VOLUME 65 ISSUE 1 | September 28, 2017
THE VIEWER
The Place I Call Home
INSIDE THIS ISSUE HURRICANES 02/ SCUBA CLUB 03/ DACA 05
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News
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Hurricanes wreak havoc
by Michelle Wang centerfold editor
Hurricane Maria, 2017 Cat. 4 Diameter 230 mi.
2017-2018
Viewer Editors Editor-in-Chief
Sunny Lim
Managing Editor - Copy
Felix Zhang
Managing Editor - design
Kallie Slotvig Felix Zhang
Managing Editor - Online
Ben Davis
Business Manager
Zoe Lindberg
Front Cover
Felix Zhang News
Diana Zhu Features
Kallie Slotvig
Editorials
Marley Jones
center fold
Sarah Tang Michelle Wang
Two major hurricanes, Harvey and Irma, have hit the United States this year, and a third hurricane, Jose, brushed past the East Coast. Harvey and Irma have devastated parts of Texas and Florida—causing extensive flooding, rain and property damage. Hurricane season begins June 1 and continues through November 30, peaking from August to October. Hurricanes begin as small, unstable tropical storms and grow stronger as warm water feeds them. These storms are assigned a category from the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale on a scale of 1 to 5 which is based on the hurricane’s sustained wind speed and predicts property, landscape and infrastructure damage. On August 25, Hurricane Harvey slammed into the southern U.S. as a category 4 hurricane, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to Southeast Texas and Louisiana. Harvey’s 52 inches of rainfall broke all-time mainland U.S. tropical storm rainfall records -- almost twice Minnesota’s average annual rainfall. Still reeling from Hurricane Harvey, the U.S. was hit by another category 4 hurricane, Irma, on September 10. Before landing in the U.S., Irma devastated the Caribbean as a category 5 hurricane. According to Colorado State University meteorologist Philip Klotzbach, Irma is the strongest Atlantic storm recorded in the satellite era, maintaining wind speeds of 185 mph for 37 consecutive hours. Remnants of the cyclone also damaged parts of Georgia and South Carolina. Hurricanes appear every year during hurricane season. However, consecutive hurricanes have only been recorded twice: once in 1893 and another in 2004. Because it is so unusual for two major hurricanes to make landfall on the U.S. mainland back-to-back, scientists will be studying possible reasons behind this occurrence.
The aftershock by Sanjana Dutt sports editor
The hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria have left severe devastation in the southern region of the United States. First, Harvey flooded huge swaths of the South, primarily Texas, and less than two weeks later Irma left thousands of Floridians suddenly stranded and without power for more than a week after it struck. Fortunately, Jose stayed offshore for most of its path and thus its effects were not nearly as threatening as Harvey and Irma. CNN news statistics predict a total economic impact of $290 billion from Harvey and Irma. Also, JP Morgan estimated that the insurance industry could lose $10 to $20 billion from Harvey, making it one of the top 10 most costly hurricanes to hit. Due to the recent formation of Hurricane
Jose and Hurricane Maria, no specific numbers have been calculated for them yet but disaster modelers have predicted over $30 billion dollars in combined direct physical damage and economic impact. These disastrous economic costs are incurred by disruptions to businesses, crop loss, damage to infrastructure, increased gas and oil prices and much more. Harvey dumped an estimated 27 trillion gallons of water in Texas and Louisiana in six days. The intensity of both Harvey and Irma overtook homes for over 30,000 people, forcing the families to seek refuge in shelters. Hurricane Irma’s death toll stands as high as 69, but Harvey was even higher at about 89 deaths within a few days of the first strike. Despite the overwhelming figures, the Federal Reserve said that Harvey and
Irma will have few long-lasting economic effects. The high gas prices will only temporarily accelerate inflation. In fact, the Fed raised its GDP outlook for 2017 from 2.1 percent to 2.2 percent and lowered its outlook for the unemployment rate from 4.2 projected in September to a stable 4.1 in 2018 and 2019. This ultimate boost in growth comes from rebuilding activity. Overall, there has been great destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey and Irma which will take many years of planning for a full recovery in terms of the country’s physical state. As more people move to coastal regions, scientists predict that the costs of storms could continue to rise because an increasing number of people and their properties will lie in the path of big weather events.
