he hieftain TMontville High School O akdaleC, CT 06370 Issue #10 2017 ‘Tis the Season “The Foreigner” Comes to Life By: Kaylee Kingston With Thanksgiving checked off, everyone can start their countdown to one of the biggest USA holidays. Christmas is celebrated with family, presents, decorations, and delicious food. Get your stockings hung because here comes Christmas! The spirit is bright. The clean, crispy, fresh air lifts us. The warm feeling from the fire gives a feeling of relaxation. Watching old holiday movies with friends and having long, deep, night talks with family members who have been away for a while make Christmas one of the best holidays. This magical holiday brings many traditions to enjoy: the Christmas tree with flashy ornaments and glittery MHS’s drama production, The Foreigner. Photo By: Nia Muckenthaler tinsel, the hope of a white Christmas, hot chocolate and warm apple pie with vanilla By: Joshua Archibald ice cream, lively Christmas parties, ugly The MHS Drama Club’s provoking – for example, KKK members Christmas sweaters, cuddling with loved performance of Larry Shue’s play “The entered the stage wearing robes made from ones, classical Christmas movies, and, of Foreigner” evoked laughter and self- floral sheets. They proceeded to run away course, holiday music. reflection from audience members. Set in fear because of a stunt by the character Christmas is clearly an exciting at an inn in Georgia, the play follows a Ellard Simms (played by David Baukus). holiday to get all done up and ready for, cast of characters whose antics anger the This imagery reflects the ridiculousness of but many people do not know where KKK. racism and intolerance. to start. Well, hellogiggles.com has The drama club presented the In an increasingly divisive some Christmas tips. “You can watch a show from November 30 to December 2. political climate, “The Foreigner” Christmas special: ‘Rudolph the Red- Cast members from all four graduating encourages audience members to reflect Nosed Reindeer’, ‘How the Grinch Stole classes brought the whimsical characters on their biases and consider the strengths Christmas’, ‘A Christmas Story’, or ‘A to life, lending to a night of entertainment of each person regardless of his or Charlie Brown Christmas.’ Bust out the and introspection for audience members. her outward characteristics. The play seasonal drinks/food. And lastly, be jolly: Victor Johnston, Sage Maciejny, Holly demonstrates the beauty of understanding This is perhaps the most important rule Richmond, Ryan Gallagher, Ryan and the power of listening. of all. In the end, Christmas is not about Radgowski, Griffin LaMarche, David “Everyone feels like it’s important spending enormous amounts of money Baukus, Melody Sopczak, Duncan to be the same, but we’re all foreign to or spoiling your (family.) Rather, it’s Brown, and Caleb Bazinet formed the the world and we’re even foreign to the about coming together and celebrating all cast. They were aided by fifteen crew people who are close to us,” says actors of the good parts of life. The best thing members backstage, including stage Ryan Radgowski. Griffin LaMarche you can do to prepare for Christmas is manager Abby Orbe and assistant student added that the play encourages audiences just be happy. It’s the one time of the director Julianne Martin. to consider “how amazing each person is, year where you don’t have to hate on The drama club managed to use no matter what…the first impression is.” humanity” (which is what I do 95% of the each member’s talents to design a show –––This subject is not an easy one time). “Take advantage of [the Christmas that was both humorous and thought- to reflect on, but the drama club seems to Season]. It’s the most wonderful time of

have done so successfully. the year, after all.” Page 1 The Chieftain MHS NEWS

Advisory Singing for Seniors By: Katarina Turchetta School Advisory helps students more than many may think. Every other Wednesday all students gather with their advisory teachers to discuss topics going on throughout the school and in their personal lives for a half hour. Benefits, though, seem controversial among some students and teachers. A few students reported that they felt Advisory is a waste of time and pointless. However, the goal of Advisory is to help students figure out who they are, where they’re headed, and how they’re going to get there. It is also intended to give students more adults to go to if a problem should come up. Each student has an adult who knows them and helps them navigate through their Active Athletes Caroling at the Montville Senior Center. Photo By: Robert Alves high school experience. Students leave with a meaningful, personalized plan By: Joshua Archibald and are prepared for post high school. An They may have not struck the harp, mind by engaging with different aspects advisor’s job is to help students through but they did join the chorus – the Active of culture is a common one among the visioning, goal setting, and being an Athletes carolers, that is. The group of Active Athletes. advocate. Advisory also helps students get volunteers practiced holiday tunes starting Alves says the students “work connected to one another. Through class in late November, culminating in its third hard, and this performance wouldn’t be discussions and activities students create annual performance at the Montville possible without their dedication. It’s just a bond with one another and learn more Senior Center on Friday, December 8. an idea without the follow-through.” about themselves. Plans for Advisory The chorus, led by Mr. Alves and Students enjoy the caroling event include filling out a Student Success Plan assisted musically by Mr. Cushing, was because it is an opportunity to share to track students’ individual progress and formed as part of the Active Athletes’ positivity with the community through goals, to decorating a door for a contest. mission to help the local community. music. Senior Amanda Perkins remarks, Even with all this, some students Alves started organizing the group “I like it when the elders sing along and believe advisory is just an excuse to have in November, recruiting athletes (and one laugh