Page 2 ..........Floods in California
Page 4...........Editorial: Florida bans AP course
Page 6-7...........MHS shows the love
Page 10.........The Brewed Book review
February 10, 2023
Volume 106, Issue 4
MHS’s Special Olympics basketball team poses after taking 2nd at Regionals. Story on Page 12 Photo courtesy of Facebook.Page 2 ..........Floods in California
Page 4...........Editorial: Florida bans AP course
Page 6-7...........MHS shows the love
Page 10.........The Brewed Book review
February 10, 2023
Volume 106, Issue 4
MHS’s Special Olympics basketball team poses after taking 2nd at Regionals. Story on Page 12 Photo courtesy of Facebook.February 10, 2023
By:Abhik Mostafa LO’T Reporter
California is a state known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from dry deserts to lush forests. However, in recent years, the state has also become infamous for its devastating floods. According to CNN these floods have not only caused immense damage to property but have also resulted
flooding in low-lying areas and can cause problems if the precipitation falls on the already saturated ground or if a river or stream is unable to contain the excess water. Additionally, Dittinger states, “Man-made effects such as deforestation and urbanization can contribute to flooding as they can increase the amount of runoff that enters a river or
tance of proper planning to prevent floods. These strategies included the use of structural measures such as dams, as well as a combination of non-structural measures such as flood forecasting, and emergency response planning.They argued that the most effective approach to preventing and mitigating floods was the integration of both struc tural and non-structural measures. In particu lar, they highlighted the need for local authorities to develop strategies that are tailored to the partic ular issues within their communities and take into account the local context and the specific needs of their citizens.
in the loss of life and displacement of communities.
The causes of floods in California can be attributed to a variety of factors, both natural and man-made. According to Micheal Dettinger, a Hydrologist for the U.S. Geological Survey, one of the main natural causes of flooding in the state is the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which is a natural climate issue that affects the Pacific Ocean and results in increased precipitation in California. This increased precipitation can cause
stream, increasing the risk of flooding.” It is important to consider the causes of floods in California to ensure that proper measures are taken to mitigate their impacts and reduce the risk of future flooding.
The 2015 study conducted by the University of Suthern Queensland, which discusses the importance of disaster resilience in the built environment, focused mainly on the issue of flooding.In this study, they highlighted the impor-
In response to the ongoing threat of floods in California, government officials, landowners, and everyday citizens should create more effe cient plans that considor flood zones and infrastructure in order to withstand rising water levels. According to the California Department of Water Resources, to reduce the risk of floods, Californians should also take steps to conserve water, avoid development in flood-prone areas and follow appropriate wateruse guidelines. Valuable lessons can be learned from how the state is currently handling its flood situation as communities come together in times of need.
If you stay in the Illinois Quad Cities for college, you can use our college student unlimited ride program to get where you need to go on any Metro route.
February 10, 2023
Earlier this year on January 20th, Biden’s residence in Rehoboth, Delaware was searched by the FBI to retrieve possibly classified documents. which occured as a result of a previous search and confiscation of classified documents in Washington D.C. in Biden’s possession. Due to the discovery of these documents, Republicans and other concerned citizens have pushed for the seizing of documents at Biden’s primary home in Delaware. The initial search of Biden’s vacation home
dent has nothing to hide.
The search of Biden’s home in Delaware draws many parallels to the search of former President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home in August 2022. According to CNBC, the reason for the former President’s search was due to the suspicion from the U.S. Department of Justice that an illegal act was committed by the politician. Where Biden’s and Trump’s investigations and searches start differ is that the document’s found in Biden’s possesion were not illegal, many illegal documents at Trump’s residence were found and confiscated. Spe-
came up empty after three and a half hours of searching by the investigators. However his main Delaware residence produced six classified documents.
The search, according to the AP, was a “planned search” and that Biden was giving them, “full support and cooperation.” This cooperation and help provided by Biden and his attorney is working to assure the American people that their Presi-
cifically, the FBI found a combination of ninety-three secret and top-secret level documents in addition to other sensitive material. The FBI also discovered folders in which documents had been misplaced or removed. This may seem unimportant that the highest-ranking government official still has classified documents but as BBC.com reports, “It’s worth noting here that US presidents must transfer all of their documents
and emails to a government agency called the National Archives once they leave office.” This means that all former presidents are required to turn in all documents that threaten national security; therefore, the discorvery of classified documents at their homes will help the nation avoid major security risks. Further similarities between Trump and Biden’s searches are that both of them, despite evidence and allegations raised against them, have maintained a status of complete innocence and denial over the alleged crimes of being in possession of illegal documents. In addition, both investigations were sparked over documents being found in possession of the politicians, such as the documents in D.C. pertaining to Biden and the documents found at Trump’s Florida residence which required a search warrant to retrieve. In the midst of the searches and confiscation of documents at both Biden’s Delaware retreat and Trump’s Florida home, it is important to draw these previously said similarities to convey that both parties of the American political system have allegations against them and thus should be viewed in the same manner. While the raid on Trump’s residence found many classified documents, the search on Biden’s vacation home has come up empty, which will go far in assuring the American people of their security.
