outlet. Luckily, that so many Orange Leaf customers seemed like a good idea at first but then the self -serve flavors did change, but when I went there for a treat recently, are obsessed with (including I realized that the cookies are an extra other than that it was always the same the outlet had been completely myself). Bobas start to really weigh couple dollars so just putting more thing. After going there since the renovated. Orange Leaf (located in the down your bowl after just one big candy on your bowl for a couple extra renovation, there is so much more on Lindale Crossing complex at 4866 1st scoop. Orange Leaf recently took cents might just be a bit cheaper. Plus their menu. My experience at Orange Ave NE in Cedar Rapids) reopened this advantage of this by adding a “Boba crushed up chocolate bars do not get as Leaf “2.0” made the decision to go back summer on July 28th. Based on my Tea” to their menu. Although I did soggy as crushed cookie chunks. soon an easy one. The hard decision experience at the remodeled Orange not try the drink, I did manage to look Overall, Orange Leaf has added a now is deciding what new dessert I am Leaf, I will definitely be going back for at one up close. They are pretty self- much wider selection of choices to their going to try next. seconds soon. explanatory coming as a typical cup of When I walked inside for the first tea (the same size cup as a milkshake), time since the renovation, the first but a couple scoops of bobas are added differences I noticed was that there into the cup. It looked very interesting was new flooring, the toppings counter and it is something that I will definitely had been updated, and there were more be taste-testing in the near future. light fixtures. The menu had also While teens are already familiar changed and had more options such as with how the self-serve line works shakes, smoothies, sodas, and coffee/ with all the different flavors to choose fro-yo drinks. from, what people do not realize is how The coffee mixed with vanilla often some of the flavors change. An frozen yogurt looked very tempting Orange Leaf team member explained since like many teens, I really like to me that the popular flavors such coffee, but since it was late at night as brownie batter and wedding cake I figured I would get a shake instead are pretty much always available year of something loaded with caffeine. I round. Some of the more seasonal ordered a cookies and cream milkshake flavors such as pina colada might only for $5.00 and I used a $1.00 off coupon be available during the warmer months. that a friend had given me. While it Another change I noticed when I is a bit on the expensive side, it was got to the counter was a display of worth the money. fancy looking cookies near the cash The shake was very thick and creamy; the perfect texture for a milkshake. It was almost too thick to drink through a straw, but too thin Pumpkin Spice lattesthe arepopular pumpkin back spice drink. By Ashton Kapelanski to eat easily with a spoon. The oreo Cinnamon and nutmeg are fine. But “There’s just too many steps, it’s Many of us can’t wait for bits and flavoring were evenly mixed pumpkin spice lattes are about sugar,” glorified mocha,” says Starr, who aays fall! What’s not to love? Football throughout the shake since cookies and said Katie Ferraro, R.D., M.P.H., a the drink makes up about 22% of his season is in full swing, the leaves cream frozen yogurt was used as the dietitian, nutrition consultant, and transactions on an average fall day. are turning a beautiful amber and base of the shake. assistant clinical professor of nutrition. Starr says he cannot even wrap his pumpkin spice lattes are everywhere! Most teens in Marion have been Now a pumpkin spice latte every head around how many pumpkin spice According to Kenzie Menza, to Orange Leaf and are familiar with now and then won’t hurt you but lattes he makes on Happy Hour days, writer for The Mic, Starbucks knew how the self-serve part works, but the is it possible to become addicted? when specialty drinks are discounted. they had a winning latte within the shakes are a bit different. Instead of “Research shows that sugar Not everybody at Linn-Mar is first weeks of introducing pumpkin going through the line and filling a can be even more addicting than coffee-obsessed, however. Senior spice to their menu back in 2004. cup with frozen yogurt, you order your cocaine,” says Cassie Bjork, R.D., Serena Bizzard says she has “been “Since 2004, the immensely shake, drink, or smoothie right at the L.D., founder of Healthy Simple Life. clean from caffeine for over thirteen successful pumpkin spice latte has cashier and then one of the Orange According to Bjork, sugar activates months now.” Serena says she can brought in over $70 million in profits Leaf team members will make it and the reward center of our brain and remember the days after morning for Starbucks,” says Zaw Thiha bring it out to you. our brain craves being rewarded. swim practices when she would beg Tun, writer for Investopedia. With The difference between a shake at Linn-Mar Athletic Trainer, Marissa her mom to bring her a Starbuck’s this fall drink bringing in so much Orange Leaf and a shake at other ice Yorgey, believes that our student Frappuccino or white chocolate mocha. money annually it is no surprise cream shops is that the shake does not body has become “addicted to sugar” “I would beg for a sugary coffee at that the drink was released earlier entirely come from a separate shake and that our “growing bodies really least once a day,” says Bizzard. Serena than ever this year on August 28th. machine. What happens is that an don’t need caffeine.” Yorgey says that says her addiction hit an all-time high “The early release date was a Orange Leaf team member will fill students should watch the consumption when she got her driver’s license. “I great way for Starbucks to gain free a cup of the frozen yogurt flavor you of sugary coffees because there is no was at a coffee shop at least once a day publicity,” says Cady Lang, writer for picked from the self-serve area. Then beneficial calories in “dessert coffees.” whether it was before school or after Time Magazine. Lang may be onto they add milk and cream to the frozen Yorgey says she believes that the a late night practice.” Now Bizzard something because multiple popular yogurt. Next they take it to a mixer majority of Starbucks coffees are says she does not miss coffee too Twitter accounts, such as Common to evenly distribute all the milk and filled with empty calories, referring much and she feels she sleeps better White Girl, who has over 32.8 frozen yogurt. The end result was a to high caloric foods/drinks that than she did on her days when she thousand followers, tweeted multiple very creamy and evenly mixed shake have little to no nutritional value. was hopped up on sugar and caffeine. times about the early release date. that was brought out to me while I was According to Natalie Butler, RD, Starbucks is making thousands With thousands of people drinking able to sit down and visit with friends. LD, medical reviewer for HealthLine, a of dollars off a sugary drink that is pumpkin spice lattes annually you have The good thing about the desserts short-term side effect to consuming too literally designed to make our bodies to wonder what makes them so good? that are made behind the counter many empty calories is always being become physically addicted. There The answer is simple, sugar and lots of it! is that you pay one set price off hungry; a long-term affect is obesity. is good news for all you caffeine According to Starbucks nutritional the menu. This is a good thing for Yogey recommends trying a fanatics, however. Time Magazine website, one 16 oz. pumpkin spice someone like me who likes to get way pumpkin tea or plain black coffee writer Jamie Ducharme says, “The latte contains 380 calories, 12 grams too much frozen yogurt and then adds to avoid unnecessary sugar intake. first step to breaking your coffee of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, 14 even more toppings causing my bowl She recommends that athletes addiction is to convince yourself that grams of protein and 50 grams of to weigh a lot and cost more money should avoid sugar and that all you do not need the extra caffeine.” sugar. That’s double the recommended (self-serve bowls are charged based on students could drink more water. When the leaves start falling and sugar intake for women, according to how much they weigh). I have in the Even the making of pumpkin spice the temperatures dip, remember it American Heart Association. Overall, past spent over $7.00 on a single large lattes are affecting students here at Linn might be wise to pace yourself when the latte is not a healthy choice. bowl of frozen yogurt. Buying a shake Mar. Senior Nolan Starr, a Starbucks it comes to the pumpkin spice lattes. was the right decision because it put a “Pumpkin itself is healthy. employee, says he dreads making The Linn-Mar Life Podcasts are now a “series” business By Ashton Kapelanski harm.” Laura Beil takes listeners on taste like?” These random wacky the tip of the iceberg when it comes We all go through the phase a disturbing journey as she tells the questions are enough for Litchman to to the podcast world. Many credible of listening to the same music on story of how Dr. Duntsch intentionally turn into a half an hour long episode. sources such as The Times and The replay and it’s easy to get sick of the harmed people for three years without Every Little Thing has been streaming Atlantic report annually on “The Best repetition. Why not switch it up and any repercussions. Dr. Duntsch’s since 2017. New episodes drop every Podcast of the Year (So Far)” and offer try something new, like a podcast! A story is a nightmare; he destroyed Monday. You can listen to Every a wide range of interesting podcasts, podcast can be compared to talk radio over 30 spines and murdered two Little Thing just about anywhere as such as daily news podcast and ranting but many hosts (people who are the people from purposely botching his it is streamed on 11 outlets, such as podcast (yes there are podcast out there voices of the podcast) continuously surgeries. Listen to the devastating tale Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. of people just complaining). Podcasts talk about a topic of interest such of how people’s lives were ruined by a There is a podcast for just about are a great way to get information as books, comedy, crime or current healthcare system that failed to protect everything, whether you’re into sports, and the topics can sometimes be events. What sets podcasts apart from them and find out what happened to crime, or just life itself, there is a a great conversation starter. So go radio is that most don’t have a station, Dr. Death. There are six episodes of podcast out there for you. The three find your favorite podcast and take they are simply audio files that are Dr. Death and each is an hour long. shared podcasts in this article are just a break from your repeating playlist. streamed through music or audio You can listen