Volume 107, Issue 2

Open Forum for Student Expression Volume 107 // Issue Two // Dec. 14, 2018 105 7th St. SW Puyallup, Wash. 98371

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xpressio e t n e d u t s re about To read mo d nine. n a t h g i e s go to page

Kyla Stout // Vanguard

Editor-in-Chief

VNN Producer

Executive Producer

Helm Producer

Managing Editor

Advertising Manager

Megan Lynn

Mason Giustino

McKenna Zacher

Broadcast Managing Editor Adam Cupp

News Editor

Megann Kinsella

Opinion/A&E Editor Jaime Goldberg

Features Editor Natalie Eychaner

Sports Editor Nobi Johnson

Graphics Editor Riley Doman

Assistant News Editor Parker Rosdahl

Dylan Schafer AaLeiyah Bell

Javawn Carter

Staff

Gavin Herrington Gracie Little Aeriyonna Mcduffie-Williams Blaise McMacken Mariah Perez Jayton Rausch Brenden Sawyer Benjamin Schumock Autumn Scriven Jasmyne Smith Sophia Spoja Kyla Stout Jacob Wyatt

Freelance

Megan Jamora

Adviser

Sandra Coyer, MJE

Editorial Policy: The Viking Vanguard operates as an open forum.

The Viking Vanguard is a news operation that upholds professional standards while reporting truthfully and giving a voice to the voiceless.

Besides providing an opportunity for the exchange of viewpoints, The Viking Vanguard serves as an academic tool by which students can voice opinions as well as highlight issues facing today’s students.

Letter Policy: The Viking Vanguard accepts unsolicited copy from businesses. Only signed and dated letters with addresses and phone numbers will be accepted. Letters must be limited to 350 words and will be published as space is available. The staff reserves the right to edit the letter without changing its content. All letters are the sole opinion of the witter and do not necessarily represent the opinion of The Viking Vanguard staff. Lettters to the editors may be submitted by E-Mailing them to thevikingvanguard@gmail.com or by mailing them to The Viking Vanguard c/o Puyallup High School.

CONVERSATIONS ENCOURAGED The Viking Vanguard is one of those platforms.

As students walk onto school grounds, they We seek to give a voice to those not heard and aren’t supposed to lose their rights. shed the truth on situations that arise in and We learn this in the Supreme Court case of around PHS. Tinker v. Des Moines.

We seek truth and report it so However, student expression students can keep abreast of events does have its limits when how stuHAVING A DIFFERENCE and not rely on rumor to get their dents choose to use their voice is OF OPINION SHOULD information. seen as a distraction or disruption Art is a form of expression that to the learning environment.

BE CELEBRATED can have both positive and negative But where is this line?

AND CONVERSATION connotation based off of morality.

In this issue, The Viking VanENCOURAGED. Everyone is going to interpret things guard explores student expression differently, everyone has different through an incident of artistic Our View standards of what is okay and what expression that has happened is not. recently.

Having a difference of opinion Through interviews with professors, administrators and students we find the core should be celebrated and conversation encouraged. values of expression and what this means at the One of the professors we interviewed talked high school level. about the importance of having these conversaWe bring up this discussion, not as a means of hashing out a singular event but as a way of open- tions in the school setting. We wholeheartedly agree. Conversations about topics with more than ing up the discussion. one side make our education more well-rounded Art is one of the many forms of expression and allow for civil discourse. within our school.

The Viking Vanguard encourages students to It is viewed as an outlet of opinion, a haven for expression and a means to communicate who you have these conversations. Where do you see the line of what is appropriate and acceptable? We are. want to hear your voice; e-mail your thoughts to Giving others a voice is something that every thevikingvanguard@gmail.com. student medium strives to do.

In this issue Opinion // Page 5 Split Christmas

News // Page 4 VIK Time

A&E // Page 14 ‘Fantastic Beasts’

Situations may be similar in family make up but that doesn’t mean that experiences are identical.

A change from Advisory, VIK Time is examined in terms of the why the change was made and the benefits to student learning.

Is the sequel as good as the original? One of our staffers gives you the details of how this version held up.

Advertising Policy: The Viking Vanguard publication staff accepts advertisments for most products available to the public. However, the staff reserves the right to reject, edit or cancel any advertisment at anytime. Advertisements shall be free of implications that the staff deems offensive in light of normal public standards (WIAA 18.20.0 and 18.20.1) and will not be accepted. The staff will not accept advertising for products or groups which are racist sexist or illegal for high school students. Advertisments do not necessarily reflect the views, endorsements and/or positions of The Viking Vanguard, student body, faculty, administration or school board.

Check out other additional news, stories and photos on our website:

vikingvanguard.com

Instagram/Twitter: @phsvanguard Facebook: Viking Vanguard Youtube: Viking Student Media

NEWS // Dec. 14, 2018

The Viking Vanguard

3

Riley Doman // Vanguard

By Parker Rosdahl Assistant News

MICHELLE OBAMA COMING TO TACOMA

WOMAN BECOMES OLDEST SKYDIVER This week, an Australian woman became the oldest person to skydive at 102 years old. Irene O’Shea’s first skydiving experience was on her birthday two years ago when she turned 100, however, it was this recent trip that broke the world record. O’Shea first began her skydiving excursions to raise awareness for her daughter’s fatal motor neuron disease. Her goal is that her yearly skydiving will raise awareness for the Motor Neuron Disease Association of South Australia in memory of her daughter.

Michelle Obama’s recently published memoir, “Becoming,” has topped out at over 3 million sales in four weeks after its initial publication. Obama has been touring the country to promote her book by doing book signings. She recently announced that she would be stopping in Tacoma for one of her book signings. If you are unable to make it to her signing in Tacoma she is also stopping in Portland and Vancouver B.C.

CAR CRASHES INTO CATTIN’S Cattin’s restaurant, located next to the Washington State Fairgrounds, fell victim to a car crash Nov. 9. The crash reportedly happened at the busiest time for the restaurant but nobody was hurt. One elderly woman was taken to the hospital because she was so shaken up. The staff is trying to have the restaurant cleaned and back up and running in a few days.

WESTERN EXPELLS STUDENT In late November, Shayne Robert Merwin, a student at Western Washington University, was connected with homophobic and racist graffiti and was charged with a hate crime and in turn was expelled from school. Many had reported they had overheard him talking about taking an electronic key from the school and wanting to vandalize school property with racial and homophobic slurs as well as threats of sexual assault. The total damage is reported to be relatively $150.

TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS ACCEPTED INTO CHURCH OF ENGLAND Recently, the Church of England announced that it will now recognize and accept those who are transgender, and will begin to perform baptisms on those individuals if they desire. These new guidelines for performing baptisms on transgender individuals are soon to be included in the Church of England’s service book which will be published next year. The pastors are instructed to refer to each individual with the pronouns that they themselves prefer.

Google for Vanguard

4 NEWS // Dec. 14, 2018

The Viking Vanguard

FROM ADVISORY TO VIK TIME

After the change to Vik Time, staff members explained how it works and why PHS decided to switch to Vik Time from Advisory every Friday.

By Parker Rosdahl Assistant News This year, Puyallup High School changed from the advisory system, that has been in place for many years, to the recently implemented Vik Time.

The new system is taking place out of second period, advised by one’s second period teacher. This now provides teachers with the opportunity to request students to work specifically on objectives from that class, with that particular teacher.

Principal Dave Sunich stated that the reason why the previous advisory system was replaced was because it was ineffective and staff wanted to create time for students to receive any help needed.

“We felt like the advisory time had run its course and had lost its effectiveness. We weren’t seeing that teachers or kids were finding it a real valuable use of their time and our time is so limited in the day, we want to make sure we were doing something meaningful,” Sunich said. “We’ve been talking for a few years about how to build some time into the school day and provide extra time and support for kids that need it, to be successful in their classes.”

Ryan Ball, a recently-hired Algebra and Math Lab teacher had only had one other experience with an advisory-type program at Rogers High School.

It was a week-long program every semester, where students had a built in 30-minute class period, much like advisory. “ L a s t year up at Rogers they did something

called Core Flex. Where they took one does feel under pressure at times.

“I think the biggest issue I’ve had so far week out of a semester and if kids were failing a class or if kids needed to improve is it could be that I’m pulling in say four in a class period they built in a 30-minute or five different students that need help class period each day during the week,” in four or five different areas, so then I’m pulled between how much I can actually Ball said.

