THE NORSE STAR STOUGHTON HIGH SCHOOL OCTOBER 2015
fueling our world
table of contents The Norse Star staff explores the several ways corn is taking over the world. (Cover Photo Illustration by Brandon Lamberty) TOC by: TJ Fedikovich, Graphics Editor
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news The Housing Advocacy team of Stoughton is working towards renovating a building to become a housing facility for homeless families in Stoughton.
point-counterpoint Do you know that the class of 2017 and above are required to take a United States citizenship test to graduate? Go to page 9 to find out whether this test will hurt or help you.
in-depth Experience corn in an alternative and adventurous way as you read about how corn is used as entertainment, and how to spice up your corn in tasty new ways.
entertainment Short on money, but longing for fashion? Check out this handy guide for aspiring thrift shoppers.
sports Unhinged parents, and winning at all costs are among the topics discussed in this article. Inform yourself on how sports are becoming less and less fun for children on Page 28.
This monthstar the Norse Star staff felt obliged to get norse scavanger hunt into the spirit of halloween. In doing so, we hid 7This pumpkins month the randomly Norse Star throughout staff felt the obliged issue.toCan get into the Halloween you spirit. find them? We took the time to hide 7 pumpkins randomly throughtout the issue this month. Can you find them?
Editorial Policy: The Norse Star strives to present the news in a fair and unbiased manner. Any column, editorial, or letter to the editor expresses the opinion of the author and not necessarily the entire staff. The staff editorial does not necessarily reflect the views of the entire staff. The Norse Star is a public forum written and produced by the students of Stoughton High School, and they are soley responsible for its content. Students, staff, faculty, and members of the community are welcome to submit letters to the editor of 300 words or less. Letters may be edited due to space limitation, obscenities, or libel concerns. Norse Star will verify the authenticity of any letters sent on the behalf of school organizations or groups. All letters must be signed and placed in the Norse Star mailbox, mailed to The Norse Star, 600 Lincoln Ave, Stoughton WI, 53589, or emailed to Laura.Streyle@stoughton.k12.wi.us. The Norse Star Staff: Editor-in-Chief: Jon Klingenberg Assistant Editor: Ethan Genter Graphics Editor: TJ Fedikovich
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Head Artists: Seren Pellett, Joshua Bausch Opinions Editor: Rachel DelPizzo In-Depth Editor: Meredith Melland News Editor: Brandon Lamberty
Entertainment Editor: Connor Roisum Features Editor: Mallory Giesen Sports Editor: Julia Olson Business Manager: Gunnar Goetz
Staff Writers: Mikayla Frick, Kira Fields, Neiya Brown, Isabelle Genter, Garrett Kluever, Mya Lonnebotn, Bergen Gardner, Raya Castronovo
the norse star, october 2015
news
opera house to host drakula By Raya Kate Castronovo Staff Writer
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his month the Stoughton Opera House will host a production of “Drakula: The Performance,” in light of it being October and Halloween at the end of the month. The performance is being produced by StageWorks Projects, the theater department that exists inside The Stoughton Center for the Performing Arts. The storyline follows the traditional one, telling the tale of Count Drakula, who cursed God at the death of his wife, and now lives off of the blood of others, finding company in the other brides that he has taken over the years as well as his devoted gargoyle minions. When Drakula sees a picture of a girl that has a striking resemblance to his deceased wife, he believes she is his first wife reincarnated and his true love. He makes it
his quest to find her, the beautiful Mina. The story continues with feedings, fight scenes, and fatal love. This fusion piece contains expressive dance as well as dialogue to give the storyline an emotional and intense atmosphere. The story is the traditional one but StageWorks Projects puts its own special spin on it. “It has an edge to it,” says Executive Director Colleen Kehl. Kehl is the owner of StageWorks Projects, and not only directs the show but choreographs the dance pieces as well. She is also involved with making and designing the costumes used in the show and helps edit the script that is written for characters with dialogue. Kehl stated that “Since [the dancers] don’t get to speak, they have to be fierce in their
presentation of the movement. Every fiber, every nuance, is almost as if they are delivering a verbal dialogue.” Casted as the role of one of Drakula’s brides is Stoughton High School sophomore Aly Solberg. “It’s a tragic love story,” says Solberg. “It’s really different from anything I’ve done before. As a dancer it’s a lot about technique most of the time, but with Drakula it’s more acting.” Solberg described the environment as very dark and creepy, but says the environment adds to the fun of it. This dramatic and suggestive performance will be at the Opera House on Friday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m. Due to the violent vampirism and sensuality expressed throughout
november fall music preview By Connor Roisum Entertainment Editor
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he music department will be performing their Fall Music Concerts this November. The three concerts will be performed in week successions from each other. Starting with the choir concert directed by Ryan Casey with accompanist Linda Kunz at 7 p.m. on Nov. 5, the Concert Choir will be performing a total of four pieces. These selections include “Afternoon on a Hill,” “Dirait-on,” “Consecrate The Place And Day,” and a Russian translation of the “Ave Maria” (Bogoroditse Devo), along with a combined piece with the SHS Chorale entitled “Wanting Memories.” “I do like the fact that we get to do something combined which is rare for the fall concert, [and] I love the fact that concert choir is doing a piece in French and in Russian.” Casey continued on to say these are the pieces that excite him the most. On Nov. 12, the SHS the norse star, october 2015
Orchestra will be performing. the String Choir will be performing two pieces: a piece by Jean Sibelius, as well as a more modern piece by Carrie Lane Gruselle, entitled “B Suite for Strings.” “Academic Festival Overture” by Brahms, a “challenging piece” according to Rachel Shields, will be performed by the symphony orchestra as well as a combined piece with select members of the SHS Symphonic band. This piece is the well-loved “Jupiter, Bringer of Jollity,” by Gustav Holst. Chamber Strings will be performing a very difficult piece originally arranged for full orchestra, but rearranged for strings by Claude Debussy. The piece is entitled “Petite Suite,” and they will be performing the first and second movements. Another piece that Chamber will be performing is “Pasicalia,” an old arrangement Shields found in the music library that hasn’t been touched since it was
photos courtesy of dan myers lumi
the show, it has been given a PG-13 rating.
opposites--completely different ends of the spectrum [in terms of sound],” Dan Schmidt is very excited about performing these pieces together, just for the contrast that both songs provide to the ears of the listeners in the audience. Admission to the concerts are free to the public and all start at 7 p.m.
printed in 1976. The full combined piece that Shields is very excited about is a piece entitled “L’Arlesienne” by Bizet. They will be performing the first movement, which, according to Shields, will be difficult for the students. However, she has faith that the piece will be performed well. On Nov. 19, the SHS Concert Dates Symphonic Band, as well as the Madison College Concert Choir Concert Band, and possibly the SHS Concert Band, will combine on Nov. 5, 7 p.m. Stoughton an arrangement of “Ave Maria”. The Madison College Band will High School Auditorium be performing “Variants on a Medieval Tune” by Dello-Joio, Orchestra Concert “Chorale and Shaker Dance” by John Zdechlik, “Dusk” by Nov. 12, 7 p.m. Stoughton Steven Bryant, and “Green Sleeves” arranged by Alfred High School Auditorium Reed. Symphonic Band, in addition to joining the large Band Concert ensemble, will be playing “Lux Aurumque,” by Eric Whitacre, Nov. 19, 7 p.m. Stoughton and “Shortcut Home,” by Dana Wilson. Because the High School Auditorium songs are “complete polar 3
news
lageret; stoughton’s new event venue By Mallory Giesen Features Editor
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he old tobacco warehouse downtown has been sitting vacant ever since the Stoughton Center of Performing Arts moved to a new location. Lately
holding a rave in our quiet suburban town. The Lageret, which means “warehouse” in Norwegian, is Stoughton’s new event venue, but rest assured, it’s never catered to a rave. The business caters mostly to weddings and parties and can host up to 240 guests. The Lageret is a “beautiful, unique space that photo by neiya brown cannot be replicated,” Heading toward the clock tower, one would drive right by Stoughton’s newest event said Jamae place on Main St. Ramsden,
norse star wins kempa individual awards Compiled By Brandon Lamberty
News Editor
For the first time, the Kettle Moraine Press Association has offered an individual competition to high school papers. The 2014-2015 Norse Star Staff won 18 awards between eight categories. 4
though, it’s not uncommon to see lights glowing from inside the building, and some Stoughton residents may be wondering who could be
Newspaper Cover Design Excellent: TJ Fedikovich and Maxwell Freeman, “What’s Your Fandom” Honorable Mention: TJ Fedikovich and Maxwell Freeman, Do We Not See Color” Newspaper Features Excellent: Megan Mowery, “The Master Of Morbid” Honorable Mention: Mallory Giesen, “Renaissance Man” Newspaper Team Reporting Superior: Megan Mowery, “Pizza Perfecta” Excellent: Jack Greenwood and Nick McGlynn, “Let’s talk about suicide” Megan Mowery and Corry Greenler, “Do We Not See Color” Honorable Mention: Gunnar Goetz and Ryan Skotzke, “Are We Really So Different? Newspaper Review Excellent: Ethan Genter, “Fast and Delirious 7”
who has been working in the wedding industry for 18 years. Plans for the remodeling of the building began in October of 2014 before work began in March of 2015. Opening an event venue had been on “The Lageret is a beautiful, unique space that cannot be replicated,” -Jamae Ramsden, owner of The Lageret Ramsden’s bucket list, and her dream was fulfilled this summer when The Lageret opened its doors in July. It’s rustic style caught the attention of many engaged couples, and the business is sure to be a good addition to Stoughton’s quaint plethora of attractions.
