In This Issue FridAy May 20 2016
editorials
spread
Reviews
overPrescription
Happiness vs sadness
Civil war
Viewer
Students frustrated with soldout parking
Heart disease is the
leading cause of death
among teenagers in the United States, accounting for
3%
of all teenage deaths
Someone in America dies every
37
seconds
from some form of cardiovascular disease
by Ben Yoch staff reporter On Monday, May 9, the school announced that all daily parking passes were sold out for the rest of the week. While daily shortages are not a new problem, this event caught students by surprise. “I didn’t expect the passes to run out so fast. First semester, I had no trouble getting a daily pass so I wasn’t expecting to not get passes this semester,” said Albert Pan, 11. The lack of parking passes is caused by a combination of more drivers and fewer passes. In the spring, newly licensed sophomores vie with upperclassmen for daily passes, and more students choose to drive overall due to better weather. In addition, spring sports have a greater number of athletes (who receive priority for semester-long passes), so fewer daily passes are available for purchase. With nowhere to go, students have turned to parking at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Although parking is free, it is a half-mile walk away. Some students, like Noah Xiong, 10, have accepted the situation. “I park over the bridge next to St. John’s. I wouldn’t say it’s a problem... there isn’t much to be done because we are pretty much ‘out of land’,” said Xiong. “I was actually relieved that I decided to start parking at St. John’s,” said Pan. “Recently, as the weather continues to improve, I’m beginning to enjoy the walk to my car because I get more time to just think and relax. I sometimes imagine the amount of money I’m saving myself by parking away from the school and how it really does add up.” Other students, however, aren’t willing to accept the half-mile walk. “[The shortage] is a problem. I have to park over by [St. John’s] which is an inconvenient walk,” said Max Vinyon, 10. “[The school] should sell more passes or only [sell] them the day of.” Despite student concerns, there is not much administration can do about the problem. “There haven’t been any serious complaints or a compelling case for why it needs to be fixed,” said Front Desk Greeter Matt Goldsmith.
5th
Volume 63 Issue 12
57%
of sudden deaths in youth athletes are
attributable to cardiovascular disease
infographic by Eva Hoffman information from cdc.gov
Play for Patrick
Foundation offers free heart scans to teens by Persis Ke managing editor—copy On Nov. 14, 2014, Patrick Schoonover, a student at Black Hawk Middle School in Eagan, died after collapsing during a hockey game. Doctors later discovered that he had multiple undiagnosed heart defects. In honor of their son, 1982 Mounds View graduate Mike Schoonover and his wife Gayle began the Patrick Schoonover Heart Foundation and the Play for Patrick Fund with the goal of offering free heart scans to teenagers. “After Patrick passed away, we researched [sudden cardiac arrest] and found many organizations that offered free heart screens to kids,” said Schoonover. The foundation has already screened 1,070 teens at five Play for Patrick heart screening events. These scans can catch heart defects that usually go undetected during sports physicals, which don’t test heart health. So far, 70 students have been found with various heart issues, two of them with life-threatening ones. But while the scans are very effective, they are also uncommon. “Unfortunately, screenings are not that common to this degree because they take a lot of manpower, a lot of donations and a lot of volunteer effort,” said Dr. Charles Kim in a video on the Foundation’s website. Kim specializes in cardiovascular diseases and partnered with the Schoonovers to offer free heart scans.
“[Screenings won’t] be as sensitive or as specific as the full testing, but for the people at high risk, it might be enough,” Kim said in an interview with KSTP. Next fall, the foundation will be running free heart scans at Mounds View on Saturday, Sept. 17. At the event, electrocardiograms will be administered to participants to check the heart’s electrical activity. “We’re going to offer free heart scans for any and all of our students here and Irondale as well,” said Activities Director Bob Madison. “We’ll get anybody that we can ages 14 to 18 through on that day to try and prevent something tragic from happening.” Along with the scans, there will be hands-only CPR and AED training as well as storyboards with information about students who have been affected by heart conditions. Madison has high hopes for student turnout. “I think the most they’ve ever done is around 300 [students],” said Madison. “I’d like to see us do more than 300 students.” While the foundation does not plan to expand to different age groups, it is expecting to expand to more high schools. For those interested in volunteering, check the foundation’s website, playforpatrick.org, or follow them on Twitter @playforpatrick.
