LIFEMarch edition Students participate in gun violence walkout On February 26, approximately event on Facebook that had under 600 students from Linn-Mar High 200 confirmed participants. When School participated in a seventeen students poured out of the doors and minute walkout to raise awareness just kept coming, I was astounded about gun violence in America and by the support. My sister goes to to show support for the victims Excelsior and they had students of previous school shootings. who walked out in support as well. Seventeen minutes represented It just shows what a broad issue this one minute for every victim of the is,” says Schmidt. recent school shooting at Marjory Why does Schmidt think it is Stoneman Douglas High School in important for the youth of America Parkland, Florida. A small group of to speak out on gun violence? Linn-Mar students worked together “This is a really crucial time for to organize the event and then met us. Our voices are under-represented with the administration to ensure and not being listened to. The youth that safety measures were followed. of America can have such a big According to Ethan Schmidt, role. When we stand together, there senior, “The administration was is so much we can accomplish. This really supportive. We went in (fighting for common sense gun with counter-arguments ready for control) is something we can do; all their anticipated reasons why we’ve gained the realization that we they would not allow the walk-out have a voice and we need to use it.” but we were pleasantly surprised Schmidt is quick to point out with how accommodating they that he and others, by participating were willing to be. Both parties in this walk-out, are not advocating just wanted the walkout to go as getting rid of all weapons or the smoothly as possible. We would Second Amendment. have still walked out if they were “We are just advocating for not supportive but it was nice to common sense gun laws. Universal know that they knew where we were background checks done correctly coming from. The administration’s could prevent guns from getting cooperation made me realize how in the wrong hands. We also don’t much bigger this issue was, that it need weapons that shoot multiple affects not only students but teachers rounds in a matter of seconds; we and administrators as well.” don’t need bump stocks that turn Schmidt says he was shocked regular weapons into automatic and pleased with how the walkout weapons,” Schmidt said. came together and says that he has In addition to the walkout, the made strong friendships through the group sponsored booths in the Pride process. Rock Commons signing up students “It started with a tweet, which to vote and providing information led to a group chat with people so they can call their legislators. I didn’t even know and in some Many organizers also planned to cases, hadn’t even met before. We participate in the city-wide March came together and organized an for Life rally in late March.

Senior Tia Lawrence, one of the organizers of Linn-Mar’s gun violence walkout, answered a questionnaire for the Linn-Mar Life student newspaper about her involvement in the event. See her story on Page 13. The Linn-Mar Life Lincoln Currie not afraid to share his opinions with others By Rachel Gulick terior but I’ve got feelings as well.” use language in a variety of ways. Lincoln Currie is a junior attend- When I write in certain patterns, or ing Linn-Mar High School. He has What are your hobbies? Reading, use wit in a joke.” great respect for academics, espe- writing, video games, crossword cially English, but is clear about his puzzles, poetry, baking, cooking, Favorite color? “Purple because opinions and isn’t afraid to share and watching sports. “I like talking of the Vikings. They’re like, a part them. Some may perceive him as with other people. I like conversing. of me. I think I’d trade five years off crass, but his confidence allows him That’s probably my favorite thing my life if they win the Super Bowl to express his ideas with eloquence. in general.” this year.”

How long have you attended What is something you wish you Favorite type of movie? “Woody Linn-Mar? Since kindergarten. were better at? “Being outwardly Allen movies. They’re witty, smart, kinder to people without them hav- the dialogue is smooth, they’re just What is your favorite subject in ing to get to know me first.” great. It’s like watching a beautiful school? “English. I love the writ- painting. They’re excellent.” ten word. It’s one of my favorite Do you prefer to be by yourself or things. The English language is with others? “With other people, Favorite person? “Probably my such a beautiful and hard to pick up but I do enjoy being alone a lot of dad. He’s kind of a complex person, language because of the sheer num- the time. I don’t want to say I was but I like that. He’s very mature and premely talented. Shawn Mendes is ber of words and because there are born to be a writer but I really enjoy there’s times he can be funny and great; his songs are awesome. Ev- so many adjectives to say specific doing that. It’s a lonely thing. You joke around, but he can also be seri- eryone should listen to his songs. things. There is an exact right way can’t write with other people. Peo- ous. His number one belief is mod- Can’t wait for his third album to to say something in English and ple drawn to that profession have to eration. Don’t try to get too high come out.” you might have to think a bit harder be alone a decent amount of time.” or too low. Don’t do anything too much. It’s a valuable lesson.” Pet peeves? “People walking slow- to find it, but it’s there, and I think Do you motivate yourself or look that’s a cool thing.” ly in the hallway. People who don’t to others for motivation? “Myself. Favorite type of music? “I don’t care about anything and don’t have Who is the best teacher you’ve Doing better than others is fun, but have a type. I like country music any passion.” ever had? “Dee Wesbrook. Because Hemingway said there’s nothing from the ‘40s and ‘50s, Johnny her class is just fun and she teach- noble about being superior to your Cash. I like ‘80s and ‘90s rap like Where is someplace you’d like to es you how to write with meaning. fellow man. True nobility lies in be- Ice Cube, Rakim, and Scarface. visit? “Scotland. I’m one-quarter Writing concisely and with mean- ing superior to your former self.” Eminem is great. Django Reinhart. Scottish, and I love the countryside Bruno Mars. Stevie Wonder is su- there.” ing is something important I took Are you someone people go to for away from her class.” help? “Generally, no. I wish they What are your plans post-high would though. They probably see school? College at a university me as someone who wouldn’t care Pit orchestra gets little glory somewhere in the northeast. but that’s not the case.” By Rachel Gulick The “pit” orchestra is a group of both orchestra and band What are little things in life that Major? Journalism or English. members that performs the music accompaniment for the yearly make you happy? “Compliments, spring musical. The pit is an area beneath the front part of What is your dream job? To be a which are sparse. When just the the stage so musicians remain hidden from the audience. Although journalist for the New York Times. right song comes on that perfectly they are hidden, this makes them no less important than the actors on the fits your mood.” Why did you rip your academic stage. Being in pit is on a volunteer basis, so most are solo achievement award? “At the time What do you wish you knew more performers who are fitted with microphones. In recent years, the I did it because I disagree with the about? “People. How they work pit has performed shows such as The Music Man, The Little idea of the ceremony and part of and think. What they think.” Mermaid, and The Sound of Music. The music for pit players that is my upbringing. I was taught is typically of an advanced skill level, and utilizes the skills of to be proud of my own accomplish- What is the best piece of advice each player to perfect the score in only a few weeks’ time. ments. You don’t need a piece of you’ve ever received? You are Students audition for pit as a way to use the talents they paper to tell you did well. If you your brother’s keeper. have developed and to be involved in the musical while strengthening their skills on their instrument. Some may also be interested in know you did well yourself that’s a What is your biggest regret? much more powerful thing.” the performing arts in the future, and pit gives them experience “Starting to care and be kind to peo- preparing difficult music in a short period of time. Pit forces Would you do it again? “No. I ple too late. When I was younger I students to become more confident in their abilities since most think it was a little bit over the top was kind of cruel to people and I sections are made up of only one or two players. It also and even if that’s my belief, it may think that was wrong,” said Currie. allows students to become closer to their directors and to each have meant a lot to someone else in What is your biggest accomplish- other because it creates a smaller group setting. Students and the audience. If they felt I cheap- ment? “Improving as a person from their director are seen as equals in the performance, because ened that, I think it’s wrong that I the beginning of the year until now, both depend on each other to have a successful performance. did it, even if I stand by my princi- or since freshman year.” Preparation for pit is hours of hard work, but the end product ples.” is always memorable. What are you most afraid of? Pit orchestra a valuable part of putting on a musical. Without How would most people describe “My dad dying.” pit, the singers onstage would have nothing to sing to, and the you? “Smart, strong-willed, gruff, audience wouldn’t be able to feel the strong emotions of the crass, thoughtful. I think if you ac- What is the biggest thing you’ve story. A musical is entertaining to an audience because of the tually get to know me you’d get a had to overcome? “My own ego instrumental and choral aspects joining together. For being such different view of me.” and just having to become better an important role, pit players don’t get the appreciation they than I used to be. To not be so rude How would you describe your- deserve. and in a bad mood. Life’s too short “It’s a lot like show choir band. The audience’s focus is on self? Capable, strong-willed, car- to be so pissed off all the time.” ing, intense, creative, witty, critical. the people onstage, and most people probably ignore the players that actually make the show,” said Rachel Hodgman. What is your greatest strength? What is something not many peo- Although pit is somewhat unappreciated, actually performing “My ability to use words. And is always a great experience. It gives players and directors ple know about you? “I’m sensi- maybe I don’t use them the way I satisfaction in creating an amazing performance alongside the tive. I don’t think a lot of people want all the time, but the ability to think about that because of my ex- singers, but more importantly, through entertaining the audience. The Linn-Mar Life Linn-Mar students mesh to form band: Gold Revere By Lincoln Currie lies mainly in the production of the ing in public yet have nothing to do also said they would consider pur- song, but he also helps out with lyr- with nerves, however. Both admit- suing careers in music if the group Hip hop with pop and R&B influ- ics and sings in certain songs. Guru- ted to being nervous in the past, but became popular enough. ences. That’s how Linn-Mar High raja is the main lyricist and singer, after lots of practice, performing School Juniors Akash Gururaja and but is still involved in beat produc- has become second nature to them. “If one of our songs goes viral, Ian Crumley describe their music. tion. Crumley has performed enough to I would definitely consider a career The two form the musical group feel confident in his work. Gururaja in music,” said Gururaja. “Gold Revere.” Gold Revere has While Crumley and Gururaja has extensive experience playing in already released two albums since have general roles to play, making “I would love to produce and front of crowds, having performed make music full time, it’s very the summer of 2017, and has plans each song is a little bit different. in over 100 concerts, recitals, and for more in the future. risky though. I hope that something “It depends on the track. Tracks competitions. comes along and grants a safe path It all started on a bus trip back like ‘No Respect for Time,’ for ex- Crumley and Gururaja listed rap- to pursue our passion,” said Crum- from a show choir competition in ample, the beat was produced be- per Post Malone as their primary ley. early 2017. Crumley and Gururaja forehand and I wrote a song on top source of inspiration, but also listed were complaining about how bad of it. Sometimes Ian will write the Gold Revere’s music can be pop artists Zayn and Bruno Mars as found on Apple Music, iTunes, Spo- modern music has gotten. song, like in the case of the chorus their inspirations. for ‘Rumors.’ Sometimes I write tify, SoundCloud, Google Play, and “We would always think up mel- the song. ‘Never Let You Go’ was Both members of Gold Revere many other streaming platforms. odies and song lyrics that would be something I thought of, then Ian good in a song. One day we just de- made a beat around the melody,” cided why not make it ourselves?” said Gururaja. said Gururaja. The group has not yet performed Ever since that bus trip, they be- in public much, but plans to do so gan to write down songs and lyrics, in the future. with their first album “Volume One -- EP” coming out in the summer “We have not performed in of 2017. The album features five public (other than Get in the Spirit tracks and is 19 minutes long. The side acts), but we intend to do so in song ‘Royalty’ from the album is downtown Cedar Rapids and Iowa the most popular. Gururaja said that City this summer,” said Crumley. “Royalty” contains some of his fa- vorite verses, and Crumley said that Their reasons for not perform- it is one of the group’s best songs.