Newspaper Advertisements Excellent: Gunnar Goetz, “May Ad Page” Honorable Mention: Ethan Genter, “Nov Ad Page” Newspaper Opinion Column Superior: Megan Mowery, “Why I’m Not All About That Bass” Ryan Skotzke, “What’s The Truth About The Gender Wage Gap” Honorable Mention: Mallory Giesen, “Unspoken Trends of Tumblr” Newspaper Editorial Excellent: “Je Suis Charlie” “A Moment of Silence in America, a Day of Indifference at SHS” News Magazine Honorable Mentions: Julia Olson, “Kahl-in The Shots” Megan Mowery, “The Rebirth Of a Tradition”
art by joshua bausch
the norse star, october 2015
news
closing the gapp By Joshua Bausch Staff Writer
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he 2015 German American Partnership Program (GAPP) came to an official close on Sunday, Oct. 18. It was an emotional goodbye for the “gappies” (A name they coined for themselves) as the Germans boarded their bus to
leave for the airport. The exchange was comprised of a group of 22 high school students from Stoughton, Wisconsin and its sister city, Greven, Nordrhein-Westfalen (North Rhine-Westphalia). The American students visited
photo courtesy dirk elfers
housing the homeless of stoughton By Mikayla Frick Staff Writer
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n recent years, Dane County has been struggling with its homelessness rates. Stoughton is a part of the area that has gone overlooked, as Madison has been the main focus in terms of helping and supporting the homeless. Many people do not notice in our small town, but there are usually around five or six homeless families within the community at a time. The
the norse star, october 2015
Housing Advocacy Team of Stoughton hopes to make a change shortly. The team has requested a $700,000 grant from Dane County. Five other groups from the Madison area have also applied for the grant. The Housing Advocacy Team of Stoughton is planning to renovate the former Serenity House on Dvorak Court, regardless of whether
students spent three days in Chicago prior to coming to Stoughton, during which they visited locations such as the Sears art by joshua bausch Tower and Hancock Tower. The Germans also took day trips during their time in Germany this past summer, and Stoughton, going to Madison, enjoyed reciprocating the expe- Milwaukee, and the Kalahari. rience here for their German In Madison, the students counterparts. toured the Capital building, GAPP provides the oppor- going throughout the various tunity for High School rooms, as well as learning students in America to visit the history of the building the German equivalent of a itself. They also took a trip high school (Gymnasium), and to Camp Randall Stadium, a then hosting their designated new experience for many of partners for the same experi- the Americans too. There they ence. The aim is to further the were taken through the various students’ knowledge of the booths available to season ticket respected language by envel- holders, as well as a view of the oping them in it completely. athlete weight room. The highThe GAPP program has light for many of the students been in Stoughton for six was at the end of the tour when years, and was started by Lisa they got the chance to run Gierke, a past teacher at SHS. around on the field. Stephanie Krenz, a current Although GAPP is done for german teacher at SHS, took the students, many plan on the students to Germany this taking future trips to visit their summer, along with two pre- new friends again in the years vious trips in past years. to come. In America, the German they receive the grant or not. Although, if the group does receive the grant, the building could be remodeled and ready by this spring. The HATS group consists of and partners with volunteers from the community, churches in Stoughton, members of the city government, Stoughton Area School District representatives, and the police. The group has grown over the years and so have their dreams. HATS is very dedicated to their movement and is working hard to make a change in the community. HATS plans to make the building into a place for homeless families to stay. In addition to shelter, the building will provide help for the family in
terms of finding jobs and getting their financial situations in order. These extra services will also be provided by the START program of Stoughton (SToughton Area Resource Team). START works toward improving lives by providing assistance to families, not initially fixing their problems for them. They have a very firm plan set in place and hope to welcome families in need in the very near future. They are focused on the improvement of lives in Stoughton to make it a safe, more positive and enjoyable place to live, work and learn. This has the potential to make a very positive and lasting impact on the community.
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opinions
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n Thursday Oct. 8, I stopped counting how many times I heard the words “F--- Scott Walker.” The Governor of Wisconsin was visiting our school, and up until that day I don’t think more than a third of our student body knew. That didn’t stop the overwhelming majority of that same student body from saying the same three words, at different volumes I might add, over and over: “F--- Scott Walker.” There was little discussion on policy or politics, just a few blunt words spat here and there, up and down the hallways, 7:50 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. By the end of the day, it was just the punch line to everyone’s boring joke. But what was the reason that there was little more than some profane language and bald-spot jokes tossed around? I’ll tell you why. Because people aren’t informed, they just want to hear themselves talk, and they don’t want to listen. More and more today I see my classmates and our generation struggling to pay attention in and outside of class to things beyond the little glowing rectangle that is their phone. There are issues that will be facing us tomorrow and in five, ten, and twenty years that we need to be prepared for. This means we need to listen and learn. As impressionable and insecure young people, we tend to glob onto the new, the cool, and the whatever-we-just-heardfrom-our-friend. These things do not make us informed. Information is construed to support a side; people tell you what you want to hear, people will lie, and that fact transcends political parties. To be informed means having an understanding of the factual information on an issue, and this might involve more than scrolling through your twitter feed. Once you are informed, then you can shape an opinion on an issue. If you still want to say “F--- Scott Walker,” go for it. It brings about
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entertain a thought By Ethan Genter Assistant Editor
art by seren pellett
no intrinsic conversation for yourself or your peers but at least you’ll know what you’re talking about. Being informed is only the beginning of our problems, though, I’m afraid, because we millennials still can’t seem to listen. Listen, listen, listen. Don’t listen just to prepare a response; listen to understand. Faced with the same set of facts, two people will form different opinions, and I hate to break it to you, but you’re not always right. Really smart people aren’t always right, and that’s why it’s important to listen. Hear the other side of an issue, the differing opinion. Maybe you hadn’t thought about something in the same way that someone else had. It can only bring you to greater understanding. And don’t just hear the other argument; try to understand what they’re saying, where they’re coming from. It’s too often that people shoot down opinions that are not their own, or don’t listen to them, simply because they are not their own. Truly accept all people and all opinions for what they are. It’s strange to me that often times I hear the people who preach acceptance be the first to ostracize those who disagree with them. This is not the recipe for progress and change. It’s your right to scream “F--- SCOTT WALKER!” maybe not in school, but nonetheless your right outside of school. I just ask that you do so knowingly, and with an idea of what to do about your issue. Know what you’re saying, what you’re supporting, not supporting, and why you hold that opinion. Yell “F--- HIM!” not because the kid next to you in geometry did, but because you’ve gathered all the facts, whether they supported your preconceived notions or not, and heard all sides to the story. Understand not just politics but the world around you, because it could be in a few months or in a few years that you’re going to vote, and we’ll be damned if you vote for whoever your friend from down the street voted for, or the man on TV told you to vote for just because you thought it’d be the cool thing to do. Be able to have an educated discussion, even with those people with whom you disagree; it will get you deeper in life.
the norse star, october 2015
opinions - staff editorial
aint no meds for the sickly T
he CEO of a company in charge of producing a lifesaving medicine may be the most hated man in America. Men like Martin Shkreli put a terrible face on the body of corporate America. In recent events, Turing Pharmaceuticals, a medicinal manufacturer of which Shkreli is CEO, claimed rights to a certain medication used for treating toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection, and jacked up the price by over 5,000 percent. What used to be $13.50 is now $750 because of this executive decision. A basic, lifesaving commodity has been made unattainable to those who need it. This price shift led to widespread scrutiny towards Turing, and we on The Norse Star believe that the criticism was
well-founded. The price increase was an inhumane action that could lead to severe repercussions for many. Turing Pharmaceuticals has claimed that the price increase was going towards their revenue, and some would be funneled toward research for more advanced treatment for the disease to which it corresponds. This does not help patients who are currently in need of the medication, and the price increase is considered to be unrealistic, because the medication costs little to produce. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can especially affect those with weakened immune systems (like people with AIDS, cancer, or malaria, for example.) Daraprim is a drug just recently acquired by Turing (in August) that is the only treatment for this disease. The issue with this increase
is that there are no good alternatives for this drug, so patients suffering from this ailment have no choice but to bow to the demands of those who lay claim to the drug: Turing Pharmaceuticals. This puts heavy strain on the budgets of low to middle class patients. While the concept of overpriced drugs isn’t necessarily new, the situation was made unique and additionally horrific by Turing Pharmaceutical CEO Martin Shkreli’s widely inappropriate behavior when confronted about the topic. Shkreli’s responses ranged from calling a respected journalist in the biotech industry, John Carroll, a “moron,” to childish Twitter fights with his critics, some of which resulting in Shkreli quoting Eminem to try and prove his point. When companies abuse their authority over their respective
industry, more people suffer than gain, and even if there are benefits in the future, there are still too many who are suffering in the present. There exists a happy medium in theory, but it has not yet been achieved. It is understandable that pharmaceutical companies need profit in order to produce more efficiently, but if they become too expensive, all of their patients will be unable to buy their product. In the end, the entire equation ends up being pointless on both sides. The true purpose of pharmaceutical companies needs to be providing medicine to heal those who are ill, not to make money off of their disadvantage. In the end, we need to ask ourselves what is more important: people’s lives, or their money?
art by seren pellet
the norse star, october 2015
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opinions
life, liberty, and the pursuit of bi-partisanship by Garrett Kluever Staff Writer
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e have seen many a great battles throughout history: Spartans vs. Persians, Tyson vs. Holyfield, and Jobs vs. Gates are a few great examples. Howver, the clan war this article is based on, is not so great. It is a fight as old as the constitution itself: Democrats vs. Republicans. Filibustering, stubbornness, and watching a government crumble around them as they choose not to work together fill their rivalry, all for the sake of house majority control that is feasibly impossible. And with the primaries hot as ever on both sides of the aisle, I feel like this is an excellent time to address this political cat fight we are facing. Currently, our outlook is, at best, bleak. We are trillions of dollars in debt, crises are
constantly flooding our news stream, and we are on the brink of war (again) in the Middle East. You would think this would be the time for our country to come together to sort these problems out. Instead, our politicians are focused on one thing: stopping each other from getting anything accomplished. Democrats and Republicans are flat-out refusing to work together, even in the time of crisis. America’s society is under a constant pressure when we have two
art by josh bausch
boys will be boys
by Neiya Brown Staff Writer
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s I sat watching one of my favorite shows online, on came a commercial that really struck a chord with me. It was a foreign commercial and in it, it shows a little boy, and from birth he is encouraged not to cry. When he’s a toddler, his mother comforts him by saying “boys don’t cry.” During adolescence and through his teenage years whether he’s hurt or his heart is broken, he was always told boys don’t cry. And it made me think. Boys don’t cry. This elementary three word sentence is in many cases the preamble to a lifetime of gender-based normalities that require guys to put aside their mental health the norse star, october 2015
conflicting aspects that cannot reach bi-partisanship. Every problem has two sides, pros and cons, but politicians tend to shift towards the opposite side of their opponents and remain complacent. Having our system split down the middle with a constantly changing viewpoint makes citizens confused and our relations with other countries and foreign leaders prone to falter. This leads to desent, falsifying, lies, and at worst, literally shutting down the government so we can hopefully force both sides to agree in some fashion. We’ve had to use that tactic, since 1976, 13 times, and the last time we shut down the
for the sake of protecting their masculinity. This is a product of hypermasculinity in our society, hypermasculinity being the exaggeration of the customary stereotypical attitude and behavior of a male. We’ve all heard it countless times, whether seven-year old Billy scraped his knee jumping off the swings, or 17 year old Jimmy just got dumped over text: “Boys don’t cry.” But, what is really being said here? If crying is weak and crying is for girls, are we saying that girls are weak? Of course crying is just one example for this social coercion. “You (insert verb here) like a girl,” “That’s for girls,”
government in the face of a financial crisis with the debt ceiling, what did they do? They didn’t come to a compromise. We had to then push them to the brink of extortion for a deal to be made. Our democracy is slowly being turned into shambles by this doltish refusal for agreement. If we want a future for America that isn’t constantly in gridlock against itself, there needs to be policies put in place that put the greater good ahead of congress’s polarization. John Adams actually voiced concern about political parties: “There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties, each arranged under its leader, and concerting measures in opposition to each other.“ Our government is in desperate need of tweaking if we want America to ever prosper again. It’s about time we as people of this great nation call for measures to be put in place to prevent our government folding in on itself. Not only for a cohesive tommorow, but a better future.
and similar statements being assaulted, but boys will with like concepts have a be boys, right? It’s a domino parallel meaning. Implying effect. As we heighten the conthat females are subordi- fidence of males, we often do so nate, and ensuring boys by lowering that of our females. maintain an unscathed Can we empower one without macho demeanor isn’t a demeaning the other? At what recent anomaly, and it starts at point will we realize that not a young age. masculinity, but how one Remember when respects and values that boy in second grade kept their counterpicking on you, and when parts is what you finally told a teacher changes about it, they said it art by josh bausch boys to was because he liked men? you? Boys will be boys, right? The prominence of hypermasculinity in our society and lowkey harassment of females is imbued in the male psyche by this age old mindset, has planted the seeds for more serious matters--like the fact that every 90 seconds somewhere in America, a female is Boy’s Don’t Cry!
