MHS Line O Type Student Newspaper February 8, 2019

THE LINE O’ TYPE

Page 3 ..........New district superintendent Page 5...........Take a social media break Page 8..........”Rent: Live” review Page 12........Maroons of the month

February 8, 2019

Volume 102, Issue 4

Boys basketball players huddlle together for encouragement.

Photo by Nik Johnson

News February 8, 2019

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Polar vortex blows freezing New problems arise in wake temperatures over the Midwest of government shutdown

By: Makayla Rangel LO’T News Editor It’s no surprise to anyone in the Quad Cities that the Midwest is facing its coldest weather since 1966. School closings, blizzards, and freezing winds have made this clear.

Moline reached almost -50 ℉ with the windchill within the past few weeks.

To students, this cold weather seemed like an opportunity for a snow day.

Unfortunately, sledding and ice skating were not on students’ to-do list for days off school. The polar vortex that swept across the midwest is deadly and manyare oblivious.

According to the Associated Press, there have been 12 weather-linked deaths in the Midwest.

Some were car accident related and some were frostbite and hypothermia related. In addition, the effects of the extreme cold were local, state-wide, and regioon-wide. In Moline,

along with schools, some local businesses were closed including our own Whitey’s Ice Cream, which was closed on Wednesday, January 30, due to the severe weather conditions. In Illinois, more specifically the Chicago area, there were over 2,000 flight cancellations in and out of Chicago airports. At one poin, even deliveries from postal workers were canceled in 10 states including Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and more.

On a smaller level, families were prepared for the worst within their homes and on the road. Common occurrences include frozen or bursting pipes, broken furnaces, and car trouble.

The last thing anyone wants is no heat, water, or car in the dead of winter. However, as we’re still in the midst of winter weather, there are several things one can do to keep safe. Firstly, it is advised that everyone makes a winter emergency

Image of Polar Vortex across the U.S.

kit for their house and car. The kit may contain clothes, blankets, rock salt, jumper cables, a flashlight, and sand (for traction in cars), food, and water. It may feel unnecessary now, but an emergency kit could potentially save your life in the future.

These freezing temperatures are expected in the Midwest, but many question why the weather was so extreme this year.

To explain, the Midwest was experiencing the effects of a polar vortex.

Polar vortexes are large areas of low pressure and cold air near the North and South poles. During the winter, this large area can expand, sending jetstreams of cold air further south from the poles, which left the Midwest with the freezing temperatures and winds that keep us inside.

Coutesy of Weather.com

By: Aubrie Mozingo $5.7 billion included in the In summary, the Democrats LO’T News Reporter budget in order to build his believe that the wall will The government shutpromised wall. not prove to be effective. down started on December If President Trump agrees to Instead, they propose new 22nd of last year. It has just leave this out of his budscanning technology at recently taken a break after get, he will face the risk of official ports of entry into 35 days. This is the largest not being reelected. Adthe United States, cameras shutdown in the history ditionally, Trump stated in and radars that will crack of the United States as we a past interview that “All down on unauthorized know it, surpassing the Americans are hurt by border crossings, and better previous record of 21 days uncontrolled, illegal migrainvestments in the border held during the Clinton ad- tion. We are out of space infrastructure. ministration in 1995. Many to hold them and we have The government shutdisapprove of this period no way to promptly return down just recently came of turbulence, asking when them back to their country.” to a three week break. this shutdown will end. The The President is not simply The consequences of this real question is: Can it be trying to play a political shutdown start out small, brought to an end? game. He believes that his but they snowballed ex Now, the controtremely quickly. versy over the As the days shutdown is piled up, these not a simple consequences on cut-and-dry everyday Americase. Many cans became more may be profound. First, wondering: according to BBC why can’t the News, this shutgovernment down left 800,000 just comprogovernment emmise and get ployees without over this?

Many National monuments were closed due to the pay for more than Well, it’s not government shutdown.

Courtesy of CBS News 30 days. Additionthat simple. In al consequences the November elections, proposed wall will prevent included food safety the Democrats took control any drugs or criminals from scares, struggling national of the House, while the entering the country. The parks, TSA agents quitting, Republicans maintained Democrats in the House, on hurricane prep taking a hit control of the Senate. With the other hand, under the and farm finance trouble. a Republican executive and leadership of Rep. Nancy President Trump just a split legislature, it was Pelosi, are remaining firm recently signed a measure inevitable that a division in their conviction that the to reopen the government take place. wall should not be included until February 15, in which

The controversy in this year’s budget. In an the government will shut lies in the separate agendas article by U.S. Representadown once more if his of the two parties. One of tive Cheri Bustos labeled budget, including the wall, Donald Trump’s campaign “Government shutdown is not approved. If these promises was to build a makes us less safe”, she groups are not able to find wall between Mexico and explains why the Democrats a compromise soon, both the southern border of the will not support the wall pro- parties are sure to not have United States. Trump wants posed by President Trump. the faith of the people.