Tyre Nichols, a 29 year-old black man, was beaten during a traffic stop by 5 former Memphis officers. Nichols died three days later, and the officers have now been charged with murder. The officers were dismissed from the force, and the district attorney brought charges against them before videos of the scene were publicly released. The videos showed the officers telling Nichols to stop. When Nichols refused, the officers stopped him and beat him. Rodney Wells, Nichols’s stepfather, told reporters that he felt like his stepson was murdered by the Memphis police. According to CBS News, the police department began an internal investigation and charged all five officers with second-
degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression in Nichol’s death. According to the autopsy, initial patient care reports, and a thorough investigation encouraged by the Nichols family, extensive bleeding was found in Nichols’s head and torso. CNN reports that the preliminary results of the autopsy were that there was evidence of a severe beating. Demetrius Haley, one of the former Memphis Police officers involved in the incident is currently under internal investigation for his role in the death of Tyre Nichols.
According to CNN, demonstrators are demanding reform in the police department and justice for Tyre Nichols. Following this incident, a non-violent protest was held in downtown Memphis on Satur-
day. The protest began after the news of Nichols’s death spread throughout the city. Hundreds of demonstrators marched through downtown Memphis decrying police brutality and demanding justice for the 29 year-old.
Throughout the weekend, gatherings and vigils were held around the city and country to honor Tyre’s life and call for an end to police brutality. On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of protesters gathered outside of the Memphis Police Department headquarters to show their support for Tyre and his family. The protesters carried signs reading “Justice for Tyre Nichols” and chanted slogans denouncing police brutality . The vigil ended with a moment of silence in memory of Nichols who lost his life at the hands of police officers.
February 10, 2023
South Asian representation in Hollywood has increased over the past decade, highlighting multiple cultures and customs while also raising doubts concerning the accuracy and portrayal of the actors depicted.
For example, Shonda Rhimes’ “Bridgerton” was introduced during the pandemic and follows the lives of the Bridgerton family, who search for love amidst their friends and rivals, dwelling in London. My point of interest rests on the second season of Bridgerton where an Indian family, the Sharmas, are introduced and depicted with a few cultural inaccuracies. As explained by “The Guardian”, the Sharma family, “Mary (Shelley Conn) and her daughters, Kate (Simone Ashley) and Edwina (Charithra Chandran),” make an entrance within society with the intention of finding Edwina, the youngest daughter, a suitable husband. Indeed, the show does a fair job of representation by portraying a pre-wedding haldi ceremony, in which Mary and Kate can be seen applying haldi, a mixture of turmeric and other ingredients, upon Edwina’s skin. “Medium” specifies that the haldi ceremony is a common Hindu occasion that serves to purify the body and soul, prepare the bride and groom for the wedding, and relieve any tension. Personally, the haldi cer-
emony is my favorite part of an Indian wedding, and I believe it is the most lively and soothing pre-wedding celebration. Further, in another scene, “Mashed” reports that Kate reveals that she dislikes English tea and would rather have a cup of chai, in which she uses whole spices to infuse the tea,” doing justice to Indian tea.
Apart from the representation aspect, it can be seen that the Sharma family does not fit into a “south Asian/Indian formula.” While their last name is north Indian, both Kate and Edwina call their father “Appa,” a word for father that originates from the south Indian language of Tamil. Furthermore, the Sharma family speaks Hindi and Marathi, which may be explained by their Bombay descent, “but Kate calls Edwina ‘bon,’ a Bengali word for sister, which she pronounces like “bon-bon.” In sum, the Sharma family revolves around a “pan-Indian cluster,” which is illogical. I sincerely appreciate the south Asian representation in Bridgerton, especially the jewelry that complemented the Sharmas’ dresses, for it reminds me of Indian jewelry, but the formation that the family has built into is quite con-
fusing for sure, considering the origin of the diction utilized.
Unlike “Bridgerton”, Hasan Minhaj’s “Patriot Act” has done a profound job of representing the south Asian community and making a cultural impact. In an NPR interview with Sowmya Krishnamurthy, a pop culture writer and fan of “Patriot Act”, NPR addresses Minhaj’s “Patriot Act”, a comedic, talk show
state that we finally have someone on screen who has experienced being told that they have a “hard-to-pronounce name,” and to her, Minhaj’s show ultimately meant turning on the screen to see someone “who looks like one of us.”