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editorials
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America’s opioid problem Overprescription of drugs on the rise
10 AP proctors Ways to overthrow a Government 9 to enjoy 8 Ways potatoes 7 6 5 4 Crocs™ 3 2 1 Sewer hangouts
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2015-2016
Viewer Editors photo by Eva Hoffmann
Editor-in-Chief
Emily Ruan
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Persis Ke
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He was dynamic, flamboyant and unabashedly creative. His music changed the course of the entire industry. His name was Prince and he was a music legend—yet he was only 57 when he died on April 21 at Paisley Park, his Chanhassen, MN home. Although unconfirmed, rumors of Prince’s death by drug overdose have added fire to the current conversation surrounding the abuse and overprescription of opioids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the sale of prescription opioids has nearly quadrupled since 1999, and in that time, deaths from opioid overdose have also nearly quadrupled. With the spreading opioid addiction epidemic, both doctors and consumers need to take steps to stop the overprescription trend and become more educated on the adverse effects of excessive drug use. Without changing the current state of prescription drug use in America, the cases of addiction and overdose will only grow larger. According to opiate.com, long-term opioid abuse can lead to a range of adverse effects. From increasing users’ susceptibility to health problems like HIV and heart attacks to increasing risk for addiction to other drugs, opioid abuse is a public health nightmare. In the short term, opioids can also cause respiratory depression—a tremendous slowing in one’s breathing rate which can lead to brain damage. A national study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has shown that overprescription often rests in the hands of busy doctors and demanding consumers. As a result of effective television advertisements for brand name drugs, consumers approach their doctors demanding they receive these prescriptions. This demand, partnered with doctors’ lack of time to investigate patients’ underlying problems, often results in overprescription of drugs. Considering the nasty side effects of opioids, one would wonder why doctors seem to be so lax about prescribing them. The truth is, there are many factors that go into overprescription, and as in many other industries, corruption is one of them. According to a study done by ProPublica, many doctors take
money, free lunch and other perks from brand name drug companies in exchange for recommending their drugs. Additionally, due to opioids’ addictive properties, many patients remain dependent on the drug even after they are taken off their medications. Without a prescription, they look to illegal alternatives, usually heroin. As people begin to use the illicit drug, their addiction grows, in turn leading to deadly side effects. Overprescription of opioids is not just about prescribing more than the recommended amount of the drug. In many cases, doctors prescribe opioids for procedures that do not require them. According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, prescription painkillers are prescribed to 85 percent of patients with hip fractures and 82 percent of patients with ankle fractures in the U.S., compared to only six percent of patients with ankle fractures and zero percent of patients with hip fractures in the Netherlands. Unlike American doctors, those in the Netherlands usually recommend over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol or Advil combined with physical therapy. Many organizations have tried to improve the overprescription epidemic by asking for similar changes in the US. The use of ibuprofen and acetaminophen instead of opioids has been proven by many doctors to be safer, and, according to Dr. Don Teater, MD, more effective. Physicians For Responsible Opioid Prescribing and Advocates for the Reform of Prescription Opioids both focus on limiting prescription of opioids. Although overprescription is a growing problem, it can be solved very easily. One simple way is to keep drug companies from paying doctors. This could be done by revoking a doctor’s license if he or she took money from drug companies. Another way is to put legal limits on when doctors can prescribe opioids. The opioid overprescription epidemic is a serious problem that is only getting worse. However, it is a manageable one. With a clear set of rules that limit the overprescription of these drugs, stories like Prince’s can become history.
Martha Rush Staff Rigney Cunningham, Ben Davis, Jackie Gaworski, Marley Jones, Sunny Lim, Jack McCoy, Kailey Newcome, Jake Rosenow, Kallie Slotvig, Ben Yoch
The Viewer is published by the student editors at: Mounds View High School 1900 Lake Valentine Road 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.
editorials
3
E U D C T A N IO Friday, May 20, 2016
How would you improve...
This year’s Federal Reserve Student Essay Contest asked how we should improve education. Below are excerpts from the nine Mounds View finalists, including Elizabeth Fleming, who won first place in the competition.
by Marissa Erickson A cost-effective way to improve test scores and educational performance in K-12 education is to push back start times for elementary, middle, and high school students. Sleep plays a key role in performing well in academic skills and improving test scores. Finley Edwards conducted a study about start times with middle school students in North Carolina. The results were shocking. Edwards demonstrated that moving back the start times one hour improved math and reading standardized test scores by two to three percent and closed the achievement gap in between blacks and whites by 14 percent. Edwards’ study also showed that later start times are correlated with more time spent on homework and higher test scores.
by Diana Zhu Students sit in rows of desks: some aimlessly take notes, some have their heads down, and some discreetly scroll through Twitter. The next day the same thing happens again, allowing no time for students to discuss or ask for help, leaving them confused without a solid grasp on the day’s topic... With new technologies paving their way through the nation’s lives, it would only be right to take advantage of flipped learning … Flipped learning has already been exploited by some high schools, including Michigan’s Clintondale High School, which became the nation’s first completely flipped school in 2011. In 2010, fewer than half of the school’s freshmen passed math, science, and English language arts. But six months after the flipped classroom was implemented, graduation rates increased from 80 to 90 percent, and reading passing rates jumped eleven percent.
by Shreya Prabhu Later start times can help high school students perform better in school because of their need for sleep. Many students, especially teens, are not getting the much-needed nine hours of sleep and instead getting fewer than seven hours by the end of 12th grade. Children and teens need sleep to maintain good health, brain development and to reach their optimum performance .... According to a study on the benefits of later start times,“school attendance, standardized test scores, and academic performance in math, English, science and social studies improved, and tardiness, substance abuse, symptoms of depression, and consumption of caffeinated drinks decreased” with the implementation of later start times.
by Elizabeth Fleming According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United States ranks well behind high-performing countries in K-12 academic performance. To improve student outcomes, the United States should adopt a 12-month academic year, eliminating the 12-week summer break and replacing it with more frequent, shorter breaks throughout the year … Regardless of the resources at home, studies have shown that most students lose an average of one month of math skills over the summer (Cooper, et al). Even worse, the loss of reading and comprehension skills is greater for students from lower income families.
by Nate Moller
Considering all of the resources and technology the United States has, it is surprising that compared to other countries, our education system is lacking. One reason for this could be that approximately 50 percent of schoolaged kids do not receive the minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity per day that they need. Increasing the amount of physical activity students receive through recess would be the most cost-effective improvement for student success because it allows kids to focus better in the classroom, reduces the amount of bullying in schools and physical activity is directly correlated to student success. The addition of recess or physical education would enable kids to be healthier and succeed better in class.