what’s trending
Haley Keeney
arts & entertainment
Shannon Haffely
Good question
Toni Baraga Sports
Sanjana Dutt back cover
Sunny Lim
Photographers
Zoe Lindberg Sarah Tang Ellie Tsai Artist
Christina Mehrkens Adviser
David Ostrom The Viewer is published by the student editors at: Mounds View High School 1900 Lake Valentine Rd Arden Hills, Minnesota Sauk Centre Publishing
Viewer Mission Statement
1. To publish news, information and opinion articles for and about student, faculty and administration activities, interests and policies. 2. To maintain high ethical standards with regard to fairness, personal and legal rights, responsibilities and accuracy. 3. To provide a forum for free and responsible expression of student opinion and present well-balanced, locally researched coverage of issues of broader student interest. 4. To strive for a high level of competency in the technical aspect of writing, including grammar, spelling, clarity, and precision. 5. To welcome diversity and increase the scope and depth of our coverage in order to heighten mutual understanding and awareness throughout our entire school community. Articles and letters to the editor appearing on the editorials pages represent solely the opinions of the writers and do not represent in any way the viewpoint of Viewer, our advertisers, Mounds View High School or its staff. The editors of the Viewer welcome and encourage the publication of all viewpoints.
features
Thursday, September 28, 2017
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Diving into scuba club by Diana Zhu news editor
“Wah gwan?” “Mi deh yah man!” This dialogue that may seem incomprehensible to most is actually a friendly exchange between two people—but in Jamaican Patois, the native language of the Cayman Islands. Chatting within the comfort of the “No Snow Grand Cayman,” a six bedroom house on the north side of Grand Cayman, members of the Marine Biology Club begin their mornings durings their scuba diving trip with local Caribbean greetings for each other. After gathering their swimsuits, scuba gear and lunches, the group then heads off to the dive sites where they will spend their day exploring the coral reefs. The club prepared for this trip for the past year by meeting once every three weeks to discuss everything scuba, including dive signs and many different marine biology species, from rays to jellyfish. This past summer, the group was able to take a weeklong trip to the Grand Cayman Island, a British colony just south of Cuba, for the opportunity to explore Caribbean sea life and apply their scuba knowledge. Before the trip, every member in the club underwent a certification process through a partnership with DiveOne, a SCUBA diving education and adventure group based in the Twin Cities metro area. The students first took an electronic series of learning modules with a final written test. Then, they had to pass a theory test and confined water dive to determine underwater readiness. To complete the certification, the students would later finish up with an open water test at the islands. Equipped with their new understandings of scuba diving, 10 Mounds View students arrived at the Cayman Islands on June 27, excited to experience a variety of dives. After passing their open water test and getting accustomed to the waters, they
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moved onto boat dives and night dives. At the coral atoll—corals grown around an island—there was a direct drop of 4,000 feet. The dive sites teemed with fish, stingrays, jellyfish, statues and an occasional sunken ship. For Echo Fatsis, 12, the best part of the trip was the last dive in the Gratos, a collection of caves. “We just dived through them as our last dive, and it was just go on your own and figure it out. You’re already certified; go with your buddy and just have fun,” said Fatsis. Other students emphasized the unique feeling of diving. “I never thought I would experience something like that,” said Jessica Von Brugger, 11. “It’s just so quiet when you’re underwater. It’s like a different world.” Outside of diving, the group enjoyed bonding with each other through sports, games, beach walks and communal dinners. “Pool volleyball was unreal! We tied an extension cord across the pool between a palm tree and a pillar. Mr. Wright was spiking on everyone; [the game] was the most intense and most fun,” said Fatsis. The students had the opportunity to get to know the local community as well. The Cayman Islands, known as a major offshore haven, hosts tourists from every corner of the map. “Meeting different local people, like the people who work in the dive shop, or [people] from South Africa… just meeting people from all over the world was cool,” said Von Brugger. Additionally, club advisor Graham Wright emphasized the camaraderie felt all throughout the trip. “The students who go on the dive go in with little friend groups, but by the end of it, everyone is a friend and we have these shared experiences,” said Wright. “It’s really very rewarding to be in a setting where students knit together.” The trip was a way for students to encounter what they would not anywhere else. “The night dive is to experience and get full circle [of] what you can do in scuba diving and why you should pursue it. [It] also it helps you with your fears, so it pushed all of us out of our comfort zone,” said Fatsis. “It gives you a broader view of the world.”
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Dive Signs
1. Group poses for photo 2. Fatsis and Moberg during a dive 3. Location in Cayman Islands 4. Max Vinyon smiles with scuba gear 4. Vinyon and Mr. Wright enjoy their view
Max Vinyon, 12, does “no air” pose
photo courtesy of Echo Fatsis
Mr. Wright does “LOL” pose
Jessica Von Brugger, 11, does “nurse shark” pose
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editorials
Thursday, September 28, 2017
illustrations by Marley Jones
A library is a place... for eating? by Felix Zhang managing editor-copy At the current rate of “renovation,” our school library, oh wait, Information and Learning Center, will end up being a kindergarten playpen, complete with a ball pit and an arcade. Nevermind that as a school, we’re lacking quiet study and work spaces. Our library is now basically a Starbucks without any study spots. When you go on college tours, the first thing they point out is how many libraries and study spaces they have. When you see pictures of students studying, they are almost always in a library; a library is synonymous with learning and studying. So how can we, as the number six school in Minnesota, according to the U.S. News, lack such a fundamental part of education? At Mounds View, we spend countless dollars on new, fancy machines that only a couple people use and aesthetic upgrades that aren’t necessary for education. Do we really need that new giant touch screen near the commons for any reason? Painting our library green is not the best use of money. Compared to the limited spaces to study and educational materials like books and research materials, the infrastructure we spend our money on is trivial and extraneous at best. We should prioritize education and learning over anything else, this is a school after all.