On a global scale, representation of Indian cinemas has been brought to the surface within Hollywood with SS Rajamouli’s very own “RRR”, a Telugu-language
Hollywood. I remember feeling ecstatic when “RRR” won an award at the Golden Globes and thought Indian cinema would finally be given the recognition it deserves. As of now, “RRR” has its sights on the Oscars,” and Rajamoulli signed with the “number one agency in Hollywood,” the Creative Artists Agency (CAA). In the future, RRR will be followed by another sequel as Rajamouli declared.
that “earned both a Peabody and an Emmy Award and the hearts of viewers, particularly in South Asian homes here and across the globe.” Krishnamurthy proclaims that Minhaj’s Indian descent contributed to the idea of representation amongst south Asians and his “millennial sensibility,” utilization of technology, and audience interaction made the show enjoyable and “approachable by young people.” Krishnamurthy goes on to
film depicting two revolutionaries, portrayed by Ram Charan and Rama Rao Jr., who fight against British colonists. As reported by India Today, “RRR’s” premier song, “Naatu Naatu” by MM Keeravaani, has received international honor at the Golden Globes this year for the best original song. “RRR” and Rajamoulli’s win at the Golden Globes not only gave its viewers representation, but it further enhanced Indian cinema’s relationship with
Presently, Mindy Kaling, a screenwriter and actress, has been criticized and disapproved by the South Asian community for portraying an inaccurate depiction of south Asian women. In fact, Kaling’s “Never Have I Ever”, “The Office”, “The Mindy Project”, and “The Sex Lives of College Girls” consists of multiple south Asian characters, some of them being pursued by Kaling herself. As stated by “Mashable”, the real issue at hand here is that Kaling represents most of her female, south Asian characters as “‘sex-obsessed,’ self-deprecating women who occasionally lack interest in or knowledge
of their cultural roots.” As a matter of fact, social media platforms such as Twitter and Tik Tok were utilized by viewers in order to present their thoughts on Kaling’s works and revealed that “these onscreen figures are not the representation they asked for.” Kaling’s characters are quite similar to each other, for they attempt “to balance their parents’ expectations, their view of themselves, and their need for validation.” During the end of my sophomore year, when “Never Have I Ever” came out, I was pleased to see another girl that looked like me pictured on screen and seeing the portrayal of Ganesh puja and Navratri, two Hindu holidays that I celebrate myself, kept me binge-watching the entire series, but I too, however, noticed how Devi was similar to characters from Kaling’s other shows such as “The Office” and “The Mindy Project,” knowing very little about their culture and customs, which is something I couldn’t relate to.
Ultimately, while viewers definitely appreciate the development of inclusion within Hollywood with recent Netflix TV shows, they may also express discontent at the way south Asians are portrayed on screen. Shows like “Bridgerton” and “Never Have I Ever” depicted scenes of certain customs and festivals, which the south Asian community and myself would like to see more of.
By:Sophia Brockway LO’T Editor-in-Chief
As Black History Month begins, the celebration has been tainted early with the Florida Department of Education’s decision, under Governor Ron DeSantis, to reject AP African American History courses due to “controversial topics.” The course is reportedly being piloted in 60 schools nationwide this year with hopes to expand as it progresses further. Thus, this decision by Florida’s Department of Education is hugely disappointing because it was rejected based on political agendas and not a real curriculum or educational concerns considering that the course is merely a pilot and subject to necessary changes determined by the piloting teachers and the College Board, the oversight advisors of all AP coursework.
Time Magazine reported that in January, The Florida Department of Education informed the College Board they wouldn’t approve the course unless certain “controversial” components were removed from the curriculum. Specifically listed were topics such as the Black Lives Matters movement, reparations, and intersectionality. In light of these criticisms, the College Board released the official framework for the course. This release shows that these topics were not included in any official lesson or test and are listed as optional topics for an end-of-the-year essay, meaning the student would only be diving into this information if they chose to do so.
Regardless of the “controversial content” only being optional, Governor Ron DeSantis declared that the class violates the Stop W.O.K.E Act (Florida), legislation he signed last year that prohibits schools and workplaces from any instruction that suggests that any individual, by virtue of their race, color, sex or national origin, “bears responsibility for and must feel guilt, anguish or other forms of psychological distress” as written on the official bill summary. Without getting too far off track, the Stop W.O.K.E law essentially allows people to avoid diversity and cultural training, allows books to be banned from schools, and overall stifles discussion of oppression, which likely reinforces negative cycles in society.
The course in no way violates the act because while explaining the history and the facts of African American culture, it never lists anyone in the curriculum as the culprit for centuries of exploitation and maltreatment. If students reach their own conclusions about who may or may not be responsible for the injustices of the past or even today, and they begin to feel “anguished” or “guilty,” then that class is the perfect opportunity to talk about why they feel that way and what those feelings mean, especially considering that the goals of any AP course are to analyze, think critically, and discuss.
Moreover, DeSantis was quick to speak out against the course, denouncing it for “pushing a political agenda.” In a January press conference, Time Magazine reported DeSantis said, “We want education, not indoctrination.” Additionally, DeSantis’s stance is especially disappointing considering he was a former history teacher and history major. Because of his previous job, I would expect him to be more rational and less ignorant about the importance of this misrepresented and often overlooked history finally being taught. According to CNN in a press conference in Jacksonville, Florida, earlier this year, DeSantis told the crowd, “That’s a political agenda…That’s the wrong side of the line for Florida standards. We believe in teaching kids facts and how to think, but we don’t believe they should have an agenda imposed on them.” This is hypocritical to say the least; considering DeSantis has his own agenda and is using the course as a political stunt to prove how radically partisan he is, disregarding the misinformation he spreads in his
speeches and the ongoing ignorant hate that grips our country constantly. AP African American Histroy and education, in general, are the only remedies for bigotry and ignorance. With access to more information, more students will develop a better understanding of the world around them and why it is the way it is. AP classes are renowned as great courses that help students develop critical thinking skills and collegelike study habits. NPR reported that over 200 historians and professors contributed to the creation of the curriculum, which goes to show how carefully put together the course was. Education should provide students with facts and skills that allow them to develop their own opinions, and by not allowing access to a class, students are deprived of those opportunities for individual learning and growth.
