Story of Mystery

Creative Writing

by Lorelai A.

I open my eyes, and as I sit up I see I’m in some sort of laboratory. I see the wires and yank them out of my arm. “What happened?” I ask myself. I can seldom remember previous events that have happened, but all I know is I need to get out of here. I try to think of the fastest way out, when it hits me like a lightbulb flashed super bright: I can grab a chair, smash the window, and jump out. But I’m on the second floor, so maybe use this rope to help me down. I have never thought so fast in my life, almost like a computer has taken over my brain. That’s not possible. Is it? I find myself outside, and as I run out in my hospital gown, I hear sirens going off. People are looking: looking for me. I scatter, and my eyes instantly zoom in on a guard chasing full force at me. I start running, and turn around to put my hands up, when all of a sudden he’s thrusted into the air and he hits the ground hard. I stare in shock. “Di-did I just do that?” I ask myself while looking at my hands and moving my fingers. But before I can fully contemplate what happened, I see more guards running towards me. So I turned back around and ran far away, as the tears got pulled off my face.

Eventually I escape their grasp, and I run into a nearby small thrift store. I didn’t have any money on me, so I just took a random outfit to easily disguise myself, and changed in the bathroom. After I walk out of the stall, I stare at myself in the mirror longingly. With my new leather jacket, and my brand new paper-boy hat and my alarmingly pale face. I rip the tags off, and decide to cut my hair. “Those long locks, and my thick curly hair.” I said. But I reassured myself that this is what needs to be done. I look back into the mirror and see myself, I smirk admiring my new look, and open up the bathroom door to escape through the backdoor. Luckily, the cashier was too busy lighting up a cigarette to even notice me. 

I walk outside and start to walk back home, wishing this was all a dream. But all the while… I am contemplating to myself: How was I able to throw someone? I didn’t even touch them that hard, but my hand had thrown them so far back. I don’t remember being that strong after all. My thoughts… seem more elaborate, and second nature. I am a human. Right? Of course I am. I mean, I do look like one after all. Continue reading Story of Mystery →

Nearing the End of Quarter Three!

Trojan Update

By Mayli Martin

For exciting news this week, it is almost the end of the third quarter of the school year!  This year has been going quickly and with the halfway point of second semester and the start of spring break approaching, it can be very exciting to realize how summer will be here soon.  There are some exciting things coming up to end the quarter as well as things that will be coming up in the fourth quarter to end the semester, so here are some things to look forward to.

For juniors, ACTs are done so no more stress to prepare for tests!  Students should still focus on their studies with finals and tests in school to ensure high grades, but the weeks of Methodize test prep have come to an end and students did great with the ACT.  There were zero complications and Tremper is proud of the Junior class for making it through the ACT.  For those taking the SAT, make sure to study to be prepared and do the best you can and Tremper will be full of support.  Freshman and sophomores will have their PreACT next week, so make sure to keep preparing to do the best you can on the big day to keep practicing for the real test Junior year.  Juniors and seniors enjoy the day off and good luck to freshman and sophomores!

The Blood Drive has also come to an end, meaning one of the biggest events of the year is done to add some relaxation to those in Student Government.  The Blood Drive was a success with collecting six hundred three pints of blood, which is the most collected since COVID and will help save hundreds of lives.  Everyone in Student Government did a great job preparing for the drive, especially Tori Keckler, Arrien Narula, and Gianna Martin who have worked hard to make sure everything was ready for the big day, and with its success, Tremper is very proud of their hard work.  This means the next big events will most likely be working with Senior Convocation and Graduation, so the end of the year is approaching faster than one thinks and it can be an exciting time with celebrating the seniors.

In terms of firsts, the junior’s first prom is also coming up soon!  John Fitzgerald, Ally Shores, and Emily Giese have been working hard to plan this year’s Prom and have come up with the theme Golden Hour, which will be an amazing and beautiful night to remember.  Dress shopping has begun and plans are starting to get made, meaning prom king and queen will start to appear in the mindsets of the Junior class.  Everyone is super excited for this year’s prom to dance the night away and hangout with friends as they celebrate a great school year with hopefully nice spring weather, so a fun and memorable night is excitingly being awaited.

Finally, there are many fun things that are starting with the end of the quarter, including Bleak Expectations, the spring Tremper Theater production.  The show’s rehearsals started last week and it is bound to be a good show with an amazing cast.  The NHS induction will also be coming up soon for new members, so exciting recognition and celebration for Tremper Students will be anticipated, including elections for the new officers for the 2024-2025 school year.  Spring events are also bound to spring up, especially with NHS service hour opportunities.

Therefore, enjoy the spring days as the year begins to come to an end.  Spring break is in less than two weeks so make the most of the last few days of quarter three and enjoy the couple weeks off from school!

March Madness

College Sports, Sports

By Isaac Kushner

Everyone loves this time of year because it means March Madness is here. March Madness is a college basketball tournament where the best 64 teams all battle to claim the national championship. So many things can happen during this tournament. We have seen it all from a sixteen seed upsetting a one seed to a one seed just blowing everyone out of the water. That’s what makes it so thrilling to watch, you never know what will happen. There are some dark horse lower seeds that could end up making a deep run this march. UConn is looking to repeat while Purdue is looking to make up for last year where they were the one seed and got upset in the first round by a sixteen seed. So many teams are capable of winning this year it’s hard to predict. 

Some clear cut teams that are projected to win are Houston, UConn, Purdue, and UNC. There are all the one seeds so it makes sense why they’re the favorites, but they all are so good. Houston has a good offense but a great defense that makes them blow every opponent out. Having a good defense is important in this tournament so there is no question as to why they are projected to go so far.

UConn is another team that could do some damage. They won the tournament last year as a four seed. There has never been a team go back to back, however this team is crazy good. With most players returning, don’t be surprised if they win it all.

UNC is fresh off of an ACC championship loss to in-state rival NC State. UNC is led by duo Rj Davis and Armando Bacot. These two players are some of the best in the country and gel together very well. Elliot Cadeu is their starting point guard. He is a freshman and no team has ever won the tournament with a freshman starting point guard but they have so much firepower everywhere else that doesn’t really matter.

Last but not least we have Purdue. Led by seven footer Zach Edey, the Boilermakers are looking to erase that terrible loss from last year to FDU. But this year, Purdue got a horrible draw for the team they play in the first round. They play Grambling State who just won their first March Madness game during their play in game. This Grambling state team is a lot like FDU and this should scare all Purdue fans.

Anything can really happen in March. I guess that’s why they say you should expect the unexpected. Be on the lookout for some crazy things to happen during this tournament it should be fun to watch.

 

The Possible TikTok Ban

Features, News

By Yousef Joseph 

Many people know about TikTok and use it every day, and some people do not know what TikTok is and don’t understand TikTok. TikTok is one of the most popular online social media sites to have ever existed and has grown rapidly over the years because of its special content and its trends. TikTok is also a way for many people to make a living, including small businesses that sell stuff through TikTok. With all of that being said, the U.S. government has been trying to ban TikTok in the U.S. for many reasons.

