Feb. 21, 2019 Hi-Line

The

WINTER MADNESS

Tiger HI-LINE

Snow and ice driving tips for harsh Iowa weather/page 4 Follow us on Twitter at tigerhiline, Facebook at TigerHilineOnline and on our website at www.hiline.cfschools.org

Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019 Volume 58 Edition 16

525 Swartdogs Robotics team hosted annual scrimmage on Saturday, Feb. 16 at Holmes Junior High. This scrimmage has happened since 2010, with only two teams competing the first time. Now, 11 teams, six local, competed. Below, 525 team member junior Ivan Schwestka worked to build the “space shuttle” field that the robots will scrimmage in.

525 LIFT

off

Sabine Martin Photos

Senior Megan Pezely and team co-captain knew that many teams would not be as prepared as last year’s scrimmage. “A lot of teams did not have enough time to complete their robot because of all of the snow days. They could not get into their school to work on them,” Pezely said.

Local thrift store closes doors on Main St. “It makes me feel very sad,” Betty said, looking out over the shop.

From across the counter, a customer chimes in. “You’ve been there since the very beginning, right?” Betty nods. St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop has been open in downtown Cedar Falls for over 25 years, and she’s seen all of them.

Even during its last few weeks,

the shop is busy. People handle their prospective purchases, then carry them out in a variety of recycled plastic bags for a gloriously low price. St. Vincent has never seemed to care about profits, provided they could keep the store open.

Between 50 cent hardcover novels and the shopping cart full of free items that always sits just out-

side their doors and their so-called 25-cent Fridays, during which all clothing costs just a quarter, they can’t possibly be making much of a profit, especially considering the high rent in downtown Cedar Falls.

St. Vincent is more charity than commerce, more caring than costing. Its customers are, for the most part, known by name. Betty, who has worked at St. Vincent since its

downtown debut in the late eighties, greets many of the customers with friendly familiarity.

The shop closes officially on Feb. 28 due to a change in building ownership, and all remaining merchandise will be transferred to their Waterloo building.

By Staff Writer Sierra

MILLER

2

The

OPINION

Our View

Spiking insulin prices need intervention

In the United States, 9.4 percent of the population suffers from diabetes or is pre-diabetic. Diabetes is a disease that can not be cured, especially children can not work they way out of it by dieting or exercise. Without insulin, the medication that keeps millions of Americans alive today, it is a matter of life and death.

There are two types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2—Type 1 having to do nothing with how much one weighs or how much sugar they consume. Scientists are still trying to figure out why the patient’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas; until then, one who is diagnosed with diabetes, depends on insulin.

The price of insulin is outrageous and keeps escalating every single day. Junior Sami Zimmerman, diagnosed with diabetes herself and an activist for people who are diagnosed with diabetes as well as advocating to fund research, said, “We use the hormone insulin to bring our blood sugars down; otherwise, one can face severe complications such as death. Especially people with Type 1 diabetes can’t survive without insulin, so, people who don’t have access to insulin will suffer severe complications and real harm to their health.”

Yet, there is no action taken against the rising prices, no matter the apparency of critical risks patients are suffering from.

“It is very scary to know that these companies are using this life saving drug as leverage to get more money in a business,” Zimmerman said.

Type 1 diabetics spent an average of $5,705 on insulin in 2016, which was double the price of what they paid four years earlier in 2012, even though they’re using about the same amount, which means the price of the daily usage of the drug increased from $7.80 a day to $15 a day.

This increase in the price doesn’t make sense and is criminal considering the lives of people that are threatened so companies can fold the amounts of money they make for a drug for which the patent was sold for only $3 to a university a 100 years ago.

Congress must intervene to get the costs under control, and the government should regulate prices in order to save people’s lives and help them out from a life threatening situation.

Contact Us The Tiger Hi-Line is a weekly publication of the journalism classes at Cedar Falls High School, 1015 Division Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. Our website is www.hiline.cfschools. org. The Hi-Line is distributed to CFHS students on Fridays to read during their third period classes.

Columns and letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hi-Line staff or Cedar Falls Schools. The Hi-Line editorial is presented weekly in the editorial labeled Our View, and it is the view of the majority of the editors listed below.