Shhhhhhhh!
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you live here, don’t you?
opinions
By Mikayla Frick
Staff writer s students, we should not come to school with only the desire to receive high grades, but to have the ambition to learn. More specifically, we should want to learn about our country. Our citizenship is a very prominent part of our lives. Making the passing of the citizenship test a requirement to graduate will be a constructive addition to the high school’s curriculum. The citizenship test includes information that is valuable to citizens of this country. Furthermore, the expectations tied to the test is have a beneficial effect on today’s young adults. Our youth seem to be increasingly disconcerned with the things that really matter. Many children, before coming young adults- and for a period of time thereafter- have no political opinions or thoughts beyond what they have soaked in from their parents’ points of view. Politics and the functions of our government are neglected.These things contribute a large amount to our everyday lives, and those people being affected should want to be educated and aware of such matters. Far too often, significant parts of our lives are overlooked
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and underappreciated. Many school. If students have the desire adolescents in this country take to learn about their country and their citizenship and rights too choose to take something from lightly. I really think that kids here the class, they should have no don’t know how good they have problem passing the test. it. We are granted many rights wIn addition, if a student that kids our age, let alone adults should struggle with the test, they in other countries, couldn’t even are able to take it as many times imagine. It is important that stu- as they need until they pass. If you dents leave school knowing where continue to score poorly on the such privileges come from. And test, you should feel encouraged so, we are taught about our U.S. to study for the next one, considConstitution, our government ering it is a graduation necessity. and our country. The information This is also a good skill for stuis important, or at least it should dents to learn before they graduate. be to you. Studying techniques and test prepMaking high school students aration are skills some students pass the citizenship test to grad- leave high school without masuate is a very fair expectation.The tering. If students are required to test is something students are pass a single test that is studied inwell prepared for, and they have depth throughout the duration of no reason to stress over it. This a class, they will work extra hard test focuses on one concept as to achieve their goals. With this, opposed to the stressful standard- students planning on continuing ized tests such as the ACT and to college will understand and be SAT that highlight almost all aca- prepared for the push and deterdemic areas. Here at Stoughton mination they will need to pass High School, students are their more difficult and important required to take a whole semester- college courses. long American Government class Making the passing of the in order to graduate. In a class citizenship test mandatory to that covers the entirety what of graduate is not asking anything American citizenship is, almost all drastic or impossible of students. of the information you need to It is a slight addition to the already know for the test will be taught to straightforward requirements. The you throughout a semester of high test is full of beneficial knowledge
just another test By Kira Fields
Staff writer
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ttention Class of 2017 and beyond!
You now have to pass the United States Citizenship Test in order to graduate. Since Wisconsin’s Act 55 passed last July, it is now a graduation requirement to pass the United States Citizenship Test with a passing score of 60 percent or higher. This is another hoop to jump through to graduate high school. It is not enough to take the ACT, collect all 24 credits, and then choose your career path; you also have to pass a citizenship test. Allow me to explain the frustration. The first testing of the Citizenship Test at Stoughton will happen this November. Though I don’t think this is a productive use of our class time, I will be studying for it, anyway. There is not much you can do to prepare the norse star, october 2015
besides memorizing facts and an swers that you can find from the citizenship test from the internet. I will be saving a lot of time by memorizing the answers, even though most of the questions will be multiple choice. Unless, you are heading into a history field, you can get by without out knowing most “common knowledge” facts. On the flip side, the contents of the test might not be common knowledge for everyone attending Stoughton High School. This may come as a shocker for some of you readers, but not everyone who attends Stoughton High School is a full official United States citizen. I am not talking about the exchange students or the German American Partnership Program (GAPP) partners. I am talking about people you see every day that you may not even realize have dual or no citizenship in the United States. It is unfair
for students in many cases. The citizenship test preparation process in high school, plus it’s unlimited opportunities combined with its relevancy to our lives, should not make this potential graduation requirement any sort of burden. In the end, students will absorb more history and significant matters about our country. This will make us more informed and educated young adult citizens, which will ultimately have a colossal effect on how we, the youth, contribute to our government. Our expanded education on our country in high school gives us a better chance at being able to make a shaped point of view and opinion in our society as a whole. Government is unavoidable and present within our everyday lives. Therefore, we should choose to be educated rather than ignorant. With unyielding beliefs, we may be encouraged to make others see the same way we do, and in turn make an enormous change in the world. We have the potential to be the change. This gives our generation representation in America and works towards a better society. Education opens many doors to the world.
PCP: Citizenship Test that they have to take an American citizenship test about basic U.S history, not about their own country’s history. I, as an American citizen by birth, learned about slavery in America in elementary school. I have celebrated Columbus Day, and I have dressed up in historically inaccurate Native American costumes at Thanksgiving. Those who were not exposed to these American biases till very recently should be exempt from this test. This is not to say that they are incapable of passing it, but it may require more work than it’s worth. Some say the purpose of taking this test is that it will help graduates be successful by knowing basic knowledge of United States history. The argument against this is that just at Stoughton High School, students are required to pass, American History Reconstruction to Present, Ancient World Civilization, Modern World, American Government,
and Economics. History has the most required classes out of all the subjects in school. So, why would a citizenship test benefit us anymore than the exams we have to take for the required classes? This citizenship test is just one of many tests that will be taken in our lives here in high school, however this test appears to have the most say on whether we can graduate or not. A test that requires no experiments, research or notes has the most say on if we can graduate. So many before us have gone to do great things without having to pass a citizenship test. This test should not be the one thing standing in our way from getting our diplomas, or advancing to the next stage of our life. So why should it even be a factor?
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in-depth
biofueling the future By Ethan Genter Assitant Editor
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ow did you get to school this morning? Run, crab walk, crawl, bike, pogo-stick? Chances are good that you didn’t do any of those, but instead that you drove, got a ride, or took the bus. According to Safe Routes to School National Partnership, as of 2009, only 13 percent of U.S. students walk or bike to school. That means close to nine out of every ten students got to school by way of some motored vehicle today. Judging by the parking lots, hardly any of those vehicles are electric, meaning they’re powered by what we know as “fossil fuels.” These fossil fuels are not only environmentally unfriendly, but limited. The planet will run out of fossil fuels, and this is why the dynamic new industry of renewable energy has taken off recently. One of the forms of renewable energy among solar, wind, and geothermal on the forefront of this revolution is bioenergy and ethanol. Ethanol is an organic compound, primarily created as an alcohol from corn kernels and their starches. Much in the same way that alcohol is made, ethanol is also produced through a fermentation process. Unlike your parent’s Budweiser, though, ethanol has a multitude of applications beyond consumption. Ethanol is used as a solvent in manufacturing varnishes and perfumes, as a biological
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preservative, in a number of drugs and medicines, as a disinfectant, and most notably, as a fuel and gasoline additive.
GLBRC Director and UW-Madison professor of bacteriology, Tim Donohue. Ethanol is added to gasoline because it enhances the combustion efficiency of cars’ engines and it also helps decrease the level of pollutant emitted by pure gasoline. In Wisconsin, we have a type of gasoline known as E-10 for
the ten percent ethanol content of the fuel, and if you drove to school this morning, that’s more than likely what fueled your ride. So what’s stopping us from running our cars on 100 percent ethanol if it’s more efficient and less pollutive? To answer this question we talked to Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center Education and Outreach Director John Greenler and GLBRC Director and UW-Madison professor of bacteriology, Timothy Donohue. “The answer is this: even with all our farmland, and all our corn being grown, there’s just not enough quality farmland or corn for us to run our cars on a higher ethanol content,” said Tim Donohue. At the root of the problem though, is the federal government, which has said that ethanol must be produced from non-food-grade corn. This of course causes problems in terms of trying to acquire corn for the research and production of biofuels. An entire fuel system of greater ethanol content with the current government restrictions would slow down the entire system to the point of people literally waiting for corn to grow so they could drive to work. We’ve known this for years though, people must eat, and the need for
corn to feed us will take precedence over alternative fuels… for the moment. Researchers, here in Wisconsin and all across the nation, are working to make the production of ethanol and other biofuels possible on a large scale with a new process. That process would include the production of large quantities of ethanol and other biofuels using something called lignocellulose, or “plant dry matter,” as an energy source. In terms of corn, this would essentially be everything but the grain or the kernel; instead of being thrown away, things like the cob or husk would instead be used to produce fuel. Currently GLBRC is working on this. “We’re working on these next generation biofuels. We’re testing and discovering alternative crops to corn that could be used and just how we should grow them. Additionally, we’re continuing to research how to break down biomass into sugar molecules from their polymers and then convert them to liquid fuels through fermentation. “The consolidation of this
the norse star, october 2015
in-depth process is the goal, and it’s on its way,” said Greenler. The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, while led by the University of WisconsinMadison in conjunction with Michigan State University, is actually a conglomeration of eight universities in the U.S. and Canada and the multitude of intelligent minds working for the center has only catalyzed their research. With people working around the clock, and the research mounting, success seems to be brewing, but what would that mean? “If we are successful, ethanol and other advanced biofuels would easily be made from things like wood chips or switchgrass,” Donohue said. So just how imminent is this success, and what’s it going to take to get there? “Ten to twenty years,” says Donohue, “ten to twenty years until we have another major shift in our fuel system.” Though this is possible, Donohue and Greenler also pointed out that a lot has to happen in those ten to twenty years outside the researcher’s realm for this to become a reality. “The technology is on its way.
What we need is for industry to be convinced that building a number of large scale biofuel refineries is worth it,” said Donohue.
