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Volume 59 Edition 12
Second Season Women’s basketball team faces key test in upcoming games Follow us on Twitter at tigerhiline and on our website at www.hiline.cfschools.org
Esports Overwatch team wins national championship
In it’s very first fall season of competition at Cedar Falls, the newly created Overwatch one team, who are part of the high school’s esports team, won the national championship on Dec. 16. The six members also each received a $1,000 college scholarship. The members of this team as well as other top players around the country are also invited to compete in a summer national invitational. Overwatch is a team-based multiplayer first-person shooter video game. The winning Overwatch team included senior Ben Meinders, Easton Sckerl, Nathan Raubs, David Wilson, team captain Alex Shepard and freshman Keegan Hussey. Esports launched last year at the high school for students in grades nine through 12. First consisting of around 35 members, this year in the fall season there were 65 members and coach Brian Unruh said he hopes for the number to grow for the upcoming winter and spring seasons. “The goal is to keep growing and providing the opportunity. It sounds like there was some kids that maybe didn’t hear about it or wanted to get involved and didn’t in time,” Unruh said. Esports is very similar to other
mainstream sports in regards to competing. The teams or individuals are competing against others to win. Like volleyball, the game goes to the team who wins the best out of five during the regular-season and best out of seven during the post-season. However, this sport is also different than most mainstream sports. Instead of a court, players are interacting with other teams or individuals online. In competitions different teams are competing at once, but playing different video games. This past fall season, there were six options: Overwatch, Fortnite, Smash Brothers, Minecraft, Rocket League and Rainbow Siege. The players in the Ambush esports team are mostly self-lead. “The Overwatch team that did really well and won the overall championship, we just provided them what they needed. They organized themselves. They kind of had a core of players, so they kind of figured out who was a good fit and practiced and played and deserve most of the credit,” Unruh said. This past fall season, all of the competing and practicing occured in the backroom of iTech on University Avenue. The state of Iowa doesn’t
Submitted Photo
The esports fall season team sent the Overwatch one team won the national championships on Dec. 16. have a sanctioned esports league Unruh said this can be a specof its own, so in order to particitator sport. “We’ve had a couple pate, Cedar Falls joined the High of people in the spring. We don’t School Esports League (HSEL). discourage people from coming The HSEL is made up of teams in. It’s just something we haven’t from all over the United States necessarily promoted yet. In the and Canada. future we want to provide more The league is split into three streaming opportunities so you time zones: central, eastern and can watch it online or watch it western/pacific time zone. Iowa from home, or whatever,” he is in the central time zone region said. and plays eight weeks within this Sckerl said when the Overregion until the playoffs where all watch one team heard they won regions are combined. they were overjoyed. “Once we To go to the playoffs, teams won, our team waK estatic. We must finish within the top five jumped up, yelled, high fives, teams during their regular season. the whole nine yards. We quickly
grabbed the flag seen in our picture.” Meinders said he joined the team because of his experience with Overwatch and as a fun activity outside of school. Sckerl said he wanted to test his skills in the video game arena. “A bunch of our friends who have been playing video games for a while saw that it was a thing and thought it would be fun to compete at a higher level together as one unit.” Meinders also said this sport is beneficial if one doesn’t want to commit a lot of time. “It’s just doing what you normally do for an hour or two with your teammates,” he said. Most times the teams are just practicing once or twice a week. Esports goes all year round, with the major seasons in the fall and spring, but open seasons also compete in the winter and summer. Unruh said information about the upcoming winter season will be posted within the upcoming week. Look to Schoology for a survey on interest in esports, emails from Unruh and announcements over the intercom. By Co-Editor-In-Chief Sophia
SCHILLINGER
Seasonal Sendoffs On the day before break, many staff and students came donned in the holiday sweaters and outfits. Brian Winkel Photos
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Our View
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary definition of the pronoun “they” includes this definition for the provisions of using this word in referring to those who identify as nonbinary.
