Trivia Facts Cracked

by Max Frommelt

While many applications tend to take the public by storm, Trivia Crack lit the mobile market once again. Although, many are just discovering it today, the app created by the Argentinian company Etermax has been here for over two months. 

Trivia Crack is one of the few applications that crosses multiple devices and platforms. It covers iOS, Android, and Windows for the mobile world. The other bonus? The application can run through Facebook. 

The app only recently reached the typical US consumer, though it’s been in Latin America for over two months. Hispanic communities in the US served as the bridge to the rest of the general public in America, a reason for the slow spread. So, what’s up with the game becoming so popular now? Try social media. 

Through popular outlets, Trivia Crack trickled into the radar and caught our attention. It was only a matter of time before it fairly exploded all over PHS. McKenzie Scanlan (‘15) says, “Everyone else plays it, that’s the only reason I do. If no one else played, I wouldn't either.” And, that’s another thing: it uses other people to play.

So, if ten kids in study hall each play two different games, 20 kids get a notification that it is their turn. With the total time for one round being around a minute, it seems like a simple thing to pick up your phone and play for a bit. This is obviously against school policy, which is why the office has reported getting “more cell phones than usual.”

Trivia Crack has lead to daily disruptions around PHS, evidenced by the many times one hears “Quick, I need this answer!” during class. Senior English teacher Mrs. Keleher says, “The game is creating a major distraction for my students.”

Pinning the Victory: Wrestling

by Anna Skubal

Slap! That's the sound every wrestler hopes to hear, signaling the pin that gives them victory. The co-oped Platteville-Belmont Wrestling team's season has started with a bang. Their first tournament at the Black Hawk Invite earning 4 placing wins. With more kids on the team this season  than in past years, they have a great chance of doing well as a team and as individuals. The current team consists of 11 students from Platteville and 7 students from Belmont.
   Wrestling is a combat sport between two competitors trying to establish superior position, score more points, and ultimately pin their opponent.

    As Coach Crase puts it, "Wrestling is a great sport to teach you the value of individual preparation and dedication because while it's a team sport, it comes down to individual victories. There's no excuses. [You] can't blame officials; it's just you and the other guy deciding who's better.”
The team always appreciates fan support from the students to cheer them on to victory. With home meets on the 9th, 13th and 30th of January, make sure to stop by the old gym in Belmont High School to support the team.

Too Cool for This: Winter Fashion Tips

by Pauline Justal

Just because the temperature dropped doesn't mean you have to let your fashion game drop, too. There are so many wearable and warm winter fashion trends that you can be comfy and look great in, from knee-high boots to statement coats—to settle for an un-cute outfit this season.

    How can you look hot when it’s cold outside?  A comfy, cozy sweater with jeans or leggings looks great while colorful scarves and hats give your outfit a trendy and classy look.

    Scarf capes are the new arrivals this winter. Apart from them, high heels have made a significant stay this season. Shapes took an altogether more top-heavy feel with oversize coats, capes, and furs. To contrast the too-heavy feel leggings, tights and delicate footwear complete many looks.

    “The colour palette is divided in two very contrasting camps: autumnal hues and pastels, which in a way represent the mood of the collections: on the one side experimental and unusual, and on the other coherent, safe and ever so commercial. The colour of the season is once again red, red like the flame that burns with the passion of those involved in the fashion industry, those who love it and loathe it in equal measure,” says Valentina Zannoni, editor-in-chief of the style magazine Swide. So, don’t think you don’t have to try because it is winter and it’s too cold for fashion to matter. We are in high school. Everything matters.

Tumbling Stardom: Gymnastics

by Claire McMannes

The Platteville/Lancaster/Belmont gymnastics team is ready to compete in this new season. Last year the team overcame obstacles, such as losing two all-state gymnasts who graduated. Nonetheless Grace Hammermeister (‘17) qualified for the individual competition in floor. But, this year seems hopeful. Out of last seasons state qualifiers; there was only one senior. 

Quite a few girls are trying the sport for the first time ever this year. With new girls comes talent that has been untapped until now. The potential of this team is growing as the practices continue.

Coach Jessica Hill is entering her 15th year as the head coach. Coach Hill was nominated to be Coach of the Year in Division 2 for the 2010-2011 season. Leading the team are captains Jenna Phillips (‘16) and Marissa Marino (‘16). 

The team competed at their first invitational on December 6th and came out with good showing. “We got 119 as a team score, which is pretty good for our first meet!” says Marino. 

The team has qualified for the state meet the last three years in a row. This year, they’re hoping to make it four. So, come out to support our gymnastics team!

Black Friday Overload: What is This Madness?

by Kyle McWilliams

Since the mid 1960’s, people have declared the Friday after Thanksgiving to be the start to the Christmas shopping season. It was not until around 1980 that stores started to mark down prices on merchandise. In the early 2000’s stores started to open up earlier than usual, typically around 6:00am. In some instances stores opened up as early as 4:00am Friday. “Black Friday” has been the busiest shopping day every year since 2005. Starting in 2011, bigger corporations (Walmart,Target, Best Buy, etc.) have been opening up at 8:00pm Thursday night, turning Thanksgiving day into “Grey Thursday.”