Ball says he enjoyed this system because help one student,” Ball said.

Lisa Muiznieks, one of it gave students an incentive the physical education into work harder in their classA LOT OF STUDENTS structors, also shares the es to have the opportunity to ARE SEEING THE view that Vik Time has been participate in Core Flex.

OPPORTUNITY TO a successful new system.

“If kids were passing all IMPROVE THEIR “We have about 100 stutheir classes they also had the dents in the gym second opportunity to take a secondGRADES. period and I would say at ary ‘Flex Class’ which might Ryan Ball least 80 percent of them not necessarily be offered at Teacher seem to be using their time the school. wisely,” Muiznieks said.

I know She also believes that stuone of the teachers last year dents that have been requested from othtaught a hunting class, er teachers have gone and also have been they had ultimate frisbee using the provided time wisely.

“Every student that has needed to go class, they had a Harry Potter class. This system was a somewhere I believe has done that, so for cool alternative to the Vik Time,” us it has worked well,” Muiznieks said.

She also states that many students have Ball said.

Although Ball says he enjoyed the come in to complete makeup work for Core Flex system at Rogers, he says any of the Physical Education classes.

“We’ve had some students he is really pleased with how the Vik come and do some makeup Time program is working so far. work with us also. So far we “I think for the most part Vik Time feel like it’s moving in the has been pretty successful. I think a lot right direction,” Muiznieks of students are seeing the opportunity to said. improve their grades and they get an exMuiznieks says she also tra opportunity that they may not have likes the fact that teachers had in the past and I think that a lot of can request students to kids are actually using it in a very benetheir classrooms to work on ficial manner,” Ball said. their weaknesses because Ball does like that teachers now students do not always have the opportunity to readvocate for themselves. quest certain students to “I think, unfortutheir class during nately, many times Vik Time students will but not advocate for them-

selves, so this gives us a chance to tell them ‘I see you as a person who could maybe use some extra help or needs to get some makeup done because you’re just not going to get up and do it on your own so we’re going to give you a nudge and move you in the right direction,’” Muiznieks said.

Many students have commented on the system.

Junior Eric Holmquist says he uses the built-in time to get caught up on some homework. He also says that his teacher has a strict cell phone policy for the duration of Vik Time.

“Our teacher makes sure we’re not on our phones,” Holmquist said. “Most people just nap during that time though.”

Holmquist also states that he thinks that students will benefit from teachers now being able to request to see them, even though he has not been asked yet.

Like Eric, sophomore Brynn Lucky is yet to utilize the current system.

“I would assume it is helpful, but I’ve never been asked to Vik Time,” Lucky said.

Each Vik Time is roughly every two weeks, although the built in time varies.

The next Vik Time will be Jan. 11, 2019.

Kyla Stout // Vanguard

The Viking Vanguard

OPINION // Dec. 14, 2018

WHY 2018 FLEW BY

As the new year approaches, it is only natural to reflect on the year we will be leaving behind.

When I myself recently thought back on the year, I came to the sudden realization that I didn’t actually remember much of it.

Sure, I remembered living through the Winter Olympics, the Tide Pod epidemic and that time when the president reportedly called Africa a bunch of sh*thole countries, but I had M. Perez forgotten that all of Staff those things happened

As soon as something bores the collecin the early months of 2018.

These events felt to me as though they tive hive mind of the internet it is left behad happened several years ago rather hind in favor of the whatever the newest, funniest, scariest, most polarizing thing than several months.

I began to wonder why this year had is.

We consume media at an astounding felt so long to me, while paradoxically feeling like it had passed in the blink of rate, nothing survives long in the throngs of the internet. an eye, and I came to a conEvery two weeks there’s clusion that both satisfies WE OFTEN FEEL EMPTY a new big meme and they my personal curiosity and WHEN WE REACH often disappear back into scares me about the future THE END AND WE the ether as quickly as they our society is creating.

Our generation, Gen Z, CONSTANTLY REFRESH emerged from it.

We can see this rapid conhas grown up alongside a TO SEE WHAT ELSE sumption even more when major technological boom.

THERE IS. we look at the news cycle.

We have never known a Mariah Perez Every day when I look at world where we don’t hold Staff the headlines I see exclamathe world in the palm of our tions of a new natural disaster hand. Google, YouTube, Twitter and other similar sites give us instant or mass shooting or absurd tweet from access to anything and everything we Trump.

By Friday, Monday’s news seems old. may want to know, and to many things

By December, January’s news seems anwe don’t.

This, combined with the endless scroll cient.

Like I said before, all of this scares me. feature of many internet platforms, has The demand that consumers have cregiven people a constant hunger for more ated for newer, better media has put presand more and more content.

We often feel empty when we reach sure on those supplying our demand.

The political news runs rampant, rethe end and we constantly refresh to see porting on every Twitter tantrum Trump what else there is.

5

throws, often being distracted from other important stories that aren’t as flashy or attraction grabbing but just as serious.

YouTubers and other social media celebrities perform insane stunts and release crazy content, always trying to get more views before the online mood shifts again.

I am not blaming anyone for this. It is no one person’s fault that our society is the way it is today but at the same time, none of us are innocent.

We all contribute to the madness that is the internet, whether because we endlessly scroll through our feeds looking for more or because we try to feed the faceless others with our own witty tweets or provoking comments.

Going into the new year I think it is important for us to remember what happened in 2018 and learn from it. T he internet is a beautiful place that can unite people around the world.

We must all strive to become better versions of ourselves when we go online.

I’m not saying you have to give up memes or ignore the news but only that we should all be more conscious of how we are using the internet and how it is affecting us.

Mental health needs discussion

how I looked at myself with a undiagnosed mental ill- have a mental illness. I am still me. I When talking about mental health and more specifi- ness, which isn’t totally uncommon. From observation, am still a volleyball player who loves the game more than cally mental illness, it is most common for individuals even more so in teens. Our intuition is so almost anything. I am to start looking to something familiar that they know, strong to keep our bad thoughts and feelWE LOOK AT MENTAL still a knowledge drivsomething they can draw on from experience. Which ings to ourselves because we don’t want to ILLNESS LIKE IT IS en and curious indihappens to be themselves. Even though the conversa- burden others. However, that is one of the tion is growing, I still believe that humans have limita- only ways we can truly recover.

SOMETHING THAT WILL vidual. I just happen I believe that the first step in cracking GO AWAY IF YOU JUST to have chemical imtions that we may be unaware of when speaking about balances in my brain down on culture stigma is to start with onesuch sensitive topics.

TRY. that I can’t control.

According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health self. Then we can truly start shaping society I do not want to Administration’s Behavioral Barometer, 56.1 percent of to what we want it to be.

Sophia Spoja normalize mental The next question is what role do we want those diagnosed did not receive treatment for depresStaff S. Spoja illnesses; I want to norsociety to play in mental health? sion last year.

Staff Those of us that are in our teens and younger can malize conversing about it.

If we are talking about mental illness, then why is this One in five adults suffer from deprescontrol what is socially acceptable and what is not. We such an astonishing statistic? control what looks good and what doesn’t. Unfortu- sion according to National Alliance of Mental Illness.

How can we do better?

Self-stigma is a great place to kickstart the conversa- nately, we also control the negative implications that So those 25 out of one hundred people who feel so alone or isolated in their feelings, don’t have to feel like tion. Personally speaking, we may often downplay our surround mental health.

This is weird, because from 2004-2014 depression that. Also to help break down stigmas within oneself own emotions and feelings that are really warning signs for mental illnesses. We as humans are very social crea- rates in teens has risen 37 percent, according to a John and our society that are so completely false and outrageous. Which is why I think it is a great idea to start at tures and we need to talk about what is going on in our Hopkins Health Review.

Puyallup High School for a change We look at mental illness like it is something that will minds, even if we can’t put it into words. within.

As someone who has struggled with depression for a go away if you just try, or if you go work out. However it is really something that will stick with long time, it wasn’t until I finally started you forever. talking about it that I started the road to WE AS HUMANS My psychologist told me recovery. I understand that limitations ARE VERY SOCIAL one day during our session such as overbearing parents and money CREATURES AND WE that she hopes I know my may come into the mix but it shouldn’t NEED TO TALK ABOUT depression and anxiety will ever stop someone from receiving potentially life saving help.

