Open Forum for Student Expression Volume 107 // Issue One // Oct. 26, 2018 105 7th St. SW Puyallup, WA 98371
STOUT WINS
Kyla Stout is crowned PHS’s Daffodil Princess. Competing against seven other girls for the title, she moves onto the Daffodil Queen Selection in November. To read about the Daffodil Selection, go to pages 4 and 6.
2 OPINION // Oct. 26, 2018
The Viking Vanguard
STAFF SETS GOALS
Editor-in-Chief
Helm Producer
Executive Producer
Advertising Manager
Megan Lynn
Mason Giustino
Managing Editor 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
VNN Producer Dylan Schafer
AaLeiyah Bell
Javawn Carter
Staff
Gavin Herrington Gracie Little Aeriyonna Mcduffie-Williams Blaise McMacken Mariah Perez Jayton Rausch Parker Rosdahl Brenden Sawyer Benjamin Schumock Autumn Scriven Jasmyne Smith Sophia Spoja Kyla Stout Jacob Wyatt
Freelance
Sophia Barkhurst Megan Jamora
Adviser
Sandra Coyer, MJE
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In this issue Features // Page 5 New Teachers
Focus // Pages 6 and 7 Daffodil Selection
Sports // Page 12 Sports Score Update
A new teacher to the school but not new to education, the new choir teacher attempts to find his place in program.
Kyla Stout is crowned PHS’s Daffodil Princess. Competing against seven other girls for the title, she moves onto the Daffodil Queen Selection in November.
Fall sports are reaching the end of their regular seasons. Here’s a look at how each team has been doing. Records are overall scores.
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NEWS // Oct. 26, 2018
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4 OPINION // Oct. 26, 2018 W
STOUT STANDS OUT
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hen you think about what my interview made an entire world’s difference. There each other. All of their ambitions and bravery is why there makes a Daffodil Selection wasn’t a moment I was nervous because I knew she was was a show to put on. Not one of them have not inspired me to have more determination or to be more kind and you think of the objects. just a few feet away rooting for me every second. As soon as I left the interview room the night of the successful. The lights, the gowns, timed speechI have learned so much from them as individues, sparkling crowns, impromptu show she turned to me and cried, als but as a court I learned what it was like to not questions, flower bouquets, fake telling me that she was proud while ...IT’S NOT THE lashes, theater curtains, silly danc- giving me a hug. Knowing she was CROWN OR THE TITLE be bothered with the aggressive side of competition. We were a team from start to finish who applauded ing, pressed tuxedos and high heels. more than satisfied with my inTHAT I AM MOST each other during practice and behind the theater But do you think of the people that terview was what got me through the rest of the night. Her approval APPRECIATIVE OF. IT’S curtains the night of. made it all happen? THE PEOPLE. I could go on and on about every person who Do you think about those who meant everything to me and I was K. Stout made the show happen and how they have imhonored to have fulfilled it. helped write the speeches? Kyla Stout Staff pacted me through Daffodil, but there isn’t enough Willie Vestch who graduated two Have you given any time to wonder Staff words to describe how grateful I am. years ago from PHS, came back for who bought those tuxes? Don’t be mistaken, this isn’t a “thank you” speech. What about the person who designated their time to the second year in a row to help create the dance the escorts danced to at the end of the night This is the story of how I have come to realize that it isn’t teaching eight wild boys how to dance? If there is any lesson that I took from being a part of from scratch, even though that meant having to commute the objects I got out of this experience that made it what the Puyallup High School Royal Court, it’s that so many from Seattle. Without him the boys never would have had it was; it’s not the crown or the title that I am most apprepeople had to invest their time into the production of one as much fun or would have ever bonded as closely. Teas- ciative of. It’s the people. The people who made the production ing him through whispers behind stage will be a lasting event. Lisa Ballard, the head volunteer and coordinator, has memory knowing in those moments I wasn’t nervous be- successful. The people who supported all of the Royal Court as each of us took a deep breath and headed into been committing countless hours of her time to the or- cause he was making us laugh. Men’s Wearhouse donated all of the tuxedos the escorts the interview room or stepped onstage. ganization for many years, helping prepare every detail of the show. Without her, the court wouldn’t be as connected wore, making sure every one of them looked and felt his best. All of the escorts who learned how to crab walk, took or the experience as sweet. the time to learn their dance and answer extremely Her heart touched all of ours articulate impromptu questions. throughout the process, but it wasn’t EVEN WHEN I WAS Their jokes and goofiness made the process even until her “Try Not to Cry” speech that OUT OF MY COMFORT more enjoyable during practices and less stressful the Royal Court realized how much the night