This year I had the chance to head out to the local Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and Cabelas on Thursday night around 4:00pm. Driving up to the parking lot at Wal-Mart, I could tell there were no spots left open. Because of this, I had to park along a curb at the side of the parking lot. As I went in, there were no carts left and a few baskets. I headed over to the most popular Black Friday deals at the Wal-Mart in Platteville: the movies and video games. I asked an employee from the Platteville Walmart if he could describe Black Friday for me, he responded with few words. “I can’t really describe it other than hectic or chaotic.”

Even though I was almost two hours early, people were camped in front of the boxes full of movies and video games priced from $2 to $10. As drew closer to 6:00 when the boxes would be opened, there were people standing shoulder to shoulder, ready to dive in and grab the movie or game they wished to have. The time came to open the boxes, the people dove right in and starting throwing movies up, down, left, right, and behind them. Luckily no one was hurt at the Platteville Wal-Mart, no fights broke out, and it looked as if people had just won the Hunger Games when they departed the store. I also had the experience to do a little online shopping too. The item I wanted was 50% off, but only for 12 hours. Luckily I was able to get what I wanted within an hour, because after I ordered it wasn’t long before the item was sold out from the company. 

Some were not as fortunate to get home safely from Black Friday shopping. One instance in Tustin, CA caused three individuals to start brawling in the middle of a Kohl’s. Another shopper was hit by a car departing a Wal-Mart in Pennsylvania. The man who hit the walking shopper was 72 years of age and he told the police,”The accelerator had stuck.” The shopper was taken to the hospital with broken bones and internal injuries, though the police reported that the injuries were not life threatening. 

Although we give thanks for a very American reason the day before, America isn't the only country that has Black Friday deals.  A women in the UK was injured when fights broke out and a falling TV hit her, making her fall down. She suffered from only a broken wrist and minor cuts and bruises. 

Even though I didn’t see any stunning action while Black Friday shopping, I’ll leave you with this: first, if you have never been a part of the insanity that is Black Friday shopping, try it next year. And second, if you do go shopping for a “hot” item, may the odds ever be in your favor.

Waves of Triumph: Boys' Swimming

by Melanie Schaefer

Right off the bat the boys’ swim team will be facing a challenge that they have little control over: their small numbers. Only nineteen boys will be participating on the Platteville/Lancaster boys’ swim program this year. Seventeen are returning swimmers while Zach Brunette (‘18) and Ben Gaylord (‘15) are both new to the team.

The struggle will come in trying to fill a lineup. With so few resources, most of the varsity reserve swimmers will be moved up to swim varsity events. With this added pressure, the boys will have to be on their “A game” at every single meet.

The team is coached by Matt Wunderlin, a Platteville native who is entering his second season as the boys’ head coach. Coach Wunderlin has also been the the assistant coach for the girls’ swim team. Last year he coached five boys onto the state championships in five events.

Last year the team finished as the conference runner-up behind Badger, a Division One team. A few of this season’s returning swimmers finished their last season at the State Championship meet. Those Platteville swimmers included Sam Iselin (‘15) in two relays and the 100 butterfly and his brother Dan Iselin (‘17) as an alternate.

Leading the team as captains this year are Sam Iselin and Ben Smith (Lancaster). Smith also qualified for the state meet, which means the captains are both veterans in pursuit of the highest level of competition. In addition, this will be the fourth and final season for four swimmers.

The boys competed at the Conference Relay meet on December 4th in Whitewater. Only eleven were able to compete due to an overlap with the musical performance that night. Although disappointed that they were not able to have the full team, Coach Wunderlin expressed excitement that they would be going into the dual conference meet season as the underdog. The team’s next home meet will be on January 15th against Dubuque Hempstead.

Royalty on the Court

Boys' Basketball

by Allie Serres

    The girls’ basketball season officially tipped off on November 10th. The Lady Hillmen played their first game on November 21st against Boscobel with a win of 60 to 54. The girls’ next game put them at a 2-2 record for both Varsity and JV with a double-header yet to come on the following Monday night.

    This year brings many new changes for the team. Last year, Coach Wayne Jentz stepped down from the head coaching position for the girls’ team, so this year, Coach Jim Lawinger has taken his place as head coach. Coach Mark Ludlum and Coach Mark Hamer are also returning.

    The change in staffing has meant more to the ladies than a new face. They hope to “learn a new system since we have a new Head Coach,” according to Coach Ludlum while also having a good time.

    Captains Ashley Budden (‘15) and Cassie Hamer (‘15) lead the diligent team, which has a fair showing from every grade with 4 seniors, 7 juniors, 6 sophomores, 10 freshmen.