to Dr. Death on Apple outlets. Podcast have been around since Podcast, Spotify, Stitcher and Tune In. the early 2000’s but “in 2015, podcast Every Little Thing, Hosted became a series business” says Mikaela by Flora Lichtman Lefrak, former associate editor and Every Little Thing is a great podcast to podcast producer for the New Republic. help you disconnect from the chaotic According to Sarah Perez, journalist world and find answers to questions for Techcrunch, the podcast industry you never knew you had. The host, had a record year in 2017, making Flora Lichtman a scientific journalist, $314 million in revenue. “112 million and helps listeners discover topics Americans have listened to podcasts” that most of us have never considered. says Jayson Mers, a journalist at Many of the episode topics come Forbes. With podcasts gaining so from questions asked by listeners, much popularity it can be hard to questions like “Did pirates really have pick which podcast is right for you. peg legs?” and “What would dinosaurs Here are three suggestions to kick off your podcasting experience. My Favorite Murder, hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark: Teen Juuling becomes a health issue By Nina Taylor easy to hide. Unlike a cigarette, you it doesn’t really bother me, but I My Favorite Murder is a weekly, true- Since the release of the first Juul in don’t need a lighter to use it, you can still don’t understand the point.” crime podcast that mixes together 2017, the company has gotten millions keep it in your wallet or pocket, and Another prominent issue is crime and comedy. Every week of teens hooked. According to the it doesn’t let off a lot of smoke,” says that many users don’t know when the hosts upload two episodes. On National Youth Tobacco Survey, 11.7 sixteen-year-old Olivia Martinson, they’re addicted. Juuling, for them, Mondays they upload one episode percent of high school students and 3.3 a junior at Linn-Mar High School. goes from a habit on weekends where Kilgariff and Hardstark talk percent of middle school students owned “Personally, I think Juuling is stupid and to an all-day, everyday use. This about two historical or fascinating and used a Juul as of 2017. Together, people should understand the risk that much nicotine on a growing brain murders. They present their murders to this is over 2.1 million teens. To put they are taking before they buy a Juul.” and body is incredibly harmful. the audience as though they are telling that number in perspective, imagine Although many teenagers know “I wouldn’t say that I’m addicted,’ a story to each other. An episode can everyone in the state of New Mexico the prominent health risks that are says one senior under-aged from last anywhere between an hour and owning a Juul…. that is how many associated with vaping and Juuling, Marion High School. “I definitely get half to two hours long. On Thursday, teens own and use a Juul as of 2017. many think Juuling is a safer upset when I don’t have it after a long the duo uploads what they call a “mini- Many people wonder...why is this alternative to cigarette smoking. time, but it’s not like I need it every sode” where they read the stories of such an issue for teenagers in the U.S? While it may be safer in terms of the second of every day. When I went fans who have interesting murders or The answer: millions have bought a number of harmful chemicals being to California, though, I didn’t use it crimes that occurred in the fan’s home Juul in order to “fit in.” or to do the same ingested, the addiction factor is just as for a week. It was honestly terrible.” town. Not all “hometowns” (stories thing as their friends. After buying this high, if not higher than smoking. And Underage smoking is as prominent fans send in from their hometowns) product, kids can get easily hooked due manufacturers are actively promoting now as it ever was, but now the focus have crimes, some stories are just out to the insanely high amount of nicotine these devices to younger kids with is turning toward vaping and Juuling. of the ordinary events that happened in in a single pod. In one Juul pod, there skillful marketing and flavored pods. The scary aspect of all this is that Juul’s that person’s life. The podcast can be is the same amount of nicotine that “I don’t Juul because there is no encourage kids to become addicted simply described as amazing; it’s like is present in two packs of cigarettes. benefit, the only result is that you look without them even realizing it. Once listening to two of your best friends While some users may not care about like a stupid-head,” says sixteen-year- they realize they are addicted, it is too have a conversation. My Favorite this information now, they often old Maddie Dejong, a Linn-Mar junior. late. Luckily, many teens are starting to Murder has gained so much popularity don’t realize how much a nicotine “When I see people that I know Juuling, realize how harmful this habit can be. that Kilgariff and Hardstark go on tours addiction can affect them in the future. and perform live shows. At live shows, “I mostly bought one because I was the hosts share historical murders that bored and had nothing to do. Most of took place in the state where they’re my friends had either a Juul or a vape, so appearing. Since they started touring in I bought a Juul because it was cheap,” 2016, the shows are always sold out. says an anonymous student at Marion Kilgariff and Hardstark have brought High School. Being only seventeen, together people who are obsessed he is an underage user. “Once school with murder, but not in a serial killer started I definitely started using it way. The podcast has their own fan less, but in the summer and on the cult where exclusive members get to weekends, I always have it with me.” listen to live shows and have access Nowadays, young teens buy Juul’s to exclusive merchandise. Listeners out of boredom and eventually develop and fans can join the fan cult for an addiction. This addiction can $40. You can listen to My Favorite happen quickly and can have lifelong Murder on Apple Podcast and Spotify. effects. Young teens using a Juul out Dr. Death, produced by Wondery of boredom or to fit in can become and reported by Laura Beil lifelong smokers, develop cancer, Dr. Death is a six-episode podcast or even smoke their way to death. that tells the horrifying story of Dr. “I think a lot of people use Juul’s Christopher Duntsch and how our because other than the addictive healthcare system failed to “do no element, they are very convenient and The Linn-Mar Life Multi-talented Yem lives life to the fullest By Kyle Spaete “I have more important things to restaurant let alone coming home with Justin Binh Yem’s worst pet peeve think about right now,” Justin said. half the skin on his hands that he started may be something really unusually The one thing Justin does know for with that morning. Even though he proper for a typical 16-year-old sure is that he will never have any pets always tries to live life to the fullest, junior at Linn-Mar High School. because even though they are cute, Justin will most likely be taking a “I hate it when people don’t hold pets are way too much work for him. break from adventures for a little while. spoons the right way, you’re supposed Justin did manage to find something Soccer, his only sport, is something to hold it like a pencil not with a closed in life not to be picky about: Justin could also easily get hurt fist!” Between the wrong spoon grip music. Justin will gladly play just playing. Justin plays for PSC (Prairie and any spoon that doesn’t look like the about any song on the saxophone or Soccer Club) in the fall and Linn- ones he has at his house, Justin really the piano. There isn’t a song, artist, Mar’s team in the spring. His interest doesn’t like to do a lot with spoons. band, or genre that Justin could say is in soccer came from his older brother, Forks are his favorite silverware and his favorite. He just listens to anything Josh, who also played for Linn-Mar carbs are his favorite genre of food. catchy. Justin plans on having a major when he was in high school and from his “I like anything ‘carby’, but Noodles in pharmacy, but would also like to get dad, who still sometimes plays soccer and Company is trash. I like good a minor in music at the University of in the adult league at Rockwell Collins. carbs,” Justin said. His favorite food Iowa. Even the craziest thing Justin The PSC soccer facility is on the south is potatoes in any form except baked. wants to do is music related; he would side of Cedar Rapids near Kirkwood Justin was enjoying some waffles fries love to go to a wild music festival. Community College and the Prairie with fry sauce during the interview “Don’t know when or where Community School District. This is at Chick-Fil-A, one of his favorite but I’m going,” Justin said. quite the drive for Justin to do a couple restaurants. Justin says he enjoys Justin does indeed have a favorite days a week from the north side of people know that. He also cares about eating out and going to dances with celebrity and a favorite movie Cedar Rapids. Lucky for Justin, he what people think about him,” said friends whenever he gets the chance. series. He loves Jennifer Lawrence just got a 2014 Toyota Camry which Tess Dorman, a junior at Linn-Mar However, food isn’t the only thing and all of the movies she has been a he is in love with. This is why it’s High School and a friend of Justin. Justin is picky about. He is also picky part of with The Hunger Games trilogy hard for him to think of a dream car Justin, pushes himself to get about his clothes and his shoes, and being at the top of his list. With themes for the future because his current car good grades, to stay active, to have most importantly, what brand they surrounding what evil governments is really nice, especially for a teenager. a social life, and to make his mom are. Dick’s Sporting Goods is his and money can do to people, The Justin parks in the north lot at Linn- and dad proud on any given day. He favorite store because Justin “loves Hunger Games is right up Justin’s alley. Mar which can be kind of unnerving says he didn’t think that someone me some shoes.” Nike, Adidas, and The government doesn’t personally for him since the high school parking would want to go out of their way American Eagle are Justin’s favorite scare Justin, but what they can do to lot is notorious for fender benders. to learn more about him, which left clothing brands. Knock-off brands hurt other less fortunate people scares Justin has quite a few friends him pleasantly surprised. Justin can such as Fila are another thing that him. Justin does have a fear of the and cares a lot about them. be a little petty and very picky with irritates him. Justin says he likes unknown, specifically death. He does “Justin works very hard and is things like proper spoon posture, but to “stay in the know” when it comes believe in an afterlife. Justin, a Buddhist passionate about the stuff he does, he means very well and will someday to fashion. Justin summed up his on paper, says he really doesn’t care like playing