The Viking - December 2018 by The Viking

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Loudoun Valley High School / Purcellville, VA /December 2018 / Vol. 57/ Issue 3

(how to make others)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS (and stay hopeful during the)

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THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

DECEMBER 2018

CONTENTS

BUZZ

4 5 6 7

COMMUNITY

8 10 11 12

Days After Rodeo

Houston rapper Travis Scott bursts onto mainstream media

Viking Highlights

On December 6, Valley’s theatre had its first play performance of the year

Screen Report

A breakdown of Apple’s new Screen Time report feature

Idle Brain Death

Increased time on devices is leading to a physical addiction for constant stimulus

Pay it Forward

As the holiday season gears up, students hit the ground running by taking initiative in several service projects

More than Winter Blues

Seasonal change may bring on isolation, depression

Support Sara’s Family The Valley community continues to support Sara Willis’s family after her recent death

Holiday Monopoly?

Amazon is determined to become a leading competitor over the holidays

ENTERTAINMENT

OPINION

Festive Flicks

Give it a Shot

December brings an excuse to watch favorite holiday movies whether funny, heartfelt or a little bit of both

Why getting the flu shot may be more important than you think

Paris Dinh stretches with the winter track team before practice. photo/Gillian Krug DECEMBER 2018

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BUZZ

AFTER Houston rapper Travis Scott bursts into mainstream media BY LOGAN STUP Jacques Berman Webster II was a college dropout, did not graduate from a prestigious music or arts institute and has become one of the most influential artists of the 21st century. Webster is better known as Travis Scott, a stage name he took as a nod to his uncle. Scott has three critically acclaimed studio albums and his latest, “Astroworld,” was nominated for 2018’s album of the year. Scott was born in Houston, Texas and credits the city for most of his style. In addition to his solo albums, he’s recorded three mixtapes, one

“

He has shown that a great song does not just contain straight rap. But a beautiful mix of catchy beats, hypnotic humming and a great melody that strengthens the flow of the song.”

Noah Peterson collaborative album, four EPs and 29 singles. Scott burst onto the scene with the mixtape “Days Before Rodeo.” It was released in an era where SoundCloud rap was extremely popular, and the mixtape garnered a lot of attention because of Scott’s style. “I feel like he is definitely more of a performer with all of his visuals and videos,” senior Caitlyn Retaleato said. “It seems like he keeps raising the bar for other rappers to do the same.” Scott has collaborated with some of the most renowned rappers of the 21st century, he has his

own pair of Jordan-brand shoes and is arguably a marketing genius. He teased the album “Astroworld” over two years ago to hype up the album’s release to ensure it was a chart topper. Scott released three singles on SoundCloud in 2017, “A Man,” “Green and Purple” and “Butterfly Effect” to promote the album. “Travis tends to tease his fans and listeners,” junior Murtaza Rivizi said. “So then when he releases albums or songs, his market value rises because so many listen to the released music he’s been teasing them with.” “Astroworld” was released Aug. 3. It is Scott’s third studio album and is widely regarded as his best work to date. “Astroworld” offers unique sounds and melodies and is accompanied by artwork. He uses psychedelic-rock inspired beats, while paying homage to Houston and his upbringing. “He has shown that a great song does not just contain straight rap,” senior Noah Peterson said, “but a beautiful mix of catchy beats, hypnotic humming and a great melody that strengthens the flow of the song.” This album cements Scott in the mainstream rap industry and, since the album’s release, the populace views him as a titan of hip-hop. However, he does not view himself as a hip-hop artist and has said as much. Scott’s influence runs much deeper than music however, his goal is to be a part owner of the NBA team the Houston Rockets. The rapper

also regularly appears on the widely popular show, Keeping up “With the Kardashians,” as he has a daughter with Kylie Jenner. His popularity does not look like it will

Travis Scott and Kylie Jenner at the 2018 Met Gala.