and ask for an encore. …If you’re shortened classes or a time to socialize supplementary non-athlete choir student) having fun and spreading joy, it doesn’t and finish homework. Students need to to sing. Kiera MacCracken and Aurora matter the musical quality of your look at advisory in the way it’s intended Curran, both freshmen, accompanied the performance.” and see how it can help them in their chorus on piano. Those individual talents Nick Tibbetts, a senior, founded futures endeavors. Advisors are trying combined to make an entertaining show Active Athletes in 2015. The organization to help students stay on track with their for local senior citizens. encourages student athletes to serve the academic studies and help them seek According to junior Nia community, both in and out of school, colleges or jobs they might want to pursue Muckenthaler, who performed in the and works on a major service project in the future. Students should see advisory group, “I like that I can be an athlete while each school year. This year’s project will as a helping hand. having the chance to be creative at the benefit the KICK-IT Campaign, which same time.” The spirit of expanding one’s raises money for research on childhood cancer.

Page 2 The Chieftain MHS NEWS Holiday Food Drive Contest By: Mari De La Cruz “Giving is receiving” is the motto ended on November 13 and the victory of the holiday season. This year, MHS went to the Class of 2019 winning by just students had the opportunity to give to one donation over the Class of 2018. The the Montville Social Services by donating junior class successfully won $100. food items. Social Services then makes Part Two of the Drive went until food baskets for Montville families in December 15 and with the winning class need Recommended food items include receiving double the money. This gave canned goods, boxed goods, etc. Student every graduating class more motivation Government incorporated a twist in order to donate if they did not donate the first to get more students to donate: a contest. time. The winner had not been determined The contest started on at the time of this printing. November 6 and ended on December It isn’t always obvious that 15. Each graduating class was assigned even in the Montville Community some a shopping cart to place their donations families need a helping hand--especially in every morning. Teachers also had during the holiday season. Holidays are the opportunity to donate, but it was up meant to be spent without any troubles to them to donate to whichever class getting in the way. One simple donation they desired. The shopping carts were can help bring a smile to those without the monitored each morning. The contest means to provide for themselves. was separated into two parts: Part One Cart of donated items for the food drive. Photo By:Tessa Rummel Gender and Sexuality Acceptance By: Sireena Holloman Montville High is moving is pretty accepting and tolerant, they as just black or white. G.S.A. clubs are toward a more inclusive and progressive would still prefer to see more awareness incredibly important to LGBT+ people. community with its fairly new G.S.A. among teachers and students regarding There is a lot of discrimination against Club. G.S.A. stands for Gender and gender identity. The long-term goal of the people in the community for being Sexuality Acceptance and it was formed club is to make MHS more aware of the themselves and it makes these people feel in November of this year. MHS used spectrum of genders and sexuality and isolated. By having a club, they are being to have an LGBT club, and while it shown that they are welcome and in a ran successfully for many years, it “[The G.S.A. Club] means a place to be safe environment. eventually disbanded. This year a group yourself and be able to connect with other Again, the club is fairly new so it of students have revived the club under people… who don’t judge you.” does not have many members. The club a new name. is a safe place to go LGBT+ and is very “[The G.S.A. Club] means welcoming. Meetings are held every a place to be yourself and be able to give people an opportunity to bond with other Wednesday in Mrs. Brooks’ room. connect with other people… who don’t and support each other. Kaylee Kingston, Contact Noah Donovan, Silver Rheaume, judge you. While it would be great to senior, said, “[G.S.A.] will help people or Vicky Chen for more details. be able to be yourself at all times, the understand what LGBT+ means and how fact is that we don’t live in that kind of we can get over the hate… [by becoming] world,” an anonymous member of the a community and not so separated.” club shared. They also disclosed that Gender and sexuality exist on a while they believe MHS as a community colorful spectrum and cannot be treated

Page 3 The Chieftain ARTS AND CULTURE

New Disney Remakes

Christmas Classics By: Ariana Carter and Staff Editor For quite a while, it has been rumored that Disney would be releasing live-action remakes of their most popular films, and it is now confirmed that they will be releasing a new version of “The Lion King.” The original animated film was released in 1994 and is now making a comeback expected for the summer of 2019. Popular artists such as pop singer Beyoncé and Rapper Childish Gambino are to take on the lives of characters that were introduced in the original animation. This is not all Disney has planned for the live-action recreations. “The Incredibles” will also be making a return to theaters soon. The original movie was released in 2004 and Disney has recently released a trailer for the remake. This movie Popular Christmas Movie, Elf. Photo By: Kenzie Ullrich is expected to make a comeback next summer (2018 expected release). By: Kayla Gaughan Nobody knows why Disney has “The best way to spread Christmas fictional anecdotes in his 1966 book. The decided to turn these animated films into cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” The main character, Ralphie Parker, spends live-action, but it seems that the rumors are movie “Elf” is a mix of comedy and most of his days avoiding his bully, and true. “Lion King” and “The Incredibles” Christmas. “Elf” was released in 