his saxophone. He is be known as someone who is trying shopping philosophy when he said, about religion in general although he is also passionate about grades and lets to make the world a better place. “I have no regrets about buying superstitious and believes in things such anything; I get it because I want it.” as psychics, ghosts, and haunted places. Many parents of trendy teenagers Soulmates are another thing Justin Sleep necessary for good health know that buying only name brands thinks might be real but he said, “I By Nolan Starr can be very pricy. Luckily, Justin plans can’t be for sure about those because While many of us do everything number of interactions inside the body. on doing something in the medical I definitely haven’t found mine yet!” in our power to maintain our health When sleep occurs, it is actually the body field like maybe being a doctor, so he Worrying too much is something and well-being, there is one thing that sending signals to the neurotransmitters will be able to pay for his fashion habit. that irritates Justin about himself. many people constantly overlook: in the brain to turn off and allow Justin says he wants to so successful “I worry about things I can’t control getting enough sleep. Some see sleep the brain to get much-needed rest. that he won’t have to introduce himself in general like school, friends, and as a waste of time, an activity that eats Many people ignore the countless to people. This is all for a good reason; yes, ghosts,” Justin said. Something up too many countless hours of their medical benefits from getting Justin wants to save peoples’ lives and other people do that will make or lives. Others say they are simply too the correct amount of sleep. be known for saving peoples’ lives. He break a friendship with Justin is when busy to sleep. Still others desperately “Sleep deprivation can increase got his interest in science from his they do not own up to their mistakes want to sleep but have trouble falling the risk of heart attacks by 200% in parents and his older brother. Kelly, and apologize for them. This being or staying asleep. Despite the countless individuals who get less than six hours Justin’s mom, is a pharmacist and his said, Justin doesn’t have an official physical and mental benefits from of sleep a night. When we lose an hour dad, John, works at Rockwell Collins. “arch-nemesis” to watch out for. sleeping, many people still do not get in the spring due to daylight savings Josh, Justin’s older brother (whom Justin said “there are people I like the recommended amount of sleep. time, heart attacks increase by 24%. A Justin feels he is in the shadow of) is and then there are people I don’t Scientific evidence shows that lack of sleep also increases one’s risk also planning on becoming a doctor. like, but I don’t have any enemies.” getting the recommended amount of of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, Although he would like to think While politics do make Justin sleep has endless medical benefits but as sleep is believed to help clear out so, Justin knows that there is not anxious from time to time, he cannot people continue to ignore it. Why? the protein build-up in the brain that a true favorite kid in his family’s be associated with either political party. “I know that sleep is important is associated with both diseases. Sleep household. He says both of his parents “I just like to keep an open mind but really it just seems like a waste deprivation also decreases anti-cancer will not care what their sons do in life about the way things are going in the of time, says Michala Miller, senior. fighting cells by 7%. Just one night as long as they are successful and very world,” Justin said. For example, he “With all of the things I have going of less than 4-5 hours of sleep, can happy. Having lived his entire life in does not care at all if people stand or on between dance and schoolwork, increase risks for intestinal tract cancer, Cedar Rapids, Justin doesn’t think he kneel for the national anthem. Justin I wish that it wasn’t necessary.” prostate cancer, and breast cancer. will end up staying in the city as an adult. just thinks people should do whatever The constant stream of activities The World Health Organization has “C.R. is a nice place but it’s not my they want and also knows if he got both inside and outside of school keeps even listed any job that interferes with dream city,” he said. Orlando would be too much into politics he would students busy and doesn’t always allow an individual’s circadian rhythm as Justin’s first pick since it is always nice worry way more than he already does. much time for needed sleep. This is a potential carcinogen. A person who and warm there by Iowan standards. Dying unexpectedly is a scary thought one of the many ways that sleep seems is sleep-deprived cannot form new Justin admits that Cedar Rapids for Justin, but that didn’t stop him from to elude those that need it the most. memories, and has the same mental would be a relatively safe place to raise climbing to the top of a rock wall tower While many people either hate or capacity and reflexes while driving as a family. He thinks he’ll most likely get at a youth community get-together. He love the idea of getting a good night’s someone who is illegally intoxicated married and maybe have two children, then slipped and got nasty burns on sleep, sleep is important at its core behind the wheel. Sleeping less than 6 but he is not sure yet. Justin also both hands doing probably the craziest and benefits us in numerous ways. hours has also been shown to increase isn’t set on what a dream house or car thing he’s done in his life yet. His mom According to the American Sleep the likelihood of obesity and depression. would look like for him. He just wants was not too happy about that. Being a Association (ASA) sleep is not the From a medical standpoint, sleep is one something really nice since having a protective mother, she does not like it dormant activity that it was once of the best things that one can do for lot of money is one of his life goals. when Justin gets unhealthy food at a believed to be; it is actually a countless their own mental and physical health. The Linn-Mar Life Streaming services plentiful, these three stand above the rest By Sudeep Gadde them whenever they are playing. up to 50 hours of recorded TV to section. Netflix’s streaming service Nearly 60 percent of all Americans While these packages do slightly store for download or to watch analyzes what you are and have used streaming services in 2018. add to the membership premium, later. This is one of Hulu’s best been watching and shows similar Just ten years ago, most Americans the wide variety of packages features. By being able to record content and movies that may spark watched movies, TV shows, and focused towards sports teams and the shows, it is possible to watch your interest. That is one my favorite news on local network stations or on even different languages around live events that may happen only sections as it helps me find new satellite dish service. Now, however, the world make Sling TV a very once an endless number of times. shows I can start to binge-watch. dish service is becoming extinct viable option for certain audiences. Hulu is also organized The rest of the columns are titled and streaming services are taking Sling TV works on all computers, exceptionally well. When logged according to a category or genre its place. With the absence of dish, smart TVs and also has very good in, it first allows the user to continue including: action, dramas, romance, streaming services such as Netflix, viewing experiences on mobile watching a previous show or look at documentaries, comedy, sci-fi & Hulu, Sling TV, Prime TV, and more phones. In my own experience with more Hulu favorites. All the movies fantasy, international, and etc. recently YouTube TV are thriving. watching it on my laptop, I noticed and shows are categorized according Shows being organized according The rising popularity of streaming Sling TV showed high-quality video to genre in order to easily find a to category allows viewers to scroll services is due to convenience, on both my laptop and my Android show that you feel like watching. down until they find a genre of personalization, affordability, and Phone with only a slight buffer. The My favorite feature of Hulu was in interest. The visual appeal of Netflix on-demand availability. Also, these Sling-TV app is very easy to use the Live TV section which I trialed is also great, featuring a black services can now be watched on and I was easily able to get to any last summer. The Live TV section and red logo and color scheme, mobile phones, tablets and laptops. channel I wanted. One of the main is organized by channel type. Once with a large picture of a featured While many streaming services are places Sling TV stood out was on the viewer picks a channel to watch, show on the top of the screen. currently active, some are definitely my Samsung Smart TV. Sling TV the system allows you to split screen Netflix memberships are offered better than others. I was able to was well integrated with the TV’s other channels in order to watch in three different plans. While use three streaming services last voice control, which allowed me two live shows at the same time. the content offered is the same summer through one week free trials to give commands such as, “Put On top of that, Hulu has a channel on all three plans, the difference and found all of them to be unique ESPN2 on Sling TV.” Despite all guide very similar to one on a Dish comes in the number of users on in their own ways. This article will of these great features, there were a TV service which allows viewers to the account at the same time and showcase the top three streaming couple of problems with Sling TV. see what shows are coming up at a the quality of the content. The services based on usability, content, A problem that regularly reoccurred certain time. This thoughtful feature three plans are Basic, Standard customer service, personalization, with Sling is that it would stop is not seen in any other service. HD, and Premium Ultra HD. The and viewing experience responding on my phone whenever In my one week trial using Hulu, three plans cost $7.99/month, Coming in at #3 is Sling TV I processed a video that was very I never ran into any problems. The $10.99/month, and $13.99/month Sling TV does an exceptional job popular. On top of this, Sling TV customer service was also more respectively. I have the Standard with live streaming. The streaming would occasionally indicate that than adequate. When I purposely HD plan, and we can have two service has all available American Wi-Fi was not available when went over my free-trial to watch a people watching Netflix at the same channels and international viewing the network was actually well certain live event, Hulu still gave time. We never ran into a problem packages one could hope for. Sling connected. Fortunately, Sling TV’s me a refund. Hulu is the most well- with Netflix in the last two years TV is fast, reliable and definitely customer