Just the other day, I was thinking about all the reasons why I personally opt to study at home, and would never choose to study at Mounds View. For the library, it’s a combination of people eating food, chattering in loud voices and playing card games. The constant noise makes it downright impossible to concentrate. Even sitting in the corner with earbuds, you can still hear the distinct buzz of people talking and smell the stench of food. As for the paddock, that “study location” is strangely reminiscent to a gilded age sweatshop with its cramped atmosphere reeking of whatever is on the lunch menu today. To be fair, there is some valid reasoning behind the creation of the new “library.” Student life outside of academics is important, and a space for collaboration is definitely needed, just not at the expense of quiet study spaces. In an effort to be trendy, it seems like Mounds View is neglecting the academic foundation it was built on. One of the key values of Mounds View Public Schools is that, “A respectful, secure and motivating environment promotes successful learning.” However, we somehow don’t even have a quiet place to study, let alone facilities that “promote successful learning.” Instead, we spend our time and effort painting our library green, and while the new library may be fun to socialize in, we need to focus more on academic study areas and less on places to eat lunch.
photos by Zoe Lindberg and Sunny Lim
Thursday, September 28, 2017
debates
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DACA to stay DACA removal by Benjamin Davis online editor The defining chants “We demand accountability” and “We are not a bargaining chip” filled the room as House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi attempted to promote the new DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act on Sept. 25. This bipartisan act is part of a compromise reached to ensure those enrolled in the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program are not deported when it expires in March. DACA was originally enacted by the Obama administration in June of 2012 and isn’t a congressional law, but an executive order that must be enforced by the executive branch. The Trump Administration, disapproving of the executive order, decided to end all new applications of this program with the exception of those whose permit expires before March 5, allowing them to apply for two more years. This system has worked via executive order for the last five years. Trump could have easily kept it going, but since the administration has ended DACA, one must look to Congress’ plan to keep the system going. The reason the majority of Republicans, including the president, support the DREAM Act—even though it protects those enrolled in DACA—is what comes with the bill. Two weeks ago, Pelosi, along with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, worked out a deal with President Trump. In this deal, Republicans would vote for the DREAM Act if Democrats voted for unspecified plans to tighten border security. This compromise has two red flags for any compassionate American. It is a compromise over the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of american youths, and it’s unclear how much border security this plan will allow for. The compromise over the DREAM Act is first off a morally questionable trade. The president knows that the opposition party will protect the rights of dreamers at almost any cost, so he is suggesting a cost that could be detrimental to our nation’s budget and the safety of many refugees. Although this increase in border security is unspecified, it will surely involve an increase in border patrol agents. This is not a terrible proposition, but historically increases in border patrol agents who are poorly managed lead to incompetent agents. For example, In 2004, President Bush authorized the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act. This added 10,000 new border patrol agents, doubling the size of the force. To fill these new jobs, standards of who is allowed to be an agent had to be lowered. This led to 13,000 testimonies of abuse from 2006 to 2011 according to “No More Deaths,” a humanitarian organization that focuses on helping migrants in Arizona. The Democrats cannot yield on the DREAM Act. They must find a way to get the bill through cleanly. The lives of the 700,000 dreamers and countless refugees and immigrants in the future are not something to choose between.
by Michelle Wang center fold editor Nearly 790,000 young immigrants wait in uncertainty as the program granting them legal status in the United States is phased out. This program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), authorized undocumented minors, called “Dreamers,” to work in America and protected them from deportation. Though DACA granted these immigrants stay in the U.S., the grant is only short-term and must be renewed by the recipient every two years. Because DACA is so short-lived and ambiguous, a more permanent, but limited program is needed to solve the young immigrant issue without burdening America’s immigration system. DACA was enacted on June 15, 2012 by then-president Barack Obama’s executive order. However, the constitutionality of his memorandum is still debated since Congress rejected the order multiple times. On Sept. 4, 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions told the Department of Homeland Security that because DACA was “such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws,” it was an “unconstitutional exercise of authority by the Executive Branch.” In June, Texas along with several other conservative states, threatened to challenge DACA in a lawsuit if the Department of Homeland Security did not take steps to end the program by Sept. 5. In addition, Attorney General Jeff Sessions told President Trump that the Justice Department would not defend DACA in the case of a lawsuit. The president had two options—keep DACA and risk the program being abruptly terminated or systematically and gradually phase out the program. Choosing the latter, the president gave Congress until March to develop a replacement program for DACA. Congress has presented various proposals this year to secure DACA’s legacy, popular ones including the DREAM Act, the BRIDGE Act, and the RAC Act. Although they would ensure DACA’s permanence, their loose provisions remain problematic. The proposals, like DACA, compromise America’s already shaky immigration system. The acts encourage illegal immigration by providing a way for minors and their immediate families to obtain citizenship. According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, America’s immigration system is already flooded with six million applications for permanent U.S. residence each year. Though it would be ideal we accept these immigrants with open arms, it’s currently not realistic under our current immigration laws. It is important that we develop a program that grants dreamers a life in the U.S. However, DACA’s temporary and controversial nature prevents it from effectively ensuring young immigrants’ security without overwhelming America’s immigration system.