WHAT IS GOING ON IN never go away. It will linger and stay as long as I am Suicide is the second leading cause OUR MIND... breathing. However, of death in young people according to Sophia Spoja getting to live with Comprehensive Life Resources, a non it is something I can Staff profit that is located in Tacoma, and seedo and be happy doing. ing that at one point I was going to be one of those teens who took their life, I feel compelled to She told me that I am not depression, but depression is a part of speak about my mental illnesses.

One of the thoughts I had when going through what who I am.

I feel like as a society we are failI call the worst part of my depression and anxiety was that I wasn’t worthy of help. I didn’t deserve it. My self ing to realize this as well. Having esteem was so low that I was denying myself any op- a mental illness does not, I repeat portunity to feel and get better. What I didn’t under- does not, deem a person less valustand is where are these thoughts were coming from? able. It does not define who they are.

Was it my own doing or was it the way I looked at my I am depressed. I am also driven, intelligent and hard working. I am not any mental illness?

It turns out that society had played a part in shaping less than the person next to me because I

Megan Lynn // Vanguard

6 OPINION // Dec. 14, 2018

The Viking Vanguard

TAKING AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Affirmative action has failed mi- efforts to diversify schools are less about the variety of gether in high school and post-secondary education, but it’s only because their presence is a sense of security. students itself and more so about pity. nority students.

Affirmative action helps those who face difficulties While that pity is a small jab in comparison to other Its sole purpose--to provide racial diversity to college campuses--has racist accounts minority groups have faced, representa- other races may not face and revolves around equity, not equality. become a personal disappointment tion is the end goal and I can’t be mad at that.

It’s important to acknowledge that affirmative action Five major public universities spanning and inevitably divided the Pacific Northwest, including Washing- was never meant to let down Caucasian students but simstudents. ...I THINK THE ton State University and Oregon State Uni- ply lift up underrepresented ones and was meant level Put into place by DISADVANTAGES OF out white privilege. versity demonstrate little racial variation.

President John KenneAFFIRMATIVE ACTION Minorities are the groups of people that can beneOn average out of the five schools in redy in 1961 as an execHAVE BEEN BLOWN fit from the occasional racial privilege gion, 74.18 percent of students utive order, admissions J. Smith because they probably won’t receive it of underrepresented OUT OF PROPORTION. are white, while 9.66 percent of I KNOW WHAT IT’S Staff during the rest of their lives. students are Hispanic and only students rose in hopes to LIKE TO BE THE BUTT Jasmyne Smith I can personally attest to direct and in2 percent of students attending diminish racial rioting at OF INSENSITIVE AND Staff direct racism and how much it can affect these schools are black. the time.

RACIST JOKES. young people.

If affirmative action was deBut almost 60 years later, affirmative action I have a brother who gets a sense of signed with the intentions to increase the disregards the fundamentals it was founded upon.

Jasmyne Smith anxiety every time a cop is behind him I overheard a girl talking about her views on affirmative amount of ethnic students on college campusStaff while driving and a mother who tells her es, specifically black students, then why are are action several months ago. son not to wear a hood unless it’s raining. so few being enrolled?

To say she was livid is an understatement.

I know friends and family who have been followed Aside from the token black, Hispanic and Middle EastI remember her expressing how stressed she was about not getting into the her dream school, the University of ern undergraduates flashing big cheesy smiles on every around stores countless times.

I know students deemed as “‘less capable” just because university’s website and brochures, representation is still Washington, simply because she is white. of their race.

While I understand her concerns about reverse dis- lackluster.

I know what it’s like to be the butt of insensitive and I’ve spoken to many of my friends who are people of crimination and a potential need to be a near perfect applicant, I think the disadvantages of affirmative action color as well, and we’ve all agreed that a university’s de- racist jokes.

By ignoring the benefits of affirmative action, you’re igmographics is a large deciding factor in picking a school. have been blown out of proportion.

As a black student, I will admit there are times I feel the It’s no secret that minority groups will inevitably flock to- noring the struggles of minority groups.

Splitting holidays

The idea of sharing time with family during the Holiday season isn’t new but even when individuals share common elements, having to split Christmas between parents exists.

It’s Christmas morning and I’m just waking up. I can feel a jolt of energy that no one should feel at eight in the morning. I can’t wait to open presents with my mom and my little sister.

My sister is alJ. Hernadez ways happy to see Opinion the presents that she got from Santa.

I love seeing my mom and sister get excited to open their presents.

That same afternoon, I sit around the Christmas tree, opening presents with my dad and grandma. At my dad’s we have a fake tree with a colorful lights and only a few ornaments . My dad puts all the presents under the tree, I would never open them by the tree; I opened them in my living room.

That’s how my Christmases have been since I was 6 -- a split Christmas between my mom and dad.

The pluses of having a split Christmas is you get to see both parents and spend time with them without them arguing.

After I open all the presents at my mom’s house, I instantly call my dad to come pick me up to see what he got me.

But it’s not all about the presents when it comes to split family Christmases. It is about celebrating with my dad’s side of the family the day before, because my cousins and I always play X-Box and soccer before we would eat dinner. My uncles, cousins and grandparents all get

together on Christmas Eve and eat dinner, opening presents afterwards that we got each other.

Not all things are great about split Christmases. For the first few years all I wanted was my parents to get back together, to celebrate this day as a whole family. Not only that, it always is hectic getting me from one house to another with enough time to see them both equally.

Split Christmases are very rough on both families but overall we have come to love them. We have found a way to make it not as stressful and a way to communicate so it’s always a fun time for everybody. I wouldn’t want my Christmas any other way.

Kyla Stout // Vanguard

My nephew runs through the house waking everyone up, letting everyone know what day it is.

It’s Christmas.

The sun has barely risen but everyone is awake and ready to open up presents.

We turn on the lights and begin opening gifts, starting to enjoying our day as a family. From the really emotional gifts my mom almosts cries over, to the giant gifts my nephew loves, this holiday brings us all together.

The only thing missing from me is my dad. He isn’t living near us so, I have to call him to wish him a Merry Christmas.

A split Christmas can be rough but with all the bad there’s good.

A split Christmas is a humbling experience, as it makes you cherish the moments you spend talking with the people you wish were with you on this day. I miss my dad who lives in Mississippi, however I look forward to talking with my dad

about my everyday life, since he is still interested in what I am doing.

Another great thing is it gets me excited to check the mail to see what my dad and his side of the J. Wyatt family has sent. I Staff know it’s not the end of the world. I am going to eventually see my father again so I don’t overreact to not seeing my dad.

With all the good, there are some bad things I wish I could change but I can’t.

All the things my dad’s side does I won’t be able to do if I am with my mom and vise versa. There are family members who I can’t talk to face-to-face and some I may never talk to because of how life works. When I see movies like A Christmas Story where the kid has both mom and dad, it can sometimes make me mad, as there isn’t enough representation in the media for people like me who don’t have both parents home for the holidays.

A split Christmas is rough but what I have learned from both my mom and dad is that you need to be grateful for the time you and your family spend together.

Christmas is the time of year we shouldn’t be thinking about the sad parts of life.

It’s a time for everyone to enjoy life for what we have.

It’s a time everyone takes a break and spends time with family.

OPINION // Dec. 12, 2018

The Viking Vanguard

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CONTROVERSY IN MUSIC

legal action, especially after the Columvery generation seemingly boasts bine shooting where it was claimed the notorious celebrity figures, particshooters were influenced to take action ularly musicians, often driven by a due in large part to Marilyn Manson's social conscious or intentions of disrupt“Reflecting God,” although this has ing the status quo. When people discuss been investigated and rebutted. these controversial musicians usually All this controversy propelled Manrecognizable names such as Elvis Presson to number one public enemy and ley, Slayer, Marilyn Manson or Eminem cemented his legacy, particularly with are first mentions in any well-researched his critically acclaimed episodic alcompilation. bum trifecta of Antichrist Superstar, But I’m not looking to compile a list of G. Herrington Mechanical Animals and Hollywood personal favorites for controversial figStaff which all explored controversial subjects ures. Instead, I’m curious in our modern sowith interesting methods and distinct ciety, which is paradoxically overly-sensitive and desensitized, who will be the next scapegoat sound compositions reflective of what was being the older generations blame current behaviors on, critiqued. Such is the case in Mechanical Animals the one singular figure of controversy to which all where the image of Hollywood superstars is distorted from their often glamorous portrayal, shownegative attention will be focused upon?

I am hungry; hungry for controversial statements ing substance dependency, oversexualization, conthat aren’t completely shallow attention grabbers, forming for success and compromising happiness so a “musician” such as 6ix9ine won’t be consid- to appeal to an audience with an industrial metal ered, as I find him to be intellectually incompetent sound mixed with pop elements.