Line O’Type is the official school-sponsored paper of Moline High School. The paper is published by the students under the supervision of faculty advisors for the Moline High School community. The staff will strive to accurately report school, local, state, and national news that affects high school students. Line O’Type Signals is also a forum open to students, faculty and administration to encourage the airing of opinions respresenting all sides of an issue.
All submitted material must be signed, due to a code passed by the school board. All responses or questions regarding editorials should be directed to your Editors-in-Chief, Sophia Brockway and Siri Chintala and faculty advisors, Heidi Norcross and Heather Breidenbach
As Valentine’s Day is approaching, the concept of love and romance is really brought to life, and whether you love Valentine’s Day or completely hate it, you’ll be bombarded with people flouncing their love all around, while others feel the day dragging them down into the dirt. However, if you happen to fall into the uncoupled category on the big day, you don’t have to let it ruin you. Valentine’s Day is actually a great day to remind people around you that you appreciate them, and you don’t HAVE to let Valentine’s Day be dedicated to couples. If you are looking to find love or make your love
better on Valentine’s Day, a few of the MHS teachers offered to give students
When asked, What is something really important to do in a relationship?
History teacher, Mr. Lamphier instantly said, “Being a good listener.”
He added that being a good communicator is a great skill; however, listening and understanding what someone you love and care about is thinking and feeling is essential to a successful relationship.
“You get what you put in,” meaning that if you put actual love and effort into your relationship, it will show.
- Mrs.
of MHS some advice about relationships and what love is to them.
Math teacher, Mrs. Lawrence also had some things to say on the topic of love and relationships when she told a story about her matchmaking abilities. While Mrs. Lawrence talked about her “Accidental Matchmaker”
“It’s unique to each soul and transcends the darkness with each heartbeat,” says Corynn Holmes, a senior at MHS.
Love. What does it mean?
Upon interviewing several students, we now have a more nuanced understanding of how those at Moline perceive love.
Some had a more complete idea of what love means.
“Love is a feeling you experience when you’re around the things that make you the happiest,” says Graham Crippen.
“You can feel love towards people, any living thing or object, or anything. You can love something you do, like a hobby,” says
very important”
- Mrs. Nache
story, she went on to explain that in one of her 9th-grade classes, she sat a girl and a boy next to each other who
Simra Babu.
Others are more reserved in their definitions of love.
“Uhh, I don’t know,” says Saiheed Jah.
Some students made a distinction between different kinds of love.
“Love means affection.
Something about me is that for me to like a person, you can’t just like them. You have to know them to like them. There’s a difference between a crush and a like,” says Diya Vishwakarma.
Other students thought no distinction should be made between different kinds of love.
“All love is really the same,” says Anandi Hoogheem.
For some, love is a combination of various different feelings.
had never talked, and they became really good friends. ventually, they started dating, and now they are married and have a baby together.
Mrs. Donna Lawrence also went on to give some love advice saying, “Find someone who treats you well and makes you laugh.” She even went on to say, “Marry your best friend.”
Lastly, when asked about love, Spanish teacher Mr. Masterson said “I find love at the strangest times, often when I’m brushing my teeth or combing my hair,” which proves that love can occur when you least expect it.
a day for couples to enjoy, remember to embrace it no matter your relationship status. Take it as a day to love
As technology and social media becomes more relevant in our lives, people begin to value their in-person relationships less, including their romantic relationships.
It’s during these times where people claim that traditional romance is dead, that “chivalry is dead.” This could possibly be blamed on the media, internet, or even dating apps. Some people complain that for those reasons, it’s ruining their relationships. What’s going on?
In today’s day and age, young adults are seeking more virtual relationships than ever before. It’s the imbalance of a virtual relationship compared to a reality that’s causing the problem. According to Utah State University, The drawbacks of dating online include time, effort, successfulness, unwanted messages, and misrepresenting oneself online.
“Hugs release oxytocin, the love hormone!”
- Mrs. Zobrist
Even through Valentine’s Day is typically
and admire people around you. As Mrs. Lawrence said, “Love others as you love yourself.”
“I feel like love is when you are always happy to be with that person, and you can forgive that person even if they’ve made mistakes. You want to be able to grow old with that person, whether that feeling is romantic and platonic. love is just a natural feeling,” says Marissa Summers.