by Michelle Sung Twenty years ago, the U.S. ranked first worldwide in the number of young adults who had high school diplomas and college degrees. Today, the U.S. ranks ninth and seventh among industrialized nations. One reason American students have declined in their academic achievements from the past is that they are being placed in heterogeneous classrooms where teachers cannot efficiently challenge all students. A solution that effectively reduces children’s inability to learn is ability grouping within classes. Ability grouping is a cost effective improvement to America’s school systems because it promotes all types of student growth, reduces costs and is a flexible method for students to maximize their potential.
by Lucy Chen One solution that will not increase the amount of money needed but will still improve student performance is weighted student funding (WSF) supplemented with site-based management (SBM). Weighted student funding differs from the traditional funding system in that it assigns funds to schools based on the number of students enrolled in each school and on certain student characteristics such as income, ethnicity, disabilities and native language. Students that are considered to be at a disadvantage are given more funds. WSF also decentralizes funding from the district level to the school level. Decentralization is taken even further by SBM, which allows schools to choose how to use their funds. The equity and decentralization offered by WSF and SBM, along with their affordability, make them an education reform that America should adopt.
by Rebecca Li In recent years, the United States has fallen behind in education, ranking 15th internationally by the OECD. One major reason for this is the disparity in educational opportunities for students of various racial and economic backgrounds, which has led to a wide achievement gap … Research shows that integration of schools provides the best solution to the achievement gap, as doing so improves student outcomes while being the most cost-effective. Integration has proven to be successful in the past, and it can be repeated with positive results … In 1971, when desegregation programs began to take off, the achievement gap between black and white students was about 40 points. By 1988, that number was only 18 points; it only took 17 years to cut the achievement gap in half.
by William Amendola Bye One reason that many students choose to either come to school late or entirely forgo it is likely early start times. Students may find it difficult to wake up early in the morning, and will choose to skip school. By skipping school, students hurt themselves by losing out on chances to learn at school, and their grades will suffer as a consequence. Research shows that school attendance improves when school start times are delayed. Besides just improving attendance, which improves performance indirectly, later start times can directly improve grades and student achievement.
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features
friday, may 20, 2016
Students find passion in music Neve Wheelecor by Marley Jones staff reporter While most students struggle to learn one instrument, Neve Wheelecor, 10, has found time to pursue 13. Ranging from the harmonica to the baritone ukulele, Wheelecor loves picking up new instruments. “I fell in love with playing music,” she said. “I wanted to learn how to play more instruments so I bought a ukulele and began to teach myself piano. I keep learning new instruments because I think it’s really fun to learn about and create new things.” Wheelecor’s family fostered her interest in music early on. With her dad’s guidance, she began learning the guitar at the age of six. “My dad taught me at first. He played guitar growing up and still does today, so he was the one who got me going. I’ve taken a few professional lessons, but now I mainly play by ear or watch videos,” she said. “[My dad] would also be playing different instruments around the house that wasn’t on the radio.” she added. Acoustic guitar has become Wheelecor’s favorite instrument. “I’ve been playing guitar for the longest, so I would say it is what I’m best at,” she said. “I’m able to play sweet acoustic songs but then I can go to my electric guitar and jam out to some rock songs.” While Wheelecor enjoys a variety of artists, her favorites include alternative artists Mumford and Sons and the Lumineers, as well as classics such as the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. But no matter what genre or instrument Wheelecor is playing, music always affects her the same way. “It’s how I express my feelings and my creativity,” said Wheelecor. “There’s always a song to go with how I am feeling and I’m able to express my emotions that way.” She uses music as medicine for everyday stress. “Music is very important to me because it is an outlet from school and stressful situations. It’s my way to escape and go off into my own little world,” she said. “I struggle with anxiety and music helps me to relax and take my mind off things. Whatever the future may hold, Wheelecor knows that music will be there for her every step of the way. “I would definitely like to learn more instruments in the future. I’d like to learn how to play the banjo and the mandolin because I think they sound really cool and seem fun to play,” she said. “But at the same time, I’d also like to improve on the things I already know like guitar, drums, and piano.”
photo by Eva Hoffman
Tim Pease by Emily Moses features editor Multi-instrumentalist Tim Pease, 11, has been involved with music since elementary school. From learning the piano at age six to taking on the pan flute at age seven, Pease is constantly exploring new musical challenges. In addition to the piano and pan flute, he is also well-versed in his guitar and his recorder. According to Pease, a love for music runs in the family. “My grandparents have a music store in Massachusetts, so music has always been a part of my life,” he said. “I grew up with [it] so it’s important to me.” Though a passion for music runs in his blood,
Pease’s own motivation has led him to learn instruments all by himself. “I have never taken lessons… I am self-taught,” he said. At times, this has posed a challenge. “Since I can’t read music, I have to play by ear,” said Pease. Despite the lack of a mentor, fellow musicians have motivated Pease to keep pursuing his passion. Pease is part of a group called “Grace and the Crop Tops,” comprised of Grace Lindmark, 11, Michael Brown, 12, and Hans Adamsson, 12. They’ve become well-known around Mounds View for serenading students and staff at the winter pep fest, this year’s talent show and mornings in the library. Pease’s favorite memory is performing with his ensemble at the pep fest. “It was fun because we got to
perform in front of our peers,” he said. “It was cool to show off what we had worked so hard on.” Practicing and sharing his talent provides Pease with a break from the demands of extracurriculars and other school responsibilities. “It helps me relax from school,” he said. “I get nervous before I perform, but during the show I am just having fun. I just like showing people my music. It is relaxing for me to play my instruments.” Pease doesn’t plan to stop his repertoire at four instruments; his future plans include business school with incorporation of music, and of course, more instruments. “I really like how string instruments sound, so I want to learn one of those,” he said. “The cello would be the instrument I’m most interested in.”