“We think about cars and ethanol all the time because we drive cars, but it’s a small fraction in the volume of all fuels. In fact, about one-third of all U.S. fuels are used in cars. Twothirds are diesel and aviation fuels used in shipping, aviation, and other large scale transportation.” -Tim Donohue This task might be the hardest of them all, right now. Even though ethanol is used in a number of products, it lacks in chemical purpose, or
as a chemical that can be added to other products. There is no greater profit margin beyond fuels because companies can’t make enough things out of it. But if ethanol could be the future of our cars’ fuels, why wouldn’t you have investors gathering by the thousands at the steps of the GLBRC, waiting for Tim Donohue and crew to make this possible? There are a couple of reasons. Ethanol will be around for a while, no doubt. At least in the short term it will continue to be integral to our personal fuel needs. It’s the only compound we have to increase combustion, engine cleanliness, and reduce harmful emissions. Things like electric cars just aren’t the future right now. They can be great for commuting, but nobody wants to take a vacation and be forced to stop and plug in every hundred miles. Due to the lack of realistic alternatives right now, fuels will continue to dominate the transportation-energy world, which leaves the door open to surrogate fuels. But it’s more difficult to make these fuels feasible than one might think because we’re actually not just talking about cars. “We think about cars and ethanol all the time because we drive cars, but it’s a small fraction in the volume of all fuels,” said Donohue, “In fact, about one-third of all U.S. fuels are used in cars. Two-thirds are diesel and
lett pel ren e s by art
aviation fuels used in shipping, aviation, and other large scale transportation.” It is much harder to override the entire fuel system instead of just the personal transportation fuel industry. the norse star, october 2015
We would have to spend years testing the effects of ethanol on different engines so your flight from O’Hare to London wouldn’t have any interlude with the Atlantic Ocean. Donohue said that he just doesn’t see it within the foreseeable future for us to make that type of leap, though it is a major part of what they work on. The deviation for personal transportation does, in fact, seem to be in that future. Like Donohue said, ten to twenty years is possible. A few things are going to have to happen though. To deviate about our fossil fuel future, a wholesale infrastructural modification would have to take place first, which could still take a number of government mandates to incentivize companies to get moving. Donohue says that it would start with simply being able to move the fuel. We’d need an efficient way to get the product from place to place. From there we would need continued automobile refinery, fuel station altercations, and so on. The system wouldn’t have to be turned inside out, but close to it, and the economic impact would be immense. We must not throw caution to the wind, however. “We need to be considerate of all pieces involved here, the workers in all industries, affordability, environmental friendliness, climate change and
more. We ultimately need options that will enhance the farming economy,” says Greenler. The process will, in all likelihood, be arduous, but the effects could have an incredible impact on our sustainability as a planet and a people. You never know, by the time you’re 35 we might be tossing a couple cobs of corn and some switchgrass in our tanks before heading off to work. 11
in-depth
corn myths and legends
By Mallory Giesen and Neiya Brown Features Editor and Staff Writer
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orn’s importance to ancient civilizations has led to the abundance of legends about how it came to be. Many Native North American tribes have passed down stories of how corn came to their people years ago, and the crop, originally deriving from Cuba, was a staple of their diet. These are a collection of various stories from different tribes across the Americas, from online sources generated by Native Languages of the Americas.
Legend of the Suitors- Potawatomi*: After man was first created, he became extremely lonely, so the Creator gave him a sister. The man then dreamt that five suitors would want to marry his sister. She would reject the first four, who would then fall dead. The fifth suitor, who the girl took as her husband, was named Mandamin, which means corn. Corn buried the other four suitors, and from their bodies grew tobacco, squash, melons, and beans. The Potawatomi people believe that all Indian people are descended from the marriage between the Indian girl and Corn.
*Legend of Blue Corn Maiden-Hopi*: Goddess referred to as Blue Corn Maiden was won over by the summer god after a conflict with the winter god. As a compromise, the winter god would reign half the year, and the summer god, the other half. Blue Corn Maiden would remain with the summer god because they were in love, hence the reason corn grows in the summer. *not exact locations
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Legend of the Corn Mother- Cherokee*: Selu is a goddess whose story originates from South Eastern America. She is worshipped by many Native American tribes and although she is called by many names, they all translate to “corn mother”. They call her this because when the Earth was still young, she had so many children, that there was nothing for them to eat. To remedy the dilemma, she planted her heart and from it sprouted corn for her children to eat leading to the prosperity of civilization.
Legend of Kloskerbeh- Wabanaki*: The Great Spirit, Manitou, created Kloskerbeh, the great teacher. One day a boy came to Kloskerbeh. He was born when the the sea churned up foam, which was then heated by the sun and cooled into a solid before it came alive as a boy. Then they met a girl, who had come from a green plant that came out of the Earth. The girl and boy married and had lots of children--so many that they couldn’t feed all of them. The wife told her husband that, to feed their children, he would need to kill her and plant her bones in two piles. The father became upset and went to Kloskerbeh, the great teacher, for advice. After praying, Kloskerbeh told him that his wife was right. The father killed the mother, and planted her bones in two piles. He wept over the two piles for seven moons before tobacco sprouted from one pile and corn from the other. The mother had never really died; she would live on forever in these two crops, ensuring that all
the norse star, october 2015
in-depth
amaizing mazes By Raya Kate Castronovo Staff Writer
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s autumn falls upon us here in Wisconsin, you can be sure of one thing: it’s harvest time. The never ending rows of corn that grow as far as the eye can see reached the peak of their growth in August, and they now stand high and dense and yellow. We all know what that means: it’s time for the constructing and exploring of corn mazes. Corn mazes are popular all over Wisconsin and the country. The mazes serve as tourist attractions and are a way for farmers to promote their farms, generate income, and advertise for their production of corn. Many corn mazes feature different designs and patterns intended to shape a complex labyrinth for people to mill about in, running into dead ends and going in circles as they attempt to find their way out. As Wisconsin contains an abundant quantity of corn, a plethora of corn mazes crop up each year for people to attend,
and a majority of them are nearby. One farm that is known for their mazes is Skelly’s Farm Market in Janesville, Wisconsin. This farm features two mazes each year, the Adventure Maze and the Impossible Maze, covering over fifteen acres of land. The Adventure Maze changes themes each year and tells a fun story along the way. This year, Skelly’s featured Jurassic Farm as their Adventure Maze, with two dinosaurs in the outline of the maze. The Impossible Maze was installed in 2008 and continues to get more difficult each year. The Impossible Maze is designed for those who want more of a challenge. Like a lot of other farms, Skelly’s Farm Market features night mazes. Because if wandering around acres of corn wasn’t strenuous enough for you, you can try and navigate a maze in the dark with just a flashlight. The Impossible Maze is the only maze open at night, so if you’re
culinary corn
By Kira Fields Staff Writer
Mazes to Visit Near You! Skelly’s Farm Market--------------------------------------Janesville Schuster’s Farm---------------------------------------------Deerfield Sutter’s Ridge Farm--------------------------------------Mt. Horeb Busy Farms--------------------------------------------Fort Atkinson Shuett Farm---------------------------------------------Mukwonago Treinan Farm-----------------------------------------------------Lodi Creek Bed Farm---------------------------------------------Poynette
looking for a challenge, you’ve found it. Corn mazes come in wide variety. The thought and work put into the designing and creating of corn mazes can be extensive and elaborate. Some mazes are considered as art due to their layout and appealing composition. There are so many mazes available in Wisconsin’s sea of corn that you
are bound to find the right one for you. Whether you prefer a simple maze intended for leisurely strolling on a crisp fall day, or a rigorous and seemingly impossible labyrinth that puts your abilities to the test, your maze is out there. So take advantage of the absurd amount of corn that is right outside your window this fall, and amble through a maze.
During this time of the year there are many kinds of spices and fall themed goodies. Some like sweet and some like spicy, but this time corn is taking the stage. Though corn is known for its appearance on the cob smothered in butter and salt, there are so many ways to spice up your traditional kernel treats.
Here are some simple ways to
“spice” up corn on the cob. • • • •
photo courtesy of jim bushelle photography
A bird’s eye view of the Jurassic Farm Maze - Janesville, WI .
Firecracker - add chili powder and cayenne pepper Mexican Style- add chili powder, lime and cumin Sweet Tooth- add brown sugar, cinnamon, butter Garden- fresh-rosemary, lemon, dried tomato flakes
Not a fan of corn? How about candy corn? You can melt it into candy corn bark, bake it into cookies, mix it into a cream pie. The possibilities are endless. Here’s an easy recipe for candy corn bark. You’ll need- candy corn, choice of toppings, and wax paper. On medium heat melt candy corn in a double boiler, till fully melted. Remove boiler from heat and add in toppings. Pour the melted candy corn on to wax paper and wait until it’s cool. Then break it up and devour!