In conducting these interviews, I found an interesting difference in the kinds of responses from male and female students. Female students provided a majority of the personal, heartfelt responses. This leads me to believe that women are more comfortable discussing sensitive and vulnerable emotions like love.
Most male students I approached had no clue what to say. Desperate to
find more male perspectives of love, I asked a couple of guys in my anatomy class.
“Love is playing Fortnite at 2 AM.”
“Love is throwing a baseball at 60 miles per hour.”
Finally, a clear answer arose.
“Love is a feeling of affection towards another.”
A bland response, but a clear one nonetheless.
It’s obvious why there’s no one definition of love.
Everyone feels love in different ways, and with different ways of expressing it. It’s difficult to put such a complex feeling into words. In the end, a quote from Alisha Loehrl shines through: “I think love is one of the most important things about being human.”
“Love is a feeling you experience when you’re around the things that make you the happiest,” says senior Graham Crippen. Photo courtesy Maranda Bargren
- Shared appreciation for loved ones
- All things chocolate
- New love
- Strawberries
- Flower prices
- Chalky candy hearts
- Lonely feelings
- Dinnerreservations
There are many horror stories about “catfish” online, who pose as people different from themselves, such as people more con - ventionally attractive or younger than they are. This can cause mis - trust in dating sites or apps. Additionally, dating sites or apps can pose a seri- ous threat to the safety of its users by allowing too much information to be revealed online, or allowing dangerous people to interact with victims online and meet with them in person.
Due to these drawbacks, everybody using dating sites and apps such as Tinder should be extremely careful about revealing information to other users, in addition to only using the apps after they have turned 18.
Virtual love seems to show some negative sides, but is it possible for it to be accepted even with traditional love as well? It seems that people still struggle with some of these issues even at a traditional standpoint. All relationships require effort, as that’s what pushes it together. There is still the risk of having negative encounters with people, and that is still a process many experience in their effort to find their significant other.
It’s important to realize both you and your partner’s strengths and flaws when meeting someone you want to have in your life. Each person has the right to figure out ways to meet the people out there and discover their way to true love.
“There’s a difference between a crush and a like,” says Diya Vishwakarma.
-Sadies near Valentine’s Day
“You can forgive that person even if they’ve made mistakes. You want to be able to grow old with that person, whether that feeling is romantic and platonic,” says senior Marissa Summers.
-Matching V-Day attire
-Arts/crafts
- Costly giftgiving
- Holiday on a Tuesday -PDA
Valentine’s Day has always evoked the idea of love, particularly romantic love. However, nowadays, Valentine’s Day is riddled with consumerism. This is not a new revelation, but one that has distressed Valentine’s Day enthusiasts for years.
According to History.com, Valentine’s Day originated as a feast, celebrating St. Valentine. Though it is speculation as to who the real St. Valentine is and what he did to acquire sainthood, however, it is undoubtedly an act celebrating love and romance. He became a very popular saint.
The Romans began celebrating this holiday in February either to celebrate the time of St. Valentine’s martyrdom or to Christianize the pagan holiday Lupercalia. Lupercalia celebrated fertility, the Roman god Faunus, and Romes’ founders, Romulus and Remus.
Eventually, Lupercalia was outlawed and Pope Gelasias declared February 14th St. Valentine’s Day around the 5th Century.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day became a celebration of romance and written valentines began appearing. In the 1700s, more people in Europe and the United States began exchanging valentines cards with their friends and partners.
Furthermore, mass produced cards were introduced in the 19th and early 20th Century, acting as “an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged.”
It appears as though these ready-made valentines have persisted to this day. Perhaps we could dial back the consumerism to show our love, but it might not be bad to have the option to purchase easy, mass-produced gifts and tokens. They may be the perfect way to help someone struggling with expressing their feelings.
“Raise your standards!”
StuedemannPhoto courtesy of Tim Lahan for NBC News
“Don’t let things fester; communication is
By: Micah Thieme LO’T Entertainment Editor
This February, Marvel will release an unexpected New Ant-man movie: “AntMan and the Wasp: Quantumania,” Set to hit theaters on February 17th. This new movie will be all about the quantum realm, and is sure to excite Marvel Fans.
Scott Lang played by Paul Rudd and Hope Van Dyne played by Evangeline Lilly will be exploring realms unknown to other Marvel characters yet. It has recently been released that not only will Ant-Man be trying to keep his family safe from the dangers of the quantum realm but Kang the
Conquerer played by Jonathan Majors will be in the movie as well.
Although we don’t know what Kang’s goal in this movie will be we can assume that there will be some good action between Kang and Ant-Man hopefully in the quantum realm! After the release of the trailer we have a good idea that Kang and Ant Man will be making some deals to help Scott gain back some lost time. Real Marvel fans think Kang The Conquerer is most likely going to be the next big villain in phase five of Marvel. Kang has been seen in many timelines in Marvel so it is going to be
exciting to see him in this.