of the show. Especially Drew Whitney, my ZONE I KNEW THAT I we meant to her as well. Even when escort, who had confidence in my abilities even I was out of my comfort zone I knew COULD TRUST [LISA when I didn’t. I’ll miss our carpools to and from that I could trust her. I developed the BALLARD]. practices when we got to dwell on the junior courage to believe in myself knowing Kyla Stout high days and reconnect a friendship she believed in me. Staff that goes all the way back to fifth Jane Miller, Heidi Frasier and grade. many more volunteers who helped Sirl and everyone who helped run every girl write, edit and transform their speech into something we were confident enough to share on stage. the show backstage and those responThe entire court gave amazing speeches that we were all sible. Their work was what truly made passionate enough to tell but with their help supported the production a show. Every past Royal Court member who enough to share in the best way possible. Miller helped me find the words I was passionate came back to offer advice and join in enough to care about and bold enough to voice aloud. She on the fun. They reminded us that this assured me throughout the night that I was doing great, experience would inspire us to want to her neverending support fills my heart just thinking about always be a part of this process even after graduation. it. The Royal Court members: Madi GravCheryl Olson and many more volunteers who helped evaluate and critique interviews. Their advice and com- ersen, Sophia Barkhurst, Erica Roloff, ments made all the difference once Selection night came. Amy Schuler, Kaylee Vardon and Alexa Kyla Stout // Vanguard Olson’s supportive smile from the back of the room during McNaughton always looked to support
To continue reading, visit vikingvanguard.com
Banning straws not solution
Recently many people, companies and cities, including Seattle, rants don’t see a point in shelling out the extra cash. Glass and metal straws are far more expensive than both the plastic and paper ophave been declaring war on plastic straws. They say that plastic straws are bad for the environment, specifically that they are killing tions. They are also notoriously difficult to clean and overall extremely impractical for sea turtles. Anti-strawers claim only good can come from banning mass use in restaurants, especially fast food places which rely on a cheap and disposable plastic straws in both sit down and fast food restaurant environ- style. Some chains, namely Starbucks, have declared that they will begin to phase out plastic ments. straw use in their stores, replacing it with lids. And what will these new However, while it is true that straws-- and plastics BANNING STRAWS lids be made of, you may ask? Plastic. in general-- are harmful to our environment, banning Reduction in plastic waste is the main argument used by anti-strawers. plastic straws does not actually address the problems of DOES NOT ACTUALLY They claim that banning plastic straws will greatly reduce the amount waste and pollution in our society. ADDRESS THE M. Perez of plastic waste produced by Americans. However, straws account for In fact, banning straws may cause many more probPROBLEMS OF WASTE only a small fraction of the millions of tons of plastic humans discard lems than it at tempts to solve. Staff AND POLLUTION... every year. According to the Ocean Conservancy’s annual report straws Banning the use of plastic straws in restaurants can and drink stirrers only made up 3 percent of the total garbage found on harm and alienate disabled individuals. Often times people with disorders Mariah Perez Staff beaches in 2017. such as Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy need straws because they This pokes holes in the main argument of the anti-straw movement. are unable to or have difficulty lifting a glass to their mouth. Getting rid of The movement against straws is founded on flimsy arguments and does straws takes away some of the little independence afforded to disabled indiharm to already sidelined communities. viduals, forcing them to rely on others for something as simple as taking a drink. Banning plastic straws will not solve pollution or global warming but it could be the A lack of straws in restaurants can also be an issue for families dining with young children. Kids can also have difficulty handling glasses; the absence of a straw is likely to lead start of the conversation. Talking about the use plastic straws and the available alternatives gets people thinking about how much plastic they use and dispose of daily. to more spills which can be a hassle for the parents as well as the waitstaff. Ultimately, the best outcome of the anti-straw movement is one where people start There are alternatives to plastic straws that some restaurants have considered. The most prevalent of these are disposable paper straws and reusable glass or metal straws, replacing disposable plastic goods with environmentally friendly alternatives, while plastic straws are still available upon request for those who need them. Banning plastic however these all come with issues of their own. Paper straws are flimsier and more expensive than plastic straws and many restau- straws is harmful and not very effective but for now it may be the best option we have.