2003, dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, the are just two of the movies speculated to starring Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf who Red Ryder air rifle. The movie shows be released within the next three years. To was accidently taken to the North Pole as Ralphie’s everyday life around the answer why Disney has undertaken this a baby when he mistakenly crawled into holidays, his family, and most importantly venture, one might only look at the money Santa’s gift sack. Buddy was then raised his bb gun obsession, all leading up to these films grossed when they originally by Santa and his elves. When Buddy got Christmas. came out. older, his human characteristics (such as All aboard! “The Polar Express” This year, Disney has released his height) didn’t quite fit in with the other is another classic movie that is so three remakes of classics. “Cinderella,” elves. Buddy left for New York in his elf good you can watch it all year round. originally made in 1950, “Maleficent” clothes to find his real father. When his real One Christmas Eve night, a little boy which came first out in 1950 as “Sleeping dad and family were found, it was difficult embarks on a magical train, along with Beauty,” and “Beauty and the Beast” for them to adjust to Buddy’s child-like other children, for a special quest to the originally released in 1991. These movies behavior. In the end, Buddy and his family North Pole. Along the way, he builds hit theaters and were very successful in the bonded and grew real relationships. “Elf” relationships, explores Santa’s workshop, first weeks of their release. “Cinderella” is a great family-friendly movie with and learns that the wonder of life never was estimated as earning 200 million at the many funny segments, which is why this fades for those who believe. box office, “Maleficent’s” earnings were Christmas flick is so popular. Christmas won’t feel the same if estimated at 240 million, and “Beauty You may recognize this movie by you can’t bundle up with some cocoa and and the Beast” grossed approximately 1 its famous line: “You’ll shoot your eye out relax while watching some of these fan- billion. kid!” “The Christmas Story” is a classic favorite films. These movies set the precedence movie for the holidays. It was released of success that Disney hopes to repeat. in 1983, based on Jean Shephard’s semi- Expectations at the Box Office are running high in hopes that audiences will Page 4 The Chieftain continue to turn out in large numbers. ARTS AND CULTURE

Getting Exotic 101 By: Skylar MacKay There are many varieties of fruit by. Some find the dragon fruit’s dramatic that originate from all over the world. appearance better than its subpar taste. Despite the sketchy exteriors of some of However, if you find the opportunity to these fruits, the sweet goodness waiting try one, it wouldn’t hurt to cut it open and inside is well worth taking a risk. A prime reel in its out-of-this-world look. Another example of one of these fruits is rambutan, oddball is grown right in the United States, native to Southeast Asia. On the outside yet not many have heard of it. Persimmons rambutan has an odd flagella-like skin, but are nearly identical to tomatoes and their the taste of the white flesh inside has been vegetal sweetness have also been said to compared to a savory pear or grape. It is taste alike. Interestingly, they come either a little bit of a struggle to open, but it’s a crunchy or soft but be sure you get these cool start to trying new fruits. Continuing when they’re ripe otherwise they taste and with Asian fruits, jackfruit is another smell like cleaning supplies. popular option. The meat has been said If you’ve never heard of to taste like a ripe pineapple. Yes, the cherimoya, consider yourself put on the yellow, bumpy skin is hard to get around, wave. Also known as custard apple, it’s but jackfruit can be dried into tangy chips. sweet and creamy and its flesh kind looks Many have probably heard of like gelato. This ice-cream fruit is even dragon fruit. Its red, curling shell and white said to be better when it’s nice and chilled. fruit with black seeds aren’t easy to come Some exotic fruits. Stock Photo

Stranger Things Season Two By: Nia Muckenthaler and Staff Editor The wait is officially over, season per episode). The writers were invested in also released a show called, 2 of “” is out on Netflix. satisfying fans and keeping them guessing. “Beyond Stranger Things.” The show Since the first season release on July 15, The second season brought back includes behind-the-scenes footage and 2016, fans have been waiting for this new all of the main characters like Eleven, bloopers as well as interviews with the season. The show’s mix of genres, from Will, Mike, Lucas, and Dustin as well as directors and the actors. spooky sci-fi, to action and intense drama, the teen crew Nancy, Steve and Jonathon. Since many fans have already is one of the reasons why fans are so New characters were added: Sadie Sink binged watched the second season, drawn to it. On October 27, Netflix finally plays Mad Max, a tomboy who becomes a they’re awaiting season 3. Luckily, there’s put their fans out of their 15 month long part of the gang, and her on- screen brother, no reason to wait because Netflix has misery. Billy, played by Dacre Montgomery, adds confirmed a season 3. There is no release The (the directors to the dark side of the show. Will’s mom date yet, but some are guessing the end of and creators of the show), worked to (played by Winona Ryder) gets a new 2018. maintain the mixed genre feel. Season 2 boyfriend, Bob. You might recognize him is loaded with CGI (computer generated as Samwise from the Hobbit movies. images) and lots of impressive, over- 92 percent of people who have the- top scenes. According to “Variety’s” seen season 2 so far are said to have liked entertainment news website, “Stranger the show according to Rotten Tomatoes. Things” season 2 cost about 8 million The average rating for season 2 is 4.5/5. dollars per episode (season 1, on the other Fans have really been enjoying Season 2 hand, cost approximately 6 million dollars and are giving the show great feedback.