service was very easy to rounded service in the market in 2018. with both my family and another available at an average price. get to and based on my experiences, Coming in at # 1 is Netflix family sharing one Netflix account. While Sling TV does not have reps were very nice. When I Out of all the streaming services, Netflix works well on all a list of movies that stay on the accidentally went over my free Netflix is definitely the most used computers and smart TVs and has service for a period of time, Sling trial by two days, they offered me and the most successful. This high very good viewing experience on TV conveniently allows viewers a free refund. Sling TV is definitely viewership reflects the quality of mobile phones as well. It rarely to watch certain movies and sports a reliable streaming service. the videos presented in Netflix and buffers and has a useful way to go events up to 24 hours after they Coming in at #2 is Hulu its user interface. Netflix offers forward or back 30 seconds in a play live. The user interface of Hulu is definitely one of the almost endless selections of movies, content with the click of a button. Sling TV is very simple, allowing most appealing streaming services TV serials, and documentaries Netflix has a very good interface users to select favorite sports and in the market right now. The that one cannot even fully fathom. on Samsung Smart TV’s, Rokus, TV channels. After the viewing growing viewership can attest to Netflix is fast, reliable, and offers and on Apple TV’s. Chromecasting choices have been made, Sling the quality and reputation that a very competitive low price. from your phone onto your TV is organizes them according to shows Hulu has built among users in the While Netflix doesn’t offer any very easy as well. The streaming that are ‘on now’ and ‘upcoming’. 21st Century. Hulu offers a large live services, most movies that service is well-integrated into the This gives users an easy choice of library of different movies that are in the theaters eventually Google Assistant on my Android selecting a channel and quickly are not offered on Netflix. While come onto Netflix. Netflix’s large phone, where it allows me to getting their entertainment. most of the content is movies, a library of content that everyone easily get to my show with a Sling TV’s user interface theme small number of TV shows are wants to see makes it an amazing simple voice command. One of black, blue, and orange is also present. While the content of choice for a variety of users. of my favorite features of Netflix somewhat appealing to the eye. Hulu doesn’t match the amount The streaming service’s user is being able to download movies One of the best aspects of offered in Netflix, Hulu definitely interface is simply the best. Netflix and TV shows. It is convenient to Sling TV is being able to pay for has its own unique features. Hulu allows every member of a family download videos for long car or what you most want to watch as offers both live TV and on-demand to create their own profile in order plane rides, where there may not be there are two different services a shows. Hulu’s appealing user to keep track of what people are Wi-Fi or where Wi-Fi is too costly. member can choose between. The interface shows a white bar at the watching individually. Once logged In the Standard HD plan, you can first service, Sling Orange, provides top with a green to black hombre in, the first row features a ‘Continue download about 20 different items more channels based on sports and design which makes Hulu seem Watching’ section, so one can on two different devices. This food; Sling Blue offers a different like a costly premium service. easily resume the movie they were allows any viewer to binge-watch set of channels focused more on Hulu offers two different plans. watching or get back to the TV a TV serial or newer releases, even news and lifestyle. Both packages The Basic plan at $7.99/month serial they were binge-watching. on the go. The only time I called cost $25. The personalization offers unlimited access to all on- Right under that is the ‘Trending Netflix customer service was when I option comes with the additional demand movies and shows in the Now’ section, which shows what was trying to change from the Basic packages that can be tailored best quality. The Live Television most other people are watching, plan to the Standard HD plan and according to viewer needs. For plan, costly at $39.99/month, offers so you can find a new movie that everything went smoothly, Based example, an NBA basketball fan unlimited TV shows and movies is liked by many other people. on content, quality, and value for can buy a package of his favorite and over 50 channels. On top of that, Another useful section close to the the price, Netflix is definitely the team so they can always watch the live television aspect allows top row is the ‘Top Picks for You’ best streaming service out there. The Linn-Mar Life Hamilton changes the way Americans view history By Maddie DeJong sisters. You see how without Eliza emotionally connected to the characters every audience member can understand. In 2015, Hamilton, a brand new Schuyler, Alexander Hamilton’s wife, and hungry for change along with The way the story is told brings the musical, hit the stage with cutting-edge there would be no one to tell his story. the Americans fighting for freedom audience to tears and evokes emotions music and performance, which made She lives out her life speaking upon and justice. I was enamored with that make this story so much better than a previously boring topic relevant and his beliefs and becoming a feminist the talent and emotions the dancers reading about history in a textbook. cutting-edge. In the second season of icon of her own as she voices the were able to show. I was inspired by The realism Lin-Manuel Miranda uses Hamilton on Broadway, the production problems stemming from a country that how the dancing was just as up to makes this story so relatable. Hamilton made $1.45 billion. It has won a privileges the white man above all else. date as the music and the theme. The humanizes the people in history to Grammy, a Pulitzer Prize, and several The show itself, aside from movement quality and choreography the point that it prompts the audience Tony awards. This musical has been the significance of the casting and was as generous as the music itself. to understand that the person on our in production for only four years yet moving story, is incredible. I had The second act comes with more $10 bill is someone to look up to. Our is already ranked 11th in top-grossing the opportunity to see Hamilton in complexity as the story blurs the Founding Fathers are not just figures, Broadway musicals. The more Chicago last February. I went into lines between good and evil. The but people with emotions. By the end of impressive feat of this hot contemporary the performance knowing only very protagonists make mistakes that could the night, I had a better understanding musical is the new rap and hip hop limited bits of information. I knew the be deemed unforgivable. Villains may of this country as a whole and was that brought this old story to younger story was about the Revolutionary War be evidently the “bad guy” but their forever inspired by this story that was generations in new, exhilarating ways. and was set to hip hop music rather actions have a level of justification that performed so beautifully and flawlessly. The talented Lin-Manuel Miranda than traditional Broadway music. As wrote this powerful story with moving I took my seat in the theater, I was lyrics and modernized how society unprepared to see such inspirational views the potential of what a single music, acting and dancing. The first act musical can bring to the world. was full of meeting the main characters The creation of Hamilton was not an and understanding Alexander Hamilton overnight success. On vacation, Lin- as a person. Even though I had heard Manuel Miranda was in need a good very little of the music, I understood book to keep him occupied on the plane. everything perfectly. I didn’t feel like Little did he know it was the seed that the speed of the rap or the complexity he needed to grow into an international inhibited me to be fully immersed in success that would change his life. The the acting and feelings the rest of the book he choose was Ron Chernow’s audience was experiencing, which is incredible biography of Alexander no small feat. The small cast was able Hamilton; The First U.S Secretary of to balance rapping as well as singing the Treasury. Hamilton is the man who seemingly effortlessly. I was quickly created the economic system that we use today. After reading that book, it took him seven years to write Hamilton. Every line and word he wrote has been New Halloween movie nothing special by John Kubecka Dr. Loomis had been. They track down hand, primarily the teenagers, are very put through a considerable amount Halloween is a 40-year-old franchise Michael’s lone survivor of his rampage, flat, one-dimensional characters. The of consideration in order to create a that has quite the cult following since it Laurie Strode, and talk with her, giving doctor and the main characters have beautiful piece of art that would turn started as an indie slasher film in 1978 her $3,000 in exchange for information a bit more depth than your average an old revolution into a revelation. from the minds of John Carpenter and about what happened to her. horror film. The doctor in this film is Hamilton has gone through criticism Debra Hill. This review will cover Next, the audience meets the film’s a very interesting character because he about its use of diverse cast to star as the first two films and the new 2018 main characters, family members who has such an obsession with Michael the political figures in the 18th century. version. One technically doesn’t really are related to Laurie. Laurie is suffering that when he finds him after he breaks “It’s the story about America then, told need to see the other movies in the horrible PTSD and often practices out of the mental institution, he kills by America now,” director Tommy franchise because they’re not very story shooting guns. As a backstory, the a cop just to see what it feels like to Kail said as he defended his choice driven and can be explained simply. viewer learns that Laurie had a kill someone. He tries to get Michael to cast African-Americans, Latinos Synopsis: The main idea behind daughter, Karen, who was taken away to speak but Michael smashes his head and Asians as the Founding Fathers Halloween deals with Michael Myers, from her after birth. Similar to other open, making for the best kill in the and their female contemporaries. The a serial killer who never speaks a word films in the franchise, this current film entire series. The story is interesting entire theme of the musical seems to and just kills every person besides also has Michael escaping the mental at some points, but at other points it scream the modernization of America, little kids for whatever reason. The institution and killing everyone he is quite