    In the meantime, all the girls are being put to the test with a different strategy from their coaches this season. “We are running a different offense and defense this year,” says Coach Ludlum, adding, “We are pressing and changing defenses. Offensively, we are pushing the ball and attacking the rim.”

    No matter how the season turns out for the Lady Hillmen, it’s up to the students to cheer them on. In the words of their devoted coach, “The girls are working extremely hard and they are a great deal of fun to watch. I love all of them and enjoy coaching these quality young ladies.”

Girls' Basketball

by Will Philipps

    The girls’ basketball season officially tipped off on November 10th. The Lady Hillmen played their first game on November 21st against Boscobel with a win of 60 to 54. The girls’ next game put them at a 2-2 record for both Varsity and JV with a double-header yet to come on the following Monday night.

    This year brings many new changes for the team. Last year, Coach Wayne Jentz stepped down from the head coaching position for the girls’ team, so this year, Coach Jim Lawinger has taken his place as head coach. Coach Mark Ludlum and Coach Mark Hamer are also returning.

    The change in staffing has meant more to the ladies than a new face. They hope to “learn a new system since we have a new Head Coach,” according to Coach Ludlum while also having a good time.

    Captains Ashley Budden (‘15) and Cassie Hamer (‘15) lead the diligent team, which has a fair showing from every grade with 4 seniors, 7 juniors, 6 sophomores, 10 freshmen.

    In the meantime, all the girls are being put to the test with a different strategy from their coaches this season. “We are running a different offense and defense this year,” says Coach Ludlum, adding, “We are pressing and changing defenses. Offensively, we are pushing the ball and attacking the rim.”

    No matter how the season turns out for the Lady Hillmen, it’s up to the students to cheer them on. In the words of their devoted coach, “The girls are working extremely hard and they are a great deal of fun to watch. I love all of them and enjoy coaching these quality young ladies.”

Saafia Masoom contributed to this article.

The Critic's Corner: Big Hero 6 is A Hit

by Matt Schaefer

Ever since the advent of feature length computer animation, it seems like each year there is a new film released specifically to push the boundaries of the medium. Some fail while others succeed. And, Big Hero 6 is an example that really succeeds.

Inspired by the series of Marvel comics by the same name, the story is that of Hiro Hamada (voiced by Ryan Potter), a 14-year-old super genius who is offered a chance to attend the same robotics school as his older brother Tadashi (voiced by Daniel Henney). However, when tragedy strikes, Hiro enlists the help of fellow inventors at the school and utilizes the lovable medical robot Tadashi created, called Baymax, to find answers. This is a very bare bones synopsis of the story, but to say any more would spoil a large portion of the movie. Believe me when I say it is best going into Big Hero 6 knowing as little as possible.

The voice work in the film is phenomenal and truly elevates the characters from animated actors to living, breathing, feeling characters. Potter is truly believable in his role as Hiro, giving him a range of emotions you would expect from an adolescent. TJ Miller is hillarious as Fred, one of the laid-back inventors at the school, and Scott Adsit’s voice work for Baymax is delivered with such a lighthearted drone it becomes entrancing to listen to.

The story to Big Hero 6 is well developed and well paced. There are times in the film that will have you laughing at loud, and later, you’ll be tearing up due to the drama on screen. The script is framed beautifully by the universe of San Fransokyo (exactly what it sounds like), which is a cool environment to begin with, but is backed up by amazing animation and stunning action segments.

To put it bluntly, Big Hero 6 deserves all the praise (if not more) that Frozen received this time last year. It’s an animated film that’s full of heart, lovable characters, and wonderful visuals. And, at the center of it all is a goofy marshmallow-like robot that steals the show and earns my love of the film.

Gift Giving with Purpose: A Different December

by Beth Gardiner

“What if December looked different this year? What if we all just give this Christmas away? If there is love in your heart, don’t let it stay there,” proclaims Matthew West in his Christmas song, “Give This Christmas Away.” 

Whatever holiday you may celebrating during this festive month, what if December really did look different this year? It’s easy to get lost in the stress of last-minute shopping, frigid weather, family gatherings, and meeting end of year deadlines. Where did we lose the purpose of this month of festivities, celebrating, gift-gifting, and spreading the love we have received all year? By giving this holiday season away, we can make a difference in the world and spread love to those around us. How? I’m glad you asked.

The long anticipated act of opening presents early Christmas morning or late Christmas Eve has many fond memories for people. Maybe it was the number one gift on your list, or the thoughtful gift from your little sibling that filled your heart with love. Receiving gifts shows us that we are appreciated and loved. Giving gifts allows us to give that same message to the people dear to us. 

Recently I learned about so many organizations that allows people to give awesome gifts, and also help people on the other side of the world. These organizations offer beautiful products to be purchased that gives opportunities to people that otherwise wouldn’t be able to provide for their families and make an income.