News February 8, 2019

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New superintendent looks forward to “setting a vision” By: Serina Daniels LO’T News Editor Recently, the MolineCoal Valley School District hired a new superintendent to take the place of Mr. Lanty McGuire, who is set to retire this June. However, Dr. Rachel Savage, the district’s pick for the position,is

community she serves.

Some of Dr. Savage’s other interests include reading and traveling. She has already been to Mexico, Spain, Costa Rica, Italy, France, and the Netherlands, and hopes to visit Puerto Rico and Greece sometime soon. When

not new at this job. Starting out as a high school Spanish teacher in Dubuque, she has plenty of hands-on experience in the school system.

In addition, she has served as superintendent, associate superintendent, a middle school and elementary school principal, and an adjunct university professor.

While she grew up in Dubuque, Iowa, she is “really looking forward to moving to the community and becoming a part of the fabric of Moline.” Savage has been traveling to the Quad Cities since she was a child and loves all that it has to offer. Dr. Savage and her husband are currently looking for a home in the Quad Cities, so she can be closer to her job and the

traveling, she loves to try new family-owned restaurants that are unique to each community and represent distinct cultures.

ministrator’s family consists of her husband Eric, her daughter Gabby, her son RJ, and their Springer Spaniel named Pilot. Since her husband is a professor of the Aviation Program and her son will be attending college to pursue a degree in Aviation Flight, the name seems like a good fit.

As an experienced superintendent, Savage realizes that parents can be very invested in the administration of their child’s school. She hopes to include the “parent voice” when it comes to the students’ educational experience by “getting to know the parents of the district and listening to better understand their perspective.”

When asked what strengths that she will bring to the job, she reassures many by saying, “I will do my best to help drive the mission and vision for the district once it has been collaboratively set and to lift

When she isn’t traveling, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. The new ad-

up and support the hardworking administrators, teachers, and support staff.

I will ensure they have the

tools and resources needed to lead students to success.” She describes herself as “loyal, transparent, and a good listener” and believes in “360-degree acc o u n t a b i l i t y. ” When asked what she would like the students of the Moline School District to know before she starts with her new position, Dr. Savage responded, “I am excited to meet the students of Moline-Coal Valley. I am interested in visiting schools and seeing students actively engaged in their learning both within the classroom walls and beyond. I love to see student service learning within the community,Dr. Savage is the new pick for the superintendent position concerts, plays,Courtesy of QCOnline giving back to the commu- [to] better understand their competitions, games, and so on. Through nity, Savage’s more specific points of pride for their student leadership lun- plans include career and schools and their visions cheons, I will seek out the technical education at the and goals for the future.”

Students, staff and opinions and ideas of stu- high school and advanced programs in middle school parents, please join us dents regarding how we can to allow students to enter in welcoming Dr. Savimprove and better prepare high school with at least one age to our school district. students for the future.” Her credit.

Overall, she looks We hope she will bring a first plan as superintendent forward to “setting a vision lasting impact to the eduis to “listen and learn.” With for the next three years” cational community in passions for embracing the and “meeting with district Moline and Coal Valley. whole child through the collective growth mindset and and school level teams…

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Editorial February 8, 2019

10 Reasons why you should quit social media

By: Oyniso Bakhriddinova LO’T Editor in Chief Teens today spend more than one-third of their lives on social media for an average of nine hours per day according to a new study from the family technology education non-profit group, Common Sense Media. This statistic is especially evident in the halls of Moline High School. Each day, I notice dozens of students glued to their phones snapchatting, tweeting, and instagramming away.

In the past few decades, the nature of our communication habit has evolved vastly. The majority of students seemingly depend on the social media apps, and it seems that our lives revolve around the constant humming and buzzing of notifications that pop up on our phones. Which begs the question: Is social media worth our time?

Maybe you should take a time-out from your phone right now and take a look at why stepping away from your social media accounts might actually improve your life. The following list shows ten reasons why you should quit (or take a

break from) social media.

1. Studies find that those who quit social media are much happier with their lives. If you find yourself emotionally stumped, perhaps taking a break from checking your likes, mentions, and tags on your social media accounts can help you feel less disorganized and scatter brained.