stale and boring (this being both through its voice as a modern story begins in 1963, in Haddonfield, sees, including reporters, babysitters the 11th film of the franchise). It just hip hop musical as well as the diverse Illinois when Michael kills his teenage and assorted random people as he felt like similar territory and very cast. The musical is more reflective of sister when he is six and is then sent makes his way back to Haddonfield. generic all around. The violence kind America now and is meant to display to a mental hospital for 15 years. He Michael makes his way to Allyson, of makes up for the stale plot line with the country’s diversity even if the then escapes and goes on a murderous who is Laurie’s granddaughter, and a bit of gore and somewhat cool kills. story was originally different. It is a rampage in Haddonfield. His doctor, stalks and frightens her. The doctor By the time the credits ran, I was story through Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Dr. Loomis,” sums him up as pure makes his way to Haddonfield warning disappointed and the ending of the eyes that has become relevant to every evil. He constantly warns the town people about Michael but again, movie was very predictable. The American in today’s society- not just to about Michael but they don’t listen. A no one listens except Laurie (who new movie was also not even scary; the people who held positions of power bunch of unsuspecting and horny teens of course has a personal vendetta it felt like I was watching a made for 200 years ago. The story is about an who are babysitting are constantly against him). Laurie, Karen and TV edited movie because I felt like immigrant that changed this country stalked and are eventually all killed, Allyson eventually make their way there could have been some good by setting the economic foundation except one. The lone survivor is Laurie to Laurie’s secret cellar and equip scares in it, but there wasn’t. Some upon which the United States still Strode, who is just a normal girl who themselves with guns. Michael makes of the killings were off screen and the stands on today. The audience watches is stalked by Michael and eventually his way to the house, killing along director only shows the bodies, which as Alexander Hamilton struggles to stabbed but not to the point of needing the way, but the ladies have set a trap was disappointing. Overall, this movie prove himself as he writes tirelessly for urgent care. Dr. Loomis eventually finds to lure in Michael. When Michael ran very stale and familiar for me and his entire life. His never-stand-down Michael and shoots him repeatedly enters the cellar, the trap causes the when you’re at the 11th installment of mentality through every battle can before Michael then disappears. The entire house to burn, killing Michael. the film, you want something different parallel the struggle every immigrant newest version of Halloween covers Halloween (2018): than just babysitters dying. The viewer faces in today’s political climate the events of 40 years after the original, This film may be set 40 years later, doesn’t even get to see Michael burn as we still struggle to address the ignoring all the alternate timelines of but honestly, it’s nothing special. The to death, which is disappointing. There uncomfortable issues that surround race. previous Halloween movies. It opens series at this point is so tired but the were a few good aspects to the movie, This version of the story not only with two journalists who visit Michael acting in this film is definitely a step especially Jamie Lee Curtis’ adaptation modernizes the country’s view of race in the hospital to research what exactly up, especially with Jamie Lee Curtis’s of Laurie Strode. The interesting but also give credit that the woman is wrong with him and why he still return as Laurie Strode. Her acting in doctor and the aforementioned head in the 18th century deserve. As the doesn’t speak a word. We meet a new this film is very strong and is definitely smash were also worthwhile but other audience watches the story unfold, they doctor, Dr. Ranbir Sartain, who is just as worth the price of admission itself. than that, nothing too special. 4.5/10 realize the influence of the Schuyler obsessed with Michael as the previous The additional characters, on the other The Linn-Mar Life Kaepernick taking a knee misunderstood By Nell Marie Barrios his perspective and reaction to the country? The answer is no, In August of 2016, Colin Kaepernick protest, but added that he also wanted and that’s why Kaepernick sparked national controversy over to better understand what he was doing. isn’t standing for the flag. his silent, kneeling protest during the “If I had noticed my teammates sitting He states, “When there’s National Anthem, which aimed to on the bench, it would have really hurt significant change and I bring awareness to the discrimination me...I’m not judging you for standing feel that flag represents and police brutality towards people up for what you believe in. It’s your what it’s supposed to of color across the US. The argument inalienable right. What you are doing represent, and this country continued, and gradually, many other takes a lot of courage, and I’d be lying is representing people the NFL players and athletes joined in if I said I knew what it was like to walk way that it’s supposed to, support of Kaepernick and his message around in your shoes. I’ve never had I’ll stand.” It doesn’t mean on the field. Nearly two years later, to deal with prejudice because of the these kneeling protesters although the protest still hasn’t faded color of my skin, and for me to say I are trying to break the away, the debate has been sparked can relate to what you’ve gone through “unity” of the country, once again, mostly due to Nike’s 30th is as ignorant as someone who’s but if people of color Anniversary celebration of the “Just never been in a combat zone telling are continuously being Do It” campaign, which featured Colin me they understand what it’s like to treated differently from Kaepernick along with the words: go to war,” Boyer wrote. Boyer and white Americans, then “Believe in something. Even if it means Kaepernick met and talked for about there wasn’t true unity to sacrificing everything.” Many people 90 minutes, both explaining their sides begin with, not when an have retaliated with harsh criticism, and came to a mutual decision that entire group of citizens and some protesters even destroyed kneeling instead of standing would are being alienated and their own Nike gear. But should people be more respectful than sitting during mistreated. That’s the point be prioritizing the respect of a flag over the anthem. This was decided to be that people are missing. an entire topic of the mistreatment and the more respectful gesture, because If we were really worried killings of black people? The answer Boyer explains, “Soldiers take a knee about disrespecting the to that should be fairly obvious, but in front of a fallen brother’s grave, flag, we would take a look at the that don’t have a platform to talk and too many people are overlooking you know, to show respect.” From official US Flag Code, which states have their voices heard, and affect the message by Kaepernick and there Kaepernick gained support from what’s truly disrespectful to the flag. change. So I’m in the position where are instead focusing too much on a former Special Forces member, as In the code, there are many rules I can do that and I’m going to do that the way in which he is protesting. well as Carolina Panthers’ Eric Reid, listing what should and shouldn’t for people who can’t.” He’s using his On August 14 and August 20 of 2016, who joined him in kneeling during be done, some of which include: platform and his privilege to speak for Colin Kaepernick began his silent the anthem. This marked the first time The flag should never be held those who don’t have the opportunity. protest by sitting on the bench during Kaepernick wasn’t alone during his horizontally (ex. Such as the way To say that because he cannot relate, the playing of the National Anthem. protest. Later, his actions managed to it is held across the field before he shouldn’t complain, is basically His actions initially went unnoticed, it inspire a nationwide protest, with over NFL games), as it should always insinuating that you should not care wasn’t until the 49ers third preseason 200 players kneeling or sitting in unity. be up in the air waving free about injustices as long as they don’t game that Kaepernick’s actions made But even with the explanation of his The flag should never be used apply to you. In reality, you shouldn’t headlines and sparked controversy. message and the support and influence as apparel, bedding or drapery have to be black to care about the Nobody knew why the quarterback from an actual veteran, as well as over No part of the flag should be used injustices black people face, because was seen sitting instead of standing 200 athletes standing behind him, the for costume or any athletic uniform at the end of the day, they aren’t black with the rest of his teammates. On protest is still called disrespectful to (ex. The Bucs, the Patriots, etc.) rights, they’re human rights. To believe August 26, when he was seen sitting the military and the country as a whole The flag should never be used otherwise is essentially the epitome of once again, the 49ers released a by both the president and the public. for any advertisements purposes, white privilege. Colin Kaepernick, statement confirming that Kaepernick These people refuse to acknowledge the nor should it be printed on any who is biracial and of fair tone, is did, in fact, sit for the anthem, which actual message behind the movement packaging or other disposals. using both his racial and economic gained national attention. After the and instead focus on only a flag. These are only a few of the listed class privilege to acknowledge and game, the footballer himself then To say that Kaepernick is aiming offenses against the flag in the speak out on the injustices within his informed the media of his reasoning; to disrespect the flag and those who official flag code, but nowhere does own community. That is not something to bring awareness to the oppression of served our country in the military is it list kneeling towards the flag as for which he should be criticized. people of color and the issue of police ignorance in itself. If you took the time disrespectful. These listed offenses While there are many people either brutality. He later went into further to read into his message and statements are just some that are the most completely supporting or opposed depth behind his motives, saying, to the media concerning his protest, commonly carried out, but if people to this movement, there are a few “I’m going to continue to stand with you’d understand that is far from the really cared about disrespecting claiming to “support his message but the people that are being oppressed. case. The flag is meant to represent the the flag, they would especially care not his delivery.” They mean that To me, this is