“The best song we’ve made is Gilke looks past surface when finding friends either ‘This is It,’ because of the By Lincoln Currie to be honest as well, and obvious- opportunity to try running. There ly, if you aren’t fun to be around, really wasn’t an opportunity for me unique chord progressions, sto- Dozens of sports medals, an un- rytelling, and lyrics, or our best I’m not going to want to be around before that.” made bed, and a large poster of Mi- you.” could also be ‘Royalty’ because of chael Jordan’s immortalizing game What does Gilkes most like about the banger potential and the rela- winner in game 6 of the 1998 NBA What does Gilkes dislike about Cross Country? “I love running and tive success, as it has almost 4,000 finals are the most prominent items people? “When people say that it’s a good way to meet new peo- views and has been played in multi- in the room of Noah Gilkes. While they’re your friend, then talk about ple.” ple countries.” the aforementioned items are what you behind your back to people you Linn-Mar Junior Jaren Nelson The second album, released on first catch the eye, sitting on his also call friends. I also don’t like ma- desk is an AP Chemistry textbook nipulative people, and I don’t think said of Gilkes: “I like Noah. He’s a January 1 of 2018, is titled ‘Vol. funny guy and he’s really fun to be Two: Reassurance – EP’. The al- and a draft for a Composition II re- those types of people get called out search paper. for who they are enough.” around. He made speech class a lot bum features six songs and is 20 more entertaining.” minutes in length. The most pop- “I’d say a common misconcep- So, how would Gilkes’ friends ular track on the second album is tion about me would be that I don’t describe him? “They’d probably Gilkes said that he plans to go to ‘Rumors (feat. Tommy G)’ and has care about school. They probably say I’m funny and caring.” college, but is unsure about where. gotten over 1,400 plays on the mu- think that because I hang around He wants to pursue graduate school sic streaming service, SoundCloud. certain people,” said Gilkes. How would he describe himself? and one day earn a PhD. His dream Crumley and Gururaja agree that “I’d say I’m hardworking; I care job is to be a gastroenterologist and their second album is their greatest Gilkes likes to buck those mis- about the relationships that I build,” he has an interest in medicine. accomplishment. conception, but realizes that a lot of he said. people will refuse to look past the “I’m most proud of our latest al- surface. Gilkes says he prefers to Gilkes says he has a healthy rela- bum. I think it shows a lot of matu- look past the surface when looking tionship with his family. He has one rity and though it’s not perfect, it’s for friends. brother with whom he is close, but a step in the right direction,” said not too close. Gilkes said that in his Gururaja. “As I’ve looked for friends, I’ve relationship with his parents, trust seen that a lot of people aren’t the works both ways. Gilkes especially “We are both most proud of way you thought they’d be. Some admires his father. Vol. 2: Reassurance. The produc- times in good ways, other times not. tion quality was much improved I’d say I look for trustworthy, re- “He’s hardworking and I think from Volume One and for the most spectful people who can be serious that’s important.” part, people like Vol. 2 more,” said about things. I like people who have Crumley. Gilkes is involved in cross coun- aspirations and have plans to reach try and has been since 7th grade. Gold Revere’s members split up those aspirations. I value good mor- Gilkes was also on the varsity squad their work in the production pro- als too, I think that matters more this year. cess. Crumley makes all the music than good manners. I think morals on his computer and creates all of run a lot deeper than holding the “I always loved to watch running the chord progressions. His focus door open for someone. They have since I was little, and it was my first The Linn-Mar Life Making a meal plan you can stick to doesn’t have to be hard By Catie McMahon can be expensive, and if you don’t Although meal planning may the beginning when you must shop Planning and shopping for an en- eat it all, you feel guilty. Incorpo- seem like it takes a lot of hard work and make the meals, but it pays off tire weeks-worth of meals not only rating the fruit into your snacks, and preparation, the countless ways in the end because it adds simplic- helps you stay healthy, but also breakfast, and as a side to dinner that you can save time and money ity and health benefits to the rest eliminates all of the potential prob- can really help save you money make it a fun way to stay organized of your week. When planning your lems that come with stressing over and time when preparing the meals. and healthy throughout the week. next meal plan, keep these tips in what you are going to eat every day. That way, you can buy in bulk from Yes, there is a lot of prep work in mind to get the best results. Meal plans are an increasing health stores like Sam’s and Walmart trend among society which strive which saves you money and you to help organize seven breakfasts, don’t waste as much food. lunches, dinners, and 14 snacks for an entire week. Meal planning “My family likes to buy my food helps with healthy eating and being in bulk because of how much mon- more conscious about your choices ey and time it saves me in the long and habits because you are actual- run. It is really hard to get sick of ly committing your plan to paper. the same food that you are eating Here are some of the best tips to because of the endless options of save money and time when figuring ways you can prepare it in your rec- out your meal schedule. ipes,” says Payton Wensel, senior.

The first question that many come across when planning a meal plan is Wensel makes name for herself in track world whether they should start their meal By Lauren Willett plan on Sunday or Monday. Choos- yet they weren’t the only ones in- “Next season I want to go sub 54 Track star Payton Wensel has been ing Monday would allow you to terested in having her on their team. in the 400, go sub 2:10 in the 800, breaking records since she was only spend the weekend planning, prep- go sub 60 in the 400h, and go sub 25 a freshman. As a result, she has re- “I remember Oklahoma State, ping, and shopping for your week. in the 200,” said Wensel. “My fa- ceived national attention from col- Wisconsin, Kent State, Iowa State, Annika Menges, a senior at Linn- vorite race to run is the 400 and I’m leges all over the country. By soph- University of Northern Iowa, LSU, Mar High School says, “I would excited to try and beat the record I omore year, her picture was placed Wartburg, Minnesota, Missouri, probably want to start a meal plan set at the state meet last year.” along the outside of the gym, in Central Missouri, and plenty more on a Monday because it is your first Linn-Mar’s athletic Hall of Fame. I can’t remember,” said Wensel. Outside of track, Payton is a pret- day back at school, it’s the start of She recently decided to commit to “I committed to Iowa because my ty normal teenage girl. A typical a work week.” Choosing Sunday the University of Iowa, to compete family would still be a part of my Friday night after track practice for would allow you to spend your Sat- as a member of their track team. track career, I would know a lot of Payton is showering, eating dinner urday planning for the meals, but people on the track team, and I hate then leaving to hang out with her you don’t start your week on a high I sat down with Payton in my car, change, so I tried to limit the change friends, which is one of her favorite note. Going to work on a Monday per usual and was engulfed in Pay- as best as I could, and I connected things to do, as well as shopping. with a fresh mind and a fresh meal ton’s calm, easy-going personality. well with my coach at Iowa.” is motivating for the week and ex- As a result of my years of friend- She has a calm and collected cited to start over in the right way. ship with her, I knew how import- “I met a lot of great people at personality, she’s determined and ant track is to her, and how proud Linn-Mar, and I made a lot of great goal-driven, which is the ideal atti- Healthy or not? This is the she was of her accomplishments as memories, but I’m definitely ready tude for an athlete such as herself. question that many individuals a part of Linn-Mar’s track program. for the next chapter of my life at come across when trying to create Iowa,” said Wensel. “I have my dad to thank for keep- a well-balanced meal schedule. It “I am most proud of setting the ing me grounded and as determined is very easy to make a meal plan Class 4A State record for the 400 Not only does track limit your as I am. Outside of Linn-Mar’s healthy, but it is also easy to make it meter dash, in 54.84 seconds,” time when it becomes filled with track program he trains me, and if I unhealthy. Unhealthy carbs and fats Wensel said. “But, I’m also pretty training and lifting, but it controls beat my previous record, he is hap- seem to be the biggest culprit in the proud of my experience my fresh- your diet too, especially during the py for me, but he knows I can beat meal planning venture, as finding man year at the State track meet.” actual season. it again and keeps me working to- recipes that are low in both can be wards a new goal.” tricky. The best way to find healthy Track and field isn’t a seasonal “I never go out to eat unless but delicious recipes is through so- sport for Payton. it’s some place my dad considers “I’m completely ready to finish cial media. Sites like Pinterest, In- healthy. I make sure I eat a full meal out my last season at Linn-Mar. “I’m not involved in any other stagram, Facebook, and Twitter all three times a day. I eat protein bars I want to accomplish more activities. Training and lifting takes offer great links to many delicious and drink protein shakes religious- alongside my friends and team- up the majority of my time, and I but nutritious recipes that are sure ly. I also drink beet juice because of mates. I couldn’t ask for a better have to save time for school too.” to keep you feeling your best. “I ac- the scientific studies that say it helps team and I’m ready to work hard tually find healthy recipes on Face- Although, she wasn’t always a your muscles use oxygen better.” and beat some records.” book. I find little video clips that are single sport athlete. fun to watch, I watch them before Wensel uses every possible oppor- I go to bed,” says Ethan Schmidt, “I played volleyball my fresh- tunity to improve her running and a senior at Linn-Mar High School. man and sophomore year, but I quit that also involves the clothing she Buzzfeed’s ‘Tasty’ offers short vid- because it was very political and I wears. “Depending on the weather, eo clips that are fun to watch, sim- realized my true passion was track, it’s so important to keep your body ple to make, and are very informa- and I was better at it, so I quit and warm so your muscles don’t tight- tional. dedicated all of my time to track.” en up. And also your running shoes need to be supportive and fit the Shopping for all of the groceries “Both of my parents ran track, so I specific needs of your foot.” that you will need for a meal plan figured I should at least try it. I went can be stressful and expensive. The out in 7th grade and started training To call Payton ambitious is an un- best way to make the grocery shop- my 8th grade year,” said Payton. derstatement, she already has her ping easy is by incorporating a lot goals for next season planned out of the same ingredients into multi- Now, Payton has an athletic schol- and she trains every day to accom- ple recipes. For example, fresh food arship with the University of Iowa, plish them. The Linn-Mar Life Girls’ basketball coach dreams of making world a better place By Nathan Wylie very gratifying.” coaching with others in order to that they were uniquely created to give a better athletic experience to make a difference in this world. We Nate Sanderson, age 40, is the Perhaps the most interesting thing as many students as possible. want them to believe that [they] can head varsity girls’ basketball coach about Nate is the wiffleball field he use their passions and their gifts to at Linn-Mar. He grew up in Iowa has in his yard. It all started back “The number one thing I want make a difference no matter where City, went to City High and then when Nate worked at Louisa Mus- my players to come away with is they go after basketball.” went to UNI to major in social stud- catine schools. His family bought a that they are loved, whoever they ies education. His favorite color is house that had a giant concrete slab are, wherever they come from, they Then I asked what drew him to blue and he enjoys Chicago deep where an old farmhouse used to are accepted, and we care about Linn-Mar. dish pizza. He’s a huge Cubs fan be. It was overgrown and dirty, so them. At the end of the day we want and was raised a Vikings fan but one summer, he and the FCA club to build that relationship so that “Linn-Mar was the opportunity has recently latched onto the Patri- at Linn-Mar cleared everything off we can be a supportive person in to spread [my philosophy], like if ots. He also enjoys watching a lot and painted bases, made a pitch- their life- if they need it. The sec- we could build it here, at this scale, of basketball and studying how the ing mound, and just started playing ond thing is that their value doesn’t it would give us the credibility we coaches interact with their players wiffleball. When they moved closer come from what they do with a ball, need to open more doors and speak to build a good environment for to Springville, Nate wanted to re- they can be an all-star athlete or to other coaches. Like I said, we the team. He has an interesting ap- ally do something this time. With not, but they bring something to the could have influence beyond just proach to coaching in that he isn’t a lot of help from friends and fam- team that makes us better. It might what we do here.” just a basketball coach, he is also a ily, they built a field with outfield be their work ethic in practice or He goes on to say that there is life coach. Every Wednesday, the walls, a