Amazima and the Apparent Project are two of these incredible organizations. Amazima sells beautifully handcrafted jewelry. Each purchase from Amazima employs a hardworking woman in Uganda. Each piece of jewelry is unique and prevents these women from becoming victims of the circumstances around them. It allows them to care for their families and not have to abandon their children as orphans. It gives them an income to allow their children to receive an education.   The Apparent Project also sells one-of-a-kind jewelry and ornaments that empower the poor in Haiti. Their mission is to keep families together. On top of taking care of street kids and giving them an education, they are giving parents the tools they need, so they can raise their children. They are giving jobs to these hardworking parents with incredible talents.

When you buy gifts for your loved ones from Amazima, the Apparent Project, or other organizations you give a gift of meaning. Each present has a story and is used to make a difference. So, don’t wait. Find an organization close to your heart and order their projects online today. December can look different this year.

New Administration at Platteville Public Library

by Matt Schaefer

The clichéd vision of the humble librarian is one that actually suits the Platteville Public Library’s new administrator. She is kind with a warm smile, speaks meekly (it is a library after all), and is in fact bespectacled. Her name is Jessie Lee-Jones, and she is very proud of her head librarian position.

Lee-Jones, who is in fact the wife of  PHS social studies teacher Mr. Garrett Jones, began her job as library director at the Platteville Public Library on October 15th and is already quite enveloped in her work. In fact, I caught her for an interview shortly before she had another meeting to go to. 

When asked what plans are in store for the library under her administration, she was excited. “Hopefully, we’ll be rebuilding the library,” she says, as she recounts the city’s plans to redesign the entire block and potentially create new facilities for the library, along with other businesses.

She is very happy with the position she is in, having already been a part of the Southwest Wisconsin Library System for four years through working at the Lancaster Public Library for two years prior to her job in Platteville. “I’ve always strived to be further ahead,” she beams, as she tells of how she was a director of the Cobb Library, a smaller library, for some time. She enjoys the directorial position, which allows her to “make important decisions and meet interesting people.”

On a more personal level, she is happy to be working in the town in which her husband is a member of the school system and where her daughter will be attending. “It’s a good opportunity to grow roots,” she says, stating that it was a job opportunity she could not pass up and that it will be “nice for the family.”

So, if you run into Jessie Lee-Jones at the public library, say “Hello” to her and maybe mention you’re a student of her husband. She is very excited about her work and eager to get to know the community.

The Voice Decorates for the Holidays...Season's Greetings!

Boys' Soccer Season Flies to a Finish

by Anna Skubal

Sadly the Platteville/Lancaster Boys’ Soccer season of 2014 has drawn to an end. As you can probably tell from the abundance of green shirts walking the halls, the boys were conference champions with an 11-1-0 (win-tie-loss) record this season. When you add in the out-of-conference games and tournaments, they were 14-2-6. All of their losses came from games against Division 1 schools, while they the Hillmen are in Division 3. This season has been great and next year looks just as promising. 

We will be saying farewell to 11 seniors this year who will be dearly missed by the whole team. They could use some players to replace the 11 that will be gone for next year. "If you're even thinking about it, you should just go out! We need more players and Brandon is the best coach you could ask for!" exclaims Nick Mewhirter (‘17). 

"This year was a great learning experience; everybody was very helpful in my transition from football to soccer, and I can't wait for next year. State 2k15!" As mentioned enthusiastically by Logan Weaver (‘17), the ultimate goal of the team each season is to win the state game. But, before State comes conference, separate tournaments, and multiple games against Mount Horeb, their long standing rival. 

The boys practice all summer for the 90 minutes that they get to show all the hard work that they put in. "A student section would be great. I'd love to look up at the stands and see my classmates cheering," says Mikey Musarra ('18).

Football Season Ends in Second Round of Playoffs

by Will Philipps

An unfortunate end came to the 2014 Hillmen football season this fall. The final game against Lodi was a heartbreaker to many fans who braved the cold to see their favorite high school football team battle in the second round of the WIAA Division 4 Playoffs. The Hillmen started their season off with a bang, with their first game resulting in a win against Darlington with a score of 39 - 19. But the victory was short lived, as next week the team suffered a hard loss to Holmen 27-0. The loss to Black River Falls really seemed to change the Hillmen’s attitude and focus around, enabling a 4 game win streak for the Hillmen against Prairie du Chien, Richland Center, River Valley and Dodgeville. The goal of beating Lancaster remains the same. Unfortunately, the season came to an end  When Lodi knocked out Platteville in the second round of the WIAA Division 4 Playoffs. Despite the early end to the season, the goal for state stays alive for next season.

The Work Behind Tarzan

by Eramis Momchilovich

Disney’s Tarzan has been a heartwarming part of many a high schooler’s childhood, but how many have seen the musical adaptation? Well, Platteville High School students are going to get their chance at the school performance on December 3rd thanks to all the dedicated, hardworking staff and students involved.