2. Social Media has proven to negatively affect your mental health.

The Guildford Press Periodicals showed links between heavy Facebook use and depression. Heavy Facebook users showed more signs of depression than those users who logged in less often. If you suffer from mental health issues, looking at photos of popular influencers living picturesque and unrealistic lifestyles will not help you feel good about your own situation. Taking a break from these platforms will help you work on your mental health.

3. It can ruin your relationships. An intimate moment is no longer an intimate moment if you’re sharing it with the world on Instagram. A relationship

with a friend or significant other is sacred because of the boundaries and respect that surround them.

Not every picture needs to be uploaded to Facebook, Snapchat, or Twitter. It’s a slippery slope into counting on external validation to prove to yourself that the relationship you have is good enough, rather than finding the validation from within yourself.

4. You are more likely to procrastinate if you use social media. Many students can’t deny feeling unproductive with their phones out. Many have found that frequent notifications can be a huge distraction. Thus, simple tasks such doing homework take hours to complete when, in reality, it should take minutes.

5. The virtual world sets people up for unrealistic expectations of body image. Media plays a big role in shaping perception, and there is a large amount of research which indicates a connection between media and body image in women. Social media puts out an image of what a “beautiful” person is, and it makes people think that in order to be beautiful, you have to be a certain size or height, have a certain hair or eye color, or be a particular race.

6. You may lose your sense of privacy. Posting pictures of your location at your favorite Starbucks, restaurant, or workplace will broadcast to your fol-

lowers (and the world) where you spend your time daily. Doing so will paint you as an easy target for stalkers to take advantage of.

7. Your personal data may be in trouble. Facebook’s data blunder last year proves that social media sites are capable of using your personal likes, tweets, and views to connect advertisements on your feed for capital gain.

Your phone number, email, or even home address may fall into the wrong hands.

8. Relying on social media for news information can make you more closeminded and misinformed.

Twitter users receive news recommendations by people in their social networks.

A recent study by Echelon Insights and Hart Research found that adults (ages 18 to 49) trust political and news information shared from friends they follow more than news delivered from

other sources. To be more conscientious of the world around you, you must look at issues through many sources -especially reputable ones with more context.

9. Your social life may actually suffer. If electronic devices interfere with your real-life conversations, you impede your own ability to connect with others. If you are just messaging someone on Social Media, you will miss the emotion and tone that is vital to proper communication. In theory, social media is suppose to make communication easier. In reality, it acts as a barrier.

10. You are losing free will. Daily dependence on social media is controlling your life. These apps are designed to hook users with features like “infinite scroll” to gain screen time and most of -advertisement money. Using these apps become a habit over time,

not necessarily a preference.

While social media can become too involved in our lives, we should not give up the platforms entirely.

Sure, it is nice to connect with old friends or families members once in a while.

However, spending hours on social media apps is unhealthy. It’s time to put the phone down and take a breath of fresh air; talk to people; spend time outside; find a new hobby; learn a new language; work out; join a club/activity; learn to cook; and generally be more mindful of what’s going on around you. Personal human connections should be anyone’s priority in life.

The quality time spent behind the real connections you have with your family and friends is far more important than the number of followers you have. It’s time to put the phone down and look up. You’ll be surprised to see what you may find.

Editorial February 8, 2019

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A run down of the shutdown and why it matters By:Makayla Castillo LO’T Editor-in-Chief Here’s the headline: “This has been the longest government shutdown in US history.” We’ve seen the trash overflow in the national parks, we’ve heard about the people who were unable to work or worked without pay, and we’ve all known about how the government is simply unable to compromise on the budget. Trump’s presidency has not been of the smoothest of transitions, and this government shutdown just seems to be adding to the tension between the White House and Congress. I feel as though many of us have heard about the shutdown, few may know what how it affected our country.

The government shutdown brought into light exactly where Congress and Trump stand with each other, while simultaneously showing the American people where they were prioritized when dealing with gritty politics Government shutdowns, otherwise labeled funding gaps, are a consequence of either the legislative branch or the legislative and executive branch being unable to

decide on a budget before the previous budget cycle ends. In this case, both Congress and the President were unable to compromise on the budget allocation based off of the resources provided. What defined this thirty-one day shutdown was the controversial topic of Trump’s wall. Congress refused to contribute to the estimated 21 billion dollars Trump would need to build the wall. While Congress as a whole clearly does not support the wall, Trump may be emphasizing the need for it to keep his campaign promise and core support group.