gazebo, irrigation, sod, and how they treat others, or how they tremendous potential at Linn-Mar entire team takes about an hour a porch in right field. They started respond to their mistakes, so part to make a real difference through to discuss healthy ways to handle hosting tournaments for different of what we want to do is take them the hundreds of athletes here.” yourself and inner dialogue both charities about five years ago and through different ways of exploring on and off the court. One exercise to date have raised over $35,000 their strengths as a person… there Nate Sanderson is a man with a included writing on a piece of pa- for different local and international is great danger in allowing yourself dream, and through basketball and per how you feel in the ten seconds charities, including relief and mercy to be defined by how you play in a wiffleball, he is living that dream. following an embarrassing moment projects in Iowa, and other projects game because eventually the ball He really is making the world a bet- like an air ball or a really hard foul. all the way to India, parts of Africa, will stop bouncing. Some day you ter place and proves that sports are Junior Kenzie Jensen, a post for the and Eastern Russia. won’t be playing anymore and if all more than just games. They teach varsity team, had this to say about you were was a jump shot, you’ll students responsibility, accountabil- his way of coaching. Nate has a dream of making the be lost. We want the players to dis- ity, teamwork, and with Nate’s phi- world a better place in any way he cover who they are in the context of losophy, love. Love for the game, “It was very different at first, but can, and that is what led him to basketball, without being defined love for each other, and love for it makes us feel appreciated for the Linn-Mar. He wants to share his through basketball. The final thing yourself. work we put in during practices, it’s knowledge and his philosophy of is that we want these girls to know Stranger Things gaining cult following on Netflix main stars is Millie Bobby Brown 80s and it also ties in many popu- the end of season one and now fans By Amelia McRoberts who only speaks 246 words in the lar movies like The Goonies and are eagerly waiting for season two In July of 2016, Netflix came out whole first season. Still, critics and Alien in the script. Whether it’s the to be released. with a show that became a massive fans alike marvel at her ability to characters, the setting, or the scene, “Stranger Things key demo- hit that fans all around the world en- portray her emotions without even the creators of the show, the Duf- graphic is unclear, as teens, adults joyed. Stranger Things, said TheV- saying a word. Other members of fer brothers, put a lot of effort into and older folks are infatuated with erge.com is a hit show full of hor- the cast include Gaten Matarazzo, connecting and tying classic movies the show. According to Moviepilot. ror, humor, nostalgia and all sorts Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, into the creation of the show. com, the show focuses on the kids, of mysteries. People of multiple and Noah Schnapp; their ages range The show is full of horror, but teens and adults so you can relate generations are enjoying this show. from 13 to 16. It was very difficult there is also humor. “The events with any of the characters no matter Katie Wilson-Maher, a junior from to find the perfect kids to play the surrounding its mystery are awful, your age. Linn-Mar said, “I liked it because it main roles in the show, but “these four kids were the only ones we felt terrifying and sometimes really sad. was very creative and different than Stranger Things has been a could work and that could hold up But you still find yourself grinning anything I’d seen before.” Why are binge-worthy show for many ages, this show on their own,” said the and laughing and cheering on the fans so excited for the premiere of and now that the season two pre- Duffer Brothers, who wrote the heroes,” says Forbes.com. There season two and why does this show miere is coming up, people are get- show. are unexpected twists and turns and appeal to a variety of people? since the first season is only eight ting more and more excited for their favorite characters and suspenseful Stranger Things is about a group Stranger Things takes place in episodes, all of the action is packed mysteries to come back. of middle school nerds in Haw- the 1980s, so this show is very pop- in. There was a huge cliffhanger at kins, Indiana. Everything is normal ular with people that grew up then. until one of the boys, Will, goes The clothes and the hair fit the de- missing out. Mike, Dustin and Lu- cade, as well as the music; all of the cas are working hard to find Will, music featured in the show and the when they meet a strange girl with soundtrack is from the 80’s. “Matt a shaved head in the woods. Then, and Ross Duffer’s new Netflix se- as the show title indicates, strange ries Stranger Things is full of nos- things start to happen. talgic nods to the decade and its pop-cultural products, but it’s also Since Stranger Things’ main fo- uncommonly rigorous about getting cus is on a group of middle school the details just right — whether it’s students, producers had to search the many pitch-perfect music cues, really hard to find young actors the hat-tipping nods and homag- who would be amazing at their jobs. es to Eighties movies, or simply When you watch the show, it’s hard nailing the cringe-worthy fashion not to forget these actors are 12 and statements of the day” said Roll- 13 years old. One of the show’s ing Stone. The show looks like the The Linn-Mar Life Should animals be kept in captivity just to entertain humans?

By Jesse Wade mental state of the animals. the body and brain are less. Orcas Blackfish, SeaWorld has said it will It seems that a majority of people Along with respective interest and other marine life have shown no longer take whales from the wild in the United States have been to groups around the world, public increased signs of aggression and or breed whales in their facilities. some kind of zoo, aquarium or figures are starting to voice their frustration when they are penned in Their current Orca shows will stop wildlife resort in their lifetime. opinion on the subject of captivity and often introduced to species they when the remaining animals in their As a kid, visiting such a place is for wild animals. Former lead would never see in the wild. These possession eventually die. Will the a great time to see your favorite singer of One Direction, Harry are just a few of the problems that loss of the orcas mean the loss of animals and maybe even see them Styles, asked crowd members at marine life in captivity face. Since SeaWorld? Only time will tell. performing in a show. However, a July 2015 concert if they liked there is another side to the story dolphins before saying, “Don’t to these amazing creatures that we go to SeaWorld.” Words from a hold close in our memories, a side renowned figure like Styles had a which questions whether we should tremendous effect on SeaWorld’s be keeping animals in captivity at audience and future fan boycotts. all. SeaWorld had a reportedly 84% This past summer, yet another orca drop in profits the month following named Kyara died due to infection Styles’ words. The airing of while being held in captivity at a Blackfish and the many celebrities SeaWorld park. The same infection who have been championing the had also killed previous whales, cause to end captivity for marine among them Tilikum, perhaps life, SeaWorld has lost astronomical SeaWorld’s most notorious whale amounts of revenue and popularity. because he was involved in the SeaWorld would be quick in their death of more than one person response Styles. “Dear Harry, we’ve at a SeaWorld park. What’s even seen a concert clip of you urging more dismaying is that Kyara was your fans not to visit SeaWorld. We born into captivity and never got want you to know we love dolphins, the chance to swim in open ocean too. We care for the animals in waters. our parks like we would our own Criticism against SeaWorld, family.” Making a mix-tape? most specifically against their SeaWorld’s mission statement Orca performances, has risen on their website reads: “inspiring Add these tunes to playlist dramatically since the production people to care for and protect wild By Kirsten Lancaster Replay by Iyaz of the documentary Blackfish animals and wild places is at the Everyone knows that the right “These songs either make me want in 2013. The award-winning core of what we do at SeaWorld.” song can fix even the worst day to dance or make me want to cry.” documentary put a spotlight on It is true that SeaWorld promotes but what if you just can’t find “the the lives of orcas who had been the development and caring for one?” Or maybe you’re just tired Michael Kuchera- held in captivity around the world. wildlife and injured animals and of hearing the same old pop songs Sun Daze by FGL SeaWorld saw its attendance and often rehabilitates them to better on the radio day in and day out. Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheehan stock drop tremendously and were conditions. SeaWorld has recorded Here to help you find whatever it Feel it Still by Portugal the Man maligned by media and special approximately 85,000 animals in is you’re looking for, fellow high “Sun Daze is great for driving interest groups to the point where captivity during a rehabilitative school students who know a thing around.” they were ultimately forced to say period and then released back into or two about good music give some that they shall not retrieve anymore the wild. However, some of those advice. Lauryn Klahn- orcas from the wild and shall only animals are kept or sold for profit I Fall Apart by Post Malone keep the ones they already have and some never make it back into Sally Fauchier- No Option by Post Malone in custody. SeaWorld currently the wild. Likewise, these animals American Teen by Khalid Unforgettable by DJ Khaled holds approximately twenty orcas in captivity face circumstances they Solo by Frank Ocean Wild Thoughts by DJ Khaled in captivity in its parks all over the wouldn’t face in the wild, such as Cough Syrup ny Young the Giant Sauce it Up by Lil Uzi world. In all, 48 orcas have died limited space to swim freely, being Lucky by Jason Mraz “The first two are good for driving in SeaWorld facilities since they separated from family members and Electric by Alina Baraz around in your feels and the last started recording the history of the the creation of food dependency. “I like them because they’re songs three hype you up.” park. Locally, there seems to be an that I can sing along to and put all Regarding the death of the orca increase in knowledge on the my feelings into. They make me Marissa Good- calf Kyara, Naomi Rose, a marine subject of SeaWorld. Linn Mar feel happy and calm.” Sober II by Lorde mammal scientist at the advocacy Sophomore Carly Clements says, Higher by Rihanna organization Animal Welfare “The orcas and many other marine Emma Gostonczik- Another Love by Tom Odell Institute in Washington, D.C. said life are mistreated (by being held Someday by Passenger Turning Page by Sleeping at Last that pneumonia (the probable cause in captivity), as they can be treated Way Down We Go by Kaleo Sandcastles by Beyonce of infection in Kyara’s case) is a and healed similar to people. Rivers and Roads by The Head and “I really like songs with emotion, “fairly common cause of death” for However, once a person is treated the Heart which tend to be sad songs.” marine life living under captivity they are free to leave, and the case Ain’t No Rest For the Wicked by due to the added stress of not being is not the same for marine life at Cage the Elephant Jesse Wade- in the wild. Although SeaWorld SeaWorld. We must not keep the Torches by X Ambassadors Gucci Gang by Lil Pump claims the cause of death isn’t ‘patients’ captive as long as they are “A playlist for car rides, good days, Jocelyn Flores by XXX Tentacion related to living in captivity, marine rehabilitated to their natural state.” and life in general” Santeria by Sublime specialists have found a correlation While SeaWorld can be a haven Sympathy for the Devil by The among the many deaths in captive for wounded and sick animals Alexa Gormley- Rolling Stones marine facilities. These specialists as they rehabilitate, they fare far Chateau by Blackbear Lithium by Nirvana have found that sickness, euthanasia better in the wild. Orca lifespans Beautiful by Bazzi “Listen to these songs because even and other deaths at marine parks are are greater in the wild, the animals Leavin’ by Jesse McCartney though they’re from different eras either directly or indirectly related seldom suffer from fin collapse as FOOLS by Troye Sivan they all hit you a certain way.” to living in captivity and/or the they do in captivity and stress to The Linn-Mar Life Zhou prides herself on hard work, likes being involved By Samyukta Karthik Who is your role model, and because I can’t really do anything “If I had to describe myself with why? I don’t think I have a role about it, I won’t change myself and one word it would intelligent and model, not because I think I’m the my personality just so someone hardworking. Oops that’s technically best, but because I try to notice what won’t hate me or because they are two words, “Savannah Zhou said everyone is good at or excelling jealous. I may approach them and laughing softly as I walked into her in and try to learn from everyone. ask them though. quaint house and took a seat in her Every person has at least one or two What is a misconception that petite but beautiful living room. things that I can learn from. people often have about you? I Her sister came downstairs greeting When have you been most can handle everything, and won’t me enthusiastically and her mom satisfied in your life? I was most break down at all. kindly offered me something to eat. satisfied when I was finally able to If you could change one thing Savannah is the daughter of Phillip take a break from school work and about yourself what would you and Rose as well as the sister of working, because then I can just change? My shyness and timid Daniel, a senior at the University of relax and eat and do