But can’t anyone cause controversy? Why is Marand I also won’t be referring to a general conglomeration of artists belonging to a genre considered ilyn Manson different from an outrightly disliked repugnant simply for being different, an example artist with tons of negative attention? What defines is the case with elderly peoples generally hostile him from an artist who similarly exclaims profanity like the slew of trap rappers in disposition towards hip-hop as a genre itself.

I AM HUNGRY; HUNGRY today's industry? Well the defining So in order to make an educated FOR CONTROVERSIAL factor is substantive lyricism with actual constructive intent that atassumption as to who the greatest poSTATEMENTS THAT tracts controversy as a means of tential option for a new poster-boy to AREN’T COMPLETELY drawing attention to the message represent controversy would be, we SHALLOW ATTENTION whilst in contrast the greater mawill analyze the history of a previously jority of musicians coined as condemonized superstar named Marilyn GRABBERS. troversial usually intend on creating Manson who exemplified, in shining Gavin Herrington material solely to be attention grabfashion, how to infuriate and agitate Staff bing without a profound message the older generations. From there we that could incite change or at least must comprehend the attributes and intellectual discourse on a subject, traits that define a controversial artist.

Then we will, using the information we’ve gath- probably because they often times are producing ered, anoint the likeliest king of controversy for the songs that are focused on generating revenue verfuture, although it will surely be a difficult task to sus attempting to actually be lyrically thoughtful.

But profound subject matter can’t be the only undertake.

Marilyn Manson was an oddity in a ocean of factor. What about his appearance? Why is he any bland, repetitive music. Even after his peak he’s an different from somebody like 6ix9ine with facial unforgettable metal superstar who’s ingenious and tattoos, colorful hair and flamboyant grills?

I think contrary to 6ix9ine, the appearance Marimost of all, the spearhead of controversy inserted head first into mainstream music during the late lyn Manson is absolutely essential and paramount 1990s and early 2000s with his bizarre, satanic ap- to the narrative of the character he portrays instead pearance and a namesake inspired by two notori- of cosmetic appeal or swagger. Without the off putting and uneasy sight of his pale, ghostly makeup ous figures, Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson.

Marilyn Monroe was an actress defined by her and body implants the image of an alien like outglamorous lifestyle as a Hollywood celebrity often cast deformed by and simultaneously discarded by involved in scandals erupting from her promiscu- society becomes less believable and not quite as ous behavior whilst in contrast Charles Manson compelling when visualising the character in conwas infamous as the charismatic, psychopath- junction with his descriptive lyrics often depenic leader of a murderous cult thus displaying the dent on the listener referencing the look of Marilyn spectrum of celebrity controversy from the most Manson.

Outside of substance and appearance someglamorous excerpts to the grittiest and most gorey, thing a little less controllable enters the equation, grotesque perspective. timing. As with comedy, timing is But it wasn’t the clever title creating fundamental to making a joke poiunquantifiable controversy, it was a WHY IS MARILYN gnant and similarly this isn’t an excontroversial persona harshly critical MANSON DIFFERENT ception to controversial music. An of everything, using his discography as a voice to express his social commen- FROM AN OUTRIGHTLY example of this is when chronicling tary. Marilyn Manson was perceived as DISLIKED ARTIST WITH Manson’s career as its progressed.

When he began there was an empbizarre and absurd, often shirtless at TONS OF NEGATIVE ty void awaiting fulfillment when concerts with white makeup, spitting ATTENTION? he attacked customary tradition into the crowds, spewing profanity, Gavin Herrington pertaining to religion, now when inciting a generation of youth to rebel Staff he produces material with a similar against tradition and embrace cultural message in the modern age it isn’t revolution with his onstage antics and as powerful. Why? Because taboos outspoken nature.

During the prime of his career he was particular- become extinct from generation to generation as ly critical of religious institutions with socially-con- the older mindset disintegrates when the boundarservative agendas and of the standards ingrained ies of tradition are pushed. into American society amongst other things such as the political establishment. Parents became concerned and furious with the Antichrist Superstars influence on their children and began to take

To continue reading, visit vikingvanguard.com

7

Riley Doman // Vanguard

8 FOCUS // Dec. 14, 2018

is ever

mount to their rights. painting could be seen, despite its intent.

By Natalie Eychaner, McKenna Zacher, “Art is powerful and students shoul “Representing a staff member as a ‘creature’ that some, not the two Parker Rosdahl, Blaise McMacken, artists, but some stakeholders and students might view as demonic or of opinions -- good, bad and everyt Features, Managing, Staff The music you listen on the way to school, the graphic on your shirt, satanic image, probably is not how we want to represent our teachers. sounds like a fine place to allow a wi So where is the line between art an That’s not something we want to do. The students felt the heart that it the photographs on the wall.

Associate Professor of Journalism [the creature] was holding represented that [the teacher] cares about Expression is everywhere.

It surrounds us and shapes our culture. But what would happen if it students if I remember correctly. But other people might look at that as University Peggy Watts agreed to was taken away? Should all forms of expression be accepted or do some maybe [the teacher] ripping the hearts out of somebody else,” Webb said. however she explained that expressio According to Principal Dave Sunich, because of the negative impli- ited that expression interrupts schoo go too far?

“As the Tinker v. Des Moin cations of the painting, administration believed it would be best for the This a topic of recent discussion here at Puyallup High School. students an Seniors Kayla Saxton and Elizabeth Bones-Moore painted an image painting to be removed. do not leave Bones-Moore says she does not fully agree with on a teacher’s window. However, this image, deAmendment the administration’s deciscribed by Saxton as a “creature that looked a litschoolhouse g sion because to her, she tle bit creepy,” was removed before it was even further law o hoped the painting would finished. ministrators c stir up a conversation.

According to Vice Principal Nathan Webb, the action if the “I think our school should painting was asked to be taken down because of interferes with have diversity in it. When you the potential message and reaction the painting interferes wit walk through the halls, all could draw. tions of the s you see are positive quotes “I asked [Saxton and Bones-Moore] to considsaid. and everything. It’s sunshine er how other students might view that particular Webb e and rainbows. I don’t think piece. What image, what visual representation, explanation o that’s giving us a real-world Peggy Watt what thoughts, what message, what might other schools. experience. I think having students see it as and in addition to that, what Western Washington Unviersity “Freedom o diversity and having someother stakeholders community members might Professor thing. Ultima thing that makes someone see and feel from that piece,” Webb said. “BePolicy 3220 that the image uncomfortable and causes cause our school is used by community memPuyallup School District support the me conversation is something bers and organizations constantly, I wanted and district. Ev them to think about themselves, other students, as well as our communi- that we need in our school,” Bones-Moore said.

According to Saxton and Bones-Moore, they believe students should different, everyone has a different th ty members. As community members walk into our library building the first thing they see when they walk in that building is that image, what be able to express themselves, but acknowledge that there are some lim- what is not,” Webb said.

According to the Puyallup School D itations. message are the students hoping people get from it.”

“I think that students should be able to express themselves and I un- dent expression (Policy 3220), “The Saxton explained the intent and meaning behind the painting.

“The painting was supposed to be a portrayal of teachers and how derstand there’s supposed to be a limit as to how much you can express. is an important part of education in people can perceive them in different lights. So it was holding a heart But I feel like when it’s not hurting anyone, or offending, necessarily, any- encourages students’ verbal and writ of gold, based on that you could perceive it as taking someone’s heart one, then people should be able to express themselves and be who they ion on school premises so long as it d substantially disrupt the operaor giving your heart. It’s kind of related to how students and staff view are,” Saxton said.

According to James Headley, professor and chair of the Eastern Wash- tion of the school each other,” Saxton said. “You don’t really know each other that well and so you kind of assume things, where we actually had to know what the ington University department of political science, students’ ability entirety of it is. That’s how we made the creature that looked a little bit to freely express their opinions is paracreepy, but it wasn’t supposed to be anything satanic. It’s supposed to represent how there’s a misinterpretation between people and how people perceive each other.”

Webb said that after a conversation with the two students about the painting and trying to collaborate, the administration asked them to consider how the

I THINK COMMENTARY AND DISCUSSION ARE IMPORTANT TO THE LEARNING PROCESS.

THE FREE EXPRESSION OF STUDENT OPINION IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF EDUCATION IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY.