Page 5 The Chieftain OPINION Stop Romanticizing MHS Going Green Mental Illness By: Kaylee Kingston Romanticizing mental illness in the entertainment field is highly inappropriate. Tumblr and many other media platforms, allow people to create false representations of mental illness. When it comes down to it, none of that helps a person overcome an illness. Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions —disorders that affect your mood, thinking, and behavior. Movies and TV shows like “Fight Club,” “Monk,” “Full House,” “Dexter,” “Black Swan,” and “Silver Lining Playbook” portray unrealistic solutions to a serious disorder. In “Full House,” one of the main characters, DJ, gets over an eating disorder in just three days. She has Waste in MHS that will soon be recycled. Photo By: Mackenzie Ullrich a conversation with her dad and suddenly changes her mind about “shaping up.” In By: Ryan Radgowski reality, people can suffer from an eating Many Americans are taking Dodson, Director of Food Services, disorder for many years. In “Silver Lining steps towards a less wasteful and more explained that now the cost of those Playbook,” the main character has bipolar environmentally-friendly lifestyle, and resources used would be paid for over disorder and takes medication. During it’s about time that Montville High School time by keeping the same set of trays the film, she falls in love and magically follows in their paths. Steve Carroll, Head every year rather than constantly buying her mental illness is cured. That is not of Maintenance, explained that soon MHS new ones. possible and media should not present will buy 125 recycling bins that will be The cost efficiency wouldn’t disorders as easy obstacles to overcome. distributed throughout the school. Each be the only benefit from trading in our In “Monk,” directors created a character container will be single stream, meaning Styrofoam trays for reusable ones. It that has a lot of phobias and categorized that both paper and plastic will be recycled takes 500 years at a bare minimum for him with obsessive-compulsive disorder. in the same bin. These bins are a gift from one Styrofoam tray to decompose, and What they portray is not OCD. the Class of 2017. most local recycling companies don’t Attention should be drawn Recycling is a good start for even accept it. This means that one lunch towards mental illness, but not with a Montville High, but there are still many tray has the potential to pollute the earth negative, unrealistic perspective. Writer unaddressed problems within the school. over five times longer than a human life. Laura Barton stated, “What we should do For example, the number of Styrofoam Styrofoam is created using multiple toxic is look at mental illnesses for what they trays that MHS wastes daily concerns chemicals such as acetone, trichloroethane, are. We should look at the people who me. Each day around 400 students eat and styrene which not only pollutes the have them for who they are… .” hot lunch. Throughout the course of one air during the manufacturing process, but Mental Health Stigma is divided into school year, over 72,000 Styrofoam trays has the potential to toxify any food that two different types: social and self-stigma. are thrown away. touches it. So, are Styrofoam lunch trays Social Stigma is people not accepting When MHS began using really worth the convenience? someone because of a characteristic they Styrofoam trays in the cafeteria, do not like. Self-stigma is knowledge of administration reasoned that disposable different stereotypes and categorizing trays would be more cost efficient. Carol oneself into a specific group.