5 NURSING PROGRAM FINDS NEW HOME FEATURES // Oct. 26, 2018
The Viking Vanguard
By Jacob Wyatt Staff icole Ratliff is a new nursing teacher at PHS, as well as at Emerald Ridge High School. She went to Clover Park Technical Institute for nursing and has been a nurse for 27 years and a teacher for five years. Ratliff has taken breaks in between to go back to assisted living. Ratliff explained that her course helps students gain an
Nobi Johnson // Vanguard
N
advantage in the field, potentially helping with life after high school. “It’s for nursing assistants when they graduate [high school] and take the state exam. They will be able to work in any hospital setting or nursing home and take care of patients help do basic care: check their vital signs, help them, feed, help transfer them from bed to wheelchair -basic care,” Ratliff said. The work you need to do in thisclass is not easy Ratliff says.
“It is a lot of book work. You have to learn body mechanics, social needs and use hands-on skill with mannequins,” Ratliff said. According to Ratliff, her IT’S FOR NURSING start into teaching was not ASSISTANTS WHEN ordinary, as she was a nurse THEY GRADUATE [HIGH before a teacher. SCHOOL] AND TAKE THE “[Teaching] wasn’t planned. STATE EXAM. I saw an ad for a teacher with no teaching experience but Nicole Ratliff needed nursing experience, Teacher went to an interview and got the job in 2011,” Ratliff said. According to Ratliff, she likes her unordinary schedule, starting at ERHS for periods one, through three and then coming to PHS to finish out her day. “It’s [her schedule]pretty good, as it breaks the day up: a group of students at ER, a MAKE SURE YOUR HEART group of students at PHS,” IS INTO CAREGIVING. YOU ARE GOING TO BE CARING Ratliff said. FOR VULNERABLE If you are interested in takPEOPLE. ing this course Ratliff says there is more than just getting paid in this profession. Nicole Ratliff Teacher “Make sure your heart is into caregiving. You do not want not go into it for a paycheck; you are going to be caring for vulnerable people who are going to look to you for needs to be met,” Ratliff said. Ratliff says she plans to stay in the Puyallup School District as long as they’ll keep her and she hopes that will be for a while.
Above: Hospital beds in Nicole Ratliff’s nursing classroom. These are used to give NAC students hands-on experience with mannequins and learn how to give basic care.
Brinker brings experience to PHS By Natalie Eychaner, Parker Rosdahl Features, Staff One of the newest additions to the PHS teaching staff is Jason Brinker. He has stepped in as the new choir director, as well as teaching the first AP Music Theory class offered at PHS. Brinker says he knows being a new teacher at a school can prove to be a difficult task. In Brinker’s case, he is coming into the choir program previously taught by George Guenther, a Washington State Music Hall of Fame member who retired after the 2017-2018 school year. Even with these conditions, Brinker says he feels welcomed. “I think it would be unfair of me to not mention that Mr. Guenther was amazing in the transition process; he invited me into his classroom multiple times in the spring of last year and introduced me at the final concert last year,” Brinker said.
“He has answered every question that I could possibly have and really made this a pain free process for me.” Being introduced to music in kindergarten, Brinker decided to become a choir teacher during his senior year in high school. Starting to teach with younger kids, he worked his way up to full time high school choir director. “There is just a rich tradition of really excellent music making here at PHS, so I knew when I applied for the job those are some big shoes to fill,” Brinker said. Although it is still an adjustment for Brinker to make, he says he is starting to settle in. “I am really happy where I am right now and am excited to be here,” Brinker said.
To continue reading more about PHS’s new faculty, visit vikingvanguard.com
Jaime Goldberg // Vanguard
A new teacher to the school but not new to education, the new choir teacher attempts to find his home in the land of the Vikings.
Above: Jason Brinker conducting the state-winning Norselanders during their 6th period class. Maverick McCarl [right] and Adam Parson [left] are both firstyear Norselanders.