Tinker v. Des Moines, 1969 West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, 1943

The first Supreme Court case that ever conceded students having First Amendment rights. Stating that students are not required to salute the flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Challenges First Amendment rights on freedom of expression with students wearing black armbands to school, symbolizing the need for peace during the Vietnam War. the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the students.

FOCUS // Dec. 14, 2018

9

ywhere.

or otherwise violate this policy. Students are expressly prohibited from ld have space to express a wide range the use of vulgar and/or offensive terms in classroom or assembly setthing in between. Inside an art class tings.”

The policy also addresses where expression can be distributed. The ide range of express,” Headley said. policy states that “students and district staff may distribute student pubnd appropriateness at school? at Professor at Western Washington lications or other or other materials on school premises in accordance with procedures developed by the superintensome extent, dent. Such procedures may impose limits on the on can be limtime, place and manner of distribution including ol functioning. proper authorization for the posting of such manes case said, terial on school property.” nd teachers Administration knows the community is ine their First volved in the school and may walk by the painting rights at the and this was a key aspect of its removal. However, gate. Now the according to Cynthia Mitchell, Associate Profeson that is adsor of Journalism at Central Washington Univercan take some sity, students shouldn’t have to worry about that. e expression Cynthia Mitchell “Students are under no obligation to promote h teaching or the school. Art is art, and often it speaks to serious th the operaCentral Washington University issues,” Mitchell said. school,” Watts Professor Mitchell also discussed that situations must meet a standard before it can have grounds for reechoed Watts’ of how expression can be limited in moval.

“The standard is that they must be able to show it is likely to cause a of expression is a pretty massive ‘material and substantial disruption’ to the educational enviately the standpoint of the school is ronment,” Mitchell said.

Headley also understands that although es that are around our school should essage, vision and goals of the school First Amendment rights of students veryone’s going to interpret things should be protected at school, hreshold of what is appropriate and administrators also are in a tough place.

“Schools District Board Policies regarding stue free expression of student opinion n a democratic society. The district tten expression of opindoes not

STUDENTS ARE UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO PROMOTE THE SCHOOL.

are in a difficult position at times and stand in the place of parents and have a responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of all students.

First Amendment rights are not absolute for anyone,” Headley said.

Watt commented on why she believes differing opinions should have a place in a school setting because she thinks it is an opportunity for discussion.

“I think commentary and discussion are important to the learning process. That kind of thing should not only be happening but encouraged at school,” Watts said.

Watt also realized that although the painting is being debated, it is a learning opportunity for both students and administrators.

“At the very least this is a teachable moment for discussion about art and expression and the First Amendment. It really seems like an opportunity to have some discussion with the administration,” Watt said.

For more information on student expression, visit vikingvanguard.com

Hazelwood School District v.

Kuhlmeier, 1988

Bethel School District No. 403 v. Fraser, 1986 This case set limits on the First Amendment rights of students when student, Matthew Fraser made a speech full of innuendoes. When disciplined, he sued. The Supreme Court sided with the school stating that schools have the responsibility of encourage students with “habits and manners of civility as values.”

When a student newspaper tried to publish stories on pregnacy and students with divorced parents, they were censored by the administration.

The student editors sued.The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the school district, as the school newspaper was school sponsored. An administration can censor a publication if there is “legitimate educational concerns.”

Megan Lynn // Vanguard

10 FEATURES // Dec.14, 2018

The Viking Vanguard

HOLIDAY IDEAS

Looking for some fun activities to do over winter break, check these ideas out.

By Parker Rosdahl, Mariah Perez Assistant News, Staff

Seattle Center Winterfest

North Pole at The Fair

If you’re looking for something fun to do over winter break, Winterfest has it all. You can go ice skating, watch a master ice sculptor or explore various food and craft vendors. Many of the activities are free so this is perfect for those on a budget. Activities run until Jan. 6.

Visiting Santa at the North Pole is a great way to make any kids day. This is a great activity to do with younger siblings or cousins or if you’re looking for something to do in town. Tickets are $5 and its open until Dec. 23.

Gingerbread Village At The Seattle Sheraton Hotel

Fantasy Lights

The Sheraton Grand Hotel Seattle is hosting its 26th annual giant Gingerbread Village in support of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The theme this year is Welcome to Whoville and each gingerbread house is a joint effort between a child with Type 1 diabetes and a whole team of chefs and architects. This is a free event running until New Year’s Day.

If you’re more of an inside person, don’t worry!

You can still enjoy displays of beautiful, twinkling lights from inside your car at Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park. The price is by vehicle so load up your friends and take a drive through the park while blasting Christmas music. Fantasy Lights is open from 5:30 to 9 p.m. until the New Year.

Go See a Show

Zoolights at Point Defiance

If you want something a bit nicer, dinner and a show is always a good idea. There are plenty of fun shows being put on during this holiday season. You can see Annie at 5th Avenue through Dec. 30 or Lion King at Paramount Theater through Jan. 6. If you are looking for a holiday themed show, A Contemporary Theater is putting on A Christmas Carol and the Pacific Northwest Ballet is doing The Nutcracker both through Dec. 28. There also plenty of seasonal movie currently in theaters including The Grinch, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.

A Christmas Basket

Hydroflask

Each year, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium transforms in a winter wonderland full of magical light displays. You can wander the zoo grounds looking at all of your favorite animals made entirely of lights. You can also ride the vintage carousel or a camel if you’re feeling more adventurous. There is also a mini petting zoo and plenty of concessions stands where you can fill up on hot coco. Zoo Lights is open every night until Jan. 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 if you purchase online, $12 at the gate and $6 with a zoo membership.

Baked Goods

Anything Handwritten

Laser Tag

Journal + Personal Entries

The Viking Vanguard

FEATURES // Dec.14, 2018

MANESTAGE GIVES BACK

11

During the season of giving, Executive Director Brenda Henson provides a look into ManeStage Theater and how she built the program from the ground up.

By Kyla Stout Staff

now our shows have budgets of twenty to thirty thousand dollars. The amount The historic Liberty Theatre is what that we have been able to grow and the the ManeStage Theatre Co. calls home quality shows,” Brenda Henson said.

As a non-profit, Brenda Henson dein downtown Puyallup.

ManeStage is a non-profit corpora- scribed volunteers as absolutely crucial.

With so much work needed to put on tion that is run primarily by volunteers who invest countless hours into serving successful shows, ManeStage is reliant on hundreds of volunteers. their community.

No matter if theatre is a hobby or if the They make the arts accessible to those who would like to participate and oth- person is hoping to pursue a theatrical ers who wish to attend the musicals and career later in life, each and every ManeStage volunteer invests themselves willplays.

The core of the organization lays ingly to the non-profit and it is the volwithin Brenda Henson, the Executive unteers that keep it going.

“We have spotDirector, who is the director, cholights for lighting and reographer, stage manager and IT’S HUNDREDS OF sound and backstage lighting designer of every proVOLUNTEERS THAT crew. We have volunduction as well as the runner of WE ARE RELIANT ON teers to pass out the the business itself.

“I am the only full-time em- EVERY YEAR IN ORDER posters to businesses TO EVEN SURVIVE. and the volunteers ployee for the non-profit so I that work the front work about 90 hours a week. I Brenda Henson of house who are the usually work on Thanksgiving in Excuitve Director ushers. It’s hundreds the evening. A lot of times we’ll go of volunteers that we and paint the sets and get ready for the next show, usually Christmas day are reliant on every year in order to even survive. With me being the only employI don’t work,” Henson said.

Brenda and Jay Henson left southern ee, it’s a necessity. All of our cast, all of California and came to Washington in our crew, all of our orchestra are volunteers so without them we wouldn’t exAugust 2007.

They knew Seattle as being an arts- ist,” Brenda Henson said.

The volunteers are what Brenda Henheavy community and were hoping to son calls the “ManeStage family.” start their lives here.

Brenda Henson not only proclaimed At first, starting a business wasn’t part of their original plans but with financial that the theatre makes the arts acceshelp from Jay Henson’s family they de- sible to the community but also brings those who participate together. cided to go for it.

Many of the volunteers have been a “We had a community theatre in southern California that we were run- part of the “family” for a long period ning so [Jay’s] grandparents said ‘We of time and Brenda Henson says it’s really want you guys to do a communi- because of “family” that they keep ty theatre here, why don’t you just have coming back again and again.