whatever I personality. Iowa, and Kathy, a senior at Linn- want. It’s those little moments that What motivates you? My future. Mar High School. Savannah is the make me satisfied. Also, eating is What goals do you have youngest of the family. According always satisfying, too! before finishing high school? to her sister, Kathy, Savannah is Most embarrassing thing that’s Achieving good grades, good SAT much more than just intelligent and happened to you at school? What and ACT scores, taking APs and eating, spending time with my hardworking. She is charismatic, if it’s too embarrassing to tell? Just college course, and finding new family, and obviously getting good funny, timid at times, sarcastic, kidding (she said trying to control opportunities and new friends. grades and other achievements. obedient, and kind. She is a great her laughter). I think the most What is your advice to incoming In a single word, what is your listener and a supportive friend as embarrassing thing was when I freshman? Procrastination will passion and why? Learning. well as extremely motivated. was playing basketball at school, ruin you. Starting from learning, we can learn Savannah, a sophomore, is I used to have braces. One time, What is some advice you would new things, improve ourselves, and a Student Council Sophomore I was supposed to guard a pretty give to your younger self? Practice change ourselves for the better. Representative, a member of the tall girl, and I opened my mouth to and prepare more for many different How has being Asian-American Math Team, and an officer in Future yell something. But, when the ball things, and listen to other people’s impacted your life? It’s kinda Business Leaders of America. bounced off the hoop, we all went advice, especially older people. awesome to understand two “I love playing tennis, piano, and after the ball. In the midst of it all Also sleep more. languages and be able to learn as my viola. I also like swimming and my braces had somehow gotten There’s no doubt you’re involved well as be a part of two different playing basketball sometimes,” caught on the girl’s jersey and when in a lot of activities, how do you cultures. Although, sometimes it said Savannah. She also works at I fell, I took her down too. The ref manage your time? I usually write can clash. I always love that we can Fareway. According Savannah, she was quite shocked. everything on a calendar and check go back to Asia and tour around in hates not being active so she likes to Is there anyone in particular to see what I have coming up. When order to familiarize ourselves with keep herself busy in the classroom you wish you could get to know things are conflicting, I speak to the culture. I also love the food or in extra-curricular activities. better throughout high school? each side and try to work something because it’s just sooooo good. What is one thing that you I should make this answer sound out. If nothing works out I usually What is your favorite part of enjoy about having an older very intellectual (Savannah said, go with the one that is more urgent. being an Asian-American? The siblings? They always listen to my laughing heartily). Honestly, I think When I have too much school work food and being able to speak and be complaints, concerns, and happy myself, because there’s always new and outside activities, I attend all a part of two cultures and languages. thoughts. They always give me things to learn and improvements to my outside activities, and try to What are some struggles good advice as well, and calm me make. And all of my teachers and work out my school homework as you have faced being Asian- down when I need it. But they are counselors as well as my friends. much as I can, even staying up to 2 American? A lot of people have also there to celebrate my joys. What is your biggest achievement? a.m. sometimes. higher expectations. Not that I They’re there with me through the My biggest achievement would Where do you see yourself in 10 can’t live up to those, because I am ups and downs. be when I won 5th place at a math years? Probably under a bridge (She and have exceeded those. But also What does family mean to you? competition and gotten first at said with thick sarcasm in her voice because college admissions require The world. I think without my IMTA, a piano contest. and a huge smile). Just kidding. higher scores and standards for family, it would be very hard for me What has been your biggest Hopefully, I will be working as Asian-Americans. to be where I am. failure? Not making All-State a doctor in a large hospital and Do you think the stereotypes What would you want your How long have you been learning helping other people. about Asian are true? Depends on superpower to be and why? I viola? Six years. What are your aspirations in which stereotypes. would want to fly/teleport because Why did you choose the viola? life? To have a successful and stable Who would you switch lives I love traveling and I hate slow I couldn’t play band instruments, future that can support my family. with for one day? Why? For me, walkers. didn’t like the violin, so I was stuck Do have any college plans? it’d be the president or government What’s your spirit animal? I between viola and cello. I listened Major? Which college? All I know official so I can get an inside scoop think mine would be a lion because to pieces by cellists and violists and now is I want to do either pre-med at why they are choosing to make they are intelligent, analyze their ended up going with viola. or law. the decisions they are and why he/ surroundings and size up their prey What is your favorite part about What do you enjoy most in life? they are choosing to make these or situation before taking action. playing an instrument? Being able As of now, sleeping. I also enjoy decisions. What is a project /accomplishment to express myself without words. that you consider to be the most Why are you trying out for All- Fast Facts significant in your life? I think State? I really like and want the Favorite Color: Blue it would be when I attempted to All-State experience. I want to push Middle name: Keyi start my own organization with a myself and see how far I can go. Favorite food: Fried ice cream few friends as a project. It did not How do you deal with criticism? Favorite TV shows: The Office work out as well as we had hoped Jealousy? Hate? I usually consider Favorite music artist: 2PM all the way but the experience was definitely and ponder on the criticism to see if Favorite candy: Kit Kats or Reese’s Pieces great! I learned about teamwork, it is actually true, and if it is I will Pastime: Watch movies and TV leadership, commitment, and time try to improve on that aspect. I try Loves: Me, myself, and I. (She said in an extremely sassy and sarcastic management along with other great to ignore jealousy and hate because tone) And my family. skills. I don’t need that in my life. Also Favorite places to shop: Dick’s Sporting Goods and Kohl’s Favorite holiday: Chinese New Year (because you get lot of money) The Linn-Mar Life Reilly’s positive outlook on life is infectious By Lauryn Klahn two weeks without my parents, but I did. I think that’s what made me a “I admire how positive of an out- more independent person. look Raigan has on life, how kind she is to everyone, and how she is Where do you want to go to col- super funny,” says Brooke Mease lege? What for? I am going to the about Linn-Mar Senior Raigan University of Iowa for chemistry Reilly. Raigan has been through on the pre-med track. I chose Iowa many ups and downs in her life but because they have the best medical she never lets it interfere with the program in the state. goals she has set for herself. This If you could change a past event past year she had to deal with a in your life, would you? Yes, I knee injury, but she still didn’t let would probably change when I that rough patch bring her down. went to Florida for spring break. I As Raigan and I sat and talked, wish I would have been here to say like we have for many years because goodbye (to a loved one who had we’ve been friends since 1st grade, passed). I learned many new things that I ac- What is the best life lesson you tually never had known about her. have learned? Never take some- meals a day, some don’t have that. What is something popular right one for granted, you’ll never know should experience snow because, when the last time you see them will obviously, some countries don’t now that annoys you? I don’t get What do you like most about your be. It is the best life lesson to me have that and it is pretty cool. Even why people like Lil Pump. Like family? I like that I can just hang because I learned it with my grand- though it’s very cold. why? I don’t like him because he is out with them and they support me. 16 years old, and he is annoying. pa and how you truly do not know. What are your favorite things to What are the best and worst What would you tell your young- do in your free time? I like to hang Who is your oldest friend? Where things about getting older? The er self if you could? Enjoy every out with my dog because she is cute did you meet them? Morgan Mi- worst is that you actually have to day because life goes by fast. and fun to play with. I also like to chels. I met her at my house when figure stuff out by yourself because watch Netflix because they have we were babies. We are still friends What is the most adventurous for 18 years I’ve had my parents good shows on there, and watch the because we grew up together and thing you have ever done? Zip lin- make appointments for me and now Hawks. have just been friends forever. ing in the jungle in Mexico. It was I have to start doing it myself. The best would be everything finally What 3 words describe you best scary and it broke my knee again, What is your most embarrassing starting to fall into place with figur- describe you? Driven, because I but it’s fine. But it was a lot of fun. moment? Okay um. When I was ing out what I want to do with my in anatomy class my junior year have some big goals I want to ac- What is your favorite piece of life and achieving that. and we were trying to measure our complish in life. Independent, be- clothing you own or have owned? vertical jumps and I dislocated my cause I am okay with doing stuff by This pink sweatshirt I got 2 weeks What do you regret not doing? knee. It was embarrassing because myself, and some people aren’t. Or- ago from GAP. I like it because it’s I regret not doing sports in high I cried in front of like 50 people, ganized, because I don’t like mess- a big sweatshirt and it is nice and school because I feel like that’s a most of whom I didn’t even know, es, but if you looked at my room it comfy. big social part of high school when and I couldn’t walk. wouldn’t seem like it. you are in sports, but I never did it. What is your dream car? The If you could solve one world What is the strangest dream you newest year (when I’m able to get What would your perfect room problem what would it be? Why? have ever had? I think there was it) of a Mercedes-Benz G-wagon. look like? My perfect room would World hunger because no one needs one where I woke up in a different I want a matte black one. It’s my be a big bed comfy bed that has a to go without out food every single country and I didn’t know where I dream car because I like the boxy movie screen in it, like a movie the- day. was and they didn’t speak English. I style of it, like a Jeep, but I don’t atre so you can watch movies all couldn’t move so I just stood there. want a Jeep like everyone else has. the time. Also, it needs to be dark What will you miss most about enough to watch the movies. Linn-Mar? Just like the people I Who has had the biggest impact What is something most people guess. I’ve been around some of on the person you have become? don’t know about you? I was born What songs have you completely them since elementary school and My mom because I just think that with cleft foot and have had extra memorized? I’m pretty proud that might not see some of them ever I’ve spent the most time with her surgery to correct it. I have most of Post Malone’s songs again. Not being around them each and we’re a lot alike. She’s cool. memorized with the exception of day will be weird. How do you want people to re- like 2 because I don’t like them. Have you ever traveled to other member you after you graduate? Quick Favorites: countries? Which ones? Yes, I’ve I want them to think of me in a good How many pets do you have or been to Mexico, France, and then way and not just as someone who have you had? Overall, I have had Favorite Color? Blue England. I went to England and hated all 4 years of high school. 4. Two dogs and 2 hamsters. I have France for a leadership program in Someone who was nice to others. a pup named Lyla right now, she is Favorite Food? Pasta 6th grade. I went without my par- an Old English Bulldog and I’ve Favorite Song? Pray by Sam Smith ents and in a group of 45 other kids. If you could make one rule that had her for 9 months. I went to Mexico for family vaca- everyone had to follow, what Favorite Movie? The Blind Side tions during spring break and win- would it be? Ummm...(laughs) To What are your biggest pet peeves? ter break. use their turn signals even though When people are short with me and Favorite TV Show? The Office that already is a rule, like it would just kind of ignore me with no rea- What do you consider to be your actually have to happen because it’s son. Also, when people are rude to Favorite Place? Lake of the Ozarks greatest accomplishment? Prob- annoying when people don’t use waiters and waitresses, or just like ably going on that England and them. It’s there for a reason. when customers are rude to any Favorite Holiday? Christmas France trip because I was not in workers. tune with the world and I didn’t Do you take anything for grant- Favorite Store? Target yet have that out-of-country-expe- ed? Yeah. Just like basic stuff, What is something you think ev- Favorite Restaurant? La Camelia rience. I learned a lot and being so like food and water. That’s just not eryone should do at least once young, I didn’t think I could make it something everyone has. I get three in their lives? I feel like everyone Favorite Animal? Dog The Linn-Mar Life Pancheros versus Chipotle: which one is your favorite?