6 FOCUS // Oct. 26, 2018
throughout the process was because of her esBy McKenna Zacher cort, Drew Whitney. Managing “I was lucky enough to get the best escort benother year, another Daffodil selection night. cause Drew was so sweet, so open to being there This year, eight senior girls and their escorts took the stage, doing a walk down to the stage called the “promenade,” gave one-minute speeches and for me and not worrying about his mini-speech,” gave answers to improteau questions. These girls were seniors Kyla Stout, Morgan Stout said. Whitney explained what explain exactly his McCurdy, Madilyn Graversen, Alexa McNaughton, Erica Roloff, Sophia Barkhurst, role of escort entails. Amy Schuler and Kaylee Vardon. “An escort is mainly there just to be there for They were escorted by seniors Drew Whitney, TJ Edwards, Kendall Luckman, Jason Souphommanichanh, Trenton Spicer, Carter Pierce, Julio Soriano and Luke Ham- the princess.There’s a lot of nerve-racking things they have to do throughout the night and to be bright. there to make them laugh or make them feel betStout ended up winning the title of Puyallup High School’s Daffodil Princess. ter can help a lot. An escort also introduces the But according to Stout, her journey to the crown started with uncertainty. “The day before Princess Camp, which is in the summertime, I was thinking ‘I’ll just princess to the audience and is there to provide comic relief throughout the night,” Whitney said. go and be a helper,’” Stout said. Stout says when they announced that she Stout continued to think about being a helper until day three of Princess Camp, won, she couldn’t believe it. when there were only eight girls who came, cementing Stout’s place in the lineup. “The one thing I’m disappointed about is the Stout shared more about what exactly Princess Camp entailed and how it prepared fact that I really, really wasn't expecting [to win]. the girls to be Princess ready. So when they called my “Princess Camp was probably two weeks before school was name I wasn't like ‘Oh supposed to start. Every day we practiced going out in the hall my gosh! I won!’ it was and introducing ourselves, making sure we had eye contact like ‘Huh? Did they prowith the person were introducing ourselves, with a firm handnounce Morgan wrong?,’” shake -- just how you interact with people that you meet at Stout said. first,” Stout said. As for what she got out A big component of the decision of who to crown comes of the program? from the interview, a sort of “job interview” with the judges. Stout says she has According to Stout, this was her favorite part. gained new found-confi“Each and every question was an opportunity to formulate dence and skills. what you wanted the person to see of yourself. I thought it was “I definitely feel like really cool because I went into the interview, I didn’t have to I have more of a sense of think ‘Oh, I have to make sure I look the most appealing, I just self-identity through it. There was a point in time have to be genuine’ and that was my biggest thing,” Stout said. where I was like ‘I don’t really have anything to offer’ The interview process, Stout says, is as much of the decision Kyla Stout but I kind of had to work through that. Through that, are the speeches and impronteau questions are, depending on Daffodil Princess I’ve been able to self-identify as someone whose artisthe judge. tic, who is into books and has a passion for literature,” This process was just as nerve-racking Stout explained. “Going into the interview, I saw my parents right before and I was in a ‘height- Stout said. According to Barkhurst, Stout had much to offer. ened emotional state,’ you could say. Right before, I saw Cheryl, who is one of the “[Kyla] was such a sweetheart through the whole thing. She was always volunteers. I could always tell that she was rooting for me just in the fact that she al- super encouraging for all of the other girls and if we needed help running ways told me that I reminded her of her throughout speeches or coming up with ideas for improteau, she was always daughter. Right before, she’s like ‘You look the go-to person. I’m so proud of her. She is going to do great and she is beautiful, you’ve got this, you’ve been a princess. She really is. She has every quality a princess needs,” Barkhurst practicing the whole time.’ I went in there said. Whitney echoed Barkhurst’s praise for his partner. and then I came out and me and Cher“Being an escort in general was a lot of fun but it definitely would not have yl… she cried and then she made me cry. She was really proud of me. That moment been the same without Kyla. She’s an amazing person and an amazing prinwas like ‘You know what? I did it,’” Stout cess and I've been her friend for a long time. I was very thankful and very lucky to be able to escort her,” Whitney said. said. Stout explained her that her new princess duties include a lot of communiAlthough one of Stout’s favorite parts of the night was the interview process, Roy- ty service and events but that she’s excited for the challenge. “I’ll probably have a pretty hectic schedule and then it’s going to get even al Court member Sophia Barkhurst has a more hectic around spring when the festivals are. Then it will probably cool down different favorite. “I think [my favorite part of the night] during the summer. But I’m really excited,” Stout said. As for the court, Barkhurst explained their roles. was probably getting ready with all the “We have a few more events. We are going to the Edgewood food bank in November, girls because Madi Graversen made a playlist for us and we jammed to music I believe for Thanksgiving, and we do that together as a court. We also still get to all the whole time. We were doing our make- participate in the Santa Parade. There is some stuff but it’s mostly supporting Kyla at up together, practicing our speeches to- this point,” Barkhurst said. Barkhurst encourages junior girls give the Daffodil program some consideration. gether and reading off the ideas for the “I support any junior girl that is looking at it. If any junior girl wants to come talk improteau question,” Barkhurst said. One way Stout was able to remain calm about what it is, how it works, if they should do it or not; talk to any if the girls from
A
“THE ONE THING I’M DISAPPOINTED ABOUT IS THE FACT THAT I REALLY, REALLY WASN’T EXPECTING [TO WIN].”