Assistant director Ms. Schober has been helping with musical for fifteen years and was a component in choosing this year’s show. She says that a major factor that contributed to choosing Tarzan was it is a children’s show with a contemporary feel. Some other Platteville Schools staff members that are heavily involved in the production are director Mrs. Armstrong, technical director Mr. Beaulieu, and set designers Mr. Swailes and Mr. Urness, a former PHS physics teacher. 

After the initial decision, much more brainstorming has to take place. Visualization of how the stage will be built and decorated, as well as costume details, makeup, and hair all needs to be considered. According to Ms. Schober, a lot of “hard work, sweat, and long hours” are needed to translate the ideas into reality. Many teachers and students end up spending over 10 hours at the school four days a week to work on choreography, lights and sound, memorizing lines and lyrics, and critiquing their acting. So much time spent away from home and family is a sacrifice cast, crew, and pit members have to make. 

The fact that “it (the musical) involves two things I love, drama and music” is what keeps Ms. Schober coming back each year to the hectic life of musical. “And, sharing that love with students is what it’s all about,” she adds. In the end, many participants will say that being involved with the musical is an experience of a lifetime.

Musicians Shine at Honors Concert

Front Row: (L-R) Nick Demaree, Tianna Gile; Back Row: McKenzie Scanlan, Emma Bryla, Danielle Dillon

by Beth Gardiner

Every year the best musicians in Wisconsin participate in the WSMA High School State Honors Music Project. Platteville High School was represented this year by Emma Bryla (‘16) and Nick Demaree (‘17) in the mixed choir, Tianna Gile (‘16) and McKenzie Scanlan (‘15) in the treble choir, and Danielle Dillon (‘16) in the orchestra.

“The audition process is very rigorous,” shares Bryla. For a vocal audition, one is required to prepare a classical solo and show skills in sight reading and aural recognition. Orchestra and band auditions are similar in nature.  

The auditions were in February, and the musicians found out if they were accepted in the spring. The students chosen then participated in an intensive four day camp in June leading up to a performance during the Wisconsin State Music Conference in late October. Tianna Gile said, “I had a great experience this year with Honors. It was unbelieveable to sing with so many other amazing women who share the same passion for singing and music! I learned so much through this incredible experience.”

The WSMA High School State Honors Music Project is nationally recognized as one of the best opportunities for young people. Scanlan reflects that this year she learned so much about being a performer. She says, “My conductor taught us that there is much more to performing than just singing the correct notes and rhythms. It’s so important to add your own meaning to the pieces.

So, who can audition for Honors? Students in ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade are eligible at Platteville High School. All of this year’s star-musicians highly suggest auditioning. “If you don’t audition, your chance of getting into the choir is zero percent. Your chances go up immensely when you audition,” states Scanlan.

Girls' Swimming Comes to a Spectacular Finish

by Allie Serres

The ending of the girls swim season was bittersweet. Although the swimmers were sad to have it come to an end, they were very happy with the accomplishments they made throughout the season. 

“The seasons went really well for us. I am really proud of everyone for how hard they have worked,“says Makayla Wodarz (‘15). “Elissa broke the 100 Breaststroke record  with a time of 1:13.22, and Melissa broke the 100 Butterfly record with a time of 1:01.04, so that was really cool to see.”

Some points of the season came as a pleasant surprise for the swimmers. “We had limited numbers, and with injuries popping up throughout the season, we weren’t really sure how the season was going to pan out. But, we ended up being able to accomplish 6th at conference, and that was a really awesome, unexpected feat,” says Melanie Schaefer (‘15).

After Conference, the team then went on to sectionals with only six swimmers and ended up placing 11th. The sectional team consisted of Elissa Bahr (‘15), Melanie Schaefer (‘15) and Melissa Wood (‘16) from Platteville, and Lauren Smith (‘17), Megan Graney (‘16) and Haley Gotto (‘17)  from Lancaster.

Qualifying from the Sectional Meet to the State meet were Schaefer and Wood. Schaefer qualified in the 200 Freestyle and ended up placing 12th with a time of 2:00.76. Wood qualified in two events, the 100 Butterfly and 200 Individual Medley. She finished off her season by placing 15th in the 100 Butterfly with a time of 1:01.99 and 15th in the 200 Individual Medley with a time of 2:20.27.

The time, effort, and dedication that these ladies put in, paid off in the end. And, with the help of Coach Peters and the everyone involved in ladies’ swimming at PHS,  the swim team looks to have a bright future.

The Fastest Street Legal Car Is...Electric?!

by Max Frommelt

Just over the past week, two world records have been broken for a new car. The first record this new vehicle now holds is for hitting 0-60 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds which, many people agree, is similar to a rocket ship launch. The second? It is 100% electric. 

Yes, this is the new future.And yes, this is the Tesla D. Tesla revealed that their new “D” standard is a “dual motor” and “driverless.” 