The last two movies have been pretty big hits with “Ant-Man” getting 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and “AntMan and The Wasp” getting 87%. With this being the newest Marvel release and a highly rated fan favorite I have no doubt that “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” will be an even bigger success. As we have learned previously the first “Ant-Man” set up further advances in the Marvel universe even affecting “Avengers: Endgame” which time travel wouldn’t have been possible without him so who knows what this new movie could be leading
up to for Marvel.
The trailer for the new movie has just left the viewers with many questions such as: “How will Cassie have a roll in this new movie considering her new ablitities?”, “how will M.O.D.O.K. be introduced and involved in the story line?”, and even “will Scott Lang be passing down the roll of Ant-Man!”
Hopefully, this won’t be the last movie in which viewers get to experience the depths of the Quantum realm.
So get to the theaters on February 17th, 2023 and experience the quantum realms in Marvel!
Spongebob Cosmic Shake, the highly anticipated sequel to Spongebob Rehydrated, has shaken the gaming community. The game has received amazing reviews with a 9/10 from the online gaming monster, Steam, and an 8/10 from ShackNews. Personally, I’d give more like a 7/10, as it lacks the action I prefer.
The game’s story is Spongebob going between different universes known as WishWorlds. Spongebob is aided by his best
friend, Patrick, who had transformed into a balloon to help save Bikini Bottom and bring their friends back.
Spongebob the TV show has been a hit from the beginning, which is why it has been expanding its reach from just a TV show to video games, spinoff shows, and more. The video game has good graphics and looks extremely realistic, but it doesn’t really fit the goofy animation of Spongebob and actually looks a little too realistic at points.
Personally, growing up, I had always enjoyed Spongebob and looked forward to watching the show with my family, and with the show and franchise still going on strong, it’s nice to see. Though I haven’t played this game much,
the Spongebob Rehydrated game was pretty fun and had a multiplayer option, which meant I could play with my friends and made the experience just a bit better.
With Stephen Hillenburg, Spongebob’s creator, passing in 2018, many have wanted to fulfill his wishes of not creating a spin-off of Spongebob, and many are pursuing ways to stop the suggested show. However, Camp Coral is a complete spin-off of Spongebob and goes against Hillenburg’s final wishes.
Online reviewer, Dominic Weddle, writes along with a five star review., “I have always loved SpongeBob, Battle for Bikini Bottom was great, and was excited when the sequel was finally revealed. Definitely happy
to say it doesn’t disappoint!
Purple Lamp Studios has produced great remakes, and this is a great standalone! I scream for more!”
The enthusiam and pure enjoyment that Weddle includes in his review only makes me want to play it more, but people do listen to his reviews as well.
Though I haven’t purchased the game yet, I am considering buying it as it is only $40 compared to the normal $60 price tag for a high-rated game.
If you are a Spongebob fanatic, I definitely would suggest this game, but if you’re a “normal” gamer, try it out with a friend and try to play the game before putting your hard-earned dollars into it even though I think it’s fun.
For many years, the Sadie Hawkins dance has been a popular event that many students love to attend.
However, it’s not just any ordinary dance because there’s one aspect that sets it apart from the rest.
Though normally boys ask someone to go to the dance with them, the Sadies dance is “girls choice.” In other words, it is tradition that the girls ask their partner to the dance.
This tradition began with the comic strip, “Li’l
Abner.”
The plot entails a 35 year old women named Sadie Hawkins who was unmarried, so her worried father created a race of with all the eligible bachelors of the town. Whichever bachelor Sadie caught would become her husband.
The comic was a hit amoung American students who started to honor the gener role reversal.
Thus, the girls ask their choice to the dance.
However, other students go with a friend or group of friends.
Have questions about the dance? We have all of the answers.
Sadies Q & A
“What day is the dance?”
The dance is on Saturday, February 11th.
“Where is the dance this year?”
The dance is at The RiverCenter in downtown Davenport.
“What time is it at?”
It will be held from 7pm to 10pm.
“Where and when can I buy tickets?”
You can buy tickets starting on January 30th at the school bookstore. From January 30th to February 8th, tickets will be sold for $15. On February 9th and 10th, tickets will be sold
for $20. Finally, if you buy a ticket at the dance, it will be $25.
“What is the theme?”
This year, the theme of Sadies will be “Black & White.”
Student Body President, Haley Petersen, states “I’m really excited for the theme. It’s very simple, and that’s how Sadies is as a dance. It’s minimal and classic, so Black & White fits the dance well.
She adds “I also think having this dance in February is really nice because there’s really nothing else to look forward to in the winter months!”
But remember, when
you’re having fun, you still need to follow all of the school rules about dances and events. You’ll need to listen to the administration,
who is in charge and will be chaperoning, and be courteous to the other students. Have fun, and be safe Maroons!
One unique paper craft the Victorians created was a pocket puzzle: a folded piece of paper decorated with watercolor.
According to papier. com, “Victorians would place a lock of hair in the
centre.” Nowadays, in recreating these curiosities from the past, people choose to write instead.
To show appreciation for a friend or a partner this Valentine’s Day, a Victorian Pocket Puzzle may be the perfect , thoughtful gift you’ve been looking for.
