Merry Listmas, Dec. 14, 2018

The Bengal’s

LEWISTON HIGH SCHOOL, 1114 9th AVE., Lewiston, ID, 83501

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Dec. 14, 2018 Vol.91 N0. 3

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Friday, Dec. 14, 2018

2 News

Teachers stir up controversy Idaho voting results

By Elsa Munster News Assistant

As soon as news spread that Donald Trump ordered tear gas use on immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border this month, a reoccuring conversation resurfaced. With the president making “Build a wall” a common phrase, the U.S. has become a country where immigration is surrounded by controversy.

Closer to Lewiston, on Nov. 3, teachers from Middleton Elementary School in Idaho appeared in a viral, controversial Facebook post.

The post showed two pictures, one with 14 teachers in Halloween costumes portraying Mexican stereotypes. The other showed teachers in costume as a wall that said “Make America Great Again.”

Middleton has a population of 7,439 with nearly 10 percent Hispanics, according to the

2017 U.S. Census.

Emmett Doughtery, LHS government teacher, said of the teachers that he didn’t think it was smart for people to perpetuate stereotypes that could hurt others.

Because of the negative

“This type of behavior has no place in education.” attention the post received worldwide, the teachers were placed on paid administrative leave.

“This type of behavior has no place in education and certainly is not tolerated here at Middleton School District,” Superintendent Josh Middleton said in a public statement. “This situation is being taken very seriously. [...]

A full investigation is being conducted.”

After the post started to gain attention, Jacquelyn Meeker started a petition to help the teachers been suspended from the elementary school.

She said the situation was blown out of proportion, and that they don’t agree with the photos but instead believe that it shouldn’t cost people their jobs or cause stress to Middleton children.

By Nov. 4, this petition had more than 7,150 signatures.

It wasn’t immediately clear where they came from since the school only serves about 600 students, according to Idaho Ed Trends.

Another petition titled “No Racism in Middleton School District” called for proactive training and awareness of issues of race, ethnicity and nationality. This petition had over 7,800 signatures by the following Sunday.

By Abby Bower News Editor

Voters around the country chose their government representatives during the midterm elections Nov. 6.

An estimated 114 million people turned up to vote in Idaho alone, to decide who would represent the state for the next two years, according to nytimes.com this was the highest midterm’s turnout in 16 years. PBS. com reported that Republican Brad Little replaced Butch Otter, also Republican, as governor of Idaho after Otter served 17 years office. Little won with 60 percent of the votes in a race against democrat, Paulette Jordan. Jordan was a unique candidate for Idaho because if she had been elected she would have been the first Native American governor in US history.

As for the House of Representatives, Idahoans elected Russ Fletcher and Mike Simpson, Even though Idaho elected two Republicans, at the national level Democrats had their largest gain of House seats since the 1974 elections. This gave Democrats control of the House for the first time since 2011.

Thyra Stevenson and Mike Kingsley, both Republican, were elected as Idaho State Legislators. Idahoans also elected Don Beck and Douglas Zenner as Nez Perce County Commissioner.

The race for the Idaho Superintendent of Education ended with a 48.1 percent to 51.4 percent end result for Cindy Wilson and Sherri Ybarra respectively. Ybarra first won the position in 2014.

Friday, Dec. 14, 2018 News 3 Friends, family remember Chase for kindness ESP nomBy Gracyn Richardson Editor-in-Chief Justin Chase, 19, died Nov. 3 from an accidental gunshot wound at his home in Lewiston.

Chase graduated from Lewiston High School in 2017 and participated on the LHS football and wrestling teams.

“It’s just tragic -- I can’t describe it any other way,” commented Lewiston detective, Brian Erickson, in the Lewiston Tribune, while investigating Chase’s case. “The kid had a lot going for him.”

Chase’s death has hit the LHS staff pretty hard, according to principal, Kevin Driskill. A few days after the accident, he said, a group of former students who were in Chase’s class came back to the school

to talk to the counselors about their loss.

“He had a very infectious personality,” Driskill said in the interview with the Tribune. “He loved being here at school, so he really touched a lot of people’s lives staff-wise for us.”

Chase’s family set up a bank account through Potlatch No. 1 Federal Credit Union in Lewiston for a memorial scholarship. The funds will go to students who qualify from LHS. Alexis Chandler is Chase’s cousin and a sophomore at LHS. She said details for the scholarship are still being decided. But the family hopes to commemorate Chase’s kindness and the care he had towards people, Chandler Justin Chase, a 2017 LHS graduate, passed away Nov. 3 in Lewiston. Photo said. courtesy of Chase’s Facebook.

inations open

By Elsa Munster News Assistant

Nominations are open until March 15 for the Lewiston School District Educational Support Personnel awards. For anyone who wants to nominate a school district employee, such as a favorite bus driver, a kind cafeteria lady or a hard-working secretary, forms are available at lewistonschools.net by searching “ESP of the year.” Completed forms can go to Kathy Vellegas, human resources supervisor, kvellegas@lewistonschools. net.

Past year-books on sale for gifts, keepsakes

By Elsa Munster News Assistant

(Left to right) Caroline Gibbs, Kooper Baldwin and Noah Kowatsch smile as they spread holiday joy to children and adults in Lewiston. Photo by Josie Hafer.

Play travels to spread cheer

By Krystal Barber News Assistant

The annual LHS Christmas play, “Snow Time,” was written and directed by senior Annie Carper and co-directed by junior Ani Galeano.

Every year a new, original show goes to all Lewiston schools and the Juvenile Detention Center.

Peformers finishing off the tour in the LHS auditorium during the Christmas assembly just before winter break begins.