‘They’ got it right on Word of the Year
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary has selected “they” as the word of 2019. The word they has been used as a singular pronoun by people who identify as nonbinary. While some argue that the word “they” is only plural, MerriamWebster has proclaimed that, “English famously lacks a gender-neutral singular pronoun to correspond neatly with singular pronouns like ‘everyone’ or ‘someone’, and as a consequence they has been used for this purpose for over 600 “This is a huge years.” Merriam-Webster also an- step for the LGnounced the fact that “Lookups for ‘they’ increased by 313 per- BTQ+ community. cent in 2019 over the previous It shows that peoyear.” This is a huge step for the LG- ple who don’t fit BTQ+ community. It shows that into the male and/ people who don’t fit into the male and/or female boxes are valid and or female boxes are on the way to being treated are valid and are that way by others. The word “they” being the word of the year on the way to beis empowering to those who use ing treated that it. Nonbinary individuals have been oppressed and silenced for way by others.” years so this is a monumental moment for them. There is still a long way to go in order for nonbinary people to be treated as equally as cisgender individuals. There are still many aspects of life that are harder for those who don’t use the “normal” pronouns such as representation, job equality, bullying, etc. While life is still very difficult for them, this can still be considered a big achievement for the entire community. There are several labels that fall in the LGBTQ+ community, but nonbinary has been in the background for a while, despite the fact that numerous people identify with this term. Some examples of famous people who identify as nonbinary are Sam Smith, Indya Moore, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Jonathan Van Ness, and many more who would have been happy to hear about this choice of word of the year.
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. Editor: Sophia Schillinger Staff: Alexia Downs, Kaitlyn Harris, AQuandas Jackson, Ashlyn Keve, Kendall Masalak, Alyssa Nelson, Skylar Promer, Chloe Schuerman, Myra Stineman, Aaliyah Tournier, Justine Yang, Ryan Westhoff, Alayna Yates
Tiger
HI-LINE Humankind faces big challenges with needs of upcoming decade Friday, Jan. 10, 2020
The 2020s have the potential to be the decade that the 2010s weren’t. And we desperately need it to be so. This decade will be a time of many milestones. In the mid-20s, the world’s population is expected to hit 8 billion people. India will surpass China as the most populous country in the world. 2029 will mark the 100 year anniversary of the world’s greatest economic crisis, and 2026 will mark the 250th year of America’s existence. The economic and political challenges that we face in the 2020s, and how we act upon them, will define much of the near future of humanity. The most urgent of these challenges is the issue of the climate crisis. Serious, direct action on the issue of the climate crisis will be necessary to mitigate the effects of our current crisis. The second half of the 2010s brought extreme weather with increasingly disturbing regularity in the form of floods, wildfires and hurricanes. By the second half of the 2020s, it might be too late. In 2018, the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change issued a report that stated we have 12 years to act on the issue before irreparable damage has been done. Those 12 years expire in 2030, meaning that this decade will be the most important time for international governments to take action, in the hopes of saving millions of lives and preventing global environmental destabilization. Another crucial challenge of the decade to come is the moral question of wealth inequality. The 2010s, with the rise of movements like Occupy Wall Street and politicians like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, saw the issue rise to the forefront of national politics. This decade, beginning with the 2020 election, provides the greatest opportunity for combating the worst case of inequality since America’s last ‘20s. The United States today is the wealthiest nation in the history of the world. We have an obligation to make sure that no one goes hungry in the United States. In addition to these issues, America will face a series of questions about its place in the world. The growing power of China, with its particular brand of stifling au-
thoritarianism, is only projected to grow even more over the next decade, expanding its economic and diplomatic power until it rivals the United States as one of the world’s great superpowers. America will need to return to its former role on the world stage in order to counter Chinese expansionism. In tandem with the growing threat of China is another foreign policy question that looms large going into 2020—the decline in international alliances that has been brought on by the Trump administration in the second half of the 2010s. The course that crucial alliances like NATO will take over this next decade is largely dependent on the result of the 2020 election, which will likely be a showdown between President Trump and a Democrat who will take an alternative approach to foreign policy. The 2020s is a decade of both great possibility and great challenge. The actions that we take will be key to our future going forward both as a nation, as a world, and as a species. We can only hope that we act before it is too late. By Staff Writer Ryan
New Year’s Resolutions are a tradition that goes back 4,000 years to the Babylonians who were the first to hold new year celebrations and to make resolutions, which were promises to their gods so that they would earn good favor in the new year. Modern day New Year’s resolutions tend to focus on things like losing weight, exercising more, saving more money and learning a new skill. However, by February more than 80 percent of people have given up on their resolutions, and only 8 percent actually accomplish them. With results like this, how do
you become one of the successful 8 percent? According to most researchers, resolutions fail because they are lofty goals without any actual steps to achieve them. So only pick one really important resolution and two secondary ones. Turn these into goals and work them like you would any goal you want to achieve. Write the resolutions down and post them somewhere visible. Share them with friends and family so that you become accountable. Set milestone markers that help you achieve pieces of the goal each month. Do something every day to work toward your
resolutions. If you don’t make any progress in a month, don’t quit completely; just start up again as soon as you realize you aren’t moving forward. Keep track of your progress. By seeing all of the progress you are making, you are going to want to continue achieving your resolutions and they will become a habit that you are now incorporating into your life. With these steps in mind, look back at your resolutions and begin writing them down. You can definitely be one of those that achieves your resolutions! By Staff Writer Justine
WESTHOFF
Success on New Year’s resolutions comes from measured steps
YANG
What is your New Year’s resolution?