A campaign promise made during 2016, Trump would be looking to fulfill his promise in time for the 2020 election. With both sides unwilling to budge and currently unable to bypass the other due to the separation of power, the government was forced to go into a partial shutdown. Though this is not the first time the government has shut down, and certainly will not be the last, it seems Congress may be able to bring some serious change to the Trump agenda, especially as this is one of the first times Trump has

been forced to compromise with the Congress.

With this interbranch showdown, what didn’t seem to be focused on during the government shutdown was how it greatly affected the lives of thousands of government

“ignorant” Republicans and Trump’s party, what it comes down to is that many people were left to deal with the side effects of the shutdown with many resources being cut off, and while the relations between Congress and the White House

National parks happily accepted volunteers to help keep the park clean while the shutdown dragged on Photo Courtsey of insideedition.com.com workers and American citizens. The shutdown was a direct example of where the government while getting wrapped up in party promises and a constant power struggle, has not properly put in place safeguards to protect the American people.

While one could choose to blame the government shut down on the “snowflake” Democrats or the

may not be on the best note, at least they still got paid. Of the 800,000 employees of the government, according to The Washington Post, “380,000 initially were [granted leave] without pay with the rest still working without pay.

As the shutdown has dragged on, those numbers have changed. Several agencies have called back [the temporarily laid

off] employees to work... [even though] those employees continued to be unpaid.” Throughout the month, many government employees were forced to live without pay, with some even resorting to food banks for food. Though paid back, many employees did not have a steady income for an entire month. Additionally, some workers were still sent to work without pay, such as TSA workers at the airport or IRS workers while filing the 2018 taxes.

Additionally, the national parks were left with a hefty 11.6 million dollars in lost revenue during the shutdown, according to CNN. com’s article “How you can help national parks recover from the shutdown (because they need it).” While not also to mention how the rare beauty protected by the national parks were instead replaced with “trash piled up, toilets overflowed, and images of vandalism… shared on social media.”

And finally, even the science community suffered a huge loss as the shutdown rolled on. Cited by The York Times, “The shutdown, now in its third week, has

emptied some laboratories across the country, forced scientists from the field, upended important scientific conferences, imperiled the flow of grant money and disrupted careful planning for future studies, some of which are time-sensitive.”

The government shutdown was more than just a result of a failure to decide on the budget for the nation’s resources. This shutdown represents a clear lack of unity between the government and the American people. While government officials were figuring things out in D.C, many Americans were left with lost opportunities and limited options to turn to.

The government shutdown may not have seemed like a big deal, but on the contrary, it involved many more people and programsthan originally realized.

There are certain injustices in government. Whether it be between the legislative and executive, the government and the people, or the branches and their employees, we must fight for the best decisions not only for our nation, but as well asfor the individual

LO’T Editorial Policy

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, Oyniso Bakhriddinova and Makayla Castillo and faculty advisors, Heidi Norcross and Jay Bohnsack

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Focus

Focus

February 8, 2019

February 8, 2019

Our New Years Resolutions!

Bartlet Center Begins New Era for Moline Arts!

By Emily Biest LO’T Reporter

As the new year begins, the Bartlett Performing Arts Center is being finished, and the auditorium will soon be open to the public. The new Center is definitely going to contribute a lot to Moline’s theater and music programs, but this also creates the opportunity to invite members of the community to perform as well. There are new classrooms, practice rooms, an auditorium, a lobby, and a black box theater, all wonderful contributions to improve Moline High School as a whole!

Legend Donaldson, senior, gave her thoughts about the Center and the impact she believes it will have on the future music program. She says, “As a senior, the new facility feels like a new beginning” and she believes “there is no limit when it comes to fine arts and the creativity of the students who participate.” The new installment is leaving Donaldson inspired and motivated to get better as a musician. In regards to the future of the Moline Choirs specifically, she says that she “hopes the choir grows more every year. Now that we have the facility I say we go big or go home!” The new facility may entice students to become more involved in the music department. The choir is very thankful and hopeful for what can be accomplished in this new facility.

The band and orchestra programs also have a lot to say about their new performing arts center. A member of the orchestra, Reagan

Courtesy of Nik Johnson

Schneider, sophomore, is especially excited about the extra practice rooms as, “The old [wing only had one] and I couldn’t practice without other people hearing me.” The new center is allowing for extra practice for a larger amount of students, something that was not available in the old music wing. Hopefully with these new rooms, musicians of all kinds will want to practice more often and harder. The orchestra and band director, Zachary Morton, says, “With our added practice rooms and black box/multipurpose room, we can now do more sectional work without [going into] the Auditorium or the hallway like we used to.” Much like Schneider, Morton values and is grateful for the extra space.