In this year's play, Santa is very stressed and needs a break. He decides to go on vacation, leaving the Key of Christmas with his elves, Jingle (Caroline Gibbs), Dingle (Josie Hafer) and Gussy (Ellie Hafer), who all happen to be siblings. One of the elves loses the Key of Christmas and chaos ensues.

Along the way they meet a polar bear by the name of Larry (Kooper Baldwin), get into trouble and then find the Key in one of the simplest places in the North Pole. In the end they “learn the value of being nice to everybody and the power of friendship,” according to the drama club.

LHS alumni and their families can buy old yearbook copies for memories, or as holiday gifts, for $30. Past yearbooks are on sale in LHS Room 209. Photo Anyone who is by Elsa Munster. interested can email Jennifer Stubbers, yearbook adviser, at jstubbers@lewistonschools.net to ask about vailability. Some years may have up to 25 copies, some may have only one or two. Stubbers said that they are going fast, and to hurry and get them as soon as possible.

THE BENGAL’S PURR

4 News

DYW changes lives worldwide App helps families The program also gave McRoberts a couple of days to work on an all-girls service project.

For hers, McRobe r t s helped make reusable sanitary napkins for girls in Africa. The company that makes these napkins gave Idaho DYW contestants a chance to help make their product. The company sends people to different countries in Africa to distribute the products and teach young women how to use them.

McRoberts won the Top Five Scholastic award throughout the state, and four of those five winners were from Northwest Idaho, she said.

This award is based on grades, difficulty of classes, and overall school effort. McRoberts received a $600 check that goes toward her college of choice (University of Idaho), and the state winner received $650.

“Besides the scholarship opportunities [...] ‘be your best self’ is the core of DYW, and

“The core of DYW [...] was the most life-changing thing I learned from the program.”

Lydia McRoberts

By Erika Schlafman News Assistant Idaho’s the state-level competition for Distinguished Young Women took place Sept. 31Oct. 7 in Idaho Falls, with Lydia McRoberts representing LHS this year.

McRoberts is an LHS senior and Lewiston’s winner of Distinguished Young Women (DYW) in 2018. She learned all state competition routines in three days, including fitness, self expression and opening number.

that was the most life-changing thing I learned from the program,” McRoberts said.

Distinguished Young Women combines the chance to win college scholarships with a program that offers life skills training to prepare young women for the world after high school. Each year the program makes over $1 billion in scholarships available.

This program is offered in all 50 states, and Idaho holds what is considered local, then state competitions.

For DYW 2019 participants, there will be a parent meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 15 at McGhee Elementary School in the Lewiston Orchards.

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By Krystal Barber News Assistant

Purposity, a new app meant to help students and families in need, recently became available in the Lewiston School District.

The app sends a weekly notification to users’ phones about someone local who is in need. It will tell the user who the person is, where they are and what they need. Once a phone gets the notification in the app, each user can decide whether to help the person in need.

The app includes stories about each child in need, written by someone who works with them, such as a school social worker or school counselor.

Stephanie Bodden, a Lewiston School District social worker, has seen many needs fulfilled from the app. The local app has 856 users and it’s been very effective, she said.

“Almost all of our needs have been met by that evening,”

Bodden said, meaning needs are met within the day they are shared on the app.

There are a number of ways Purposity users can help, from providing a mattress for a child whose mother can't afford one, to buying shoes for a kid in foster care, or getting school supplies for a family that cannot obtain them. The app costs nothing to download or but the user has to pay for the item donated. It is stated clearly in the app how much the item will cost -- all that the user has to do is pay for it and Purposity handles purchasing and shipping the item.

If someone joins Purposity and decides they no longer want to receive weekly messages all they will have to do is text “STOP” and will no longer receive notifications.

The app originated in Atlanta, Georgia, and is quickly spreading to new cities with the intention of helping those in need.

Friday, Dec. 14, 2018

Opinion 5

Ten ways to disappoint loved ones this Christmas 10. Beauty products These can be great, but buying products like foundation or concealer for someone could be a gamble, because just one shade too dark or too light becomes a worthless gift that can’t be returned.

By Josie Hafer Opinion Editor Everyone has received an awful Christmas gift at one time or another. Sometimes, gifts are so bad that one can even muster up a half hearted smile and an “Aww, thanks, I can’t wait to use this!” So to keep from becoming that one person who has a reputation for their poor gift giving skills, here’s a list of the ten worst gifts to give or receive this Christmas.

9. Clothes This one has a disclaimer.

Clothes can be great, if the person who purchased them knows the recipient or has at least seen them in the past year or so. What’s not so great is getting a hot pink T-shirt with cats on it from a greataunt Catherine whose existence was ques-

tionable up to this point.

8. Socks Fuzzy socks aside, no one wants to receive socks for Christmas. They show no thought and no effort. Not to mention t h a t t h e gift of socks becomes infinitely worse when they’re hand-me-downs.

7. Self-help books Nothing implies someone’s opinion of someone and their habits more than a self-help book. So rather than discreetly mentioning a concern for a certain someone, you’d rather get them the newest edition of “You picked the wrong guy- again!” Not a good move.

6. Ugly Christmas sweaters

Sure, it’s a cute idea in theory, but once it is received Christmas is already over.

Also, ugly Christmas sweaters serve little purpose outside of sweater parties. Anywhere else, they’re just ugly.

5. Pets On a more serious note, if one was to want an animal for Christmas, they should buy it themselves. If a dog or cat or anything else is purchased for someone that doesn’t want it, who knows where it will end up or what will happen to it.

4. Fanny packs Sure, they’re versatile and handy, but at what cost? Unless you’re buying a pink sequined one, I don’t want it.