“For many it’s the sense Brenda quit her job and I’ll give you a little bit of money to start a theatre.’ It of belonging. To be able to come was very terrifying but we decided to together as a family and do somego ahead and take that leap of faith and thing together that they’re all enhere we are over a decade later,” Brenda joying is very rare these days,” Brenda Henson said.

Henson said.

The crew members are Brenda Henson found herself without a job and hoping to create a place that just as important as the actors and actresses. brought the community together.

They too spend hours and ManeStage had transformed from behours preparing for the shows ing an idea to a reality.

Their 70th production of You’re a and making sure everything is Good Man, Charlie Brown will be open- ready come opening night.

“Judy Brooks, who is our cosing Jan. 11.

Brenda Henson always welcomes the tumer, is incredible. She works audience to the theatre before each 40 plus hours a week and, when showing but many don’t know just how I say work, I mean serves, because she’s a volunteer, to crespecial the theatre is.

She never thought the ManeStage ate hundreds of costumes for every show on a very small budTheatre could be what it is today.

“We ended up being able to grow little get which is amazing. We also by little, enough that I was able to get a have our set dressers, Molly Stout paycheck, so now it’s my more than full- and Darlene Limanni. The two of time job. It has become so much bigger them together do props, they decoratand so much better than we could have ed the theatre for Christmas and they imagined. The very first show we had a help paint sets,” Brenda Henson said.

It’s volunteers like Limanni who are budget of maybe a thousand dollars and excellent examples of the amount of de-

votion many of the volunteers have to ManeStage.

It was Limanni who Brenda Henson said worked for more than 24 hours straight.

“Darlene was the one who was there from Thursday at 10 a.m. until Friday night finishing, did not leave, did not sleep, just kept working and working until watching the show opening night and then slept all day Saturday. All to get us ready to go and she spent countless hours painting and cleaning and prepping because of her love for the theatre and for the family. It was really really special. We couldn’t believe she was still there,” Brenda Henson said.

Without the volunteers ManeStage couldn’t survive but without Brenda Henson it couldn’t survive either.

She made it obvious that being a part of the “ManeStage family” means just as much to her as it does the volunteers.

What keeps her going, year after year?

What makes all of the hard work worth it?

It’s when ManeStage proves its impacts in individual lives.

Brenda Henson couldn’t help but get emotional regarding ManeStage’s effect on people.

“One of the things that has been really special and has been something that has kept us going

that we’ve had multiple suicidal children that have been a part of our group.

ManeStage has saved them and it’s been so special to see kids that don’t have parents, young people in their twenties, who lost their mom to cancer and then lost their dad to suicide later.

Who don’t have a father or mother or brother or uncle, they have nowhere to spend Thanksgiving and it’s so cool because the ManeStage family will just open up their home and just say ‘Hey come have Thanksgiving at my house’ and treat them like they’re their actual child,” Brenda Henson said. “That literally keeps us going. It’s just been so special because I think that is what is most important because if you just save one life that is worth all of this hard work. So when I feel very overwhelmed or very stressed I feel like that’s what keeps us going.”

Brenda Henson exclaimed that the kids who were once suicidal and then saved by ManeStage are now adults, many are teachers or have Master degrees or have a family.

ManeStage is much more than a business to Brenda Henson and many others because of this.

The ManeStage Theatre is an escape, an opportunity, a hobby, entertainment, a home and/or a safe-haven to the people of the community and empowered by the community.

is

McKenna Zacher// Vanguard

12 FEATURES // Dec. 14, 2018

The Viking Vanguard

EXCHANGE STUDENTS ADJUST

This year’s foreign exchange students speak about their experiences in America so far and what it is like to spend a year away from home. ton. their time here.

By Natalie Eychaner, “There are a lot [of social and For many of them, it is their Sophia Spoja only opportunity to get educa- cultural differences] since we are Features, Staff an Islamic country. It isn’t comoreign exchange students tion in the U.S. “I just think about the time mon for teenage girls and boys to have added to the diversity and culture here at Puyal- I’m having here; that is a unique date in Pakistan,” Riaz said.

Some of the cultural differencthing,” senior Mattia Parlani, lup High School. es are as simple as evfrom Italy said.

Six seniors and two juery day activities. niors joining PHS from “I’m lucky to THE BEST THING “In my family be here and I Spain, France, Japan and only girls can wash IS LIVING IN THE Italy have left their home will be with my dishes,“ Riaz countries for a year to family in eight MOMENT... LIVE IN THE the said. experience culture in months and see EXPERIENCE. A lot of the culturthem for the America. al differences talked Studying abroad rest of my life.” about were centered Part of movIlenia Reale also means leaving around the imporyour family, friends ing to a new Student tance of food. school means and home country.

“It is holy back new Although the ex- making home.

We also didn’t eat until friends and trying to fit in. change students For some of the exchange stu- 8:30 or 9 p.m.,” Reale said. have been here for Riaz said her reason for beabout three months, dents, sports played a huge role coming a foreign exchange is most say they ha- in getting settled.

“Playing football has been my that she wants to see how the ven’t experienced biggest experience...going under world works. homesickness yet.

“In Pakistan there is a lot of “Being alone is dif- the lights of Sparks Stadium and ficult sometimes but playing there with your whole discrimination against women the advice I give to all high school supporting you is and if you live there you wouldn’t exchange students is that crazy,” senior Javier Sequeiro feel it but then I come here and you’re not going to see said. “We don’t have that in Spain there are so many things I’m your friends and family for and I have been the only one in shocked to know that has been one year and the possibility my exchange program that went happening for my entire life and that you’re going to see your this far. Honestly post season I never would’ve known about it,‘’ Riaz said. friends from here are very low,” was like a Christmas present!”

Reale said that since she was Meeting new people and senior Ilenia Reale from Italy already once a foreign exchange speaking English isn’t the most said.

Reale says that the choice to major change these students student once in Australia for three months she wanted to try be an exchange student is one have to make.

For most of them, America it out again for a longer period of that she woudn’t change. time.

“The best thing is living in the provides a huge culture shock.

She also wanted to improve Although they moment because her English. are feeling more you’re going to THERE ARE A LOT [OF “I feel like I am living here want to live in the SOCIAL AND CULTURAL at home, some are still experiencing a better than how I am living my experience,” Reale DIFFERENCES] SINCE three months in Australia. I saw culture shock. said. how much I changed after that Rida Riaz is from WE ARE AN ISLAMIC Other students Pakistan, where experience and I wanted to do it agreed on the imCOUNTRY. women are in a again,” Reale said. portance of living Rida Riaz Some students also hope this different light than in the moment and will not be their last time in Student here in Washingmaking the most of

F

America.

Many of them wish to come back for college or even to live permanently.

“I wish I could come here [for] UW [University of Washington] because it’s so good for medical school, so I wish I could do a program out here for a year,” Sequeiro said.

A sense of independence is common when being a exchange student, even here in Washington. ‘’When you’re an exchange student you’re literally alone in another country where you don’t know anyone and you have to become more independent,” Reale said.

Being an exchange student and coming to America provided Reale with another opportunity: to get to know herself better.

“I saw that I became more independent after Australia and I know after this year I am going to be even more independant,” Reale said.

Senior Maria Rauvere from Spain, added that it was really hard to get around and be completely independent because Washington doesn’t have very good public transportation or underground system.

Rauvere says public transportation in Spain ranges from modern metros to well-connected speed rails between major Spanish cities and it’s among the best in Europe.

13

POKÉMON: LET’S GO REVIEW

By Autumn Scriven Staff

Graphics

The graphics of Pokémon have evolved so far from the original Pixelated graphics and I can safely say that the new graphics of the world and of its Pokémon have gotten way better.

I love the fact that I can see some of my favorite Pokémon from the Kanto region come to life with their own movements and responses that you see as they walk with you the world.

Not only did the Pokémon get better but the cities and towns did as well. From the 2D design they once were, to the new 3D graphics on the Switch, made the cities feel more alive than they have been in the past. Some of the places I went through made me happily surprised by the improvement from the main series games. For example, the Cerulean Cave (right outside Cerulean City) went from just looking like a normal graphic cave to a cave with purple crystals everywhere. Just going into the cave made my spirits lift. It was as if I finally truly experienced what the graphics of the game and it was astonishing.

Game Play

I loved the story plotline. Compared to other Pokémon games, it had more funny moments and for me, that made my experience even more enjoyable.

Most of the overall game play was easy, especially if you had someone playing with you as a supporting trainer, helping you with two-on-one battles against your opponent. Although when you weren’t in the story plot and you were just roaming around the world training up your Pokémon, it got a little boring.