Here is where people become hesitant. People do not like the idea of their car doing everything since you, as the driver, do not want to have zero input. The “driverless” portion is simply an autonomous assist. Turning on the blinker, the car will scan the area and then move for you if the spot is available. It will also watch both the vehicles in front of you and the road signs. If the car in front of you brakes, the Tesla will, too. If the speed changes or picks up, the Tesla will adjust its speed, as well. 

The dual motor on the Tesla gives it both power and more mileage, all in one. The car is able to change its power output between the two motors to create the correct amount of output to max out miles with minimal power. This is the exact opposite of other dual motors due to the fact that they are active all the time. Say you are going up a hill. A traditional dual motor will apply the same amount of gas to the front and back motors, thus dropping gas mileage. The “D” understands the vehicle shifting, thanks to that new sensory data from the autonomous sensors, and takes power from the front and inputs it to the back. This creation of power switching brings the new mile range, for this electric beast, to a total of 300 miles.

This is where people are upset again at electric cars. “300 miles is not enough for me! My gas car can get more befor it needs to refuel!” The solution to this is Tesla’s forte. There response is “Ok, how about free ‘gas’ at any of our super chargers!” That gets people in a very happy mood. All of Tesla’s quality cars are given free electricity at any of their superchargers for the life of the car. That’s right, the life of the car! That means you can pass this car down to your children and they still can get electricity for free.

The Tesla “D” comes at a heavy cost, though. $120,000 for the maxed out, top of the line model. Do not fret! While this is expensive, this is without the government subsidiaries. Another thing to consider is that you are not paying for gas anymore. This is still a questionable buy for some people. Even with all the Tesla can offer, people are not sure whether they should buy it. The final grand slam for the Tesla cars are their vehicle safety rating is a 5.4 star safety rating. Yes, 5.4 stars out of 5 stars! So with a safety standard above the rest, a gas price you cannot beat, a record holder for the fastest street legal car in the world, and a slice of the future ahead of its time, it is safe to say that the Tesla “D” is well worth the investment.

Malala Yousafzai Becomes Youngest Person to Win Nobel Peace Prize

by Eramis Momchilovich

“I speak not for myself but for those without voice... those who have fought for their rights... their right to live in peace, their right to be treated with dignity, their right to equality of opportunity, their right to be educated.” These words of wisdom were spoken by one of the 2014 winners of the Nobel Peace Prize, Malala Yousafzai. Also recognized with the distinction this year is Kailash Satyarthi. 

Malala is a seventeen-year-old Pakistani girl who has been fighting for young women’s rights to education since before she became a teenager. She is the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize and her heroic struggle has motivated a worldwide enlightenment on the condition of women’s rights.

This young woman has been through many hardships including threats from the Taliban on her own life as well as her family. And, on October 9, 2012, Malala was shot in the head by a gunman who boarded her school bus. The bullet traveled under the skin of her face and down through her shoulder, but she recovered through multiple surgeries. This incident propelled Malala into the international spotlight and a year later on her sixteenth birthday she gave her first speech at the United Nations. She also released her autobiography, I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban in October of 2013. Within the same year she was awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by the European Parliament and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

She started her activism years ago as a school girl writing an anonymous diary and giving a voice to all the fears and struggles of a typical female student in areas under Taliban control, and now is a prominent world renown author and speaker. She has captivated the world’s ear and is using it to get children around the globe to take a stand and encourage organizations and nations to do the same.  

Election Recap: The Businesswoman Who Braved the Fight

The Challenger

by Will Philipps

 

Democrat Mary Burke was not a household name in Wisconsin unlike her opponent Governor Walker. The Democratic candidate in the 2014 Wisconsin governor’s race beat state representative Brett Hulsey to run against Walker in the general election.

Burke is a 55-year-old resident of Madison who was relatively unknown to many at the beginning of her campaign. She grew up in the Milwaukee suburb of Hartland to a family with deep roots in Wisconsin. Burke herself is a fourth-generation Wisconsinite. When she was 17, her father Richard Burke started Trek Bicycle Corporation, which she later became an executive for. Currently the Waterloo-based company is headed by Burke’s brother. 

As a teen Mary Burke was interested in volunteering since she helped teach tennis to Milwaukee-area kids in inner-city playgrounds. Her passion for helping others has continued into her adulthood: Burke donated money to the charter school Madison Prep and to an agency that helps the homeless in Dane County. She also has a noted interest in the Boys & Girls Club, helping the organization grow. 

Mary Burke also has no shortage of educational points of interest. She got a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University in business administration with emphasis in finance and a master’s of business administration from Harvard Business School. 