One of the reasons is the fact that TikTok is owned by a private company in China, which the government believes is selling its data to the Chinese government and also spreading Chinese propaganda through its platform. This however hasn’t at all been proven and the U.S. government doesn’t have any concrete support to back up their claim, which has made millions of Americans upset because they believe TikTok is very useful for their everyday lives and also makes the users skeptical about the real reason behind the government’s decision.

Recently, the U.S. government again tried to pass a bill banning TikTok, and millions of people started to believe the real reason behind the TikTok ban could be from the Israel-Gaza War. Currently, the Israeli-Gaza War has been going on since October of 2023, and many Americans on TikTok disagree with Israel’s retaliation method which has killed 32,000 Palestinians, including 10,000 children, and displaced close to 2,000,000 Palestinians. Many TikTok users believe that Israel could have taken the approach completely differently and that the U.S. government is trying to ban TikTok because they don’t want people to support Palestine. Obviously, this is just a theory, but this would make a bit of sense because of America’s close relationship with Israel. TikTok shouldn’t be banned because of how beneficial it is to people and the entertainment it provides to people. 

Tremper Blood Drive!

Trojan Update

By Mayli Martin

This week on Thursday, March 14th, is Tremper’s Annual Blood Drive.  This day has been anticipated by the hundreds of students in Student Government that have worked hard to set up the big community event, and everyone is excited for the big day!

This year, Tremper has collected almost 600 donors that could be eligible to donate.  Not all of them may be able to donate, but knowing the big number and the possibility of many walk-ins during the day, the number could end up close to that.  Tremper has been known as the biggest student-led blood drive in the nation, so getting a lot of donors is really important to hold the title with another successful drive.  For those in Student Government, there is still time to collect donors for the big day, so make sure to spread the word to friends, family, teachers, etc. to keep collecting donors.

This year we have had many wonderful people at Tremper register to donate, which has been done by students in Student Government collecting student donors during Trojan Times.  Many juniors have been willing to donate, and even a few sophomores as well!  Everyone has worked hard to spread the word across the school, and with many benefits to being involved in the Blood Drive, it will feel captivating to be a part of.  Not only will students receive food and skip class, which may seem like the best benefit to some, knowing that you are able to donate to help hundreds of people get blood that could save thousands of lives in the future is very rewarding.  With the help of Versiti, donating can be a feel-good moment for hundreds of people, and with being able to be a part of the event, the impact created can be a wonderful experience. Continue reading Tremper Blood Drive! →

The 90s = Best Era

Features

By Alexis Patterson 

Out of all the decades to live in, the 90s holds the top spot. The 90s era had so much versatility put into the different styles that brought it alive and it still influences trends today. That era holds the best music, TV shows, movies, activities, and more. Movies like 10 Things I Hate About You and She’s All That were very popular rom-coms that people fell in love with. They connected with them due to the realistic aspects and teen struggles. There were TV shows that also had the same effect as those movies like Boy Meets World and Dawson’s Creek.

Music-wise, artists like Eminem, Destiny’s Child, Brandy, or Snoop Dogg had a big impact on the 90s. They helped popularize Rap, hip hop, and R&B during this time making it more produced throughout the country. The fashion sense during the decade was top-tier. Men would wear the oversized vintage jackets and baggy jeans with chains, baseball caps and glasses, paired with a Nike or New Balance sneaker, while women would be more into the more fitted clothes with a pair of chunky sandals or high-top sneakers.

Technology also wasn’t a big part of that era which made it less toxic. Teens had to make genuine connections without the help of the internet or the distraction from a cell phone. There wasn’t any social media, which made it less likely for someone to browse and continue and lower their self-esteem. The way people would keep up with trends is through the many magazines that were produced at the time, they would include new clothes that stores would release, the newest song release of a music artist, or a new actress or actor that had an upcoming movie. 

 

The ACT is Just Around the Corner!

Trojan Update

By Mayli Martin

Tremper juniors are getting down to the wire as the ACT is coming up next Tuesday on March 12th!  Students have been preparing on Methodize and trying to learn as much as they can to prepare themselves for the ACT, and now that it is almost here, they are anxiously awaiting the long test day.  While they wait for the big day, what are some things that can help prepare last minute?

One thing juniors can do to prepare is work on Methodize, which has been instructed for a while now.  Keep in mind that Methodize cannot teach any new materials, but it will help get used to the testing structure and process.  The numerous lessons and units all go over a term or type of question to look for on the test, and by practicing while learning the test questions, preparing for the test can be less stressful with learning how the test will be.  Methodize can have timers for working on working fast and efficiently, and if one does not understand something gone over, there are videos and explanations to help with.  For those that have maybe not spent much time on Methodize, it is important to look through the units and see what needs to be worked on in terms of understanding the test.

Another study tactic is to take a practice test.  On Methodize, there are many practice exams to take to prepare for how testing day will be.  There are tests for certain subjects, one for science, math, reading, English, and writing, that can be done to get used to the time limits and practice with the questions.  Also, there is a full length practice test.  Students can practice the ACT by taking a full length timed test with every section in it.  By taking the day to have a mock test day, it is nice to prepare and practice what will be done the day of the test to see how one does in the testing conditions. Continue reading The ACT is Just Around the Corner! →

New Orleans Saints Offseason

Opinion, Professional Sports

By Isaac Kushner

The Saints finished last season 9-8, which is where they were projected to finish. They missed the playoffs by just one game. The Saints haven’t been to the playoffs in three years which is a little disappointing for the organization considering its winning history. They need to make some big moves in the offseason to move up to that playoff team or even maybe super bowl contenders. The playoffs have been very disappointing to the Saints and the fans as they’ve really only lost in heartbreaking fashion. I believe they can make a deep playoff run next year and here’s how they will do it.

First they need to get rid of Derek Carr. They did recently reconstruct his contract so he isn’t getting overpaid anymore, but he just can’t win football games. They need to trade Derek Carr for picks and trade up in this year’s draft to take a quarterback. Either Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye, whoever they can get. If that doesn’t work out, they can keep Carr and take edge rusher Jared Verse at their original 14th pick and trade up in the second round to select quarterback Michael Penix out of Washington. That way, if Carr isn’t performing up to the standard they can put in Penix who is a little older so he won’t take too long to adjust. The only thing wrong with Penix is he has been riddled with injuries. He tore his ACL twice and is very injury prone. They then need to go and get an offensive lineman to help protect him. If they can keep their original second rounder they can draft Dominick Puni out of Kansas who can play anywhere on the line. They can use the rest of the draft to fill holes that need to be filled. 