Coming to America In our world’s current political climate of broad, sweeping statements and persecution, we often consider generations of immigrants as a whole, failing to account for the distinctive cultural differences between them. Even in Mounds View, first, second and further generation individuals each have their distinct struggles and stories. Although they have their differences, they are all united by a common theme of gradual assimilation.
First generation by Sunny Lim editor-in-chief
When first generation immigrants come to the U.S., it’s difficult for them to ease into the American culture. Unlike second or third generation immigrants, first generation people typically aren’t assimilated into Western culture and feel lost in their current society. Immigrating from a country with 68 languages, Stacy Ogonyo, 11, went through a plethora of new events after moving to Minnesota. As a first generation immigrant from Kenya in 2015, Ogonyo saw what her parents had to go through to bring her family to the U.S. While living in Kenya, Ogonyo witnessed her parents sacrificing everything they had to send her and her two younger siblings to grade school, which required tuition and uniforms. “No parent can go through what my parents did. In Kenya, we have to pay money to study, so they didn’t even buy their [own] clothing,” said Ogonyo. “They just sacrificed all that money for us to go to school to study and to be something in the future.” Coming to a country where education is more accessible, Ogonyo has gone through a lot of unexpected culture shocks. “In Kenya, if somebody from another country comes to Kenya, it’s not that easy because people in Kenya aren’t used to being friends,” said Ogonyo. “But here, everybody was friendly and I was like, ‘Wow,
so this is how friendly Americans are!’ I was expecting to be pushed away and told I was different. I was like ‘Oh my gosh god help me,’ but poof, things happened.” Ogonyo is the first person to be educated in the U.S. in her immediate family, leading her to experience more of the American culture than her parents. “My parents would never lead me to become more westernized [because] they have to teach me some of our culture, so I can live with them,” said Ogonyo. “I have to talk to [my parents] and do anything they want me to do so they are like, ‘Okay, prom!’” Even though her parents are still accustomed to Kenyan culture and are uncomfortable with some American events, Ogonyo tries her best to take in the multitude of festivities and traditions that an American high school has to offer.
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One thing that I can say, the food, I tell you, Kenyan grilled chicken, oh my gosh, it is the best. It is so, oh my god, even the fries, oh my gosh, I miss the food.”
-Stacy Ogonyo, 11
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We always eat those mooncakes, right? Wait, what are they called? I actually just ate one this morning. It had a egg in it, and it was kind of good, but it was from Costco though so...”
-Vicky Li, 11
Second generation by Felix Zhang managing editor-copy Being a second generation immigrant is somewhat like standing at the peak of a mountain range separating two completely different environments. On one side, you have the culture of your parents— unique with its traditions, celebrations and sometimes conflicting moral values. On the other side, you have the culture of the country you’re living in—the one that you grew up in and spent most of your life immersed in. As Amira Bushagour, 12, would say, “It’s kinda weird because I’m not fully Libyan; I don’t get all of that, but at the same time I’m not a white person. I don’t act like all my white cousins, and I don’t have the same values as all of them.” Bushagour’s dad was born impoverished in Libya surrounded by seven siblings. As a child, he would go to school and then immediately go to the bakery and work until 10 p.m. Like the rest of his family, including his grandfather, who never had a day off, he worked simply to survive. This difficult environment would shape his perspective of the world and later impact him when he arrived in the United States via an educational scholarship. “My dad went to a dentist once and the woman was like, ‘Oh, you must have a stressful job, being an engineer is so stressful,’ and he’s like, ‘No, you know what’s stressful? Trying to survive in a third world country,’” said Bushagour. Like many second generation children, Bushagour was influenced by her father’s multi-cultural perspective of the world. “He was like, ‘You know I got a scholarship to come over [to the U.S.] so you have to work very hard and get into a good school,’” said Bushagour. “I feel like a lot of immigrant parents are like that.” Vicky Li, 11, agrees. Like Bushagour, her parents also came from an impoverished area in China and migrated through a student visa. When they finally arrived in Canada through a referral to the University of Victoria, they spent the majority of their time finish-
ing school. “Once we [were] there, he was finishing school so we weren’t earning any money to pay for things other than food,” said Li. Due to these roots in education, Li’s family placed an increased emphasis on education when they later moved to Minnesota. “School before fun,” said Li. While much of the culture of second generation immigrants is influenced by where their parents came from, the place they now live plays a significant role in their culture. For Li, this means blending some of her cultural beliefs together. “Obviously Asian culture is known for its work ethic, and on the contrary, western culture is like ‘Have fun, lead a fulfilling life,’” said Li. “But for us, it’s like you’ll lead a fulfilling life if you have a job and like get rich.” However, sometimes these values come into conflict with each other. Unlike in America, women in Libya are required by tradition to be conservative and covered up. “I’m not allowed to go out as much as my brother,” said Bushagour. “I don’t like that part of the culture.” Being a second generation immigrant comes with its unique difficulties and everyday challenges. But like standing at the precipice of a mountain range, the view is well worth it. This woman came up to my “I can’t fully identify with mom and she was like, ‘Oh you just one culture,” said Li. have such good daughters, ya. “Though, I don’t think that’s a bad thing.” I have some sons. They’re good
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Canadian boys. They speak English. Would your daughters like to have a traditional wedding?’”