“Just to get through the new year ... well, school.”
“Didn’t really have one. I focus on the here and —Aiden Nielsen now..” sophomore
By Staff Writer Kendall
MASLAK
—Braeden Adams senior
“Working on time management.”
—Loren Yarrow junior
“Try harder in school and get better.”
—Jami Wilson sophomore
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Character Creator bring storylines to life Artist of
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CLAIRE SHAW
Artist As only a sophomore, Claire Shaw is looking forward to all the opportunities the high school art department has to offer. “So far at the high school I’m taking Painting I, and I’m in band, but I’m planning on taking many more in the next two years,” Shaw said. Taking a particular liking to art when she started junior high, Shaw said she enjoyed being introduced to all mediums of art in the seventh grade. As she’s grown as an artist over the years, her tastes have changed and her focus has narrowed. “My favorite medium to use would be watercolor because you can do so much with it,” Shaw said. “You can get very dark and intense depth, but you can also create a very light and fun dynamic with it. I also just love the way it looks in general.” Putting down the brush and picking up the pen, Shaw said she loves drawing characters. However, the new techniques she’s learning in her painting class have swayed the way she creates them. “I like to design and create characters in a very stylized way, but recently I’ve enjoyed the challenge of more realistic drawings in my painting class,” Shaw said. “My characters I draw, I’d say, lean more toward a cartoon/fictional style, and over the years, the characters I’ve drawn have developed more detail in how I draw them.” Beyond what’s seen on the paper, Shaw said she gives these characters life and purpose. “As I draw them, I sort of create a story to go along with them, so if this character is feeling happy, I’d try to express that in their face when I draw them, and a story makes it easier to develop what
Friday, Jan. 10, 2020
they wear or how they look in general,” Shaw said. Designing these characters is a great process for Shaw as she establishes a persona behind the faces. “I enjoy drawing characters the most because there’s so much freedom in how the character can look or what they’re wearing, and you get to come up with it all,” Shaw said. Although she prefers the imagination and thought that goes into these elaborate characters, Shaw said art comes in many forms and can be created in more than one way. “The thing I enjoy most about art is that there’s so many different styles and ways you can approach it and so many different mediums to use, and it’s just so much fun to have the ability to create whatever I want,” Shaw said. Shaw doesn’t allow herself to stress over her art; in fact, she does quite the opposite. Shaw views art as a happy pass time and a device of expression. “I’m an artist because it’s an easy way for me to pass the time or just relax and draw. I can express myself in so many ways through art,” Shaw said. Contributing to the creation of her characters, Shaw said she has an eye for the everyday occurrences. “I get most of my inspiration just in public when I see someone wearing an outfit with a color scheme I like, and then I draw a character or something that was inspired by that set of colors,” Shaw said. Influenced by everyday sights, Shaw finds inspiration in the ordinary things that some people wouldn’t give a second glance. “The thing that inspires me most when I draw is just the colors I see every day. Usually when I see a specific set of colors that I like, it inspires me to want to create something using those colors,” Shaw said.
By Co-Editor-in-Chief Alayna
YATES
Submitted Photos
Submitted Photos
“As I draw [my characters,] I sort of create a story to go along with them ...”