By Emily Pistulka and vegetables than Pancheros often discussed argument that burrito. Both restaurants have their One of the most massive does. The guacamole at Chipotle depends on the person’s ideal pros and cons. food debates is the showdown is delicious, but on the other of Pancheros versus Chipotle. hand, Pancheros has better queso. Knowledgeable burrito eaters know Many would argue that Chipotle is exactly where their idea of a perfect better for the burrito bowl because burrito comes from, and won’t shy of the lack of great tortillas like away from telling people why their Pancheros.” choice is best. Elizabeth Wild, Linn-Mar senior, Emma Stewart, a reporter from says, “I prefer Pancheros over Ames, Iowa says, “These two Chipotle because of the delicious restaurants are just down the road tortilla shell. Pancheros is also the from each other, making a stressful only place that has the $1 burrito choice for us consumers. But, one special, and specialty colored of the two always manages to stand burrito shells for certain holidays.” just a little taller over the other.” Morgan Klostermann, Linn-Mar senior, says, “I prefer Pancheros According to Stewart, “While over Chipotle because the queso is Chipotle has the same concept as amazing. It melts in your mouth and Pancheros, their burritos just don’t is the best queso I have ever tried.” compare. Pancheros is also the only Senior Jenna Bartelme says, “I burrito joint that has a $1 burrito How to break bad habits prefer to eat at Chipotle. I think that special. I took the time to visit both By Emily Pistulka part of our brains are working they have fresher ingredients. The restaurants and order the exact Smoking gives you cancer and against us when we try to overcome meat is great and I also love their same thing from each to compare wrinkles, eating fast food makes bad habits. These routines can guacamole.” the two.” you fat, and sleeping in makes you become hardwired in our brains, late, but what makes people still do and the brain’s reward centers keep Pancheros was founded by Rodney First, Stewart conquered habits even when they know they’re us craving the things we’re trying Anderson in 1992. He opened Chipotle. “I ordered a burrito with still bad for them? so hard to resist.” his first restaurant in Iowa City, rice, chicken, shredded cheese, and Perhaps Kanye West, musician, Pleasure habits can be very hard Iowa. There are now 67 locations guacamole (my go-to-burrito). The said it best. “Why everything that to break. Dr. Russell Poldrack, a across the United States. Pancheros first bite was less than satisfying. supposed to be bad, make me feel neuro-biologist at the University of introduced the famous tortilla press, The tortilla shell that encased my so good?” Texas at Austin says, “Enjoyable and “Bob the tool” which gets every burrito was slightly dry and failed It seems L-M students can relate. pleasures can prompt your brain to ingredient in each bite. Pancheros to hold in the innards of my meal. Lorissa Hickson, a senior at Linn release a chemical called dopamine. is commonly known for their fresh- Upon further investigation, I found Mar High School says, “My worst If you do something over and over, pressed tortillas and yummy queso. that the shredded cheese was habit is procrastinating, but I do it and dopamine is there when you’re unevenly distributed and difficult anyway because I am too lazy.” doing it, that strengthens the habit Chipotle was founded by Steve Ells to taste. And then, to make matters Emily Manley, senior, says, “My even more. When you’re not doing in 1933, in Denver, Colorado. There worse, there was a giant pocket of worst habit is eating foods that are those things dopamine creates the are now 1,700 Chipotle locations guacamole in the bottom corner bad for me but I cannot ever stop craving to do it again. This explains throughout the United States, the that completely overpowered the myself from eating them.” why some people crave drugs, even United Kingdom, Germany, France, chicken and rice and spilled all over There are a number of bad habits if the drug no longer makes them and Canada. Chipotle takes pride my basket. I was very depressed that people all over the world have feel particularly good once they in their ingredients and believe after that little occurrence.” such as smoking, doing drugs, take it.” in serving “food with integrity.” biting fingernails, sleeping in, Volkow notes that, “there’s no Chipotle is commonly known for Next, Stewart conquered swearing, drinking too much coffee single effective way to break bad their tasty guacamole and human- Pancheros. “Shaking off my or too much pop, eating bad foods, habits. But, one approach is to focus sized burritos. dissatisfying meal, I proceeded binge eating, going to tanning on becoming more aware of your Lexi Atzen, a student from the to move onto the town favorite, beds, drinking too much alcohol, unhealthy habits. Strategies can University of Iowa, ran a survey Pancheros, the very next day. I once overspending on credit cards, then developed to counteract them. on Twitter of the preference of again, ordered my go-to-burrito (if over-using social media, hoarding, For example, habits can be linked Pancheros or Chipotle. With about you were wondering, guacamole is playing video games, cracking in our minds to certain places and 100 voters, 92% voted Pancheros extra). Sitting down at the booth, I knuckles, being late, and more. activities. You could develop a plan, while only 8% voted for Chipotle. finally took a bite of the heavenly People do all sorts of things that say, to avoid walking down the hall Let’s take a look into what makes so masterpiece that is the Panchero’s are hurting them in some way, even where there’s a candy machine, many people prefer Pancheros over burrito. Pure satisfaction. The though they clearly know that the or resolve to avoid going places Chipotle. tortilla was warm and slightly activity is a bad habit. There are a where you’ve usually smoked. doughy, creating the perfect cling handful of explanations behind the You could stay away from friends According to Atzen, “It seems to hold in all the ingredients of driving forces of these bad habits. and situations linked to problem as if many people like Pancheros the burrito. The shredded cheese Let’s take a look at what causes drinking or drug use.” because of their freshly made was prominent and beautifully people to continue these things. Poldrack claims that another tortillas and their delicious queso. distributed. All the flavors meshed According to Dr. Nora Volkow, helpful technique is to “visualize They mix the fillings and roll together perfectly, which only director of NIH’s National Institute yourself in a tempting situation. the burrito perfectly. That’s an added to my satisfaction. This on Drug Abuse, “Habits can Mentally practice the good behavior important aspect to burrito making burrito fairly earned the title of bae- develop when good or enjoyable over the bad. If you’ll be at a party for sure. On the contrary, Chipotle ritto.” events trigger the brain’s reward and want to eat vegetables over does not mix as well. Chipotle also centers. This can set up potentially fattening foods, then mentally charges based on the meat, unlike There is a common agreement harmful routines such as overeating, visualize yourself doing that. It’s Pancheros, who has each meat that many people prefer the tortilla smoking, drug or alcohol abuse, not guaranteed to work, but it can priced the same. Pancheros charges shell and queso from Pancheros, and gambling, and even compulsive use certainly help.” extra for veggies unlike Chipotle, the fresh ingredients from Chipotle. of computers and social media.” Bad habits can be hard to change, though. Chipotle has fresher meat Pancheros versus Chipotle is an Volkow says, “In a sense, then, but it can certainly be done. The Linn-Mar Life

Disney stories can define childhood memories... By Samyukta Karthik peck out and devour the stepsisters’ envious of her, convince her stay Mulan escapes. When she arrives “Disney made up basically my eyes as revenge for the deceit they longer in hopes that the beast will home, she discovers that her entire childhood. I remember that showed. Cinderella also slams the get mad that she did not come back father is dead and her mother has my friends and I would always lid of a chest on her stepmother’s to the castle and will then eat her. remarried. Then she says, “I’m a aspire to be a different Disney neck, breaking it and killing her. Snow White: woman, I survived the war, and I princess when we were younger Sleeping Beauty: Snow White is another Brothers have done enough. Now I want to and we would dress up and play In Sleeping Beauty, originally Grimm classic that has a dark origin. be with my father.” Then she ends “Disney Princess Ball,” said written by Giambattista Basile in When the queen orders the hunter to up taking her own life. Savannah Zhou, sophomore. 1634, Aurora was put into eternal kill Snow White and bring back her Hercules: Disney has played a substantial sleep by a flax splinter and the lungs and liver, the queen actually To start off, Zeus tricks Hercules’ part in the childhoods of many of prince was unable to wake her eats the lungs and liver thinking mother into having sex with him. us. These stories have given us our up with a kiss. However, rather that it is Snow White’s, even though Then, as a child, Hercules kills his beautiful “happily ever after” and than just leaving, the prince in the it is a lamb’s. Also, when Snow music tutor with a lyre. Hercules given us a chance to imagine our original tale decides to rape her White is poisoned with the apple, takes Megara, who was the daughter own fantasies. before he leaves, even though he she does not wake up from a kiss, of the king of Thebes, into marriage “I always wanted to be Mulan, is already married, and Aurora but rather from the dwarfs bumping by force. They have two children because she depicted a powerful becomes pregnant with twins while her coffin causing the poisonous and live happily, until Hera, Zeus’s woman who was brave and who she is sleeping. While Aurora is apple to dislodge from her throat. wife, drives Hercules mad and he fought for her country. Mulan still unconscious, the twins are born At the prince and Snow White’s kills Megara and their children. inspired courage in me,” said Vicky and one of the babies sucks the flax wedding, as a punishment, Snow Tormented by guilt, Hercules still Wang, junior. splinter out of her finger causing her White makes the evil queen wear completes the same 12 tasks as in Since 1937, when the company to wake up. When Aurora finally burning hot iron shoes and demands the film, but with extreme violence released its first Disney princess finds out what happened and goes to her to dance until she drops dead on and disregard for life. movie, Disney has impacted the palace, the prince’s wife almost the floor. Hunchback of Notre Dame: the lives of many kids; they’ve kills her and her children, but the Little Mermaid: In Victor Hugo’s novel, Quasimodo provided very forward-thinking king steps in and tells Aurora that In the original story, written betrays Esmeralda because she says characters that encourage children she can marry ther rapist. by Hans Christian Andersen, the that she does not love him, and she to be different and they’ve modeled Rapunzel: penalty that Ariel had to endure to watches as she’s hanged in the town certain qualities that seem to be The Grimm brothers are not gain legs was that every single step square. Feeling guilty, Quasimodo universally desired in young girls. called “grim” without reason, she would take would feel like she goes to her grave where he stays However, Disney stories are not however, Rapunzel was one of the is walking on sharp shards of glass. until he starves to death. Years later, necessarily as they seem. Many of happiest stories that they wrote. Also, Ariel’s motivation to become when her grave is opened, someone the stories picked by Disney come Rapunzel was actually the daughter a human was not only because of the finds both their skeletons, but when from extremely dark origins and of farmers. When Rapunzel was prince, but also because mermaids they try to separate them, they turn from authors notorious for writing twelve, a witch kidnapped her and could not have eternal souls or go to dust. extremely sinister works. So here locked her in a tower because she up to Heaven like humans could. Pinocchio: are a few Disney stories’ deep, dark wanted to protect Rapunzel’s long At first, it seems like her plan was In the Adventures of Pinocchio origin. Disclaimer: these may just and luscious golden hair. One day, working, but then the prince ends by Carlo Collodi, Pinocchio is far ruin your childhood. a prince hears her singing and up marrying another, a woman more mischievous in the