3. Thoughtless gifts What’s worse than getting a gift that you know was bought

the night before, or worse, obviously regifted? As in used or open products. It might just be better to receive nothing at all.

2. Child’s toys If you get lucky, you might have a younger sibling or family member you could pass it along to.

But in the case of Abby Bower, junior, “I got a Dora toothbrush when I was 13.

It was not a good time.”

1. Mediocre food Everyone has known someone who’s received a mediocre casserole or something similar for Christmas. So what to do with it? It’s not going to get eaten, but it feels wrong to throw it out. Cue lost freezer space for the next six months.

Classic Santa Claus debate resurfaces with holidays to just turn the page now.

While parents of older kids don't usually have to keep any illusion alive, many new parents or parents of younger children are struggling, more than ever, with trying to decide if they should tell their kids Santa is real or to keep Christmas as a holiday for giving and receiving with family and friends. Many parents who have opted out of reindeer

By Abby Bower and a sleigh say that it’s just for News Editor the best interest in their kids.

As happilyfamily.com puts Christmas is no doubt the it, even though kids would most wonderful time of the year be missing out on the few for thousands, if not millions, magical years that Santa of people all around the world, brings, telling them he does if it wasn't there wouldn›t be a exist is really putting the whole song about it. Even with the joy family through an unfortunate that the holiday season brings, situation. Studies show that it’s also prevalent that it puts a telling kids about Santa can lead lot of stress on the shoulders to them having a harder time of just about every parent that trusting their family, and that celebrates. One subject that around 40 percent of parents can cause a lot of that stress believe that it distracts from is, you guessed it, Santa Claus. the true meaning of Christmas.

Spoiler Alert: This arti- But when you take a look at the cle has the potential to ruin other side of this argument, it’s someone’s childhood, so if it less about studies and statistics isn’t already clear as to what and more about keeping the it’s about, it’s probably best magic and innocence alive in

your kids as long as possible.

Even many adults look back on their childhood and say some of their most magical memories come from Santa Claus. And rightfully so, because what’s more magical than a man flying around the world in one night to give you exactly what you want for Christmas?

For parents that aren›t quite sure yet, both sides have some convincing arguments. But PBS. com explains that many parents are more likely to be on board when they realize that Santa can be whatever they want Santa to be. Yes, the traditional San- Lewiston’s Roundup Royalty paid a visit to Santa on Dec. 9. Photo courta is seen almost everywhere, tesy of Amie Greenfield. but there’s many other ways he can be portrayed. Maybe break it to their children that that you can turn it into an exfor some families he’s an envi- Santa isn't real. But what they cuse to talk about feelings and ronmentally-friendly Santa that don›t realize is that many kids teach them about white lies. figured out how to fly around actually come to that realization At the end of the day, there the world and make billions of on their own, because of kids are always going to be parents toys without producing any pol- at school, or maybe because of that swear telling your kids lutants or using any nonrenew- a high-school newspaper that about Santa will end up horribly. able resources. Many parents printed an article about it. When But when it comes down to it have even found way to keep that happens they’re usually at Santa is an idea that can bring the holiday a religious event an age where it isn’t a big deal joy and magic into the holiday while still incorporating St. Nick. anymore. If your child does end season for someone’s whole Another worry for parents is up being disappointed about life if it›s surrounded by good about the day they’ll have to the truth, there are many ways memories of family and friends.

6 Sports

THE BENGAL’S PURR

Varsity basketball starts out rough; gains traction

By Abby Burgess Sports Assistant

The boys varsity basketball team starts off strong in their 2018-2019 season.

“My favorite thing about basketball is the people you meet and the memories you have with those people,” said Donny Santana, senior. “I use [basketball] as an escape, and it has got me through a lot of tough times throughout my life.”

• Bengals vs. Timberlake Tigers, Nov. 27, Spirit Lake, Idaho. Bengals won, 61-28.

• Bengals vs. Hermiston Bulldogs, Nov. 30, Hermiston, Oregon. Bengals lost 72-63.

• Bengals vs. Pendleton Bucky’s, Dec. 11, Booth Hall. Bengals lost 63-64.

As the varsity girls start out their 2018 basketball season, they stuggle then start to take victories.

“My favorite thing about basketball is playing with my teammates,” said Kendall Teichmer.

• Bengals vs. Mountain View Cougars, Nov. 16, Meridian, Ida-

LHS varsity girls work hard at practice Dec. 7, prepping for their game against Pendleton. Photo by Abby Burgess.

ho. Bengals lost 72-42.

• Bengals vs. Boise Braves, Nov. 17, Boise, Idaho. Bengals lost 7029.

• Bengals vs. Timberlake Tigers,

Nov. 20, Spirit Lake, Idaho. Bengals lost 53-39.

• Bengals vs. Moscow Bears, Nov. 27, Booth Hall. Bengals won 7260.

• Bengals vs. Hermiston Bulldogs, Nov. 30, Hermiston, Oregon. Bengals won 57-45.

• Bengals vs. Timberlake Tigers, Dec. 6, Booth Hall. Bengals lost

49-45.

• Bengals vs. Pendleton Bucky’s, Dec. 11, Booth Hall. Bengals won 47-37.

Wrestlers struggle with start of season

Dylan Denton The varsity wrestling team has had a slow start to its season. They have competed in two meets so far, but have not yet placed. “We are not doing so hot,” said senior, Dylan Denton (above). “We will continue to get better as the season goes on.” Even with this, wrestling has changed Denton as a person, he said. “It has taught me responsibility and to put 100% effort into what I do,” he added. Denton’s biggest influence throughout his wrestling career has no doubt been senior, Jared Dykes.