Another huge problem is Dennis Allen. Allen filled in for Sean Payton as head coach when he retired and ever since, hasn’t been to the playoffs. He replaced the offensive and defensive coordinators but they weren’t the problem. The problem is him. We need to fire him and hire a head coach like Mike Vrabel. He has a pretty strong resume making the playoffs four times in his six year tenure with the Titans. Now obviously more holes need to be filled, but I do believe the Saints are one big move away from being Super Bowl contenders.

R&B is the Best Music Genre

Entertainment

By Alexis Patterson 

R&B is undoubtedly one of the best music genres out there. There are many different musical possibilities and ways for artists to express their versatility. R&B infuses most genres, making it easier for it to be more diverse. Many artists are considered R&B, but each brings their own style to the genre. For example, Beyoncé and SZA are two famous R&B artists; however, their approach to R&B is entirely different. Beyoncé’s songs are more upbeat and perfect for a hyper vibe. In contrast, SZA’s music has a more laid-back, chill vibe. You’ll notice a difference if you compare 7/11 by Beyoncé to Love Galore by SZA. 7/11 is an upbeat and funky song that will get you up and dancing in no time, while Love Galore has a more relaxed and soothing tone that will make you want to sit back and relax.

R&B is a genre for many, not limited to one community or person. Everybody can find a vibe to identify with in at least one R&B artist, as they all have their way of expressing a connection with the outside world. The genre has also helped to bring people together for many decades since the 40’s and many more to come. Internationally R&B has made their rightful place in the world of music and without R&B some genres wouldn’t be as popularized or put out there into the world. 

In conclusion, R&B is a genre that has stood for a long time and continues to evolve and inspire new artists to come out and show their talents. It’s a genre that has brought joy and comfort to many people over the years, and it’s no wonder that it’s still one of the best and most popular genres out there.

 

All Star Weekend

Professional Sports, Sports

By Isaac Kushner

The 2024 All Star weekend in Indianapolis this past weekend left many fans disappointed. These most recent all star games and events have definitely got less competitive and boring to watch. Starting off with the skills competition there were people shooting with their off hand, walking through the event, and just no energy being put into the players performance. The skills competition is made up of three different challenges and could be more depending on tiebreakers. This weekend there were only three starting with the first where players had to make a pass through a ring, dribble to the other side of the court and make a floater, make a corner three on that side, then dribble back to the other side and finish with a layup or dunk. This was the worst event by far and it didn’t get much better as the night went on. 

The dunk contest was the worst it’s been in recent years. It’s not much of the players’ faults, the fans are used to seeing people like Michael Jordan and Vince Carter compete, so seeing two players from the G League competing is a little disappointing. The judges don’t help much either. They don’t give some dunks the rating they deserve and they kind of ruined the contest this year. An easy fix to the dunk contest is to make bigger name players compete. Faces of franchises instead of G League players would be much more exciting. 

The three point contest is hard to mess up. That was the most entertaining event this whole weekend. This year they added on a Steph Curry vs Sabrina Ionescu three point competition. The whole point was to end the debate vs the two of them on who is the better shooter. Sabrina even shot from the NBA three point line and she only lost by one shot. Her score tied with Damian Lillard who won the actual three point contest. All Star weekend has been on a downfall and the NBA needs to do something about it.

The Influence of Music on Emotions 

Features

By Noah Acosta

Music is a powerful tool that has the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in individuals. Whether it’s a melancholy ballad that brings tears to your eyes or an upbeat dance track that makes you want to get up and move, Music has the power to influence our emotions in profound ways.

One way in which music influences emotions is through its ability to tap into our memories. Studies have shown that certain songs or melodies can trigger strong emotional responses by reminding us of specific events or people in our lives. For example, hearing a song that was playing during a special moment with a loved one can instantly transport us back to that time and evoke feelings of happiness or even sadness.

Music also has the ability to regulate our mood and emotions. Research has shown that listening to music can have a therapeutic effect on individuals, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. In fact, music therapy is a widely recognized form of treatment for various mental health conditions, as it has been shown to have a positive impact on overall well-being and emotional health.

Furthermore, music can also serve as a form of expression for individuals. Whether it’s through writing lyrics, composing melodies, or simply listening to music, individuals can use music as a way to channel and process their emotions. This can help individuals with difficult emotions such as grief, anger or loneliness, and can even serve as a form of catharsis.

In conclusion, music is a powerful tool that has the ability to influence our emotions in profound ways. Whether it’s through triggering memories, regulating mood, or serving as a form of expression, music has the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in individuals. So next time you’re feeling down or need a pick-me-up, consider turning on some music and see how it can influence your emotions for the better.

Excitement for the Music Department!

Trojan Update

By Mayli Martin

The last couple weeks have been an exciting time for Tremper’s music department.  Last weekend was Choral Fest and a couple weeks before that was Band-O-Rama!  It has been very exciting for them with working with their guest conductors and getting to perform at Indian Trail, and with it being a huge event with many schools packed in Indian Trail’s fieldhouse, it is definitely an exciting and busy day with rehearsals, preparations, and the magical night of the concert.  Both events have been super successful with having two amazing nights of music, but there is still one left: Orchestra Fest!

On March 9th, Orchestra Fest will take place at Indian Trail with guest conductor Ms. Michelle Kaebisch.  Ranging from fourth graders to seniors, many amazing orchestra selections will be performed, including a piece combining all students: “Peer Gynt.”  It will be a magical experience with hundreds of students in a fieldhouse playing one piece, and it is always a fun time.  Choral Fest and Band-O-Rama have been very successful so there is high anticipation for how Orchestra Fest will be, which is sure to be amazing as well.

One exciting detail about this year’s Orchestra Fest is that the combined high school orchestra will be playing an arrangement of “Wicked,” celebrating the news of the new Wicked movie coming out November 27th!  The medley included the songs “No One Mourns the Wicked,” “The Wizard and I,” “Dancing Through Life,” “Popular,” and “Defying Gravity.”  It is bound to be a magical performance which will raise excitement for the movie coming out, and with the official trailer being released at the SuperBowl, anticipation for the new movie with Arianna Grande and Cynthia Erivo is growing bigger the more that is released.  With the orchestra performing this selection, it is bound to be a remarkable night! Continue reading Excitement for the Music Department! →

Leverkusen Match Report

Professional Sports, Sports

By Isaac Kushner

Bayer Leverkusen defeated Bayern Munich 3-0 this past weekend. This win at home for Leverkusen puts them five points clear of Bayern Munich and top of the table. The lights must have been a little too bright for Bayern as Leverkusen destroyed them. They had complete control of the whole game and not once did it seem like they were losing it. Manager Thomas Tuchel who’s team has won the past 11 league titles was simply outcoached by Xabi Alonso. This is a huge loss for Bayern and they will look to bounce back and try to take back authority of the Bundesliga.