Friday, may 20, 2016
features
Songbirds of a different feather
5
Zosia Falkowska by Katrina Renacia features editor For Polish exchange student Zosia Falkowska, 10, singing has become an influential part of her life. “Singing makes me happy and it calms me down,” she said. “It’s like a therapy for me.” Falkowska has been taking weekly voice lessons since she was 11. In the same year, she competed in her first competition, Mam Talent. “I was very scared and nervous, but it turned out pretty well. It made me more confident with my voice,” she said. Falkowska placed second, singing an a cappella version of ABBA’s song “Money, Money.” Although her native tongue is Polish, Falkowska has always preferred American music. “I love English songs because I feel like I can relate to their lyrics more,” she said. “They also have a prettier melody and sound more modern.” Falkowska credits her favorite artists, Sia, Birdy and Lana del Ray, for con-
stant inspiration. Since coming to Mounds View and joining choir, she has found a collaborative community that shares her passion. “I wanted to join choir at first because I wanted to sing and practice my voice,” she said. “MV choir has become like a family to me. I love the songs that we are doing and how we sound together as a group.” In her free time, Falkowska loves to play the piano and make YouTube covers. Some of the songs she’s covered include “Stay” by Rihanna, “Shape of My Heart” by Sting, “Video Games” by Lana del Ray and “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber. However, she’s had to put recording on hold while she’s in the states. As her exchange year comes to an end, Falkowska looks forward to getting back into the rhythm of things. “I miss recording Youtube covers,” she said. “But I have everything I need back home, so I’ll probably be spending my first few days recording covers.”
Annalee Blake by Kallie Slotvig staff reporter For many, speaking or performing in public is an anxiety-ridden task, but for Annalee Blake, 12, it is her release. “To me, music is an escape from reality,” she said. “It brings me peace and joy and fills me spiritually.” Blake has sung the national anthem, performed in talent shows and currently leads Sunday morning worship at her church. Although she has performed over 150 times, she has never gotten nervous on stage. “I don’t get nervous with anything music-wise,” she said. “For me, track and school is challenging, but music is my escape. I always say I could sing in front of 1,000 people and I wouldn’t get nervous.” She put this to the test when she sang in front of her largest audience—1,200 people—at a Youth In Government talent show and remained nerve-free. Out of all of these performances, Teens Encounter Christ was most memorable. “The reason why it was the most memorable place wasn’t because of the amount of people, but because of the spiritual setting and peace that was with all of us at the time,” said Blake. “In those settings, I hope not to leave an impact of impression, but offer the people listening a place to feel spiritually connected.” Blake’s passion for music began in fourth grade when she joined orchestra and learned her first instrument, the violin. This was just the beginning for Blake, who now plays five instruments: guitar, violin, mandolin, percussion and piano. Though she is the only musician in her family, her parents have always supported her. “They always support and encourage me,” she said. Over the years, the guitar has become Blake’s favorite. After receiving a guitar from her uncle, she began learning to play in sixth grade with the help of a beginner book. “I always thought guitar would be the greatest instrument to learn because it can be incorporated in any musical setting,” said Blake. “I also loved to sing and wanted to be able to accompany myself with guitar. It was definitely challenging at first, but after about four to six months it became easier and now I can pretty much teach myself anything I put my mind to.” With her guitar experience, Blake was able to create her own chord progression to the national anthem which she sang for the first time at a home wrestling match in 2012. Since then, she has performed the national anthem around 20 different times at a variety of school events. Blake’s passion for music and performance has only increased since her first time on stage. She hopes to incorporate both into her future. “I would love to continue being a church musician in the future and continue having music as a hobby in my life,” she said. photo by Eva Hoffman
The science of sadness Nobody wants to be sad, but it plays an important role in health by Hassan Lubega staff reporter Ever since the successful release of Disney’s Inside Out (2015), the role of our emotions, both positive and negative, has been called into question. While various scientists have elaborated on the evolutionary benefits of happiness—namely its ability to reward us for profitable activities—the value of sadness has long been overlooked. Paul Ekman, a famous psychologist and anthropologist known for his pioneering works in the study of emotions, described sadness as one of the six basic emotions along with anger, disgust, fear, happiness and surprise. Negative emotions—such as fear, anger and disgust—are generally easier to explain: They keep us safe from potentially dangerous situations. Fear and anger are integral parts of the fight-or-flight response, a well-known phenomenon responsible for confrontation based survival. Disgust, on the other hand, teaches us to avoid potentially harmful things like rotten food or diseased materials. However, sadness is unique because it doesn’t teach us to avoid certain situations. Instead, it helps us manage troubles that we already have. Some scientists believe that sadness is an important biological problem-solving tool. As Doctor Heidi Lepper puts it: “Our bodies slow down essentially to help us focus on and solve a problem in our lives.” In a series of studies conducted by Joseph P. Forgasa, professor of psychology at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, sadness was observed to improve memory, motivation and judgment. All of these are essential skills to addressing life’s obstacles. Sadness acts as a motivator for us to work through dilemmas that we encounter, helping us focus and granting us the skills to find a solution. In an extensive study about the effects of depression on thinking, Paul W. Andrews and J. Anderson Thomson Jr. of the University of Virginia corroborated Forgasa’s observations, finding that “...one effect of a sad or depressed mood is to promote an analytical reasoning style in which greater attention is paid to detail and information is processed more slowly, methodically, thoroughly, and in smaller chunks.” Although there are numerous hypotheses on the potential pros regarding the processes behind sadness, we still haven’t been able to pinpoint the science of sadness. Whether we’re faced with hard classes, complicated relationships, or some other tearful situation, sadness will always be a fundamental part of our lives. While it may simply be seen as a heartsick emotion to some, in reality, it is a feeling with many hidden potential benefits.