Above: Se their choi Hambrigh man and M
FOCUS // Oct. 26, 2018
enior Kyla Stout was crowned Puyallup High School’s Daffodil Princess Oct. 17. Each candidate was escorted by a senior male of ice. Top photo from left to right: Jason Souphommanichanh and Alexa McNaughton; Carter Pierce and Sophia Barkhurst; Luke ht and Kaylee Vardon; Drew Whitney and Kyla Stout; Julio Soriano and Amy Schuler; Trenton Spicer and Erica Roloff; Kendall LuckMadilyn Graversen. Not pictured are TJ Edwards and Morgan McCurdy. Photos from Kyla Stout.
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8 FEATURES// Oct. 26, 2018
The Viking Vanguard
VIKING FAN SPANS AGES By Benjamin Schumock Staff
Benjamin Schumock// Vanguard
The 2018 Puyallup High School football season is here and all eyes are on the team as they compete for a state championship. Jacob and Luke Holcomb are both quarterbacks for PHS and their family has been part of sports for the last few years. Harlan Holcomb, grandfather of the Holcomb brothers, has been involved in the football program. Harlan Holcomb played baseball and basketball at Mount Tahoma High School, similar to his grandkids who are also two-sport athletes for Puyallup. “My favorite sport to play was basketball in high school,” Harlan Holcomb said. Football is something that Harlan Holcomb says he can’t live without. He has been coming to PHS football practices for the last five years. He says he enjoys watching the competition in sports and to be able to watch his grandkids. “I’ve always been a competitor. I just like the competition,” Harlan Holcomb Almost every practice, you can see him in the stands as he watches the football team. Holcomb has watched most of the kids on the team grow up. “I come out to watch Jacob and Luke but I get a
chance to see the other kids and see how they are improving and growing up,” Harlan Holcomb said. The football team has found a lot of success these last couple of years by being the SPSL champions and making it into the playoffs last year. Holcomb says he has noticed a lot of great things with the team. “These guys look really close; they are all buddies. That is one of the reasons for their success from last year,” Harlan Holcomb said. Senior Jacob Holcomb has been the starting quarterback for the last two years and his grandfather has been supporting him ever since. “Just to have him there at every practice and every game is like a support system for me,” Jacob Holcomb said. Jacob Holcomb is the captain for the football team, leading PHS to victory over every team in the league last year and he is striving for a state championship this year. He already has 1363 pass yards and 14 touchdown passes. Harlan Holcomb is always encouraging his grandkids after games and practices. “He’s always the first person I go up to after a game, he’s always supporting me and without him things wouldn’t be the same,” Jacob Holcomb said.
Playing for Time marks 23rd year T
and all that stuff to make it come together just right. The last time we did it, it did come together and it was powerful,” Sirl said. This year’s fall play will be Sirl’s 52nd play that he has fully directed at PHS. It will be premiering Nov. 15 followed by showings Nov. 16 and Nov. 17.
Kyla Stout // Vanguard
a tragedy like the Holocaust is somewhat imperative beBy Kyla Stout cause it is essential to not forget what occured. Staff “The Holocaust was a horrible time and I think that his year will be Peter Sirl’s 23rd year being a part of the theater department here at PHS. Before taking once in awhile we need to reconnect those things to remind ourselves a little bit. Not to necessarily wring our up directing, he had also taken up acting. Other than a few years in junior high, where they lacked hands and weep or feel guilty about it but to remember a drama department, he has been involved in acting since humans can get to this point. Let’s think about why that is a very young age, including six years total in college and and let’s avoid that in the future,” Sirl said. Even though the play connects personally to Sirl, those even acting professionally. are not the only reasons why Sirl chose this “I’ve acted professionally in Seattle in play over others. Sirl says he hadn’t expectsmall shows where I got paid. I’ve acted THE LAST TIME WE ed many boys to show up to casting and here in the community at ASTRA (All Saints DID IT [PLAYING FOR therefore knew ahead of time that he had to Theatrical Repertoire Association) several work with what he had. TIME], IT DID COME times,” Sirl said. “The significant reason why I chose this This fall play, Playing for Time, is a story TOGETHER AND IT WAS play over others was because this play is surrounding the Auschwitz Women’s OrPOWERFUL. mostly a female cast and at the end of the chestra. Sirl revealed that he had a personal year last year I didn’t know how many boys Peter Sirl connection to the topic of the play. A relative Teacher I would have [this year]. I don’t have many, of his had experienced the Holocaust firstso you go with what you’ve got. If you got a hand. lot of girls then you find a play with a lot of “My grandma Buzsi was in a concentration camp. I don’t remember where Buzsi was. She probably was in women. This play is all about women,” Sirl said. Overall, Sirl says he is excited for the production knowAuschwitz but I can’t remember. Buzsi did not talk about ing that when it comes together it will be wonderful. it much,” Sirl said. “There’s a whole lot of non-spoken narrative in this Sirl feels as though a play with a topic surrounding such play, so it relies on technical aspects, lighting, sound ques
Above: the cast of Playing for Time during a play rehearsal. They are acting out a scene on a train, with Sirl directing them from the side.