— Claire Shaw artist
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Hi-Line staff picks 2019 favorites Favorite song of 2019? Kaitlyn: Circles by Post Malone Ashlyn: This is a very hard question but I would say it is all the good girls go to hell by Billie Eilish. I really like the lyrics and just like the beat of it. Kendall: Good As Hell by Lizzo Alyssa: everything i wanted by Billie Eilish, My Oh My by Camila Cabello, or Take What You Want by Post Malone (feat. Ozzie) Skylar: I can’t really narrow it down to my top favorite, but here are my top four. Truth Hurts by Lizzo, Old Town Road by Lil Nas X, Lose You to Love Me by Selena Gomez, and bad guy by Billie Eilish. Sophia: For Elise, Saint Motel Chloe: 10/10 by Rex Orange County Myra: xanny by Billie Eilish. It has such a great message about drug use and how it affects someone in a relationship and I really relate to it. Aaliyah: Tip of My Tongue by Kenny Chesney Justine: Lose You to Love Me by Selena Gomez Ryan: Juice by Lizzo. Easily the most fun song of the year in my opinion. Alayna: This is tough, I have like three! What Am I by Why Don’t We is so cute, it will most definitely be played at my wedding. Who Do You Love by 5SOS slaps so hard and If You’re Gonna Lie by FLETCHER is the most raw song written this year. Winkel: Sharon VanEtten’s “Seventeen” is a haunting song with a range of equally intriguing interpretations, especially for a parent and teacher of teens. Favorite movie of 2019? Kaitlyn: Avengers: Endgame Quandas: Joker Ashlyn: I got to say either of the IT movies. While they may have not been as scary as I hoped I still loved watching them. I also loved watching Doctor Sleep. Kendall: Frozen II Alyssa: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood because I liked the message of It and I also connected a lot to it. Skylar: I’d have to say, Joker, because it is truly disturbing, it brings a different, more broad outlook on mental health and why we should offer
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Marissa Johnson Photo
As the lights dim on 2019, the Hi-Line staff reviews their top picks of what made 2019 such a memorable year and what will hopefully make 2020 just as great. more services and resources to continue to take care of ourselves in this society where the topic of mental illness, oftentimes, is considered by many as taboo. Sophia: Spider-Man: Far From Home Chloe: Dumbo Myra: Detective Pikachu. Such a fun movie that puts a funny twist on the beloved show. Aaliyah: Rambo: Last Blood Justine: The live action Lion King Ryan: Toy Story 4. I had very low expectations for the movie going in, but it ended up being one of my favorites of the Toy Story franchise. Alayna: Probably Avengers: Endgame. That movie was three hours of emotional turmoil for me. Winkel: “Parasite” is a movie that is unafraid of exposing the fragile walls that separate us into lives of privilege or struggle. I hope it gets an Oscar nod for Best Picture. Favorite app of 2019? Kaitlyn: Disney+ Quandas: YouTube Ashlyn: I hate that I am saying this, but TikTok. My friend
begged me to get it and ever since then I have been addicted. The cosplay community on there is amazing. Kendall: TikTok Alyssa: Disney+ and TikTok. Skylar: I would have to say Webtoon, especially because of the comic Lore Olympus, giving the readers a modern retelling of the taking of Persephone. Sophia: Screen Record. My sister snaps me cute videos of this baby when she babysits and I love being able to save them! Chloe: Disney+ Myra: Word Cookies Aaliyah: Disney+ Justine: TikTok Ryan: TikTok, unfortunately. Alayna: After the newfound fame the volleyball team got from TikTok, I became obsessed with watching them. It’s an unfortunate addiction. Winkel: iNaturalist is an incredibly handy app that allows users to take pictures of virtually anything in nature and get someone to give a definitive identification of what it is. For example, I took a pic of a butterfly and learned it’s a silverspotted skipper in seconds.
Favorite video game of 2019? Kaitlyn: Death Stranding, it shows a different way of storytelling in video games and it’s a very open world. Quandas: Paladins for PS4 Ashlyn: This is a hard question because I love video games but don’t really own any. Out of what I do own it’s Minecraft or Stardew Valley which were definitely not made in 2019 but they are what I have been obsessing over. Kendall: Wii Skylar: I would have to say the Untitled Goose Game mostly because of the meme material, but also because it is so different from everything else I’ve ever seen and pretty entertaining in all. Sophia: Wii! It's always a great choice. Chloe: Mario KartOI Myra: My Little Pony Mobile. I know, lame. But I loved My Little Pony since I was a little girl and the mobile game brings back good memories. Justine: I don’t play video games. Ryan: MLB The Show is always a classic. Although unfortunately, it’s currently only available for the PS4, it’s the
best baseball video game on the market. Alayna: I don’t really play video games… does Just Dance count? Winkel: My favorite videogame is the New York Times Daily Mini Crossword. It’s free, and my wife and I do these crosswords every night before bed. Favorite book of 2019? Kaitlyn: The Red Scrolls of Magic Quandas: Anything science related so the book of the periodic table. Ashlyn: Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell. I have been waiting for this book for over two years and it did not disappoint. Skylar: The Girl in Red by Christina Henry. I love all of her books but this post apocalyptic twist on little red riding hood has got to be my favorite story of this year. Sophia: Slaughterhouse 5. It was a book for APLIT, but the meanings behind the books are so amazing and it made me want to keep reading. It was all about the destruction war creates. Chloe: lol I don’t read, sorry