-Amira Bushagour, 12
Third generation by Ben Davis managing editor-online
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[My grandfather] and his brothers and sisters left on a yearlong trek, dodging and weaving the Nazis.”
-Brendan Kauls, 11
Third generation individuals tend to branch out on different paths: for some, family traditions stay strong; for others, they fizzle out. Many third generation people retain the religious beliefs and traditions of their grandparents’ home countries. Eric Pham, 12, and his family, originally from Vietnam, is Buddhist and active in their local temple. “Pretty regularly, we’ll pray as a family, with all my aunts, uncles and cousins,” said Pham, “It’s almost like a party.” Brendan Kauls’, 11, grandfather left Latvia in the early stages of World War II to avoid living under Nazi or Soviet occupation. After coming to America, Kaul’s grandfather pursued the American dream and went to work at investment company Merrill Lynch. After three generations, the Kauls family is now Americanized, but his family still holds onto Latvian traditions such as Latvian prayers said before meals at family gatherings and a recent trip to their mother country. “Over the summer last year, we got to go to Latvia and see where [my grandfather] grew up,” said Kauls. “As soon as we went to the house he grew up in, he had tears coming down his face because of the memories and things that he missed.” Trips like these are common for third generation youth. Abigail Canero’s, 12,
parents planned a trip to the Philippines, the home country of Canero’s grandparents. “My parents were going to take me and my brother [to the Philippines] when I was one, but 9/11 happened,” said Canero. Canero, along with many other third generation immigrants, feel a connection to their families’ home countries in other more subtle ways than tradition or vacations. “I’ve gotten more of the mindset than specific culture stuff, mainly just things like philosophy and how you teach the family,” said Canero. “Whenever we do family gatherings on my dad’s side, it’s much more relaxed, versus my mom’s side where it’s more formal.” Regardless of how long their family has lived in the U.S., third generations will always be connected to their homeland.
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what’s trending
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Fjallraven Kanken by Toni Baraga good question editor
When most people think of accessories, the first thing that comes to mind aren’t backpacks. However, Fjallraven Kanken has changed this with their line of backpacks that have recently took social media by storm. Fjallraven Kankens were launched in 1978 with the purpose of helping kids avoid back problems from shoulder bags, which were popular at the time. The company was founded in Sweden in 1960 by Ake Nordin and recently became popular in the U.S. Their selection of over 40 different color combinations,16 sizes and distinct styles make them applicable to any student’s life. Fjallraven Kankens come with a hefty price tag. With the least expensive bag starting at around $70 and the most expensive reaching all the way to $140, these bags can be quite the investment. Although the price may seem over the top, students think that this purchase is worth the money. “It’s small enough so it doesn’t weigh me down during the school. Plus it’s open on the inside so I can fit everything in it,” said Halle Klum, 12. Even though the backpacks have received a lot of positive feedback, not everyone finds themselves happy with this new trend. “They’re too expensive and they look weird,” said Hannah Tang, 11. “It’s not worth it to spend all of the money when you can buy a better [backpack] for cheaper.” While the backpacks may have some mixed opinions, they can still be seen all over social media and even at school. With their practicality and cool design, it’s safe to say students may be seeing this trend continue for a while.