-- Abby Burgess, sports assistant

Friday, Dec. 14, 2018

Features

7

Fourteen-hour flight brings Neri to new adventure

By Skylar Raymond Features Editor

pines,” Neri said.

She attended a Catholic private school called Colegio Kimberly (Kim) Neri moved de la Inmaculada Concepto Lewiston in early 2018 cion that began at the age from Cebu, a providence in of 3. Kim was very involved the Philippines. She was born in her school working with and raised in the Philippines her schools government and even went to school with being one of the delta disthe same 40 students over ciplinary leaders, writing for the past 13 years. the schools newspaper, and “I knew that when I found being a part of the schools out I was moving to Ameri- safety prevention group. “I ca, one of the hardest things really liked my school in the about leaving would be leav- Philippines, and a year being my friends and family I fore I moved I decided to bewas so close to in the Philip- come as involved as I could to make a difference.”

Neri states.

In April of 2018, Kim, her mom, stepdad, and their dog Drady, flew from the islands of the Philippines to the United States.

“People always ask me, why Lewiston? We moved to Lewiston because it is where my stepdad is from, and Kim Neri shows off her school uniform in the Philippines. Photo courtesy of Kim all of his friends and family are here too.”

Neri.

During her first few months in the States, Neri spent her time getting familiar with the Idaho culture.

“I remember walking down the street and seeing a girl wearing a tank top and shorts and I thought to myself, how

“That was when I realized that I was definetely not in the Philippines anymore.” did she not get in trouble at school? And that's really when I realized I had a lot to get used to and that I definitely was no longer in the Philippines.”

On the last day of summer 2018, she anxiously waited to see what her new school would be like in an entire new country. She spent the

first few days before school getting to know her teachers, taking tours, and finding the spirit of becoming a Bengal.

“When I walked into LHS, I already knew I was going to like it, but I was still so nervous to meet so many new people. I asked my cousin, who goes to LHS, to help me around and thankfully she said she would help.”

On August 22nd she began her journey as a junior at Lewiston High School.

“The first few days of school were difficult, I just had so Kim Neri smiles after reminising over much to get used to so fast memories of the Philippines. Photo and making new friends was by Skylar Raymond hard. I don’t want people to happy for me and my new think I’m mean, because in adventure. I really like it reality, I’m just really shy.”

Now she is half way through here and even got my very her junior year and really first job! Neri states. Even enjoying LHS, after she though in the beginning it graduates she hopes to get was hard, I’ve met a lot of into law school at the Uni- people who have supported versity of Idaho in hopes to my family and I on this new become a lawyer. “I miss my adventure and am so gratefriends and family in the Phil- ful for them.” ippines, but I know they are

Asker conducts band to finish off senior year

By Abby Burgess Sports Assistant

LHS Senior, Hailey Asker, was appointed to be one of the two drum majors for the LHS Marching Band for the 2018 season. As Hailey conducts the band, her peers said she is sharp with her hand movements and she is good with rhythms and she knows her times. “She showed much excitement for the position and she had good musicianship,” Brendan Burns, the LHS band teacher.

The drum major’s role is to stand on a platform and conduct the band. As she conducts the band, she stands on a five foot podium in her purple and gold band uniform with her black hat with a black feather.

“You have to be able to keep a steady beat and have a good understanding of the piece. You

also have to be able to notlet the band control you,” said Burns.

“There’s lots of responsibility but it’s fun,” Asker said.

Being a drum major for the marching band is stressful but also enjoyable, according to Asker.

“It is a good experience… it makes me feel as if I am actually doing something important,” she said.

“Hailey takes music very seriously and she works very hard but she still makes it fun.

She is always willing to help,” said junior, Amie Greenfield, who plays tenor saxophone in the band.

Burns knew Asker would make a good drum major based on her attitude, her patience and ability to conduct multiple patterns.

“She had good behavior in class and a good attitude

towards herself and others,” As the 2018 marching band new additions to the music Burns said. season came to an end in department at LHS this year.

Asker plans on pursuing her October, Asker said she felt After school he now directs an music career at the University proud of the group. orchestra and a jazz combo. He of Idaho. Starting in the fall of “Every year we improve and has also split the concert band 2019 she will major in jazz choir this year we did better than last into two sections -- a wind and she will play with the U of I year,” Asker said. ensemble and a concert band. marching band.

This year, Burns made many As she prepares to continue her music career outside of Lewiston, she said she will miss the familiarity of being a part of the LHS band -- visiting the band room before school or eating lunch with her friends there.

Asker and the LHS marching band competed in at competition at Washington State University on Oct. 21, resulting in last place.

“It was a successful show…

The students were proud of the show but not so proud Hailey Asker (front), conducts the LHS drum line in late September. Photo courtesy of Hailey Asker. of the score,” said Burns.

Friday, Dec. 14, 2018

8

Activities to do over winter break

By Erika Schlafman News Assistant

1.

Go to Locomotive Park in Lewiston for the annual Christmas light show. It runs Nov. 17 to Jan. 5.

What are the top 3 things you enjoy most about Christmas?

9

Top memorable events of 2018

By Jazmyne Hartogh Features Assistant

1.

The semi-annual worldwide winter Olympics took place in PyeongChang, South Korea.

By Erika Schlafman News assistant

2. Attend Holiday Flick N’ Float at the Asotin County Fam-

2.

Thousands of students across the United States left class at 10 a.m. April 20 to observe a moment of silence for shooting victims.

ily Aquatic Center in Clarkston. Watch Home Alone 2 with family and friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 15 tickets are $2.

3.