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Mrs. Green. Myra: Zom-B by Darren Shan. It was an extremely gory book, (warning!) but it was a very fun read. Justine: The Legends series Ryan: I generally don’t read much for newer books, but one of the best books that I read this year was The Last Campaign by Thurston Clarke, a beautiful look at Bobby Kennedy’s 1968 presidential campaign. Alayna: I don’t read a lot, but I really enjoyed the book The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys which I read for my comp class. Winkel: Most of the books I read were not released in 2019, but Leslie Jamison’s collection of essays “Make It Scream, Make It Burn” was a rewarding exploration of how she as a reporter reacted to many interesting stories globally as well as in her own life. She shows that objectivity in writing is nearly impossible … and maybe that’s OK. Jonathan Safran Foer’s “We are the Weather” was also a disturbing examination of how much is at stake with climate change, but yet we are individually, collectively taking little action. “Mama’s Last Hug” was also a convincing collection of studies and stories showing that animals have extensive emotional lives. What are you most excited about in 2020? Kaitlyn: I’m excited to graduate and go to Iowa State for college. Quandas: New games coming out next year. Ashlyn: This is really hard to answer. I obviously have many books and movies I am looking forward to but I suppose I am very excited for my first ever First Robotics Competition (FRC) season. Kendall: Graduation. Alyssa: I am excited to get out of high school and the Black Widow movie coming out May 2020. Skylar: I’m excited to be getting out of high school and I am looking forward to the newest novella by Christina Henry that’s coming out in April. I’m also excited to begin college and start towards the final steps of becoming what I’ve wanted to be for so long and really just to make a difference. Sophia: Going to college. I can’t wait to start a new journey and meet new people and learn new things. Chloe: Getting out of high school and going to college and living with my best friend
FEATURES iPhone users should check out 2019’s top cures for boredom Friday, Jan. 10, 2019
and my fish. Myra: Looking forward to further recovering from depression and anxiety. I've waited since I was twelve for this and I feel it's finally getting better. Aaliyah: For my sister to be home. Justine: Graduation. Ryan: I’m excited for college and the next chapter of my life. Also, the caucuses are coming up in February and that will be very exciting! Alayna: I’m so excited for new music from 5SOS and I’m also really looking forward to movies like Black Widow and Wonder Woman 2. I think female superheroes are finally getting some representation in a male dominated genre and that’s really exciting to see. Winkel: Any new discoveries waiting for exploration in hiking, paddling and biking outdoors. What changes would you like to see in the world in 2020? Kaitlyn: People open to learning about things they don’t know about. Quandas: I’d like to see more people with common sense. Ashlyn: There needs to be more equality for those of different races, religions, sexuailty, ability, gender, etc. There also needs to be more acceptance and understanding of mental health and conditions. Skylar: More environmentally friendly options, trade practices, and the like. I would also like to see more going towards mental health. Sophia: AMEN SKYLAR!! I also want to add just more love to everybody despite what they look like, sound like, act, etc. Chloe: Ryan going to Harvard. Myra: North Korea needs to chill. Just everyone needs to chill. We all live on the same planet for god's sake! Aaliyah: Addressing climate change. Justine: Being able to travel to other countries without feeling judged by your race or what you look like. Ryan: Serious action on the issue of climate change. Alayna: People making the effort to be more environmentally conscious and making choices that help make the world a nicer place. Mr. Winkel: Serious steps to address climate change. By Co-Editor-In-Chief Alayna
YATES
1. Mario Kart Tour
Mario and friends go global in this new Mario Kart as they race around courses inspired by real-world cities in addition to classic Mario Kart courses. These featured destinations will rotate every two weeks. I have been playing this the whole year, and I love it! 2. Life is Strange
Life is Strange is a five part episodic game that sets out to revolutionize story-based choice and consequence games by allowing the player to rewind time and affect the past, present and future. 3. Fortnite Squad up and compete to be the last one standing in Battle Royale, or use your imagination to build your dream Fortnite in Creative. Fortnite requires an internet connection and iOS 11 or above. With the new Fortnite Chapter 2, you will be able to choose your landing spots and explore an all new island featuring 13 new locations. 4. PlayerUnknown’s Battleground
Drop in, gear up and compete. Survive epic 100-player classic battles, payload mode and fast-paced 4x4 team deathmatch and zombie modes. Survival is key, and the last one standing wins. When duty calls, fire at will! 5. Forgotton Anne Set in a world where all our forgotten objects dwell, Forgotton Anne puts you in the shoes of Anne, an enforcer tasked with keeping order in the Forgotten Lands. Anne is brought into a harrowing conflict between an impassioned ruler By Staff Writer Alyssa and ruthless rebellion. NELSON
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HI-LINE Follow these 10 steps to bliss with new betta
Friday, Dec. 10, 2020
Fish Formula It’s no question that the beautiful betta fish is one of the most popular pets to keep. They’re gorgeous, fun to watch and easy to take care of. I recently got a betta last weekend. His name is Ambrose, and I love to watch him swim around his tank. I’m no stranger to keeping a fish. I had a 30 gallon tank that housed tropical fish and goldfish. I also previously had 4 bettas: Benedict Cumberfish I, Benedict Cumberfish II, Janine Hawkins and Riversong. They all passed away due to reckless fishkeeping that I now regret. I didn’t meet the proper parameters for keeping them, which resulted in their deaths.