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the hypothesis of happiness You might be wrong when it comes to knowing what makes you happy by Ben Yoch staff reporter Every day, people make choices in an attempt to maximize their happiness; however, their choices may lead to more misery than expected. In Stumbling on Happiness, author Daniel Gilbert attempts to answer why we struggle to make decisions that will pave a happy future. “Perceptions are portraits, not photographs, and their form reveals the artist’s hand every bit as much as it reflects the things portrayed,” writes Gilbert, a Harvard psychology professor. In other words, our interpretation of particular events affects how happy we feel about them. Science teacher Jacob Hairrell, known among students for being “always happy,” agrees that mindset can have a huge influence. “In my opinion, people who develop that unhappiness are cynical; they can’t see the forest through the trees because they are so focused on the small details; they can’t see that the struggles can make you better,” he said. However, Gilbert believes we try to foresee the future by using past experiences. This can be a problem because people tend to judge experiences overall, rather than what led them there. When planning for the future, Gilbert writes that it is important to use every step that led to an experience to make more accurate assumptions. Additionally, imagination and current circumstances also skew our perception of what will make us “happy.” When making decisions, we subconsciously add in details using our imagination to create a completed picture. This can make a prediction incorrect because it contains flawed details created by the brain. Our imagination also lets us down because it is unable to imagine future emotions greatly different from our current ones. For instance, try to imagine being hungry after eating Thanksgiving dinner; it’s practically impossible. This inability to separate current feelings from future ones is why our anticipations of future happiness are often incorrect. To address this problem, Gilbert advises that people base their predictions off of other people’s actual experiences instead of their own. If someone who has a lot in common with you really enjoyed a certain movie, the odds are that you will enjoy that movie, too; these kinds of trends create a more scientific approach to happiness. “What makes humans different from every other animal is that they think about the future,” writes Gilbert. Humans can use this to their advantage to create and perceive their own joy. In addition to knowing why you struggle with creating a happier future for yourself, it is also important to know how to fix this issue. Hairrell’s solution? Constant change. “I generally enjoy new and unique things so I [like to go into things] with a positive attitude,” he said. Furthermore, he has learned to be content with everything he has. “It has taken awhile to get [so optimistic]; I think I’ve gotten more experience, and you start to realize what’s a big deal and what’s not,” he said. “As long as I have a shirt on my back and food in my stomach and my family is safe, [I’m happy].”
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variety
Friday, may 20, 2016
The Midtown Global Market
What to expect by Rigney Cunningham staff reporter A mishmash of businesses selling delicious food and interesting wares, the Midtown Global Market offers adventurous Minnesotans a cultural experience close to home. Established in the heart of the midtown area, it’s a great place to spend the day taking in the flavors and cultures of the Twin Cities. Located in a former Sears building, the market shows off the best of South Minneapolis by creating several job opportunities and increasing community economic development. Since opening day, crime has dropped by 25 percent in the area. Representing five countries, the bustling shopping center acts as a place where immigrants and locals can realize their entrepreneurial potential. On the weekends, the market is filled with people there to trying things and spending time with family and friends. In the center of the market, there is a meeting place with several tables and chairs and a stage for local musicians to play. Even though this hidden gem could be considered a tourist destination, it feels like more of a local gathering place for the community. Every Friday night, the market hosts Family Friday, during which a variety of entertainers take the market’s center stage. From free live entertainment like the Roe Family Singers (a Latino music group) or bands like New Distraction and Side Walk Cafe to Charmin and Shapira, the market provides something for everyone. Neighborhood Night Thursdays are also a favorite as many vendors offer specials like two-for-one entrees. The market is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Unlike most urban destinations, finding a parking space is easy. There is a ramp located nearby that provides up to 1.5 hours of free parking with validation. A farmer’s market on a much larger scale, the Midtown Global Market brings together the community and offers a trip around the world from the comfort of home.