Go to Bundle Up Downtown, Dec. 15 in Lewiston for activities including pictures with Santa in Brackenbury Square, a free holiday movie (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) at the Roxy Theater, wreath sales from Clarkston High School Future Farmers of America, a hot cocoa station from Boy Scout Troop 154, Christmas story time at the Lewiston City Library, and dance performances with Main Street Dance at Brackenbury Square.

3.

L-C Ice Arena

Annika Snow: “Christmas lights, music, and family.”

4.

Palouse Board Gamers will meet Dec. 21 for Friday Game Night. No food purchase required, beverage refills all night. 6 p.m. Fridays at the banquet room of Sharis Cafe and Pies in Moscow, Idaho.

5. Ice skating at the L-C Ice Arena in Lewiston.

6. Volunteer for any local charity.

7. Watch classic Christmas movies by a fire with friends or a significant other.

Asotin County Family Aquatic Center

8. Get peppermint hot chocolate from Starbucks.

9. Wear a flannel.

10. Take cute snow pictures with friends!

11. Get the snickerdoodle latte from Dutch Bros.

12. Christmas shop for friends.

Sport some festive clothing.

13. Make a snowman.

14. Bake a new kind of Christmas dish.

15. Explore new and different cultural traditions for the

Mitchell Reese: “Family, singing Christmas songs and pretty decorations.”

Alexis Poxleitner: “Winter Spirit downtown, making Christmas cookies and mashed potatoes.”

Damian Glenn: “Family debates, all the tea sis, and the food.”

Locomotive park sparks up

2018 winter Olympics

4. IHOP changed its name to IHOB with the ‘B’ standing for burgers. Later IHOP announced it was a practical joke.

5. Actress Drew Barrymore visited Moscow, Idaho, June 19

in order to personally thank Ulta’s staff for selling her makeup line.

6.

Comedian Pete Davidson and singer Ariana Grande announced their engagement after a month of dating.

2018 student walkout

By Skylar Raymond Features Editor

8.

The Lewiston-Clarkston community gathered Nov. 17 for the annual lighting of Locomotive Park in downtown Lewiston. Dancers from Footnotes and Dantz Dynamics performed for the outdoor crowd, as well as the LHS Gold Voices. Locomotive Park’s Christmas lights display has been a holiday staple for people in the Lewiston-Clarkston area for over 20 years. Walking around to experience the holiday spirit at Locomotive Park with family is a good way to walk off all of that Christmas dinner. Volunteers hang the lights in the beginning of November and keep them up until after the New Year. Visitors can go to Locomotive Park in downtown Lewiston any time of day or night to walk by the glistening lights with friends and loved ones.

Grande and Davidson called off their engagement in October. Grande released the song “Thank U, Next” the following month.

9.

Lewiston High School students Ellie and Josie Hafer’s grandma, Sharon Hafer, won Clarkston’s lottery for $1 million.

Salvation Army charity work

House of Representatives

10. Democrats took the House of Representatives for the first time since 2011 in the November 2018 midterm elections.

11. Scientist Stephen Hawking passed away March 14.

12. DJ Avicii passed away April 20.

16. Decorate the house with family.

17. Spread small acts of kindness (which should happen

13. Soul singer Aretha Franklin passed away Aug. 16.

all year anyway).

ones.

7. The Deatley family donated $2 million to LHS for the Professional Technical building at the new LHS campus.

winter.

18. Listen to Michael Buble’s Christmas album.

19. Lastly, give hugs and show appreciation to loved

Prince Harry of the United Kingdom and American actress, Meghan Markle, married May 19.

Holiday Starbucks cup

Stan Lee The warm “winter spirit” fire burns in the heart of Locomotive Park in Lewiston in 2017. Photo by Gracyn Richardson. Man on the Street photos

by Erika Schlafman. List photos courtesy of www.bing.com.

14. Rapper Mac Miller passed away Sept. 7.

15. Marvel Comics creator Stan Lee passed away Nov. 12.

10 Entertainment

THE BENGAL’S PURR

Beautiful cinematography fails to save bland storyline of The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

By Ellie Hafer Entertainment Assistant

Disney released its newest movie, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, Nov. 2. Directed by Lasse Hallstrom and Joe Johnston. The movie follows Clara Stahlbaum (Mackenzie Foy) as she delves into a magical world where toys come to life.

Visually, the movie looked gorgeous. The toys were stunning, and the costumes had intricate details. However, the main conflict seemed rushed, while the rest of the story felt slow, which detracted from the whole film.

The story begins at a Christmas party, when Clara receives a key as a gift. When a mouse steals her key, she is led into a whole new world, where toys come to life and time passes differently. From there she is plunged into the war between realms -- the lands of flowers, ice and sweets versus the land of amusement, which is called the Fourth Realm.

On her search for the key, Clara befriends a nutcracker soldier (Jayden Fowora-Knight) who, along with the leaders of the realms, helps her to prepare to fight Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren) and her army of mice.

As the story progresses, it seems that Mother Ginger is going to be the biggest problem, but in a twisted turn of events, the story is totally rewritten. After that the movie seems rushed and unfinished.

When Clara goes to defeat the villain, there is no struggle and the realms are saved; all is well.

Clara returns to her family back in London, where nothing has changed. The end of the story seems almost disconnected from the plot, and it feels like it makes the movie longer than it needs to be.

The saving grace of the movie seems to be the costumes and

the dances performed by Misty Copeland, who played a ballet dancer. For those who don’t know, Copeland is a ballet dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, one of the leading ballet companies in the nation.

During the first round of credits, ballet and hip-hop dancers perform to Tchaikovsky’s piece, “Miniature Overture” from The Nutcracker ballet. Meanwhile, the costumes were intricately designed, with beautiful details and period-accurate pieces for the 19th century.