movie. Cinderella: climbs the tower. Rapunzel falls in he thinks is the person who saved Since birth, he behaves atrociously, Cinderella may have ended up love with him and they decide to him. Ariel cannot tell him that he he steals things, and even his father with Prince Charming and found marry that night. However, when is wrong since she also gave up her calls him a “wretched lad.” In the her happily ever after, but her step- the prince climbs the tower again, voice. She is told that if she kills book, he runs away as soon as he sisters sure did not. In the Disney the witch finds him and throws him the prince, then she can simply turn learns to walk. He is found by the story, only her step-sisters and her from the tower into a bush with back into a mermaid and doesn’t police, who imprison Geppetto step mother are cruel, however in spines, which makes him blind. The have to die. She just can’t do it, because they think that Pinocchio the original version, Cinderella prince spends months after months though; she throws herself into was abused by him. When had a mean side to her, too. roaming around the forest, until, the sea, and turns into sea foam. Pinocchio returns home one day, he Cinderella was originally written one day, he hears her voice again. However, rather than dying she kills a talking cricket (Jiminy). As as Cenerentola (An Italian Tale) by He is the father of Rapunzel’s two becomes a ‘daughter of the air,’ a consequence for all his horrifying Charles Perrault. When the prince children and she uses her magic entering a kind of purgatory where deeds, a cat and a fox hang him arrives at their house with the glass tears, given by the witch, to bring she has to do good deeds until she from a willow tree and watch him slipper and the step-sisters realize back his sight. earns a soul, which will take about die while he swings in the wind. that they won’t be able to fit into it, Beauty and the Beast: 300 years to happen. Jungle Book: one step-sister cuts off her toe and The original story was written Mulan: In the original story written another cuts off her heel to fool the by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de In Hua Mulan’s poem, China by Rudyard Kipling, after killing prince. Of course the prince does Villeneuve. In the story, Belle ends up losing the war. The Khan the murderous tiger Shere Khan, not fall for it and during the wedding convinces the beast to let her go from the enemy side lets Mulan live Mowgli finds out that his biological for the prince and Cinderella, home to see her sisters for a week. under the condition that she must parents have been captured by a Cinderella sends her bird friends to However, her sisters, who become live with him as his prostitute, so continued on Page 11 The Linn-Mar Life Gormley turns school project into lifelong friend By Kirsten Lancaster plans on publishing her book by the Some fun Facts About Alexa Picnic School, music, and dogs. These end of the year. What is your favorite season? are the three things that take up Seeing someone so young If you could live anywhere, where Fall most of Alexa Gormley’s life, but accomplishing so much can be would it be? In the country, I like What is your biggest fear? it wasn’t always that way. It wasn’t intimidating, but Alexa shares that Iowa. Stitch dying and old people until she started at Iowa BIG that she’s far from perfect. What’s your favorite comfort What’s the most daring thing you’ve dogs, her new passion, came into “If I could change one thing food? ever done? her life. about myself, I would make myself Cheez Its Gotten in fights with my ponies “I think I wouldn’t have gotten a less sensitive. I act before I think a Pancakes or waffles? Are you an introvert or an dog if it hadn’t been for Iowa BIG. lot and I wish I could fix that,” says Waffles extrovert? They’re the reason I have Stitch,” Gormley. Skydiving or cliff diving? Extrovert Gormley says. Growing up an only child made Neither Who knows you the best? Alexa started at BIG last year Alexa very independent. She says Movie date or picnic? Stitch unsure of what this new program she struggles to be a good team would bring. She always had an member because she’s so used to affinity for advocating for those relying on herself instead of others. with mental illnesses but she never “One thing I’m really working on had a platform. That’s where BIG, is being a team player. I like being a a project based program, came leader so following someone else is into play. Alexa joined a group hard for me.” that wanted to raise awareness for But others see her in a very emotional support animals and different way. Alexa’s mom, Trudy therapy dogs. She had no idea what Gormley, works at Linn-Mar High it all meant, but she wanted to help. School, allowing her to see her With the support of her team, she daughter during the school day. gained the knowledge she needed “Alexa is so caring and supportive to educate others on the benefits of of others. She is the first to reach therapy dogs. It was then that she out to help in any situation,” says decided to write a book. Gormley. “I wrote this book last summer. It seems like Alexa Gormley has It shows mental illness in a way it all figured out. She is pursuing that kids can understand. I know her passion while helping others, all when I first learned things it was while getting school credit. As for through stories so I felt like a book the future, Alexa plans on attending about an anxious dog could make Iowa State University to become a mental health an easier topic to vet. She wants to spend the rest of understand.” her life caring for the animals that Now, under the guidance of her were her source of inspiration at Iowa BIG teacher Liz Sheka, Alexa Iowa BIG. Origins of Disney stories often much darker continued from Page 10 village of farmers. With the help of The Fox and the Hound: Princess and the Frog: result, the demonic Snow Queen the animals in the jungle, Mowgli In the original story, the fox is In the very first version of The looks beautiful to him. Then the completely annihilates the village raised by the dog owner’s/hunter’s Frog Prince, the princess has to hurl Ice Queen ends up kidnapping and kills all the villagers. Later, he family, but he eventually returns the frog against a wall to break the him. To create Elsa, Disney merged is captured and has to find a way to the wild. The fox occasionally curse. In later versions of the story Kai and the Snow Queen together. to escape because the inhabitants returns to taunt the dogs and flash the frog’s head was cut off, or his After taking Kai away and erasing believe him to be an evil spirit. his cunning foxlike skills. One of the skin was burned. his memory, the Ice Queen ends up Finally, Mowgli finds peace in a dogs breaks his chain, and chases Frozen: making him do atrocious deeds of village governed by the English. him. That dog ends up getting hit Frozen is a spin-off of Hans violence until Greta saves him with Aladdin: by a train and dying. The hunter Christian Andersen’s The Snow a kiss. The original Aladdin’s story is a is devastated, and vows revenge Queen and probably one of the relatively peaceful and happy story, on the fox. He becomes obsessed, happier stories Andersen has The included stories were taken but the story’s second sequel is but can never catch him. However, written. Anna is the character Gerda from Grimm’s Complete Fairy extremely dark. This sequel, called the hunter does end up killing the in Andersen’s story, however in the Tales compiled by Jacob Grimm, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, has fox’s first mate, second mate, and story Gerda is a penniless commoner, The Complete Hans Christian the character Cassim (Aladdin’s children. Eventually, the fox does not a princess, and she is looking for Andersen Fairy Tales translated father) killed and dismembered die from exhaustion. Copper, the her childhood friend, Kai. The story by Marte Hvam Hult, and Disney and his body parts stacked around hound in the story, is shot by his starts with trolls breaking a magic Story Origins. a treasure cave as a warning to alcoholic owner before the owner mirror, unleashing evil and cold travelers. Later, Cassim’s body is moves into a retirement home. everywhere. The mirror shows the stitched together by a tailor so his bad side of everything it reflects and family will think he died of natural Peter Pan: the trolls play with it too much. The causes. In the original story written by mirror shatters and throws splinters Lion King: J.M. Barrie, Peter kills the Lost into everyone’s hearts, freezing Lion King is supposedly a play Boys when they get too old. “The them and turning the world cold. based off Shakespeare’s Hamlet, boys on the island vary, of course, Kai didn’t hide on the other side of according to Disney. However, in in numbers, according as they get a door and a demon mirror infected this play practically every character killed and so on; and when they his eye and heart. The shards of the ends up dying. Simba, who is based seem to be growing up, which is demon mirror cause him to interpret on Hamlet’s character, is stabbed against the rules, Peter thins them everything good and beautiful as with a poison blade. out,” says J.M. Barrie. ugly and bad, and vice versa. As a The Linn-Mar Life

Hagmeier settles in as freshman, Clement full of personality likes freedom high school provides By Jesse Wade “I’ve always wanted to learn how As you walk through the halls to sew, like blankets and pillows. of Linn-Mar High School, you They would be the decorations to She has fall candles that smell like By Sydney Bennett see a lot of faces and a lot of style. my house.” pumpkin spice and apple cinnamon. Lauren Hagmeier, a freshman At first glimpse, you might notice Clements likes the simple life. She has jelly stickers on her window at Linn-Mar High School, says Junior Carly Clement’s neon Her desire in the future is to have that say Happy Halloween and that “On the first day of high school orange Nike backpack, but it is her house, a husband, and kids and feature skeletons, pumpkins, and my friends and I were so scared, not the that part of her that lights to just be a mom who can enjoy life spiders. Even though fall is number but now that I’ve been here for a up the room. with her family. one on her list of favorites, summer while, its normal and I almost enjoy “I think my eyes are my most “The thing I love most about is right up there. Lauren says she going to school because we have a prominent feature, they’re giant my family, (my brother, sister, and loves the weather of summer, the lot more privileges here than we did and blue. People tell me they’re parents) is when we’re all together. good and the bad. in middle school. Plus, the food is almost like fish eyes, but I like We always have a good time. That “I love being able to tan with better.” them; they make me, me.” makes me feel good to know we my friends one day and then the Hagmeier has two parents, Brian Seventeen-year-old Carly love each other.” next day to be cuddled up with and Brittany, who are divorced but Clements isn’t the first person However, Clements isn’t as tons of blankets while it is pouring both happily remarried. Lauren has you’d hear in the halls or the first innocent as she can seem. outside,” said Lauren. Lauren also three brothers. Logan, her half- person you’d see flaunting her What is something you will loves summer because she says she brother, is a junior at UNI. Her two outfit for all to see. While not one NEVER do again? feels free to eat all she wants, like other step brothers, Nick and Chris, for style, she makes up for with “I would never shoplift again. ice cream, Fruitzen, and popsicles. also go to Linn Mar high school personality. It was the worst, total peer pressure In the future, Lauren wants to along with Lauren. She lives in “What would you say people situation there. I was with some hopefully get accepted into the Marion with her dad and in Robins think is the weirdest trait you of my friends with nothing to do, University of Iowa to take on a with her mom. have?” and out of the blue they all wanted career in pediatric nursing at the Lauren has a boyfriend named “Well, people always comment to go shoplift from Kohl’s. So we Children’s Hospital in Iowa City. Johnny who goes to Prairie. She on how shy I am, but I just go there, and I’m freaking out the Lauren babysits on a regular basis in and Johnny have been dating for don’t know what to say in new whole time. I didn’t want to get the summer and that has gotten her two months and she says, “Even situations.” caught. It’s like the first wall broken attached to children, which is why though I don’t see him every single When the interview first started, into being a teen. That first scary she wants to be a pediatric nurse. day like I would if he had gone to Clements was very shy, and always experience of being