What to eat by Aaron Voiovich variety editor
The Midtown Global Market is known around the Twin Cities for offering one of the most diverse dining scenes in Minnesota, serving food from all over the world. The market’s incredible array of restaurants each provide a unique take on their cuisine. Fresco’s Italian Market and Pasta Bar is a perfect example of this and offers the fantastic “build your own pasta” concept in which you can mix and match choices from their menu to create the perfect dish. Another great option is Panaderia El Mexicano, a bakery that offers several traditional Mexican cakes like tres leches cake, envinado cake and mocha cake. The market is always expanding its selection. Moroccan Flavors opened in April, adding the flavors of North Africa to the already expansive marketplace. The restaurant serves assorted Moroccan pastries and traditional Moroccan sandwiches like Kofta, a spiced meatball sandwich, as well as Dajaj, a marinated chicken breast sandwich. The market also offers options for the less adventurous, like the Salty Tart Bakery which serves delicious hand-prepared cakes, cookies and pastries. In addition, a produce exchange in the center of the market allows patrons to browse a vast selection of exotic and conventional produce. No matter what everyone in your group is in the mood to eat, the large dining section in the middle of the market is the perfect destination. With something for everyone, the Midtown Global Market is an excellent place to visit for a delicious meal.
What to buy by Jacob Weightman guest writer Although best known for its diverse dining options, the Midtown Global Market also serves as one of the most unique shopping centers of the Twin Cities. Selling wares ranging from the art of Latin America to the beautiful crafts of the Far East, the incredible smorgasbord of merchandise on display is definitely worth your attention. The market’s plethora of stores offer goods from all around the world. Located just around the corner from the performance stage, Arte Hispano is one of the most interesting storefronts in the market. The store’s owner, Ana Chacon, is an artist from El Salvador who sells her own handmade paintings and crafts. Her store also carries imported art from El Salvador, México, Guatemala, Colombia and Ecuador.
Just a few steps away, Tibet Arts & Crafts brings authentic Tibetan clothing and jewelry to the market. It also offers exquisite rugs and tapestries as well as intriguing singing bowls. Even some of the restaurants offer their own specialty merchandise—as is the case for Café Finspång. A Norwegian cafe, it not only serves delicious traditional Scandinavian food, but also sells unique clothing, traditional Swedish textiles and cookbooks. With the variety of choices available, it would be a waste to miss out on the wonderful shopping experience the market has to offer. No trip to Midtown can be complete without exploring its multicultural shops and boutiques.
Reviews
friday, May 20, 2016
9
Civil War : A genuine emotional spectacle
photos fair use from blastr.com, daneoleary.com and marvel.com
by Matthew Cooper and Kailey Newcome reviews editor and staff reporter The most difficult part of crafting a great movie series is finding a way to top the previous entry. What makes Captain America: Civil War so exciting is that it closes off a trilogy that can now be remembered for learning from the strengths and weaknesses of each of its installments. Captain America: The First Avenger was a fun piece of World War II action pulp that helped set up the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe, while Captain America: The Winter Soldier towered above it as much more serious political thriller. Civil War ups the ante once again with even more political relevance, spectacular action sequences, and powerful, character-driven conflict. Civil War opens in Nigeria where the Avengers must stop the supervillain Crossbones from stealing a deadly biological weapon. When the conflict ends in tragedy, the governments of the world move to ratify the Sokovia Accords, a document that requires the Avengers to be directly controlled by a United Nations panel. Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) believes that signing the accords is a way to take responsibility for their actions, while Steve Rogers/ Captain America (Chris Evans) worries that the restriction would prevent the Avengers from saving as many lives as possible. Further disagreement stems from the return of Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan), who is accused of setting off a bomb in Vienna. Convinced that his former friend is innocent, Captain America rushes to defend him—a decision that further deepens tensions between Stark and Rogers. What starts as a simple argument eventually escalates into all-out war as each Avenger is forced to pick a side. There are too many characters in Civil War to name them all, and the film definitely feels
packed. Yet by some miracle, or by the prowess of screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, everything remains coherent and balanced. Civil War arguably takes more time to develop its heroes than any Marvel film to date, and even the ones given only a few minutes of screentime still have a chance to shine. When the Avengers are fighting each other, it’s difficult to root for anyone because they’re all so likeable. This strong focus on characters results in a genuinely emotional film. As for the political conflict on display, Civil War asks big questions about the accountability of superheroes and how the Avengers should handle the collateral damage that occurs when they are saving the world. Nothing is painted in black and white; both Captain America and Iron Man bring up valid points, and it will come down to individual opinions as to which stance is the more honorable of the two. Regardless, Civil War does a terrific job of presenting its themes of consequences, loyalty, and vengeance. At this point in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, every actor has proven that they are perfect for their roles. Downey Jr. surpases his previous attempts as Iron Man by taking on a more serious and emotional demeanour—a side rarely seen in the group’s jokester. Evans continues to showcase Captain America’s loyal and virtuous character, and his determination to do what he believes is right anchors the film. The raw emotional tension between the two turns even the simplest of fight scenes into passionate battles. New to the roster of heroes is Tom Holland’s Spider-Man and Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther. Holland brings all the awkwardness and humor that Spider-Man is known for, easily snagging the title of the film’s most loveable hero. Black Panther has one of the more compelling character arcs in the film. Boseman nails the fake Wakandan accent and astounding acrobatics of the character.