A&E // Oct. 26, 2018
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PAPER KITES ROCKS NEW ALBUM
created in the chorus, with lead singers Sam Bentley and the perspective of a girl with “small town dreams” who By McKenna Zacher Christina Lacy blending their voices together seamlessly. ends up a waitress just scraping by, but finding her identiManaging ty in the process. It struck a chord in me for some reason Australian folk-indie band The Paper Kites, is at it again. It’s a passionate track and one that defines the album. - maybe it was the theme of finding oneself While “Mess We Made” is upbeat, the Releasing On the Corner Where You Live Sept. 21, it is evident the band has found its sound. The sequel to a following track “Flashes” slows things I STRONGLY RECOMMEND in the midst of big dreams, or the melancholy instrumental. Either way, this song is two-part release, On the Corner Where you Live lives up down, taking the Paper Kites back to their GIVING THE ALBUM A beautiful and is a standout in the storytellto its predecessor, the hauntingly beautiful album On the roots of pure acoustic. I love the simplicLISTEN IF YOU HAVE LIKED ing on the album. ity of the song, how it is only guitar and Train Ride Home. The final track on the album is titled While the album was originally set to release in August, Bentleys voice. It makes for a hauntingly PREVIOUS WORK DONE BY “Don’t Keep Driving.” The whole song pure emotion and connection to the song. THE PAPER KITE’S, OR IF it was worth the wait. The first album in the release was strongly acoustic, personal and quaint. On the Corner To me, the meaning of asking for “flashes YOU ENJOY LISTENING TO sounds dreamlike, with windchimes, synth chords and a constant guitar riff. The lyrics Where You Live is much more upbeat, most of the tracks in the night” is asking for a sign or hope. MUSIC WITH A STORY. speak upon the central idea of the album: The meaning of this song strongly relates having notes of pop or jazz influences. who are the strangers we pass on the street, back to the introspectiveness McKenna Zacher Opening with “A Gathering on 57th,” the I LOVE THE SIMPLICITY Managing sit next to on the train or see in the windows of previous release “On the album begins with a jazzy instrumental. In OF THE SONG, HOW IT Train Ride Home,” in which the we drive by? What are their stories? Bentleys the background you can hear the noises of IS ONLY GUITAR AND singer asks for someone he can “hold on to,” voice sings “Don’t keep on driving, let me say something,” the city, as well as of a subway car, the same asking to for his story to be heard. The album ends with in this case maybe being a flash of light. BENTLEYS VOICE. noises that closed out On The Train Ride The title track, “On the Corner Where You the repetition of one phrase: “Don’t push me away.” It’s a Home on its tile track “On the Train Ride McKenna Zacher Live” is full of constant drum beat and catchy reflective phrase, one that can invoke a new meaning with Home.” The song ties together the two reMamaging guitar riffs, Bentley’s voice carries this power every listen. leases and gives a hint to what is in store. The Paper Kite’s On the Corner Where You Live is a ballard. The songs builds to it’s bridge, where The second track “Give Me Fire, Give Me Desire” is a stark difference from “A Gathering on 57th.” The track Bentley reassures the one he is singing to that everything beautiful, reflective, 11-track album that ties perfectly opens with just the drums for a few beats, then sudden- is still the same, and therefore they are safe: “But all this to the first installment of the two-album release, On the Train Ride Home. I strongly recommend giving the album ly, a wave of guitars and synth crash and the track really time you're still the same, on the corner where you live.” a listen if you have liked previous work done by the Paper My absolute favorite track on the album has to be “Midbegins. A stand out feature of the song is the harmonies town Waitress,” the album’s eighth song. The song is from Kite’s, or if you enjoy listening to music with a story.