Contrary to popular belief, bettas deserve a larger tank (not a bowl, vase or cup), a filter and heater. I didn’t follow these very well. I stuck my fish in bowls without a filter and heater. I thought they were fine. While bettas are very hearty and can withstand some less than ideal conditions, these fish need these things to give them a longer, happier life. Taking care of a fish is a responsibility. This is a pet, a life that you’re taking care of. Give these beautiful fish a great life. Bettas can live up to 10 years in stable conditions, though this is rare. Here is a checklist for the things I got.
10 Steps to Betta Bliss 1. Choose a tank. Not a bowl. Not a vase. Not a cup. Make sure it’s at least a gallon in capacity. The more gallons, the better! I got mine from Petsmart. It’s a two gallon with a built-in filter and light that is specifically made for bettas. Getting one with a built-in filter and light means you don’t have to buy the filter and light separately, which is convenient. 2. Get a filter. Many people think that bettas like dirty water. Well, the truth is that no fish likes dirty water. Get a filter that is meant for the size of your tank. If your tank has a filter built in, you’re set. 3. Get a light. Many Betta tanks marketed toward bettas have a light built-in. You can also buy them separately. A light allows you to see the betta’s beautiful colors and allows live plants to grow. 4. Get a heater. Purchase a heater that is appropriate for the size of your tank. Bettas are tropical fish and prefer warmer temperatures from 78 to 80 degrees. Along with your heater, you should get a thermometer to measure the temp. 5. Choose substrate. This is the stuff on the bottom of the tank, such as sand or gravel. Any gravel or sand will do. Just make sure to rinse it before putting it into the tank. You can even have it bare bottom with no substrate or add those pretty gems. 6. Get a freshwater test kit. This could be the drops with test tubes or the strips. These will tell you if your water is at the correct levels of hardness, pH, ammonia, nitrate and nitrite. This is important for the health of your fish. Some pets stores will even test your water for free. 7. Choose plants and decorations. This is the fun part. You can choose fake plants or live plants. WIth fake plants make sure they are silk so they don’t harm your fish’s fins. With live plants, choose a low maintenance plant like moss balls. For decorations, driftwood (boil it first!), rocks and ornaments work great. Make sure to have a hiding place for you fish. 8. Get cleaning supplies. This includes some 5-gallon buckets, a gravel vacuum, net and a glass scrubber. Keeping your tank clean is important for you betta’s health and happiness. 9. Get water conditioner. This magical potion makes tap water safe for fish. Just make sure to add it when you set up your tank and after every water change. Follow the instructions on the bottle. 10. Buy food. This is obvious. Bettas love freeze dried bloodworms, pellets and flakes. Feed them a variety so they don’t get bored. Myra Stineman Photo
Phew, that’s a lot, but I can’t stress this step enough. After you have your supplies, you think to yourself, let’s get the fish! Stop! You need to cycle! Cycling your tank develops the beneficial bacteria in your filter and makes sure your tank is ready for your fish. Keep the filter running with no fish in your tank for a few days to a week, to make sure your water is safe. Then, you can get the fish. After purchasing your fish in the cup, float the cup in the
tank to have your betta acclimate to the temperature for 10 to 20 minutes. This makes sure you don’t shock your fish. Then, you can carefully net the fish into the tank. Don’t put the water from the pet store into your tank as it can have diseases. Now you can enjoy your betta swimming around in your proper tank! By Staff Writer Myra
STINEMAN
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ENTERTAINMENT
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Series offers suspense, gore to readers