diminish anytime soon. With great singles, albums, trippy art and a growing fan base, Scott will most likely remain a fixture in the music and business industry. “I think he’ll probobaly be popular for a long time,” sophomoe Sarbeth Walker said. “Because even as his albums have gradually lost some lyrical meaning, he’s still consistently producing beats that go hard, and that’s what people look for.”

layout/Logan Stup and Brianna Henriquez photos/Instagram @travisscott 4

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DECEMBER 2018

Bryan Ly is no stranger to Valley’s theatre productions and was particuarly interested in trying out for “Rosie the Riviter.” “I wanted to try out for Rosie because I’m very interested in the culture of women in World War II,” Ly said. “I am most excited to see people’s reactions to the play. I think there’s a lot of peple who will be pleasantly surprised at this story, and I hope everyone has the opportunity to see it.”

Evan Kageriste likes to show a lot of emotion in his acting. “I think it’s just important to think of fun, unique and interesting things to add to your characters and your story. the audience will receive the emotion,” Kageriste said. He said he feels lucky to be able to have met his closest friends through theater, as it as been a part of his life for the past three and a half years.

Rosie the Riveter

VIKING HIGHLIGHTS

BY RILEY GREEN On Dec. 6, Valley’s theater hosted its first play performance of the years (Left) Brynn Lackey plays Katherine Hartley, who just moved to Cook County, Illinois and finds herself becoming best friends with Rosie. (Below) Sophie Stapelton, Brynn Lackey, Josh Kunkel and Joda Wade are featured in the turning point of the show when Katherine gets hurt working at Eddie’s, an airplane manufacturer shop.

photos and layout/Caleigh Marsh DECEMBER 2018

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This feature shows you how much time you’re spending specifically on each app. This can help you limit the time on the apps you frequent.

Look Up

A breakdown of Apple’s new Screen Time report feature

The “Screen Time” graph shows the average amount of time you spend per day on your phone. Additionally, it shows the total hours spent weekly and in what types of apps. This feature can help you decrease screen time by telling you your improvement (or lack thereof) as compared to the week before.

The “Notifications” section of the report shows what apps are notifying you the most and how many you’re receiving on average per day. You might use this to modify your notification settings so you’re less inclined to go on your phone.

The “Pickups” feature allows you to see how many times per hour you pick up your phone and when you do it the most. You can use this to become more aware of when you’re most likely to be drawn to your phone and maybe limit access to your device during this time.

layout/Kerry Webster 6

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

DECEMBER 2018

Idle Brain Death

Increased time on devices is leading to a physical addiction for constant stimulus BY COLIN BUNN A new, unseen epidemic spreads across the world. It’s affecting our ability to read and be inactive. This wave of Idle Brain Death is sweeping through the population and shows no signs of slowing. Students spend ever-increasing time viewing screens and scrolling through websites. This is directly changing the way our brains function. Research shows that it is growing more difficult for the general population to read long-form writing, but there is now a biological need for stimulus. These factors are leading to Idle Brain Death, or the inability for a person’s brain to be inactive for extended periods of time. Not only is a seismic shift occurring in human culture but in turn, the psychological makeup of human minds. Technology makes up a more significant amount of allotted time during the day than ever before. According to PC Magazine, the average American uses digital media six hours per day. This is a 100 percent increase since 2009 when the average was only three hours per day. This increase in digital consumption has not been without physical consequences. According to the article “Internet Addiction: A Brief Summary of Research and Privilege,” when we use devices, chemicals are released in our brains. When this happens too often,