Isabella Chaffee, 12, models her Fjallraven Kanken backpack. photo by Ellie Tsai
The keto diet by Shannon Haffely arts & entertainment editor
illustration by Christina Mehrkens
Diets have been embedded in American society since the 1930s, and recently, some new ones have emerged. According to Health.com, the fad of diets within Hollywood began with the grapefruit diet. Recently, the ketogenic diet or “keto” diet has arisen in popularity. The diet consists of eating mostly fats and proteins, reducing the amount of carbs by almost ninety percent. This causes the body to go into a state of ketosis, where ketones are produced from the breakdown of fats in the liver. As you overload the body with fats and minimize the amount of carbohydrates, the body burns ketones as the main source of energy instead of carbohydrates. A keto diet is one of the most popular diets due to all the benefits it offers. Besides the obvious draw of weight loss, keto diets help regulate blood sugar and reduce insulin, which helps people with Type II diabetes. The diet has been used since the early twentieth century to help treat epilepsy successfully, and is one of the most popular therapies used to treat children today. Some people go on a keto diet in order to increase mental focus because ketones are a source of fuel for the brain. For all its benefits, the keto diet also has some potential risks. One of the biggest benefits, the rapid weight loss, could lead to medical emergencies—though this is rare. Also, the increased fat intake can lead to elevated cholesterol and lipid levels. Additionally, all diets that focus on drastic cuts in one food group are hard to sustain and can lead to a “yo-yo” effect, where the dieter gains back any lost weight shortly after ending their dieting efforts. Even though there can be a few drawbacks from this diet, with proper monitoring, they are unlikely to become dangerous. Due to its fast results, the Keto diet is one of the most popular fad diets to come along in years. Data supplied by www.ruled.me
Arts & ENTERTAINMENT 9
thursday, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
‘It’ lives
by Cassie Downs debates editor
On September 8, 2017, the new adaption of Stephen King’s “It” was released in theaters across the United States, sparking a large crowd of new and old comers to this classic. While “It” is rated R for its high intensity and twisting plot scenes the majority of the movie, childish romance and clever one-liners play a big part in this story from the getgo. It all starts out with a little boy Georgie and his older brother Billy as they make a boat that Georgie plans on sailing in the rain outside. When he does, everything takes a quick turn from the normal suburban life to a horrifically suspenseful world wrought with danger. While bullying may seem to be the greatest of Billy and the gang’s problems, all is not what meets the eye when children start going missing one after another that summer. Every 27 years, as the boys figure out, an evil bloodthirsty clown known as
Pennywise comes to prey on children of all ages and sizes, using fear as a weapon. This only strengthens the clowns power over the children, and leads them right into his grasp. With this horrible new information, the group of friends must figure out a way to defeat the clown that terrorizes their town while at the same time facing their worst fears. For people like me who are terrified of clowns, this movie will definitely be frightening. Even so, “It” has much more to offer than jump scares and gore. Humor and romance are sprinkled about the movie, inviting a few laughs and smiles after tense scenes. With its on-edge scenes, lighthearted humor, and enthralling tension, it’s no wonder that according to “Variety Magazine” “It” has been one of the highest grossing horror movies of all time. For those who love a good suspenseful thriller, layered with comedy and a few heart-warming romantic moments, this movie is sure to be satisfactory and worth a second or third view in the theater.
The Verdict photo courtesy of Warner Brothers inc.
It is definitely worth the trip to the theater. The movie is rated R - and for good reason. It’s gory and intense, but also humorous and sprinkled with romance. For anyone looking for a good scare and a good laugh, this movie is sure to please.
4/5
Taylor Swift’s new reputation by Zoe Lindberg business manager Even though recently she has hid from the public eye, Taylor Swift has been busy. Over the summer, she appeared in court for a sexual assault trial against former DJ David Mueller, and in the wake of the jury ruling in her favor, Swift wiped her social media accounts. This disappearance from the internet led fans to wonder why, and buzz about a big announcement spread like wildfire. As it turns out, Swift did have a huge announcement—the release of new music. On Nov. 10, Swift will release her sixth studio album, Reputation. Fans of Swift highly anticipate this release as it has been nearly three years since her last album, 1989, debuted, selling more than 1.2 million copies in the first week. Swift, known for writing songs about her own life, continues the pattern with the first single from Reputation, “Look What You Made Me Do.” The song has already amassed the highest sales and weekly
streaming totals for a single in 2017, and the music video for the song has received over 420 million views in less than a month. Listeners and viewers have been quick to notice the abundance of references in the song to various periods of drama that Swift has been involved in. Select lyrics throughout the song allude to feuds between Swift and Kanye West as well as Swift and Katy Perry, not to mention the plethora of references to past romantic interests and songs from previous albums. Less than two weeks after dropping the first single off of her new album, Swift shared a second single “Ready For It.” Similar to “Look What You Made Me Do,” Swift showcases a darker, edgier side of herself. Overall, Swift’s new singles from Reputation exhibits a different side of her, reflecting a new, fresh style. Listeners that want to hear a new side of Taylor Swift should check out Reputation when it becomes available Nov. 10.
photo courtesy of cykocurt on Flickr
The Verdict Taylor Swift excessively blames other people—her exboyfriends and rivals—in her songs, but maybe this is just her way of venting her feelings. The beat and melody of the song is catchy but the meaning behind lyrics could be done without.