I‘m not really the type to want to do repetitive battles repeatedly without something surprisingly new popping up in the battle. Another thing was now some trainers will give you poké balls after beating them in battle. For me that was

awesome and I never needed to go and buy more balls.

Support trainers

One of the new features is where someone else could join you, as a supporting trainer, with just the shake of the Switches Joy-Con. That part was a little bit of a disappointment since the only thing the support trainer could do in the overworld was walk around, they couldn’t talk to trainers, activate events or pick up items on the ground.

When it came to battle support, trainers helped.

They can come in at any time when you are right about to choose your moves in battle. With them, it was easier to beat opponents, especially when it was two Pokémon against one.

The one thing I did not like was that there was almost always a circle in the corner of the screen that had two outlined people indicating that the support trainer could enter at any time.

There are also few points in the game were the supporting trainer can’t help you or wander around the world and they disappear during important dialogue.

The support trainer can also help you catch Pokémon in the wild. When you both throw the poké balls then you get a catch bonus when you hit through the Pokémon at the same time. The only problem with it is that if you are both bad throwers you end up wasting yourpoké balls twice as fast.

New Way to Catch Pokémon

Rather than the old way of weakening the opposite Pokémon before throwing a pokeball, you now do it like the Safari Zone method. Traditionally the Safari Zone was where you could not use your Pokémon and just use bait and mud to use before catching a Pokémon with a pokeball. Similarly, in Let’s Go you have berries to use to calm the Pokémon down of to get better rewarded at the end of the encounter. You also don’t use your Pokémon, you just throw your Pokémon at the circle and hope it stays in.

There also is circle that grows bigger and smaller, and the smaller it gets, the easier it is to catch the Pokémon. Another thing that you will see is the circle in the middle will also have different colors indicating how hard it is to catch the Pokémon, green being the easiest and red being the hardest.

Instead of having random encounters, you can see all the Pokémon that are around you in the area making it so you can choose which Pokémon you want to run into. Which for me was good when I did not feel like catching every Pokémon around and did not have to waste my money on repels.

McKenna Zacher // Vanguard

A&E // Dec. 14, 2018

The Viking Vanguard

Team Rocket

The one thing that I really wish Game Freak would do is make it that I could join Team Rocket instead of assuming that I don’t want to. You may not be able to join but the closest thing to it is the Team Rocket costume that you get to wear throughout the game but everyone still can see that you’re not really part of their team.

Aside from that, the Team Rocket you face are the same old ones that want to use Pokémon as tools and their plan is like the one in the Pokémon Yellow game for the Game Boy. It may have been the same plot but with the new graphics it felt like a new game and knowing where to go next did help me not be as confused as where to go.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I really enjoyed this game and it’s the most fun that I’ve had with video games in a long time. I suggest this game to any kid, especially beginners and to those who played the originals and want to see the new graphics for the game.

Mid90s impresses staffer

is convincing and makes you believe onah Hill’s directorial debut, Mid90s, that he truly is that follows Stevie, a 13-year-old boy living broken boy. Stevie is in Los Angeles who is navigating his never shown with way through the turmoil of his family any friends before and finding a new home in skating. The meeting the skaters film opens to an empty hallway, suddenly and spends most his cutting to Stevie being thrown against time alone at home the wall by his older brother, Ian, fitness yearning to have a relationship junkie and orange juice guzzler. This closer introduction sets up a well-directed and with his brother.

The film is unique; well-acted film, that ultimately I enjoyed being shot in the 4:3 very much.

The rest of the film follows Stevie and his aspect ratio, which means it is a square, newfound skater friends as they navigate as well as being shot on film. This gives through themes such as growing up, off the feeling of it being shot on a old camcorder like the one family issues and drugs and Stevie’s friend “Fourth alcohol. With his friends all HIS PORTRAYAL IS Grade” uses when filming being high schoolers, Stevie CONVINCING AND them skating. is thrown into a world he is MAKES YOU BELIEVE Hill’s camera movement forced to adapt to, whether isn’t Spielberg level but it’s he’s ready for it or not, an THAT HE TRULY IS also not meant to be, adding idea expressed in multiple THAT BROKEN BOY. to the relaxed vibe of the moments.

Mason Giustino film and puts the audience Sunny Suljic, who plays at ease during the skating Executive Producer Stevie, accurately portrays scenes just as Stevie feels the unknown world of puberty as he is forced to fend for himself relief when he is. My personal favorite most the time with his single mom busy shots were the rapid cuts of Stevie and at work and his abusive brother usually his friends at a party and shows them in his room avoiding him. His portrayal changing places in the room throughout the night.

J

The score of the movie was also well tailored to the time period and pulled multiple hip-hop songs from the 90s and included original songs of the same tone.

But some of the best scenes have no score, in order to add to the tone or seriousness of the scene. One example of this is when Stevie is confronted by his brother Ian after Stevie comes home drunk from the party and they get into a fight. Unlike before, Stevie comes out on top and Ian has a breakdown seeing that his negligence has caused his brother to become someone he hates.

The film tackles many issues but is not meant to have a clear cut ending where everyone’s issues are resolved.

Instead, Stevie, his friends, Ian and his mom all come together in the end to

Kyla Stout // Vanguard

By Mason Giustino Executive Producer

realize that they need to change their ways but that it may never happen.

Although the running time is just under an hour and half it still feels complete in the end and is well worth someone’s time if they enjoy skating, the ‘90s era, or something different than the typical mainstream movies right now. I would highly recommend watching this film.

MOVIE REVIEW

14 A&E // Dec. 14, 2018

The Viking Vanguard

Beasts not as fantastic in sequel

By Megan Lynn Chief he theater crowded, full of teenagers and adults alike that have grown up with Harry Potter, the excitement rises as you see the Warner Brothers logo appear out of the dark smoke onto the screen.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is a jam-packed story full of cliffhangers that left me wondering how they are going to be continued in the next movies to follow.

Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) is recruited by Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) in hopes of stopping Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) and his plans of raising up all pure-blood wizards over all muggles, or non-magical beings.

The chase to recruit and find Credence (Ezra Miller), a character that is seen to have power to take down Dumbledore or Grindelwald, has begun.

Overall the film has many holes, twists and turns that will get you thinking into the past films and books in the Harry Potter fandom.

However, there are too many to keep track of.

From the whole magic beasts that are rescued by Scamander, to keeping track to the growing list of who is related to who, the overall plot is muddled to the many side stories that are added on in this film.

Nagini (Claudia Kim) is also introduced in this film, a character the pertains directly to the Harry Potter series. I feel that her character was just thrown in to connect this film further to the franchise, however it confused me more. How she is connected to Credence and is one of his closest allies confuses me as well.

T

MOVIE REVIEW

Megan Lynn // Vanguard

Nagini has a blood curse that causes her to turn into a snake, that will soon take over and she will be stuck in that form forever.

She was a filler character that had no personality and development. I hope to see more out of her in the next film in this series.

On the plus side, more little adorable creatures appear throughout the film, including my favorite — baby nifflers. They escape into Scamander’s house, outside of the basement where they are kept safe and run amuck.

This little moment that only lasts a few minutes is one of my favorite throughout the film because of the cuteness of the nifflers and the angles it was shot at. The Computer Generated Images, CGI, of the nifflers flying through the room is seamlessly incorporated into the rest of the scene, giving it this whimsically realistic feel.

Costume design for me is one of the most important parts of all movies, they can translate the time period and class of each of the characters. The clothing in this film is one that amazes me. However, with the first film of this series winning an Oscar for the costume design, it does not surprise me. They perfectly showcase the time period and the personalities of each of the characters, enhancing each of their features, making them stand out more in the film.

The ending of this film threw me for a loop and had me questioning the backstory of many of my favorite characters from the original Harry Potter series.

Without giving away any spoilers, be prepared for your mind to go on many theories about these characters and how they translate to the Harry Potter series as a whole.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is a must see for any Harry Potter fanatic like myself, however it may not be interesting to those who do not like trying to keep up with a very busy plot.

HEROES LIVES UP TO HYPE

He turns into that aggressive person as soon as the beat

By Jayton Rausch speeds up and makes the song memorable with his sudStaff Metro Boomin, the producer of NOT ALL HEROES den attitude changes.

Finally the last song Metro Boomin may ever produce WEAR CAPES came out of retirement for his last album.