that allow users to experience layers of rewards we gain a tolerance to the chemicals, and our when using various websites, apps or social brains have to release more of them in order to media platforms. avoid withdrawal. Scientists are now beginning Every color or beep or vibration has been to see physical symptoms of withdrawal from carefully attuned to keep our attention. people with high internet use. Marketing companies are using all of our A casualty of Idle Brain Death is the decay knowledge about human psychology to forge of long-form reading. The need for continuous bonafide “human traps.” activation of the brain’s reward centers Proposed solutions for combatting Idle Brain gradually lessens the ease with which a person Death are numerous. Don’t can read for extended periods of time. I’m trying to prepare use your phone before bed and read instead. Signs of this corrosion kids for life. Sitting Don’t use the internet of reading skills can come down and being at the same time every day. in the form of being easily able to read a book Instead, break up your distracted while reading schedule. or having a difficult time is a part of that.” Set goals for the holding one’s eyes to the Kerry Davidson, amount of time you page. This causes problems, English teacher spend on devices per day especially if a school and abstain from apps that requires students to read already consume large portions of your time. challenging texts. The death of the idle brain is a tangible “They can’t physically stay off their phones,” scenario. With such a highly tuned system English teacher Kerry Davidson said. “The designed to draw the population’s attention, short answer is that [students] can’t focus for it is sometimes difficult for the real world to more than 10 to 15 minutes. It’s not everybody, compete. but the majority.” “I’m trying to prepare kids for life,” Not being able to be idle for long periods of Davidson said. “Sitting down and being able to time negatively impacts reading, writing and read a book is a part of that.” other mentally strenous activities. However, it should be made clear that Idle Brain Death is not the fault of the population. There is a science behind creating structures

“

photo illustration/Colin Bunn and Jared Sanders layout/Colin Bunn DECEMBER 2018

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COMMUNITY

PAY IT FORWARD

Seniors Nick Rettle, Catherine Slupe and Brayden Cassidy

As the holiday season gears up, students hit the ground running by taking initiative in service projects around the community BY BRIANNA HENRIQUEZ According to Covenant House, more than 2 million kids in America experience a period of homelessness at some point during their lives, and 57% of them spend one day every month without food. Imagine the number that are either homeless, alone or hungry during the holidays. Valley is overflowing with opportunities to help during the holidays, as is our surrounding community. Students just need to look in the right places to make a difference. Several clubs are promoting service projects that make it extremely easy to lend a helping hand. There are many ways to work together to make a change, and it doesn’t have to be limited to the holiday season. Senior Catherine Johnson has paid a yearly visit to pediatric cancer patients at Fairfax Hospital. Johnson does her own version of Toys for Tots, but for her, it’s personal. Johnson had cancer herself and has a ton of compassion for these young patients. She went into remission in eighth grade and started the project the same year. “I take boxes and put them around the community, and people donate toys,” Johnson said. “Around Christmastime, I’ll take the toys and give them to kids with cancer where I got my chemo.” Johnson made many friends, including Mathias Giordano, with whom she started the project, when she was undergoing treatment. Giordano passed away in 2014, so Johnson has made sure to continue the project they began. 8

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

DECEMBER 2018

She has also partnered with students from Valley, but most years it’s just Johnson and her mom. “Last year I did it through Valley, and the nursing club helped me, but I usually just do it with my mom. I’m the one that brings the toys,” Johnson said. “They have a big table, and every kid gets to grab whatever they want.” Senior Sam Smith also works with kids at her church, St. Francis de Sales, where she helps seventh and eighth graders who are looking for service hours they need to complete for the church. Almost every week, Smith goes to the homeless shelter in Leesburg to deliver food with the youth group, but during the holidays, she helps plan an event for a group home for adults with disabilities. “Every year in December, a group home for adults with disabilities comes, and we make dinner and dance for them,” Smith said. “I’ve done it for three or four years now. All the volunteers cook the dinner and decorate together, and then they come, and we hang out with them.” DECA students have also taken it upon themselves to do something big this year. They’ve partnered with Chick-fil-A, Vineyard Vines and Tree of Life to gather 10,000 food items. Seniors Catherine Slupe, Nick Rettle and Brayden Cassidy have helped lead this project that they’ve decided to called ‘Pantry to Plate.’ “We are doing the food drive to take initiative and set an example. As seniors, we feel we need to give back to the community,” Rettle said, “as well as show others how to give back.”