Fold a square paper diagonally, unold, then fold diagonally the other way.
Fold into thirds then unfold. Turn 90 degrees.
Fold into thirds again. You will have 9 squares. Then, flip it over..
Fold
Instagram user celestecclark provides an example of a finished and painted vintage valentine.
February 10, 2023
If you’re a fan of books and coffee, The Brewed Book is the perfect place for you!
This coffee shop in Davenport doubles as a used bookstore, creating the perfect environment to read a good book while enjoying a nice cup of coffee.
Right as I walked in I loved the atmosphere. Bookshelves lined almost all of the walls from floor to ceiling, numerous plants sat on shelves and tables, and plenty of different seating options were scattered throughout the shop.
One of my favorite features was the two rolling ladders propped against shelves. I thought this was very appealing and added to the overall authentic experience of being in a bookstore.
Additionally, another cool factor I enjoyed was the piano off to the side when you first walk in. On top, there were messy piles of sheet music, and I could tell the piano was used often. When I asked the worker, he stated that anyone was free to mess around and play some music on the instrument.
Not only is The Brewed Book a coffee shop and used book store, but it also
holds fun events.
On Sundays from 4-7pm, they hold Board Game Nights. While I was there, I saw a shelf in the back that was full of board games.
There were numerous options including Clue, Apples to Apples, Scrabble, Monopoly, and many I had never heard of.
However, you don’t need a Board Game Night to play. Whenever you visit, you can grab your game of choice and sit down to play. As I was there, I saw a table of a mom and her kids playing Sorry!
If you’re not a fan of board games, on Thursdays from 5-10pm, they hold
Along with games, The Brewed Book has reading events as well as a stage in the back for performances.
Furthermore, they provide an extensive menu of drinks and pastries to savor. To drink, they have coffees, teas, smoothies, energy drinks, and “Energetic Italian Sodas.” To eat, they have cookies, scones, muffins, and other pastries.
When I visited, I tried their Iced Chai Latte. It was adequate and tasted like a standard chai latte, but the spice flavor wasn’t too strong, which I ended up enjoying.
Overall, I liked the
drink and the peaceful bookstore environment of the shop that made it a very enjoyable experience. I would definitely recom-
mend visiting, and if you enjoy reading, I would take a book and plan to be there awhile.
By: Natalie Rotramel LO’T Feature Editor
A new year is a chance for new beginnings, included but not limited to, trends.
Tiktok, a seeming hub of all things trending has created quite the spread for the early months of 2023, ranging from cute, to practical, to surprisingly creative.
For starters, the odd trend that it seems no one has escaped, the Borzoi dogs. If you’re not familiar, these are the large but skinny dogs with long faces and inquisitive eyes.
People have become infatuated with these dogs, starting with vid-
eos of dogs themselves then evolving to people recreating Borzois’ unique build in everyday items, adding dots for their eyes and nose as the finishing touches.
These odd videos are paired with a sound of matching oddity, a cover of the song “cellophane,” by FKA Twigs, pulling the lyrics, “Didn’t I do it for you?” this time sung by the Muppets’ own Miss Piggy, all aspects culminating in a strange but endearing trend of people’s own imaginations.
Following Borzois, a trend mirroring 2019’s Hydro-flask craze, is the Stanley cup. This
tumbler seems simple enough at first, but it is extremely popular. It’s first draw is it’s size, ranging for 14 oz to a full 40 oz size. They’re practical, fashionable, and sturdy. As of recently,
they’ve been flying off the shelves. According to Forbes, the Stanley Adventure Quencher is sold out within 24 hours of restock. Finally, the newest and seemingly fastest-
growing trend thus far, is actually a person. Pedro Pascal, of many popular shows and movies throughout the years, suddenly has several communities of Tiktok at a standstill with his newest role as Joel Miller in the tv show adaptation of Naughty Dog’s “The Last of Us,” a story that follows Joel as he bonds with Ellie, a young girl through their journey during a zombie apocalypse.
While it was his role as Joel Miller that sparked the current trends, Pedro Pascal himself is now receiving love for countless other roles he plays. Even his
roles that gave him the reputation of being in bad quality movies are rising in popularity due to Pascal’s appearance in them.
But it wouldn’t be a trend without people on Tiktok showing their support through posting countless interview clips, edits, and other videos of Pascal. One edit of him in particular, gained over eleven million views and over one million likes in less than two weeks of being uploaded.
So what’s next? With all these very different but equally loved trends, the people of Tiktok ensure that any person can be entertained this year.
February 10, 2023
The boys’ swimming team at Moline High School has had a remarkable season, with a talented roster of nine swimmers and two divers.
Despite having graduated a strong group of swimmers and divers from last year’s season, their hard work and dedication have paid off, as evidence by their outstanding performance at the Macomb Invitational in December, where they secured a well-deserved third place finish.
Preparation for the remainder of the season has been no easy feat,
and the boys’ at Moline High School have been taking it seriously. The boys placed second in the WB6 Championship this past weekend and finished the season off strong. The athletes have been putting in long hours at the pool, honing their skills, building endurance, and preparing for the big day ensuring that every minute spent at the pool is used to its maximum potential.