If you like modern rap then this album was made for or make is called “No More.” He brings out Travis Scott, 21 Savage and a new artist to the album, Kodak Black. you, overall great songs, worth the listen.

These three well known rappers have never been in a Metro Boomin starts his final 13 songs with “10AM/ song together, besides Kodak Black and Travis Scott who Save The World,” along with rapper Gucci Mane.

This song sets the subtle mood for the rest of the album. have made one song together, “ZEZE.” Metro Boomin knew these rappers would be a good mix It is a good start; it has a slower beat, with Gucci Mane and that’s why he brought them together for complimenting the song with his singing his last song. and rapping ability.

I FEEL EVERYONE THAT I feel this song needs to be appreciated beThe second song Metro Boomin drops LOVES RAP SHOULD cause Travis Scott and Kodak Black come toon his comeback album, “Overdue,” hit gether for a great closing for the album.

CHECK OUT THIS number one on Billboard Top 100 within a Now that Metro Boomin is back into retireALBUM. week of its release. ment we won’t be hearing from him anymore.

Rapper Travis Scott sings to the repeti”No Complaints” was the last song Metro Jayton Rausch tive beat of the hit song, which may be the Boomin made before he went into retirement Staff reason the song is so popular. It is a good the first time, he worked with Drake and Offoverall song but not the best because it set because they were the biggest rappers at doesn’t have a lot of lyrics it’s more beat the time and he wanted to make his last song memorable. than lyrics.

This song wasn’t supposed to be in this album but he However, “Overdue” does have the best song transition between it and “Don’t Come Out The House” because decided to add it to remind people of how great he was and always will be. both songs have the same beat so it’s like one big song.

I feel everyone that loves rap should check out this alMy favorite song because it has the best beat and lyrics bum. has to be “Don’t Come Out The House.”

It is one of the greatest albums out there right now with It’s a switch-up type beat from slow to quick, with rapall the features and the great beats because it sounds difper 21 Savage over it.

During the slower parts of the song he whispers, which ferent than Metro Boomin’s other songs and albums.

Metro Boomin has made a masterpiece that will be reis different for him since he’s usually an aggressive person membered for a long time. when it comes to his music.

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10AM/Save The World (feat. Gucci Mane) Overdue (with Travis Scott) Don’t Come Out The House (with 21 Savage) Dreamcatcher (feat. Swae Lee & Travis Scott) Space Cadet (feat. Gunna) 10 Freaky Girls (with 21 Savage) Up To Something (feat. Travis Scott & Young Thug) Only 1 (interlude) (with Travis Scott) Lesbian (feat. Gunna & Young Thug) Borrowed Love (feat. Swae Lee & WizKid) Only You (feat. WizKid, Offset & J Balvin) No More (feat. Travis Scott, Kodak Black & 21 Savage) No Complaints (feat. Offset & Drake)

16 A&E // Dec. 14, 2018

The Viking Vanguard

Kyla Stout // Vanguard

Koffee with Kenna is a series that explores the best places to get a specific drink throughout Puyallup. For the first installment, I went to four coffee places around town and ordered the same drink at each spot: a 16 ounce Chai Latte.

As the holidays are fast approaching, my favorite cozy drink has been a chai latte. The perfect blend of spice and sweet, to me it is the perfect fall drink.

While I do love a nice chai, it definitely is a new favorite, as I typically go for a more espresso heavy drink. But despite this, it still is a great choice for everyone.

By McKenna Zacher Managing

Bigfoot:

The first drink I tried was from Bigfoot.

The drink was not extremely expensive, but also not cheap, costing a little over $4.

It was smooth, which is not as obvious as it may seem, as the spices in chai can frequently settle, making for a grainy and unenjoyable drink.

But this was not the case with Bigfoot’s chai.

It was the perfect amount of spice, present but not overpowering, creating a strong flavor.

Overall, it was a near perfect drink and one that for sure set the precedent for the rest of the places I visited.

4.5/5

Starbucks:

The next place I tried was Starbucks.

While I am a frequent customer at Starbucks, I never had tried their Chai Latte, probably for good reason. The drink was very milky, tasting a lot more like warm milk than a latte.

The classic chai taste was there, but very faintly compared to the amount in the Bigfoot version.

It was also the most expensive, just under $5, and over with tax.

As a result, it was very disappointing.

But despite all this, it was not grainy at the end, which is a win and redeeming factor. 2.5/5

Gravity:

The third place I went to was Gravity, a little stand next to the Puyallup Fair.

While their chai was on the more expensive side, it was not as much as Starbucks was.

The drink was more sweet, as it had a nice vanilla flavor added to it. This balanced out the amount of spice, making for a smoother latte.

The espresso in it was a nice touch to it as well, really blending together with all the flavors.

However, the end of drink was grainy, which made for a very gross last sip, almost like an unintentional cinnamon challenge, which made it lose some points. 3.5/5

Thr3e:

The fourth and final drink I tried was from Thr3e.

It was the cheapest of the bunch, being that it was under $4, which was great.

However, that’s about all I enjoyed of it.

It did have spice, but it was milkier and resemblant of the Starbucks version.

The espresso blended well like the Gravity version, and it felt smooth until I got a huge gulp of spice chunk halfway through drinking it.

Once I opened up the lid, I noticed the spice had completely settled at the bottom of the cup, which made it clunky.

Overall, it started good, but the spices didn’t stand the test of time. 2/5

Conclusion:

After trying four different versions of a Chai Latte, I think the best version had to be Bigfoot’s.

It was smooth, reasonably priced and had the best flavor.

Next time you’re at Bigfoot, I definitely recommend checking it out for a nice and spiced mix up to your typical coffee drink.

‘Red Dead’ storyline ropes in fans

What people do not realize is that the second ‘Red Dead’ is actually a prequel and while the gameplay is amazing, the story is even better.

The game is beautiful, with so much

By Adam Cupp scenery and an ever extensive map for exBroadcast Managing ploring. The different terrains range from ed Dead Redemption 2 is the best the snowy mountains to swamps to the game I have played in a very long desert highlands. time.

Along the way to destinations, many The expansiveness of the world and all NPCs, or Non-Playable Characters, have the missions to complete gives the game random interactions that will impact your hours upon hours of fulfilling and reward“moral compass,” having lasting conseing gameplay. The game opens by estabquences or rewards. lishing what role your characInstead of removing FROM THERE, ter, Arthur Morgan, plays in his you from your travels gang. Morgan is an outlaw that RIVALRIES EXPLODE to start a cutscene, the lives by the code of his gang: INTO VIOLENCE AND NPCs will engage in family above all. quick dialogue that you DEATH, MONEY IS To begin, the gang is already can respond to on horseEARNED, TRUST IS on the run after an event occurback, which is your main EARNED... ing in a town called Blackwater means of transportation. goes badly. The leader, and ArThese dialogues can Adam Cupp thur’s adopted father, Dutch, range from a robbery that Broadcast Managing leads some of the men to rob you can intervene in, to a train to start collecting funds sucking snake venom out for the camp. of a poor traveler’s leg.

From there, rivalries explode into vioThis plays into the lasting consequenclence and death, money is earned, trust is es and rewards for each event. lost and so much more.

R

When stepping into the robbery, the saint that helps people as much as possimembers of the gang associated with the ble.

My only concern is minor glitches that robbery will then target you if one of them will make characters glitch escapes alive. through others and the Once saved, the traveler THE GAME IS A some loading times can be will appear in town outside a COMPLETE JOY TO hard to deal with. gun store and will treat you to PLAY; IT IS THE TRUE These things are to be something for free.

Along with that, if the DEFINITION IF A ROLE- expected with such a huge PLAYING GAME. game with infinite ways to weapons you bring are stored play. on your horse and you go Adam Cupp Overall, the game is pheinto a mission, then for the Broadcast Managing nomenal and multiplayer duration of that mission you is to be added, coming on will only have the weapons on your person unless you return to retrieve November 30th to those that did not purchase on the first day or preorder. those weapons.

Multiplayer will involve your own cusThe game is a complete joy to play; it is the true definition of a role-playing game. tom character and the open word to exYour hygiene does become worse over plore with friends, along with player vertime, your hair and beard will grow, your sus player death-match games.

This game is continuing to get better guns will rust and start to break, your relationships with people in your camp can within the month of its launching, so you should pick the game up and play it for shift and become hostile.

No one can tell you how to live: you can yourself. Put yourself in the rag-tag boots murder to your hearts contempt or be a of Morgan and carve your own destiny.