“Only Ashes Remain” is a novel written by Rebecca Schaeffer, published back in September. This story is the sequel to “Not Even Bones” and nonetheless full of gore. Beware of spoilers as you read on! The calm and calculating Nita readers have come to know is no more. The fire of the death market has set her own soul on fire, which is sent smoldering at its full destruction. Nita finds refuge in the unnatural protection program, only to find that the person who sold her to the black market is there as well. “Nita stepped forward, fist clenched, wanting nothing more than to smash his skull into the floor and dissect him
while he lay dying, the way she should have done when her mother caught him the first time.” Again, that fire is ignited. Now Nita only knows one thing: he will not escape her this time. This time, she will end him. But what will happen when the first attempt at poisoning the boy fails and he is rushed to the hospital where he will surely wake up and tell everyone what happened? Will Nita be able to escape the ever-watching eyes of black market buyers and protection agents? Will Nita’s mother find her again? A chance encounter with a certain acquaintance may mean the difference between death and survival for
this daring and witty girl. “Only Ashes Remain” is certainly a gore-y read and not for the faint of heart. With 432 pages of death-defying strength and heart-tearing weakness, this story is sure to leave every reader questioning their own sanity and wanting more until the very last page. Reading and re-reading this sequel is a great way to pass time while Schaeffer works on the third and final book in the “Market of Monsters” series: “When Villians Rise,” expected to be released at the beginning of September. By Staff Writer Skylar
PROMER
Skylar Promer Graphic
“Only Ashes Remain” is the second in a series by Rebecca Schaeffer.
Check out these top seven books for 2020
Along with the new year comes many exciting possibilities. Take advantage of this top seven list of books coming out in 2020 to stock your bookshelves with some new and exciting reads. May the new year bring more free time for reading and other entertaining and enriching opportunities. 1. Christina Henry’s “Looking Glass”
4. “The Best of Elizabeth Bear” by Elizabeth Bear
2. “The Glass Hotel” by Emily St. John
This poem collection is expected on Jan. 21. “Homie” tells the story of friendship, the importance of such a close relationship, but also the fears that come with it. Of course, this collection will be listed in the poetry category.
This story is being released on April 21. It has been revealed to be four new short stories to tie into the earlier completed “Alice” duology. With so much possibility and potential for this collection of novellas, one cannot say what is in store when this book is released. Like the original story of “Alice,” this story can be expected to be listed in the dark fantasy category.
This novel will be released on March 24. This story offers an interesting mystery thriller of white-collar crime and psychological twists and turns. Naturally, this story will be listed in the mystery category.
3. Helen Hoang’s “The Heart Principle”
This novel will be released on May 7. This story offers up a tale of forbidden romance and dark secrets. “The Heart Principle” will be listed in the contemporary romance category.
By Staff Writer Skylar
PROMER
This story is expected on Jan. 31. This book is a collection of Bear’s best works from horror to fantasy to science fiction to short stories. This collection has it all.
5. Danez Smith’s “Homie”
6. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins.
This story has been long-awaited by “The Hunger Games” fans and is set to release on May 19. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” will explore the world 64 years before the setting of “The Hunger Games.” This time, readers will be able to experience one of the very first “Hunger Games.” This book will be listed in the science fiction/dystopian novel category.
7. “Imagine Me” by Tahereh Mahi
The sixth and final book of the “Shatter Me” series is said to be releasing on March 31. The final fate of Juliette Ferrars lies here. This book as well as the series is and will be listed in the young adult dystopian hexalogy category.