3/5
photo fair use courtesy of Wikipedia To promote her latest single, Swift posted a picture of a snake on Instagram.
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good question
Thursday, September 28, 2017
How to say no to hoco by Haley Keeney what’s trending editor
One of Mounds View’s most popular traditions the Homecoming dance. Students come up with creative puns and make beautiful posters to ask their person of interest to the dance, and while most students like their date, sometimes it just doesn’t work out. So how can someone respectfully reject a proposal? There are many reasons why students don’t want to go with the person asking them. For example, it can be off putting when your date asks you the night before the dance. Another reason may be that you don’t want to go with a date whom you barely know. Going with a person you don’t know at all can potentially lead to an awkward and uncomfortable night. For these situations, here are some reasons you can use to politely decline a night with the wrong person. One way to reject someone is to say that you weren’t planning on going to the dance. You may have other activities such as sports, a job, or homework to worry about and going to the dance could pose as a huge distraction to these important things. Most students will understand the heavy workload you face and will accept this as a plausible reason to say no. You could also say you’re having a night in with some friends or spending time with your family. Your date can’t possibly blame you for wanting some quality family time. Another option is to tell them that you aren’t looking for a date because you want to go with a group of friends. Many students prefer to go with a group of friends to make things casual and to eliminate the pressure of going formally with a date. Additionally, dances tend to be loud, crowded and formal, and while many students enjoy this, it can be a major turnoff for others. For some, spending your relaxing Saturday night with a bunch of people you see five days a week sounds like a nightmare. Nicely explaining this to your date can be a polite way to decline their offer. Despite all of these tips on how to nicely refuse an offer to the dance, another option is to just say yes. Even though you might not initially like your date, you might end up surprised. So if you end up just saying yes, remember that your night still has the potential to be exciting. Although Homecoming is usually a fun night full of bonding and dancing, not everyone is happy with whom they end up going to the dance. Using these tips, students can respectfully reject their date and avoid an awkward night.
What’s the best way to be asked to hoco?
100 people polled information compiled by Haley Keeney and Toni Baraga
Creative homecoming proposals
photo courtesy of Michael Fahim
photo courtesy of Ellie Tsai
Have any good questions? Email them
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toni.baraga@mvviewer.org photo courtesy of Selena Brills
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thursday, September 28, 2017
Athlete of the issue
Bri Sislo-Shutta Dance Q: How long have you been dancing? A: I have been dancing for 13 years. Q: What’s your favorite part about dance? A: My favorite part of dance is getting lost in the performance. It is a very entrancing piece of art and athleticism to be a part of. Q: How do you prepare before competitions? A: I usually blast a lady anthem before I compete, mostly Beyoncé maybe Bodak Yellow this year. It gets me really hyped. Q: As a captain, how do you encourage the team? A: I try to encourage the team to chase after that feeling of dancing on the state floor. It is truly a surreal feeling and that in itself motivates us to work. Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? A: I would like to be able to fly. It just seems like it would be extremely freeing.
sports
Running after their goals by Sarah Tang centerfold editor
The Mounds View varsity boys soccer team is starting their season with an almost entirely new team. Furthermore, players on the team come from all different soccer backgrounds making team chemistry and bonding difficult. Since the majority of the players are new to varsity this year, a major problem has been cohesion. “All four of our defenders come from different teams, so when they’re all put together as one, they can’t really work as a unit, and that’s really important in a defense. Therefore we give up a lot more goals than we should,” said Eamon Hauth-Schmidt, 11. To improve team bonding, the team has organized many carbo loads. In practice, the team has tried a variety of on-field combinations to improve team chemistry. “There’s a difference
between team chemistry and a sense of playing versus just being together. Getting the team chemistry on the field takes more game experience. It doesn’t really matter if you’re super close friends,” said Daniel Frink, 12. Captain Till Konczak, 12, has a different perspective about teamwork. “No, I wouldn’t say [we don’t have team chemistry]. Everybody always talks about chemistry, but it’s not really that important.” Despite the problems regarding teamwork, the team continues to have one goal—legacy, what people remember you by. “I want to leave a legacy of people looking up to me and not just from soccer but also off the field. On the field I want to be remembered as working hard and encouraging other people to play as a team,” said Captain Thomas Limborg, 12. In order to achieve these goals, the team needs to win games, and Mounds View has one special tradition
that players and coaches believe helps them. Before every game, the boys soccer team has to prepare themselves both physically and mentally. The team does a normal warm up and the typical soccer team introductions. But, they also have a unique chant that the coach shouts before every game. The chant is, “Sunkmanitu Tanka Owaci.” “It is actually the chant we used for my high school soccer team, and I believe it was taken from the movie Dances with Wolves,” said Varsity Coach Chris Scanlon. This, along with pep talks the coach and captains give, energizes the team in preparation to create a legacy.