Returning from Captain America: The Winter Soldier are directors Joe and Anthony Russo. The Russo brothers already proved that, despite roots in television comedies, they are more than capable of orchestrating sensational action sequences. In Civil War, they prove that they are two of the best action directors in the industry. All of the hand-to-hand combat is meticulously choreographed and every Avenger’s abilities are displayed in all their glory. One fight scene in a German airport is absolutely magnificent. It’s full of hilarious banter, but is still intense and shows the Russo brothers’ full potential. It’s one of the best action sequences in not just a superhero movie, but in any movie. This circles back to Civil War’s emphasis on characters. The reason the action is so exciting is partly because the audience actually cares for everyone involved in the fight. In fact, this is why the entire film works so well. It’s not enough for comic book films to be brainless spectacle; that’s why The Dark Knight, The Avengers and Captain America: The Winter Soldier were all so revered. The best comic book movies are more concerned with telling an intriguing story with likeable and fleshed out characters than just having things blow up with no rime or reason. There needs to be a point to the action, and that’s why Captain America: Civil War excels. When it comes down to it, this is a film about friends being forced to choose a side of a conflict where nobody wins. Everything else is just icing on the cake.
The Avengers defend New York City from an alien attack led by Loki. Estimated $18.8 billion in damages, 74 civilian casualties.
2014
92
The Avengers’ disposal of a bomb in Lagos, Nigeria accidentally leads to the destruction of a nearby hospital with an estimated 8 casualties. The Sokovia Accords are proposed.
Captain America thwarts Hydra’s Project Insight and three helicarriers crash into the S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters. Estimated $2.8 billion in damages, 23 civilian casualties.
2012
The Verdict Spectacular action sequences and genuine emotional weight make Captain America: Civil War one of the best comic book movies ever made.
2015
The Avengers completely destroy part of Sokovia in order to prevent global extinction. Estimated $474 billion in damages, 177 civilian casualties.
2016
Sports
Friday May 20,2016
Perception vs. Reality Mounds View’s most successful sports go unnoticed by Jake Weightman guest writer Mounds View students take a lot of pride in the school’s athletic accomplishments. This pride, coupled with the community’s intrinsic competitiveness, makes athletics a source of both excitement and contention among the student body. But this leaves one to wonder if the school’s teams are as successful as we think they are. In a survey of 90 students, the Viewer asked: How often does Mounds View win in sports? On average, respondents estimated that our school wins 62 percent of its games, very close to the actual 63 percent, based off of the 2015 seasons. However, when asked in which sports Mounds
View performs best, there was tremendous variation in answers—and less accuracy. Football was the most common answer, which should not come as a surprise considering the team’s popularity. In the past, they have done exceptionally well, particularly with their second place finish in their conference in 2014. However, this season they only won five out of their nine conference games. With a 55 percent win rate, the team was eliminated before playoffs, placing them much further down the list than those surveyed believed. The team appreciates the continued support, despite the season’s outcome. “Even in times when we are struggling, it
is so incredible that so many of our fans are always there for us ready to get loud and cheer on the Mustangs,” said Carter Rholl, 12. A close second in popularity, baseball comes closer to living up to the hype. Having claimed two state championship titles in the last four years, the baseball team has set a high bar for athletic achievement. However, they are currently having an underwhelming 2016 season, placing in the middle of their conference. On the other hand, the tennis teams are among the most successful Mounds View sports teams despite receiving very little attention within the school. Out of 90 students surveyed, only 15 students said either tennis team was the best. However, both
the boys’ and girls’ teams have performed well for years. “Not all sports get to State, and fewer still win State,” said girls tennis player Kalei Cartwright, 11. “Last year, the boys tennis team won State, and yet few people from outside the tennis community were there to support them.” Students are correct that Mounds View sports are successful, but they might be missing out on the best teams by focusing only on the fan favorites.
“Which sports do you think MV is best at?” Baseball - 13.9%
Track - 13.1%
Tennis - 12.3%
Win percentage
Basketball - 12.3%
Soccer - 11.5%
Football - 18%
Softball - 33%
Hockey - 8.2%
Girls Basketball - 35%
Volleyball - 39%
Boys Lacrosse - 44%
Boys Hockey - 46%
Football - 55%
Girls Lacrosse - 57%
Boys Soccer - 64%
Boys Basketball - 75%
Girls Soccer - 86%
Baseball - 93%
Boys Tennis - 96%
Other - 10.7%
Girls Tennis - 100%
10
sports
Friday, May 20, 2016
11
Mounds View students set sail by Sunny Lim staff reporter While many people imagine sailing as a fun, leisurely activity for a breezy summer day, three district students know otherwise. For them, the sport is a lot more involved. “A very common misconception is that we sail on these 30-foot sailboats with fancy clothes and that all you have to do is sit on a boat, but actually it engages a lot of your core as well as your legs and even arms,” said Alex Bonsager, an 8th grader at Chippewa Middle School. This year, Alex, his sister Vivian Bonsager, a 7th grader, and Morgan TerMaat, 10, are a part of the Mustang sailing team, competing at competitions at the St. Croix River and around the metro. For the Bonsagers, who began sailing around the age of five, their decision to begin sailing was most influenced by their dad. “My dad encouraged my sister and I to join because he sailed all through his life,” said Alex. TerMaat, on the other hand, found out about sailing through a friend. “I had a friend who thought it would be cool to learn how to sail so she convinced me to take a class with her,” she said. After a summer of lessons, TerMaat soon realized the sport was a perfect fit. “I didn’t feel this huge pressure to do well like I had in other sports, and I genuinely enjoyed it,” she said.