On Sunday, Nov. 18 DECA met at the town hall with the Mayor and the Vice Mayor and then traveled to different neighborhoods around Purcellville to ask for canned food. Not only did they hit Purcellville, but Rettle, Slupe and Cassidy went to Round Hill to ask for food items as well. “This past weekend, we got 1,000 pounds and $100 in cash donations, which brought us super close to our goal,” Rettle said. These students have worked many angles to provide appealing and accessible ways for students to help those in need during the holidays. For them, starting early doesn’t mean ending early, so they will be working on the project well into the holidays. “We are doing the canned food drive as our DECA Chapter Community Service Project,” Slupe said. “We are doing the pajama day as an opportunity to collect more food with the elementary schools.” Students at Valley have enjoyed being able to bring in canned food items to get a Chick-fil-A chicken biscuit in the morning, and Slupe has also made some of her famous baked goods to sell for cash donations and canned goods. She sold her muffins on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and made $178. Cassidy said DECA’s goal is to be able to get the their club more involved with support those in need. “We’re all doing this because we feel the need to give back to our community.” photo/Caleigh Marsh layout/Brianna Henriquez

5 Ways

To Help Out During the Holidays

Cook Up a Smile

Get a group of friends together and contact your local homeless shelter to figure out when you can bring a meal during the holiday season.

Help a Family 46.2 million Americans are considered impoverished. Through friends and family there is always someone you know that would benefit from an extra meal brought or extra presents given to them.

Make a Basket

Buy some toiletries, food, and stocking stuffers and make some baskets with them. Then drive into D.C. and give them out to homeless people you see everytime you stop

Write a Letter to a Soldier

Help 'Make a Wish'

This foundation grants wishes for terminally ill children. You can help by donating money or even take it upon yourself to bring toys to these kids in hospitals.

There are many Military men and women who won't make it back for the holidays. Make it a point to write them a letter thanking them for their service. There are several organizations you can join to continuously write letters. Source

DECEMBER 2018

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

M O R E

WINTER

T H A N

BLUES

BY CALEIGH MARSH AND SAHANA ARUMANI Seasonal change may bring on isolation, depression

s the days get longer and the nights get shorter, an epidemic of exhaustion sweeps through the halls of Valley. It is known as seasonal affective disorder. The symptoms usually attributed to SAD include perpetual exhaustion, decreased motivation, carb cravings and a cloud of disinterest. SAD has a wide spectrum of effects on some people, while others are simply unaware. Senior Emma Mininberg is one of the many students at Valley who endures this disorder. Her experiences tell a story of falling into a vicious cycle of listlessness and eventually climbing back to her known self. “To me, it cuts off my motivation, and I never feel like doing anything,” Mininberg said. This is common in people with SAD and contributes to a theory that seasonal depression is a result of our body’s natural coping method, slowing down. “When it gets dark, it feels like I should be sleeping,” Mininberg said. “So I just wanna sleep all day.” This is what caused her dad to take action when he started noticing that her sudden sluggishness was dictating her personality. He suggested she join a gym, and that’s exactly what she did this fall, anticipating her imminent battle with SAD. “He is a very big believer in exercising every day because it’ll make you feel so much better,” Mininberg said. Mininberg has noticed a positive change in her mood and says getting school work done has become progressively easier. Exercising to combat seasonal depression is a popular treatment called cognitive

therapy, recognized by social psychologists. “Cognitive therapy is when you acknowledge [seasonal depression symptoms] but don’t train them,” Valley psychology teacher Shelly Burkett said. According to the Mayo Clinic, something as simple as going for a walk in the morning or joining a sports team can stimulate the release of endorphins or “feel-good chemicals,” resulting in a wave of euphoria and relaxation. This natural remedy was supported by a 2008 study done by Southern Methodist University. Sixty volunteers who suffered from anxiety either underwent a two-week exercise trial or were placed in a control group. Subjects that went through the exercise program experienced a