He also commented that “As the director, [he’s] very excited for all the modernized technology being installed” and believes the music program will be able to “produce MUCH better recordings of performances for practice, evaluation, and competition.” The band and orchestra were already doing great, but with these advantages, they will be taking it to the next level.

The music department is sure to thrive this year and all upcoming years because of the Bartlett performing arts Center. The Bartlett Center has already shown its tremendous improvements to musicians at Moline. The department is very excited for all the new opportunities the Center brings to the table.

Courtesy of Nik Johnson

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“To stop drinking carbonated beverages” Sophomore Warren Oestmann

“To graduate early” Junior Anna Lager

information courtesy of Statista.com

“To get better at basketball”

Junior Cecelia Ortega

“To eat less Tacobell”

“To get out of my comfort zone”

Junior Dylan Chanlder

Information courtesy of University of Scranton

“To be healthier”

Junior Montey Jenkins

Sophomore Aiden Perry

8 Entertainment February 8, 2019

“Around the World in 80 Days” hits Moline

By: Ella Goderis and Janey Locander L’OT Reporters MHS Theatre recently performed “Around the World in 80 Days”

by John Hildreth. The show had to be held at Wilson Middle School since the Bartlett Center is still under construction.

“Around the World in 80 Days” is a play about a young man, Phileas Fogg (Aaron DeWilde) who made a wager with the gentlemen at the reform club that it was possible to travel around the world in 80 days. He sets away with his manservent, Passepartout (Skylier Wallace) who at the time didn’t know they had a detective Fix (Kelsey Baker) following not far behind for being suspicious of a bank robbery. They encounter a lot of new people on the way such as Auda (Amira Siddique) who they save from being burned alive. Throughout their journey around the world they encounter a variety of people and face problems both good and bad.

On a snowy Friday night, I made the trek to Wilson Middle School to see what was envisioned as a take on a classic tale of adventure. Despite the coldness outside, the Friday Cast and crew of “Around the World in 80 Days” courtesy of MHS Theatre performance was treated to a decent crowd.

Right away the show seemed to have a few setbacks with lighting but when they resolved that, it went off quite well. As mentioned above, the play focuses on a man who bets on the seemingly impossible task of traveling the world in 80 days! Which was an interesting premise in itself. But I found it difficult to follow at first. However I eventually caught on.

One other thing that bugged me and the people around me was that quite a few performers had problems projecting. Certain characters had hilarious lines but it was hard to hear them, even from close up. However that’s not saying the entire production was bad. The plot was interesting and the set and costumes really did connect well to the time period.

I also have to give the performers props on nailing those difficult accents. Overall, despite setbacks on the night of the show as well as rehearsals (due to snow days and lack of heat), I would tell them good job for doing the best they could with all the shows issues.

I eagerly await the next MHS production “Meet me in St. Louis”. Rehearsals have already started and the show is set for March 2123 at the new Bartlett Performing Arts Center.

“Siempre Bruja” casts a spell on Netflix viewers By: Cecilia Ortega L’OT Feature Co-Editor

Netflix premiered a Colombian show titled “Siempre Bruja” or “Always a Witch” on February 1st.

The show is in Spanish but viewers can watch it with English subtitles or dubbed in English.

The show stars Afro-Colombian actress Angely Gaviria as Carmen, a slave in 1646 Cartagena, Colombia. Carmen is a powerful witch with healing powers but she is accused of being a witch after her affair with Cristobal, the master’s son, is discovered. She was accused of charming him into falling in love with her and is sentenced to burn at the stake.

The master can not bare the thought of his son being in love with a slave so he shoots him in front of Carmen and she assumes him dead. While Carmen awaits her punishment, she is a proposed a deal that she can not give up. Aldemar, a powerful wizard portrayed by Luis Fernando Hoyos, promises to send her back in time to save Cristobal if she completes a mission. Her mission is to deliver a stone to Ninibe, a witch, to help defeat the evil Lucien. The only problem is that she must travel almost four-hundred years into the future to 2019. She finds Ninibe but she mysteriously disappears

and Carmen is left alone in a completely different world.

Along the way, Carmen meets new friends that guide her through the 21st century and help her get back home. Cristobal is revealed to have survived the gunshot wound and he fights to get Carmen back. After experiencing the future, Carmen gains new ideas to bring to 16th century Colombia.