something that needs freedom and unity that many veterans about these rules. If those opposed they believe his stance is true, but he to change. When there’s significant have fought for. Kaepernick already to this protest decide to disregard shouldn’t have protested in the way change and I feel that flag represents knows and acknowledges this, but not these regularly broken regulations, he did. While this is partially true, what it’s supposed to represent, and all citizens experience the privileges it raises the suspicion of whether and applicable to any form of protest, this country is representing people the that the flag is supposed to symbolize; they truly care about the flag at all. Kaepernick used the best way to spread way that it’s supposed to, I’ll stand.” specifically, people of color. Just The argument that Kaepernick’s his message; his own platform. Not On September 1st, he decided to because slavery and segregation privilege in both skin tone and everyone in his community has the change his approach, and protested by have been abolished, it does not economic class make him the wrong opportunity to speak out and share taking a knee. Many people since the mean that black people and other person to deliver this message, is their voice as he does; that’s why he’s beginning of his protest accused him minorities no longer face oppression. quite frankly, irrelevant. Due to Colin using his privilege to speak for them, of being disrespectful to those who Even today, there is still large Kaepernick being biracial, half black as he has a platform that allows him to served in the military, as well as being examples of institutionalized racism and half white, and being brought up do so at a much larger scale. Protest anti-American. Although he reiterated within our country. It is demonstrated by white parents and siblings, some is not supposed to make people feel that was not the case, saying he had the through mass incarceration; where people are criticizing him and saying comfortable. It’s supposed to show utmost respect for those who fought for black people are five times more likely that he is immune to police brutality clear objection towards something in our country he considered his friends to be incarcerated than the rate of and most racial injustices towards order to cause change. Kaepernick is and family members with military white people, and often face harsher black people of a darker skin tone. using his platform to call for change in involvement and changed his form of sentencing for the same crimes. It is While it is true that black people of a the treatment of his own community. protest to further demonstrate that. He strewn through the education system; lighter skin tone have more privilege Instead of focusing on disrespecting met with former Special Forces Green the biases, discrimination and rejection compared to darker skinned black a flag, we should be focusing and Beret Nate Boyer to have a discussion of black students, and through racial people, it is not a reason for the football speaking out on the black lives on how to continue spreading his profiling done by police. So if African player to keep his mouth closed on the being suffocated under the weight message effectively without coming Americans aren’t being treated with issue. In Kaepernick’s exact words, of systematic oppression and police across as disrespectful to the military. the same privileges and freedom that “This stand wasn’t for me. This is brutality, as those enduring it don’t Originally, Nate Boyer wrote an open white Americans are, is the symbolism because I’m seeing things happen to often have the opportunity to do so. letter towards Kaepernick expressing behind the flag applicable to our people that don’t have a voice, people The Linn-Mar Life Gender inequity apparent in athletic crowd sizes By Arnav Bhushan Hundreds of people storm into high school sports, she brings up how the gym on a Friday night, but there strides are being taken to eliminate is a huge difference in attendance de- this gender problem. While at a con- pending on whether the girls’ or the ference for athletic directors, she de- boys’ team is playing. Why the ineq- scribes how there were only about 40- uity? Why do girls playing at varsity 50 female athletic directors compared level competition still get crowds that to 400-500 males. She realizes that are more suited to a freshman game? males still dominate the profession, but also says that it no longer matters Sex assault victims face blame “Male sports are the most sup- By Lainey Ford accused Brett Kavanaugh of sexual because they all get paid the same. ported at Linn-Mar. More people Sexual assault is any type of assault are just now coming forward. Gender inequality seems to exist go to football and boys’ basketball sexual activity or contact that is not Debbie Ramirez, the second accuser of in sports regardless of the level. Con- games compared to any other sport,” consensual. This misconduct is not Kavanaugh said, “I was embarrassed sider the attendance and marketing says Sophomore Sudeep Gadde. easy to talk about. Reliving these and ashamed and humiliated.” differences between the WNBA and So why does Gadde think gen- moments can leave a victim feeling The fear of not being believed is the NBA. However, are we looking at der inequality exists in sports? exposed, humiliated, and shameful. another reason why victims do not the topic through an appropriate lens? “Males perform better and oth- Victims of sexual assault often fail come forward sooner. People coming “The WNBA is itself a great prod- er males that don’t play sports are to come forward and report such acts forward to report sexual assaults often uct rather than a downgrade to the interested in male sports. More sooner because they are afraid to have their motives questioned. They can NBA. We should be grateful that males like sports compared to fe- face the backlash and social stigma be accused of lying, seeking attention, there is an outlet for girls interested in males.” He says he doesn’t neces- often attached to sexual assault. or of wanting money or revenge, but it furthering their career in basketball.” sarily think it is a product issue, he Shame is one of the many reasons is very rare to lie about sexual assault. Despite the seeming inequity be- believes it is more of a viewership that sexual assault victims fail to An USA Today article said, “People tween boys and girls sports at the issue. He admits that he watches come forward. Opening up about rarely lie about being raped or sexually high school level, the state of Iowa more male sports than female sports. sexual misconduct can make the assaulted. According to a research does it better than most. Iowa is The overarching issue of gender victim feel weak and ashamed, but review reported by the National Sexual the only state in the country where inequality in high school sports is one also very vulnerable. It becomes Violence Resource Center, false there are separate associations for that is not going away. David Brown, even harder when victims believe reports happen in as few as two percent boys and girls sports. The boys play Athletic Director at Linn-Mar, ex- that the assault was their fault. and as high as ten percent of cases. under the Iowa State High School presses his disappointment with The National Sexual Violence When rapes or sexual assaults Athletic Association (ISHSA) and the attendance gender difference. Resource Center reported that 91 are reported they must be taken the girls play under the Iowa Girls “I walk in and see 2,000 people at the percent of rape or sexual assault seriously. If they are not, victims will High School Athletic Union (IGH- boys’ game, and the girls’ game only victims are women, and nine percent feel like they have no worth and that SAU). Both Brown and Moe say that has 300. We try to have a double-head- are men. In society, women are often their bravery in stepping forward it is very nice to have both of them. er but the crowd only comes in to- times blamed for their own sexual did not matter. If victims do report “If we ever have a question about wards the end of the girls’ game. Then assault. It’s typical to hear people their assault, it may take some time a certain sport we contact one of we switched it and put the guys’ game say, “She should not have gone out” for them to be able to process it all. them directly,” Moe stated. “For ex- first, but the same issue occurs: the or “She shouldn’t be wearing that.” “I never reported it to the police. ample, in Florida where football is crowd leaves during the girls’ game.” Others chime in “She was drinking I did not have enough evidence, and huge and they only have one athlet- These issues are not limited to Linn- way too much” or “She was basically did not feel like my case was ‘that bad’ ic association, a question about girls’ Mar but instead occur in high schools asking for it.” This leaves women compared to the extreme suffering some sport may be put to the bottom of the around the country. Does the inequal- feeling hopeless and like the attack other women go through. I sometimes pile.” In Iowa, this issue doesn’t occur ity have to do with refereeing? Not was their fault. For men, sexual assault wonder what would’ve happened if I did due to the two athletic organizations. according to ex-referee Randy Krejci. often leaves them feeling ashamed, and report. My school sent out a no-contact Positive changes have been made “There is no real difference -be questioning why they weren’t strong order and a campus restraining order to make all sports more equal. For ex- tween guys and girls. From the refer- enough to prevent such an attack. of sorts to my assaulter,” said Jones. ample, for many years the girls cross ee’s point of view, the game is being “I felt responsible for what happened Rape and sexual assault is the country race used to be shorter than played the same regardless of the to me for a very long time,” said Tina most under-reported crime due to the the guys race, but now they are the gender. The National Federation cre- Jones*, a former Linn-Mar student common belief that women make these same length. All sports at Linn-Mar ates all the rules for the sports around who now attends college. “I always stories up for attention or to get back that have a gender counterpart play the the country without any sexism, and wondered if there was more I could at a man who rejected them. Victims exact same number of games except the Iowa Adaptation gives specif- have done to prevent the situation are sometimes portrayed as people for soccer. The athletic directors con- ic rules in Iowa. The rules are very from occurring altogether. It was very searching for benefits. They are too often tinue to attempt to solve this issue of clear and are not controversial at all.” important for me to realize that it is blamed for their own sexual assault gender inequality but Brown summed As a referee, Krejci says he strives never the victim’s fault,” said Jones. and punished for coming forward. it up, saying, “it is just a society thing.” to officiate the game equally no mat- As humans, we