Trench wows staffer, worth wait One of the most unique songs in By Megan Lynn Trench is “Cut My Lip.” Unlike the Chief eturning back into the spotlight, Twenty One Pi- others it starts with a build-up into lots is back with another story and a 14-track al- the first verse using a synth. The bum, Trench. The two man band of Tyler Joseph song’s simplicity makes it very easy and Josh Dun is a force to be reckoned with. to sing along which gives it this Twenty One Pilots’ last album, Blurryface was released reggae feel. in May 2015. Three years later, with a year long hiatus, I could just the band is back stronge than ever. stand and sway to This album was worth the long wait as it expands and the simple beat creates more into the story of Dema, the city that Joseph of this song from has created throughout the album. Dun’s drum. The The release of the music started with four singles, reverb on Joseph’s “Jumpsuit,” “Levitate,” “My Blood” and “Nico And The voice matches the Niners,” all coming out in succession over the summer, breakdown of the building up anticipation for the album resong, lease. building layers onto the I COULD JUST STAND The album opens up with “Jumpsuit” songs simple structure. AND SWAY TO THE which revolves around the story of Joseph The final song of Trench, running away, escaping from Dema. SIMPLE BEAT OF THIS “Leave The City” ends the The meek tone of Joseph’s voice in the album on a sad note. SONG FROM DUN’S beginning of this song is a well-known The song features a constant DRUM. tone of Twenty One Pilots. piano riff, building up the inThe bass and drum is battled by Joseph’s Megan Lynn tensity slowly, adding drums Chief lyrics, almost showing an internal batlittle by little. The track’s lyrtle, which is a recurring theme with other ics explain Joseph escaping songs by Twenty One Pilots. the city of Dema with the The angsty mood of this song sets the tone for the rest Bandito’s, led by Dun, who saved him of the album. from the Niners. The most notable song of the album would have to The intensity of the track be “Morph.” Joseph’s emotional falsetto pairs great with matches the story so well, the ‘90s-vibe synths that highlight the catchiness of the however if you did not know lyrics that repeat: “I'll morph to someone else, I'm just the band, you would just a ghost,” explaining how he is trying to escape Dema. think that the lyrics are The fifth track on this album, “Chlorine” is my person- very symbolic of what al favorite. The song starts with a strong bass and drum Joseph is feeling. snare from Dun. Joseph returns to his monochromatic Trench is a must add singing to show his emotions, that he feels almost empty to your daily Spotify when not writing music. playlist. If you are “Chlorine” represents how he cleanses his soul by interested in the duo, writing music. If he doesn't write he feels that he won't they will be here at be able to control himself, it cleanses his soul: “Sippin' the Tacoma Dome on straight chlorine, let the vibes slide over me, this beat Nov. 16 while on The is a chemical, beat is a chemical.” Bandito Tour.
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Megan Lynn // Vanguard
10 A&E // Oct. 26, 2018
The Viking Vanguard
Bad Times at the El Royale isn’t for everyone. But then again who is it for? The plot follows seven characters that aren’t who they claim to be, all spending the night at the El Royale hotel, a hotel that is split between Nevada and California in 1969. they each check into their rooms. Wait… By Mason Giustino that’s only six characters. Executive Producer Billy Lee (Chris Hemsworth) a Charles The first of these charcters we meet Manson-esque cult leader doesn’t show are priest Daniel Flynn (Jeff Bridges) and singer Darlene Sweet (Cynthia Erivo) who up until the last 40 minutes but I won’t are walking into the hotel together, mak- spoil the points leading up to this. Going into this movie ing small talk on the way. I was curious to see how Then comes in the IT FELT LIKE A BOOK write and director Drew uber-confident vacuum THAT’S MISSING Goddard wove all of these salesman Laramie Seymour PAGES,WHICH IS A people together organically Sullivan (Jon Hamm). He PROBLEM, ESPEICALLY throughout but even with immediately makes converthe hefty runtime of two FOR A MYSTERY LIKE sation with Flynn and Sweet hours and 20 minutes I still THIS. but never stops. felt many things had yet to Mason Giustino Soon after this we meet the Executive Producer be tied up in the end. hotel’s sole employee, Miles This was a major let Miller (Lewis Pullman) who down to me as I’m a huge gives a spiel to the group on the history of fan of Goddard’s The Cabin in the Woods, the El Royale. Eventually they’re joined by hippe Em- which had twists and turns that left me in ily Summerspring (Dakota Johnson) and shock each time more than the last.