Outside back Josip Stanisic got things started for Leverkusen with an early goal in the 18th minute. Robert Andrich took the ball from a throw-in and put a perfect cross into the back post. Stanisic was waiting for the ball unmarked and was able to slot it away. Leverkusen went into the half up 1-0 and knew they needed to do more. Then, in the 50th minute Alejandro Grimaldo and Nathan Tella had a link up play that put them up 2-0. Nathan Tella got the ball in the midfield and played Grimaldo into Bayern’s defensive third. Grimaldo played Tella back and he played a one touch pass back to Grimaldo through on goal. Grimaldo stayed composed and was able to place it in the top corner near post. Finally to put the nail in the coffin, Jeremie Frimpong scored in the 95th minute. Bayern goalie Manuel Nuer was out of the net for a corner that got cleared out. Frimpong took advantage and dribbled up half the field and scored on the empty net.

Many things need to happen for Bayern to overcome Leverkusen. With Bayern being the only real threat to them, they are going to need some of the other teams in the league to step up. For Leverkusen on the other hand, they need to take care of business. They control their own destiny right now so they just have to close out the season. With only 13 matches left in the season, Leverkusen can see their title hopes getting closer and closer.

 

Students Should Have Virtual Fridays

Opinion

By Mary Riese

While adapting to the new technology advanced world, students need to have a good grasp on how to work well online. The world was abruptly introduced to the whole virtual environment when Covid took over. Many students did not work well online and would end up giving up trying to succeed. However, many companies and big businesses changed their companies to partly virtual, work from home, or even full time virtual. With this change, kids need to get used to the changing world in order to succeed in a job. Being able to work well in both environments is crucial. 

While having the ability to do both is important, this would also be a day in the week for kids to work on missing work, talk to teachers one on one virtually, and overall get a break from the occasionally toxic environment that high school can be for some students. For some kids, they can barely make it through the week, they end up missing various periods of school and important lessons that they don’t have the energy to make up. Additionally, lots of college classes can be taken online so getting comfortable with them before you have to pay for the classes in college would save students lots of money in the long run. Having virtual Fridays would give everyone a break, and even possibly lower the absence rate. It would also give teachers additional time to grade, create lesson plans, and meet with students who need extra help.

Whether it improves attendance, helps mental health, gives extra work time, or helps students be well set for their future, having virtual Fridays would make a positive impact. Especially with all the technology and resources available, this small change could be made in the blink of an eye. Having virtual Fridays is something easy to do, beneficial to students, and a positive change for the better.

Valentine’s Day Plans?

Features

By Mayli Martin

Even though Valentine’s Day is in a couple weeks, surely people are thinking about plans.  Usually there are two sides to Valentine’s Day: the loving couples that spend their day with dates and affection and the people not in a relationship thinking about what to do.  However, what if this year was different?

Love is known to be a feeling that keeps everyone going and it is needed to survive.  Even if it’s not romantic, love can be our motivation and strength to get things done and take on a new day.  When Valentine’s Day is seen as a day for couples though, many sometimes see the special holiday as a sad day reflecting on their life, but it should not be like that.  Everyone should be able to feel affection, and even though love should be spread every day, Valentine’s Day should be celebrated with everyone to make sure the whole world feels loved.  So here is some things to do on the love bug holiday:

For couples, taking a nice day with one’s significant other is always a nice time.  Planning the day to express love with gestures, kind words, flowers, etc. are always good ways to make people feel special.  However, taking the time to do a simple sign of affection is always special no matter how small.  Meaningful things are memorable, and handmade things can be very special.  Handwritten letters and cards, flowers, etc. are always nice, and even though girls are the ones to get the flowers, guys should get them too.  Everyone should feel loved on this holiday, so showing affection to both sides of the relationship is nice, getting flowers and doing fun activities like baking, dancing, and even just watching a movie! Continue reading Valentine’s Day Plans? →

The Utes

College Sports, Sports

By Isaac Kushner

The University of Utah’s basketball program historically hasn’t been that good, with their last national championship being in 1944. The last time they were in the NCAA Tournament was 2016 when they lost in the second round to Gonzaga 82-59. In 2015 they had a pretty exciting run, losing in the sweet sixteen to the eventual champions Duke 63-57. Utah is more of a football school that hasn’t seen much success from the basketball team, but they are looking to change that this year. 

The Utes got off to a 5-0 start this year losing their sixth game to Houston. At the time Houston was ranked second in the country and Utah kept it close for a while so the fans weren’t too upset with the loss. To make the NCAA Tournament this year they will need at least 20 wins and to go decently far in the conference tournament. They’re sitting at 14-7 right now. They were 9-2 going into conference play and the Pac 12 this year is a great basketball conference so it is going to be tough to get through barely beaten. With the rest of their schedule being lighter than the beginning, I think they can get to that 20 win mark.

Seven foot senior Branden Carlson leads the way for the Utes averaging 17 points per game. He is shooting 47% from the field and is an efficient scorer with his plus minus being +10. As long as he can stay healthy the Utes have a very high chance of making the tournament. Another big impact player is guard Deivon Smith. He is an experienced senior who can also score the ball very well. He is able to show up in big games Scoring 24 points, grabbing 11 rebounds with 8 assists in an upset win over Oregon. To make a run in the tournament you need to be able to bring your best every game which is a skill these two players possess and I’m excited to see how the rest of the season turns out.

 

Brazil’s Glitter Research

Features

By Lexie Kellner

To begin, glitter is found just about everywhere such as clothing, art, cosmetics, and more. After the University of Sao Paulo conducted research, they discovered that glitter also occupies the ocean. Over 8 million tons of glitter have been estimated to be distributed throughout the oceans. They then began observing the delayed growth of aquatic organisms. This led them to undertake proving the relationship between glitter particles obstructing biogeochemical cycles and marine animals. The researchers are trying to find a way to decrease the amount of glitter in the sea, so it stops polluting the oceans. 

Furthermore, glitter is made up of various kinds of microplastics coated in aluminum to create a reflective surface. Glitter is unable to be filtered out by systems due to its lack in size. Therefore, the glitter ends up in oceans or other bodies of water. Glitter is not decomposable due to its composition of microbeads. When aquatic animals make contact with glitter it endangers that animal due to its sharp sides and toxic material. If the concentrations of glitter continue to increase it can influence water contamination negatively. Not only does this affect organisms but also cyanobacteria. This bacteria is also known as algae which is needed by the majority of marine animals. It’s food for organisms and is needed for the water and soil cycles. After a vast amount of research was conducted, it was shown that algae grows significantly less when in contact with glitter. It stunts growth and can negatively affect the health of the algae. 

Overall, glitter has critically impacted the health and well-being of algae and marine animals. Glitter pollution needs to be stopped so microplastics don’t continue infecting the sea. The research has shown lasting effects on many organisms which can continue to increase. Our oceans should be protected from harm, but they continue to deliver destruction. Human activity shouldn’t continuously impact our ecosystems negatively.