For those who have seen The Nutcracker ballet, the movie makes a nod to the original show by playing the songs as background music throughout the movie. The songs play in the order they do in the ballet, so for those who have previous knowledge of the ballet can trace the original storyline along with the film.

Overall, the reception of the film has not been too kind.

According to Box Office Mojo, the film reached the No. 13 spot as of Dec. 10 and it didn’t show any chance of climbing.

Reviews on imdb.com are fairly negative, with a typical average of maybe three stars out of 10. Most gave this movie a little higher than average with a 5.5/10.

All in all, Disney struggled to pull off a successful remake. It lacked a consistent plot, and felt slow and unfinished. The choreography and costumes were nice, but weren’t good enough to save the film. For these reasons, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms receives a 6/10.

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ABOVE: Clara (Mackenzie Foy) stares at her reflection with the Sugar Plum Fairy (Keira Knightly) after she recieves a makeover. Photo courtesy of The Playlist.

BELOW: Misty Copeland shows off her ballet talent in as she performs as the Ballerina Princess for the royal court. Photo courtesy of E!News.com

Friday, Dec. 14, 2018

11 Top five greatest albums released in 2018 Entertainment

By Eli Thomas Co-Entertainment Editor

2. The Alchemist, Curren$y, Freddie GIbbs, Fetti: This collaboration between two rappers,with production by The Alchemist, has only nine tracks and runs only 24 minutes long, but that doesn’t stop it from being the best hip-hop album of 2018. The amazing production, clever lyrics and flow from both rappers make Fetti 24 minutes of rap perfection.

Like many years before it, 2018 brought a copious amount of new albums. Some long, some short. Some sincere, some meaningless, some good, some terrible.

Out of all those, here are the top five best albums.

5. Against All Logic, 20122017: Nicolas Jaar-better known by his stage name, Against All Logic, delivered the most exciting electronic release of the year.

Songs like “This Old House Is All I Have” and “Some Kind of Game” showcase the amazing sampling that make this album a standout.

4. Kurt Vile, Bottle It In: The Indie rock artist released his best album yet with Bottle It in. From simple laid-back folk rock songs like “Mutinies”

The covers of the top 5 albums of the year. From Left to right: Bottle it In, Fetti, Boarding House Reach. Bottom Row: 2012-2017, Kids See Ghosts. Photo Courtesey of Genius.com. To complain about either of these lists, email bengalspurr@lewistonschools.net

to the country-influenced “Rollin’ with the Flow,” Bottle It In is easy on the ears while still providing an interesting listening experience.

3. Kids See Ghosts, Kids See Ghosts: Hip-hop superteam Kanye West and Kid Cudi released their first jaw-dropping album together last summer.

The instrumentals on this al-

bum are amazing with West sampling everything from grunge icon Kurt Cobain to jazz singer Louis Prima. This album also shows both rappers on top of their game lyrically.

the top five worst albums from 2018.

di B is doing here is following trends with bland production.

Her lyrics are also insanely predictable and cliche. The fact that people enjoy this is baffling.

1. Jack White, Boarding House Reach: The former White Stripes lead singer took a massive step out of his alternative rock-based comfort zone on his third solo album.

White brings elements of jazz, electronic and even old-school hip-hop into his sound here. It pays off with stellar songs such as “Corporation,” which focuses mostly on instrumentation, but also has a good lyrical message. This album is one to listen to over and over. and over.

Top five most atrocious albums of the year

By Eli Thomas Co-Entertainment Editor

When people in the future are discussing 2018’s music

they will be talking about monumental albums such as Astroworld and Ye. They won’t be talking about any of the following albums here, which are

5. Imagine Dragons - Origins: This is the band that always makes one change the radio station, the band nobody can seem to escape. Their latest album is nothing new or ambitious for them. It sounds more like a product for top 40 radio than an actual album.

4. Drake- Scorpion: The rapper’s fifth album is a double album, which means twice the mediocrity, twice the disappointment, and twice the cringe-worthy moments. After all, this is the album that “In My Feelings” calls home, so everyone should hate it for ruining the internet last summer.

Cardi B released her album in April. Photo courtesy of Genius.com

3. Cardi B- Invasion of Privacy: This is exactly what happens when the internet tries to make a rapper out of someone who is not remotely qualified. All Car-

2. Fall Out Boy- M A N I A: Want to hear the sound of a band who should have called it quits 10 years ago? Look no further!

Fall Out Boy delivers 36 minutes of a horrendous blend of pop, rock and electronic music.

1. XXXTENTACION- ?: The sole fact that this album starts out

with “instructions” is enough reason to top this list alone. It is indicative of the fact that X was delusional and pretentious enough to think his music was so profound and intellectually deep that it needed some sort of explanation. This intro is followed by nothing but inconsistent, sloppy songs. You should have to personally apologize to your own ear drums after playing songs like “going down!” and “schizophrenia.” If there is any album to need to leave behind with 2018, it is this one.

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12 Entertainment PURRtoons

by Micayla Dougherty

Grinch ruins Christmas...again

By Mikey Vidovich Co-Entertainment Editor

Directed by Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier and released Nov. 9, The Grinch, tells the well-known Christmas story from Dr. Seuss. In the classic story, citizens of the small town of Whoville are obsessed with Christmas, except for the Grinch, a grumpy creature who hates Christmas and the Whos. The Grinch comes up with a plan to ruin the Whos Christmas. He later meets little

The Grinch glares at the idea of Santa. Photo courtesy of IMDb.

Cindy Lou Who, who changes his personality. In the end, he comes to love Christmas and Whoville.