Clearly, he didn’t take as much time on this story, as there are many plot lines that are built up over the entire film, only to be left unanswered when the credits roll. It felt like a book that’s missing pages, which is a problem, especially for a mystery like this. Not to mention much of the plot issues could’ve been easily solved by cutting out the countless scenes of Darlene Sweet lulling the audience to sleep with her droning singing rather than keeping them engaged on the film. Despite these harsh remarks and critiques I have for this movie, I actually did enjoy seeing it. The cinematography was well done with, bright colors characteristic of the era often easing the dark fates the characters face throughout, along with a nice change of pace for Chris Hemsworth, in
seeing him play a megalomaniac creep, which was very well acted. Scenes with Lewis Pullman, the hotel’s lone employee with a dark past and full of disturbing stories about the El Royale, allowed me to overlook certain parts that were otherwise dull or just unneeded. As a whole, Bad Times at the El Royale was a disappointment as Goddard, an up and coming hopeful, failed to execute his story in the director’s chair and wasted a star studded cast for prolonged exposition that only left loose ends.
MOVIE REVIEW
A Star is definitely born in remake By Kyla Stout Staff
movie, where the audience can’t help but favor the main myself still wanting the best for them. The storyline will have you on the edge of your seat characters nearly immediately. Before the audience can fully appreciate either of the characters, things start go- hoping for a happy ending for Ally and Jack. If that is fulradley Cooper successfully starred and directed filled by the time the screen turns black ing awry. the 2018 version of “A Star Is Born.” With his coEVEN AS THEIR is what you have to find out for yourself. Jack’s demons were always there but it’s not star being no other than Lady Gaga, there was no INTERNAL FLAWS Bradley Cooper has directed an as easy to excuse them as they become more doubt that the music would be exceptional; what suramazingly poetic and heart throbbing apparent. His love for Ally was how I was able EXPOSE THEMSELVES I prised me the most was the quality of the story. masterpiece that had the theater clapto make exception for his faults. When his FOUND MYSELF STILL Jack (Cooper) is an accomplished musician who has demons started affecting Ally, his flaws then WANTING THE BEST FOR ping in appreciation of how fascinathad issues with drinking and drug use for seemingly ing cinema can be. “A Star Is Born” is become harder and harder to forgive. THEM. most of his life. Ally, (Gaga) has been facalready expected to be a nominee for Ally’s career is soaring yet Kyla Stout ing problems in the music business as she Staff multiple awards and its soundtrack has she crosses the very values I reRIGHT OFF THE BAT, struggles to start her own career as a mufound its way to the top of the charts. spected about her. At one time THE AUDIENCE CAN’T sician. This movie had me smiling the secshe denounced that the music Within one night of knowing each othHELP BUT FALL IN business had liked her vocal abilities but ond the music flooded into the theatre and crying well er, Jack reveals vulnerable times within his LOVE WITH THE not her looks. Her sudden change of mind before the credits started rolling. life and Ally allows Jack to see the part of had me wondering how she could have CHARACTERS. her that is the silenced songwriter. strayed so far from her own path. The moment things take a turn is when Kyla Stout It can be described as a movie full of Staff Jack puts the spotlight on Ally at his own heart. Right off the bat, the audience can’t show when they perform a duet Ally had help but fall in love with the characters. Alwritten. Ally’s career is no longer at a stall ly’s compassion for music is inspiring and Jack’s strong and her and Jack are able to grow a relationship on Jack’s commitment to their relationship is extremely admiratour. ble considering his dark past. The story’s plot strikes a high point early on in the Even as their internal flaws expose themselves I found
B
MOVIE REVIEW
12 SPORTS // Oct. 26, 2018
The Viking Vanguard
FALL SPORTS UPDATE
Fall sports are reaching to the end of their regular seasons. Here’s a look at how each team has been doing. Records are overall scores. Varsity Football 7-1 Next game: Friday Oct. 26 vs Rogers, Away @ Sparks, 7 p.m.
Girls Varsity Golf 6-2 Boys Varsity Golf 1-7
By Nobi Johnson Sports
Girls Varsity Cross Country 2-3 Boys Varsity Cross Country 2-2 Girls Varsity Soccer 13-0-1 Girls Varsity Swim and Dive 6-2-0 Boys Varsity Tennis 8-4
Varsity Volleyball 11-3
Nobi Johnson // Vanguard
Nobi Johnson // Vanguard
A multitude of PHS sports teams are on track to go into post season. Ranked third in state, varsity football is in route to go to playoffs. Ranked seventh in state, varsity volleyball is also going into post season, as well as girls varsity soccer who are first in state, varsity girls swim and dive and varsity boys tennis.