Do High Schools Do Enough To Prepare Students For Careers 

Features

By Nevaeh Johnson

Students spend 12 years preparing for college and what they will do as a career for the rest of their life. Schools only teach students some basic necessities that are needed before going off to college and finishing their schooling,  but they can also help by giving different opportunities to help you succeed in the future.  A lot of schools do have classes that can point children in the right direction for the career they might be considering , but many colleges will make you retake classes in their school, and the classes that you may have taken in high school to help you better prepare might not necessarily be as helpful as you thought.

High school classes are also easier than college classes since they do not elaborate and expand on the topics you need to know about for your specific field of work. High schools could have more career based classes that can give you more information and in class experiences for different jobs. On the other hand some schools, Like Tremper, give their students the privilege of signing up for youth apprenticeship. Youth apprenticeship is where high schoolers are able to go into a job that they are looking for a career in, and if they are able,  they can get a release during school in addition to even getting credits towards high school graduation. 

High school cannot prepare students for every challenge they might face, but it can teach them basics and strategies to help them figure out what to do in certain situations. I believe that certain jobs are technique and skill based. By being taught basic skills and having prior knowledge of what to do or even an idea can help a lot when situations come up that you have not been in before. In your schools there are people all around you that went into a career and experienced college like your teachers and counselors. So if you are ever confused about anything or want to know more about college and some careers you could go into, ask your counselor, they are there to help you and guide you through the process and show you the steps to get to where you want to be. So after the 12 years you spend getting ready to get further education and make a career out of it, if you ask questions and take advantage of the opportunities provided to you, high school should have been able to prepare you very well in the direction you are choosing to go. 

Mysteries of the Mind

Creative Writing

By Lorelai A

Running through the forest, I became a speed demon. Shedding the fear, shedding the pain, and running with passion. I hide behind a tree, and I hear a snarl coming from nearby. But I stay calm, and keep quiet, waiting for it to pass swiftly. I take a moment to breathe, as I look down at my torn clothes and see if I can find a near weapon. But right as I lean, the beast gets closer until he’s right above me, an-

“Penny, wakeup” Theresa whisper shouts, whacking my arm off the desk. “Ow!” I cried back. “You fell asleep, again.” She said, “D-did I miss anything?” I whispered to her. “No.” She added. “Well… except for another lecture from Mr. Boring.” We both giggled. “HEY! Quiet down,” he barked, as he whipped his head from the chalkboard to look at us. “And, Ms. Smith, a word with you after class.” “Well, now you’re in trouble.” Theresa looked at me sternly. 

As the bell rang, students got up flooding from their seats, as I slowly rose and walked up to Mr. Borning’s desk. “Penelope,” He says calmly. (God I hate when people call me by my full first name) “Is everything okay? Are you having troubles at home?” “What?” I replied genuinely confused. “Why would you say that?!” “Well…” he added, “It seems that you really have been having a tough time staying awake in my class. It seems like everytime I turn back to look at you, your head is plopped down on the desk.” At this point he looked genuinely concerned. “With most students, I would assume they are just bored of my class, but you are a very intelligent young lady. So I’m not sure if these are some issues I should know about, to help you learn.” I paused for a second, and mustered a smile saying “Nope. I’m okay.” “Okay.” He sneered. “Now go to class.” 

God I hate when teachers confront students, thinking that that’s gonna actually help? Truth be told, I’ve been having these vivid dreams for months. Something that I cannot rid my head of, no matter how hard I try. It all began when I woke up in the middle of the night, in a cold sweat. I was in a lab while my parents were being held captive by a mad scientist and I had to save them from the doctor by sacrificing myself, and there was no other choice. Right as I was about to get a laser beam into my chest, I awoke. 

I started breathing heavily, and my parents came rushing into my room, and I told them what had happened, and that I’ve been having very vivid dreams. That’s when they decided to take me to a psychiatrist, Dr. Dean to help me view my dreams, but it’s all pointless. There is nothing with them, they are just vivid nightmares. Oftentimes I’m running away, in dangerous predicaments, or even at the end of everything. The second I am about to perish, I awake. It’s strange, because I’m in a trance almost, until it breaks the fourth wall. That’s when I catch a glimpse back into reality.

New Semester, New Excitement!

Trojan Update

By Mayli Martin

This week is a huge week for Tremper students!  It is the start of a new semester with new classes and spirits are high with a new start with new classes.  With schedule changes, it can take getting used to having new classes, but it is important to make the year count so students must continue to keep up with grades and extracurriculars.

For Tremper sports, the school Pep rally will be on Thursday to celebrate a rival game in the Boys Basketball season.  With the start of the new semester, it is definitely an exciting start to the week and can be very encouraging to continue showing Tremper spirit for sports and to have motivation to be the best one can be while supporting the basketball team.  The Tremper Trojanettes Dance Team will be performing at the pep rally, and with the help of Student Government organizing the event, it is sure to be a fun time.  It is always a fun week with a new start and a pep rally to celebrate, so this week is sure to be a good one.

In terms of Tremper’s Student Government and NHS, executives are busy working on key events in the year: the Tremper Blood Drive and the Dodgeball Tournament.  Student Government is working hard with Community Service Exec meeting with Versiti and organizing the plans regarding theme, t-shirts, and Blood Drive Committees to help ensure the responsibilities of getting donors, donations, publicizing, and creating another successful year for one of the biggest school-run blood drives.  In NHS, executives and Dodgeball committees are busy planning the contributions needed to create another successful tournament, having committees meet to plan food donations, publicity, sign-ups, music, team organizing, and more!  With these big events this semester, it is sure to be a busy time but an exciting one with the purpose of the tournament and collaboration with Tremper students.

For students, a new semester means a new start.  With new and old classes, it is important to be responsible and keep up with classwork to have a successful semester.  Focus and understanding are very important, and teachers are always there to help so make sure to reach out when necessary.  School can be hard sometimes, but your teachers, friends, and family are always there for support and motivation to continue having a great and memorable high school experience.  Make sure to continue understanding content and pursue extracurriculars to keep enjoying the year!  For juniors and seniors, it can be stressful with college and ACTs, but keep working hard and reaching out for help and motivation, for this semester is sure to be another great one!  There is always support out there so continue to have confidence to conquer the new semester with high spirits.

Is it Worthwhile to Get a Job as a Teen?

Features, Opinion

By Mary Riese

While going to school, playing sports, and working a job may not seem ideal to the average teen, they will learn many different tactics and skills for their futures. Better ways to communicate politely, time management, money management, and professionalism. 

First, polite communication is key for any success in the workplace. People will not respond well to harsh commands or unclear requests. However with the right communication, you are much more likely to get your way. Next, time management. Time management is crucial to balance and finish many things in your life. If college is in the cards, being able to balance several hard classes while still having a good time all depends on your time management. You learn this at your first job because you slowly learn how many hours you are able to sustain. Figuring enough time for work, homework, sports, and sleep is not easy, but it will help you learn how much you can bear for future opportunities. 