This movie is the third adaption of the 1957 children’s book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It is the second animated version, the third being a live-action film released in 2000. This time the animation is good, just like most animated films today. The Grinch is voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, and he did a good job but did not come close to Jim Carrey’s performance of the Grinch.

The writers added more storylines in the film to mix it up a little, but they were all forgettable. The Grinch was not that bad of “person.” His attitude is toned down for this film, giving his heartfelt change, in the end, less impact. The 2018 movie includes a scene with the Grinch shopping at a store, which feels weird and out of

place. In the 2000 version, everyone knows and is scared of the Grinch, but in this version, he walks through the town unnoticed. The only one who recognizes him is one extra Christmas-crazed character.

This year’s Cindy Lou Who, voiced by Cameron Seely, is way different than she has been portrayed in the other versions. She and the Grinch did not spend that much time together to build up as much of a friendship as they had in previous versions.

All in all, there isn’t anything outstanding about this movie.

It was clearly made for little children and was entertaining.

The Grinch deserves a 6/10.

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Friday, Dec. 14, 2018

Entertainment 13

Virtual reality: Not just for gamers any more

By Joshua Asmus Digital Media Manager

Image created by Joshua Asmus.

Unlike in recent years past, video games are no longer shunned by news media. In fact, gaming has taken a profitable spotlight in the entertainment industry that can no longer be written off as a child’s “plaything.” A number of adults now have a profession that revolves around gaming (Ninja and RockyNoHands) or to be more specific, the paying of games.

Now, gaming is becoming more than just stories on a monitor or TV but an experience perceived through the user’s hands, not a console controller or a keyboard. Augmented and virtual reality (AR and VR) now give players the opportunity to become more immersed in their gaming experience. There is a difference between AR and VR, however, media today often mash-

es these two visual mediums simply to Virtual Reality or “VR” for short, and for the sake of convenience, this article will do so as well.

The concept of VR is not exclusive to just the last decade. Though arguably, the passing years have shown some of the most progress towards virtual reality as flagship companies such as Sony with their Playstation VR and Valve Corporation offering SteamVR. Individuals with a moderate income level are now able to purchase personal VR gear that is relatively easy to set up and enjoy, a fact that was not even thought possible just six years ago.

At first, most games that were offered to the VR community were simple demos.

It would be appropriate to say that those early games were a lot like the salad customers get at a high-end restaurant before their actual meals arrive. As of right now, the VR market presents full-fledged video games made by known publishers. Star Trek: Bridge Crew, a title developed by Ubisoft, is a game where the user along with three others can take command of their very own “USS Enterprise” a literal flagship of the Star Trek fanbase.

Though there were technical bugs in the initial release, this

“Now, gaming is becoming more than just stories on a monitor or TV but an experience perceived through the user’s hands.”

game has a rating of 6.8/10 from IGN and a 9/10 with the Steam Market reviews.

Not only are companies working on the latest games for VR, but they are also targeting painters and animators.

Indeed, VR has now unlocked new horizons for artists alike.

Ever wanted to create a lifesize sculpture or make the fantasy world you dreamed of? Tilt Brush Art is one such program that allows an artist to do just that. With Tilt Brush Art, users may choose from a selection of colors, brushes, lights, and other settings.

Though of course not perfect, this is certainly a footmark and an example of what people can expect for the future of VR. Many content creators are already live streaming on Twitch, Youtube, and even Facebook amazing pieces of art that previously could never be explored before.

14 Entertainment

THE BENGAL’S PURR

Top 10 ornaments on every tree Nine Hallmark holBy Abby Bower News Editor

10. The childhood ornament: This ornament is one you made in preschool, or kindergarten. It’s probably poorly painted and glued together making it so worn out that it shouldn’t even be on your tree, but your mom refuses to throw it away for sentimental reasons.

9. The glass ornament: This ornament probably came in a pack of like five or 10, and every year when you put it them on the tree your mom has said something along the lines of, “make sure not to break these ones.” But every year one was dropped, or put on an unsturdy branch and, well, you know the rest.

8. The plastic ornaments: These are pretty similar, if not the same as the glass ornaments, look wise. But, they’re shatter proof, and your mom

probably picked these up from the store after the fifth year in a row of cleaning broken glass shards off of presents.

7. The Santa Claus Ornament: This ornament is honestly pretty cliché, but it’s definitely a classic. However after years of wear and tear, there’s a good chance this ornament looks pretty sad up on your tree.

6. Glitter ornament: These ornaments are no doubt one of the prettiest ones on the tree, the way they sparkle in the light of your tree every time you turn it on is a real attention-grabber. But, every year when you take it out of the box, it finds a way to get glitter just about everywhere in your house. How does it even still have glitter on it?

The world may never know.

5. The picture ornament: This ornament could probably fall into the childhood orna-

Ornaments fill a tree in LHS library. Photo by Jazmyne Hartogh.

ment category, but there’s one factor that makes it stand out, a poorly taken photo of you.

This picture was most likely taken when you were five or six, maybe even younger, and you most likely had an old Santa hat on your head or maybe even a pair of elf ears. Bonus points if you’re crying in the picture.

4. Christmas Lights: These definitely aren’t considered ornaments, and they really shouldn’t be, but they’re still a Christmas tree staple. I mean, you wouldn’t even be able to see the ornaments on your tree if you didn’t have these to light them up.

3. The heavy ornaments: The name is pretty self-explanatory for these ones. Maybe you got one as a gift, or maybe your mom saw one in a store and thought it was too pretty not to buy, but either way this ornament is way too heavy to be on the tree. You can probably find it on one of the bottom branches every year, sitting about 1 cm off the ground and barely keeping itself from sliding off the tree entirely.