Page 6 The Chieftain OPINION Go Vegan By: Sireena Holloman Veganism is a lifestyle, not a I was vegan from January 2016 diet. Some people go about life calling to April 2017. I’m not going to lie, it was themselves vegan for simply eating a a bit hard at first. Instead of transitioning plant-based diet, but veganism is so much from vegetarianism to veganism, I went more than that. Vegans do not consume straight to cutting meat from my diet animal products nor do they use products altogether. It was easier at home because tested on animals. my family eats a lot of produce and starch. Veganism is not only great for However, eating at restaurants proved to the environment, but also for your body. be a bit of a challenge. It is incredibly By cutting out red meats and dairy, you difficult to find restaurants that cater are helping to keep your cholesterol at a to vegan needs, especially when things low, healthy level. The human body was appear okay to eat, but then you find out not meant to digest dairy, so it takes the your meal was coated in butter. Going body a longer time to do so, in return vegan does have its complications, but it causing weight gain and bloating. As is worth the work. Not only are we saving for environmental benefits, “[f]ollowing our planet, but we’re saving ourselves and a vegan lifestyle contributes less air the animals. pollution and puts less stress on our natural resources by requiring less land, fossil fuels, and water,” (ilovevegan.com). Vegan smoothies Stock Photo Happy vs. Merry By: Rebecca Radford People should not be upset when celebration with a lot of significance. The descent. Dr. Maulana Karenga created they hear “Happy Holidays” instead of purpose of Hanukkah is to celebrate the this festival for Afro-Americans actually “Merry Christmas” this season. This is an Maccabees successfully rebelling against as a response to the commercialism of argument that comes around every winter Antiochus IV Epiphanes. According to Christmas. and needs to be stopped. Not everyone is the Talmud, a late Jewish text, the Temple These holidays are all equally Christian and celebrates Christmas, and was purified and the wicks of the menorah special and have great significance. When we need to learn to accept that. We tell burned for eight whole days despite the leaving a store this December, people ourselves that we accept other religions fact that there had only been enough should not be upset when they are told but prove ourselves to be hypocritical sacred oil for only one day’s lighting. For to have a “Happy Holiday” instead of when we get upset that not everyone each night of Hanukkah, a candle is lit and a “Merry Christmas.” Not everyone celebrates the same Christian holiday as prayers are shared. celebrates Christmas, so it’s only right we do. People have different religions Kwanzaa is celebrated by to wish someone joy in whatever they and cultures which means celebrating African-Americans. It is a seven-day long celebrate. It’s just the right thing to do. different holidays. The other holidays cultural celebration of life and a ritual to that take place in December, celebrated welcome the first harvests home. There by other religions and cultures besides are seven candles arranged each year as Have an opinion? Christianity, include Hanukkah and a tradition. Three of the candles are red to Disagree with one of ours? Kwanzaa. represent struggle, three candles are green Write an editorial for The Chieftain. Hanukkah is celebrated by Jewish to represent land and hope, and one candle See Mr. Blanchette or Mrs. Laurencot people. Hanukkah is an eight-day religious is black representing people of African for details.

Page 7 The Chieftain LIFE

Culinary Corner: Obama Summit Big Belly Kelly’s Barbeque By: Ashley Seldon Former President Obama originally struggled to identify what he wanted to take on as a project after life in the White House. Staying true to his promise to continue to evoke change following his presidency, he and his wife hosted their first annual Obama Summit to create a network of leaders around the world. The two-day event took place in Chicago on October 31 and November 1 and featured appearances from Prince Harry, Chance the Rapper, and the mastermind behind “Hamilton,” Lin- Manuel Miranda. Obama stressed the importance of prevalent and active leadership in our communities, and set up an application process to encourage leaders to come Chef Kelly at Big Belly Kelly’s. Stock Photo forward with unique ideas for change. Obama told participants to think of the By: Skylar MacKay Summit as a “brainstorming session.” In this week’s issue of Culinary fried chicken. Before the urge to check Individuals applied through Obama.org Corner, we visited Big Belly Kelly’s my cellphone had even surfaced in my and filled out the application that consisted Barbeque. The home style BBQ shack is mind, a steaming hot plate appeared right of three questions: why the applicant located right in the heart of Uncasville; you in front of my eyes. The mouthwatering wished to be a part of the Obama Summit, may know it by its previous owner’s name, aroma of my meal sparked an internal how the applicant was currently involved Mel’s Diner. After having the pleasure battle as to which food to delve into in the community and what inspired of meeting Big-Belly Kelly himself and first. I decided on the chicken, fried just them to do so, and finally, what advice indulging in a meaty conversation, I took moments before finding a home on my the applicant would give young people home a new perspective in addition to plate. Crispy and dashed with fresh spices, around the world who want to make a my leftovers. The small diner isn’t too it was better than anything on the KFC difference. The successful event hosted dazzling from the outside, but after taking menu by a long shot. The shell style mac more than 500 delegates from 60 different one step inside, I immediately felt at was prepared with a kicking blue cheese countries, 27 states. 