Additionally, money management. For many teens, this is their first time the money they obtain is truly theirs. Managing expenses such as gas, clothing, or food is a good way to learn money management without having to worry about “grown-up” things such as house or car payments. Finally, professionalism. Being introduced to things such as work attire, work language, or work makeup is a good way for teens to learn what will help them to secure jobs in the future. Professionalism is how to be professional in work environments, how to act. Not swearing, using manners, not wearing ripped jeans, and not wearing obnoxious makeup are just a few examples. 

In conclusion, working a job as a teen teaches crucial skills for their future, ability to succeed in any environment.

Is Raising Canes Worth the “Hype”? 

Features, Opinion

By Mary Riese

Raising Canes is a restaurant taking over the fast food industry. This restaurant is known for only serving chicken finger meals. The idea of this restaurant came to life when a college student named Todd Graves was told to write a paper on a business that would thrive in a college town. Graves wrote up a business plan for this and then went on to get the lowest grade in the class as his professor told him only serving chicken fingers in South Louisiana would never work. Graves then gave this business plan to many other investors, all of which denied, so he learned what he would have to do to build his first restaurant and named it after his yellow lab, Raising Cane. 

Their most popular meal is “The Box Combo” consisting of four chicken fingers, one piece of Texas toast, French fries, and a side of coleslaw. Their craveable appeal is what truly draws people in because who doesn’t like chicken fingers and fries? However, most times the chicken is soggy and the fries are not seasoned. They also like to be known for their signature sauce, but in reality it just tastes like thousand island dressing with too much pepper. The lemonade they claim they make fresh really just tastes like Chick-Fil-A’s; good but not original. 

Overall, if you have a craving for chicken fingers this may seem like the best option, but I would try another. Although it is average, it is not worth the $10-15 you have to pay per meal. If you have never had it before, you truly are not missing out. 

Why You Should Get Involved in Theatre at Tremper

Opinion, Trojan Update

by Riley Voss

It is incredibly important to get involved during your time in high school. From the clubs and organizations available to join to the plethora of elective classes that can help you find out what you’re interested in, getting involved is what can make your high school experience one to remember. One of the best ways to get involved at Tremper is by participating in the Theatre Program. From the acting and drama classes available to take, to the shows that go on every year that you can audition for, the Theatre department is a welcoming and inclusive space where you will surely meet some of your closest friends. Participating in theatre is also a great way to learn many important life skills such as teamwork, leadership skills, and the ability to get a job done efficiently and effectively.

The Tremper Theatre program is an incredibly welcoming place, where you are able to confidently be yourself without judgment. Students from all different cliques and groups participate in theatre, allowing you to meet new people that you might have never known otherwise. I have met some of my best friends through the Theatre Program, and it is one of the only places where I feel comfortable to be my authentic self. Participating in a show together creates a special bond between you and everyone involved in the show. Friendships are formed that stand the test of time and you meet people who will stand by you no matter what. It is that close and genuine friendship that you get by participating in theatre that you cannot find anywhere else.  Continue reading Why You Should Get Involved in Theatre at Tremper →

DeSantis is DeFuture

Features

By Benjamin Rothove

In 2018, Ron DeSantis was elected the Governor of Florida by a margin of 30,000 votes.  Just four years later, he won reelection by 1.5 million votes.  As of November 2022, Ron DeSantis is the most popular politician in the entire country. How did this former Navy lieutenant become the most likely next President of the United States? 

Ron DeSantis was born in Florida to a middle-class family; his mother was a nurse and his father installed Nielson TV rating boxes.  DeSantis was an excellent baseball player on top of being an outstanding student, eventually serving as the captain of Yale University’s baseball team, a distinction he shares with former President George Bush. After graduating, he briefly worked as a history teacher, before attending Harvard Law School with fellow conservative Ben Shapiro. Continue reading DeSantis is DeFuture →

Admissions 

Features, Opinion

by Jacob Puhr 

Saturday, November 12th, was the closing night for Tremper’s Admissions.  The following article is less of a review as it is a combination of general thoughts I have on the play.  Before I indulge into the play’s subject matter, which will be this article’s main concern, I’d like to offer my praise to the actors and director.  

Every one of these actors delivered a stellar performance.  Despite many of them being classmates, I could not see them as such, instead I only saw them as their characters.  I believe that is a testament to their abilities and skills.  Not once did I catch any obvious mistakes or even a misspoken line; the entire show seemed to be fantastically flawless.  I’d say Enzo (Bill) and Jack (Charlie) possessed the best chemistry together.  Enzo truly appeared as an adult where Jack expertly emerged with the energy of a teenager whose dreams had been crushed.  The two played off each other well and added believability to the play.  

I believe Ghost, as Ella prefers to be called, (Sherri) was the heart of the play.  Her character doesn’t undergo a transformation, at least a major one, but as she sympathizes more with her disheartened son, we connect to her.  Even though we see her as a hypocrite (more on that later), we can’t help but like her as she defends Charlie when Bill harangues him during the rejection scene.  We perceive her as flawed while seeing her as a mother nonetheless who cares for her son.  Abby and Lucy were admirable in their respective roles as well.  Abby in particular added comedy to an often tense drama.  

Lastly, I’d like to offer praise to Mr. Cicerale.  His play utilizes a very minimalist structure, a new experience for him.  There were only five actors and one set atop a small “runway style stage”; the play itself is held in the theater room instead of the large auditorium.  He made the most of little.  Perhaps the minimalist approach worked best as the audience was just feet away from the actors, as if we’re in the play itself.  Like Cicerale elaborated in the program, “The intimacy that this creates, along with forcing the audience to not only watch the actors, but in a way, face themselves” was enabled by the play’s personal location.  The simple set fit each scene to where nothing felt out of place, and his work with the costume designer paid off as each actor’s appearance further reinforced their character and our perception of them. Continue reading Admissions  →

The Significance of Taylor Swift’s Midnight Rain

Entertainment

By Addison Preston

Released three weeks ago, On October 21st 2022, a dynamic masterpiece titled Midnight Rain was released on all musical platforms. This incredible lyrical three minute long song, features a vocal destruction produced by Jack Antonoff, one of Swift’s fellow songwriters and producers. This song is one of the most heart shattering and influential songs off of her newest hit album Midnights. Despite the efforts of a contrasting poppy culture, the true meaning of the song relies on the chorus, and focuses on lyrics. Swift echoes her past lovers throughout this song, telling the tale of heartbreak and the differences in such relationships. 

In her debut of this song, a remix of her vocals are presented to the listeners. However, in her most recent cover of this song, she is accompanied by playing the piano and acoustically singing this song. The chords harmonize and seethe the pain that she stresses throughout the song. The haunting G sharps, synchronizing with E flats dedicate the emotion of the words slipping from her lungs.  Continue reading The Significance of Taylor Swift’s Midnight Rain →

Top Three Tim Burton Movies 

Entertainment

By Lillian Liebke

Tim Burton is an extremely talented producer and artist who has been producing films and short stories since he was a child. He is very well known for his melancholy tones and settings, and famous actor Johnny Depp stars in most of Tim Burton’s films. But, which movies are his best works, and what makes them so captivating?