larger decline in anxiety than the control subjects. While many choose this route of relief, some simply require the services of a specialist. When school psychologist Pamela Lindo has a student come to her with symptoms aligned with SAD, she approaches it like a general depression disorder and finds ways to help them cope. Since the school psychology department isn’t equipped to give long-term aid, she suggests an appropriate source of help if the student isn’t connected to one already. “We have resources out here in the western part of Loudoun to give to the parents to help them find a therapist,” she said. In school, Lindo tries to help students overcome by utilizing programs such as the Sources of Strength program. It teaches students different ways to find resilience in their own abilities and qualities. But Lindo also knows that sometimes students just need a break from school in order to feel back on track. She specifically referenced coloring as a popular relaxation method. Mininberg knows the impact of coping skills, such as exercising, and reflects on the effects of joining a gym. “My school work has gotten progressively better because I have more energy and I am happier,” Mininberg said. If you are feeling the symptoms of seasonal depression (fatigue, hopelessness, social withdrawl, depression) seek help.

24/7/365 Crisis Hotline Call: 1 (800) 273-8255 Text: “ANSWER” to 839863 USA National Suicide Hotline 1-800-784-2433

layout/Caleigh Marsh

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DECEMBER 2018

Support Sara’s Family The Loudoun Valley community continues to support Sara Willis’s family after her recent death.

Seniors Riley Draddy, Sara Willis and Sophie Stapleton

BY ALLY DUNKLEBERGER Senior Sara Willis lost her battle to cancer on Nov. 22. Since her relapse over the summer, the community has found ways to aid the Willis family in combating Sara’s cancer. When her mother, Angie Willis, notified her Facebook page ‘Pray for One Eyed Willy’ of Sara’s death, 519 commenters sent their love, support and prayers to the family. Many people in the community have signed up on the website takethemameal.com to prepare meals for the family, which allowed Willis’s parents, Jimmy and Angie Willis to concentrate more on being with Sara. Even local businesses like LuvnBerry and Manhattan Pizza donated percentages of their proceeds to Sara’s Go Fund Me account. Senior Sara Willis and her sister Ava Willis The fundraiser continues to provide the Willis family with much needed financial relief. On Nov. 18, a barbeque fundraiser at the Carver Center included live music by three performers, one of whom was Willis’s sister.

Some community members just attended the fundraiser while others cooked food and donated food products that were needed. The money raised by the dinner was donated directly to the Willis family. In Sara’s honor, there’s an array of organizations that Sara’s friends and family have recommended to those who want to continue their support. At press time, there was a funeral donation Facebook page, Sara’s Funeral Expenses, to help alleviate some of the financial pressures of the funeral services. “Sara was an honored kid for St. Baldrick’s for three years and spoke each year,” Angie Willis said. “She also spoke at the Smashing Walnuts gala.” Those wishing to honor Sara’s legacy can donate to the childhood cancer research organizations that Sara was involved with. Sara was a fighter for both herself and other children with childhood cancer.

In lieu of flowers, the Willises request donations be made to: SMASHING WALNUTS FOUNDATION PO Box 342 Leesburg, VA 20178

STILL BRAVE 5022 Hartford Lane Burke, VA 22015

SAINT BALDRICKS FOUNDATION 1333 South Mayflower Avenue Suite 400 Monrovia, CA 91016

layout/Brianna Henriquez and Kerry Webster photos/courtesy of Jimmy Willis DECEMBER 2018