like to believe that “I was absolutely worried that They cannot force people to sit in for ter who is playing or what gender is we are in control of our lives and of I wouldn’t be believed. At times, I the girls’ game but they hope that playing. Krejci says this point of view what happens to us. Once someone is didn’t even believe myself. There fans can realize that the girls’ game is something that the general viewer sexually assaulted, his or her right of wasn’t enough proof to take concrete is just as good as the people’s game, doesn’t necessarily understand. Krejci control is stripped and gone. Many action, but it is something that I will and the only difference is gender. says the common belief is that boys and people do not get to a point where they have to live with forever,” said Jones. Gadde says he has seen some im- girls games are officiated differently; feel in control of their lives again, and Being a victim of any type of sexual provement lately, and says that he however, that is wildly inaccurate and if they do, it takes a long time. Once an assault often leads to shaming and the doesn’t believe that male athletes at gender bias is supposed to be thrown assault is reported, the victim is often fear of not being believed. It is not easy Linn-Mar get more attention from the out of the window by the referee. no longer in control of the situation. to talk about, and can leave victims Linn-Mar Powerhouse Twitter com- Tonya Moe, Linn-Mar Ath- “When we are faced with the reality feeling worse. The backlash and pared to the female athletes. This is letic Director, thinks gender is- that we do not always have control over accusations that victims can face are another great stride being taken from sues are improving somewhat. our lives, it is very shaming, but with painful, and can affect mental health. Linn-Mar. By advertising both gen- “This issue has gotten bet- sexual assault in particular, victims Social stigma comes along sexual ders’ game more people are seemingly ter….20-30 years ago you wouldn’t feel very invaded and defiled. The act assault as well, because after an attack, going to the girls’ game than in the past. find a female in the position I am in.” of sexual assault is a very humiliating victims are often treated differently. Too Now it is up to the students and Moe says she has more of a growth experience for the victim. They feel very many times, victims are afraid to face spectators to show their support for mindset when bringing up these top- exposed physically and emotionally,” this shame and fear not being believed, both genders. So, you as the spec- ics about gender inequality in sports. said Beverly Engel, from USA Today. which is why they may wait to come tator, can completely eliminate the “If I am doing my job well, the gen- Shame occurs in almost every case of forward or not come forward at all. issue of gender inequality by show- der thing goes away,” says Moe. With sexual assault. This may be one of the *name has been changed at source’s ing up and giving your support. her position having a direct tie to reasons that the three women who have request

The Linn-Mar Life What kind of classes should get graduation credit? By Kyle Spaete Students in music go through students who are in contest speech for other electives in schedules, and Students get graded and are almost the same process while or involved with theater most likely require students to write essays if awarded credit for music classes, studying musical literature. They took classes such as speech and an event is missed. While there will which often involve participation in have to read music, figure out how acting, both of which are graded always be discrepancies between performances such as concerts and the composer is trying to make and give credit toward graduation. who gets credit for what kinds of commencement ceremonies. This their audience feel, and then use These same skills are then used to extracurricular activities at Linn- angers many non-musical students, their playing skills and emotions to further skills, such as acting in a play Mar, students, parents, and teachers especially athletes, who also put a present their interpretation of the or participating in contest speech. need to realize is that this a good lot of time and hard work into their musical literature to the audience. Extracurricular activities like problem to have. Students at Linn- sports, but who do not get a grade or Playing music is more complicated athletics, robotics, drama, and Mar are very lucky to attend a school credit for their efforts. This is not a than many people think. It still uses speech are not graded classes in a good community that provides fair comparison. Music classes are the same processing and thinking but fine arts classes are because them with so many opportunities just like any other class and that is skills that other classes require. they require students to read and to learn, grow, and succeed why the students are graded. Music Junior Ashley Haumesser, a interpret literature, take up spots classes require students to read and member of the Linn-Mar High interpret music, take up spots in School women’s soccer team, schedules over other electives, and thinks the system of determining require students to write essays if credit and grades is unequitable. an event is missed. Extracurricular “It’s not that I think students in activities such as athletics, music shouldn’t receive grades, it’s robotics, speech, and drama just that I feel if they get grades, are not graded nor given credit then athletes should as well.” because they don’t fit this criteria. Haumesser is also disappointed The first thing that needs to be in the fact that some students clarified is that students in orchestra, in music might be taking the band, and choir are guaranteed an classes just as GPA boosters. A, not an A+ in the class, if they While Haumesser has a point attend all of the required events. If regarding GPA, it must be pointed out a student wants to get an A+ in their that music classes such as orchestra music class they have to complete take up a skinny (45 minutes) Animal experimentation harmful what is called an A+ assessment. in students’ schedules every day By Megan Harkin only once, but thousands of times? This assessment includes things like for an entire year. Students in Approximately 100 million Experiments take more than just volunteering to teach elementary music are not able to fit as many animals in the U.S. are tortured every one try, and killing innocent animals school children lessons and playing elective classes in their schedules year, due to animal experimentation. while trying to get a result is a difficult scales. Students receive as students without music classes. Animal experimentation is waste of millions of animal lives. grades for participation in concerts, Electives such as culinary basics extremely cruel and unnecessary. When animals are tested on, it but must write an essay for credit and finance classes are arguably Innocent animals like monkeys, causes them a lot of distress and if they miss a performance or an even easier than orchestra and hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, pain and can push them to the point important event. This is not required band. The GPAs of students with and thousands more are forced to of death if the scientist doesn’t kill in other extracurricular activities these classes will also be boosted inhale or eat harmful substances, them first. What most people don’t that do not receive credit. The essay if they take and participate in them. are exposed to radiation, are burned know about these experiments is music students write usually entails It is not just athletes who are or deprived of their organs, and in that many times the animal’s death analyzing the musical literature upset about not receiving credit for a lot of cases, killed. Even though is not accidental, but deliberate. In that has been studied in class. If a extracurricular involvement. Some there are several other options to past studies, scientists have force- student fails to turn in the essay by students argue that speech, drama, replace animal experimentation, it fed an animal a product until the the end of the semester, they will robotics, poms and other activities still takes place all over the world. animal dies just to gauge what receive an F (0%) for the event and that take up huge amounts of time There are many replacements for the reaction might be to a human. that is definitely not a GPA booster. should also receive credit if an animal experimentation that would However, these results aren’t Students who are involved in activity such as music gets credit. actually produce better results, and always relevant to humans; animal sports but not music, often do Robotics, for example, is an wouldn’t harm anyone or anything. reactions can differ drastically. not consider music classes to be extracurricular that does not receive Harvesting human cells to duplicate Knowing that these scientists all “normal” classes at school, which credit and is not graded. However, human organs is one solution, and over the world are experimenting is why they do not like them being most students who participate in would work a lot better because the and killing innocent animals graded like other classes. The robotics have taken classes such organs would have the exact same for no reason is extremely reality is students get grades in as computer science, intro to reaction as living human organs. disturbing. Despite animal testing French and Spanish for reading, engineering, and industrial tech for This would be much more beneficial rarely being relevant to humans, writing, and speaking in a different which they received credit and a and relevant to humans. Although they’re still being killed at an language. Students in music do grade. They then apply what they animals can feel pain and fear like alarming rate. The alternatives just that; they must read music, have learned to an activity they humans, their organs don’t react in for animal experimentation which is a worldwide universal enjoy, such as participating on the the same way. Results from animal produce better results, yet they language that connects musicians robotic team. This scenario is similar experiments hardly ever actually aren’t being used in the U.S. throughout the entire world. to what happens in orchestra. While benefit humans. Nine out of ten Millions of animals all around Consider this comparison: When they receive credit and a grade for drugs passed in animal experiments, the world are caged up in labs, with writing literary analysis papers in orchestra class, they then apply what actually fail in humans, and the no connection to their family or English classes, students have to they have learned in extracurricular small number of drugs that do get the outside world. The only thing read literature, interpret what the choices and activities such as passed, have to be relabeled or they have ever felt, and will most author is trying to say, and then use All-State orchestra, Metropolitan taken from shelves after killing