Some viewers have taken issue with some of the plot points. The main issue has been Carmen risking her life for her white slave owner. Many on social media have expressed how uncomfortable the relationship feels and have questioned her desire to go back to 1648 after experiencing freedom. Her lack of reaction to seeing Afro-Latinos being free has also left some viewers concerned. When she wakes up in 2019 she does not seem surprised or excited to see Afro-Latinos walking freely through the streets.

While it has some questionable plot points it also has some positives. This is one of the few shows that provides Afro-Latinx representation. The lead of the show is an Afro-Latina and one of her new friends, Daniel, is an Afro-Latino. Daniel, portrayed by Duban Prado, also seems to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, a group rarely represented in Latin America.

Despite some drawbacks “Always a Witch” is a show worth watching. There are some points in the plot that could have been better written, but the talented young cast makes up for it. The show still has a lot of room for growth if it were to have a second season.

Cast of “Siempre Bruja” poses for promotional photos.

Courtesy of Caracol TV.

Feature February 8, 2019

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“Rent: Live” is another big success for Fox’s telvision musicals By: Maya Gonzalez L’OT Feature Co-Editor

Ever since Rent opened on Broadway on April 29th, 1996, it has been an all-time classic. It tells the story of eight people living in New York during the AIDs crisis that swept the country in the early nineties, showing the struggles of starving artists who can’t even afford to pay their rent to their ex-friend turned landlord, let alone deal with the incurable disease. It struck a chord with young people when it first opened with its message of hope and connecting with others despite how atrocious the world seemed, and even though it has dated itself, the message still holds true today in a society split by fear and distrust. Thus, “Rent: Live” became Fox’s next musical in its series of producing theatre for the silver screen, and on January 27th, 2019, almost 23 years after the musical opened, the world once again witnessed one of the most influential works of musical theatre.

Ironically, despite the live title, the production had mostly been footage from the dress rehearsal the night before due to Brennin Hunt, who played Roger, the second male lead of the musical, breaking his ankle ten minutes before the end dress rehearsal. He was rushing to his final costume change, so he was unable to perform without major staging liberties being taken. With this in mind, the recording being a performance the audience was never meant to see means that everything that was recorded was most

“Metroid

By: Christina Bargren L’OT Feature Reporter

Prime”

likely underwhelming compared to what the audience would have witnessed if everything had gone smoothy.

With the production not being filmed in a typical theatre, there was much more freedom for sets, truly bringing the show to life with a 360 degree theatre.

The script had to be made to accommodate censors since the musical is rather crude when it comes to its use of language, but the heart of the musical still says with changes made, and there were even some addition segments added to create something for hardcore fans.

The standout performance was Jordan Fisher, famous from “Hamilton” and “Grease: Live,” as Mark Cohen, the lead who frames the entire show for the audience. Not only was he the first African American to play the lead character in a professional produc-

Variety

tion, but his joy was infectious and it was impossible not to fall in love with his fresh take of the classic role.

Two other notable performance came from Brandon Victor Dixon and Vanessa Hudgens as Collins and Maureen, respectively. Dixon, known for “Hamilton” along with playing Collins in the off-Broadway revival of “Rent,” returned to the role with a captivating and heartbreaking performance, surely leaving everyone in tears. Hudgens, most well-known as Gabriella from “High School Musical,” breaks out of the girl next door to the sassy drama queen Maureen.

The weakest actor within the cast had to be Valentina, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars winner, in her performance as Angel. Her voice was underwhelming in a cast full of strong vocalists, but even with her lack of vocal talents, her stage presence and embodiment of the character still redeemed her performance.

The main cast was rounded out by Tinashe, a hip hop artist, as Mimi, Kiersey Clemons, a relatively indie actress, as Joanne, and Mario, 2000s R&B singer, as Benny, who all give commendable performances in their respective roles.

Overall, “Rent: Live” was an enjoyable performance for both new and old fans and is definitely recommended if you’re at all interested. Even in a day when the AIDs crisis seems like a distant memory, everyone can find a way to connect to its messages.

Samus Aran, Metroid’s protagonist, via Polygon a Metroid Prime game. Instead, the game had been scrapped and development has restarted under the original developers, Retro Studios, who they hope will change and improve the structure of the game.

We can only hope that we will soon hear more word on the game’s development and that the game will release with the same high quality of the other games within the Metroid Prime series.

Supplies 5x20 of any fabric of your choice Hair ties Needle Thread If necessary, begin by cutting the fabric into 5x20 inches Then fold the fabric hotdog style around the hair tie so that the inside of the fabric folded outwards.

Next take the needle and the thread and begin sewing a seam through the top of the fabric all the way around the hair tie. Note: make sure you are sewing around the hair tie and not outside of it. It may take a few tries to get it right.