The third best is Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice is about a couple who dies and is trapped in their home, forced to live with the unbearable new family that moves in. They try to contact a ”bioexorcist” to rid the house of the family, and end up coming in contact with Beetlejuice. The live action film uses different effects and gory costumes to give a scary feel, but the overall tone is comedic. Tim Burton’s exotic costumes and amusing look on the afterlife gives the movie an exotic feel, and it’s amazing acting really pulls it all together.  Continue reading Top Three Tim Burton Movies  →

Best Pizza in Kenosha

Opinion

By Daniel Chiappetta

The best pizza in Kenosha is Kaiser’s Pizza. I have been to a lot of the pizza restaurants in Kenosha. The other places like Villa D Carlo, Sal’s, Giordano, and Casa Capri can’t compete with the pizza that Kaiser’s has. So many other people would agree with me that Kaiser’s have the best pizza. This shows why Kaiser’s has the best pizza in Kenosha. 

To begin with, me and my family have tasted and rated all of the main pizza places in Kenosha. After doing that I strongly believe that Kaiser’s have the best pizza in Kenosha. Kaiser’s white pizza is my favorite and is probably the best pizza I have ever tasted. If I rated all the pizza places in Kenosha out of ten I would give Kaiser’s a 9/10 and the next closest would be Giordano’s and I would give them a 7/10. This showcases why Kaiser’s have the best pizza in Kenosha.  Continue reading Best Pizza in Kenosha →

The Hallmark Hell We Live In

Entertainment, Opinion

by Zachary Brey 

Modern Christmas movies have gone to trash. It’s all the same plot over and over again. Here let me give you an example. Let’s make our “own” story. Sarah will be our stand in character. Sarah is a single woman living in a small town working in the big city. Sarah’s mother is always complaining about Sarah being alone on Christmas. Sarah says she is content with being alone, although deep down inside she is not. Insert some subplot about her friend that is unnamed, but a comedic relief.  Blah, blah, blah, skip some important baloney. Boom, the end of the movie resolves with Sarah with the love of her life, as her unnamed friend is there to watch the enjoyment.

At the end of the day, it is too cliché. If you read that story and went, “huh, sounds like one I know.” Yeah,  it’s probably because it is. Modern movies rely on the same cookie cutter (pun intended) plots. It’s all the same nowadays. Honestly if you want to see it in a more visual perspective, we’ve hit a plateau on Christmas movies. We’re not improving their style, or not changing it up, they are being made as cash grabs. If you want a change maybe make a plot yourself that involves Christmas becoming a complete disaster, but the main characters work it through or something. Like the tree lights on fire and grandma dies, and the turkey was over cooked. But the main characters see that it is not the materialistic things that make Christmas, well Christmas, but the fact they are all celebrating it all together. And with high confidence I can tell you that’s probably a plot already for a movie. How about this, STOP making Christmas movies.

Why You Should Get Involved in Choir at Tremper

Opinion, Trojan Update

by Riley Voss

Choir is a greatly fulfilling experience. Being part of a close-knit community where everyone comes together to make music and have fun is incredibly rewarding. The Tremper choir program is a great example of this. Joining choir at Tremper will provide you with an amazing sense of community where you can make lasting friendships and memories while working towards the goal of bettering yourself as a singer.

Choir is a great bonding experience, as you have to rely on and trust the other members of your section in order to succeed and produce great music together. Because of this, I have made great friendships during my time in Tremper Choir, finding people who will stand by me no matter what and value me both as a choir member and as a person. These friendships have been some of the strongest that I have made throughout my time in high school, and I have made lasting memories with these people over my years here. From the Madrigal Singers retreat, to going to see musicals such as Wicked and Come From Away together, the people that I have met through choir are truly some of my best friends. Strong friendships like this are important to have during your time in high school, and being in choir will give you so many great friends who you will likely want to remain in touch with long after you graduate. Continue reading Why You Should Get Involved in Choir at Tremper →

Gold Label’s New Release

Entertainment

By Ian Valdez 

Following the release of I’ll Say my Line, Gold Label hops back in the studio to record their second studio album. For Evan and Ian this is their first song that they are recording with the band, Evan stating “it’s honestly so fun and nerve racking to record, but I’m glad I can get this opportunity with such cool guys.” As the band prepares for their show later this month, they want to pump out as much content as they can.

Gold Label’s refined sound is something that the band is very proud of, but with their new song, they are working very hard on perfecting the song. They’ve upgraded their instruments, amps, and got better microphones. They are very serious about putting out a great sound that everyone will love. Their intention has always been to put out music that is new and refreshing, they’ve always kept to their roots with every song that they’ve written and have not tried to change for anyone else’s standards. Continue reading Gold Label’s New Release →

Who is Thomas Sowell?

Features

by Benjamin Rothove

Thomas Sowell was born at the height of the Great Depression, grew up in Harlem, and dropped out of high school.  How did he become a professor at Cornell University, write more than 45 books, and become the leading intellectual of the Conservative movement?

Thomas Sowell was born in North Carolina, but his father died before he was born and his mother was unequipped to raise him.  Sowell never knew his mother and was instead raised by his great aunt.  At a young age, Sowell and his family relocated to Harlem, New York, where he would attend school.  He excelled academically and qualified to attend a prestigious high school in the city. 

Unfortunately, his family ran into monetary issues and his home life deteriorated, forcing him to leave high school at the age of 17.  Sowell worked various jobs, at one point trying out for the Brooklyn Dodgers, until he was drafted into the Marines.  He never saw Korea because he worked as a photographer, but his time in the military shaped his future.  Continue reading Who is Thomas Sowell? →

Why Do We Yawn? 

Features

by Jacob Puhr

Everyone yawns. In fact, while writing this sentence I yawned.  But why?  We all know that when we’re tired and bored we find ourselves yawning.  Once again, I’ve yawned while talking about why we yawn, and now I’m yawning once more.  The more I find myself yawning non-stop while writing about yawning non stop, I wonder why?  Believe it or not scientists lack a shared, definitive consensus of why we yawn.  

Instead of answers, theories are proposed as to why we yawn.  The seemingly most accepted one is that yawning regulates brain temperature.  When yawning, blood flow increases.  As this flow increases, heat is more capable of dissipating and our eyes water which releases heat.  Sleep Foundation referenced, in one article, several studies that revealed when participants placed a warm pack on their heads, they yawned more than those with a cold pack.  On top of those studies, another showed that people yawn more during summer than winter, also adding evidence to the theory we yawn in warmer environments to help cool the brain. Continue reading Why Do We Yawn?  →

Ways To Better Your Mental Health

Features

By Lillian Liebke

With all that has been going on in our society and our world as a whole on top of all of the little things that go on in daily life, focusing on your mental health is one of the most important things you can do. Taking little steps throughout your daily life and slowly getting into a positive routine can really change your mindset, and it can be as easy as little self-care steps or daily affirmations. But what are some things you can do to get started on the right foot?