2. Hand-me-down: This one probably holds the most sentimental value, especially to your mom. It’s been handed down from grandparents or great-grandparents and might not be the best looking one on the tree but it definitely has the best backstory.

1. The angel or star: While this one varies from house to house, it’s no doubt that these are the two most common things to crown the tree. This also could fit into the category of the biggest Christmas debate, as many people have strong opinions on which one is the most fitting to see on top of the tree. Is it even really Christmas if you don’t over hear a fight, or participate in one, about what looks better?

And to everyone that thinks an angel looks better on top of a Christmas tree, get some glasses.

iday movies guranteed to make anyone emotional

By Skylar Raymond Features Editor

There are so many wonderful things about this time of year: watching the snow fall, driving to see houses decorated with lights, spending time with loved ones, and of course sappy Hallmark movies. These movies are a Christmastime staple for people all over, and essential for getting into the holiday spirit. Here’s a list of some of the best-known Hallmark Christmas movies.

• The Mistletoe Inn: Shortly Photo courtesy of imdb.com after being dumped by her boyfriend/boss, Kim, an aspiring author, takes a chance and applies for a romantic writing retreat in Vermont and ends up finding true love.

• With Love, Christmas: During the office Christmas party planning, Melanie is appointed to be her crush Donavans secret santa. Donavan is so appreciative of Melanie’s gift to him, that he soon begins to fall in love with her, but Melanie finds out that all along someone has been taking credit for her gift to Donavan.

• The Christmas Cure: Vanessa, an ER doctor, returns home for Christmas to find out that her father is retiring from his own practice. While she is back home she reconciles with her high school boyfriend and begins to fall in love all over again. Vanessa has to decide whether to go back or take over her dads practice.

• Broadcasting Christmas: A small town reporter, Emily is competing against the biggest broadcasting of the year with her ex-boyfriend Charlie. While the two compete, they soon realise that they may still be in love.

• Homegrown Christmas: Maddie and her ex-highschool sweetheart Carter, are required to work together in planning the Winter dance at their old high school. While in the same place they once met, they soon discover their true feelings for eachother, years later.

• Christmas Everlasting: After a freak accident leaves Lucy’s sister dead, she decides to go back home and take over her late sisters home and finds love along the way.

• A Princess for Christmas: After being invited to stay in a castle in Europe by an estranged realtive, a young woman takes a chance for an adventure and finds a prince along the way.

• The Christmas Train: A journalist working in Hollywood, finds her ex boyfriend alone in the slumps and soon they begin working together and falling in love.

Friday, Dec. 14, 2018

Realistic carols

By Erin Kramer Business Manager

ANXIETY [sung to the tune of Jingle Bells] Dashing through the door Trying to get to school Over the hills you go People laughing at you You look down In your underwear You start to frown Continuing on bare Anxiety, anxiety Anxiety all the way Oh what fun it is to have All the way to school, hey Anxiety, Anxiety Anxiety all the way Oh what fun it is to have All the way to school A day or two ago I thought i wouldn’t be here Standing at the school Hoping no one was near I go to the bathroom It was crowded I was walking into my doom It was worse than it sounded, Oh Anxiety, Anxiety Anxiety all the way Oh what fun it is to have When you’re at school Anxiety, Anxiety Anxiety all the way Oh what fun it is to have When you’re at school Next thing that happens The bell just rang I begin to feel trapped in The lockers begin to bang I start to go to class So I don’t get caught without a hall pass I get to the door And the students look at me with horror, oh Anxiety, Anxiety Anxiety all the way Oh what fun it is to have In front of everyone Anxiety, Anxiety Anxiety all the way Oh what fun it is to have In front of everyone

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Now my face turns red I’m starting to really dread All the bad things That might be said Then the teacher comes in and brings Her long coat I thank her for everything And she keeps my ship afloat, oh Anxiety, Anxiety Anxiety all the way Oh what fun it is to have But we can help each other in a way Anxiety, Anxiety Anxiety all the way Oh what fun it is to have But we can help each other in a way LET’S JUST CRY [sung to the tune of “Let it Snow”] Oh, the grades of kids are frightful But the vacation is so delightful All of this makes me sigh Let’s just cry, let’s just cry, let’s just cry Our finals don’t show signs of stoppin’ I’m thinking of just droppin’ I’m ready to say goodbye Let’s just cry, let’s just cry, let’s just cry When I finally get away I’ll have to honk my horn To keep the pedestrians at bay All the way home I’ll be scorn My anger is slowly dying I’m thinking about clarifying Instead, let’s get some Thai Let’s just cry, let’s just cry, let’s just cry

Editor-in-Chief........................................................................................Gracyn Richardson Co-Managing Editors............................................................Josie Hafer, Skylar Raymond News Editor........................................................................................................Abby Bower Features Editor...........................................................................................Skylar Raymond Opinion Editor.....................................................................................................Josie Hafer Co-Entertainment Editors.......................................................Eli Thomas, Mikey Vidovich Sports Editor..........................................................................................Gracyn Richardson Copyeditors.....................................................Abby Bower, Josie Hafer, Skylar Raymond Digital Media Manager……..........................................................................Joshua Asmus Business Manager............................................................................................Erin Kammer News Assistants.........................................Krystal Barber, Elsa Munster, Erika Schlafman Features Assistant....................................................................................Jazmyne Hartogh Entertainment Assistant......................................................................................Ellie Hafer Sports Assistant…..........................................................................................Abby Burgess Business Assistant .................................................................................. Jazmyne Hartogh Adviser........................................................................................Charity Thompson Egland

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On the cover: This month’s cover is inspired by our holiday theme, “Listmas.” Listmas is like Christmas but with lists instead of Christ. #separationofchurchandstate

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Friday, Dec. 14, 2018