It ’s not fall without the classic caramel corn . Here is one way to create
your own fall treat for you and your family. Or just you. Here’s the recipe: ½ cup butter 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup dark corn syrup 1 tsp vanilla 1 tsp baking soda
art by seren pellett
First, set the oven to 350 degrees. Melt the butter in a pan on medium heat, once melted add brown sugar, vanilla, and corn syrup. Stir constantly for about five minutes after the mixture reaches its boiling point. Then remove the pot from the heat and add baking soda. Drizzle over the popcorn along with choice of toppings and bake in the oven for forty-five minutes. Once out of the oven, separate into bite sized pieces. Tada!! Now with your caramel corn all done, try adding other sweets to give it an extra boost of happiness. You can choose your toppings such as, Kit Kats, M&Ms, cinnamon sugar almonds, candy corn, marshmallows ,and your favorite candies. the norse star, october 2015
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in-depth
to go against the grain? By Gunnar Goetz and Meredith Melland Business Manager and In-Depth Editor
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orn. Usually associated with buttery deliciousness or the cellulosic pieces left between your teeth after taking a bite, corn is considered by most to be just another specimen on a dinner plate. One seems to push away the fact that corn is quite a crucial facet of our lives and our society, as corn surrounds us everywhere in extensive fields, inundating the North American midwest and the rest of the planet. The essential crop has understandably spawned controversy; corn’s genetic modification, fertilization, and use as animal feed has sparked widespread debate among farmers and consumers, causing the plant’s production and purpose itself to be investigated. “I kind of came into farming wanting to know more about how my food was grown and [I] was getting more interested in the environmental effects of conventional farming and wanting to make food choices for myself that were more sustainable,” said Kristen Kordet, owner of Blue Moon Community Farm. Kordet started the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm in 2004 choosing to grow all crops organically. “We choose to grow organically because it’s the kind of food we want to eat; I don’t
created fertilizer to promote because it is unknown whether crop growth. genetic modification in food “Probably three quarters of can be harmful to humans. the grain corn in the U. S. is Corn is also a common GMO (genetically modified and cheap ingredient in diforganism), and that’s a problem ferent animal feeds for cows, for growers who goats, pigs, and “. . . there is an sheep, and is good are raising sweet corn because the for the farming way that they’ve awful lot of corn industry because modified corn it’s a reliable feed is to allow the being grown in this source. However, plant to produce corn can cause its own pesticide,” country and [it’s] medical probsaid Kordet. The lems to cattle pesticide that more than we need. because they are this corn can ruminants, or produce is called And there are a lot mammals with BT, which is one fermentation of the few pes- of animals that are chambers in their ticides that can stomachs that used by organic eating it and getting help digest food. growers due to “If cattle its natural deri- sick on it and then undergo a rapid vation and lack feed change (sudof harmful traits. we’re eating those denly fed a large The problem is amount of feed that this widethat may contain animals.” spread genetic a large amount modification - Kristen Kordet of corn or grain), is engendering they can develop strains of pests that are now BT ruminal acidosis, which is a resistant. This hurts growers of primary gastrointestinal disorganic sweet corn because it ease that can cause lameness, vitiates the only pesticide avail- decreased production, and able to them. potentially neurologic disease.” “Sweet corn--to grow it said Dr. Sarah Raabis, a large organically--is quite a com- animal veterinarian for UW mitment . . . if you’re growing Veterinary Care. corn in an area where you have However, if cattle avoid a lot of conventional corn, rapid changes in feed, they can then you’re crop is attracting stay healthy on a corn diet. The all of the pest and disease that so-called organic method of is being treated away from the grass-feeding isn’t very pracother fields,” said Kordet. tical in a temperate climate, but Genetically modified corn some believe that it makes beef has also spawned controversy taste better. But as Dr. Raabis said, “I believe consumers associate ‘grass-fed’ erroneously with healthiness.” Corn is a large part of our society, and as such, it has become the substance of controversy surrounding pesticide use, fertilizer use, it’s use in feed, and genetic modification. Though many of these issues photos by gunnar goetz are still being debated, one thing is clear: there are more Pictured above are areas of Blue Moon Farm, including green houses, crop fields, and farm equipment. layers to corn than just the Surrounding cornfields make the feat of growing organic sweet corn an arduous challenge. husk and the kernels. 14
really want to be handling the kinds of materials that conventional growers of some of our vegetable crops might be handling, and we have a lot of people that come and go from our farm and a lot of crops that we let our customers come and pick for themselves and . . . handling some of those crops could actually be dangerous to them if they didn’t [take] the proper precautions,” said Kordet. This illustrates one controversy: pesticide and fertilizer use on corn. Most of the corn grown in the U.S. is field corn or corn that is not grown for human consumption, as compared to sweet corn, which is a sugary strain of corn that mutated naturally and makes up less than one percent of the corn produced in America. The Environmental Working Group has calculated that Americans apply 300 million pounds of active pesticides to cornfields, mostly on grain corn.There is a split argument on the topic of using pesticides and fertilizers that are harmful to humans on corn which has created the differentiation between organic growers (no harmful pesticides or fertilizers) and conventional growers. Kordet’s farm builds up the soil with naturally composted nutrients instead of using chemically
the norse star, october 2015
subsidizing america
By Brandon Lamberty News Editor iving in the midwest, one thing is always sure. There will be corn. And lots of it. Too much of it, some might even say. But the question remains, with this seemingly overabundance of corn, how are people still making money and keeping their farms afloat? The simple answer is government farm subsidies, accompanied by the entire country’s want for corn syrup in junk food. A government farm subsidy, according to farm.ewg.org is when the “federal government provides a ‘safety net’ to agricultural producers to help them through the variations in agricultural production and profitability from year to year - due to variations in weather, market prices, and other factors - while ensuring a stable food supply.” Any subsidy given by the federal government is considered a grant and is not required to be paid back in any way, effectively draining billions of dollars every year from the federal budget. For many farmers, these grants provide a necessary cushion in case something happens between plant and harvest, but for the government, the grants restrict them from helping other parts of the country. Many people would think “why should I care about corn subsidies?” but they affect over 600 farms in Stoughton and the surrounding area alone. Hanerville Acres and Skaar Scattered Acres, both whom were unable to be reached for comment, have received $ 1,356,815.92 and $1,283,766.26 respectively, from the federal government since 1995. Each year. the farms receive between $45,000 and $120,000 in subsidy grants to continue their farms. Most, if not all, of that money is spent on the costs of farming and other expenses related to their farms. This money can go towards buying a new combine that will help yield more corn during harvest, or paying more farmhands, effectively
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stimulating our local economy. These farms are staples in some rural communities, giving young people a chance at a first job where they can learn some life skills. For farmers, the money is always helpful, but other see it as more money going to farmers that don’t need it. Some years, there are farmers that actually make more than their harvest is worth due to these subsidies. Some feel that it has gotten so bad in some areas that legislation has been proposed to counteract the ‘waste’ the spending in farm subsidies. In 2007, Sen. Gregg (R) of New Hampshire proposed an amendment (S.AMDT.3822) which would provide nearly one billion dollars in critical home heating assistance to low-income families and senior citizens for the 2007-2008 winter season, and reduce the Federal deficit by eliminating wasteful farm subsidies. Due to democratic pushback, the bill spent three days on the senate floor before being withdrawn. A policy recommendation written by Jeff Pertl for Sen. Patrick Leahy (D) of Vermont summarized the idea that reducing farm subsidies is “good public policy, but bad politics.” Most people in America feel if we didn’t live in a country where politicians cared more about power and personal gain and more about tending
in-depth
to the citizens, Sen. Gregg’s over 60 percent of Americans bill would have become the are overweight and 30 perbasis for the ending of farm cent are considered obese. By subsidies and wasteful govern- allowing a rapid inflation of ment spending. Every five years, corn production in the midcongress passes the Farm Bill, west, we have made fatty setting regulations and stan- foods and corn syrup so easily dards for agriculture. When accessible that we promote the last Farm Bill was revised in unhealthy living. As people 2012, it was strategically placed talk about creating a tax on fat in the middle foods, the govof an election “Good public policy, ernment first cycle, making needs to realize it impossible but bad politics. A that we must for people first reduce that want to palatable, coherent unnecessary be re-elected subsidies in able to actually ‘exit strategy’ for farm order to move enact change. forward. As of As Pertl said, subsidies is needed.” now, the total direct and “good public indirect costs policy, but bad -Jeff Pertl of obesity now politics.” In his exceed $100 billion annually(J report, Pertl wrote “the 2012 Cawley). The Leahy report cites farm bill reauthorization was another report by F. Kuchler strategically scheduled before another presidential election, that found the tax revenue from and Sen. Harkin, whose com- a one percent tax on junk food would generate $100 million. mittee has jurisdiction over Combine that with a reduction farm subsidy policy, is in subsidies, and we could put from Iowa.” that money back into education This political cheap or other necessary expenditures. shotting that happens In states like Wisconsin affects every American, and Iowa, these grants are welkeeping the money comed with open arms, but in in places urban areas with little farming, that is the population feels the negaconsidered tive effects of lost money. Until unnecessary all parts of the government and and at times the common person can start harmful. Not to find a middle ground and only does it hurt the economy, make compromises, the corn fields will continue to melt but it hurts the into corn syrup and fuel the well-being of ever-fattening America as we the average know it. This growing problem person. of obesity can be counteracted, For starting at what used to seem so many like an unexpected place. local Let’s not forget one thing, farmers, corn is vital to the midwest. It federal farm sub- will always be. We just need to be smarter about how we regusidies late and produce it. Not every have person needs to grow huge been a amounts of corn and receive blessing subsidies. 600 farms in the for their 53589 is impressive, but is it farms, truly necessary? I will leave that and a disaster up to you to decide. for modern America. Today,
art by joshua bausch
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the most important meal of the day
features
photos by bergen gardner
Address: 1358 Williamson Street,
By Bergen Gardner Staff Writer
F
ear not, haters of breakfast, for this
Madison, WI
Hours: Monday-Friday 7a.m. to 3p.m. Saturday-Sunday 8a.m. to 2p.m. Phone: (608) 257-5263
will no longer be the case. Lazy Jane’s
is an eclectic restaurant with a spunky atmosphere. The Norse Star staff left the early morning breakfast buzzing about the wonderful food. Here’s the sweet and sour.
PrOs: ATMOSPHERE The atmosphere was charming and put the whole staff into a funloving, silly mood. We were constantly laughing and glad to be in the cozy restaurant. This is a place you want to be on a rainy day.
four out of five scones COns:
art by seren pellet
WAITING The line can be out the door, and sometimes you can stand in it for what seems like forever. Then after waiting in line just to order your food, sometimes you have to wait for a table due to limited seating. Lazy Jane’s is a restaurant meant for the patient.
SERVICE The service was incredible. Very kind people work there and had our PAYMENT food hot and ready with little wait. They interacted with each other You must pay with cash. They do have an ATM for your convelike old friends, but you seat yourself and get your own food, so there nience, though. wasn’t as much of a server-to-customer experience. IDIOSYNCRASIES (specific traits) DECOR Like most restaurants, the loss of idiosyncrasies is inevitable with If you’re in for a place that’s colorful and fun, then this is it. Between growing popularity. One special thing Lazy Jane’s lost over time the mismatched dishes and rotund mugs, which we all thought were was the fact that they don’t yell your name when your food is ready; fabulous, and the unique artwork done by emerging local artists, Lazy they now give you a buzzer as if you’re waiting to be seated at Olive Jane’s is for the bold. Garden. FOOD/DRINKS This is the most important part. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, from biscuits and gravy to waffles. The scones that we had as appetizers were scrumptious. We tried a wide variety, some with berries others with chocolate. The food is to die for, and the coffee and tea are slurpable.