First, start your day off with some productive habits. Starting off your day with sunlight and a light meal starts your mind and stomach the minute that you wake up, making you more ready for the day. Also getting into habits like making your bed, showering, doing a skincare routine, and cleaning up your living area. A clean space around you leads to a more productive day. Prioritizing things you have to do throughout your day with a daily to-do list gives numerous benefits like keeping your priorities in check and being able to keep an eye on any events going on that day.  Continue reading Ways To Better Your Mental Health →

Ms. Lauryn Hill

Entertainment

by Malia Esposito 

Music is the best thing in the world. I believe music shapes who we are as people. It connects us to our personalities and inner feelings. Music also helps people connect to their moods. There’s only a small number of people who don’t have a favorite music genre or artist, but I think those people haven’t discovered a connection to a style they like. I love R&B music and artists like Lauryn Hill. Not only do I love her music and voice, but I feel a connection to her poetry. She speaks for the youth and women in the music industry.

Hill was one of the first female R&B singers to win best R&B album. I remember the day my mom introduced me to her music at thirteen. I had no idea how much she impacted and changed my mood in many scenarios. By listening to the artist I love I feel calm and feeling good again. Lauryn Hill first became an icon with her works with the Fugees in the album The Score. The group rose to fame with their album The score and was one of the best selling albums of the 90s. The album has seventeen songs, my favorite being a cover of Bob Marley & The Wailers No Woman, No Cry. Another great song from the album is Zealots. Continue reading Ms. Lauryn Hill →

My Declaration of Independence 

Opinion

By Bailey Chrabascz

We, as the National Association of Stressed teenagers, declare our independence from all homework. Homework restricts our ability to do things after school. It causes stress, anxiety, frustration, and sleep deprivation. We would like to separate ourselves from homework for all of the reasons listed above. 

I think we can all agree that the best solution would be to remove homework all together. Students go from doing school eight hours a day, five days a week to going home just to do more school. The NAST (National Association of Stressed Teenagers) has decided that the only exception to having no homework is if you don’t get your work done in class. The kids that choose to slack off in school should not get the privilege of being homework free. Teachers and staff should only be allowed to give homework to students who don’t do their work during school hours.  Continue reading My Declaration of Independence  →

Why Marvel is Overrated

Entertainment, Opinion

by Riley Voss

Marvel is an incredibly popular franchise, with millions of fans all over the world. With over thirty movies and series to watch, and an endless amount of comics dating all the way back to 1939, Marvel has a rich and storied history. However, with all of the lore to keep track of, Marvel becomes a hard franchise to follow and be a fan of. That is why I feel that Marvel is overrated. The sheer amount of characters and stories and the amount of work needed to learn about all of them make Marvel not worth following anymore.

For fourteen years, Marvel has been releasing movies in “phases”, slowly telling the convoluted and confusing stories of their hundreds of Marvel characters. From Iron Man all the way to Thor: Love and Thunder, the MCU has released over thirty movies and shows since 2008, and plans to release up to thirty-seven more over the course of their “Multiverse Saga”. This is a lot to keep track of, with over seven hundred characters with different backstories and adventures, all represented in the MCU. With so many stories to keep up with, and new movies coming out every year, it can be difficult for even the most avid fans to stay current. This is part of what makes Marvel so overrated and not worth following: new fans could end up spending months, even years catching up with all of the lore in the MCU alone. It is incredibly difficult to be a well-educated fan of Marvel, even for someone who has been following it all their life. Continue reading Why Marvel is Overrated →

A Brief Recap of the Wisconsin Midterm Candidates 

News

by Jacob Puhr

Next Tuesday is election day, where a third of the Senate, the entire House and numerous local and state offices are up for grabs.  In this essay, I’ll be focusing on the elections that I’m a constituent of.  The midterm elections could be pivotal in shaping President Biden’s remaining two years, especially if Republicans take control of the House, which historically speaking, is a likelihood.  All eyes are on several swing states and their Senate races, as just one seat flipping could change the balance of power in the legislative branch, and severely affect Biden’s policy goals.  Despite what happens in the House and Senate, realistically, the biggest changes you’ll experience will come from the local elections we so quickly disregard.         

Clerk of Circuit Courts : The Democrat incumbent is Rebecca Mentink, who is opposed by Republican Zach Rodriguez.  How on earth is this position political?  No idea, but welcome to present day politics.  She’s served three terms in this role and has claimed bipartisan support.  Oddly enough, I personally have seen multiple Republican households with a Mentink sign.  Mentink has criticized Rodriguez for never writing a budget and lacking any meaningful experience.  Among other things, she criticized his attendance record and lack of bipartisan support.  On a final note, Mentink participated in a live stream at the Kenosha Creative Space, but Rodriguez was a no show.          

The Republican challenger, Zach Rodriguez, is the chair of the Kenosha Judiciary and Law Enforcement Committee and the Kenosha County Board supervisor for District 8.  He’s been endorsed by multiple county board members, Congressman Bryan Steil and David Zoerner.  As a county board member, he’s fought for amendments allowing carry of concealed weapons in county facilities. Some priorities of his will be maintaining accurate record keeping, efficiently collecting fees, and ensuring equal access to the courts for all residents.  He’s also attacked Mentink for her attendance record.             Continue reading A Brief Recap of the Wisconsin Midterm Candidates  →

Top Three Female Artists

Entertainment

By Lillian Liebke

There has been an ongoing debate about who the best female artist is for decades. But who really is the best? These three women are the best female artists in the industry currently, and here’s why. 

The third best has to be Billie Holiday. Billie Holiday was an African American Jazz singer when slavery and the Civil Rights Movement was in its prime. Billie Holiday wrote numerous songs speaking out against the violence towards African Americans in America, her most popular being Strange Fruit. In this song, Billie sings about how African Americans are taken off the streets and hung off of trees in the public for everyone to see, comparing them to a “strange” fruit. She sings about the gory details of the horrible acts of violence towards her community, and her songs helped many African American people stay hopeful that one day the world will change. Billie Holiday died in 1959, five years into the Civil Rights Movement.  Continue reading Top Three Female Artists →

A Successful First Show

Entertainment

By Aleks Jankovic

Local Kenosha indie band “Gold Label” has just played their first public concert this past weekend at the Creative Space, and the turnout was much higher than initially expected. With 170 people in attendance, the band was shocked to see the amount of support they had received from their community, and were nothing but excited to continue their trajectory. 

Following the debut of their single I’ll Say My Line, the band was excited to play their first show in front of a major audience. “Our past two experiences playing live were house parties for a fairly small crowd, so we were pumped to finally start playing for the public and hopefully increase attention,” said drummer Jack Salisbury. The set-up process was fairly smooth, with little to no technical issues during the sound check. Continue reading A Successful First Show →