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Holiday Monopoly? A top threat in online retail, Amazon is determined to become a leading competitor this holiday season BY GILLIAN KRUG

o kick off their holiday sales season, retailers began promoting deals in November. Amazon held early Black Friday deals on its Echo, Fire and Kindle devices with a weeklong Cyber Monday deal on electronics, toys and knick-knacks. Compared to 2017, when Amazon required a minimum of $25 for free shipping, this holiday season it is offering completely free shipping to non-Prime members. No shopping cart minimum required. Amazon is determined to become the main supplier for holiday gifts and necessities to consumers instead of popular corporations like Target and Walmart. Freshman Livy Keane said she’d definitely be shopping during the holidays on Amazon because of the ease of use. “It’s cheaper, and I don’t have to go out of my house,” she said. For Keane and shoppers like her, that’s the decision maker—you don’t have to get up and go out. Senior Zach Boner uses Amazon frequently to buy everything he needs because of the convenience of not driving out to several stores. “I feel like they’ve really tailored the customer experience really well,” he said. “They have oneclick pay.” With a generation that is constantly moving, online shopping, specifically through sites like Amazon, can enable shoppers to finish their errands in a few clicks saving time, stress and frustration. Cybershopping has skyrocketed in the past decade. According to a 2016 study by Pew Research, 79% of U.S. consumers now shop online compared to 22% in 2000. Amazon has become more attractive through its tactics. Most are familiar with Amazon Prime that costs $119/year to get free two-day shipping

on all purchases. But, Amazon also offers Prime video for $8.99/month, competing with Netflix and Hulu in online streaming. These various options with special deals persuade customers to agree to pay extra money to receive better benefits allowing Amazon to be a leading competitor. According to digital and business strategy consultant Brittain Ladd, in July 2018, Amazon revealed its quarterly revenue of $52.9 billion with more than $2 billion in profits. Senior Brogan Noey and his mom shop on Amazon during the holidays instead of making trips to multiple stores. He mentions why he

“Free shipping, good prices, fast shipping. Nothing better.” Senior Brogan Noey prefers shopping on Amazon. “Free shipping, good prices, fast shipping,” he said. “Nothing better.” However, consumers like junior Carly Parkinson, who uses Amazon to purchase daily toiletries like soap, sees its drawbacks as well. “I think it’s convenient,” she said. “But it’s making America lazy.” Parkinson agrees that online shopping works for everyone’s schedules, but gives a reason for people to stay home. “I’d say less and less people feel the need to go out shopping,” she said. “People are just staying in their beds ordering whatever they want.

With Amazon dominating the game, it makes it more difficult for competitors and newly started businesses to increase profit. Junior John Klosko believes that Amazon in the future will not have much competition. “I think it’s really handy and expendable, but it can run other businesses out of the competition, ” he said. Amazon offers everything from electronics, books and clothing to home decor, garden and pet supplies and health products. It has even teamed up with Whole Foods for shoppers to be able to purchase select food products for holiday parties and gatherings. It’s a grocery store, clothing store, pharmacy, library, Best Buy and movie theater all in one. Amazon recently announced it will be establishing parts of its headquarters in Crystal City, Pentagon City and Potomac Yard. Arlington County officials believe that in the next 12 years, more than 25,000 jobs will be created in the area. This is a great opportunity for the economy of neighboring suburbs like Purcellville, Ashburn, Middleburg and Leesburg. On the other hand, suburbs to the west of D.C. will have to increase housing because of the likelihood that the population will increase in Northern Virginia. Boner is excited about Amazon’s new headquarters because the area will flourish with the addition of new jobs and housing. “It’s a good thing for the economy,” he said. “But not agriculture.” Boner expects that there will be an increase in businesses in suburbs near D.C. because of the great economic value resulting in more traffic. “This will decrease land available for farming,” he said. “And cause pollution, and ruin a lot of ‘small town’ feels.” layout/Gillian Krug

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

DECEMBER 2018

FESTIVE FLICKS

December brings an excuse to watch favorite holiday movies whether funny, heartfelt or a little bit of both BY BEN KEANE