102 of the delegates home. I was greeted by a warm staff and which strung from my plate every time I came from Chicago. the fresh smell of artisanally crafted soul scooped up a bite. It contrasted extremely The Summit hopes to raise money food. I took a seat and with impeccable well with the spicy, buffalo style flavors for the future Obama Presidential Center service received a menu from a dear old of my diced chicken sandwich which was in Chicago’s Southside that will cost friend of mine. It was nearing sundown served on a fresh hot roll of sweet, buttery roughly 500 million dollars. However, on a gorgeous Saturday and I hadn’t had deliciousness. It didn’t take long for me this isn’t the main motive for the Obama a bite to eat all day. I was in dire need of to joyously drift into a food coma right at Foundation, “The thing that was most a quality plate. I was not disappointed my table. After washing it down with a exciting for me was the idea of creating as I browsed their menu which had an glass of homemade iced tea, wishing them a hub, a venue a place, a network in overwhelming abundance of authentic the best and then making my departure, I which all these young people across the dishes. I finally narrowed it down to the really manifested the newfangled sense globe and across the country…could start spicy chicken on a roll, baked mac and of community I was a part of. BBK’s is meeting each other, and seeing each other, cheese, and of course some homemade an authentic, family oriented diner that I and teaching each other, and learning highly recommend. from each other.” Page 8 The Chieftain LIFE Wristbands for the Blind By: Katie Borris People with little to no eyesight and travel in crowded spaces. A person are now experiencing a new way of wearing the band would function like life. Worldwide, 285 million people live any sighted person would. Dave Power, with vision impairment. Out of those president of the Perkins School for the 285 million, 246 million have ordinary Blind reported, “Sunu band may be the to dreadful vision defects. Luckily, a way that we navigate like bats navigate in company named Sunu has announced a the night.” MIT Technology Review said, new lightweight wristband for people with “It’s like an extension of our sense, like a moderate to severe eyesight impairments. sixth sense.” It is called the Sunu Band. This wristband While it can’t recognize stairways is completely hands-free. The sonar smart or slippery surfaces, the band can detect band improves navigation by using gentle doorways and thresholds. The band and precise vibrations. Once someone gets should not be relied on where vehicular close to an object, the vibration patterns traffic is located. Most people who use change. This band uses high-frequency the band travel with a cane or a guide dog sound waves to detect surroundings. “to augment awareness and complement Customers can change the range and mobility by detecting obstacles to the sensitivity of the band to their liking. The body and head in a way that’s discreet band can sense objects up to four miles and unobtrusive.” The band includes a away. People who use the wristband can rechargeable battery providing four hours Sunu’s Wristband for the blind. follow in a line, maintain personal space, of use with the continuous sonar function. Stock Photo The Return of the Plague By: Mady Whittaker and Staff Editor Over 1,200 people in Madagascar nodes. Infected people in severe cases and and crowded environments have lower are currently infected with a disease without treatment can die within 12-24 chances of surviving. everyone thought was gone-- the bubonic hours. There are over eight health centers plague. Madagascar has been dealing with The good news is that since available with treatment all throughout this serious infection since August of this the beginning of the epidemic, over Madagascar. Treatment is available, but year, and many of the infected have died. 780 people have been cured by being more work needs to be done to ensure According to the United Nation’s office, treated with antibiotics. Doctors say that that people can get to the centers. Many “of Madagascar’s 114 districts, 40 have people with the disease are choosing reported cases of pneumonic plague and There are up to 400 cases of the to stay home and be taken care of by less than 30% of people who have had plague in Madagascar every year. family rather than going to get help from contact with cases can be traced.” doctors. Health centers have enough The bubonic plague is dangerous medication to treat up to 5,000 people. because it is an airborne disease which treatment with antibiotics, along with There are up to 400 cases of the can also spread through contact between improved sanitary living conditions can plague in Madagascar every year. In people. Coughing or even sneezing into prevent the epidemic from becoming places other than Madagascar, there are the air can spread the contagious particles worse. Once living conditions get better, between 1,000 to 3,000 cases of this to another person. Small things, even the number of bacteria decreases. Most plague. In America there are between five touching another contagious person by of the people who have died did not go to 15 cases per year. Australia is the one hugging or high-fiving, can result in the to health centers where they might have of the few countries where there has never disease being spread. Symptoms include been treated and saved. People that do not been a recorded outbreak of the plague. fever, chills, coughing, and swollen lymph recieve treatment and live in unsanitary Page 9 The Chieftain SPORTS