After graduating in 1985, Burke got a job with McKinsey & Company consulting firm, which took her away to Washington D.C. and New York. Later she would come back to Wisconsin to be the Director of European Operations at Trek Bicycle, her family business. But, in 2005, Burke began her appearance in politics by being appointed by Governor Jim Doyle to the position of Wisconsin Commerce Department Secretary. She left the job in 2007. After a two year break, Burke came back to Trek as the head of strategic planning. In the meantime, she pursued other projects that lead to her spending a large sum of her own money to campaign and win a race for the Madison School Board.

All politics aside, Mary Burke is a true Wisconsinite, and leading up to November she put up a fight for the coveted title of governor. And, there’s something to be said for name recognition when it’s been on the ballot of such an intense election.

Saafia Masoom contributed to this article.

Update: Ebola Outbreak Ends in U.S.

by Kyle McWilliams

The last couple months the world has seen the not-so-new Ebola virus spread across the world. Ebola was first seen in an outbreak in the Middle East in 1976. There was another major outbreak in 1995 and 2007, primarily in Africa. In all of the previous cases the virus has not spread as much as it has this year. This year not only some of Africa was infected, but America and Spain have been infected. This year alone over 9,000 people globally have been infected and around 4,000 have died. That is around a 70% fatality rate for those who contract Ebola.
If you think you have the Ebola Virus think again, the usual fall influenza has almost the same beginning symptoms. You can contract the Ebola Virus by coming in to direct physical contact with an infected patient, sharing drinks or food with an already infected patient, physical contact with other mammals that have the virus, and kissing. One of the only possible ways you can become infected with Ebola is by sharing food or drinks and kissing if the person already has the symptoms of Ebola. A person can not get the Ebola Virus from sitting next to someone or even coughing or sneezing.
On Oct. 20th the CDC confirmed that there is a man in New York City infected with the Ebola Virus. The CDC traced where the man went to find and quarantine those areas from the general public. Even though some news sources say that the man could have infected many people while doing his normal daily routines by running through the city, going on the subway, and going to many businesses, the only way he could have infected the public was from sweating while he was running. The people sitting next to him on the subway could not have been infected with the Ebola Virus unless he sweated on them.
As of November 11th, the last known case of Ebola in the U.S. was cured, and the patient has been released.

Election Recap: Who is the Man Behind the Governor's Desk?

The Incumbent

by Claire McMannes

Governor Scott Walker is facing re-elections this November after a term of dramatic action. While he’s known for many things, the most obvious may be when he was recalled, and better yet, when he survived recall. For those of you who don’t know a recall is when a politician is removed from house before their term is up, you can be removed when you are at least a year into your term. 

Before Scott Walker became the 45th governor of Wisconsin, he was just like everyone else. He went to school, had job, and had a passion: politics. Born in Colorado Springs on November 2, 1967, he and his family soon moved to Wisconsin where he joined in several different clubs relating to politics. Walker attended Badger Boys State and Boys Nation and was involved in Eagle Scouts.  Walker’s first role model was Ronald Reagan who he met as an Eagle Scout. 

After high school, he attended Marquette University in 1986; although that was short lived, as he did not graduate but went to work for the Red Cross. He went into politics at age 25, running against several others for a seat on the Wisconsin State Assembly, which he won. He then married Tonette Tarantino and had two children, Matt and Alex. 

Meanwhile Walker’s political career sky-rocketed; held the Wisconsin State Assembly seat for four consecutive terms. But he was no longer a part of the assembly after he became the executive of Milwaukee County.

Walker won the governor election on his 43rd birthday, beating Tom Barrett. He won the people over with his ideas on reducing taxes and spending until the recall effort started in 2011, this lead to the recall election June 2012. He did, however, survive the recall by 53% of the votes. Walker has shown resilience and dedication to his career in politics.  

Fall Play's Final Act

by Anna Greenhalgh

 

This year’s Fall Play, “If Only,” written by M.W. Lonetree and directed by Mike Willis, reached the Sectionals portion of competition this season. The members involved included Ivan Acierno (‘16), Frenchy Bisi (‘16), Danielle Dillon (‘16), Eleanor Clement (‘17), Rachel Schaefer (‘17), Rachel Ababio (‘18), Brook Gassman (‘18), Michael Prestegard (‘18), Cloe Seickman (‘18), and Lucy Tian (‘18); they all were proud to be enlisted in the cast and crew. They began rehearsing two weeks after the commencement of the school year.

All that hard work seems to have paid off. There are three levels to perform at: Districts, Sectionals, and State. This year, our performers made it to Sectionals, with one of the three judges wishing to send them on to State. Two judges need to be on board for the group be to sent on.

If you recall from when the group performed for the school, “If Only” is about a young girl, Sydney, age 17, who is comatose due to an accident caused by texting and driving. The play shows the concern and pain Sydney’s family is experiencing while Sydney, somehow up and walking outside of her body, tries to convince them that’s she’s really there. I’ll save the rest - no spoilers!

After reaching Sectionals, the play was recognized by and is now in the process of being published by Brooklyn Publishers. The author changed the names of the current characters to those who played the actual parts - something to be extremely proud of since this was the first time it has ever been performed.