Love Actually (2003) “Love Actually” is the perfect Christmas movie. The film revolves around nine story threads, all of which are loosely connected. Some are far better than others, but each one has its own charm, finding a way to make one laugh and maybe even cry. It’s endlessly funny with a spectacular cast of Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Martin Freeman, Colin Firth and more. In many movies with this many story threads, viewers would get tired of certain characters and lose interest, but “Love Actually” manages to keep viewers invested during every thread, even if the Liam neeson one is by far the best. Elf (2003) Released he same week as “Love Actually,” “Elf” received much more attention and continues to be the more popular of the two hanks to Will Ferrell’s spectacular performance as Buddy the Elf. The story revolves around Buddy, a human that was raised in the North Pole as one of Santa’s elves who decides to venture to New York City to find his father. Watching Buddy ignite the holiday spirit within his newfound family is funny and heartwarming, and Ferrell alone has been enough to make “Elf” a holiday classic just 15 years after its release. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) “It’s a Wonderful Life” is barely even a Christmas movie. The fact that it was released on Christmas and its crucial third act take place on Christmas

Eve has given it this legacy. In the film George Bailey grows up and sees how his life unfolds up to one Christmas Eve where he wonders if his life has even mattered. Despite that fairly dark premise, the story is ultimately a tale of joy and happiness and a masterpiece whether one is watching it during the holidays or not. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) The live-action version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is nothing short of horrifying and in many ways works better as a horror film than a Christmas movie. The animated short from 1966 is easily one of the best animated holiday films ever. Dr. Seuss stories don’t work as featurelength films, but this shows they can work exceptionally with the right run-time. “The Grinch” is a beautiful story of inclusion, friendship, love and happiness that radiates holiday spirit in the best way possible. Home Alone (1990) “Home Alone” is the story of how a family leaves their child, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), behind when they go on a Christmas vacation to Paris. While the family is gone, two con men plan to rob their house, and Kevin is the one thing guarding it. He hilariously builds elaborate traps to fight the two men, and by the end, it’s an endearing story of how important family can be during the holidays. photo/Nation Telefilm Associates layout/Ben Keane DECEMBER 2018