rebellious. Plus, she says she is a huge Iowa LM, we still make it through.” The trying to grab for something. She Everyone goes through something Hawkeye fan. She and her mom go days they do see each other they lies all over the place when in like that, I believe. The police to almost every home game. do homework, eat, chill, and watch an interview situation. However, ended up coming to my house at “The hawks are good and Netflix. as the interview progressed, she almost midnight to talk to me and entertaining to watch, it’s as simple Lauren dances at the Dance became more fidgety, but had my parents. Needless to say, that as that.” Company in Marion. She has been relaxed, too, and become more didn’t go over well.” dancing for nine years, and is also open about herself. What would you say is your worst on a competitive dance team. She Clements, an employee at the memory?” dances on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, local ChickFilA, says she finds “OH. The worst was when I was Fridays, and Sundays. herself in charge a lot more and a little kid and a swing hit my toe. “You would think after being loves where she works. Yes, a swing. And it ripped off my with the same four girls that many “I find myself being in charge toenail. It is the worst pain and a days a week that you would get sick more often than not. I don’t like traumatic experience as a kid to see of each other but in reality, we are when things are in chaos. My your toe nail-less.” all like sisters and we love each manager thinks I should be a If you could change your name to other.” She also says that she loves team-leader and I’m starting to anything, what would it be? dance because it is a workout but think I could handle that. Chick- “Nothing. I’ve never had a is doing something she loves at the Fil-A is like my second family.” problem with my name. I really like same time. Clements loves order, and for my name. I think my parents did a Other than dance, Lauren loves things to be timely and in control. great job with it. It’s something I’d to hang out with her best friends, Do you find yourself to usually never feel bad about.” Arianna, Brooklyn, Myles, Kendall, early, or late? and Tyler, who are also all freshman “Definitely early. I get really at Linn-Mar. She hangs out with irritable when I find myself late. It them mostly every weekend doing brings this kind of anxiety to me. some of her favorite activities like Being late makes me feel out of going to get food from some of her control.” favorite places like Panchero’s or Being a full time employee at Buffalo Wild Wings. Sometimes, Chick-Fil-A and attending high they watch Grey’s Anatomy or school with a full schedule does comedy movies on Netflix, or they take a lot out of Clements. get Starbucks and drive around, on If you didn’t have to sleep, what their school route of course. would you do with your time? Lauren says she absolutely “I’d still sleep. I need it. After loves the fall season because of school, and a forty hour work Halloween, Halloween movies, fall week, I’m pooped.” drinks, fall clothes, haunted houses, Work and school takes a toll and pumpkin patches. She says and there is little time for the she loves everything fall. even the small things in life for this high colors and smells. Her room, she school student. says, always reflects the seasons If time and money were not an but she goes all out for fall. She has issue, what hobby would you blankets in dark reds and oranges. pick up? The Linn-Mar Life NCAA tourney time means one thing: March

Madness!three years ago, and this year just By Jaren Nelson might be the right time for them Every single year the NCAA Bas- to pop in the tournament. ketball Tournament leaves fans in awe, whether that is being over- The second team poised to win whelmed with pure joy, or more multiple games in the tournament commonly, completely heartbro- in the Xavier Musketeers. This ken. With only sixty-eight teams team is loaded with scoring, led getting in, counting the first four, by Trevon Bluiett and J.P. Ma- many fans around the country do cura, who are both shooting over not even get to cheer for their re- fifty percent from the field and Lawrence gives views spective teams, simply because averaging double figures. Blui- they do not make the tournament. ett is a superstar, averaging over That increases the popularity twenty-one points per game. They on support of Linn-Mar and importance of bracketology, are one of the best shooting teams or filling out selective brackets in America, and have a very deep gun violence walkout based on who you think will win bench. “Xavier is a tough coached each game of the tournament. and tough-minded team. Tough- Senior Tia Lawrence, one of the raised on the mentality that politics What was once a light-hearted ness is needed to get through a organizers of the Linn-Mar walkout are bad and that there is nothing we hobby has turned into a national season, but it is needed even more against gun violence which occurred can do about it. phenomenon. There are countless in the tournament,” states Scott in February, gives her views in a Future plans of Activism? websites and companies that do Nelson, assistant varsity coach for questionnaire about the walkout. Long term? Definitely. I’m bracket challenges, with the over- Linn-Mar High School and a big- Her answers follow below: very passionate about equality, all winner being awarded a prize. time college basketball fan. Xavi- Why were you inspired to help transparency in government and the Warren Buffett announces every er exhibited their toughness in a organize the walkout rally at notion that the government serves year that a perfect bracket will clutch road win against Wiscon- Linn-Mar? the people. I’m going to major in earn a person one-billion-dollar sin earlier this season, when they I was most inspired by the political science and English, so reward from him. Yes, one billion ended the game with a fourteen victims in Florida. Personally, we’ll see. Short-term, I’m concerned dollars. So, if so many people par- to four scoring run that resulted I feel that most kids don’t think with getting youth involved. 18-24 ticipate in these challenges each in a ten-point victory. Xavier’s there is anything they can do about year olds are statistically the least year, why does a perfect bracket ability to shoot, their toughness, government or politics, and here politically active and we are very never occur? One word, sleepers. and Trevon Bluiett are reasons to were these kids saying, “No, we under-represented in public policy. Sleeper teams bust brackets and have them go deep into this year’s have a say. There are things we can That bothers me. break hearts every year during the tourney. do.” And the fact that it’s coming What do you personally think NCAA Tournament. This year, from high school kids like me just needs to happen to stop future The final team that could stir up however, you do not have to lose makes it even more empowering.” acts of gun violence? some brackets is TCU. Now, out your mind over these sleepers, be- Why did you feel it was necessary While I’m personally very anti- of all three of these teams, TCU cause this list will explain which to go to the administration before gun in general, I acknowledge that is considered the biggest sleeper. sleeper teams you need to pick in the walkout? isn’t realistic in today’s society. They are not as highly recognized your bracket this year. It was necessary to make them What I’d really like to see is laws on the national level as the other aware, because we obviously put in place requiring licensing, The first sleeper team that is two, they will have the hardest didn’t want to surprise them with creating a federal data base for already showing signs of a great time making a huge tournament bunches of kids flooding the halls weapons and preventing straw-gun tournament run is Texas A&M. run. The Horned Frogs are in- and leaving. It was just a common sales. Honestly, just any legislation Led by star players DJ Hogg and experienced, no doubt, but they decency kind of thing. by Congress to make a change. I Tyler Davis, this team is well have been fantastic since halfway What was your reaction to the want action. sized and very balanced. Five of through last year. Last season turnout? How do you feel about arming their six top minutes leaders are they finished strong, beating a top Very surprised. We had about teachers? Security guard on averaging double figures in scor- of the conference Kansas team 400 people that had been formally campus? ing, and three of those six are over in first round of the Big Twelve invited on Facebook but only 150 I think it is ridiculous. Teachers six foot nine inches tall. They al- Tournament, and just missed the people had said yes. I also think that engage students in learning, not in ready have collected impressive NCAA tournament. They were we’d been receiving more negative combat. I want to see policy that wins to start the season, beating selected to play in the NIT, and reactions than positive, so we were addresses the cause of gun violence, both Oklahoma State and Penn put on an absolute show in the assuming most wouldn’t come. not the symptom. State by double figures. Not to tournament, beating Iowa and Why do you think it is important What would you say to politicians mention, their display of complete winning the whole thing. for the youth of America to speak about this matter? The NRA? dominance against one of the best TCU is continuing to build off of out on the topic of gun violence? That now is the time to prove teams in the college basketball, a successful season last year, and I think this is a nice stepping where your loyalty lies. A whole new West Virginia, beating them 88-65 make their mark in school histo- stone to get the youth involved. This generation of voters is watching and in the season opener. Texas A&M ry by punching their ticket to the is an issue that hits home to a lot your next move determines whether has been a team on the rise ever tourney for the first time since of us, because it affects us directly. we support and approve of you, or since Davis stepped onto campus 1998. Too many young people have been overthrow you. We want action! The Linn-Mar Life Society needs to re-think how we raise boys By Lincoln Currie up their emotions, is what happens thing go. Sometimes men do need and bottling them up is not an effec- to a lot of veterans in this country. to be strong. However, the belief tive way to deal with problems. From birth, males are raised These warriors who have seen the that being strong means pushing indoctrinated in a culture that tells worst and most unspeakable things, away all your The stigma surrounding men them to toughen up and push away they get isolated. They are told, just talking about their emotions must their feelings. Males are brought up like many other males, to just ‘buck feelings, and that expressing those come to naught. The antiquated being told that it is not okay to cry, up’ or ‘be strong’. These soldiers feelings makes someone “soft”, is notion that men must bury their that they need to be strong and hold are told they need to assimilate.” foolhardy. To be strong is not to feelings and never express them in everything. This line of thinking pretend there is no problem. To be must be vanquished. If the stigma is archaic and dangerous. A major A culture of acceptance must be strong is to admit there is a prob- is removed, men can start getting culture shift must occur. created so that stigmas about men lem, and deal with it in an effective healthier emotionally, lowering the talking about their feelings can dis- way. Pushing aside your feelings risk of tragedies like suicide. Why do men bottle up their feel- appear. If men learn to express their ings? Is it something men are born feelings instead of just letting them with, or is it the culture in which get trapped and collect over time, they are raised? Linn-Mar High suicides will be less likely to oc- School’s School Psychologist Lisa cur. This can start small, with males Mooney believes it is the latter. talking about problems or issues “It’s a culture thing and how with a close group of friends, and we raise people. If you’re a boy, from that point, it can build. If this you don’t cry. You suck it up. You comfort with opening up continues have to be strong. That mindset is to grow, eventually the stigma sur- so deeply embedded in our culture. rounding men talking about their I think we do a disservice to males emotions will vanish. by telling them to buck up. I think While males being able to ex- showing vulnerability is a strength, press their feelings is important, it shows that someone who is able there is a time and place for that. to manage their feelings is stronger There are some times when every- than someone who just shoves them one needs to move on or let some- down.”