WHAT WE GOT
Raya: the seitan, toast, over easy eggs, hash browns with veggies, pomegranate tea. Gunnar: blackberry scone, tofu scramble, mocha Bergen: biscuits and gravy, over-easy eggs, pumpkin chocolate chip scone, vanilla latte Rachel: waffle with whipped cream, lemon cream scone, vanilla latte Jon: chamomile tea, granola, dank granola, with berries and vanilla yogurt, maple walnut scone Meredith: mud pie scone, chai latte with espresso (dirty chai), BLTP
the norse star, october 2015
Overall, Lazy Jane’s is a wonderful place to go for a big breakfast that will start your day off right. You will leave with a smile on your face and maybe cheeks that are a bit sore from laughing so much with your family or friends. The atmosphere is quirky and contagious in the best way. It’s so colorful, you’ll wish you were there everyday. At Lazy Jane’s you’re in for a wonderful leisurely breakfast. 17
features
the girl on fire By Mya Lonnebotn Staff Writer
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n a sunny Saturday morning, a young athlete is whipping fuzzy green tennis balls across the courts of Stoughton High School. To the homes that border the tennis courts, she is a familiar face, as this has been her home for the past three years. She whacks the ball with such an astounding amount of aggression and precision, that it seems it will bust into pieces. It is clear that this is her game. The girl is Sarah Benoy, one of Stoughton’s most talented tennis stars. Benoy giggles and tells me, “You only live once, but you get to serve twice.” Although Benoy is the number one singles player on the high school girl’s team, this is only her third year with a racket in her hand. With barely any experience after having participated in a tennis camp at a young age, Benoy threw herself into the sport freshman year with no idea of her future success. Amy Kahl, one of Benoy’s coaches, described her initial impression of Sarah. “I knew that she was a very determined athlete and a hard worker. The hard work has paid off and she has continued to climb the ladder of success.” Benoy started off her tennis career not as an individual, but as a teammate. Freshman year, Benoy and Payton Kahl worked hard as a doubles team and made it to state. Word got around, and suddenly cute pictures with Benoy posing next to various arrangements of tennis balls spelling “state” and the year made their way onto social media. Although Benoy and Kahl lost in their first round, it was an incredible feat for both of them to make it to state at such young ages. Sophomore year, Benoy shifted 18
away from doubles and found herOn Sept. 25 and 26 of this year, self as a singles player. Benoy says, Benoy slid on her black and white “I like having a sport where it’s all nike tennis skirt, and tightened on you. When you mess up, you the pink laces on her sleek black know it’s your fault. I like having tennis shoes. She was not about to all the weight on my shoulders and let all her hard work be forgotten. knowing that only I can control Benoy pulled out one of her three what happens.” tennis rackets, this one with the Benoy journeyed once again flame-shaped shock absorber in to the Nielsen Tennis Stadium the middle. She remembered in Madison, the host of the State asking her dad why he had bought Tennis Tournament, this time as that particular accessory. “Because a singles player. She won her first you’re the girl on fire.” He had said round but lost her with confidence. second. Now in her Benoy anx“You only live junior year of tennis, iously got ready Benoy does not slow once, but you get to for her conferdown, and has conence match, and tinued to stun her when it was time, serve twice.” coaches and fans. I stepped onto withheld my gasp -Sarah Benoy the court. She when Benoy told me, stretched her “I don’t usually take a day off.” muscles, hit back and forth to her Benoy clearly has no off-season competitor for about 10 minutes, for tennis, and balances being a and then did a few buttkicks. She tri-sport athlete with a solid 4.00 was ready. Benoy began her match GPA. She is the ideal model of with her family and friends deeply an SHS Viking; she is successful engaged only a few feet away from in athletics with priorities in aca- the court. All was going well until demics. Sometimes this means Benoy scrambled to return a hit, staying up far past her bedtime. tripped, and scraped up her entire Her father, Brian Benoy, has partic- side. She told me, “I laid on the ularly inspired Benoy. “He is always court crying, and I was bleeding, so helping me improve,” she says. I took a medical time out. But then Benoy can be spotted vol- I came back and played and I won leying on the court with her that game, and I ended up winning father (a prior high school the match.” tennis athlete as well), for sevBenoy told me that tennis eral hours at a time and more has taught her a lot about mental than a few days a week. She toughness.“You have to pull is grateful for the impressive through and not worry about your amount of support that her surroundings,” she explained. family shows for her comAfter a rough two days, Benoy’s mitments day after day. hard work payed off and she took This year Benoy put a home more than she expected: the lot of extra time into her conference title. Overcome with favorite sport to reach joy and good spirits, Benoy took on her goal of getting seeded sub-sectionals, and then sectionals. at state. Benoy partici- Again she faced stiff competition pated in the USTA (United and again she defeated her oppoStates Tennis Association) nents. Benoy was one of five girls this summer, and was third from the SHS girl’s tennis team to as a Wisconsin district quali- qualify for the state competition fier. She qualified for the this year. She is seeded 12th in the Midwest Championships in state competition and is incredibly Indianapolis, a huge accom- proud to see her name on the list plishment, but lost right away. of seeded players. The State Tennis Instead of letting her defeat Tournament for high school girls knock her down, Benoy used was held on Oct. 15, 16, and 17, it to empower her. “It was a really and Benoy went into the event good experience to see such high with high hopes. Unfortunately, players, and I’ve improved so much she lost almost immediately to an since then. I hope to go back again opponent she was predicted to beat. this year, and I hope to do better.” Benoy was heartbroken, but was
comforted by the fact that she has one more year to be successful at state. For Benoy, tennis is a sport that she has fallen head-over-heels for, and it is a hobby she hopes she can continue throughout her life. It is a sport that has taught her how to be mentally tough, and it shows that love comes in small packages, just like a three-pack can of tennis balls.
photo courtesy of bob christofferson
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the norse star, october 2015
features
the art of thrift shopping By Julia Olson and Jon Klingenberg Sports Editor and Editor-in-Chief
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ith the rising expenses for brand name clothing nowadays, it’s no surprise that more people are deciding to go thrift shopping as a less expensive alternative. Unlike going shopping at the mall or at a department store, going thrift shopping gives you the freedom and variety that is unpredictable enough to keep you guessing. One of the most beneficial parts about thrifting is the fact that you never know what you are going to find. Inside that one bin could be a vintage treasure and deep into that rack of sweatshirts could be that ultimate find. Everything is a toss up until you truly start searching. Thrift shopping is like a treasure hunt for things that you didn’t even know you were looking for, and the adventure is what is drawing so many people to start dabbling in the art of thrift shopping. This article is for all of the newbies who have decided to start thrifting and the seasoned veterans who could use some helpful tips on making the best of their thrifting outings. If you loosely follow these rules, then it is almost guaranteed that you can score at least one outstanding find on your trip. photos by julia olson
Rule 3: Go To Multiple Types Of Stores Most people travel to many different shops in the mall or throughout the city to find exactly what they want, so why not do the same when thrifting? By widening your amount and variety of thrift shops, you’re guaranteed to be more successful in getting good finds. Mix it up a little bit and head to the Savers in the town over; no two thrift shops are the same. Broaden your horizons and it will pay off.
Rule 1: Go In With An Open Mind When thrifting, it’s good to have an idea of what you want to get out of the day, but don’t go in searching for a specific item. By looking for only one thing it takes away your chance of finding something else that you could potentially love. Peruse all of the racks, even if you don’t think that you’re going to want anything specific from that rack. By keeping your horizons broad, you’ll be able to have more success.
Rule 2: Never Pay More Than $15 For Anything If it’s more than $15, you might as well be paying regular store price. The point of thrift shopping is to find the clothes you want while not paying an arm and a leg for them. Unless you find a piece of clothing that is a must-have, try to stray away from expensive price tags. the norse star, october 2015
Rule 4: If It Grabs Your Attention, Try It On All sorts of different things catch people’s eye, so don’t dismiss anything just because of how crazy it looks. Nothing is worse than dismissing a piece of clothing and then regretting not buying it later, because chances are you will literally never see one like it again. Everything you see is one of a kind -- literally -- so take your chances and be adventurous.
Rule 5: Never Give Yourself A Time Limit Being on a time crunch is the worst, especially when you’re trying to look through every rack in the store. If the plan is to not leave any stone unturned, the chances are that deep searching is where you’ll find the best treasures. So by setting a time that you need to leave by, you’re largely diminishing your chances of finding something amazing. 19
peeps with jeeps features - look of the lot
By Julia Olson Sports Editor
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riving with the top down in a Jeep Wrangler in the scorching summertime weather is truly a pipe dream for most people, teenagers and adults alike. There’s just something about driving a car like that that just makes you feel powerful; it gives you a sense of authority on the road, it gives you the freedom to run over curbs, and the safety that you could totally “win” in the event of a car crash. Jeeps usually come with a plethora of stories and memories, and current SHS residents Jenna Gardner and Dan Holzhuter know exactly how that goes. Both Gardner and Holzhuter drive used, “Unlimited” models of their respective Jeeps. Gardner drives a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, and Holzhuter drives a 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X. Both owners also claim that they get ridiculously inefficient gas mileage, ranging from 13 to 20 miles per gallon, depending on the terrain and exactly how they’re driving. But that is where the Jeep similarities end. While one presents as a maroon or berry color, the other is said to be a toss up between either blue or green. While one has been the perpetrator in a t-bone collision over the winter, the other has yet to see any action with other vehicles. But there is no doubt that both Gardner and Holzhuter are proud owners of some wicked cars. “My favorite thing about my
car is that when I do a U-Turn and I know that I’m not going to make it on the road, I can just keep going over the curb with my car so I don’t have to put it in reverse,” said Gardner when asked about just what makes her Jeep so special. Now how many people can confidently say they are positive that they can drive in ways that may be a bit outside of the box in the midst of laziness while driving? Gardner has definitely made some lasting memories with her Jeep, Jill, who has been hers for almost two years now, thanks to her dad. Gardner got Jill for her 16th birthday, partially to celebrate her sweet sixteen, but also because the gas mileage was so terrible for her dad that he had to give it up to his favorite, and only daughter. The hand-me-down car has seen its fair share of adventures, boasting a mildly impressive 73,961 miles that have given Gardner some of the best times of her life. Most notably, her longest trip she took in Jill was up to Northern Wisconsin with her family to their cabin and to the Milwaukee Zoo with her friends. But neither of these trips went off without a hitch due to some oddly unique faults from her whip. “We have a top that you can take off on our Jeep, but whenever we put the top back on we always put it on wrong. So whenever you go over 55 in my car, wind goes through it and it makes a really loud and annoying noise,” Gardner said in nostalgia. But despite those lovable trips,
Gardner says that her best memory with her car is going to drive-in movies with the top down with her friends in the summer and being able to just look up and see the stars during the movie. This isn’t to say that you need to own this specific model and type of car to have great memories like Gardner’s, but it is recommended. Now, if you’re planning on snagging a “manly and rugged” ride exactly like Gardner’s, you’re going to have to be able to shell out a cool $25,000, and in the words of wisdom from the owner herself, it’s recommended to blast Macklemore’s “Downtown” while cruising around. If you’re looking for a pop of color in a ride that can still maintain its tough exterior appearance, maybe Holzhuter’s Jeep is a little more your style. With names like “Big Jiminy” and “Jeepers” it’s hard to imagine that this vehicle is lacking in character. Holzhuter would have to say that the best thing about his Jeep is that owning it was a long time coming. Also a used model, “Jeepers” has just recently reached a major milestone: 100,000 miles, each one full of memories, mostly involving his dog. When asked about the best time he’s ever had in the car, he joyfully recanted about just how much his dog enjoys the car, which is maybe almost as much as he does. “When I take the top off, the dog loves riding in it, he loves all that air. So I think my favorite memory would be the first time that we took the top off and went for a ride
with the dog. He thought he was in pig-heaven,” explained Holzhuter. This dreamy story is in sharp comparison to some of his less happy memories in the vehicle though, which usually include the possibility of rain pelting him when the is top down. Although he claims not to be much of a speed demon, Holzhuter does admit to going up to around 80 miles per hour once. But this bout of speed doesn’t translate to what he believes is the intended purpose of his car, which is meant to be more of a leisurely ride. To make the driving more leisurely, Holzhuter has made Jeepers his own with personal additions, like the oversized tires and bikini top, which mark the extent of the upgrades he’s made to the car since he’s owned it. If you’re looking for a car that, when you drive by, will make people say, “there goes one cool guy,” Holzhuter says that you’ll have to put down a solid $17,500, but he says the price is more than worth it. Regardless of your age, style, or expendable income, both Holzhuter and Gardner would vouch that getting a Jeep will be one of the best decisions you will ever make. The things are practically bound to rack up great memories and experiences without even trying. Long story short, go for that pipe dream. Buy the car you’ve always been thinking about, no matter how long it takes you to get it, and most importantly, make it your own.