8
The
Tiger
SPORTS
Friday, Jan. 10, 2020
Wrestlers ready to capitalize on early success At the midway point in the season, Cedar Falls’ wrestling team is standing strong. At the end of 2019, the Tigers stood at a sturdy 12-5, with a series of close losses to strong teams from across the state. But they aren’t satisfied quite yet. Senior Jack Plagge, a veteran member of the team, said, “In the second half of the year, I’m really looking forward to how I’m going to compete. I finished up the first half with some big wins, and I’m excited to compete hard and looking forward to hopefully qualifying for State and getting on the podium.” The Tigers’ potential, displayed by close losses to always challenging opponents Ankeny and Indianola, has been one of the biggest happy surprises for the team. “We seem to be close in competition with a lot of other
teams, more than we expected ourselves to be, and we are looking now at how we can become better than these other teams,” Plagge said. “I would say we’re looking at becoming conference champions, and hopefully we can qualify for the state dual tournament.” Lofty goals like these have been fostered by near-misses in the past, experiences that have left Plagge and his fellow wrestlers wanting more. “[Last year] we were just short of qualifying, and the team we lost to ended up getting 3rd in the tournament,” Plagge said. “[This year] we are still undefeated within our conference, which is great because it’s been a while since we’ve been conference champs.” The Tigers, although currently not ranked in the top 10 among 3A schools, have two wrestlers
Women face key tests in second half of season The women’s basketball team is in the middle of their season with a 7-3 record and 11 games left in the regular season. The Tigers have a lot of tough games ahead of them but are ready to work their way to try to make it to State this year. Senior Lexie Godfrey said, “We have a tough schedule these next couple of months, so we’re preparing as best we can. Our obvious goal is to make it to State in March, but we are focusing on each game individually and taking it day by day to improve until then.” For the rest of the season, the team plans on working on setting the tone of the game and keeping the energy up during the game Senior Emerson Green said, “We talk a lot about maintaining high energy throughout the whole game. This will help us when games get close in the fourth quarter.” The team does face some challenges coming up soon in their season, which will show them how much they want to win. Junior Anaya Barney said, “No game is going to be easy, and we know that going in, we just have to make sure we are prepared to play our best every time we step on the court.” Godfrey agreed with
Barney. On Jan. 17, the Tigers play Cedar Rapids Xavier, who they beat before break. “We also play Iowa City High at home, who had been ranked No. 1 in the state the majority of the season and who is going to be tough to beat,” Godfrey said. This year the girls team also consists of many younger players with only two seniors and two juniors on the team and the rest being sophomores. “The best thing about coaching a young team is watching the growth of the players from game to game. From week to week, we can see the players get more comfortable and confident in their playing ability. It is also fun to watch the older girls mentor and lead these younger athletes, helping them reach their full potential,” coach Gregg Groen said. Barney agreed with her coach. “All of the younger girls have really stepped up and realized that they have a big role on our team this year. Everyone meshes really well together no matter what grade, and it has been a really fun year.” The girls play next at 7:30 p.m. against Iowa City West on Jan. 10. By Staff Writer Aaliyah
TOURNIER
who are currently in the top 10 of their respective weight classes: sophomore Dylan Whitt, who ranks 10th at 138 according to IAWrestle.com, and senior Collin Bohnenkamp, who sits in 5th at 220. This year also marks the second year that a girls’ state wrestling tournament will be held, and with the expansion of the sport comes more athletes participating for Cedar Falls. Senior Raelynn Smith is wrestling for the Tigers for the first time this year, and she is pleased with her success so far. “A big surprise for this season is how I’m doing individually. I went into the season expecting to do decent knowing it is just my first year in wrestling, but I have continued to surprise myself with how well I am really doing,” she said. “The greatest challenge for me this year is just how mentally
and physically tough you have to be in order to do this sport. It isn’t a laid back sport that you can just have fun with. The practices are hard and intense, but I still love it.” Smith has posted a 6-2 record in her matches, including two second-place finishes at tournaments. She said, “I didn’t expect to place that well compared to some girls that have been doing it longer than me, but I went out there and fought hard just like in practice, and it really paid off. In the second half of the season, I’m really looking forward to learning more and just getting better overall. Our coaches are some of the best coaches we could ask for as a team. They teach well and are hard on us so that we will get in the wrestling room and get better every day.” By Staff Writer Ryan
WESTHOFF
Home Stand
In a home dual at Maple Lanes on Dec. 20 with Dubuque Senior, the Tigers, including sophomores Hailey Taylor and Nichole Taylor came out on top with a 2,651. Senior rolled 2,461.
Charli Petersen Photos
HI-LINE Athlete of the
Week
Alex Shepard Esports Esports team captain Alex Shepard and the other five members of the Overwatch team recently captured the national championship and $1,000 apiece in college scholarship money for their efforts. How did you get into esports? I have been playing video games ever since I was a little kid, and playing them competitively has been a passion of mine ever since middle school. What’s your favorite thing about esports? Working with a team and building off of one another to become better together. How do you train for a tournament? Our team will usually try to scrimmage other teams onetwo times a week for about two hours at a time. How does it feel when you win? It’s a great feeling to win when everyone puts in the effort during practice and it pays off. How do you feel when you lose, and what do you do to get better? Losing is never fun, but I always try to rewatch the match and see what went wrong so I can try to improve on that for the next match. How long have you been interested in esports? Ever since I was a little kid I’ve been interested in esports. Whenever my friends want to play a new game I always make it my goal to be one of the best at it.