A Win for American Women’s NBA Fines History By: Zach Southard Fines have already been issued in this 2017 season. Steph Curry was fined $50,000 for throwing his mouth piece at a referee after believing to be fouled when no call was made. Eric Bledsoe was fined $10,000 for tweeting, “I don’t wanna be here,” referring to his spot on the Phoenix Suns roster. Dwight Howard was fined $25,000 for making an obscene gesture towards a fan. There have been many fines in the NBA placed on both individual players and teams over the years, but there are three that stand out. During a 2006 game between the and the , the teams were fined $500,000 each for starting a fight. J.R. Smith of the Nuggets was fouled by Knick player, Shalane Flanagan Wins NYC Marathon. Stock Photo Mardy Collins, and not long after, the two began exchanging words. Things By: Marissa Hendrickson escalated quickly when Nate Robinson Shalane Flanagan ended a 40- 5,000-meter indoor races. Flanagan also joined in and was shortly tackled by year drought for American women in the took bronze in the 10,000-meter contest Smith. To punish the players involved, New York City Marathon this year. “It’s at the 2008 Olympics. In March, 2008, all players on the court were suspended indescribable,” the 36-year-old Flanagan the International Association of Athletics along with each team earning themselves said. “It’s a moment I’m trying to soak Federations sanctioned Turkey’s Elvan the $500,000 fines. up and savor.” Flanagan’s unofficial time Abeylegesse, for a positive doping case, During both the 2001 and 2006 was 2 hours 26 minutes 53 seconds, fast making Flanagan’s the second-fastest seasons, , Mavericks owner, enough to beat the three-time defending time. was fined twice for acts of misconduct champion Mary Keitany of Kenya and Flanagan’s 2017 win came just against game officials. The first fine came become the first American woman to win days after New York City was rocked with when the Dallas Mavericks had lost to the since Miki Gorman in 1977. “I’ve been a terror attack, leaving 8 people dead when Pistons 107-104. The second occurred dreaming of a moment like this since I was a truck plowed into pedestrians and cyclists during Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Each a little girl,” Flanagan said. “All athletes on a bike path in downtown Manhattan. fine was $250,000, creating a total of have these dreams and these visions and The New York Police Department beefed $500,000. it’s what motivates us to get out the door up its security for the race in the aftermath The largest fine in NBA history to train hard.” of the deadly attack. Flanagan, who also was given to the Flanagan made her debut at the competed in the Boston Marathon in 2013 in 2000 for messing with the salary cap NYC Marathon in 2010, finishing second when two bombs detonated near the finish and being part of an unknown deal with with a time of 2 hours, 28 minutes and 40 line, said New Yorkers were on her mind Joe Smith. The salary cap was put into seconds. At the time of this race, she had during the race. “I really want to bring a effect so it was fair for every team to the best finish by an American woman smile to New Yorkers’ faces today’ and acquire star players. Smith accepted a in 20 years. Before this 2017 race, she I’m so happy that I could,” she said. contract below his normal pay and was hadn’t competed in the marathon since promised a multi-million dollar deal later 2010. She also holds the American in his career by the Timberwolves. When records for the 3,000-meter indoor and this was discovered by the NBA, the Timberwolves were handed a 3.5 million Page 10 The Chieftain dollar fine. SPORTS Deshaun Watson By: Jayden Long Early November 2017, Deshaun isn’t totally out of the question. Watson, rookie quarterback for the Watson has incredible Houston Texans suffered from a non- athleticism, but the more a quarterback contact torn ACL in practice during a runs or scrambles, the more likely they running play. This news is especially are for freak injuries from a simple non- heartbreaking because Watson had contact practice. This is evident with impressed the Texans coaching staff many other young quarterbacks in the with his athleticism, eventually earning league. It’s a shame because everyone himself a starting position in their lineup. expected Watson to achieve amazing Now Tom Savage will have to return back things for the Texans this year. He has to the starting lineup. been one of the NFL’s best players and a This isn’t the first injury setback top contender for offensive rookie of the that Watson has had to face; during year and in conversation for MVP honors. his highly decorated college career at Watson completed 61.8% of his passes Clemson he also had to deal with a torn for 1,699 yards with 19 touchdowns ACL—that time to the left knee. Watson and 8 interceptions this season. For the recently underwent a successful surgery time being, the Texans decided to sign and took to social media to notify fans of free agent quarterback, Josh Johnson to his hopeful comeback. The rehabilitation back Savage. Matt McGloin, another process lasts around 8-9 months, so to quarterback on their active roster was QB Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans. have him back for the start of next season released upon this signing. The Texans are Stock Photo currently 4-6. NHL Says “No” By: Megan Henderson NHL players will not be commented that team owners are worried billionaires trying to make an extra buck.” allowed to participate in the 2018 about possible injuries from participating Alex Ovechkin of the Washington PyeongChang Olympics. For the past in the Olympics. Numerous NHL players Capitals, intended on playing in the five consecutive Winter Olympics, NHL like John Tavares of the New York PyeongChang