Reader opinions on any topic are welcome and should be sent to The Tiger Hi-Line staff or delivered to room 208. All letters must be signed. Letters must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Monday for publication in the following Friday edition. Letters may not exceed 300 words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Writers should include their contact information for verification.

Editors-in-Chief: Sabine Martin, Sophia Schillinger Opinion Editor: Saba Aydiner Online Editor: Skylar Promer Staff: Grace Boezinger, Jackson Gutknecht, Taylor Hunt, Kendall Maslak, Jamie McDowell, Erin McRae, Sierra Miller, Grace Waseskuk, Alex Williams, Clare Williams Hi-Line Online Editor-in-Chief: Jackson Kliewer Staff: Paul Adom-Boateng, Colby Coonradt, Jack Jorgensen, Daniel Mitchell, Catalin Vilae

Tiger

HI-LINE

Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019

Real Deal In January, Iowa was one of the many states that faced bitterly cold temperatures as a result of the polar vortex. Wind chills dropped below -30 degrees in many parts of the United States, and storms left cars and driveways piled up with multiple inches of snow. At times, parts of Iowa were much colder than Antarctica.

The polar vortex is basically a lot of strong winds over an area of very low pressure, which typically swirl around the North Pole and cause frigidly cold temperatures. When this band of winds becomes distorted, it often travels south and affects the United States.

The jet stream that flows over North America is one of the best examples of how climate change has actually affected our environment. With warming temperatures, the jet stream’s current flow has begun to slow down, causing it to become wavier and less effective.

When the polar vortex that is typically located in the North Pole, it gets caught up in this jet stream, and this helps to bring those freezing cold temperatures south into the United States.

Another consequence of climate change that’s also connected to the polar vortex is sea loss in the arctic. Because of this, the vortex shifts and moves south into the Americas and Europe.

A common misconception about global warming is that everywhere is magically turned into a warmer climate. This is simply not true, and there are multiple examples spread throughout earth that prove otherwise.

While Iowans are facing one of the coldest winters in the

After one year, what are the lessons of Parkland?

Wacky winter proves need to address climate change

Jackson Kliewer Photo state’s history, people in Australia are facing record breaking high temperatures, changing their climate into a tropical wasteland with temperatures above 114 degrees Fahrenheit.

Even President Trump has tweeted things like, “In coming days, expected to get even colder. People can’t last outside even for minutes. What the hell is going on with Global Warming? Please come back fast, we need you!”

Comments like these further discredit the actual tangible evidence that supports the cause to end climate change.

The fact that multiple countries around the world are facing record breaking temperatures that range from hot to cold should be an immediate cause for worry.

Climate change is defined as “a change in global or regional climate patterns, in particular a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards …”. Climate change, or as it is more commonly known, “global

“I think it’s im“The safety of students should be the portant to focus number one priority on the safety of students and staff no matter what.” in schools and indi—Alex Urbanek senior viduals in all public places.”

By Staff Writer Kendall

MASLAK

—Rachel Kenner senior

warming,” does not mean everything magically becomes warmer.

These huge temperature swings that the world is facing is an ominous sign that should spring every single government on the planet into action.

Climate change is a direct consequence of fossil fuels and emissions by several countries. In order to end climate change and ensure a safe future for the next generation, the government needs to regulate these factories and warehouses to reduce their carbon footprint.

This issue is not trivial.

Countries all over the world are experiencing the very real consequences that climate change has already invoked. Scientific evidence should be taken as seriously as the law because at this point it is essential to the survival of the human race.

By Staff Writer Erin

McRAE

“Focusing on the “I think it’s imsafety of the kids portant to take evand people in public ery day as it comes. places while caring Safety in schools is for others should be a big issue, so it’s a the most important constant reminder thing.” to me to try and be kind to everyone —Tegan Schultz senior every day.”

—Abby Keiser senior

The

Tiger

HI-LINE Novel reveals post 9/11 life of Muslim teenager Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019

“A Very Large Expanse Of Sea” is a novel written by Tahereh Mafi (30), published back in October of 2018.

The story starts out by introducing our main character, Shirin, as well as her frequent moves from one city to the next. It may seem like a normal part of life to some, but to Shirin, it’s a constant happening, throwing herself into new schools over and over again.