likely ever feel is pain, distress, their writing skills to convey their honors orchestra, and chamber or seriously sickening a human. and suffering. People must demand own interpretation of the literature ensembles before and after school. Conducting these experiments that this kind of senseless testing to their audience. That paper is This same principle can be used on animals not only harms them be stopped. There is no point then graded by the teacher and to justify why students in contest but a lot of the time, harm humans in killing millions of innocent the student gets a grade for their speech and theater do not get credit as well. So what is the point of animals for results that may never English class that affects their GPA. for those specific activities. The harming an innocent animal not be relevant to the human race. The Linn-Mar Life Superstitions prevalent among Linn-Mar students By Noah Gilkes ex-softball player, exclaims that my shower routine,” says Lockard. college students who were tested on Do you cross your fingers for superstition meant everything to her Lockard’s thoughts do not stand the performance of small tasks with good luck? Are you scared of Friday in the most important softball games. alone. A common theme about their lucky superstitions fared much the 13th? Whether you think your “When we played in big games, I superstitions is the fear of failure from better than students who did not. traditions are weird or not, everyone had to wear two socks on each foot, not doing them. This is what makes “The presence of (their) lucky has a quirk in their daily routine. and the inner sock on each foot had them superstitions so important; charm led participants to set higher When the events of a situation depend to have a hole in the heel of the foot. without them people would not be the goals and be more persistent to on a certain belief, it becomes a When I played like this, I would same. As it turns out, superstitions are successfully complete the game,” superstition. While superstitions always play good,” says Comstock. not bad things to have in your life. said Ware. “They (students) reported can be funny, scary, or strange, you Not all superstitions are for athletes. Superstitions can actually feeling more confident that they might have more than you think. Lincoln Currie is superstitious about improve performance. Courtney would do well in the presence of Superstition is everywhere, and can be watching his favorite professional Ware, writer for WebMD, states that their lucky charm,” concludes Ware. easily seen in sports. No matter which sports teams play. “For the superstitions boost confidence and So whether you think your quirky sport is being participated in, or where (Cleveland) Indians playoff games, give people a sense of control over superstition works or not, stick with the event is taking place, superstition I always give small offerings to Jobu certain situations. According to Ware, it. It might do more than you think. will be there. Former Linn-Mar student before the game. If the team starts Grant Chlystun can attest to this. to lose, I turn my favorite Indians “When I would run cross country cap into a rally cap,” says Currie. races, I would crumple up my Superstition is not limited to race bib, put it in my mouth, spit young people. Just as students it out and put it on my uniform. have superstitions, adults can have It’s just tradition,” says Chlystun. superstitions, too. Ken Lockard, Chlystun is just one of many 63, is a great example of just how Linn-Mar athletes to weigh strange a superstition can be. in on superstition in sports. “When I shower in the morning, “If I don’t do the same thing every I turn the water all the way hot, and time I’m on deck, I know that I will not stand in it for one minute. After the one hit well. It’s just a fact,” says senior minute, I turn the water to the coldest Danny Coughlin, who hits designated temperature. I spin in a circle exactly hitter for the varsity baseball team. five times, and then shut the water Linn-Mar Senior Taylor Comstock, off. My day will be cursed without

LivingBy Kyle Spaete with color blindness can present challenges Most people usually think about and pants can be a pain. One time I year. I look at a car and say “2018 Ford blue/purple, and pink/gray that we get the world that surrounds in terms of almost left the house wearing green Explorer Sport,” not “that silver and mixed up. I can see the colors, and color. People with color blindness, pants and a red shirt, which is why I black car.” Many of my friends don’t narrow them down to a choice between like me, usually think about their usually wear safer, neutral colors such know cars very well so they usually blue or purple, but that’s where I run surroundings in texture, size, and as grey and black. Any other colors I do not know what I’m talking about. into trouble. Telling apart between shape. A typical morning for me might wear, I have to check with someone Most of my school work is not colors like dark blue and primary entail my mom saying, “Oh Kyle, like my mom to see if it matches. affected by my vision except for small yellow is easy but colors on the same your outfit doesn’t match,” and similar Over time, I figure out what is what tasks such as learning how to say colors color spectrum can blend together. frustrating corrections. Overall, having and memorize what outfits will match. in Spanish and seeing different colors When I do narrow the colors down trouble differentiating colors is not a Matching outfits for school dances in chemistry. A distinct color change to blue and purple, I then use logic huge obstacle in my day to day life and such as Homecoming can also be is a clear sign that a chemical reaction or context to think to myself, “who I’m thankful this is the worst of my a hard task. Usually it results in a has occurred. Usually the color change is wearing the color?” For example, health problems. Being color blind does, “shopping day” to make sure I get a is drastic enough to where I have if my dad is wearing a shirt that I however, provide for some interesting tie/shirt/pants/flower that will look always been able to tell if a reaction see as blue/purple, it is most likely circumstances and situations. good with my date’s dress. Most of has occurred, however, I do need blue and not purple. I do not have a The correct term for my condition the time the girls I have taken do most help usually defining what color the problem with men wearing pink or is color vision deficiency (CVD). It of the coordinating. So far my high substances changed to. Most labs are purple, but more often than not, I is when an individual struggles with school dance experience has been done in groups so other classmates just figure they are more likely wearing telling apart certain (in some cases great and there has not been a bad outfit help me with my “visual observations.” blue or gray instead of purple and pink. all) colors. According to enchroma. catastrophe. It’s interesting that when I Using chemistry in real life with Another common question I get com, CVD affects 1 in 12 males look at the ties, shirts, pants, and flowers color vision deficiency can also be asked is if I have tried the glasses made and 1 in 200 women. Doctors at the I think of how the fabric looks or feels, difficult for tasks like cooking. My to help people see color. I have not yet Mayo Clinic of Rochester, Minnesota what patterns it has, and how long the parents often argue over how our food tried them, but I would like to if I get found it happens when the cones in tie is rather than focusing on colors. is cooked. I cannot usually tell if a the chance. In a USA Today article, the individual eyes lack certain light Being the one kid in my friend group steak is not thoroughly cooked or not a woman by the name of Barbara sensing chemicals found in the eyes who is not directionally challenged, I because I do not see the difference Montgomery tried on the glasses while of people with normal vision. Most usually end up driving for occasions between brown or red. This has affected on a vacation in Europe. She said often CVD is caused by the person’s like dances. Color deficient people can me in my part time job. I work at a the glasses helped her differentiate genetics and does not have a cure. totally drive with no problem because fast food restaurant on the weekends. between fourteen colors instead of I found out I had color vision we have learned to work with the When I first started working I had to only five. She still had trouble with deficiency when I was in preschool. My position of the colors on traffic lights let my manager know that I would quite a few other colors, but overall, teachers sent a note home to my (I’m a good driver, which friends of not be able to grill any food because the experience was better than nothing. parents saying I could not learn the mine admit). Seeing traffic lights has I cannot see if a burger, for example, Overall, having color vision colors of the rainbow properly and never been a problem since the green is fully cooked or not. Instead, I can deficiency has not stopped me from that sometimes my drawings used the light is always on the top, the yellow in still easily contribute to the team doing anything I want. While people wrong colors. My parents knew right the middle, and the red on the bottom. by making desserts, running orders like me have to think about their away that I had CVD because one of my Green traffic lights also appear out, and working the cash register. surroundings in a slightly different mom’s older brothers has it as well. Our much brighter than yellow or red. CVD in no way has prevented me way using things like shape, texture, optometrist said the genetic connection Having color deficiency has made from getting a good high school job. shade and size, we still function almost made sense since the condition is an me have to compensate by memorizing A common misconception is that completely normally on a day to day x-linked recessive trait. Both my aspects of an item rather than focusing people with color vision deficiency basis. While certain aspects of color grandma and my mom are carriers of on the color of said item. A problem that can only see in shades of gray. While blindness can be frustrating, like my the gene and my uncle and I express it. I run into is that it’s very common for this is true in rare instances for mom telling me my outfit doesn’t Each morning I have to pick out an people to say “look at that cool red car individuals with severe cases of CVD, match (it’s not life or death for crying outfit that will look good. Like most over there,” when I cannot usually tell most diagnosed individuals (myself out loud), my eyes are the only eyes teenagers, I care about my appearance. what color the car is. Instead of going by included) can see some color, there are I can see the world through and I’m Distinguishing between colors on shirts car color, I go by the brand, model, and just certain colors such as red/green, going to use them as best as I can. The Linn-Mar Life Memories of Homecoming 2018 The Linn-Mar Life