Congratulations! It was so well earned!

Volleyball Stars Take a Trip to State

by Claire McMannes

 

Bump, set, spike! The Platteville Hillmen girls’ volleyball season has come to a close with 40 wins and only 6 losses. Through all the sweat, hard work, dedication, and long practices, the girls’ hard work paid off. Yvette Updike is the coach and also Briette Updike (‘15) and, Brelynn Updike’s (‘17) mom. On Friday, November 7th in Green Bay, our very own Lady Hillmen went to the WIAA Division 2 State Tournament for the first time in almost twenty years. The girls played a hard three games. Losing the matches by only 25-19, 25-23, and 25-19 in the semifinals at the Resch Center. The student section was almost completely filled. Ashley Budden (‘15) says, “It was really great to see everyone come out so far to support the team. Also, seeing everyone participate in the spirit games was always really cool.”

The trip to state was bittersweet, as the the seniors and team captains, Budden and Updike’s very last Hillmen volleyball season has ended. But more is possibly to come in college for the two very talented athletes.

In all the Platteville volleyball girls made the Hillmen proud with their amazing season. Noah Tashner (‘15), and brother of varsity player Claire Tashner , says “It was really cool to see everyone come out for the game; our student section was huge compared to the opponents. It was really exciting to see the girls work so hard and give it their all. Go Hillmen!”

Punk's Not Dead, It Just Went Pop

by Anna Skubal

Remember the 80’s? Mullets, shoulder pads, acid washed jeans, Chernobyl? Unless you’re one of our sage, elderly teachers, you probably don’t remember that part. Maybe you know more of the pop music: Madonna, Prince, Duran Duran, Michael Jackson? How about the more hardcore-punk side: The Misfits, Dead Kennedy, T.S.O.L., MDC? Well, punk’s making a comeback, and it’s coming back strong.

In the early 00’s the band Blink-182 started to join other pop sensations on the charts with a style known as pop-punk. Other bands such as Fall Out Boy and Panic! At The Disco soon followed them and drew many people into the other genres and bands that are part of the underground alternative music scene.

Four Australian boys in particular loved the pop-punk genre. Loved it enough, in fact, to start posting cover videos on YouTube from bands such as A Day To Remember, All Time Low, and Blink-182 under the name of 5 Seconds of Summer. The videos soon got noticed by major record labels and producers. This caused the boys to move from Sydney to London where they got some serious attention from another popular group based there… One Direction.  

They've been touring alongside teen heartthrobs One Direction since February 2013, but as Alternative Press said, “The massive major-label infrastructure pushing this band is highlighting the fact that they’re pop-punk—not trying to change them into a boy band.” 

Could 5SOS’s fanbase look more into the genre’s origin with the progression to We Are The In Crowd to Escape The Fate and possibly all the way back to The Misfits or Blink-182? There’s a very good chance, and it’s likely we’ll see more of this style trickle on to the mainstream radio.

How I Met Your Vampire

by Matt Schaefer

The story of Dracula is certainly not a new one, and since Bram Stoker penned his original novel, it has been the subject of countless adaptations. On October 10th, the latest adaptation Dracula: Untold was released to movie theaters, doing fairly well at the box office but failing to leave fang-like impressions on the critics.

Released by Universal Pictures, who intended it to be a reboot of their 30s and 40s monster franchises, Dracula: Untold spins an origin tale of the infamous vampire, attempting to couple the fictional Stoker tale with the real life inspiration Vlad the Impaler, though it shouldn’t be credited with being historically accurate. When Vlad’s kingdom is being attacked by an army of Turkish soldiers, he seeks the assistance of a cave dwelling vampire for the strength to vanquish his enemies, but needs to decide whether or not he wants to be a bloodsucker for eternity.

The story of the film is surprisingly solid and well thought out. Luke Evans does a great job as Vlad, being one of the only adaptations of Dracula to make the viewer sympathize with the internal struggle Dracula goes through. The action sequences are well paced and always entrancing, often accompanied with astounding visuals and larger than life set pieces. The gothic castles and spooky woods put you in the mood for a good ol’ fashioned monster movie.

There are flaws, though. The action is intense but in a PG-13 sort of way. This leads to a lot of sloppy cuts and nauseating shaky cam to hide the bloody impalings. The first third of the film is painfully slow, being burdened with too much frontloaded exposition. Also, the dialogue is far too heavy. It’s all loaded with cliched philosophy, and it seems like every trivial conversation transforms into a battle of wits.

In the end, Dracula: Untold is pretty good but nothing spectacular. If you’re a gore hound looking for some brutal violence or if you’re looking for an intense horror movie, you’ve come to the wrong place. But, I can guarantee that Dracula: Untold is a fun little monster movie that can be enjoyed for what it is. Plus, it makes the vampire movie something worth going to see again. That’s right: no sparkling.