Mooney then talked about her experiences when she used to work Traditional versus block scheduling: with younger children.

“When I used to work with which is more beneficial importantfor thatkids? teachers have ef- However, there are certain draw- smaller kids, I explained it to them By Rachel Gulick fective time management to max- backs to this system. According to like this. Have you ever been to a imize student learning during a There are two main ways the study “Research Spotlight on pool where people were playing shorter class time. with a beach ball? What happens schools manage the school day for Block Scheduling”, absences have when you take that beach ball and their students; block scheduling more of an impact on students “Block classes are too long try to hold it under the water? It just and traditional scheduling. Some since block classes may only meet and there’s too much work schools have a combination of the a few times per week. Similarly, it ends of coming right back up. Just time. But if you changed to because you pushed it below the two, but most rely solely on ei- is more difficult to cover material surface, that didn’t make it go away. ther block or period classes. There in Advanced Placement courses in all skinny classes, you have are benefits and disadvantages to the short time allotted. According to the potential for a test night- Keeping all these feelings pushed each system, and the disadvantag- SeattlePi, a student’s attention span mare where you could have below the surface can have dire es often outweigh the good, which is only about 30 minutes, which a few quizzes or assignments consequences. According to the leaves a combined structure to be means 90-minute classes are much due on the same day, which American Foundation for Suicide the best option. Combining the too long to be effective. Along with Prevention, men commit suicide two could eliminate some of the this, teachers may not actually teach leads to more stress for stu- 3.57x more than women. More disadvantages of each schedule and interact with their students for dents,” said Linn-Mar ju- frighteningly, however, is the sui- and create a better system. the full block of class. nior Lincoln Currie. cide rates among veterans, who are mostly men. One way schools conduct class On the other hand, traditional Linn-Mar High School has a is through block scheduling. On a scheduling is conducted through scheduling system that blends According to the U.S. Depart- block schedule, students have four seven or eight 45-minute class pe- these two ideas together. Classes ment of Veterans Affairs, male vet- 90-minute classes each day which riods. A benefit of this system is such as foreign language, math, erans are 19 percent more likely to last for a quarter or a semester. that the physical act of getting up and music are 45 minutes long, commit suicide than their non-vet- According to the National Edu- and moving to a new setting for a while other electives like social eran counterparts. According to cation Association, block classes different class every 45 minutes is studies, English, and science are USA Today, in 2012 and 2013, sui- mainly benefit teachers using a more refreshing to students than 90 minutes for a quarter or a se- cide tallied more casualties than project-based curriculum. This is only having four longer classes. mester. This is an optimal com- combat itself. because students have more time This system accommodates for promise to benefit both student for both cooperative learning and young students’ attention spans and attention spans and other classes Much of the reason as to why independent work time in a single gives them variety in their learning requiring block length. This way, veterans are at a much higher risk of class period. Teachers also have each day. However, because there students are able to keep up with suicide is because of post-traumatic extended time to plan, and can get are eight classes each day, students classes while being occupied and stress. Mooney weighed in on the to know their students better. Stu- may have more homework to keep having variety in their day. Our matter. dents have fewer classes, which up with, especially if teachers give school’s schedule is the best de- “The most extreme cases of in theory, allows them to excel at assignments each day. With short- sign because it combines the ben- what can happen when men bottle just a few subjects at a time. er class periods it becomes more efits of both systems. Editorials Editorials Editorials Editorials The Linn-Mar Life Proficiency scales too subjective for academic purposes By Nathan Wylie entity that doesn’t influence the grade. Better yet, just grade on they can’t slack off and pass by a The proficiency scale grading letter grade. percentage like schools have technicality. Students who are more system, a tool that was added to The next step is to implement been doing since the beginning adept can be graded accurately Linn-Mar’s grading system, consists a solution. It’s honestly quite of education. By not using the on the content of their work, and of a four-point scale ranging from simple. If the proficiency scale proficiency scale, students would be rewarded accordingly. It’s just 0.5-4, 0.5 being not at all proficient is implemented, it should remain be more inclined to work harder like the old saying goes, “If it isn’t and 4 showing mastery of all skills. separate from a student’s actual and achieve more, knowing that broke, don’t fix it.” While this version of grading may seem simpler, perhaps even better on the surface, the criteria Crockett calls out students over dress code in the proficiency scale system are arbitrary and too subjective for By Harper Crockett dent can pretty much wear anything should be allowed to wear this in a and not get in trouble, like in the public school. academic purposes. Imagine you are walking down Sherri Condon, a French teacher examples above. The claim is often the hall in a high school. You round In these cases, some people at Linn-Mar, said, “The proficiency made that dress codes are “sexist”, the corner to find a group of girls. claim that the clothing choice is scale is not refined enough nor and to be honest, they often are. But One is wearing a crop top that is so “a distraction to the guys,” and in sensitive enough to motivate high why is that? It is often because girls small it simply looks like a sports some cases, it is. But there is a rea- performing students or give them are the only ones who dress like bra. Another is wearing shorts so son why some girls dress like this, adequate feedback. Also, at the that. I have never seen a guy walk short that half her behind is sticking attention. They want the attention, lower end, it rewards students down the hall in a crop top, so yeah, out. The third one is wearing a low but then complain about it when who are incapable of performing it is “sexist”. cut shirt that shows the entire top they get it. If there were rules that at any decent level, rewards them half of her breasts. An administra- Recently, Oregon passed a law were more detailed regarding what and passes them. I spoke with the tor walks past the girls and smiles, that changed the dress code require- one can and cannot wear, then this Marzano expert who told me to just but says nothing. As someone who ments and made them more specif- would not happen as much. use a scale within a scale for the top experiences this on a daily basis, I ic. According to this Oregon law, performing students, the 3.5-4 area, can tell you how disgusting this is. some of the restrictions include: I am not saying that every school but that would just put us back at Some schools do follow through “[that] genitalia, buttocks, and nip- should have a full-on uniform in- percent.” with their dress code and students ples must be covered by an opaque stead of a dress code. I am not say- When she mentions rewarding are reprimanded when they are not material. Anything with offensive ing that people should not be al- kids and passing them despite dressed appropriately. In some cas- messages or images is prohibited.” lowed to dress the way they want inadequate performances, the es, dress codes are in the wrong. This dress code seems more specif- when they are not in school. I am proficiency scale rates a 0.5 as a But most times, they have a valid ic than Linn-Mar’s dress code but just saying that while in school, 50%, and a 1 at 60%. A 1 out of reason. These girls should be re- neither will work if they are not en- there needs to be dress code rules 4 is 25% according to math. By quired to change or cover up. forced. that are reasonable and enforced. In showing almost no mastery of the a public school, students should be skills in a class at all, a student can According to the Linn Mar I agree that sometimes restric- required to dress decently and mod- still receive a passing grade. On High School 2017-18 handbook: tions are a little two strict. Accord- estly. However they dress outside of the other side of the scale, a four is Students are expected to adhere ing to a CNN report, one woman school is their right, but in school is generally described as ‘exceeding to standards of cleanliness and wrote about how her 9-year-old different. expectations’ or ‘going above and dress that are compatible with the granddaughter wore a tank top on a beyond.’ But how does one do that requirements of a good learning 99-degree day and was told she was According to Dylan Taylor, a in a class like math? There is one environment. The standards will violating the school dress code. In Linn Mar High School junior, “girls correct answer with no opportunity be those generally acceptable to this case, this enforcement is ridicu- should dress however they want, to go above and beyond. Foreign the community as appropriate in a lous. However, if it were a very low just not at school.” Most women language is the only course where school setting. Students are expect- cut tank top and the girl was not 9 do not wear skimpy party dresses the proficiency scale makes a little ed to wear clothing appropriate for years old, this could be an entirely to work. So young girls should not sense, however the above and a public high school which does not different story. According to Alexia wear skimpy clothing in school. So beyond problem still applies. To disrupt the school or educational Lujan, a Linn Mar High School se- yes, it is a “sexist” rule. But that is earn a four in a foreign language environment. Clothing or other ap- nior, “there needs to be a line drawn only because girls are the only ones class, you would have to use tenses parel promoting products illegal for from wearing a V-neck shirt, to hav- who dress like that. Therefore, there and vocabulary from previous use by minors and clothing display- ing your whole chest hanging out”. should be stricter rules on what units, as well as from the current ing obscene material, profanity, or girls are allowed to wear, and they unit, various subjects and verbs, etc. reference to prohibited conduct are I have no problem with shorts, should be required to change if cer- This proves incredibly difficult for disallowed. tank tops, or leggings. My problem tain areas of the body are not prop- younger students. is when the shorts show more than erly covered. But also, and this is The “beyond” requirement in While the primary responsibil- they need to, or when a crop top probably the biggest issue, the rule above and beyond still doesn’t ity for appearance lies with the shows everything, and when your needs to be enforced by the school, make any sense. If a student does students and their parents/legal low cut shirt looks like your breasts because words mean nothing unless everything correctly, they deserve guardians, appearance disruptive are about to fall out of it. No one there are actions to back them up. 100%. Simple. Another part of the to the education program will not grading system is the work ethic. It be allowed. When, in the judgment doesn’t make sense that someone’s of the principal or designee, a stu- professionalism (e.g. turning things dent’s appearance is inappropriate, in on time) would have any effect disrupts the educational process or on their academic grade. If a student constitutes a threat to health/safety, gets every answer right but forgets the student may be required to make the assignment at home and brings modifications. Clothing should not it in the next day, they still scored show an inappropriate amount of 100% for that assignment. If an bare skin. employability system is added to I see this as meaning that a stu- the grade system, make it a separate

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