photos by julia olson
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the norse star, october 2015
crimson peak your interest
By Mallory Giesen Features Editor ometimes we crave that one movie that’s so scary, we can’t look up at the screen. That’s fun, but not all the time. For those nights when you’re just not in the mood to pee your pants, you might find yourself wishing that not all recent horror movies had you lying awake all night in a paranoid cold sweat. “Crimson Peak” is a good scare that stays in the moment and doesn’t haunt you
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for the next couple weeks. The mysterious Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) enchants the young fiction writer, Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska). Thomas’s sister, Lucille (Jessica Chastain), seems to be less than charmed by their relationship, and Edith is subject to strange occurrences within the Sharpe sibling’s centuries-old mansion. The movie, directed by
for the little kid in all of us
By Mya Lonnebotn and Isabelle Genter Staff Writers f you are one of those people Frankenstein, this movie still who loves Halloween movies manages to maintain a comedic, but hates being scared to the light-hearted mood. point that you feel like a realDuring the 89 minutes we live axe murderer is going to spent watching this movie, we pop out of the screen and kill experienced high-quality, creyou, then “Hotel Transylvania ative animation, as well as a 2” is the perfect movie for you. slightly outdated soundtrack While featuring classic “scary” (which the six year olds were characters such as Dracula and totally diggin’) with songs
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green gore galore
By Ethan Genter Assistant Editor hat do you get when you mix poor acting, a grotesque plot, and gallons upon gallons of fake blood? You get an Eli Roth movie. From the creator of the “Hostel” horror film series comes a new spin on what is known as the cannibal subgenre, a gory type of movie popular in the ‘70s in which Westerners find themselves
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face-to-face with “savage” indigenous peoples in foreign countries. In “The Green Inferno,” the Westerners are a group of naïve college activists and the “savages” are an untouched Amazonian tribe that the teenagers are trying to save from imposing deforestation. All goes to plan at first, until the group’s plane crashes and the
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Crimson Peak
Guillermo del Toro, takes place in the late eighteenth century and has a delightfully gothic feel. As the movie progresses, it becomes comparable to a cross between “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and “The Walking Dead,” except it’s not a claymation musical and there are no zombies. However, it is scarier than both, considering the true spookiness of the paranormal that makes up so much
of the horror in the movie, though it is still bearable for the average high schooler. While the chilling images from “Crimson Peak” may not torment you for a month, the blunt horror will still satisfy your scare-cravings. And there are no stupid people provoking demons. Sorry, if you like that kind of thing.
Hotel Transylvania such as “Worth It” by Fifth Harmony and “GDFR” by Flo Rida. Although somewhat predictable, “Hotel Transylvania 2” was still entertaining and graciously included some adult humor for the older folks in the audience, which is why we gave this movie three stars. “Hotel
Transylvania 2,” while definitely geared more towards little kids, still has some universal messages that will appeal to a large variety of audiences. So if you’re looking to get into the Halloween spirit, or just want some good laughs, be sure to go see “Hotel Transylvania 2.”
The Green Inferno green quickly turns to the red. Captured by the tribe they were trying to save, the young activists are slaughtered one by one in quite a creative fashion that will get you thinking, “What goes on in Eli Roth’s head?” Apart from the sheer carnage though, this flick is pretty disappointing. The Scooby-Doo acting leaves something to be desired and the number of
hokey plot flaws will have you running out of fingers and toes to count on. If you’re thirsty for some hemoglobin, look no further, but if you want a little more than impaled college kids out of your Friday-nightfright, then steer away from this one, because it’ll just leave you queasy.
viewer beware, you’re in for not a whole lot
By Connor Roisum Entertainment Editor hildhood had a lot in store for me. First sleep over, first T-rated video game, and of course, reading “Goosebumps” non-stop. The worlds that R.L. Stine had created for kids my age were amazing. This movie was a slap in the face compared to those magical books that made up my childhood. “Goosebumps” is exactly what I expected when I first saw
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the norse star, october 2015
Goosebumps the trailer weeks ago. When you want to portray a creepy genius like R.L. Stine, you expect someone with the same creepy aura that surrounds them like Jack Nicholson. But when you live in a generation where “horror” has become a predictable and laughable genre, you get Jack Black. The acting of most of the actors was mediocre and painful
to watch. The story may have been originally written by Stine, but after Hollywood got its hands on it, the only trace of Stine’s style was the predictability: the start, the middle, and the twist at the end. The only ever-so-wilted rose that I saw in this mass of thorns was the fact that I felt a slight sense of nostalgia from seeing the monsters from the books.
This was only to be smothered by poor acting and a storyline that’s as predictable as the plot to “Titanic,” which is just insulting to Stine. However if bad movies are your thing, then I would definitely put this one on your list.
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“Old Hall’s cough drops” rtbert, 10 - Zander Ha
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t it, it’s “Pretzels, think abou candy” not even technically -Robyn Pohold, 11
word in the halls
“A toothbrush, our neighbor was a dentist…” - Brennan Rust, 12
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By Garrett Kluever Staff Writer
What is the worst Halloween candy you’ve ever gotten?
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the norse star, october 2015
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“A house gave me really old , hard licorice” - Carter Kriskovich, 9
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By Brandon Lamberty News Editor
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fter spending the summer atop the Billboard’s Top Ten Rap Songs, with not just one, but four singles, Fetty Wap released his first full album. “Fetty Wap Deluxe” was a collaboration between Fetty and Monty, including a few other artists for some songs. In total, the album contains 20 songs, a huge feat for a first album in almost any genre of music. Of those 20 songs, four have been in the Top Ten in the last year. “Again” reached eight in August, “679” reached fifth, “My Way” hit third, and “Trap Queen” peaked at number two. The album is a blend of catchy trap music, along with some rap and hip-hop. The first six tracks show off Fetty and Monty doing what they do best,
trap music. The next few tracks give off a hip-hop feel, featuring songs like “Time” and “My Way.” The last few songs are by far the By Rachel DelPizzo Opinions Editor ith sultry, surreal, and weakest, with little content and hypnotic vibes, Lana Del an overall weird sound to it. Rey’s “Honeymoon” is an album Even though Fetty references a about the slow burning fires of lot of illegal activities, he still has infatuation and the scars they a realistic point that he tries to leave behind. Del Rey’s fourth LP, which dropped on Sept. 18 get across. In “RGF Island,” he is what some, myself included, talks about how ‘My !**%@$ would call her finest work. In stack their money just to spend the first track, “Honeymoon,” it cause when you die you Del Rey croons the lyrics, “We cannot take it with you’ making both know that it’s not fashionable to love me.” This sentiment the listener realize we should do could not be more true. Despite what we can while we can. having several popular singles, Del Rey is a far cry from the typical popular artist. Her style as an artist is not one that can be easily emulated, and it is her individuality which helps foster the feeling of personalness and intimacy that can be felt in her music. Although she does not truly fall into a particular genre, her music has been described as indie rock, art pop, trip hop, dream pop, and psychedelic, among others. It’s for these reasons that, as she states in track one, it’s “not fashionable” to love her. The album as a whole is not very upbeat, but this doesn’t stop Del Rey from infusing
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sex, love, and lana del rey
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passion, emotion, pain, and genuineness in tracks like “God Knows I Tried,” “The Blackest Day,” “Freak,” and “Swan Song.” Del Rey uses the tracks to turn the pain of the past into a work of art. In addition to originality, Del Rey also elegantly covers Nina Simone’s “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” And in “Terrence Loves You,” a track the artist described as “very close to my heart,” the lyrics reference David Bowie. Whether you’re an avid fan, looking to get lost in music, or you’ve just heard her popular songs, you can certainly find something to love in the graphic and poetic “Honeymoon.”
at least it’s free By Jon Klingenberg Editor-in-Chief
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er pets are just like her rationale for making this album: dead. Miley Cyrus’s fifth studio release, “Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz,” is a psychedelic provocation of her ability to do whatever she wants. One could argue, however, that not a single track on this album has adequate replay value to be worth the usual $1.29. Luckily for her, Cyrus released the album for free on Soundcloud, which is respectable given its lengthy listen. Cyrus wrote, or at least cowrote, all songs on the album, and produced it with psychedelic rock band “The Flaming Lips.” The album has a very chill and trippy feel to it, but the instrumentation is coupled with bizarre lyrics ranging a variety of topics including, but not limited to: the sun’s existence as an oversized tangerine, Cyrus’s deceased pet fish (hence the album name), and a distinction between Cyrus’s alleged pot-smoking endeavors and her status (or lack thereof ) as a hippie. the norse star, october 2015
jackson: 11
By Rachel DelPizzo Opinions Editor
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anet Jackson is nothing if The album appears as though not versatile. In her latest it stands for Cyrus’s exemption album “Unbreakable,” which from rules. In other words, the dropped in the U.S. on Oct. 2, album shows that she does what Jackson channels her family’s she wants, and nobody can tell signature sound and style, while her otherwise. also drawing other influences. The uncostly expenditure of “Unbreakable” features other her latest release was an intelli- popular artists like Missy Elliott gent business decision by Cyrus, and J. Cole. Despite a somewhat because it is likely that few generic title, and having the people would actually allocate “aging diva” stereotype imposed necessary funding for her latest upon her, Jackson manages to project. provide variation and keep it The 23 track album is original. With fiery tracks like interesting, and I don’t regret “BURNITUP!” and “Damn listening to it. However Baby,” even the timid will want throughout it, I found myself to dance (despite a somewhat wondering what purpose she irresponsible use of capslock was serving by creating the in the titling process.) Jackson album. Cyrus’s record label, also provides for listeners classic RCA Records, wasn’t allowed songs about love and loss, as to hear the album until Cyrus seen in moving tracks such as had finished it, and when the “After You Fall,” “Broken Hearts label told Cyrus that 22 songs Heal,” “Shoulda Known Better,” was too long, she added another and “Lessons Learned.” If track, “Miley Tibetan Bowlzzz” you’re simply looking for some simply for the purpose of doing slow jams, try out “No Sleep” what she wanted to.
or “Dream Maker/Euphoria,” although my personal favorite track was the fun, semi upbeat “2 B Loved.” Despite running a few tracks too long, and containing some vibes of repetition, Jackson managed to slay the charts, wow many critics, and release a very impressive album, yet again. If you can find nothing to love about this starlet’s newest studio album, then simply admire her perseverance. Jackson defies ageism in the music industry, and the pain of the late Michael Jackson’s death, to, at the seemingly passe age of 49, release her 11th studio album.