Despite her parents’ reassurance that each move was for the better, they failed to see Shirin’s constant struggle with being an outcast.

“People were always looking at me, and when I looked back they often took it as an invitation to speak to me, and when they spoke to me, they nearly always said something offensive or stupid or both, and I’d decided a long time ago that it was easier to pretend they just didn’t exist.”

Being a teenager is no easy feat, let alone being a teenager who wears a hijab in America after 9/11 had happened. This simple fact causes Shirin’s classmates to hold fear and often anger toward her for

ENTERTAINMENT

3

no other reason than that she dressed differently and they had decided she was connected with the events of the tragic terrorist attack. Shirin’s way of coping with being an outcast? She spends her days relying on her music and breakdancing practice to keep her company, effectively ignoring those who dared to talk to her.

But what will happen when a seemingly mysterious classmate with an unusual name decides to try and break through the walls she has built around herself? Will Shirin be able to face the world around her with the support of this strange boy?

With 310 pages, “A Very Large Expanse Of Sea” will open your eyes to the world of a Muslim girl living in America post 9/11.

Mafi, who herself proudly wears a scarf, does a spectacular job bringing readers into the mind of this young girl who wants nothing more than to live out her life without being judged for what religion she follows or for what she chooses to wear on her head.

By Online Editor Skylar

PROMER

Skylar Promer Photo

Tahereh Mafi reveals the struggles of a female Muslim teenager in her 2018 novel.

Grande’s new album full of “copy and paste” hits “Thank u, next” is Ariana Grande’s fifth studio album, which arrived just five months and 22 days after the release of her fourth studio album, “Sweetener.” The album revolves around its lead single and titular track, which is based on a sincedeleted tweet Ariana made in response to a joke Pete Davidson made on the two’s failed engagement in a promotional clip for Saturday Night Live.

Grande’s previous album “Sweetener” was her first album since the attack in Manchester that killed 22 people and injured many more. This event took a toll on Grande, and when she came back after this event, she came back better than ever. “Sweetener” delivered heart wrenching lyrics along with smooth vocals.

Emotions poured out of the songs, giving the listener a look into Grande’s personal life. These emotions were raw and real.

“Sweetener” was different from every other pop album she had released; the songs flowed

Pop artist Ariana Grande released her fifth studio album that became her first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. through each other like a story waiting to be discovered by a close eye on the lyrics and their

deeper meanings. These songs were poems put into catchy pop/ rap tunes made to be related to.

Grande’s new album “thank u, next” follows the same rhythm of the previous album. After the release of this album, Grande had already endured a breakup from her very public relationship with Davidson and her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller overdosing.

This album is full of emotion much like “Sweetener,” but it left me feeling empty and unable to relate to Grande as much as “Sweetener.” Grande seemed to have found a recipe to keep her in the top charts with “Sweetener,” and its lead single “no tears left to cry.” The songs in “Sweetener” were easier to relate to, but in “thank u, next” I felt like I was just listening to someone complain for 41 minutes.

Grande likes to use comedy as an outlet to show her emotions, and she uses this throughout the album, and because of this, the lyrics don’t feel real, They feel empty and like the emotions she’s trying to convey aren’t worth dwelling over.

The only song I felt had real

emotions was “ghostin,” which one could assume after listening is about her now-deceased ex Mac Miller. The soft instrumental of this song combined with her breathy voice gives an almost ethereal sound that fills the head and brings you into Grande’s world.

I felt this song was the highlight of the album, especially after hearing her title single “thank u, next,” which was just another copy-paste radio hit.

Grande grew up from her bubblegum self to a mature young woman in “Sweetener.” In this album, she took many steps forward toward a more mature and sophisticated image, but after the release of “thank u, next,” her growth remains stagnant as she falls back to her habits of copy and paste hits made for the charts, but not for those seeking to relate to her and feel connected to the music.

By Staff Writer Grace

BOEZINGER

4

The

FEATURE

Tiger

HI-LINE

Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019

Winter Solutions in Easy Steps

Ready for the Roads

Winter driving safety begins with assessing vehicle readiness Winter Driving Safety Steps Include ...