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OPINION OUR

EDITORIAL

Give It a Shot

Why getting the flu shot may be more important than you think We all know that person. The one that says, “I got the flu shot once, and I got the flu.” Conspiracies like this, We all know that person. The one says, got the movements against vaccinations andthat shots and“Igeneral flu shot once andgetting I got the flu!” this,own apathy towards them areConspiracies all harmful like in their movements against vaccinations and shots and general aparight. thy towards getting areClinic, all harmful theiris own According to thethem Mayo the fluinshot 60%ways. According to the Mayo Clinic, the64. fluThis shoteffectiveness is 60% effective for adults between 18 and effective for adults 18 and 64. This can fluctuate year between to year, but typically the effectiveness shot gives pretty can fluctuate year to year, typically the shot gives you sufficient protection frombut influenza. pretty protection from influenza. So, the the flu ideais So,sufficient the idea that the shot canthe actually give you that flu shot can givesolely you the flu is just com-bias. justthe completely falseactually and based on confirmation pletely falseto and solely offyou confirmation This This isn’t say,based though, that can’t catchbias. the flu if you isn’t to say, though, thatthe youillness can’t will catchbethe if you get get the shot. However, lessflu severe overall, the themore illness will overall severe and andshot. yourHowever, symptoms tolerable with be theless vaccine. yourArguably symptoms more tolerable than with this the vaccination. more dangerous conspiracy are AntiArguably more dangerous than this are AnVaxxers: members of a movement thatconspiracy opposes vaccines, ti-Vaxxers: members of atomovement that opposes vaccines, mostly when it comes their children. mostly when it comes their children. Anti-Vaxxers Anti-Vaxxers have to employed fake science linking have employed faketoscience vaccinations to autism in herd vaccinations autismlinking in children and a theory called children and(protection a theory called immunity immunity fromherd diseases when a(protection large majority from diseases when isa large majority of the population is of the population immune). immune). The first issue with herd immunity is that it’s simply The first issue with herd immunity that it’s100 simply ineffective because vaccinations don’tisprovide ineffective because vaccinations don’t provide onebecause hundred percent protection from diseases. Additionally, percent protection fromare diseases. Additionally, becausecases unvaccinated children more likely to have severe your unvaccinated child is more likely endangering to have a more seof the disease if they catch it, they’re those vere case of the disease if they catch it, they’re endangering around them. thoseIt’s around them.problematic It’s also deeply say that also deeply for problematic parents to saytothey’d you’d childmove movethrough throughthe theworld worldunprotected unprotectratherrather your your children edfrom frompotentially potentiallyfatal fataldiseases diseasesthan thanhave haveautism. autism. Many get their shot, though, because are Mostdon’t who don’t get flu their flu shot, though, arethey simply simply unconcerned flu.ideology, This ideology, unconcerned about about gettinggetting the flu.the This while while not as harmful as actively mobilizing against vacnot as harmful as actively mobilizing against vaccines, cines, hasown its’issues. own issues. thanobvious the obvious problem has its OtherOther than the problem of ofputting puttingone’s yourown ownlife lifeinindanger, danger,one you’re takingfor forgranted grant- a is taking edprivilege a privilege others might have. thatthat others might notnot have. Those withwith compromised immune systems are sometimes Those compromised immune systems are unable to getunable certaintovaccines because of the dangers sometimes get certain vaccines because of the involved, putting them at a them higheratrisk for getting that dangers involved, putting a higher risk for getting disease. For example, a Twitter thread written in late that disease. November by usera Nicole a mother to For example, TwitterStellon thread O’Donnell, written in late November a by child cancer, detailed the intense precautions that userwith Nicole Stellon O’Donnell (@SteamLaundry), her daughter to take contracting Some a mother to had a child withafter cancer, detailed measles. the intense vaccines, including thedaughter flu shot,had are to also ageafter restrictive to precautions that her take contracting infants under six months. By choosing not to get your flu measles. shot,Some you’re further including endangering whoare have protecvaccines, thethose flu shot, alsonoage tion againsttothe virus.under 6 months. By choosing not to restricted infants Getting fluone shotfurther this year really is those a selfless get the fluthe shot, endangers whodeed have no that’s free, quick, and protection against therelatively virus. painless. It can benefit not onlyGetting you butthe your community. fluentire shot this year really is a selfless deed that’s free, quick and relatively painless. It can benefit not only you but your entire community.

layout/Kerry Webster 14

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DECEMBER 2018

Above /Sophomore Anastasia Stubbs and Senior Mariah Thompson warm up for Winter Track practice. (photo / Gillian Krug). Cover photo / Creative Commons.

THE

VIKING Newsmagazine Staff 2018-2019

Editors-in-Chief Brianna Henriquez Kerry Webster

Online Editors Ben Keane Colin Bunn

Sports Editor Riley Green

Ads Managers Grace Jennings Lauren Madey

Photo Editors Gillian Krug Caleigh Marsh

Writers, Photographers, Business and Promotional Staff Bailey Kuhn, Elle Pickering, Garrett Hennessey, Marissa Del Borrello, Ella Krug, Erika Gessell, Casey Marrin, Allison Dunkleburg, Jared Sanders, Logan Stup, Abby Keane, Katherine Curtis, Kathleen Grupe, Sahana Arumani, Emelyn Schneider, Jennings Felt Adviser Shari Adwers, MJE thevikingnews.com | Twitter: @lvhsviking | Instagram: lvhsviking | Snapchat: lvhsviking

Letter from the Editors

Dear Vikings, The Viking is a completely student-run and studentfunded newsmagazine, meaning that our staff is responsible for everything you see printed, unless otherwise credited. All interviews are fairly represented, and audio files are kept for reference.

Throughout the school year, our goal is to serve the student body by covering a variety of topics, ranging from serious political controversies to pop culture events. Finally, The Viking is lucky enough to have a faculty and student body overwhelmingly supportive

of our newsmagazine. Thank you for your readership and your feedback. Thanks, Brianna Henriquez Kerry Webster Editors-in-Chief

DECEMBER 2018

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