Afterwards, you will notice the scrunchie is inside out. To fix this, tuck one end of the fabric backwards and pull the outside through.

Once you’ve gone all the way around sew the two ends of the scrunchie together by sewing through the inside of the two ends all the way around the two ends of fabric Then, tie a few knots with the thread to secure the seam and cut the extra thread away Finally, enjoy your new brand new scrunchie.

Jordan

series

During Nintendo’s E3 event on June 13th, 2017 it was revealed that Metroid Prime 4, which is a sequel to the game Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, released back in 2007, was in development.

A little afterwards, Bill Trinen, head of marketing of Nintendo of America, confirmed the rumors that the game would not be developed by Retro Studios, who were the original developers of the Metroid Prime series.

Since then, the only news given to the public on the game was that it was being developed by the Singaporean division of Bandai Namco, which was confirmed in early 2018, and comments by Reggie Fils-Aime how the game was “well into development.” Nothing major was released about the game until just the other day.

On January 25th, a video on Nintendo’s YouTube channel was released in which Nintendo EPD’s general manager, Shinya Takahashi, stated that Metroid Prime 4 would be delayed due to the fact that the game had not reached the standard they wanted in

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Hunt

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restarted Secure your scrunchie

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Feature February 8, 2019

These 80’s and 90’s trends are making a comeback

By: Emily Lopez LO’T Editor The 80’s and 90’s are back, new and improved. As we’ve seen before, old fashion trends have been reused and recycled to make fashionable statements. Many times throughout 2018 celebrities did so by flaunted iconic trends, such as, platform shoes, fur coats, and mom jeans, which inspired others to embrace these retro styles too. Now, other old trends, such as, animal prints, mismatching, geometric glasses, and neon are making a comeback.

Since the start of

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2019 the most influential You can also spot ing these iconic styles too. celebrities, such as, Bella many male celebrities wear- Some male celebrities well and Gigi Hadid, as well as, Kylie Jenner have been spotted wearing these trends. Theses celebrites inspired others to follow their lead and have created their own looks with these 90’s trends. Social media accounts have overflowed with these “new” looks as well. Now these trends have become the latest aspect of pop culture.

80’s neon fashion trends Courtesy of Pinterest

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known for their unique fashion sense are Troye Sivan and Bad Bunny. Troye can often be seen wearing platform shoes and high waisted jeans. While Bad Bunny can be seen wearing mismatching outfits and geometric glasses.

With the major cultural changes that have happened in the last thirty years, these articles of clothing are no longer only in demand for females. Today, stores have the same trends available for males. This has allowed anyone to stay up to date with these styles.

As a result, many clothing brands have brought these styles back into stores in order to keep up with the demand for them. Popular clothing stores, such as, Forever 21 and H&M are flooding with these vintage articles of clothing, making them easy to access.

Overall, pop culture has inspired people to reuse old fashion trends to make a statment. If you’re looking to stay up to date with these “new” trends, take a step back in time and grab yourself a pair of fashionable platforms.

Moline’s By: Sarah Gustafson LO’T Sports Reporter Moline’s wrestling team are having an outstanding season! Their several wins against United Township and Alleman pushed them to win thirty-eight at conference! Placing second amongst several schools!

The team has been so victorious that six of Moline’s wrestlers were qualified to attend sectionals this past weekend including: Charlie Farmer, DeAnthony Parker, Isaac Martinez, Jayden Terronez, Cobie Underwood, and regional runner up Andrew Burkeybile.

Additionally, the following boys have been chosen to represent Moline at state: Kole Brower, An-

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drew Burkeybile, Charlie Farmer, Isaac Martinez, DeAnthony Parker, Jayden Terronez, Parker Terronez, and Cobie Underwood.

Assistant coach, Bill Carlough informs us that “The boys did an outstanding job this year, and we are very fortunate to have new athletes like Parker Terronez and Kole Brower who freshen up the team.”

Isaac Martinez, who has dedicated most of his life to the demanding sport, tells us that “It really makes you determined and helps you set goals for yourself. There are days where we have to limit what we eat in order to make weight, so it is difficult to do at times. But I’ll do anything for the sport.”

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Demian Cifuentes, also adds that “Practices are long but worthwhile. We stretch, drill with partners, learn new moves from our coaches, and run at the end of practice, which really brings us closer as a team because we motivate each other to not give up.

Not mention the boys even practiced during all of our breaks! However, it is because of their hard work and all of their efforts that the Moline wrestling team has gained a lot of recognition! So with the season coming to an end, we can’t wait to see what the post-season brings for the fighting Maroons! We hope for a lot more wins! Go Maroons!