Olympic in spite of the players have participated with their Islanders, Henrik Zetterberg of the Detroit decision. However, he released a statement home teams. According to NHL.com, Red Wings, and Aleksander Barkov of the in September saying that he will no longer NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Florida Panthers suffered season-ending be pursuing leave. On nhl.com Ovechkin that in the past “the [team] owners were injuries in the 2014 Sochi Olympics. wrote, “There is nothing like Olympic against Olympic participation for … the Many players reacted negatively Games. It is still my dream to win an 17-day break in the schedule required towards the decision. Henrik Lundqvist Olympic Gold medal for my country. I in February, a time when the National of the New York Rangers tweeted, hope things will change and all of us will Football League’s season has ended and “Disappointing news, @NHL won’t have a chance to go again in 2022. What’s Major League’s Baseball’s season has be part of the Olympics 2018. A huge most important to remember is kids have yet to begin.” The NHL conducted polls opportunity to market the game at the lots of dreams. My focus as it always is in Canada and the United States to see if biggest stage is wasted. But most of all, this time of year is on my other dream as a fans liked to have the break in February. disappointing for all the players that can’t kid, to try to win the Stanley Cup.” The NHL reported that “in the United be part of the most special adventure in States, 73 percent said they were not in sports.” Anton Stralman of the Tampa favor [and] in Canada, it was 53 percent.” Bay Lightning said to reporters, “All Commissioner Brettman also they really care about is money. A few

Page 11 The Chieftain THE BACK PAGE Guess the Senior By: Marissa Hendrickson Last issue’s Guess the Senior was and Mrs. Claus every year. If she could Alejandro Santos. This issue’s senior has choose anyone living or dead to lead the recently been obsessed with Dr. Pepper. country, she would choose Anne Frank. A The celebrity she would rate as a perfect thing that doesn’t exist but she wishes did ten is Beyoncé. An achievement she is is a remote to pause time. If she was an proud of but most people would consider action figure, her accessories would be her silly or weird is when she ate the most hot phone and her dog. When asked what’s in dogs at her family hot dog eating contest. her pockets right now, she responded “A Her strategy for surviving an apocalyptic pencil for some reason.” The last time epidemic would be to rob a grocery store she laughed so hard she started crying and then hide in a cave. If she could was when she spilled water on her cat replace the handshake as a greeting, and he started freaking out. She wishes she would replace it with a simple high she had more time to clean. She thinks five. Time passes the slowest for her at the most unpleasant sounding word is the school and passes the fastest when she’s word “moist.” Seeing how much Disney doing something fun. She thinks the most channel has changed makes her feel old. annoying thing ever is hearing people The movie she has seen more than seven chew or chew with their mouths open. times is “The Heat.” She said that if she Her favorite TV show is Grey’s could only wear one outfit for the rest Anatomy. Her family’s weirdest tradition of her life, she would want to wear an The Mystery Senior’s Bracelet. is that her aunt and uncle dress up as Mr. elephant onesie. Photo By Marissa Hendrickson Black Friday may be over, but the Sales Aren’t By: Maddy Dawley and Staff Editor Black Friday sales are long gone, season is the most competitive season for to stock up on cute winter clothing trends but the opportunity for discounted prices the fitness industry to steal your business could save the average shopper a lot of are not. While some name-brand TVs with major markdowns, but waiting until money. When the end of any season is are manufactured specifically for Black January will be most beneficial. Workout coming to a close, clothing will be deeply Friday, experts say not to worry. The gear and equipment can go from anywhere discounted, so maybe waiting out that buy prices were low for the infamous Black between 40-90% off. Manufacturers are one get one free deal is worth it. Friday sales, but many of those offered counting on New Year’s Resolutions. Keep in mind, some companies like didn’t have certain features, and some Late January or February is also Apple never discount their products. Last were of lower quality. To avoid purchasing a better time to purchase digital cameras. year Apple offered $50 gift cards to those a subpar television, research the TV According to The Reader’s Digest, the who bought older phone models as their number and see if other retailers offer the best time to buy cameras is after the incentive. Watch for incentives like this if same model. If not, then it was made just International Consumer Electronics Show, you plan on buying higher end technology for Black Friday. Watch for sales during “It’s a popular trade show where different or haute couture. the week leading up to the Super Bowl. brands are releasing the newest products Interested in writing or taking This is the perfect opportunity to invest in with the most updated, coolest features.” pictures for The Chieftain? a discounted television which may be of a Manufacturers are trying to sell their new better quality. products, and this means shoppers can get Enroll in Journalism. Other items that are commonly a good deal on last year’s model which .5 or 1 credit options overhyped on Black Friday are any forms probably isn’t too different. are available. of fitness gear or equipment. Post-holiday If possible, waiting until February

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