Sailing is the perfect sport for those with no prior experience. “To sail, you don’t even need any knowledge of sailing,” said Vivian. “The coaches and teammates will teach anyone and they are really good at it.” Although experience is unnecessary, teamwork is crucial in sailing competitions, known as regattas. With two people on the boat at the same time, sailors need to work together to achieve success. “When we sail we work together in order to keep the boat properly balanced and to gain speed,” said TerMaat. With little to no recognition for sailing from the school, the team hopes to make sailing an official Mounds View sport soon. “I would like to see the sport grow in popularity enough for us to be recognized by MV as an actual sport,” said TerMaat. “If we were to get more people we would also be able to attend more training regattas which would be super fun.” Students who are looking to support the team can attend their regatta this Saturday, May 21, in Lake Minnetonka at 10 a.m.
photo courtesy of Morgan TerMaat
Skaters sweep at High School Finals by Jackie Gaworski staff reporter
photo courtesy of Joanna Liu Joanna Liu and Diana Zhu pose with their medals.
Although the Minnesota State High School League offers many different sports, figure skating is not one of them. Last December, Joanna Liu, 12, and Diana Zhu, 9, decided to form a skating club for Mounds View students to compete in national competitions. From April 22-24, the girls represented Mounds View at the 2016 U.S. Figure Skating High School Final Competition held at the OBM arena in Strongsville, Ohio. Zhu took the initiative to involve Mounds View in the competition. “During the school year, there [aren’t] many competitions, and after searching through the U.S. Figure Skating website, I found the High School Final and thought it would be a great opportunity to get a head start on the season,” said Zhu. The girls finished strong in all their events, winning a combined eight medals “I was honestly really surprised,” said Liu. “I knew we were really strong [skaters], but it was our first time competing as a team, so I didn’t have very high expectations.”
Competition is not the only reason they participate in skating. Both girls also have a love and admiration for the sport. “My favorite part about skating is definitely jumping. Jumps come to me much easier than some of the other aspects of skating, and I love the feeling of launching myself into the air,” said Zhu. Liu also loves the feeling of being on the ice. “I love the rush I get from skating. You can’t really get the feeling of flying or spinning really fast from any other sport,” said Liu. Both Zhu and Liu have high hopes for their futures in skating, and Liu will be continuing her career in college. “I just tried out for University of Minnesota’s Gopher Hockey Cheer Team, and I made it so I will be continuing skating in college next year,” said Liu. With three years left in her high school career, Zhu has set goals for the rest of her competition seasons and aims to improve. “This upcoming season I hope to earn a third consecutive state title and set new personal bests,” she said. “I want to improve my presentation skills and skating quality so I can give a complete performance.”
12 gallery
Friday, may 20, 2016
We’ll miss you, Ms. Rush
Social studies teacher Martha Rush has been adviser of the Viewer longer than most students at Mounds View have been alive. For more than 17 years, she’s proofread every article, caption and headline in the paper, and overseen the design of 12-page issues published every two to three weeks. This September, Rush announced her resignation from the adviser position in order to pursue other interests. English teacher David Ostrom will take her place. This is our way of saying “thank you.” “Rush is one teacher like no other. Some days she’s a comedian. Other days she’s full of insight. One day she might even be a legend. But she’ll always be a great friend. Thanks for everything, Martha.” - Furqan Syed
“It should be a graduation requirement to take a class with Ms. Rush. Everyone should have a chance to be taught by someone who is so passionate about their subject, genuinely cares about their students and pushes them to their highest potential.” - Emily Moses
“Incredibly talented, creative and fierce, Ms. Rush pushed me to see the possibilities of what I could achieve, and was someone I always looked forward to talking to.” - Eva Hoffman
“Ms. Rush is a cool teacher who helps the Viewer create quality content and listens to great ‘80s quality content tunes!” - Kevin Sabeti-Oseid
“In four years, she went from being ‘Sam Rush’s Mom’ to one of the most impactful mentors I’ve ever had, forging a new path for me in all of her classes and activities. Greatness must run in the family.“ - Alex Jiang
“Rush was the reason I joined Viewer. She’s such an amazing teacher. I knew any class she taught would be worth taking.” - Jordan Counihan
“Whoever said that the best teacher is failure was wrong; they meant Rush. She’s funny, frank and freakishly efficient, and we’ve been incredibly lucky to have had her as teacher and adviser for the past four years.” - Emily Ruan
“Rush is the perfect combination of teacher and chill.” - Amber Zhao
“Rush has been one of the most supportive and encouraging teachers I’ve ever had. She always pushed me to work harder, and never made me feel guilty for not finishing something.” - Aaron Voiovich
“A big shoutout to Rush for letting me wreak havoc with my last-minute articles in Viewer!! She sure made sure I was NeverBored!!” - Jeman Park
“Because of Rush, learning is fun.” - Daniel Yong
“Beyond being just incredibly smart, Ms. Rush brings a fierce dedication to everything she does, and the Viewer won’t be the same without her.” - Matthew Cooper
“I have had the great pleasure of having Rush all four years in high school. She’s passionate about her subjects. I’m sad that I didn’t take ‘real’ classes with her as an upperclassman.” - Persis Ke
“I used to be really scared of Ms. Rush. I remember wanting to quit J2 after seeing the picture of her in a witch costume. But as I got to know her, she became my favorite teacher and I loved being in her classes so much that I even took her 6:25 a.m. class.” - Katrina Renacia “Rush is an ok teacher, I guess. Just kidding, she is a kool kat.” - Sam Kwong
“Even though I am still scared of Rush, she is the most wise and passionate yet sassy role model I have ever come across.” - Katie Karjalahti