This year, the team dynamic has played a crucial role in the success of the season. With a tight-knit group of athletes and supportive coaching, the boys have been able to push
through the challenges and come out stronger as a team, such as losses and the early morning practices.
Sophomore Harry VanVooren comments, “The season has been good and treacherous to say the least. Waking up at 5 am everyday takes a toll on your body, but the people that surround you on the team make up for the hardships as they make it a little more enjoyable.”
As the boys’ swimming season is close to coming to an end, they reflect upon it. With all the hard work and dedication athletes have put in to achieve their goals. Coach Roche is very impressed with the team’s progress
throughout the season. He comments that, “The guys kept getting faster at each meet and have been grinding it out all season. With the postseason coming up, we will start building them back up and resting for peak performance!”
The boys of Moline High School proudly showcased their hard work and determination during this season, focusing solely on what they could control.
The team is on it’s way to prepare for sectionals which is on Saturday Feburary 18th.
We wish you best of luck for the rest of the season! Rock it at Sectionals!
The Moline Track and Field team is preparing this season as runners begin to hit the track. Being only three weeks in, the team has been practicing everyday after school, ensuring that they are performing at their best.
Sophomore Sanaj Kapur commented, “I am excited to motivate myself and my teammates. I can’t wait to run beside my teammates at meets. It was an amazing time last season, and I hope I can recreate it again this year.”
Last year, the team placed second in the WB6 conference. They are aiming to do this again, and are working extremely hard to do so. The team is excited to see new PR’s and the seniors are currently getting ready to make memories alongside their teammates.
Senior Ryleigh Robertson,who is a distance runner, says, “I’m excited to get ready for outdoor season, and I’m looking forward to making memories with my teammates and achieving my goals. It’s sad to think that this is my last year running, but I will give it my all.”
With morning and afternoon practices, the team is working hard to achieve their goals and hit their PR’s. One athlete from the boys team tells us about his goals this season.
Junior Jim Arul states,“I’m looking forward to seeing myself and everyone on the team work hard this season. It’s important that we always give our 100% percent at practices and meets. I’m excited to make new memories and come together as a team.” Jim is an excellent
athlete who excels in the 4x800m and the mile.
The team motivates each other and really sees the potential in each other. They are looking forward to a successful season this year.
Senior Eryn Robertson, a distance runner, is also excited to get the season underway. Eryn says “As a senior, I’ve enjoyed my time here on MHS track. The team is supporting and motivating and it’s really an incredible atmosphere during games and practices. My personal goal is to come together as a team and help each other achieve their goals. I also want to PR on all my events to end on a positive note.
All in all, the team is getting ready for a successful season.
February 10, 2023
With the conclusion of the bowling season, the Special Olympics basketball team has been dominating the court this winter.
The season started in November, where the team started off the season by hosting their first annual Fall Classic.
Coach Holly VanHerzeele stated, “It was a memorable experience for the team.”
On January 14, the Special Olympics basketball team played Galesburg. This was the first game in a three point championship. The team had a close finish, losing by only one point with a score of 60-61.
However, all of the biggest highlights of the season occured on Friday, January 27 the gym at Wharton Field House was filled with excitement as Special Olympics basketball players took the court for a showcase of their athleticism against Rocky.
Their teamwork was on full display as
they worked together seamlessly to execute plays and represent their team.
Players such as Lukas Johnson and Sean Johnson Jr. showed their exceptional sportsmanship and talent on the court in front of hundreds of Moline fans.
One highlight was Lukas Johnson’s stepback three-pointer, executed after a full-court pass. Sean Johnson added to the excitement with a buzzer-beater shot and commented, “I am feeling good after that buzzer.”
The highlight of the week was Sean Johnson’s recognition as Player of the Week, an award which recognizes one’s exceptional performance and talent on the court.
This marks Sean Johnson’s second time winning this title, and he is really proud of himself.
On Monday, February 6, the team played at the Regional Tournament, where they earned a welldeserved second place. They are really proud
of this and hope that they continue this exceptional performance for the upcoming years.
Coach Holly VanHerzeele commented,
“I enjoy watching my athletes work hard to achieve their goals and build skills. They get so excited at practice and competitions, they play for the love of the game. I
Coaching the Special Olympics team is one of the most rewarding things I do.”
Some goals the team has this year are to make it to the State Basketball Championship again, which will be held in March. They also want to improve their technique. To do so,they have been practicing hard each week, and praticing multiple times a week.
Overall, the season for the Moline High School Special Olympics Basketball team went amazing. They were able to demonstrate their amazing athleticism and cooperation on the court this season.
Through the amazing cooperation and athleticism, Moline’s Special Olympics Basketball team has created an unforgettable season, not only for them, but also for their fans.
am so proud of all of them and the way they have learned to work together. Their sportsmanship sets them apart from most athletes.
We wish the Special Olympics Basketball all the best as they continue to represent Moline with their amazing athleticism on the court!