As the icey weather continues, taking care of your vehicle becomes increasingly important. Many accidents happen in the harsh conditions that occur around this time of year, and taking care of your car can help prevent this from happening in the future.

“Making sure the general maintenance is up to par on your car [is] what keeps you from those cold weather problems,” Greg Mahlstedt from Tuffy Tire and Auto Service said. “The liquid stuff on the roads [in the winter] just eats the cars alive. I highly suggest washing the cars once a week.”

Including keeping the vehicles clean, one of the general maintenance actions one can do according to the Tuffy website is checking your exhaust pipe and making sure it is clear of snow. This can help to prevent carbon monoxide from collecting inside the vehicle and makes all drives safer for everyone.

The other two tips on how to keep the vehicle in top shape are checking tire pressure and keeping the battery up, Mahlstedt said. Tire pressure is very likely to drop in the winter season because of the cold air, and low pressure can lead to wear on the tires and tread separation according to The Newswheel in the article “How to Take Care of Your Car in Winter.”

Both of these events can lead to accidents. If you are wondering if a change in tires is needed due to the lack of tread, a way to check is by holding a penny in the treads

of your tires. If you can see Lincoln’s head on the penny, your treads are too worn, and you are due for new tires.

Cold temperatures reduce a battery’s cranking power, which determines how much power you have to start the car.

According to Jon Linkov in the article “Winter Car Care Tips: Keep Your Vehicle in Peak Condition During Frigid Weather,” to check a conventional battery, you remove the plastic caps on the top and check the fluid level, and on maintenance-free batteries check the window on the top of the battery to see if it shows the battery is fully charged.

If the battery looks like it is unable to do its job, you can have it checked at a service sta-

tion, auto parts store or repair shop, and it may just need to be charged, but another option is to replace the battery if it is completely dead.

Other car care tips according to Linkov are replacing windshield wipers, clearing off the car and checking the oil.

Replacing windshield wipers can be important for having good visibility while driving, and it is recommended that they be replaced every six months to a year or when a difference in visibility is noticed.

If replacing the wiper blades cannot be done at the time, cleaning the rubber edge of the blade with a paper towel and glass cleaner is a good way to temporarily improve the effectiveness of the wipers.

Movies and Hot Chocolate.

The best way to spend a snow day is to stay safe and stay home, so you might as well get comfy while you do so.

Snow days are the perfect time to watch all the movies you never get around to watching or to revisit some old favorites.

Try some new recipes.

One of the best ways to pass time while you are snowed in is to get into the kitchen and try some new things. Starting up the oven keeps the house

warm and everyone happy and full.

Plan for your days to come.

When you finally do get out of the house, you’ll want to be organized, so the extra day gives you the perfect excuse to break out the colored pens and coordinate all of your events and activities.

Go Sledding.

The Cedar Valley offers many hills and parks that are easy to access, so you can be safe while getting to them and can enjoy the outdoors while

tapping into your inner child.

Help your parents around the house.

While you might be excited for the snowdays, your mom knows that means her house will be a mess, but you can make it a game to see if you can switch the laundry before your commercial break is over.

Play a board game. While it might seem lame, you will be transported right back to your childhood.

Checking your lights

Checking your exhaust Jack Jorgensen Photos

This winter’s record breaking weather demands drivers to ready for safe traveling.

Clearing off the car before leaving is imperative to everyone’s safety. Snow can block the windows, lights, windshield wipers and license plates. This can prevent visibility and lights when needed. License plates also need to be visible and easy to read.

Motor oil thickens in the cold weather, and this makes it harder for the engine to turn over. Getting the oil changed in your car can help ensure that the engine can work to the best of its ability.

“Be careful. Just slow down and take your time. That’s how [everyone] stays safe,” Mahlstedt said.

Checking your oil and fluids

Checking your wipers For more steps, check the article and see Jack Jorgensen’s winter driving tips in the next Tiger Hi-Line Online on our YouTube channel this Thursday: https://www.youtube.com/user/TigerHiline

By Staff Writer Taylor

HUNT

Snow days open options for both fun, essentials

By Staff Writer Grace

WASESKUK

Though snow days offer a vacation from school, they open the door to many other options for fun and tackling “to do” lists.

Grace Waseskuk Photo