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with some of the most popular drama series to grace everyone’s favorite online television streaming website, there are a couple of dramas that are truly worth watching. These first two shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, shows like “Gossip Girl” and “One Tree Hill” have been hits on Netflix since the site first became popular. If watching ridiculously attractive teenagers live lives that you probably never will, with enough drama to make Shakespeare roll over in his grave, then these shows might be a good fit. It’s almost impossible not to know about “Orange is the New Black,” and for good reason. If it’s taking up residency on your “to watch” list, I suggest going for it. For those times when a good laugh is needed, and dramatic shows just won’t do it, something that will make your stomachs hurt and cheeks ache from smiling too much is what is desired. Well, Netflix has no shortage of good comedies. From comedic classics like “Friends,” “That ‘70s Show,” and “The Office,” to some new, but
still great shows, like “Parks and Recreation,” “Bob’s Burgers,” and “Archer”, there is no reason that you can’t find a good laugh. These types of shows seem to be the most watched and talked about shows on social media at the high school for some reason, and it’s because they’re so darn addictive. Seriously, ask any student in the hallway just how long it took for them to finish a season. The answers are slightly alarming, most of the time frames range from one month to one day, which in the big scheme of things, is a relatively short amount of time. Lastly, there are at least a couple of thriller horror-type of shows that are worth the chills that are provided. “American Horror Story” is one of the most talked about shows pretty
much anywhere, so if you’re trying to catch up on the previous seasons, Netflix is the site for you. Another one of the most talked about shows that is taking residency on Netflix that is a must-watch is “The Walking Dead”. If you haven’t already watched it, you probably will in the near future. It just happens. Now whether you’re looking for something to spook you on a cold winter night or a show to warm your heart with cheesy plotlines and endless laughs, Netflix is really the place for you. By taking this advice from the rest of the student body on exactly what to watch, you’ll be sure to find at least some hidden gems that you didn’t even know existed.
advance what is coming to you. The first thing that is coming soon is something I am extremely hyped for. The one word I can use to describe this game that will be coming, is that it’s massive. “No Man’s Sky” by Hello Games is the world’s biggest open world game ever created, ever. Just to give you an idea of the size of this masterpiece, take the size of our earth and put 18 quintillion more copies of it on a single server. That is the size of this game we are talking about. In this game you play as a space pilot navigating a new galaxy all while fending off other players who have taken the role as space pirates, or even just finding a newly discovered planet and naming all of its inhabitants. Another note on this game is that almost every planet you find hasn’t been discovered by other players in the game. You will want to spend hours upon hours on your Playstation 4 or computer as you become conquerer of the seemingly endless galaxy. Going to the movies is one of America’s greatest past times.
This activity is always great to keep tabs on when that new, awesome, movie comes out and you want to be at the very front of the line during opening night. In November, we have “007: Spectre,” “The Peanuts Movie,” “Victor Frankenstein,” and the conclusion to “The Hunger Games” franchise, “Mockingjay Part 2.” December holds promise with the movie trailer that brought avid fans to tears. “Star Wars The Force Awakens,” comes to theaters on December 18, so if you are a fan of the Star Wars franchise, get some friends, grab a pair of fresh underwear, and camp out in the nearest theater in the near winter weather for the time of a lifetime. Now, a little twist on things. This will be a list of shows and movies that will be leaving Netflix soon. The “Saw” franchise unfortunately will be leaving us from that black and red screen we have come to integrate into or society so well. The first movie I personally will miss the most, as it had the best plot and the least amount of gore. Another popular title
that will be going into the void of the internet will be “Stand by Me.” This popular Stephen King novel-turned-movie will be fading out of Netflix history since most people are too ill informed about masterpieces. And finally, the classic tale of a loser kid climbing the high school ranks to gain popularity will also join the monthly toss of titles. “Rudy” will sadly also be leaving our cyber library this upcoming month. This small collection of new ideas and fading ideas will impact our future even though it may be entertainmentwise. The invention of the world’s biggest open-world videogame will bring players all over the world together . . . or apart. The next generation of “Star Wars” films may spark new spin-offs and give birth to new fandoms. And the removal of classics from our online streaming will make way for newer and better movies which we’ll love. But we can never know what the future holds with what’s coming soon.
netflix ‘n’ chill By Julia Olson Sports Editor
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ow this article might be a bit different from what was expected with a title like “netflix ‘n’ chill,” but rest assured, it is still here to do something very important: inform you about just exactly what’s hot, and what’s not on Netflix nowadays. You can basically peruse any type of social media, from twitter, to facebook, to snapchat and be bombarded with pictures and posts about what people are watching on Netflix at any time. By compiling just exactly what the students at SHS are talking about on social media, a list has been created to express just what is worth watching. The first set of series to watch is perfect for a mood that is calling for something engaging, a series that will keep you captivated for hours at a time and will probably be started and finished in the span of a week or two. Starting off
what’s coming soon . . .
By Connor Roisum Entertainment Editor
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ost days I find myself “out of the loop” with current events. One day someone will tell me “Hey, did you hear that this cool new gadget came out this week?” And then i’ll think to myself, “I really wish I had known about that.” And then I thought that people shouldn’t be kept “out of the loop;” they should know the cool things that are coming soon not just to your local store, but also to your theaters, pockets, or even your living room where you’re cuddling with bae and surfing Netflix. Hopefully this article will ensure that you didn’t waste a second finding new item because you knew in
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25 2015 the norse star, october
entertainment
top tweets By Bergen Gardner and Jon Klingenberg Staff Writer and Editor-in-Chief
art by jon klingenberg
Follow us on Twitter @Norse_Starz Slide your funny tweets into our DMs if you want a chance to be featured in next issue’s top tweets. the norse star, october 2015
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sports briefs: fall sports wrap-up sports
By Mikayla Frick Staff writer photo by julia olson
photo by julia olson
football
girls’ tennis
finished 2-7 and 4th in the Badger Conference
finished 17-3 and 2nd in the Badger Conference photo by julia olson photo by julia olson
girls’ golf
boys’ soccer
finished 3-3 and 5th in the Badger Conference
currently 12-7-3 and 4th in the Badger Conference photo by julia olson
photo by julia olson
girls’ swim
volleyball
currently 2-6 and 7th in the Badger Conference
currently 15-14 and 5th in the Badger Conference
photo courtesey of bob christofferson
photo courtesey of bob christofferson
boys’ xc
girls’ xc
finished 4th in the Badger Conference
finished 1st in the Badger Conference
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the norse star, october 2015
sports
sports briefs: winter sports preview By Mikayla Frick Staff writer
boys’ basketball
“I’m excited to play with the guys again and go for that fifth conference title.” - Tommy McGlynn,12
boys’ hockey
“I’m looking forward to practices and being around all the guys for the season.” - Kyle Zeimet, 12
boys’ swim
“I’m looking forward to getting to know our new coach and the new freshmen. It will be a lot of fun with good friends.”
What are you looking forward to most this upcoming season? girls’ hockey girls’ basketball wrestling
“We have a lot of returning “The big thing for this season is just players and a strong team. working with my team towards the And we have a lot of opportucommon goal while pushing each nities to win conference and other to make that dream of ours even go to state this year. happen.” - Aly Weum, 11 - Kaleb Louis, 11 the norse star, october 2015
“I’m ready to get to know everybody and to build as a team.” - Savannah Kopf, 12
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sports - column
you’re not michael jordan By Isabelle Genter Staff Writer
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hen you think of youth sports, do you imagine innocent, happy little boys and girls running around a field while their parents cheer them on and exude utter positivity? Or do you imagine it more realistically. . . an environment where ordinary parents turn into antagonistic onlookers, coaches pressure athletes to commit to just one sport at a very young age, and children are taught to value winning over sportsmanship? People have begun to take youth sports way too seriously. As a result, the experience has started to deteriorate from what it once was: a healthy, encouraging environment where children are provided with a fun way to stay active, make friends, and learn about commitment and teamwork. To say that parents have played a considerable role in this change would be a huge understatement. We’ve all heard those outrageous stories about a dad that rigged his kid’s helmet to make his opponents bleed or the cheerleading mom that sabotaged another little girl so that her daughter would make the team (I’m not lying, these things actually happened, although not in Stoughton). I’m sure most of us have also witnessed some riotous parents that go around contradicting the coach, arguing calls with the referee, and insulting children on the opposing team. But don’t get me wrong; not all youth sports parents are this over-the-top. In fact, very few are, but as they say,
just a few can ruin it for everybody. These select few parents that care way too much about their seven-year-old throwing a ball around have given youth sports, as a whole, an awfully negative reputation. In addition to being an embarrassment on the sidelines, many parents and coaches take the fun out of it for the kids by forcing them to dedicate themselves to just one sport at such young ages that they might not even understand to what they are committing. In most communities, this transition from sampling to specialization has started for kids as young as five and six. More than once, I’ve heard people say that it’s better to be really good at one thing than to be mediocre at a bunch of things. But my question is . . . why does it even matter? A very small percentage of high school athletes go on to compete in NCAA sponsored sports in college, so why should it matter if a kid is the best at one sport or the worst at a bunch of sports?
My reasoning might sound kind of weird, but that’s because this idea that we have to be the best at everything we do has been instilled in us since we were little kids. Youth sports should be about having fun, not about trying to turn a kid into a machine. Parents need to face it that their kid is not going to be the next Michael Jordan or Serena Williams. Instead of setting unrealistic goals for their children in that one sport, they should be encouraging them to take advantage of all the opportunities and experiences they can while they are still young. Another negative aspect that has become increasingly common among youth sports is the idea of winning at all costs. Now, there is a difference between winning and winning at all costs. Winning is okay; it is the main purpose of sports, and if I were to say that winning was bad, I would be saying that half out of all sports teams are bad. But winning is not the problem. The problem is the idea that winning is the only thing that matters and that all measures should be taken to win. In addition, when people get this mentality that winning is everything, it causes athletes to be praised for skill rather than effort. The kid that was born with all the talent in the world but only
shows up when they feel like it is rewarded with all the playing time and all the glory. But the kid that shows up to every practice and works their hardest but isn’t the best is rewarded with a spot on the bench. Why? Because the only thing that matters is winning, of course. The goal of youth sports is no longer to teach kids about work ethic, sportsmanship, and commitment; it is to see how many cheap, plastic trophies you can accumulate in your basement. While winning is the goal of sports, we should not emphasize it so much to the point that children’s safety or dignity is hurt. Reversing the culture that youth sports has become may seem like a daunting task; like trying to stop a 100 mph freight train with your own bare hands. But, in my opinion, the remedy to all of the problems with youth sports would simply be for everyone, specifically parents and coaches, to stop taking it all so seriously. Although you may think that your kid is nothing less than a marvelous prodigy, most likely, they aren’t. By giving kids this distorted idea of what sports are supposed to be, we are teaching them the exact opposite of what they should be learning. Being an environment where many children learn things that will stick with them for the rest of their lives, we should be more conscientious as to what they are taking away from their experiences with youth sports. So overall, when thinking about whether or not to change how we approach youth sports, we should ask ourselves: do we want our children to become positive, encouraging team players? Or do we want them to become like our parents, who have probably already ruined one of the most integral experiences of growing up for us?
art by joshua bausch
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the norse star, october 2015