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The Moline wrestling team posing for a picture after their third place IHSA Regianl meet. Front row wrestlers qualified for Sectionals. Photo from twitter @molinewrestling

Boys basketball continues to dominate its opponents

Treyton Lamphier weaving through the Panther Defense.

Photo taken by Nick Johnson

Drew Wiemers shoots a free throw.

Photo taken by Nick Johnson

By: Tayler Gilmore LO’T Sports Reporter As we all know, this season has been very triumphant for MHS’s boys’ basketball team. They have an outstanding record of seven to zero throughout their conference games; considering all of the intense games that they have played, no one has been a match for the mighty maroons! Not even the Quincy Blue Devils, who faced Moline on January 25th, were a match for them as they ended the game with a sixty-seven to sixty-three win!

Senior player, Deonte Billups, mentioned how,“It was fun to be able to compete against such a well coached team. The win was not only huge for the

school but for us too, so it was a really great night.”

Along with varsity’s sweet victory, the sophomore team also dominated the court with a fifty-eight to fourtythree win. Treyvon Lee, a player on the team, gives us some insight on what the team thought before making its way to the court. Lee claims, “We knew it was going to be a difficult game no matter what. Quincy is tough wherever they go.

So, we just hoped for the best and really had to come together as a team to have good defense in order to create plays on offense. I was really proud with the outcome.”

Nonetheless, the teams really pulled through and gave the infamous Blue Devils a run for its money.

Overall, the season has been full of thrills and excitement for all! The boys have had so much success that they were invited to play at a Chicago Bull’s game on February 23rd against North Lawndale. This event will take place at the United Center at 2:30 PM. Thus, if you buy a ticket for the boys’ game, then you will also get admission to the Bulls’ game which follows. Tickets are still available online at Moline High School’s website and can be picked up at the athletic office.

Only seventy-two tickets remain so hurry fast!

We hope the Maroons continue to strive for success and play with all their might! Best of luck boys!

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February 8, 2019

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have beaten Quincy 43-34, the team, Megan explains By: Peter Son United Township 61-47, her leadership role on the LO’T Sports Editor team. She states, “with Megan Pittington so many younger girls has been an unstoppable playing a huge role in our force for Moline athletteam, I felt obligated to ics. She is not only a help them with my experistate-qualifying runner ence as my teammates did for our track team but when I was an underclassalso a key player on both man.“ the girl’s volleyball and Megan highly believes basketball teams! For this in the Lady Maroons reason, she has earned the as they head into the title of “Maroon of the postseason.

Megan states, Month” for this month.

“I am very proud of what So far this basketball we have accomplished so season, she has helped far this season and can’t the Lady Maroons to 12 wait for the postseason wins in their 12-8 record! games!”

While their record does Megan Pittington Congrats Megan and not seem to reflect much Varsity Volleyball, Basketball, the Lady Maroons so far dominance, they have and Track star this season, and we wish had many dominating them good luck as they games, specifically in their and Alleman 50-38. head into the postseason!

Conference games. They As one of two seniors on

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Upcoming varsity events and times Feb. 09: Feb. 12:

Girls Regionals Basketball vs Peoria High @ Rock Island

Feb. 15:

Boys Basketball vs. Galesburg @ 7:30 pm

Feb. 16:

Boys IHSA Sectionals @ UT

Wrestling IHSA Sectionals @ Joliet Central

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Our other “Maroon he wants to work harder meet record, to place 2nd of the Month” is Austin knowing this is his last year at 3 invitationals, 1st in 1 Morris. Austin has recently as a Maroon. Austin has invitational, and a Confercommitted to swim ence Title. at South Dakota Looking past State, a Division 1 Conference, the college.

Maroons have the Ever since he IHSA Sectional meet was a freshman, on Saturday, FebruAustin has been ary 15th. As returning a pivotal role of Sectional champions, Moline SwimMorris notes the ming, making hard work the team it to State all 3 has been putting in years so far and practices. “We have scoring the most yet to be rested for a points throughmeet. We are looking out the seasons. forward to tapering Now, as a senior, and swimming fast at Austin believes in Sectionals.” “contributing to Congratulations pass on the what it Austin Morris Austin and the Boys 3 Time State Qualifier & Captain of the means to be a MoSwim Team so far Swim Team line swimmer to the this season, and we underclassmen.” wish the swim team He also admits that helped lead the swim team good luck heading into the because he is a senior, to a dominating 5-1 dual postseason!

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