Splashin’ into a new season by Zoe Lindberg business manager While most students spent their last month before school starts soaking up the last of the summer sunshine, the girls swim and dive athletes were already diving into the Chippewa pool. The girls swim and dive team started their practices in mid-August and had their first meet against Stillwater on August 12. This year, the team is welcoming an exceptionally large number of freshman. “Having a lot of new freshmen brings a variety of people to the team,” said Mackenzie Groth, 10. “It’s really fun to see what kind of people will be joining and what they will accomplish.” For the new members of the team, the annual retreat in August provided the perfect opportunity to form new friendships. Swimmers spent a weekend together participating a variety of team building activities, including a ropes course and night games. “Everyone was so welcoming and supportive,” said Kaitlynn Badger, 9. For many members of the team, the retreat is a highlight of the season.
In addition to team events like carbo loads and meets, the team’s big sister-little sister program helps strengthen bonds between the girls. “Older girls will be paired up with younger girls to show them the ropes and help them to branch out in the team,” said Groth. This bond between the upperclassmen and underclassmen contributes to the overall success of the team. While the team’s newcomers are finding their place in the team, the seniors are gearing up for their last season as Mustangs. Captain Hannah Aitkin, 12, is excited to see the team improve as the season continues. “Our biggest goal is for everyone to drop time,” said Aitkin. “It would be great to get as many girls to section finals and state as possible.” Although the seniors always enjoy improving and dropping time, the part of the team they will miss most is their teammates. “The girls on the team [are] one of the reasons I love swimming so much,” said Aitkin. “They make hard practice easier and make the team fun!” Interested in showing support to the team? Come to their next meet on Friday Oct. 6, 2017, 6 p.m., at Forest Lake.
Q: What is the best advice you received from your coach? A: One of our coaches would always tell us to “fly the plane,” it meant that when we are dancing we can’t go into autopilot. We have to be thinking and in the moment when we compete, we have to fly the plane. Q: What advice can you give to your fellow dancers? A: Something I try to live by is that, without passion there is no purpose. I try to tell dancers that a great performance has to have passion.
Swimmers pose after a swim meet.
photos courtesty of Hannah Aitkin The swim team gathers for a group photo at a swim retreat.
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thursday, september 28, 2017
Marit Mary Swenson Age 16 of North Oaks Passed away August 29, 2017 after a hard-fought and beautiful 6 month battle with brain cancer. Survived by her parents, Peter and Jennifer; brothers, Bjorn, Birk, Anders and Soren; grandparents, Mary Birkeland and Richard & Mary Swenson; uncles, aunts, cousins, Jonathan & Lana Birkeland (David, Brita & Liv) and Charlie & Kristin Musselman (Alex & Ben). Preceded in death by grandfather, David Soren Birkeland. Marit was God’s blessing to us. Marit lived life to the fullest and touched others with her love, kindness and positive spirit. She truly was everyone’s Sweet Marit. Marit had the ability to always find the positive in a person or situation, no matter the challenge. She saw the beauty that most do not see. Marit attended Turtle Lake Elementary School, Chippewa Middle School and Mounds View High School. [Marit was involved in Student Council and Synergy, and was a part of the girls tennis team, Mounds View orchestra, and track and field.] Marit was extremely close to her parents and loved many fun traditions with both her mom and dad. Marit especially loved her brothers and developed an amazing relationship with each of them. Marit cherished many family travel adventures and cabin time at Bay Lake. Marit loved being with her friends and cousins: hanging out, laughing, and seeking out perfect places to take pictures. She also loved special time with Grandma and Grandpa & Nana. Marit was passionate about many things: tennis, running, school, her viola, music, Trout Lake Camp, Harry Potter, Hamilton, anything Disney and her dog, Maximus. We thank the many friends and family who cared for and supported Marit during her illness. We also thank Dr. Bendel and Dr. Tu at Children’s Hospital Minnesota and Dr. Lulla at Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago and all the nurses and therapists, especially nurse Peggy. obituary courtesy of Pioneer Press
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Marit was such an amazing person. She was so caring, intelligent, and loving. The things that made her the happiest were the simple things. I will always remember when I saw her for the last time. Everything I told her, even the most random things, made her smile so big. Through her entire battle, she never stopped fighting, and most of all, never stopped smiling. I will miss you every day, and so will Mounds View. I will love you forever.” -Amina Knapp, 10
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Marit was such a blessing, and simply being in her presence was an honor to an extent I cannot even describe. She had the patience and kindness of an angel and never failed to make others smile or laugh. Not a day goes by where I don’t think about her or miss her cute freckled face and her adorable laugh. She was truly a light.” -Ameera Arshad, 10
photos courtesy of Ameera Arshad and Amina Knapp